Ask Elyse: Lashing Out

Dear Elyse,

My lashes are short and sparse, and using a metal curler doesn’t seem to help. Is there any other way for me to get fuller, longer lashes?

-Caitlin

Dear Caitlin,

It’s a sad fact that not every woman is born with full, irresistible eyelashes without resorting to the torture device also known as the metal eyelash curler, but there are alternatives to this retro technique.

Metal eyelash curlers can pull and break your lashes, leaving you with shorter lashes than when you started. Instead, try a heated eyelash curler (like the ModelCo Lash Wand Heated Curler). The curler is warmed by a small metal coil, and all you have to do is put the lashes through the comb and then brush upward. The heat is so slight that it won’t cause a burn, but strong enough to curl. Another perk: with a heated curler you can put on mascara before or after curling, unlike the metal version that only allows you to put on mascara afterward.

Some mascaras bond to lashes more tightly than others, which works if you plan on jumping into a pool, but it’s not so great for keeping them healthy. To make sure your lashes don’t dry out (which can then lead to breaking), try using an eyelash conditioner like ModelCo’s Lash Boost before applying mascara. Once the conditioner is applied, try mascara that specializes in length and volume, such as Madame Beyond Mascara by Napoleon Perdis.

If you’re still frustrated with a lack of lashes, faux is the way to go. You'll want to choose hand knotted clusters with three or four hairs per section, like ModelCo’s Lash Out Single Lashes, rather than the false lashes that come in one strip. When applying, use three short clusters on the inside, three medium in the middle, and three long at the end. This pattern really opens up the eye by recreating the natural ascension of the lashes.

I hope this helps,

Elyse

Ask Elyse: True Colors

Dear Elyse,

I've seen celebrities looking gorgeous in red lipstick but every time I try the trend something looks a bit off to me. Is there something I'm doing wrong?

Sincerely,
Brie

Dear Brie,

There are so many shades offered on the market today that it's possible you're choosing a red that's all wrong for your skin tone. Look below to see which of these might apply to you and choose your shade of red accordingly.

Fair skin should look for blue-based red lipsticks. This means the color is a true classic red, with no hint of orange or pink. Because red is a color that bleeds, be sure to line lips with either a matching or nude lip liner to prevent color transfer.

Medium skin works with a wider range of red shades. The red lipstick that looks best with a medium skin tone is anything with an orange cast to it. Blue-based red shades work well, but an orange-red pops against a medium skin tone, especially when worn with bronzer.

Dark skin tones should opt for a purple-based red. The darker red has a sultry depth and the plum undertones make the lip look regal and sexy.

Remember that the biggest part of rocking your red lipstick is to wear it with confidence.

Hope this helps,

Elyse

Ask Elyse: Spring Glow

Dear Elyse,

My skin took a bit of a beating during a harsh winter season and I want a glowing look for spring. Is there any way to get a fresh spring face without tons of cosmetics?

Thank you,
Agnes

Dear Agnes,

If you haven't been hydrating already make it a priority. Not only is it good for your overall health but it can restore elasticity in the skin and clear out the contaminates which cause most skin problems. Also, eating citrus fruits with a high vitamin C content will help in maintaining the moisture balance in your skin and reduce blemishes.

A consistent skin regimen will keep your skin in balance. If nothing else, be sure to cleanse, moisturize, and protect daily while using a mild exfoliate every three days or so to clean out deep-set contaminates.

Choosing a cleanser will depend on your skin type, but the Napoleon Perdis Dream Cream is for all types. Apply it after cleansing as a moisturizer. Its light-diffusing technology will help to hide any blemishes. After that you'll want to apply a primer like NP's Pre-Foundation Skin Primer to lock moisturizer in and keep daily dirt out.

Adding a little color will enhance a girlish glow. A touch of pink on the apples of your cheeks using China Doll combined with a pale glossy pout from Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Coral will be sweet and subtle. Add a little white eye pencil to the inner corners of your eyes for a wider-looking gaze and you've got the perfect glowing look for spring.

Hope this helps,
Elyse

Ask Elyse: Long-lived Leather

Dear Elyse,

I was so excited to get a Lockheart bag to call my own, but already I've managed to get a few scuffs on the leather. What would you recommend as the best way to get my bag back to pristine condition?

-Bernadette

Dear Bernadette,

It's an unfortunate truth that handbags are the accessory more likely to get scratched and scuffed than any other. But since frequent trips to the cleaner's are bound to rack up a bill, I've got a home remedy to return your bag to its best face.

1. Place a small amount of a gentle, moisturizing soap such as Dove on a damp cloth and bring it to a light lather.
2. Rub the damp cloth on the leather without putting too much water on the leather.
3. Wipe away the lather with a fresh damp cloth. Don't rinse the leather in water.
4. Polish leather with a dry towel.
5. Treat leather with a leather conditioner after it has dried completely.

To avoid any further damage to your Lockheart, you may consider picking up a Hot Hang Up to keep your purse off the floor in public places.

Hope this helps,

Elyse