Eye Can't Live Without My Lashes!

Lush lashes have been THE beauty craze for awhile now whether it's long-lasting extensions or quick fixes with falsies. If you are a fan of SHU UEMURA lashes, you must be sad like me. The counter where I had my first freelance gig will be leaving the U.S. stores according to parent company, L'Oreal. So if you have a fetish for over the top lashes, I suggest you visit Nordstrom quickly or click the accessories tab on their website at http://www.shuuemura-usa.com.

Eye opening mascaras are always another option. COVERGIRL's latest LashBlast launch catches the eye immediately. LASHBLAST Fusion is an electric blue tube that holds the key to long/non-flaking/smudge proof lashes. Hitting stores next month for under $10, it's a steal! PSST...COVERGIRL exclusive pre-sale on FaceBook (limited quantities and FREE shipping).

I haven't tried it yet, but MY tried and true mascara is L'OREAL Extra Volume Collagen Mascara in Blackest .

CHEAP TRICK for CLEANING TARNISHED JEWELRY

Accessories add your personal touch to any ensemble. Whether its delicate pretty pieces or bold statement jewelry, all of it gets a bit dull and tarnished after a while. A simple "wash" can restore vibrancy.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Baking soda, aluminum foil, glass dish, and water.
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WHAT YOU'LL DO: Line the dish with foil paper. Space your jewelry in the bowl. Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the pieces then pour boiling water on top. Soak for at least 10 minutes. The tarnish transfers onto the foil so everything comes out bright and shiny -- just like new.

(LA EMELY -- Brushed Gold Cuff courtesy of ARIDNY's JEWELRY @ www.aridnysjewelry.com. Available in yellow, rose or white gold.)

DIY...Yes You Can!

It's no longer a "treat." Manicures are a MUST. If you don't have time to make it to your usual appointment at the nail salon, include these easy steps at home.

SOFT TOUCH: Daily living can wreck havoc on your hands. Slip on a SILICONE GLOVE from AVON Basics...it protects hands from harsh chemicals and detergents in cleansers. I keep creams and lotions within reach at all times --around the house, my purse, and even in the car! Healthy cuticles promote healthy strong nail growth. After soaking your hands in warm water, rub in Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream and put on white cotton gloves for a few hours.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: TWEEZERMAN MINI NAIL RESCUE KIT contains essentials for a manicure...mini cuticle pusher and a hangnail snipper
for $20 at www.beauty.com. I own (and love) MS. MANICURE Just In Case 7-Piece First Aid Kit for Emergency Nail Care. It includes a 3-way buffer and nail brush!

EAT UP! Combat dry brittle nails by eating papaya or foods rich in Vitamin A. Folic acid, found in avocado and orange juice, increases flexibility and nail strength. Strawberries contain silicon which promote firmness and biotin increases the thickness and nail strength overall. Besides supplements, biotin can be found in brown rice, oats, and eggs.

FIGHT IT: Treat nail fungus with nature's potent fungicide -- tea tree oil. You can combine tea tree and olive oil or rub the tea tree oil directly into the infected area until it clears.

Beauty Bits for Clean & Clear Skin

The weather is warming and I'm ready for the sun to shine...not my skin. To combat oiliness this spring, I've switched to a really inexpensive oil-free cleanser. St. Ives Naturally Clear Blemish & Blackhead Control Apricot Scrub cleans pores with 2% salicylic acid. It's all natural and free of parabens. I love the grainy exfoliators and the sweet smell. Leaves my skin feeling fresh! A bargain for $4 at drugstores.

I'm also using a facial mask once a week. The Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque from KIEHL'S is phenomenal. It removes dead skin, prevents skin from looking dull and visibly minimizes pores. Natural ingredients include aloe and oatmeal. I slather it on my face and neck, let it dry down for 15 minutes, rinse and moisturize. Available at www.kiehls.com for $23.99. Receive three complimentary samples with every online order.

CORAL QUEST: In search of the perfect coral shade to compliment sun kissed skin...do i go for a full burst of color or a soft shimmery gloss? Hmmmm...we'll see.