Eyeshadow - From Caked to Cupcake

Sitting at your vanity, calmly applying the face you want to wear with the perfect light highlighting your visage  - Does this really happen to anyone?  My usual makeup routine is sandwiched between the other million things I have to do before I'm out the door.  That goes for any time of day too, even if I'm going out for the evening.  I specifically want to mention eyeshadow.  I absolutely love eyeshadow and using various colors to create a new shade or new look to compliment my outfit.  I'm a true artist and use my face as yet another pallet.  Does this mean everyone should have animal print eyelids?  No.

First things first, remember your audience.  What does that mean?  Is it a wise idea to cake on the makeup, go heavy on the lids for an important meeting or meeting new clients? No, not at all.  For most, if not all, work settings, it is truly best to stay as natural as possible, when it comes to your eyes.  Save the bright blues and coppers for a night out on the town.  A simple soft shade,  liner and great mascara go a long way versus trying to "express yourself."   Even if your boss is more lax and encourages you to express yourself; still play it safe.  You never know who you will encounter and what new connections / networking can be made. 

What about that night out?  Again, know your audience.  Are you going on that first date?  Play with colors but stick to something low key that enhances your natural beauty.  I don't think he or she would appreciate dating a Monet painting - they should be getting to know you.  What if you've been married for what feels like forever?  Break out your colors and play around until you find a combination you love.  Spice things up, have fun - be someone different that night.  Just remember that too much really is too much and caked on isn't cute.  I call it the "Cupcake" alternative.  It is just enough without being too much. 

Also, don't break the bank in search of the best eyeshadow.  The prices vary from very inexpensive to very expensive, and now there are brands that claim to last longer than 5+ hours on your face without issue.  I don't recommend wearing the same makeup longer than 10 hours.  Your skin needs to breathe - but that is another topic altogether.  Do make sure you test products out to find out what works best on your skin.  I haven't found that expensive brands work better than inexpensive ones, so don't feel the need to splurge (unless you want to).  Don't be afraid to try new colors either!  Mix, match and be fabulous!  The same rules apply to the brushes.  I find my cheap brushes do their job well and clean very easily so I don't waste endless q-tips (I call them Q-Tip$) in the process. 

Take a risk, beauty, don't always be on your guard.  Life is too short to go along with the crowd. 

Stay beautiful!  xox

Beauty In The Minds Eye

Time moves us forward and we are faced with a brand new season - Fall!  This is truly my favorite time of year.  I know that everyone is scrambling to dust off their favorite pair (or pairs) of boots, and locate as much pumpkin as they can, to consume it in a variety of ways over the next three months.  Also, they are leaving the windows open at night to let the house (or apartment) breathe after spending the last four months locked up to preserve the cool air from the air conditioner.  What is missing from all this?  I am sure everyone has a list a mile long in anticipation for the end of the year; I know I do.  That involves doing a lot of things for other people but what about you?  Where is the time carved out for you?  I'm not talking about wedging an hour here and there for a manicure / pedicure, or drinking lunch with girlfriends - I am talking about the quiet space in life, where you can find yourself and free your mind of thinking.

Beauty is more than applying products on your face, hair, nail, et cetera.  It all starts in the mind.  When the mind is cluttered with ideas, insecurities, deadlines, worries, and doubts, it is hard to remember who you are and where you are.  I know I forget sometimes and get lost among the labels in my life.  It happens to the best of us but there is a way out.  There is a way to push everything aside and say, "No, thank-you."  My personal favorite thing is to go on nature walks.  I specifically enjoy doing this alone to be at one with nature and God.  I know that sounds almost selfish but I don't care.  I work very hard in my life for the things I want and currently have and when I need "me time," I take it.  I suggest you all get out there and do just that.  Being in nature, for me, helps to clear my head and remember that I am just a small speck on a grand scale of beauty.  From the tall trees beside me, to the mud mixing with moss on the ground - that is true beauty.  It helps me maintain my perspective and inspires me to share it with others so we don't lose sight of what is around us and what we should preserve.

I want it to be a constant reminder that you do not have to seek out countless magazines or contemplate over which celebrity is best to emulate because there is a beauty standing before you - it's You.  Go out in nature every so often to remember that fresh air, quiet and peace of mind is one of the best things you can do for yourself - and your mind, body and soul.

Stay beautiful xox

Blond Ambition

I haven't walked into a drug store or supermarket-like store without walking past the wall of at home hair dye.  I call it a wall of dye because there are multiple choices in who you could turn yourself into in under an hour, at home, in your bathroom.  I, like so many women, started at a young age diving head first into the messy, smelly creams where your only protection was a pair of thin plastic gloves and a prayer that you can get the stain off your bathroom sink (or wall, tub, potty, floor, et. cetera).  I am also sure we all have our own horror stories as well.  I know I have ruined a number of towels in the process of getting the right color.  It's all part of the process.  I now take measured steps in making sure to cover parts of my bathroom with old towels because this stuff has magical powers and somehow manages to get everywhere - even in the smallest of corners.

If you don't feel comfortable or don't want to spend the time then by all means, visit your local salon.  There is nothing wrong with being pampered by a professional who will mix and mingle your hair into its proper hue (or natural hue).   I, however, have not met a colorist that I have fallen in love with yet.  I'm sure he or she is out there somewhere, armed with a bowl and brush ready for me.  I take care of all my own dying needs.  I go between semi-permanent dye and a rinse.  A rinse is just color that you can use after a good shampoo.  Simply apply on your hair, leave in for ten minutes then rinse out, condition and style as you wish.   Very little commitment with fantastic results.  I recommend using a rise before tackling  the semi-permanent dye as well.  That way it washes out faster if you end up hating the color.  It also does not strip the natural color from your hair as harshly as well.  The only downside is that a rise will not lighten your hair unless you have taken the proper steps first.  I do not recommend anyone lightening their hair unless you thoroughly research the products and know your hair type.  There are numerous products that will have you go from dark hair to light hair in about two hours at home but if you do it wrong, your hair may fall out.  Scary stuff, I know, but it's very possible so please, READ instructions carefully!  Your scalp is a tender god/goddess that deserves love too!

I have been a blond in my life.  Yes, a blond.  I enjoyed it for a few months then went back to dark hair.  I didn't look like myself or feel like myself so I chose not to kept it.  It was also very hard to maintain the color.  I had to deep condition my hair more often.  We're talking almost twice a week versus once every seven to ten days.  Also, my ends were split more often as well.  I was not a happy camper.  The worst part of all, when I went for my usual hair trim, the woman suggested I cut more inches off due to the damage done by the process of going lighter.  That was enough to convince me it was time to change.  Over a year, I went for regular cuttings and once I was able, I cut most of my hair off into a bob to finally release myself from my blond nightmare.  I am not speaking for every "blond" out there, but for me, it was a no sale. 

I have used various products and had an allergy to some.  I won't recommend a certain product because I don't use the same product each time and I have tried to not use semi-permanent dye on my hair.  Au natural, is the way to go.  I am currently growing out a recent dye job.  I went more auburn this time and use a rinse every few weeks so my roots' rebellion doesn't ruin the party. 

Be you. Be beautiful.

xoxo

Wash, Rinse, Repeat?

"You wash your hair too often!"   My Mom always insists that I do, but parents just don't understand.  Ah, shampoo - the one 1/4 of my heart to which all foundations should stand.  Yes, it all comes down to what you are using and how often you are using it.  As I have blogged before, I have very oily hair and it is thick. This results in the fact that I have to wash my hair every two to three days.  I am not one of the lucky ones who can go a week to ten days without washing it.  They can get away with using dry shampoo, and probably can sleep in an extra thirty to fourty-five minutes in the morning.  C'est la vie, mes amis.

Being the adventurous type, I have spent a lot of time and money on various products, both expensive and cheap, and you know what?  It varies.  There isn't a secret, hidden product that is being kept from you in an exclusive salon.  I've used salon brands that are fantastic and used inexpensive brands that are also fantastic.  I have currently settled on the Dove haircare line.  I feel like it cleans my hair without weighing it down or drying it out and keeps it moisturized, even if I have to wash my hair so frequently.  They do have different products for different hair types as well, so don't feel like it is only suited for one hair type.  Also, it's not too expensive - that's always a great advantage in our current times. 

I also want to throw out there and advise that everyone should use a clarifier every four to six weeks to help remove any impurities in your hair.  Most salon supplies stores carry the product and it is not too expensive or you can use baby shampoo.  Believe it or not, it is a great shampoo that cleans well without stripping your hair of its natural oil.  It works on all hair types as well.   Even the generic store brands work as well as any name brand baby shampoo. 

Remember, get to know your hair, even if it's thin, thick, limp, dull, colored - whatever.  Make friends with it, treat it well and it will return the favor.  It all starts with a good shampoo then you will be ready to face the world. 

Stay beautiful!

xoxo

Humidity? Suffering In Silence

My silence is never so silent - it is more of a calm roar like that from a lioness taking a rest after a long day of being a lioness.  It is rough out there, especially for your hair.  This weather is really playing havoc on hair styles, patience, and your wallet.  I love and prefer my hair styled with my trusty blow dryer, straightening iron and touched up by my curling iron.   Yet on days like these, I do not care enough to waste over two hours just to walk outside and my hair is instantly frizzy!  I have done that before and then started to cry silently in my car while waiting for the air conditioning to come to my rescue.  I rely on a good shampoo,  conditioner then a leave in treatment to help my wavy/curly hair regain some semblance of a curl with my faithful salon like clips. It is not my favorite style but I tolerate it because it is wash and wear and I still look human. 

I have two products that I go between due to finances really.  The cheaper option is Suave "Professionals Mousse, Captivating Curls, Whipped Cream Mousse."  It varies in price depending on where you usually shop but it's inexpensive and works well (even if it is a mouthful to say).  Even though it is a mousse product, it does not make my hair crunchy or greasy.  They advertise that it works for 24 hours.  I find I get a good 18 hours out of the product before I am ready to wash it out.  Then again, my hair is very oily so 18 hours out of 24 hours is a very good deal.  Also, this product does last a while.  You truly only need a small dab and it will do ya'.  My hair is also very long and I do not need much for my desired result.  


The more expensive option is a product called, Miss Jessie's "Quick Curls."  This product is amazing but expensive at $32 for 8oz of product.  I shampoo, condition then add a small amount of this product to damp hair and away I go.  It dries well, no oily feeling on the hair, no odd smells, nothing!  This does last a solid 24 hours and you will get your money's worth from the tube.  I have not seen it in stores but that does not mean it is not there. 
Miss Jessie's Products  This is a link to the website where you can research the product plus other wonderful items. 


All in all, do not let the bad weather make you loose all hope for cute summer hair styles.  I am making more of an effort to work with my hair sans styling tools and I think I hear it quietly saying, "thank-you!"