Make Up Meltdown?

Down here is the deep south the summers are not exactly comfortable.  With very high humidity and hot temps your daily make up feels like it is either melting off or like a mask across your face.  Through the years of being in the beauty business I have become a huge fan of the Tinted Moisturizer.  Multiple benefits come from using this awesome product.  Besides giving your skin a boost of moisturizer..most of them contain a Sunscreen along with a sheer coverage of make up.  So 3 products in 1...love that!!!
Of course, tinted moisturizers don't provide a heavy coverage..but hey..all that make up melting into fine lines and wrinkles is just not pretty...no matter what your age is!  So lighten up this summer and try something different.
Every make up line has a tinted moisturizer..ranging in price from $9 to $45...so a price point for everyone!!  Love That!!!!!

Signature Look

I have really learned a lesson. For years and years I have been in pursuit of the perfect haircut..like many women.  For me, I always wanted that "Victorias Secret Hair", "Bridget Bardot", or "Porn Star Hair".  You know....long, slightly messy, slightly big, and with a curl here and there.  After years of hits and misses I finally got the hair cut and style down.  And then I made the mistake.  I cut 6 inches of hair off and cut bangs, because I was bored with my hair.  I have had mixed reactions from several people including clients and dear friends.  Some love it...some sorta like it...and others say " I like it...but I miss your long dark crazy hair...it was your "Look".."  So apparntly, I have or had a signature look.  I never thought I would have that...or be lumped into that catagory of people. 
All of these comments have made me miss my crazy hair!  Now, I am trying to figure out ways of speeding up the growing out process.  I have to get my "signature look" back!!! So while I am feeling sorta like Jennifer Anniston when she cut her hair into a bob back in the late 90's...I am off to Whole Foods tonight before class to search for a supplement to speed up this process.  And then of course, starting my collection of headbands to hold back the bangs as they grow out. I think a lot of women have a stash of these in the back of a drawer for this exact problem.  I threw mine out years ago....should never have done that...or CUT MY HAIR!

Yes, you too can be a "Real Housewife of Your Hometown"

About 4 years ago, I attended a Eyelash Extension Certification class.  I was very excited at the possibilities of increasing my clientele but also meeting some very glamorous and fun people.  After all, if you have looked into Eyelash Extensions for yourself..you have I am sure noticed how expensive this beauty enhancement can be.  And how much maintenance it requires on the part of the client to take care of their purchase.  The actual service of Eyelash Extensions were featured on "The Real Housewives Of Orange County" and the next thing you know...ladies in small towns were looking for it.  So I went to my class and learned my new craft.  Came back home and actually had a few clients..one of which was a drag queen ( knew I would me some fun glamorous people!!). But, the service never took off for me professionally.  My clients loved their results, but hated the maintenance and lets face it..not many people have $150-$300 to drop down on their eyelashes every few weeks.  Then every woman who craves long, sexy, and dreamy eyes got their prayers answered with the release of Latisse.  I was working at a Dermatology Clinic at the time and I remember women were coming in so excited about starting the treatment they were applying it in the office to get a jump start!  And Latisse does work...as long as you always use it.  Unfortunately, you have to continue use of the product in order to maintain the results.  Kinda like working out to keep your figure. Drag!!!  And Latisse is over $100 for a 4-6 week supply on average.  So, that adds up over time. Plus, the dreaded possible side effects that come with any Rx.  But, do those side effects really stop us from accomplishing our beauty needs sometimes?...not really.  The side effects that come with Latisse is originally attached to the active ingredient in Latisse.. Bimatoprost.  This is in Glaucoma medications in a much higher percentage.  The risks attached to Bimatoprost in Glaucoma meds have to follow into Latisse because of the same ingredient is used.  In Latisse, the side effects can happen, but in very very rare cases.   Now, the latest is Lash Enhancement in sweeping the nation!  Lash Dip, 6 week Mascara!!!  It won't smudge, give you raccoon eyes, or come off in water or sweat.  So perfect lashes from when you wake up to when you go to sleep..or anything else you might do late at night.  It is applied by a licensed certified professional and with proper maintenance, a 3 week touch up, and $350  and you too can have J-Lo lashes 24-7.   What I think is really cool about this product is that the professional can customize how your lash line will look...cat eye, wide eye, or heavy line at the base.  You can wear your own make up, but have to use water based make up remover.  You cannot rub your eyes or scrub your make up off...so gentle is the word to keep in mind.  I see this service being on a future episode of the "RHOMiami" or Atlanta, humidity is a pain in the rear when it come to looking fab!   I don't see myself lining up for this service as I have so many other products that my $350 could go too!  But, I am sure that some ladies and "ladies" will be lining up with multiple credit cards to charge their way to LASH HEAVEN.

photo is of LashDip Before and Afters

How to trim and take care of your bush

You might be a bit confused with the title of this first blog and the description of my blog. But, I love a little "cheeky" humor and will probably throw it in from time to time.  I am not about to give you info on how to trim your azalea or boxwood, but help out with the many descriptions you may come across at your local waxer.  We are talking about your Bikini Line Bush! 
I have been asked several times over the years questions about this subject..Does it hurt? How long will it last? Can I do it while having my period?  But the most often one that passes over the lips is...What is a Brazilian?  Well here we go..

     A Brazilian bikini wax is everything off...bald.  From the top of your "little girl" to the back of your derriere every hair is removed. 

     The French bikini wax...I refer to this as an Extended Bikini line.  This is the "landing strip" design.  A thin line of hair is left and it can continue down below if you want.

     A Moustache Style...as much as I hate to refer to this man...think Hitler stache.  So, a small square-ish patch of hair is left on the top, but everything else is removed.  Kinda silly looking to me personally.

    And lastly..Just as simple Bikini Wax.  This resembles what you looked like a few years ago...only neatened  up a bit.  The edges a cleaned up so as when you wear your underwear, thong, or bathing suit no hair is showing peeking out the sides.  I always believe in classic styles..and as far as I am concerned..this is always a good choice.  Especially, if you keep the hair trimmed down to a short length. 

One piece of advice I will pass on to those considering some "spring gardening" ..before diving into a Brazilian...think of this.  Going Brazilian takes guts..not because of the pain, which can be bad but temporary. It takes guts, cause you don't know what you are going to look like down there once your hair is gone.  Liken it to a man shaving all of his hair off and going smooth.  He could have moles, birthmarks, not a nice shaped head, etc.  So, be prepared to see yourself in a whole new light...everything is exposed!

Happy Waxing!