Ladies, what's the best beauty advice you've acquired over the years?

[Broomstick]

@Cat_Whisperer

And guys shouldn’t have prettier eyebrows than women.

Frankly, I wouldn’t find those attractive on either women or men - are they half-shaved or something? That looks totally artificial.

[Sigmagirl]

@nashiitashii

I agree (on both counts); one thing that will help for those who want well-applied makeup is to start with some decent brushes. If the ones in department stores are a bit pricey for your needs, look at your local craft store for soft bristled brushes-- they come in the same shapes, but are significantly cheaper and work just as well. Your only issue may be that the handle is much longer than you need; if that’s the case, trim it down to a more manageable size.

The Sonia Kashuk line at Target is very well priced, good quality and goes on sale periodically.

[gallows_fodder]

@lindsaybluth

gallows fodder, does the Tweezerman curler get closer to your lashes at all?

Well…I’m not really sure. Do you mean closer to the eyelid? I think so. I took a picture of my eyelashes so you could see the results of the Tweezerman (sorry for the crappy quality and angle – this was using the camera built into my laptop). You can see on the eyelashes on the left that there’s a curve instead of a sharp cornered crimp like the cheap curlers give you. (I also curled them, like, 30 seconds before taking this shot, so they’re not usually as upright as they are here.)

[GilaB]

Several people here have recommended using a primer. What is it, and do you use it under, over, or instead of foundation? Why is it better than foundation?

[Freudian_Slit]

@GilaB

Several people here have recommended using a primer. What is it, and do you use it under, over, or instead of foundation? Why is it better than foundation?

I thought primer was something you used under foundation. I don’t use primer exactly but I do always moisturize a bit before putting on foundation. It helps the foundation stay on way better than just putting it on totally bare skin.

[HazelNutCoffee]

Yeah, primer is used under foundation. It helps your makeup go on smoother and last longer. I used to use one but I’m too lazy nowadays. Like Freudian Slit I just use moisturizer, but I don’t even bother with foundation anymore. I just used a pressed powder, works fine.

If your skin tone is uneven or quite dry/oily a primer can be helpful though.

[HazelNutCoffee]

@Freudian_Slit

I’ve heard of the blow dryer on the eye curler trick but I’m kind of afraid to use it. Well, that and I haven’t gotten around to getting an eye curler. Someone upthread I think said that buying a cheaper eye curler isn’t as good–what are some good brands?

The Japanese are good at this - Shu Uemura and Shiseido are my favorites.

Never tried the heated curler trick though, too scared. I just used mascara as soon as I curl my lashes and that does the trick for me.

MeanOldLady, I usually blink on my fingers a few times and that gets rid of the excess mascara so it doesn’t leave marks on my face.

[Dangerosa]

@HazelNutCoffee

Yeah, primer is used under foundation. It helps your makeup go on smoother and last longer. I used to use one but I’m too lazy nowadays. Like Freudian Slit I just use moisturizer, but I don’t even bother with foundation anymore. I just used a pressed powder, works fine.

If your skin tone is uneven or quite dry/oily a primer can be helpful though.

Some primers are wrinkle fillers. And become more useful as you start looking for ways to keep your foundation out of your creases.

[MeanOldLady]

@heraldgwena

I often have a bit of tissue on hand to lightly dab off any excess mascara/clumps. I am not wiping it off. I basically “blink” into it, if that makes sense. That way, it ends up on the tissue instead of the face.

@HazelNutCoffee

MeanOldLady, I usually blink on my fingers a few times and that gets rid of the excess mascara so it doesn’t leave marks on my face.

Duh. Why did something so simple never occur to me?

[Freudian_Slit]

@HazelNutCoffee

The Japanese are good at this - Shu Uemura and Shiseido are my favorites.

Never tried the heated curler trick though, too scared. I just used mascara as soon as I curl my lashes and that does the trick for me.

Thanks, Hazel, will look into that.

I’m not sure if I’ll try the heated curler thing. Putting something hot near my face scares me, too. Hm.

[lindsaybluth]

Really, the heat tool is away from your face, it’s just the tiny pad that’s warmed. The whole curler is cool. I’ve never burned myself, but here’s a list of things I’ve clumsily done this week:

1. tripped down the stairs
2. gotten mascara in my eye, and on my contact lens
3. tripped on a broken curb in broad daylight
4. burned myself on a batch of cookies

What I mean is, I’m real freakin’ clumsy, and I’ve never had a problem with it.

[lindsaybluth]

@gallows_fodder

Well…I’m not really sure. Do you mean closer to the eyelid? I think so. I took a picture of my eyelashes so you could see the results of the Tweezerman (sorry for the crappy quality and angle – this was using the camera built into my laptop). You can see on the eyelashes on the left that there’s a curve instead of a sharp cornered crimp like the cheap curlers give you. (I also curled them, like, 30 seconds before taking this shot, so they’re not usually as upright as they are here.)

It looks great on you, but actually, looking at your lashes, I think need the cheepo curlers. My eyelashes are so darn straight (I don’t use mascara, but I curl them 2-3 pumps in the AM and by 2pm they’re straight again) that I think I need the super-crimping action. However, now I’ve got a mother’s day present in mind for my mom, thanks!