Manolo for the Beauty

I am no makeup expert.

And even though I’ve more than a passing interest in it, I by no means know every trick in the book.

So in the interest of the Manolosphere, I’d like to ask the lovely readers of Manolo for the Beauty to share their best and most secret beauty tips.  You know, the one you don’t tell your friends about.  But due to the wonders of the intertubes, we can all share our secrets anonymously!

I’ll start. 

I actually use a conditioner first before shampooing.  Sounds odd, I know, but if  I shampoo thoroughly afterwards and avoid too much conditioner at the roots, it actually helps to keep my hair from getting “the greasies” the next day.   And my fine, long hair is most definitely prone to the dreaded Professor Snape effect.

All right, your turn!

All right, I admit I’ve become obsessed with pigments. Especially these.  I am quite fond of Breathe and Ore.  And M.A.C. makes some good ones as well, as does Make Up Forever.

Why?

Because they are so very easy to use and so very versatile.  Pigments are the new black, you know.

But for some reason, people tend to think they should be used mostly as eyeshadow, and that is just plain wrong.   

Here are some ways in which you can harness the wonder of pigments:

-As an eyeshadow, either on lid on swept on brow.

-Mixed with water, can be used as a liner.

-Mixed with any eyeshadow.

-Can be mixed with any lip color, lipstick or gloss.

-Used as a blush, or mixed with your current blush.

-Mixed with your nail polish.

– Mixed with your body lotion.

-Mixed with your foundation.

-Mixed with loose powder.

-Mixed with other pigments.

Do you get the picture?  Depending on the color, they can pretty much be used anywhere to kick up or alter your current stash of makeup favorites.  Or it just might make a not-so-favorite become one by virtue of the mixing process.

Become the mad scientist you were meant to be!

Girlfriend has some serious pipes, no argument there.  But for some strange reason, she cannot for the life of her figure out how to wear makeup that flatters her.  It seems she is so hellbent on being some sort of Marilyn Monroe throwback that she doesn’t realize how seriously awful it makes her look.  She is young and pretty, and you would never know it by looking at her in these next photos, all taken recently:

Why Christina? WHY?? Your hair looks like a cheap Dolly Parton wig. With the money you’ve got, there’s no excuse for a horrible teasing job and ratty-looking extensions.

Taken yesterday in London. First, the hair is again a crime. Then she needs to realize that there is a cascading set of problems occurring with her look, starting with her hair color. The extreme paleness of her hair washes out her skin tone, so in order not to look like a ghost, she applies strong color. In theory, fine.  But in practice, that blush/bronzer/whatever she is wearing looks like it was applied with a trowel. Ditto the lipstick, and, well, everything else.

Ditch your makeup artist/sycophants/color-blind friends who allow you to look like this, please!

Granted this picture has been Photoshopped to kingdom come, but there is no denying that the more natural she looks, the better she looks. You’ve done it before Christina, you can do it again!  Uh, but still, ditch the hair.

If you have ever read my ramblings over at Teeny Manolo (and if you do, thanks!) you know that Glinda loves herself a good poll.  I’m always interested in what other people have to say, and I’m always fascinated with the way the results turn out. 

Today I want to find out how you feel about permanent makeup.  There are a few kinds, from permanent eyeliner to permanent lip color.  Of course what you are really doing is tattoing yourself, but what do you think?

I know that makeup has the power to transform people, and that’s one of the reasons I like it so much. 

I recently came across a video featuring a couple of musicians from England Norway and Ireland I’d never heard of before.  When I first saw the woman, I thought, wow.  She’s really pretty, but of course giving off the “trailer-trash” vibe that goes with the video.

See for yourself.  And if you don’t mind me saying so, this version blows the one by Bob Dylan out of the water, but I happen to hate Bob Dylan.  So, I might be a little prejudiced.

Now, if you want to be as shocked and suprised as I was as to what she really looks like, click to continue…

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If you don’t recognize the title, then shame on you and go Google it.

Now, the lovely Galadrium writes:

I’m a teacher with a busy schedule, and now that the holidays are coming up, I have even less time than I normally do. If that’s even possible. What is a good dry shampoo that I can use on days when I just can’t be bothered to wash my long-ish hair?

Ah, Galadrium is experiencing that most wonderful time of the year where between shopping and parties and work, one sometimes does not have the energy to wash and dry one’s hair, yet still needs to look somewhat presentable when shopping for groceries on Saturday morning.

I heartily recommend Ojon’s Rub-Out Dry Cleanser, one of the best currently on the market. It’s not heavy, is gentle on the hair, and leaves it smelling nice.

You just might be tempted to skip more shampooing than you originally planned.

If you want to get suddenly noticed in Hollywood, my money is on chopping off all of your hair. There are so many who have the ubiquitous long “movie-star” tresses (fake or not) that someone with very short hair stands out in a big way. Here are some ladies currently sportin’ the shorties.

Thanks to a couple of sharp-eyed readers who reminded me about everyone’s favorite yogurt pitchwoman (and I say that not really sarcastically, because anyone who is married to Christopher Guest is automatically given a lifetime pass for anything) who has had her short hair for many a year, and it suits her well.

Ellen has rocked the short hairstyle for, I think, her entire adult life. I really can’t picture her any other way at this point, and I’m guessing that’s how she would like it.

Halle has been doing the short thing for a while now as well. She could probably cut off all of her hair and still look stunning. Life is so not fair.

Another one who was first in line when handing out the prettty genes. Her hair is a tad bit longer than it has been, but I never noticed that it had two tones in it before.

Oh Carey, I feel you with the growing-out pains. Much shorter last year, she’s obviously trying to go longer, and her face kind of says it all with regards as t how it’s going.

And thanks to reader Little Red for pointing out that one Ms. Ginnifer Goodwin also rocks the short locks!

The newest memeber of the pixie club, Emma cut her hair off in response to not being under contract to have long hair any more for her Hermione Granger role in the Harry Potter movies. Similar to a break-up cut, but probably with much less angst.

Apparently, the whole “youth” thing isn’t really all that new, is it?

I don’t know whose definition of “fresh” or “alive” this ad fits, but it sure doesn’t fit mine.  Our friend here looks about ready to eat someone.

From the exalted email forwards of the Manolo, I bring you the land of the unibrow:

Does she not look proud and dignified?

I am always fascinated with other cultures and the differences between them and the Westernized version of beauty.

It seems that in parts of Tajikistan, one long brow is a sign of great beauty, and some women who are not naturally blessed with it take an herbal supplement to help with the brow growth.

In all the pictures that accompany the article, I have to admit the women look absolutely lovely.

It just goes to show that it’s all about the attitude.  Rock on, Tajikistan ladies!