Recent Haul
Here are some things I’ve purchased that LOVE!!! Enjoy =).
Here are some things I’ve purchased that LOVE!!! Enjoy =).
Brow Lesson From the Glow
Here is beauty wisdom from the Glow {dot} com to make sure we all are sporting amazing brows. My comments are in red =).
The right eyebrow shape not only visually lifts and opens your eyes,
it also polishes your entire look. The best method for DIY brow shaping
is tweezing because it’s precise and more goof-proof than waxing —
especially if you’re a first-timer. Celebrity makeup artist Vincent
Longo agrees. “With waxing, a detailed contour is more difficult to pull
off on your own,” he says.
Before you get started, you’ll need a few tools: A magnifying
mirror or any mirror placed near a window (natural light will help you
see every stray hair); grooming scissors; a good pair of tweezers
(Tweezerman’s Slant Tweezer is great for beginners); and a brow brush
(try the Dior Brow Brush). (or a cheaper option, try a toothbrush)
The best time to pluck is right after a steamy shower, which will
open up your pores and make it easier to remove hairs. (pores do not open and close. They harden and soften so I’m sure they meant to say they will be soft at that point) Make sure you
have time on your hands — tweezing can’t be rushed! After you’re done
plucking, use an antibacterial wipe to clean your tools. Soothe any
redness and swelling on your brow area with arnica gel, an herbal remedy
that reduces inflammation, says Longo. And wait several minutes before
applying lotions, creams, or makeup.
Step 1: Determine your basic shape. Figure out
where your eyebrow begins by placing a pencil vertically against the
side of your nose and the inner corner of the eye. Any hair that goes
beyond this line should be tweezed. Next, place the pencil diagonally
from the side of your nostril to the center of the pupil — this is where
the highest point of the arch needs to be. A straight line from the
side of the nostril to the outside corner of the eye determines the end
point. Hair extending into the temple area should be plucked. (go to my perfect brow tutorial for the “pencil test”).
Step 2: Brush your eyebrows upward with the brow
brush (a baby toothbrush works too!) and carefully trim any extra-long
hairs. Then comb downward, and — very conservatively — cut excess
length.
Step 3: Tweeze one row of hair beneath the
brow, between the points you identified in Step 1. To lessen the pain
factor, pluck in the direction of hair growth. Open up the arch by
removing a second row of hair from directly underneath it. Lastly, pluck
random hairs below the brow line and between the eyes.
Remember: Less is more! Over plucking looks unnatural and requires a
six-month “no tweezing” period to correct. Plus it adds more age to your face! Stick to these rules, and
you’ll have enviable brows in no time.
Lash Out
The Daily Glow is a website I love to peruse through. It gives great tips and tricks for a well rounded healthy lifestyle. When I find something that I think is just fabulous I tuck it away and bring it to you on Monday. I’ve always heard of the stigma surrounding Mondays. It’s the day we don’t want to get out of bed, the start of a work week after a playful weekend, blah blah blah! Let’s change that! Monday is a day of new beginnings. For me, it’s the day after a great Sunday at church listening to great talks, lessons and me taking notes on how I want to better myself. Monday is my exciting “start time”. Am I Pollyanna and love it every week? Of course not, but I don’t hate it more or less than any other day of the week. I want you to be able to wake up to some refreshing tips and tricks every Monday to help YOU have a better day and work on or try something beauty related for the week. Do I expect a report come Friday? No, but I wouldn’t mind it either ;). If you try anything out there in the world of beauty let me know! Write a review! You may just see it published here on the Classy Blog! Okay enough from Chatty Kathy, let’s talk Mascara! Many of you know that I wear false lashes everyday and LOVE them, but for those that haven’t taken the plunge or don’t want to, here are some helpful tips. As always, my comments and opinions are in red.
Time to Lash Out
Mascara has been a cosmetics staple since the
ancient
ancient
Egyptians stained their lashes with kohl about 6,000 years ago.
Now a tube of Maybelline’s iconic Great Lash mascara is sold about once
every second somewhere in the world.
Now a tube of Maybelline’s iconic Great Lash mascara is sold about once
every second somewhere in the world.
When it comes to immediate cosmetic results, mascara is hard to beat.
“It’s the quickest way to frame your eyes and give them instant
definition,” says Carmindy, makeup host of What Not to Wear.
“It’s the quickest way to frame your eyes and give them instant
definition,” says Carmindy, makeup host of What Not to Wear.
Perhaps because we expect so much from a humble tube of pigment, we
experience a range of frustrations with mascara to this day — clumping,
flaking, and smearing. “It takes a lot of trial and error to find the
best mascara for you,” says Ricky Wilson,
a celebrity makeup artist for Dior. “Women sometimes forget that the
lashes are their own hair and just end up buying a mascara based on a
commercial or what their friend uses.”
experience a range of frustrations with mascara to this day — clumping,
flaking, and smearing. “It takes a lot of trial and error to find the
best mascara for you,” says Ricky Wilson,
a celebrity makeup artist for Dior. “Women sometimes forget that the
lashes are their own hair and just end up buying a mascara based on a
commercial or what their friend uses.”
Read on to find out how makeup artists and cosmetics chemists avoid
and address mascara mishaps. Plus, learn which formulas they say are the
best for you.
and address mascara mishaps. Plus, learn which formulas they say are the
best for you.
Clumping
Does your mascara transform you into Tammy Faye Baker? To address clumping, Ni’Kita Wilson,
a cosmetic chemist and vice president of research and innovation at
Englewood Lab, in New Jersey, recommends blotting the brush on a clean
tissue to remove excess pigment that can be deposited in clumps.
a cosmetic chemist and vice president of research and innovation at
Englewood Lab, in New Jersey, recommends blotting the brush on a clean
tissue to remove excess pigment that can be deposited in clumps.
Also, check the product label. “Mascaras with a high wax content will
smear easier and can be prone to more clumping than mascaras with more
gums,” Wilson says. Waxes commonly found in mascara include paraffin,
carnauba, and beeswax. Gums might be gum tragacanth and methyl
cellulose.
smear easier and can be prone to more clumping than mascaras with more
gums,” Wilson says. Waxes commonly found in mascara include paraffin,
carnauba, and beeswax. Gums might be gum tragacanth and methyl
cellulose.
The mascara brush matters just as much if you have trouble with lumpy lashes. Celebrity makeup artist Kristofer Buckle
prefers “a silicone brush that glides through lashes while perfectly
separating them.” He also recommends avoiding brushes that feature a
wide spiral formation. “This allows an uncontrolled amount of product to
be coated onto lashes, leaving them clumpy.”
prefers “a silicone brush that glides through lashes while perfectly
separating them.” He also recommends avoiding brushes that feature a
wide spiral formation. “This allows an uncontrolled amount of product to
be coated onto lashes, leaving them clumpy.”
CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion ($8.99) delivers a separated-lash effect by means of a silicone brush and a slick formula.
Flaking
Just as a little pain is the price we pay for
wearing high heels in the pursuit of mile-long legs, flaking is often
the unpleasant consequence of the quest for longer lashes. The polymers
used to make mascara waterproof and to elongate lashes tend to flake,
says Ni’Kita Wilson. “They are necessary, and it’s difficult to avoid
them in lengthening and waterproof formulas,” she says.
wearing high heels in the pursuit of mile-long legs, flaking is often
the unpleasant consequence of the quest for longer lashes. The polymers
used to make mascara waterproof and to elongate lashes tend to flake,
says Ni’Kita Wilson. “They are necessary, and it’s difficult to avoid
them in lengthening and waterproof formulas,” she says.
The solution is all about application technique. Wilson says the key
is to apply just one or two coats. Also, allow each coat to dry
completely if you apply more than one. If you’re not seeing the results
you want with two coats, consider switching to a cream formula for more
volume and fullness, says Sarah Lucero, a makeup artist with Stila.
is to apply just one or two coats. Also, allow each coat to dry
completely if you apply more than one. If you’re not seeing the results
you want with two coats, consider switching to a cream formula for more
volume and fullness, says Sarah Lucero, a makeup artist with Stila.
For a flake-free option, try Nuance Salma Hayek Full Effect Ultra-Volumizing Mascara ($9.79).
Smearing
Pandas and raccoons are pretty much the only
creatures that look cute with black rings around their eyes. Humans, not
so much. Smearing of mascara is usually more of a problem in warmer
weather, when heat and humidity break down your makeup. Ni’Kita Wilson
suggests wearing a waterproof formula when it’s warm, but one that
contains polymers rather than waxes. “Polymers form a film around lashes
that is more likely than waxes to seal the pigments in place,” she
says.
creatures that look cute with black rings around their eyes. Humans, not
so much. Smearing of mascara is usually more of a problem in warmer
weather, when heat and humidity break down your makeup. Ni’Kita Wilson
suggests wearing a waterproof formula when it’s warm, but one that
contains polymers rather than waxes. “Polymers form a film around lashes
that is more likely than waxes to seal the pigments in place,” she
says.
You can also prevent mascara runoff with some carefully placed
translucent powder, Buckle suggests. He advises patting powder around
your eyes — to cut down on oil and moisture — before applying mascara.
translucent powder, Buckle suggests. He advises patting powder around
your eyes — to cut down on oil and moisture — before applying mascara.
To avoid mascara smear, try Neutrogena Healthy Volume Waterproof Mascara ($7.99). I am a fan of Benefit’s waterproof mascara.
Stubbiness
Ni’Kita Wilson maintains that length is where the
brush is every bit as important as the formula. “You want to make sure
that you’re using a brush that allows you to get to the base of your
lashes without gouging your eyes,” she says. “Women with really short
lashes may want to opt for a thinner brush or a comb-style brush.”
brush is every bit as important as the formula. “You want to make sure
that you’re using a brush that allows you to get to the base of your
lashes without gouging your eyes,” she says. “Women with really short
lashes may want to opt for a thinner brush or a comb-style brush.”
Combing through your lashes can also help prevent a short, stubby
effect, says Brett Freedman, a makeup artist and the founder of Vanitymark. A ‘wetter formula will spread a bit more easily, but it can also fuse lashes together. Freedman suggests using a lash comb to separate and define lashes while the mascara is still wet.
effect, says Brett Freedman, a makeup artist and the founder of Vanitymark. A ‘wetter formula will spread a bit more easily, but it can also fuse lashes together. Freedman suggests using a lash comb to separate and define lashes while the mascara is still wet.
Benefit They’re Real! Mascara ($22) will grab lashes and coat them all the way to the tips for length and definition.
Sparseness
Anyone hoping to fatten up sparse lashes should know
that bigger is better. Ni’Kita Wilson explains that volumizing mascaras
tend to use fat brushes with waxy formulas. “The waxes coat the lashes
and increase the diameter of each lash,” she says.
that bigger is better. Ni’Kita Wilson explains that volumizing mascaras
tend to use fat brushes with waxy formulas. “The waxes coat the lashes
and increase the diameter of each lash,” she says.
Look for a wand with a cone shape — thick at one end and tapering to a
point, says Mario Dedivanovic, a celebrity makeup artist who works on
the impressive lashes of Kim Kardashian. “I use the thick part of the
brush on the upper lashes, and the pointed part for the lower ones,” he
says. “I sweep a few of the lower lashes at a time from left to right to
evenly coat them.”
point, says Mario Dedivanovic, a celebrity makeup artist who works on
the impressive lashes of Kim Kardashian. “I use the thick part of the
brush on the upper lashes, and the pointed part for the lower ones,” he
says. “I sweep a few of the lower lashes at a time from left to right to
evenly coat them.”
For “glam chop lashes” (Mario’s term), try Lancôme’s Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara ($25).
Brittleness
“Mascaras that yield both thickness and volume
typically have a dry formulation,” says Ricky Wilson. This allows them
to be built quickly in a few coats, but it can tend to dry lashes out,
making them brittle. He suggests addressing brittle lashes by layering
mascaras with different formulas: “I always use more than one for those
who love lashes because the different formulas provide really
eye-catching effects.”
typically have a dry formulation,” says Ricky Wilson. This allows them
to be built quickly in a few coats, but it can tend to dry lashes out,
making them brittle. He suggests addressing brittle lashes by layering
mascaras with different formulas: “I always use more than one for those
who love lashes because the different formulas provide really
eye-catching effects.”
Think of your lashes as you would your hair, and condition them to
prevent breakage. A dab of Vaseline on your lids at night should do the
trick. Or try a conditioner designed for your lash line, like RevitaLash ($98 for a three-month supply).
prevent breakage. A dab of Vaseline on your lids at night should do the
trick. Or try a conditioner designed for your lash line, like RevitaLash ($98 for a three-month supply).
You can also add “conditioner” to a dried-out mascara tube. Freedman
suggests adding a drop of rosewater to the brush and swirling it around
the tube. Another genius tip is to add a drop or two of SkinCeuticals
Hydrating B5 Gel to your mascara to keep the formula wet.
suggests adding a drop of rosewater to the brush and swirling it around
the tube. Another genius tip is to add a drop or two of SkinCeuticals
Hydrating B5 Gel to your mascara to keep the formula wet.
Avoid dry, brittle lashes with Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara
($4.99). This iconic formula has been a favorite of makeup artists for
decades because of its lushness and ability to build volume.
($4.99). This iconic formula has been a favorite of makeup artists for
decades because of its lushness and ability to build volume.
Lack of Curl
Curled lashes create a wide-eyed Bambi look that’s
enlivening for anyone who appears tired and dull in the early morning.
You can add curves with a tweak in technique. Freedman advises brushing
the center lashes straight up, sweeping the lashes in the inner corners
of the eyes toward your nose, and angling the outer lashes toward the
temples.
enlivening for anyone who appears tired and dull in the early morning.
You can add curves with a tweak in technique. Freedman advises brushing
the center lashes straight up, sweeping the lashes in the inner corners
of the eyes toward your nose, and angling the outer lashes toward the
temples.
Arched brushes can also mold straight lashes into curved shapes. And there is always the trusty lash curler.
Give your lashes a dramatic turn with Stila’s Forever Your Curl ($22), which reaches each individual lash and even lets you skip the lash curler.
Sale!!!
And now a word from our sponsors at SHABBY APPLE. Right now you can get 20% off accessories!!! What will YOU be wearing new in 2012? I have to say that I am absolutely in LOVE with the skirt I just recently purchased there! It’s perfectly high waisted and fits like a glove thanks to their easy fit guide. Go check them out and add some fabulous pieces to your wardrobe.
Who’s Your Favorite?
American Idol is under way for it’s next season and from what I hear there seems to be no lack of talent….and humiliation. I have long since stopped watching the show but LOVE to blast the radio on long and short car rides and belt it out with my favorite singers. Tell me I’m not alone!!! In honor of yet another nationwide search for more vocal talent I wanted to post my favorite singers and, in my opinion, some of my favorite makeup looks of theirs. Comment to which is YOUR favorite look and I’ll do a tutorial on it =)!
The classic red lip, gorgeous lashes, effortless style, class and bombshell blonde hair. How can I NOT love her!!!!!
Love her, hate her (how could you) or think she’s full of cheese, THIS girl has some PIPES!!!!! Whenever I think of Celine Dion I think of someone that no matter how high they are going (not wise) I am NEVER cringing to see if she’ll hit it. She’s amazing and I would LOVE to see her in concert…insert me hinting to my hubby ; ).
This girl has had so many ups and downs but I LOVE dancing and singing to her songs. Look at that natural glow!
I fell in LOVE with this look from Burlesque. I bet you didn’t know this but I actually sound just like her when I’m singing. Oh yeah, you can too! Just turn her up to the absolute max and just mouth every perfect note ; ). I always feel so badly on American Idol when someone picks a song of hers…it’s just sad = (.
I aDORE Roisin Murphy’s music! Chances are you like her too. Do you wtch So You Think You Can Dance? Remember Ramalama? Yup, that’s her. Wade Robson uses her a lot too aaaannnndddd since I love HIM, well there you go. I wanted to put one a little off the wall and fun up and you can always count on Roisin for that!
Hair Resolutions
A somewhat silly video of me and my
ambitions for hair in the new year. Anyone that knows me knows that I am
AWFUL and always putting my hair back in a bun or a ponytail. Alas no
more, my friends, I will truly be attempting to be better in every way
at the anomaly known as hair. It intrigues me with it’s mystery and
often bamboozles me at it’s trickery. Come laugh/cry with/at me on my
journey ; ). Remember to watch it in HD!!!
ambitions for hair in the new year. Anyone that knows me knows that I am
AWFUL and always putting my hair back in a bun or a ponytail. Alas no
more, my friends, I will truly be attempting to be better in every way
at the anomaly known as hair. It intrigues me with it’s mystery and
often bamboozles me at it’s trickery. Come laugh/cry with/at me on my
journey ; ). Remember to watch it in HD!!!
Reese Witherspoon (& a red lip)
I had a request from Ashley for a Reese Witherspoon look and also a red lip tutorial. I kind of just put them both together since they came from the same person =). You can also watch it in HD!!!!!!! SO much better quality. Click play and where you see the numbers 360p, click on it and choose the 720pHD version =). She wanted to know how to do shadow on hooded lids and how to make a red lip not look trashy with her coloring. She also sent me some pictures of herself and holy COW does she look like Reese. Check out that jawline!!!
This is the red lip that I chose for the look but not the eye makeup. I think this lip will look stunning on Ashley with it’s slight orange undertone.
Here is cute Ashley herself =).
This is the eye makeup that I chose for the tutorial. Soft and somewhat pinky nude in it’s color with fabulous sparkle. Great for the red carpet and stunning for an everyday look. I’ll be doing a more dramatic Reese eye in the future.
My Flawless Face Routine (updated)
With a few simple steps you can achieve a flawless looking face. Remember that the best way to HAVE a flawless face is to drink lots of water, wash your face everyday and have a skin care regime free of toxins. Look out for Parabyns and PEGs in your products. Lessen your sugar intake so that you aren’t dehydrating your skin causing unwanted wrinkles. Get a good amount of sleep to avoid excessive bags under your eyes and exercise at least three times a week. It’s a lot to think about and that’s why most of us, me included, don’t have a flawless face. Just do the best you can, choosing the steps that you feel are most important in your life and go from there =).
Coastal Scents SALE!
Have you been debating whether or not to get the 88 palette from Coastal Scents? Do you already have it but want to try out their blushes, lip colors, BRUSHES, or concealers? NOW is the time to act!!! Jordan, a lovely Classy reader, was kind enough to pass on the news that Coastal Scents is having a MAJOR SALE until tomorrow night! She purchased the 88 palette, the camouflage palette and the ten blush palette for only $32.60!!!!! There is also FREE FedEx ground shipping when you spend over $50!!!!! Ladies if there was EVER a time to jump on something….let THIS be it!!!!! Click here and get your booty over there!!!! I just ordered the contouring and lip palette. With shipping it all came to $31!!!!!
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