Animal Print Makeup - Go Curvy

There is a weekly online show that I watch, and love called Go Curvy.  The video below is a segment on doing animal print eyeshadow.  I thought it was so awesome, I had to share it with you all!  This would be great to try for a fun night out.  I love playing with makeup to get different colors or effects because why not, right?  

What is your favorite way to change your makeup style?

Beauty Spot Check

For those brave enough to wear full face of makeup in this nasty weather I commend you.  For everyone else, here is a quick tip on looking fresh even if you aren’t feeling fresh.

Face:  Cleanse twice a day with a very mild cleaner.  Getting some cold water on the back of your neck will help cool you down as well.  Hold off on the foundation and everything else since it’s so warm (unless you are in the AC all day).  The heat is only making you sweat which means your makeup is clogging your pores even easier.  This time of year, let your skin breathe.
Eyes: Hold off on the mascara and eye liner and shadow.  My liner (even the waterproof stuff) runs into my eyes on hot days like this.  It’s annoying and pointless.
Lips:  You lipstick is going to crack and come off faster due to how much more water you are drinking due to the heat.  Stock up on some lip stuff with SPF in it or use Vaseline.  I swear by that stuff and always have a small jar of it in my bag.  It keeps your lips extra smooth for smiles and kisses.
Hair:  Throw it into a bun.  Invest in some cute accessories from the dollar store but put it up and get it off your neck.  Headbands, clips, pins – you name it, try it!   For those ladies with short hair, rock those awesome accessories while us with long hair look at you with envy for the next 2 months.  I will be back to styled, shiny hair in no time.  I can barely wait!

Stay cool, drink plenty of water and go easy on the booze.  Never forget to be you, and rock your natural beauty!

Best Makeup Remover? Yes

I know I have spent many hours debating on which brand to buy, which is actually worth its price, and if it really removes all the makeup as it claims.  There are different kinds of makeup remover to use.  Some will remove all of your makeup and some specify that it is only used to remove eye makeup.  We all know that it never really removes everything and you may end up with raccoon eyes before you have to wash, and in some cases scrub the stuff off your face.  We've all been there and done it.  I have to share with you a trick I discovered recently.

I'm a Mom so baby wipes are a huge part of my life.  One night, I didn't want to use my usual makeup remover because it tends to sting my eyes.  I figured I'd use a baby wipe because it was there in the bathroom.  I have to say it wiped everything off easily and without irritating my eyes or skin.  When I say everything, I mean, foundation, eyeshadow, eye liner and some mascara.  It doesn't dry out my skin either or cause any kind of reaction.  I still had to use a much smaller amount of my makeup remover on my lashes to get the rest of the mascara when I washed my face but since using less, it helped save my skin and eyes.  It's definitely worth a shot and is cheaper than most makeup remover brands.

The baby wipe brand I buy is Target's store brand unscented wipes.  I use Avon's makeup remover.  I only buy it when they are having a sale on the product.  It's not worth the hefty price tag they put on it.  It's not too effective and gets into your eyes easily, no matter how careful you are with it.  As soon as you do remove your makeup, wash your face with a light cleanser.  I usually use baby body wash because it works very well and doesn't irritate my skin.


What is your favorite way to remove your makeup?

Weekend Wishes

What are you getting into this weekend?  I hope whatever it is, you find the joy in it.  This should be a very interesting weekend for me.  Tonight is one of my favorite nights, date night.  I love any excuse for getting dolled up for a night out!  As far as makeup goes, I’ll stick with a gold base and maroon accent for a mild smokey eye, eye liner, mascara and a soft plum lip.  It is all very subtle but I prefer my makeup like that than the shocking style.  Makeup should show off your natural beauty, not a person you aren’t.

Cobalt Blue with lime green accent on my fingers and toes.  You can see where I made a few mistakes with the polish.  We’re only human, right? Haha

Floral high-low strapless dress.  I got this from Walmart (yes, Walmart!).

Cute nude, peep-toe wedges. These are from Target.

Turquoise like necklace with matching earrings.

Orange gemstone ring with diamond accents.  It’s mix media but it works together well.

I hope your weekend is just as beautiful!

Surviving Wedding Season

Dancing, laughing and taking too many pictures mark this time of year and the happiness that surrounds weddings.  We all love the free food, free booze and hopefully not getting stuck at a table where you don't know anyone.  I have a few tips to share on ways to make it through, while not straining your time, money and fashion.

• Coupons:  Most couples are registered at either Bed Bath & Beyond, Target or Crate & Barrel.  Utilize their gift card options or get on their mailing lists for coupons.  Sometimes, these companies offer a discount just for buying something off a registry.  Either way, shop around, search the internet and ask store employees for any hidden discounts.  I am sure you are attending more than one wedding this season, if not this year and the cost will add up.  

• Dess and accessories:  Respect the couples wishes on their attire information.  If the wedding is formal, wear a gown - if not, find a classic cocktail dress.  Instead of splurging on one dress for one wedding, find something that can be worked in different ways so you can use it again for another occasion.  Different jewelry, shoes, bag, or hairstyle can change a dress and make it look like another fantastic outfit.  

• Open Bar:  Two of the best words in our world.  I love to indulge just like everyone but know your limits.  I've been the victim of this before in my life and am speaking from experience.  Maintain yourself while having a good time with limits.  

• Destination Weddings:  If you are fortunate enough to go, turn the trip into a mini vacation.  There are numerous places that provide cost effective packages that include air fare.  Try something new while there too.  Stretch your limits and wings; you won't regret it.  

•  Remember to have fun:  This is the most important aspect to keep in mind.  Whether you are surrounded by extended family, friends or new potential friends, make the most of the event, smile and enjoy.  

Prom Promises and Memories

It’s that special time of year again.  Prom season!  It’s stressful and wonderful all at the same time.  There are many decisions that go into making your night something to remember.  Which shoes, dress, jewelry, makeup, bag, even which date to bring?  You want everything to be perfect on that night and most importantly, you want to have fun.

Dress:  Most proms are formal, which means you need a floor length gown.  I know there are trends of short dresses, but those are better for other semi-formal events.  Find a material that you can breathe in, it moves with your body and you are comfortable.  You will be doing a lot of moving and shaking, and sweating so keep that in mind when trying something on.  If you are going strapless, invest in a high quality bra.  This isn’t the time to scrimp.  With a higher quality bra, it will last longer making it worth the purchase.  Remember to stay in the nude hues when it comes to strapless bras.  Even if your dress is lighter in color, do not buy a white bra.  Even if your dress is black, do not buy a black bra.  This rule goes for all shape-wear too.  It should blend with your skin, not contrast.  That way, if there is any issue, no one will notice it – they will just notice how great you look.  

Look for a dress that will flatter your shape, not what is trendy.  I am not a fan of the empire waist style because it does nothing but create more folds than necessary.  Also, remember you girls are young.  You do not need anything that is too revealing or sexy.  Try to access magazines or online material to figure out which styles you like and bring those ideas with you to the store to help find the perfect dress.  This way you won’t get stressed out spending hours trying on dresses that you hate or grow to hate the process which should be a special moment for you.  Also, do not feel as though you have to spend a lot to get a lot.  If budget is a concern, consignment shops have a great selection of second hand dresses.  Sometimes they will throw in alterations for free.  Most places, if they have a seamstress on hand, will give you a discount on their services.  If they don’t, find a local dry cleaner.  They usually have someone there who works fast, cheap, and they will also clean and press your dress for you as part of the price.  

Hair & Makeup:  Keep it simple, soft and classy.  This is not the time to let your friend’s sister’s cousin twice removed practice their artsy makeup tricks on your face.  Clean face, clean hair and great natural makeup go a long way.   Less is truly more.  

Accessories:  Jewelry, shoes, bag should correspond but not overpower your outfit.  Small clutch, beautiful and tasteful jewelry and great heels or flats will complete the outfit. 

Whoever you decide to go with, remember the most important part of all, to have fun.  These moments are the ones that stick with you through your life and eventually, you will want to share them with your own children.  Make the most of the time you have and take too many pictures!  

Me (on right) and my good friend Julia at our Senior Prom June 2002

Marathon Makeup

This past week it was warmer than usual here in the North East part of the US.  Summer is sneaking up on us and I do worry that we are in it for the long haul.

The best way to beat the melted face look is:

• Invest in waterproof makeup 
• Skip foundation unless you are staying indoors in the A/C or going somewhere formal.  
• Don't cake on the eyeshadow.  Even the best makeup will get creases in it due to the heat and humidity.  
• For beach days or pool days, opt for clear mascara or skip it altogether.  I love to go swimming and hate having my makeup smudge then get in my eye. It can be really painful.  
• Use a good lip balm to prevent your lips from drying out.  I prefer to use Vaseline on my lips if I'm not wearing lipstick.  It works much better than anything else I've tried.  
• Drink LOTS of water!  Skip the soda, booze, most juices and shakes.  Stick with the basic, classic H2O (water).  
• Remember to wash your face twice a day with a very mild cleanser. 
• Remember to smile.  This is your best asset and comes free.  

Try to skip your usual makeup routine a few days out of the week and remember to stock up on sunscreen. 

Have fun out there and stay beautiful!

A Journey to the End of the Tube

"Can you paint my eyes to match my gown?"  Is a line from the movie, "Wizard of Oz."  The scene is when Dorthy and the gang are being given a makeover before seeing the wizard.  The line is sung by Dorthy and gives an implication that this makeover is futuristic where anything can happen.  As we are now aware, you can change the color of your eyes temporarily to various colors with the use of colored contacts.  They operate just like regular contacts and can be purchased online and in some stores.  Another way to give your eyes some magic is by using mascara.  It sounds simple enough but which brand do you choose?  Which works the best?  Why is there clear mascara?

Let's break down the basics:  You are standing in the makeup aisle presented with numerous choices of colors and brands that promise you the moon and it produces some anxiety.  I understand because I've been there and spent a lot of money testing and hoping this new tube would deliver on its promises.  First, you need to decide what kind of eyelashes you have.  Are they thin, short, long, thick?  For every face who chooses to use mascara, make sure your face and eyelashes are clean.  I can not stress this enough.  Do not share any form of makeup products either.  What goes on your face should only go on your face.  You don't want someone elses germs to end up in your eyes, do you?  Right.  Don't share!  I've used eyelash curlers and I have never found they do anything for my lashes.  If they work for you then by all means, keep using them.

Color:  What color are your lashes naturally?  For those with lighter lashes, stick to the light brown or brown option.  Upon application and drying, it will look more natural and less clumpy.  Also, I would suggest using clear mascara as well.  It will give you a similar effect and more natural for those who do not like to wear makeup.  Also, a good choice for sensitive eyes.  For those with darker lashes, you know the drill.  You have the choice of flat black and jet black.  The flat color, depending on the maker, may have some brown in it but if you want the jet black look, look for the option for the darkest black they make.  Products do have color numbers on them too to help guide you in finding exactly what you want.

Product:  Plump, volume, curl, lift - There are many options that these tubes claim to do for you.  The sad truth is that if your lashes aren't already long, adding mascara is not going to lengthen them; even if you are using a product that claims to make them longer.  If you don't use fake lashes, your lashes aren't going to do much with mascara but stand up a bit.  For a longer lash, try using false lashes.  They are inexpensive and found at most stores.  They usually come with the glue too. 

Price:  I can suggest brands that will run you upwards of $35+ a tube and some as cheap as a dollar a tube - Guess which price point works better?  They are the same.  Yes. They are the same.  If you use mascara every day, your tube contents will only last about two weeks before drying out.  If you don't use it as often then it will probably last a month max but that is if you are lucky.  No other brand out preforms another and no other brand outlasts another.  In my experience, I've found that Maybeline is great but due to recent budget changes, I picked up a tube from the dollar store on a whim.  I was shocked that it works just as well and lasts the same amount of time.  With that switch, I saved about $5 a tube.  Crazy, right? 

Keeping Things Clean:  I wanted to add a section about this because I've seen first hand people spitting into a tube or adding tap water in order to resurrect their mascara to save money.  I beg anyone who does that to stop immediately!  There is bacteria in your spit and even tap water that you do not need to expose to your eyes.  Not everyone has the cleanest tap water either.  Remember, mascara sits on your eyelashes and right near your eye opening so  any nasty germ can wiggle its way into your body causing an infection.  Also, if you feel that your brand does last longer than a month, the max you should keep the same tube of mascara is 45 days from when you open it.  Don't think you can save it, just toss it and buy something new.  You will notice after 2-3 weeks the product starts to dry out.  It won't apply easily anymore, and it will clump on your lashes.  Save yourself the grief and end the affair.  Also, keep in mind any allergies you might have to specific products.  

Application:  Your mascara should glide on easily and you should go slow starting on the outside working your way in.  Going slow helps in getting each lash in line and avoids accidentally getting any product in your eye.  I've done that before and it hurts ( a lot ) ! 


All in all, remember to have fun with it and research your options.  Don't get stuck with a brand because you are used to buying it. You may find you like something else better. 

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