Choosing the right mascara can enhance your eyelashes and complete your desired makeup look. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a mascara:
Definition vs. Volume: Determine whether you want to focus on defining your lashes or adding volume; some mascaras are specifically formulated to provide length and definition, while others focus on adding fullness and volume.
Brush Shape: Different mascara wands have varying shapes and bristle arrangements, which affect the application and outcome. For example, curved wands are designed to lift and curl lashes, while straight wands can help separate and define them. Test different brush shapes to see which one suits your lashes best.
Formula Type: Mascaras come in different formulas, such as waterproof, smudge-proof, or regular. Waterproof mascara is water-resistant, making it ideal for occasions like swimming or rainy days. Smudge-proof mascaras are designed to prevent smearing or flaking throughout the day. Regular formulas are easy to remove with regular makeup remover. Choose a formula based on your needs and preferences.
Desired Look: Consider the look you want to achieve. Opt for a lengthening mascara with a lighter formula if you prefer a natural, subtle look. Choose a volumizing mascara or a thicker formula for more dramatic or bold lashes. Some mascaras also offer a combination of lengthening and volumizing properties.
Lancome has a collection of mascaras to help you achieve your desired look!
Here is a full comparison and review of their top-selling mascaras:
Remember to replace your mascara every three to six months to maintain its effectiveness and prevent the risk of eye infections.
Ultimately, the best mascara for you will depend on your personal preferences, desired results, and unique lash characteristics. Experimenting with different brands and types of mascaras will help you find the perfect one for your lashes.
Since starting Chicks And Salsa I have found myself in new and unfamiliar situations so many times. Five years ago if you asked me to walk into a room full of strangers and indulge in ‘small talk’, I would have run for the hills. Now, the prospect of meeting new people excites me!
Being forced to step out of my comfort zone has taught me a lot about myself. Here are a few tips I have learned along the way to make uncomfortable situations more… comfortable. Some of these tips you have probably seen before but trust me, repetition is how to make it stick.
Dress The Part
This is first because playing the part means looking the part. Nothing helps me put my best foot forward like feeling confident in the space I am occupying. Dress for the occasion and feel good in what you wear, it will reflect in your mannerisms. Our Mom always taught us that it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed — you will never feel out of place. That has stuck with us throughout our lives (and probably explains a lot about us for those of you who know our family).
Here are a few versatile picks perfect for a multitude of occasions all under $50:
Do Your Research
Nothing makes me feel worse than not knowing about the host of an event or facts about the event itself. Knowing what you are walking into is so important for nailing a conversation. Finding a way that connects you to the space and the people within it is a true life hack for making an impression. Even just quickly browsing information on your phone in the Uber or in the bathroom can give you information that could create a real impact on someone later in the event.
Listen (Mirror and Label)
I am a sharer and have a tendency to talk more than I listen. Since ‘small talk’ does not come naturally to me despite practicing for years, I have finally found a technique that works wonders for getting other people to talk. I recently watched a lecture on Masterclass on a technique called “Mirroring and Labeling” in which you repeat back key words from the conversation to help keep the conversation active and engaging. It has changed my conversation game tenfold. If you need some help in this department, check out this lecture: Masterclass with Chris Voss
Know Your Story
We all have heard about an ‘elevator speech’ and even if you are not a business owner or don’t work, it doesn’t mean you don’t have a story. Almost 100% of the time people will ask, “So, what do you do?” Are you prepared to answer this question in a way that is concise and coherent? If not, then now is a good time to get your story straight so that you can dig into the next level of the conversation. Preparing a quick FYI can be simple but make it unique. As women in this world, we are all trying to find our place. Take a moment to figure out what space you occupy and how to communicate that with others.
I have only recently gotten comfortable with my own story of discovery from being a stay at home mom, to a blogger, to a self-employed social media content creator and manager. It took me several years to put the pieces together in a coherent way, but I finally have my story down.
Sonia and I have TERRIBLE posture. In the past few years as we have become more confident and practiced sharing our story, dressing the part, and listening, we have started standing straighter. In the same way a firm handshake is important, so is posture. We have learned so much from Blush with Parmita, her YouTube tips for standing out have really changed the way we walk into a room and handle a conversation. This did not come naturally for us, but we practiced and reminded each other to do it so many times over the years that now it feels automatic. Without saying a word, how you stand and present yourself to the world can create the strongest and most lasting impression.
Hopefully, you needed to hear some of this, I know we need reminders all the time. I would love to hear about your life hacks that have made you a better and more productive person.
This is our 100th Post!!! That is more than two years of Chick Picks, Fashion Posts, Motherhood Rants, and Party Tips and we could not have done it without you!! Thank you so much for supporting Chicks And Salsa!!
One of our most frequently used hashtags is #MomsOffDuty. It was brought to our attention that ‘life outside of motherhood’ and ‘Moms off duty’ implies that we did not have children or did not care about them. This could not be further from the truth! It just means that we are not going to beat ourselves up about taking a little ‘me time‘ every now and then.
As women, especially those of ethnic descent, we have a tendency to place ourselves last — behind spouses, kids, career. If there is anything I have learned in these past few years, it is that putting yourself first can feel good sometimes, too. It is also important to realize that ‘mom guilt’ never goes away: we will always wish that when we try a new restaurant with friends, that our husbands were there or when we discover a new park to run at, that we could exercise and watch the kids at the same time.
Moms Off Duty—that is how we feel when we squeeze in a coffee with friends during the day or get a babysitter and vent to a friend over cocktails after school. It is all-encompassing. It is the food that we eat, the activities that we participate in, the civic work that we do, the obligations we have at work, and our responsibilities at home. It is about taking a moment to build yourself as a woman, no matter what corners that life brings your way. Stringing together the moments outside of our routines are often the ones that we remember and cherish.
Celebrating Each Other
You Do You
We challenge you to be ‘off duty’ once in a while and do something for yourself with or without someone else. Push yourself to a new limit and rediscover an old hobby. Or listen to some old tunes and dance like no one is watching. It is possible to be a great mother, an influencer, a career-builder, and an independent woman — find your way to putting yourself first and in doing that, find yourself.
Lastly, thank you for all the love that you have shown us these past few years, hopefully we have more to offer as we learn more about all of you!!
With so much love, your chicks,
Rina and Sonia
Shout out to Neema, one of our contributors and Mom-extraordinaire, see her posts here.
Transitioning between jobs, friends, or even years is usually accompanied with a sudden desire to do things differently — and, if possible, better than the time before. A new year is upon us as is another opportunity for us to, yet again, try to better ourselves and our choices. What have you considered improving in the next year? Are your goals personal or professional? As a band of moms, we have collaborated on a few resolutions and goals for the next year and found five common themes in New Year’s goals — but not only do we have themes, we ideas how to actually accomplish those goals:
Don’t Say “ I Will Spend Less Time on Social Media”
The Social Media Addiction is Real (especially for bloggers!) It is amazing how this problem affects everyone. It doesn’t matter how old you are, what gender you are or where you are from, everyone is known to ‘spiral’ on social media. In some ways, the natural shift in our society towards social media is natural; but if this is something you are trying to reduce, start with small goals. Find a way to resist the urge once a day. Whether this means putting your cell phone away in a drawer for an hour or two or going on airplane mode, this realistic goal will give you a place to start. My sister also takes periodic respites from various platforms by deactivated for an amount of time. For many, including my sister, the all-or-nothing tactic can prove to be cathartic and therapeutic. Also when using media, be mindful of what you are posting, check out our post on Social Media: Friend or Foe for what we mean.
Don’t Say “I Will Lose Weight”
Instead, consider starting with being more mindful of your weight. What this means is that instead of weighing yourself obsessively or subconsciously avoiding the scale out of fear, setting periodic times to check your weight is the first way to face the facts. Whether it is even 3 or 4 days or on a weekly basis, being mindful will subconsciously stay with you as you move through your day — in turn, helping you lose weight.
PS Of course, studies have shown that tracking your calories on platforms such as My Fitness Pal will help dramatically. But always remember that the key to this method is to stay committed!
Don’t Say “I Will Eat Healthier”
Salad with Dinner
Instead, commit to eating a salad with dinner each night. This is an example of starting small, especially if salad isn’t already a part of your diet. Such a strategy will not only taper your appetite, it will also help you get your greens and fiber! This modification is easy to add to your diet, especially with the tasty ready made salads now available at most local grocery stores. Our favorite is the Sweet Kale Salad available at Costco (see some of our other Costco favorites here).
Don’t Say “I Will Spend More Time With the Kids, Family, and/or Friends”
No Phone Zone
Be specific about how you plan to do this. Consider starting with phone-free meal times or designated phone-free zones in your home such as kids rooms. Also, by announcing these goals to your family, they can help keep you accountable (I know my kids love to tell me when I have broken the rules).
Don’t Say “I Will Be Less Stressed”
This could be one of the most difficult on the list. We often think our stresses are out of our control. We can perceive our stress as something that happens to us but in fact, we can control our stress. Begin by creating a plan, and starting small. We don’t want to sound cliche but meditating (AKA just not thinking about anything) can be a useful way to tackle stress. Downloading helpful apps such as HeadSpace or SimpleHabit can be a great first step. Set daily alarms on your phone to check in with yourself and meditate! There is a reason why meditation gets a lot of hype and it’s because it works. Just three minutes of peace and quiet can keep you focused for the rest of the day. It’s true, I have been mindfully meditating several times a week for years — and it definitely took some getting used to. The advantage of using this strategy is that you can do it anywhere, it requires no materials, and does not take a lot of time.
Don’t Say “I Will Be More Positive”
This one is also hard, especially if you have young children or complexities at work. BUT instead of focusing on how to see the glass half full, if you pay attention to how often you see the glass half empty, you will inadvertently start seeing things on the bright side. By tallying your complaints each day, you will become more aware of your negative tendencies. Doing so can hone one’s optimism and avoid negative thinking. Don’t believe me? Just try it!
Hopefully one or some of these resolutions resonate with you and hopefully you can find a way to incorporate these suggestions into your life in the coming year.
Thanks for your support this past year. We will continue to develop our content in a way that is meaningful to you in 2018, stay with us!
