Anglomania: "With Ur Love" by Cher Lloyd

OK,I am soooo in love with this song. I also think Cher looks absolutely gorgeous in this video. I love her makeup!



Eyelashes:

Density, rather than length (like Kim Kardashian's lashes),  is key in this look.  Here are a few options:

Ardell #103, $4.50

NYX Fabulous Lashes 119, $4.50

MAC 6 Lash,  $15

Blush:

Super pretty and natural is the look here.

Milani Baked Blush  Rose d'Oro, $8

Youngblood Cosmetics Crushed Mineral Blush Tulip, $22

Nars The Multiple Orgasm, $39

Illuminizer:

Revlon Face Illuminator Pink Light, $14

St. Tropez Skin Illuminator, $22.50

DuWop Doubleglow7, $25

Lipgloss:

No shimmer or sparkles here, just a shiny pink creme.

Guerlain KissKiss Gloss Rose Florida 860, $30.50

Chanel Allure Laque  Ming, $32

photos from respective sites linked.

Anglomania: Jessie J's Shiny Hair

I have two posts about stuff that I am loving that happens to come out of England.  First off, Youtube recommended this video (yeah, I've been finding solace from schoolwork in Youtube music videos) and all I could think about is how shiny Jessie J's hair is!



I googled "Jessie J shiny hair" and this was the first video that came up:





Now, I was already looking for a good product to tame flyaways and static.  Tragically, as I mentioned in my last post, I re-discovered Makeup Alley.  This is tragic mostly for my wallet.  So quite a few of TiGi's S-Factor's products were highly recommended, as well as on sleekhair.com.  The blow that Makeup Alley dealt me was that a member said that she got the products from TiGi's website in a bundle deal.  So yeah, fast forward to an hour to two later when I bought two bundles, all for Lusterizer and the Flat Iron Shine Spray.  Between those two packages, I am expecting 6 products (that I probably don't need, yipe!) on Friday.  I cannot wait to try the Lusterizer! I will report back on the weekend when I straighten my hair.

Impatience and a Cleanser Formulated in 1933

A month ago I ran low on the cleanser I was using at the time, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash so I went to Ulta to pick up a new cleanser.  I was really only looking for something that satisfied the requirements of being cheap and not having sodium laurel/laureth sulfate.  I picked up So Totally Clean by Formula 10.0.6 because it fit my two constraints.  At night I need a traditional cleanser after "cleansing" my face with grapeseed oil.  But this 10.0.6 stuff is a watery liquid, so it is not a good tool to remove oil.  So I figured that I should check Makeup Alley for a cleanser to use. 

I went to the "Top Picks" and what is on the first page? So Totally Clean by Formula 10.0.6 (under Bonne Bell).  It is rated 4.4/5 lippies and has been reviewed by 34 people.  And at 91% of reviewers saying that they would purchase again, I figured this must be a great cleanser.  Also, according to the reviews, there is a reason why this has been made since 1933 - consumer loyalty.  A lot of the reviewers that I read have been using this product for DECADES.  The only thing that I am loyal to is my Dr. Eckstein Krauter Supreme night cream, and I will use that product forever because it works.  So this past weekend I decided to incorporate this product into my routine, but in the morning because I only swipe rose water over my face.  So far, my face has been soft every day.  I also learned early on, this product should go NOWHERE near your eyes - it will burn like a politician in hell.

So where does the "impatience" come from? I just ran out of facial exfoliators.  So taking advantage of the BeautyHabit friends & family discount, I ordered Biologique Recherche's Lotion P50 1970.  If Courtney Love, who is almost 50 and has been a rock star for the majority of her life, has pretty nice looking skin and says that she swears by this, it is worth a shot!  It also has great reviews on Makeup Alley.  So it came today, but I just started using 10.0.6 regularly, so I have to wait to introduce a new element to my skincare routine in order to see if it makes a difference =( So far I can say that words fail me to describe the awful stink that Lotion P50 emits.  But ugggh I can't wait to use it!!!  Maybe next week I will use it once at night - a girl has got to exfoliate, right? 

From what I can see, they both have "bad" or super strong things for your skin.  For So Totally Clean, alcohol denat is the first ingredient listed, lactic acid is fourth, and fragrance is fifth. Theoretically awful, right?   For P50, phenol is third, vinegar is fifth, and lactic acid is eighth.   So basically, these products work by burning your skin off! Just kidding,but maybe not. 

I will try to report back in a few weeks about a conclusion about 10.0.6.  But the trick is to use this as directed.  No rinsing off after!

Orly review

Wow it's been about a month since I've said anything.  But in that month I have switched my base coat (for nails) to Orly's Nail Defense and not only have I seen a HUGE improvement in the health of my nails, this stuff really makes polish stick! I would say it is just as good as their Bonder, but with the added bonus of being a nail strengthener.  Instead of lasting five days, my manicures now last a full week.  Also, most of my nails have stopped peeling (except two on my right hand), and the only time I broke the side of my nail was during the set-up and clean-up of an event.  Since I loved this base coat so much, I went out and bought Sec'n Dry because I am almost out of Seche Vite and you know how it gets unusable when it gets toward the bottom of the bottle.  I've used it twice so far and I would say that Sec'n Dry doesn't dry as fast, but it is still a great top coat that lasts a long time and does dry fairly quickly. 

photo credit: orlybeauty.com

In sum, after using CND Stickey, CND Toughen Up, Orly Bonder and Zoya Anchor, I think that Nail Defense in the best in terms of staying power and healing troublesome nails.  If you have been having trouble with weak nails or not getting your polish to stay for a long time, give this product a try - it is available at local drug stores and places like Target.

The September Issue

It's waaay to early to even think about cool-weather clothing where I live (the mid-Atlantic region).  But I just got the September issue of Lucky, and I can't say I was too impressed, so I wanted to write out my thoughts on what I expect to see.  It is not so different from what Bill Cunningham has seen on the streets of New York.  In line with what Lucky likes, I imagine we are going to see a lot of nudes, knee-length to mid-calf dresses and skirts, horizontal stripes and a general vintage feel .  I think they went over the edge with overly textured things (like feathers, velvet, pailletes and shearling), stars and polka dots.  I mean, the expiration dates these trends are still fresh (I think stars were hot in 2006/2007 and dots were not to far after).  And we just need to stop trying to make velvet happen. If you are (as awesome as) Prince, you get a pass.  Everyone else, please just don't. 

The most recent Bill Cunningham feature was about people recreating Breakfast at Tiffany's out on Fifth Avenue. Even in the summer, New Yorkers are still wearing all black but the daytime hemline is mid-thigh, but still fairly conservative.

With all the louche behavior and fashion that we are continually inundated from reality TV shows, maybe  these normal people on the streets of Manhattan are protesting by returning to a time of elegance.  Holly Golightly's circumstances are probably not that different from the modern woman: she lives in a world with a lot of uncertainty - about money, love and family.  And besides all that, most nights she goes to parties and drink, because well, that's what people do when they don't have a solid sense of direction or don't have to get up to go to work (plus, it's fun!). She manages her eccentric activities always with a lot of charm.

So now the issue for September is how to recreate the late 50's/early 60's classiness now?

please click through to see product recommendations

Inspiration From my Online Fairy God-Father

Although I've only read one of Paulo Coehlo's books, I am a huge fan of him, the man.  I think his blog is very grounding and reminds me to follow my personal legend and to remember to be happy.

Here is a list about normalcy that oftentimes lead to sadness, because in order to please others, you will feel like a fraud to yourself.

1] Anything that makes us forget our true identity and our dreams and makes us only work to produce and reproduce.
2] Making rules for a war (the Geneva Convention).
3] Spending years at university and then not being able to find a job.
4] Working from nine in the morning to five in the afternoon at something that does not give us the least pleasure, so that we can retire after 30 years.
5] Retiring only to discover that we have no more energy to enjoy life, and then dying of boredom after a few years.
6] Using Botox.
7] Trying to be financially successful instead of seeking happiness.
8] Ridiculing those who seek happiness instead of money by calling them “people with no ambition”.
9] Comparing objects like cars, houses and clothes, and defining life according to these comparisons instead of really trying to find out the true reason for being alive.
10] Not talking to strangers. Saying nasty things about our neighbors.
11] Thinking that parents are always right.
12] Getting married, having children and staying together even though the love has gone, claiming that it’s for the sake of the children (who do not seem to be listening to the constant arguments).
12ª] Criticizing everybody who tries to be different.
14] Waking up with a hysterical alarm-clock at the bedside.
15] Believing in everything that is printed.
16] Wearing a piece of colored cloth wrapped around the neck, known by the pompous name “necktie”.
17] Never asking direct questions, even though the other person understands what you want to know.
18] Keeping a smile on your face when you really want to cry. And feeling sorry for those who show their own feelings.
19] Thinking that art is worth a fortune, or that it is worth absolutely nothing.
20] Always despising what was easily gained, because the “necessary sacrifice” – and therefore also the required qualities – are missing.
21] Following fashion, even though it all looks ridiculous and uncomfortable.
22] Being convinced that all the famous people have tons of money.
23] Investing a lot in exterior beauty and paying little attention to interior beauty.
24] Using all possible means to show that even though you are a normal person, you are infinitely superior to other human beings.
25] In any kind of public transport, never looking straight into the eyes of the other passengers, as this may be taken for attempting to seduce them.
26] When in an elevator, looking straight at the door and pretending you are the only person inside, however crowded it may be.
27] Never laughing out loud in a restaurant, no matter how funny the story is.
28] In the Northern hemisphere, always wearing the clothes that match the season of the year: short sleeves in springtime (however cold it may be) and a woolen jacket in the fall (no matter how warm it is).
29] In the Southern hemisphere, decorating the Christmas tree with cotton wool, even though winter has nothing to do with the birth of Christ.
30] As you grow older, thinking you are the wisest man in the world, even though not always do you have enough life experience to know what is wrong.
31] Going to a charity event and thinking that it is enough to put an end to all the social inequalities in the world.
32] Eating three times a day, even when not hungry.
33] Believing that the others are always better at everything: they are better-looking, more resourceful, richer and more intelligent. Since it’s very risky to venture beyond your own limits, it’s better to do nothing.
34] Using the car as a way to feel powerful and in control of the world.
35] Using foul language in traffic.
36] Thinking that everything your child does wrong is the fault of the company he or she is keeping.
37] Marrying the first person who offers a position in society. Love can wait.
38] Always saying “I tried”, even though you haven’t tried at all.
39] Putting off doing the most interesting things in life until you no longer have the strength to do them.
40] Avoiding depression with massive daily doses of television programs.
41] Believing that it is possible to be sure of everything you have won.
42] Thinking that women don’t like football and that men don’t like interior decoration.
43] Blaming the government for everything bad that happens.
44] Being convinced that being a good, decent and respectful person means that the others will find you weak, vulnerable and easy to manipulate.
45] Being convinced that aggressiveness and discourtesy in treating others are signs of a powerful personality.
46] Being afraid of fibroscopy (men) and childbirth (women).
47] And finally, thinking that your religion is the sole proprietor of the absolute truth, the most important, the best, and that the other human beings in this immense planet who believe in any other manifestation of God are condemned to the fires of hell.
________________________
list compiled by Igor, the main character of “The Winner stands alone”

A Mid-Summer's Wardrobe Dream

It's a dream because I have no money to spend!  Since I live in the mid-Atlantic region, I still have a month and a half of hot weather to look forward to.

I always loved Yigal Azrouël's drapey dresses, and this one from the Outnet is on sale for $312!

I love a floral skirt that accentuates the waistline ALICE by Temperley, $96.

I hate my arms, so this dress will cover them perfectly and is super cute.  Missoni, $656.

This short-sleeved kimono-inspired Boudicca dress is perfect for hot days, but for $3,020, it will put a hurt on your wallet.

Asymmetric jersey by Zero + Mario Cornejo? love! This grey dress will ship in September for $575.

This gorgeous red Narciso Rodriguez dress is made out of jersey appears to be cut on the bias.  $1,295.

Back to Black

I was saddened to hear about Amy Winehouse's death today, so as a mini-tribute, here are my favorite black eyeliners (in black, of course).

My favorite pencil is Urban Decay's 24/7 Liner in Zero.  It is super black and has amazing staying power.  To achieve a major cat-eye like what Amy started rocked after releasing Back To Black, it may be wise to set the shape you made with your pencil liner with Make Up For Ever's Aqua Creamliner and Eye Seal.

Pre-beehive, Amy slightly winged out liner from her top lid.  This is more my style, and when I do this, I layer MAC's Liquidlast Liner in Point Black on top of Urban Decay Zero.  Liquidlast will ABSOLUTELY not budge no matter how much you sweat or rub your eyes (like I do!).  I like my bottom lid to be lined too, so I close my eye and swipe Guerlain's Terracotta Loose Kohl Liner on the top and bottom waterlines.

To remove all of this makeup, I recommend Nars' Eyemakeup Remover.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, remember that with a lot of help it can be treated. Mary J. Blige went through addictions, abusive relationships and depression but in the long run still managed to come out on top.

Amy had more grittiness, originality and talent in her beehive than the whole careers of most pop stars out now, so she will be missed.








photo credits: amazon.com, urbandecay.com, sephora.com, maccosmetics.com, and narscosmetics.com

Heatwave hair

Damn it's hot! So what are some good haircuts and hair styles?

Short:

Feel like looking like an icon? check out Janet Jackson

What about a super cool French TV presenter/host  like Alessandra Sublet

I love the red curls that Kelis used to rock:

Emma Watson has a super-cute cut

Top knot:

I've been rocking this lately.  I take wet hair and spray in some diluted setting lotion (Lottabody) , put some gel (Fantasia Polisher Gel) all around, make a ponytail with a bungee (Ricky's NYC), and twist the ponytail around itself and secure with a regular black hair elastic.

Ponytail:

gel, hairspray and  a fine-toothed comb are the best tools for this style.  If your hair is naturally curly/kinky, it won't be a good idea to flat-iron your hair straight because sweat and humidity will make your hair fuzz. 

photo credits: madame.lefigaro.fr, essence.com, beachtomato.com, blackfashion.tumblr.com, vogue.fr

Vacation Photography

Just because you shot your friend in black-and-white looking off into the distance contemplating his future as a hipster doesn't mean you took a great photo. And just because you spent four figures on a camera doesn't mean your photos will look professional! 

Shooting on vacation gives you an opportunity to learn to use the environment to your advantage.  Up high? Notice if the clouds form a line you can bisect with something interesting.  I found that when I was up a cliff or tall hill, it is easier to see where the base of the cloud formation in the atmosphere. While shooting the white fluffy figures from the ground is fun and can add a sense of drama if the day is overcast, playing with lines is pleasing to the eye.

Taking a wide photograph of a beautiful place gives you a high probability of it automatically coming out beautifully.  But as we have seen from the beach-centric blogs, playing with foreground and background  or focusing on a local doing something interesting will also make a beautiful photo.

Here are some great resources to help with your photography skills:

"20 Things I Learned About Photography"


"National Geographic Compositions Tips" by Mark Thiessen

And his "Action Photo Tips":





A book that I recommend is The Photographer's Eye by Michael Freeman. This man knows how to take beautifully composed photographs.  He emphasizes that you use this tool to tell a story.  This is why framing, capturing reflections and actions, and creating lines for a sense of direction is important. Here is a page from online preview:

This is from the section "Delay" in the "Intent" chapter. The book is not overly technical, but it does require a lot of patience and understanding of color, opportunities and angles to improve your photos. 

I am by all means no expert photographer, but I have become a better one.  A tip that I would give is to take more than one photo of your subject.

So what is my wishlisted cameras?

Affordable: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W530.  I have an older Cybershot (the DSC-T50) and it still works, so from my experience Sony makes a reliable camera.

Expensive: Leica D-Lux 5. I love the photos that Joe of 00oo00 takes, and he uses a Leica.

Good luck and go somewhere interesting!

photo credits: amazon.com

Tips and Toes

 Going on vacation and wondering which colors to paint your nails and toes? I personally don't like matching my fingernail color to my toes, so here are some nice color combinations.  The top three go with the theme of this blog - shades of purple and blue.

I painted all of these on a white fake nail, with 2 coats and no top coat, except where noted. 

Dark purple creme and bright pastel blue creme: Ginger + Liz "Hold the Drama" and Zoya "Robyn"

Slightly dark purple creme and sparkly dark blue: Zoya "Lael" and on the right, one coat of OPI "Yoga-ta Get This Blue!" plus one coat butter London "Henley Regatta"

Bright pastel purple and teal-toned blue: Zoya "Perrie" and butter London "Artful Dodger"

Dark purple shimmer and raspberry-tinged red creme: Chanel "Vendetta" and  Rococo "Trash Creme"

Dark bright pink creme and primary blue creme: Milani "Punchiest Punch" and Mattése  "Neon 14 Lighting Blue" (I used three coats and this dries matte so I added a top coat)

Mousey grey with lavender undertones and soft hot pink: OPI for Sephora "Metro Chic" and Zoya "Tobey"

Creamsicle orange and bright hot pink: Zoya "Jancyn" and Zoya "Ali" (this dries matte so I added a top coat)

Sparkly tropical green and shimmery true orange: Zoya "Midori" and Sinful Colors "#33 Courtney Orange"