I figured one thing I get a lot of questions on is how I keep my eyeshadows so vibrant, and how do I prevent them from creasing.  So, I’ve decided to compile a list of my favorite eyeshadow tricks!

• Always, always, always use a primer.  I cannot stress this enough.  An eyeshadow primer will prevent creasing, and also keep the color from migrating around your lid and fading.  My favorite eyeshadow of all time is the Urban Decay Primer Potion.
• You can also use a colored base over your primer.  This can be a cream eyeshadow (Ben Nye’s are fantastic and have an array of colors), an eye pencil (NYX Jumbo Eye pencils are nice, or you can use a colored eyeliner such as Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil), or any other colored base you can think of.  The one thing I enjoy about using these is you can play with colors and change them up a bit just by using a colored base!  One thing to remember with these bases is that they are creamy, and a little goes a long way.  Using too much will cause creasing even though you’re using a primer.  Oh, and just because you’re using a base, doesn’t mean you can skip the primer!  Always prime your eyes to keep them from getting oily!
• PAT your eyeshadow on.  Don’t just sweep it over the lid.  Patting it on will provide better, more even coverage, and will keep the eyeshadow where you put it.  Did you ever notice if you put eyeshadow on your brush, then sweep it over your lid some will always get to where you don’t want it?  Or you’ll get fall out?  Patting your eyeshadow on will help prevent this.
• When blending, use a clean brush, and use small circular motions.  Use a brush to apply more product where necessary, and blend some more!
• If you get some eyeshadow on the corners of your eyes where you don’t want it, or underneath your eye, keep some oil-free make up remover handy, and q-tips.  This is also essential to have in your kit for when you’re doing cat eyes.  The oil-free remover won’t make your skin greasy, and it’ll be easier to apply make up over it again.

Think I missed something?  Let me know in the comments section!

After a discussion in a LiveJournal community, I’ve noticed people are very confused regarding exfoliation and microdermabrasion.  Especially when it comes to what microdermabrasion does.

a⋅bra⋅sion

Pronunciation [uh-brey-zhuhn]

1. a scraped spot or area; the result of rubbing or abrading: abrasions on his leg caused by falling on the gravel.
2. the act or process of abrading.

a⋅brade

Pronunciation [uh-breyd]

1. to wear off or down by scraping or rubbing.
2. to scrape off.

(Definitions taken from Dictionary.com)

What is microdermabrasion, anyway?

Microdermabrasion is an effective way to remove scars caused by injury or acne, fine wrinkles, sunspots and flaky skin by exfoliating the top layers of skin.  Yes, it removes your uppermost layers of skin.  While microdermabrasion can cause some pain and irritation, it’s great for removing that dead skin cells and can seriously help with scarring.  Think of it, if you have a mole removed somewhere and have a scar, microdermabrasion can help.  It also promotes cell regeneration by stimulating the skin.  After you remove the superficial layers of skin, the new layers of skin are revealed.

What do they use to do microdermabrasion?

Small crystals of aluminum oxide are used to “abrade the stratum corneum” (or remove the uppermost layers of skin).  Don’t worry, they’re safe, non carcinogenic, and haven’t been known to cause any adverse skin reactions.

Does a microdermabrasion procedure hurt?

You shouldn’t really experience pain, but you can definitely feel it.  The delicate areas around the eyes will be the most sensitive to the treatment.  Redness after the procedure is completely normal.  I find it’s not particularly comfortable to have the procedure done, but the results are very welcome!

What can I expect after microdermabrasion?

After a microdermabrasion treatment, you shouldn’t wear make up for the first couple of days.  The newly exposed skin will be very sensitized, and you don’t want to make it worse!  Also avoid sun contact as your skin will be more susceptible to burns and irritation following the procedure.

Who would you recommend receives microdermabrasion?

Anyone.  Many people who are sensitive to chemical peels and chemical exfoliation do not have the same side effects when receiving microdermabrasion, yet the results are the same.

Please keep in mind that:

This procedure can get costly, but it’s worth it.  It is recommended to go in once every 2-3 months for treatments, and sometimes more frequently in the beginning depending on your skin.  Using a gentle daily exfoliant between treatments is fine (I am personally partial to the St Ives, I very gently rub it on my face to remove any flakiness I have.  Dermalogica also has a wonderful daily microfoliant.  Use what works for you or what your esthetician or dermatologist recommends.  Ask for samples!), and welcome to keep your results looking fresh.  Be sure to follow your at home care instructions for the few days following the procedure so as not to injure your skin.  Whoever performs the procedure may even send you home with specific products to use that won’t irritate your skin (cleansers, moisturizers, etc).  If you’re looking for quick and definite results, microdermabrasion is for you!

Don’t be scared of being slightly sore and red.  It’s normal for the first few hours after the procedure, and the redness of course will go down!

Have you ever had microdermabrasion?  Who performed the procedure?  What did you think of the procedure itself, and the results?

Uh oh, not another monthly favorites blog!

I’ve been pretty lazy when it comes to doing my make up lately, being busy with school and all.  So here are the products used to create my most basic look for the month!

• Always my basic stuff…. Face Atelier Ultra Foundation, Maybelline Define-A-Brow brow pencil in medium brow (identical to MAC Lingering, in my opinion), Urban Decay Primer Potion on the lids prior to eye make up, and Urban Decay De-Slick mattifying powder to set the face.

• Nixie eyeshadows in Night Falls and Violaceous (MAC duplicates are Satellite Dreams and Violet Trance).  I put Night Falls all over the lid, and then Violaceous in the crease and outer corner of the eye.
• Nixie eyeshadow in Grace (closest MAC duplicate is Seedy Pearl).  I use this as a highlight, and have also been enjoying it as a cheek highlight as well as eye highlight!
• Urban Decay Lip Envy in Envious.  I apply this lightly so as to not get too much color on my lips, but just to add a little pink.  This is my go-to daytime lip color.  For gloss, I’ll throw on Nixie’s Smashing lipgloss, a shimmery pale pink, right over it.
• If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll throw on a red lip with Nixie’s Mila lipstick (close to MAC’s Russian Red) with Nixie’s Rosie lipgloss over it (any opaque red lipgloss will do).  This is more of a night-time look for me, or if I’m looking for something more dramatic.  I don’t do red lips everyday, and touching it up can be tedious when working.
• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Zero.  This is my favorite black pencil ever to be on the market.  You can even use a brush and wing it out on the top lid!  Otherwise, a gel liner is my favorite on the top lid.  Any will do from MAC, Smashbox, L’Oreal, Urban Decay, and Bobbi Brown.
• Nixie eyeshadow in Gem for a blush.  This is a pretty pale pink similar to MAC’s Well Dressed, which would also work beautifully.  Slight shimmer, but not too noticeable.  For contouring my non-existent cheekbones I’ve been using Nixie bronzer in Montego Bay Glissen (a slightly pinky brozner).  I apply this VERY lightly seeing as I have fair skin, and don’t want to over do it!

For your homework, what are your favorite beauty products for this month?

Every season is changing, both the weather and what trends cosmetic companies are laying down for the season!

I’m going to share some of the trends that are going to be in hot demand this winter along the lines of cosmetics, and hope that we can all try something new that we haven’t done before.  I’ll also post product recommendations for each trend!  (If there are more than one suggestion from a brand for each category, I’ve separated the color names using a forward slash, or /.)

• Red lips.  Red lips are back in full demand this season, offering a bold, classic and sexy look for any woman.  That is, as long as you find the proper shade of red!  Orange-based reds tend to be the brightest, while blue-based reds will help make your teeth look whiter.  My favorite red lipsticks include Kat Von D’s Stiletto/Underage Red/Hellbend (Sephora), Nixie cream lipstick in Mila (Nixie), Urban Decay Gravity/Gash/Revolution (Urban Decay), and NYX round lipstick in Electra (Cherry Culture, NYX)
• Nude lips.  I know you’re thinking, “What?  Nude and red are in this season?”  And yes, it’s true.  Both colors are 100% in to go with the “in” eye look.  Nude lip colors often pale your lips, or are close to your natural lip color but add a bit of zing to your look.  Some excellent ideas to look for are Rimmel London’s Airy Fairy (Rimmel London), MAC’s Creme D’Nude/Myth/Blankety/Honeylove lipsticks (MAC).
• Silver and shimmery gray eyeshadows.  What a wonderful way to deck the halls this season than with some shimmery silver eyeshadow!  Almost all brands have an excellent silver, so here are my favorites!  Ben Nye Grand Lumiere eyeshadow in Silver (Fun-Shop), Nixie eyeshadows in Cosmic/Silver Lining (Nixie), MAC eyeshadow in Electra/Silver Ring (MAC).
• Bronze smokey eyes.  Here are my recommendations for eyeshadows to help you achieve this look!  Urban Decay deluxe eyeshadows in Underground/Shag (Urban Decay), Urban Decay eyeshadows in Baked/Half-Baked/Rush/Smog/YDK (Urban Decay), Nixie eyeshadows in Bronzo/Bronzed/LA/Ritz/Morocco (Nixie), Ben Nye eyeshadow in Bronze (Fun-Shop), MAC eyeshadows in Patina/Era/Honey Lust/Bronze/Antiqued (MAC).
• Purple smokey eyes (Can you tell smoke is in this season?).  Here are some of my favorite violets, plums and purples from different brands that can help you achieve a vibrant smokey eye, or one with subtle and subdued color!  Urban Decay eyeshadows in Flash/Last Call/Purple Haze/Ecstasy/Crash (Urban Decay), Urban Decay Deluxe eyeshadows in Frigid/Freakshow/Ransom/Fishnet (Urban Decay), Nixie eyeshadows in Violaceous/Scorpio/Grape/Zodiac/Night Falls/Jinx/Romance (Nixie), Ben Nye grand lumiere eyeshadow in Royal Purple/Amethyst (Fun-Shop), Ben Nye eyeshadow in Violetta/Deep Violet/Royal Purple (Fun-Shop), MAC eyeshadow in Purple Shower/Violet Trance/Stars N Rockets/Trax/Satellite Dreams/Beautiful Iris/Idol Eyes/Nocturnelle/Shadowy Lady/Parfait Amour/Contrast (MAC).
• Blue and navy eyeshadows (which can also be used to achieve a smokey effect).  Thinking 80’s?  Think of this is the 80’s blue with more class and sass.  Urban Decay eyeshadows in Goddess/Mary Jane/Shattered (Urban Decay), Urban Decay Deluxe eyeshadows in Peace/Adore (Urban Decay), Nixie eyeshadows in Anchored/Starlight/Blue Angel/Electric Blue (Nixie), Ben Nye grand lumiere eyeshadow in Cosmic Blue/Peacock (Fun-Shop), Ben Nye eyeshadow in Celestial Blue/Navy Blue (Fun-Shop), MAC eyeshadows in Electric Eel/Freshwater/Tilt/Deep Truth/Nehru (MAC).
• Gel or liquid eyeliner in black.  Use what works for you, everyone’s eyes are different so I’m careful in recommending for this category.  As a note, I’ve never had problems with any black gel eyeliner I’ve used, from Smashbox, to MAC, to Urban Decay, to L’Oreal.  Pick your favorite in your price range!
• Black eyeliner pencils.  I have one recommendation here, Urban Decay’s 24/7 liner.  There’s nothing better!
• Pink, shimmery cheeks!  Make sure it’s a subtle pink and not overpowering to your skin-tone!  Urban Decay blush in Quickie (Urban Decay), Nixie cream blush in Elegance (Nixie), Nixie powder blush in Elegance/Radiance (Nixie), Maybelline Dream Mousse blush in Pink Frosting/Rose Petal, MAC blush in Well Dressed/Dame/Fleur Power/Dollymix (MAC).
• Fresh, even complexion.  Of course, good skin starts at the root of good skincare.  I recommend visiting an esthetician to assist you in picking out some wonderful skincare items.  Or going to Ulta, or Sephora, and talking to one of the guys and gals there who are trained in their skincare lines.  I’m personally particular to Bioelements (nothing has worked better for me), but there are also a ton of mass consumer products if you are on a budget.  Always read the back of the bottle, it will tell you who the product is formulated for, what type of skin it is formulated for, and what it is supposed to do.  After skincare, of course comes  your foundation.  I cannot recommend more the Face Atelier Ultra Fluid Foundation (Face Atelier), it goes on so smoothly, and really evens the complexion without looking like make up.  Who could ask for anything more?  For a more cost effective alternative, L’Oreal True Match (Ulta) has a wonderful selection of shades, and blends seamlessly onto the skin.  The added SPF is a bonus!  Not to mention it’s readily available at any drug store across the nation.

What a confusing task.  Purchasing color from your local supermarket or drugstore is so much more affordable than going to a salon, but is it the same, or even similar to what you’d be paying extra for?

Aside from the salon experience -the shampoo, the head massage, the blow-out- there are many differences concerning professional haircolor, and mass haircolor. 

First, let’s look at and understand how haircolor works.  Professional haircolor has a variety of different developers that make the haircolor take effect.  These developers tell how the hair is going to process, and different ones are ideal for different colors as well as different types of hair.  Developer lifts the cuticle during the coloring process to help the color molecules get into the center parts of your hair (the cortex), where the pigment (melanin) lies. 

• 5 volume is a deposit only developer.  It has a lower peroxide content.
• 10 volume is deposit only or up to one level of lift.  Depending on the client’s hair (whether it is a virgin application, or if the hair is colored before), this can lift the color slightly while depositing color.
• 20 volume is one to two levels of lift.  This is ideal for gray coverage.
• 30 volume is two to three levels of lift.
• 40 volume is up to four levels of lift.  This is the strongest developer available and often used in highlighting darker or previously color-treated hair.  This has the highest peroxide content of the developers.

Some professional brands, such as TIGI, have other developers -like an 8.6- but we won’t get into all that silliness.  Most brands use the above.

So, how does that differ from a box color you purchase at the store?

Everyone’s hair is completely different.  Different porosity (how well it retains moisture), different texture, possibly previously color-treated…. With box color, there is one option for developer in each box.  Unfortunately, this won’t work for everyone, which is why many people gain different results, even if they’re using the same shade as a friend.  There’s no guarantee, because it’s not specially formulated for you.

Professional haircolor can be mixed to achieve a look that’s completely you.  A stylist can mix a couple different shades to achieve the perfect look that will compliment your personal style and skintone, as well as work the most efficiently on your hair type.  For example, if you are using an ash-based brown on prelightened hair, you are likely to pick up a lot of ash making the hair appear blue or gray.  Ever seen someone with greenish-brown hair?  This is what happened.

Another issue with box color is an ingredient called metallic salts.  When metallic salts are used, they go through a certain chemical reaction in order to leave a colored “film” on the outside of the hair shaft (cuticle).  This metal is not used in professional haircolor.  As we all know, different chemicals react with one another, right?  The same is going to go for haircolor.  Since these metallic salts will continue to sit on the hair (seeing as they are what deposits the color), it can react with other chemical services.  It will be incredibly difficult to highlight the hair without increasing the possibility of damage, and you can forget about getting a perm or relaxer at any time over a metallic salt.  The hair will literally begin to dissolve from the chemical reaction.  Depending on how fresh it is, the hair can sometimes even smoke.

Not to mention the smell is horrific.

If going in for a chemical service to a stylist, please be sure that you inform your stylist if you have colored your hair at home, and which brand of at-home color you used.  This will let them know how to treat your hair during a chemical service.

When going to a salon, you have different options for the type of hair color you’d like to use, including:

• Permanent haircolor.  This is the longest lasting, where you would use the developers mentioned above.  These developers lift the cuticle, allowing the color to penetrate the cortex and change the melanin content of your hair.  These come in opaque and irridescent colors (irridescent colors add more of a tint to the hair, while still allowing the natural color to shine through).
• Demi-permanent color.  Demi-permanent color coats the cuticle as well as some of the molecules entering the cortex.  Lasts a long time, but will need to be touched up.  Demi-permanent color is excellent for touching up the ends if you are getting your regrowth touched up with permanent color (applying color over color and processing the full time will add more color molecules, making the previous areas more likely to be darker than the freshly colored portion of the hair.  Some stylists will also pull through a permanent color for the last 10-15 minutes of processing to refresh your color).  This is also excellent if you are testing a new color, and wary of how you are going to feel about it.  It’s easier to change than a permanent color if you hate it!
• Semi-permanent color.  Shortest lasting available.  This is a cuticle stain that tends to stay longest on damaged hair.  Most often used over pre-lightening.

If doing highlights at home, this can be very harsh on the hair.  There are a number of different lighteners available for use, many have built in toners to help reduce unwanted undertones.  Not to mention, it’s extremely hard to foil your own head, and you will get a much nicer result from foils.  I’m an anti-cap highlight gal, not all stylists are like me in that sense, but if I can foil it I won’t use a cap!  Even if it takes a little more time, I find it gets closer to the scalp, and looks more natural.  With a cap, many people have a hard time getting consistent sized highlights, as well as touching up can be a huge mess when it comes time to do so.  If you go to a stylist, you can ensure you get the color you want with the undertone you want, as they can tone the hair for you in order to achieve this look. 

 Low lights are a similar issue, with self-foiling being a tedeous task, especially if you are planning on getting highlights and lowlights!

Another reason to see your stylist, is that your hair may be different throughout the strand.  The ends are often more porous and will retain more color than the midshaft if you aren’t careful.  Application is definitely key when it comes to such circumstances, and your stylist is trained and will know how to apply accordingly to achieve an even color.

Questions?  Feel free to ask, I can update this blog accordingly and answer for you and other readers!

For your homework: Have you ever had a horrible color experience at home, or at the salon?  Share it with us in the comments!

Fun haircoloring facts!

• The first redhead appeared during the Dark Ages in Scotland as the result of a genetic flaw.  During this time red hair was seen as being involved with witch craft!  Previous to this, people used to color their hair red to show their significance in society — this would later be repeated.
• Haircolor was used for a long time to represent the different classes in society.  The rich and wealthy would color their hair a certain color to stand out from the “common folk.”
• The first real haircolor formula was developed in 1825.  These early formulations are now most similar to what we use to dye our clothes!
• Roman law used to declare that prostitutes wore their tresses blonde, then by the Renaissance time period blonde hair was seen as angelic.  What a vast difference, right?