Halloween Makeup Tutorials

I really have no idea what I'm going to be for Halloween, but whatever it is has to go with something I already have in my closet. lol Here are a few cute looks that caught my eye. Sephora's Get-the-Look Halloween 2010: Peacock Betty Boop Lady Gaga "Telephone" Video Makeup Lady Bug Sexy Cat

Using Makeup Testers Safely

I'm a psychotic germaphobe with OCD tendencies, and a host of other ailments that would never allow me to use the makeup testers at stores. However, if you are a normal functioning human being who wants to try on makeup, Women's Health gives a few tips on how to do so safely. Hopefully you won't fall victim to the bacteria and God knows what else that may be swimming on those things. OK, OK....I'm sorry!! I can't help it!

When Trying On.....

Lipstick - Wipe off the top layer with a tissue. Dab the color onto your lips with a cotton swab.

Eye Shadow- Use a cotton swab to brush the color onto your brow bone. Steer clear of your eyelids.

Lotion- Avoid the jarred variety. Stick with lotions that are in a tube or a container with a pump.

Solid Foundation- Remove the top layer with a tissue, then use a disposable makeup sponge to apply the product to your skin.

Blush- Spritz an alcohol-based spray onto the communal makeup brush, let it dry for a minute or two, and then swipe the blush onto your cheeks.

Kim K's New Fragrance Ad

"The voluptuous new fragrance"?? I just can't....

Forever 21 Launches Makeup Line

The "Love and Beauty" collection carries just about everything. Pressed powder, lip gloss, eye shadow, mascara, etc. Like the clothes, the prices are extremely reasonable with nothing being priced over $5 from what I can see. In my book, that means its worth a try.

CoverGirl is GENIUS!!!

I have tried and failed miserably to create the smokey eye over the years. It's like I instantly became dyslexic whenever I tried to take in anything about achieving this look. No matter how many tutorials and explanations I got, I just couldn't get it. Now CoverGirl has come up with a GENIUS product that helps you create the look in two very easy steps. It comes in several different colors from silver to purple and only cost $8.49 (yessssss!!!). After years of trying, it finally looks like its gonna happen for me *tear* I'll make sure to post pics and reviews when I get them. You can order them at drugstore.com for a limited time only, it launches everywhere in the spring. Check out the video by clicking here.

Sephora Halloween Makeup Kits

I took a trip to Sephora today (I literally haven't been there in years!) and came across these really cool Halloween Makeup kits. Each kit contains all the supplies you need, and the choice of three different looks. The kit that was used for the look above gives you the choice of either creating a Vampire, Rockstar, or Witch look. They are a great value at only $19, can't beat that. Check out the links below for more info and to order.

Vampire, Rockstar, Witch

Doll, Fairy, Angel

Greek Goddess, Peacock, Cleopatra

Essence Busts Five Hair Growing Myths

I know I grew up hearing a lot of these myths, I'm sure a lot of you have as well.

1. Oiling Your Scalp Is An Absolute Necessity
Your scalp needs to breathe to function properly, so it's best not to clog hair follicles with heavy ingredients like petroleum jelly, mineral oil or lanolin. A dry or flaky scalp could be the result of using the wrong products. For example, shampoo with high alcohol content might dry out the scalp, or a too-heavy conditioner may leave a flaky residue. The last thing you want to do is put grease on top of flaky dead skin.

2. Your Hair Will Grow If Your Stylist Has Growing Hands
There is no magic when it comes to hair growth. It's a matter of biology. Depending on your hair's natural growth cycle, it may grow anywhere from a quarter of an inch to a half inch per month. So abandon the idea of "growing hands." Most likely, a stylist's ability to keep hair on your head is based on his or her understanding of how to care for your hair type, texture and special needs.

3. If You Want Your Hair To Grow Long, Don't Cut It
If you don't keep your ends trimmed—a quarter of an inch snipped every six to eight weeks—they will eventually unravel up the hair shaft, leaving thinner, more fragile tresses that will easily break. Regular trimming keeps the hair stronger.

4. With Locks or Braids, You Rarely Have To Wash Your Hair
All hair (especially the scalp) needs regular shampooing. The only way to remove bacteria, perspiration, product residue, pollution, etc. is via regular shampooing. Try a dry shampoo between your regular shampoos to freshen the hair.

5. Natural Hair Doesn't Need Much Maintenance
The late stylist and hair care guru Olive Benson used to tell me constantly: There is no such thing as zero-maintenance Black hair. Our hair is dry, often porous, so it needs regular detangling, moisture and conditioning to counter breakage and to thrive.

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