Not a Dry Eye in the House

7 ways to stop eye irritation now.

There are plenty of reasons why your eyes can get dry and irritated, including (but not limited to) lack of sleep, indoor heat, cigarette smoke, allergies, staring at a computer/TV/BlackBerry screen for a prolonged period of time, and dehydration. Luckily, there are just as many great treatments and ways to prevent dryness so you can always have that sparkle in your eyes.

Eat Like a Nutritionist

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds) protects against dry eye. It's also important to eat lots of leafy greens and vitamin C fruits as well as foods rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, like eggs and carrots, says Dr. Robert Mirsky, an ophthalmologist in New Jersey.

Choose the Right Eye Cream

Since the skin around the eyes is especially thin and sensitive, you'll want to try an eye cream that contains calming, hydrating ingredients like chamomile, elderflower, oat extract, and green tea.

Keep Your Eyes Moist

Redness-reducing eyedrops are fine on occasion, but if you're using them frequently for dry eyes, switch to preservative-free artificial tears, says Dr. Mirsky. He recommends Refresh, Systane, or TheraTears.

Drink More Water (and Less Caffeine)

It's always a good idea to up your water intake, especially if your eyes are feeling Sahara-like. And while you're at it, keep your caffeine consumption under 300 milligrams per day (one cup of coffee has about 100 milligrams), says registered dietician Lisa Drayer, author of The Beauty Diet, since the mild diuretic effect of caffeine can leave you dehydrated.

Always Remove Your Eye Makeup

Once in awhile we all crash without washing our faces, but it’s really important to at least take off your eye makeup. "This is the easiest way to prevent eye irritation," says Dr. Mirsky. If you're really tired, keep unscented baby wipes next to your bed so you can swipe off your mascara and liner while literally lying down.

Blink More

Sounds easy, right? However, thanks to computer screens and all our handheld electronics, we're all blinking less. "Blinking naturally lubricates the eye," says Dr Mirsky. Put a Post-it note on your computer to blink more and be sure to close your eyes tight for a few seconds. It's also a good idea to take a break from your digital devices every 20 minutes or so. Look out the window or somewhere far away to refresh your eyes.

Fake It with Makeup

Rim your lower lashes with a nude pencil, then apply a champagne shimmer shadow to the center of your lids and the inner corners of your eyes, says NYC makeup artist Dara Klein. Also, use a navy mascara, which will make the whites of your eyes appear brighter.

Content courtesy : www.realbeauty.com

The Magic of White Eyeliner

Use White Eyeliner

Hilary Duff keeps her look fresh, shimmery and accessible. The best way to achieve a similar shine?

A few swipes of iridescent white liner underneath the bottom lashes.

It will add definition in the subtlest way, both opening the eyes and drawing attention to them without being vampy or overbearing. Just be sure to choose a sheer formula with a hint of sparkle—matte versions can make your eyes look chalky.

How to apply Mascara effectively

One question we get a lot from people is what mascara to use. If you have somewhat small eyes - refuse to leave the house without mascara - because the moment mascara is applied your eyes will suddenly appear to be of normal size (long lashes help). Anna Andre Signature High Volume Mascara is one of the best Mascaras in the market. It adds a thick luster to the eyelashes giving a deep look that highlights the eyes.

 

How to Properly Apply Mascara

Ace your mascara application with a 3-step process:

1. Step 1: Wiggle the wand left to right at the base of lashes. It's the mascara placed near the roots -- not the tips -- that gives the illusion of length.
2. Step 2: Pull the wand up and through lashes, wiggling as you go. The wiggling part is key because it separates lashes. 
3. Step 3: In this final step (which I always skip), close the eye and place the mascara wand on top of lashes at the base and pull through to remove any clumps. 

 

Apply to Top Lashes Only

Many makeup artists recommend applying mascara only to the top lashes. If you want to make eyes appear wider, apply mascara to the bottom lashes but make sure you give lashes a light touch. Not great at getting those bottom lashes? Try putting a tissue under them before application.
For any questions or practical explanation - please visit a Beaute Boutique Store near you and a Beaute Make-up Adviser will assist you in developing a customized make-up application technique - Just for you!!

AVOID Common Mistakes with using Make-up

We all think we know how to use makeup.

We all think we know how to use makeup. After all, applying lipstick isn’t rocket science. But even women who have been using makeup for years can make common mistakes that can actually make you look older, a few kilos heavier or even unattractive. 

Makeup is not meant to look unnatural; it is supposed to blend on your skin and highlight your natural beauty. Don’t be the women others talk about and use as an example of 'bad makeup'. 

Here is a list of the most common mistakes and how to correct them: Remember the aim is to look natural and flawless.

Mistake # 1: Starting with dry skin

Makeup professionals start with a moisturizer, and so should you because it makes it easier to apply makeup evenly and to blend – natural looking makeup is all about blending!

The trick is to apply moisturizer or makeup base about five to ten minutes before you apply makeup. Pat it gently into the skin and wipe off the excess with a tissue.

Mistake # 2: Wrong shade of foundation

Foundation isn’t supposed to give your skin a bit of a tan, it’s supposed to create a perfect, smooth complexion and cover up any imperfections. This is why you should always use a foundation that blends in with your skin. 

It is best to try foundation on your jaw line and then check it in natural light (the lighting in stores can be very deceptive). 

If you tan often/make use of a sun bed then it is advisable to purchase a darker foundation as well for the summer months. You can also experiment by mixing the two together; you may find the perfect colour.

Mistake # 3: Too much blush

The magic of blush is obvious, it is fast-fix beauty. It warms up the skin, contours the cheeks, exaggerates an attractive hollow and ideally creates a glow on your face that looks like it comes from within. 

Never judge blush just by looking at it. Blush comes in different shades and textures. The right colour will look natural and the wrong colour will stand out. 

Test it on the inside of your forearm if already wearing makeup to make sure you get a suitable colour. Once the perfect colour has been found, do not, I repeat do not overdo it with the blush. 

Mistake # 4: Globs of mascara

Too much mascara can make your eyelashes look fake and 'stringy'.  It can even cause eyelashes to break. 

Stick to two coats, and let the first coat dry before applying another. Then comb out any clumps with an old, clean mascara brush. 

Women also tend to hang onto their mascara for much longer than they should – flaking is a good sign that either your mascara is not a good formula or it needs to be replaced. 

Mistake # 5: Lip liner abuse

Avoid making lips too plump with lip liner, to get plump lips experts say to line subtly. Also make sure the contrast isn’t too drastic. 

Keep the liner in the same family as the lipstick you choose. Going further than your natural lip line could end up looking very unflattering and obvious.

Mistake # 6: Less is more

You don’t have to put on tons of makeup to look fabulous – you have to apply it right and put on just enough to make your look natural. 

Always choose one asset to highlight, either eyes or lips – if you choose to make your eyes dark, stick to a lighter lipstick. If you are sporting the bright red lipstick look then some eyeliner and mascara will finish that look off perfectly without looking too 'made up'.  A fully highlighted, dark face can result in an older look.

7 Tips for Creating A Perfect Smoky Eye Look

In terms of eye make-up, there is nothing sexier and more sophisticated than the classic Smoky Eye Look?


So, if you too want to master the Smoky Eye Technique you came to the right place!

Step 1 – Getting Your Eyes Ready

Begin by applying a light shade of concealer to the under eye area, and all over the top lid. Your Anna Andre Signature Foundation is a great concealer for this step and prepares your Eyes for the eyeshadow that you are going to apply.

Step 2 – Using the Eye Liner

First, line both the top and bottom rims with an eye pencil, paying close attention to going into the lash line itself. If you have small eyes apply liner starting from the middle of the under eye to the outside of the eye. If your eyes are large feel free to line from corner to corner. You will get the finest lines with the Signature Precision Eyeliner available from Anna Andre.

Hint: If you are using liquid liner you can place dots on the lash line and then follow the dots to get a perfectly straight line. I knew those connect the dot puzzles I did as a kid would come in handy some day!

Step 3 – Adding the Shadow

With a small eyeshadow brush or a q-tip, soften the edges of the eye pencil line.
Apply a dark shadow using a sponge-tip applicator, smudge brush or a q-tip directly over the penciled area and smudge. (If you prefer, you can use your finger tip.) The shadow helps to set and soften the look.

Step 4  - The Final Touch

Next apply a lighter shadow in a neutral tone with a larger eye shadow brush, I like to use the wet/dry brush.
Encircling the entire eye area, be sure to soften and graduate outward for that perfect blended look.

Add Mascara!

Step 5 – Cleaning up The “Territory”

Brush away any shadow that has fallen below the eye with a fluffy brush and clean up any areas that have smeared with a q-tip.

Step 6 - Going Super-Dramatic

Want a more dramatic look add more Eyeshadow and Mascara! If you are looking for the most dramatic effect be sure to curl those lashes and apply 2-3 coats of black mascara!

Hint: Want your eyes to look larger – Pull your liner upward when lining your bottom lashes instead of out from the top liner! This will make your eyes look larger and rounder!

Step 7 – Finishing up The Lips

If you want to go for a classic smoky eye look, lightly line lips with a natural color.
You might try a nude shade on the lips with your smoky eyes.

If you want to add more drama to your look, line your lips with a dark lipliner and fill it in with a deep color. One can try the Anna Andre Parfait Lipliner (Shades 50206/50207 are perfect for this look)

Both, the nude lip and the deep dark pout are very “in” this season.  So, it’s up to you to decide which look is better for you.

And the last, but not least, don’t forget to put some natural blush on your cheeks.  It will add some color to your complexion.

You’ve got the look!