The Best Makeup Gifts to Give to a Friend

Have you ever been swiping on your favorite mascara or eyeliner only to find your eyes tearing up or itching?  This is more common than you might think.  Maybe it happens as soon as the product goes on, or maybe it happens later in the day. You’re left with sore eyes and smudged makeup all over your face.  You deserve better than that. And some eye makeup safety tips can help! Makeup is not meant to harm or irritate your skin. So if it is causing any irritation, that means something’s not right, and it’s time to figure out what that is. You’re one article away from a glorious, pain-free beauty routine. Let’s dive in and find out what’s irritating your eyes, and how to make sure your makeup doesn’t hurt your eyes again.  Why do my eyes hurt when I put on makeup? There are a few common things that could be irritating your eyes and making them water: Dust Allergies Dry eyes An eye infection Eye makeup irritating your eyes If watery eyes are something that happens to you often, we recommend visiting an optometrist to check if everything's okay with your eye health. Let them know the symptoms you’re experiencing, and ask them for their recommendations for treatment.  If you get the all-clear from the optometrist, the next step is to focus on the makeup you’re using around the eye area.  Here’s how to make sure your makeup doesn’t hurt your eyes.  Pay attention to ingredients you’re allergic to When you’re using makeup so close to your eyes, it’s always advised to test out a new product on a small area of skin before applying it liberally. You never know how your eyes may react to something new.  Plus, if you know you have particularly sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, it’s important to be extra careful. Figuring out the specific ingredients you’re allergic to can be tricky when there are often 20+ different ingredients in any one product. But if you do notice a bad reaction to a particular product, make a note of it and immediately stop using the product.  Check the expiry date of your products Far too many women are using out-of-date products without even realizing it. When was the last time you cleared out your makeup collection? Most products will have a recommended expiry date written on them that will be a number followed by the letter M, such as “12M”. This means it’s recommended that you keep the product for a maximum of 12 months after opening.  When it comes to eye products, expiry dates are usually shorter.  For example, you should replace most mascara tubes every 3-6 months to avoid a build-up of bacteria and prevent eye infections. If an expired product is still half-full, there’s no need to feel bad about throwing it away—your eye health is far more important! Never share makeup Maybe your mother told you this when you were younger and first learning about makeup. But in case you didn’t get that memo, we’re reminding you now! Sharing things like mascara wands and eye pencils with your besties might seem innocent and harmless, but you have no idea what you’re potentially transferring to each other’s eyes!  Avoid this at all costs! If your BFF takes offense, explain to her the dangers of makeup sharing. She’ll understand.   Make sure your brushes are clean When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes? All beauty experts will tell you that this should be happening on the regular. Why? Because they gather so much dirt and bacteria every time you use them to apply makeup to your skin. You’re then potentially spreading that bacteria onto your eyelids and eyelashes. If possible, give your brushes a clean at least once a week. Clean your face before application Do you cleanse your face in the morning, or do you skip this step and go right to applying makeup? Washing your face can keep eye infections at bay by keeping oil glands of the upper and lower lashes from becoming blocked.  This is such a simple, easy step to incorporate into your routine. You can wash your face when you’re in the shower if that’s a part of your morning routine, or do it at the sink after brushing your teeth.  Avoid lining your waterline and lower lashes Your eyes might be tearing when wearing makeup because you’re applying it in places you should steer clear of. Putting eyeliner in that spot between the lashes and eyeball is a no-no. You have glands here that produce oil which keeps the tears on the surface of your eyes from evaporating.  Makeup placed in this spot can end up washing into the eye and clogging those glands.  The result? Dry eyes or tears streaming down your face. No thank you! As a general rule, avoid putting makeup too close to your eye because it’s such a sensitive area.  Swap false lashes for mascara False lashes might seem harmless, but there are risks involved. First, the glue can enter your eye and cause infections and abrasions which can lead to scars and even permanent damage. Second, artificially long lashes can actually act as a wind tunnel and attract more air and dirt particles into the eye. This will leave your eyes dirtier and drier than usual. If you want to be extra cautious, we recommend swapping your falsies for a healthy mascara. Be sure to remove your makeup every night The final step when it comes to eye makeup safety is to make sure you religiously remove all your makeup every night—no exceptions! When you’re asleep, any makeup left on your face can easily work its way into your eyes and cause irritation and damage.  Wipes alone don’t tend to thoroughly remove makeup and can end up just smudging it around your face. We recommend using a cotton pad and some micellar water to gently remove makeup. Be extra gentle when it comes to the eye area as this skin is quite delicate.  The best makeup for sensitive eyes The best makeup choice for sensitive eyes is to use hypoallergenic makeup. This is also best for anyone who regularly wears contact lenses.  Many leading cosmetic brands still use harsh chemicals and ingredients in their products that are not ophthalmologically tested.  Continuing to use products like this is bound to irritate already sensitive skin and leave your eyes tearing up when wearing makeup.  If you’re looking to switch to a gentler mascara formula, why not try our Cabaret Première mascara? This everyday classic mascara provides defined and voluminous lashes with just one coat. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free, like all the products here at Vivienne Sabó!  Make the effort to take care of your beautiful eyes! We hope this has helped you understand why makeup might be hurting your eyes, plus how to banish irritation for good. Remember, your health is important, so take all the steps you can to look after yourself.  Follow these eye makeup best practices and say hello to tear-free eyes and zero smudging!    

Eyeshadow is one of the most tricky parts of the makeup routine, but it allows you to get the most creative. There are a few common pitfalls beginners often make with their eyeshadow, from having the wrong technique to using the wrong eyeshadow palette.  We’ve collected our best eyeshadow tips to help you solve your eyeshadow woes. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why your eyeshadow looks dull or why it keeps creasing, we've got some suggestions based on our effortless, beginner-friendly approach to makeup.  Here are seven reasons why your eyeshadow may not be working for you.  1. Trying to do too much   Complex eyeshadow can be beautiful to look at, but it takes a long time to create, especially if you’re new to makeup. In French beauty, the goal is maximum impact with minimal effort. This means that we like to use our eyeshadows sparingly to bring out what we already have.  There’s nothing wrong with getting creative and using unusual colors, but most days, it’s better to do a “quick look” with just a couple of eyeshadows — a lighter tone on the lid and a slightly deeper tone on the crease to make the eyes pop.   2. Lack of eyeshadow primer  If your eyeshadow fades away quickly, settles into creases, or looks dull, chances are you’re forgetting to use primer. Powder eyeshadows don’t like to stick to bare skin — they need a bit of help to look vibrant and to stay in place.  When doing your eye makeup, make sure to start with a thin layer of eyeshadow primer, and when you apply your eyeshadow on top, it’ll look brighter and last a lot longer.  If you don’t have an eyeshadow primer on hand, you can use a concealer or cream eyeshadow instead. Your eyeshadow may still crease a little more quickly than with a primer, especially if your lids are oily, but it will look much better than if you go without.   3. Poor eyeshadow shape  Eye makeup rarely looks great when you layer it on without an action plan, so before starting to put on your eyeshadow, it’s imperative to consider eyeshadow shapes. By keeping your eye and lid shape in mind, you can guarantee that you’ll apply your shadow in a shape that flatters.  Shapes to try out First, consider the basics: darker eyeshadow acts like contour, pushing features back and making them look more hollow, while lighter shadows bring features forward to make them seem larger and more prominent.  To open up the eye, opt for a classic look with a brighter lid and a darker shade in the outer corner and crease.  Keeping the lid darker will give you a smoky look that’s a little sultrier and also helps de-emphasize a prominent lid.  The angle of your shadow in the outer corner will also have an impact. You can angle it up more to give the eyes an upturned look or keep it rounded for a softer look.  4. Using the wrong colors  From trying to wear blue eyeshadow with blue eyes to attempting to make yellow-gold shadow work against your cool skin tone… it’s very possible that your eyeshadow isn’t looking good because you’re wearing shades that don’t flatter your natural coloring.  Here are some tips to help you choose the best shades of eyeshadow for different eye colors and skin undertones:   For pinkish, cool-toned skin, avoid very warm yellow or green-based shades, and instead opt for neutral, red-based, or cool tones.   If your skin is warm with a yellow undertone, skip the blue and indigo shades, and try to stick to warmer shades, instead.  For blue eyes, orange-based shades like peach, copper, and rose gold are going to have the most impact.  If your eyes are green, mauves, bronzes, and red-based browns will bring out your green tones most dramatically.  If your eyes are brown, you’re in luck! Your eyes are a neutral color, so you can combine them with just about anything.  Finally, no matter your eye color or skin tone, remember that everyone looks good in neutrals. Browns, smokes, and beige shades (and their metallic versions like gunmetal and champagne) can be used to add depth to the eye without necessarily adding color.  5. You’re “brushing” your eyeshadow on  Another reason why your eyeshadow looks dull or muddy might be that your application technique is a little off. Even though they’re called brushes, you’re not actually supposed to brush eyeshadow on to the eyes.  When you try to apply your eyeshadow with a wiping or blending motion, you end up smudging it as you apply it, which reduces color pay-off and looks messy. Instead, you should always press the eyeshadow on at first, using the side of a flat brush. This way, you can deposit a maximum amount of vibrant eyeshadow directly on your lid!  7. Not blending correctly If your eyeshadow looks too harsh or blunt, chances are you’re not blending it enough. After you’ve deposited your eyeshadow, you should always transition to a fluffy brush for blending. Use it only to blend the areas where you want the eyeshadow to look smokier and less intense, and make sure to take your time with it until everything looks soft and seamless.   If you want to combine a few different eyeshadow colors, it can help to first dip your blending brush into a transition shade that's somewhere in between the main colors you’re using. That middle shade will help the shadows blend easily, without looking muddy.  Finishing touches  There are no rules in makeup, only guidelines! Please take our best eyeshadow tips as intended, to make your life easier and help you problem-solve. Our suggestions will help you get the most out of your eyeshadow palettes, but what you create is totally up to you. 

What’s the secret to flawless-looking eyebrows? Good eyebrows have been making headlines in the beauty industry for years now and show no signs of taking a backseat anytime soon. But with so many techniques and products out there, how do you know where to start when it comes to getting beautiful, natural brows? In this article we’ll be covering everything you need to know when it comes to how to get perfect eyebrows naturally, plucking your eyebrows, and eyebrow treatments.    Here’s what to do with your eyebrows, broken down into simple, manageable steps.  Eyebrow treatments for beautiful brows Here are some of the most popular eyebrow treatments, what the process looks like, and why you may want to give them a try. Threading Threading originated in India and involves the use of cotton thread to roll over the surface of the skin to drive unwanted hair out of the follicle. It’s precise, organic, requires minimal contact with the skin, and involves no nasty chemicals. You can expect results to last for up to two weeks.  Waxing Eyebrow waxing uses a thin layer of warm wax over the area of hair you want to be removed. A small strip of fabric is then used to quickly remove the hair. When done properly by a professional, the wax is applied at a temperature that opens the pore and allows the hair to be removed without causing breakage. Waxing is ideal for anyone with extra bushy brows looking to create a strong, sculpted arch line. An eyebrow wax will usually last a minimum of two weeks before the hair starts growing out again.    Tinting Tinting your eyebrows involves using a semi-permanent dye in a tone close to your natural hair color and adding it to your existing eyebrow hair. It’s a quick treatment that will create the appearance of fuller-looking, defined brows. Results can last between 1-3 months, this will cut time off your morning makeup routine by eliminating the need for excess products.  Microblading Microblading is similar to tattooing and involves a type of semi-permanent makeup used to fill in your brow however you like. Defined, hair-like strokes are created using a needle and brow pigment ink. This will allow you to change the shape of your brows and add more definition wherever you want it.  Microblading will take around two hours to complete, and can last anywhere between 18 and 30 months. Top tricks for plucking your eyebrows Plucking is one of the simplest and most common eyebrow treatments out there, but it shouldn’t be underestimated! If you already have luscious brows, lightly plucking your eyebrows may be all you need to get rid of stragglers. And this is all tweezers should be used for—not to shape your eyebrows.  Let me share an insider secret with you: one of the best ways to get beautiful brows is to leave them alone! Another great tip is to wait to tweeze as long as possible, and then get all those stragglers in one go. This way, all the hairs will be on the same growth cycle and grow back at around the same time.  Don’t worry if you’ve been over-plucking your eyebrows (we’ve all been there). Put the tweezers down for now and let your brows grow out naturally. Use a brow pencil to fill in any gaps—more on that later.  How to shape your eyebrows the right way I’d recommend avoiding doing it yourself. Save up the money you need, and invest in a professional service. It'll be much quicker, and you’ll save yourself the drama of it going wrong. You don’t want to spend all that time growing your eyebrows out only to mess them up! Shaping your eyebrows is more complicated than you may think, and a brow specialist will have a ton of knowledge and should know how to enhance your natural arch line and give you the most flattering shape.   Avoid getting certain product on your brows This might be a random fact, but did you know that products like moisturizer, SPF, and foundation can all dislodge your hairs and inhibit growth? Yes! Of course, it’s difficult not to get these kinds of products on your brows when you’re applying them to your face. So when you’re done, gently wipe away any product from your brows. Problem solved! Experiment with eyebrow products The market is saturated with brilliant eyebrow products from pencils to pens, powders, gels, mascaras, and more. Every product will work differently for different skin types and can help you achieve various results. So, the first step is to think about what your end brow goals are. If you want to fill in sparse spots and add some definition, a brow pencil and spoolie brush will work well. If you’re trying to tame your hairs and lightly shape them, a light brow gel might do the job. And if you have no idea where to start, then experiment with different products. See what you like and what works well with your natural features. Have fun with it! How to fill in eyebrows naturally Choose the right shade There are so many shades of blond and brown, which means you can’t always depend on a “one color fits all” kind of product. Fortunately, the Brow Arcade has four colors to choose from, so you can find the best shade to match your brows! When testing other products, the best approach is to try out different shades and see what works for you. As a general rule, those with light eyebrows should go for one shade darker than their hair color, while women with dark brows should go one shade lighter than their hair. If you have cool undertones you should use products with an ashy color, and if you have warm undertones you should use golden-toned colors.  Draw lightly Remember, it’s easier to add product than it is to remove it, so start lightly and gradually build up from there as needed. How to brush your brows While filling in your brows you can brush them in a downward direction with a spoolie to help you spot any patchy areas and fill them in. Brushing the hair down exposes the skin and allows you to draw directly on it. This will give you added definition. Once you’re done, remember to brush your brows back upward! Add brow gel/mascara If you’re looking to darken the look of your eyebrows, then mascara is the best product to swipe on for a look that is bold but believable. A brow gel should be the final thing you add to your brows. But if you already have fabulous natural arches, mascara might be the only thing you need for beautiful brows. Complete the look by making your brow bone pop This is the final step when it comes to perfecting your beautiful brows. Once you’re done filling them in and layering your chosen products, you want to make all your hard work pop. If you really want to spotlight your brows, opt for a highlighter and swipe it just underneath your arches. For a subtler look, use a concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone. This will still brighten up your brow area but create a more natural look. And that’s how to get perfect eyebrows naturally!