Lashes!

I know you have all been hearing about them... Lash Extensions!

I think they are simply amazing, and am sporting a set myself! Procedure length: About 1 1/2 hours. Commitment time: About 3 weeks. Price: Anywhere from 150-650 a set. (I know, that's a big range) The higher end is what you call a rip-off ; )

I got my set done from a gal who was running a $50 off special, and I got mine for 150! And I will tell you what, she was wonderful. She moved here from LA, where she did nothing but lashes-full time. Gals really eat it up out there..

I have been seeing the extensions on more and more of my brides, and actresses/musicians I work on, so I just had to learn more about the process, and what it's really like to have them one. Naturally, as a make-up artist, it was research. Heehee.

The lashes are attached individually with an adhesive. You are to take special care for 48 hours, and then just stay away from waterproof eye products after that. I've swam and showered plenty, and they are still hanging on. Now, they do "shed" and become not quite as full over the 3 or so weeks, so to maintain them you need to go in for refills which are generally about half the cost of the original set.
While you have them, there is no need for mascara, lash curling, or really even liner! Eyes look open and awake as soon as you rise. This, is where it's at.

For Austinites, I will refer you to Keri @ www.BigSexyLashes.com

Lash on!!

A different kind of post

I am greatly inspired to write about the power of women tonight.

It is no secret that having a social life is part of a healthy, balanced life. Our own social life. But most importantly, from a woman's standpoint, one with inspiring and strong women. We may have partners that "complete us", or we may not, but there is no doubt in my mind that having some wonderful women to surround yourself by as often as you can is just as valuable-. I have a quote on my computer that reads, "Think like a woman. It's a tremendous advantage because men can't do it." Nice, huh? I'm not getting feminist on the conversation.. but ladies, am I right? Or am I right.

I'm holding a ladies night at my house tomorrow night and am just delighted! There will be about 10 of us, and most of the women have never met each other. I think it will be good for all of us, really good for all of us. Great women, drinks, make-up, fantastic skincare, girl time therapy!

If you have great women in your life, embrace them often and make the time. There is enough time in the day. If you don't, try joining some groups. Make a group. Be open and remember- you can't wait for someone (a friend, family member..) to act, you must do it yourself. Make the effort if you want something to happen, like a friendship. We have the power to really inspire each other. To support and motivate, and encourage each other to be who we want to be. To DO.

Are you feeling robbed from my post tonight? OK, here is your beauty tip. Try something different. Cut bangs, get layers, try a color gloss, use bronzer, get eyelash extensions, temporary hair extensions, go red, wear an eyeshadow that isn't neutral. Play with your look and have fun. You would be surprised how a little change can feel reviving, rejuvenating, and possibly like a re-invention.

XO

Fall Make-up Trends!

Greetings! How I love to be writing about anything "Fall" at this moment! I am so ready.

I am especially excited about fall's make-up trends. We are seeing more color, and a little more drama! I want to post a fashion report that I re-read today, that is so spot on with what I am feeling and seeing on the horizon..I just couldn't have said it better! The author is Gary Jones, who works in product development and PR for Beauti Control.

It’s All About the Eyes:
Fall 2009 colors for eye shadows are said to be nude, taupe and light gray and rich earthy tones that appear to have come right from the forest.

Dramatic eyes will be rich graduations of purple. Look for mysterious shades of this regal shade to play up the eyes and add intense drama.

Metallic can be worn alone for a fashionable fall/winter look.

Eyeliner will be dark and more dramatic to balance the heavy emphasis on the eyelids.

Black eyeliner will return along with dark shades of brown, purple and smoky grey.

Eyebrows will be heavier so put away the tweezers and opt for a more natural eyebrow look and use a clear wax for the perfect grooming tool. Remember, a heavier brow can also make you look younger, so letting those hairs come back in serves two purposes.

Cat-eye makeup is going to be modified in 2009. The cat-eye for 2009 is about making a horizontal line without the upswing at the tail.


Doesn't this sound like so much fun!! Well it looks amazing on the runway that's for sure. And it's my pleasure to help you take runway to everyday.

Foundation:
When it comes to foundation, sheer and natural is in. Mineral makeup will continue to be hot and skin that’s been gently exfoliated and moisturized to give a healthy glow will add to the look for winter. Take care of your skin and exfoliate on a regular basis to get the flawlessly natural look that will be so popular this season.
Remember; emphasize either the eyes or the lips, not both. Leave the rest of your face neutral, with just a light application of foundation.

I just love this advice and agree 100%. You can't use any amount of foundation to change dull skin into true healthy looking skin. Take good care with quality maintenance products used regularly, and specialty products to treat any issues. And exfoliate!

Wonderful words Gary!

Shampoo and Conditioner

Healthy and great looking hair absolutely starts with a high quality shampoo and conditioner that is made for your hair type. Prepping the canvas, if you will. If you want your hair to behave, you simply must give it what it needs. That may be clean moisture, protein, more intense moisture with some natural oils- you get it.

First identify what your hair IS, and then figure out what it NEEDS.

Your hair could be:
Color treated, highlighted, chemically treated(in other ways that color), dry, coarse, fine, curly, AND any combination of those traits and more.

If your hair is being colored, you simply MUST wash it with a color safe shampoo, I recommend Redken Color Extend. What separated these shampoos from the rest is that they have milder cleansers that are created to keep your color, not fade it. Redken's product in particular will also impart nourishing ingredients that help strengthen chemically treated hair, and also help protect it from environmental aggressors, including the sun.
Now, with a line like Redken, one can mix and match very easily to customize a S and C package.
Just because you are protecting your color with Color Extend, does not mean you must use the conditioner as well if your hair has greater needs. Say your hair has highlights in the color, or is weak from over processing. You will want to follow with Redken Extreme Conditioner to add in the protein needed to repair stressed hair. If your hair is a bit coarser, or just very dry, I suggest Redken All Soft for lovely results. You get it? Yes, you do.

When dealing with color treated hair, the shampoo is the MOST important to prevent fading.

Also, if your hair has special needs, treatments work wonders. At home treatments can cost you from $1-5 per treatment, if you buy the whole bottle or package of individual treatments. That is not bad!!

And lastly, do not ever use hotel shampoo, unless it's a darn nice hotel: )