Dre Does a DIY: Dip-Dyed Shorts

The fourth of July is almost here and to celebrate I'm bringing one of my most popular DIY's from my old college blog, to Dre Does! I can't believe it's been two years since I made these shorts but I absolutely loved them. I know with the World Cup currently underway and the 4th around the corner, many of you might like to learn how to make these ridiculously festive shorts! If you make them please be sure to take a picture and tag them on Instagram or Twitter with the #dredoes! Here's a finished shot of the shorts I made and tutorial on how to make your own. The whole project cost me less than $9!


I started with an over sized pair of shorts from a thrift store that I picked up for $2. I tried them on and marked them with a sharpie about a half inch lower than I wanted them to hit when finished. I cut them with sharp fabric scissors and tried them on to check for the length. You might have to take them on and off and make adjustments until they are the right length and straight. Then I took a fork and using the tines, I distressed the edges to give them a better 'cut-off' look. When you put them in the dryer later they will fluff up more and look better so keep that in mind when distressing! Make sure you leave that extra length for distressing so that they aren't too short in the end. I also snipped a little bit out on the front to look like there was a rip. I distressed the 'rip' also with a fork. Here's a picture of what they looked like after this step:

Now it's time to bleach! I bought a bottle of bleach at my local dollar store (total cost so far is $3). It's really important when using bleach that you are in a well ventilated room so make sure you're doing this either outside or all the windows are opened! There was nothing too specific about this step besides adding bleach to a container and adding some cold water too. Since I was trying to make stripes I dipped my shorts 2/3 of the way up from the bottom and hung them on the side of my bucket for about an hour. Depending on the denim quality your shorts might bleach really quickly or take a long time. Whatever the case may be, make sure you don't leave them overnight because the bleach can eat away and destroy the fabric. Once the shorts are white enough for your liking, wash them on cold in the washing machine. I noticed that the bleaching process continued a little bit into the washing and they came out a little whiter. Next I dried them in the dryer until completely dry. Now it's time to stud! I bought my silver pyramid studs at my local craft/hobby store for $1.50 a pouch and used 2 pouches for my shorts (total cost so far is $6). Depending on your denim it might be a little tricky to pop your studs through, but basically all you do is push the two sharp prongs through your fabric and push them towards each other until flat. I used the wooden handle of a kitchen knife after a few because it was starting to hurt my fingers. Be very careful with this part if you decide to use a knife! I studded the front pocket of my shorts and the back pockets. Here's a picture of what the shorts looked like this far:



Now it was time to add some red and it couldn't have been any easier. Going into this project I thought I was going to have to deal with the traditional tie-dye process including mixing powders and putting in squeeze bottles, etc. However I was pleasantly surprised when I found spray tie-dye bottles, already mixed, at my local craft/hobby store for only $2.50! (final cost of project is $8.50) They had a good amount of colors too so I definitely recommend it. All I did was have a friend hold them over the lawn outside and I sprayed red dye on the bottom third of the shorts. Then I just laid them out on the grass to dry in the sun for about half an hour. The back of the bottle said to then dry them in the dryer until completely dry to set the dye but this is going to be dependent on whatever dye you choose. I haven't washed mine since so I'm not sure how much they will fade but make sure you wash them alone if you decide to. And that's it! You now have your very own pair of dip-dyed, ombre shorts! Have fun experimenting with different colors and patterns! After all it's only going to set you back about $9 a pair!
I hope you enjoyed this DIY and are inspired to rock some festive shorts this holiday! Look for one more DIY on Friday from my old blog that you can use for celebrating!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre


Dre Does a Maleficent Inspired Makeup Look

This past weekend on Saturday afternoon, I decided to go see Maleficent. I have heard so many amazing things not only about the movie but the makeup too. I was blown away by the movie and every time they showed Maleficent I was analyzing her makeup. The first thing I did when I got home was go straight to my makeup and figure out how I was going to recreate something. Since I was going to a family BBQ that night I knew I was going to do something wearable so it's a bit toned from the movie but I kept the makeup strong in the areas that were emphasized in the movie. In every look she has cool toned eye looks with really smoked out black liner. It's nothing crazy but still brings some drama. So if you'd like to know what I did to achieve the look below keep on reading.

 
(in Natural Lighting)
1. First off as always, I applied my Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer and then used the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Tough as Taupe as a base. It's a nice cool-toned gray-taupe color.
2. Next I applied MAC's Espresso Eyeshadow in the crease with my Sigma E39 brush because it's a nice cool toned brown. I concentrated the color more on the outside of my crease since the eye looks in Maleficent were pretty basic on the lids and more dramatic towards the outer portion of the eye. 
3. Next I used my Real Techniques Base Shadow brush (don't be fooled by the name, I find it works amazing in the outer V because of it's pointed tip) to apply the same espresso color in the outer V of my eyelid. Make sure that with each application of color you are blending the shadows out so there are no harsh lines.
4. Now for the lid. I used MAC's Satin Taupe to apply to the lid very softly. It is a great cool taupe color which is obviously what we were going for. I applied this mostly to the inner 2/3 of my lid and blending it slowly into the darkened outer V area.
5. Next I applied a black gel liner to my eyes. I used Maybelline's Eyestudio Gel Liner in Blackest Black. After I let it dry almost all the way, I used a combination of that same Espresso shade and also Carbon from MAC, which is a matte black, to smoke out the gel liner. I used a pencil brush with a fine tip to do this. 
6. After smoking out the top eyeliner, I went back in with my Real Techniques Base Shadow brush but this time applied carbon in the outer V to blend that smoked out liner nicely into the outer V. 
7. Next I applied a black pencil eyeliner to tight line the upper and lower water lines completely from inner to outer corner because the look is so smoked out and dramatic in the lash lines. I really like the black Water-Resistant Eye Liner from Jane Cosmetics.
8. After this I used the same combo of Espresso and Carbon to smoke out the bottom lash line.
9. Next came two coats of my favorite mascara to give me dramatic but not insane lashes since they weren't the focus of the look. I use tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes! mascara always!
10. Now for the rest of the face I kept things pretty cool toned. I did contour my cheeks but not as intensely as Maleficent because I was wearing this to a family BBQ after! I also used a cool toned natural blush (tarte's Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush in Honored) since her makeup was pretty pale and she never had much of a flush to her cheeks. Lastly, the lips. I was at home visiting so I didn't have my full makeup collection which is why I went with a more blue-toned berry lip. If I had all my products I would have definitely chosen something deeper and more dramatic to go with the look, but you can play up or play down the lips as much as you'd like!

There it is! I hope you enjoyed this makeup look. If you like posts like this where I show you a makeup look and tell you how I do it, please let me know! Also if you have any looks you'd like me to recreate comment below as well. I love doing these types of posts!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does a Request Search

Good morning friends and happy Friday! I hope you all had a wonderful week. Since I've been getting a few requests recently I wanted to get a quick post up devoted just to asking if you have any requests for me to do! I love blogging even more when I know I'm helping and answering your questions so throw them all my way!

Also incase you missed it, I've started an Instagram for Dre Does! You can either click the banner at the top that says Instagram to go follow it or search the user @dre_does in the actual Instagram app. I've decided to separate my personal Instagram and the blog so only those who want to see my makeup obsession through pictures have to! I hope you will go follow and enjoy :)

If you're on Bloglovin' don't forget to follow me on there as well by either searching Dre Does or clicking the link to the right!

Look for some Fourth of July inspired posts coming your way this upcoming week!

Have a beautiful weekend,

Dre

Dre Does a Summer Face Routine

I hope you enjoyed my Tips for Summer Makeup from earlier in the week! Here is my requested foundation and face routine for this time of year. Let me know if you have any other summer related requests and I will keep them coming!

Here is a before and after of no makeup to makeup but I've included a picture below that is just my makeup after my face routine (no brows, eyes or lips).

1. Always start with a clean face. A skincare routine is the key starting point to any makeup application. You'll see I have plenty of imperfections in that before photo but we all do so embrace yours!

2. Next I go in with a primer. On Monday I posted about the Cover-FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment. Click here for that post. Make sure you don't apply too much primer or else your makeup will not go on smoothly. This will depend on the type and texture of the primer you are using. If I'm using a silicone textured primer I use a small pea sized amount for my whole face. Let this absorb before you move on.

3. Next I spray my face with a setting spray to create a barrier between oil and foundation and give my foundation something more to grab onto. I love the Urban Decay Deslick Makeup Setting Spray, but in the past I also loved MAC Fix+. It's also VERY crucial that you let this layer completely dry and set so you have a smooth and dry work surface for your foundation.

4. Next I mix two foundations. I love the Revlon Colorstay Makeup for Combo/Oily Skin because it has great staying power and a nice satin finish. However, it is a little thicker than I like for the summer so I've been mixing it with MAC Face & Body Foundation, which is a lighter foundation. It has light to medium coverage so this is why I like mixing it with a heavier foundation. It's water resistant and long wearing so it's the perfect match for the Colorstay Makeup. I apply a very thin layer of this foundation combo all over my skin using my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. One reason I like mixing foundations in the summer is that one is lighter and the other is darker. This allows me to customize my foundation shade every time I apply my makeup, depending on how tan I am.

5. Next I use my MAC Pro Longwear Concealer under my eyes. I prefer to apply this with my ring finger and strong tapping motions until it is blended. I use a more yellow toned concealer (NC30) to counteract the purple tones of my dark circles. I'm obsessed with this product and I have multiple in my kit because it works wonders and doesn't crease throughout the day. I then go over it with Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser in the shade Brightener because it is slightly pink toned and does a great job of brightening the under eye area. Then I set all of this with a very finely milled HD translucent powder. I love using the HD Studio Photogenic Finishing Powder in 01 by NYX Cosmetics. (This is the one I was talking about in my last post though, to avoid if you are going photographed a lot...i.e. your wedding).

6. Next since I have applied a thin layer of foundation I generally need to spot conceal my hyperpigmentation and blemishes on my chin with a small concealer brush. In the winter I would typically wear a heavier foundation all over that would cover most of these but I prefer not to wear that heavy of makeup due to humidity and heat in the summer, so I prefer to spot conceal. I swear by the Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette. It's the bomb dot com at covering blemishes and staying put.

7. After spot concealing I will generally set my entire face with that same NYX HD Finishing Powder using a big fluffy powder brush.

8. Now for contouring. I use a small fluffy blending brush to apply Benefit's Hoola Bronzer to the hollows of my cheeks and then use a larger brush, the Contour Brush by Real Techniques, to blend out the color really well. I also use the contour brush to blend Hoola around the temples of my face and my hairline.

9. Next I apply a long-wearing powder blush to the apples of my cheeks and blend toward my hairline. My favorite blushes of all time for this are tarte's Amazonian Clay 12-hour blushes because they are all beautiful and seriously last forever! I own a lot of them...haha

10. Next I like to apply a subtle highlight to my cheeks to give me a subtle glow. My favorite of the moment is MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish in Perfect Topping.

11. Finally, I spray my face one last time with the setting spray to set everything and keep it in place for the whole day! I like to fan my face with a makeup palette to speed up this process and make sure nothing drips or moves!

There it is! I know it may seem like a lot for some of you, but as a makeup artist I'm used to using a lot of products! I hope you enjoyed and can apply some of these techniques to your summer makeup routine. Keep the requests coming!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does Tips on Summer Makeup

When it comes to makeup in the summer, I try to wear it as little as possible. However, there are some times when you need to look put together and going makeup-free is unavoidable. I'm here with my quick tips and alterations to my makeup routine that I use for the summer to make it either last longer or look more put together with less products.

1. Less is more. When I think of summer skin, I think of tanned, glowing beautiful skin. I'm generally happier with my skin in the summer so my philosophy behind summer makeup is different than what I would do in the winter. I want my natural tan and glow to shine through, so I like to use a lighter foundation with less coverage as a base and then I go in and spot conceal the areas that need more attention. This gives the skin a more natural look and ultimately helps your makeup hold up all day because you're using less products and those that are lighter. My theory is the less products you add, the less there are to melt off in the heat and humidity right? haha I will be doing this foundation routine later in the week so look out for it!

2. Change your focus. Summer is a wonderful time to experiment bold new makeup trends. My favorite is to try new lip colors because most of us can generally pull off more shades when we have a little extra color in our skin. If you want to go lighter on the skin and keep it more natural this is a great time to bring the focus to another area of your face. A dramatic cat-eye wing with a waterproof gel liner is a great way to bring drama to your makeup while using a product that is guaranteed to stay put and not budge in the summer.

3. Primers. Find yourself a great face primer and eye primer that work for your skin type. I personally love the Cover-FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment (click here if you missed Monday's review on this awesome product). If you're oily or have acne prone skin, you need to check it out. For my eyes I love the classic Urban Decay Primer Potion in the original formula. Primers do a whole bunch of beneficial things but most importantly in regards to what we're discussing, they are going to give your makeup something to hold onto. You want to really lock in your makeup so it doesn't go anywhere and this is the first key product I recommend to get your makeup to stay and not crease.

4. Invest in a good setting spray. I recently purchased Urban Decay's Deslick Makeup Setting Spray to use on my brides for the summer because I had yet to try it. So far...I'm in love. Spray a setting spray after you are done with your makeup and it will help set everything, make it look seamless, and make it last longer. I especially like this one from Urban Decay because it helps with oil-control and has temperature-control technology that lowers the temperature of your makeup so it lasts longer. Pretty fancy huh? One quick additional tip is to spray your setting spray after your primer and before your foundation to give your foundation something extra to grab onto and to create basically a barrier that will keep you oil-free longer.

5. Set your liquid products. Make sure you have a good setting powder to set both your concealer and liquid foundation. You want to make sure that it is finely milled so it doesn't set it any fine lines and you if you're going to be around flash photography, stay away from HD powders. They are generally made of mostly silica which can give you a terrible white powder flashback in your pictures! Setting your liquid products will help absorb excess shine and oil and also lock in your makeup to make it last longer (bet you didn't see that one coming...haha). 

So there are some of my tips on doing your makeup in the summer! If you have any tips on summer makeup feel free to leave them below!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does a Cover-FX Primer Review

Primers are a very important first step in getting a great makeup application.  When I talk about them with people I find that a lot of women think they are hyped up, excessive and unnecessary products that just add to our makeup routines. Most of us are trying to get out the door in the mornings as quickly as possible and the thought of another step seems crazy. However, a foundation primer can completely change the way your makeup looks, feels, applies, blends, and lasts. 

Primers have come a long way in the last few years and come in various forms. There are color correcting, moisturizing, and illuminating just to name a few, but my personal favorite of the moment (especially because of the summer heat) is this Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment by Cover-FX. It is formulated without Parabens, Mineral Oil, Talc, and Gluten. If you have oily and acne prone skin this is going to be a primer I suggest you try. If you visit your local Sephora which carries the Cover-FX line, you can ask for a sample which will get you a few uses to see if you like it! The ladies at Sephora are very nice about this so don't be afraid to ask!

This was the first product I had ever tried from the brand Cover-FX but I will definitely be checking out more after this awesome discovery. As you can see I bought a small size from the checkout area of Sephora (you know the trap that you always give in to by the registers haha!). The full size is 1 oz. and costs $38. This little baby was literally half the size and only $16 (so yes a much better deal). Full size doesn't always mean it's the best deal!
The thing I love most about this primer is the texture. A lot of primers (i.e. Smashbox Photo Finish and Benefit's Porefessional) have that very silicone-type texture in order to smooth, fill in pores and make you look flawless. However, this primer has a much lighter feel while still having that feeling of smoothness. It's completely clear and leaves no color on the skin so any skin tone can wear it.
 
I also really love how it makes my makeup last all day. It's waterproof and I feel like it really does combat oiliness. I find that my foundation lasts longer and applies more evenly as well. The anti-acne treatment that it claims on the package is the addition of 1.0% Salicylic Acid. I really like this since I do have acne prone skin. It's awesome that a primer can now treat skincare issues while you're wearing your makeup every day. One thing to be sure of though is to always wear sunscreen when wearing using this primer because Salicylic Acid is an betahydroxy acid (BHA) which can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun because it gently exfoliates your skin. Anytime you exfoliate your skin you should make sure you're being religious about the SPF. 

Have you tried this product before or do you have a favorite primer that you really enjoy? Let me know in the comments because I'm always willing to try new products!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre


Dre Does A Necklace Trick

If you know me at all, you know that my brain is constantly going. I'm always thinking of new things and am a bit crazy at times but it just fuels my creative side...right...? Haha anyways I have this one area on my counter where I always throw my jewelry when I'm taking it off at night and too lazy to put it where it goes. Well one morning after I did this I noticed that my necklace was flipped over and the back of it looked like a completely different necklace but still looked good...? (Now you understand the crazy brain reference). Well this got me thinking. Geometric necklaces and shapes are huge right now in the statement necklace world, so I wonder what would happen if I just wore my necklaces turned around... Turns out they look pretty cute! I really like how I can have a huge statement with the normal patterned side of the necklace, but if I want to I can just flip it over and have a more subtle gold necklace that is still the same shape as the original necklace. So I recommend going through your statement necklaces. You might be surprised what you find! I've been honestly wearing my necklaces more on the plain gold sides instead of the original sides.

Here are some examples of the two necklaces I have been doing this most with!



Don't be afraid to look at jewelry, fashion, makeup, anything with an open mind. There are no rules and the only person who has to like what you're wearing is you! If you want to rock necklaces backwards do it! 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does May Favorites

Favorites posts are some of the most fun to write because I love sharing all of the things I love with you! Coincidentally May is my favorite month because of my birthday and the weather finally deciding to warm up, so I like this post even more! Here we go :)

(Top row L to R)
1. Sam Smith: If you don't know Sam Smith by now you're probably living under a rock. He's been featured in a bunch of new songs lately like Latch and La La La, so chances are even if you don't think you know of him, you've heard him. His voice is unreal and you need to listen if you haven't. He's the perfect blend of R&B and pop and I can't get enough. His song Stay With Me is my ultimate fave but others are slowly creeping up to that honor too.

2. The Body Shop Body Butter in Coconut: I bought the small version of this body butter when I was in Chicago for Memorial Day. I'm kicking myself now for not buying the massive jumbo sized tub because the smell and feeling are so luxiourous and wonderful. The scent is perfect for summer and the dry skin that the sun leaves us!

3. Victoria's Secret Forever Sexy Twist Bandeau Top: I finally broke down and bought this bikini top in black after much consideration. The fact of the matter is that if you have a larger bust you need to invest in a good bikini top with underwire that fits and feels secure. I'm just trying to get a tan, not give everyone a free show! I highly recommend this bikini if you have bigger boobs and have a hard time finding bikinis!

4. MAC Cosmetics Fix +: This setting spray is my favorite because you can also use it before your makeup. If you want to make your eyeshadow pop, spray your brush with it beforehand and then go into your eyeshadow. This will intensify the shadow so much and help it stay put! I love setting my makeup with it though because I feel like it just melts everything together to give me a blended and seamless look! 

(Bottom row L to R)
5. Havaianas in as many colors as possible: I challenge you to find a Brazilian that doesn't own at least a few pairs of Havaianas. They are the only flip flops I wear and I have at least 10 pairs... They are the most comfortable to me and I'll stop wearing them when I stop being Brazilian...so NEVER! I think I own one other pair of flip flops that aren't Havaianas but even at that they are still a Brazilian brand haha

6. Proenza Schouler for MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Mangrove: When I was at the MAC counter a few weeks ago, I spotted this packaging and I said a little prayer silently that there was a shade that would justify me spending that much money on a lipstick. Luckily I found Mangrove! A beautiful vibrant coral that screams summer and tan skin. I've worn it a few times and every time I get compliments. The packaging is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen and I will cherish this lipstick for a long time! (That sounds super dramatic but if you're reading this you probably have had a similar love affair with a lip product before...right...? Haha)

7. Kettle bell: I recently picked up a kettle bell from my local Target because it was on sale and I was dying to own one. I'd been using one at the gym I'd been going to but since I moved I have been working out at home. I'm obsessed with it! It's so much fun and I'm seeing huge results, especially in my arms. They're the most toned and muscular that they've ever been and I owe it to this little friend! If you YouTube kettle bell workouts there are plenty of ideas on how to get started. I also love how it doesn't take up much space to store or to use.

8. MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer: Behold my favorite undereye concealer of all time. It covers so well and doesn't crease at all. I make sure to set it with a finely milled translucent powder after applied but I do this will all concealer to prolong the wear. The difference when applying to undereye darkness and circles is insane and I don't think I'll ever go without it. I had heard so many good things about it so I finally picked it up and I couldn't be happier that I did! I will probably be doing a review on it soon if you'd like to see that!

There they are...my favorites of May! Let me know in a comment below what you were loving! 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does Multi Use Summer Essentials

While I love a good full on glam look like the next girl, you will 95% of the time find me with little makeup on in the summer time. As an oily skin type that only gets oilier in the hotter months, I hate having a full face on during the day. So today I bring you the SIX key products to keep in your purse so you can have an easy summer look, not only quickly, but with multiuse products. Each one can be used in multiple ways, which is always a bonus.



Dre's Summer Essentials:
1. Concealer stick: Perfect for multiple reasons, it will help with covering blemishes and under eye circles, evening out skin tone, highlighting your brow bone, and using as a base for eyeshadow! (Covergirl Trueblend shown above)

2. Powder: You can't get around this one this time of the year. Powder will even out your skin tone and help control oil, so it's a must to keep it on hand in the summer. (Mac Studio Fix Powder Foundation shown)

3. Cool toned Bronzer: My favorite is Hoola by Benefit Cosmetics because it isn't too warm toned, which makes it great for contouring your face but also to use as a crease color so you don't have to carry around any eyeshadow. 

4. Champagne highlighter: a face highlighter is great to not only enchnace a summer glow on your cheekbones, but you can also use it as an all over lid color instead of eyeshadow. MAC Cosmetics Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb Shown)

5. Cream Blush Stain: Many companies make multiuse cheek and lip products so find a shade you love for both your lips and cheeks. I love a good natural coral that will give your skin a natural summer flush on both your cheeks and lips. (Stila Convertible Color shown)

6. Waterproof Mascara: a waterproof mascara is always good to keep on hand incase you want to intensify your look but if you keep a small eyeliner brush with you too, you can use the mascara as a gel eyeliner in a pinch! (tarte Lights! Camera! Splashes! Waterproof mascara shown)

My favorite thing to do in the summer is keep these 6 products, a travel pack of makeup remover wipes and blush, Bronzer, and eyeliner brushes in my purse as well. This way if I'm out and about with makeup already on or none at all, I can find a bathroom, quickly clean my face and apply these 6 products for a complete and easy summer look! 

Don't be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to makeup! There are no rules and you can use products however they work best for you! 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does an Update

May has been the absolute craziest and most wonderful month yet this year. With that being said I feel like I owe you guys an update on my life and what 'Dre has actually been doing' besides blogging...haha so here it goes! We're going to keep it short and sweet!

Within the last 4 to 5 weeks I have:
-moved apartments!
-taken my boards and become a licensed esthetician!
-turned 24!
-been out of town every weekend for either work, visiting family, celebrating my birthday, or visiting friends in Chicago!
-started working at a new job at a wonderful spa with people I love!
-apartment/house hunted for my move in July (luckily I found it!)
-searched, interviewed, and accepted a second job as a part time nanny in the area I'll be moving to!

While all of these things have been keeping my life hectic and insane I wouldn't have changed a thing because I've been having a blast and enjoying this huge change in my life that is to come! I'm excited to move to a new place with new people and adventures to be had. 

Dre will now start doing what she loves and get back to blogging ;) Feel free to leave any suggestions as to what that should entail!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre 

Dre Does a Quick Tip to Save Your Feet

You know when you get suckered into buying a pair of heels because they are such a good deal but they are just slightly too small and rub? Well I might have recently done this because I spotted some clearance black beauties at DSW. They were classic black suede stilettos that I knew I would get a lot of wear out of so I happily brought them to the register. However, they were slightly too small and rubbed near my toes. I figured I would just wear them around my apartment and break them in for awhile to stretch them out. Then after having a conversation with one of my coworkers, she mentioned a trick that I have to share because it works so well! (The perks of working in the beauty industry with other women...We are all full of tricks!) She told me to put on two pairs of really bulky and dense socks and then put my shoes on and blow dry the tight areas for 30 minutes. I tried it and it absolutely works! It stretched the heels so perfectly and they even conformed to the shape of my toe area better so they don't hurt and rub! I even cheated and didn't do the full 30 minutes and it still worked great. I'm guessing depending on the material of the show you might have to do it a little longer. 

I hope this helps! What weird fashion tricks do you know? Leave me a comment below and I might feature you in an upcoming post!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does How To Conceal Between Brow Waxes


There could be multiple reasons why your brows aren't perfectly tweezed and shaped. You could be growing out a bad wax job or simply haven't found the time to visit your favorite esthetician yet (wink wink). Regardless of the reason, sometimes we just need tricks to help us look more put together when we simply do not have enough time. Today's trick works best on those extra stray hairs that we are always waxing away. Do yourself a favor and go buy a concealer stick/pencil. My current favorite is by Covergirl Tru Blend and it's readily available and cheap. You are just going to apply this concealer right in the areas where you need waxing. You want to be light handed because if you apply too much it can start to get obvious that you are trying to hide something. The pencil shape makes it easy to apply along the curve of your brow. Now the key to this is to use concealer because it is completely shimmer-free. You may be thinking why can't I just use a highlighting pencil that's specifically designed to be placed under the brow. The problem is that these will sometimes contain shimmer or shine which is great for highlighting when you are smooth and just waxed. However, shimmer and shine emphasize texture so if you're covering baby hairs you're going to attract attention to them. So a semi-matte concealer is going to be your best bet! This trick isn't going to make you look like you just got your brows done, but it will help get you by an extra few days until you can get them taken care of! 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre