Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream: Review

Trying the gimmicky stuff so you don't have to.  About 2 months ago I bought the Jergens BB Body Cream because my curiosity was peaked.  I read a review about it, and the blogger really enjoyed it so I decided to give it a go.  But before I give you my opinion, let me tell you what Jergens says about their product:


JERGENS® BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream delivers flawless-looking skin with 5 visible benefits in just 5 days. This revolutionary body lotion goes on sheer, dries quickly, and works like a moisturizer to visibly improve your skin with every use.
INSTANTLY: HYDRATES - ILLUMINATES
IN 5 DAYS: EVENS - FIRMS - CORRECTS

What Can BB Do for Your Skin?

BB Body Cream delivers varying benefits depending on your skin tone. It goes on sheer and then adjusts differently to a range of shades.
This lotion comes in two "shades" depending on your skin tones.  There is one for "all light skin tones" and "all medium-deep skin tones".  In their description they state that the cream adjusts to a range a shades.  I just don't know how it does that or if that claim is even true.
It comes out a slight peach color.

Does my hand look firmer?
I mean, if someone who had much darker skin than me used the version for light skin, would it make a difference?  One of the claims is that it evens so I feel there must be ingredient that imparts some color.  Keep in mind that this is not a tanning lotion.  Ok, so let see if this shizz works.
I went on vaca to a tropical place for a little over two weeks so my legs saw some sun and some loving from mosquitoes.  My legs were not looking so hot.
Ooo, yeah.  Sexy foot veins.
I had blotchiness and discoloration, some cuts and bruises.  I was hoping that the lotion would give me a bit more evenness at the bare minimum.  Let's see after a week's use.
Now with fancier sandals!
Please keep in mind that the light was different when I took the after photo.  However, I think you can see there's some difference but not a ton.  I still have some unevenness is color, and while the cuts and bruises healed, that has more to do natural healing as opposed to the cream.
Did it at least work as a lotion?  Sure.  It moisturized perfectly well, but I didn't see an illuminating effect either.  Nor did it firm.  Honestly, out of the five claims that it makes, it only did one for me.  I used the entire bottle in about two months with not much to show for it.  Would I repurchase?  No, for a few of reasons.  One, it's expensive for a drugstore lotion.  This will run you anywhere from 11 to 14 bucks for 7.5 fl oz.  I had a coupon so I got mine for about 10 dollars.  You can purchase a regular bottle of Jergens lotion 26.5 fl oz for about 6 dollars.  That's over three times the amount for almost half the price.  They performed the same function for me so I don't think it's worth it.  The second I wouldn't repurchase is the scent.  I find it hard to describe.  The best I can come up with is a candied flowers.  I really did not like it.  And finally, it just didn't do what it said on the package.  I can't say this won't work for others.  It does have good reviews on Amazon, but I can't recommend it.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Coveting this Week: Too Faced Pro-Essential Teddy Bear Hair Brush Set

Why are names for cosmetics so long?  Seriously, people?  Why do such small things have such big names?

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I miss you, Danny Glover
Moving along, let's get to what and why I'm coveting this Teddy Bear Hair Brush Set.  I don't remember exactly when I started using make-up brushes.  Maybe it was in college.  Before then, I just used what sponge tip or brush came with the make-up.  Don't get me wrong.  These things can apply eyeshadow and blush, but it terms of really blending and finessing the look, that dog just won't hunt.  The first set I got was from Target.  My sister-in-law gave me a travel set from Sonia Kashuk (Thanks, April!).  I still have and use them, actually.  They're pretty high quality for being so inexpensive.  As time has gone by, I have acquired more brushes.  Some are more expensive than others.  Some are softer than others, but they all work to give me the look that I want.  Since becoming so involved in make-up, I have seen all manner of brushes and their quality.  I really feel that they are an important part of my make-up routine.  I kind of want to start getting some brushes of higher quality that are very soft.  Here's where Too Faced comes in.

So Purdy
These brushes are synthetic which I like.  While you can get natural hair brushes that are cruelty free, they are pretty hard on your pocketbook.  Do people say pocketbook anymore?  It's a weird word to say over and over.  Try it, I'll wait.
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Weird, right?!  Anywho, I generally prefer synthetic and these are ultra soft.  And they are cute.  Sorry, but I like me some cute stuff.  Puppies and kitties?  Love that stuff.  Look at these brushes!  Look at the bag that they come in!  It's got a teddy bear zipper pull for Pete's sake!  And so many hearts.  I heart little hearts.  These are definitely going on the birthday/ Christmas list.  Are brushes part of your make-up world?  Do you think it's worth it to buy expensive brushes?

Small Thing Extravaganza!

Do you love samples?  Me too!  Let's be best friends!  Now that our friendship status has been cemented, let's talk small stuff.  One of the best things about the Sephora Beauty Insider program is that you can earn points.  Said points add up and can then be redeemed for samples of high end products.  This pleases me.  Buying pretty things at Sephora and then getting free things are two of my favorite things.  I had the chance to use some of these samples, and these are my honest-to-goodness opinions on them.


Look at the tiny things!
 Now that I'm in my thirties, I am starting to notice the formation of fine lines at the corners of my eyes.  I absolutely do not lay in bed clutching my bed sheets in horror thinking about how the passage of time is showing up on my face.  If that's what you were thinking.  Anyway, I have tried eye creams in the past but I never found something I really liked.  They either burned my skin or were to greasy or too light.  I got to try the It's Potent! eye cream from Benefit, and I really like it.


I like products with exclamation points.
According to Sephora:
Your eyes can't keep a secret—they're the first to show signs of age and stress. It's Potent! Eye Cream fades dark circles and helps smooth the appearance of fine lines for brighter, younger-looking eyes. It contains a peptide complex known to help restore elasticity and firmness, along with a blend of hydrating botanical extracts and loquat extract, known to help protect the skin from free radical damage. 

At 34 bucks for 0.5 oz, it's not cheap, but it is also not as expensive as many other eye creams.  Plus you don't need to scoop out a bunch each time.  It left the skin around my eyes feeling really soft and hydrated.  There was no burning, and it didn't feel greasy or gross.  Did it fade dark circles?  Um....no.  I think that whole claim is a bunch of shinola, but I did like the overall feeling of the product.  Would I purchase the actual size?  Yes.  Yes, I would.

The next sample I'm featuring is Shiseido Ibuki Refining Moisturizer.  When I first got the sample, I was really excited.  Shiseido is a good brand, and I have liked their stuff in the past.  However, I was a little disappointed when I first tried it.  The consistency is very thin, almost liquidy, and the smell was a little off putting.  It didn't smell bad, but I wasn't a fan of the strong floral scent.

I smell like your Meemaw.
According to Sephora:
This refining moisturizer renews the appearance of the skin’s surface, creating an incredibly smooth, uniform texture, while keeping skin hydrated all day long. Red and gold soft reflecting powder particles give the complexion an instant luminosity for a healthy glow. 

I set it aside for a while before picking it up again.  Guess what?  It's great!  Even thought the consistency is thin, it's incredibly moisturizing.  I really loved how my skin felt.  And I stopped being bothered by the smell, although it is something to note if you are very sensitive to scent.  I did not notice any light reflecting particles so whatevs.  It's $45 for 2.5 oz.  That is pricey, and it doesn't have an SPF, so I wouldn't use it for day.  However if you want t treat yourself to a nice moisturizer, then I think this is worth a shot.  Would I buy the actual size?  Yes, if I had a little extra cash in my pocket.

The next moisturizer I have been using for a while is Amorepacific Future Response Age Defense Cream.  A few years back I tried one of their moisturizers and I loved it.  This one did not disappoint.  I have been keeping it in my traveling bag, and it has lasted me a long time.  The packaging is also sweet.

Ugh, so shiny.
The consistency is creamy, but it is so lightweight, it just melts into your skin.  I only need a little bit at a time.  According to Sephora:
This formula designed to protect against pollution and free radicals, while restoring and reducing skin inflammation for younger-looking, healthy skin. Environmental aggressors from the sun, pollution, and other sources can cause stress to our skin and add to the signs of aging. This formula provides daily antioxidant defense to keep skin looking its best. 

They say daily in this description but I wouldn't use it during the literal day.  It has no SPF, and that's super important y'all.  Ok, here is the bad news: It's $195.00 for 1.7 oz.  My heart hurts writing that.  I had no idea it was so expensive.  I would have made my little sample last much longer.  Now, Amorepacific is made in Korea, and you can get the brand on sites that sell Korean cosmetics.  Check this one.  The problem is that their products might not correspond to the ones sold in the US.  This is something that I have to look into further.  Would I buy the actual size?  I love this product, but unless I become real rich real soon, then the answer is no.

Finally, something for the body.  Now this sample is not from Sephora.  Sorry!  However, I think that you can just go ask for a sample, and that's free!  I'm talking about the Almond Milk Concentrate moisturizer from L'Occitane.  Guys, this stuff is legit.

It's all gone. :(
According to the website:
Enriched with powerful almond extracts, our Almond Milk Concentrate melts into the skin in a creamy and silky texture, to help skin look more smooth. 

Skin feels nourished and comfortable thanks to the association of almond milk and oil, which helps to moisturize and soften the skin. A new complex, associating walnut seed and almond extracts, makes skin seem smoothed and more beautiful. 


This sample was just a one time use for me.  I really wasn't expecting much to be honest.  When I put it on after my shower, I noticed how soft my skin felt.  It's a cream but it was very light.  The best part, though, was the smell.  When I was getting ready to get to bed, I kept catching a whiff of something delicious.  It was me!  This stuff put me in a heavenly cloud of awesomeness.  I think it's what unicorns smell like.  It was a slight scent of almond and something I can't put my finger on.  So not only was my skin soft, but I smelled soooooo good.  At $29.50 for 3.5 oz, it's not terrible.  I think this is a great birthday present.  Get it for someone you love.  Like me.  Would I purchase the actual size?  YES.

The extravaganza is over.  Sadsies.  However, my pursuit of all things sample is not.  Wherever there are small things to be tried, I will be there.  So should you.  Go out there and sample some shizz, and fall in love with some worthwhile products.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Youtube Lovin'

This YouTuber is a newer addition to my roster of favorite gurus, but she is quickly becoming one of my favorites.  Her name is Faith and her channel is Nomadic Make-up.  Every time she posts a new video, I click immediately.

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It makes me feel like this!
(Shout out to Baby Sinclair)
Why do I click immediately?  Because she is so awesome.  Duh.  She does make-up looks and reviews.  Her looks are playful and fun.  I like that her everyday look involves colorful ombred eyebrows.  Who doesn't love that?  And as seriously as I love make-up, I also like to have fun with it.  She's soooooo pretty, and is relatable and funny.  She's one of those obnoxiously cool people.  Her reviews are also very honest which I appreciate, and she works with high end and drugstore brands.  I feel like she is a kindred spirit in terms of makeup.  Even though she doesn't know who I am.  Strangers can be kindred spirits, right?  She doesn't have a lot of videos uploaded because she is relatively new, but I am loving everything she has posted so far.

On YouTube there are so many gurus, and some have such a rabid fanbase.  Sometimes watching their videos can feel like a commercial, but Nomadic make-up doesn't feel like that to me.  The videos feel authentic, and I think it's very cool to see someone with a lot of talent of the rise.  It's like I discovered something!  In the way that Columbus discovered America (so, like, not really "discovering"). Anyway, check her out below:


Also, have a look at her blog.  Do it!  Do it now!  Are you still here?  Why?!  Go now!

Friday, May 9, 2014

What's Your Sign, Baby?: Aries

Aries, March 21-April 20
Symbol: Ram
Element: Fire

According to Buzzle:

Secret Desire - "To lead the way for others"


People born under this sign are adventurous, active, and outgoing. They are independent, impulsive, and assertive, but at the same time can also be innocent and trustworthy. No matter what upheaval, challenges, or triumphs they come across, they have an amazing ability to bounce back. Being a child at heart, for them the world is a magical place. Their faith in life and optimism remains untouched by hardship. These people love challenges and are doers rather than talkers.

I knew what I was going to do with this sign from the very beginning.  I think that's because Aries are pretty distinct personalities.  And by distinct, I mean crazy.  Just kidding! (Sort of)  The main color associated with this sign is red, and the element is fire.  So, obviously we have to go with a subdued earth tone look.  Right?  Right?!  Or we could go with something a little more outside of the norm.  Not "talking to rocks" outside of the norm, but something unique.


Do I look nauseated to you?


I think this is happiest I have looked in any selfie.
Clearly, I am up to something.


My buggy eyes are giving a distinct E.T. vibe here.
I kept the eyes very simple.  I used a matte skin tone on the eyelid with a soft taupe along the lashline and black in the water line.  The cheeks have nothing except some gold highlight.  For the lips, I wanted fire on my face without the heat and blistering so I went for an ombred lip.  I used a orange lipstick over most of the lips, and a yellow gold in the center.  Finally, I outlined the lips in red.  It's a slightly different way to do a bright lip, but still fun.  What do you think?  Would you try this Aries look?

Thursday, May 8, 2014

What's Your Sign, Baby?: Pisces

Pisces, February 20 - March 20
Symbol: Fish
Element: Water

According to Buzzle, Pisces has a:
Secret Desire - "To live their dreams and turn fantasies into realities"

Being highly mysterious and alluring individuals, people born under this sign love to live in their world of fantasies. They are extremely talented but are usually found spending their lives combating confusing situations. In relationships, their emotions are their weakest spot as when things are going well they are on cloud nine, but if they turn sour, these people get depressed and land in a heap. They have a gentle, patient, and malleable nature and they are compassionate and sensitive towards the feelings of people around them.


I like the idea that Pisces are mysterious and alluring.  The main color associated with this sign is sea-green.  The element is water and the symbol is fish.  What's the first thing that pops into your head?  Mystical, magical fish, right?!  I'm so glad we're on the same page.  Mystical, magical fish swim in cool waters surrounded by mist covered mountains, as we all know.  I wanted to use a soft, cool color palette to create something pretty and fishy (drag speak for feminine).

Do my eyes look like pretty pretty fish scales?

Looking off to those misty mountains

Hey.

The eyes are the focus here.  I created a sort of ombre effect with a bluish silver, sea green, and purple.  I threw on some black eyeliner and mascara in there too.  The cheeks are natural, and I used a matte neutral pink on the lips.  I think this really works for a night out.  The eyes are interesting but they don't scream at you, and the rest is subdued.  What do you think?  Would your favorite Pisces wear this look?

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

What's Your Sign, Baby?: Aquarius

Aquarius, January 21 - February 19
Symbol: Water Bearer
Element: Air

According to Buzzle, Aquarius has a:
Secret Desire - "To be unique and original"

Aquarians are highly focused and mind-oriented individuals. Being outgoing and amiable they make many friends wherever they go. They are intelligent, concise, and logical and have strong political, environmental, or social beliefs. In relationships, when they feel the person is worthy of their love or friendship, they can become amazing friends or lovers, can give up everything for their partners, and be faithful to them throughout life.


Can anyone actually think of the word Aquarius with out thinking about the Fifth Dimension song?  Is that song stuck in your head right now?  No?  Click here.  You're welcome.  In any case, for me Aquarius brings to mind the 60's, psychedelic colors, and people walking around bare foot.  The main color of this sign is electric blue so I thought that I would do a sort of interpretation of 60's mod make-up.  Think Twiggy, but larger and more Puerto Rican.  This look isn't for everyone, but Aquarians want to be "unique and original."  This definitely fits that bill.

I don't know how I can look so incredibly drunk while
my eyes are closed.

Let the sunshine in indeed.

Some barefoot hippie ticked me off.

I used a bright matte blue all over the lid.  I really blended it out for maximum awesomeness.  I added a bit of glitter right on the center of the lid.  For the waterline, I used a sliver pencil, cause why not?  I used a shimmery peach for the cheeks, and a more orangey peach for the lips.  I also used a crap ton of mascara because that's what Twiggy would do.  What do you think?  Are you feeling this modern mod look?

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

What's Your Sign, Baby?: Capricorn

Capricorn, December 22 - January 20
Symbol: Goat
Element: Earth

According to Buzzle, Capricorn has a:
Secret Desire - "To be admired by their family and friends and the world at large"

People born under this sign are responsible, organized, and hardworking. Being workaholics, they are ambitious, practical, and can become achievers in the field of business. But that does not mean they are dull or boring as they have a witty sense of humor which erupts at the most unexpected of moments. They are highly cautious before entering any relationship, but once they feel secure with their partner, the cool exterior melts away to reveal a sensitive, lovable, and loyal heart beneath. As a friend, they provide you with the most trustworthy and sympathetic pair of shoulders as compared to any other zodiac sign.


Capricorn is another one of those signs that left me stumped.  Ugh, stop being so difficult, guys.  The main colors associated with this sign are black, dark brown, and navy.  I just think that's so...serious.  Also, the symbol is a goat, so that's, you know, fun.  But I don't want to let Capricorns down!  The Capricorns I know are really energetic vibrant people, so those colors don't really gel for me.  I asked my favorite Capricorn, my Mom, and she said to add a fuchsia lip.  So, I did.  Mom knows best.  Hi Mom!

Thinking about my weirdly uneven hairline.

Look into my eyes, don't fear the bright lip

Literally sitting in a rocking chair looking at a golf course

I kept the eyes a soft matte dark brown with a light highlight at the inner corner.  Cheeks were neutral, but the lips are really bright.  The color appears more hot pink in the photos but it serves the same purpose.  Capricorns are responsible people but they aren't boring.  Serious on the top, and fun on the bottom.  Like a mullet for your face.  What do you think?  Does this work for your favorite Capricorn?

Monday, May 5, 2014

What's Your Sign, Baby?: Sagittarius

Sagittarius, November 23 - December 21
Symbol: Archer
Element: Fire

According to Buzzle, Sagittarius has a:
Secret Desire - "To make a difference to the world"

Being the most optimistic zodiac signs of all, Sagittarians are known for aiming their sight at whatever they find alluring and making it their own. Ruled by the planet Jupiter, people born under this sign are bighearted and have an innate exuberance, sense of adventure, and love for life. They are intellectually and spiritually advanced, and like to develop their own innovative philosophy of life.


So according to the description from Buzzle, Sagittariuses sound like fun people.  They have a "sense of adventure" and "love for life"?  If I weren't a Virgo, then I think I would want to be Sagittarius.  Of course Virgos are perfect so that scenario is purely hypothetical.  The main color associated with Sagittarius is purple.  I definitely think that purple is a fun color.  Obviously, Synergy from Jem and the Holograms would not have picked to be completely purple if it was not fun.

See?  Fun.  And not at all terrifying.
So, my idea for the Sagittarius look is a party look.  I wanted something bright and colorful.  A look fit for Synergy and a rocking party with Rio and the girls.  (I really want to attend this fictional party that I have created.  Can someone make this happen?)

Meditating on Rio and his inability to tell the
difference between Jerrica and Jem.

I am HYPED for this, y'all.

I think the Misfits are trying to crash the party.
For the eyes I tried a different approach.  I used a silver just in the center and used a shimmery purple on either side.  For the cheeks, I actually mixed a light pink with a lilac eyeshadow to create a slightly different blush color.  Honestly, I like using lilac as a blush color.  Imma do it again.  Finally, I kept the lips fairly neutral with just a hint of purple in the center.  What do you think?  Would the fun loving Sagittarius in your life rock this look?

Sunday, May 4, 2014

What's Your Sign, Baby?: Scorpio

Scorpio, October 24 - November 22
Symbol: Scorpion
Element: Water

According to Buzzle, Scorpio has a:
Secret Desire - "To triumph"

Considered to be the most powerful sign of the zodiac, passion, desire, fame, and power go hand-in-hand for most Scorpios. They are winners who like to lead fate-filled lives, and are often found to be wise beyond their age. Known for their contrary nature, be careful while dealing with them on a psychic intuitive level. Once they are in a true relationship, they can be extremely loyal, and dedicated towards their partner, but if they fall out badly, they will never forget or forgive.


Save the Drama for your Mama, or your make-up look.  To me, the idea of the sign of Scorpio is drama, but not the Real Housewives of Whatever drama.  I'm taking about a bold statement, a certain charisma.  Deep red, purple, and burgundy are the colors associated with this sign.  I wanted to do a look that would draw attention for all the right reasons.  So, the look for Scorpio is simple but powerful.  I turned it up to 11 (I like to reference This Is Spinal Tap as often as possible) as they say.  This looks says, "You will pay attention to me, and not because I flipped over a table."


Can you feel the drama?  Can you?  Can you?!

I'm thinking about snatching someone's weave.

All others fear me
I ran a little shadow through my eyebrows to define them.  The only things on my eyes are a matte skin tone shade of eyeshadow and mascara.  The cheeks are super neutral so that all focus can be on the lips.  I thought a red lip would be a little too cliche for Scorpio so I brought out the dark purple/ burgundy color.  This lipstick is for serious Scorpios and Vampires only.  What do you think?  Can you handle the Scorpio drama?

Saturday, May 3, 2014

What's Your Sign, Baby?: Libra

Libra, September 24 - October 23
Symbol: Scales
Element: Air

According to Buzzle, Libra has a:
Secret Desire - "To live an easy, uncomplicated life"

Considered to be the most civilized of the twelve zodiacal characters, people born under this sign exude elegance, charm, and good taste. They are naturally kind, generous, and are lovers of beauty and harmony. They have a great sense of understanding of the emotional needs of people around them and try fulfilling them with their own innate optimism. They hate cruelty, conflicts among people, and make their best efforts to cooperate and adjust with others.


After reading the description of Libras, I decided to look some famous ones up to get a better sense of who a Libras are.  I found a list that included Madeline Kahn, and I have decided that Libras must be pretty cool because Madeline Kahn was the shiz.  (Seriously, go watch Blazing Saddles and Young Frakenstein if you don't know her.)  The colors most associated with Libras are blue, pink, and green and their element is air.  This brought to mind the idea of something ethereal.  I actually kept thinking of Cate Blanchett in Lord of the Rings. So I decided to do something very soft and pretty.  I am serving up some Galadriel realness with this look (I have been watching a lot of RuPaul's Drag Race).

Dreaming about pretty elves

Contemplating getting a cool headpiece like Galadriel

Frizzy hair attack!
The look on the eyes is a combo of pink fading to mint green while adding some bright blue in the crease.  I added some liner to ground the look but kept the cheeks and lips pretty in pink.  While some people fear brighter colors on the eye for daytime.  I think it's kind of refreshing.  Mint eyeshadow for everybody!  What do you think, Libras?  Join Galadriel and I, won't you?

Friday, May 2, 2014

What's Your Sign, Baby?: Virgo

Virgo, August 24 - September 23
Symbol: Virgin
Element: Earth

According to Buzzle, Virgo has a:
Secret Desire - "To love and be loved in return"

Known for their charm and dignity, people born under this sign are the most successful, structured, and creative among all other signs. No one can understand human frailties better than a Virgo. Virgos are so generous, kindhearted, and trustworthy that when you need a friend during your tough times for advice or companionship, they are always there for you and they won't let you down. One of their most amazing traits is that no matter how many times love or life turns sour on them, they still manage to maintain their faith in others and never lose hope.


Hoo, boy.  This sign was a bit of challenge.  I am actually a Virgo, and I was completely stumped on what to do!  I think that Virgos are seen as anal retentive mother types, and while that is kind of true (it's pretty true), we can be cool people!  Apparently, some of the colors most associated with this sign are green and brown which ties in with the Earth element, but are perhaps not so exciting.  So, what I decided to do was use those colors but make the look kind of sexy.  Usually, people only focus on the eyes or the lips.  I say, "Down with your make-up rules, society!"  I'm going to focus on the eyes and the lips.  (Ooooo, burn!)

Doesn't look like I've discovered some magical golden thing,
and it's shining on my face?  No?  Just me?  Ok.
Something needs to be organized off in the distance

I seriously cannot take a selfie straight on without looking
like I'm going to kill someone
I used some soft browns to create a subtle smokey eye with a hint of mossy green at the inner corner. Then, BAM! Red lipstick, baby!  That's right, I went there.  I think people fear looking like a clown if they wear a stronger look on their eyes and lips.  This is a totally legitimate fear, by the way.  Clowns are terrifying.  However, I think you can do both without scaring yourself and others.  So, what do you think Virgos?  Would you rock this look?

Thursday, May 1, 2014

What's Your Sign, Baby?: Leo

Leo, July 24 - August 23
Symbol: Lion
Element: Fire

According to Buzzle, Leo has a:
Secret Desire - "To be a star"

Born fortunate, people belonging to this sign are charismatic and optimistic, which not only attracts many friends and opportunities, but also helps them survive life's stormy conditions with style and humor. Whether it's love or friendship, once committed they are totally devoted and faithful. Being trend-setters, leaders or adventurers, their weakness is their pride. Born leaders, they are ambitious, courageous, dominant, strong-willed, spontaneously creative, and are one of the most extroverts among all zodiac signs.


There are a lot, a LOT, of famous Leo women.  I mean, check this list out.  I guess it makes sense that the Leo wants to be a star.  The symbol is the lion, and one of the colors most closely associated with Leos is gold.  Now, I could have just gone all out bling with this, but the Leo that I know well is not much of a spotlight seeker.  So, I decided to go with something slightly different.  Leo is basically the end of summer.  It just brought to mind, the beach, golden tans, and sunsets.  My Leo inspiration is a relaxed beachy look.

Yes, this is tan for me.  Don't laugh.
This is my best come hither look.
Kissed by the sun (while wearing SPF 30)
I kind of want to look like the Oscar statue's sister that took a trip to the Bahamas.  There is no heavy make-up on the eye.  Just a little bit of gold and bronze and some mascara.  I bronzed the crap out of my face and highlighted everything with a golden powder.  I used a peachy chubby stick on my lips and added a gold lipstick in the center.  How many times can I use the word gold in this post?  (Five times, apparently)  Do you feel my relaxed beach vibe?  Is this a good look for the star Leo in your life?

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

What's Your Sign, Baby?: Cancer

Cancer, June 22 - July 23
Symbol: Crab
Element: Water

According to Buzzle, Cancer has a:
Secret Desire - "To feel safe (emotionally, spiritually, romantically, and financially)"

People born under this sign are well-known for their ever-changing moods and contradicting attitudes. They can be compassionate and caring towards their friends and family at one instant, and the next moment, they can be very hard and insensitive. Being fascinating, mysterious, and alluring, no other sign romances better than this sign. They have a fundamentally conservative and home-loving nature and they are emotionally and tenaciously loyal to their partner.


This look was a bit of a challenge for me.  No one in my family or my immediate circle of friends is a Cancer so I was at a lost where to start.  When I researched the colors for this sign, the internets told me the main colors were silver and white.  I also learned that the planet for Cancer is the moon.  Eureka!  Thanks, Internets!  I decided that my inspiration was the night sky.  The moon is a constant in our sky but it is always changing in appearance.  So, subtle smoky eye which is classic with a twist.

S'up
So brooding.  Or maybe squinty?

My moon shaped face fits the look!
I used a silver on the lid but added some sparkle with purple cause glitter is my favorite color.  The cheeks are soft and the sheer gloss has little bits of purple and blue sparkle. Blurple, if you will.  I think this look is something your favorite Cancer will be over the moon for. (Puns!)  What do you think?

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

What's Your Sign, Baby?: Gemini

Gemini, May 22 - June 21
Symbol: Twins
Element: Air

According to Buzzle, Gemini has a:

Secret Desire - "To be ahead of the crowd"

Known as multi-faceted souls, people born under this sign love to know a little bit of everything. For them 'variety is the spice of life'. They lead a unique and unusual life, and are often unappreciated for the talents they offer to the world. These people are multi-dimensionally talented and are always eager to know and learn new things. They are affectionate, courteous, and generous as long as activities due to these traits does not interfere too much with their own life and comfort. They are loyal and straightforward but when things go against their will they can sulk like children and can be difficult to handle.


Does anyone remember the Gemini's Twins Sketches from SNL a while back?  I loved those.  I literally think of this every time I hear the word Gemini.
This is way back when people still liked Gwyneth.
Anyway, Destiny's Child parody bands aside, Geminis are known for twins.  That's not something that I can create with makeup.  At least I don't think so.  I can, however, create a look that is "unique and unusual".  The color associated with Gemini is yellow.  (Really? Yellow? Way to be difficult, Geminis)  So, I decided to go for something a bit more avant garde.

I look so pissed because the sun was soooo bright.  Trying desperately
not to squint.
Like my turban?
Grrrrrr, Sunshine!
I thought that putting yellow all over the lid would look kind of like caca so I decided to make it an inner corner highlight.  I used a greyish taupe to create some contrast and make me look like a super villain.  Finally, I through some bright aquamarine for even more pop.  Since the focus was the eyes, the cheeks and lips are neutral.  I'm getting a distinct Erykah Badu vibe from this whole look.  What do you think?  Would this work for the Gemini in your life?