5-Minute Makeup

Inspiration for this blog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdtnaXQpLrk

If you’re pressed for time but need an amazing makeup look, try this 5-minute face routine. You’ve got to work fast to beat the clock, but with enough practice and/or time constraints you’ll get it down in no time…all while looking absolutely fabulous.

1. To begin, apply a tinted moisturizer or a BB Cream (blemish balm) to all areas of your face, in a shade that closely matches your skin tone. Using either product works best because both contain built in moisturizer and color- so you’re able to eliminate 2 steps (moisturizer, foundation) by using one product.

2. Next, you’ll want to apply concealer to problems areas of your face such as: blemishes, dark spots and under eye circles.

3. Lastly, set your face with a powder of your preference.

4. Before you move on to eyes, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks. To find the apples of your cheeks smile in the mirror. The two highest and roundest parts of your cheeks are your apples.

5. Next prime the eyes. Using an eye shadow primer (Urban Decay and Too Faced both have great primers) will insure staying power of your colors.

6. For a quick yet put together look, I suggest using 3 eye shadows: a neutral shade for your all-over base, a deeper shade for your crease and a lighter shade for the lids. The lightest shade can also be used to highlight (apply to the brow bone and inner corners of eyes).

7. Line eyes with a pencil, this works best for a fast application.

8. Lastly, add mascara and you’re done!

Time! Now you’re out the door. The next time you’re in a pinch or just want to take the challenge- try this out and see if you can’t meet that 5-minute mark, gorgeous.

D.I.Y. Makeup Brush Cleanser

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/d-i-y-makeup-brush-cleanser/

Ladies! Spend your money no more…at least not on brush cleanser. Below I’ll give you instructions on how to make your own. Trust me, you’ll never have to shop for this again.

What You’ll Need:

• Empty spray bottle

• Measuring cups and spoons

• 1 cup of water

• ¼ cup rubbing alcohol

• ½ tbsp. dish soap

• ½ tbsp. baby wash or shampoo

• 1 tbsp. hair de-tangler or leave-in conditioner spray

What To Do:

• Pour all ingredients into a regular or measuring cup with a spout

• Stir together

• Pour into spray bottle

For Best Results:

Spray cleanser on to a washcloth or rag rather than the actual brush, and in a sweeping motion wipe clean. I’ve also found that moving the brush in a circular motion works just as well. Once the brushes are clean, lay flat to dry.

This cleanser can be used for spot cleaning, which is a fairly quick cleansing method that should be done on brushes every 2 weeks. For a deeper clean- wash brushes under warm water with a mild soap like baby wash, pat off excess water with a washcloth, and lay flat to dry.

Spot cleaning takes about 1-2 hours for brushes to dry. The deeper cleaning could take anywhere from 4-6 hours to dry. If you clean them before bed, they’ll be ready to use in the morning.

The Benefits:

As some of you know, brush cleansers can get to be quite expensive. Homemade cleanser is just the opposite- it saves you money, as I was able to purchase all of the supplies at a bargain store (think The Dollar Tree). Cleaning your brushes often is a great habit to form, because over time bacteria can build up; bacteria that could potentially be very harmful. This do-it-yourself project not only keeps your brushes clean, leaves them soft and smelling fresh- but it also extends the life of them.

Just like any of your possessions, the more you take care of them, the longer they’ll last. Did it work for you?

Dressing For an Interview

My Featured Article: TBA or http://theteentrends.com/author/ali-s/

With school out for break, summer presents the perfect time to pick up a job. But before you start groaning, let me give you a few reasons why you might consider working this summer. a) Working keeps you busy b) The money you make will be YOURS and c) Your parents will be happy not having you ask for EVERY thing you want. Now I know what you might be thinking, “Interviews are scary!” “What if they don’t like me?” “What should I wear?”  And to that, all I can say is…relax. Take a deep breath. You’ll get through this.

Confidence is extremely important when going on an interview. If you have confidence, the person interviewing you will be able to see that, and your chances for getting that job are likely to increase. The key to being confident is in part, looking confident. So how do you do that? How do you dress for an interview? It’s simple. Follow along…

TOPS

Stay away from casual. No t-shirts, tank tops or the like. Try a nice fitting blouse with sleeves (short sleeves at minimum).  You might also try layering a cardigan or blazer over a sleeveless blouse.

This: 

Not this:

BOTTOMS

This one is open for debate. Slacks or skirts with an appropriate length (knee) are always okay in my book- I tend to side with slacks however. Black is always a safe bet, as it goes with just about anything. 

This:

Not this: 

SHOES

Although the job you’re interviewing for might be set in a casual environment, I say to be on the safe side wear a semi-formal closed toe shoe. This means no sneakers or flip-flops. It also means no strappy stilettos. A wedge or heel, of appropriate height will do. We’re trying to get a job ladies, not a date!

This: 

Not this:

ACCESSORIES

Less is more. Of course pair your outfit with key pieces like earrings, a watch, maybe even a necklace or bracelet. Just don’t over do it. The goal is to look professional and stylish at the same time- not like you just stepped out of Forever 21’s accessories department. *If there’s one accessory you MUST wear at an interview, it’s a watch. It shows that you’re cognoscente of time; a quality any employer will appreciate.

This: 

Not this: 

Think you’re ready? Go get ‘em!

How-To Beach Waves Hair

My featured article: http://theteentrends.com/how-to-beach-waves-hair/

A popular summer hairstyle are trendy "beach waves". You know, that perfect hair you get after a swim in the ocean? Now, getting this style is also possible without even leaving the house! Read below to discover the 3 ways to achieve this 1 look. 

1. The Product: The Ocean

The Cost: Free

The Effect: The hair's most natural looking wave is created by the elements of the ocean (salt water). Go for a swim the next time you're at the beach, and try out this hairstyle.

Tip: Help the waves along by scrunching hair while it's still damp, this will also help to build body. *After your hair has been exposed to salt, it dries faster so don't wait too long before scrunching.

2. The Product: Goody Heat, Wave Creator curling iron

The Cost: 29.99 

The Effect: Loose effortless waves are created by a wave shaped barrel. Unlike ordinary curling irons designed with a full clamp, this styling tool's is only partial. Simply place the clamp on or close to the ends of your hair, and wrap the barrel upwards. Because of the iron's unique design, it is almost effortless to achieve the desired look.

Features: Reaches it's maximum heat of 410 degrees in 30 seconds.

Tip: To tame waves, I recommend using a smoothing serum before or after heat styling.

3. The Product: Beach Wave/Surf hair sprays

The Cost: Prices for each hair spray will vary by brand and location at which you purchase them. My DIY version however, is of course free (if you've already got the supplies at home). 

*What You'll Need: 1 teaspoon of epsom salt (epsom salt helps with sore muscles and stomach aches- so you may already have this at home), a few drops of olive oil, 1/4 cup of water and a spray bottle.

The Effect: A less precise and looser wave is created by spritzing the product onto damp hair. Scrunch hair to style and allow to air dry. Waves will form as hair dries. 

Tip: If making your own spray, I suggest going easy on the olive oil. Oil has the tendency to weigh hair down and/or become too greasy to hold any body. 

The Verdict: I've achieved this look using all 3 methods, but have been most successful going the natural route. Next, using the curling iron and lastly, the hair spray. 

The whole point of the beach wave hairstyle is to make it look like you actually spent a day at the beach. So the messier the look, the better! Complete precision isn't necessary for this hairstyle, so don't be afraid to let it get a bit unruly. 

Try it out and discover which method works best for you.

DIY Egg Mask Facial

My article: http://theteentrends.com/diy-egg-mask-facial/

I love the saying "You are what you eat", especially when what you eat is healthy! Eggs are one of the greatest and most natural sources of protein there are. Now, not only are eggs good for the body, they're also great for the skin. 

An at home egg mask facial is great for several reasons. For starters, they're a money saver, since most if not all of the materials needed are items you probably already have at home. Their ingredients have the ability to brighten, tighten as well as aide in diminishing pore size. And lastly, these masks are great for oily skin- and with summer vastly approaching I thought this how to would be useful.  

(*Face mask is not for people who have allergies to eggs)

What You'll Need: 

2 bowls

A fork 

1 egg, organic preferred but non-organic will do. *Organic eggs come from cage free hens and are the better option because they contain more nutrients and less toxins than non-organic eggs. 

Face wash or cleansing wipes

*Exfoliator (optional)

Facial moisturizer or serum

1 ice cube

How To:

1. Separate the egg: Break egg and separate the white from the yolk into 2 bowls. With a fork, beat the egg white until it forms a bubbly consistency. 

2. Cleansing the skin: Using a face wash or cleansing wipe of your preference, remove all makeup and or dirt/oil. 

3. Exfoliate: (Step is optional) Using an exfoliating scrub of your choice, gently massage over face. I use the Olay ProX cleansing brush ($29.99) and St. Ives green tea scrub ($4.99)

4. Apply egg white: Take 1 tablespoon of the egg white mixture and rub onto face. Cover face evenly avoiding the eye area and let sit until "mask" begins to tighten. The egg white will lift the skin while tightening at the same time. When it becomes hard to move your face, the mask has set long enough. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

5. Apply egg yolk: Following the egg white mask, use a small amount of the yolk and apply to your entire face, avoiding the eye area. The yolk acts as a natural moisturizer. Let the mask set until face becomes hard to move. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Pat dry.

6. Moisturize: Now that your face is clean it's time to moisturize! Apply a favorite lotion or serum to your entire face. Your skin should immediately soak it in. 

7. Minimize pores: To minimize the appearance of pores, run an ice cube over your entire face. The lotion/serum you applied in the previous step should have soaked into the skin by now, so don't worry that it will run off. Concentrate the ice cube on the area around your nose, as those pores are the most visible. 

All finished! Your skin should now have a healthy glow to it. If you're not sure what to do with the left overs, they can be covered and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

So save yourself the cash and a trip to the salon because all you need is already in the kitchen. Healthy foods make healthy skin…enjoy! 

10 Flirting Tips

My article: http://theteentrends.com/10-flirting-tips/

Ever find yourself at a loss for words around your crush? Well- whether you're new to flirting or a seasoned vet, these 10 tips are sure to help you break the ice. 

Make Eye Contact

Every relationship involves and requires eye contact. However, when it comes to flirting and being successful at it- eye contact is of the utmost importance! If you want to grab your crush's attention- look them in the eyes. Doing so not only conveys your interest, but your confidence as well. 

Have a Good Opening Line

The next time a flirtatious moment presents itself, go for it with this tip. Try using their name and asking how their day is going. Speaking directly to a person lets them know that they have your attention, and hopefully that will segue into a more in depth conversation with your crush. 

Strike up a conversation

What you say next should be a general comment or question about the situation you're both currently in. If you have a class together, come up with a question regarding an assignment or the class. For example, "Have you picked a topic for your presentation yet? I'm doing ___ ".

Compliment The Person

Pick one thing you like about their appearance such as their hair, their smile or an article of clothing. Let them know in a friendly way how much you like it. It'll make them feel good and more likely to open up to you. (*If you can't think of anything to say for tip #2, a compliment will do). 

Smile

A little smile goes a long way. A happy face is more inviting than a frowning one; which is the message you want to send while flirting anyway, right? Look like you actually enjoy talking to and/or being around them. Be sure to throw them a smile whenever appropriate. If they shoot one back, you'll know that they like talking to and/or being around you too.

Flirt With Your Body

This doesn't mean throw yourself at the person. Body language can be as important if not more important than what you say. Make sure to use good posture, point your body toward the person and try to find excuses to touch them. I.e., a subtle brush of the arm or a lingering touch on the shoulder.

Keep It Light

Chances are you'll get a better response if you chat about fun, happy stuff (like your new puppy) rather than serious or sad stuff (like when your puppy got hit by a train). The point of flirting isn't to bare your soul or share your honest opinions about everything. Instead it's to open the door to lots more conversations down the road. 

Beware of Awkward Silences

Once the conversation drags, it's probably gone for good. Fill an awkward silence by asking the other person a question. Can't think of one? Ask about something specific to them or something regarding your surroundings (like a painting on the wall or the music that's playing). Try to keep them engaged and talking. If they're not responsive, that's usually a good indicator to wrap things up. 

Wrap It Up

If you're not interested in talking anymore, politely find an excuse to part ways. If you are interested, give them a way to get in touch with you- like your phone number or Facebook name. This is hopefully just the first conversation of many, so save some of that charm for the next time.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Let's face it, no one's perfect at flirting the first time around. If the idea of flirting still gives you butterflies, don't worry- it just means that you need more practice. The more you flirt, the easier it'll get.

Remember, flirting is just a fun way to see how well you vibe with a person. It doesn't seal your fate with someone as a full-fledged couple, nor does it deem you a romantic and social outcast. Take your time and have fun with it. If all else fails, refer to the tips above. Who knows what will come of your next flirtatious encounter? 

Hair Care Currents

Call me vain, but one of my biggest obsessions is my hair. Ever since I was a little girl, I've always had lots of hair and I've always kept it long. It starts in kindergarten when the little boy who sits behind you pulls your braid. And then it follows you to grade school when your friends want to play with your hair during recess. It continues through junior high and high school when you cut your hair for the first time or try out a different style. Hair is such a part of our identity. It's a reflection of our personality; of who we are. And because of that- it's the reason why I care about my hair so much. 

Now, I'm very fickle when it comes to this subject. I always like to try new products, new tools, different styles, different colors. Needless to say, I get bored after a while. The funny thing about this is, as much as I like change- I don't visit the salon very much. Number 1, I haven't found a hairdresser here in California yet. Number 2, I have to completely trust a person before I let them cut my hair. I'm a bit spoiled. I used to have an aunt that cut my hair while I was living in Hawaii, and before that I had a hairdresser in Vegas I always saw. (Both of whom work for the same salon :) ) Sooo....I cut my own hair for now. Trim might be the better word, I like to keep it maintained. And why not? If you know what you like, know what you're doing and can save big bucks- I say go for it!!!  Which brings me to the point of today's blog, my hair care currents. The products and tools I use on a daily basis or almost daily basis, excluding the sheers- wait about every 6 weeks to use those!

Cleanser

Currently I'm using Suave KIDS 2-in-1 Shampoo Smoothers in Fairy Berry Strawberry, a shampoo and conditioner. I'm really only using it because it smells good and because it's cute. Plus, I got it on sale in a variety pack of 4. On the other hand, it does its job as a cleanser, but because of the thickness of my hair I also use conditioning treatment. I believe these shampoos are fairly inexpensive, so if you just wanted to try something fun or use it for travel this could be an option. 

Products

The next product, I use directly after I towel dry my hair. It's Suave Professionals Weather Protection 360. An anti-frizz and flyaway cream gel, that shields against humidity, static and wind. I've used this product for about 2 years and it works well for me. It's the one product I need to use to ensure my hair will style the way I like it. Again, another inexpensive product that will run you maybe $2 at drugstores. I purchase this on base, so it ends up being cheaper. It smells nice and also works as conditioner. 

I'm sure everyone's heard of this next one. BIOSILK Silk Therapy drops. Retails around $13 (on base) for the smallest size 2.56 fl. oz. Silk drops serve as a smoothing serum and I use this product mostly when and if I wear my hair straight, just to keep it perfectly smooth and moisturized. A pea sized amount is all you really need, a little goes a long way with this product. And I don't mind spending $13 on something that's not full-sized if it will last me. I purchased this bottle in November, it's now August and I still have about 1/4 left. So it's a really good deal. It can be used on hair and skin while wet or dry, it smells amazing and it works. I highly recommend it.

Lastly is L'OREAL Paris' Elnett Satin Hairspray in Extra Strong Hold. This hairspray is designed to protect the style from humidity. It's salon quality and was only recently released in the US. It's only sold at Target stores and  comes in full size and mini. I purchased the mini size, 2.2 oz. for about $6, the larger size is around $13. I don't use this product every day, just when I need extra control to smooth something down or hold it in place. What's so nice about this hairspray is that it doesn't get hard or crunchy like other hairsprays. It leaves a firm hold without turning rock hard, and also it smells fairly decent. It doesn't choke you like most aerosol hairsprays can. If you don't use hairspray that often, I recommend this brand and this size. Very good buy!

Tools

Hot Tools Ceramic and Tourmaline Curling Iron in 1 1/2 in. barrel. This curling iron retails for about $40 give or take and can be purchased at places such as Hottools.com, Amazon.com, Sally Beauty Supply, etc. I had a 20% off coupon at the time I purchased mine so I was pretty excited about that. I've heard lots of things about this curling iron and I wanted to try it out myself. I really like it. I wouldn't say love because I think if I were to have gotten just a ceramic wand instead of the ceramic and tourmaline, it would curl my hair better. However, it does curl nicely, it comes in 1/2 in. to 2 in., heats up to 420 degrees and has a ridiculously long cord- which is one of its best features I think, because it gives you that range when need it. Ceramic is definitely one of the best heating sources for your hair, so I completely support this product, and not just because it's my favorite color ;)

Remington Pearl AC Professional Hair Dryer. Another great styling tool. This is another product purchased on base for $34.99. I don't blow dry my hair unless I absolutely need to. Since I curl my hair everyday, I don't like to add extra heat styling, so I let my hair air dry before I need to curl it. I find that my curls hold better if my hair has been air dried as opposed to blow dried. What I love about this dryer is that the grill is made out of ceramic and crushed pearl, which leaves your hair smooth due to its preferred heat source. The dryer has 3 speeds: Low, Medium and High as well as 3 heat settings: Low, Warm and Hot. It also has a 40% faster drying time than other dryers, which I need desperately since I have lots of hair. That thing gets heavy mannnn!

Split End Treatment

I'm not going to say much about this, since I don't use anything fancy. As you can see, I use a basic black comb that has both fine and wide teeth. I also like to clip my hair in sections when I trim, so I can keep track of what I've already done. And I use a pair of basic hair cutting sheers. I definitely recommend these over your basic household scissors. All items can be purchased at just about any store. Try Target or Wal-Mart for starters. 

Fresh Ends :)

And please make sure to cut/trim your hair while its dry. Remember, hair appears longer when it's wet, so to ensure you are cutting to the desired length PLEASE cut while dry!

So there you go, just a few of the items I use on almost a daily basis to keep these tresses in check. Let me know what you use...I'm always looking for new things! Till then, stay fabulous! XOXO