cosmetic – Just Trim The Ends

From Caked to Cupcake

Published on August 9, 2013May 27, 2015 by StefanieLeave a comment

Sitting at your vanity, calmly applying the face you want to wear with the perfect light highlighting your visage – Does this really happen to anyone? My usual makeup routine is sandwiched between the other million things I have to do before I’m out the door. That goes for any time of day too, even if I’m going out for the evening. I specifically want to mention eyeshadow. I absolutely love eyeshadow and using various colors to create a new shade or new look to compliment my outfit. I’m a true artist and use my face as yet another pallet. Does this mean everyone should have animal print eyelids? No.

First things first, remember your audience. What does that mean? Is it a wise idea to cake on the makeup, go heavy on the lids for an important meeting or meeting new clients? No, not at all. For most, if not all, work settings, it is truly best to stay as natural as possible, when it comes to your eyes. Save the bright blues and coppers for a night out on the town. A simple soft shade, liner and great mascara go a long way versus trying to “express yourself.” Even if your boss is more lax and encourages you to express yourself; still play it safe. You never know who you will encounter and what new connections / networking can be made.

What about that night out? Again, know your audience. Are you going on that first date? Play with colors but stick to something low key that enhances your natural beauty. I don’t think he or she would appreciate dating a Monet painting – they should be getting to know you. What if you’ve been married for what feels like forever? Break out your colors and play around until you find a combination you love. Spice things up, have fun – be someone different that night. Just remember that too much really is too much and caked on isn’t cute. I call it the “Cupcake” alternative. It is just enough without being too much.

Also, don’t break the bank in search of the best eyeshadow. The prices vary from very inexpensive to very expensive, and now there are brands that claim to last longer than 5+ hours on your face without issue. I don’t recommend wearing the same makeup longer than 10 hours. Your skin needs to breathe – but that is another topic altogether. Do make sure you test products out to find out what works best on your skin. I haven’t found that expensive brands work better than inexpensive ones, so don’t feel the need to splurge (unless you want to). Don’t be afraid to try new colors either! Mix, match and be fabulous! The same rules apply to the brushes. I find my cheap brushes do their job well and clean very easily so I don’t waste endless q-tips (I call them Q-Tip$) in the process.

Take a risk, beauty, don’t always be on your guard. Life is too short to go along with the crowd.

Stay beautiful! xox

Cleaning Out Your Closets

Published on August 7, 2013 by StefanieLeave a comment

I do my best each season to clean out my closet, beauty bag and beauty containers. This way I don’t feel as guilty splurging for new items. Also, when you donate your goods, you can deduct them at the end of the year. Cool, huh? It’s like cash just sitting around in your closet collecting dust. If you aren’t into that, having multiple yard sales through the year is another great resource for turning a profit on things you no longer need, want or use. The other end of this is by visiting various yard sales or visiting your local thrift shop, you can find new goods at low prices. There are some consignment stores that do this, but sometimes they can be as expensive as the name brand store itself.

With Fall approaching, don’t focus too much on which trends are floating around. Some of those trends are very ill fitting on a curvy woman and it is better to stock up on the basics while adding a hint of color, pattern or personality to each outfit.

Work Basics: Fitted jackets, great slacks and skirts, cute flats and modest heels – It’s good to have various pieces that can be mixed and matched together, that way you will never run out of things to wear. You can always throw in various pattern tights for a fun twist in the office.

Casual Basics: If you are a demin kind of woman, invest in a quality pair of jeans. It can be very hard to find jeans that fit. I personally hate them but to each their own. It is better to invest in a more expensive pair that fits you well because it will last longer. If you opt for something cheaper, be prepared for it to fade and not last more than a year. Other basics to remember are thin and thick style tops that can be layered that are various sleeve length. Here in the North East part of the US, our Fall weather can be just about anything from somewhat warm days to very cold nights before winter sets in. Be ready! Hoodies and sweatshirts are great for those cool nights but look for something more put together. Save the super casual stuff for nights in at home.

Dressy Basics: Wedding season isn’t just once a year anymore, it can be all year round for some. It’s important to have some cocktail dresses stocked in your closet just in case. I can’t count how many times I have had to rush to a store in search of something to wear to a formal occasion. It’s a pain, it’s annoying and it’s unnecessary. Buying a few key items that you can switch things up by adding a scarf, new shoes or great jewelry helps and extends the life of the items in your closet. I like to browse and shop at the end of a season when things are on sale or already on clearance. You’d be surprised at how a cardigan or blazer can change a dress or how opaque tights can warm you up but also slim you down. Give a shot – be bold!

Makeup Basics: Play with new colors that blend well with neutrals for your skin tone that can go from day to night or meetings to that great dinner date. A time saver for your makeup routine is to do basic foundation, eye liner, mascara, and your favorite color lip gloss or lipstick. This fall, deep crimson and various mauve’s can be your best friend through either lip gloss or lip stick.

Remember to have some fun when it comes to fashion and keep it tasteful. It is more important to showcase who you are versus what item you have on your body.

You are timeless and unique.

Weekend Wishes

Published on June 8, 2013June 8, 2013 by StefanieLeave a comment

What are you getting into this weekend? I hope whatever it is, you find the joy in it. This should be a very interesting weekend for me. Tonight is one of my favorite nights, date night. I love any excuse for getting dolled up for a night out! As far as makeup goes, I’ll stick with a gold base and maroon accent for a mild smokey eye, eye liner, mascara and a soft plum lip. It is all very subtle but I prefer my makeup like that than the shocking style. Makeup should show off your natural beauty, not a person you aren’t.