Did you know that the first mascara was invented by Eugene Rimmel in the 19th Century and that the word ‘Rimmel’ also means mascara in many languages.  It was also Max Factor who were the first to create mascara with a wand application that we see today.  (I bet you didnt know that!)

    Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara £14.50

     Max Factor Lash Extension Effect £7.99

     Clinique Lash Building Primer £10.00

    Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus £16.00

      Rimmel Magnifi’eyes Mascara £6.99

These items can all be found online at Boots but this is just a small selection of what if available so check out their website and see what you can find!

Happy Shopping x

1.         Try using an eyelash curler prior to applying your mascara to open up your eyes and give natural curve. When using an eyelash curler, squeeze your lashes onto the curler pad, then release slowly, then pull the curler away from your eyes.  Its not a good idea to release and pull away at the same time as you might pull some eyelashes out (ouch)!   Be very careful if you need to use the curler again after you’ve applied your mascara as the mascara can cause the lashes to stick to the curler.

2.         Treat yourself to a good eyelash primer.   A lash primer or lash conditioner provides a base coat for your mascara.  It will condition, thicken and strengthen your lashes all in one step – even before you apply your mascara.  Just brush the lash primer onto your lashes and let them dry completely prior to putting your mascara on.
 
3.         Apply mascara to your upper lashes from the base to end of the lashes.  Why not turn your mascara wand upright and just tip the ends of your eyelashes with the end of the mascara wand. This will give the very ends of your lashes a good coating of mascara which will help them to appear longer.  You can do the same step to your lower lashes, but be careful and use sparingly, as too much mascara underneath the eye can make you look tired.  Use a clean lash brush to comb through your lashes if they need to be separated.  Let each coat of mascara dry completely before applying additional mascara to the lashes.

4.         To help the base of your eyelashes appear thicker, use a very thin line of high-pigment eyeliner, either pencil or liquid, whichever is preferred.  But be careful not to smudge, you don’t want to look like some king of witch!
 
Personally, I have to be really careful when doing my eyelashes as they are extremely long!  Lucky you, I hear you saying.  But, to be honest, they clump together and I am forever getting spots all the way along the top of my eye shadow, as when I put my mascara on, they just roll back and blot everywhere.  I am forever redoing my eyes!!

We all have to tighten our belts at some time or another, especially after the expense of Christmas so, heres my top 10 beauty tips for a budget!

1. Adding a drop of olive oil and lemon juice to an ice cube then running it over your face gives you better results than some expensive skin care products.
2. A drop of live oil rubbed nightly into your nails will help them grow long and strong and is cheaper than shop-bought manicure oils.
3. To boost the shine of dark hair rinse it with diluted vinegar. For blonde hair use lemon juice. Both act by sealing down the outer cuticles of the hair, helping your hair reflect the light more effectively.
4. Have a go at swapping your expensive face scrubs for a cup of oatmeal massaged directly onto your skin – this works well and helps the skin to shine.
5. This is a favourite of mine as I love my nails – a small drop of olive oil rubbed nightly into your nails will help them grow long and strong and is cheaper than brand name manicure oils.
6. Annoying pimples – dab with a spot of toothpaste before bed and leave on overnight!  Works a treat.
7. Equal parts of Oatmeal & Honey into a paste is the best way to tackle blackheads, massage skin for a few minutes and rinse, easy peasy!
8. Mascara coming to an end?  Stand in warm water to get a little more life out of it.
9. Baking Soda is fantastic as a teeth whitener – just sprinkle onto damp toothbrush as normal
10. Why not use fresh strawberries to fight acne – mash ¼ cup of strawberries with natural yoghurt and let it sit on your face for 15 minutes then rinse thoroughly.

Lisa x