Impromptu blog post on Eyeliner:

I would suggest using an eyelid primer, such as a neutral shadow, or powder foundation before applying any eyeliner. Once your base is in place you have 3 main types of liner to choose from: the pencil, liquid liner, or a compact liner using an angled brush. Of the above the compact liner and brush (see below) is my favorite as it is proffers a more accurate and long-lasting application. Another favorite technique is to take a dark shadow, and with a damp brush create my liner from the wet shadow.

For Pencil:
sharpen your pencil to a precise point (and keep it sharp unless you’re going for a smudged smokey eye). Starting f
For added staying power, do one light line, then brush on another layer of your primer/base and finish with another line. The primer will seal in the eyeliner and keep it from smudging.

For liquid or compact:

Here are 5 Top rated Eyeliners under $10:
Covergirl
Revlon Colorstay
Maybelline New York Lineworks Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
L’Oreal Paris Pencil Perfect Self-Advancing Eyeliner- Available at your local drugstore
Almay Liquid liner,

1. Home Bang trim.  My hair stylist showed me this simple trick to add a few more weeks to my bangs. Divide your fringe into three sections, grab the first one, pull it straight up and twist. Snip into the ends with the point of the scissors, cutting diagonally so each strand varies a little in length. Drop the section to see where it falls, then twist and cut more if necessary. Pull up the next section, matching it to the length of the first and so on. It works great!

2. Get rid of shine. Caught yourself in the mirror with skin like an oil slick? Don’t panic. Toilet paper or a toilet seat cover makes an excellent blotter! Simply tear off a corner and press on to your skin to soak up shine.

3. Eye soother. If you have puffy eyes try placing a thin slice of potato on the eyes for 10 minutes. Or a chilled teaspoon can help, too.

4. Face saver. Revive a tired complexion by going hot and cold. Soak your face cloth in warm water with a few drops of Dr. Hauschka Lemon Bath, which softens hard water and revitalizes you and your skin. Apply the compress to your face for a few seconds — repeat and do your usual cleansing regime. Complete with a cool splash — this contrast in temperature strengthens the skin. The warmth stimulates the delivery of oxygen to the surface, while the cool helps eliminate toxins and closes pores.

5. Two-minute face-lift. An egg white and lemon juice mask has an instant tightening effect on skin, so it’s ideal to do an hour before you go out to a party.

6. Vaseline 1Put a coat of vaseline on your eyelashes before you go to bed. Lots of people swear by this - and say it will make your lashes grow longer and thicker over time.

7. Vaseline 2 Mix Vaseline with your lipstick to create a cream blusher for your cheeks (also creates cream eyeshadows)

8.Vaseline 3 Put Vaseline on your lips, leave it a few minutes, then scrub your lips with a toothbrush to exfoliate and leave them SO smooth

9. For instance hydration, rub eye cream on your lips- it will absorb into the lips while a lip balm will sit on the lips.

10.Sweet Hair- Give your hairbrush one spray of your favorite perfume, then brush your hair. It will leave a subtle scent trailing from your hair.

With 2009 right around the corner, everyone is betting on up and coming trends.

I’ve compiled a brief list- let’s see if my predictions come true!

1. Oversize 80s earings. Flash-back big time, but throw them on with your basic jeans and a t-shirt and you have an instant kick of glamor.

2. Oversize glasses. Not something I particularly like, but it’s already been evident on the streets of LA and in several of the top retailers.

 3. Cropped trousers. Again, not my favorite- but somehow they are everywhere.

 4. Hip-length vests. A 70s variation of the boyish vests. Very relaxed and versatile.

5. Wrist bags. It’s a clutch with chain/strap to slip around your wrist.

6. Monochrome outfits. Everything of the same color, layered, all at once.

7. Leather. Leather cords and pendants, to shoes, clutches and bomber jackets, leather seems to be in the spotlight for 2009.

I can’t see myself enjoying many of these trends…I prefer the timeless/vintage look.

Modest Fashion? More like Ugly fashion

The big Tease: 

Do: Wash your hair and blow dry with fingers. Add texture with a bit of styling creme and tease all over*.

Gently smooth out the top with your hands without crushing the volume. Sweep hair to the right and secure with bobby pins.

Fold hair to the left, lifting to preserve the volume at crown as you form a vertical twist, leaving ends out.

Anchor twist with hair pins and bobby pins.

Add a sparkly clip if you desire.

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images courtesy of instyle.com

Ok girls, now is the time to tell your friends about our sweet sale. It’s our big clearance event- and for 4 days only.

It doesn’t get any better than this. trust me.

Messy Side Chignon:

 Do: Again, you don’t need squeaky clean hair, the natural oils in your hair enhance the staying power and give needed texture.

Crunch a dollop of styling  cream into your hair. For those who don’t have wavy/curly hair spary a texturizing spray throughout and scrinch with hands. Your goal: create a tousled look. To encourage the wind-swept look rub the roots of your hair to encourage volume.

Gently gather your hair into a low, off centered ponytail and twist into a bun that rests right above your shoulder. Secure with loose hair pins at base. If you’re having trouble getting volume, grab your hair brush and back-comb a few pieces for texture and secure as before.

Mist with light hairspray.

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images courtesy of Instyle.com

Boho Braid:

The demure crown braid gets an update in this head-turning holiday trend.

Do:  Leave your hair unwashed, this is ideal for a “second-day” hair. Part hair down the middle and make a small braid at either side overlapping at nape of neck. Secure with elastics and pin in place with bobby pins.

Coil remaining hair into a loose bun or twist and secure in place. Don’t worry about a few hairs sticking out, it shouldn’t look to “put together” or you’ll end up looking like you belong with Heidi in the Alps.

Spray lightly with your favorite hair spray.

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images courtesy of instyle.com

Here’s some holiday outfit inspiration:
Look #1:

Look #2:

Can’t wait for Christmas by that’s not my name

Look 3:

Gold and Blue

Look 4:

Merry Christmas. by

Look 5:

=] cute outfit by .Emily.Jane.

Many if not all of us will grace a holiday party over the next few weeks ( I have  2 this weekend). So what do we wear? What’s festive but not overdone? It’s easy to get lost in the maze of shoes, hoes, colors and bags- So here’s your bare minimum holiday dressing guide:

1. Start with your shoes. Dressy evening shoes/sandals will instantly transform business to glamor and casual to chic. So start with your shoes.

2. Pick your style. Are you going to the Opera or a family party? It’s the difference between the red cocktail dress or a dressy tunic over jeans.

3.  Pick your accessories. Whether wearing a jewel-toned wrap dress and peep-toe pumps, or flare-leg slacks, silk cami and cardigan and chic ballet flats your accessories are the finishing touch.

some easy pairings:

-long layered gold necklaces/cocktail ring

-layered pearl choker/pearl bracelets

- long black beaded necklace/black cuff

-dangle earrings/cocktail ring

4. Shine in your makeup- A bit of cover-up, a dusting of powder, neutral blush, mascara and lip gloss. That’s the essentials for a flawless face. Glam it up with a light dusting of shimmer on the eyelids and the inner corners of the eyes. The Golden girl is a great holiday look.

(Look for Thursday’s holiday hair styles)

Just because you’re going to a family member’s house or hosting a Holiday dinner doesn’t mean you can dress sloppily or wear a holiday-themed outfit. Allyson Waterman, special project director of Lucky magazine, says it’s never OK to wear that snowman sweater. Waterman suggests a pair of black velvet pants, which are comfortable and hide accidental gravy spills. The top with full sleeves provides some coverage, and the bright-red belt gives the outfit a festive touch. Instead of sneakers, animal-print flats are hot this season.

It’s the day of the office party, and let’s face it, no one has time to go home after work and change. Instead of wearing your usual boring suit, opt for something colorful and velvet, like this jacket. Then have some fun with a beaded belt. Waterman also says you should lose the stockings to give the outfit a little pep. By just taking your usual work outfit up a notch, you can be festive yet professional.

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-Sources, ABC news