Beauty Quickie: How to Revive Your Dry Mascara

If you have noticed the fall makeup trends you’ve probably seen bold eye colors, particularly tinted mascaras.  I love using a tinted mascara to add dimension and a unique pop of color to any look. If you’re interested, your local drugstore/Target should be carrying this limited edition Great Lash line by Maybelline (approximatley $7.00 USD per tube):

{Photo Courtesy of Beauty High}

I actually purchased the Teal shade and will most likely purchase the Purple as well. I knew I already had a tinted mascara hiding out somewhere and after some digging I found a cobalt blue shade called Baby Rocker, which is a Punk Lash Mascara from Tokidoki that I purchased a little while ago at Sephora (this line is currently discontinued).

Needless to say, this poor guy was being neglected and when I tried to use it the formula was dry, dry, dry.

Instead of chucking it (it cost $17.00), I experimented to see if there was any chance to revive this. Even if only for a few more uses.

My first thought was to try baby oil. However, you may know baby oil works great to REMOVE makeup, so I didn’t want to risk separating the formula and ruining its properties.

I thought a little harder about what would be both a great lubricant and safe for the eyes…well, eye drops, of course!

 

So, my tip to you is if your mascara has started to show signs of dryness you might want to try adding a few drops of Visine directly into the tube.

Note: If your mascara is older than 6 months or if it has developed an odor–sorry, but you might be better off tossing the item to avoid risking an eye infection. No mascara can make a red, swollen eye look better!

I started with two drops and noticed an immediate difference. I added two more and thought that was enough. You can add more if you feel it will work better.

Below you can see what a difference the Visine has made:

 

 

Have you tried this or have your own tip for saving dry mascaras–let me know!

 

Beauty Quickie: Turn your morning coffee/tea time into a multitasking spa time!

If your morning ritual consists of reaching for a cup of coffee or tea to wake you up, why not use this time and the same basic ingredients to help your face feel fresh and rejuvenated?

You probably have all the necessary ingredients to de-puff and hydrate tired eyes and smooth rough lips.

What you’ll need:

• Honey or Agave Nectar
• Any sugar with a medium course texture
• Two tea bags (preferably caffeinated tea)
• Two silver spoons

Told you–your kitchen has everything you need for a mini-spa treatment!

Let’s do this…

{Puffy Eye Treatment with Spoon}

This is probably the simplest home remedy for puffy eyes. Just place two clean silver spoons in the fridge over night or in the freezer for five minutes in the morning.

While you are upright, gently massage the area around the eye and sinuses to help drain any fluid. Be gentle. The area around the eye is very delicate.

Next, dedicate 5-10 minutes to lay down and relax. Be careful not to fall back asleep!

Place one spoon on each eye, concave side facing the eye. Once the spoons turn warm, take them off and gently massage sinus area again.

This will help reduce swelling, promote circulation and minimize dark under eye circles.

{Puffy and Dry Eye Treatment with Tea}

If I’m not drinking hot water with lemon in the morning, I usually go for some green or black tea with honey.

After you’ve steeped the tea (three – five minutes should suffice), remove the bags, place them on a paper towel inside a bowl and let them cool down. You can apply the bags while they are warm (not hot) or you may place them in the fridge for a cooling effect.

Just make sure the bags are not too damp. You may want to place a tissue under below the bags to catch any dripping.

It’s the same concept as using the cold spoons, where you will lay down for 5-15 minutes and apply one bag per eye. Relax, meditate and let the antioxidants and tannins do their work.

Optional: To begin with a gentle facial massage or to follow up with two slices of  cool cucumber.

This will help reduce puffiness and promote moisture retention around the delicate eye area.

{Lip Sugar Scrub}

Grab that clean spoon again and get ready to whip up the most ridiculously simple and cheap homemade lip sugar scrub!

Take roughly half a tablespoon of course sugar (I prefer dark brown sugar) and drizzle enough honey or agave nectar to evenly coat the sugar.

Use a clean finger to mix the two ingredients in the spoon until a thick, soft paste is formed. Place a thin coat of the mixture onto clean, dry lips and move finger in a circular motion to lightly buff off dead skin.

You may want to repeat this step a few times depending on how dry your lips are or depending on how yummy your scrub turns out!

Simply rinse your lips with lukewarm water or wipe off the remaining mixture using a wet cloth, et voilà!

You can save any extra scrub if you place it in a clean, air-tight container and place in the fridge for up to one day.

{Diva Tip: save any empty lip balm jars to reuse for homemade scrubs and balms}

The grains of sugar will help remove unwanted dry skin from the lips and the honey or agave will help soothe and condition lips. Feel free to pucker or pout and enjoy how easily your lipstick or balms will glide on your baby soft lips!

Now you can turn this quick, inexpensive morning facial routine into your new ritual and enjoy your new glow!

{Liz}