Today, I’m answering a question sent in by a reader just like you!  Kerri writes:

I’m curious to know how to stop black from getting under my eyes from my mascara and/or eyeliner. I’ve tried the cheap stuff and the more expensive products with no winners yet!

This is a super common problem, but fortunately it’s a pretty easy thing to fix!  The reason makeup smudges in the hours after we apply it is because of the oils on the skin around your eyes— most importantly, your eyelid.

Here are a couple of easy ways to combat the smudge!

1. Use an eye primer.  Primer is designed to go under your makeup and keep everything in place.  It stays, even on top of oily lids, so your makeup will too.  This primer is sold on Ulta.com for only $6.50!

2. Try waterproof mascara.  It’s designed to stay in place under the wettest conditions!  Try Maybelline’s Great Lash Waterproof Mascara, $4.99 at Drugstore.com.

3. Use liquid eyeliner.  Liquid liner sticks to your lid more firmly than soft eyeliner or powder… it can last up to 24 hours!  The Sephora Collection Long Lasting Eyeliner should do the trick!  It’s $10 at Sephora.com.

Good luck, Kerri!  Let me know how the tips work out for you!

Do you have any other tips for Kerri’s makeup meltdown?  Leave a comment below!

Got beauty, relationship, or design questions of your own?  Email me: kim@blendingbeautiful.com and your question could be featured on the blog, just like Kerri’s!

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Over the course of the last year, I have fallen SO DEEPLY IN LOVE with one brand in particular.  If money were no object and I was forced to wear only one brand for the rest of my life, it would definitely be…

J. CREW!!

This is partly related to the fact that they carry both casual and dressy styles, PLUS shoes, handbags, jewelry, and all kinds of other accessories.  So I would have something to wear, regardless of the occasion.

But really, I just love the put-together, effortless look of the entire J. Crew brand.  Check out some of their great looks:

Yum, I am drooling over these looks!  (Does anyone want to lend me $600 for those boots?!)

What do you think?  If money was no object, which brand would you live in for the rest of your life?  What is your least favorite brand?

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A friend of mine recently told me that she’s planning to get a tattoo on her foot as a college graduation gift to herself.  I, too, have considered a foot tattoo— in fact, I’ve had mine designed in my head for three years— but I am ink free at the moment.  (I think I’m just too much of a wouss to actually go through with it…)

I’m from the San Francisco Bay Area… around here, it’s more normal to have a tattoo than not to.  So, a lot of the time, they don’t shock or surprise me.

Some tattoos are really beautiful, meaningful, or discreet.  Those are all adjectives I can get on board with.  But I hate tattoos that are generic or impulsive… these images will be on your body for the rest of your life, people! (P.S.- If you’re looking for a totally inspiring tattoo-related story, pick up the April issue of Glamour magazine!)

What do you guys think?  Are you a fan of tattoos, or do they freak you out?  Do you have a tattoo (or two, or three) that you love? Or one that you regret?  Send me a photo (kim@blendingbeautiful.com) or share your story below!

I’d also like to announce that I will be writing articles on an awesome, up-and-coming, Seattle-based blog called Wedding Bite!  Check it out, subscribe, and become a fan on facebook!

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There were some awesome looks on the red carpet last night (and not-so-awesome… cough *Mariah* cough.)  So I have to know, who do you think looked best?  Check out a few of the looks below:

Anna Kendrick’s ethereal look was understated and just plain pretty!

Miley Cyrus looked age-appropriate while rocking the nude-colored dress trend.

Zoe Saldana’s look was a little out there, but the colors are stunning, and look at that smile!

Gabourey Sidibe’s dress was so figure flattering, and the color is gorgeous!

Sandra Bullock’s dress was very regal and dignified.

(polls)

Photos courtesy of Yahoo!Movies

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First off, congratulations to Nina and Tina for winning the Benefit beauty give away this week!  (I promise it was a random drawing… how awesome is it that their names rhyme, though?!)  Didn’t win?  There will be a new fun beauty give away on Monday, so check back for the details!

I just had to start off your weekend by showing you this adorable video… this puts most wedding invitations to shame!

How cute is that??  Would you ever make a video invite (for a wedding or otherwise) and forgo formal invitations?  This one has definitely got my mind wandering…

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