Beauty Tips: Do-It-Yourself Makeovers
Lately, we've been inundated with dramatic makeover shows featuring life-altering cosmetic surgeries. Check out these practical & affordable makeover tips you can do yourself.
On episode after episode, we're shown that plunking down thousands of dollars for liposuction, tummy tucks and facelifts is the sure-fire solution to a more rewarding and satisfying life. Not true! Turn off The Swan and Extreme Makeover and instead invest your time in learning simple and practical techniques that maximize your looks -- without wrecking your self-esteem. We went straight to the pros for insider advice on how to easily (and affordably) transform yourself from head to toe in a way that makes you feel good.
Start with these makeover tips.
Perfect your skin. When it comes to makeup, keep in mind that "less is more." "Many women make the mistake of trying to cover up fine lines with layers of makeup; in effect, this actually makes them look older," notes New York City makeup ace Mel Rau. Instead, look for a new breed of skin-perfecting products with photo-optic technology, which brightens, resurfaces and improves your skin's clarity. One favorite: Estee Lauder Prime FX Color Neutralizing Primer ($25; esteelauder.com).
Choose professional eyebrow shaping. A skilled eyebrow shaping can totally transform your face. (Prices range from about $30-$60; call your local salon.) "The entire eye area can appear 'lifted' and more open, helping women look younger and much more polished," explains New York City-based celebrity makeup artist Ramy Gafni. Maintenance simply involves "cleaning up" brows underneath and removing only the strays on top.
Eyebrow coloring: keep the color close to your hair color (one shade darker than your locks). Since eyebrow coloring at home can easily go wrong (you don't want to take any chances working that close to your eyes), experiment with makeup pencils and powders. Women with very dark hair can try brown, while a taupe color works for blondes or most brunettes, according to Giselle, a colorist at Pierre Michel Salon in New York City, who suggests lightly feathering it into brows. (We like Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Blonde, Brunette and Dark Brown, $7.50; at drugstores.)
