15 Beauty Tips That Will Make Your Routine Easier, Faster, And Less Expensive

Makeup is the best, isn’t it? Unlike clothes, lipstick will never make you look as bloated as you feel, and eyeshadow will never remind you of the waking nightmare that is trying on jeans.

You know what isn’t the best? Spending an exorbitant amount of money on said makeup and not getting the results you want anyway. Luckily, the Internet — and my own expensive, expensive experiences — are here to help. These simple tips, tricks, and money-saving hacks will protect your face and your bank account from a world of hurt.

1. Use translucent powder to elongate your lashes.

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If you don’t have an extra $50 in your budget for some insane new mascara, grab a cotton swab and your favorite translucent setting powder. Dampen the cotton swab ever so slightly, pick up some powder with it, and dab it along the tips of your lashes. Apply mascara immediately after that. All you have left to do now is brag to no end.

2. Fix lipstick mistakes with concealer.

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One second, you’re applying your favorite matte lipstick, and the next, you’re wondering why you didn’t learn to color inside the lines years ago. We’ve all been there. To cover up a little bit of rogue lipstick without completely starting over and cursing the day you were born, put concealer that matches your skin tone on a precision brush, trace around your lip line, and act like it never happened.

3. Bring thin hair to life with some lemon and aloe.

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Add a bit of lemon juice and aloe vera to your regular shampoo, wash hair, condition, style, and sashay around all day with your newfound volume.

4. Use activated charcoal to whiten teeth.

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It’s easy to find activated charcoal in caplet form, so buy a bottle and bust a caplet open when your teeth need a little pick-me-up. With a toothbrush that you don’t really care about, pick up some of the activated charcoal and brush away. I wouldn’t recommend doing this for any extended period of time, but doing it once a day for a few days in a row should be enough to make a difference! Follow up with a rinse or a regular brushing session so you don’t look like a black-toothed crazy person.

5. Stop spending $20 on lip scrub and make your own.

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Lip scrub is perhaps the biggest waste of money that the beauty industry has to offer. To prep your pout for lipstick, add some sugar, salt, or even baking soda to a teaspoon of honey, mix, and rub on lips as you would with any other scrub. It might not smell like cotton candy or anything, but it will do the job.

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6. Give any lipstick a matte finish with translucent powder and a tissue.

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Don’t be like me and buy your favorite shades of lipstick in every finish under the sun. Just don’t. A great way to give your favorite glossy lipstick a matte finish is to lay a tissue over your lips, pick up some translucent setting powder with a fluffy brush, and dust it onto your lips through the tissue.

7. Grow your lashes naturally with a few simple ingredients.

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If your lashes need a little help in the volume department, this concoction should help. Mix a few drops of castor oil, vitamin E oil, and aloe gel together to create a natural lash serum that you can apply to the base of your lashes every night before bed. A great way to store it is to thoroughly clean an empty nail polish bottle and brush so that you can apply the serum that way. Keeping it in a little tub and using a thin eyeliner brush works, too!

8. Sick of patchy, sparse brows? Use henna to fill them in.

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If there’s one part of the beauty routine that gets old real quick, it’s filling in brows. If you want to avoid having to do that every day without committing to eyebrow tattoos, grab a henna kit in the color that best suits your brows. Follow the instructions on the box, distribute the ink evenly throughout the brow, let it set, and rinse away. You could also do this with hair dye, but because henna is meant to be used on skin, the ingredients aren’t nearly as harsh.

9. Let coconut oil save you tons of money on makeup remover.

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Shelling out cash on makeup remover every few weeks is a drag, so opt for some coconut oil instead. Scoop out a tiny amount, warm it up in your hands to liquify it, and pick it up with a tissue or cotton pad. The coconut oil will break down stubborn eye makeup and liquid lipsticks that won’t seem to budge. One jar should last you a few months, so you’ll save money, and you’ll avoid putting more chemicals on your face.

10. Clean makeup brushes with baby shampoo.

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Have you ever walked around Ulta and wondered why you apparently have to refinance your house to afford brush cleaner? Same. Just use baby shampoo instead. It’s cheap, it’s gentle, and it lasts way longer.

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11. Kick it old school when applying shimmery eyeshadow.

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You’ve spent a small fortune on amazing makeup brushes, but you can’t seem to pick up enough pigment when using shimmery eyeshadow. The solution? Relive seventh grade and use your finger. It might seem like a weird thing to do as a fully grown human being, but you’ll get way more color payoff if you ditch the brush.

12. Get two foundations for the price of one by adding facial oil to the mix.

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Our skin has different needs depending on the season, but buying a bunch of different foundations to accommodate those needs is never fun. If you have a matte foundation that you love to use in the summer, but it’s typically too drying to use in the winter, add one or two drops of your favorite facial oil before you apply it! It’ll add a little extra moisture without changing the pigmentation. If you want to go for sheer coverage, add a few more drops to make your foundation behave like a BB cream.

13. Pump up the power of your lash curler with a little heat.

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Eyelash curlers might look like torture devices, but they usually get the job done. If you’re still not getting enough oomph out of your eyelash curler, heat it up for a few seconds with your hairdryer. Don’t go crazy, though. A little bit of warmth goes a long way.

14. Do your under-eye bags have zero chill? Calm them down with some chamomile tea.

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Concealer is great and all, but if you really want to take care of dark circles and bags, run some chamomile tea bags under cold water and let them hang out on your under-eye luggage for a few minutes.

15. If your lips are naturally pigmented and they screw with your lipstick shades, grab some concealer.

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Listen. I love a good vampy lipstick, but what I don’t love is the fact that my lips are naturally very pigmented and turn even my lightest, most natural shades into something Morticia would love. If you’re in the same boat, all you have to do is pat some concealer onto your lips before you apply lipstick and liner. The ones that come in little tubs are typically too thick for this purpose, so stick to lighter formulas.

The only thing better than putting on some makeup and generally killing it is taking a few shortcuts along the way. While it’s easy to go into Sephora and deplete your future child’s college fund with reckless abandon, there are great ways to achieve the looks you want without going into crippling debt.

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/simple-beauty-tips/

Margaret Thatcher recovering after surgery, vile lefties hope she dies

http://twitter.com/#!/JimRManning/status/282218274094215168

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is recovering in the hospital after having surgery to remove a bladder growth. Many Twitterers are wishing her well:

Get well soon Margaret Thatcher.

— Ian(@formulafox) December 21, 2012

I hope Lady Thatcher will fully recover quickly after her minor operation.

— Nigel Macauley (@nigelmacauley) December 21, 2012

Just heard the news about Margaret Thatcher, glad to hear she’s on the mend #getwellsoon #Thatcher

— Jack Murray (@TheJackMurray) December 21, 2012

Margaret thatcher in hospital ? 🙁 hope she recovers quickly ! #WeLoveThatcher

— Brian Power(@brian_power3) December 21, 2012

Best wishes to Lady Thatcher the greatest PM since Churchill .

— Cllr James Airey (@JamesCllr) December 21, 2012

Thought are with Lady Thatcher and family. Hope she recovers and returns to good health.

— Kameel Premhid (@kameelpremhid) December 21, 2012

Thoughts and prayers with Lady #Thatcher and family as she recovers in hospital. God bless her.

— Cllr Richard Hilton (@RichardHilton1) December 21, 2012

But scores of others are hoping for her death:

Margaret Thatcher is in Hospital. Is she dying? #Hopefully #SorryNotSorry

— Sam Shenton (@SamWShenton) December 21, 2012

Thatcher dead yet? Hurry up Doc, there’s a massive party planned

— Mark Denton (@markcdenton) December 21, 2012

Sad news about Maggie Thatcher…………………..she’s still alive #JFT96

— Ricky Mann(@RickyMann4) December 21, 2012

@philjackson1694 *pops champers in fridge* just in case…. #thatcher

— steph (@yeomiesays) December 21, 2012

Radio Clyde News,”Margaret Thatcher’s had a successful operation to remove a growth in her bladder.” Thanks for the disappointment

— Feegz why (@louisfeighan) December 21, 2012

@skynewsbreak get dead soon Thatcher

— Neil Lambton (@numberoneskitz) December 21, 2012

Don’t worry lads maggie thatcher is 87. It’s only a matter of time. #cunt

— Paul (@ForestHillsLFC) December 21, 2012

“@skynews: Baroness Thatcher In Hospital After Surgery bit.ly/UWc5kS” in morgue after surgery hopefully 😉 #ironwitch

— Daf Griffiths (@dgriffiths) December 21, 2012

Ohhhhh Thatcher just had an op, she could be dead by Christmas…

— Amanda Webb (@Hamperlady) December 21, 2012

Bad News.Thatcher has had a successful operation on her bladder.Hurry up ya old cow im waiting on you for a full house on Deid Bingo

— No Pasaran(@NCCMick) December 21, 2012

If Thatcher dies it could be the best Christmas my Dad has ever had! #FingersCrossed

— Emma Peers (@EmmaPeers) December 21, 2012

Breaking news maggie Thatcher it is bladder cancer 3 cheers hip hip hip.

— john collings (@qeensdale) December 21, 2012

I try and avoid being political, but the day Thatcher dies I’m having a party. Must try and get into Christmas spirit.

— Dave Baines (@dbainestoronto) December 21, 2012

Word is Thatcher has undergone an operation. I usually wouldn’t wish death on anyone but a generation will dance on her grave. #ToryScum

— Matt Hale (@matt_j_hale) December 21, 2012

We’re gonna have a party…when Maggie Thatcher dies!

— Samuel(@Gaucho364) December 21, 2012

Dear Death, please take Thatcher and leave Mandela!

— Catherine Rowlands (@cjr1968) December 21, 2012

I would NEVER wish death on anyone. But I’ll turn a blind eye if the big man wants to take Thatcher tonight.

— Keith Murray (@admiralwbrown) December 21, 2012

Sad sad news ref maggie thatcher THE TWATS STILL ALIVE

— carl (@carltaxi) December 21, 2012

Die thatcher die!!!!

— John Freeman  (@_john_freeman) December 21, 2012

“@skynews: Baroness Thatcher In Hospital After Surgery bit.ly/UWc5kS” die cunt die

— Robbie Gallagher (@RJG_83_) December 21, 2012

Please die tonight you horrible, evil slag. I’m going out. I want to celebrate. #Thatcher

— Callum Gamble (@CalGamble1878) December 21, 2012

Thatcher in hospital! Please give us scouse a early present! Somebody pull the plug on her machine! #torytwat

— Drew Bennett (@DrewB17) December 21, 2012

Hope the cunt dies slowly & very painfully – Britain’s ex-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has minor operation and is in hospital #JFT96

— Stevie D – LFC (@stephendngn) December 21, 2012

We’re gonna have a party, we’re gonna have a party, we’re gonna have a partyyyyyyyy, when Maggie Thatcher dies, when Maggie Thatcher dies…

— Martinocalypse Now (@PlugInMartin) December 21, 2012

Shameful and disgusting.

Lets hope Margaret Thatcher makesa speedy recovery and can make it home to her family for Christmas

— Simon Evans (@simonevans117) December 21, 2012

I hope Lady Thatcher makes a speedy recovery. She deserves our respect and thoughts.

— Alessandro Georgiou (@ToryPragmatist) December 21, 2012

Indeed. We’re praying for a full and speedy recovery. God bless the Iron Lady.

***

Related:

George H.W. Bush hospitalized in Houston; Condition not life-threatening; Update: The hate begins

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2012/12/21/margaret-thatcher-recovering-after-surgery-vile-haters-hope-she-dies/

Miley Cyrus slams George Zimmerman’s (canceled) celeb boxing match

http://twitter.com/#!/MileyCyrus/status/432237520504365056

Don’t worry, Miley. The celebrity boxing match between George Zimmerman and rapper DMX has been canceled by promoter Damon Feldman, who made the announcement on Twitter Saturday afternoon.

http://twitter.com/#!/hollywoodbox11/status/432256748477763585

Feldman had come under fire for “glorifying” Zimmerman, who was acquitted of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the killing of Trayvon Martin.

http://twitter.com/#!/TimHurleyNY/status/431799485946003456 http://twitter.com/#!/Ed_Cunard/status/431867512586661889 http://twitter.com/#!/MzYummyDread/status/432037152742850561 http://twitter.com/#!/ReignOfApril/status/432148484519886848 http://twitter.com/#!/Butterose/status/432149203762962433 http://twitter.com/#!/JoeSoFla/status/432149340388622336

Having canceled the George Zimmerman match, what’s next for Feldman? Ashton Kutcher and Charlie Sheen, perhaps?

http://twitter.com/#!/hollywoodbox11/status/431981887515795457

Related:

‘I will beat the f**k out of him’: Rapper The Game offers to fight George Zimmerman

‘He’s a racist magician!’ D.L. Hughley slams possible ‘celebrity boxer’ George Zimmerman

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2014/02/08/only-in-america-miley-cyrus-slams-george-zimmermans-canceled-celeb-boxing-match/

These Doughy Biscuits Are Hiding A Meaty And Cheesy Secret — Oh. My. God.

Personally, I don’t understand why people would choose not to eat gluten.

I mean, me? I can’t get enough of it! For starters, tons of foods that I love have gluten in them. And then there’s the whole thing — science — that says gluten isn’t actually bad for you (unless, of course, you have Celiac disease). If anything, you’re just causing yourself annoyance by having to pay for special gluten-free foods.

But back to the good stuff…this recipe!

When you combine biscuits (in all their gluten-y goodness), ground beef, cheese, and bacon, you’re bound to have a mouth party by the end. Just watch — and try not to drool all over yourself.

First you’re going to need mini biscuit dough. These geniuses used 24 biscuits.

Roll out some ground beef and then cut it into one-inch squares.

Cook it up!

Cook a pound of bacon too, because…well, bacon.

Flatten the biscuits out…these guys are about to get stuffed!

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Add little chunks of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

On goes little hamburger pieces.

And the bacon!

Repeat, finishing off with a squirt of ketchup.

Fold in the edges to make little balls…

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And load them into a cast-iron skillet — bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.

Grind up the extra bacon and beef in a food processor.

When they look like this, take ’em out of the oven.

Top with cheese, beef, bacon, and cheese — in that order.

Put the delicious dish back in at 400 for ten more minutes.

Serve with ketchup, mustard, mayo, or whatever your heart desires.

If your reaction is something like this, we don’t blame you.

It’s totally warranted.

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/baconator-biscuits/

‘Exhausted’ Paula Deen a no-show for ‘Today’ interview on racial slurs

http://twitter.com/#!/todayshow/status/348033482351583232

Time for a new publicist, Paula Deen. The celeb cook was scheduled to do a “Today”  interview Friday morning about her reported use of racial slurs.

http://twitter.com/#!/todayshow/status/347862385089982464

But lo and behold, y’all:

http://twitter.com/#!/todayshow/status/348041329646907392

Al Roker and Matt Lauer are not pleased.

http://twitter.com/#!/MLauer/status/348043878835843072

What’s her excuse for the abrupt cancellation?

http://twitter.com/#!/newyorksiddy/status/348033519219515394

Exhaustion? You know what comes next, right?

http://twitter.com/#!/wastetimewithme/status/348045370363883521

Update:

Worth reading: The easy jump to villain: The Paula Deen edition

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2013/06/21/exhausted-paula-deen-a-no-show-for-today-interview-on-racial-slurs-lauer-and-roker-call-her-out/

‘The hell you say?’ NBC reportedly wanted Jon Stewart to host MTP

http://twitter.com/#!/BecketAdams/status/519951468300754944

According to New York Magazine, that pretty much sums it up:

Unreal. RT @sahilkapur: "NBC was prepared to offer Stewart virtually ‘anything' to bring him over.” http://t.co/KQTSLP7wNx

— Noah Rothman (@NoahCRothman) October 8, 2014

From the Daily Intelligencer:

Before choosing Todd, NBC News president Deborah Turness held negotiations with Jon Stewart about hosting Meet the Press, according to three senior television sources with knowledge of the talks. One source explained that NBC was prepared to offer Stewart virtually “anything” to bring him over. “They were ready to back the Brinks truck up,” the source said. A spokesperson for NBC declined to comment. James Dixon, Stewart’s agent, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Dang. That’s a juicy little news nugget, isn’t it?

The hell you say? pic.twitter.com/FQXbVzyUv6

— Matthew (@Matthops82) October 8, 2014

.@TheDailyShow Can't wait for your segment tearing apart NBC fro trying to hire a comedian to host Meet the Press https://t.co/CHQzub6I4g

— Anthony Eboly (@AnthonyBialy) October 8, 2014

OMG. NBC wanted Jon Stewart to host Meet The Press. Oh journalism, how far have you fallen? That’s just pathetic.

— Heather (@hboulware) October 8, 2014

NBC is a reputable news organization. Tough and completely not biased. That's why they wanted Jon Stewart to host Meet the Press. #wait

— RB (@RBPundit) October 8, 2014

Eh, it’s NBC.

Jon Stewart deadpans to camera at thought of NBC hiring him to host Meet the Press (suggested segment title: Bleat the Press)

— Anthony Eboly (@AnthonyBialy) October 8, 2014

Jon Stewart hosting Meet the Press would mean it's just as unintentionally funny.

— Anthony Eboly (@AnthonyBialy) October 8, 2014

So nothing would really change, then.

Jon Stewart hosting a Sunday morning political show is just as unbelievable as having George Stephanopoulos host one. Oh wait…

— Andrew Johnson (@AndrewE_Johnson) October 8, 2014

If people are dumb enough to get their news from Jon Stewart, does it really matter which channel they tune into to do it?

— A.J. Winkelspecht (@ajwink) October 8, 2014

Good point.

Sure, Stewart is a clown. Maybe MTP would do better with a clown. Didja think of that?

— Gabriel Malor (@gabrielmalor) October 8, 2014

They sure as heck couldn’t do much worse.

Kudos to NBC for thinking outside the box w/ the Jon Stewart idea. The old Sunday morning show model is deader than dead.

— jon gabriel (@exjon) October 8, 2014

Jon Stewart is no more a liberal hack than David Gregory. And Stewart is more respectable.

— jon gabriel (@exjon) October 8, 2014

Fair enough!

***

Related:

Twitchy coverage of Jon Stewart

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2014/10/08/the-hell-you-say-nbc-reportedly-wanted-jon-stewart-to-host-meet-the-press/