Brow Basics: 4 Differents Ways To Fills Them In

Hi everyone,

There’s no doubt about it – brows are having a serious “moment” right now.  Unfortunately, not all of us are born with Cara Delevingne’s bold brows…but that doesn’t mean we can’t fake it! Today, I wanted to share a guide to all the different ways to fill in your brows so you can find the best one for your unique set.  Read up, and consider yourself a bonafide brow expert afterwards :)

1.) Brow pencil: This is one of the most basic ways to fill in your brows.  Brow pencils come in varying shades of light brown to black and have a waxier formula than eyeliner pencils.  This allows them to go on naturally and smoothly, without the risk of harsh lines.  Use short, light strokes to fill out your brows and soften it all out with a stiff brow brush or spooly (I saved you the extra step and added a spooly tip to the other end of EM’S DEFINING BROW LINER :)

2.) Brow powder (or matte eyeshadow): For a softer look, reach for a brow powder or matte eyeshadow that’s lighter than your natural eyebrow color.  Tap an angled brow brush into the powder and trace the outline of your brows, using light strokes.  To prevent the color from running or fading, brush a layer of clear brow gel or mascara on afterwards to seal in the look.

3.) Brow gel: Brow gels help keep unruly brows in place.  Clear brow gel is great for those of you who already have thick brows, but need extra taming.  Tinted brow gel adds a hint of color to your brows while shaping them.  ANASTASIA has great brow gels that tint your brow hairs, not your skin! Another way to tame your brow gels is to use VASELINE - here's how.

4.) Brow pens/markers: This is probably the least-used brow method, but it can do wonders if you use it correctly! Like lip pens, brow pens usually have a felt tip that distributes pigmented color on your brows.  Some people are afraid to use them (after all, it can kind of feel like you’re drawing on your brows with a marker!), but the tint isn’t as opaque as you might think.  The great part about brow pens is their staying power – usually only makeup remover or oil will make them budge! Use feathery strokes like you would with a brow pencil for a naturally filled-in look.

And finally, if none of these methods work or you, perhaps you just need to combine them.  A lot of girls use a brow gel after applying brow powder for a more defined look, or brow powder after brow liner to soften out the lines.  Experiment and find the best method for you!

For more on brows, check out the posts below:
VIDEO: BROW 101
LIGHT VS. DARK: WHICH EYEBROW COLOR IS BEST FOR YOU?
UNCOVERED: EYEBROW THREADING

<3 Mindy

photo credit: IVAN GAVAN/GETTY IMAGES AT PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND FASHION SHOW

10 BAD SKIN HABITS TO BREAK BEFORE SUMMER

Hi everyone,

The start of a new season means it’s time to take a step back and reassess our skin routine.  For glowing, dewy and most importantly, healthy skin this summer, make sure you avoid these 10 bad habits:

1. Forgetting your neck: It's easy to focus on slathering your face with moisturizers and serums only to forget one other important body part – your neck.  Some of the most visible signs of aging can show here, so it’s important to take care of it just as you would your face. 
2. Overexfoliating: We all want to show off squeaky-clean, smooth skin this summer, but avoid going overboard with harsh cleaning.  Overexfoliating can actually worsen your skin’s natural production of oil and cause breakouts by spreading bacteria.  Save exfoliating for once or twice a week – the rest of the time, use a gentle cleanser. 
3. Using an old foundation brush: When was the last time you cleaned your brushes? Forgetting to clean them can lead to clogged pores and even infections.  
4. Sleeping with makeup on: This is a given, but it’s easy to fall back into a rut as you settle into a routine.  Take the changing of a seasons as a time to remind yourself to always go to bed with a clean face!
5. Forgetting SPF: Some of you live in climates where you barely see any sun during spring – but just because you can’t see the sun doesn’t mean your skin can’t feel its rays.  Keep your skin healthy by alwaysincorporating sun protection to your skin routine.   With the sunny days ahead, this is even more important!
6. Staying up too late: Lack of sleep can lead to stress and tiredness, both which can cause your skin to act up.  Sleep is the time when your body repairs the damage it encounters during the day, so make sure you are giving your skin ample time to recover. 
7. Being stuck to your phone: In case you need a reminder, here’s why your phone is actually ONE BIG, NASTY GERMFEST. 
8. Forgetting your eyes: The skin around your eyes is much thinner and delicate than the rest of your face, so it’s important to pay them special care.  Don’t assume that eye cream is for old ladies.
9. Piling on the products: More doesn’t always equal better when it comes to your skin.  Not only can ingredients in some products cancel each other out, but piling on too many products can actually have an adverse affect.  Instead, try GIVING YOUR SKIN TIME TO BREATHE and stick the most minimal regime for a few days. Your pores will thank you. 
10. Skipping the moisturizer: A lot of people think that because warmer temperatures can be less drying than the winter cold, they can skip moisturizer.  This is false! Instead of ditching your moisturizer altogether, find a lighter formula with SPF to protect your skin for summer. Your skin can always use the protection, no matter how humid or hot the weather. 

Are you guilty of any of these bad skin habits? Which ones are you going to try to break before summer?

Photo credit: Dior Addict

<3 Mindy

DIY Face Masks!

Hi everyone!

One of the most fun parts of DIY beauty is being able to get creative with the things you have around you. I love finding unexpected ways to do everything from all using everyday products! Here are a couple interesting ones that are definitely worth checking out:

Naznin Azees shared a brightening antioxidant facial made with pomegranate seeds and honey. Yum! Get the full recipe HERE.

This coconut oil, banana and honey mask sounds so creamy and moisturizing! Debor says you just mix ½ a banana, a teaspoon of honey and one or two spoonfuls of coconut oil together and apply it to your face for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off with warm water and finish with moisturizer. She says you will see the difference!

Hera recommends a lemon and sugar facemask to exfoliate and reduce dark spots. Just mix 1 tablespoon of lemon with 1 teaspoon of sugar and dip a cotton ball in to exfoliate your face. According to her, you can leave this on for about 15 minutes and then rinse off to see the results!

This aspirin-based mask shared by EXON, but she adds a couple extra ingredients: turmeric, flour and lemon. Click HERE to get her instructions.

Have you tried any of these masks?

If you’ve used any of the ingredients mentioned in one of these masks, share your experiences below!

<3 Mindy

Photo sources: WEHEARTIT, RADIANT REFLECTIONS, NPR

THE ART OF THE MESSY BUN

Hi everyone,

Wherever I am, no matter what city or country, I always keep my eyes peeled for beautiful messy buns. Even though a bun may appear unkempt and have the feeling of being thrown up at the last minute, there really is an art to it. What I love about this particular hairstyle is that everyone has their own style, tricks, and methods to achieving that beautifully disheveled look. The eyes may be the window to the soul, but it’s the messy bun that sends a message to the world about who you are and what your style is. And the best part is that this timelessly chic hairstyle is super versatile—whether you’re going for an elegant or casual look, the messy bun will morph itself to fit the outfit.

Check out these messy buns for some hairspiration:

 

 

What’s your messy bun signature style? Post links to your photos in the comments section for a chance to be featured as our Member of the Moment!

<3 Mindy

Photo Sources: PRETTY STUFF, WE HEART IT, SALT AIR HAIR, BREAKFAST AT YURMAN'S, J'AIME RENEE, STYLISTA, CRAZE TEXTURE