As the reigning queen of burlesque, Dita Von Teese’s appearance is part of her job. But being glamorous is about more than a paycheck for the style icon: In Dita Von Teese's new book, Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour , written with Rose Apodaca, she says, “Beauty is my art. It’s my nourishment, my salvation.” As such, Von Teese is no passive participant in her look — this is woman who even dyes her own hair and shapes her own eyebrows in favor of paying a professional like many celebrities do.
As you would expect, Von Teese has learned a thing or two over the years about how to go from pretty to pinup. While beauty tips are out there everywhere, her book goes beyond the standard advice and serves as an in-depth guide for even the most serious connoisseurs. She shares a wealth of information, ranging from a primer on hair removal options to descriptions of essential habits and rituals. Her tips and tricks touch on every aspect of beauty, from coiffured head to pedicured toe. Your Beauty Mark is both practical and comprehensive, not to mention lovely on a coffee table.
Here are seven serious tips for even the biggest beauty diehards, based on Your Beauty Mark:
Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour by Dita Von Teese, $2+, Amazon
1. A Fragrance Isn’t Forever
As much as you love your signature fragrance, it might not be The One forever. “Skin texture and chemistry also changes with hormones and as we get older, so it goes to reason that our affinity for a specific perfume will also shift,” writes Von Teese. Although you may have many happy years together, a day will eventually come when you grow apart. At that point, don’t force yourself to stay with your old perfume out of habit; see what else is out there that will make you happier.
2. Reapply Your Lipstick From Scratch
Freshening up your lipstick isn’t enough. As Von Teese points out, it can start to appear caked on, which is definitely not the desired effect. She recommends removing “all traces” of your lipstick at least twice a day before you reapply — and better still if you can exfoliate your lips with a damp washcloth at the time. Before bed, you should exfoliate once more, as well as put on lip moisturizer. Von Teese knows how to do lovely lips (just ask MAC), so take this advice to heart.
3. Don’t Neglect Your Chest
Go beyond a nice bra the next time you want your cleavage to look on point. Depending on how far you want to take it, this can include powdering your chest, putting rouge on your nipples, or more. At the very least, remember to exfoliate and moisturize.
4. Reconsider Your Cleaning Products
If you fill your sink with water to wash your face, you’ll want to consider what cleaning products you’ve been using to clean the bathroom. You probably opt for facial cleansers that are gentle on your skin, so you don’t want to counteract that with residue living in your sink from harsh chemicals. Think about cleaning with baking soda or natural products instead.
5. Revamp Your Baths
While showering is great, baths are a great chance to really get serious about your own personal beauty needs. Von Teese customizes her baths by putting crushed herbs and flowers in a cheesecloth pouchette, adding a few drops of essential oils (like lavender for relaxation), using sea salt to exfoliate, and more. Who knew there were so many options?
6. Take Beauty Sleep Seriously
The idea of beauty sleep isn’t exactly revolutionary, but Von Teese is a huge proponent of resting up to look your best. As she explains it, seven hours of sleep leads to “a more beautiful you!” She’s got science to back her up, with studies previously having found that more sleep leads to better skin, among other benefits.
7. Up Your Hydration Game
Drinking more water is a well-known tip for looking and feeling better, but Von Teese again takes it further. She starts every day with a glass of water with lemon squeezed in, and then also drinks hot water with lemon and ginger. Why? you ask. Because it’s good for your skin, bones, and digestion.
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