Beauty Blog » Beauty Tools

The fastest, most efficient way of taking care of your eyebrows is by using the ancient method of threading. I’ve always found that tweezing never really gets every single unwanted eyebrow hair and waxing takes way too much time and money. The best thing about threading is that it’s practically pain-free! You can either go to a salon and get it done for roughly $5-$7 or you can even do it yourself! All you need is a mirror and a piece of thread.

If you learn to do it yourself, the convenience of threading is amazing. I always keep a spool of thread in my car so that if I’m waiting around in my car for whatever reason, I can just pull down the mirror of my car visor and start threading!

Threading was first developed in ancient India and spread through the east. Now, you’ll find many local salons have the option of threading, which is even more convenient because it takes only a couple of minutes when a professional threads.

If you’re doing it for the first time, then you may experience a little discomfort and the skin around your eyebrows may seem a little red–but don’t worry, that won’t last.  It’s a good idea to moisturize before and after threading to keep your skin from being too irritated. Another huge benefit is that threading pulls the hair from it’s very root so hair won’t come back for a couple of weeks! It’s the best kept secret in hair removal.

Many of you may be Target freaks like myself.  They have everything you need for everything!  The price points are pretty cheap with the exception of the slowly rising prices of the GO collections that feature different designers.  That stuff is actually gettin’ pretty expensive which is unfortunate.   Upon a recent trip (the purpose of which was to return my very expensive dress that was part of the latest GO collection, designed by Tracy Fieth) I knew I wanted a store credit due to the fact that I was in need of some cheapie cosmetics including some liquid liner, blush and lip balm.  Target’s perfect for this stuff! So, I take my $30 credit and start browsing every aisle, not being discriminatory in the least.  After surveying my basket, which included $6 pillowcases which were 250 thread count, a $13 eco-friendly Blue Sage and Aloe candle–which smelled fantastic and looked pretty, I happened to check out the “pajama/sportswear” area and found what has now become my favorite bathrobe in the whole world.  Literally!!! Gilligan & O’Malley is a label that you’ve seen at Target for what seems like forever.  It also used to grace the racks at Mervyn’s when it still existed. An inexpensive, quality brand that sells pretty intimates and things.  I was drawn to a rack of white and baby blue cotton nighties and robes that were under 20 bucks.   The robe was super soft cotton, with long sleeves, and a perfectly short length for humid/hot summer mornings.  I was in love! I searched the Target website in search of the exact same one in order to share it with you, but only found one that looks almost exactly like it, except this one is a baby blue and white paisley instead of my baby blue and white floral.  Same price, same super soft cotton.

Gilligan O’Malley Woven Robe: $19.99

This robe also comes in white for all you purists out there.  I’ve been wearing mine every morning.  I feel so glamorous and girly in it, and its definitely made my beauty routine more fun.  One of the best parts about it I think is not only the softness and simplicity of it, but the fact that its so lightweight for warm mornings.  When it’s hot, and you’ve just gotten out of a warm shower, and then have to turn on a warm air blowing hair dryer…the last thing I wanna do is put on a heavy chenille or terrycloth robe–although these are awesome.  The print is a more mature floral too and not all bright pink with dogs and college logos.  When I wear my robe now, I don’t feel like I’m in a shared bathroom at a college dorm which is oh so nice…

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more robes.

I haven’t gone to get an eyebrow wax in months.  Maybe even a year.  Although the shock of hot wax on your skin combined with the pulling of a cloth strip is undeniably unforgettable, I really can’t remember the last time I subjected myself to this.  It’s not that I mind getting eyebrow waxes, as a matter of fact, I used to get them regularly.  But my eyebrows kept getting thinner and thinner with each visit and the next thing I knew, I was having to lightly pencil them in for a regular looking face.  I also consider them a little luxury that hasn’t been necessary in these trying times.  So, I leave them alone and tweeze them every couple of weeks to clean them up a bit.  The natural shape and arch has restored itself and I even get compliments on them sometimes.  No more pencils, no more waxing.  Some of you out there will of course disagree with this and get eyebrow waxes for the rest of your life, and actually some eyebrows need them regularly.  But if you are looking to cutback on the splurge and DIY at home, you want to make sure to pick up a decent pair of tweezers.

In all honesty, mine are very old and I do need to replace them soon, sparking my curiosity about different brands.  Of course there are the well-known Tweezerman tweezers that every beauty magazine swears are the best.  I’ve used Tweezerman and they are great.  Very sharp at the pointy ends so you must be careful or you will draw blood and create an unsightly little red bump and possibly ingrown eyebrow hair

These Tweezerman Slant Tweezers ($20), seen here in their signature red, come in an array of fun animal prints and colors including my favorite shade of olive green.  These have won all sorts of accolades for being the best and apparently, were used to pluck Michelle Obama’s famously arched brows on Inauguration Day.

Sephora offers a line of products by Anastasia Beverly Hills who makes a similar style of slant tweezers, these cost a little more than the Tweezerman’s…maybe its the “Beverly Hills” add on at the end. $28, sephora.com

If your not into these prices for little pieces of metal with sharp edges, these Revlon Expert Tweezers for $6.49 will probably do the trick as well.

Happy Tweezing!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable tweezers.

Image Source: thebaglady.tv

I hate getting my hair cut.  It’s true and sounds crazy but I have just spent so many years growing it out that I don’t ever want to take away from its length…even when the ends feel and look like straw!  I never hear the end of it when my girlfriends look closely at the ends of my hair from time to time.  But any gal out there with long locks probably feel similarly and understands my mindset!  Curly hair in particular always bounces back up after even the tiniest trim, which is nice sometimes but causes the hair look shorter than it really is. This is what I don’t like…I’ve gotten some great haircuts and I always feel good afterward but I just hate feeling that I’ve lost all the length I worked so hard for. I would like to learn how to give myself trims so I have control of how much is coming off, so I decided to do a bit of research and find out how.  I learned that basically, you MUST start with cutting shears which are specifically made for cutting hair at home.  You need the sharpness of them to cut properly.  I also learned that cutting shears are extremely expensive!  I was browsing pairs that were priced at $599!  No joke.  Who knew these things were so costly?!  Of course any hairdresser would know where to find some deals on shears and pay half that price probably.  These Matsuzaki Precision Shears are carbon stainless steel, with a straight handle design.  They are called ES 3 Stars and are $285.

I don’t know where these would rank as far as quality goes, it would be interesting to find out what brand is considered “top of the line” and how much those shears run.  I have heard that cutting curly hair while its dry is best, but I wouldn’t try this personally.  If and when I do give myself a home haircut my hair will be freshly washed, wet, and combed through completely (tangle free). T hen my next guess would be to mimic what I’ve seen my hairstylists do!  Taking small sections and pulling forward with the index and middle fingers and snipping gently at the ends being careful to not get carried away and cut too much off!  I would really hate to make this mistake so probably won’t be cutting my own hair anytime soon, but to all of you that are braver than I…go for it and good luck!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more hair scissors.

Summer’s almost here!  Have you trashed your last year’s sunscreen bottles yet?  If not it is time to check the expiration dates on your old tubes.  Experts say that sunscreens have a shelf life of about a year and tend to become less stable over time.  Lately sunscreens have become so sophisticated in their technology and application that fortunately we women don’t have to worry about goopy white residues that make our makeup look kinda funny.  Dermatologists feel that effective sunscreens should have the following minimum characteristics:

1)  Should definitely be broad or full spectrum, that is protect our skin from both UVA and UVB rays that cause skin cancer and premature aging.

2)  Should at least have 4-5% of zincoxide or titanium oxide.

3)  Should at least be SPF 15 though SPF 30 is recommended by most doctors.

Today’s sunscreens are formulated to deliver much more than the above specifications.  Many multitask as moisturizers, anti-aging creams, primers, serums and foundations in addition to offering sun protection saving us both time and money.  They are also designed to go under makeup unlike the sunscreens of our grandmother’ times.  Though SPFs from individual makeup components do not add up directly to give a higher SPF number, they do add up in quantity to give more sun coverage.  When it comes to sunscreen generous amounts and constant reapplications never hurt.

Here are some top performing smart sunscreens that perform more than one role:

1) Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 45 Daily Moisturizer: $23.90

In addition to UVA and UVB protection, this moisturizer has an exclusive antioxidant blend with pure Vitamin E, which helps prevent environmental damage.  Moreover it is very non-greasy and light.

2) Kate Somerville Serum Sunscreen SPF 55: $45

This antioxidant rich serum that is paraben and oil free provides UVA/UVB protection and is also water resistant.  So great one for swimmers.

3) Peter Thomas Roth Uber-Dry Sunscreen SPF 30: $22

This is a non-oily and quick absorbing sunscreen that is formulated to leave a shine free finish.  In addition, it is enriched with Vitamins A, C and E to help fight against free radical damage.
4) La Roche Posay - Anthelios XL Tinted Creme SPF 50+: $25.60

This French tinted sun screen offers one of the best protection against UVA/UVB rays and is the top choice for many dermatologists. It contains Mexoryl SX and XL filters which are supposed to be one of the most effective FDA-approved organic filters designed to protect against short UVA rays with high photostability, which is important as it will not degrade as quickly as other sunscreens in the market with sun exposure.  It is also extremely resistant to water and sweat even during excessive outdoor activities and water sports.  Probably one of the more expensive choices out there at around $ 40 for a 50 ml. tube.  But sometimes you get what you pay for.

5)  Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion SPF 30: $9.00

This oil free, non-irritating gently face and neck 24 hour moisturizer with SPF 30 is one of the best values.  It contains microfine zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that provide broad physical block against UV induced skin damage.
7)  MAC Prep and Prime Face Protect SPF 50: $28

A skin primer with broad spectrum SPF 50 is oil free and light and is specially formulated with oil-absorbing powder to prevent oil breakthrough and give a matte finish.  Also helps guard the skin against discoloration, premature aging and dryness due to sun exposure.  I can personally say that makeup glides beautifully on it.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more sunscreen.
Discounts on Neutrogena sunscreen and La Roche Posay sunscreen.

 Dear Powers that BE that govern the UNIVERSE,

Please spare me from the same fate that has turned my father’s toes into yellow curly monsters. 

Sincerely, 

Michelle

Okay where was I? Well every time I go to get pedicures I “always” tell the lady to cut straight across and not to cut deep into the corners of my toenails. Why you ask? Because my father said that his mother use to cut his toenails really short and would cut deep into the corners of his toesnails. And by God if you saw what my father’s toes looked like you would understand my deep seated fear and horror!

Well over the weekend I kept feeling a subtle but persistent pain on my left big toe. Upon closer inspection it turns out the toenail was beginning to curl on the left corner and dig into my skin! OUCH!

Also it triggered the fear that those horrific toenails are genetic and that I may succumb to the same horrible fate!!! NOOOO!!!

I am dead set on doing everything in my power to prevent this fate, so I search for some posssible tools that might help.

I ordered this -  Ingrown Toenail Lifter

Special care is required for tending to painful ingrown toenails. This premium steel lifter has two ends to gently help move the nail and apply medicine as needed.

Note: Not for those with diabetes or poor circulation. If you are interested in purchasing the Ingrown Toenail Lifter, click here or the image.

Price: $19.99 

I hope this works, sighs. 

My friends and I are going to Vegas in a few weeks and we are all going to a spa together. Part bonding, part we don’t gamble and don’t have anything else to do while the guys gamble… 

So we were perusing the features available at the hotel we are staying at and we all decided that we want to get facials, massages and one of my friends suggested we get our eyelashes dyed!

Hmm… interesting. I have never done this and I was wondering if it’s a good idea? I mean not to be silly but if you don’t have much lashes (I’m Asian) to begin with how remarkable will it really be to dye the few strands present? Then again I suppose the sole purpose of mascara is to darken and thicken the eyelashes you have correct? So maybe this whole dyeing eyelashes thing does that for you without the fuss.

What I want to know from anyone who comes across this is:

• Is dyeing your eyelashes worth it?
• Is it safe?
• How long does it last?

That is all. Maybe I’ll do it and keep you guys posted, that way I can expense the process and chalk it up as research for this blog. Ha! 

I recently went on an all-girls road trip to San Francisco, CA and had a hard time deciding what to wear. This may be fashion season in all other areas of the world, but to S.F., this is foggy season (as it is cold 8 months out of the year there). Thus, girls have to have several different types of outfits on hand: scarves, gloves, and long jackets for daytime wear, sweaters and jeans for after work, and cocktail dresses with a dressy sweater or short jacket for the evening. Although packing my outfit was not my biggest issue; I also had to decide on one polish that could rock EVERY outfit, especially with many different types of accessories & shoes. So what’s a girl to do? Do you take your sultry red polish, sleek black cherry, or a fun pink?

Well all my prayers are answered with FINGR’S nail stickers. Now I’m not talking Lisa Frank looking stickers, with ponies and tons of color, think more along the lines of tattoo’s or decal art for your nails. Yup, Fingr’s has a line called “Edge” for the hardcore nail fanatic. The designs are fabulous and upbeat and they were reasonably priced too! I couldn’t be happier in such a time crunch, since the application process takes only minutes.

I had wished I would’ve known about these little babies for our first night in the city by the bay. We went to Ruby Skye, a chic/hip night club which has a dress-to-impress atmosphere and is located right downtown. I had sported a short black dress with long boots and smoky eyeshadow. Since too many accessories would have been overkill, I could have quickly stuck on some heart shaped press on’s with skull designs or styled some bleeding hearts with wings. And for the super shy in the city, these would definitely have been some conversation starters! Let’s be honest here, ladies, we all know a drink in the hand calls attention to your nails. These would work especially well in a situation where you just got off work, friends want to meet up for happy hour, yet you have no time to make your hands look pretty. Wah-lah, nail beauty with a hip twist!

This new find is not only for the ladies though. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they have a line for little girls, called Little Fingr’s “Girlie Nails”. My daughter will be so excited! She absolutely loves coming along for a mani/pedi anytime I hit the nail salon. Since she is only 4 years old, this is way more appropriate (and not to mention cost effective). They come in petite sizes for the little ones and also have age-appropriate stickers, with french-style manicures that have just the right amount of glitter or flowers, so your child’s hand looks classy and not trashy. I am a new big fan of the “California Girl” style also, which come in short lengths for those that are active but conscious of their manicure. Their website shows different fashions for different season’s as well, so check it out and have some fun.

Well my sister and I were having lunch on Saturday and while we were waiting to be seated I asked her if I could borrow her mascara because in my laziness I did not wear any makeup and now that I was surrounded by moderately good looking people, I regretted it.

So she handed me her tube of Dior Black Out Mascara - OMG - loves it!

It’s really great when you come across great products on the spur and when you have no idea or conception that you are looking for something.  So there I was no eyelash curler present, just my tube of Dior mascara and plumping wand…. a few strokes thru my pathetic lashes later and BAM! - thick, black long lashes.

Great product, really works seriously. I went to Sephora immediately after lunch and bought my very own tube. Tis’ now my current favorite mascara.

If you are searching for show stopping black eyelashes - try DIOR BLACK OUT MASCARA.

For more  Discount Mascara, Click here!

Do you travel a lot? I do and I use to cart around miniatures of everything- baby wipes, toilet paper, mouth wash, lotion..etc.

Which is why when I came across this product I simply had to share, I think the concept is pure genius and saves a lot of room and hassle when you are on the go. If I had a nickel for all the mini lotions I have had to chuck at the airport because of “security”. Stupid terrorists cause me to have perpetually dry hands when I fly..

This set includes individually wrapped towelettes in six different bottle-free forms—Makeup Remover, Feminine Hygiene, Nail Polish Remover, Hydrating Lotion, Lens Cleaning, and Dental Mitt. Just pop your portable goods in a purse and be on your (suddenly unburdened) way.

Price $19.99  (awesome right!?)

If you are interested in checking out La Fresh Travel Wipes for Her - Click here!

For more low priced Health & Beauty Products, click here.