TOP 15 Beauty secrets & quick fixes

We're always looking for some beauty secrets, maybe some tricks to spice up our look or add a touch of sparkle. Well I whipped up 20 beauty secrets, check em' out and tell me what you think :]

1. Mascara is a must-have

One thing you should always have: Mascara. This adds some definition and a nice bold look to the eyes. A simple yet beautiful touch. Or probably not sure what eyeshadow to put on? well, 'when it doubt, use mascara.'

2. Erase those dark circles

One of the biggest common problem in women. Those dark purple half circles that appear under our eyes. This is caused by lack of sleep, or lack of energy (nutrition). One quick way to fix this? Concealer. Remember to pat the concealer on the under eye area [or blemish area] (do not rub, this stretches the sensitive under eye skin). Two great and affordable concealers you can try out:  Sonia Kashuk® Hidden Agenda Concealer Set & the Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer - Beige. (both have good ratings and reviews) It's also recommended to apply some Aloe Vera gel under the eye to create a temporary firm state, this also helps awaken that tired look.

3. A fix for Thin lips

Majority of us women feel the need to do something about our thin lips. There is always a quick trick, such as using a lip highlighter (a shade lighter than your lip color) then apply it and line on the outer lip. Another cool trick, says to create a "curvy bounce-off" looking upper lip: apply a good highlighter overdrawing your lips cupid bow.

4.  Kill that zit! 

Zits and pimples can really get irritating! Especially if your only 1 day away from an important occasion. Don't let that drown you. Top quick fixes:  A drying lotion works perfect! a recommended one is Mario Badescu Drying Lotion . Using a cotton swab, apply a dab of the product (DO NOT shake the bottle, only apply the pink sediment at the bottom) on your zit (pimple or whitehead)  let is sit and dry (if you are doing this before bedtime be sure to rinse in the morning). 

Another quick fix: "by applying a dime size of Aveeno's 1% hydrocortisone cream, and leave it on for a max of 2hrs." - Instyle (Fall - September 2010 issue)

5.  Create an instant smokey eye

For quick and beautiful smokey eyes: use an eye pencil (matte is better) it can be dark plum, midnight blue, or even a charcoal color. Apply all over the lid, and some on the lower lash line. Then to create the smokey effect, smooth & smudge it out with a cotton swab. (add some brighten on the inner corner of the eyes)

6. Mineral powder for glow

Another must-have. Just by applying some mineral powder glow, it completely creates a beautiful natural effect (without the cakey look of course!) 

7. Take a change - add some volume

Taking care of your hair is primary. You can't get volume with damaged hair. Snipping split ends (even if it's just cm) monthly is a good way to start. Be sure not to add too much hair styling products, as this will damage your hair. And, volume boosting shampoo and conditioners can help add that body of hair back.  (Garnier Fructis Fortifying 2 In 1 Shampoo & Conditioner Body & Volume 13 oz. $4.30) great fix = healthy volumous hair. 

8. Flawless skin

Flawless skin comes with care. That means choosing the right cleanser and moisturizer for your skin type, that you can use from morning to night, daily. Exfoliating once a week is a "must-do". This helps by removing old dead skin cells, and renewing the skin. Nothing calls for a healthy glowing skin than Exfoliating. 

9. Tired of pores? then take the final step.

If you have large pores, and just want to shrink them. Then there is one way to go. Visit a spa and ask for a microdermabrasion treatment (a very good facial treatment. It will shrink the pores as well) 

10. Small eyes? Make them look bigger!

If you want your eyes to look bigger, you'd have to stay away from dark shades. You can start out with beautiful and natural tones and shades such as sandy pink, pink, nude, dusty earth, and light brown.

11. Hard to remove waterproof mascara?

Majority of waterproof mascaras are tough to remove. A quick (and the best) fix  to this is by adding a few drops of Olive oil on a cotton pad/ball. Close your eyes and smooth the cotton pad over on the eyelashes, keep it for about 30 seconds, then wash/wipe your lashes clean. 

12. Tangled hair?

This is probably caused by lack of combing after shower, or pillow case. It is recommended to use a silk or satin pillow case, since these won't tangle your hair. 

13. You can never go wrong with a little blush

Really, you can't go wrong with a little color on your cheeks. Apply some mineral blush just a tad bit lower from the cheekbone. This adds some color & freshens up your look.

14. Moisturizing is your best friend ;]

Especially a hydrating moisturizer! You can never go wrong with these, this keeps your skin hydrated, smooth, and refreshed. (make sure the moisturizer is for your skin type. It should at least include some vitamins, and zinc. Zinc helps by protecting the skin by harmful sun rays.) 

15. Whiten teeth with Baking soda & Hydrogen peroxide

The secret was revealed! I mean, don't waste so much money on teeth whitening treatments when you've got the answer right here. Yellow teeth are usually caused by smoking, drinking wine, coffee, soda, and juice. Anything that will stain your teeth. Baking soda & Hydrogen peroxide are two great ingredients to use for teeth whitening. Hydrogen peroxide eliminates bacteria, as well as decreasing the chance of cavities. And baking soda is the sparkle for the whitening ;] 

• Brush your teeth like you do everyday
• Once you've brushed your teeth, apply some Baking soda on your tooth brush (must be clean) and start brushing your teeth (max. 1 min.)  and rinse.
• Rinse with hydrogen peroxide, and let it sit for a maximum of 30-45 seconds. (if you feel small bubbles then it's a good sign!) and rinse again with cold water.

You can rinse with Hydrogen peroxide (no more than 30%)  1-2 times a day. 

Best beauty secrets & quick fixes! ;]

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Hautelook Deal: Up to 65% off Back-to-school Clothes

A few days left? maybe a week or two - till it's back to school? 

Some major deals are arising over at Hautelook. Up to 65% off back-to-school clothes for your children! Many Fashionable and beautiful pieces of back to school clothing to choose from. Including both casual for Fall and Winter 2010.

Click here to visit Hautelook's latest back-to-school deal.

You have to be registered with Hautelook to view the deals, not registered yet? Well it's pretty easy, and the registration is free.

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Latest Scoop: Urban decay hearts NYC: Holiday book of shadows Vol. III

Hey Makeup Lovers,

Scoop Alert! and it's about Urban Decay's NEW Heart NYC: Holiday book of Shadow Vol. III

Urban Decay hearts NYC - Book of Shadows Vol. III - Holiday 2010

This palette will be hitting the stores October 1st, 2010. 

And on August 28th, 2010 they will be having a ONE DAY sneak peek event

where 1,000 of this limited-edition palette will be available at the famous Times Square Sephora for purchase 

August 28th, 2010 from 1-9PM.

 (Located: 1500 Broadway, #304, New York, NY 10036)

You can also find TOP Makeup Artists who will also be sharing tips and tricks, and giving makeovers!

Amazing, right?! I can't wait!!

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Makeup for Brown & Hazel Eyes

People with brown eyes are very lucky, since they can choose from a wide variety of shades. 

If you are a Fashion Girlz reader, you've probably read some of my previous makeup posts, where I have mentioned that using colors that opposite to your eye color will really make that contrasting effect. Well, as for Brown eyes, your "pop" colors are navy, purple, and lavender!

Shades that are good for brown eyes, include:
navy, blue, burgundy, plum, violet, lavender, gray.

It also depends on the shade of your brown eyes See, there are different types of brown eyes, they can be light hazel brown eyes, or even the darkest of brown eyes It depends on the color of your eye to match it with the corresponding eye shadow shades. If you're a light hazel, it's much better to go with some darker shades that will create your eyes the center of attention, rather than the lighter shades, which will just draw the attention away from the eyes. Medium brown eyes have a huge advantage, they can use many different shades. Dark brown eyes would go perfectly with lighter shades, so it can brighten the look, instead of making it look more and more dramatic and intense. So don't be afraid to play around with colors and experiment, see what type of look you want for your eyes.

One important tip to keep in mind for Brown eyes: In SOME cases, light shades will draw the attention away from the eyes, unlike neutral and dark shades. So if you're wearing a light shade, the attention will of course be drawn to the makeup, instead of your eyes. And that's not what we are aiming for here, are we?

• Know your skin tone and hair color. Choosing the right shades also depends on your skin tone and hair color. I mean a navy eye shadow on a blonde with brown eyes and fair skin will look very different than it does on a brunette with medium skin tone.
• Tip:  If you are going for the dramatic eye makeup, or simply playing it up. Be sure to keep the lips and cheek colors toned down to a neutral, such as nude or soft pink lips- because, by playing up the lips and cheeks, and having a dramatic eye look, it will clash and look unnatural.

Eye shadow colors for Brown eyes

Since brown eyes have a very wide variety of shades to choose from, there are also those that blend in or in some cases, don't match with the eyes, and then there are those that really emphasize the eyes, and show the natural beauty. Colors like navy, lavender, peach and a shimmery beige go great with brown eyes

If you are looking for a cute neutral look, try applying a shimmery beige coat on the lid, using a darker accent (such as purple or violet). And a light champagne highlight to brighten the look and add that final touch.

Or you can always go with a simple yet naturally beautiful day-time look, using a nice soft peach, and a light champagne as a highlight. Then, use a good brown eye liner (liquid liners are easier to apply, in my opinion.) and for the finishing touch, apply brown or black mascara.

Gold's and bronze shades are another two good shades for Brown eyes. BUT WAIT, I did mention that opposite colors will make your eyes be the center of attention, and gold and bronze are considered to be included in the Brown family. But there is a trick, see you don't have to go dramatic, just by adding a simple light layer of gold or bronze on the LIDS, it can add a brighten effect to the brown eyes, and make a huge difference.

navy, violet, and lavenders are GORGEOUS on brown eyes, I tell you, Gorgeous! (like I mentioned above, these are opposite colors, which help contrast) You can create an amazing attractive eye makeup look using these types of colors.

# Remember to keep a nice, light and neutral eye look for work or during the day, then you can play it up when its night-out

If you want to go for a more dramatic night-out look, I would suggest smokey eyes. And using gray will be perfect for the smokey eye, especially if you have light brown or hazel eyes.

• Neutral Colors for Brown eyes: include peaches, pinks, SOFT gold and bronze. 
• Dramatic color for Brown eyes: gray & black.
• Colors for brown eyes: navy, violet, lavender, purple, burgundy, peaches, pinks, gray, soft green, shimmery beige, light champagne color.

Eyeliner for Brown eyes

Brown eyes have the advantage of using eye liner colors such as dark blue, brown, black, and gray.

If you have hazel or light brown eyes, brown, navy, silver, eyeliner is WOW, that is your answer. By using the eye liner shades listed above, this usually brings all the attention to the light brown (or Hazel) eyes, and it's a very attractive eye look.

Eye makeup for brown eyes' recommendations:

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Polyvore Creation: Classy & Chic

A Very classy yet chic look. With a touch of casual. Usually places like London, Paris, Europe always have inspired me to create looks such as this. The most favorite piece of Fashion I love from this creation are the Skinny Jeans. They are Victoria Beckham Denim low-rise skinny Jeans, and it has such beautiful detailing and gorgeous design. I mean if you probably notice, the zipper design she added on the jeans are WOW! And I matched them up with a loose and casual top "Black Viscose/Nylon Serena top" which just gives it that natural balance, I mean if I probably would have paired it up with a leather jacket it would've been a tremendous amazing look, but not the kind I was going for at the moment.

The ring is an elegant, hence the "classy", touch to the whole look. Paired with a cute and chic Mary Frances Graceland Piano Beaded bag. And finally the Alexander McQueen booties. 

A Very Classy yet Chic look.








Classy & Chic by FashionGalz featuring Alexander McQueen shoes

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Eye Makeup for Blue Eyes #1

I am a fan of all eye colors;  eyes are probably the most unique asset of a person, it's like a fingerprint, they're all different. Today we're going to explore the beauty that is blue eyes, and how to keep them the center of attention when using makeup.

When it comes to matching shades with Blue eyes, well there's some competition going on. See, greens and even blue shades themselves won't do as well as other shades, because it will be a very competitive color for your eyes. When you pair up a green shade with blue eyes, the green shade will draw the attention away from the eyes, and that's not what we are aiming for here. When pairing blue shades with blue eyes, it's competitive since their both blue, and the blue shade will draw the attention away from the eyes. Of course, that doesn't mean blue eyed people should avoid blue shades, you can freely wear blue and still show off those eyes, but we want to focus on the kind of makeup we could use to REALLY attract attention to those blue pearls. So Rule #1 if you really want your eyes to shine, stay away from blues and greens similar to your eye color- UNLESS you plan on using darker shades.

Some Makeup tips for Blue eyes:

• When wearing shades like: Neutral Earth tones, browns, burnt oranges, apricots. You want to keep the lips and cheeks simple. You have to choose whether to play up your eyes or lips (unless it's a party night out), and in this case, we're working on eye magic.
• Neutral colors go especially well with blue and green eyes
• Keeping it Natural- Your eye color is beautiful! So always be sure to still keep it natural, and embrace your natural beauty. 

Eye Shadow for Blue Eyes:

The Eye shades for Blue eyes would be: peach, neutral earth tones, browns, pinks, purples, grays, soft beige, apricots, soft burnt orange, violets, rust/copper, blacks, yellows, lavenders.  

The more you want to accent the color of your eyes, the farther you have to travel in the color spectrum- make sure it's the complete opposite color, and sometimes the darker it is the more it helps. If you have crystal baby blue eyes, just keep in mind that those Maybelline models don't wear black eye makeup for no reason.

If you have Fair skin and BLUE EYES:

eye shades- soft lavenders, shimmery silver, shimmery calm beige, light sandy-ton, greys

If you have Medium Skin tone and BLUE EYES:

eye shades- peach, pinks, neutral earth tones, browns, soft burnt oranges, soft lavender-pink, brownish-pink, sandy brown-oranges, shimmery beige, bronze, deep burnt gold, copper, golden pinks, grays, pale pinks, pale blue,

If you have OLIVE TO DARK skin tone and BLUE EYES:

 caramels, coffee, browns, golds, copper, bronze, deep purple-plum, shimmery beige, blacks, pale brown

Day time makeup idea: You can apply a shimmery light beige with brown and add a good black liquid liner.



I know I know, I didn't forget the visual representations:

 (click on the images to check out the masters behind these looks)

Eyeliner & Mascara for blue eyes:

it can vary from brown, black, to charcoal, to dark blue. To really bring out the eye color. 

As for Mascara, a dark midnight blue & black will do.

Applying makeup on Blue eyes: 

You can start with applying a good foundation that matches your skin tone, use an under eye concealer to brighten and diminish the dark circles. Remember that highlight is applied on the brow bone, medium shades are applied on the crease, darker shades on the outer corners of the eye, and to brighten it up, you can add a little light-color shimmer to the inner corner of the eye. 

Blue eyes are able to experiment with all sorts of colors, so don't be afraid to try out colors you think are crazy.

• It's best to use neutral color on the crease and lid, then working your way up, blending into a lighter shade, as you work your way up to the brow bone.
• Eye liner is highly recommended for blue eyes! It separates the makeup from your eyes

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Fashion Find: Hype Christy Cross-Body purse

Fashion Find! Yes, it's a passion for fashion-purses! I came across this beauty while creating some sets at Polyvore.

Hype Christy Cross-Body purse in Voodoo $150

Beautiful, isn't it? I mean such smooth leather, detailed canvas lining, and those studs are the "cherry on top". It's a very chic and sophisticated style. And easy to carry around since it's a cross-body purse. This would go perfect with some nice dark skinny jeans, booties, a nice plain tee with a Burberry Prorsum coat. 

Plus it also comes in Scarlet, gulf blue, and black. This voodoo color is a perfect Fashion Find for this fall 2010 season.

Fashion is my name,

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Walking through Music - Polyvore Fashion Creation!

Yay! Another polyvore creation! And I love this one! Basically it's a cute chic look, with a simple tee with two music notes on the front, original black shorts, with the strap belt, that gives it an old-fashioned finished touch. The brown laced up booties, with an Linen tribly hat. A nice old-fashion looking ring, and as you can see some glasses, really, it just hit me. The glasses' is a simple cute touch.

Imagine that outfit, with soft pink nude lips, and n nice bronzer on the cheekbone. Woow! Beau-ti-Full!!!

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Tricks for Thin Small Lips - Make your lips look Fuller

Having thin lips isn't a problem, so you don't have worry so much. In fact, I myself have thin lips. But there are always some tricks that this Fashion Girl has up her sleeve.

• Avoid Dark shades- make sure whenever wearing any lip product (such as gloss or lip stick) to avoid any dark shades, such as deep red. Which can make your lips look even thinner. So try switching to light & medium shades.
• A great trick to use for the upper lips, to make that bounce up & curvy lip effect- apply a good high lighter along your upper lips cupid bow
• Make the lips look fuller- by applying a good highlighter that is a tad bit lighter than your lip skin color, then apply it and line on the outer lip. This is a really good trick to use to make that fuller-lips-effect.
• Keep the lips soft- apply some lip balm, then use a dry clean toothbrush and scrub the lips (this is like exfoliation, but for the lips.)

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Keeping it Simple: L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Color Smokes Eyeshadow

Yes, this is definitely another Keeping it Simple post. Although, you've got to admit that my Keeping it Simple Kooba for Mercier wallet POST was really well thought out. Anyway, I found another "Keeping it Simple". You can be anywhere, anytime. You won't have to carry around so much makeup if you're going to be using this. 

This is such a simple, easy to use, eyeshadow quad. I mean you've got the basics here. It's a 1-2-3 process. You've got your line, base, highlight, and brighten. I mean what else do you need? (except for mascara of course) but speaking eye makeup, it's easier to take this little portable quad around, than taking your 88 color palette (I mean are you really going to use ALL those 88 colors on a day out?). You can even create a smokey eye look with this simple eyeshadow quad. You can take it anywhere, and when you need to add a little sparkle, Bam! You take it out, 1-2-3, and you're ready to go. In fact, I wish this was brought up earlier in Summer. Because this would've been a TOP eye makeup product for Summer 2010. You're in the beach, 5 minutes later your friend calls saying she made evening reservations at the restaurant across the beach, this would've been a great tool for that beach to dinner makeup look transformation in just minutes.
(Photo credited - L'Oreal)

Plus, I've also got to mention that "Blackened Smokes" isn't their only color. They've got Colbat Smokes, Forest Smokes, and Lavender smokes. Personally, I love the Colbat Smokes and Blackened Smokes' shades. I'm blue eyes, and yes, I'm a sucker for blue shades. ; )

It is also very nicely pigmented. And in my opinion, I just gotta say that this really is another makeup product that keeps it all simple. Easy & quick.

Keeping it all simple. 

XOXO

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Dress For Less: 65% OFF sophisticated Designs

Hey Everyone,

A dress for Less sale Alert! Haute look keeps getting better and better, and this time they are having an Up to 65% OFF Sophisticated Designs, which ends THIS Wednesday, August 4th, 2010 6 AM PT

To check out this Online Haute Look Sale, you must be registered with Haute Look. If not, the registration is free and easy. Click here to view the current 65% OFF Sophisticated Designs Sale event

Photo Credit - Hautelook.com

Bringing you the latest Fashion Deals,

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