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Mascara is that special touch that ties every makeup look together. Without its darkening, lengthening effect on the lashes, eyes can look bare and small, so it’s key in nearly every beauty look.  However, applying mascara poorly is worse than not applying it at all. Clumpy lashes and smudgy lids can ruin an entire look, and there are even some mascara mistakes that can lead to eye infections.  That’s why you shouldn’t play games when it comes to mascara. We’ve collected our best mascara tips to help you avoid the most common mascara mistakes, so you can always bat your lashes with confidence.  1. Leaving too much mascara on the wand If you want to learn how to apply mascara without clumping, remember to always wipe down your mascara wand. This crucial step is often forgotten. It’s easy to miss in the excited rush to lengthen those lashes. However, a mascara wand that’s too saturated is guaranteed to cause clumping.  From now on, immediately after unscrewing your mascara cap, gently wipe the wand over the lip of the tube. Pay special attention to the tip because that’s where mascara really tends to collect, and if the wand seems especially clogged up, you can wipe it down with a tissue. This way, when it’s time to apply, you won’t need to worry about big globs of mascara clumping your lashes together.  2. Pumping the wand In films, whenever a character goes to put on mascara, she’ll first pump the mascara up and down a few times in the tube. Women all over the world started believing that this was the right way to go about putting on mascara, when in reality, it’s one of the worst mascara mistakes you can make. In the short-term, it has no benefits. If anything, it just loads up your wand with a massive, clump-causing amount of mascara. In the long-term, it introduces air and bacteria into the precious tube, which significantly shortens the life of your mascara.  3. Using old mascara Of all the most common makeup products, mascara has the shortest shelf-life. If you use your mascara after its use-by date, you can run into all kinds of issues. It will get dry, which leads to clumpy lashes, and it may also start harboring bacteria, which can cause styes and painful infections.  Most mascara should be replaced 3-6 months after opening. If you’re worried about forgetting, we’ve set up an auto-subscription system that will send you a new tube of our best-selling Cabaret Premiere mascara every few months. 4. Forgetting to wiggle Always remember to give your mascara a wiggle! This classic mascara tip guarantees that your lashes will look both voluminous and separated every time.  When you apply your mascara, give it a small wiggle as it comes in contact with the base of your lashes. This will allow the bristles of the wand to really wedge themselves in between your lashes, coating them thoroughly without clumping them together. Then, as you pull the wand up to coat the length of the lashes, move it in a slight zig-zag motion to keep that momentum going. 5. Only coating one side This mascara hack is especially for the blondes and redheads out there, because brunettes can sometimes get away with making this little mistake. When you apply your mascara, you only see the underside of your lashes, so you might forget the top. If you leave the top bare, the second you blink, the natural color of your lashes will be visible, and it’ll take away from the consistency of your makeup.  To cover the top part of the lashes, use the tip of your mascara wand and carefully color it in, especially close to the lashline. Don’t try to build up volume or length from above since it can weigh the lashes down; just focus on coloring things in.  6. Blinking too quickly It can be tempting to blink immediately after putting your mascara on, but unfortunately, it often results in black smudges on the eyelid ruining your eyeshadow. Not blinking may sound like a tall order, but if you just close your eyes after applying mascara, the issue will be solved. Just wait a few seconds so that when you finally open your eyes, the mascara will be dry and won’t smudge. 7. Applying too many coats It can be tempting to add coat after coat of mascara, but it rarely works well in reality. Yes, 5-6 coats of mascara will make your lashes look longer and thicker. However, it’s also going to make them look uniformly thick from root to tip, leading to a “spidery” look.  To avoid having your mascara look spidery, you need to exercise restraint. Don’t apply more than three coats to your lashes, and if that doesn’t give you the effect you want, you may just need to switch to a more volumizing mascara. 8. Forgetting to remove it at night  Sleeping with mascara on is never a good idea. In the best-case scenario, forgetting to remove it at night will just dry out your lashes, cause a few to fall out, and leave a few marks on your pillow. But it can also lead to eye irritation and even eye infections. This is another serious mascara mistake, so make sure to remove your eye makeup thoroughly every night with a high-quality makeup remover.  9. Using the same mascara for all occasions Wearing the same mascara all the time isn’t the biggest mascara mistake you could make, but it can get boring. Tailor your mascara choice to each event!  A lengthening and separating mascara is best for day-to-day. Waterproof mascara is a must-have for beach-side vacations or rainy days.  For date nights and parties, emphasize your eyes with a volumizing mascara. For upscale evening events, when you want maximum drama, double up! Start with a coat of waterproof mascara for a separated, waterproof base, and then add a coat of volumizing mascara for a false-lash effect.  Now that you know all of our favorite mascara tips, no more faux pas!

The color of your lipstick or lip gloss says a lot about you. Your perfect lip color can make you seem seductive, creative, cheerful, flirty, or any combination of traits. As long as you choose a color that fits your attitude on any given day, you can’t really go wrong with your lipstick style.  We’ve put together a list of all the most popular lipstick colors, with explanations of exactly what kind of statements they make. Whether you’re looking to find your perfect lip gloss or you’re more into the matte look, keep reading to figure out what shade will give you your most confident lipstick look, no matter what that means to you!   Red  Red is the most classic and sexiest lipstick color there is. No shade can compare when you want to exude confidence and sensuality in a classy, timeless manner. A woman in red lipstick is ready to face any challenge that life throws at her! It’s a bold color that never goes unnoticed or out of style.  While perfecting a red pout can take a bit of work (and a great red lip liner), once you master it, it becomes a huge time-saver! You can look completely made-up and put together even when you’re only wearing red lipstick and some mascara — it’s the ultimate French girl makeup trick.  Nude  Nude lipstick is a simple yet elegant choice. It gives a polished finish to your look but still allows you to feel comfortable in your own skin. It won’t be obvious to those who look, but you’ll know it’s there, making your lips look smoother and fuller while leaving everybody else guessing.  It’s one of the best everyday lipsticks for every occasion because it goes on easily and it’s always flattering. With bold lipstick shades, you have to be very careful to keep a neat lip line, but a nude lipstick blends into your skin and looks like a natural lip color.  A quick swipe, even without a lip liner, will always look great. It looks amazing with any makeup style, offering the ideal balance for dark eyeshadow or for bronzed makeup looks.  Purple berry   A purple berry lipstick is eye-catching in a very chic way. It’s a great shade for a confident lipstick look because it has the same intensity and depth as a red lipstick but with a modern twist. It’s the perfect lip color for the modern woman!  Oh, and did we mention that it somehow always makes the teeth look whiter? The best time to rock a purple statement lip is when you want to make a lasting impression, especially if you’re in a creative environment. Art gallery openings and fashion shows are the natural environments for a woman who wears a berry lip.  Burgundy  A burgundy lipstick is as sultry as a red one, but with an underlying darkness that adds mystery to your look. This lipstick shade brings to mind the gorgeous sirens of 1920s silent films with its seductive depth.  It can give your look a moody twist or come off as totally mature, depending on how you style it. You can wear it along with dark eyeshadow for a gothic look, or use it to add an edge to a natural makeup style.  As with red lipstick, lining the lips and taking your time is essential! We highly recommend slightly over-drawing the lip line, since such a dark shade can make the lips look a little smaller.   Soft pink  Soft pink lipstick is nude lipstick’s demure sibling. It has a delicate charm that’s particularly flattering to those with cool undertones. It’s a lovely lipstick style to choose when you’re in a feminine, relaxed mood and you want to exude an image of serenity.  Soft pink lipstick is perfect for dates, but it’s also appropriate to wear to class or the office. It’s a nice companion to more intense eye makeup since it’s softness will add balance to your look. Just make sure to choose a pink lipstick that’s at least a shade darker than your skin tone, to avoid looking washed out.  Fuchsia   Fuchsia is vivid and vivacious, with a feminine twist. This bright shade is at the meeting point between hot pink and bright purple. It’s the best lipstick color when you want to feel flirtatious and playful but also independent and strong.  While it might be a little too much for a day at the office, it’s great for wild nights out on the town. It’ll immediately put you in an energetic mood, guaranteeing that you’ll have a fun time no matter where you end up. Because it’s so vibrant, your lips will instantly become the focus of your look, but since it’s not too dark it still works in combination with heavier eye makeup.  Coral Coral lipstick is ideal for those days when you want to express a fiery passion with a cheerful twist! It’s a warm and vibrant color that brings to mind the joys of a vacation to tropical locales. If your skin has naturally golden undertones, it’s even better! It’ll give you the image of a daring, spontaneous woman who’s filled with joie de vivre. You can’t go wrong with coral lipstick, especially for parties or fun dates! While the shade itself feels more fitting in summer, the kind of woman who wears coral lipstick can rock it all-year-round if she so wishes.  Bisous (kisses)! There’s a lot you can say with just a small change in lipstick shade. You can go soft and calm with a natural lip color one day, and transform yourself into a passionate diva in a bold lipstick the next. As long as you feel confident in your lipstick, there are no wrong choices!

The only thing better than a round-up of the best beauty trends is a round-up of the best beauty trends from around the world!  We’re lucky to live in a time when we’re so connected as a world and can mix and match inspiration and ideas from countries far and wide.  The result?  We get the best beauty tips and secrets from each part of the globe and can take and leave whatever we like.  Love Mexico’s bold lip? Give it a go next time you’re glamming up for a night out. Do you want dreamy, spotless skin? Look to South Korea for its advanced skincare trends and products.  Prefer natural makeup? Australian women have got this down to an effortless art.  This is why makeup is so much fun; you can experiment with new colors, looks, and products using these cultural trends as inspiration every day.  Here are nine of the biggest beauty trends from around the world Enjoy experimenting with your favorites and incorporating them into your everyday makeup routine! Mexico: The bold lip Latina women are infamous for daring to wear bold red lipstick, which pairs perfectly with their sun-kissed skin. And it always looks stunning!  The secret? Confidence.  So many women are afraid of painting on a bold lip out of fear of drawing too much attention or not being comfortable with such an intense look. But finding the courage to rock a red lip might give you the confidence and power you’ve been searching for.  Why not give it a try and see? Another misconception is that red lipstick doesn’t suit everyone. This is a total myth! There is a shade of red out there to suit all skin tones—you just need to find the right one for you. Line your lips first for neatness and extra definition. Finish by filling in your lips with a striking swipe of red. Check out our Long-Lasting Matte Lipstick in Coral & Classic Red for some inspiration.  Save it for a special occasion or a random Monday morning when you want to feel like a goddess. India: Beauty comes from within Indian women have always taken a more holistic approach to beauty and makeup. They look to their individual skin type as a guide for what products and skincare routines they need to create balance in their body.  They’re big on using natural products in their everyday skincare routine.  This includes using coconut oil to moisturize the skin or as a hair mask to create extra shine. The neem plant has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties and is widely used to soothe and treat acne. Turmeric is often mixed into face masks to soften skin and reduce wrinkles.  Keep in mind that you should always test any new product or treatment on a small area of your wrist or elbow before applying it to your face.  India reminds us that beauty doesn’t need to come in the form of expensive store-bought products. Many of the ingredients for their most popular beauty trends can be found in your home and whipped up in a matter of minutes! Japan: The doll blush Many Japanese women have a playful, eccentric approach to makeup, and the doll face look is one of their most popular beauty trends.  The number one thing that stands out is the rosy pink pop of blush. It’s always applied slightly higher on the cheeks, directly under the eyes, making your facial features appear rounder, softer, and more youthful.  Who wouldn’t want that? Blush is often paired with fake lashes and colored contacts to create a more bold and playful look. But you don’t have to go too wild with this trend. A pop of pink blush on its own can look really fresh and vibrant.   France: Strobing makeup If there’s one makeup trend French women loathe, it’s contouring, and we totally understand where they’re coming from. So, instead of using dark pigment to shape the face, they prefer using highlighter to accentuate the parts they want to catch the light.  It’s all about working with the natural angles and beauty of your face, as well as natural light. This brings focus and shape to the face in a subtler way.  It makes sense that French women are a fan of strobing makeup because if there’s one thing they’re renowned for, it’s looking naturally beautiful with minimal makeup.  Combine strobing with a swipe of Classic French Mascara (i.e., the best selling mascara on Amazon), and you’re Paris ready in minutes!   South Korea: Cream skin South Korea is, without a doubt, leading the way when it comes to many skincare trends.  First, they brought us “glass skin” (dewy, reflective looking skin). Next came skip-care (minimizing your skincare routine into fewer steps). And the biggest beauty trend right now is “cream skin.” Based on the skip-care philosophy, cream skin combines toner with moisturizer to create a soft and springy look. It focuses on hydrating and moisturizing the skin with minimal effort.  More hydration + less work? That sounds fabulous to me!  Sweden: The nude lip Nobody does minimalist chic quite like the Swedes do. So it makes perfect sense that their makeup is also simple and understated. A popular, staple makeup trend across Scandinavia is the nudish-grey toned lip.  This is a new take on makeup in the '90s, updated with a taupe or mauve base with gray undertones.  Pair a nude lip with minimal makeup elsewhere for a simple, natural look. Or go for extra drama around the eyes with a smokey eyeshadow and volumizing mascara to make your lashes pop.  UK & Dubai: Bold brows Both the UK and Dubai have welcomed the bold brow trend with open arms. Perhaps this is a backlash from the over-tweezing and waxing culture we’ve become so used to? Either way, we say hell yeah to embracing our natural brows.  You can still tweeze or wax in the middle and over the top of your brows, but avoid going underneath. Follow the natural shape of your brows and allow them to guide you. This is what bold brows are all about.   Use a colored brow gel or powder to fill in any gaps and create a more defined look.   Africa: Glittery eyeshadow African women are pioneers when it comes to countless makeup trends over the past decades. But one of the most fun trends has been incorporating glitter into makeup products. Glitter on the eyes, lips, and cheeks first became popular through superstars Pat McGrath (makeup artist) and Keyshia Ka’oir (celebrity stylist), who used glitter like it was their religion.  The beautiful thing about glitter is you can be as subtle or theatrical as you like with it. Opt for a sheen of glitter in a highlighter, or go all-in with dense, textured glitter on the eyelids.   Australia: Natural makeup that is barely there Few do natural makeup better than Australian women do. Maybe it’s because they’re so used to the vacation lifestyle, with a constant stream of sun, sea, and sand?  Whatever the reason, we’re all for it.  Think glowing sun-kissed skin, neutral eyeshadow tones, a touch of highlighter, and a natural swoosh of mascara to brighten up the eyes. Top tip: Aussie ladies love doubling up on their bronzer and using it as an eyeshadow too.     Egypt: The dramatic smokey eye If we go right back to ancient times, the Egyptians were actually the first people to create an iconic, smokey eye, using a combo of eyeliner, mascara, and eyeshadow. Kohl was used back then to accentuate the eyes and create a powerful look. It was made using natural ingredients, mostly charcoal and galena. Today, it’s especially popular with Arabic and Middle Eastern women. But women worldwide want to know how to create this iconic look, to frame and highlight their eyes.    So whatever your style, try giving some of these bold trends a go! We’re sure you’ll enjoy the process, and ultimately the way you look. Have fun connecting with beauty cultures from around the world, and turn some heads in the process. Be bold, be beautiful, be you.

Makeup is an art form like no other that allows you to connect deeply with yourself while sparking your creativity. On weekends and before special events, it can be wonderfully centering to create a complex makeup look.  But during the week, there’s rarely the time for that! Most days, you need a quick and easy morning makeup routine that will transform you into the best version of yourself with minimal effort. We’ve collected our favorite easy makeup tips for effortless French beauty so that you can have more time to live your busy life.  Our advice runs the gamut, from how to get organized to specific eye makeup tips, so you can put your best face forward every day.    1. Determine your 5 essentials  If you were stuck on a desert island, which five makeup products would you want with you? By narrowing your look down to 5 staples, you can simplify your morning makeup routine without compromising your unique touches.  It’s up to you which products you focus on! Maybe you need flawless foundation and just a bit of mascara to feel polished, while someone else might be happy with a hint of powder but more eye makeup.   You can even try the KonMari method, by going through your makeup item by item to consider what sparks joy! While you don’t have to restrict yourself to 5 things every time you do your makeup, this is a good exercise that will put you in the right mindset to scale back your morning makeup look.  2. Practice makes perfect While we do want you to get creative and have fun with your makeup, there’s not much room for that when it comes to your basic makeup routine. Whether you’re an old pro or a beginner, the best makeup hack for doing things quickly is to repeat the same look over and over again.  It’s not the most exciting, but this is the best way to build muscle memory. This way, even if you want your daily makeup look to be a little dramatic, you’ll be able to do it quickly, even if you’re half-asleep.  3. Organize your space How simple can your morning makeup routine be if you have a cluttered makeup collection? It’s easy to lose track of time when searching for particular products amidst the chaos.  Having an organized vanity or bag where each item has its place may seem like an obvious and easy makeup tip, but it’s by far the best way to speed up your morning routine. No matter what kind of workspace you have, you can find a suitable organizer. There are all kinds of options, including plastic drawer sets, multi-pocket makeup bags, and hanging organizers for your wall or bathroom door.   The key is to organize things in a way that’s optimized for your routine. Your everyday essentials should be the most accessible, while the items that you only use once in a while can be tucked away.  Another trick is to organize products according to how they’re used in your routine. For example, your powder and powder brush can be placed together, as can your lip liner and signature lipstick.  4. Multi-use products It’s surprising how much time you can save when you don’t have to reach for a new product every few minutes! This makeup hack makes narrowing down your routine to five essentials a little easier and speeds things up significantly.  For example, instead of rummaging around for the right blush, you can dot a bit of Le Grand Volume lip gloss over the apples of your cheeks and then blend it in with a finger or a sponge. The result? Glowy and natural everyday makeup, with a blush that’s perfectly matched to your lips.  5. Easy on the mascara  Your eyeshadow looks perfect, you’ve curled your lashes, and all you have left is to apply that finishing touch of your favorite mascara. But then, disaster strikes! Maybe your lashes end up clumping together, or perhaps you blink and end up with a smudge of mascara on your lid.  While we do include a tip that makes clean-up a little easier, later on, it’s better to achieve perfect lashes on the first try. We have a simple mascara tip that guarantees separated, natural-looking lashes without any smudging!  Before applying your mascara, wipe the wand down on the tube’s lip, so it’s not too saturated with product. Then, when you wiggle the mascara over your lashes, there won’t be any excess product on the wand, so they will look extra separated and fanned out. 6. Celebrate one feature  French beauty lends itself well to a minimalist, basic makeup routine because it tends to focus on just one quality at a time. Whether that’s your lips, eyes, brows, or cheekbones is totally up to you. Of course, the most classic look is clean skin, a hint of mascara, and a bold layer of vibrant lipstick like our Matte Constance in Classic Red! If you’re bored of doing the same look over and over again, this is a great way to get creative without compromising much of your speed.  7. Prep your skin  With French beauty, less is more when it comes to makeup, but more is more when it comes to hydration. You can greatly improve your natural everyday makeup by optimizing your canvas.  When your skin is properly moisturized, your foundation will glide on easily in the short term, while in the long term, your complexion will look better and require less foundation.  While no skin care routine is one-size-fits-all, there are a few things that can make your life way more comfortable. Removing your makeup at the end of the night with a gentle cleanser, using a moisturizer twice a day, and packing on the sunscreen before you go outside will go a long way towards giving your complexion a natural glow.   8. Speedy eyeliner tip  Liquid eyeliner is a French girl staple, but it’s not always the best product for when you’re in a rush. If it’s part of your signature look, opt for felt-tip eyeliner like the Feutre Fin, which will give you more control for a quick, perfect wing.  9. Cotton swab makeup hack In a perfect world, you’d never make mistakes, especially not on rushed mornings! Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world, so this eye makeup tip is helpful to know. All you need for it is a cotton swab and some concealer or liquid foundation.  Dip the cotton swab in your product of choice, and it’ll become a precision eraser! Use it to gently wipe away small smudges and to clean up lines around the eyes or lips. Unlike a makeup remover, which takes off layers of makeup and requires major touch-ups, this makeup hack leaves behind perfect looking skin and allows you to make small fixes in seconds.   You’re ready to go With a bit of planning, practice, and just a few easy makeup tips, you can transform your morning makeup routine into something that’s easy, quick, and incredibly flattering. Très magnifique!

When you think of your makeup collection, your makeup brushes and sponges might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but they are the real backbone of your beauty routine. They’re the tools responsible for that seamless eyeshadow blend or the undetectable layer of foundation on your skin!  Beauty tools have an important role to fulfill, but they can’t do it to the best of their ability if they’re clogged with makeup. By washing your makeup brushes regularly, you guarantee that your makeup will always glide on like a dream. Beyond that, since your brushes come in such intimate contact with your face, keeping them clean prevents breakouts and even sickness.  If you don’t know how to clean makeup brushes and tools, have no fear! We’ve put together this comprehensive guide with answers to all of your burning questions. If you’ve found yourself wondering how often to clean makeup sponges or what soap to use to clean makeup brushes, we have the answers. We also cover a few important hygiene and disinfection details you may not have considered before. Hygiene is at the forefront of our minds these days. There’s always a bottle of hand sanitizer hidden in our purse, and we never miss a chance to wash our hands. We should be every bit as vigilant with our makeup tools when it comes to cleaning! Which makeup tools do you need to clean? It’s important to clean any reusable tool that comes in contact with your skin! Brushes, sponges, tweezers, and even your counter space must be washed and disinfected regularly.  It’s a little different for the tools that come built into your makeup product, like the mascara wand on our bestselling Cabaret Première mascara or the doe-foot applicator on our new Polynésie Française volumizing lip gloss. The makeup itself is already formulated with ingredients that kill pesky germs, so as long as you don’t use those products past the listed expiry date, they’ll stay safe and always ready to go.  What to use to clean makeup tools There are a lot of different makeup brush cleaners you can use, and chances are they’re already sitting in your bathroom or kitchen cabinets! So what soap to use to clean makeup brushes? It depends on the brush!   Gentle cleaners for animal hair brushes If your makeup brushes are made from animal hair, the best thing to use is a gentle shampoo that will wash away germs without drying out the bristles. You can even follow it up with conditioner to keep the bristles extra-soft. Another option is to clean the makeup brushes with soap – just make sure to select a gentle one that includes moisturizing oils or glycerin.  Cleaning synthetic brushes Synthetic, or vegan, brushes have become very popular in recent years, in part because they are soft yet durable and cruelty-free! You can clean synthetic makeup brushes with dish soap or hand soap and feel confident that they’ll hold up beautifully.  What to use to clean makeup sponges Maybe you’ve heard that you can clean makeup sponges in the microwave, but that’s a big no-no. The extreme heat might kill the bacteria, but it’ll also damage your sponge. Instead, it’s best to clean makeup sponges with soap, dishwashing detergent, or any foaming cleanser that’s free of alcohol.  Disinfecting your makeup tools  Sometimes you don’t have time to thoroughly wash your brushes, but you still want to clean them up quickly in a way that kills germs. That’s when alcohol comes to the rescue! Just as it can sanitize your hands, rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle can also disinfect makeup brushes and metal beauty tools.  We recommend choosing 70% isopropyl alcohol since it’s strong enough to disinfect effectively but not so strong that it’ll dry out delicate brush bristles. As a bonus, wiping your brushes down after spraying will eliminate makeup residue and allow you to change colors.  How often to clean makeup brushes   If you wear your makeup daily, cleaning your makeup brushes at home once a week is a must. If you don’t have time to deep clean them every week, that’s okay! You can sanitize them with alcohol every week and do a thorough clean with shampoo or soap once a month.  How often to clean makeup sponges Sponges hold even more liquid and bacteria than brushes, so you need to keep them extra clean. If you wear foundation every day, wash them at least 2-3 times a week. Thankfully, since they work best when damp, it’s easy to wash them with soap and water before every use!  How to clean makeup brushes  Before you start washing your makeup brushes, make sure to set yourself up properly! Get situated near the sink, line up all of your brushes, and have a towel ready for drying nearby.  Cleaning makeup brushes with soap or shampoo  Start by dampening your brush bristles, but be careful not to let the water slide down into the ferrule (the metal tube that connects the bristles to the handle). If any water gets trapped in there, the base of the brush can become a breeding ground for bacteria.  Next, squirt a small amount of your makeup brush cleaner of choice in the palm of your hand.  Swirl the brush in your palm until it suds up.  Then, massage the bristles with your fingers to thoroughly break down the makeup residue–it’s just like shampooing your hair!   Then, rinse your brush until it’s clear of makeup and soap residue.  Finally, squeeze the brush head with your fingers to remove excess water and reshape the bristles.  If your brush is still feeling a little too damp, press it gently with a clean towel, and set it down to dry–we have a few more tips on that below!  How to disinfect makeup brushes and tools with alcohol Spray your brush head or a paper towel with enough alcohol to slightly dampen the brush.  Next, wipe the brush back and forth multiple times over the paper towel. Keep going until the brush stops depositing color.  Lay the brush flat to allow it to dry.   If you’re disinfecting a beauty tool, spray it thoroughly with alcohol but don’t wipe it down. Set it somewhere clean, and the alcohol will dry away quickly on its own.  How to dry your makeup brushes  When it comes to drying your makeup brushes, the most important thing to remember is that you don’t want any water finding its way to the base of the bristles.  Instead of making gravity your enemy, use it to your advantage! After squeezing out as much water as you can and reshaping the brushes, lay them flat or angle them downwards to let all of the liquid run off of the bristles. They should look exactly like the photo above!  You can make your own brush drying contraption, or take a tip from makeup artist Troy Surratt: "lay down a towel on a flat surface and roll it on one side. Then, lay the brushes down so that the handle is slightly lifted, putting the brush on a downward angle." How to clean makeup sponges DIY  To start, place your sponge under a running tap.  Add some soap or detergent, and squeeze the sponge until it’s sudsy–this is your sign that the soap has gotten all the way through it.  Squeeze a few more times for good measure. The suds coming out of the sponge should take on the color of your makeup.  Rinse the sponge under the tap to remove all of the soap and makeup residues. Keep squeezing the sponge while rinsing to ensure everything comes out.  Gently squeeze the sponge with a towel to remove excess water.  Finally, place it in a clean and safe place to air-dry.  How often to replace your makeup brushes and tools  All good things come to an end! Another element of good beauty hygiene is knowing when to replace your tools. It’s pretty obvious with makeup products since the expiry date is listed on the package, but with tools, you need to learn to judge for yourself.  When to replace makeup sponges Reusable sponges have a lifespan of up to 6 months, but they often need to be replaced much sooner. If you start noticing small tears or an odd smell, it’s better to play it safe and throw the sponge away. But wait... don’t throw it in the garbage! Many reusable makeup sponges can actually go in the recycling bin!   When to replace makeup brushes Brushes don’t have a clear cut shelf-life. Some artisan brushes can last for decades, while mass-produced brushes may only survive for a few years. What’s certain is that brushes that are well taken care of last longer. It’s time to replace a brush when it no longer holds its shape or if its bristles start to shed.   A clean finish  As long as you get it done in a proper fashion, it doesn’t matter how you clean your brushes. You can use a special makeup brush cleaner or settle on a DIY method to clean your makeup brushes at home with your favorite soap or shampoo. The most important thing is that you’re keeping yourself and your skin healthy and safe!   

The best thing about February 14th isn't the red roses, chocolate topped strawberries, or cheesy greeting cards — it's Valentine's Day makeup! Whether you're enjoying a romantic dinner at home with your partner, hanging out with your girlfriends, or enjoying a solo day dedicated to self-love, Valentine's Day is the perfect time to try out a new look.  Even though Valentine's may look a little different this year, there's no excuse not to get glammed up. At the very least, it'll lift your spirits and help you channel your inner love Goddess.  When it comes to Valentine's Day makeup, we think it's all about making your eyes the star of the show. Go for some heart eye makeup, a pink smokey eye, or experiment with some bolder eyeshadow looks. This is the time to play with romantic colors you wouldn't usually wear and set the mood for love.  Sexy smokey eye A smokey eye is a popular go-to look for date night makeup and special occasions. But seeing as it's the big V-Day, instead of heading straight for your usual gray or black eyeshadow, why not mix things up? You could try a bold red eyeshadow over your lids or even go for a sweeter, pink smokey eye. There are no rules for what color you have to use — choose whichever shade you want! Fuchsia, burgundy, cherry, or bubblegum.  Gently blend the darker shade out from your inner lids to create the perfect smokey look. Then use a lighter, shimmery shade for the inner corners to make your eyes pop even more. Voluminous lashes Amping up your lashes is one of the simplest ways to add glamour to your Valentine's day makeup look. If you're looking for instant volume, look no further than our Provocation mascara. This little tube of magic promises defined and voluminous lashes with just one coat. Pair your lush lashes with a striking red matte lipstick for a classically beautiful look. Remember to use a lip scrub and lip liner before applying your lipstick for a picture-perfect finish that lasts all night long. Berry tones As it's still the middle of winter, richer hues are a perfect color choice to suit the colder, darker climate. There's no better time to rock a warm berry shade before Spring comes knocking! Go all out with this look by using berry shades on the eyes, cheeks, and lips. This is a wonderful option if you want a more sophisticated Valentine's look, but you still want a nod to Cupid.  Metallic magic We couldn't create a Valentine's Day eye makeup post without mentioning metallics. If you want to go for a more glamorous and attention-grabbing look, this one might be for you. We're talking shimmery eyeshadows, glittery eyeliners, and sparkle infused bronzers. Pick one of these for a subtle shimmer, or go all out and rock an all-over metallic look. Top tip: ditch the plain eyeshadow and swap it for a metallic one to create your sexy smokey eye makeup.  Everything is peachy If you can't quite wait for Summer to roll around, you can definitely get away with a pretty, peachy look on V-Day. Make this look on-trend by matching the shade of your eye shadow, lipstick, and blush. This will create a soft, monochrome look that is delightfully delicate yet modern. Heart eyes Okay, so we know that hearts are a little over-done on Valentine's Day, but when else do you have the perfect excuse to rock some heart eye makeup?  Grab a mix of eyeliners in shades of pink, purple and red — whatever colors you like. Use these to carefully draw scattered heart shapes around the outer corners of your eyes so that it looks like they're flowing out of them.  If you don't have a steady hand, you can always use some heart-shaped diamantes, sequins, or face stickers instead! Pro tip: Make sure your makeup is complete before you layer your heart eye makeup on top.    Rose gold liner Is there anything more romantic and magical than an eyeliner in rose gold?  Rose gold makeup is trending right now, which makes this the perfect look to try this holiday.  Rose gold eyeliner is sexy but subtle, super easy to apply, and will suit all eye colors and skin tones.  Pop of purple Purple often gets sidelined on Valentine's day in favor of vibrant reds and pretty pinks. But purple can create a beautiful and more original makeup look.  Keep it soft and mellow with a pastel lavender eyeshadow, or go bolder with a vibrant violet eyeliner or a purple-plum glossy lip.  Pretty in pink What would Valentine's Day makeup be without the color pink?  Is it new? No. Can it still be sweet and sexy? Hell yes! Pink eyeshadow probably isn't something you wear every day, but it can create a look that is equal parts playful and sophisticated! There's guaranteed to be a shade of pink out there for you – whether it's a candy-floss pastel, a nude-pink, or a bold and bright fuchsia.  If you want to take your glam game to the next level, go for a pink glitter eyeshadow. For extra pretty points, add a pink blush and lipstick or gloss to complete your look.  Cat-eye If colors aren't your thing, and you want to keep your Valentine's Day eye makeup simple yet striking, look no further than the cat-eye. This will enhance the natural shape of your gorgeous eyes, creating a fierce and feminine look.  Keep your liquid liner wings as tame or as daring as you like. If you're a newbie, you can use a stencil, some tape, or the dotted line method to help keep your lines symmetrical on both eyes.  When you're done, give your lashes some love with a coat of classic French mascara, and give yourself a round of applause. Cat eyes can be challenging — especially if you've already cracked open a bottle of rosé. And voila — you are officially Valentine's Day ready! Why not start early and try a few of these looks out before the 14th? Choose your favorite, and recreate it on the day. Pair it with an outfit that makes you feel sexy inside and out, and you're ready to welcome Cupid.   We’re wishing all you beautiful ladies a wonderful Valentine's Day!