Faux Eyelashes Giveaway

Want to win some sexy, fun, and flirty faux eyelashes?

Check out my other blog for some easy steps to enter:

http://thydsterz.blogspot.com/2010/09/eyelashes-giveaway.html

GOOD LUCK!

Victoria's Secret - 7 Panties for $25

Its here again... the 7 for $25 panties sale at Victoria's Secret. It actually started yesterday and I had been meaning to share that with all of you, but I wasn't on a computer (it was my lazy Monday).

Anyway, time to stock up while you can... especially when its the PINK line (my favorite).

Happy Panties Shopping!

For online shopping: victoriassecret.com NOTE: Panty Raid is IN STORE ONLY (for now)

Makeup - Expensive Nail Polish... worth every penny!

I used to wonder WTF was wrong with people who made a big deal over OPI nail polish and question their sanity when they think that it is OKAY to spend more than ten bucks for a small bottle of nail polish when I can get the same sized bottle of Wet & Wild for 99 cents. If I am lucky, there is a buy one get one free special. HA! Ten bucks (sometimes sixteen) dollars for a bottle of nail polish is just ludicrous, right? Thats what I thought too...

... but I admit that I am slowly moving on over to the dark side! Eeep! Save me!

I have never been crazy about painting my nails because...

1. I have huge hands and feet... meaning: HUGE nails...! A lady who did my nails last called me "Supa-man" for my big hands and feet and I haven't gotten a professional manicure or pedicure since. Sorta traumatizing!


2. Can't afford weekly mani's and pedi's


3. Don't have the patience to do it myself and wait for all that gunk to dry before I can even scratch my nose!


4. I am rough with my hands ("that's what she said" - LOL) and the colors start to chip by the following day, usually!

So yeah... those are just some of the reasons why I wouldn't think of spending a few extra bucks I could have spent on a Big Mac on a nail polish color.

BUT... lately I've been really bothered with the way my nails look sometimes. My friends give me crap about my chipped nail colors often, so I usually just choose not to wear any nail color. BUT... if I don't wear any nail color, my hands look massive and manly... and that just ain't cute! :(

Anyway, I try to maintain my nail colors for those reasons... because chipped nail polishes aren't cute but neither are manly hands.

I would go to the drugstore around the corner and find the cheapest nail polishes I could find. Yes, I am cheap like that! I noticed that they take forever and a day to dry and I tend to eff it all up before its dry because I have to actually get things done from time to time. Even if I sit around for an hour and it dries completely, it would start to chip and wear off by the next dish washing session. How annoying!

Today, I decided to give OPI a shot after hearing all the great things about it.

Good thing I got mine for a discounted price, or else I would be beating myself up for it right now rather than typing this! The color I got is not what is shown here... I got a color called "Senorita Rose-alita". The description reads, "A rosy plum with a touch of golden charm". Its REALLY pretty! You can check out the color at http://opi.com/ but let me tell you that the picture online doesn't do it much justice. ;)

The color dried fast and amazingly, I only needed ONE coat to get its true color. I'm not talking about a gunky thick coat either... it was a really thin coat, but it gave the true color it promised when you look at the bottle. I was so amazed that it was neither runny or too thick and gunky. AND... it dried so amazingly fast... no more than ten minutes for my toes and fingernails, I would say.

Now, I am not usually an advocate of spending the same amount of money that is better spent on an eyeliner on nail polish, but look at it as an investment. We'll see how long this polish lasts, but from what I've heard and read, it can last up to two weeks without chipping at all! Thats amazing... but I will report if it is true or not. If it is, then it truly is an investment because you would only have to do your nails once in two weeks. Think about it... if you use the cheaper brands that chip and wear off after a day or two, you'd really be spending more money on nail polish than you think... considering you would have to apply multiple coats and you'd be done with your bottle before you even know it! (I didn't even use a top coat because I want to test it out) I also find that I am never really satisfied with other nail colors and I would just buy it out of impulse because its so cheap. Its rare that I wear a nail color more than once, but in this case, I am so happy and in love with the color that I KNOW I will wear it over and over again. Ahhh! New love!

Do you use OPI? What do you think of it? What other nail polish brands do you recommend? Any tips for those who are rough on the hands and the color wears off from easily?

THANKS!!

By the way... I don't know why, but that was a fun post. I sure miss blogging! You'll hear more from me now, I think! ;)

Makeup - Preferred Foundation

On my clients, I have been using a professional brand of foundation that cannot be bought at stores. (If you really wanna know, just ask) It is way too expensive for me to afford for my own face and to be honest, I don't want to spend that much time applying foundation for myself on a daily basis. I stuck with my tried and true MAC foundation since it didn't give me any problems and to be honest, it is less expensive than a lot of other brands that I would use if I could afford to.

Recently though, I was asked what type of foundation I would recommend. I took a few trips to my lovely nearby Sephora to see what else is out there and really... I just wanted to play with all the makeup... its been awhile. Good news... I think I found a winner!

Make Up Forever HD Foundation at Sephora

I tried pretty much everything... and this is the best one that I have found. Great coverage that isn't too heavy and also doesn't seem oily and would run off people's skin. If you haven't tried it, I suggest you give it a shot. What you got to lose? Forty bucks? HAHA... I know it sounds like a lot if you don't typically use foundation or you are used to drugstore lines (though there is nothing wrong with that), but a little goes a long way. I say a bottle would last about 6 months if you use it everyday... assuming you don't gunk on way too much on a daily.

Well, that was a quick post, but I just felt like sharing it with yah. If you do try it or have tried it, let me know what you think!

Have a great rest of the weekend, everyone! :)

Back!

I know I've been Missing in Action for awhile, but I am back... ready or not!

Macys: The Daily Fashion Challenge

Put together outfits and enter for your chance to win $500 gift cards each day from now until April 6th!

Macy's is introducing the "Fashion Director", which is an interactive tool for you to put together outfits. Right now, there are challenges happening daily with a whoppin' $500 gift card prize each day!

So... if you are a stylish fashionista who likes to put together outfits, why not put yourself to the test and take part in the challenge? I don't know about you, but for me, a $500 gift card to one of the world's largest department stores couldn't hurt.

Check it out at:

Stop Sex Trafficking... through shopping!

The Body Shop® partnered with ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes) and the Somaly Mam Foundation to raise funds and awareness to combat human trafficking.

Bag for Life - $5

For every sale, $2 will be donated to the Somaly Mam Foundation

Soft Hands Kind Heart Hand Cream - $10

100% of the profits from sale of product will be donated to ECPAT

If shopping for small items such as these help to make a difference in others' lives, what reason do we have to stop us from doing so?

Get involved... shop.... make your dollars count in more ways than one.

FREE lipgloss at Benefit!

Get a FREE lip gloss with any $50 order at Benefit.
Enter HOTLOOKS at checkout. Offer valid through 3.15.10.
Don’t forget to add any gloss to shopping bag before checkout.
Not valid with other offers.

Daily Beauty Wear?

My newly found buddy, Lisa asked me to post a list of products that I personally like to or would like to use daily. I thought I had posted this before, but I guess I hadn't. Or I might have, but took it down by accident?

Well, whichever it is, here it is again:

I am not really "high maintenance" (what ever that is), but I have tried many products and these seem to be the ones that I stick to. I also love certain drug store products... I don't discriminate, I love all things beautiful!

More to come soon but until then, Teedaloo!

First Featured Talent on TeeDaLoo!

Lok In The Moment Photography

Southern California

When we hear the word, "talent", we think of it as a blessing. A gift. Something that is inevitably handed over to us and we walk with it. But what good is talent if you don't runwith it? What good is it without ambition and the will to work with what you have? Mikal of Lok In The Moment Photography was not born with a camera strapped to his hands nor is his work handed over to him on a silver platter. He works hard for what he has and loves what he does.

After this interview with Mikal, I have come to realize that you are not born being great at something. As long as you love what you do and keep striving for what you want with passion, anything is possible.

Read the interview here.

Spring up your wardrobe... with scarves!

Floral Scarves

Simple & Easy Way to SPRING up your look!

Realistically, we all can't afford to go out and purchase a new wardrobe, can we? Instead, we can make use of what we already have and then just change it up a little with a couple of affordable pieces that you can use for years to come (this is why I love accessories).

By scarves, I am not referring to the big and bulky scarves that were done a few days ago (you can save those for next Winter). I mean, the lightweight, soft, and flowy scarves! To brighten things up, try some colors! My suggestion though, is to welcome the first Spring flowers with these floral print scarves. They're easy and breezy... won't choke on your necks or make you feel queasy! ;)

Share some of your quick pick me up, SPRING me up accessories and secrets!

Got a floral scarf in mind? Share it please! :D

Sunglasses AKA Shades AKA Stunna Shades

Sunglasses AKA Shades AKA Stunna Shades

The must have accessory... for any season, really!

Lets be honest. There are times when there is no signs of sun but you still feel the need to pull out sunglasses and just hide. If celebrities can do it, why can't we? Vogue's Editor (Anna Wintour) practically lived in hers throughout the movie/documentary "The September Issue".

There is something about sunglasses that makes you feel safe. Maybe its the nerd in me that feels protected just by having my glasses on, but I'm sure that many feel the same way I do. With Spring knocking at our doors, this is a good excuse to reward yourself with a nice pair without looking like a freak who is hiding from the sun because... the sun really is coming after us! (Well, I'd like to hope so, at least)

Mention Worthy Lines?

Tom Ford:

Alexander Wang:

MORE Shades:


If you already got some, share what you got! By that, I don't mean you have to literally share your stunner shades, silly! Let us know what brand and style you got. And if you came across any good deals, share the wealth! Better yet, share some pictures of you in it! Please? :D

NOW is time to say goodbye...

How often do you replace your makeup?

If you're anything like me, then you are probably a little embarrassed to answer this question. Am I right?

Supposedly, lipstick is supposed to be tossed after one year... after two years at the very most, but that is really pushing it. Mascara should be tossed after 3 to 4 months of use. Foundation goes bad after a period of time, but it really depends on what type of foundation it is. But come on... who really follows all of these rules?

Lipstick can run up to $20 (and up) per tube. BUT... how do we stick to only one tube? Personally, I like to buy a lot of cosmetics just to test it out and it takes awhile to find ones that I really love. Different occasions call for different lipsticks. A red tube may look perfect when paired with a sexy little black dress for a special night, but you can't really expect anyone to wear the color to the office Monday-Friday, can you? (No offense to those who do) If I buy a tube of lipstick for... lets say... $14 and I have worn it about 3 times all year, then no way in hell am I going to toss that little sucker. I want to get my money's worth!

A tube of mascara can easily run up to nearly $40 per tube (hence DiorShow... which I love). BUT... I also have other mascaras that I like to use... again, for different occasions. I am not going to toss my mascara that I've used about 5% of... I don't care if its past the three months mark, I am keeping it!

Maybe some of you might think that its gross or whatever, but thats fine... I'm not forcing you to use my cosmetics.

I like to get my money's worth on everything that I buy... and that includes makeup. Although I may not toss my beloved tubes after a few months, I know when its time to let it go. If I am on the verge of adding different types of liquids to any of my makeup to moisten it, I know its time to say goodbye.

After writing this post, I think I ALMOST came to my senses that I should give myself time lines as to when I am allowed to buy certain products. Maybe that will be my new project this upcoming week? (Go through all of my makeup and part ways with some)

So lets hear it... how long do you keep your makeup for? Are you guilty of saving the goodies longer than you should? What is the product that has been in your drawer the longest and WHY is it still there?

This should be interesting!

Ideal Bodies?

The "Ideal" Bodies... its ever changing.
How do we keep up? Do we change ourselves?

The answer is NO. There will never be one ideal body type that will last a lifetime. Society changes and so does its mind and its perception of just about everything and anything.

Don't believe me? See for yourself!

1950's This is the era when people actually believed that curves are beautiful! Women with hourglass figures were praised and their curves were what made people of the time believe that Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Kim Novak had the ideal bodies. According to size charts nowadays, these women were probably sizes 12-14... which is considered "plus size" by today's standards.

1960's Thin... was in. With booming actress Audrey Hepburn taking the world by storm, her naturally thin image was admired and desired by many. Dieting became a phenomenon and it was believed that anyone can achieve the thin look. Naturally thin beauty icon, Twiggy was introduced and with many fans who wanted to be like her and Jean Shrimpton, the Twiggy Era continued.

1970's Everyone was striving for individuality and standing out was never a problem at the time. Slight curves and natural bodies were embraced again with influeces of Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter and the still popular Charlie's Angels (Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith). People were more into the hair styles and clothing that concealed the bodies to pay too much attention to what was underneath (the bodies).

1980's Thanks to models like Brooke Shields, Christie Brinkley, and Cindy Crawford, people began to realize that there is more in between than just thin or fat. Muscles on women became attractive and the idea of changing your body's natural shape was accepted. This may be the reason why when we think "80's", we see women in leggings, sweats, and leotards. I must say that this was probably one of the more fit eras when it com

1990's And we are back... to THIN, that is. Thanks to supermodels like Kate Moss who influenced so many in fashion and on the runways. It seemed that most believed that the thinner you get, the better you look. It got to a point where hipbones were sexy and ribs that showed were considered hot. Thank goodness I was barely a teen in this era because the only ribs that showed on me was on my dinner plate!

2000's The best of all worlds, I believe. Thank goodness most of my teenage years and young adult life took place at this time because it was the most balanced (in my opinion). Real women showed that it is possible to be thin and have curves. Having a little meat on your bones is not a reason to be scrutinzed. In fact, being "thick" was praised and what was considered "ideal". Cheers to meat and being able to eat!

2010's - WHAT will the decade look like? With only two months into the decade, it is far too early to tell. I have an idea of what it may be, but it is really up to us to decide what we think is ideal.

According to you, what will the next ten years look like?

BAD gal..!

I love the cute little packaging and themes that different companies come up with. One of my favorites (for its packaging AND prodcts) has got to be Benefit! Whoever is the designer for it all is genius and must have a bubbly and fun personality! I haven't tried all of their products, not even most (can't afford to), but I've tried and loved quite a bit. Check out some of my faves:

Bad Gal Lash... how cute is that? I love this mascara... and you can get a small size for only $9 just to try! Even drug store brands cost almost the same as that. Totally worth a try if you ask me!

SO cute!! This thing really does work! It practically dries up your zit or pimple and within a few hours, its once considered a mountain bump is as flat as the plain (the rest of your face). I highly recommend... but please don't use it all the time or all over your face because as I mentioned, it dries up your skin wherever you apply it.

The packaging itself is a turn on! Oh my! But wait until you actually try the product. Lets just say that the packaging is NOT misleading. *giggles*

Ahhh... I love this! For a nice, subtle, glow... and its not heavy or too thick like a lot of highlighters... very easy to blend and you can mix a drop with your tinted moisturizer for a soft, dewy, glow.

Ever wondered how some celebrities have ultra smooth and sleek looking legs that don't seem to have any scars or discoloration at all? Almost looks like they are wearing pantyhose, even? Well, I think I may have found their secret!

Now... here are a few things that I would like to try... seems so interesting!

Why its called Dear John? I really don't know but it surely caught MY attention!

HAIR - Damage Control

Its the one thing that we wear everyday and though we don't spend a dime on the purchase, the maintenance costs can be a pain. Understandably, there are more things in life to worry about than just our hair. However, it is a part of us and was given to us for reasons beyond vanity. It allows us to express ourselves in ways that are unmeasurable. It plays a major role in our appearance which in turn, plays a role in our confidence and self esteem. Without confidence, where would we be and would we be the true selves that we are now?

Therefore, we should appreciate our hair and give it thelove and care that it truly deserves.

DRYING
If we could all have it our way, we'd allow our hair to air dry. Blowdrying can often be a pain, takes up some time, and is a pain in the arm. Unfortunately, we all don't have the luxury we call time to sit around and wait. However, we can deal with it the best way that we could and minimize the suffering our hair (and arms) have to go through.

Blow drying your hair sure feels like it is softening in the process, but we forget that it is also dehydrating our hair... robbing it of not only the water (pro), but also the natural moisture that we'd like to remain (con). Its hard to have everything you want, but we can always try!

TIP: Remove as much excess water as you can before blow drying. This cuts down on time your hair is exposed to high heat. It is best to blow dry once your hair is two-thirds dry rather than when it is dripping wet. DO NOT TWIST IT IN A GIANT TERRY-CLOTH TOWEL WHILE DOING OTHER THINGS (like applying makeup how I usually do) HOPING THAT IT WOULD SPEED UP THE PROCESS. This puts a lot of strain in your hair and may weaken your hair and result in even more damage than you started with. Instead, spend a little bit more time to blot your hair with a microfiber towel that would suck our a great amount of water. You'd be surprised!

Tribute to Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen (1969 - 2010)

SHOP for Alexander McQueen's designs and pieces:

SMOKEY EYES - How To...

How to Pull Off Smokey Eyes with Ease
(pictures soon to come)

It is safe to say that smokey eyes is not just a trend for a season. Initially, we found them harsh and a little too dramatic for most of our hearts when we first saw them on runway models. After the years went by, we've grown to accept that its not so bad after all. Most of us have even adapted to the look and many prefer the look over all others.

As a makeup artist, telling me that you want "smokey eyes" doesn't say too much and you'd better believe that I'd ask you a few more questions about the supposed smokey eyes that you are referring to. There are many different "looks" that fall under the smokey eyes category. Which one do we go with and how do we get it? Like most everything else in life, it depends on what we want and are looking for.

BASIC: A simple and somewhat subtle smokey eye that is achieved with black eyeliner drawn closely to the lashes and on the inner rims of the eyes. There is no rule that this can only be done with black liners - any dark shade will do... just be sure that the color is strongest at the lashlines and softly feathers out.

SHADOW: Using a powder eyeshadow, apply it close to the lashline and blend it outwards. The shadow should be past the crease to prevent you from looking like you have a black eye. The key to this is blend, blend, blend!

GLAMMED: You don't have to stick to just one color for a smokey look. Try using a different color with the dark tones to add dimension, glitz, and glam. Use the lighter color around the dark and feather the dark outwards to blend it into the lighter shade. Use a shimmery color and you'd be impressed.

Helpful Tips

• You can blend the colors into any shape that you'd like. A popular look is the cat eye... in which you can achieve by dragging the dark color slightly upward toward the outer end of your eyebrows.

• Enhancing your browbones will make your eyes look deeper and more dramatic. Sweep a light, shimmery, beige color a few shades lighter than your skin tone below the arches of your eyebrows. This is where shimmer is good, but again, don't overdo it because it is reflective and will take away from the depth. Try to avoid using a white color... too obvious and may end up looking ashy.

• Don't be afraid to use shadows below your eyes... this is what gives it more depth and drama.

• To finish the look in a sexy and dramatic way, line your eyes with liquid eyeliner (more intense). Don't forget mascara to lengthen and darken your eyelashes (and cover the eyeshadows that found its way onto your lashes). If your natural lashes aren't strong enough for the look that you are going for, false lashes work wonders!

FREE Bare Escentuals Foundation

Simply click on the image below to get a full size coupon that you can simply print out and bring to a Sephora located inside a JCPenney! Enjoy and I hope you like the goodies!

WHAT exactly are we putting into our mouths?

Sure, it looks healthy. BUT... is it really?

We're still pretty new into the new year and we are all struggling to keep up with our New Years' Resolution. Its so new that some of us haven't even set our goals for 2010 yet, have we? ;)

For those who have made your resolutions and are sticking with it, I commend you. I can almost guarantee that at least 75% of the resolutions that are set each year is to lose weight. We follow all the rules that we come across, but why aren't the pounds and the waist band dropping like we had hoped?

One of the two most effective ways of finally reaching that goal is to change our diet and our eating habits. We throw out all the "bad" foods and stick with the "good" foods... but nothing has changed. Well.. what exactly are the "goods" and which ones are the "bads"? Here's a little something that will make you go, "hmmmm...".



Salads are usually the first thing we grab when we think of eating healthy. Great choice, but if you are going to drown it in those yummy croutons, sweet and sugared nuts, pounds of cheese, and drench it in dressing, don't bother. You probably would have been better off sticking with that burger you originally wanted (although I don't recommend).

Juice is a quick and easy way to get our recommended daily fruit servings for the day, right? Sure it is! It is also a great way to jam pack the 55 grams of carbohydrates and at least 10 spoonfuls of sugar. The thought of it makes me feel unhealthy already. Moderation is key.

Sushi is my personal weakness and writing this paragraph is killing me. The delicious rolls look healthy with the veggies and low calorie seaweed wrap. We usually forget that the roll is mostly filled with rice and often times, cream cheese and mayonnaise (yum)! Oh... and did you see the tempura battered seafood? Yes... that is still fried no matter how raw the other ingredients may be. Don't forget all the sodium floating around in your soy sauce that sushi cannot (ih my opinion) do without. Did I make you put your chopsticks down yet? Oops.

Granola ... there can't be anything wrong with the yummy nuts and oats, right? WRONG. The crunch... how do you think that came about? Oils. The sweetness... where did that come from? Sugar. Oils and sugars... need I say more?

Tofu always seems like a good alternative when you don't want to eat meat. Its fine from a vegetarian's aspect, but if you are trying to lose weight and think that it is less in calories, you'd better think twice. The bland and spongey food that sounds healthy is basically sodium and saturated fat well packed into a solid form. Rarely is it ever eaten plain because of the lack of flavor. So what do we reach out and drench it with? Condiments, sauces, condiments, and more sauces. OH... and another way to eat it is to eat it fried. FRIED -- that says it all.

Do You See a BABY in Your Future?

If so, maybe its about time that we start watching the weight? Losing weight is not only for superficial or vanity reasons, it is moreso for reasons that can affect your life much more than being able to try to fit into that size 4 dress you have hanging in your closet for the past two years. A hormonal disorder called polycystic ovary sundrome affects about 10 percent of women. This leads to irregular and absent periods which in turn, makes it difficult to get pregnent. Moreover, excess weight is also a cause of low fertility. So before you start choosing baby names or strolling through the baby clothes aisle, keep an eye on the scale. We know you'd be a fabulous and beautiful Mommy one day!

BIKING: Outdoors VS Indoors

Did you know that because the bikes in your spin class weight more (a whoppin' 39-42 pounds), your legs do more work, which in turn, burns more calories. Always a plus, right? But biking outdoors on a real bike can help improve your coordination and balance. What is your goal today? Burn more calories or hope to be less clumsy? They each have their benefits, so just hop on already!

Have your DRINK... and drink it too?!

Whoever said that you shouldn't drink (after your 21st birthday, of course!) is silly!

(In no way are we suggesting that you become a drunkard alcoholic... no way, Jose!)

A drink a day has its benefits for the heart. But lets get real... a beer belly on a woman (or man) is not very attractive. One drink a day is ay-okay. Now, don't go off ordering the yummy, sugary fruit cocktail that has the calories of an extra large pizza (okay, maybe not THAT much, but you know what I mean). Instead, opt for an 80 calorie glass of champagne or vodka soda. Not your thing? I guess we'll go easy on you and allow the 100 calories found in a five ounces of wine (sip slowly with the pinky up!) or in 12 ounces of light beer. Go on... I let you!

Perfume, Eau de Parfum, Cologne, Eau de Toilette -

We know they all make you smell good,

but are they the same thing?

Uhhh... no. Not quite.

Please don't apply perfume as (much or often) as you do colgone. Here's why:

Perfume is intense and can last up 12 hours, so only a drop or two is needed.
Eau de Parfum lasts almost 8 hours... three spritzes should do you good for the day.
Eau de Toilette and Cologne are diluted and can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, so feel free to use more if you wish (just don't choke your neighbors)

Fragrance counters can often be a hassle.
So many choices, such few noses on one person.


Tips:

• Wait a couple of minutes after spraying the blotters as the alcohol needs to dry before you can experience the true scent. (Lightbulb moment: No wonder almost all of them smell the same initially)
• Between scents, smell coffee beans (often provided). If not available, sniff the mints in your purse, or even your sleeve to clear your nose.
• Choose the few scents that you have a hard time choosing between and dab each on your wrist and outer forearm (different area for different scent, of course) because it may smell different on skin than on blotters.
• Before you give your final answer and make your final purchase, let the scent settle for 15-20 minutes. Again, the alcohol needs to dry.
• BONUS: Carry a small scented handkerchief in your purse for an extra whiff of your favorite scent wherever you are. (This can be attractive, but don't overdo it)