Pop beauty has always been a standout brand because of their conveniently-cute packaging and their electric colors. From color cosmetics to nail polish, Pop Beauty brings influences straight from fashion forward London. You’ll find their new Glitz Blitz eyeliners in the latest season of Beautyfix just in time for fall to add a little glitz and glam to your makeup routine. All of Pop’s formulas are long-lasting and silky that also incorporates step-by-step instructions for foolproof makeup application.

What I love about Glitz Blitz is how each color is mixed with added sparkle for that little extra glam.  These eyeliners deliver intense color along with soothing Vitamin E all while being water resistant. In Beautyfix you have your choice of Blue Beam, Wine Wink, Olive Oomph, Black Blitz, Teal Twinkle and Brown Brilliance to help highlight your gorgeous peepers. I was pleasantly surprised at how long the eyeliner lasts after application! Although I’m a little iffy on the exact texture of the eyeliners, the stand out color they deliver is a great addition to my normal eye makeup routine.

With any of the colors, you can create either a subtle thin line for subtle sparkle or a thick line for all around glamour. Using any color form the Glitz Blitz collection will complement your eyes for a day or night look. Add the perfect amount of drama for fall and the holiday season by using a creamy eyelid primer first, and one of the Glitz Blitz colors on top. Slowly fill in your lid with the glittery color and blend with a brush. Most importantly, have fun!

What to toss:

If you’ve been holding onto that mascara for more than a few months, it’s time to toss it. Old wands and tubes will harbor bacteria and can easily cause eye infections. The best part about throwing away that nasty old tube is that spring is the perfect time to try out colored mascara. A fellow co-worker has been rocking new electric blue mascara and it looks effortlessly beautiful. It’s just the right amount of dark for indoors and in the sun it makes her eyes pop. Same goes for that older tube of lipstick or gloss. If it’s on the fritz, part your ways with it and grab an updated color like honeysuckle pink or a coral-red.

What to pick up:

Source: Flickr user green heat

Dry nail appliqués are the latest when it comes to hot nail trends and I highly recommend them. They are easy to apply, chip-resistant and come in a variety of fun colors for spring. And if you aren’t going to go for the colored mascara, one spring beauty trend to jump on the wagon for is adding a dash of color to your eye shadow palette. Pick up pop beauty’s Goddess Clutch in Day to Play to easily go from a cool neutral blend to a spice of color in just a few seconds. This will help consolidate multiple colors without taking up a ton of space.

When I first applied this lip gloss I noticed a surprisingly pleasant warm, tingly feeling on my lips. Fresh mint and ginger create a wonderful flavor and smell. It provides a shimmery natural color that transforms your look without being too intense. The soft peach shade is absolutely perfect for every day wear. This lip color can be worn both night and day and it looks good with or without other makeup. I have used this gloss for about one week now and my lips already feel healthier. It’s like an actual lip treatment. They stay moisturized for a longer period of time and I find myself having to use less product which means less applications and less hassle. A good gloss should make you want to smile, not feel self-conscious to smile. Perhaps you are familiar with this situation-you put on the lipstick enter a room smile and notice a stranger or possibly a friend trying to motion that you might have something on your teeth. Having the color rub off on your teeth is not a good feeling or scenario to be in and that is not a worry you will have with Jane Iredale’s gloss.

This gloss glides on easy with a non-sticky texture and the color stays on your lips, not your teeth. I put this long-lasting lip color on in the morning on my way to work, I drink coffee, eat breakfast and drink water and after all is said and done my lips are still soft, supple with a hint of color and minty flavored shine. Although it is a bit pricey from what I normally like to spend on lip gloss, in this case I think it is well worth it. You don’t need to apply nearly as much, it lasts longer, tastes better and has a better texture then some of the less expensive glosses. After trying this soft peach gloss, it would be difficult for me to not be a loyal user and I think it would be tough to find a substitute that compares.

image: www.prphotos.com

1. Protect yourself. Consider this one a summer beauty rule, not a tip—you MUST protect your skin from the sun. The younger you are, the easier it is to want to ignore this piece of advice. For those of you in your teens and twenties, it may be hard to imagine a time when sun damage will actually be a tangible thing, but believe you me, your time will come. Unless, of course, you do the smart thing and sport an appropriate SPF with that bikini. And do I really need to tell you again that the sun is bad for your health? I have faith you’ve heard that enough times, but if it needs to be made clear, here it is one more time: wear sunscreen every single day and avoid tanning beds like the plague. And get familiar with self-tanners—they’ll give you the look you’re after without the cancer risk.

2. Less is more. We’ve all been to that beach barbecue or pool party and seen it: the girl with nightclub-worthy makeup melting all over the place. Seriously, even if she used waterproof everything and there’s no meltage, it still looks silly and out of place. Don’t be this girl. Instead, let your natural beauty shine through—use a tinted moisturizer, some waterproof mascara, and some light color on your cheeks, eyes and lips. One of my summer beauty faves: The Multiple by Nars in everyone’s favorite shade, Orgasm.

3.Be kind to your hair. Heavily chlorinated pools can wreak havoc on summer beauty, fading reds and brunettes and leaving blondes with a not-so-lovely green tinge. When it’s hot out, you want to get in the pool. I get that. Do your hair a favor, though, and before you take the plunge, get it wet with clean, pure water. Like a sponge, your hair will absorb the fresh H20, soaking up much less of the chemical-laden stuff in the pool. Also, don’t forget to pack a comb in your bag—don’t even think about detangling wet pool hair with a brush! For good measure, why not also throw in some leave-in conditioner and a big, floppy hat? My hair has a decidedly uncute natural wave/frizz as it dries, so hats are a saving grace for me in these sorts of situations.

Do you have any tried-and-true summer beauty tips of your own? Tell us about them!

Spring makeup trend #1 Very juicy lip color

At a recent video shoot, our makeup artist Noel walked in with the most gorgeously sassy, hot pink lips and we all swooned. Weird to say it, but that color added a playful mood to the entire day and we’re still talking about how amazing it looked.  Tangerines, very orange-y corals and pinks are everything to go for in sparking up your makeup routine. Using a super neon or pastel pink (think Nikki Minaj) or a hot coral lipstick is an easy way to go from drab winter to spring chic. Dress it up with a side pinned braid or accessory to add instant style. I’ve been drooling over Yves Saint Laurent’s Gloss Volupte in Chilled Raspberry & Tangy Orange for weeks and can’t wait to test them out.

Spring makeup Trend #2 – Bright shimmery eyes

If you aren’t daring enough to try an electric orange on your lips, wearing a bright eyeshadow might be right up your alley.  Sticking to always appropriate spring makeup colors like violet, rose, oranges, and green, try a shade lighter than you usually would. If you want to be on top of color trends, wearing a solid bright yellow on your lids makes a bold statement and will complement any eye color. For extra credit, channel your inner 60’s chick and go with a bold cat-eye look using a liquid eyeliner and meow!

Spring makeup trend #3 – Brighter blush

Are you familiar with how your cheeks look when you’re a tad sunburned? That reddish-fuchsia color that graces your high cheeks under your eyes is exactly where that cream blush is going-minus the sunburn. Use a peach blush or a colorful fuchsia to perk up for a sun blown look. Instead of doing the usual up and out sweep with a brush, apply a cream blush (or a fan brush for powder) start at the edge of your nose and build up the color to achieve the fresh-faced look.

Please note: when trying out these spring makeup trends, don’t mix and match crazy colors on your eyes and face. Take it one step at a time and work one at a time. We don’t need to take anything to the extreme, subtle pops of color are always a good idea.

source: flickr user o0o0lulu0o0o

You wash your face every day. You wash your hair every day (or if you’re like me, every once in a while, at least). So why do you NEVER wash your makeup brushes? (Come on. We know a good portion of you lovely readers out there are guilty of this classic beauty faux pas.) Your foundation brush, your blush brush, your eyeshadow brushes … they all collect dirt, oil and bacteria and gunky cosmetic buildup over time. If you don’t commit to cleaning them on a regular basis, you’re merely transferring all this grit and grime over to your complexion (not to mention your makeup), and even into your eyes and mouth. Gross, huh? (Oh, and do you use a facial brush, like the Clarisonic ? Yeah, you need to clean those bristles, too.)  Don’t know how to clean makeup brushes? Read on!

A clean set of brushes will make for easier makeup application (when there’s no oil on the brush for product to stick to, the product you’re using will go on much more evenly), if the cleanliness factor isn’t enough incentive for you. Plus … you may save some money in the long run, as taking care of your makeup brush set will make it last. Finally, clean brushes mean clean pigment—if you notice your cosmetics are changing colors on you, chances are, they’ve been tainted by dirty implements.

The good news is that cleaning your makeup brushes is a simple process. While this simple process will take place once a week in a perfect world, it will take just a few minutes of your time. The how-to:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Using an antibacterial soap (doesn’t matter which one, honestly) and warm water in a small bowl, gently “shampoo” your brushes. Don’t get crazy, now—if you’re overzealous you’ll compromise the shape of the brush, and you obviously don’t want that.
3. Rinse the brushes with warm water. (I like to let mine soak in clean water for 5 minutes or so, just to make sure all the soap’s really gone.)
4. Lay the brushes out to dry on a clean towel, and you’re done.
5. You’re done! The last step in our brush-cleaning guide is really just a piece of advice: if the brush seems old and ratty and cleaning doesn’t fix it, toss it out and get a new one. You’re doing yourself no favors by contaminating your skin and makeup with tools that are past their prime.

I clean all my makeup brushes every Sunday after I put on my makeup, if I opted to wear makeup that day (hey, sometimes Sunday’s couch and movie day). I enjoy starting the workweek on Monday without bacteria-laden beauty tools and I think you will as well.

Do you have any beauty cleanliness tips of your own? Do share!

Admit it, you’ve always wanted to wear that new color of deep red lipstick but you’re afraid of it. You also may shy away from lip liner, because you think it’s not flattering. You have more than a few lipstick shades but don’t use them as often as you’d like to because you’ve grown tired of them. Or you just haven’t found a long lasting lipstick that you love. Perk up, because lucky for you, I’m going to give you the best beauty tips and beauty tricks for changing it up with lipstick.

There have been countless times where I find a really fabulous lipstick shade, take it home, put it on and then 5-10 minutes later it’s gone. MIA from my lips and it’s a total waste, and I have a hunch that I’m not the only one this has happened to. Instead of cursing at the sky about it, get out some blotting paper; you’re going to great your own lip stain. This works with just about any lipstick, and it’ll transform it from a dud into long lasting lipstick color that you’re free to enjoy down to the last application. Apply your lipstick like normal, take the blotting paper and blot away. Re-apply again, and then blot again to remove any excess oils. Use the lint-free blotting paper for a more natural look and feel free to apply for even a third time. Now enjoy how long it lasts. You’ll be wearing gorgeous color for a much longer amount of time that you’re hard earned lipstick promised to do.

Source: Flickr user Cobalt 123

It’s been a while since you’ve been out and your lipstick might be a little dull now. Or you’ve been out too many times wearing the same color and you want to change it up without spending a fortune on that new YSL lipstick shade. This trick will take any lip color and make it into a brand new shade guaranteed. Apply your lipstick color as usual. Remember your last Beautyfix kit? Take a sheer golden glossy shade like Colorescience’s Lip Candy Glaze in Butter Toffee to instantly turn that lipstick color into a gorgeous warm shade.

There’s always the scenario that you don’t want to or don’t know how to apply lip liner. It just so happens that this is the trick to make your lipstick last. Outline your lips in a neutral-pink color.  This is the perfect shade for ANYONE of any color to use. Instead of going to your lipstick, start filling in your lips, to create a base underneath. Apply your favorite lipstick shade and enjoy all day. This will prevent feathering, which is never in style. If you’re not sure about what perfect shade of pink lipstick you should refer to, all you need to do is open wide and smile. The best pink lipstick to match your skin tone and face is the same color as your gums.

All it takes is a little know-how and a few of the best beauty tricks from your favorite Beautyfix. Now go ahead you lipstick connoisseur, make her jealous and make him beg.

Source: Flickr user .Michi.

All of our Beautyfix members mean so much to us, and when you say something, we listen. You’ve been asking us every season to give you one thing, and that’s mascara. Now you can try what we feel is the best mascara for everyday use: MegaLash Mascara by Redpoint, a brand dedicated to delivering anti-aging benefits in all of its beauty products.

I was definitely very cautious at first, because I hadn’t heard much about Redpoint. But the line impresses me with every new item I try! My first beauty product from Redpoint was the NOC-Out Concealer compact from the first season of Beautyfix—and now I SWEAR by it. It’s one of the best concealers I’ve ever used. From bronzers to mascara I haven’t found anything from this makeup line that I don’t like. The best thing about Redpoint cosmetics is that each product has effective anti-aging benefits and is hypoallergenic. Each of Redpoint’s makeup formulas is designed to smooth fine lines, firm and give you a more youthful appearance. Who doesn’t want makeup that also makes you look younger?

I’m so excited to have Redpoint’s MegaLash Mascara in this season’s kit because it truly does work wonders. My lashes are short, light and very thin to begin with, so it’s been hard to find any mascara that actually does its job. I was completely shocked to see that it only took one swish and my lashes were fully coated with a blacker than black hue. Another swipe across my lashes and the mascara application was done—and and volumized, silky lashes was the result. MegaLash mascara is also formulated with conditioning antioxidants for a super rich, glossy look increasing your lash volume and length. Another plus is that it’s long wearing, so there’s no need to apply again after a few hours and it doesn’t flake off. The number one thing that I hate about most mascaras is that they don’t come off well with remover, but MegaLash was a pleasant surprise. No flakes and no mess when taking it off. Beautyfix fans, rejoice:  we’ve found the best mascara for anyone of any age. Lash mission accomplished.

I, like most women, love the look of luscious, long eyelashes. (Wouldn’t we all love to walk around every day with Kim K’s stunning lashes?)  Although, due to clumsiness, laziness and lack of time, I rarely make an effort.  My unsteady hand generally results in mascara on my nose and eyeliner smudged on my lid and cheek (don’t even ask how it gets there, I have no clue). Fake eyelashes? Please, there is NO WAY I trust myself with eyelash adhesive around my eye region.  I toyed with the idea of trying a product such as Latisse or RapidLash—but I don’t want to deal with a prescription and both of these products contain Prostaglandin, which can alter the color of your eye. Even though I don’t have gorgeous blue or green peepers, I’m kind of partial to the boring brown eye color that I was given.

I recently decided to try Smartlash, a new eyelash enhancement which utilizes VisiLash Technology to create a gentle product that produces serious results. SmartLash is prescription-free formula that replaces harmful ingredients, such as Prostaglandin, with mild peptides to improve the look of lashes and brows without affecting the remaining eye area and skin. Although, what really sold me were the clinical results.

A 30-day independent clinical study yielded the following results:

• 100% saw an increase in the appearance of eyelash length, fullness and thickness
• Participants experienced up to a 68% increase in the appearance of lash length!

• 100% said they feel like they need less mascara
• 100% indicated superior performance compared to previously used eyelash enhancers

SmartLash is so incredibly easy to use. I just apply it to my lash line, as if I am applying eyeliner, twice a day and I’m done. I have only been using the product for about 4 days, so will check back in after a month and share my results!

Source Flickr User: Chase Patterson

Learning how to apply eye makeup the right way can have its benefits. One of my most important pieces of advice: eyeliner can be a girl’s best friend. It’s a little wonder that can turn your eyes into sassy, sexy or sultry with simple lines or bold colors. Applying eyeliner can be difficult. But with the right practice and eye makeup tips in mind, you can enhance your features graciously. Fact is, everyone has a different eye shape, and eye set. Depending on the style of eyeliner and application method you choose, you can make them appear smaller or larger. There are many different possibilities—the best part is playing with to work best for your own personal eye set.

Having a set of smaller eyes can help you appear mysterious, but if you’re looking to widen your eyes and make them appear larger, all you need is eyeliner. To make your eyes appear bigger, use dark liner and line just below the lash line on your lower lashes. Be sure that you don’t line the inner rim of your eyes and extend to the outer corner. When applying eyeliner, extending the line beyond the outside of your eyes moving upwards to create a cat eye will make your eyes look wider. Another trick to use is white eyeliner. Use white eyeliner or a highlighting color on the inside corner of your eyes to bring more light to them, making them appear larger. Sticking to applying eyeliner on half of the lid will open up your eyes and give the illusion that they’re bigger. Big curly lashes are another must-have, and will add the extra va-va voom you’re looking for. Use an eye lash curler to help you get the shape and follow with a dark voluminizing mascara.

If you have a large set of eyes and you’re not careful with your eye makeup application, heavy shadows and liners can be a bit much. The last thing you want is to look like a drag queen, right? The key to applying eyeliner on large eyes is keeping the line thin enough to make it look natural. If you’re using a pencil, crème or powder to create you lines, blend and smooth them out for a seamless finish and a gorgeous natural look. On larger eyes, feel free to line from the inside corner of your eye outward, around the entire top lid. Winging your liner at the end is another fabulous look for larger eyes. Hold your eye taut and use your eyeliner pencil to extend the line up and out. For your lower lashes, be sure to line as close to the lash line as possible.

Applying eyeliner takes a lot of practice, but can be easily mastered. It’s one of your biggest allies in the makeup world, so stock up and start drawing!