Dear Jeannine... How do I find a good drugstore mascara?

Hi Jeannine, I was wondering if you could suggest a good mascara that I could buy from a drugstore. I just finished my Rimmel Lash Accelerator, which I like, but I'm looking for something else. Mind you my lashes are very short and straight. Thanks so much! -T Hi T,

Thanks for your message!  It's great that you were using the Rimmel Lash Accelerator since your lashes are short and you want length.  I would recommend continuing to use a lash growth serum (that mascara has one in it that works over time).  Try Talika Lipocils Expert. I've used it and it works as long as you're compliant.

My number one tip is to take the extra two seconds and use an eyelash curler before applying your mascara.  Not only will it give you the desired curl you wish for, but it will also help to separate your lashes before you coat them.  My favorite is Lancome Le Curler, because it's designed really well.

Now onto the mascara!  To conquer the length right away, you want a mascara that has micro-fibers in it that attach onto the ends of each individual lash.  Sounds crazy right? Try Maybelline Illegal Lengths.  It will give you a false lash effect!  Let me know how you make out!

xo,

Jeannine

Easy Mascara Trick for Longer, Thicker Lashes

Last week I had dinner with Celebrity Makeup Artist, Jake Bailey, known for perfecting Taylor Swift's flirty lash look in the Cover Girl ads and Katy Perry's signature cat eye. While I learned a ton of great makeup application tips and tricks from him throughout the meal, there was one that deserved a post on its own – the best mascara tip ever! Somewhere in between testing out an eyeshadow on my hand and drinking a glass of red, Bailey began doing a mascara demo that changed my life (well, changed my makeup routine).  His secret was a prop – a business card.  Here's the how-to:

1. Place a business card behind your upper lashes to protect your lid from the pigment.

2. Place the wand at the base of your lash line and wiggle it in between your lashes for added definition.

3. Next, as you pull the brush up throughout your lashes, rotate it so you're continuously coating them with fresh mascara and lift your lashes up with it for added length.

4.  Allow the brush to continue past your lashes and run onto the business card so the excess mascara doesn't clump on the tips of your lashes.

You don't have to use a business card to pull of this trick.  A match book, credit card, or anything thin and small will work.  As far as mascara goes, work with what you like, but I recommend trying CoverGirl's Nature Luxe Mousse Mascara, $8.49 at drugstores.  It's what Bailey used for the demo and created dimensional lashes.

NYFW Beauty Award: Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara

I have to admit, I get sent a lot of products to test and being one person, there's only so much I can try at one time.  That being said, I have not tried Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara until now.  I'm kind of a mascara snob and no matter what I try, I've always reverted back to my MAC Zoom Lash – until now. Maybelline sponsored New York Fashion Week and therefore Maybelline makeup artists were backstage creating the looks for multiple shows.  This is where I was really introduced to The Falsies Mascara for the first time.  I was practical drooling over every swipe on the models eyes backstage and knew I just had to try it.  The results seemed unreal.  The Maybelline PR rep gave me a tube right then and there backstage and I used it that very night.

The results – incredibly impressive.  The formula is smooth and seems moisturizing.  It adds volume and makes my lashes very noticable, but what I really liked about it is how healthy my lashes look.  My MAC Zoom Lash definitely adds length and fullness, which is why I like it so much, but it also tends to flake and make my lashes look a bit dry.  Like healthy, dewey skin, healthy lashes are everything!

Halston Kicks Off the Season with A Natural Look

Worn by Sarah Jessica Parker (who was at the show tonight), and other hot celebrities; Halston is one designer that knows how to set trends. Despite the down pour the show went on and the audience was packed at Gladstone’s Gallery in New York. Halston showed off their designs and fresh, natural look for this season. I went backstage for Beautysweetspot to get all the tricks of the trade in creating what the pros called – the perfect natural look. Inspired by the 1960’s and 70’s, MAC’s head makeup artist, Amora, shares a few secrets in creating a “no makeup” look. The team dabbled on foundation with a brush in a circular motion to polish the skin while giving it great coverage.  For a natural flush, Amora applied blush with her fingers in the center of the models cheek. The eyes lashes were absolutely amazing, and I found out the secret is to make sure the mascara’s brush is spikier and rubbery, similar to a comb. To get these lashes apply lots of product and separate the lashes one by one with brush. To do this take the mascara brush and bend up in layers to separate and lengthen. To complete the natural look, skip the eye liner.

Every girl knows that hair is the most important accessory worn with any outfit. Head hairstylist, Bob Recine and the Barex Style Team had two looks for the models at this year’s show. First, they started with Barex Gloss Strong Hold Mousse, which was applied to damp hair for added volume. The hair was then center parted and blow dried straight. Their bangs were pinned back creating a “V” shape to help... avoid lift. The look was completed by using Barex Gloss Hairspray to make sure all the strands stayed perfectly in place.

The second look was a sophisticated bun. The bun was created by first having two pig tails. Recine created the look by twisting the pig tails back and forth like a figure eight. He then used bobby pins to hold it in place.

Lead by Pattie Yankee, Dashing Diva once again proved they owned the runways – opting for a natural look that wouldn't clash with the designs. Two coats of the shade East River View was applied on light skinned models and  one coat of Chelsie in the Buff on darker skinned models.  Halston’s look this season of natural, fresh, makeup, hair, and nails is perfect for any woman to wear to work, running errands, or simply having brunch on Sundays.