Stylin' with
Ms. Tips

Well, my first column seemed to be a hit. Thanks to everyone who responded! Here's the question I picked for this month's column.

A reader writes "This week you scored a double winner. An especially good TGForum, in particular the articles on the G/L/B connection and the Lipstick comparisons by Ms. Tips. I suggested that Ms Tips try an article on eyeliner, one of my pet peeves is soft liner."

Now, eyeliner is one of those things you need to demonstrate -- not try to explain. But, as a woman with an modicum of intellect, I will try to explain, in detail, my thoughts on eyeliners, so everyone can use it with ease and not be afraid to try it.

There are two different types of eyeliners: liquid and pencil. Applying liquid eyeliner is a practiced art -- one continuous motion from corner to corner. It is done with a steady hand and one quick, but firm motion. You dip the brush in the liner and clean off the excess on the tube, a tissue or the back of your hand. Then taking the brush from the outer corner of the eye, as close to the lash line as possible, using a continuous motion, sweep to the inner corner of the eye. If you lift the brush it takes an act of God to achieve a straight and even line. The liquid liner is applied as a finishing and defining touch and an accent to eyeshadow. It is applied after the eyeshadow, translucent powder and before the mascara. The thickness of the line depends on the part of the brush used. For a heavy line use the entire length of the bristles or the fullest of the brush. For a thin line use only the tip of the brush. Also, remember to allow the liner to dry before applying the mascara. Line the lower lid in the same manner.

Pencil is much easier to control, and it is my liner of choice. It is used in conjunction with small bristled brush such as the eyeliner brush in Sebastian's Trucco (my cosmetic line) cosmetic brush line. After you have applied your foundation, correction cover up and translucent powder, take the eyeliner pencil and beginning at the outer corner of the eye make a dotted or small stroked line as close to the hairline of the lashes as possible. The closer the line, the fuller the lashes will appear and the less eyeshadow you will use. After you have drawn your line from corner to center, take the eyeliner brush and with a firm feathering or fanning stroke from side to side, pull the color along and soften the line to "smoke". You want to define the eye, but not draw too much attention to it. You want the eye to be inviting and mysterious not harsh and sophomoric in its application.

Now, you may be asking which manufacturer's product should I purchase. Any one will do. Understand that most department store brands, as opposed to drug store brands, have more nutrients and conditioners to make the product last longer, as well as condition the eye area. So, you see, spending a little more on quality product will save you money in the long run.

When you have a liner that is too soft to make a steady, clean line, then I suggest you purchase a eyeliner brush and use it instead of the pencil directly on the eye. It is less hassle, cleaner and is better than trying to perfect the art of using a soft product with inexperienced hands. One last "tip," if you are having a problem with getting a smooth liner application, then, I suggest two aids:

• use a blow dryer on the pencil prior to use. Set the dryer on High for a few seconds, or
• use a lit match or lighter to warm the pencil placing the product in the flame for a second or so. But, remember not to use it immediately or the product will burn your eyelid. Also, remember this will soften the pencil, so use a light touch or an eyeliner brush.

Now, for those that need a little instruction or help with color coordination. One should choose a color of eyeliner based on eye color and eyeshadow color. If one has brown eye's almost any hue of color powders can be used: plums, greens, blacks, greys. If you have green eyes it is best to use any color other than green. If blue any color other than blue.

However using earth tones will always make the eyes sparkle. When using eyeliner you should choose a color that would smoke the eyes, such as a brown eye using a brown liner and brown mascara, however, if you are using a black color powder then a black liner and black mascara would suit the color coordination. However, in using plums, violets or greens, it is best not to use a color coordinated pencil or mascara. Use a pencil the color of the lashes, either a brown or a black and sometimes a grey with black. The idea is to make the eye look soft. After all, we want someone to like us for our sparkling personality, not the way our eyes sparkle. RIGHT?

An Extra TIP:

For Shawn/Brittany: My suggestion is to determine if the relationship you have rekindled is worth honesty or not. Is it is going somewhere other than the bedroom this time? If, so, then you need to take an inventory of yourself, your virtues and attributes as well as your failures and faults, writing them down and realizing that a partner in life needs and deserves to know all of you, not just parts of you. Telling someone about your transgenderism is never easy, but honesty is always the best policy. I for one would rather hurt someone honestly, than mislead them with a lie.

After all, being transgendered is a small part of who you are, not just who you are. If the relationship is to move forward, she will either come to terms with it or it will end. Either way, both of you will be better for the truth. If you decide bed is all you are seeking, then tell her your legs are smooth because: 1) you're a long distance swimming; 2) your hair follicles are infected; 3) your "old" girlfriend liked you smooth for intimate showers; or 4) you recently had laser surgery on both legs. Any or all will do, if you choose to take this route. Good Luck!!!

This is CDTips asking for your questions, so we can all get the right answers.
Luv,
Lynda.

Ms. Tips is looking for your beauty question. Use the form below to ask her a question she will answer in a future column.