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I've had a busy summer, one that has left me choosing between sleeping enough and getting things done. Inevitably, I choose getting things done, and so I am constantly tired. But I hate looking like I'm constantly tired because that's just one more reminder that I am barely getting things done -- please tell me I'm not the only one running this treadmill? Okay thanks!
Since sleeping more doesn't seem to be an option, I've been faking a wide-awake look lately, which is simpler than you might imagine. Two steps, actually: eye liner and mascara.
Whoa, you're saying, eye liner! No way, too hard, too make up-y, too much time in the morning. Not really, I promise. If I can do this when I'm half asleep, so can you.
What you will need: eyeliner pencil, sharpener, cotton swab, mascara, eyelash curler (optional, really).
1. Sharpen your pencil. You want a very sharp point, for the thinnest, cleanest line. I use a basic Revlon sharpener with two openings, one for a slim pencil and one for a larger one; it contains the shavings, which is nice because there's no mess.
2. Draw a VERY thin line as close to your lashes as possible. Like get the tip of the pencil RIGHT down in there at the base of the lashes. You're trying to make the lash line look thicker, not create a big wide swath of eye liner. I really like Nars eyeliner pencils for this; they are slim and easy to sharpen, and the color lasts all day. A Nars pencil will run you $20.00 at Sephora, and is available in 11 colors.
3. Smudge the line with the Q tip. Clean up any mess while you're at it -- dip the Q tip in makeup remover or eye cream and dab at places where the pencil got out of control.
4. Curl your lashes. (I skip this step because I can't ever see any difference, and because I have a tendancy to pinch my eyelid in the curler -- don't ask.)
5. Apply mascara to top lashes ONLY. I typically do two coats, because why not? Might as well go for it.
And you're done!
Black liner and mascara are universally flattering, but you can also opt for a colored liner; to really make your eyes stand out, choose a color that contrasts with your eye color (blue liner for brown eyed girls, for example). Keep the line very VERY thin and RIGHT at the base of the lashes, and people will notice your eyes, not your liner.
I'm not the only one with good ideas about how you can be prettier (thank goodness). Stara has a whole new side blog going on, where she dishes about what she's using. I love seeing what other girls have in their makeup bags.
Who else has great stuff in their bags? BeautyHacks contributing editor Nina Moon helps you pare down with tinted moisturizer, and fellow Contributing Editor Y gives us the scoop on her favorite lip gloss (minty AND shiny! perfect).
Have a product you love, or tips for looking more beautiful with less effort? Post your own hack right here at BeautyHacks! Register at BlogHer.com and start blogging with us. We want to hear what makes you pretty.
