When you’re attending a wedding or even taking part in one, do you want your makeup to look like it does on an average Tuesday? Since we know the answer to that question is no, keep reading to learn how to amp up your makeup for special occasions!

New trends in nail polish come and go, but I think this warm neutral is here to stay. Keep reading to get the scoop from Running with Mascara on the newest neutrals, and how you can incorporate them into a fun fall routine that isn’t too dark.

There are lots of great secrets for taking care of your nails. Using spices and simple lotions can really help the health of your hands and nails in particular! Keep reading for 3 nail tricks that are sure to help you put your best hand forward.

With the changing seasons come lots of new trends. The most notable changes for nails come in the form of new polishes and finishes (get the scoop on Fall 2011 colors here), but another more subtle trend is on the rise. Find out what it is and how to get it right after the jump!

Once warm weather hits, I make a beeline for flip flops and sandals. This means that I also have to add one more step to my beauty routine – painting my toenails. I love having brightly colored toenails! I usually sport various shades of pink. Actually, I think I only even own pink nail polish.

I have to say that I’m terrible at anything artistic. I won’t venture to say that painting your nails is very artistic, but it requires some amount of skill and dexterity to paint the nail and not your skin. I always have trouble with that part.  So when I decide to paint my nails, I want that nail polish to stay put!

We’ve barely even had spring weather in Chicago, but I’m already looking forward to the blazing heat of summer. Before summer gets here, there a couple of things I think everyone should do. Most are basic beauty maintenance things, but don’t underestimate how important they are. They can turn a boring drab look to one that’s hot to trot.

This week, Running With Mascara is featuring the lovely beauty blogger, Sasha from Sasha Says.  This married, working mother of two has her hands full, but still makes time to primp and pamper, especially her nails!

If you’d like to see a little beauty blast from the past, check out her most recent post! You have to see if you remember some of those old beauty products!

1.      Tell us a bit about your blog?

I started blogging in mid-2007 with the title “Barely Keeping It All Together” because as a married, working mom of two small children – I was!.  I’ve always been a bargain-hunter and makeup lover (and over-shopper), so my husband registered www.sashasays.com for me and encouraged me to share my bargain finds. I can’t remember exactly when, but at some point I switched my blog over to that domain and changed the name to Sasha Says as well.

Today, we’re taking a break from healthy living bloggers and switching gears to BEAUTY! I am excited to welcome our new mommy beauty blogger Christine from 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic! This beauty blogger is also a doctor (pediatrics), so she really knows what she’s talking about!

Since Christine’s on a blogging maternity leave for a bit, her blog is featuring all kinds of fun guest posts by other beauty bloggers, so head over and check it out!

Also, because Christine’s blog rocks, it’s been nominated for About.com’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best Beauty Blogger.  Vote for Christine!

1. Tell us a bit about your blog?

The other day, Kathryn wrote about the STRESS surrounding Valentine’s Day.  While letting go of those crazy, unattainable romantic ideals will definitely alleviate some Valentine’s Day stress, my motto, like the Boy Scouts, is to always be prepared.

If you want a special Valentine’s Day, help plan one! Don’t leave everything up to you significant other. Sure surprises are nice, but just because you take charge doesn’t mean that he won’t surprise you with something.

While going out to eat is a standard V-Day activity, maybe this year you should cook an extra-special meal at home.  Here are some healthy Valentine’s Day meal options:

Meal 1:
Herbed Pork with Sauteed Wild Mushrooms
Kale Saute
Shortcake Biscuits with Berries

I recently received a gift certificate for a manicure at a local salon.  I had never gotten a manicure before (I used to be a pretty bad nail-biter), so I decided to go and get it done.  It sounded relaxing and I’ve always wanted to have pretty nails; I made an appointment right away.  Since I have never had color on my nails (seriously- NEVER), I went with a French manicure for a more natural look.