The Different Types of Eyeliner : Pencil, Liquid, and Gel/Cream Liners.

I've moved! I re-posted this article on Helperade so I can continue to help you answer the question: What's the best eyeliner for you?

Choosing the right brand of eyeliner is important. Different brands react differently for different people. The amount of pigment in the eyeliner is differs as well.

Pencil Eyeliner vs. Liquid Eyeliner vs. Gel/Cream Eyeliner vs. Cake Eyeliner
Before you choose your brand of eyeliner, you have to choose what type of eyeliner you use. There are three basic types of eyeliner: Pencil, Liquid, Gel or Cream, and Cake. Each type of eyeliner has its own pros and cons.

Pencil Eyeliner
Pencil liners are the easiest of the types of eyeliners to use. They are easier to control and are usually more subtle than the other types. Because of it's ease of use, these types of liners are good for beginners or those without a steady hand.

There are different types of Pencil eyeliners: Powder-based, Wax-Based, and Kohl.

Powder-based pencil liners are the best for beginners. They are the easiest to handle because the tips of powder-basedpencil eyeliners are harder. They can create a beautifully defined, natural looking lines. However, they're less pigmented and over sharpening the pencil can hurt your lid.

Wax-based pencil liners have a softer tip. The wax in the pencil makes application smoother so it's more difficult to use than powder-based pencil eyeliners. These liners are more prone to smudging. However, being more prone to smudging is not always a bad thing. Wax-based pencil eyeliners can create beautiful smoky eyes.

Kohl is a soft powder that's been used for centuries (like in Ancient Egypt!). It's softer than the other forms of pencil eyeliners (and it comes in compact and loose powder forms too!). Kohl eyeliners glide on more softly and smoothly while imparting a high amount of pigment. It also smudges more easily than wax liners. However, it's imprecise and more difficult to get a natural look when using this. Rather than use it for daytime events, school or office, It's recommended for nights out. the FDA (The U.S.A.'s Food and Drug Administration) warns against using Kohl because it may contain lead.

Pros: Easiest to handle, More natural, good for beginners, good for creating smoky eyes.

Cons: Smudges more easily, difficult to create clean lines, Less pigment than the others, You need to sharpen it.

Liquid Eyeliner
Liquid liners are one of the most difficult types or eyeliners to apply. You need a steady hand or else your lined eyes will look like a mess. Even though it’s more difficult, liquid eyeliners can give you fine, clean, sharp and defined lines as well as high pigment. Once you get used to applying it, liquid liners can be applied very quickly and they can easily create tapered lines, much like a brush stroke.

Liquid eyeliners usually come in a bottle with an applicator. The applicator can be either brush or felt tip. Felt-tips are generally easier to use than brush tips but it’s more difficult to apply over eyeshadow.

Pros: Sharp and intense lines, Water Resistant, Usually Smudge-proof, Convenient, Fast to apply once you get used to it, Dries Quickly

Cons: Difficult to apply for beginners (especially for brush tipped liquid ners), Does not last as long as Gel liners, Cannot create smoky eyes, Flakes after hours

Gel or Cream Eyeliner
Gel or Cream liners are easier to apply than liquid liners because they aren’t as wet. Personally, I favor this type of eyeliner over the others because it’s easy to apply with practice, I can control the thickness of the line and it applies smoothly (I don’t hurt or tug my eyes when I apply this. Gel/Cream eyeliners give you a somewhat defined (not as defined as liquid), matte line. It’s one of the longest lasting liners (some don’t come off until you use eye make-up remover. Once it’s dry, it does not smudge and it’s usually waterproof. However, it’s less convenient to bring around as liquid liners because you have to bring around a brush to apply it. Also, you have to buy the brush to apply it.

Pros: Defined and matte line, Versatile, Easier to apply than liquid liner, Amazing staying power, Smooth application, Smudgeproof and usually water resistant

Cons: You have to buy a brush to apply It, not convenient to bring around, More difficult to remove than other liners, You have to clean the brush often.

Cake Eyeliner
Cake Eyeliner is the liner many professionals use. It’s the most versatile out of all the liners. It can create clean, precise lines (depending on the brush), or you could blend it out before it dries (unlike liquid liner which dries much faster). Cake liners are water-activated powders that are packages in small compacts, much like eyeshadow. In order to apply it, you need to wet an eyeliner brush in water first then put it on like a liquid or pencil liner.

Pros: Versatile, Buildable, Vibrant, Stays on for a really long time, Does not flake off, Can create smoky eyes

Cons: You need to buy brushes, Might be difficult for a beginner to use, More difficult to find than liquid, pencil, and Gel/cream liners, Dries slower than liquid liners, you have to clean the brush


I hope this helped you in picking which type of eyeliner you’ll buy!

Different Hair Removal Methods

I've moved! Read this article on Different Types of Hair Removal Methods and more on Helperade.

I was out with my mother the other day and the topic of waxing or shaving came up. I realized that some people have trouble deciding which method to use. It’s no wonder why. There are so many different ways of removing excess/unwanted hair for women. How do you pick which method is the right one for you?


I’ve made this entry in the hopes that I could help you choose which to try by informing you about the different methods of hair removal.

Tweezing/Plucking
Pain level: (though it hurts the first time)
Cost:
How long before the next: A day to a little less than a week. It really depends on your hair cycle.
Best for: Small areas like your eyebrows, or for plucking stray hairs


I recommend tweezing and plucking as a means of upkeep after having your eyebrows professionally waxed/threaded/shaped. It’s a little time consuming, especially if you have OCD but it’s the cheapest out of all the methods because all you really need are good tweezers and a good light source (like the sun!).


Tweezers have different tip shapes, how do you know which tweezers to use?

Pointed tips are very good for fine hairs and plucking out those nasty ingrowns.
Square tips are for the coarse, rough hairs. With these tweezers, you can pull out more than one hair at a time.
Slanted tips are the best choice for beginners. If you’re going to invest in only one pair of tweezers, buy a good pair of slanted tip ones. They give you the best control when you pluck.


When you first start tweezing it may hurt more. But you get used to it after a while (to the point where it doesn’t even hurt). Here are a few things I’ve heard you can try out when you have your first tweeze:

1. Numb the area out with an ice cube (worked for a friend of mine)
2. Do it right after a hot shower so that your pores are open and the hairs are easier to pluck out (worked for me)
3. Use a topical anesthesia (I’d honestly rather just grit my teeth and take the pain)

Shaving
Pain level: (unless you get razor burn/nick yourself)
Cost:
How long before the next: About a day or two
Best for: Legs and underarms. GIRLS, DO NOT SHAVE YOUR FACE. I’m serious.


Apart from razor burns and nicks, shaving is a painless method of hair removal. It doesn’t take a lot of time, and it can be included as part of your daily bath routine. Unlike many of the other methods, shaving does not pluck out the hair from its root. Rather, it simply cuts the protruding part of the hair. This is why when it grows back it seems thicker (but really, it’s not). Rather than having a tapered edge, the hair now has a flat, blunt edge.


It’s important to use a sharp blade and some shaving cream when you shave to lessen instances of razor burn. If you don't have shaving cream, here are a few alternatives:

1. Soap or Body Wash
2. Hair Conditioner (I use this over shaving cream. It’s much cheaper and works just as well)
3. Shea Butter (Not as good as conditioner, but it moisturizes the skin)
4. Baby Oil

Hair Removal Creams/Depilatories
Pain level:
Cost:
How long before the next: A few days to a week
Best for: Arms and legs


Before slathering on depilatories on your skin, it’s VERY IMPORTANT TO DO A TEST PATCH FIRST. The chemicals in the hair removal creams are strong and can really irritate your skin. In 5-15 minutes, the chemicals break down the hair follicle so that you can easily wipe it off with a towel, or with one of those plastic things shaped like a razor.


Honestly, I’ve tried depilatories once and never went back again. It smells bad and the results are similar to shaving.

Waxing
Pain level:
Cost: (Home) (Professional)
How long before the next: Two weeks to a month
Best for: …everywhere


Waxing is probably my favorite method of hair removal. You have to suffer through only a few seconds of pain for two weeks of hairlessness. The cost differs depending whether you want to have it professionally done or opt to do it at home.


The drawback of waxing is that you have to let the hair grow enough for the wax to pull it out. But the good thing is, it doesn’t grow back as stubble. It’ll have a tapered tip, making the hair growth less obvious than when you shave.

Threading
Pain level:
Cost:
How long before the next: A couple of days (you can opt to clean out the growing hairs with tweezers)
Best for: Small areas like the face


A friend and I decided to have our eyebrows threaded one day, and by the end of it, both of us were tearing up and crying from the pain. Another friend of mine felt no pain at all. I guess the pain depends on the person.


The way I would describe threading is similar to tweezing, only you’re pulling out multiple hair at a time. It’s considered one of the more sanitary forms of hair removal because nothing touches your face but the thread itself. No hands, no chemicals.


The time it takes to remove the hairs depends on the threader. Some can do eyebrows in 3 minutes, while it takes 5-10 minutes for some others. Make sure to look for an experienced professional to thread for you.

Laser Hair Removal
Pain level:
Cost:
Number of treatments: 4-7 sessions
Best for: Anywhere in the body


Pardon the lightsaber.


Laser hair removal is only suggested for women with dark hair and light skin. It’s not as effective for those with light hair. It’s reported to remove about 80%, but it doesn’t always work for everyone.


Don’t look for cheap deals. Look for professional clinics to do this method, because scarring and burning from the laser can happen if done wrong. In addition to the 4-8 sessions, touch-ups are recommended once a year.

Electrolysis
Pain level:
Cost:
Number of treatments: 10-25 treatments
Best for: the Face, but it can be done anywhere


Electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal. A tiny needle slides down the hair follicle and destroys the cell responsible for growth. A lot of treatments are needed but the duration of each treatment is very short. It’s said to hurt, but local anesthetic creams can help.


Make sure to look for a professional when doing this. Done wrong, electrolysis is ineffective and can cause scarring.

How to Dress : Short Legs

I've moved! You can read this article on How to Dress Short Legs on Helperade

Hey guys! As some of the readers of Fashion Roll know, I’ve been hanging around Yahoo! Answers, answering a few questions under Beauty & Style.


I answered a question that just recently got chosen by the asker as the best answer, and I thought, hey, why not make a blog post about it? So here I am, I’m going to write about how to dress when you have short legs.


Every body shape has types of clothes that either flatter their figure, or make them look horrible. Having short legs is one of the more difficult body types to dress, because wearing the wrong clothes cause you to look short, or body to look disproportioned.


When choosing outfits or what clothes to wear for women with short legs, it’s important to de-emphasize or hide where the legs begin.


Color. A single flow of color helps give the illusion of a longer body and helps hide your short legs because there is no break in color to divide your body into parts. Avoid wearing too many contrasting colors because they break your body and emphasize its proportions.
Design. Vertical stripes also help elongate the body. Wear vertical stripes on the bottom, to give the appearance of longer legs, but don’t wear it on top, because it will elongate your torso even more. Avoid large prints because they tend to make your body look smaller.


Shirts. When choosing shirts, try to do for the ones that hide where your legs begin. That means, no short shirts. Try buying some long empire cut / babydoll shirts to hide where your legs begin. Layering shirts also help because they distract the eye with their multiple layers.


You can combine this with the first color suggestion by choosing a shirt the same color as your bottom, or by having the bottom layer of a shirt the same color as your bottom.


Shorts and Skirts. Remember that the longer your skirts are, the shorter your legs look. Try buying shorts or skirts that are at least mid-thigh. If you can manage it, opt for hot pants or miniskirts. They expose more of your legs, making it appear longer than they actually are.


Pants. Avoid pants that hug or emphasize your butt. They draw attention to where your legs start, and if you have short legs, that’s not a good thing. Also, unless you have something to cover it, try to avoid low-rise and high-waisted pants, because these also emphasize where your lower torso starts.


When you can, opt for wide legged trousers that cover your shoes. Because they hide your shoes, you gain the appearance of having longer legs.


Dresses. Like with shirts, try to go with empire cut or babydoll dresses, or dresses that hide your midsection. Also, look for dresses that end mid thigh or higher. Usually, lengths longer than mid-knee would make your legs look shorter. Especially if they fall mid-calf. Maxi dresses also give the appearance of longer legs.


Shoes. Try to go for shoes with high heels to further give the impression of long legs. Avoid pairing flats with maxi dresses and if you want to wear ankle boots, try to have them in a similar color to your tights or jeans. For heeled shoes, try to buy pointy-toed stilettos as opposed to curved, rounded ones.


If you have short legs, more often than not, you're petite (even for only the bottom). It'll be a good idea to check out the petite section of stores because they have clothes cut especially to dress a petite woman's figure in the most flattering way possible, and they might just work for you.


There are a lot of ways to dress our body well, and these are just a few tips on how to make the best of what you have. I hope these tips help you and see you again next time. :)

INSPIRED : Valentine's Day Outfits

I've moved! You can read this article on Valentine's Day Outfits on Helperade

Hey everyone! It's been a while since I last updated here on Fashion Roll. As we all know, Valentine's Day is today, February 14. Valentine's is internationally known as a day of love and couples. This time of year is when people usually take their loved one out to have a fun day at the mall, at a movie, or in a restaurant.


Valentine's Day is always associated with the color red. Because It's the color of passion and of love. Valentine's for me, however, has always seemed like a pink day. Pink is also known as a color of love. However it's more relaxed and less passionate. It's lighter and more airy. That's the feel I always get in Valentine's. It's a day for couples to relax and spend time together. So I've come up with Valentine's Day outfits inspired by the color pink.

Casual

This is a casual Valentine's Day outfit using muted colors for a day out in the mall or a leisurely stay at someone's house.


Main Outfit: Consists of a romantic cream bubble top, that gives the outfit an elegant appeal; dark shorts, to make it easier to move around, and to add an illusion of longer legs; a dark cardigan incase it gets cold wherever you’re staying.


Bags: I chose two types of bags for this outfit. First is the pink tote bag. The pink tote bag serves as an accent piece to the outfit and gives it a more casual and informal feel. The cream handbag, on the other hand, makes the look slightly more formal and contrasts well with the dark sweater.


Shoes: Brown or cream chucks will go well with the outfit and make it easier to walk around without getting tired. The pink ballet flats, on the other hand, can serve as an accent piece and gives a slightly more feminine appeal to the outfit. The white, wedged shoe gives the look a slightly sportier and feminine aura, and allows the wearer to appear taller and walk sexier.


Clothes Seen: Top, cardigan, and shorts from Forever 21; Shoes and Bags from Nordstrom.

Casual/Semi-formal

The casual/semi-formal Valentine’s Day outfit was made for an informal dinner date out, a stroll in the park, or a walk in the mall. The colors used are pink, cream, gray and black.


Main Outfit: A cream bubble dress that give the outfit a little body, and hides the wearer’s stomach. Pink cardigan, acts as one of the accent pieces for this outfit and gives the outfit a more casual appeal. Gray thigh-high socks draws attention to the wearer’s legs, making them seem slimmer and longer. Pins may be used in the hair or on the dress as accent pieces.


Bags: The bags for this outfit are mostly big and bulky. The dark bags accent the outfit providing a dark contrast from this very light outfit. The off-white pouch bag keeps the color tone more airy and gives the outfit a more feminine appeal.


Shoes: The shoes are all black, slightly pointy shoes. This is to add a contrast to the whole outfit and to complement the bags.


Clothes Seen: Top from Miss Selfridges; Socks and pins from Forever 21; Bags and shoes from Nordstrom.

Semi-Formal

The formal outfit was made for dates in a chic restaurant, and Valentine’s Day parties. The colors used are cream, pink, white, and white gold.


Main Outfits: A full pink, tube dress that flares out at the waist, emphasizing the slimness and breasts of the wearer. A pink and cream tube bubble dress with an accent pink belt, which makes the wearer seem skinnier, and hide wide hips.


Bags: The clutch bags are used for a more formal environment, and allows you to bring only the essentials. These bags don’t steal the limelight from the dress, and instead serve as accents to it. The large handbag is for those who need to bring a lot of things with them. Though it somewhat steals away from the dress, the color complements it.


Shoes: The white ballet flats are for a less formal gathering, it provides more comfort to the wearer and gives the outfit a cuter appeal. The stiletto heels complement the color of the bag, and the dress Making the pink color appear more vibrant. They are used when the user requires a more formal setting.


Clothes Seen: Dresses from Betsey Johnson; Bags and shoes from Nordstrom.