Ask Ink: Face Cleaning For Lazy People!

So what's the thought on makeup wipes in general? I can see how in [some] case[s] they don't cut it. But I use them all the time instead of other cleansers. Should I or no?

Ask Ink: Fighting the Fly-aways

"Just wanted to know if you know about a good product to control static in hair. I have curly hair, but recently been straightening it and I guess this weather from the NE has been messing with it."

Ask Ink: Oil Cleansing With SeaKat

SeaKat

"I've been hearing a lot about the "oil cleansing method" from some crunchy granola types. I've got some fierce adult acne, and nothing else seems to work on my skin, so I'm considering going the natural route. Do any of you have any experience with this method? Is it BS? Does it work?"

SeaKat here! I’ve been using the oil cleansing method for almost a year now, and I absolutely love it. I have sensitive (and in the winter VERY dry) 40-year old skin. Most regular cleansers make me feel “tight” or “pulled” afterwards. Which SOUNDS like it might be appealing to a 40 year old, but it’s not like it gets rid of fine lines! It actually makes them look worse. And sometimes fragrances are a no-go for me. AND it kills me in the heart and the pocketbook to spend $15 or $20 bucks (or more!) for cleanser. That’s money that can be better spent on wine, friend.

Ask Ink: A Brighter Smile...Part Deux

"Do y'all have any products you'd recommend for easy teeth whitening? I can't afford a professional treatment but would desperately love to have whiter teeth by my wedding!"

Vee answered this question here. Now Kolby takes it on!

Ask Ink: A Brighter Smile

"Do y'all have any products you'd recommend for easy teeth whitening? I can't afford a professional treatment but would desperately love to have whiter teeth by my wedding!"

Ask Ink: Filling In Your Brows

"Over the weekend, I was searching Youtube looking for tips about filling in eyebrows if you have sparse ones like I do. But I'd much rather get the info from one of you guys."

Ask Ink!

I have heard that you need to toss your makeup out yearly. 1) is this true and 2) how true is it for someone that wears said makeup once or twice a year? I tend to buy Origins or higher priced items and 1 tube of mascara can last me several years. I use mascara, maybe an eye liner and eye shadow if I am being really fancy. And blush. Maybe lipstick, but usually a tinted lip balm. That’s it. Please believe that I am not trying to suggest I don’t NEED makeup. I am simply far too lazy to apply it. I do use a moisturizer daily.

Ask Ink: Applying Cream Eyeshadows

Author: Rusty

Here is this week's question:
"What am I supposed to use to apply creme eye shadows? It seems like a finger may be the best option, because anything else would get gunked up."

Ask Ink: Choosing the Right Hair Straightener

Author: MelBivDevoe

Here's this week's question:

"I need a new straightener! I hate mine! It doesn't get hot enough and the plates are too wide (thick? big?)! What do you all use or recommend?

Ask Ink: Light Foundation for Dry, Fair Skin

This week's question via email:

"My question, I've been using MAC Studio Fix as the only product on my face for years. I don't like regular foundation (I find it goopy and heavy feeling) and I've always had good skin, so the lightness of it worked for me. As I get older, I think my skin needs more help. I'm very fair and tend towards dry skin. Suggestions on products?"

Ask Ink: Green Eyeshadow for Pale Redheads with Hazel Eyes

This week's question via email:

"So I'm a light-skinned, fake redhead with hazel eyes that loves rocking some green eyeshadow every once in a while. However, some of the greens are just too...green! I feel like my eyes disappear and look wonky behind my glasses. I remember I once found the right green, but I don't know what made it work. Should I be looking for a warmer green? Just using it as an accent? If it's just an accent, what other colors would I be using? Please help me, Hot Ink!"

As a pale redhead with hazel eyes, one of the things I’ve learned is that when it comes to any color of eyeshadow you generally want to stick to rich colors. I’ve found that light colors next to dark eyes, even on a pale face, won’t stand out so you want something a bit more assertive that will show up enough to combat the charming black hole effect that happens to me sometimes. I’ve made a video where I do two different looks with green eyeshadow, one for daytime and one for nighttime. While doing the makeup I talk some about what choices I’ve made with these looks so you can apply the concepts to other colors. Enjoy!

Products used:
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Original Formula (On sale but only if you buy two.)

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Chains, Midnight Cowboy, and Uzi

Urban Decay Cream Eyeshadow in Grass (On sale right now!)

Urban Decay Loose Pigment in Gunmetal (Also on sale right now!)

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero

Ask Ink: Beauty Essentials

"What basic makeup do you need to use on a daily basis?"

With so many products out there, it’s totally understandable that people get confused when it comes to what to use. Lip stains, eyeshadow crayons, crème blush, primers, shimmer, glitter, matte, liquid, powder….agh! It’s enough to make a girl swear off make-up altogether.

The quick answer is that the bare minimum for this make-up junkie is concealer under my eyes for dark circles, powder to tame the oil slick that is my t-zone, lip liner/gloss, and mascara.