Applying Mascara

Mascara gives a finishing touch to your eye makeup and must cover the lashes from roots to the tips. Deposit the color on the mascara wand by twirling it in the pack and then cover the upper lashes from their base to the tips in full strokes to make the lashes look thicker, longer, well defined and separated. Mascara is applied from the underside by holding the wand horizontally parallel to the eyelid and the brush is rolled slowly in the upward stroke. For lower lashes, one has to be more careful so as not to smudge the under eye area and the wand is to be held vertically and mascara is applied from side to side. Less mascara is used on the lower lashes and extra color should be blotted off using the tissue paper. Usually women opt for more than one coat of the mascara, which combs the lashes too so that they do not look stuck together.

If mascara is deposited on the wand more than needed, tissue the extra color off before applying it. Different colors of mascara such as brown, navy and green can make you look funky instantly. It is important that mascara is used on an individual only to avoid transferring eye infections and if it causes even the slightest irritation in the eye, it must be immediately discarded. Wiggle the brush a little at the roots of the lashes as it allows the bristles to move between the eyelashes, combing them and separating them. Let mascara dry between any of the two coats and comb the eyelashes to separate the wet lashes. Do not rub eyes to remove the mascara but use the eye makeup solvent instead. Before applying mascara, use an eyelash comb or damp toothbrush to comb your lashes. Always use a clean and fresh mascara wand on damp lashes.

Black mascara can be used by anybody at anytime though blondes should only use it for bright night makeup. Thin and short brush is best as it is easier to control and gets to the corner of the eye easily. It is also advisable to powder the under-eye area before applying mascara to avoid smudging. Curl the lashes before applying mascara by moving the wand in a zigzag fashion to make the lashes look wider and brighter. Applying mascara only on the upper lashes lend them a dramatic touch, while applying it lightly on the upper and lower lashes, make the eyes seem wider. A gel-based mascara enhances the lashes while thickening mascara looks more dramatic and adds volume to your lashes. Brown, navy and aubergine shades add subtle and sophisticated touch to your eyes while redheads can use burgundy shades. Women with strawberry-blonde hair may try different shades of brown. Be sure not to match your mascara color with your eye color.

Applying Lip Gloss

Do you want to accentuate your lips? How about trying lip gloss or shine? The glossy effect is known to add an 'oomph' factor to your face. Lip-gloss makes your lips look voluminous, apart from highlighting them on the face. They can either be applied over the lipstick or alone for a more natural and nude lip look. Lip gloss and lip shine are available in various shapes, size and colors that are convenient to use and give a shimmer and shine to your lips that you have always wished for. Also, lip glosses available today, are mostly water resistant and promise to lasts for long periods of time. One can effectively make the lips look more beautiful with the help of lip gloss and other lip products and use it strategically for lip correction. In the following lines, we have provided some tips on applying lip gloss, just for you.

Tips For Applying Lip Gloss

• Before putting on a lip gloss, apply a light film of Chapstick or lip balm. It moisturizes and nourishes the lips, keeping them naturally rosy. Apart from protecting and healing, Chapstick also helps the lip color to set more effectively.
• The best way to get a lasting effect of lip gloss would be to first, apply a lipstick to your lips and then, blot off the extra color using the tissue paper. Later, apply a thin layer of lip powder on them and apply a second coat of color. Complete the look, by applying lip gloss to make your lips look shinier than ever.
• To tone down the shine, take a tissue paper and put it against on lips and press little loose powder through it. Only a bit of it will get sifted through it and will instantly reduce the shiny effect.
• In case you are performing for a stage show and are required to radiate an extremely glamorous look, go for lip lacquer. It will give a greater shine to your lips.
• To give a fuller look, direct the lip-gloss to the center of the mouth. Apply the gloss in short strokes, until the natural line of your lips has been filled.
• For women who use matte lipsticks, you can avoid it from drying and flaking, by using a lip primer or color fixative, before application.
• Special effects and highlights can be achieved, by using sheer silver, gold or iridescent lip gloss over lip color. This would be great for an evening wet look.
• It is recommended to use creamy lipsticks for daily purpose. This would help to keep the lips moisturized. For adding an intense wet look, apply lip gloss to transform your makeup from matte daytime look to glossy night party look.
• Women with thick lips are advised to use lip gloss very sparingly, as it would make your lips look all the more fuller.