How To Get the Best Beauty Sleep

If there’s one thing most women are lacking in, it’s sleep. We are either not getting enough or it’s generally pour quality. I’m the first to admit that I look MUCH fresher (and healthier) when i’m practicing good sleeping habits. Here are some ways to improve your beauty sleep:

Darkness:

One thing many people don’t realize is how much light can disrupt your sleep. Even a night light in the corner of the room can throw off your sleep cycle. Be sure your curtains are shut nice and tight so no light filters in and turn off even the smallest lamps and televisions.

Relax:

While this is often times better said than done, it will make a big difference to your peepers. When you go to sleep stressed, you toss and turn and mess with your REM cycle. Try taking a hot bath before bed or drinking a nice cup of hot tea (one of my favorite tricks). Depending on your personal beliefs, it helps many people to talk to God before they go to sleep. You can also download some nice meditations from iTunes to help you relax into shut-eye.

Use an Eye Mask:

Not like the ones you get in a facial. For $10 or less you can find a nice mask that helps cool down the skin around your eyes. This helps firm up the skin and also increase circulation. (Can anyone say “Bye Bye” to dark circles?). You’ll be surprised at how nice it feels to go into bed after using the cool mask and wake up with refreshed peepers.

Be Consistent:

Going to sleep and waking up at the same time will help you tremendously. This will build a natural timer in your body so those of you night owls will have an easier time turning in. Continuity helps your body to know exactly how much time it has to perform each essential task during sleep.

I hope you found these tips useful! Be sure to comment with your tips to getting good shut-eye!

 

Too Faced Better Than False Lashes: Reviewed

 

I’m super excited to tell you about the new Better Than False Lashes mascara by Too Faced. You can see the video here. This 3 step mascara packs a lot of lengthening power and just like the name says: It’s better than false lashes! For those of you familiar with the Too Faced brand- you know that they are all about color, creativity, and designing beauty goodies with fun in mind.

 

 

*The box is designed to be a nice case to hold the Activating Mascara and Nylon Lash Fibers. The front of the box is  a flap revealing the product inside.

 

 

Better Than False Lashes is a Lash Extension System with Flexistretch Nylon Fibers. You literally brush on your false lashes!

The White/ Gold color-combo is an electric pairing for any makeup bag.

This system is very easy to use, even for beginning makeup users. The 3 steps are listed for you under the box flap, but I had it memorized after about 1 use.

 

Steps:

  • Prime: Use the Activating Mascara (gold tube) to create a base for the Flexistretch nylon fibers; just as you would use a mascara primer.
  • Build: Brush on 1-2 coats of the Flexistretch nylon fibers (white tube) to create super long lashes.
  • Seal: Follow with the Activating Mascara one more time to seal the nylon fibers and achieve your Better Than False Lashes look.

See My Before & After Photos!:

Before

            
This system was easy to use and really effective. My Dad even noticed my eyes and said it was a really good product :) But you be the judge :)
Be Sure to Check Out: Top 5 Lipstick Shades for Spring
Tips:
1) Be sure not to delay between applications. I’ve found that it really helps decrease your chances of clumping if you quickly apply each step after the other.
2) Use long strokes when brushing on the Flexistretch nylon fibers. This allows for a much smoother application when sealing the fibers.
Better Than False Lashes is available exclusively at Sephora until Fall 2012. Be sure to check out the new Too Faced Summer 2012 collection at TooFaced.com
*Note: Ophthalmologist Tested. This product is suitable for contact lens wearers.
–Be sure to comment and let me know if you plan on getting this!

 

Urban Decay Primer Potion Review

There’s quite a bit to be said about this little tube of wonder. Rightfully labeled a “potion”, i’ve been using this for years now. If you have oily eyelids or tend to have your eyeshadow do a disappearing act after an hour or two, then Urban Decay’s Primer Potion is your new best friend. This also presents a solution for anyone who get’s a crease of shadow on their eyelids. You can choose from 4 different shades: Eden, Greed, Original and Sin. I also use these with glitter liner and it works great for me.

These come in the four different shades i’ve listed above and are a velvety texture that easily glides over your eye lids. Typically I have to apply it with my finger tip but that really isn’t much of an inconvenience. A small bottle goes a really long way. Remember to replace your bottle in the recommended time frame, as with all cosmetics.

When they say this lasts for 24+ hours- they really mean it. I’ve used UDPP through long days of School, Work, Nights Out Clubbing, Even when i’ve been exercising! I can’t really say enough good things about this. You can see why it made it into Cortney Loves. Although, I do wish they wouldn’t put so many Parabens (or any at all!) in this.

Thanks to Urban Decay for making this awesome eye shadow primer!

Content copyright Cosmetics by Cortney