Sephora Daily Makeup Brush Cleaner

I never go for those little bins lining the checkout line at Sephora. It’s so obvious that they’re a last-ditch effort to get you to spend more at the last minute. Nothing there is inexpensive, yet all the items are deceptively small, making you think they don’t cost much.

I caved a few weeks ago when I saw the store’s Brush Cleaner for only $6. I never clean my brushes as often as I should, and for $6, I just had to add it to my pile of purchases. It played upon all my weaknesses!

So…did it work? Click through to find out.

Beauty How-To Videos

Image via The Beauty Department

Dying to nail that chic updo you saw in a magazine? Want to create flawless skin? Look no further than the Internet.

With all the resources out there, it’s never been easier to become a self-taught makeup artist. The web holds the best beauty how-to videos, which break down looks step-by-step so you can replicate them at home. I’ve rounded up some of the best sources so you don’t have to dig for them yourself. Settle in, take notes, and get to work!

Fall 2011 Eyeliner Trends

Photo via InStyle

We’re knee-deep into fall beauty, and if you’re not already rocking the latest trends, you’re way behind the curve! One of the most striking and popular trends to take off from the runways is dramatic new interpretations of eyeliner. There were a few distinct new styles spotted on models, and they’ve taken to the streets. Learn what they are, and how you can recreate them.

Photo via InStyle

Updated Mod Eyeliner
How much do I love this look?! It’s to die for! This photo is from the September issue of InStyle, and I can’t stop thinking about it. It’s chic yet edgy; don’t be surprised if you adopt a bad-ass swagger when you wear this. The best part? It’s not difficult at all to pull off.

1. Use a fine-tip liquid liner to trace a thick line along your lid, getting as close as possible to your lashes. Extend it just past the outer corner, then stop.
2. Draw a tiny line straight up, ending parallel to your crease.
3. Drag the liner tip back toward the inner corner over the crease. What you’ll have is a hollow, boxed-out area.
4. Fill the area in with a long-wear gel eyeliner (I like MAC Fluidline, $15, and Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, $21). The end result is an effortlessly cool look that’s different and refreshing.

More looks after the break!

Ask SugarSocial

You may have noticed a new header here on SugarSocial (or maybe you haven’t; I know I’m not that observant!). But see that blue arrow in the screencap above? That’s pointing you directly toward Ask SugarSocial, the new feature I debuted on the site.

Burning beauty questions, cosmetic quandries, product recommendation requests — you name it, I want to hear it. (Even if you just want to say hi, I’d love that, too!) Click on the tab above (follow the blue arrow) and read over the details quickly of what you should include so I can give you a detailed, accurate response. I’ll post questions here on the blog, if you’re up for it; and if you’d rather get advice off-the-radar, that’s ok, too (through the marvels of modern technology, we can email!)

It’ll be like your own personal consultation…over the Internet. But, in the immortal words of Tim Gunn, we’ll make it work!

What are you waiting for? Start typing!

Summer Beauty Survival Guide 2011

Summer is a tough season for looking your best. Although (fake) tans and natural sun-kissed highlights are super flattering, dealing with woes like frizzy hair and suburn can really bring you down. Not to mention heatwaves that make you sweat like there’s no tomorrow. So, to combat all of the beauty trials summer hands you, here’s a handy guide to conquering them and looking your most fabulous — even in blistering heat.

Fake It Like a Pro. With so many excellent self-tanners on the market, there’s no need to risk it in the sun. Go faux and be safe. A faux glow is even better for ladies who can’t tan, but burn instantly. Pick a tinted self-tanner so you can see where you’re applying it and avoid streaks and other mistakes. My personal picks: Bare Escentuals Faux Tan ($22-$52) and St. Tropez Self-Tan Bronzing Lotion ($40). Extend the life of your faux glow by moisturizing twice daily with a lotion that doesn’t contain parabens (like Johnson’s Baby Lotion).

More super helpful tips after the jump!

TypeF.com

So, I’ve been waiting awhile to share this news with you. I am proud to say that I have been selected as a writer for Tyra Banks‘s new website, TypeF.com (the F is for fierce). I’ve been populating the site with tons of content prior to its launch, which officially happened a few weeks ago. (The photo above is a screencap of one of my articles.) While SugarSocial should always be your first go-to source for top-notch beauty tips and tricks, I’d be incredibly flattered if you’d head to TypeF.com to read more on how to look and live your best. Just enter my name in the search box to access my articles. I’ve penned pieces on everything from creating a perfect updo at home to taking better photos. Check it out if you’re so inclined!

BeneFit Beauty School

Stumped about how to create a flawless face? Check out BeneFit‘s website, where they’ve debuted a new feature called Beauty School. Here, they show you models donning 7 trendy and classic looks, and tell you exactly how to recreate them on your own face in 3 steps. Product recommendations show you what will give you a similar effect — and even if you’re not into BeneFit’s products, it’ll show you what to hunt for from other brands. If you’re looking for some tips or inspiration for a new look, this is a good starting point.

The Sneaky Brow Sabotage

Image credit: Tracy Kahn/Getty Images

Got sparse brows? Trying to grow out a thicker, lusher set? Or just really obsessed with the power brow? If you’ve been trying to let your brows grow in, but aren’t noticing a difference, your skincare regime may be secretly sabotaging your efforts.

Moisturizers and skin creams can clog the hair follicles on the brow line. This stunts new growth, preventing hairs from sprouting up out of the follicle. Keep pores free and clear by avoiding the brow area when slathering on your skin cream. That will allow new hairs to grow and fill in sparse spots.

Winter Beauty Tips

Image via Garance Dore

When January rolls around, most of us are in desperate need of a winter beauty survival guide. Our skin is dull, our hair is lackluster, and we’re dried out all over our bods. Winter wreaks havoc on you. But just a few adjustments in your beauty routine can help you get your glow back. Read my tips on surviving the coldest months!

1. Step into a warm–not hot–shower. Hot showers suck the moisture right out of your skin, so keep the dial set to warm.

2. Switch to a heavy-duty facial moisturizer. A cream formula works best if you have dry, flaky skin. But don’t skimp on SPF; if your cream doesn’t contain it, lightly pat on an SPF-infused lotion on top of your face cream so you still get the sun protection you need.

3. Break out the big guns with body cream. The thickest, richest you can find. Slather it all over, especially on your driest parts. It’s like a big drink for your skin.

4. And speaking of drinks…make sure to drink extra water when it’s cold out. Replenishing yourself from the inside will help keep the outside looking its best.