Let's begin!

Hey, welcome back ladies! 


It is so nice of you to come spend a few minutes with me, I feel honored.  Thank you!

Now, to get down to business, beauty business.  Where should we start?  Why not begin with the basics?   I don't want to hear any moaning and grumbling from those who don't like to follow things in order (I being one of them), but in this case I am going to keep you from the same 'going around in circles looking for answers', situationI was in

I am going to teach you the way I learned.

(Oh!  Goody, goody, goody!)

So, with that, let's begin!  Have you looked in the mirror lately?  Do you know your skin type?  Do you break out easily?  You might have oily skin.

The following is the best advice I found as to how to determine your skin type:: 

Oily: If you are at constant war with heavy flow of sebum on your face, you have an oily skin. Another giveaway is the grease residue that builds on the skin's surface during the day and easily transfers to anything pressed against the face.

Dry: If your skin feels taut, then you have a dry skin. To understand your skin type better, do not apply a moisturizer for an entire day and if your skin feels tight and parched then you have a dry skin.

Sensitive: Sensitive skin is prone to redness and flushes. The higher histamine level in the body makes the skin sensitive and more susceptible to inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, Rosacea, and
eczema.

Acne prone: Due to genetics, larger pore size or over reactive skin, it becomes acne prone and break-outs are more common. Age determines whether acne is bacterial, hormonal or hereditary and depending on the severity, consistent tropical care can clear the skin. For stubborn reasons, it is best to visit a dermatologist.

Dull/Ageing skin: Depending on age and environmental factors, the skin starts ageing. Sun exposure and stress levels are the common factors. Pigmentation, dull grayish tone, blotching, fine lines and
wrinkles, and sagging that comes with less collagen are some of the common signs of ageing skin.

Thank you to:  Skin types and how to decide for this solid information.

Once you have come up with a decision next is step two, picking a moisturizer.  Personally, I have dry skin which I thought was normal skin.  Hormonally it may have changed now that I hit menopause (hurray!).

I use an anti wrinkle moisturizer, however, sometimes I go without it as it depends on what foundation I am using.  There are several moisturizers manufactured by Revlon which I am fond of and seem to be ok with sensitive skin types.  At least that information comes through third parties besides my own personal experience.  I am so sensitive to foods, etc. that I know what I am taking about, trust me.

The only Revlon product I had a slight sensitivity issue with was the eye concealer, it caused a bit of puffiness at my outer eye corner which went away after I cleansed the area with a q-tip dipped in a mild makeup remover.  The issue didn't continue, so instead I tried a different concealer and achieved good results.

Ok, now go out to Walmart or CVS or whatever drug store you prefer,  Don't forget to check your weekend newspaper (circulars) or online makeup coupoons in order to save some bucks!

That is your assignment for today.

- Determine skin type.
- Select a reasonably priced moisturizer

Tomorrow we will learn how to properly use your moisturizer.  Happy shopping!

Things I do to make me feel good when I am depressed:

I rearrange my things.  I am a sorter by nature and I sort things like my dresser drawers, rearranging clothing and swapping seasonal clothes which is always such a treat because my memory isn't that great and I find things I forgot I had.   So, when I reopen the boxes that hold my clothes from the previous season I go through moments of, "what was I thinking?  Was I nuts?"  Lately, there have been a lot of, "Gee, that might go with this other thing (blouse, pants, skirt etc.)  I love making 'outfits' just for something to do.

I also sort my makeup (too often), I rearrange things too.  This week I have my makeup organized by brand name.  I think it will stay that way since I can remember where specific things are (such as a certain color lipstick).  The afore mentioned activities make me happy because I immerse myself with the colors of the makeup products.  I am sure you have heard of color affecting your mood, it is very true!  Trust me, if you are feeling down  go find your most favorite colored lipstick and put it on. 

Now, doesn't that feel better?  I am assuming you are paying attention to what I am saying since I have no doubt you await my next blog with baited breath (yeah, right one can dream) and I would prefer to think that you are.

Getting back to that lipstick you have in your hand.  Look at it closely.  Ask yourself, "why have I chosen this color?"  Chances are it is not because you just picked it at random.  You probably CHOSE that particular shade of whatever it is because it made you FEEL BETTER.

Bear with me, if you chose that one simple thing based on how it made you FEEL, why not go beyond the lipstick?  That's what I did.  I, at the age of 48 (OMG, did I just say that?) I started doing the whole enchilada.  We're talking primers, foundation, blush, etc.  The reason being is because it makes me feel good.  Makeup is something you should do for YOU! 

That's where I come in, I am going to struggle through - no dance gracefully, through the drug store makeup racks, visit with the department store cosmeticans as the try to strong arm you into purchasing  that 'to die for' eyeshadow that costs $50.00 that is definitely a mistake because it doesn't match your skin tone.  No, my little fledglings you are going to become swans and I am going to help you.

Hello wonderful women!  Here I am, my first attempt at gel eye liner and I think I didn't do too bad a job. I have to admit I was sort of self conscious about capturing the video and then posting it for you to see, but I have nothing to hide.

I found my first experience with this gel liner (color - Espresso) to be quite pleasant.  The consistency proved to be smooth and easily applied.  I was nervous at first, afraid at how stupid I would look, but I think it turned out ok.

I have other colors I plan on trying, now that I won't be so nervous doing it on camera.  I am by no means a make up 'guru'  I am just someone who LOVES make up.

Please, feel free to comment.  Is there something special you would like to see or her my opinions on?  If so, let me know.

Great news!  My fiancée told me he is taking me to ULTA!  this weekend for a 100% makeover!    Yeah!!!  I just love that store.  I will be posting more videos the first week of June, currently I am not home so I don't have access to my makeup or video camera.

I am going to now go and take a look at the Ulta website and see what I have to look forward to.  Where I live there aren't any Ulta stores.  I couldn't believe all the choices of colors to choose from! I have only been in two of these stores and I can't wait!

For more makeup videos on you tube see my channel.

To continue with what I clumsily was saying before

My lack of self-esteem warranted a change of pace and I wasn't getting any younger.  I reconsidered what my initial career goal was way WAY back to when I was 15.  I wanted so very much to go to modeling school and become a model.  Well, I interviewed and was accepted which made me quite happy.  That was about the time my health went to hell.  Let me tell you, it became really, really  bad. 

Now, we switch to the present day.  What did I love most about the thought of modeling?  The answer is the makeup and the clothes.  Don't get me wrong, I graduated with more than a 4 year college degree in English,  and I am glad I went to college, but the yearning deep inside me to be more than a writer was buried deep inside me.  I had to deal with years of listening to both young and old alike ignorant people who were at times just bastards with their ignorant comments.  Yes, those include those of you from high school who were cruel (probably not something you intended), but still unforgiveable.  There, I finally said it, you guys were absolute jerks to me and you have absolutely no idea how frightened I was even without the comments.

The thing is, I 'm not afraid anymore.  That Tammy is gone and has been gone since she was 16 years old.  Having been through all I have has taught me more than you know.   Oh, enough of that sh@#!  it's time to move on!  Tally ho!!!

NOW, NO LONGER LOOKING BACK...

I digress (much to my chagrin).  The topic is self esteem and how to accomplish getting yourself feeling better - that's the topic from now on.

Next blog will be upbeat and nothing so personal as the above.  I just thought it best to let you know why I am taking my time to help those who might feel like an 'ugly duckling' and help them to find their inner Princess, or Goddess.  I am still unsure as to which category I fit into.  actually I am more the Goddess type ;)

Later,   Tammy

The reason behind this blog

Welcome back lovely ladies!  I want t let you know why I am writing this blog.  It is quite simply because I wish I could have had someone to help me when I was experiencing depression due to health problems.  

My self esteem has been through the proverbial wringer and it feels as though I have been to hell and back at least twice.

So, I have  both MS and PD, what does that have to do with make up?  You might ask. 

It has to do with the self esteem I felt those two illnesses stripped me of.  I no longer felt like a woman.  Instead, I felt like a piece of silly putty not Giving a rats ass about anything.

I'm not going to Boreyou with the details, Instead I have chosen to lift your spirits instead.

By 'worse' I am speaking of depression which led me to stop caring about my 'self'.  The '" wish I knew then what I know now" situation 

As it turns out didn't have to look far inspiration, I found it beneath many layers ( and I mean MANY) layers of myself.  It has taken me nearly 35 years to get to where I am and finally have my self esteem back.

New discovery

I have rediscovered the nail product line by Sally Hansen.

 Although it is a bit more pricey, I have found this to (in the end) create a smoother , matte finish.  I lean towards a base and top coat made with gel used under a light to 'set' it.

 Currently I am deeply in absolute LOVE with the Sally Hansen nail line.  It proves to be quite resilient, staving off nicks and cracks.  Nice and robust with texture, the gel offers the perfect mate when paired with any regular polish.  Creating a natural barrier using both the top and bottom gel, this protects and prolongs any normal nail enamel.

My overall rating of the Sally Hansen nail line of gel polish out of 10 would have to be an 8 only con I can find is the intense difficulty of removal, and small color family to choose from.  Other than this I find this product to be a welcome addition to my personal nail care routine. Thank you Sally Hansen.

Ok, Sephora SUCKS!!!  Let me elaborate.  I have never been treated worse!!!  I will write more later. This cannot go untold.

Attention attenton all Kmart shoppers...

There is a blue light special in...

Do you remember this phrase as you were growing up, echoing through the shelves packed with items you absolutely and most possilutely (I just made that word up) did NOT need but bought anyway?  Well, I for one hang my head in shame as I profess my makeup clearance addiction.  But honey!  It's only a dime!  I recently recited to my other half as he headed for the men's wear aisle, "I'll come find you in a bit"  So with a twinkle in my eye and a fist of dollar bills I happily skipped down to the end aisle makeup clearance rack.

Oh!  Did I find some fantastic buys! My total purchase did not exceed that wad of crumpled bills I held tightly in my sweaty little palm.  I purchased brand name items such as, NYC, Revlon, Loreal and elf.  Among the items were:

- Revlon matte eye shadow in #007 Riviera blue (I have an inkling it's last fall's shade but I don't care).  $.45

-  Physician's formula Shimmer Strips custom eye enhancing gel cream liner (Blueeyes).  Three shades, Deep blue, brown (kind of a cocoa brown), and a sort of loden green.  My cost:  $.37.

-  NYC eye palette no idea what the name is, but it contains all over lid in a plummy pink (matte), a slight glimmer contour (matte) grapy tone, highlight which is a shimmery greying color and lastly a 'crease' color that is plummy grape.  Cost:  $.35

-  Time released eye cream in the 0.5 oz size by a company I have never heard of, Enregin (not sure how it s pronounced).  Cost:  $.35.

- Milani lipstick 17A Rose fetish $.45

-  Milani lipgoss Wine and berries $.37

-  elf Plumping lip glaze $1.00 (SOOO expensve!)

-  Maybelline 710 Rose glimmer lipstick (a nice nude color with a dash of glimmer) Cost:  $.35

-  Another Eneegrin product, Makeup foundation in a shade of bisque that is a shade lighter than my Lancôme foundation.  I figured I could take a risk (size 1.0 oz) for $.35

-  Another product the name I don't recognize is the donna Michelle makeup foundation  size 1.2 oz in I have no idea what shade (close to bisque or a warmish ivory).  My cost?  Why, $.35 of course!

-  The last foundation I found and scoffed up, is Revlon new complexion in color 01 Ivory beige size 12 oz. This was the most expensive coming in at a whopping $1.19   

The last two items are elf brand cosmetics, Shimmering facial whip #1206 Lilacpetal.  This is a beautiful highlight color with a pearly lustre tone and Under eye concealer and highlighter.  I hope this is still a product which migt be purchased as I am quite fond ofte concealer.  The highlight is really nice as well.

All in all I had a great haul1  Thank you Kmart!



-  

New exciting magazine

Recently, while standing in line at the drug store pharmacy, I ran across what has now become my favorite magazine, 'ShopSmart'.  So, that was right up my alley!  Who doesn't like a great deal when they can get one?  The issue of June 2013:  "Look great for less!!"  Now, that's for me.

I flipped through the pages in order to become better acquainted with this new magazine, scrutinizing it for content and was quite pleased with what I found.  It gives many great tips and ideas for women over a broad age range which is a nice change of pace.  No need to worry about being inundated with unwanted advertisements because there are few.  The primary object (in my opinion) of this  magazine is to convey information about ways to save money, which it does a very good job of.

Oh yes, have I mentioned I have been LOVING that 'Julie' nail polish I received in my ipsy glam bag?  I combined it with a gel base and top coat by Sally Hansen and it has been almost 2 weeks and it hasn't chipped yet!  Easier for me to apply because of its viscous nature, I am loving gel polish. Gel polish doesn't chip, peel, flake, or get scratched. 

NOTE THIS - Gel nail polish is fantastic for those ladies out there that might be having problems if their they have a slight hand tremor no matter what the reason.  Gel polish clings to the applicator a lot better than standard polishes which means if you haven't been doing your own nails due to tremor I suggest you give gel polish a try.  I have been very pleased with the results

In my book the Sally Hansen gel polish rocks!  You have to try it if only just once  Only con to this product - VERY difficult to remove so you had better be prepared for the time it is going to take to remove it.  Though, in my opinion, it is worth it

Evening routine

While I was doing my nightly 'beauty' routine this evening, I suddenly discovered my next blogging topic and it was literally all over my hands - facial cleansing lotion.  More specifically, Jergens facial lotion, the tried and true staple of any beauty savvy woman in the 'know'.   If you haven't heard of it or tried it let me tell you, it is the best product (I feel) on the market for dry skin.  Great for removing makeup, soothing and a delight to apply to the face.  I have heard some ladies apply it before bedtime and leave on until morning.  I am not one of them.

I found the best deal at my local dollar store.  I purchased a 15 ounce jar for a little over $3.00 vs. $5.00 for Neutrogena makeup removal wipes.  It has been on the market long enough for you to at least try it.  I was very impressed with the results of using it nightly.  My skin is more moist and it might be slightly minimizing my fine lines.

Of course this is just my own experience.  Let me know how you make out if you try it.  I hope this proved informational to someone.

Tammy

Welcome beautiful ladies!

Today I went to CVS and Rite Aid  where I found several reasonably priced items.afew of them less than $5.00.  They are:

Color Tattoo 24 hour by Eyestudio in the colors:

- #20 Painted purple
- #40 Tenacious teal
- #65 Gold rush

ByLoreal:

- Gel liner in Espresso
- Eye shadow Infinite sky

Maybeline

- 06 Stylish smokes quad

I utilized Gold Rush, Espresso and Tenacious Teal to create today's 'look'.  I do prefer combining the Gold Rush with the Tenacious Teal.   I think they compliment each other well, are easily blendable and be used directly from the pot as a 'cream' shadow or gel liner.  My  favorite way to layout color on my eyes is to lay down a base of Urban Decay's Sin and/or Virgin on lid.  Next take a non-glittery mid tone of any medium brown hue ( I have a preference for the Urban Decay palettes)  and next using an oval shaped crease brush, roll it in a deeply pigmented complimentary hue and 'push rolling' the pigment into the inner eye area, blending it up and feathering the color inwards toward the middle of the eye.  Finalizing the 'look' with a champagne highlight on the brow bone.

http://youtu.be/113uJ-j3-KU Here is the link to the Youtube video illustrating my description.  Please feel free to comment and subscribe.

Tammy

Welcome back!  I have chosen for today's 'look' to semi encompass the Line by Revlon utilizing their Photoready line of cosmetics.  Here is a video illustrating my next to favorite cosmetic line.

   In this 'look' the products I have used  are:

 - 24 HRS Colorstay whipped foundation in Buff #150

- Photoready perfecting primer

 - Photoready BB cream Light/medium

 - Photoready sculpting blush Berry

 - Colorstay 12 hour eye shadow Berry Glamorous

 - Loreal True match super-vlendable concealer next to lightest shade

 - Photoready Lift translucent powder

  The Revlon line I enjoy because the colors remain true when blended.  Buffing in nicely and leaving  a clean and distinctly matte finish which I find appealing to the eye also not reflecting ambient light, but instead absorbing it.

ipsy glam bag for May 2013

Hello again, welcome back to Blue eyes beauty!  I am so glad you have returned. 

This post I am featuring the products received in this month's ipsy glam bag

The products I received are:

 -  Island Vanilla (A wonderfully tropical island perfume containing faint notes of berry with vanilla subtle overtones).  Created by Pacifica.

  -  Juice beauty reflecting lip gloss (A sumptuous experience for the lips and palate as it is slightly lingering in what tastes like an exotic fruit and is hard to for me to place) by Juice Beauty.  The color is either fig or champagne, I am not quite sure.

  -  Next is a professional nail enamel by Zoya in the color 'Julie'.  A soft suede like lavender with a hint of what resembles pixie dust.  Suitable for most skin tones and will go with a vast palette of fashion colors.  I really like it.

  -   Lastly, (I think it is at least) a concealer from Yaby,  but as it turns out it appears it is a highlighter when I tried it.  At least it works really well as a highlighter and I will be usng it as such.

Please find a link and/or embedded video on this summary of product.

I hope you have enjoyed this post as I have enjoyed creating it.

(Please  click on te link below for video)

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yKnHnEo-4P0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Ipsy

I have no idea how my profile ended up here, but I just noticed it.  Thanks ipsy.com!

I received my first glam bag this afternoon and I absolutely love it!  I am SO glad I joined.  I wasn't sure what to expect as far as the size of the products I would receive, I figured they would be somewhat akin to the traditional sample size (you know the kind large enough for perhaps one or if you are lucky, two applications), but NOT TRUE WITH IPSY!!!  The products sizes I received are more than substantial enough to try more than twice, thereby enabling me to formulate a better conclusion as to my thoughts on the product.  I am most pleased!  I shot a quick 'opening my pink bag' video and will post later.  Sty tuned.

Tammy

Yes, my fledglings, you can be beautiful inside and out.  You shouldn't let other peoples' opinions force you to not do what you would like to do.  I am speaking about learning how to make yourself feel better by using the tools available to just about anyone who has access to the nearest 5 and dime store (CVS, Walmart, etc.) and some spare (or perhaps not) change.  Whether it be Revlon, Loreal, Maybelline, Avon (the list seems quite too lengthy to post here), or Wet & Wild.  There is a product available for each and every so called "ugly duckling" out there in cyber space at prices to fit just about every perfect purse.

  Where to begin?  I have been doing research in the most obvious of places also known as "the Beauty Magazine".  The ones sitting to my left I have chosen for today are:  Lucky, (who can go wrong with 72 sexy little basics?), ELLE, and one for women (I hate to admit) that is more my age range.  I am speaking of MORE.  Sorry, but I am not fond of this magazine because of the lack of certain content. 

   The advertisements suit my taste, Lancome (I LOVE!) even though it is cost prohibitive.  Still, they hand out samples which are free.  In fact, every cosmetics department in the major stores give free samples and what's an even better thing they do is make overs! 

   My favorite thing to do is to go shopping wearing not a stitch of makeup!  Then, pick a brand, such as Clinique, and ask for a free consultation.  You are under NO OBLIGATION to purchase even though I do occasionally just to keep in their good graces.

   Then they have you sit down and be a 'tester' for their line.  Oftentimes I meet very interesting young and sometimes older women doing this including learning new techniques as well.

    I have noticed in the latest issues of 'MORE', you are not inundated with ads for cosmetics which is quite nice.  I kind of like to see what colors are in fashion so I turn next to 'ELLE' which is obviously meant for a much younger generation.  I realize my code of thought might go against some women's code of what's wrong and what is right as far as the age of the woman and that should dictate whether to eye shadow or not to eye shadow.  As far as I am concerned, as long as it doesn't look trashy or is too florescent.   Why not?  I think if it makes you feel like a million dollars  then use it!

    And this is basically the thought this blog is based upon.  How to find those tips, tricks, products and whatever else that would make you look and feel your best for YOU!  If you pick up any little thing from this blog I want you to know YOU are worth the investment be it time or money or both. 

    I hope you come back as I will be updating this blog including my opinions about product, style and such things I think you might find interesting.  Until next time.  Put your face on!


Tammy