Pause.  

Posted by: LadyBird in

So I am going to be taking a bit of a break, I've lost the passion you could say, that and Im low on funds :) so I will be back but Im just gonna pause for a minute.

Peace

Billy B. Brushes  

Posted by: LadyBird in , , ,

I've seen them before ( okay it was only on the internet, but i would still love to have them :))

"Essential" Billy B from Scandalous Beauty (love that gurl <3)

"The complete" Billy B brushes



Mehron and kryolan  

Posted by: LadyBird in , , ,

Mehron and Kryolan are water activated moist cakes. I see them used as primers for eye makeup sort of like Mac Paintpots, in reviews they are said to be comparable. I see them all the time, in random searches and more and more in blog posts and youtube mentions. So I decided to make mention of them and bring them to your attention, just in case your interested. :)
Xsparkage did a video comparison of the two brands.




HD makeup  

Posted by: LadyBird in , , , ,

I recently went to Sephora and tried the Makeup Forever HD foundation.
I colour matched myself so it's possible that I am off. I believe that I am colour 178. What I liked about this foundation is it's in pump format so you have a bit more control of how much product comes out.
I liked how they had models showing the colour of each foundation so you could see the difference between 175 and 175 without your hand being covered in foundation. Again there just to give you an idea of what colour you may be but I liked them.

I also tried the HD powder, it is sooooo soft and smooth and it is very fine, I tried MUFE's kubuki brush. LOVE it. Its so soft i couldn't stop touching it. I ran my hand over it for at least a good minute, No lie :)

Erin from Scandalous Beauty has done a youtube video on applying MUFE HD foundation, check it out.



Problems.....  

Posted by: LadyBird in ,

Okay so I am experiencing some problems, I have changed my url address a few times ( I was so naive) I thought that It didn't make any difference. How wrong I was.

I have found that posts that were published under the other names will not show up when I try to click on them now, which I am finding very frustrating.

I have tried to make "corrections" or "changes" to the posts but I haven't had any luck with that tatic.

Has anyone experienced this before, any adivce to offer, I would appreciate it.

Thanks :D

Costal Scents how -to video  

Posted by: LadyBird in , ,

I am loving this,I like that its not dependent on the Alcohol like alot of the other tuts on pressing pigments. I don't know why but the alcohol puts me off but it does.



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Chagrin Valley Soaps  

Posted by: LadyBird in , ,

Its a nice review, I am so interested in purchasing the soaps and other products. The website is http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com/



.

Skin tones- Mocha, dark and olive  

Posted by: LadyBird in , ,

These suggestions are not so much skin tone as they are skin colour, they advice and colour suggestions still seem sound though. Again this excerpt is taken from Carmindy's book The 5-Minute Face

Mocha skin


Women with this coloring have so many makeup hues to choose from, and they look especially radiant in golden colors.

Highlight
Choose golden-pink shimmer. It will bring out the natural gold in your skin.

Eyes
Pick caramels, toffees, coffees, chocolate browns, deep wines, navy blues, granites, golds, bronzes, emerald greens, teals, deep plums, and violets.

Cheeks
Look for berries, golden corals, bronzes, terracottas, deep warm pinks, and dark apricots.

Lips
Think sheer golds, beiges, coffees, caramels, toffees, bronzes, berries, plums, wines, pinks, corals, sheer raisins, and garnet reds.

Dark skin

You can pull off bold, jewel-toned colors like no one else! Anything too light or sheer might look ashy.

Highlight
Choose a true gold color. It's the perfect hue for you.

Eyes
Choose golds, coppers, bronzes, coffees, deep navy and cobalt, rich dark eggplant and purples, deep jewel-toned greens, slate and dark charcoal grays, metallics, ebony, and deep mahogany and chocolate browns.

Fast fix
Make the whites of your eyes pop by applying sapphire blue pencil along the inner rims.

Cheeks
Think dark raisins, burnt orange, magentas, fuchsia (don't be scared, it will look beautiful on dark skin), and rich blood reds.

Lips
Pick sheer lip gloss in shimmery clears, golds, honeys, caramels, oranges, corals, tangerine, deep plums, bronzes, and bronzy pinks. Or choose lipsticks in sheer mahogany, blackberry, maroon, raisin, and deep red.



Olive skin

In addition to women with Hispanic roots, this group includes all women with olive skin, such as those from Italy, India, or the Middle East. Bright colors, like coral, on cheeks and lips, and everything from shimmery bronzes and pale golds to deep greens and blues around your eyes will play up your amazing skin color.

Highlight
I love pale golds and pinky golds to highlight the skin and create a luminous glow.

Eyes
Eyes look amazing in rich sparkling browns and burgundies, copper, bronze, gold, warm tawny pinks, eggplants and warm plums, deep forest greens, and sapphire blues.

Cheeks
Think warm pinks, corals, brownish rose, apricot, and bronze.

Lips
Go for warm pinks, sheer shimmery nudes, corals, peachy apricot, bronze and golds, golden berry shimmer, and sheer blood reds

Skin tones- Brunettes and Asians  

Posted by: LadyBird in , ,

This one is for Brunettes and Asians again this excerpt is from Carmindy's book The 5-Minute Face

Brunettes


Brunettes have naturally dark eyebrows and lashes that frame and define their eyes, so they can get away with wearing less makeup. At the same time, their typically medium-toned skin allows them to choose from a wider range of colors that women with other skin tones.

Highlight
Champagne shimmer works best on you.

Eyes
Play with all shades of shimmering browns, silvery taupes, mochas, golden pinks, gold, bronze, navy and sapphire blues, purples and plums, burgundies, and forest greens.

Cheeks
Choose rose, berries, bronzes, and terracottas.

Lips
Wear rose hues, berries, plums, bonzes, golden pinks, browny pinks, shimmering mochas, sheer corals, wines, and true reds. Avoid pastel colors (i.e., any shade that looks like it has white mixed in). These will just wash you out.


Asian

Asian women are among the most naturally beautiful in the world. They usually have full lips (the kind the rest of us dream of) and skin that never seems to age. Asian complexions looks best when color is brought to the cheeks and eyes are defined.

Highlight
Pale pink shimmer looks gorgeous and makes the most of your naturally beautiful skin.

Eyes
Choose colors in shades of tawny pinks, shimmering taupes and browns, burgundy, vanilla, emerald green, granite, silvery plums, and deep purples.

Cheeks
Wear pinks, berries, plums, and roses.
Fast fix
Save time by turning a cream blush into a two-in-one product. Blend the cream blush on the apples of your cheeks then dab the same color onto your lips for a quick natural look.

Lips
Opt for pinks, like raspberry, roses, golden pink shimmers, pinky browns, mauves, deep plum stains, shimmering beiges, and nudes.




Skin tones- Redheads and Blondes  

Posted by: LadyBird in , ,

Carmindy the author of 5 Minute face and the makeup artist for TLC's show What Not to Wear has these suggestions and recommendations for those who are Redheaded or Blonde

Porcelain-skinned redhead
The romantic ideal of alabaster complexions is so alluring. I think of Botticcelli when it comes to these gorgeous women. Yet, a lot of women with this coloring have a tough time finding makeup colors that look best on them. I blame the old mindset that cool pinks (like mauve) are the way to go for redheads. The opposite is true! Soft peaches, coppers, bronzy tones, everything your grandmother was told not to wear will make your skin glow (freckles included) like nothing else!

Highlight
Look for a sheer white or vanilla tone. Although you will barely see it, the effect will create a subtle "halo" of light that makes your eyes pop.

Eyes
Choose sable or chocolate browns, toasty taupes, pale golds, peaches, light bronzes, coppers, burgundy browns, eggplants, or khaki greens. Brown mascara looks more natural than black, which can be too harsh against fair skin; this is one of the few cases where I'll say this, otherwise, I prefer black mascara.

Cheeks
Pick peaches, apricot pinks, or light coal shades.

Lips
Think peaches and warm pinks, sheer corals, apricots, honey-colored nudes, raisins, and gold-flecked reds.

Beware the invisible brow fuzzies
Who knows why, but if you are super fair, chances are that your brow bone is decorated with baby fine blonde hairs. You may barely notice them, but once you slide on highlighter, they'll show. Keep this in mind when you groom your brows -- work in bright light (sunlight, ideally) and tweeze those tiny guys away.

The freckle factor
Women who have porcelain skin, especially redheads, tend to be blessed with freckles. People associate freckles with youth -- a good thing! They give you a fresh, sun-kissed look. So please love your freckles and don't try to hide them behind concealer. Let them show!

Blondes

Blondes come in a wide range of skin tones, from porcelain to olive. Colorful shades like pinks and rose bring color to the face and provide contrast.

Highlight
My favorite shade for blondes is an opal irridescent shimmer. (Opal has a blue-pink oil-in-water glow that shows when light hits it.) It gives the skin a sexy, ethereal look.

Eyes
Choose shades in cool browns, taupes, bronzes, granite, tawny pinks, pastels, mauves, and plums.

Fast fix
Blondes tend to have eyelashes with blonde tips. If you're in a hurry, simply sweep mascara over the tips for quick, natural definition. For a more permanent fix, get your lashes tinted at a local salon. They use a vegetable dye that is perfectly safe for the eyes, and the color lasts about a month.

Cheeks
Roses, pinks, pinky bronzes, corals, and cool peaches all create a fresh and healthy look on blondes.

Lips
Think pink, mocha pinks, peachy pinks, sandy pinks, roses, mauves, golden raspberry, and cherry reds.

Skin tones-warm tones  

Posted by: LadyBird in , ,

Many of you have probabley seen the words warm or cool skin tone attributed to a cosmetic product. Warm skin tones and cool skin tones can be broken down a bit more to include, olive skin tones, neutral skin tones and others, for now Im going to stick with warm and cool though.

There are many websites that give you different ways you can check to see what skin tone you are, the one chart that I have seen and that I thought was the simplest to comprehend is this one by 3Custom Colour.

In my researching it has proved difficult to narrow down what skin tone is exactly. In my opinion the best explanation by far is that of as mentioned above 3CC.

Many sites try to define whether you are cool or warm by your skin colour. I will post the chart from 3CC and you can see how they do it. I realize that I refer back to that company alot, but they have the most comprehensive information regarding skin tone that is not contrary that I have been able to find.

(Images courtesy of 3CC)
When I say contrary I mean. One site says that there are more warm skin tone people that cool and another site says visa versa.

Some people also categorize skin tones my the seasons, winter, summer, spring and autumn.
Makeup for warm skin tones (images courtesy of BellaSugar)

So Frustrated  

Posted by: LadyBird in

I am so frustrated right now its not even funny. For the past three days I have been searching for a 35mm empty pan or tin that would fit into a larger makeup palette. Japonesque has one that I really like, unfortunately the wells are 36mm wide so I need a pan that is 35mm wide, try as I may though, I can not find one of that size, if I find something close it has a lip or a "rolled edge" which Im sure would prove to be a problem. I have even tried searching for "Petri Dishes" and while I found some that were the right size the price was not right, at all.

So here I am still frustrated and wandering why companies make empty palettes of that size but don't sell the empty pans, whats up with that? Furthermore where-o-where are they getting them from? I have searched up and down.

If anybody knows where you can purchase empty pans that are 35mm deep with a "sharp" edge and that don't cost an arm and a leg please-o-please let me know.

Combination skin  

Posted by: LadyBird in

Skin care information for those with combination skin. As every makeup lover and wearer knows or should know, makeup starts with good clean perferrabley clear skin, so here are Paula's suggestions for the care of combination skin. It is a little long so please bare with me. :)


Combination skin is a common skin type with the frustration of having to deal with both dry and oily skin. Because the nose, chin, center of the forehead, and the cheeks all have more oil glands than any other part of the face, it is not surprising that those areas tend to be oilier and may break out more frequently than other areas. At the same time, the areas that lack oil glands can become dry and flaky. Problems occur when you attempt to treat combination skin as one unified skin type. Many ingredients that are appropriate for the T-zone (the area along the center of the forehead and down the nose where most of the active oil glands on the face are located) won't help the drier parts of cheeks, eyes, or jaw areas and vice versa. More often than not, separate products are required to deal with the different skin types on your face because different skin types, even on the same face, must be treated differently to truly feel and look better. Once you accept this fact and adjust your routine, combination skin can be brought into balance, at least to the extent that using the right products allows! In fact, "balance" is a key word to keep in mind when dealing with combination skin. The goal is to provide your oily and drier areas with appropriate products that address the needs specific to these skin types.


The fundamental rule for all skin types of treating skin gently apply here, too, perhaps even more so. If anything, using overly-abrasive or irritating skin-care products on oilier areas will only worsen combination skin's dual nature by making dry areas drier and creating a rough, reddened appearance over oily areas. Plus treating skin harshly does not correct or improve oiliness in any way. Because combination skin should be viewed and treated as separate skin types, I have divided the battle plans below into three step-by-step sections. The first section lists general guidelines for combination skin, the second pertains to treating oily areas, and the third offers a protocol for treating your normal-to-dry (and, in some cases, very dry) areas. Special notes are included for dealing with combination skin that also experiences blemishes or blackheads in either oily or normal-to-dry areas.


General Guidelines for Combination Skin



  • Wash your face with a gentle, water-soluble cleanser that does not leave skin feeling tight or dry. Most combination skin types do well with gel-based or mildly foaming cleansers.
  • Avoid bar soaps or bar cleansers of any kind, regardless of claims of gentleness or no residue. The ingredients that keep a bar cleanser or soap in its bar form can clog pores, and the cleansing ingredients are always far more drying than a gentle cleanser contains.
  • If you opt to use a toner, the same toner can be used all over the face if it does not contain ingredients that make oily areas feel slick or greasy. Water- and glycerin-based toners are ideal, but be sure they also contain plenty of antioxidants, water-binding agents, and, if applicable, cell-communicating ingredients.
  • Sunscreen must be used every day, year-round. Make sure it contains one of these UVA-protecting ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or avobenzone. A foundation and pressed powder with sunscreen is perfect for this skin type to avoid applying moisturizers with sunscreen all over the face.
  • Exfoliate and renew skin with regular use of a beta hydroxy acid (BHA/salicylic acid) product. BHA not only exfoliates the surface of skin it also exfoliates inside the pore to improve its shape and function.
  • Treat dry areas (including the eye area) with a moisturizer loaded with antioxidants, water-binding agents, and ingredients that mimic the structure and function of healthy skin. Regular use of these state-of-the-art ingredients can eliminate dry skin. Make sure the product you buy is packaged in an airtight, opaque container (absolutely no jars) to keep the antioxidants stable.
  • If sun damage or wrinkles are cause for concern (and they probably are, it is the rare person who has adequately avoided and protected their skin from the sun), consider adding a tretinoin product (Retin-A, Renova, Avita, etc.) to your nightly routine. Tretinoin is a cell-communicating ingredient that can generate normalized cells. These prescription-only products are available in different bases so you may choose the texture (gel, cream, lotion) best for your skin.
Treating the Oily Areas of Combination Skin



  • Apply a well-formulated (meaning irritant-free and pH-correct) BHA liquid or gel at least once per day. This will not only help prevent oil blockages in the pores, but will also minimize blackheads and control blemishes. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which allows it to exfoliate inside the pore lining to keep dead skin cells and sebum (oil) from causing problems. It is also acceptable to apply the BHA product over your normal to dry areas. However, you may need a more potent BHA product (one containing 2% salicylic acid, for oily areas. You may have to experiment to see if a product containing 1% salicylic acid is more suitable for normal to dry areas.
  • Use an oil-absorbing facial mask as needed but only apply it over oily areas. Apply after cleansing, leave on for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.
  • If you are prone to blemishes, apply a topical antibacterial product containing benzoyl peroxide. Research in the medical journal Lancet (December 2004, pages 2188–2195) found benzoyl peroxide to be the most effective treatment, in comparison to oral antibiotics (such as tetracycline), topical antibiotics (such as erythromycin), or combination treatments. Oral tetracycline suffered in the comparison because of the common problem of eventual bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Begin with a 2.5% strength and increase the percentage if blemishes are unresponsive. If you are allergic to or your skin cannot tolerate benzoyl peroxide, then you may want to consider topical prescription options such as clindamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, or Differin (adapalene) Gel. Tea tree oil is also an option, but has limited research supporting its effectiveness, and it is difficult to find the recommended concentration.
  • For sunscreen, the easiest route is to use a matte finish foundation and pressed power with broad-spectrum sun protection, rated at least SPF 15. You would only apply moisturizer or serum to dry areas prior to applying foundation. If you do not use foundation, choose a regular sunscreen with a matte finish.
  • Supply oily areas with the antioxidants and cell-communicating ingredients it needs in either serum or toner form. In this manner, your skin will benefit without making oily areas worse or causing clogged pores. Make sure the serum is alcohol-free and either silicone- or water-based.
  • If oily areas become too shiny during the day, use oil-blotting papers to absorb the excess shine then touch up with a lightweight, sheer pressed powder, applied with a brush.
  • For extremely oily areas, apply a thin layer of plain Milk of Magnesia prior to foundation with sunscreen. The magnesium hydroxide is more absorbent than clays or talc, and also has antibacterial properties for skin. A similar option that is more cosmetically elegant is smashbox’s Anti-Shine in Smashing Neutral (colorless).
  • If sun- or hormone-induced discolorations are present, choose a gel-based skin lightening product containing 2% hydroquinone and apply at least once per day to affected areas.
Treating Normal-to-Dry & Very Dry Areas of Combination Skin



  • As described above for treating oily areas, a BHA product is an option, even if blemishes and/or blackheads are not present. The difference is that for drier areas, you may prefer a BHA in a lotion or cream base. Begin with a 1% concentration and step up if needed (this may be necessary during summer months). If blemishes are present over dry areas, a BHA product is a must. Begin with 1% salicylic acid and step up to 2% concentration if needed.
  • If blemishes and blackheads are not a concern, a well-formulated AHA product may be used all over the face or just over drier areas. For all-over use, choose an AHA gel containing at least 8% glycolic acid. For use over dry areas, you may prefer an AHA product in a lotion or cream base. Both AHA and BHA products are excellent for improving the appearance and feel of sun-damaged skin and encouraging skin cell turnover.
  • A soothing, moisture-infusing toner may be used after cleansing to reinforce skin's lipid barrier and boost hydration prior to applying a serum or moisturizer. Apply the next product when skin is still damp from the toner.
  • Since applying two separate sunscreens can be tricky, your best bet is to get daily facial sun protection from a foundation with sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher. It should have a matte finish for your oily areas. Because a matte finish can exaggerate dry areas, it is essential to apply a rich serum or moisturizer prior to foundation. For obvious reasons, keep such items away from oily areas.
  • Choose a moisturizer loaded with antioxidants, water-binding agents, emollients, and ingredients that mimic the structure and function of healthy skin. Make sure it is packaged in an opaque container (no jars) to keep the antioxidants stable.
  • A serum-type product may be all your dry areas need to look and feel better. More severe dryness will benefit from an antioxidant-rich serum paired with an emollient moisturizer.
  • Use a moisturizing facial mask as needed. Make sure it contains several emollients (such as non-volatile plant or nut oils) and leave on dry areas as long as needed, including overnight.
  • If your eye area is the driest part of your face, you may need a richer cream or serum than what is needed for other normal to dry areas of your face. Apply sparingly and allow a few moments to absorb before applying makeup. At night, you may want to apply your regular moisturizer to the eye area and follow with a thin layer of olive, evening primrose, or borage oil (all are extremely emollient as well as potent antioxidants).
  • If blemishes are present over dry areas, apply a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide product in a lotion base. If blemishes do not respond, switch to a product containing 5% benzoyl peroxide. If you are allergic to (or your skin cannot tolerate) benzoyl peroxide, consider topical prescription options such as clindamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, or Differin (adapalene) Cream.
  • If sun- or hormone-induced discolorations are present, choose a lotion- or cream-based skin lightening product containing 2% hydroquinone and apply at least once per day to affected areas.



For research and studies supporting these recommendations please refer to the Ingredient Dictionary and look up the specific ingredient (such as alpha hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, antioxidant, cell-communicating ingredients, etc.).







Update  

Posted by: LadyBird in

Hey
Just wanted to let everybody know that I am still alive. I have just been focusing on other things at the moment. but I will be back.
Peace.love and cupcakes :)

Shu Uemura brushes  

Posted by: LadyBird in ,

Two words. I want!!!! :)
They are said to be the best or one of the best brands for makeup brushes in the industry.









PROFESSIONAL BRUSH SETThe most comprehensive, professional brush set. 11 artist’s essential brushes for the professional application of face, cheek, brow, eye and lip color in a premium, black leather brush roll. Ideal for makeup aficionados and professional makeup artists.

The Professional Brush Set includes:

FACE -

Natural Brush 20B – A wide, dense-bristle brush applies loose and pressed powder to large area in one quick stroke.

CHEEKS-

Natural Brush 17– A rounded design for very soft application of color to cheeks. Ideal for layering of color.

Natural Brush 7.5EXG - Fan shaped for delicate application of intense color, or soft blending and dusting of excess loose powders with a soft touch.

EYES -

Synthetic Brush 10 – A multi-purpose brush for powder, cream and liquid eye shadow application. Ideal for application of concealer in targeted areas.

Natural Brush 10 - For standard eye shadow application with maximum control between lash line and crease area.

Natural Brush 10DF – A sharply angled brush with firm and dense bristles for contouring with intense color.

Natural Brush 5F – Short-haired and flat-shaped for correction or blending of pencil eye liner color with ultra precision.

Natural Brush 2R - Shaped to apply precise color along the lash line with a slightly smoky finish.

BROWS -

Natural Brush 6OB – Firm-textured, short haired brush with a slanted tip for eyebrow defining. When dampened, this brush can be used to apply shu uemura Pressed Eye Shadow as an eye liner.

Synthetic Flat Eyebrow Brush - Flat shaped with soft bristles to comb fine eyebrow hairs and blend eyebrow color.

LIPS -Natural Brush 6F - Flat shaped for precise control in lining, shaping and shading lips.

Leather Brush Case 14 – Black leather brush case with a PVC interior that holds up to 14 makeup brushes of various styles. Also includes an anti-bacterial lining for the optimum maintenance of brushes. Lies flat for easy, convenient identification of brushes. Rolls into a pouch for portability.
PRICE $469.00










Makeup brush help  

Posted by: LadyBird in

These videos are from youtube by enkoremakeup. I found them helpful hopefully you will too.









Essential makeup brushes  

Posted by: LadyBird in



1. Concealer Brush: Look for square head to tapered corners, ideal for blending (under eye -square; blemishes-tapered). Long handle, good weight, great for application precision.


2. Foundation Brush: Look for fairly large wide, tapered flat head, ideal for liquid or cream foundations (synthetic bristles okay)3. Large Powder Brush: Look for large, full, rounded brush (dome shape), ideal for loose powder, can also be used for compacts with pressed powder, and loose beads. It can also be use to brush off excess powder.


4. Blusher Brush: Look for full, large head with slight tapering (not as large as powder brush) designed for even distribution and natural looking definition across the cheeks and cheekbone.


5. Eyeshadow Brush: Look for square head, medium to large sized (just under 1/2 an inch width), with slight taper at corners, flat, a bristle head that is firm but soft for the delicate eye area. This brush is designed for sweeping color across eye lids and blending. By using its edge, it can be used for defining eyelid crease.


6. Slanted Brush: Look for a small, narrow, angled, flat brush head with soft but firm bristles. This brush is designed for application of fine lines such as close to your lash line, blending and softening color edges. It also is used for applying powder to brows.


7. Lip Brush: Look for a small, narrow, flat tapered edge brush. Designed for blending lip liner and lipstick applications. Great for blending lipstick colors too ( I always seem to wear two shades to get the color I want.).


8. Eyebrow/ Eyelash Brush: The easiest least expensive of the brushes...
Clean an old, soft bristle tooth brush or mascara wand well, with warm soapy water. This brow brush is perfect for shaping the brows, separating eyelashes and removing and mascara clumps or debris. You can also set your eyebrows with hair spray or gel by applying the substance to the wand/ brush and combing through and shaping eyebrows (of course clean bristles afterwards).


African American Skin  

Posted by: LadyBird in

This article is taken from the website of Paula Begoun.

While many women of color feel their skin-care needs differ from those of Caucasian women, nothing could be further from the truth. I suspect the belief that a difference does exist comes from persuasive marketing which seeks to segment women of color into their own specialized group. Regardless of color or ethnic background, all skin is subject to a range of virtually identical problems with similar considerations. Whether it is dry or oily skin, blemishes, scarring, wrinkles, skin discolorations, rashes, rosacea, sensitivity, or sun damage, the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment is the same for all men and women.

Please don’t misunderstand: there are certainly some distinctions between varying ethnic groups when it comes to skin problems and skin-care options, but overall these differences are minor in comparison to the number of similarities. Think of it this way: regardless of skin color, dietary needs remain the same. A high-calorie diet results in weight gain, an unhealthy diet can cause health risks, and if you don't eat you die, regardless of your skin color. As far as skin care goes, skin is an organ (the largest in the human body) and needs the same ingredients and formulations to be healthy or deal with various skin concerns regardless of its color.

Research on this topic supports the points above while also noting the distinctive traits between ethnic skin tones, though contrary to popular belief, these traits don't mean different products are needed for treatment. According to an article in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (February 2002, pages 41–62) "There is not a wealth of data on racial and ethnic differences in skin and hair structure, physiology, and function. What studies do exist involve small patient populations and often have methodological flaws.

Consequently, few definitive conclusions can be made. The literature does support a racial differential in epidermal melanin [pigment] content and melanosome dispersion in people of color compared with fair-skinned persons. These differences could at least in part account for the lower incidence of skin cancer in certain people of color compared with fair-skinned persons; a lower incidence and different presentation of photo aging; pigmentation disorders in people with skin of color; and a higher incidence of certain types of alopecia [loss of hair] in Africans and African Americans compared with those of other ancestry." While skin cancer may not be as much of a threat or concern, skin discolorations resulting from unprotected sun exposure or hormonal concerns are the same as that for women with lighter skin. Of course darker skin tones suffer less sun-induced changes to skin (including dryness) than women with lighter skin tones. This is due to the greater presence of melanin in darker skin tones, but does not mean that such skin tones don’t require a well-formulated moisturizer when/if their skin becomes dry for other reasons. [But] women of color are just as likely to suffer from photo(sun)-induced dermatitis conditions as women with light skin tones, proving that melanin only goes so far toward protecting women of color from sun damage.

A surprising difference noted in the research it is the imperative need to treat darker skin tones gently. When irritated, darker skin tones can stimulate hyperpigmentation causing patches of dark or grayish skin discolorations. Though this is easily treated, the main focus should be prevention. Given my fervent belief over the years that all skin types need to be treated gently, it's encouraging there is research pointing that way for women of color as well. When skin is irritated it cannot protect itself from the environment, it causes collagen and elastin to break down, it hurts the skin's immune response, and can cause skin to become dry (ashen) and flaky.

The bottom line is that regardless of skin color or ethnicity, all skin needs a gentle cleanser, effective exfoliant, state-of-the-art moisturizer (over dry areas), a sunscreen rated SPF 15 or greater containing UVA-protecting ingredients of avobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or Mexoryl SX (ecamsule) and appropriate treatments for skin discolorations (hydroquinone-based products), blemishes, and wrinkles.

MAC paint pots  

Posted by: LadyBird in





So as I have said in previous mosts I am a MAC fan from afar. Recently in my blog browsing I am noticing the mention of MAC paint pots, which retail for$16.50USD. Now I actually saw them listed before but they were of no interest to me. But then I came across some websites where you can purchase samples of MAC pigments and MAC paint pots and all of a sudden they were within my reach. :)


So they have about 10 regular colours I belive and then the colours that come in there collections, such as Fafi.

Most people from what I have read use one basic paint pot such as "painterly" as a base for their shadows in lieu of urban decay primer potion.

I got this list from a board on Specktra.net that was discussing MAC paint pots for women of colour. This is how one person used the some of the colours
Blackground - for when I want my blues and purples to pop-

Rubenesque - Love using this for a smoky brown/black eye-
Rollickin/Deflt/Otherworldly - I wear teals and blues often so these are invaluable. Otherwordly is great for a really bright look-
Groundwork - excellent for a neutral look-

Perky - this one is okay. I use it for neutral or lighter looks-

Rollickin - Great for purple + Blue looks
Now that is just how one person uses those colours. Christine from Temptalia created a Smokey brown tut using Constructivist paint pot. I love the look. Just love it. Check it out.





Crown Brushes  

Posted by: LadyBird in ,

Big wish list item here, and bonus. It is actually within my price range. Crown Brushes. As I type this I am checking out the reviews and so far they are pretty great. I have read on various beauty blogs such as necessarymakeup that they supply costal scents with their brushes, and that they are also comparable to MAC brushes!

Now that is nice. The pictures below are of the Luna Series. The prices range from like a dollar to about 6 dollars. Which for me is super nice :)

I am also going to post a youtube video review by Lizz1901. From the reviews I gather that some of the brushes are a little scratchy so you may want to try one from a series and see. Im pretty sure that I will stick to synthetic brushes as I think that they are super soft. Though I have been told that washing and cleaning your brush regularly makes them softer.











Alima Mineral Makeup  

Posted by: LadyBird in

I am lusting after makeup from this mineral company (Alima). Through browsing the mineral makeup blog I came across this company. I have been to there website before but the second time is the charm. They have good priced samples, the foundations are $1.50 and they even let you custom mix three shades and you can get it in a sample as well. Now that is nice. and they have an assortment of colours so I think that it will fit most skin tones.






Ahhh so many things I want to buy and so little money to get them. :(


MAC Color Forms  

Posted by: LadyBird in

So I was browsing through Swipe Some Gloss when I came across her post about MAC Color Forms. Now I am a MAC fan from afar. I am not able to afford their cosmectics as they are pricer and I also fear how my skin will react to their products as I have developed sensitive skin over the past two years. BOOO . I know. Anyway said products are available exculsively through Nordstrom. They currently have pre-ordering. Warm Eyes
Cool Eyes
Cool Lips
Warm Lips
Neutral Lips











Face Serum Upgrade  

Posted by: LadyBird in , ,

The advanced recipe for the face serum. The website that the ingredients can be purchased at is www.skinactives.com I am going to try this recipe out when I get the chance. At the moment I have a whole bunch of recipes waiting for me to try so I'll see when I get there. :)



First, use the recommended quantities. Period.

To 1-2 tablespoons of plain vegetable glycerin, add
pinch
Ellagic Acid- antioxidant, cancer preventive, anti-inflammatory, helps improve discoloration

pinch Ferulic Acid- cancer preventive, protects the skin against UVB-induced erythema, skin lightener, increases stability of vitamins C (MAP) and E

1/8 teaspoon of Coenzyme Q10- topical application restores mitochondrial activity, increasing energy production plus minimizing energy needed to make new collagen; antiaging, antioxidant, stimulating active, it will push your skin into “high gear”
Mix thoroughly until all actives are dissolved. If you have difficulty dissolving, microwave for 10-15 seconds and mix, mix, mix. Set aside.

Next, to the Fountain of Youth serum, add:
1/8 teaspoon
Alpha Lipoic Acid** - (aka ALA) essential for youthful cell function; our bodies’ own production dimishes as we age
pinch
Beta Glucan- anti-aging, cancer-preventive
pinch
Carnosine- accelerates and improves healing. Prevents wrinkles and loss of elasticity brought about by aging and exposure to sunlight, .also an antioxidant and seems to improve immune response
1/8 teaspoon
DMAE** - antioxidant, increases firmness and overall appearance of aging skin
pinch
Green Tea ECGC- antioxidant, repair of damage done by UVA radiation, cancer preventive
1/4 teaspoon
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate- (aka MAP) the “real” ester-C, a stable and soluble form of ascorbic acid, stimulates collagen synthesis, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, anti-acne, skin brightening, decrease appearance of sun spots
1/8 teaspoon
Niacin- relieves itching, controls sebum products, skin lightening effects
Last, add the glycerin-active mix to the serum. Mix thoroughly. Put the mix into a glass dropper-top bottle or other non-reactive liquid dispensing container.

Some of the actives may never dissolve completely, but they will release their active ingredients continuously. If the undissolved ‘grit’ bothers you, strain your serum using CLEAN muslin, cheese cloth, nylon or any fine-sieve strainer.

DIRECTIONS: Use this super-active serum once or twice a day, after cleansing your skin, before you apply your moisturizer and sunscreen, and after 30 days, you will see smoother, brighter, clearer, younger-looking skin.If you experience ANY irritation…
either your skin doesn’t like one (or more) of the ingredients–in which case you should stop using it altogether and toss it
OR your mix is too concentrated–dilute it with some distilled water until your skin can tolerate it
OR your skin is simply adjusting to one or more of the ingredients–use your serum only once a day when you are not using any other products and if the irritation doesn’t subside after 3-4 days, stop using it and toss it

COSTS: The active ingredients is this serum are exactly the same as those found in the most exclusive, expensive skincare products on the market today. What you’ll spend: $87.00, plus shipping. If you don’t have glycerin, you can find it at most pharmacies or grocery stores, about $6 for 4 oz.

BONUS: You’ll have LOTS of the active ingredients leftover, which you can add to most any moisturizer (NOT sunscreen, NOT already-active cream…plain Eucerin, Olay, et al are okay) to make your own super-active skincare cream–way better than the high-dollar stuff at the department stores. Whether you use your mix on your face or body–or both–is completely up to you. But keep in mind with all these actives: A LITTLE BIT GOES A LONG WAY.

**Many people experience mild stinging with Alpha Lipoic Acid and DMAE, especially when they first start using them. However, if the stinging is intense or if you experience ANY redness and irritation, OR if the stinging occurs for more than a few days, STOP USING THIS SERUM.

NOTE: If you have rosacea or sensitive skin, or if you want to avoid the irritation issue, DO NOT USE Alpha Lipoic Acid or DMAE.

AS ALWAYS: When mixing, take extra precautions to wash your hands and be sure to use sterilized mixing, measuring, straining implements and containers.

Face Serum  

Posted by: LadyBird in , ,

I am very interested in creating or rather making homemade facial care and skin care recipes. For some reason today I had it my mind to make a face serum or rather if I wanted to make a face serum how would I go about that. So I started to google. Yes I do love that search engine. Anyway I found a nice recipe that the blog poster had perfected, It has a basic serum recipe and then an advance part, where there are more ingredients that offer various benefits for you skin. The site is www.natural-beauty-tips.info

DIY (do-it-yourself) Skincare can be fun, easy and best of all, work wonders on your skin…plus, it costs WAY less than those ultra-expensive beauty products, most of which are a bit of a rip-off (and some of which are a complete scam).

The following Fountain-of-Youth serum is one that can be used by itself but it can also act as a base for other active skincare ingredients. Click on the links to purchase the individual ingredients. Distilled water (a must…no tap water, please) can be bought at your grocery store:
1 1/2 tablespoons of distilled water
1/2 tablespoon
seakelp bioferment
1/4 teaspoon
hyaluronic acid
1/8 teaspoon
Germaben II preservative

Optional ingredients include aloe vera juice (substitute 1/2 tablespoon of water) and plain vegetable glycerin (add up to 1 teaspoon).

Seakelp bioferment is a kelp extract containing vital nutrients that feeds your skin. It’s the “magic” Miracle Broth™ ingredient in Creme de la Mer.

Hyaluronic acid (also called hyaluronate or hyaluronan), produced naturally by the human body, is a component of connective tissue whose function is to cushion and lubricate. It’s been nicknamed the “key to the fountain of youth” because it has been noted that some people who ingest a lot of it in their diets tend to live to ripe old ages and also because it provides volume and fullness to the skin.

To mix: stir together the water and hyaluronic acid first and let it set for a few hours to overnight. This mixture will thicken (you can add more or less hyaluronic acid depending on the consistency you prefer), then add the remaining ingredients, adding the preservative last. If you use another preservative, be sure to use one that is water-based or will work in a hydrophilic solution — and that you use the proper amount.

Directions: Apply to your face and neck after cleansing your skin, 1-2 times per day. Moisturize and apply sunscreen over the top of the serum.

Costs: $32 (plus shipping for the actives and Germaben II) depending on what distilled water costs at your grocery store.

Bonus: LOTS of leftover Seakelp Bioferment, distilled water and Hyaluronic Acid that can all be used in other youth-inducing skincare mixes you make yourself.

Please note: When mixing ANY products you put on your face or body, take extra care to wash your hands and use sterilized implements and containers (mixing sticks, bottles, droppers, etc.).

Next time, I’ll recommend different active ingredients to add to the base serum. Each active or group of actives will address different issues, i.e., free-radical protection, collagen building, firmness, and so on.

Next post the advanced recipe




Paula Begoun  

Posted by: LadyBird in

I am sure that many of you have heard of Paula Begoun the author of "Don't go to the cosmetic counter without me". I have personally seen the books many times and have passed by them thinking that they would be of no help or interest to me.

Having seen t.v. interviews and youtube footage of her, I have since changed my mind. And after visiting her website I am a convert.

Here is one of her youtube videos



You should check out her website it is loaded with tons of information. Information that I will definately being posting here.

Wish List  

Posted by: LadyBird in



So im going to make this into a separate heading. Where I will post items that are on my makeup wish list.


The first post its Prescriptives Custom Blend Foundation. A few of the makeup bloggers have had the chance to create a custom blend that is just for them. I'll post links to a few of them at the end of the post.
A custom formula is created just for you and is tailored to meet your foundation needs for example if you want a mattifier because your skin is oily or if you want the foundation to have moisturizer or sunscreen protection.
It is made just for you, and you also get a nice travel size to take along.
The drawback. The price. You know custom things are never cheap, It costs $65 or so in the states and is probabley much more in Canada. As far as I know they are only available at Holt Renfrew in Canada.
You can also have a custom concealer, blush, lip gloss, bronzer and tinted moisturizer made just for you, all separately priced of course.
Heres the site if you want to check it out.Prescriptives.com
MakeupAlley reviewed it, the response is mixed.
As well as Kiss and Makeup
So did BellaSugar ( you have to scroll down a bit to see the post)
Blogdorf Goodman also had a custom experience.

Summer Beauty Tips, Tricks and Skincare!  

Posted by: LadyBird in ,



Once again this video is done by Scandalous Beauty. I think its good information for the summer time.

Common Makeup Misconceptions and Questions by Black Women!  

Posted by: LadyBird in ,



This video is done by Scandalousbeauty, you can find her blog here and her youtube page here.

makeup forever

becca cosmectics

Makeup Brush Care  

Posted by: LadyBird in ,




I came across this article from EBS about how to clean your makeup brushes properly and I could not pass it by. So here goes:
Let's face it! Professional makeup brushes are an investment. And, like any other investment, we want a great return on that investment. One of best ways to ensure that will happen is proper brush care. One of the best things you can do for your brushes is to clean them - regularly. Clean them when they are first purchased and clean them on a regular basis to remove:
Old makeup
Dirt & debris
Bacteria
Oils
Dead skin cells

One of the greatest benefits to keeping your brushes clean is softness! Yes, did you realize that makeup buildup, especially foundation, makes your brushes feel scratchy? If you have sensitive skin, cleaning your brushes regularly will help them stay soft and lush! Your skin will thank you!

How often should you clean your brushes? Ideally, everyday. But, who has time for that? So, here are a few guidelines:
Foundation Brushes - minimum once a week
Brushes used for finishing powders and bronzers - once a week
Blush Brushes - one a week
Eyeshadow Brushes - every 2-3 days
Eyeliner Brushes - after every use especially if you use an eyeliner sealant.

For those that suffer with acne, you will greatly benefit from keeping your foundation brushes clean at all times. To cut down on cleaning time, rotate brushes so you always have a fresh clean one to use.

How to clean your brushes:
First, you want to wet the hairs under the faucet with tepid to warm water with the hairs pointing downwards - this will help prevent any water getting in to the ferrule (metal part) or down in to the handle for brushes that don’t have ferrules.

Next you want to use a mild shampoo, liquid hand soap, pure castile soap or our favorite - California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash. Squirt a little soap on your fingers and apply it to the hairs from ferrule to hair tips. Gently squeeze the hairs from ferrule to hair tips over and over adding a little water at a time. Rinse and repeat until the water runs clear. Make sure when you are rinsing to keep the brush hairs pointing down.

After your brushes have a good bath, brush them off a little on a clean paper towel and lay them to dry on their side on a paper towel or a regular towel. It is also a good idea to reshape the brush at this point in time to prevent splaying. Lay kabuki’s and any other stand-up brush on their side. Never leave them to dry brush hairs up in a brush holder. The water can run down in to the ferrule and loosen the glue holding the brush together over time.

Lastly, let brushes dry completely before using. Dry time will depend on size and brush density.
Keeping your brushes in good condition by washing frequently will provide you with years of beautiful makeup application! Now that's a great investment!




I use QUO brush cleaner. Its a Canadian brand that is from Shoppers Drugmart. It works well for me, but Im going to have to wash my brushes more frequently. Though I am an infrequent makeup wearer.

Smashbox  

Posted by: LadyBird in ,



I have a few smashbox items, they are okay, I have a dual eyeshadow, blush, single shadow, pink lip liner, pink lipstick,I had, 8 mini lip glosses and I have two full size lip glosses. I love those the most out of all the products that I have from them, they look pinky in the tube but when you put it on, there great. I wear them alone or blended with other colours, they help tune down bright colours and mix up others. They are called "Caption" and "AD". I don't think that they have them anymore but they are great.

I found that they last longer when a base is applied such as a clear balm or other lip colour.

I checked their website and they no longer have those colours, infact they pretty much phased out all the colours I have, I guess that has to happen, with all the trends and such.

Marcelle  

Posted by: LadyBird in ,

So I have really, really sensitive eyes. If I use something and they dont agree with my eyes, then it feels like i have a lash in my eye or something else. But there would be nothing there. It did take a while to clue in and realize that my eyes acted like that because they didnt like the product.

That doesn't leave me with a lot of choices as to what companies I can use. Currently only Marcelle and Almay come near my eyes.
This post is about Marcelle though. I currently use there eyeliners, mascara and eye shadow. Now for me they are a little steeper than what im used to paying i.e. $1.99 for Bonne Bell mascara. It now costs me about $10.00 needless to say there will be no product hauling, at least not for a while.

I love all the products that I currently use from them, I do wish that the eyeshadows had some more staying power but im sure there are ways to go around that.

I will start with the eye shadow. It can be used both wet and dry.
I have suede which is a taupe like colour and Amazone which reminds me of olive green. The one thing that I dislike about the shadows apart from there lack of staying power is that I have to be careful how I apply it, else I'll end up looking ashy and ashy don't look good on black folk.It just looks bad.


Next is the mascara, I have it in black from the lash extreme series. It does a good job of coating my eyelashes and accentuating them but nothing spectacular which im fine with. I had purchased the dark brown mascara in the ultimate lash series but my eyes didn't gree with it, so it got passed on to my sister, who Im pretty sure as since lost it :D.

Lastly the eyeliners, I have it black and dark brown, the black gives you a wow look and the dark brown is more a smokey subdued eye, I like both equally well. Both are from there Kohl pencil series. And the best part is that neither one irrates my eye. Now all I need to do is wore on my eyeliner techinque for the upper lashes, any suggestions and tips would be appreciated.

Lumiere brushes  

Posted by: LadyBird in , ,






So I've had the brushes from Lumiere Cosmectics for a while but just now decided to do a review on them. I purchased the 9-pc travelling brush set, it includes a Powder Brush,Blush Brush, Mini Eye Buki (crease) Brush,Small Concealer, Shadow Brush ,Spoolie Brush,Flat Angled Liner Brush, Eye Shadow Brush, Thin Liner Brush, Black Nylon Carrying Bag. I only use three of the brushes as I find the other ones too small excepting the spoolie. I use the powder, blush and buki brush. The size of the bristles as well as the handle of the brush is good. My favourite thing about the brushes is that they are soft they are so gentle on my face and dont feel rough and irratating.
I am going to purchase some more brushes from them in the near future( as soon as I can :D)

I want the flat top buffer brush it is " perfect brush for buffing in your foundation, blending your face colors and for applying bronzers" it currently retails for $14.00 on sale





I want the baby kabuki brush ( I currently have one but I find that it is too rough for my face)



and many more shadesofu has a post review of some of there brushes here.