Step one: apply your shadow base, which is basically a new eye. I personally use my coverstick for this, but if you have an actual nude base, feel free to use it. It’ll stop both the shadow and the liner from smudging, and there won’t be any creases on your eyelids.

Step two: use your eyeliner. Here is where things get fun. You can use liquid liner or a simple pencil, though liquid is generally considered best, not to mention being easier for this look. Black or brown are the best colors to use here. Now, tip your head back so you’re looking down into the mirror. Starting with the inner corners of your eyes and dot the liner along the root of your eyelashes. You’re going from the inside out at this point and you need to follow your eye’s natural curve. Then, line again, this time making the line thicker. You extend outwards toward the outer corner of your eye; the extremity of the tilt depends on your tastes. After that, you can use a foam eyeshadow brush to smudge and soften the line. The key during this whole process is to get as close to the root of your eyelashes as possible. In regards to your lower lid, the line should be thinner.

Next comes eyeshadow. You don’t necessarily have to apply, it’s up to you. Traditionally, however, the smoky look is best here – and yep, folks, that’s what we’ll be touching on next week, so stay tuned!

I do, however, think moisturizer is an important first step, because I don’t know about you all, but I get seriously dry skin in the winter.  I mean, it makes my makeup look terrible and it doesn’t seem to get better, no matter what moisturizer I use.  It’s like, no matter what, my foundation looks like I’ve just smeared it all over some really dry skin.

In trying to find an effective solution — and coming to terms with the fact that I’m officially in my mid twenties and it’s never too early to start taking care of my skin — I stumbled upon Murad Resurgence.  I was actually looking at it while thinking of my mom, but upon reading through the product descriptions and realizing that you can even get a spot treatment to deal with acne, I got interested myself.  After all, I have to admit to myself that those dark bruises I’m carrying around my eyes, while cool while I was in college and could boast of insomnia while acting like the quintessential Bohemian girl, aren’t really going away.

Anyway, I’m wondering if a more comprehensive skin care system wouldn’t help me not to look like a dry-skin-monster wearing foundation.  I guess this is actually me asking for winter makeup tips, but!  Next week, we are going to eye shadow — and for the Skincare Lady, I will definitely be digging up some awesome new looks!

You see, in the common seasons, shades of purple are huge — in clothing and in everything from shadow to liner to lipstick.  Shades of purple happen to be my favorite colors, and I’m suddenly dying to go on a makeup buying binge because of it.

The next few weeks — because, come on, when done right, make up is an extensive subject! — we’re going to be talk about the best ways to achieve the perfect look for winter.  After all, why shouldn’t we be so radiant that we light up those gloomy, grey days?

Plus, did you know that there are all types of acne?  In addition to teenage and adult acne, there is also adult acne, which generally strikes women who are over the age of twenty.  As you might imagine, this type of acne usually attacks about a week before a woman’s period.

A lot of people also don’t realize that they can take preventative measures.  In fact, the best types of acne treatments work to heal existing outbreaks and prevent new outbreaks from forming.  For example, you can use the Acne Complex line as a comprehensive skin care regimen.  With a cleanser, an exfoliating treatment, and a moisturizer, it’s great for people who have acne and for those who just want to keep their skin clear.

All right, ladies.  Today we have our last installment on how to get a healthy, beautiful head of hair.  So–

Step 4: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!  First of all, you should definitely start using a really intensive conditioner that you can use once a week.  This will keep your hair moisturized, healthy, and oh so soft.  A deep conditioner is best, and to get the most out of it, you need to apply it to your hair, then wrap it with something – plastic wrap, a shower cap, what have you.  Leave it on for about ten minutes and then rinse it out.  If you want an even deeper conditioner, wrap that plastic with a warm towel.

Step 5: Make sure you use the perfect products to suit your hair.  If you have dry hair, oily hair, normal hair, choose accordingly.  Not only will it make your hair shinier, it will be more manageable as well.  If you do not know your hair type, talk to your stylist.

Step 6: Believe it or not, what you eat can have an effect on your hair.  Keeping up with a healthy, balanced diet will also impart proteins into your hair – and your skin will benefit from it, too!

Step 1: Be careful when it comes to hair product.  Overloading your hair will not only weight it down, it might end up looking greasy and just plain tired as well.  There is a rule of thumb about hair care when it comes to product usage, and it’s a good one to follow: you just need one product to style your hair, and one finishing product.

Step 2: Things like curling and straightening irons, blow dryers, and other heat giving hair tools need to be used with care.  You don’t have to stop using them, just get a heat protection product to use.  That way you won’t end up with dry, frizzy, unmanageable hair.

Step 3: Your body tries to repair your hair even while you’re sleeping.  Making sure that you get plenty of sleep is vital to your health and it is vital to your hair as well.  In fact, why not pamper it with a satin pillowcase?  This isn’t indulgent, it actually controls fly away hair.

Imagine my surprise when I found out that having healthy, shiny hair actually is possible, as long as you’re willing to work for it.  The first step – and this may seem painful to a lot of you – is a hair cut.  You need a good cut, naturally, and preferably one which compliments the shape of your face.  Still, I know, a lot of women would rather die before cutting their hair.  However, you don’t have to hack it off, not by any means.

Let’s make a compromise.  If you’re aching for healthy hair, then before next time, I want you to think about doing me a favor: go to your stylist, and just get those dead ends trimmed.  That will actually make your hair grow faster – it doesn’t have that dead growth hanging on there, after all.

Writing out your thoughts can be extremely cathartic. Getting your thoughts out is essential to the process of cleansing your mind. When you harbor old hurts and past regrets, you are only doing yourself harm. You are weighing down your mind, your heart, and your soul — and that ultimately has an affect on your body.

If someone in your life has hurt you deeply or if some event has wounded you, write a letter expressing your feelings. You do not have to send it, ever — that is entirely up to you. But you will definitely find that getting your feelings out will bring you a release. For that matter, keeping a journal can help you get all your thoughts down, positive and negative, so that you will have an outlet. You will never again have to keep the weight of hurt and regret on your shoulders or on your heart.

Various teas are also great detoxifying agents.  Ginger tea is considered a cold weather cleanser.  Adding in some lemon juice makes it a great remedy for cleansing.  Green tea is one of the most popular remedies.  It is also an excellent substitute for coffee – not to mention much healthier.  For that matter, any kind of natural coffee substitute is not only good for you, but can detoxify you as well.  Stay away from those Red Bulls though!

Lastly, alkaline broth is also a terrific detoxifying agent.  Because it contains essential vegetables, vitamins, and minerals, it can also give you more energy, and again, it will serve to improve your health all the way around.