Ahhh, the elusive technique of shaping eyebrows. We tend to spend time, gas and money going to expensive salons and trust that the technician is knowledgeable enough to wax, cut and shape our eyebrows. But, I’m here to tell you that you can do it at home for a fraction of the time and money. Here are the essential tips to shaping perfect eyebrows.

First, relax! You can do this and do it well!

Actually the first tip is to accept the natural shape of your eyebrows and work with what you have. Of course, you can always use pencil to make your brows look fuller or wax hair away to make brows thinner. However you can not instantly grow brows in order to look like your favorite movie star.

The next step in shaping your brows is to TRIM first. Most people forget to trim their brows, which can cause you to take more hair out during the waxing or plucking process. To trim your brows, use a fine tooth comb or eyebrow brush and brush your brows upward. If there are any hairs above the natural curve of your brows, they need to be trimmed. I recommend investing in a pair of eyebrow scissors as they are made just for this process.

Next, draw an imaginary line from the inner corner of your eye up to the eyebrow. This is where the eyebrow should begin. *If you have wide set eyes, leave a few hairs beyond this point to make your eyes look closer. If you have narrow set eyes, go in a bit further from that imaginary line as this will make your eye look further apart.

Properly arching your eyebrow: The highest point of the brow should align with the outer rim of your iris while you are looking forward. To do this, use a pencil and place one end on the tip of your nose and the other end should align with the outer rim of the iris.

In determining the end point of the eyebrow, place one end of the pencil at the bridge of your nose and align it with the corner of the eye. This is where the eyebrow should end. Now, if your hair does not go to this point (typically due to over plucking or a bad wax job), use eyebrow pencil until the hair grows back.

On to the actual waxing or plucking part. I recommend either using a eyebrow pencil to make a dot where each shape should start. You can use concealer to fill in the area that needs waxing or plucking. Only do the area that needs waxing! If there are no stray hairs in one area, leave it alone as you could make a mistake in a section of the brow that was just fine previously.

Choosing a Color:
Make sure your bronzer color is withing 2 shades of your own natural skin tone. Now, you have a choice between powder, cream or liquid bronzer. Powder bronzer works best with oily or combination skin, while cream and liquid bronzers work well with dry skin. One caveat is that cream and liquid bronzers take a little more finesse in order to successfully blend it to your skin. So, if you choose to go the cream/liquid route, you should take some time and play with it before going out into public.

Applying Bronzer:
Now, a lot of folks think bronzer should be applied to the entire face, which is false. Truly, bronzer should only be applied to the top of the cheekbones, temples, bridge of your nose and the tip of your chin. This will create a beautiful, natural sun-kissed look.

To apply powder bronzer, you will need a large, fluffy bronzer or blush brush. This way, you avoid getting a streaked look on your face. Swirl the brush in the bronzer and tap off the excess. When applying to the face, use circular motions and move the brush upward and outward. For the nose, brush downward which will cause a slimming effect.

To apply cream or liquid bronzer, you can use a makeup sponge or your fingers. I like using my finger as I have more control over the amount applied, etc. Use the same strokes as you would for powder bronzer.

Start off light, you can always apply more. Now, if you think you applied too much, you can use a translucent powder to soften the look or use blot some away with blotting paper or a tissue.

Bronzer can also be applied to the neck and chest to give a sun kissed glow as well. Keep in mind the tips provided above when applying bronzer to the rest of your body!

Winter can be brutal for your skin, so it is vital to keep it moisturized and protected. There are literally hundreds of thousands of products on the market and it can be not only confusing but overwhelming when trying to choose the right products for your skin. So, here are some products that have received accolades from beauty experts across the globe.

Number 1: Creme de la Mer by La Mer. This little miracle in a jar was developed by NASA scientist Max Huber over 30 years ago. It combines sea kelp, vitamins and minerals through a unique 3-4 months long biofermentation process. This cream can make the skin look and feel softer, firmer and virtually crease-less. Aging lines and pores are noticeably less visible, the driest of complexions are healed, sensitivities are soothed and blemish scars are reduced…..It’s a bit pricey, ranging from $230 – $745.

Number 2: Olay Total Effects Moisturizer. Olay designed this facial moisturizer with VitaNiacin — its own mix of vitamins E and B3 and pro vitamin B5 – to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smooth skin texture, even skin tone, minimize the appearance of pores, and reduce the appearance of blotches and age spots. Available in scented or fragrance-free formulas…..Around $15.

Number 3: Clinique Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer: Skin’s most complete defense against the visible signs of aging in a daily moisturizer. Arms it to fight the effects of emotional stress, which can damage skin with effects much like sun and pollution. Helps neutralize UVA and UVB…..Around $40

Number 4: Lancome ‘Bienfait Multi-Vital’ Night Cream: With VITA-NUTRI 8. Made with 3 vitamins, 3 minerals and 2 essential fatty acids, this innovative complex is essential for skin’s well-being. Wake up to skin that looks its healthy best. Triple Action Formula Locks in moisture. A unique nurturing complex infuses moisture back into skin while vitamin A helps skin renewal. Uncovers Healthy Looking Skin, Stimulates skin’s vitality with an energizing complex of multi-minerals. Boosts Your Skin’s Defenses. The potent combination of Omega 3 and 6 with antioxidant vitamins E and Cg helps to strengthen skin’s ability to defend itself against external aggressors……Around $50

Number 5: Origins Dr. Weil Night Health Bedtime Face Cream: This rich, skin-rebuilding and recovery complex with buckbean and St. Paul’s wort extracts helps release tense-looking skin and visible lines. In clinical tests, skin was measurably brighter, more radiant. And to help ensure you get the restful night you need to accomplish intensive repair, Dr. Weil’s proven, soothing blend of 100% natural chamomile, lavender and mandarin essential oils relaxes mind, body and spirit before bed. After a more restful night, skin awakens refreshed and revitalized. 1.7 oz….Around $55

Number 6: Kinerase Pro Therapy Ultra Rich Night Repair: Contains a proprietary blend of plant-based extracts that helps improve the appearance of fine lines, skin texture, blotchiness and sun damage. A proprietary concentration of Kinetin and Zeatin improve the more severe visible signs of skin aging, including the appearance of fine line and wrinkles. Formulated for excellent moisture absorption, regular application improves the appearance of skin texture, tone, blotchiness and sun damage. Kinetin improves the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Zeatin improves the more severe visible signs of skin aging. Ceramide-3 improves moisturization within the skin’s natural structure. Pentavitin improves moisturization. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3 reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Ergothioneine provides antioxidant benefits….Around $150

Number 7: AHAVA Protective Moisturizing Fluid SPF 15: This light, quick absorbing, SPF 15 moisturizer naturally softens and revives skin. Formulated with AHAVA’s powerful blend of essential Dead Sea minerals and SPF 15, Protective Moisturizer improves skin’s elasticity, giving your complexion a soft, healthy glow as it protects against harmful environmental factors. Benefits: Hypoallergenic.Dermatologically Tested. Approved for sensitive skin….Around $36

Number 8: Korres Thyme Honey 24 Hour Moisturizing Cream: Has a high concentration of quality natural botanicals while keeping harsh chemicals to a minimum. Korres Thyme Honey 24 Hour Moisturizing Cream is for normal to dry skin and made with real Thyme Honey (5%). Honey, a natural hydrating agent, helps keep skin at an ideal level of moisture while providing intense nourishment and elasticity to dry skin. Imperata Cylindrical extract continually regulates the cellular water equilibrium, thus providing 24-hour moisturizing. Due to its special texture, Thyme Honey Cream absorbs easily while leaving the skin soft and moisturized.Thyme Honey, the key ingredient, is rich in polysaccharides. It attracts and absorbs water and so can act as a hydro-regulating agent ensuring ideal skin hydration. Its high content in vitamins, amino acids and flavonoids provides antioxidant protection and nourishes dry skin areas…..Around $35

Number 9: Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30: Get advanced sun protection with this SPF 30 daily moisturizer. Clinically proven Total Soy Complex and natural light diffusers work to naturally even out skin tone and immediately reflect light to bring out skin’s natural radiance. Gentle enough for sensitive skin and daily use, this moisturizer is also oil-free, hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, and contains SPF 30 UVA/UVB sunscreen to protect skin from premature aging…..Around $14

Number 10: philosophy 5 oz. when hope is no enough hydrating mask: A hydrating, replenishing mask that’s designed to give you an in-spa facial at home. For all skin types, especially skin that appears dry, dull, and devitalized. Why is it different: The mineral-packed mask is a deep cleansing facial treatment that can be applied from hairline to bustline to help purify, rejuvenate, and replenish the skin. The mask also contains moisturizing properties to help soothe and hydrate, so skin feels smooth and appears radiantly clear…..Around $25

I had to do a piece on OPI nail color because not only do I love their product but they make life just a little bit more interesting by giving each color it’s own unique silly name. I am one of those gals who likes to stick with what I know, especially when it comes to my beauty regimen. However, OPI has done something no other beauty product has….It gets me out of my comfort zone. How, you ask? Well, I spend time reading the names of the OPI colors and go with the one that makes me laugh the loudest, even if it is a color I wouldn’t typically choose! Why, you ask? Because my friends (girls and guys) crack up when they find out the name of the latest nail color I am wearing. It is the simple pleasures of a silly concept that keep life interesting. Kudos OPI!

My favorites include I’m not really a waitress (red), Romeo and Joliete (dark red) Don’t Socra-tease Me (Orange – Greek Isle Collection) and Basque in the Sun (golden). The new Hong Kong collection looks fabulous and hysterical at the same time! Check out the OPI website to see what’s new or just to laugh at the names of the colors!

Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick

The creamiest, richest, smoothest lip colour you can imagine. Our revolutionary gel formula delivers the shine of a gloss, the comfort of a lipstick. Drenches lips in moist, lush colour that glides on buttery-soft, feels luxuriously smooth.

First, line lips with a coordinating shade of Quickliner For Lips. Then smooth Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick onto lips, following curves of natural lip line.
Click here to find your perfect shade match.

With the Lip Brush, apply a new sheer shade of Colour Surge Buttershine Lipstick, and blend into lip-line. Wear together with a gloss for a super-wet look. For more tips check out Clinique’s Global Artist Makeup Tips.

Quickliner for Lips
Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad

What’s your scent? I’ve been playing with the Kenzo parfume for a while already and getting tired of it. I occasionally use the So Givenchy Eau De Toilette but of course your nose gets bored quite quickly.
I’ve been eyeing the DKNY Be Delicious, it’s got this really sweet smell, light, refreshing, and it’s in a cute bottle. I can’t resist. I don’t know what’s stopping me from getting it though. Hmmm

I heard that the Island from Michael Kors takes on the citrus smell, clementine and pineapple with jasmine, also smells really light, fresh, and the color is orange!

I’ll probably get both, if I can afford it

I’ve got weak nails, the ones that peel? And also they don’t have that much of a pretty natural gloss that usually buffered years ago. So I go on a hunt over th internet to find what product would do me good.
Times like these I turn to Real Simple, the magazine itself is such a tremendous help, from recipes, to do-it-yourself home designs, to easy beauty tricks. They suggested that Opi Nail Envy Soft & Thin works well because it’s made of calcium, copper, and magnesium to harden nail protein. Now that’s a good fix to these weaklings.

The only thing I gotta do now is FIND THEM here in Manila. Wish me luck?

On Oprah.com at their beauty section, they featured what kind of haircut is best for different face types (the oval face, square jawed face, etc). The right haircut can give you an instant face lift apparently. With the right one, it can narrow a jawline, plump up cheeks, shed off years, draw more attention to your eyes.. I’m sure you’ve heard all about what a haircut can do. I get haircuts to get a new look, so the whole shedding off years can do me good (like make me look like I’m still in high school, i.e my recent haircut, or make me look mature, not kiddish) So finding the right haircut is quite vital. If you don’t know what works as well, you can always ask your hairdresser, they usually know whats the right thing.

An excerpt from Oprah.com

For those who want to hide their wide face, high forehead.

The Right Cut was bringing up the models hair just below her chin. The springy curls are also flattering to the type of model’s face and texture, by keeping the length around the ears and in the back, it gives the look a younger edge.

Try to avoid forcing coarse hair to be straight, trying to do this will leave it looked stressed and tortured and make your face appear tired. Straight style will give you strict edges leaving you to add years to your face since it echoes any lines around the eyes or mouth.

Check out more styles HERE.

For this summer (rainy season for us here in Manila), whats hot are Technicolor Eyes as InStyle Beauty Buzz has stated. I first thought maybe that trend of getting contacts that would either change the color of your eyes or make them like kitty cat types (do you remember those? I personally thought it was horrible. Imagine seeing a blue-eyed Asian girl, now thats just weird)

Technicolor eyes would mean coloring your eyelids with eye shadows that will make your natural eye color pop naturally. Blue eye makeup is making a comeback which is probably a normal thing since leggings and neon were brought back. Blue, gives that vibrant hue, also lavender, green, and deep purple.

“It’s a great way to bring drama to the eyes without going dark,” says Thandie Newton’s makeup artist, Kay Montano, who recommends lining the edge of eyes in black before layering on the color. “Bright eye makeup is like a big cocktail ring—it adds personality to your look.”

>

To all Leopard print loving fans out there, Too Faced has created a bronzer thats going to bring out the kitty cat in you. The leopard bronzing and blush powder is made up of combined shades of golden bronzes gilded pinks and neutral fawns to give you that glorious all over glow, or a healthy flushed cheeks all year round.
It’s pretty cute I have to admit.

And this little Pink Leopard Bronzer is also one of their best sellers.