Happy New Year to any and everyone who has read my blog. I appreciate your views, even you rotten bastards that caused me to lose my Adsense account. I don't care that this blog doesn't make money, but it really ticks me off that the opportunity was ripped out of my hands in the course of a day. That's my mini rant for tonight, back to the happy.
Thank you all for your views and support; I cannot say that enough. I love to see at least one more view a day, whether it's from a friend clicking on my link or a search result. I like to think that I've given a little bit of useful information to all of you. I wouldn't share the information and tips if I hadn't found it useful when I learned them. Like I said in my introduction, I'm a big believer in paying it forward.
Lots of love and luck to everyone in the coming year- which at this point in time, is an hour and six minutes from now!
<3 M
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
FREAK
Hello! Time for a review of one of my Christmas presents/new products!
I started getting into perfume in the last two years. It's like the cherry on top of a great look. You don't see it, but the right perfume can ooze sexiness, sweetness, or whatever you want to convey. Up until now, my favorite scents have been Burberry Brit Sheer for day, Prada for night (I am still working with the sample- haven't had to buy it yet!), and Marc Jacobs Daisy for an anytime, anyplace scent (I get a sample every three months because Sephora likes to promote it like crazy. No complaints here!) Prada may get shelved soon because I have found a scent that has blown me away: Freak by Illamasqua. It is a unisex fragrance, meant to suit just about everyone. (Body chemistry varies and some people's won't work with certain scents, but you get the picture.)
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| Coolest bottle ever, too! |
This scent certainly lives up to its name. It is very unusual in the sense that it smells like a garden of every flower I've never had the pleasure of smelling before. It's not surprising- all of the notes contain fragrances of things I've never seen in my life, much less smelled:
Top notes: Black Davana, Opium Flower, and Belladonna
Heart Notes: Poison Hemlock, Datura, and Queen of the Night (It only blooms for one night each year!)
Base Notes: Frankincense, Oud, and Myrrh (Did Illamasqua hold up the Magi?!)
Yeah, it's an unusual combination, but when I sprayed it on...Okay, I have to be honest. The first time I sprayed it on, I didn't think I would like it. When I sprayed it on paper and when it was wet on my skin, it smelled like an old lady wearing men's cologne. Once it dried on my skin and it warmed up a little... it smelled fantastic, exotic, floral, woody, and oh, so sexy! I couldn't stop sniffing my wrists. It also lasted for a good while- six hours while I was awake and it was still going pretty strong when I was going to sleep.
This scent is great for night- it was made for a nighttime setting, according to Illamasqua. I fully agree; it's too heavy for the day in my opinion. Also, for application, I would suggest one spritz and gently pressing your wrists together. I normally wouldn't suggest rubbing wrists together with perfume (It does something weird to the scent.), but this is really strong. As long as the pressing is done gently, just enough to transfer some of the perfume, the fragrance shouldn't be affected.
This scent is now available on sephora.com- $90 for 2.5 oz. This may sound expensive, but this perfume will last a long, long time. I would also suggest trying to get a sample first if you are unsure about how this will smell. I will set up links to getting samples if I find any.
<3 M
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Would You Rather...: (Mostly) Beauty Edition
1. Would you rather walk around all day with you skirt tucked in your underwear or be seen wearing a really see through dress?
See-through dress because usually with dresses, I am covered by Spanx. Yeah, it's still embarrassing, but I think that's the lesser of two evils.
2. Would you rather go to a party and not realize until the end of the night that you have lipstick on your teeth or that your fake lashes are coming unglued?
Lashes all the way. I feel like it's a more forgivable makeup blunder because the glue can be bad and let's face it, false lashes are not the easiest things to wear. Lipstick on the other hand, it's easier to prevent bad things from happening. To almost completely eliminate those chances, use the finger trick. Stick your index finger in your mouth, close your lips around it, and slide it out. It will take off any lipstick on the inside of your lips.
3. Would you rather forget to put mascara on one eye or forget blush on one side of your face?
Blush. I use a very light hand with blush and my cheeks flush easily, so it's harder to tell.
4. Would you rather wear a contrasting lipstick/lipliner combo or frosty blue eyeshadow?
Ugh. I hate both, but if I "forgot " to put on primer, the blue eyshadow would fade away in less than an hour. ;)
5. Would you rather wear foundation that is two shades too light or go way overboard on bronzer?
Foundation. I wear the lightest shades anyway, and hardly ever wear bronzer.
6. Would you rather drink an entire bottle of ketchup or run into the guy who broke your heart on a bad hair day when your skin is freaking out?
Run into the guy because in order for that to happen, I'd have to be in Austria!
7. Would you rather be able to date any celeb you wanted or wake up with perfect red carpet-worthy hair?
The hair. I hate styling my hair because I'm really bad at it, so if I could just wake up with perfect hair, I'd be set.
8. Would you rather your armpits smell musky or like delicious lasagna?
Lasagna.
9. Would you rather give up your makeup or cell phone for one year?
Cell phone. I love playing with my makeup too much and besides, there's Facebook, IM, landlines, and other forms of communication.
10. Would you rather run into a cute guy you like with food all in your grill or no makeup at all?
No makeup because chances are, that's what will happen. I may love playing with makeup, but I hardly wear any on a daily basis.
See-through dress because usually with dresses, I am covered by Spanx. Yeah, it's still embarrassing, but I think that's the lesser of two evils.
2. Would you rather go to a party and not realize until the end of the night that you have lipstick on your teeth or that your fake lashes are coming unglued?
Lashes all the way. I feel like it's a more forgivable makeup blunder because the glue can be bad and let's face it, false lashes are not the easiest things to wear. Lipstick on the other hand, it's easier to prevent bad things from happening. To almost completely eliminate those chances, use the finger trick. Stick your index finger in your mouth, close your lips around it, and slide it out. It will take off any lipstick on the inside of your lips.
3. Would you rather forget to put mascara on one eye or forget blush on one side of your face?
Blush. I use a very light hand with blush and my cheeks flush easily, so it's harder to tell.
4. Would you rather wear a contrasting lipstick/lipliner combo or frosty blue eyeshadow?
Ugh. I hate both, but if I "forgot " to put on primer, the blue eyshadow would fade away in less than an hour. ;)
5. Would you rather wear foundation that is two shades too light or go way overboard on bronzer?
Foundation. I wear the lightest shades anyway, and hardly ever wear bronzer.
6. Would you rather drink an entire bottle of ketchup or run into the guy who broke your heart on a bad hair day when your skin is freaking out?
Run into the guy because in order for that to happen, I'd have to be in Austria!
7. Would you rather be able to date any celeb you wanted or wake up with perfect red carpet-worthy hair?
The hair. I hate styling my hair because I'm really bad at it, so if I could just wake up with perfect hair, I'd be set.
8. Would you rather your armpits smell musky or like delicious lasagna?
Lasagna.
9. Would you rather give up your makeup or cell phone for one year?
Cell phone. I love playing with my makeup too much and besides, there's Facebook, IM, landlines, and other forms of communication.
10. Would you rather run into a cute guy you like with food all in your grill or no makeup at all?
No makeup because chances are, that's what will happen. I may love playing with makeup, but I hardly wear any on a daily basis.
Anyone who wants to do this tag, go for it! On Facebook, please tag me so I can see your answers. If you do it on your own blog or are not my FB friend, link it. I would love to see other people's responses.
<3 M
Friday, December 23, 2011
From Tacky to Lovely
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| Bleh. What Was I thinking? (It looks even shinier in person.) |
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| Worst...gloss...ever. |
One of the biggest trends as displayed by the Youtube gurus is a bold lip with gold shimmer eye shadow in the middle and blended out. I've put eye shadow on top of lipstick before to make it matte and I will tell you all, it feels so uncomfortable. When I saw these videos popping up, I kept thinking, "I wouldn't be able to stand that. Why can't they use a...metallic gloss!" I couldn't believe the worst-looking gloss would make it easier to follow this cool trend.
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| How classic. (I'm wearing DuWop Private Red) Red lipstick is a classic makeup staple, but if worn too often, can get a little drab. Applying the gloss on top brings in more dimension to the lips and interest to the look as a whole. For the gloss or eye shadow, you can have as much or as little lip area covered. I like mine to be strong for about 1/3 of my lip area, blended for 1/3, and untouched for 1/3. Others just want a tiny portion of the center of their lips covered. It's all a matter of taste. |
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| Took me forever to catch the light so the gloss would show up. Again, more visible in person. |
So if you ever get a makeup product that doesn't work out like you expected, try to see if it can be used in another way. Can you layer it with another product? Can you use it on a different area of the face? (Pink eye shadow can make the best blush.) Play around with it- that's part of the fun with makeup!
<3 M
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Purse products
Different people have different opinions as to which makeup/skincare products are important enough to always have around, no matter what. This is my take with the reasons behind my choices.
Oil blotting sheets: They are great for the middle of the day or early evening because most people get a bit shiny by that time. Just press on the slick parts of the face (so you don't disturb your makeup) and you're good to go. I prefer this over powder because powder can cake if reapplied too much.
Black eyeliner pencil with a smudger on the end (or pack a cotton swab or angled brush with it): It's great for darkening eye makeup if you're attending an evening event after work or school and don't have time to go home before said event. Just apply on the upper lash line and smudge with a small angled brush or cotton swab. It can also be applied and blended on the outer corner in a pinch.
White eyeliner pencil: Perfect highlighter if you ask me. If you are feeling tired, this can make you look more awake when applied in key places. Swipe it lightly on the brow bone, inner corner of the eye, and cupid's bow then blend away into your skin. It will make you look more awake than you feel.
Lip balm (either no tint or one that looks like your natural lip color): Dry lips happen and it's best to have lip balm handy. If you want to add a little polish to a no-makeup look or full-face of makeup, use a tinted lip balm that looks like your perfect lip color whether it matches your natural lip color or is a little more pink/red tinted. It will even out your lip color but look completely natural, all while moisturizing your lips. How can you lose with that?
Spot-treat acne gel: Pimples come up when you least expect them and this can zap them before they can fully form.
(Optional) Stick concealer: Cover up the pimple mentioned for the spot-treatment if it turns red and you either have a meeting or are very self-conscious about the spot. (No shame in that! I always have it handy for swing dances.) No need for a brush, just use clean fingers to apply and blend. The warmth of your fingers will help the concealer melt into the skin easier for more natural coverage.
Moisturizer with SPF of at least 30 (Just fill a travel bottle to keep in your purse.) : It's pretty self-explanatory as to why I would suggest keeping this handy. The sunscreen is the main reason for this item to be in your purse, but I prefer carrying moisturizer because it doesn't have as strong of a smell and isn't as greasy. This is because the sunscreen is diluted in the moisturizer; a moisturizer with an SPF of 30 is about like straight SPF 15, hence I suggest SPF 30 as a minimum. Quick tip about putting sunscreen or moisturizer over makeup: rub a tiny amount in your hands and pat the product on your face so your makeup isn't disturbed, but you still get the protection.
That's it. This collection takes up very little space and has you armed for just about any touch-up you may need at any time. This is also very basic. If you have a signature look, toss in the product that makes it happen, like red lipstick or a specific mascara. Would you add anything to this mix? If so, what would it be?
Please leave comments. I would love your feedback.
<3 M
Oil blotting sheets: They are great for the middle of the day or early evening because most people get a bit shiny by that time. Just press on the slick parts of the face (so you don't disturb your makeup) and you're good to go. I prefer this over powder because powder can cake if reapplied too much.
Black eyeliner pencil with a smudger on the end (or pack a cotton swab or angled brush with it): It's great for darkening eye makeup if you're attending an evening event after work or school and don't have time to go home before said event. Just apply on the upper lash line and smudge with a small angled brush or cotton swab. It can also be applied and blended on the outer corner in a pinch.
White eyeliner pencil: Perfect highlighter if you ask me. If you are feeling tired, this can make you look more awake when applied in key places. Swipe it lightly on the brow bone, inner corner of the eye, and cupid's bow then blend away into your skin. It will make you look more awake than you feel.
Lip balm (either no tint or one that looks like your natural lip color): Dry lips happen and it's best to have lip balm handy. If you want to add a little polish to a no-makeup look or full-face of makeup, use a tinted lip balm that looks like your perfect lip color whether it matches your natural lip color or is a little more pink/red tinted. It will even out your lip color but look completely natural, all while moisturizing your lips. How can you lose with that?
Spot-treat acne gel: Pimples come up when you least expect them and this can zap them before they can fully form.
(Optional) Stick concealer: Cover up the pimple mentioned for the spot-treatment if it turns red and you either have a meeting or are very self-conscious about the spot. (No shame in that! I always have it handy for swing dances.) No need for a brush, just use clean fingers to apply and blend. The warmth of your fingers will help the concealer melt into the skin easier for more natural coverage.
Moisturizer with SPF of at least 30 (Just fill a travel bottle to keep in your purse.) : It's pretty self-explanatory as to why I would suggest keeping this handy. The sunscreen is the main reason for this item to be in your purse, but I prefer carrying moisturizer because it doesn't have as strong of a smell and isn't as greasy. This is because the sunscreen is diluted in the moisturizer; a moisturizer with an SPF of 30 is about like straight SPF 15, hence I suggest SPF 30 as a minimum. Quick tip about putting sunscreen or moisturizer over makeup: rub a tiny amount in your hands and pat the product on your face so your makeup isn't disturbed, but you still get the protection.
That's it. This collection takes up very little space and has you armed for just about any touch-up you may need at any time. This is also very basic. If you have a signature look, toss in the product that makes it happen, like red lipstick or a specific mascara. Would you add anything to this mix? If so, what would it be?
Please leave comments. I would love your feedback.
<3 M
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Is This Normal?
This happens to all of us at one time or another: You try out a new product, something bad happens to your skin or hair, you blame it on the product because it's the only new thing in your routine, and decide never pick it up again. Logical, right? If something makes you break out, you don't use it again, right? Well.... Sometimes that's what's supposed to happen at first and sometimes human error plays a part. Here are some scenarios that you may run into and whether or not you should keep using the product or chuck it out the nearest window.
NOTE: I am not a dermatologist and will never claim to be. Most of these tips are based on experience and articles I have read.
Mild breakout after using a new facial skincare product: Don't stop yet.
A lot of the time, when you switch to a new cleanser, you skin will go a little crazy. This occurs mostly because you are either applying a chemical your skin isn't used to or a higher concentration of the more abrasive ingredients (like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid). Your skin will break out at first, but as it gets used to the ingredients or concentrations, it will go back to normal. It will take about 2 weeks to a month before your skin is back to normal. If however, the breakouts still occur after that amount of time, toss the cleanser.
Heavy breakout after using a new facial skincare product: Probably chuck
Unless it is a heavy-duty prescription or you went out on the sunniest day without applying sunscreen after washing your face, get rid of the product! Chances are, you are allergic to something in it. If the cleanser or acne cream is a prescription, it has a really high concentration of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid and will irritate your skin like crazy before it shows skin's improvement. If you are really uncomfortable with the reaction, call your dermatologist. The final causes for heavy breakouts are silly mistakes brought on by rushing or carelessness (and I have done both!): 1. Not thoroughly rinsing your face and 2. Not using sunscreen after your skincare. If you don't fully rinse your face, some of the chemicals will remain on your skin and keep working, irritating it. If you use a lot of salicylic acid products, it is important to stay out of the sun or put on sunscreen because the salicylic acid dissolves some of your skin and makes skin more vulnerable to the damaging rays and it takes a big toll on your face.
Breakout after using a new makeup product: Try one more time
I can probably guess when any of you tried out your newest makeup item: either a party, concert, or highly social/stressful event when you wanted to look your best and in the morning, you see pimples that are in places that never have blemishes. Sound familiar? I certainly know this situation well. Is it the fault of the product not getting along with your skin? Maybe, maybe not. The way to be at least halfway sure, pay attention to where the pimples are and think about happened the night before. If they are in places where you touched your face or sweated up a storm, then it might not be the makeup. In high-stress and social situations, we all tend to sweat and touch our faces more, layering what came in contact with our hands on top of our makeup, promoting breakouts. To make sure it wasn't just a bad night, try the makeup again (after your skin has cleared up) on a more or less normal day. If you break out again, sorry. It's probably the makeup. If nothing happens, congratulations. It more than likely wasn't.
Sticky skin after using a new lotion: Don't stop yet.
Some lotions are rather rich and when used in excess, makes skin sticky. It's because the skin cannot absorb any more product, so the moisturizers just sit on it. Simple solution: use less. If the stickiness diminishes, great on two levels: 1. Your skin no longer feels weird and 2. You're using less product so your bottle of the stuff will last longer! If no matter how little you use and the lotion doesn't soak in, find a new one to use. No one wants to be a human-shaped piece of fly paper.
Itchy or burning skin after using a new lotion: Chuck it!
This is assuming that you don't have an open cut or something of that nature. You're allergic to something in the lotion. Period.
Weird scent after spraying perfume (or cologne for guys): Don't stop yet.
This one is tricky because perfume can be so fickle. Be sure that your pulse points don't have other scents on them because they can affect the perfume's scent in a bad way. Make sure you use unscented soap when you want to wear perfume. If you still have a weird scent, wait a few minutes. Sometimes the perfume just needs to dry and warm up before its true scent comes out. (For me, it takes 5-10 minutes.) If the weird odor persists, you may want to give the perfume to a friend whose body chemistry is different than yours and doesn't experience the same problem with the scent. A precaution for the next time you're perfume/cologne shopping: spritz the perfume on your wrist in the store, walk around for a little while- if you're in a mall, shop for about an hour- and smell your wrist and determine whether the scent is "you."
Extra dry or greasy hair after using a new product: Don't stop yet.
Just like the lotion, the amount being used might be the problem. Also, it might be how you style your hair. If you put products in while your hair is too wet or dry, it won't work correctly, if at all. If hair is too wet, the product all but dissipates. If hair is too dry, the product won't distribute evenly and will clump on your hair. If you dry your hair too quickly after applying the hair product, it won't set properly, causing hair to become completely unmanageable.
The best way to use most hair products is to use a dime to nickel size of it on damp hair, about three-quarters of the way dry, and combing it through to make sure the hair is evenly coated/saturated/whatever the product does. Then wait a few minutes for the product to soak in, depending on the thickness of the product: Mousses and spray liquids- 2 minutes at least, serums- 5 minutes, creams- 7 to 10 minutes. If you still end up with problematic hair, try again with tweaks like less or more product, more time to soak in, etc. If there's still no progress, you should start looking for a new treatment- if too greasy, go more towards the liquid and mousse end, if too dry, try serums and creams.
If I missed a scenario or was vague/confusing in any of these, just leave a comment here or on Facebook if you're a FB friend. Hope you found these helpful in some way.
<3 M
NOTE: I am not a dermatologist and will never claim to be. Most of these tips are based on experience and articles I have read.
Mild breakout after using a new facial skincare product: Don't stop yet.
A lot of the time, when you switch to a new cleanser, you skin will go a little crazy. This occurs mostly because you are either applying a chemical your skin isn't used to or a higher concentration of the more abrasive ingredients (like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid). Your skin will break out at first, but as it gets used to the ingredients or concentrations, it will go back to normal. It will take about 2 weeks to a month before your skin is back to normal. If however, the breakouts still occur after that amount of time, toss the cleanser.
Heavy breakout after using a new facial skincare product: Probably chuck
Unless it is a heavy-duty prescription or you went out on the sunniest day without applying sunscreen after washing your face, get rid of the product! Chances are, you are allergic to something in it. If the cleanser or acne cream is a prescription, it has a really high concentration of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid and will irritate your skin like crazy before it shows skin's improvement. If you are really uncomfortable with the reaction, call your dermatologist. The final causes for heavy breakouts are silly mistakes brought on by rushing or carelessness (and I have done both!): 1. Not thoroughly rinsing your face and 2. Not using sunscreen after your skincare. If you don't fully rinse your face, some of the chemicals will remain on your skin and keep working, irritating it. If you use a lot of salicylic acid products, it is important to stay out of the sun or put on sunscreen because the salicylic acid dissolves some of your skin and makes skin more vulnerable to the damaging rays and it takes a big toll on your face.
Breakout after using a new makeup product: Try one more time
I can probably guess when any of you tried out your newest makeup item: either a party, concert, or highly social/stressful event when you wanted to look your best and in the morning, you see pimples that are in places that never have blemishes. Sound familiar? I certainly know this situation well. Is it the fault of the product not getting along with your skin? Maybe, maybe not. The way to be at least halfway sure, pay attention to where the pimples are and think about happened the night before. If they are in places where you touched your face or sweated up a storm, then it might not be the makeup. In high-stress and social situations, we all tend to sweat and touch our faces more, layering what came in contact with our hands on top of our makeup, promoting breakouts. To make sure it wasn't just a bad night, try the makeup again (after your skin has cleared up) on a more or less normal day. If you break out again, sorry. It's probably the makeup. If nothing happens, congratulations. It more than likely wasn't.
Sticky skin after using a new lotion: Don't stop yet.
Some lotions are rather rich and when used in excess, makes skin sticky. It's because the skin cannot absorb any more product, so the moisturizers just sit on it. Simple solution: use less. If the stickiness diminishes, great on two levels: 1. Your skin no longer feels weird and 2. You're using less product so your bottle of the stuff will last longer! If no matter how little you use and the lotion doesn't soak in, find a new one to use. No one wants to be a human-shaped piece of fly paper.
Itchy or burning skin after using a new lotion: Chuck it!
This is assuming that you don't have an open cut or something of that nature. You're allergic to something in the lotion. Period.
Weird scent after spraying perfume (or cologne for guys): Don't stop yet.
This one is tricky because perfume can be so fickle. Be sure that your pulse points don't have other scents on them because they can affect the perfume's scent in a bad way. Make sure you use unscented soap when you want to wear perfume. If you still have a weird scent, wait a few minutes. Sometimes the perfume just needs to dry and warm up before its true scent comes out. (For me, it takes 5-10 minutes.) If the weird odor persists, you may want to give the perfume to a friend whose body chemistry is different than yours and doesn't experience the same problem with the scent. A precaution for the next time you're perfume/cologne shopping: spritz the perfume on your wrist in the store, walk around for a little while- if you're in a mall, shop for about an hour- and smell your wrist and determine whether the scent is "you."
Extra dry or greasy hair after using a new product: Don't stop yet.
Just like the lotion, the amount being used might be the problem. Also, it might be how you style your hair. If you put products in while your hair is too wet or dry, it won't work correctly, if at all. If hair is too wet, the product all but dissipates. If hair is too dry, the product won't distribute evenly and will clump on your hair. If you dry your hair too quickly after applying the hair product, it won't set properly, causing hair to become completely unmanageable.
The best way to use most hair products is to use a dime to nickel size of it on damp hair, about three-quarters of the way dry, and combing it through to make sure the hair is evenly coated/saturated/whatever the product does. Then wait a few minutes for the product to soak in, depending on the thickness of the product: Mousses and spray liquids- 2 minutes at least, serums- 5 minutes, creams- 7 to 10 minutes. If you still end up with problematic hair, try again with tweaks like less or more product, more time to soak in, etc. If there's still no progress, you should start looking for a new treatment- if too greasy, go more towards the liquid and mousse end, if too dry, try serums and creams.
If I missed a scenario or was vague/confusing in any of these, just leave a comment here or on Facebook if you're a FB friend. Hope you found these helpful in some way.
<3 M
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