J. of All Trades: tips and tricks tuesdays

Showing posts with label tips and tricks tuesdays. Show all posts

Though it seemed to have taken its sweet time getting here, it's no secret that summer weather is finally upon us. With it comes a lot of sweat, humidity and makeup smudging. As a girl who already struggles with extremely oily skin, trust me, my sympathy is with all of my overheated readers. However, just because it feels like you're melting, doesn't mean you have to look it too. Here are a few products to keep you looking flawless (or as least flawed as possible) throughout the day.

Brows | When trying to keep your brows from sliding down the sides of your face, it's important to look for a product that is wax-based or claims to be waterproof. Otherwise, you'll be wiping more than sweat from your brow.

High-end: Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade
Low-end: NYX Tame & Frame Brow Pomade

Eyes | Whether you regularly suffer from eyeshadow creasing or not, we can all fall victim during the warmer months. Luckily, a few brands have stepped up to the plate (or palette) and created the best bases to layer on your best summer looks.

High-end: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion or MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot
Low-end: e.l.f. Studio Eyeshadow Primer or Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Leather

Skin | At the end of the day, we don't want all of the hard work we put into our no-makeup-full-face-of-makeup look to run off in an embarrassing and revealing scene. Whether you choose to prep your skin before, prime it after or do a combination of both, it's best that you add one more step to your routine if you want to keep up this illusion of perfection.

I debated including a few must-have cheek and lip products, but decided against it. If you're using a primer or setting spray your cheek color should stay in place, and for lips all you need is a long wear shade that you're in love with and you should have no issues. However, if you would like to know a few of my favorites drop a comment below and I'll be happy to share those with you!

Hope this helps on those outdoor dates, bar crawls and beach trips this summer!

photo cred.

We've all been there. Our skin can be flawless for days, weeks, even months at at time, but every now and then, we get that pesky pimple. It can be frustrating, especially when you think you've finally nailed a skincare routine that works for you. However, there's always a solution. Here are a few tips you can try if you're faced (no pun intended) with a sudden breakout.

cred.

Break your routine | If you've been exfoliating more frequently, take a break and try a more gentle cleanser. The same goes for if you've been using a simple face wash, try exfoliating a couple days out of the week. Sometimes our skin, much like us, can settle into a routine and get a bit too comfortable. By changing your routine, you're giving your skin a little wake up call to start rejuvenating itself again.
Go back to an old favorite | An old, trusted product is old and trusted for a reason. It's that product that you always seem to repurchase. Though you may not use it everyday, when you do, it always comes through. If you're someone who constantly likes to try new things (i.e. a skincare junkie), take a break from experimenting and go back to a product that you know works well with your skin. I'm sure it would appreciate a visit from an old friend.
Treat the problem, and only the problem | If you're only battling one spot as opposed to a major breakout, focus your energy (and products) solely on that area. Many acne treatments can be quite drying to the skin, so using it all over the face can actually end up doing more harm than good in the long run. Sure, the problem area will disappear, but the "good skin" can end up extremely dried out. Then you'll have another battle on your hands: flaky skin. That's never cute.

Now, if you're experiencing sudden breakouts because it's that wonderful time of the month, unfortunately, you may just have to wait it out. You can try all of the tips above, but period acne is caused by internal hormonal changes. External treatments can subdue breakouts, but won't eliminate them completely. Drink plenty of water, eat chocolate whenever you want, and just be patient. It'll all be over soon.

Hope you found this helpful! If you have any other breakout treatment related questions, you're always welcome to ask in the comments section below or chat with me on Twitter!

Today's tip will be fairly brief, but a good tip nonetheless. I've been using Noxzema products for years now, but it never occurred to me that the way I use it is different from others. Here are a few ways I use the moisturizing product as much more than just a cleanser.

Cleanser | Of course, Noxzema has been a tried and trusted deep facial cleanser for decades now (it's been on the market since 1914, in fact). I inherited my love for Noxzema from my mother, but after trying several other cleansers, this one has been a consistent staple in my regimen for years now, and it will remain that way for years to come. It cleans deeply without stripping your skin of all its moisture. It actually leaves your skin feeling more moisturized and softer than before! The tingly feeling the eucalyptus oil provides is simply an added bonus.
Face Mask | This is actually a little trick I picked up about a year ago. The concept is the same: you apply the product to your face generously. The only difference is the amount of time you leave it on. Typically, I apply the Noxzema to my face while it's dry and leave it on while I shower. Once I'm done showering, I simply rinse it off and keep it moving. Doing it this way is super efficient when you're pressed for time and makes for an even deeper clean.
Shaving Cream | I shared this tip in passing with a friend this morning and was met with a blank stare. I had adopted this trick so long ago that I didn't even realize that I'm probably one a few that does it! I can't remember where I picked up the habit, but it comes in handy when I run out of shaving gel. In fact, most of the time I don't even buy shower gel anymore; Noxzema has become my one-stop shop. It moisturizes the shaving area just as it would your face, which is great because moisturizing the area softens the hair follicles and makes for an easier, cleaner shave. All you're left with is clean, baby smooth skin.

Pick up a jar of Noxzema Moisturizing Cleansing Cream to test these tips out for yourself! It's relatively inexpensive and a little goes a long way so this large container will last a while and you're sure to get your money's worth. Let me know how it works out for you in the comments below!

This post started off as a different tip and changed completely as I was walking to work this morning. Philadelphia is currently experiencing a heat wave, which served as a harsh reminder for me that summer is just around the corner. With that in mind, I figured I would share a few fool-proof tricks to stay looking (and smelling) your best through all of this season's heat and humidity.

cred.

Avoid A White Cast | This tip is more relevant for ladies with darker skin tones, but it affects all women alike when it comes to photographs! White cast is the unfortunate white film that can occur with certain sunscreens and makes your summer glow look dull and pasty. To prevent this, look for sunscreens that don't have titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are typically found in physical sunscreens. Opt for a chemical sunscreen without these ingredients or mix it with your favorite tinted moisturizer to dilute it.
Stay Dry | As someone who is, unfortunately, prone to sweat a lot, I've learned a few tricks to keep dry and fresh throughout the day. It may sound old-fashioned, but baby powder is beyond helpful during the summer. Don't coat yourself in it, just add enough where you need it so that extra moisture will be wicked away during the day. Also, keep wipes, blotting sheets, and an extra deodorant in your bag for any needed touch-ups throughout the day. It's better to have those things and not need them, than to need them and not have them.
Keep Hydrated | No one should have to tell you how important water is at this point. It keeps you hydrated, helps regulate your body temperature, and saves you from passing out...which is always a plus. It also boosts your metabolism and helps keep your skin clear, which can be hard to do with sweat and pollutants clogging your pores in the summer. Take it one step further and infuse your water with some of your favorite fruits or vegetables. Popular choices are lemon, cucumber, and berries because they add flavor, vitamins, and antioxidants to make water a lot easier to drink for those who don't prefer it plain.

What are some tricks that you use to stay gorgeous during the summer? Let me know in the comments section below!

I ran into this article on Mashable a couple weeks ago listing different fashion tricks that men can use but honestly, all I read was a billion things that women can do as well. Here a few amazing DIY tips that you can use to make your fashion life a whole lot easier!

In a rush and your shirt is super wrinkled? Toss it in the dryer with an ice cube! It will create steam to lessen the creases.
Clean your leather shoes with olive oil for a natural sheen instead of a high gloss shine.
If you can get over the sanitation factor, put your smelly shoes in the freezer overnight to eliminate the odor. I suggest several layers of plastic bags for this one!
Sharpen your razor with an old pair of jeans. Dull razors are the number one cause of nicks and razor bumps so a sharp razor is key. I've actually done this trick myself and it works like a charm!
You can also use razors to remove fuzz off of old sweaters. This doesn't work on all fabrics so if you're not sure how your sweater will respond, test a small, hidden section first to avoid ruining one of your favorite cardigans.

Typically I pull my tips and tricks from my own personal experiences, but when I read this article I knew it was too good not to pass along. Hope these help!

If you have fashion life-hacks of your own, share below!

Ironic title for someone who is running on only a few hours of sleep right now, huh? Regardless, it's that lack of sleep that inspired me to write this post. Here are a few quick fixes that I've gathered over the years to help you look more alert, even if you just can't wait to jump back into bed!

Stick two metal spoons in the freezer the night before. In the morning, put them under your eyes to reduce puffiness. Plus the shock from the cold should give you a little jolt of energy.
If cold isn't your thing, try warming things up. Make yourself a nice cup of tea and save the tea bag! A warm tea bag can also reduce under eye puffiness and redness while the antioxidants and herbs soothe tired sockets.
If all else fails, makeup can do the trick. To appear alert you need to highlight and conceal. Use highlighter in the innermost corner of your eyes, or the tear duct area, to open them up. Take the concealer to cover up any under eye darkness. For an extra highlight, make sure to use a concealer about a shade or two lighter than your foundation in order to appear brighter and refreshed.

Again, these are just quick fixes. Nothing can replace taking care of your body and getting some rest. While sometimes it may not seem like sleep can fit into your schedule, for your health's sake, you have to make it fit.

Do you have any beauty tips to help you look your best on groggy days? Let me know in the comments below!

For all of my natural hair ladies out there you know how important moisturizing your hair is, especially during the upcoming colder months. However, it can be a bit of an inconvenience. Having a busy schedule can definitely get in the way of taking the time to properly moisturize your hair for the fall and winter. Also, managing wet hair while combating the cold temperatures can jeopardize your health. Luckily there are a few quick remedies that you can use in between conditioning to combat dry, brittle hair.

Spritz! Instead of always completely wetting your hair, give it a good spritz. Doing this lightly before bed will keep your curls soft. It's also great to do in the morning. It aids in the process of shaping your style while refreshing the curls. For a little added benefit, mix in a bit of your favorite conditioner. It will make your hair smell great and add an extra moisturizing boost.
Seal. This is a key (and simple) step that can often be overlooked. Keeping a small container of your favorite oil or shea butter next to your spray bottle ensures that you won't forget this step. Also, a little goes a long way. You don't want to over-moisturize because that can lead to product buildup and a greasy scalp. Focus your product on the ends and use a small amount. You can always add more later if you need more moisture, but you can't take the oil away if you've overdone it.
Style dry. I feel that many girls are still under the impression that you have to completely re-wet your hair every night in order to style it. That's simply not the case. Re-twisting or braiding your hair dry not only makes your hair even bigger and bolder, but it decreases your chances of getting sick from possibly waking up with a damp scalp. Just remember to lightly spritz and seal. If your feel your ends are the problem, go ahead and soak those, brush in some leave-in conditioner, and seal as if it were a fresh style. No one will know the difference!

If you have any other quick ways to moisturize your hair during the colder seasons, I'm sure other Best, Jordan readers would love to know! Share them in the comments section below!

P.S. If you liked this post on natural hair care and want to see more posts like this, let me know either in the comments or mention me on Twitter.

While thumbing through a magazine yesterday, I came across an article about the best places to wear fragrance. I already knew about the common areas like the wrist and the nape of the neck, but they named two other places that surprised me. The back of your knees and the crook of your arm are also great fragrance spots. Why?

These four areas generate the most heat on your body. Since fragrance is dispersed when exposed to warmer temperatures, keeping the fragrance concentration to these four main areas allows the scent to be distributed evenly and leave a lasting impression.

If you would like a list of my favorite fall fragrances, let me know on Twitter @JordanCathleen_.

Over the summer I realized that travel sized items aren't just for traveling. Granted, I ended up buying most of my new finds as a result of my trip to Puerto Rico. However, after I returned I found plenty of uses for those little carry-ons.

Test Subject
If you want to try a new product but are afraid to invest in the full sized item only to wind up disappointed, buy the travel size version first. I did this with the Cetaphil face wash. I heard so many rave reviews about this cleanser but I wasn't ready to shell out $11 if it wasn't going to help out my skin. The verdict? It is nice and gentle, but I'm one of those people who needs to see something lather to prove that it's working. Plus, I've had the same, if not better, results from my previous cleanser so I'm glad I tested it out first.

Ride Along
Travel size items are also great for, well, traveling. But, you don't have to be going out of the country to take advantage of them; traveling to class counts too. For example, a small deodorant is the perfect thing to throw in your purse for those days you forget to put some on before you leave the house. Don't pretend like it's never happened to you.

Also, having those travel size items on hand is great for impromptu sleepovers at your friend's or your significant other's house. You'll be grateful that you have a mini shower gel you can bring along instead of lugging around your entire medicine cabinet.

Penny Pincher
Restocking your toiletries cabinet with travel size items when you're a little pressed for cash is also a brilliant option. All of your favorite brands are made in a smaller size, trust me. You don't have to resort to a generic brand to save money when you can just buy your staples in a smaller volume. You'll be surprised, those three ounces go a very long way. Being able to stay consistent with your routine is just an added bonus.

I was planning on writing an entire post on essentials to keep in your everyday bag, which includes several other travel items. Let me know if that's something you would like to read either in the comments below or on Twitter.

Since my tips last Tuesday on finding the right lip color for your skin tone were so popular, I decided to do a sequel! For most of my beauty-obsessed girls, this is probably common knowledge to you by now. However, even the best have their little book of basics tucked in their back pocket for quick reference. This is one of those basics.

For brown eyes: Because brown is a neutral, you can use any shadow color and it won't compete with your eyes. However, to really make them sparkle use bronze, peach, purple, and shades of blue and green.
For blue eyes: Since blue is a cool tone, putting warmer tones on the lid will make them stand out. Also, avoid using colors that are too bold because they can distract from the beautiful blue color your eyes naturally have. Try bronze/golden shades, peach, slate, and champagne.
For green eyes: Nothing makes your eyes pop more than purple, there's no doubt about that. However, if you aren't a huge fan of the hue, try browns with a reddish undertone (like rust and sepia) and subtle pinks.
For hazel eyes: Because hazel eyes can have flecks of brown, green, grey, and gold, they are like chameleons and can be transformed to bring out whatever color you want to emphasize based on your shadow choice. To play up the green, of course go for purple shades and for brown, use yellow-based browns and gray. Avoid light golds though because they tend to wash you out. Dusty pinks and burgundy also look lovely on you.

Remember, you can wear whatever colors make you happy. These are just a few colors that will make your eyes shine even brighter!

This may seem like a no brainer. Just go to the store, pick up a pretty color, and walk out, right? Wrong. It's clear that not all shades are the same, but what can be less obvious is that not all shades are meant for every woman. I feel that some women have the misconception that they can wear any color they want on their lips. While they have every right to, some shades are more flattering than others. It all depends on your skin tone/undertone. There are three undertones you need to be aware of:

Cool undertone: You can tell you have cool undertones if the veins in your wrist are blue or blue-purple. Lip colors that work best for you are a blue-based reds and pink-based shades.
Warm undertone: You have warm undertones if the veins in your wrist are yellow or olive. The best lip shades for you are orange-based reds, peach, and earth tones.
Neutral undertone: You have neutral undertones if you have both blue and green veins in your wrist. Lucky you, because you can pull off anything!

Keep in mind, you are free to wear any lip color you choose. Just know that there are colors that will flatter your skin tone better than others.

What is the secret to kissable lips? A better question is "What is the secret to soft lips?" After all, soft lips make for kissable ones. If you've been suffering from chapped lips or simply find your lipstick flaking away after 20 minutes, try these tips.

Moisturize! I know this has to be the most obvious tip, but you would be surprised how many people don't practice it. During the day, use a lip balm that has SPF in it to protect them. Your lips are like any other part of your body and are able to be damaged by the sun as well. At night, use a heavier moisturizer. I have tried a ton but the best will always be petroleum jelly. It applies smoothly and will make your lips feel buttery soft by morning.
Exfoliate. Yes, exfoliate your lips. I know it sounds crazy but I promise it works. You can use a toothbrush to exfoliate your lips using gentle circular motions for about 30 seconds. That's the method I practice. You can also make a lip scrub by combining sugar and either extra virgin olive oil or honey. The purpose? Again, our lips are just like the rest of our skin. Your lips produce dead skin too! Get rid of it.
Protect. I said this already when talking about moisturizing, but it is important to protect our lips from the sun. Even if you're a lip gloss or lip stick kind of girl, make sure to apply an SPF balm underneath. Your lips, and your love, will thank you.

If I could only live with five beauty products for the rest of my life, here's what they would be and why.

1. Benzoyl peroxide. I don't care what form this ingredient is in as long as I have it in my life. Nothing I have ever tried keeps my skin as clear as benzoyl peroxide. I will take it with me to the grave.

2. Lip balm. If you asked me this question maybe a year and a half ago, my answer definitely would have been lip gloss. I never used to use lip balm. Not sure why exactly. Now, I can't even go to sleep without applying lip balm. Dry lips just make me feel like my whole face is sad.

3. Face wipes. Even if I don't take the time to do my full routine, I always make sure to at least clean my face with a wipe. It's refreshing and it gives my skin a chance to breathe a little more.

4. Fragranced body cream. I was very specific with this item for a reason. I prefer a body cream or butter because my dry skin requires plenty of moisture. Also, I like to use a fragranced cream because it stays on much longer than a fragrance mist or perfume and I don't have to worry about reapplying it throughout the day.

5. Hair removal cream. I've simply preferred this method of hair removal for a while now and there is just no way I could live life without shaving...ever...anywhere...that's nasty.

So that's basically everything I need in this life of sin, just me and my cosmetics.

*Note: List is in no particular order.

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