Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Polish Pic{k}s

2014-10-31T15:06:00.001-04:00

As a fan of dark polishes, I was shocked to find I didn't have a basic black option in my arsenal. I wanted a cheap & cheerful option for a Halloween themed mani, so I chose Black Creme by Wet & Wild.

I have to say this: I was impressed when applying it, it's held up beautifully & I was thrilled with its $.99 price tag! I'll be scooping up more of this polish. Happy Halloween my Boo-ties!

Peace. Love. Polish.

Files From the Brow Whisperer

2014-10-14T12:19:00.002-04:00

Yet another first time client came in to be "fixed." Someone had taken off her poor tails. At my request, she left everything alone for 2 weeks prior to seeing me. You can see where they were lopped off & that they're starting to come back in.

I conservatively waxed above & below. I always explain that I will leave some hairs, to hope that more will fill in. Great brows are a journey!

The "After!" I showed her how to softly enhance her new shape with powder, which will help her see the big picture & put down those tweezers. Finally she has brows that fit her stunning blue eyes!

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer.

Files From the Brow Whisperer

2014-08-28T10:57:00.005-04:00

It happens to the best of us...even I can't believe it's almost September! All of a sudden, you realize your brows have gotten out of hand. You know it's a situation when your hubby is helping you get an appointment ;^)

To give more lift, I worked on taking the roundness out of this client's brows. She already has a full face. It actually helped that she had let them grow in, in the before picture you can see previous technicians gave her brows a rounded look ~ not a great fit for a round face shape. Now her arch is gaining some strength which gives the illusion of lift to the eye area- brow powder will help accentuate that even more. Have you stopped taking care of you this summer? Fall is the perfect time to change that!

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer.

Mani Monday

2014-06-09T13:05:00.003-04:00

So Instagram (are you following moi @PeaceLoveLipgloss ) has been inspiring me to get a little creative with my manis lately! Here I used OPI's I Love Applause as the main color. I applied some crystal accents in the wet polish in the middle finger & topped with clear to prevent them from popping off. It was my first time trying nail tape for the striping, as well. I did the pinky nail in Essie's Pink About It with accents in OPI's Alpine Snow. All in all, I think it turned out really cute!

Peace. Love. Polish.

Files from the Brow Whisperer

2014-04-24T11:23:00.003-04:00

My client has fabulous brows, but she also has a brand new baby boy- so they're hidden at the moment! I know new moms are starved for time, but maintaining your brows helps you appear pulled together - even if your teeth aren't brushed, you haven't slept & there's spit up on your shoulder...

I always keep her brows full & lush- since they're so striking. One quick visit & at least she's looking well rested!

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer.

St. Patrick's Day Inspired Eye Make-Up

2014-03-17T21:43:00.005-04:00

St. Patrick's Day themed make-up has a time & a place. As a make-up artist I'm comfortable pushing the envelope a bit more than others. For those of you wanting an age & office appropriate look that still honors the green tradition try using something similar to the following:

Using an angled brush dipped in water, I applied a bit of Sleek Cosmetic's Forest eyeshadow from their iDivine Ultra Mattes V2 Darks Palette to my upper & lower lash line winging it out.

I've mentioned Pixi Beauty's Endless Silky Eye Pens & my obsession with them in previous posts. That's saying something as eyeliners rarely do much for me, but I own close to 10 of these. I struck gold with the EmeraldGold shade, which has stunning micro flecks of gold in it- super shimmery & gorgeous! I heavily lined my lower water line with it & topped with a few coats of mascara- easy peasy!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Peace.Love. Lipgloss.

Veronica Mars Movie

2014-03-14T10:22:00.002-04:00

Friends of mine know I have been obsessed with a show called Veronica Mars from way back when. I, on occasion- still have marathon viewing weekends. So when word got out that the fans would have a chance to bring it back & on the big screen no less through Kickstarter, I jumped at the opportunity.

I was able to go to the NYC premiere this week as a backer perk. The fact that it was the night before my birthday made it perfect timing for a little getaway. The red carpet.

An aerial shot of the red carpet as we headed up to the actual screening.

Veronica Mars herself, well actually Kristen Bell looking stunning with backers from Kickstarter.

The boys from Veronica Mars up close from my seat: Ryan Hansen, Chris Lowell, Jason Dohring & creator/mastermind Rob Thomas. It's been an amazing feeling being part of a group over 90k strong that brought the show back to life. The movie premieres nationwide in select theaters today! So in between having some pints in celebration of St. Patty's Day- try to see the film & make this unique project even more of a success. You don't even need to be familiar with the series to enjoy the movie. I hope you love the finished result as much as I do!

Peace. LoVe. Lipgloss.

All Things Oscar

2014-03-03T14:08:00.000-05:00

The Oscars are a favorite day of mine- I love everything about them, movies, beauty, jewels & fashion! So I decided (Mother Nature be damned) to host a viewing party. It was quite fun to throw together- with some of the accessories affordibly picked up at the dollar store, like the vintage inspired popcorn containers & movie sized candy.

To go with the gold star theme, I decided to spray paint bottles of prosecco & champagne to give them a gilded appearance. I loved the results- which were super easy, I just covered the labels with post it notes & got my spray on!

Gold star balloons from the dollar store provided valuable entertainment for the cat - see video of her trying to steal the decor on instagram!

The red velvet cupcakes renamed Red Carpet Cupcakes that were dusted with edible gold glitter were a crowd favorite.

So as far as the actual show- no real surprises as to the winners, I loved Ellen hosting! My pick for best dressed? Kate Hudson- hands down. Kate knocked it out of the park in her Versace gown that was the epitome of old Hollywood glamour. I also thought Angelina Jolie, Jessica Biehl & Sandra Bullock brought their A game. Who topped your list?

Peace. Love Lipgloss.

Files From The Brow Whisperer

2014-02-21T12:44:00.000-05:00

This busy Mom was a first time client who hadn't had her brows shaped in over 5 years- since her daughter was born. She would pluck here & there but had lost a general shape.

With waxing we instantly made the eye area look more groomed & lifted. It always perks up the eyes, giving the illusion of being well rested. Which let's face it, is rarely the case!

A quick tutorial on further enhancing her brows with brow powder & she was off & running- literally!

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer. M

Happy Valentine's Day

2014-02-14T10:01:00.001-05:00

Trust me in that whoever you're buying a sweat treet for would much rather have Too Faced's Chocolate Bar Shadow Palette over actual chocolate. So much less guilt! $49

Their blush is a great way to say I 'heart' you, too. $30

For a more affordable option, check out Physician's Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting products~ like this blush. $11.99

Philosophy's My Heart to Yours Gift Set has a little bit of everything at a great price point if $24. Whether or not you even have a Valentine, I say be sweet to yourself!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Files From the Brow Whisperer

2014-01-29T00:17:00.001-05:00

Another first time client came in this week, with a bit of P.T.B.D. (Post Traumatic Brow Disorder.) As per my request, she left her brows alone for at least 2 weeks before her appointment with me. More hair there is = more canvas I have to work with. Sometimes I feel like clients pluck on their way to see me!

Since this was her first visit & she had been overwaxed in the past, I was conservative. I left them very full. There are some patchy spots underneath that we're hoping will grow in. I then gave her a tutorial on brow powder & filling in her brows.

See how brow powder can be your best friend! It keeps your on one the prize - while you're growing them in. It's such a night a day difference + I feel like it helps my new clients put down the tweezers. That's their homework if they want to see great results. Her brows go from okay to amazing with that final step!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Red Onion, Baton Rouge

2014-01-14T12:32:00.003-05:00

So I love interior design almost as much as I love make-up. I guess I favor things where fluctuations in personal weight don't matter;)

I went down to visit one of my best friends in Baton Rouge last week. The fact that it already seems like forever ago amazes me. Anyhow she recently moved into a lovely new home, so we were hopping into a lot of decor stores.

Red Onion literally made me cry with happiness. I couldn't resist, onions -> crying. I'll stop, promise. It was very me, style wise. I love orchids, but the glass vessels & color palette had me swooning.

Luckily holiday was still up around the store in some places.

My friend Shelley ended up choosing this amazing succulent garden for her kitchen island. It's stunning & adds real presence to a large piece of marble countertop.

Since I couldn't carry anything as heavy as her piece home with me, I scooped up a live olive plant & some faux succulents for arround the house. Though I often loathe fake plants, when I find a really believable one- I'll mix it in with some live plants to cut down on maintenance. I hope these pictures do the store justice- pop in if you're in that area. I was obsessed & so inspired.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Latest Obsession: Jouer Lip Enhancers

2014-01-04T22:15:00.001-05:00

I don't know what neck of the woods you're reading this from, but here on the East Coast- it's freezing! I normally like the cold, but this is redonkulous. Everything on me is dry- my hands & lips particularly. I even broke down & bought a humidifier. My latest obsession to help fix my parched pucker: Jouer's Lip Enhancers. Those of you familiar with the cult favorite Sara Happ Lip Slip, this is very similar in texture- just enhanced slightly with color.

From left: Pearl Enhancer in Peach, Tinted Enhancer in Bellini, Tinted Enhancer in Cosmo, Pearl Enhancer in Nude, Tinted Enhancer in Shiraz & Pearl Enhancer in Rose.

My personal favorite has been Bellini (of course it's named after a cocktail!)- it's a gorgeous apricot that instantly wakes up your fave. The fan favorite at the boutique has been Rose Pearl. With these temperatures & the enhancers priced at a reasonable $16- I'll be adding more to my assortment!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Files From The Brow Whisperer

2014-01-04T22:15:00.000-05:00

Whenever a new client reaches out to me for an appointment, I ask that they leave their brows alone for at least 2 weeks. I prefer even longer so I have enough to work with in terms of establishing a new shape. This client gave me a great canvas!

This is immediately following waxing while the client is still on my treatment table. It's a night & day difference after trimming & grooming her brows.

An even better shot looking straight at the eye- see the lift she now has to the eye area. Amazing if I do say so myself;)

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer.

Wishing You

2013-12-25T00:30:00.000-05:00

A very Merry Christmas to you & yours!

Julibox ~ A Great Last Minute Gift idea

2013-12-23T21:33:00.000-05:00

Though Christmas is the same day every year, sometimes it still sneaks up on us! I don't know how, but I still have a lot to wrap. There are others (ahem Dad) who still have shopping to do.

For those of you out there in the same boat- rather than fight store lines- monthly gift subscriptions are a great bet. There are ones for beauty lovers like Birchbox & Glossybox, ones for dog lovers like Barkbox, health nuts have NatureBox & for those cocktail lovers out there like myself- there's Julibox!

I've given a Julibox shipment as a gift a few times when I've visited friends out of town. It's a great treat prior to your arrival or as a thank you after your departure.

The packaging is very high end & it's such fun to open, that I gifted myself a 6 month subscription (that seems to be a theme for me this holiday season....that's such a great gift- I'll get one for me & one for you!) All the liquor is supplied that is needed for 2 signature cocktail recipes that very monthly & are seasonally inspired- usually you'll need to supply something like lemon, some type of fruit or sugar.

Fabulous little touches...

Recipe one which we'll sample on Christmas Eve involves some bubbles...

This one looks like a winner any night of the week or just to unwind from all of the holiday running around. Whereas some subscription boxes I've signed up for end up leaving me with things I don't use- I find myself stepping outside of the traditional vodka 'box' (couldn't help myself) that I tend to stick with. There's enough to make 2 servings of each cocktail. I think it's a great last minute gift that costs $40/single shipment or $36/shipment for a 6 or 12 month subscription. Cheers!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Files from The Brow Whisperer

2013-12-19T17:49:00.001-05:00

The week before Christmas is always a blur for me! Everyone wants to come in & have their brows done. Who wouldn't want to get their glam on- especially when so many photos are taken this time of year.

A major streamlining of her brows opened up the entire eye area. Everything looks lifted. She'll be good to ring in the New Year, too!

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer.

Stocking Stuffers

2013-12-16T13:19:00.000-05:00

Stockings are a big deal in my family. But the price tags can add up, so here are a few of my favorites I've found this year:

I first spotted these hair ties on Movie Girl & actually had complemented her 'bracelet.' When she explained they were hair ties...

I went out & got some for myself from Anthropologie! I can't tell you how often I have hair ties or elastics on my wrist for work that look, well like hair ties. These look so lovely on the wrist. Three are for $24- so since I do 3 stockings for my mom & sisters I'd split up the pack.

I'm obsessed with NYX Lip Butters, I mean beyond. When my lips are chapped I used to turn only to by beloved Aquaphor. The fact that I reach for these now too is saying something! I bought these trios for my sisters' stockings at 40% off their normal $9.99 price tag. If you can't find the sets anymore locally, still head to Ulta where the singles are buy one, get one 50% off.

Here's an option from Benefit with super cute packaging that breaks down to about $4.33 a gloss if divvied up.

I stumbled upon this Perlier set by accident while watching (ahem being sucked into) a beauty segment on HSN.

It's a collection of 9 hand creams in the box + 1 bonus anti-aging body balm at a special price if $19.95.

Now I know we all dip into the 99 cent bin sometimes for beauty items, especially for stockings & bulk gifts or favors- but most of the time you feel it in the actual quality of the product or worse the smell is gross. These hand creams are luxurious & much needed this time of year. I would wrap individually & fill an entire stocking for someone like a nurse or teacher or esthetician; ^) that's washing their hands all the time during these cold months.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Mally: Celebrate Your Beauty

2013-12-12T18:37:00.003-05:00

It's the most wonderful time of year....because it's holiday beauty gift time;)

Bam! Taaaa daaa- this kit even makes a professional make-up artist like myself squeal with glee! The lipcolors, evercolor liners & shadows are paired color wise for easily breaking up the collection into 3 separate gifts.

High Shine Liquid Lipsticks in Mally Melon (L), Petal to the Metal(C) & Mauvelous (R.)

Evercolor Eyeliners in Shimmering Black (L), Royal Plum (C) & Expresso (R.)

The individual shadow compacts are adorbs!

Palettes Romantic Brown (T), Radiant Taupe (M), & Royal Plum (B.)

Here I am sporting the Radiant Taupe shadow palette, the Mally Melon Lipcolor & Mally Volumizing Mascara from the collection. I've waxed poetic about her mascara for years- 3 of those alone is worth the price of admission. I'm also wearing her highlighter & Dream Brow(yes in Taupe & yes it's super dreamy!) Friday the 13th can't be that bad, as that's when this Todays Special Value launches & it is amazing.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Beauty Blog Coalition Winter Giveaway!

2013-12-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

The bloggers from the Beauty Blog Coalition are at it again and want to give you the opportunity to win a little money right before the holiday season!
All terms and conditions are listed in the Rafflecopter widget below. The giveaway is open from 10 December until 21 December, internationally to all those ages 18 and up. You may tweet using the Rafflecopter option once a day until the giveaway is over for extra entries. One winner will receive a $500 prepaid Visa gift card. Two more winners will receive a $200 prepaid Visa gift card. (Both are available as a one-time PayPal transfer if the winner so chooses.)
Please take time to visit the bloggers who made this giveaway happen and good luck!

A Little Polish
Ashley is PolishAddicted
Beauty and Fashion Tech
Beauty by Krystal
Beauty by Miss L
Beauty Info Zone
Big Time Beauty
Blushing Basics
Blushing Noir
Citizens of Beauty
Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom
Cosmetic Sanctuary
D.G.S.Beauty
daydreaming beauty
Fabulous Awesomeness
Geniabeme
Glamorable
Glamorous Mama
GlitzGlamBudget
Hairspray and Highheels
Honeygirl's World
InTruBeauty
Justina's Gems
Kat Stays Polished
KellieGonzo.com
KillerLipGloss
Lawless Lacquer
Liesl Loves Pretty Things
Lipgloss Break
Logical Harmony
Makeup by Kim Porter
Midnight Manicures
Moxie Reviews
My Highest Self
My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog
Peace Love Lipgloss
Peek & Ponder
Phyrra
Pointless Cafe
Polarbelle
PolishGalore
polish insomniac
Portrait of Mai
Pure Natural Diva Botanicals
Set in Lacquer
Smashley Sparkles
Stephanie Louise- All Things Beautiful Blog
The Crumpet
The Lacquerologist
TheFabZilla
Will Paint Nails for Food

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Files From The Brow Whisperer

2013-12-10T18:55:00.002-05:00

Are you looking more Grinch than glam at the moment?

Make sure you're ready for the holidays!

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer.

The Luxe List: Smashbox

2013-12-06T20:13:00.000-05:00

When I bought this Master Class II Palette from Smashbox during Sephora's VIB November sale, my full intention was for it to live in my professional kit for bridal parties. Of course when it arrived I wanted to test it out personally!

Kits are often a great way of experiencing a multitude of offerings from a particular line. That being said, in the past I've bought some palettes before that had a few shades I rarely used or worse found the pigments in some far less quality than single shadows in a line.

This palette doesn't disappoint in terms of quality & is jam packed with product. Four of their best selling cream liners, 28 shadows, 2 highlighting powders & 6 blushes!

Too many shades to swatch! Some of my favorites:
Anchor(L), Amethyst(M) & Rose (R)

Ultramarine(L), Serpent (M) & Peacock(R)
I find this palette coming home with me almost every weekend so I can play with it. It's a great value at $59 & a great holiday gift. Though I realize it is over $50 in terms of pricepoint, you really get a complete make-up wardrobe. This would be an awesome starter palette for a teen or granddaughter. However, if you've gotten your VIB coupon recently in the mail- I say scoop it up for yourself!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

The Luxe List: QVC Beauty Christmas Advent Calendar

2013-11-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

So my discovery of probably the most fun holiday beauty gift this year began when I got my Goddaughters advent calenders. My thought was that selfishly they would have to think of me once a day for 25 days- I like to be on their minds, since they live out of state;) Then I saw Benefit's Countdown to Love Calender & thought why not get their mom an advent treat, too! Unfortunately it was sold out everywhere I checked.

So imagine my delight when I spotted QVC's very own Beauty Christmas Advent Calender online. Yes, it's a bit pricey at regularly $96. However, it's at an event price now of $78.96 & this sucker is huge! It's substantial in size & makes a great impression straight out of the box.

It honestly took a lot of strength not to keep it for myself. It was so tempting to sneak a peek into the numbered doors, but I quickly wrapped it. I think it's just a fun way of transfering that holiday childhood delight to us adults. My Bestie promised she would text me a pic of her beauty treat everyday so I can live vicariously through her (hint hint Santa.)

I actually think this offering is even better than Benefit's in terms of gift giving, because it features so many different brands: Bliss, Fresh, Ole Henriksen, Philosphy, Dr. Perricone, Dr. Denise, Nick Chavez, Stila, Tarte, Mally, Julep- the list goes on & on! Great for sisters, besties, daughters- I wanted to give you as much time as possible in case you wanted to grab one for gifting & send it on its way. Can you believe December is going to be here in a few days!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

The Luxe List: Hourglass' Ambient Lighting Palette

2013-11-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

When Oprah's talk show was on the air, it was known among insiders that her lighting budget was the most expensive in the industry. Every make-up artist knows the importance of bringing light to the face. When done properly- everything looks better! Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder has become a cult favorite since they launched last year.

For holiday & all the good little girls this year, they introduced the swoon worthy Ambient Lighting Palette ($58) with their 2 best selling shades + a limited edition shade. You know you want to see the inside....

Tadaaa! The palette features 3 shades: (L) Dim Light, (M) Limited Edition Incandescent Light & (R) Radiant Light. As an oily skinned girl, I ran from any type of face with sheen in my 20's. But the key is all in where it's applied. As we get older, where drooping occurs due to losing volume- shadow results. Bringing light to the area brightens & gives the illusion of lift. I consider these powders, glow powders. They're incredibly soft- enough to use all over the face, which is why I don't want people to shy away from them that are afraid of traditional highlighters.

As you can see - even when finger swatched, the colors are all very sheer. Colors from- (L) Radiant Light, (M) Incandescent Light & (R) Dim Light.

I always highlight on the cheekbone & down the bridge of the nose- here I used Incandescent for those areas. I then built the Radiant Shade into a blush for my cheeks. This is a gorgeous palette that really could suit all ages- the light reflective pigments really help diffuse any imperfections like hyperpigmentation. Because isn't this the season to be merry & bright?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.
* gifted for review

Files From The Brow Whisperer

2013-11-18T12:36:00.003-05:00

Often clients who come to me with petite brows overdo it on filling them in. The stick powder of pencil on every hair the do have & it makes the brows look very 'blocky." It even accentuates the fact that they do not

This visit was this client's first to me & she said she was sensitive. I used my hard Cirepil wax above & in between the brows.

I still was conservative in my shaping. I left a few hairs at the beginning of the brow, in hopes that we can grow in that area.

I then gave her a tutorial on brow powder, choosing a shade accenting her auburn hair. That way we extended the tail of brow a bit to make them look more proportioned. I was able to give an arch & show her how to replicate the look at home. This photo is looking at her straight on, as you can see this helps open up the eye & give the illusion of the lift.

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer.