I should have gone fishing but, that's not my excuse for ignoring the vanity site.
It's been a while since I have paid any attention to the site, sorry. It's been busy, my husband and I have a baby on the way, I started school to become an esthetician, and we've moved.
But I will be writing a lot more, especially about skin, so stay tuned and I will be writing some good tips and tricks for you soon. Happy holidays!!!

Dish Pan Hands.

Save that new manicure and look fabulous while doing it-washing the dishes.
Pink, ribbons embellished with faux jewels these are some fancy rubber gloves.
PLUS 10% of sales are donated to Breast Cancer Charities. More to come on Breast Cancer Awareness Products.

Planes, Trains and Automoblies

No more getting your nail polish remover swiped at the airport for a
"liquid violation" when going through security .
No more excuses for chipped yucky nail polish any more.
Travel Nail Polish remover wipes!!

Fix those nails anytime, anywhere.
I am madly in love and very excited to share this fantastic treat to you today.
For $8 you get 6 one time use wipes.
I just wish I would have thought of it before they did!

These lil fellas may look like county fair wins but don't judge a book by its cover, no tank maintenance here.

They are soap! I thought these would be a great gift or stocking stuffer ( thinking ahead) and needed to show my new little friends off.
Goldfish soap.

***** No animals were harmed during this process!****

Doctors Orders

After January 31 2010, the doctor will no longer be on call. Prescriptives, by Estee Lauder, will no longer be available.
Boo.
Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. Here are just some of the following brand names sold in over 140 countries and territories:
Estée Lauder- Clinique-Lab Series-Origins- M-A-C- Bobbi Brown-
Tommy Hilfiger- Kiton- La Mer,-Donna Karan-Aveda- Bumble and bumble-Michael Kors-
Tom Ford-Coach and Ojon.
I am sad to see it go, but at least I have plenty of time to stock up.
RIP RX

Bangs

Bangs are here to stay. And if you can't get yourself to the salon to get a trim-a-roonie, cut them your self.
It is a difficult task cutting your own bangs, especially if you want them to look good too. You have your scissors out, close up to the mirror, one eye closed, and the hair is flying.

I have a nice trick for you, use a mens electric trimmer(A Trimmer, not shaver i.e example to the left) Using no clips, just the bare setting. I suggest applying some clear tape over your eyebrows, so you don't take those out. Taking the electric trimmer, hold it vertically, slowly trimming your bangs by moving from one side to the other will not only keep them straight but it easier to control the amount you take off.

beauty sample sale!

The best names is the beauty industry together, at the same time, all under one roof, giving shit away!!

The Beauty Sample Sale is full of complimentary beauty services, goodies bags and much more.
Here are the places and times, now hopefully you live close to one of these locations to go and have a day of satisfying samplings!

• NYC 10/07/2009
• Chicago 10/21/2009
  
• Milwaukee 11/04/2009
  
• Miami 11/11/2009
• Orlando12/08/2009
• Tampa Bay 12/10/2009

*you must be 21 and up to attend any of the locations events. Click here for more info!!

Bite Me

In colors called, Eye Candy, Lullabye, Blush and Rapture, blood sucking vampires aren't the first thing that comes to mind.
For all the Twilight crazies out there, October 15 2009 is the launch date for Luna's Twilight inspired new make up line. Full of lip venom and blushing creams, adding a nice blood flow rush to your cheeks.

A Vampire being a creatures of darkness, sun protection is a must to be able to stalk their victims during the day, other ingredients include, antioxidants, sweet almond oil and chamomile.

Sir Wrinkles

Under eye circles and wrinkles come from dehydration of the skin and not enough H20. Applying Vaseline around your eyes when you go to bed will re-hydrate your skin and prevent more wrinkles from sinking in.
Ask any old lady with great skin what she does and she will tell you " Plain old Vaseline".

whiten without whitening

Dazzle your smile and add a dab of blue eye shadow into some Vaseline and use that for your chapsticky lip gloss. It will make your teeth appear whiter.

Curly VS. Straight

Do you know why Curly hair is curly and straight hair is straight??

It is the shape of your hair follicles!!
Curly haired folks have oval shaped follicles, forcing the hair to naturally want to spin a little as it grows longer!

As for all your straight peeps, your hair follicle is round.

Bat Worthy

Woo Hoo! Another spot on Angies site!! Check out more of my mascara favs HERE!!

Daddy Long Legs

One month ago I posted that I was embarking on the Nivea Challenge against cellulite. Well, It has been one month and I want to reveal the results, I am sure you are on the edge of your seat.
I have in conjunction with using the Nivea, changed my diet ( a bit) and did begin running, I truly see a difference in my skin texture.
I am not embarrassed or ashamed about talking about cellulite, 85% of women have it , I don't know why we speak in secret about it. I have hope for the future as my body slowly turns against me with my new found friend, Nivea.

chicken poop

Which day of the week do chickens hate most?
FRY-DAY!


I found this wonderful chap stick in Chicago years ago. It is the silkiest smoothest lip conditioner I had ever placed on my lips. Not only is it a great product, it has an even better name, chicken poop! the name came from Simone's grandfather who always used to say "If ya got dry lips, put chicken poop on 'em so ya wont lick 'em"

Cartoon Hussy

Born into the Hanna Barbara family in 1981, the Smurfette was a very high glam blue little lady. Always sporting a mini dress, stilettos and glam lashes even though she was a forest girl. Too Faced even did a smurfette collection this past winter. I love this little lady of the forest.

Fact or Fiction

True or False:
Daily application of lipstick helps maintain balance and coordination.



TRUE. In France at the University of St. Etienee, Dr. Patricia Pineau, monitored 100 women from the ages of 65-85 and proved that the women who applied make up daily had better balance and posture. So, make up isn't just vanity, it may save you from a future broken hip.

Pic from Pop Art Machine

Self Created. Self Corrected.

With followers like, Linda Evangelista, Iman, Cindy Crawford Elle McPherson Laura Mercier and Francois Nars, I am already reaching for my credit card.
Simone France is a French Born skin care expert which built herself a cult like following. And we all know that french women just have the best kept beauty secrets."Most skin problems are self created,therefore they can be self corrected" Simone France.

Thousands of women have seen their faces feel firmer and look younger, most even stopping wearing foundation because they no longer needed it!
Whatever your skin type, this simple step system will work for you, its all about how you clean your face.
Click here and shop properly for your skin type, I guarantee you will find a new found love for your skin.

Fat Girl Slim.

No, Its not the sister to Fat boy Slim, even though we all love Christopher Walken in the video...
It's Bliss' best stuff ever, Fat Girl Slim. Increasing circulation ( reducing dimples) the rich cream helps smooth the skin, as it firms, trims , tones and energizes. The Sleep PM sister slim, is lavender induced creating a nice "booty"sleep.

Viking Mascara

At first, I was sceptical, the mascara wand isn't a wand, it looks more like a medieval torture tool, or a viking war weapon.
But, despite it's odd aesthetics, I gave it a whirl.
Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension.
Results: lovely full, separated,fanned out long lashes.
At first it was a little awkward, for 14 years I have been applying my mascara with a wand and I have established my own routine. The new adjustment was quick and the old routine was quickly forgotten. I now have bat-worthy lashes, fellas watch out.

Fool proof brows

I am obsessed with eyebrows. I think a woman with a nice brow is a beautiful thing. I have no problem walking up to stranger and telling them they have great eyebrows. Come to find out, tons of ladies get theirs from Too Faced Brow Envy.

Perfect kit for every one, customized color for all brunettes and blondes (mix two shades for your ideal brow color). Be envied for your gorgeous brows with this fool-proof kit that will have you arched, defined and framed like a super model.

fat burning lip balm..

Only L.A.

Of course the west coast has developed a lip balm that boosts energy, tells hunger to back off and burns fat!!what?

Pacific Shore Holdings, Inc teamed up with Dr. Allan Kurtz, board certified in Internal Medicine, and created this lip balm, BURNER BALM.

The recipe that makes this balm like no other : Hoodia Extract, Chromium Picolinate and Natural Caffeine. Reducing appetite, restores alertness, and increases energy and metabolism.

As most lip balms do,it has the essential fatty acids, Shea Butter and Safflower Oil, which are absorbed into the skin, creating soft lips. Burner Balm also has SPF 15 and 30 which protects the lips from the harsh effects of the big burning ball in the sky.

Put down the sugar free red bulls, and forget your afternoon starbucks run, reach into your purse and apply to lips for a boost in energy.

These lickables are available in 5 flavors: Original, Acai Berry, Strawberry, Vanilla and Pomegranate.

Hot Lashes

Time to get out of the stone age and get some Hot full lashes.
We use curling irons to curl our hair, why not add some heat to your eyelashes? Curling your eyelashes is an important step before you load on that mascara, the eyelash curler will curve and lift your lashes creating the illusion of longer more luxurious lashes, opening up those peepers.
Talika Heated Eye Lash Curler is a new piece of technology all of us should be using. Creating a soft controlled heat in just 30 seconds, it doubles the the curve of your lashes.

Faking a Tan

If you don't know already, I am not the type of person to get a tan. I don't enjoy laying out, I enjoy having porcelain skin, even though I am Native American and Italian....

I welcome a nice summer glow, to read more
about my favorite bronzers and self tanning techniques click here!

Dr. FeelGood Junkie

I wish we were talking about Motley Crue but, I am writing about Benefit's Dr Feelgood. It is applied under your foundation giving you a matte, velvety complexion. Containing no "junk" it is full of Vitamins C and E and reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores.
He's the one they call Dr Feelgood.
He's the one that makes ya feel right.
He's the one they call Dr Feelgood.
He's gonna be your Frankenstein.

Congrats to Miss Lepore!

The most famous transsexual in the world and one of my favorite people to look at, Amanda Lepore has joined Chicago-based CAMP Cosmetics, to do what...... a make up line!"Collection Lepore"
Drag Queens and Trannys have the best make up techniques and secrets. I know Amanda brewed up, stewed up, and threw in some of those secrets to create fabulous colors and concoctions to making us all look that more beautiful.

Miss Lepore is now the very first transsexual to land a campaign with a cosmetics line! Congratulations Amanda!
Collection Lepore has released a limited edition version, and more is being developed and hitting stores fall of 09.

Blast from the Past

Francois Nars, Founder & Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics, has resurrected a few of the brand's no-longer-sold polishes from the archives to celebrate their 15th anniversary. What a happy anniversary for us! For a limited time you can enjoy the signature high-gloss, durable formulas in an 5 glamorous hues.


~ Blue Lagoon (2001) - An irridescent powder blue
~ Hunger (2001) - A fire hot orange red
~ ZiZi (1999) - Clear with peach & gold glitter
~ Cha Cha Cha (2001) - A semi-sheer tangerine with gold reflections
~ Tallulah (1998) - Rich grape

Each vintage color $16 a pop. Fall 2009.
Blue Lagoon takes me back to the days we all wore baby doll dresses, white opaque knee high's and mary janes.

Fact or Fiction

True or False:
Sleeping with mascara on can cause you to lose your eye lashes?


TRUE.
Mascara can clog your hair follicles causing them to fall out.
I am not saying if you fall alseep once without washing your face, you will loose all your eyelashes, but overtime you will notice you are making lots more wishes off those fallen eyelashes.

spend or save?

I enjoy spending money on any beauty product from lotions, magic potions, lipsticks and nail polish. So to support those spending habits I have to cut corners on some products to spend the big bucks on the others.....
But there are some items I will spend good money on and others I refuse too.


Shampoo Vs. Conditioner-
$$$ Conditioner wins. All shampoos are meant to clean your hair, so I would rather spend my money on a conditioner that is right for me.
Skin Care-
$$ Very important, SPF is the expensive ingredient, and skin is the only thing you can't change with plastic surgery so, spend.
Mascara-
Nope. I love love love YSL mascara but, all mascaras go bad in 3 months. A short term investment I don't invest in. Most the time I run to CVS and get Maybelline or Loreal. A lady has to treat herself sometimes.....
Lip gloss-
Nope, Women tend to over gloss, re-applying constantly, so you will go through product quickly. I like something with a gloss and soft color, so the inexpensive ones are great.
Lip Stick-
$$ I spend. Longer lasting color, great pigments, smooth application,you can't get that quality for without forking out the dough. I suggest checking out NARS vibrant colors and feels amazing on your lips.
Eyeshadows-
I mix and match. More inexpensive brands have less pigment and more fillers, so you have to apply more product. Affordable and more pricey shadows, will go on smoother and last longer with out having to touch up frequently.
Eye Liners-
Again, I mix and match. Most inexpensive liners have less wax so application is a bit harder so, for a quick smooth application spend a little more. I buy my personal liquid eyeliner at the corner drugstore, but my own pencil liner I get from the department store.
Concealers & Foundations-
$$ spend. Achieving flawless skin and covering those imperfections is important, so your looking for great coverage, that is your correct match. I would rather have a great concealer to cover my yuckies , blending it out well, and pair it up with tinted moisturizer and some powder but, sometimes your face needs more assistance than that, my favorite foundation is Make up Forever's HD full coverage with out looking or feeling cakey.
Blush-
Today I am sporting MAC's Springsheen, and didn't have to break the bank for it, I also enjoy Revlon's colors for my cheeks. So you can decide.

With saving my hard earned dollars on shampoo, lip gloss, mascara and most my eyeliners, I can get all the goodies I want by spending wisely!

Favorite Faces

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, to me these lovely ladies are top notch, unique, all owning it!

Kat Von D
Dolly Parton
Dita Von Teese
Amber Rose and
Sabina Kelly

Acupuncture has been around for centuries, but recently a certain spot has been poked than others.

Ear Stapling for weight loss, no diet, no exercise, just stainless steel pierced into the middle cartilage of your ear.

No harm, no foul.

I find it silly, but if you really need to loose a few more pounds, go get stapled.
"Can I have a #6, super sized."

Grin and Bear it

I smoke, even though I shouldn't.

I drink coffee, even though caffeine is the no.1 cause of cellulite.

I drink wine, because its yummy.

One day I noticed the effects all these had, not-so-pearly whites.

Whoa, smiling with a closed mouth in pictures, that is not me.

So, in order to boost my confidence level again, and smile like i was meant to, I whitened them.

I did my research, I have used the ones from my dentist before, but they were too pricey at the time. I didn't like how the dissolving strips felt, so I stopped using them.

I found that Go Smile is the most efficient, wallet friendly kit out there. Maintaining your new white teeth is what they are all about, giving you all the tools necessary to keep you smiling.

Now that my pearly's are pearly, I am thinking about getting myself a gold one.

Taking out the Trash

Clean out those make up bags, kits, and drawers! It is time to clean house and get rid of the old, bad and gone bad.

Make up expires, so re-evaluate your supplies.

Playing for Keeps:

Keep it if it doesn't smell funky. Keep it if you plan on wearing it. Remember that tons of cosmetic companies out there have the recycled plan, bring in the empties and you will get a re-fill, so keep them in a bag and when you have enough, go to collect your prize. MAC has Back 2 MAC, bring in 6 empties and get 1 lip or eye color. It doesn't even have to be completely used up! If you have a "what was I thinking" lip color from last season, it counts too!

Garbage Pail Kids:

Toss it if it smells funky, or looks funkier. Mascaras smell and get crumbly, lip sticks will smell like crayons when turned rancid, concealers/foundation will have an un-natural scent when expired. If it's a yucky product, it is not healthy for your eyes or skin, Acne Amy knows.If you haven't worn or used it and it's still okay, re-gift. Make a nice little bag with that lotion you never opened and the great eye color that just-wasn't-you, recycle to a friend that will rock it. Karma.

Clean those brushes, tidy things up and organize. Keep your skin care in the medicine cabinet. I like keeping my goodies together, Eyes are on one tray, lips another, and foundation and correctors on another. My routine of make up application goes in that order, as I work my way across my make up area, my full face come together as I hit the end of the assembly line. If you beauty regime is quicker and more efficient, your day will be too.

I just got wind that caffeine is a the number one factor for cellulite!! WHAT.

I think it's time to get on the boat and take Nivea's Good Bye Cellulite, Hello Bikini challenge. 4 weeks to see the transformation, I am starting today so, 1 month from now, we can discuss the results. I feel like today I may just skip my starbuckies run.

Aging Gracefully

The secret to aging gracefully, SPF. Stress, blah, it really doesn't "age" you, the beating sun does, making you look leathery and saggy. Now, who wants to be called Saggy. Neutrogena is my protector.

Wear it, or don't bitch that my skin looks better than yours

YOU: " Its because your a make up artist, that must be it, right?!"

ME:" Nope, its because I linger in the shadows"

overnight lashes?

A magic cream to put on your eyelashes and while you sleep you can grow full glamorous lashes(with 4-6 weeks before you see results).

Shit, I try to grow taller every night while I sleep and I still wake up five foot five.

There is tons of new products out there, that help you grew new stronger,longer, thicker lashes.

They work, they're real.

I am not ready to commit.

I prefer false lashes. You can play off your mood, love em or leave em. Full fun glamour band lashes or individual lashes.

Band Geeks:
Make sure to trim them to fit your eye, if they are too long they will be uncomfortable and if they are too short you will look like a ding dong. Place them across your eye, hold your finger to where you need to trim and cut those few hairs off. Do not do this once it is glued on your lash line,scissors by your eye or a clients' is not a good idea, use your smarts, measure, then trim from the outside, this will still give you the natural progression of long to short ( outside is longer, inside is shorter)

Make sure you put your adhesive on the band, give it a moment to dry, then apply as close as you can get to the lash line. You don't want to adhere the band to your lid or to your real lashes. If you do get glue or feel like you're stuck,fake lashes intertwined with your real ones, don't freak out, grab your make up remover and a Qtip this will thin out the adhesive and release it.

Lone Soldiers:

Individual lashes are a little more tricky for some, these too may have to be trimmed. I like getting medium length and using a few on the end as accent lashes, it really makes my eyes pop.

Once my lashes are secured with my eyelash adhesive, i let them dry, then apply some mascara to bond them together. I put my pinky finger across my lid, behind my lashes as I apply my mascara, this helps bond them and they wont move around when your mascara wand brushes through those lashes.

Maybe I will teach you soon how to make your own feather false eyelashes......I'll think about it.

Manly Men Grooming

For the fellas or ladies looking to help a fella out.

A hot shave.

The barbershop is a familiar place against all shifts in our changing culture. The all-man atmoshphere combined with the scent of real shaving cream and hair tonics immediatley make you feel......like a man.

Wrapping and layering of hot towels on his face, lemon based creams to cleanse his pores, a close shave with sharp razor, and a facial massage. Afterwards, he walks out feeling like a king.

A barber knows how to cut a man's hair.

A barbershop is a cool place for men to hang out.

A stranger holding a sharp razor to your neck is a nice reminder that you are still alive.

Organics

if you haven't gone green anywhere in your life, start on your face. Some of my favorite organic products...

DuWop!!

-Cheek Venom, a tingly rush to your cheeks $24

-Reverse Lip Liner, matte and colorless, stops lip color from feathering.

Tarte!!

-Mini cheek stain set $30, "we wish you happiness"

Eminence

-Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer!!! Hydrates and brightness my face. My personal fav, I don't know how I managed before it.

XY.....Z Palette

The IMATS (international make up artist tradeshow) this year I didn't have much time to shop. I was busy cranking out demo's at the Naked Cosmetics Booth.

My discovery at the IMATS was unreal, almost a life saver for both professional artists and others who share the obsession for organization.

Z PALETTE. Wow.

I played with it for a while and it is an amazing invention, way to go Zena!

What it is: a magnetic palette that you can organize and re-organize as many times as you like! Customize for your weekend trip, client for continuity, or day to day touch ups. It fits all make up brands and sizes, circles, square , MAC, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, NARS, etc.

Navy Sealed

Is navy the new black? I am a firm believer that black is the best color out there, very slimming. For a nice change, line your eyes with a navy liner instead of black. I use Smashbox, using a small angled brush, I line my lids and smoke em' out,putting more softness into the look, PS-its waterproof.

Add a nude or hot pink lip for fun.

Beauty on a Budget

With our pressing economic times, save those hard earned bucks and get creative in your cabinets.

Homemade Treats.

Brush Cleaner:
Bottled (distilled) H20-1 Cup
Alcohol( save the whiskey for your belly, I am talking 70% or higher, for disinfecting) 1/4 Cup
Detergent-I like Palmolive dish soap-1/2 Tbsp
Shampoo-1/2 Tbsp
*if you have spray leave in conditioner lying around, toss in 1 Tbsp.

Mix gently, together, gently, you don't want suds. Pour into whatever lovely empty container you wish and there you go.

The best discovery in the world-Baking Soda. 0.79

The things you can do with baking soda is unreal! Throw some on your toothbrush ( with your toothpaste of course) and it is a natural tooth whitener! Got a bad sunburn, because you didn't sport your SPF( dummy) toss 1 cup in a luke warm bath for a soothing dip. And for my favorite use of ALL TIME, Exfoliating!!

Boy o' Boy I love this stuff and tell everyone I meet how magical it is. I "had" those lovely red bumps on the back of my arms, always self conscious about them, my mother says its a northern European trait...then I met a great masseuse who told me about the baking soda trick, and I am now a lifer. For all of you that do have those red annoying bumps, baking soda is your new best friend. Basically, your body it trying to sweat out and get rid of toxins and it cant, so clear the way and get clear skin.

I keep my Arm N Hammer in an empty water bottle in my shower, so the box doesnt get soggy and destroyed. Pour a bit into my hand, get it wet, to a consistency of a paste, now exfoliate! Face, one a week and body, at most, twice a week. It will make your legs smoother for a closer shave and keep the skin soft. It is non-abrasive and you can add essential oils to make it smell yummy or for aromatherapy, if you are into that witchcraft.
Add lavender for a soothing and relaxing effect, and for you AM exfoliates, citrus awakens the senses so try grapefruit or peppermint before your morning triple shot latte.

Make up Removers:
I like to use a simple lotion like Cetaphil to remove my eye makeup, then wash my mug.
Or try Baby Oil, on a cotton swab, make sure to wash your face thoroughly, it may clog them pores! If in a pinch, making your through a "new" bathroom,use contact lens solution to clean up those smoky eyes left over from last night,and surprise, it is safe on your eyes!

Puffy eyeballs:
Late nite martinis, or not enough ZZzz's
Cold spoons on the eyes, keep some in your fridge.
Cucumber, 1/2 thick, cold, on your eyes, 7 minutes.
Preparation H. For real. effective immediately, reduces all the swelling. I keep some in my make up kit, in an empty container I have marked " magic eye cream".

For those Darn Mosquito bites:
Ammonia on a cotton ball and apply to the vampire bite. It reliefs the itchy immediately.

Brushes. Natural Vs. Synthetic

Brush Em Brush Em Brush Em

Natural Vs. Synthetic

Synthetic: Tends to be less pricey, I use these for my lip brushes. The waxes/gloss of lip colors are harder to get out of your brushes, so I never use a lip brush on an eye, it will forever have that waxy feeling, so leave lips for lips. Most synthetics brushes are made from Taklon or Nylon, they are not as absorbent and doesn't trap or distribute the color as well as natural bristles( when it comes to powders). They also tend to get stiffer with uses. I like my lip brushes to be a little stiff so I have more control of where the color goes.

Natural: It is proven that natural bristles absorb and deliver more effectively. However the quality of the hair is a giant factor. My personal fav is badger hair( pictured). It blends well, giving you a smoother application. Squirrel hair is the softest of the naturals, and for me all I can picture,when its comes to squirrel, is someone holding the squirrel and brushing it with a giant horse grooming brush! I don't know why this image is in my head, but it is. Squirrel hair false eyelashes are F*N gorgeous!

Natural brushes can last a lifetime if taken care of properly, it is a smart investment for anyone.

Some of my favorite brushes are by Award winning make up artist, Ve Neil, has the best brushes around, I do not know how she did it, but man, these brushes are fantastic! Ve has a beauty set as well as a great special effects set for all you Pro's.
And of course we all know MAC makes a mean brush.

summer cheek color

Rock and Republic, cheek color, Immoral. It was beautiful.

As a free lance make up artist for almost 5 years, tons of cosmetics research and friends that value and trust my advice, I felt it was time to share with others. I will be writing a commenting on new products, skin care and make up application techniques.
To read my guest entries go to Angela's Eye Detroit's finest fashionista and my dear friend.