Things To Do

Next time you go to tidy your home, put on your favorite record. Dance as you dust! Scour and scrub to song! You will find that mopping up to music makes you a merrier maid!

"No job is beneath you as long as you do it well."

Really take this one to heart. It's one of the reasons that I admire Ms. Martha Stewart. She takes pride in doing everything as perfectly as she can. When you care about even the smallest job being done well, it reflects well on your character and plus it makes you feel good. Think about it, the next time you make a list, dust your house or wrap a present. Always try your very best at everything you do. You'll be happy you did.

Ever wonder how those famous actresses and models get that glamorous look to their eyes? It's not just the mascara honey… they 'enhance.' That's right. False eyelashes have never gone out of style and now you too can have that 'come hither' look for a very little investment.

Gone are the days when false eyelashes meant you had to look like Liz Taylor's Cleopatra, one of the groovy chicks on Laugh-In or a drag queen. When you visit your corner drug store or local beauty supply shop you will find plenty of natural looking lashes available.

For the most natural look – try to find wispy looking lashes. Don't bother with the single lashes or lash clusters because they'll take too long to apply – buy yourself a full set. The only other thing you'll need is the glue which you can buy with the lashes or in a separate package.

The Process
Apply your eyeliner and eye shadow BEFORE the lashes. A smokey dark color along your own natural lash line will help blend everything better.
When applying, hold the lashes from the lash side, not the "lash band." Put a nice thin even layer of glue along the band and then blow for just a few seconds to help it set. Then working from the inner corner outward, close your eye and press gently to attach the lashes.

Some people suggest starting from the outer corner – but if you start from the inside – you might achieve a more retro look with the eyelashes extending just a bit beyond the natural lash line. If you don't want that look, you might have to cut the lashes a bit so they aren't too wide for your eye.

Leave your eye closed long enough for the glue to set. BUT DO NOT squeeze your eye shut too hard as you don't want to glue your eye closed!

Other Tips:
Some girls trim their false lashes irregularly to create a more natural look. Use a Lash Curler to create an even more dramatic look. It also might help to hold the lashes on better. Apply mascara afterwards to both your real and false lashes together to help unify their look.

Remember the days when a ladies purse held all sorts of mysterious objects, like pocket sized tissue dispensers, fancy beaded glass cases, powder compact with a mirror? Well in today's fast paced world - who's got time to pack that much into a tiny shoulder purse? But everyone needs that tiny emergency mirror so the ladies can keep the lipstick off their teeth and gents can check for the stray bit of parsley. Next time - dig into your wallet and pull out that credit card and use the hologram! It works as the perfect tiny emergency mirror. Now look up and smile!

Now I know my more flamboyant gentlemen friends are not afraid of a little artificial enhancement. This tip is for my straight guy pals to encourage them to be more adventurous. You now have my permission and probably most other women's permission to put on a happier face.

There is nothing wrong with helping your self confidence along with a little artistry… especially on those days when you're suffering from jet lag, too little sleep or heaven forbid… the day after the night before.

Moisturize
You HAVE been watching Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, right? So you ARE moisturizing every day, right? Well, if you're going to conceal complexion flaws, you must start out with a clean moisturized face.

Concealer
Go to your local health food store and buy some good foundation – something light and natural. To test for the right color just put a dab on the inside of your wrist and blend it in with your pinky. It's the closest to the texture and color of your face and very discreet.

Makeup Sponges
I really really really suggest buying a bag of those triangular makeup sponges. Tell the cashier they work great for cleaning motorcycle parts! Apply your foundation concealer with a makeup sponge. I'd say use your hands, but you are a guy and you have stubble issues, not to mention larger masculine hands and using a sponge to apply and blend smoothly will make the job a lot easier.

Face Powder
Get the light loose kind for a more natural look. Dust it on lightly on your forehead or anywhere where you regularly get shiny. Think of it as antiperspirant for your face!

Lip Balm
Finish off your look with a regular coating of lip balm. Carry it around with you for ever-ready kissable lips.

Remember guys… Cary Grant, John Wayne, Burt Lancaster, Gregory Peck and Gary Cooper all wore makeup. Oh, and those close-up shots of Captain Kirk and his smokey blue eyeshadow… for this girl at least… yummy! And if that's not enough of an endorsement to go out and do it, I give up on you boys altogether!