dollcosmetics | Classy by Jen

What’s YOUR Favorite?

by dollcosmetics | Aug 16, 2010 | Uncategorized

So, I was going through old videos these past few days and putting them onto YouTube. I was astounded at how many I made when I was living in Colorado. It made me laugh to see some techniques that I used back then or my thoughts on things =). So….I ask you. For those of you that have been around for awhile, what post is a fav of yours that is no older than 2/17/09? For those of you that have just joined us recently, do some homework on older posts and let me know what you think. I was thinking of doing a series of revisiting some of the older looks and “updating” them. What do you think? What would you like to see? I just did the Fall Green and Harvest Brown tutorials this past weekend =). Fun times, fun times.

The Long Awaited Post

by dollcosmetics | Aug 6, 2010 | Uncategorized

Fashion, class and style…I love these words. I was wondering just a few short years ago about what to name my blog. My hubby asked me what I wanted it to feeeel like. First thing out of my mouth,”classy.” This leads me to wanting you to meet Tami. For those of you that remember my post all about being prepared, you’ll recall me speaking of a potential business partner. You guessed it =), it’s Tami. Here she is in all of her glory…and I DO mean glory. When she told me her site was fashionclassandstyle, I about choked on the amount of coincidence in the air. She is the owner of Tami’s Salon in Rexburg and wanted by companies all over these good United States to train up and coming stylists.

This woman is sunshine personified!!! When we met I was first impressed with her drive, ambitions and excitement for all of her future possibilities. I was deeply humbled that she wanted me to potentially come on board with her…but first, there was a test. I knew that I needed to prove to her that I was a worthy makeup artist and that was all I could think of. SHE was more intent on showing me what SHE could do. My red hair…my gorgeous vision of a deep red came into my mind (enter dreamlike music here) but I thought that was too much to ask since I knew it couldn’t be done without HOURS of labor and possible thoughts of resentment on her part. BOY was I wrong!!! I simply mentioned it and she got SO excited for the challenge!!!

This chica lives and breathes hair. She is a self proclaimed “hair nerd” =). So, the date was set and I just couldn’t believe that I was going to get my dream hair.
I like to change my hair, not often, but when I do it’s dramatic! When I lived in Russia, I was a fan of the black with blue undertones. Then I liked the black with purple undertones. Black has just been my thing. Then when I was preggers with my second I wanted to try honey blonde. BOY was that a process!!! Don’t judge the “no makeup look” ooooorrr the tummy =).I have been dreaming of red for a year now. I couldn’t BELIEVE it was going to happen!!! Especially when I had already consulted 4 different stylists and they all said NO!!! When I got to Tami’s salon she explained what she was going to do…which unfortunately went StRaIgHt over my head =). Here are some pictures of the FIVE HOUR LONG transformation. Tami, you are a trooper!!!!!

Here is the before:

First process:

It’s getting lighter but that black was being SOOOO stubborn!!!

After the second process it lifted SO much more!

This is the face of excited!!! =)

After every stage she kept saying over and over, don’t worry. it won’t look like this. LOL I was having so much fun =).

Brassy much? Perfect for depositing color though!

And the end result!!!!! I absolutely LOVE it and couldn’t be happier. Words cannot express how much I trust this woman and love her to pieces!!!!! If you are in Idaho and don’t already go to her……WHY????? Switch and switch NOW!!!!!

Gag Reel

by dollcosmetics | Aug 5, 2010 | Uncategorized

Put this together for you after realizing what a dork I am. I just couldn’t delete some of these gems =)…

200 Follower Giveaway CLOSED

by dollcosmetics | Jul 27, 2010 | Uncategorized

So I am really excited that we have reached this point in our blogging relationship ; ). We have hit 200 and to say thank you here is another great giveaway. It has made me SO happy doing this blog and sharing my thoughts with you. It has changed a huge part of my life. I never thought that I would have an opportunity to share a passion that I have in this way. I for SURE never thought I would be recognized in random places either =). It truly has been a blessing and I am grateful for you guys! Let’s get to our prizes shall we??? With all my talk on being prepared, I figured I should give you something to help you out with that! Here is a Michael Marcus travel brush set. It includes a blush, powder, foundation, brow, shader, lip, angled and two smaller eyeshadow brushes. They pop up when you open them and have a handy mirror as well!!! Also, Brittany Rae Boutique is donating a fabulous perfume, gorgeous ring and an awesome nail polish from her chic store in Rexburg, Idaho (pictures below).

Now, the way to enter is simple. I want you to leave a comment here telling me what makes YOU happy. It doesn’t have to be makeup. It can be about family, friends, fashion, religion, talents, hobbies…I just want to know what makes you happy =). I will be putting all of the entries in a bowl and picking one name. This giveaway is open from today’s date until August 28th. That’s one month, so tell your friends and have them come. The only requirement is that you must be a follower…not too tough right =). Good luck and thanks again for being such great followers!!!!

Sweat Proof/ Water Proof

by dollcosmetics | Jul 27, 2010 | Uncategorized

Don’t Sweat It…please!!!

Let’s be honest ladies, most of us don’t want to leave home without the extra coverage, or safety, of a foundation. Something to even out your skin making it look effortlessly and beautifully smooth and silky. But in the beautiful yet rather warm summertime, because of the humidity and high temperatures, the foundation does not really last and it just feels heavy. I want to sweat just thinking about my skin gasping for air through a thick layer of makeup on my face when it’s hot outside. I just received a text this morning from my friend Summer at Tres Chic Boutique wondering about waterproof/sweat proof makeup. She was going to be going to a youth camp out and wanted to be ready. Could I EVER relate. I had gone to a young women’s camp as a counselor during that awful breakout just about a month ago. So fun but didn’t want to go anywhere without makeup….which I hated because had I not had that reaction I would have gone the whole week makeup and carefree. Alas that wasn’t on the menu so I had to switch up the routine a bit. Here are some of the things that I have learned through the years..I gotcha covered =) ( pun intended). Feel free to click on any of the links for suggestions on products described.

For Starters:

Wear a primer. Should I repeat? WEAR A PRIMER! Don’t skip this cuz it makes a big difference!!! Choose a lightweight, oil-free formula and apply after your moisturizer and/or sunscreen and before the rest of your makeup. A pea-size amount should be enough (don’t get crazy). This step is essential for your foundation and color to last all day.

Concealer:

Less is more when it comes to makeup in the summer but if you feel you need coverage, like I did and occasionally still do, be picky!!! Choose a sheer silicone-based formula for your concealer because it acts as a barrier from humidity. Avoid liquids as much as possible, choose a cream concealer and spot treat dark circles and blemishes using your ring finger to pat and blend the color onto skin. To avoid a shiny complexion make sure and look for oil-free products always, summer or not.

So Many Choices:

Makeup has come a looong way from one general formula for the entire face. Thanks to stains, tints, gels, balms, and creams designed for the lips, eyes, and cheeks you can achieve the look you want with the same color pay off and even better staying power. Not to mention a lovely sheen finish that will give your skin that coveted glow. These formulas work wonders in the summer and are great alternatives to powder because they won’t mix with sweat, smear, or run. Avoid kohl liners that will smear, powder blush that will fade, and chalky powders that will cake when you sweat. But if you tend to be oily and need the security of a powder, choose a talc-free

translucent formula and apply lightly with a large fluffy brush to the t-zone. The talc-free, color-free formula stops shine and sets makeup with out appearing dry or changing colors.

Water-proof=Melt-proof:Don’t underestimate the power of water-proof mascara and eyeliner. It’s great for daily use when you need to go from work to dinner to a night out and there’s no exception when it comes to swimming, sweating, or working out. Choose a water-proof mascara with a creamy, smudge-resistant formula that won’t flake off or make lashes brittle. As for eyeliner go with a smooth, smudge-proof gel formula that glides on easily, sets quickly and lasts all day. These two products, which come in tons of different colors, are enough to play up the eyes so it can cut your makeup time in half by not having to do shadows. Don’t leave home without it:
*Sunscreen. It’s so important to start the day off with sunscreen for several reasons. Sunscreen (choose a broad spectrum one that protects against both UVB and UVA rays) is the best way to prevent skin from aging, wrinkles and sunspots caused by UVA rays, how could we pass on that?? Along with ranging in SPF (15-70) there are formulas that include antioxidants that work double-time by protecting from free radicals and UV damage, while others come in a wipe form that make it quick and easy to freshen up as it protects. Luckily most are designed with different skin types in mind (from acne-prone, sensitive, to normal, and oily) so there’s no excuse, girls! In the past it was hard to reach for the sunscreen because of its tell-tale smell and the way it felt on the skin but now most formulas on the market are so lightweight and fresh smelling that you won’t even know it’s there. *Oil-absorbing sheets. These thin little papers absorb surface oil without smudging makeup, rendering the mid-day compact touch up useless and avoiding all that product build-up, yuck.

*Tinted lip balm with SPF. Choose your favorite color in a wax formula to avoid it melting on your lips. I love the ones from MAC.
Here are some ideas for products:

FACE

Product: Era Face Spray on Foundation by Classified Cosmetics ($55)

Water-resistant, sweat-proof, oil-free aerosol foundation
Mists a wash of color onto the skin for a “airbrush” finish with no blending required
Many surgeons recommend this product for people that might have newly healing skin, gives everyone the opportunity to remain covered up
Can help freckles, moles,birthmarks,scars,tattoos,varicose veins,stretch marks, skin discoloration to remain under cover
Comes in 10 shades for all skin types
Included is cosmetic puff and headwrap
Found in Fred Segal, Bendels, on Amazon, specialty stores & exclusive department stores

Product: Clinique Almost Makeup ($17.50)

Waterproof, sweatproof, streak-proof – its not going anywhere
Good for ANY activity including swimming
Ultra-sheer
Won’t clog pores
Comes in 4 shades
SPF 15 as an added incentive!

Product: Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Protective Under eye Concealer ($21)

Blends in completely and is crease resistant
Has soothing chamomile extract and honey to hydrate and condition your eye area which is a very delicate area especially in older skin
Crease resistant. As we get older and eyes get heavier and more wrinkles appear, this product is great at adding a softer look to the fine lines that might start to see.

EYES

Product: L’Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara ($8)

Thickens your eyelashes up to four times their normal size
ONLY $8!

Product: Cynthia Rowley Natural Long Mascara water resistant ($16)

Comes in a spectrum of brighter and not your typical colors like bright blue and burgundy.

Product: Clarins Fix Mascara ($16.50)

For people that are so attached to their regular mascara that they don’t want to make the switch -this product waterproofs your mascara!
Waterproof sealant for use over your favorite non water proof mascara
It is a transparent microseal that is long-lasting and resistant to water, heat, and oily substances

EYEBROWS

Product: Clinique Brow Keeper ($14.50)

Brow-grooming tool
Water resistant, smudge resistant, and long-wearing
Deposits a sheer, subtle layer of color that can be built on coats to make it darker or more intense looking
The tapered brush on the other end of the pencil allows for easy definition, blending, and control

Eyeliner

Product: Christian Dior Aquadior Waterproof Eyeliner ($21)

Product: MAC Fluidline ($15)

I really prefer the fluid line by MAC. It comes in so many different colors and won’t smudge or run. It can be put on with a super tiny angled brush.

Eye shadow

Product: Trish McEvoy Waterstix ($20)

Applying eye color in seconds
Portable easy to use swivel stick designed for women on the go
To apply just draw across eyelids and blend it in
6 colors

Product: Finish Line or Benefit Shelaq ($15)

Water-proofing elixir that converts your non water proof eye color and makes it waterproof
Pour one or two drops into bottle cap, dampen eye liner brush in liquid, then fill brush with color stroking along outer edge of pressed eye shadow

LIPS

Product: Max Factor Lipfinity ($12.75)

2 step process: “paint for lips” that last eight hours which goes on first. Then there is the “moisturizing top coat” that keeps lips feeling moist, smooth, and keeps lips looking shiny
Has PermaTone, which is a semi-permanent color
The paint is waterproof and to restore the glossy look you can apply the top coat through out the day
25 flattering shades

Product: Clarins “Sun-Kissed” Colour Gloss

Long lasting and water resistant, very glossy
A comfortable texture that will not run
Perfect for the summer and being outdoors

BLUSH

Product: Nars Color Wash ($24)

This will not come off without soap and water
Makes it look like the color is really coming from within
Gives you a very natural glow
Since it is so sheer it is good for all skin tones
Paint it on with the brush in the cap and blend it in with fingers and then wash your finger b.c it will dye!
It will not come off of your face once it dries on your face

Product: Loreal Sheer Gel Blush

Long wearing and water repellant
Convenient, fits into pocket
Casual and subtle look
Available in 5 shades

Product: Stila Sport Color Push-Ups ($20)

Activity proof
Simple as a glide of a stick
Gel based and oil free
They are hydrating, they are great for dry or flaky skin
3 colors
Portable and small

Product: Stila Color Courier ($20)

Activity proof, water repellant, great for working out!
Simple to use: Just pencil it on your face and blend it with fingers or sponge

MAKEUP REMOVERS

Product: Nivea visage eye make-up remover ($5.19)

A greaseless formula
Formulated for your eyes but can also work on lips and face
Don’t even have to rinse – wipes off with tissue
Feels really clean after use

Product: Mary Kay Eye Makeup Remover ($15)

I am SUCH a fan of this makeup remover. It takes everything off so completely and it leaves a non-greasy fresh clean feel on your eyes. To make the product last longer I use Q-Tips as opposed to cotton balls or pads. To order from a GREAT girl click here. Lindsay and I have been friends forever and she goes WAY out of her way to make sure you get what you want. Tell her I sent you and she’ll take even bEtTeR care of you!!!