Summer is here at last, and there’s no better time to enhance your appearance than now.

Bold lashes

Bold lashes are something almost every girl aspires to have. We say … fake it until you make it! Applying faux lashes is easier than you think.

I recommend picking a full lash. Look for lash bulbs that are closer together for a natural look. Make sure to fit the lashes to your eye size. Always cut off the excess from the outer corners. (Tip: Do your makeup first!) Glide dark lash glue on the lash strip and place the center of the strip to the base of the top lash line using tweezers. Guide the lash along the lash line to set in place. The glue is light gray when it is wet and dries black.

Pick a full lash. Look for lash bulbs that are closer together for a natural look.

Nude skin

Keep your skin absolutely flawless whether it be either matte or dewy, the choice is yours! I love a little light brown shadow along the lash line for a clean subtle smokey eye. Help brighten up your sparkling peeps by lining the inner rim with a cream colored pencil.

Help brighten up your sparkling peeps by lining the inner rim with a cream colored pencil.

Matte lips

The key to a great matte lip is exfoliated moisturized lips. Forgot to pick a matte lipstick? No worries, just use a lip pencil for a well defined pout.

Use a lip pencil for a well defined pout.

There are three products in my purse at the moment. All of which I cannot leave home without!

1. Nivea Soft Face/Body/Hand Creme: $6- $7

NIVEA Soft is a surprisingly light textured moisturizing creme that gives your skin a revitalizing refreshing feeling. Enriched with Vitamin E and Jojoba extract, it spreads easily and is quickly absorbed for refreshingly soft and supple skin all day long. The light, fresh scent adds to the invigorating effect.

I have been using this on my face for the past two months and never break out. I use it on my legs for a soft, silky feel and on my roughest parts like my feet and elbows. The scent is light and the jar fits in even my smallest handbag.

2.  Bath & Body Works C.O. Bigelow Mentha Shimmer Tint: $7.50

This mint-infused lip treatment, now refreshed with shimmery color options!

The pearl white color gives a subtle shimmer and delivers a high-shine, a hint-of-tint and a super cooling sensation with the same great moisturizing formula you will love!

3. Similasan Allergy Relief Eye Drops: $12.95

Similasan Healthy Relief products have provided safe, effective relief to millions of people for over 25 years.

Okay, this is a must have for me. Since I moved to the DMV, my allergies got ridiculous! I have not figured out what kicks them up, but I make sure to have a bottle of this sting-free formula handy. It relieves itching, burning and watering associated with allergies. The product stimulates the eyes natural ability to fight symptoms of allergies due to pollen, pet dander, mold spores and more. Goodbye red eyes. Hello sparkly brights.

Hope you love these as much as I do!

XOXO Besos,

Anna Castillo

Beauty Editor/Owner of www.shopinkcosmetics.com

What better way to spring into warmer weather than attend Style & Image Network’s 2013 Beauty Night Out?

For fashionistas and beauty lovers like myself, this event provides an evening of experiences for you and your girlfriends. All while learning new ways to sharpen your image and spruce up your look. As an attendee, you will receive exclusive access to beauty tips, shop amazing fashion deals, indulge on complimentary special spa treatments, sample products and sip on delicious cocktails all in one night!

This year we are proud to present our DC on Heels followers with this promo code: dconheels for $10 off your advanced ticket purchase at bnodc2013.eventbrite.com.

We invite you to join us this Wednesday for an evening of incredible shopping and sampling complete with delicious cocktails and more! I cannot wait to see you there!

XOXO Besos,
Anna Castillo
Beauty Editor and Owner of www.inkcosmetics.com

There is nothing more sensual than a little after-hours sparkle on your décolletage and legs, as Mila Kunis demonstrates. A natural oil is the best way to get it, but you don’t want to look or feel greasy. Sally Blenkey-Tchassova, owner of Brazil Bronze Glow Bar in New York City, suggests dabbing a bit of oil onto extra-dry spots like elbows and knees, then using a dry washcloth to rub it in and buff it across other areas, like your shoulders and calves.

Looking for something a little more affordable try these:

Neutrogena Body Oil is a delicately light sesame formula that instantly vanishes into the skin, sealing in moisture to help keep your skin looking soft and radiant.  You can purchase this product for approximately $9.99 at chain department stores.

Vaseline intensive care body lotion helps smooth the appearance of marks and discoloration. Enriched with cocoa butter deep conditioning lotion to smooth away roughness and dark spots. It conditions and moisturizes your skin leaving it silky smooth. Pick up a bottle of this secret weapon at Walmart for less than $5.40.

XOXO Besos,

Article by: Anna Castillo, DC on Heels Beauty Editor and Owner of www.inkcosmetics.com

Finally the weather seems to be letting up and Spring is peaking around the corner. Have you checked out your make-up bag lately? I am sure you probably had your mascara for a month too long and your nail polish is probably separated. This means it is old and time to toss out the old and in with the new.  Here are some helpful tips for how long you should keep your items.

Mascara:

Toss this after three months. If you use your mascara daily, then it should last only two months. Keeping mascara any longer is a no go. It is a breeding ground for bacteria and can cause eye infections.

Concealer:

The best rule of thumb is anything that goes around the eye area should be discarded between three and six months.

Pressed Powder:

Normally, unopened cosmetics will have at least a two-year shelf life. Once the item is open and exposed to oil from the face like your pressed powders, you should think about getting rid of it between six and 12 months. You should never keep your puff pad on your pressed powder. I recommend using a kabuki brush to apply your powder. Using a puff pad can suck up oil from your face, then laying it on the powder all day can produce bacteria and cause breakouts.

Blush:

Toss this product after one year. You use this less often, but you should not keep it longer than a year.

Lipstick:

If is looks funny or smells funny, it is time to change it out!

Foundation:

Almost anything liquid should be tossed after one year. If you notice your liquid foundation starts to separate … then say bye bye.

Nail Polish:

Same as any liquid … if it looks or smells, funny toss it in the trash! Pick up a new trendy color and move on.

HAPPY Cleaning! XOXO besos!

Anna Castillo

Beauty Editor/Owner of www.inkcosmetics.com