Outta Control: Ways to Organize & Store Your Makeup

SOHO ROYAL TEA Deluxe Front Pocket Weekender
Available at Harmons Face Values Stores

We're totally guilty of being major space cases - messy counter tops, old makeup mixed in with the new & cracked eyeshadows line our makeup bags. Well, we're cleaning up our act and found some great tips and tricks to help us:

Make A Note: Mark the date you opened your makeup with masking tape and a permanent marker - you'll never wonder when to toss that old mascara again!

Plastic Bags Aren't Just For Food Storage: Throw your eyeshadow, blush, powder & anything else that could break into a plastic bag. Bye bye eyeshadow stained makeup bag!

Put It Away: It's always best to keep your makeup in a draw or cabinet. All that moisture in your bathroom could dry your mascara out way faster than you're cool with!

What storage tips and tricks do you swear by?

X’s & O’s and remember to “keep it neat, FREAK!”
SOHO

Trending: Purple Lips

Images via Obsessee, Lifestyle MSN,  Gourmet Beauty, Vogue

Summer is still in full force and we're loving this seasonal trend. We have all been guilty of falling into a beauty rutt - sticking with our normal routine and never getting out of our comfort zone with colors, products & trends. Well, this trend is way too easy to not try at least once... hubba hubba, purple lips!

We know what you're thinking - there is no way you're giving this beauty trend a go but, shockingly, purple lips are flattering and totally wearable. Ease yourself into this color with the not so bold shade like lilac or lavender before you go jumping into the deep end with your plum and eggplant like hues.
 
X’s & O’s and remember to “keep it neat, FREAK!” SOHO

How To Use The SOHO Beauty Sponge

Pop quiz!

What's football-shaped, comes in cute colors, and makes your foundation look totally flawless?

It's our fav secret weapon - the SOHO beauty sponge! Now this is one football we can totally get into. Once you know how to use it, we're sure you'll fall in love too!

Step #1 - To Wet, or Not To Wet?

Youtubers and makeup artists alike often suggest wetting a foundation sponge before you use it. We designed this sponge so you can wet it, or forget it. It works great damp, but you don't have to do it that way. Dampening your sponge results in a slightly sheerer application. Just make sure you gently squeeze any excess water out before you begin.

Step #2 - Dip & Dab!

Pump or pour an eensy bit of foundation onto a flat surface like a palette, paper plate, or even the back of your hand if it's clean. Dip the longer, flat side of the sponge into your foundation. You only want a liiiiiittle bit at a time! Then start dabbing away at your cheeks, forehead, and chin! You want to apply the foundation with a stippling/dabbing motion and a light hand. You should feel like you're just bouncing the sponge across your face. Boing, boing boing...

Step #3 - Details, Details...

When you're ready to apply foundation to the harder to reach areas like around your eyes, nose, and mouth, the tips of the sponge will really come in handy! Dip a tip into your foundation and do the same light dabbing application to those areas.

Now What?

If your foundation still looks patchy or streaky, use any unused side of the sponge to keep dabbing and blending.

If you need extra coverage, now it's time for a concealer. You can use your Beauty Sponge with concealers too!

All Screenshots taken from Jackiee Hearts Youu // YouTube Makeup Vlogger

Set your foundation and concealer afterward with a light dusting of translucent powder and your Get a Grip Powder Brush so it lasts and lasts.

Have we convinced you?!

X’s & O’s and remember to “keep it neat, FREAK!”
SOHO

Toss It! Keeping Your Makeup Bag Fresh

image via Pretty n Poppington

You know that mascara you've been using for the past few months? Well, we think it's time to treat yourself to a new one! Using old makeup is a major beauty no no so we've created this little cheat sheet for you to use so you know when to toss and when to treat yourself to new products.

Ready? Let's do this!

Lip Color

• Toss it after: 2 years! 
• Why: Lipsticks & gloss can start to look and feel cakey. Yuck!

Mascara

• Toss it after: 3 months
• Why: The mascara will start to dry out & make your eyelashes clumpy. Want to make it last as long as possible? Don't pump the wand when applying - make sure to pull the wand out in a single motion.  

Foundation

• Toss it after:1 - 2 years
• Why: It won't keep you covered like it should. Make a note - powder foundation has a lifespan of 2 years however, the liquid foundations only last you for 12 months. 

Blush / Shadow

• Toss it after: 1 - 2 years
• Why: They'll start to harden. Keep your cream products for 1 year and your powders for 2. 

Nail Polish

• Toss it after: 1 year
• Why: Even our favorite colors will start to dry out and become too thick to apply evenly.

Eyeliner

• Toss it after: 3 months - 3 years
• Why: Liquid liners can be growing grounds for microbial growth (um, gross!) so replace yours every 3 months. Pencils will last you longer but will still become stiff & crumbly over time. Don't forget to sharpen your pencils before each use! 

Still Not Sure?!?
Can't tel if you should toss your favorite beauty product? If you have your doubts, part ways with it if...

• It smells funny when you open it.
• It's changed color - yes, that yellow or brown color is not normal!
• Its consistency is off ... those layers are not normal! 

X’s & O’s and remember to “keep it neat, FREAK!” SOHO

How To: Ombré Nails

There's no denying that nail art is hot right now but one nail trend we can't seem to shake is ombré nails. We know what you're thinking 'I can't do that myself'! But, you're wrong! Getting this look is a lot easier than you think and you definitely don't need to break the bank to get it.

Grab our Beauty Sponge (just $4.97 at Walmart) & start taking notes Beauty Babes, your nails are about to get a makeover!

Here is an amazing tutorial we found to help you get the look:

Image via: The Beauty Department

X’s & O’s and remember to “keep it neat, FREAK!” SOHO

How To Wash Those Grody Brushes

Dirty makeup brushes aren't just icky to look at; they cause your makeup to go on looking weird and can even cause clogged pores, blackheads, and acne! Eww. Keeping your brushes clean will also make them last longer!