Saturday, February 13, 2010

How to Buy Cheap Designer Makeup

Have you always wanted to wear designer makeup, but just can't justify spending so much money? Well then, its your lucky day, because I am going to give you 3 great tips to show you how to buy cheap designer makeup.

I hate to say this, because it really goes against my desire for fashion to be affordable, but the designer makeup brands are usually superior to the cheaper brands. The colors are brighter, they go on smoother, last longer, and make your skin just look so much better. That is not to say that there are not awesome brands that are cheaper, there are. But the expensive brands are superior to them as well. You really are paying for quality when it comes to makeup, skin care, and hair care.

Tips #1- Don't be scared to ask for freebies. Honestly, I am on the timid side. The thought of asking for free, well, anything is pretty much foreign to me- though sometimes I would like to, I just don't have the cajones. BUT I know that cosmetics stores and sales counters have a large amount of testers. I also know that all of these testers do not get used, and since the girls that work at these types of places are usually makeup junkies themselves they sometimes take home the testers- or they throw them away. Or they give them out to customers who ask to try some of the cosmetics.

I'm not telling you to walk around the mall and ask for free makeup, that obviously, would be a bit strange. But next time you are buying makeup products, ask the sales lady if she has any samples that you could have to try out a new line or product that you are interested in. The sales girls make a commission off their sales, therefore they want to build a relationship with their customers and they also want you to buy, buy, buy- they make money off of it! If turing you into a repeat client of theirs requires them to give you a free sample or two- they will- because they know that you will probably come back and buy it when you run out. So you get free stuff, they get a new faithful customer and everybody is happy.

Tip #2- Buy your cosmetics online. Many online retailers sell designer cosmetics for a large percentage off of the retail price. I'm talking up to 80% off here. They generally sell older products and discontinued products. Do be aware that makeup has an expiration date. Liquid based foundations, lip sticks, and mascara have a 6 month shelf life and all power and dry products have about a 2 year shelf life.

Are you going to be able to check the expiration date online before you buy a product... welllll, no. But also, I don't know anyone that anally checks their cosmetics to be sure that they haven't expired. A good rule of thumb is that if any product has a funky smell or a weird consistency, then it expired. The only product that you do actually need to really be aware of is mascara. You really don't want to be putting expired product so close to your eyes.

Tip #3- Check out ELF cosmetics. This company has neen awhile for quite awhile, but they are just now getting more attention because they are now selling products in some stores instead of just online.

Their original like is super cheap. Like, $1.00 per product cheap. their lip glosses and nice and they have really great makeup brushes. Most of cosmetics got on really lightly and need repeated application to stay fresh, but what can you expect for a buck?

Their mineral and studio line, however are awesome. They are also really cheap, everything is priced between about $3.00 - $10.00. It's just a great deal and they are quality products. If you haven't been to their website, it is just www.eyeslipsface.com- you NEED to check it out. It is like cosmetic heaven.

Anyway, now you know how to buy cheap designer makeup! Happy shopping!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

How to Find Your Personal Style

Maybe you have always looked up to a certain fashion icon and want to flourish into a trend setter yourself. Or maybe you just want to figure out once and for all, what look works for you. If you are trying to establish and cultivateyour personal style, there are a few factors that you should take into consideration. What colors looks best on you, what your body type is and what shapes will flatter you best, and how to successfully translate your personality into your clothing choices.

Lets start with color choices. First you must determine what season your skin color best falls in.

*Autumn skin tones are those with golden undertones. If you are having a hard time telling whether or not you fit into this category, a good rule of thumb is that golden undertones are usually found in redheads and brunettes, though this is not always the case. And if you have golden brown eyes, you probably also fit into this category. Autumn skin tones look best when paired with colors that also have golden undertones, like tans, orange, gold, golden brown and some shades of red and pink. These colors will look best, not only worn as clothing, but for make up as well.

*Winter skin tones have blue or pink undertones. Winters can have very pale skin, but also African Americans and Asians can have pink undertones in their skin. Winters are usually dark eyed, brunettes and they look best in bright pink, many shades of red, navy blue, dark purple, and black and white. Keep in mind, that pastels may wash you out.

*Spring skin tones also have golden undertones, but they have lighter hair than the Autumns. The classic red head would fall into this category. Spring girls have freckles, golden or strawberry blond hair and pale skin. These girls look best in warm, golden colors like red, orange, tan, pink, browns- but avoid muted dark colors like dark gray and navy.

*Summer skin tones have pink undertones and pale skin. If you are the all-American natural blond with blue eyes- you fall into this category. Summers look best in shades of red and blues and pastels.


Once you have determined your skin tone, you must access your body type. There are three different body types: ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph.

*Ectopmorphs are slim, with shoulders that are the same width as their hips. These girls are the ones that we refer to as 'straight up and down'. These are usually your regular fashion model body types. This is the easiest body type to dress, if you are an ectomorph, you can wear almost everything. What you will most want to keep in mind is that you should pick shapes that will add curves to your otherwise slim frame. Belts or dresses that emphasize your waist are optimal. You want to stay away from boxy jackets or shirts that billow out at the waist- they will do nothing to flatter you.

*Mesomorphs are your pear-shaped or apple-bottomed girls. (Think JLO booty.) They are generally larger boned and have bottoms and hips that are wider than their shoulders. These girls can have problems maintaining their weight, but can put on muscle quite easily as their shapes are great for it. You may feel like wearing baggier bottoms to huge your booty- but don't. Make sure you wear bottoms that are snug and fit you properly. If your pants fit your bottom, but gap at the waist- then they do not fit, and will not be flattering. Dress to emphasize your booty rather than hide it. Flaunt it if you got it, right?

*Mesomorphs are your athletic girls. They have broad shoulder (wider than their hips) and a medium to large frame. Mesomorphs generally want to dress in more feminine, flowy materials to help balance out their athletic shape. Skirts that are full at the bottom are a good example of a garment that would help to balance a mesomorphs shape.

Now the fun part- learning to wear your personality. You can dress to suit what music you like or what hobbies you have. If you are a brainy bookworm, then go for glasses and argyle. Do the sexy secretary thing. Or if you love rock music- bust out the studs and leopard print. Artsy? How about some fun bright colors and quirky accessories. If you are a nature girl or environmentalist show it by opting for flowy materials and pretty flower prints. You get the picture.

You don't have to go crazy with it, just incorporate small pieces into your wardrobe that really show who you are as a person. Or wear a little something of your favorite color everyday. Even if you just wear a really unique pair of glasses everyday- the idea is to have a signature that is easily recognized by others, and stick with it.. develop it into a look that is all your own.

That is what personal style is all about..

..and how to find your personal style.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Find Your Personal Style

Have you ever stopped to think about what makes a person a Fashion Icon? Or a Trend Setter?

Personal Style.


Anyone who has ever been admired for their fashion sense, has been held in such high regard because they had impeccable personal style. If you want others to admire your fashion sense- then you also need to find your own personal style.

Now, this is not about wearing whatever is trendy at the moment and keeping up with all the latest fashions. This is about expressing yourself through what you wear. Are you an artsy kind of girl? Then dress the part.. whether what you like is "in fashion" or not. If you are drawn to more glamorous styles.. then dress the part even when you are just running errands. Make your style your signature. This is the easiest way to not only stand out of a crowd- but to make others follow you.

Trends only become popular because someone decided it was cool to wear something- and others loved their style and imitated them. Keep in mind, it usually isn't designers or celebrities that set trends, though that can be the case. Usually it is just regular girls with unique style. If you asked any designer or celebrity what their biggest fashion inspiration is.. they would stay street style.

And 'street style' is referring to you. And every other person with a killer sense of self that successfully demonstrates it through their apparel.

So find your personal style, whatever that may be. Dress the part everyday, develop your style into something that is truly unique- just like you