Save-A-Minute Secrets

5 Unexpected Uses For Makeup You Already Own

Time to streamline! These genius double uses for the makeup staples you already own make your cosmetics go the extra mile, saving much-needed space in your gym bag—and money in your wallet.

  • BLUSH = EYE SHADOW  Use an eye shadow brush to sweep blush over your eyelids for a pretty, monochromatic look.
  • CONCEALER = EYE & LIP PRIMER Neutralize the ruddy pink tones of eyelids and lips with a light layer of your regular concealer: The colors you apply on top with appear truer and last longer.
  • EYE SHADOW = HIGHLIGHTER Blend a light-colored neutral cream eye shadow (think champagne or gold), such as CoverGirl Intense ShadowBlast in Beige Blaze, on the tops of cheekbones, cupid’s bow, inner corners of the eyes and under the brows for a believable glow.
  • LIP BALM OR LIPSTICK  = CHEEK & EYE ENHANCER In a pinch, dab tinted lip balm or lipstick on cheeks and eyes—they can double as a cream blush and eye shadow. Use a clear balm to add a touch of healthy sheen.

Source: Pat McGrath, creative design director for Procter & Gamble Beauty

And my own creation: Layer lip balm, a rose, pinky-nude or mauve-hued eye shadow, and top with clear lip gloss for a custom-created lip color.

—By Wanda Rosa, beauty intern


Soothe Sensitive Skin

ClearSkin_316wIn the October issue of FITNESS (on sale tomorrow!), we have a must-read feature all about sensitive skin, which is perfect for the 60 percent of American women who say they have complexion irritation. We feature a couple of fantastic makeup products that will help you fake flawless skin, but you should also try these incredible makeup tricks from Emily Kate Warren, a makeup artist in San Francisco and New York City.

Time to prime. If you have red patches, instead of trying to cover up all of the ruddiness with a concealer, simply pick a primer in a yellow or green tint. The tint will help tone down these areas so they’re not so obvious. Next, use tinted moisturizer all over, then spot cover with a yellow-toned concealer to camouflage as needed.

Don’t fight it. Leave the natural redness in your cheeks and simply sweep a matte, pale pink blush on the tops of your apples. Similar to embracing your hair’s natural texture, it’s more flattering to play up your natural rosiness on your cheeks. Just apply it lightly–the more you swipe, the more you’re going to make your cheeks look red.

Tell us: What are your makeup tricks for sensitive skin?


Easy Hair Secrets to Fight Summer Frizz

Summer’s humidity, sweaty workouts and windy beach days can all wreck a hot-hair day and give your style the dreaded F-word: FRIZZ. Here are some of the best tips and strategies that top stylists have given me to prevent pouf and foil frizzies.

“To keep flyaways from forming around your hairline, start blow-drying your roots and around your crown first. Because these areas are most prone to frizz, it’s best to eliminate any humidity as soon as possible.” –Noemie, Hairstylist at Prive Salon in New York City

“Spritz a bronzer brush with a shine spray and smooth it over flyaways. Because the bristles are lightweight, they won’t pancake your strands, the way your hairbrush would.” –David Evangelista, a celebrity stylist in New York City

“Before you work out, spray your hair from roots to ends with a dry shampoo to absorb water. Next, brush strands flat around your head, then cover them with a silk scarf before you sweat. Afterward, blast roots for a few minutes with a blow-dryer on cool.” –Jet Rhys, owner of the two eponymous salons in San Diego


Tame Your Summer Mane

The height of summer is in full swing in New York City, and our hair’s been reacting in accordance (read: frizz, grease, and flyaways).

Thankfully, Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Collection has come up with a foolproof style for your next getaway or day at the beach. Here’s to good hair days ahead!

  1. Before heading to the beach or the pool, wash and condition your hair thoroughly.
  2. Towel dry and put hair in a ponytail at the top of your head.
  3. Twist hair around the ponytail and secure in a spiraled bun.
  4. Spritz strands with a soft-touch hairspray.
  5. After your day in the sun, let the bun fall to form smooth waves, and finish with a mist of hairspray to keep locks in place.

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    —By Amanda Downs, beauty intern


    Beauty Apps: A Girl’s Best Friend

    Just because you’re constantly on the go doesn’t mean your beauty regime has to suffer. We found some of the coolest beauty applications for your smart phones. Now you can be a virtual beauty no matter what your day has in store!

    Proactive Sleep Alarm Clock App

    One major ingredient in looking and feeling your best is making sure you get your beauty ZZZ’s. This cool app helps you log and analyze your sleep so you can dream sweetly.

    Sephora iPhone App

    Makeup junkies can breath a sigh of reliefwith the new Sephora app you can browse, buy and even watch tutorials from your phone. Plus, a little birdie told us that when you make your first purchase using this app you get a free Sephora iPhone case!

    OPI Nail Studio App

    There’s nothing like the sheer joy of finding the perfect hue for your digits. This OPI app will help you achieve nail perfection.

    Mirror in Your Pocket App

    Who doesn’t need a midday makeup check? This handy app turns your phone into a mirror so you can check yourself out. Whether you need to insert your contacts or just reapply your favorite shade, this is the app for you and it’s totally free.

    Back Massage App

    Strange but true: Your phone can pamper you with an on-the-go spa treatment. Just place it on your back for a mini massage—anywhere, anytime!

    Beauty & Health Deals App:

    In this economy a girl’s got to know where to find a bargain! This app keeps you up-to-date on the latest beauty and health steals, so you can go ahead and treat yourself without the guilt.

    —By Lindsay Richardson, beauty intern


    My Aha Acne Moment

    This past weekend, I visited the Mario Badescu Spa for a vitamin C facial, and I totally had an acne aha moment. For the past couple of months, I have been consistently breaking out on my neck.  (Who knew this was even possible?!) The zits are often on the left side of my neck, and I originally blamed my little puppy Elvis as my acne culprit. However, as soon as my facialist saw the breakouts on my neck, she asked: “Do you sleep with your hair down?” My answer: Yes, and I often slather oil (my go-to one: Shu Uemura Essence Absolue) on my ends in order to keep them shiny and prevent split-ends. Then she asked: “Do you sleep with your head turned more to the right?” My answer: Totally, because I like to face my window. Ding, ding! Tossing my hair around was exacerbating, if not completely causing, my neck bumps. Since this visit, I’ve been wearing my hair up, and I’ve already noticed that my skin is clearer. Have any of you guys come across other habits that are skin saboteurs? I’m curious!

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    Soften Your Skin for Summer

    Want easy, inexpensive tricks for touchable, soft skin from head to toe? Watch this segment that I did with Kathie Lee and Hoda last month. It was so fun to tape, and I think we featured great, simple secrets that you can do at home or on the go. Plus, they’re all natural, too! Let us know if you’ve tried any of these get-gorgeous recipes or have your own special beauty concoction that you swear by. Click on the beach bag to watch the segment!

    -Eleanor Langston, Beauty Director

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