How to Get Rid of Your Makeup Mistake Drawer Forever

Have you ever held on to a pair of jeans that haven't fit you in over a decade because you truly believe that someday they will? I think we all have.

And I also believe that all of us have done the same thing with makeup. We buy makeup that doesn't look good on us then toss it in the makeup mistake drawer, with the congealing foundation that we bought ten years ago.

We have this vague hope that some day miraculously these products will look good on us and we won't feel so bad about spending the probably thousands of dollars, over the years, that we got hoodwinked into spending on them.

Here is a fact that really didn't hit me until a few years ago: Sales people at these makeup counters are on commission, just like the ones that tell you that the dress that makes your butt look three times as big is absolutely fabulous on you.

Some truly want you to look good but many just want to make the sale. These people may be short sighted, in that after you are burned once by them, they will never see your shadow by their display again but that still doesn't change the fact that you have been suckered.

Although I do buy some of my products in department stores and pharmacies, I buy most of my products at Sephora. Why? Because they stand behind their products 100%. If it doesn't look good on you or you simply don't like it, or you have changed your mind - they will take the used product back!

My sister used to work for them and people returned makeup all the time, without being hastled. The staff there has less reason to rush you through a sale because if you are not happy they will be the ones having to refund your money, lose out on the commission and waste time they could be spending helping another customer.

Now let's get to the main problem of the makeup mistake drawer and why it actually exists.

1) We hate to admit we are wrong. Isn't that true? We go to the counter, get convinced that, despite the fact that we are computer glare pale, some tan goop looks good on us, make the decision to pull out our credit card and spend our latest paycheck and then spend the extra effort convincing ourselves that it must look good if we went to all that effort.

2) We are inherently lazy. Now don't go getting all offended. Think about it. You have just spent all this effort buying the stuff and retrying it on at home and then you have to go all the way back to the mall to return it. The mere thought of fighting traffic to return something can sometimes be tiring. It is the same principle as the excercize equipment that you bought to use as a clothes hanger. Who is going to take the time to pack and return that thing?

How to Get Past this, Clear out your Makeup Mistake Drawer and Find the Right Makeup for You:

Long term purchases:

1) Go to your makeup mistake drawer right now and clear it out.

- a)Anything that has begun to seperate must go. Foundations go first.

- b)Any mascara that has been in your drawer for 6 months or more needs to be tossed. (Bacteria grows on the brush and can cause infections)

- c)Every free shade of lipstick that you got with your purchase must go. That is right that puce colored lipstick will never look good on you or anyone else, which is why it was a freebee. That was their fashion mistake that they fousted on you.

- Every moisturizer that made you break out needs to hit the trash bin.

Short term purchases:

1) Admitting that we have a problem is the first step. Ok, so we hate to admit we are wrong and we especially hate having to treck to the mall to admit to the sales clerk that we were wrong. Maybe we feel that we will hurt his or her feelings. Acknowledge this and get over it.

-a) If you just recently bought something that doesn't look good on you and the store has a good return policy BRING IT BACK. If you don't want to return it to the same sales person fine but make sure it is returned to some other sales person in the store.

- b)Get the credit for your item but don't use it that day. You do not have to feel obligated to make another purchase today. Save it for a day when you really have time to try on different shades and products.

Final Step for Future Beauty Purchases:

- 1)Schedule an Appointment with a Beauty Consultant - THIS IS FREE in most department stores and makeup specialty shops.

-a) Only buy the products that you are shown that you truly like and will really use. If they show you this great eye liner but your hands shake and you have a fear of poking yourself in the eye DON'T BUY IT.

b) Speak up. Nicely tell your makeup consultant if you are not thrilled with the color choices, the way the product feels or the way the makeover turned out. Be polite. Simply ask if you can try another look or shade. If you have sensative skin, tell them that before they pick a moisturizer or foundation. If you prefer to wear just concealer and powder, let them know that as well.

The idea is to create a look that you can and want to replicate at home.

That's it folks. This is not rocket science. Let go of your hangups about returns. If you truly feel guilty about taking the time to make smart choices, take a portion of the money you would have spent on makeup don'ts and donate it to charity. Then take the rest of what you would have spent on the wrong shade of lipstick, foundation, whatever and stick it in your savings account. You will feel and look better believe me.

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls. For more makeup tips go to: stillagirl.com

Use Airbrush Cosmetics & Makeup To Create An Outrageous Design

How much do you know about airbrush cosmetics? Using airbrush cosmetics can give you the opportunity to create some really outrageous designs on your face and body. While you can use almost any type of liquid makeup to airbrush, those that are water based and alcohol free sometimes work best. If you are handy with makeup then usually airbrushing kits come with good instructions and you may be able to figure it out for yourself. You can also buy airbrush makeup that is specifically designed for this job. It all depends on how much you know and are willing to find out about the industry.

Knowing a great makeup artist that does airbrushing is fairly important. There are many women that are turning to airbrushing for special occasions like prom and their wedding day. It tends to last a lot longer than the normal application of makeup. It may possibly cost you a little more to get it applied but it will be worth it. By purchasing a airbrushing kit you would even be able to do airbrush tattoo, airbrush makeup and even airbrush tanning. If you are planning on buying a airbrushing kit it is definitely wise to do a little research on the machines and products that are available on the market today. Depending on what you want to achieve with this system will depend on what you want to do with it.

If you are looking for a special funky look, airbrushing with stencils will allow you to get the poka dot eyes you are wanting for you night out on the town. Airbrushing can also be used to apply makeup to your entire body and make it look like you are even wearing clothes. I am pretty sure that is only for the skilled user but hey, why not try it out! Airbrush cosmetics is definitely a new way of applying makeup. By using special tools and new age technology it is something to look at if you are needing makeup that will last and look awesome for at least 12 hours.

Jennifer Puffer is the owner of http://www.ultimate-beauty.com A successful website focusing on providing information and products on topics that include beauty, skin care, make up, hair, mineral makeup and much more. Jennifer invites you to find more information on airbrush cosmetics at http://www.ultimate-beauty.com

Accentuating the Eyes: The Art of Permanent Makeup

Ask anyone which facial feature they most often notice first and many times the answer is the eyes. Eyes are the most expressive feature on the human face; through them we see emotion, thoughts, secrets and reflections of ourselves. To illustrate the power of permanent makeup and the art of eyeliner let me tell you about one of my clients. The star feature of her face was fabulous almond shaped eyes. Following cosmetic surgery to take her back in time a bit, her eyes healed into a different shape, which made the outer corners awkwardly rounded and one lower eyelid partially drooped. Before agreeing to another surgery to fix it, she searched for an alternative way to regain the almond shape. With a little design strategy and meticulously placed pigment all around her eyes, we lifted the droop and then by marking into puckered scar tissue, we re-created the almond-type point at the outer corner of each eye. My client was amazed at how precise and subtle the permanent makeup appeared and she was thrilled to be able to go without topical makeup once again.

When I think of the power of permanent eye makeup, another client always comes to mind. Advanced in years, she wanted the outer her to reflect the youthfulness of the inner her. The blue color of her eyes was stunning, and definitely worth flaunting; however, a few wisps of blonde eyelashes and a total absence of eyebrows did nothing towards the cause. She started out conservatively with very soft, natural-looking permanent eyebrows and lash enhancement. A year later she returned, asking for a bolder look. Here is what she had to say: Even with the plastic surgery (3 facelifts), the permanent makeup is what gave me the most self esteem. I wish I'd known about it and done it years ago.

Consider the Advantages

Permanent makeup appeals to a wide variety of people. Busy moms, athletes, travelers, equestrians, chefs, models, doctors, dancers, police officers, busy career people and busily retired people have all been clients of mine. In my experience the best argument for a cosmetic tattoo is simply convenience. Individuals who suffer from allergies, toxicity issues, poor vision, hair loss or disabilities that limit manual dexterity have benefited from permanent makeup. Of course, the most rewarding aspect of permanent makeup is the most obvious: it stays put! Permanent eyeliner will never smear or rub away through watery eyes, perspiration, wind, snow, rain, fatigue, or a long night's sleep. For those of you who like the compliment of eyeliner to your face, permanent makeup can give you the look you want without the extra work or cost involved with traditional makeup.

The Difference Between Lash Enhancement and Eyeliner

Skillfully applied lash enhancement looks very natural, not at all like makeup. For a lash enhancement, one or more shades of color are placed in a sprinkle or a line at the base of the eyelash hairs only, making the lashes appear darker and thicker. Rather than eyeliner, I recommend lash enhancement to women, or men, who want a lift to their face naturally. It makes a good argument for less is more.

Eyeliner begins with lash enhancement and then widens above or below the eyelashes. Permanent eyeliner can have a hard edge, a softened edge, or even a smudgy, shadow look placed where it most enhances you. It can be very precise, with delicate, crisp endings to the lines; or it can be a soft powdery look. Eyeliner really rocks as a way to bring a flattering color lift to the face. Sometimes a subtle blend of multiple colors creates the perfect effect. I recommend you think conservative, tasteful, and classic. Although this is not totally permanent, it is long lasting. Choose cosmetic tattoos that will wear well through changes in mind, lifestyle and age. To bring out the trendy, glamorous or outrageous expressions of you just add topical cosmetics.

Like Makeup Only Better!

Permanent makeup is an excellent way to enhance your natural facial features. Permanent eyeliner works especially to perfect the balance, shape and overall look of the eyes. Time and again, I witness permanent eyeliner, or simple lash enhancement, lend power, alertness, confidence and youthfulness to the faces of both men and women. To read more about the art of permanent makeup please visit my web site www.DawnColors.com.

Dawn Willard?s extensive career in the fine and applied arts has included lettering, illustrations and photo and film styling. Twenty-three years as a photo and film stylist taught Dawn and array of artistic skills, one being makeup. Ms. Willard?s foray into permanent makeup began in 1996. She currently owns the Permanent Makeup Studio in Asheville North Carolina. She has explored a variety of techniques and has clients coming to her from Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, New Hampshire, New Mexico and numerous towns in western and central North Carolina. She can be reached at http://www.DawnColors.com or starjump@gmail.com.