How to Cover a Hickey WITHOUT Wearing a Turtleneck - BUSTLE.COM Feature

Photo Credit: gurl.com

If you've been following me for a while, you may have noticed that in addition to being a pro makeup artist, I'm also a writer...mostly helpful hints in regard to makeup, beauty, weddings and sometimes other topics like marketing and social media....you know, useful stuff! I've written pieces on everything from wedding timelines, how to create the perfect red lip, and how to make sure marketing language doesn't create liability...and everything in between.  (Check out the "As Seen in " Page for some examples!)

So....I got a call from one of my editors recently asking for tips on how to cover a hickey.  I think that DEFINITELY qualifies as a helpful hint! Particularly if you're a grown up who doesn't want to look like a hormonal 9th grader..... and a turtleneck isn't an option.

Want to know the inside scoop?  Read the full article here on fun and sassy (clearly!) beauty and lifestyle blog BUSTLE.COM with tips from me and other experts on what to do in case you find yourself having post-makeout session hickey regrets.  Follow these tips, and no one will ever know!

Bustle.com Feature - How to Cover a Hickey

Thanks for including me in this feature Bustle.com and a special shout out to Aly Walansky!

Should you Keep Your Makeup in the Fridge? (Daily Makeover Feature)

Image - Pinterest

Is your fridge full of healthy food, leftovers or "single girl style"... champagne, cake and accessories... like this one?  Probably something a little in between, but can I just say that I really want to know if you really do keep a feather boa in your crisper drawer....#weirdbutfabulous! What about beauty products and cosmetics...do you store any of your faves in the refrigerator?  Nail polish, lipsticks, face creams....do they benefit, or break down...from being in the cold?  There are opinions on both sides of the coin, that's for sure!

When Daily Makeover called to ask my opinion, here's what I had to say.....

When NOT to put cosmetics in the fridge: 

• Kohl eye pencils ...the ones you use on your inner rims...you want those to be nice and soft, not hard. Ouch!
• Cream or Gel cosmetics like blushes and lipsticks shouldn't go in and out of the fridge....the inconsistent temps and repeated cooling/warming/cooling cycle will lead to condensation and changes in the texture of the product.  Gels and creams that are too cold also won't apply or blend well.
• Many people swear by putting nail polish in the fridge, but this can actually make the polish thicker over time,..not good! (Cosmetic manufacturers recommend room temp for nail polish.)
• If your fridge is overstocked with food, especially potential contaminants like raw meats. If you do put products in the fridge anyway, dedicate a separate drawer or even a small tub with a lid. the last thing you'd want for products going on your face is contamination risk from food products, or makeup that smells like leftovers...yuck!

When Fridge storage could be a good idea:

• Eye creams and serums feel great refrigerated!  The cold will work especially well in the
  
  morning to de-puff the undereye area, especially in summer.
• If you live in a really hot area and it's hard to keep your home cool, keeping a few precious items in the fridge might work for you.  (We're talking ambient temps indoors above 80 or so)
• If you accidentally melt a lipstick, a few minutes in the fridge will return it to it's normal shape and consistency.  
• Lip or Eye pencils - If you want a really sharp point on your lip or eye pencil, a few minutes in the fridge before sharpening will do the trick. 
• Organic or homemade cosmetics without preservatives must go in the fridge, but be sure to check expiration because although they will stay fresh longer, they won't stay fresh indefinitely.

My #1 Favorite beauty item to keep in the fridge?  My gel eye mask!   When you wake up with a puffy face or eyes from allergies or lack of sleep, a few minutes with this cold mask on your face will wake you right on up!  Seriously, nothing works better to de-puff and fake a good night's sleep...I learned this trick during the days when I needed to be in FRONT of the camera, theses babies really work. (A gel eye mask is also a great quick fix post nap...read more here....)

Be sure to check out the article with a few of  my comments, plus a few from other beauty experts on the topic.  I always say, if it works for you, then it's not wrong!  When it comes to keeping beauty products in cold storage, it's truly just a matter of opinion. What about you...any beauty products you swear work better when kept in the fridge? 

January Beauty Tips - Winter-Proofing your Skin and Hair! (The Today Show Feature)

I've always loved beauty tips and tricks.... 

Don't you?  I remember reading Glamour and Redbook when I was in 6th grade and just devouring all of the beauty articles...even though I was barely wearing lip gloss and most of it didn't apply to me! I just loved feeling "in the know"....

My passion for makeup and beauty began in the glossy pages of those magazines.  Who knew all these years later I'd be a working makeup artist and writer...doling out the very same type of beauty advice?  #waycool

So...back in December, I wrote about 6 beauty articles for various publications on topics from snowproofing makeup, winter-proofing makeup, and even NAP proofing makeup....just a variety of tips and tricks you can use to look fab no matter what's going on.  January is here and pretty much, everything's been published at the same time.  I guess it makes sense....I mean, why talk about winter proofing makeup in Spring??   

Fast forward to Friday.... this article I wrote was published...on the Today Show!  As in THE Today Show!  My comments/content are interspersed with fab makeup and hair pros, and curated by the awesomely talented writer and beauty blogger Aly Walansky (see her blog "A Little Alytude" here)....who I work with often. She's terrific and really knows her stuff, so I'm thrilled to be included in this Today Show feature with her. AND...let's not forget that these tips are practical and will still come in handy!  Although this week is mild, winter is far from over and we've got some chilly temps heading our way next week.

Ready to read more about How to Winter Proof Your Skin and Hair?  Click here for the full article...

I still love beauty advice....giving it and reading about it...great products to try, beauty hacks, things to make our daily makeup routine easier.  I hope you find my tips, and the other pro tips in this article helpful this winter!  I'll see what other goodies I can get ready for you by Spring ; )