Tag: BeautyTips

Raising Brows: Wax, Thread, or Tweeze?

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Eyebrows are one of the most important features that you can control on your face. With that being said, proper upkeep is essential. Many people ask me how I maintain my brows and which method I prefer: waxing, threading, or tweezing. All of these are great options and some techniques work better for some and not others. To simplify your life, I’ve put together the following quickie guide to help you decipher which means of brow grooming is best for you…

If you have sensitive skin…

Thread! Threading uses a string to remove hair and is a great option for those of you with delicate skin (or even Rosacea). While waxing tugs at the skin, threading barely has any contact with your skin so it doesn’t lead to irritation. Additionally, threading doesn’t remove the top layer of skin like waxing does so your makeup will stick to your skin properly and it won’t lead to irritation if you’re using a topical prescription cream either.

If you have coarse hair…

Wax! If you have thicker hair that grows back quickly, waxing is definitely the best option for you. Not only do most people see thinner, softer regrowth, they can also go longer in between waxes since the results are fairly long lasting. There are a few drawbacks though: 1. It can be expensive, 2. It can irritate skin (but the irritation typically goes away after a few hours), 3. It can remove tiny (virtually invisible) hairs on your face that help makeup stay in place.

If you don’t want to break the bank…

Tweeze! Not only does tweezing give you a lot more control, it’s also the most inexpensive way to maintain your brows. The most important thing to remember when plucking is to exercise restraint. Yes, you may want to pluck regrowth everyday, but be careful not to take it too far.

At the end of the day, the best recommendation I can make to you is to experiment with all three methods. Everyone’s body reacts differently to things so it’s important to see what works best for you. You may have coarse hair and find that you love the results threading yields. Or you may prefer waxing… Personally, I would love to wax my brows, but when I do I tend to breakout and get red around that area. Plus, the pain is too much for me. My go-to options are tweezing or threading. But like it said, road test a few methods and see what you like best.

Which method do you prefer and why?

XO Lee

Primp Tip: My 5-Minute Makeup Routine

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We all have mornings where we’re strapped for time yet still need to look presentable. Trust me when I say I’ve been there! Your alarm clock doesn’t go off, you’ve pressed snooze one too many times, or your morning just isn’t going quite the way you want it to. With a busy schedule and hardly enough time to make breakfast, putting on a full face of makeup doesn’t always make sense.

I’ve had my fair share of practice over the years when it comes to applying makeup in a pinch. So today I thought I’d share my foolproof 5-minute makeup routine to save you time on those busy mornings. Keep scrolling to see how you too can achieve a perfectly put together look in no time at all…

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Start at the foundation.

On busy mornings I opt for lighter but even-looking coverage when it comes to foundation. I want my skin to have a healthy, even glow without going over the top. For this I use Black Radiance TRUE COMPLEXION™ BB CREAM or I use Iman Second To None Stick Foundation/ Iman Second To None Cream To Powder. I love how blendable their foundation is and the end result feels completely weightless.

Once my foundation is evenly applied, I reach for my NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, Too Faced Born This Way Concealer Naturally Radiant Concealer-Deep with Golden Undertones or FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Match Stix Trio. I like to cover any noticeable redness or dark circles under my eyes, but make sure to do the bare minimum. Next, I use TRUE COMPLEXION™ SOFT FOCUS FINISHING POWDER to give me an airbrush flawless finish look. Remember, we’re trying to save as much time as possible. Save any major contouring for another day! 

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Make me blush.

Don’t forget to leave the house with a pretty, natural flush. I like to lightly contour my cheeks by applying Anastasia Beverly Hills Bronzing Powder in Mahogany. I rarely contour my entire face so just a touch of bronzing powder does the trick.

I then apply PÜR 4-In-1 Blush Book to the apples of my cheeks. It adds enough color to give me a healthy glow without being over the top.

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Easy on the eyes.

Believe it or not there are only four products that I use on my eyes on a regular basis—whether I’m trying to save time or not! First I start by sculpting my brows. I’m more of a natural girl myself, especially in the brow department. I use the Tinted Brow Gel – Granite to keep my brows put and the Anastasia Brow Definer – Dark Brown to make my brows look defined. I pencil in my eyebrows mimicking the natural direction of the hair and use the spooli on the other end to blend it all out.

Sometimes, I go in with my Morphe 25A COPPER SPICE EYESHADOW PALETTE, ABH
Modern Renaissance Palette, ABH Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette Once, and/or ABH Norvina Eyeshadow Palette. When I’m done putting on eyeshadow, I coat my eyelashes with Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara and call it good!

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The perfect pout.

Perfectly applying lip liner and lipstick (don’t get any on your teeth!) can take up way too much time. Instead, using a tinted lip balm will not only give your lips hydration but will also give them a nice, natural wash of color that is perfect for school, appointments or work. Before I head out the door I swipe on Maybelline New York Baby Lips Cherry Balm or FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer for moisture. It leaves my lips extra soft. 

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And there you have it! With enough practice you’ll have this routine down in five minutes flat.

How do you save time in the morning?

I’d love to hear your tips in the comments!

XO Lee

 

Beauty 911: Locked & Loaded

Published on by LeeLeave a comment

Today I’m sharing 12 things every girl ought to have in her beauty ammo whether she’s on the clock or not…

Here’s the scenario: It’s Monday morning. Your beautiful dress is full of static, you’ve still got breakfast in your teeth (darn those mangos), your T-zone is shiny…and it’s only 10am. So what’s a girl to do? Whip out her Beauty Emergency Kit (lovingly known as a “beautE-Kit”)

There are a few tried-and-true items every working (or school-aged) lady must have close at hand. This is what I keep in my beautE-Kit…

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Static Guard. It may sound strange, but this is an absolute must. Not only will it come in handy when your new dress is sticking to your legs, it can also be used in lieu of hair spray to tame flyaway. Just spritz a little on your fingertips and lightly dab unruly hairs into place.

Floss Pick. After each meal, give your pearly whites a quick clean. If you spot any leftovers, dislodge them using a floss pick. Floss picks can also be used to de-clump mascara or remove dirt from under your nails. However, please remember to perform such forms of maintenance in the privacy of the ladies room.

Mini Mirror. It’s always a good idea to keep a small pocket mirror close at hand. You’ll never wonder if you have lipstick on your teeth again!

Lotion. Usually, offices are either too cold or too hot, which can lead to chapped hands–especially when you’re washing them constantly after using the restroom. To prevent dry, cracked hands moisturize throughout the day by using your favorite hand lotion. Your hands (and nails) will thank you.

Hand Sanitizer. Sneeze, cough or blow your nose? Do your co-workers a favor and disinfect. No need to pass around an unwanted bug.

Blister Blockers. Is there anything worse than breaking in a new pair of shoes? Keep a stash of extra strong blister bandages at your desk, just in case.

Vaseline. This is one of the most underrated beauty products out there. Use it to quench dry lips, smooth it over your heel if your shoe is rubbing, or swipe it over your cuticles for a quick pick me up.

Deodorant. Keep a travel-sized deodorant stashed in your kit. You’ll never have to sweat the small stuff again (like forgetting to put it on as you rushed out the door this morning).

Stain Remover. Food should be in your mouth, not on your clothes. And the same goes for coffee. Never worry about walking into a meeting with marinara polka dots again!

Snack. It sounds silly, but I keep little bites in my puse. A case of the hangrys (hungry + angry = hangry) is never becoming.

Meds. Whether you’re team Tylenol or you’re an ibuprofen fan, having a stash of goodies to combat headaches is a smart way to keep your head clear. Also, having a few Tums on hand isn’t a bad idea either…

Bobby Pins. Nix bedhead, windy-day-hair or I-was-in-a-rush-this-morning head with a few bobby pins. A topknot, ballerina or fun bun can always tame unruly hair with the help of a few hairpins.

Those are my essentials. If you’re stranded at your desk, these 12 items will get you through. Next week, I’ll be posting a blog about office items that double as beauty products!

Want to win a copy of my personal beautE-Kit?

Leave a comment below telling me about an office item that plays double beauty duty (Note: It must be a common office item such as a paperclip and you need to tell me how it can be used as a beauty product/tool). The winner with the most creative idea will win! I’ll announce the winner and I’ll feature my favorite 5 suggestions in next week’s post too!

XO LEE

Primp Tip: How to Make Your Pores Appear Smaller

Published on by Lee7 Comments

Recently, I’ve gotten quite a few requests to do a blog post on pore minimizing tips. I’ve covered so many skincare issues here on the site, from acne to under eye circles. But this is one topic I haven’t talked about yet, so I thought I’d give it a go! While I’m pretty well versed in the world of beauty, I’m not an aesthetician or dermatologist. These are just some helpful tips I’ve gathered over the years. Check it out below…

What are pores?

First, let’s start with the basics. Pores are the tiny openings in the skin where oil and sweat is released to keep skin naturally moisturized, cool, and healthy. Pores are also home to your hair follicles. You have pores all over the surface of your skin, but they tend to be more prominent on your face because that is where your sebaceous (oil) glands are the largest. When your pores get clogged with dead skin cells, dirt, oil, or makeup, that’s what causes acne. So it goes without saying that you want to prevent buildup and keep your pores clean.

Why do some people’s pores look larger than others?

Not to state the obvious, but we all have wildy different skin. Some women deal with discoloration, some are plagued by breakouts, and others have visible pores. A lot of it is left to genetics. For instance, your pores are more likely to look larger if you have an olive complexion or a darker skin tone. Skin type and age also affect the size of your pores. People with oily skin tend to have larger pores (because their pores are more active). And as we age, we lose elasticity in skin, which can make pores appear larger. Accumulation of dead skin cells, sebum (oil), and dirt and picking at a pimple can also stretch pores.

How can I make my pores appear smaller?

While it’s not possible to actually physically shrink your pores, you can make them look smaller and give your skin a smooth, radiant appearance. The first step is ridding your skin of all the things that potentially clog pores and make them more prominent (dirt, oil, dead skin cells, etc.). With proper cleansing and steaming, exfoliation, regular professional facials, and the use of noncomedogenic products can minimize the appearance of pores.

Cleanse

Never going to sleep without properly cleansing your skin is a given. I recommend the ‘double cleanse’ where you use a makeup wipe to remove impurities on the surface and then apply a cleanser to penetrate deeper. Incorporating steam can help to open pores and release impurities while softening the skin.

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Exfoliate

Exfoliation is also key in keeping pores clear. Kate recommends making exfoliation a part of every skincare regimen (2-3 times a week). Always exfoliate with steam (the shower is a great place), and look for a product that has both physical and enzymatic exfoliation. Products with alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic acid will also help refine the appearance of pores.

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Prime

Primer might be one of those products that you think you can do without or never really understood the purpose of. But using a primer is another great way to minimize the appearance of pores. Primers sit on the surface of the skin and create a barrier between skin and makeup. Primers prevent makeup from sinking into your pores and create more of an even skin tone.

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Professional Facials

A professional facial treats your skin to a deep pore cleansing that you simply can’t achieve with every day cleansing. Regular, professional extractions will help keep skin clear and prevent scarring in the long run. I recommend getting a facial every 4-6 weeks for maintenance.

Do you have any other skincare topics you’ve like me to cover?

Let me know in the comments.

XO Lee