Many of my friends are reading “Fifty Shades of Grey.” They simply can’t put it down. I suppose many of us need to escape reality, if only through the pages of a bestseller. Well, never mind that, I am going to hit reality head-on with a few “grey” matters of my own. Before you get the wrong idea, read on, because I am simply going to demystify some things related to beauty that sometimes just aren’t black and white. You will not have to turn down the pages on this story or blush at the office. I promise.
First, let’s begin with makeup. When should that mascara and lipstick be tossed? You love it, that’s obvious, but hanging on to it for too long is just scandalous. Generally, mascara should be discarded after three months or when it no longer glides onto the lashes with ease.
As for lipstick, when it has developed a slight odor resembling melting plastic, you must replace it with a fresh, new shade. Liquid foundation and most skincare products come clearly marked with an expiration date near the bottom of the container, so nowadays there’s simply no excuse for not knowing.
Another big grey area for many has been whether to curl lashes before or after mascara. I say it depends on your own lashes. If they are naturally short and sparse, curl them naked and then apply several coats of mascara. If you are blessed with longer lashes, go ahead and apply mascara and then curl a few times with your curler before applying a final coat of mascara.
Gel or mousse?
Next, let’s dive into the grey area of hair. Gel or mousse has always been the question when choosing a styling product, but now there are dozens of other styling potions on the market that make it even more grey.
My suggestion is simple; decide what you want your styling product to do for your hair — volumize, straighten, wave, defrizz? Then, know your hair texture: fine, thick or wavy. Now go shopping and read the labels, because they are very informative.
Do keep in mind that the lighter, foaming textures (think mousse) are best at not weighing fine hair down, and defrizzing concoctions contain silicones and oils that will often make hair flat, oily and less desirable. Use sparingly until you get the hang of them.
Tips on tipping
Finally, let’s clear up the grey area when it comes to salon etiquette. Should I tip my hairdresser? The general rule is to decide if you are pleased with the service, and in most cases the owner of the salon does not expect a gratuity, even if he or she is also your stylist.
In larger salons and spas, it is customary to leave small tokens of your appreciation at each stop: shampoo technician, nail technician, hostess who brings you your champagne. For ease, I say just leave a generous gratuity with the stylist and let that person divide the love, but again, only if you are pleased with your service. Also, I love nothing better than a simple “thank you,” or, if you are creative, maybe a cupcake or homemade cookies during the holidays. Yummy!
I hope I have cleared up a few shades of grey. If only I had more time and space, we would delve deeper into your beauty routine, but that’s what future columns are for. For now, enjoy your summer, when I sincerely hope there will be more blue skies than grey.
Former Columbus resident David Creel owns Beautiful With David salon in Jackson. Contact him at [email protected].
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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