False Eyelashes Info » Makeup Tips

Be Careful: Your Makeup Does Expire

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:05:40 +0000

Hi guys, do you know that makeup does expire? I did not pay attention to the expiry issue of makeup when I first started using makeup. I just throw away the empty containers when I have used up all the makeup. One day, I found a small pack of eyeshadow which I have not used for over 2 years. I started to think about: Does Cosmetics Expire?

Actually, every kind of makeup has their own shelf life. Though you may not experience skin irritation immediately after using expired makeup, they definitely cause damage to your skin (over time). So, it is good to know about their shelf lives.

Foundation: 6-12 Months

One of my friends has used her foundation for almost 18 months and she still feels good about its quality and texture. I just say: that’s so lucky of you. Most foundation expires in 6 to 12 months. The shelf life of powder foundation may be longer. Bacteria may grow quickly in liquid and cream foundations. These bacteria may cause changes in color and smell when the foundation expires.

Concealer:6-12 Months

The shelf life of an unused concealer may reach 2 to 4 years. Once it is opened and used, it starts becoming dry, agglomerative and smelly. I will throw away any remaining concealer after I have opened it for a year.

Eyeliner Gel and Liquid Eyeliner: 3 Months Eyeliner Pencil: 1 Year

Eye makeup products normally do not have long shelf lives. You may notice that most of them become dry and hard after a period of time. White spots on eyeliner pencil or brush and easy smudge are signs of expiry. The shelf lives of liquid eyeliner and eyeliner pencil do not exceed 6 months and 12 months normally.

Mascara: 3-6 Months

Many of my friends agree that mascara has the shortest shelf life among all the makeup products. It is true because the chemicals in mascara are most unstable. Dryness and smell are signs of expiry.

Cream Eyeshadow: 6 Months Powder Eyeshadow: 2 Years

The shelf life a powder eyeshadow is much longer than that of a cream eyeshadow. It is easier to notice the expiry of powder eyeshadow. If there are significant color change and waxy residues in the powder eyeshadow, you may need to throw them away.

Loose Powder: 6-24 Months

Makeup with powder texture usually has longer shelf life than those with liquid and cream texture. But, it is also difficult to notice if the product has expired. The easiest test is to see if there are any residues.

Rouge: 2 Years

Rouge is an essential makeup product for every woman. Most people believe rough has a long shelf life. Though the its shelf life may be as long as 2 years, it’s water content may easily condemned by bacteria. If you find your rouge dry and smelly, it may have expired. Well, I suggest you using it as a color pencil instead.

Top 20 Funny Cosmetics in 2011

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:05:16 +0000

No.1 Violet Lips

Lip tattoo from Violet Lips provides a lot of fun to those who love dramatic lip makeup. The lip tattoo works the same as body tattoo. Wet the tattoo and you can get bold animal prints, fun polka dots, sexy fishnets and picture-perfect Glitteratti sparkle on your lips. 3 applications cost you $9.99 to $14.95.

http://www.violentlips.com/

No.2 UNII palette

UNII offers magnetic makeup pans which you can store multiple brands of makeup in ONE palette case. The idea is invented by Minna Ha who could no longer tolerate the many little cases of cosmetics from different brands.

http://uniicosmetics.com/

No.3 His Money Cologne and Her Money Fragrance

His Money cologne and Her Money fragrance from Liquid Money give you a new experience in cologne and fragrance. It combines the scent of paper note with floral and citrus scents.

http://www.liquidmoney.com/

No 4. Simple Kind Eye Makeup Correction Pen

Correction pen no longer masks your writing errors, but also your eye makeup errors. This correction pen removes all kinds of eye makeup including waterproof mascara.

Must Read The Ten Most Toxic Cosmetics

admin — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:45:15 +0000

I have read about shocking news about toxic cosmetics recently. A nonprofit Environmental Working Group ranks 10 cosmetics that are most susceptible to pose health risk on users. What makes me shocked is that cosmetics from famous international brands such as NARS and Revlon have also been included in the Top 10! I know many of you are fans of NARS and Revlon. So, should we STOP using them NOW?

Top 10 Toxic Cosmetic Brands and Ingredients

No1: Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
Susceptible toxin: Octinoxate
Functions: Used as a sunscreen ingredient which helps filter UV radiations
Problems: Thyroid and brain signal problems

No2: NARS Firming Foundation Liquid
Susceptible toxin: Oxybenzone
Functions: Protect skin against UV radiations
Problems: Irritation or triggering allergic reactions to light

No.3: Milani Mosaic Powder
Susceptible Retinyl palmitate
Functions: Get rid of shine on top of concealers
Problems: Cancer in animal

No.4: Revlon ColorStay Cheek Color Mineral Blush
Susceptible toxin: Rose quartz and Silica
Functions: Powdery finish
Problems: Carcinogens and have proven toxic to immune and respiratory systems over prolonged exposure.

No.5: Orly Nail Laquer
Susceptible toxin:Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate, and Formaldehyde
Problems: Impair breathing and cause birth defects and cancer

No.6: Almay Line Smoothing Concealer for the Face
Susceptible Retinyl palmitate
Problems: It could break down under UV light, producing free radicals that cause gene mutations and damage DNA.

No.7: Neutrogena Weightless Volume Wax Free Mascara
Susceptible toxin: Unknown fragrance and preservatives
Problems: Mimic estrogen and interfere with the endocrine system

No.8: Tropez Smoky Eyes Eye Liner
Susceptible Anti-caking agent aluminum starch octenylsuccinate
Problems: neurotoxicity, and developmental and reproductive harm.

No.9: Avon Beyond Color Radiant Lifting Eyeshadow
Susceptible toxin: retinyl palmitate, parabens and “lake” dyes
Problems: Adds an additional layer of the potentially dangerous ingredients to users’ skins.

No.10: Smashbox Lips Treatment SPF 15
Susceptible toxin: retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone and undisclosed fragrance chemicalsProblems: Thyroid and brain signal problems
Octinoxate is used as a sunscreen ingredient which helps filter UV radiations.

Actually, some of the products have been stop producing in 2006 onwards. These products may not be available but is still available at online stores.

Are These Cosmetics Unsafe?

The research claims that approximately 10,500 chemical ingredients have been added to our personal care products. Only around 13% of them have been proved to be safe over the past 30 years. The research result is quite scaring I would say because it claims that the popular ColorStay from Revlon is carcinogens and may cause problems to immune and respiratory systems over prolonged use.

Though the research result is scarring, it may not be 100% reliable. The company that provides such results fails to disclose its name and details. We only know that it is a nonprofit Environmental Working Group.

The research also blames the lack of supervision of FDA on cosmetic ingredients. Actually, FDA executes self-control policy on cosmetic production. FDA has a specialized department to deal with colorings and cosmetics and their sales. Only those ingredients which have passed the safety standard of FDA are allowed to add into cosmetics. Any cosmetics that include unrecognized ingredients are prohibited to be sold.

The research has obviously raised the standard of cosmetic safety. If we apply the same standard from research to all the cosmetics, almost none of them are safe. The Rose quartz and Silica in Revlon’s ColorStay are both composed of silicon dioxide. The amount of Rose quartz and Silica is extremely small which will not cause any health problem normally. Actually, many of our personal care products and even food may contain small amount of toxins. As long as the amount is small enough, they are still safe. So, by only claim the toxic ingredients in cosmetics without amount, it is obviously not pervasive to me.

Homemade Lip Blam and Lip Gloss Recipes

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:45:35 +0000

I am a lover of natural skincare and cosmetic products. I have tried the following homemade recepies for lip balm and lip gloss. I am so happy and comfortable to use them on myself and my kids. They are not difficult to make and I really encourge you to try one of them.

How to Make Homemade Lip Balm

Homemade Beeswax Lip Balm

Ingredients:
Beeswax 5ml (1 teaspoon)
Natural plant oil (Coconut Oil recommended) 40ml (8 teaspoon)
Method:
Melt the beeswax and natural plant oil together (1 minute in microwave). Stir well and pour into a clean container. You may add a few drops (4 to 5 drops for 10ml lip balm) of your favorite essential oil (e.g. rose or lavender) and wait for it to condense.
Shelf life:
2 Years (store in cool place)

Tips 1: You may double the amount of beeswax if you wish to have a harder lip balm texture.
Tips 2: You may add the melted lip balm into a clean lip stick container to homemade you lip balm stick.

Beeswax is a secretion from worker bees for the building of honeycomb. Beeswax is an excellent ingredient for lip balm because of its natural anti-bacterial (a natural preservative) and nourishing properties. Beeswax has been used for the production of skincare and cosmetic products for over 2,000 years. Beeswax forms a protective layer on our skin to prevent external irritations. You may find beeswax as the most common ingredient in the lipstick and lip balm. I recommend you to add coconut oil to beeswax because it is very moisturizing and nourishing.

Peppermint Lip Balm

Ingredients:
Vaseline 15ml
Peppermint essential oil 2 to 5 drops
Eucalyptus essential oil 2 to 5 drops
Method:
Melt the Vaseline in microwave oven for 1 minute. Mix the essential oil with the melted Vaseline and stir well. Pour the mixture into a clean container and wait for it to solidify.
Shelf life:
2 Years (store in cool place)

Vaseline is a type of fossilized wax which is refined from fossil fuel. It prevents moisture loss from skin and can be bought from supermarkets and drug stores easily. Besides, it is very cheap. Vaseline not only moisturizes your lips, but also leaves it shiny. Peppermint and Eucalyptus essential oil cool and soothe chapped and dry lips. They also facilitate the recovery of chapped lips.

Vitamin E Lip Balm

Ingredients:
Beeswax 5ml
Olive oil 10ml
Vitamin E 2 capsules
Emulsifier 1ml
Method:
Melt the beeswax in microwave for 1 minute. Add in olive oil and stir well. Then add in vitamin E (break the capsule) and emulsifier. Shake well. Wait for it to condense.

Chamomile Lip Balm

Ingredients:
Vaseline 8g
Jojoba oil 2ml
Chamomile essential oil 3 drops
Method:
Melt the Vaseline in microwave for 1 minute. Mix the jojoba oil with Vaseline and stir well. Add 3 drops of chamomile essential oil to the mixture and stir well again. Pour the mixture into a clean container and wait for it to condense.

How to Make Homemade Lip Gloss

Homade Chocolate Lip Gloss for Kids

Ingredients:
Cacao butter 1 tablespoon
Coconut oil 2 teaspoon
Vitamin E 1 capsule
Ground milk chocolate 1/2 tablespoon
Method:
Melt the cocao butter, cocnut oil and chocolate and stir well. Remove from heat. Add into vitamin E (break the capsule) when the mixture is around 37 degree Celsius (body temperature). Stir well and pour into a clean container. Wait for it to condense.

Pink Lip Gloss

Ingredients:
Sweet almond oil 2 tablespoon
Beeswax 10g
Beetroot juice 1 tablespoon
Peppermint essential oil 4 drops
Melt the sweet almond oil and beeswax in microwave. Add in beetroot juice slowly and attain your own favorite color. Stir well. Add in pepper mint essential oil and stir well again. Pour the mixture into a clean container and wait for it to condense.

Shiny Lip Gloss

Ingredients:
Ground cocao oil 1 teaspoon
Coconut oil 1/2 teaspoon
Sweet almond oil 1 teaspoon
Beeswax 1/2 teaspoon
Aloe vera gel 1 teaspoon
Method:
Grind the solid cocao oil. Melt cocao oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil and beeswax in a double boiler. Remove from heat and add in aloe vera gel. Mix well and pour into a clean container. Wait for it to condense.

Tips on How to Apply Mascara to Upper and Bottom Lashes without Clumping

admin — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:22:49 +0000

Applying mascara makes your eyes look bigger. Many of my friends tell me that applying mascara is difficult. In fact, it is nothing difficult. You may follow the 4 steps I introduce you below and you may apply your mascara perfectly without clumps.

How to Apply Masacara

Step 1: Apply a layer of primer from the root to the top of eyelashes and allows the primer to dry completely.
Step 2: Scrape the excess mascara off the brush before application.
Step 3: Wiggle the mascara wand in a zig-zag movement (left and right) is the key to minimize clumps. If your eyelashes are short, wiggle straightly from root to top, instead.
Step 4: Applying mascara to lower lashes make your eye look larger and its contour more prominent. But, it is more suitable for heavy and dramatic makeup.

How to Apply Mascara Like a Professional

Perfect eyelashes should be long and full. You may need to apply 2 different mascaras in order to achieve long and full eyelashes (one for length and one for fullness). Mascara designed to increase fullness (volumizing mascara) of eyelashes has a higher content of oil and wax, which facilitate the thickening of eyelashes. Apply mascara for length when the first layer is completely dry. Mascara designed to increase length (lengthening mascara) has higher fiber content. Do not reverse the order.

How to Deal with a Dry Mascara

Mascara becomes dry easily when it is in contact with the air. Mascara loses all its functions when it is dry. I would recommend you adding a drop of olive oil or vitamin E (from capsule) to your dry mascara. But, you should be careful not to add too many because it may cause mascara to melt easily. Instead of adding olive oil or vitamin E, you may use the dry mascara as your eyebrow makeup.

Mascara for Dark Circles Under Eyes

Black mascara is not suitable for those having dark circles under eyes because it makes you look dull and tired. You may choose brown or blue mascara which helps draw away attention from the dark circles.

Best Mascara for the Year

Loreal Paris Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara
This mascara comes with both primer and top coat mascara. The mascara provides really visible lengthening and curling effect to my eyelashes. The brush is small and easy to control. One problem I experience with this mascara is that it dries out in 2 weeks (You may add olive oil to moisten it again). Besides, it is very affordable compared to those big brands!

Best Professional Make Up Brushes Recommended by Makeup Artists

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:54:01 +0000

A good set of professional make up brushes is essential to have a flawless makeup. Though you and I may not be a professional makeup artist, we can still

Make Up Brushes (Professional) Used by Makeup Artists

Foundation Brush: M.A.C. 190 Foundation Brush
I think the flat head of this foundation brush helps me achieve sheer coverage with my foundation. It helps cover my fine lines and facial pores. Besides, it is very soft and it picks up color well.

Loose Powder Brush: Make Up For Ever HD Kabuki Brush
I think it is easier to achieve smooth and flawless makeup (especially eye and cheek areas) with this brush compared to sponge. Actually, this brush is specially designed for HD Microfinish Powder, so it is better to use it for applying loose powder. Applying loose powder in a circular motion may give you an even better makeup. Besides, I love the little pouch that comes along with the brush. It is much easier for storage.

Lip Brush: Chanel Pinceau Levres
This little small lip brush helps better outline my lip contour. It also helps me to acheve smoother lip makeup. I love using lip brushes because they allow me to use up all my lipstick without wasting any of it.

Eyeliner Brush: Bobbi brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush
This ultra fine eyeliner helps me draw my eyeline precisely and smoothly. Though you may think it is expensive, I have to say it is worth it.

Eyeshadow Brush: M.A.C. 275 Medium Angled Shading Brush
I love the angled property of this shading brush which allows me to apply and blend eyeshadow easily. The brush fibers are soft and elastic which do not hurt my delicate eye skin. The long handle is much easier to control compared to the short one comes along with many eyeshadow.

Blush Brush: Estee Lauder Blush Brush 15
This blush is very soft. It picks up color well and helps me apply blush powder easily and smoothly.

Eyebrow Brush: Bobbi Brown Eye Brow Brush
This eyebrow brush is angled and allows me to shape my eyebrow easily and precisely. But, I think it is quite expensive. Actually, I have tried other eyebrow brushes and find no big difference compared to this one. I think all eyebrow brushes are more or less the same (except the cheapest ones……)

How to Choose the Best Professional Make Up Brushes

The best method to choose your make up brushes is to try it and test it:
1. Brush should be smooth, soft and full
2. Check if the fibers or hairs fall off when you gently brush it
3. Brush on the back of your hand gently to see if the fibers or hairs keep tidy

How To Apply Make Up for Brown and Blue Eyes

admin — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:16:03 +0000

If you are bored by smoky eye makeup, let me introduce you this blue and sparkling eye makeup for party. It is not difficult and the technique is very similar to smoky eye makeup. In this tutorial, I use all the makeup from Maxfactor which is of high quality and more affordable price.

Deep Blue Eye Make Up for Brown and Small Eyes

Step 1: Apply Base Color
After applying foundation to your face and eye, we will now apply eye shadow. I apply a versatile and sparkling eye shadow as a base color. I choose Maxfactor Masterpiece Color Perfection Eye Shadow: Stardust. This adds depth and density to your makeup.

Step 2: Apply Top Color
Then I apply Maxfactor Colour Perfection Duo Eye Shadow: Sparkling Sirius to my eye. The technique is very much like smoky eye makeup. Apply the lighter color half way (inner half) on upper eye lid and below your lower lash line. Then apply the darker color for the second half (outer half) of your upper eye lid and below your lower lash line. Extend the eye shadow after your external eye corner. Blend the light and dark color well.

Step 3: Draw Eyeline
Draw the upper eye line with Maxfactor Kohl Pencil: Ice Blue. Then highlight your inner eye corner with white eyeliner pencil.

Step 4: Apply Mascara
Apply Maxfactor False Lash Effect Mascara: Purple Limited Edition to your eyelashes. I do not use eyelash curler because this mascara really gives a false lash effect.

Tips for Applying False Eyelashes for Different Eye Shapes

admin — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 15:42:35 +0000

Different makeup should be applied for different eye shapes. It is also true for applying false eyelashes. People with different eye shapes should wear different types of false eyelashes to make their eyes look bigger and more attractive!

Half-moon Shaped Eyes
Cross false eyelashes is the best choice for people having half-moon shaped eyes. Half-moon shaped eyes or eye-smile sometimes gives an old impression. Cross false eyelashes adds youthfulness and energy to your face.

Small Eyes
Eyes are proportionately smaller compared to the rest of the facial features.

Curling false eyelashes is the best choice for people with small eyes. The curls make your small eyes look longer and bigger.

Deep Set Eyes
Eyes with eye lid in the outer corners of your eyes. Such section of eye lid narrows as it gets closer to the inside corners of your eyes

False eyelashes with transparent band is the best choice for deep set eyes. Natural looking false eyelashes will be perfect for you. You may also apply your false eyelashes with transparent eyelash glue.

Hooded Eyes
Eyes which you cannot see your eyelid.

False eyelashes with more focus in the middle part is the best choice for you. You may also choose false eyelashes that are stiffer but not softer. This helps make your eye shape more prominent.

Asian Eyes
Asian eyes are characterized by long and small eyes with single eye lid.

Long and curling false eyelashes is the best choice for you.

Permanent Makeup Eyebrows: Eyebrow Tattoo Pictures, Cost and Removal

admin — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 10:14:04 +0000

Eyebrow makeup is important to enhance your eye makeup. A perfect eyebrow makeup makes you look energetic and smart. Putting up eyebrow makeup everyday may be time consuming and troublesome of some people. In such case, you may try Eyebrow Tattoo which gives you a permanent eyebrow makeup.

What is Eyebrow Tattoo (Eyebrows Permanet Makeup)

Eyebrow tattoo is to give a shadow color to your eyebrow areas. It is done by implanting colors extracted from metals or plants into skin’s dermis layer. It leaves permanent color and shape at your eyebrow areas.

Target Groups

It is considered as a great solution for people having sparse or no eyebrow hair. People who wish to have perfect eyebrow shape may also take this surgery.

Procedures

A trained aesthetician will first draw the eyebrow to make sure you like the shape. Then he or she will dip several colors on your forehead for you to choose the most suitable one. Then the color is tatted into the eyebrow areas. Eyebrow hair does not have to be removed. Application of anesthetic is required to keep you comfortable before and during the operation. The whole operation takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

Duration

Normally, the color of eyebrow tattoo may last for 1 to 3 years.

Tips

The shape and color of eyebrow affects one’s appearance significantly. Eyebrow color should match with your complexion and hair color. Therefore, eyebrow tattooing should be started with lighter color so that it can be removed or touch-up easily.

Eyebrow Tattoo Principles:
Light, rather than dark
Short, rather than long
Thin, rather than thick

The color concentration should be:
Begin Brow: 20%
Point of Arch: 80%
End Brow: 100%

The color of the tattoo may be slightly darker immediately after the operation. It becomes lighter in a week of time.

Permanent Makeup Eyebrows Price Varies

The price of eyebrow tattoo varies a lot. It may depends on where you have your eyebrow tattoo done, who will perform the surgery and the quality. Generally, it may range from 4200 to $2,000.

Eyebrow Tattoo Removal

If you are unhappy with the shape or color of your eyebrow tattoo, you can have it removed with laser treatment. But, your eyebrow tattoo may not be 100% removed. The result of removal depends on the color of your tattoo. For most of people, the unremoved tattoo may fade after a period of time.

Best False Eyelashes to Buy for Oriental Lovers

admin — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 07:11:21 +0000

Applying false eyelashes is a popular and essential makeup, especially for party or clubbing. If ordinary false eyelashes can satisfy you no more, you must try the false eyelashes from Paperself! They are of fantastic, fun and crazy designs!!

The designs of all the false eyelashes are inspired by paper cutting art. Such beautiful and fine works are designed by Chinese designer and therefore are of oriental style. They are so special and yet elegant. Each pair of false eyelashes cost around £10.5 to £12.5.

Under The Sea
This is the latest false eyelashes from Paperself. These are gorgeous false eyelashes designed by the collaboration with “The Broken Hearts”, who are the well know female DJ duo in the London/European. You may also choose the Small Under The Sea if you think the full one is too exaggerated.

Happy Rabbit Year
2011 is the year of rabbit according to Chinese Lunar Calendar. Paperself launched a pair of false eyelashes named as Happy Rabbit Year. This design is of a clown feeling.

Deer and Butterfly

This pair of false eyelashes was launched in Dec 2010 to celebrate the Christmas. The design is composed of a deer and 3 butterflies. There are choices of full lashes and individual, Small Deer and Butterfly.

Flowers
If you are flower lovers, you must try the following 2 pairs of flower false eyelashes. Peonies and Peach Blossom are important and elegant flowers for Chinese. They signify Wealth, Elegance and Romance. Both of them offer full and small individual eyelashes.

Animals
Other than flowers, Paperself has 2 animal designs. One of them is Peacock and the other is Horse. Personally, I think Peacock may look like Peonies at a glance; especially they have been applied to your lash lines. Horse one is really specially, but it is also the most exaggerated as you are really putting several horses onto your lash line.

These false eyelashes are extremely beautiful and are the best choices for party and clubbing. They are good and easy help to you if you wish to have an outstanding oriental style! Of course, each pair costs much more compared to the ordinary one. You should pay attention to care for them so that you can re-use for many times. Take a look at other articles on how to apply, clean and keep your false eyelashes!