Makeup for Tweens

As the kiddos head back to school, one of the likely questions parents are facing is 'Can I where makeup now?' It's inevitable for most parents of tween girls. Likely some of their friends are following in big sister's foot steps. They see their friends wearing makeup so they want to too. If you have decided to say yes, here are some beginner essentials for those just starting out with makeup:

1. Nude eyeshadow - This is flattering and subtle on most everyone. This way she feels like she is wearing shadow but it’s not pink, green or bright blue. Make sure to get an eyeshadow brush with a handle for her to use with it. It makes it even more special.

2. Blush - Something soft and pink. Not outside of what she would normally flush naturally when she is running around. Also once, again if you get a nice big fluffy blush brush to use with it, she will really feel like she’s wearing more than she is.

3. Lip gloss - Choose a shade only slightly deeper than her natural lip color. A sheer, rosy gloss will look pretty, but not overdone.

Most kids want to appear older, but that's not the point of makeup. By avoiding heavier makeup like mascara, liner and foundation, she will still look her age by starting off with the subtle basics. Then, when she gets a little older and starts high school, take her to a professional makeup artist to get a real lesson in applying makeup.

Strange Celebrity Beauty Habits

We all have something that makes us particular—a unique habit or two that we don’t share with anyone else. It comes as no surprise that celebrities have some unique—and even unusual—habits of their own. People are people, right?

Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge

There's no doubt that Kate is an unparalleled beauty. What's her secret? Supposedly Kate slathers on a cream that contains bee-sting venom. Considered an organic alternative to botox, the cream was created by beauty therapist Deborah Mitchell.

Cameron Diaz, Actress

Think your grocery bill is high? Not like Cameron's! Reports are that the actress prefers to wash her face with bottled Evian water. 

Tom Cruise, Actor

Sure, exercise keeps Tom Cruise looking so young but that's not all. The newly single actor also indulges in the occasional Geisha facial—which includes powdered Nightingale droppings. The technique, borrowed from Japanese geishas who used the bird excrements as exfoliants, also counts Victoria Beckham as a fan. 

Mascara Made Easy Part II

Welcome to part two of Mascara Made Easy - here we focus specifically on application technique and tips.

 

Apply to Top Lashes Only

Many makeup artists recommend applying mascara only to the top lashes. If you want to make eyes appear wider, apply mascara to the bottom lashes but make sure you give bottom lashes a light touch. Not great at getting those bottom lashes? Try putting a tissue under them before application.

 

What it Means to "Apply a 2nd Coat" of Mascara

Confused by a magazine's directives to coat eyelashes with "no more than 3 coats of mascara?" It seems magazines have been giving these directions since forever. What they mean is to apply the coats of mascara all at once before the first coat dries. Once the first coat dries, you'll get clumps if you attempt another swipe at the lashes.

Thou Shalt Not Pump Wand In & Out of Tube

This only introduces air into the tube, which will cause your mascara to dry out sooner than it should.

 

Bend the Wand

A top makeup artist once gave his secret to his steady hand: he always bends his wand at a right angle.

 

Wait to Blink & Double Check Once Dry

Try to wait 5 seconds before blinking after you apply mascara or you could end up with mascara dots all along your eye lid. Also double check your lids before you step out just in case you’ve got those dots going on. It's embarrassing to find out hours later that you've done a poor makeup job on yourself.