Q: Darker skin tends to take on an "ashy" look when not properly moisturized. To keep from taking on an unhealthy-looking gray cast, always apply a moisturizer to your face after your daily shower. If you have dry skin, you may want to use a liquid or cream foundation. For added hydration, you can mix a few drops of moisturizer into your foundation before you apply. Just be aware that this will lessen the coverage. You can also use a tinted moisturizer or bb cream for a dewy finish and translucent coverage. If you choose to make foundation a part of your beauty routine, it's important to find a product that's as close as possible to your natural skin tone. Never use a foundation lighter than your skin tone. This can make your skin look patchy and your makeup caked on. When shopping for foundation, swatch it against your forehead or jawline. It's common for people with darker skin tones to be a little lighter at the face, so using your hand may not give you an accurate match. Foundation shopping is often trickier for people with darker skin. Try researching which locally-available brands work best on darker skin to narrow down your choices. You can also go to a local beauty shop or the makeup counter at a department store and ask for help there. These businesses often employ skilled makeup artists who might be better able to find the perfect match. Many will also offer a free makeover with your potential new foundation to help you decide. You should make sure the foundation you're thinking about buying is perfect in all lights, not just under the ones in the store. Try shopping without foundation or concealer on your face when trying out new foundations. Go outside and use a hand mirror to make sure the product blends in perfectly in the sun. While tanning is the trend in Western cultures, skin "bleaching" treatments are incredibly popular in India, especially among women with darker skin. It's best to stick to natural methods of lightening your skin, as many pharmaceutical products can have dangerous side-effects. Examples of natural skin lighteners that some people find effective are lemon juice, turmeric, and dairy products. The best way to make your skin a little lighter is to avoid sun exposure and to apply sunscreen when you can't. Bleaching your skin is by no means necessary. Dark skin is beautiful in its natural state. Don't lighten your skin to conform to some beauty standard. Only do so if it's your own personal preference.
A: Keep your skin moisturized. Match your foundation to your skin tone perfectly. Consider skin lightening treatments if you want lighter skin.

Q: Maybe you are looking for a more rustic look for your pencil holder. If so, use twine, rope, or yarn to decorate your container. Simply take the color and texture of material you want and start at the bottom of your holder. Glue the beginning of your rope with hot glue and as you wind up your container continue to add hot glue. Then, cut off the rest of your material once you have reached the top. Make sure as you wind up your container that you don't leave any empty holes. Once you have created one loop around your container, place a string of hot glue right above it. This will hopefully prevent you from leaving gaps on your holder. Now that you've covered your container with paint, fabric, or rope, you can add any extra embellishments. Maybe you want a glittery can, vintage can, or floral can. For a glitzy can, shake glitter onto your paint as it is drying, or mod podge it onto your fabric. For a vintage can, add a trim of lace around the top or bottom of your can or old fashioned buttons. For a floral can, create felt flowers. You can also hide your holder completely by lining it with small twigs or wine corks. Another fun idea for a pencil holder is lining it with an old map, or a map of a location you hope to visit some day. You can also add a ribbon to the top or bottom of your can to cover up any ugly fabric or paper edges. The options are really endless!
A: Decorate with rope or yarn. Add embellishments. Finished.

Q: You can use a small digital recorder if you have one, or a recording app on your phone. Be sure to place it in an inconspicuous place that is still in a close proximity to the people you want to record. Be aware, however, that recording conversations in order to eavesdrop is illegal in some places and punishable by law. If eavesdropping is your favorite hobby, you might consider purchasing a tool that will allow you to overhear conversations easily. A small device such as the Next Room Eavesdropping Device allows you to amplify conversations through walls and listen through headphones. Very few people have a home telephone now, but if you do live in a house that hasn't yet gone "cell-phone-only," you can pick up another line and listen to the conversation. Make sure you don't breathe too hard or giggle, though! Eavesdropping doesn't always have to be done in person. You can of course check out conversations on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to find out who is talking to whom and what they are saying.
A:
Plant a recording device. Purchase a spy tool. Pick up the other line. Employ social media.