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This fall is all about drama, whether it is over-the-top eyes or a ‘look at my lips when I’m talking to you’ pout. But for daytime keep it simple and quick because seriously, who has the time to devote more than ten minutes to their morning make up routine? Mascara and lip gloss are the two things no woman should EVER leave the house without because they give the most naked face some definition, a little color and that ‘put-together’ look.
MASCARA…A history in the making
Mascara was first invented by Eugene Rimmel in the 19th century. Rimmel is not only a well-known drug store makeup brand; it also means ‘mascara’ in many languages. What we know now is that mascara was created by chemist L.T. Williams for his sister Mabel. His concoction was a mixture of coal and Vaseline and was so enjoyed by Mabel that he began selling it through the mail. Williams’ company Maybelline (a combination of his sister’s name and Vaseline) is now one of the world’s foremost cosmetic companies. It’s all coming together now, huh?
Mascara has been an invaluable addition to the world of makeup for more than a hundred years. Today, it is usually one of the last items applied but can take your eyes from nice to knock-out in just a couple of coats. It’s the perfect finisher to completely pull a look together or the best way to not look sallow while running out the door. But how do we choose between which shade (black or deepest black), waterproof or not, lengthening, volumizing, thickening? The list seems endless. And now with so many applicators: combs, brushes, dual brushes, it’s enough to make you want to throw in the wand!
LIPSTICK…The Queen made it popular.
Women have been painting their lips since nearly the beginning of civilization (really, as far back as the ancient Indus Valley Civilization). But it wasn’t widely popular until Queen Elizabeth I, during the 16th century, made powder white complexions and ruby red lips all the rage. Back then they used a mixture of beeswax and crimson stains from various plants. With WWII came the popularity of the movie industry
and although films were in black and white the actresses always portrayed crimson lips. It was during this era that the term “put my face on” was coined. Then Marilyn Monroe made sexy, shiny red lips timeless.
These days we are blessed with thousands of variations of lipstick, stain, gloss and tinted balm or even a combination of the two. We can channel Marilyn and go bold at night, keep it simple in the daytime with a touch of tinted gloss or glam it up with a vibrant, deep shade and delicately top it off with a hint of clear gloss for the appearance of Jolie-envied plumpness. Our choices are endless, so what’s a girl to do?
Not to fret ladies, thanks to my 16-year love affair with makeup and some experts’ reviews online, I have found the best department store and drug store mascaras and lip glosses for you to choose from. Whether daytime chic or nighttime glam, these are the products your make up bag covets.
1. Lancôme Définicils Mascara “The World’s Mascara Leader” This is the #1 selling mascara at the Lancôme counter worldwide. The mascara doesn’t clump, it lengthens and it’s waterproof. The down side? It’s $23 a tube and doesn’t volumize.
2. Maybelline Colossal Volum` Express This drug store fave is only $8 a tube, doesn’t clump, doesn’t smudge and one coat volumizes lashes with its collagen feature.
1. Lancôme Juicy Tubes Lancôme wins again! These tubes deliver brilliant shine and coverage thanks to a variety of colors and
formulas. $18 a tube.
2. E.L.F. Plumping Lip Glaze It’s $1 a tube! You can’t beat that and it’s dual sided. One side instantly plumps while the other side has hydrating color. It’s hypoallergenic and isn’t tested on animals.
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