Nail polish thoughts

Nail polish

 

***IMPORTANT**

THIS IS FOR ALL BEAUTY GODDESSES

Before applying nail color stick clear scotch tape around the nail to act like a shield against any accidental oopsies from a wobbly hand (sound familiar).  It will save a lot  of cuss words.

 

Currently I am typing with my right hand because my left hand is drying its second coat of:'Metal madness'.  See bellow"

 

Yes, that's exactly what I thought, "My goodness that's bright!"  nnd I even fell in love with it which came in a three pack of nail enamels by elf.  The only con for me personally, is the difficulty in application due to the shape of the brush head.  I found it io be coupled and and awkward.  Everything else about it really good. I also got the other 2 collections with colors such asorange, green, and yellow (by mistake).  They are nice wearable colors, and I do honesly wear them..sometimes all at the same time!  God, I'm bld, brash and  daring!!!  LOL :)

 

 

Seriously, there are many brand names of such luscious colors the following are jus a few of them:

 



 

In order from left to right are:

 

Bonder by Orly



Sally Hansen Bus stop crimson

Sallly Hansen Plum's the word

Revlon 69 Sandal wood beige

 

 

 

along with several other companies whose names my be  familiar:

 

 

 

Ellen Tracy in "I have no idea what color I am!"  Actually, I couldn't locate a name.

The next one is the one I am currently wearing and t is by elf in color "Beats the hell outa me" (my comment entirely, not theirs).

 

 

Finally we have:

 

Essie in Chinchill and last but not least Wet and wilds #464 (unknown name)

Now, do you have problems with your polish chipping?  I know I did that is until I acquired a Sally Hansen gel polish salon.  You know what?  I ABSOLUTLEY LOVE, LOVE,  LOVE,  this gadget!!!!  I give it a 10 out of 10 (along with all of Sally Hansen's products)   Their color scale is quite vast and enriched  with pigment that often times one  coat is all you need (I am a 4 coat woman myself in order to better protect my nails).

 

Shown Zoya (I received in my Ipsy Glam Bag color Julie LOVE IT) and the Sally system.
 SH and Zoya are my two favorites as far as nail color goes.



The reason I am mentioning nail polish is that I feel next to  fake (or would it seem more upscale to say 'imitation') lashes, nail polish can make a lot of difference in your self esteem  Do you bite  your nails?  I used to.  It is a dreadful habit and hard to break!  Could you please just stop and think how beautiful your long (even if you are he only one who thinks they are) delicate fingers would be, given proper care and maintenance?  I'm not going to lie to you, in  order to have and retain well groomed nails, one must be conscious as to how you treat them with things such as opening envelpes, popping open a coke can, etc.  Things that we all tend to not notice. that causes wear and tear to the nails themselves, THAT'S the problem!

Never fear my dear!  There are solutions to every (I think) nail issue you might have  First of all, you can be lazy and go to a manicurist and pay an ungodly amount of money OR you OR you and a friend can do your own at  home manicure.

Some of the things you will need are:

Absorbent towels for drying hands and just in case you spill something
 Orange stick (Yes, that's the actual name of the wooden cutice pusher backer thingy)
Cuticle remover (optional cuticle cutting tool which I am quite fond of).

***NEWS NOTE***

To protect he skin around the nail when you are panting your nails ;  surround nail bed with clear scotch tape to keep mess at  minimum

Emory boards (both fine a coarse tooth)
Cotton balls and/or cotton pads
Acetone (to take off your polish)
Nail brush to scrub those cuticles!

And finally (in the beginning) about an hour or two of spare ' ME' time.  You have my permission to pamper yourself silly!  Grab some Godiva chocolate, a glass of your favorite wine, turn on the radio.  I really enjoy listening to oldtime radio horror stories.  I know, it's a shock, but I actually enjoy them.

I think I have dumped enough information  on you in one day.  I can promise you this, though.  If you clean up your hands and put (even if it is a very light shade of pink or beige or even nude nail lacquer on your nails with a top coat) I guarantee you will feel like a beautiful princess!

Hugs to all you beautiful women out there.

This is a short after thought about false eye lashes

 

 

I noticed tonight after attempting to remove the sticky glue from my lashes and having the result being faced with the untimely demise of them due to the glue not coming off well at all, I resorted to soaking them in full strength Dawn laundry detergent. 

 

 

 

Guess what?  It worked like a charm, the glue came off and they were resurrected to live again anther day!  Hurray!

 

I just thought you needed to know this.

 

One step to 'instant' pretty!

 

Fake eye lashes!  You have to try this! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is probably the quickest way to feel super feminine.  False eye lashes!  I had never tried them before, but I have looked at them over the years and wondered (as most of you probably have as well) what are those like?  After asking 'what would I look like?' or 'I'll probably be laughed at by my significant other/husband, etc.' or God forbid, 'what will the neighbors think!')

 

Well, I don't know what possessed me to try them, but I did the 'stare and wonder' thing at the dollar store a few days back and ended up purchasing two packs of actual human hair lashes and figured it is now or never!

 

With my hat of bravery on I ventured into the unknown.  After I got home I sat down to read the instructions.  Yes, I thought it would be more difficult too, that is until I (after about 2 hours ROTFL) I emerged triumphantly wearing my new 'hat' of fierceness!  Whoever makes Ardelle lashes, THANK YOU!

 

I was a transformed woman!  Those lashes worked their magic on me and to be honest I won't leave the house without them!  One thing I must note, however, plan on screwing it up a lot before you get it right and use an eye liner to mask the eye lash band) and if you can, apply all make up BEFORE applying the eye lashes.  With hands shaking I managed quite well in my application of the  luxuriously curled black feminine icing.

 

I felt taller, prettier, more feminine and I (dare I say this?)  felt more seductive!  If this does this for me I thought I should let you know - YOU ARE MISSING OUT!!!

 

I suggest trying the dollar store brands first because they are fairly cheap and if you mess up (which  you will) you can afford 3 or 4 pair of varying thicknesses to see whatYO think fits the best.  I went all out as usual and love the results. 

 

Goo out and try this, it'll be our little secret ;)

***CONTENT ALERT***

 

 

Maybe I should let all you beautiful ladies know, this blog is very laid back in its approach to make up and how to decide what to do with it.  I wanted to approach this topic in a more relaxed and devil may care way so as not to intimidate you with all of this information.   I, personally, remember being handed a class booklet in home ec class  on 'how to put on make up' when I was a junior way back in high school (over 30 years since then) and it was not smooth sailing for me let me tell you!  It scared the crap out of me including intimidate me!  BTW :  IT DIDN'T HELP ME AT ALL!!!   The information was as helpful as the little 'talk' we had during gym class about our bodies changing.  Dear God I hated that!

I am just trying to show you there is method behind my means here. 

Next blog topic I haven't decided on yet, please stay tuned!

 

 

On to blushers!

 

 

On the topic of blushers, skimming the beauty magazines (you name it I have probably looked through it) the cheek color is more 'flushed'  than 'blushed'.  Meaning, to me 'blushing' sounds as if it belonged in the tonal scale of reddish hues and 'flushed' sounds as if it were in the pink tonal range (apricot, peach, coral, etc.).  This having been said, I think it is safe to say magazines are not ideal for picking up a good looking blusher idea because the colors are usually so light and sometimes hardly perceptible, so I guess that means turning to the next obvious source of ideas. 

 

Ideas from friends, coworkers, advertisements, and other such vast meccas of information abound abundantly and you have no idea which one to pick,  Guess what?  You are not the only one my dear, so grab an oar and hop aboard because you are not alone! 

 

The way I learned about blushes was through purchasing a simple drug store palette and comparing the color to that of my foundation.  Look at them in the light.  What do you see?  Does it bring any complimentary colors to mind? 

 

It seems pretty simple.   It seems like common sense well, it is. The first place you might want to consult your local library  because they have books on beauty (make up).  In these books you can find all kinds of snifty doodle information to be had for those willing to take the time to look for it.  Isn't that what brings you here?  Your curiosity in how to enhance your beauty?

 

What I do is I take my foundation shade into consideration and I try to go perhaps 1 maybe 2 shades darker in my blusher color.  I take my  skin coloring , hair and eye color into consideration as well.  The colors that I feel look good on me are the russets and more purple blue tones in berry.  I like them not too red and not too pink.  I hate anything pink.  I think it is too young for a more mature skin tone (but that doesn't hold true for my taste in lip sticks) and makes (my opinion) a woman look as though she is denying her age.  Hence, what I refer to asthe 'Barbie' syndrome.
 

For your first attempt at blusher you might want a palette as  mentioned above.  Revlon's line of PHOTOREADY products has a nice selection and not only do you get a blush, but also a coordinating bronzer and highlighter.  Printed and illustrated on the back of the container is a diagram for application of the product. 

I know this information sounds pretty dull, but lets face it (oopsie with the pun) blush really isn't as spectacular a thing to buy.  Unlike eye shadow and lipsticks which seem to come in never ending cascades of color!

My advice is never go with the old adage of color coordinating your wardrobe with your make up, shoes match your belt and watch band - yes, lipstick sort of matches the blush - yes, lipstick and/or eye shadow matches any other article of clothing you're wearing - NO!

Instead use colors that embrace your primary colors of that wardrobe.  Take a hint from those television commercials you see  If you see a Chanel shade of blusher for instance you can't live without, go out and try it wearing an outfit you will think will go with 'it'.  This is so totally different than matching it!  By all means, TAKE YOUR  TIME!  and most of all remember this VERY important FACT.  If you make a mistake and it looks like s&*t  you can always ALWAYS WASH IT OFF!!!

FYI, do you have any idea how many shades of navy exists?  Not to mention reds and they are virtually impossible to match!

Now you have a different sort of view of color choosing methods to try that I hope isn't confusing you.  I tried to be as bland and un-complicating as possible.  I just want to begin you to feel your femininity blossom in the crazy world of make up.  It is not that difficult to be beautiful when you already know you are!  All I am doing is giving you an outlet (skape goat if you will) in case you find the need to blame someone just in case anyone grows suspicious as you begin to appear more youthful, vibrant and vivacious and you are in need of someone to blame.  You can blam me for poisoning your mind into believing something you already know, and that is plain and simple, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

 

Just a quick note aside from makeup

Sally Hansen gel nail polish review

 

 

Ok girls, here's the skinny on the latest fad o hit the drug store shelves...Nail gel manicures you can do yourself!  I was skeptical atrying my hand at applying nail polish because of the tremor in my hands, BUT let me tell you, I had absolutely no problem with the nail gel application because it is so viscous it stays here you put it.  It doesn't drip and I can't fling no matter how hard I tried. 

 

It adheres great your nail bed.  The complete kit come one of two ways, gel color strips (in my opinion a waste of time and money) and the one pictured below:

 

 

From left to right you get in the box, step 1 which is the gel base coat, step 2 which I had the choice of 'Shell we dance?' or 'Ruby do', finally there is step 3 gel top coat which seals everything together.  Lastly you get a orange clam shaped UV light that has a button top that when pressed emit 30 second intervals of UV light that cures the nail enamel.  It really does cure and it does it in 30 seconds!  Each step cures in 30 second intervals, but I opt to do in 3 30 second intervals because I am paranoid about ruining the paint job.  Pictured is the Zoya nail lacquer I had been using.  This I received in last month's Ipsy's bag.  I will be receiving this months soon and I can't wait!

 

I should mention that this item will work with ANY color or brand of nail enamel.  What is most important is the gel base and top coat and of course you must use the UV light.

 

Below is an example of 'Ruby do' on my left hand:

 

 

This is my favorite gel color so far.  I have used the gel sealants with colors from other brand names and have had excellent results so far with both types.

 

After I complete step 3 I typically swipe a cotton swab over each nail to remove sticky residue that just happens, it is something that doesn't do any harm to anything.  The alcohol swab works just fine.

 

All in all, I really am in LOVE with this product.  I sometimes re-do my nails 3 or 4 times a day because it is so much fun!  I have to buy more gel because I am just about out!

 

well, ladies I have other products such as the blushes to discuss with you.  That is coming up, so remember to 'follow' me  check out my Youtube channel - "Blue eyes beauty", subscribe, email me and PLEASE RATE AND COMMENT PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!

Choosing foundation based on skin type

 

 

Ok, so you have purchased the foundation (your gesso for your canvas a.k.a your sweet face) It is now time for choosing a color.   I know, I know you are a step ahead of me by having purchased one already, but I  will  overlook it this time. ;)

 

 

When choosing a foundation you will want to be able to swatch it and I usually take my wrist with the swatch(es) out into daylight because this way you can get a better idea of how it will or will not appear when applied to your face. I know of one drug store chain that will let you purchase the foundation and if you feel it necessary to try it at home and decide it is not the right shade, they will (no questions asked) trade it for the right shade.  Believe it or not the chain is CVS.

 

Personally I have fair skin, freckles and my skin is neither sallow or ruddy.  Some olive toned women have a problem with foundaions and especially lipstick colors turning 'orangey' on them.  My aunt has this problem.  For a base color I think most women begin with some shade of beige (unless you are a self tanner in whch case you would want a deeper tone).

 

 

I am a buff, beige or bisque in various tonal ranges according to manufacturer.  Please don't be disheartened by all of the superfluous names, just keep your focus on the actual 'look' of the product and not those names.  Pick out three different tones (doesn't matter if they are all different brand names) and swatch them side by side.  Pick the one closest matching your skin tone in order provide coverage for blemishes, bumps, acne, scarring freckles etc. The amount of coverage is a personal choice, I prefer full coverage and I look to Revlon for foundations which do this for me.  Under eye circles and dark spots (age spots UGH!!!) will be taken care of by the accompanying product called a 'concealer' which will will cover after foundation.

 

I must stress something here - it is not a miracle cure for whatever it is you feel you need to hide.  Foundation in a subtle or, if you are a full coverage girl such as myself, not so subtle way to even out your skin tone.  As we lovely beauties age (I will be 50 in september) our skin changes due to hormonal fluctuations resulting in uneven tones, broken cappilaries, hooded eyes, all sorts of fun crap to look forward to huh?

 

Ok, take your foundation and stippling brush and place 2 pumps on the back of your hand (really that is all you will need!).  Dab the brush into it and begin (that's right!) to pounce it on your entire face.  Once you have dabbed it all over your face begin blending either with a dampened blending sponge, stipping brush, or your fingers in a circlular motion gently buffing t into the skin.  No need to be rough here, the primer you applied before this step will aid you in depositing the foundation equally over your face.  Tip:  Make sure you bend into the hair lines and over your jaw bone,  because you do not want any lines of demarcation for people to see.

 

Now look at yourself in your mirror.  If possible go outside and sneak a datime peek.  DO you like what you see?  If so, good!  If not, don't worry just go back and try again until you are pleased with the results.

 

I usually use my iPhone to take photos of my 'look' when deciding whether or not I like how the color looks on me.  I would ask someone how I look, but oftentimes this is a bad decision (just trust me on this.

 

Blend, blend, blend use your finger tips to ensure your coverage is perfect around your eye area and now it is time for concealer.

 

You have liquid in pen, brush, and sponge tip applicators and pencil and cake concealers available for you to choose from.  I recently bought an elf conceaer for a whopping 10 cents and I love it.  It has a sponge tip applicator.  Always try to choose a concealer at least two shades lighter than your foundation  This is because light (which is what we are adding to your face) causes areas to 'receede' whereas darker shades will draw attention to the features you are trying to hide.

 

I put it under my eyes on circles from lack of sleep (making me look fresh and awake even though I'm not).  Next blog I will cover the next step...Blushers! Including contouring.

 

Until next time, ladies you are starting to look pretty good!

Talking about foundations...

 

 

Hey gals!!!

 

 

Are you starting to feel foxy? I know you must be chomping at the bit, so without further ado I will now introduce you to the foundations and tinted moisturizers that I have in my collection.  Perhaps you have some too, if you do please feel free to use your favorite.  If not just keep reading for my advice.

 

 

Now then foundations.  What are they you might ask.  Well, I like to think of them as being what gesso is to the canvas is what foundation is to the face.  First I always apply a primer.  Revlon has a primer that I consider to be pretty good.  Please see photo below for the Revlon primer and 2 of my Urban Decay eye primers (in my opinion a must have if you intend on your eye shadow to be longer lasting and have  more color depth)

 

 

 

 

After applying primer of choice, it is finally time for the concealer!  I'll just bet you can't wait for this.

 

Let's dive in!

 

Or you can watch me make my own concealer here:

 

 

Introduction to foundations

 

 

Now, I have tried many different types of foundations and have tried quite and found a few I really like such as the following:

 

 

 

The Revlon product on the right offers light to medium coverage, it can be sheered out with a damp cosmetic sponge.  The foundation on the left is a bit too orangey for my tastes, but it was inexpensive and I thought it was worth a try, but I didn't like it.  The product does what it is meant to, but I just didn't care for it.

 

Now, these are better.  Not being a big fan of liquid foundations because I have a slight tremor and find them a bit hard to control (they end up all over the place sometimes by accident).  Therefore, I am very fond of the thicker mousse foundations such as:

These I use my stippling brushes with and have had outstanding results with all 3 of these products.  They are not sloppy and stay where you put them.  They are also full coverage and may be sheered out to some extent with a dampened sponge.  I like the full coverage, it lessens the amount of concealer I have t use.  There is barely any fragrance, wash off well (little residue remains) have staying power with or without translucent powder to seal it.



If you would like check back on my previous blog on my brush 'family' for foundation brush suggestions.

Now, go find the right foundation.  Our next blog will cover how to pick the correct foundation for your skin color/tone and texture (dry, oily, normal,  or combination).

Have a good day and happy shopping!

Tammy

My first try at gel liner!

Meet my family of

Makeup Brushes

 



My blush brushes (top brush is he bronzing brush
by Tarte.  LOVE IT!  It is a great blending brush too!
 

Below are my loose powder and

blush brushes from:

elf, Lancome, Ulta, Sephora..

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, there are ALOT of choices if you went 'makeup brush hunting' as I suggested you do and I will bet you aren't paying attention or you think this blog is blowing hot air (my Grandma used to say that).  I assure you, I am not here to waste time.  We have a goal and that goal is to look our very most bestest best for ourselves (this always comes first!) and loved ones (let's make those hubbies out there happy campers!).  I know you are chomping at the bit, tally ho on we go!

 

 

More of my brush collection

 

 

 

 



 

Above in picture A and B the same brushes are shown.  I purchased them at Joann's in the crafting area.  They are actually paint brushes and the tip of the bristles are quite rigid, thus enabling the user to render a nice crisp line of color (eye liner) and GREAT for cats eyes.  Cost - $2.45 each.

 

Photos C and D are foundation brushes by Chanel, Sephora, Lancôme, and elf cosmetics.

 

Now, these two (bottom one from Sephora  - Professional mineral powder brush.  The top, Sephora foundation stippling brush - generic name).

 

 

This is my Estee Lauder powder brush which I use with light translucent powder to 'set' my foundation.  We will learn what 'setting' makeup is later on, but right now let's say that loose powder keeps your 'face' from sliding off. ;)

The funny looking thing below it is GET READY FOR IT  .......................................
A snippet of the thing that enveloped last years Thansgiving turkey!!!  Aren't I smart?  Yeah I know, that was a conceited thing to say so shoot me,.  ONWARD!!

 

This is what it looks like with the netting on.  The mesh holds the bristles together so they don't splay out in all directions and become ruined.  This works extra great when your brush bristles are drying or even when you travel this helps the brush retain its shape  Neat, huh?

 

 

 

 

This is my favorite double ended blush/highlight/contouring brush from Lacome.  I am fond of it because it is easer for me to use verses trying to juggle two separate brushes and then putting one of them down and misplacing one or the other.  In other words, it saves me a headache and saves me time.

 

 

Above is a small sample of my foundation/concealer brushes. on the left is by Chanel, Lancome, elf, Sepora, and again Sephora (in order).  The ones I use the most and are most fond of are the ones not manufactured by elf.  My dislike is not pertaining to their quality because they are good quality brushes.  I don't know what it is but there's something about the handle I really do not care for.  I think it is the color, I hate the color white, it seems so barren too me.  It 'feels' too sterile and I hate that feeling.  Oh well we move on.

 

 

 

 

 

Now don't forget those little brushes that come in the store bought products, you know the blushes and eye shadows that you purchase at your local drug store or five and dime.  OR PERHAPS you're he one who throws them out (SHAME on you!) , but hey I am one to talk I have thrown mine out and regretted it the next day too.  Have you done that too?  Come on you know who you are...

 

 

I should stop here and tell you those little brushes come in quite handy, especially if you are someone who does daily touchups.  I, personally am the 'lipstick sneak'.  Meaning I am constantly freshening up my 'look' with one of the half dozen tubes of lipstick that reside in my rose covered makeup bag that lives in my purse pocket.  Have compact, will travel!

 

 

 

 

These are more of my brush 'collection', the small brushes at least.   The holder they are in came from Ulta, it is just the right size for stuffing into my purse.  I wedged way more in it than there should be, but you know how it is.

Well lovelies that is about all I have to say for today.  I will be back.  I am probably going to do my next blogging on our next step - choosing a foundation.  I know how to not choose the right color, but learned very quickly how to get the right shade either by mixing two shades (I tend to be picky here) there is only one foundation I really like (oh, alright I can live with more than one).

Stay tuned you beautiful women.

Tammy

NOTE - Too much foundation can age you.  A caked look is not a sexy look.

 

 

Next step - applying moisturizer.

Moisturizers

 

 

Why hello there beautiful.  I see I have peaked your interests in looking good.  No scratch that, make that looking WONDERFUL!  Today is moisturizing day.  In the following photo there are several moisturizers good for daily use.  They are:  Fruit of the Earth soothing and cooling aloe vera, Queen Helene cocoa butter, Neutrogena Healthy Skin, Loreal Youth Code which contains the added benefit of an SPF (VERY important) of 30, Estee Lauder's Resilience Lift Extreme (I think this product is wonderful), Loreal's Wrinkle De-Crease with an SPF of 35, and finally we have my personal favorite at the moment, Loreal's AgePerfect Hyra-Nutrition Golden Balm.  Besides this balm and tie Estee Lauder crème are the tickest consistency.  Of course this is just a small selection as there are a TON ofmoisturizers to choose from!

 

You won't need oodles of product to obtain the best results, just a small amount will suffice.  Use a (if it comes in a pump dispenser) full pump or two on your index finger.  See accompanying photograph below:

 

 

 

 

That's it!  2 pumps one for each half of your face.  Remember to apply your moisturizer after you have cleansed (some people, I being one of them, tone between cleansing and applying moisturizer).  The aforementioned is optional.  I delight in the sensation the toner imparts on my skin.

 

This is my daytime balm of choice.  I find it to be rich and thick.  I have never had an allergic reaction to it and the fragrance is a bit on the perfumey side, but not overwhelming.  Only a barely perceptible fragrance remains after gently massaging into the skin. 

What's up next you might be asking?  Well, brushes are the next topic.  Gather together all of your makeup brushes which is including the ones that came in their respective makeup compacts (blushes, eye shadows, etc.).  Yes they be small, BUT they are mighty if used properly.

So, next blog will cover the basic brushes you'll find keeping on hand.  Your next assignment is to gather those brushes.  If you happen to need to purchase any, might I suggest purchasing a sophisticated makeup case to carry them in?

Until next blog.

Tammy