Favorite makeup tips and tricks!

As I was getting ready for work the other day, I started thinking about all the little makeup tricks I use. Things I've learned, either from magazines, friends, family or simple trial and error. I thought it would be fun to share some of them here, even though many of you may use the same tricks and its nothing earth shattering!

Applying mascara:

I'm always on the lookout for the newest, greatest mascara (honestly, the cheaper brands like Maybelline or NYC are some of the BEST!). When I put on mascara, I always always curl my eyelashes first-I have long lashes that are straight as a stick. Then before I apply, when I'm putting on my dusting of my favorite Jane Iredale mineral powder, I brush just a touch across my eyelashes. Just a tiny bit (you don't want to get it in your eye). You can buy actual eyelash powder for the same thing, but really the powder serves the EXACT same purpose. Why spend extra money if you don't have to? The powder gives a bit of additional thickness to your lashes when you put on mascara.

I also always start with the upper lashes, putting the brush as close to the base of the lashes as I can, and kind of wriggling it a little bit to set the mascara on the base of my lashes before I sweep upwards. I put one coat on, let it dry, then put another coat on the upper lashes and a light coat on the lower lashes. If I'm feeling extra glam, I do THREE coats!

Foundation

I don't like the heavy look and feel of foundation, but I do need to cover up those age spots (ugh!) and fine lines. I prefer a tinted moisturizer instead. There are a lot of good ones out there, Clinique is my favorite. To make it even lighter, since I also use a light dusting of mineral powder as a finish, I mix it with my daily moisturizer. This provides even coverage without any weird facepaint looking sheen.

Nails

I like to paint my nails but I am not the most patient person in the world so waiting for them to dry is like...well its like watching paint dry!

I buy quick dry polishes when I can find them. I also have been known to apply polish right before  I walk out the door (coat, boots everything on before you do this. And purse over shoulder!) Then it dries while I'm driving to whereever I'm going. Sometimes the air vents in the car speed this process along.

I'm sure I have other little tricks that I can't think of right now. And I'm sure YOU have some too! What are your little makeup secrets? What do you do to streamline your own regime?

Next time, I'll talk about this:

Me before:

Me now:

After much thought and consideration, I decided I was ready for a change and cut off all my hair! I am loving it, but it takes awhile to get used to short hair! Anyway, more on that later....