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)