Not all beauty tips are created equally. Some “tricks” simply miss the beauty mark, so this week I’ve rounded up the top three tricks you simply must try because they work, beautifully.

via SmashBox.com

Eye Poppin’

You may avoid liquid eyeliner like the plague but the truth is, liquid stays put far better than pencil so mastering liquid eyeliner application is a must. Before applying liquid, use an eyeliner pencil to “trace” the line you’ll create with liquid liner. For newbies, this one step can save quite a bit of time (and eye makeup remover).

To apply liquid liner, brace the arm you’ll be using for application on a table to keep it steady. Next, apply liquid liner in three segments. Think of it as drawing dashes at the inner corner, in the middle and on the outer corner of the eyelids at the lash line. Then go back and draw connections between the dashes to create a smooth line. (Tip: use a felt tip liquid liner when starting out as felt tips tend to be more forgiving.)

Finally, once the liquid liner has dried, using an angled shadow brush, apply a matching shadow over the line to “set” the liquid.

Smooth Skin

You probably already know that starting the day with a cleanser and moisturizer is a must. What many women forget, however, is the importance of exfoliation to keep skin refreshed and glowing. A must-try trick I swear by is regular use of Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant which contains salicylic acid among other key ingredients. (Daily Microfoliant happens to be the best seller from the entire Dermalogica line.)

Use about 1/2 teaspoon of Daily Microfoliant mixed with a 1/2 teaspoon of water to create a fine paste. Massage the product in for two minutes, then, and here’s the trick, twice a week, create a thick paste using the Microfoliant and water. Leave the paste on skin for up to 10 minutes to create a super-effective skin-renewing masque.

via drugstore.com

Moisturize for Less

A few drops of olive oil is all a girl needs to keep skin smooth and free of dry, flaky spots.

At night, after cleansing skin, dab a tiny bit of olive oil on a cotton ball and apply to dry zones, avoiding breakout prone areas. Next, drape a towel over your head and steam your face over a hot faucet to help the olive oil penetrate.

Too blemish prone to trust olive oil? Try diluted tea-tree oil instead which is ideal for killing the bacteria that contributes to acne.

What’s your favorite no-fail beauty trick?

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I’ve just about gotten this beauty thing figured out.

I drink tons if water, opt for regular facials and apply eye cream nightly. And just when the habits required to look great have become second nature, chocolate, that acne-inducing lover from the past, is back.  Did I mention it’s also supposed to be good for us?

That’s right; experts say cocoa infused beauty products stimulate circulation, thanks to trace amounts of caffeine, while serving as a natural skin soother that is choc-full of antioxidants. So this week, I’ve rounded up some of the most chocolicious products on the market… all taste-tested and approved by me, of course.

via sephora.com

Oh Lolli Lollipop Lip Shine by Philosophy

Two is definitely better than one when it comes to Philosophy’s simply addictive high gloss lip shines. The “Oh Lolli Lollipop” duo includes lip shine in Fresh and Fruity Lollipop and Chewy Chocolate Lollipop. Super-slick formulas leave lips smooth and hydrated with a hint of color. Plus, these yummy lip shines are completely free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, GMOs and triclosan. Get the set for $18 at Sephora.

via gardenbotanika.com

Essence of Chocolate Soap by Garden Botanika

For lots of chocolate appeal without all the fuss, I swear by Garden Botanika’s Essence of Chocolate Soap ($6.50 at GardenBotanika.com) This super-hydrating bar soap is hand-crafted from ingredients including Olive oil, Castor oil, Palm oil, Wheat Germ oil, Coconut oil and Soy oil.  Add some Shea and Dark Cocoa Butter to the recipe and skin is left so soft — and deliciously scented — you’re bound to get in trouble.

via lushusa.com

Whip Stick Lip Balm by Lush

You gotta love Lush. Committed to natural ingredients long before it was hip to do so, Lush’s International beauty boutiques serve up homegrown products with sophistication. I’m enamored with the Whip Stick Lip Balm ($6.95 at lushusa.com), choc-full of tasty ingredients such as olive oil, honey and chocolate, because it lives up to the claim on the packaging, “A Tasty Chocolate Lip Balm.” And it’s so fresh it actually comes with a made on and use by date.

What’s your favorite, calorie-free way to enjoy the sweet life?

Post Promotionally Sponsored by Medifast Weight Control Centers^® providing clinically proven weight-loss intervention, designed not only to help women take weight off, but to keep it off long-term. PrettyCity.com and Medifast invite women to “Get Little Red Dress Ready” now through July 31, 2012; enter to win a $500 shopping spree from one of PrettyCity’s favorite dress/accessory retailers. Click here for details.
Keep livin’ the pretty life by subscribing to the Glamour, Every Day blog via email or RSS.