Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Shimmer What Yo' Mama Gave Ya - Gold, Glowy, Gorgeous...

The best things in life are free,
but since we're living in a material world,
everything's better with some bling on it.
You know it's true. Glitter is one of 
your favorite colors, now isn't it?
This applies to skin too.
One of the great joys of the season is getting to show off some skin.
Let it breath a little. And flirt a little while you're at it.
May as well dress up the bare bits too, and what better way
than with a golden glow? 


Subtlety is fine and dandy. Put on the glitz with a 
gentle glimmer instead of a loud pop with 
or 
Agent Provocateur's Body Glamour Sauce.
They both smell like heaven as an added bonus.


Then again, sometimes a gold explosion
causes a veritable riot... the good kind.
Did someone say loud pop?
Right, I did.
If you want to rival the fireworks,
what's stopping you? 



Take this lovely inspiration from visionary photographer 
Laura Palm and go bold with your gold! 

Kryolan's Gold G Iridescent Body Powder
Kryolan Shimmer Body Wash Gold


Kryolan Shimmer Body Wash Bronze
  
Use Kryolan's Gold Iridescent Body Powder to get a blend-able lasting glint all over.

For those who dare to work their skills
and flaunt their skin to the max,
I have a project for you:

These body wash paints from Kryolan deliver surreal metallics that are safe and easy to use.

Try applying with different sponges, like a raw sponge for tricky textures, or brush it on with a paint brush and rock it like a goddess in gold, bronze, or copper! 




For the face, follow these wise steps to perfection:

              

Save the bold statement for the eyes and lips,
and give one of these stellar looks a go:
           
             

A perfect look for summer,
Michelle Phan is on top of her game as usual.

                                                      

Similar to the sunset eye, but with stunning highlights and contours,
the look above is sultry and sensual.
But you gotta think quick...
the colors fly by in this fast (forward) feature.

             

This look is not for the tame. There's some serious 
big kitty energy happening in this smokey eye.

If the above still leaving you feeling like you haven't got enough,
like it's sparkled and popped, but the bang, smash, boom wasn't there,
prepare for the grand finale:





Nothing does it like the real thing!
Gold Sin Jewels puts living the charmed life at your fingertips
with temporary skin appliqués made of real gold.
How far you take your midas-esque artistry is up to you.


Does it get more luxe? Of couse. We're human. 
We'll always find new ways to sparkle things up.
But for now, these put you on top of the golden stairway.
 Enjoy your reign while it lasts, ladies.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Pink Hair Is Everywhere

I awoke this morning to the news that pink hair has officially become the "trend du jour" when I logged into my facebook today.
Thank you for the update, Mawi, my new fav jewelry designer
(who will soon be featured in another article).
I couldn't help but laugh ironically that pink hair has
escalated on the trend list.
Let me explain: I've had pink hair three times. Hot pink 12 years ago, 
coral 8 years ago, and baby pink layered with red three months ago (aka now).
That's it if you don't count the time 6 years ago when I died my armpit hair pink
as a somewhat stick-it-to-the-man, 
"I am Woman, hear me roar" kinda thing.
But of course now that I've finally come back to it, it's huge.
And for once, I'm extremely happy to be mere moments ahead of my time, 
because I have some super hot shares for you
when it comes to pink hair!!


Here's the quote that got my attention this morning from Mawi:
"Think Pink! Celebrities have been rocking pink hair for years 
but it has now become the hottest trend du jour."
I'm in! Care to join me?

If you want pink locks, there are two options in my book:
Real or fake?
For those of you with day jobs, you're in luck!
You don't have to go through multiple bleaching ('cause with pink, it pretty much has to be white)
or get a lecture from your boss. 
You'll still make it if you fake it.

Pretty Pink Wigs

Fit for a queen, this is one of the simplest styles by this magnificent designer.
Want more modern than Marie?
The options are vast and various.


These three master works are from
Visit her shop for all things 
faux-&-fabulous hair related.
Good luck choosing just one item.

 I'm keeping it as homegrown as possible
and taking the opportunity to
show off the unique
works of some of my favorite
Etsy crafters of coif.  

Dirty Little Laundry
Creepshow Cuts


Also mega-modern and with mega-vavavoom-vivaciousness,
pale to power-packed color gets you the lime light without fail.

Split Lolita Wig by
Dirty Little Laundry
Pink Bob Wig by
 M&M Beauty
Harijuku Lovers by
CreepShow

Size doesn't matter in this department.
From a pretty little bob
to princess-long locks,
people will be talking
about your larger-than-life
look with longing.

Tra-la-la-la-la!





Pink makes your skin look more even, and compliments any eye color as well.
It's not only a great way to catch glances, but it improves all that fills the eye of the beholder.
If a whole head of pink seems intimidating, but the above concept seems intriguing,
you don't have to get immersed in a pink shroud to 
benefit from it's complexion-complimentary chroma.
Highlights of pink can do wonders while keeping you more down-to-earth approachable.

Pink an Blonde Ombre Extentions

These hair extensions keep things real without the hassle
and headache.
Fringe bangs frame your face in the shade of your
choice, bringing the focus to the front.
Pink Ice Fringe Bangs 


Purple and Pink Fringe Bangs














Dreads Extensions Kit

For those who favor punk over pretty,
or if you're a desert rose,
this dread kit will tie it all together nicely.
All four items above by Damnation Hair.



If you do choose to go real, make sure you get a good colorist who knows your hair or 
is willing to learn (the key here is willing).
If you're DIY-ing it, I gottcha covered.

Bleach
Let's talk for a sec about bleach. If you're doing a darker pink, this will be less important.
For paler shades, this is of utmost importance, unless you want sherbet hair.
I mentioned you have to get it white. I wasn't kidding.

Kaleidocolors by Clairol
Use Kaleidacolors to address your specific color needs. 
You may need to bleach your hair more than once. 
I just went from red to white, so it can be done.
DON'T OVER DO IT BY LEAVING IT ON LONGER THAN RECOMMENDED.
Do it in stages, following the instructions each time.
Test your hair strands after each bleaching. If they are stretchy, you're done for a few days.
Bad color is nothing compared to NO HAIR.
Follow the directions and everything will be fine. 

Start with the blue or neutral. 
Blue removes orange tones.
Natural hair bleachs much faster than previously dyed,
so your roots may end up white while the rest puts up the fight of a lifetime.
If you can't wait a day to get your hair lighter, at least deep condition before bleaching again.
If you still have orange after the first go 'round, then you may need to go with Blue again.
If you have only yellow left, switch to Violet.
Violet removes yellow tones.
Good stuff, right?
If you're platinum blonde after one go, curse your virgin locks,
you're ready to pick your pink!

Made in the Shade
I could go on for days about colors and shades, but I'd still be leaving stuff out.
If you need a default setting, go with Manic Panic.
They've been around the longest, and are known for not
dying the hell out of your 
skin, shower, and pillowcase. That's a big plus in the world of temporary dye.
I would still proceed with caution when wearing white.

I will be specific for those seeking the perfect baby pink, however.
My lastest, and possibly greatest, undertaking in the pink spectrum.
It's easy to get a vibrant hot pink, but pale pink can be tricky.

Cotton Candy Pink by Manic Panic
The best reviews for light pink go to Manic Panic's Cotton Candy Pink. 
It may come off strong at first, but fades down to a pretty pink.
After the initial fade, it's staying power is quite remarkable.
To avoid getting to bright a pink, leave it on for half the recommended time.
But if you want it to be around for awhile, it's worth the wait that it takes to fade.

Rose ColorBrilliance by Ion
 Brand new to the beauty world, Ion has recently launched a whole line of pastel colors.


I tried the rose, loved the color, but it faded pretty quickly. 
This is great if you want to switch back and forth from blond to pink,
or if you don't mind regular maintenance.
Possibly, weekly.

Pravana Hair Color Vivid Pink
Last but not least, I hope. Pravana also recently launched a line of pastels. The reviews are good.
I haven't had the pleasure of trying it yet, so girls, 
if you do, please do share.
Looks like a very yummy pink frosting, at a great price too.

Flower Power Pink
That just about covers all things pink hair related.
If you didn't like pink, you wouldn't be here.
But if you still absolutely can't see yourself getting aboard the pink hair train,
there is always the super subtle and safe route:

Petal Mix
Atelier Kanawa


JulVa
Atelier Kanawa































JulVa




A little flower never hurt anyone...
and these are certified gluten-free.

I can't help but feel like a vintage pin-up girl with a flower in my hair.
And that feeling by definition is just
plain and simple sexy.










Hope you enjoyed my post on more things to make pink.
This one particularly excites me because it's a sign of things to come in the style sphere.
The blossoming of pink hair to the forefront of fashion can only mean that we are on the verge of the resurgence of roccoco style. So make sure to check back for an update within the month on just that. 
I'll pull out the big guns on a fashion storm I've been anticipating for a good few years now.
And mark my words, I am relentlessly prepared for it.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Still Look Like The Living Dead After The Party's Over? - Revive Your Visage With A Post-Costume Facial


Getting decked to the nines is great for one impressive evening,
but coating your face in makeup can have some unwanted repercussions 
when you awake the next morning.
If you find an unexpected ghoul in the mirror where your reflection used to be, 
your skin will be in need of a serious 
rever-upper to get your gorgeous glow back for the land of the living.

Exorcise that unhallowed spirit back to where it came from:

Makeup Removal
As obvious as this may be, you don't want to forget to thoroughly remove all
that remains of your makeup.
Plenty of spendy products are on the market, and if you have a weapon of choice,
fire away.

However, I dare you to try this:
Use your expensive makeup remover as prescribed and then
go to your kitchen.


Grab your Olive Oil and go over your face again by applying a splash to a cotton pad.
Feel a bit of a gag coming on from how much stuff was still left over?
I bet you do.

Sweet Almond and Olive Oil are the best and the cheapest ways to remove 
every unwanted particle of powder and paint.
They work wonders on removing stubborn eye makeup and mascara.
And believe it or not, even oily complexions will reap the benefits without the breakout.



Scrub a Dub Dub
For a pristine clean, you're going to have to get out the grinder.
A fine scrub that can get deep into pores will do you best.

My two favorites:























Not all microdermabrasion scrubs are created equal.
Kiehl's Micro-Dermabrasion scrub will polish your skin to a marble finish.
For sensitive skin, or Botanical Purists, Natural Logic makes a marvelous resurfacing scrub that leaves your skin feeling like velvet.
As a lover of tactile experience, there is a reason why they made my top two.
Better get something else on your face quick to keep you from 
touching it to feel how soft and supple it is.

Steam clean 
This is for devout skin care saints out there.
I don't usually have the patience, but the difference this will make is gargantuan!
Heat some water on the stove until it's steaming nicely, not boiling (you don't want burns)
Put it in a nice wide bowl on a table you can sit at,
put a towel over the bowl and put your head under the towel.
Now, remain hunched over the bowl while coughing on steam for about 10 minutes.


Can you tell I love this?
To make it a bit more pleasant, you can add essential oils of Lavender, Tea Tree, Peppermint,
or Eucalyptus. 
Lavender is calming and soothing to you and your skin,
Tea Tree is a great antibacterial, Peppermint is refreshing and improves circulation, 
and Eucalyptus opens the pores and sinuses, so grab some Kleenex.

Big ++s to steaming your face:
  • It drains impurities from your pores like nothing else.
  • It rehydrates your skin.
  • It increases circulation and preps your skin to absorb nutrients.

Make sure your oils measure up to restoration standards. For the utmost quality:
Now, let's give your skin some much needed nourishment.

Detox Mask aka Skin Rehab
My rules of thumb for a detox mask require only two things:
All Natural (you don't want to put chemicals on your face when you trying to detox it)
And Clay, Clay, Clay.



Pick the right clay for your skin type:

Rose Clay is mild kaolin clay that can be used on normal to dry skin. Gently cleanses and exfoliates.
Improves circulation.

Evan Healy French Rose Clay Mask

White Kaolin Clay is basically kaolinite and is the mildest of all clays. Use White Kaolin Clay for sensitive skin. It helps stimulate circulation, while gently exfoliating and cleansing. White Kaolin Clay does not draw oils from the skin and can be used on dry skin types.



Pure Bellezza White Clay Mask
French Green Clay is highly efficient at drawing oils and toxins from the skin. It's rich in important minerals and phyto-nutrients and is the most commonly used therapeutic clay. Use it for facials for oily skin. This clay is not recommended for dry or sensitive skin.

By Valenti Japanese Matcha and French Green Clay Mask
Yellow Kaolin Clay is mild clay for sensitive skin. It helps stimulate circulation while gently exfoliating and cleansing. Yellow Kaolin Clay does not draw oils from the skin excessively and can be used on most dry skin types. This clay is suitable for dry, sensitive, normal and combination skin types.

Pure Thoughts Banana and Yellow Clay Face Mask
When clay is wet, it penetrates the pores, latching on to imbedded gunk, 
and when it dries and shrinks back, it pulls those little nasties out with it. 

One more company of note, but a half a globe away from me:
They've got'em all, and all organic!!
For more info than you ever thought you could know about clay, et voila:

Rockin' this look might end up looking more frightening than the costume you wore last night.


But when it comes off, you'll be pleased with what lies beneath. Trust me!

Tone It Up!

Toner is essential everyday, but today you really gotta get your tone on!
A good toner removes any residue from cleansers and the like,
and PH balances you skin for optimum health and glow.

Stick to one that works for you if you have it, 
but suggestions will clearly follow suit:
Kiehl's Oil Free Ultra Facial Toner
Kiehl's Calandula Toner





















Kiehl's has been arounf since 1851, and there's a reason for that: superior products with years of consistency. Plus all formulas are sensitive skin friendly.
Calendula soothes irritation and lessens redness in the skin. 
It's a great choice for sensitive or irritated skin.
The Oil Free Ultra Facial toner is a great basic toner for all skin types,
balancing PH and tightening the pores.




For normal, combination, or oily skin types
this organic balancing, clarifying toner
has the works!
Rich in botanicals and anti-oxidants to promote fresh, vital skin.
Deep Cleans and tones pores.
Reduces Inflammation and redness.
Heals irritation.
Improves tone, texture, and elasticity.
Natural Logic Balancing Clarifying Toner Mist






For dry and sensitive skin, this Botanical toner has the creme de la creme of luxurious and restorative nutrients:
Cucumber, Vitamin B5, Hyaluronic Acid, Helichrysum, Rosehips.
It has excellent emollient and hydrating properties.
Calming, hydrating, and nurturing.
Rich in botanical extracts and anti-oxidants.
Fights premature aging.
Improves tone, texture, and elasticity.
Natural Logic Regenerative Hydrating Toner




Toning no longer has to be so one dimensional.
These products round all the bases.
Think of them as performance enhancing drinks
for your face.


Serum
Now that you're just starting to see those lovely features resurfacing,
keep the vitamins flowing all day by applying a serum to suit your needs:



In the end, only you know what your skin is hungry for.
Observe your countenance closely to see what sustenance
it's still craving and make your choice from there.
All of the above are premier brands, I wouldn't steer ya wrong.
The great news, and one of the price-savvy tricks up my sleeve:
 They're all available at massive discount prices @ VitaCost.com





 And what ever you do, don't make your eyes jealous.
They need extra love no matter who you are.
Same applies as above: Observe, Orient, Decide, and Acquire.
All of these lovely skin-amins are also available @ VitaCost.com
I just love a good deal for a superior product, don't you?

Moisturize for the Prize
Even after you put on the serum and think your good to go, it will only go so far if you don't seal it in with a protective layer of moisturizer.
But in this application, your skin still needs to catch its breath after being smothered in powder, paint and other various costume primers.
Anything brightening or hydrating is recommended to complete the overhaul effectively.
Use what you've got in a lighter dose, or go for the gold:


Rich in vitamins with an extra brightening boost from real pearl powder (used for centuries by asian royalty), and tremella mushroom extract, this is my absolute #1 in skin replenishment and recovery.
Buy it retail for a good $50, or once again, heed my advice.
Get it for almost half the retail price: VitaCost is bomb!!

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The Pretty Pink Arsenal by Lauryn Otten is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.