Pretty In Dayton

A friend posted this on my wall...

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:51:00 +0000

It totally made me smile today. :)

You have to admit, there gets to be a point where you get sick of the traditional birthday song. And yes, listening and dancing to music IS awesome!

Dayton Opportunity: Are you "Beauty" or the "Beast"?

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:39:00 +0000

Personally, I'd like to be a little of both...

Beauty or the Beast Event

Who: YOU, and Kidtee Hello Photography, Lindsay Springer for Makeup, and Casandra Baker on Hair.
What: Photo shoot - Pick Your Altar Ego!!!
- Beauty: Fantasy style make-up & hair, Out right glam/hollywood, or a more simple cleaned up version of you. If you can Imagine it we more then likely can make it happen!
- Beast: Still Fantasy style make-up but darker, you can even be a zombie if you want to anything you can imagine.(No Prosthetics)
1 Look 3 FULLY EDITED IMAGES!!!
When: Saturday, February 11 from 9 am to 9 pm.
Where: TBD in Dayton
How: Check out the event's Facebook Page and contact Kidtee Hello. The entire session costs $200, with a 50% deposit up front.

I think this sounds like a blast. If my Boudoir shoot falls through I may just take this opportunity instead! I could totally see myself requesting a Harvey "Two Face" Dent approach to this - "Beauty" on one side, "Beast" on the other. But if I had to pick between the two, I'd go Beast. It's not often you get to have a pro artist go makeup crazy on you!!! Plus, who said "Beasts" can't be beautiful?

The Beauty Spotlight Team - Week of January 21

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:37:00 +0000

This week the Beauty Spotlight Team previews Spring makeup collections, finds some must-have drugstore treasures, keeps your hair looking great and one member channels her inner Supermodel for a day!

Marcia from Beauty Info Zone continued her search for L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadows and found more to love.
Little cat paw print embossed lipsticks, now what could be more fun… Visionary Beauty shares the lipsticks from the cat themed Paul & Joe collection for Spring.
At Everyday Beauty, Zuzu's Petals dishes about beauty and the aging process.
Modesty Brown reviews the L'Oreal Super Liner in Black Amethyst. It might be designed for hazel eyes but this pretty liner is sure to appeal to purple fans no matter what their eye colour.
Guarentee yourself a good hair day! Pammy Blogs Beauty loves No 4 High Performance Hair Care's Lumiere d'hiver Reconstructing Masque.
Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed starts swatching the OPI Holland collection - wooden shoe like to see it? Then check it out!
Over at Pretty in Dayton, it's Story Time! A Fairy Tail come true - Styrch makes a surprising transition from "customer" to "model" for Sittella, by Althea Harper
Paula, from Older Girl Beauty, shows us one of her foreign beauty faves - this time it's Hissyfit Body Double Sunscreen Lotion from Australia.
Perilously Pale finally satisfied her craving for Fyrinnae and shares with us her first set of swatches of the incredible eyeshadows!
At Lipstick Musings, Shannon's falling in love with Laura Mercier all over again, all because of Shimmerplum Sequin Eye Color.
Prime Beauty fell hard for the Burberry Spring/Summer Collection, a beautiful assortment of neutral and brights perfect for the over 40 woman!
A stain that's glossy? Isn't that an oxymoron? Londonmakeupgirl sees if YSL has managed to make it a reality, when she buys a YSL Glossy Stain.

Giveaway: Have YOU tried sneakpeeq yet?

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

If you're answer is "no" then you've come to the right place, my friend, because sneakpeeq just offered Pretty in Dayton readers a chance for a Giveaway AND a 20% discount if you're new to sneakpeeq.

What is sneakpeeq?

Olive Natural Beauty Oats & Honey Luxury Set
(Yeah, I bought this on sneakpeeq).

sneakpeeq is a very large (and growing) daily boutique sale site that offers exclusive discounts to brands that myself, and may of you, may be interested in. Every day sneakpeeq adds new brands to their existing sales. Sales last for a limited period of time and have a limited selection from the brand in themHowever there are several differences:

sneakpeeq chooses to feature new or relatively unknown brands. They want to be the place you go to find something new, not something you can find everywhere.
sneakpeeq is entirely based on Facebook and is set up a bit like a game. You know the item featured, but you don't know the sale price until you use a "peeq" to view the sale price.
You get rewarded for your interaction on the site through Badges.

Up-cycle Candle Holder

What's a "Peeq"?
It's a cute term. A "peeq" is an option to view the sale price of an item, nothing more. You get 20 peeqs per day. That's actually a lot of "peeqs"! You'll realize quickly that 20 is more than enough to get a satisfying experience on sneakpeeq each day.

Cake Suzette Adventurous Hot Chocolate Trio

The roll of BADGES
Badges are the other "game" component. As you use your peeqs, share with friends, . and make purchases etc you are awarded Badges. Badges can later be exchanged for discounts on items you want to purchase. Definitely useful! While Sneakpeeq doesn't tell you HOW to earn badges, some of the names of the badges can give you little clues. The first badge I earned: Newbie.

Ok so GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Note: this giveaway is open to new sneakpeeq memebrs only.

Let's see what sneakpeeq will give us. Right off the bat...

sneakpeeq is being so nice to us! Everyone who enters this giveaway gets 20% off your next purchase just for entering!

However, there will be two additional prizes. The people awarded these prizes will get to "double dip". Not only do they get 20% off, but they also get their prize. Without further ado...

Prize #1: $25 Dollar Gift Card to sneakpeeq for one lucky winner!!!
I really wish I could win this myself. Believe me, I've had a look around the site and "peeqed" at quite a few things. Many of the items on sneakpeeq would be covered by this alone. But there can be only one true grand prize winner.

And a runner up prize...

Prize #2: $10 Dollar Gift Card to sneakpeeq for one other lucky person!!!!

While this may not cover an entire purchase, it will come close!

Enter the giveaway by clicking on this link: Enter the Pretty in Dayton sneakpeeq Giveaway and joining sneakpeeq!

Remember: You'll get 20% off any purchases just by using that link. You can only enter through that link - not through any other service. So make sure THAT is how you join.

The giveaway will end in 2 weeks time (January 27th I believe). After that, sneakpeeq will give me the names of all entries and I will choose randomly who wins. Be sure to check back on Pretty in Dayton to see if you're a winner!

After you have a look around, please tell me what you saw that you liked in the comments below. I'm so curious what you will find!!!

China Glaze Tinsel Town - I started the year off right!

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I am the first to admit I've neglected my nails and reviews lately. I should have gotten to this one sooner.

I've been in debate over how to blog collections. On one hand, I feel honored when I receive a collection. I know I'm not obligated to post them, but I do want to be fair. I was given these polishes for a reason. On the other hand , I want to be s honest as possible.

So I'll show collections when I feel I have the time and desire to do so. But more importantly, I'll show you what I'm liking and gravitating toward from those collections individually if time does not permit me.

This polish is one of the latter. When I saw the bottle, I knew it would be on my tips!

The truth is that this polish clung to my nails pretty well! Therefore, I really haven't changed polish color all that often. In addition to be a tad bit lazy, that is.

Color
Charcoal gray glitter in a slightly blue-gray base. Beautiful! I love glittery gray nails. To me they look fun but elegant.

Application
Two coats over Qtica Nail Growth Stimulator and topped with Seche Vite. The formula was a little inconsistent and could be thin.

Wear
I'll admit, I had a few chips right after New Years Eve, but the rest of the plush clung like glue! I love it when polishes do that and make me work to take them off!

Bottom Line
I don't instantly gravitate toward glitters due to the amount of cleanup involved, but I totally coveted this polish and I'm glad to say it did not disappoint me. I would buy this on my own.

Disclaimer
This polish was furnished to me by PR for review purposes. I do not sell China Glaze products nor am I affiliated with China Glaze in any way.

Story Time! The Ohio Classic III, Althea Harper... and Me?

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0000

How in the world did I end up in THIS situation???

Me posing in Sittella Venice Dress by Althea Harper

Quest For My Pretty: Yay I'm Back on Track!!!

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

This past week I spent a lot of time sleeping. Why? I had a 3 Day weekend and I was just plain tired! Sometimes the mattress just calls. I actually was wondering if I was fighting something off. But on Monday I buckled up, started Les Mills Pump as my primary program, practiced Turbo Kick, and of course I taught class yesterday. Aside from some not so great food choices I did pretty well.

Weight: 160.4 lbs (-1.8 lbs)

See! Back on track!

Incidentally, I'm doing the Shakeology Cleanse right now so I'll report on how I've done on Saturday morning. We'll see where I stand. I figured I needed to do one because my friend is having a Toga party Saturday night. I need to look extra luscious in my toga! Well, that's just an excuse. I wanted to get back on track.

Hidden Calories
This past week I discovered something horrible. The wraps I've been getting at my Deli counter at work have 300 calories... just for the wrap itself! That doesn't count anything I put into it. I thought they were half those calories. Since I eat them fairly regularly, this may account for some of my "issues" this past year in losing. Because of that I also followed up on the Veggie Burgers I eat on a regular basis. I'm happy to say I've been overestimating those so I'm good on that front. Slowly but surely I think I'm learning the ins and outs of my cafeteria at work such that I'll make smarter choices.

Where do you think YOU might have hidden calories? I'm curious to know because there could be something I haven't thought of for myself.

Calling All Dayton Models and Fashion Designers!!!

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:12:00 +0000

By now I'm sure you've heard that Dayton's first ever FASHION WEEK is in the works for July, but did you know you can get involved as a model or a designer? You can!!!

Model Casting
Model casting will be held on February 25th at De'Lish Cafe (Facebook site) from 11:00 am to 3:00 PM. You MUSH fill out the Audition Form ahead of time because there will NOT be audition forms at the venue.

Designers...
You're lucky! You have a bit more time to plan. The deadline is March 1st. You can email the planners of the event to have a packet sent to you at info@daytonfashionweek.com.

Now... personally, I hope to be in the audience. What about you?

They Beauty Spotlight Team: What's in Perilously Pale's Makeup Bag?

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:00:00 +0000

I'm definitely late in posting this, but isn't that picture just lovely? I love that the bag is pale, just like our girl who's hosting this week's bag. What would a "Perilously Pale" girl put in the bag? Do you think she'll have pale shades or bright bold items? Me, I'm placing my bet on neutrals with awesome lips! Lets see shall we? Take a peak into Perilously Pale's Makeup Bag!

Back on Sale - Meow Cosmetics Friday the 13th collection

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

This collection started an addiction for me. I adore Meow Cosmetics. There's something for everyone in the Friday the 13th collection.

For 13% off, use code: brokenmirror
If your order is over $35 dollars, select "Free Shipping" at checkout.

Note: These swatches are all no base, no primer, applied dry.

From Left To Right: 13. Accident, Bad Luck, Broken Mirror, Cursed, Fate, Misfortune, Paranormal, Skeptic, Spell, Supernatural, Trepidation, Unlucky

Closer ups (I hope):

Left to Right: 13, Accident, Bad Luck, Broken Mirror, Cursed, Fate, Misfortune, Paranormal

And the other bit:

Left to Right: Fate, Misfortune, Paranormal, Skeptic, Spell, Supernatural, Trepidation, Unlucky

So what are you getting?

Dayton Opportunity - Are you as obsessed with lingerie right now as I am?

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0000

If you are, then Dayton you might want to consider this - A Valentine Boudoir Photo Shoot!

Iron Foust Photography is doing something really cool for you in anticipation of Valentine's Day. On January 30th, they are renting out a space in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dayton . Your hair and makeup will be done professionally by artist Lindsey Springer and published stylist Cassandra Barker of Cherry Lee's Salon. You will then get 1 hours time with the photographer. Champagne and hor dourves will be provided. Apparently the shooting will go on all night because the last spot is at 9 am on January 31st! The end result is that you get a low resolution CD of all your shots, and 10 8 by 10 images of your choice. All of this for a grand total of $325.

Please contact Shae Foust for more information if you are interested.

(Yes, I'm totally thinking about trying to convince my husband that this should be my birthday present.)

Quest For My Pretty - Weekly Weight Loss Report

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Every once in a while I think I need to pull out THIS picture and remind myself how far I really have come:

What a difference one year can make.

For the past few weeks I've been logging my food and keeping track of my calories burned via my BodyBugg. It's such an interesting tool! But I don't know that it's helped me that much yet. I will admit, though, I do like to get those 10000 steps in and I love hearing that beep when I've met a goal for the day.
In other news, my next program to tackle arrived: Les Mills PUMP (affiliated link). I chose this program because I can mix it up easily with other things, like Turbo Kick teaching. I just have to remain faithful to the PUMP classes (barbell classes) three days a week. I think I might actually do a quick video and show all of you what you get in the basic set because it's a rather remarkable system. The barbell itself is an innovation in it's construction. But we'll talk more about that another time.

Weight: 160.2 (+0.6 lbs)

Damn it! It's not really gaining, but still! I thought I had this week. I've had a deficit of calories every day according to BodyBugg. I think I need to give them a call. I didn't even have alcohol this week.

Regardless, I am going to do another Shakeology Cleanse next week (Jan 18 through 20). You see, I have this friend who's having a Toga Party on the 21 and I want to look great in my toga! If you'd like to join me on that, let me know. I have enough packets for a couple of people!

Ok, now I want UD Perversion 24/Pencil

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Attention all advertizes! If you create an add for an eye pencil and just show this type of look, I'll totally want it, even if I don't have the eye shape or the skill to pull it off.

Seriosuly, envious of anyone who can get cat eyes to look like this...

Yeah, you can get Perversion 24/7 liner for $18 from Urban Decay. And I'll probably be buying another black pencil too.

Warm Eternity Scarf - My latest knitting adventure.

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0000

This is what happens when I want to keep my hands busy and not eat too much over the weekend:

This particular scarf is the Eternity Scarf by Michelle Wang. The pattern is available on Ravelry.com for $4.50. I love it's simplicity. The ribbing used is called the the cartridge stitch according to the pattern. The cartridge rib is worked vertically, then horizontally, then it's just straight stockinette stitch for the rest of the scarf. Because stockinette rolls if you don't do something to the bind off edge, the roll adds even more texture to this design. Super easy, relatively quick and very awesome.

Incidentally, you could always cast on fewer stitches and get a cowl instead of an Eternity scarf. I may try this next. I do think the horizontal cartridge rib stitch would make a truly awesome texture of sweater, but very cumbersome. I may have to try it at some point!

The Beauty Spotlight Team - Week of January 7th

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 04:04:00 +0000

Happy 2012 everyone. Are you making any resolutions? The Beauty Spotlight Team has made a resolution to do our very best to keep you all informed of the latest & greatest or the tried & true in this new year. And we keep our resolutions!

Tired of constantly reapplying your lipstick? Then a lip stain may be your new best friend! Check out what Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed thinks are the top picks!
It's a brand new year and time to make resolutions. One beauty resolution that some of us need to make is to keep our brows well groomed. Beauty Info Zone has the answer with Youngblood Brow Artiste. Start your brows off right for 2012.
At Everyday Beauty, Zuzu's Petals opined about the sweaty side of beauty.
Are you suffering from the dreaded "winter hands syndrome"? Shannon at Lipstick Musings was...until she discovered a cult favorite from Dior that gave her "just-manicured" hands every day!
London Makeup Girl reviews Chantecaille Violetta Lip Chic and compares it to another sheer berry lipstick in her stash. Which does she prefer? Find out here: London Makeup Girl Chantecaille Violetta.
This week Modesty Brown shares her thoughts on beauty awards perennial favourite, YSL Touche Éclat. It's a product that divides opinion, which side are you on?
Paula, from Older Girl Beauty, shows us Maybelline's latest eyeshadows, the "Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Eyeshadow" that comes out this month in the US.
Don't ya'll just love all these new 2012 product releases! Pammy Blogs Beauty sure does as she tests out Laura Geller's new 2012 release: The Inkwell Waterproof Gel Liner Duo. Find out what she thought!
Visionary Beauty shares her collection of the delightful Rouge Bunny Rouge loose glitter pigments, including the two new tantalising shades; Caress of Mink and Embrace of Cashmere.
You HAVE to check out Prime Beauty's Top 10 Beauty Products for 2011--these aren't just favorites, they are game-changers!

Face of the Day - "Absinthe" Makes the Heart Grow Fonder (Sugarpill)

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Realized I this little look in my list of images I hadn't used...

I'm seriously loving Sugarpill, theBalm and Benefit right now in case you were wondering. By the way, Too Faced Shadow Insurance officially kicks the crap out of my long used Urban Decay Primer potion. I may now be a convert. Isn't it sad when Holy Grails turn out to be made of relative tin when something better comes along?

The one thing I really think I could have done better here was control the crease color a bit more. I picked up a little more than I wanted and it moved around a bit more than I wanted it to. Thank goodness for deepset eyes in this case. Only YOU could see my application mistakes!

Eyes

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Sugar Pill Midori Eye Shadow - Patted over Shadow Insurance.
Sugar Pill Absinthe Loose Pigment - Placed on top of Midori.
The Balm Nude-itude Pallet shadows - I used various shades for crease and highlight out of this palette (I really need to do a review because it's awesome).
MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder - lining of course.
Illamasqua Precision Ink in Alchemy - Just a bit under eye liner.
Benefit They're Real Mascara

Face

Mary Kay Foundation in Ivory 6
MAC Loose Powder in NC20
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in By Candlelight
Benefit Blush in Bella Bama - Ok, who hasn't tried this yet? If you haven't you should!

Lips

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil In Sex Machine
Inglot Lipgloss - whatever the number is of the one I usually use.

Check this out - Althea Harper gives packing tips!

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0000

I've told you before that I am a TERRIBLE packer! Everyone who has traveled with me will tell you this. I came across this video when I was looking at Althea Harper's site based on a post that went up on Facebook. She gives some excellent packing tips! But that's not what I loved about this video. What I love is how Althea turned her dress into a top the next day. Styling ideas! Check it out:

That may have just convinced me that the shirt dress I was questioning when I saw the collection pictures is actually useful and versatile.

Quest For My Pretty - Weekly Weight Loss Report

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

New Years Eve I was not kind to my body and I am paying the price...

Weight: 161.6 lbs (+ 1.2 lbs)

I sincerely hope this is just water weight or a reaction to totally killing my workout yesterday. I taught Turbo Kick and according to my BodyBugg I reached my target steps and calories for the DAY during the session.

Anyway, I have a plan:

I am now logging both food and calories via my BodyBugg.
I ordered the new Beachbody product Les Mills PUMP - it's only 3 days a week for PUMP classes, and I can substitute other days with Turbo Kick class or practice. Perfect for right now!
I am back at work so I have access to healthy lunches.
I am IN an accountability group currently as well as RUNNING an accountability group - running an accountability group I don't have anyone looking over MY shoulder. So being accountable elsewhere is good for me. Plus these groups are totally separate. I think that will be key.

My goal is to get down to a 135 goal by April/May. Having a goal will make this easier, obviously. New goal, new time. Time to kill it!

Shabby Apple New Year Sale! 20% Off Site-wide!

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Just when you thought you were done shopping...

Use code NEWYEAR at checkout.

Personally, I think I'm going to be looking again at the Academia collection. There are a few dresses in there that I've been eying for a while.

Pretty in Dayton is a Shabby Apple affiliate.

New Years Resolutions!

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:34:00 +0000

I didn't post these immediately because I've been giving them some thought. I'm at the point where I think I'd like to post them out in the open, make them real. These may end up getting added to, but the following are things I KNOW I need to stick to in the new year.

Quit purchasing makeup, polish in crazy shades I don't need and will never use. - While some of you may say "well your blog will be boring", deal. Some things just don't fit in my life and I need to accept that.
Get up earlier! - I am a notoriously late riser, particularly on the weekends. It also means that I don't get as much done and I am probably constantly tired due to my erratic schedule. Conversly I will also need to...
Go to sleep earlier! - Yeah...
Clean something each week! - yes, this might not get my life in order, but it might help me keep things going.
Call and/or see a friend at least twice a week. - Facebook helps, but it doesn't do the work. I need to get over the phone. I need to get off my butt. And awesome things happen when I see my friends! Even if I have to schedule reminders, I need to do this. If I get the answering machine, that's ok... I tried.

I think five resolutions is enough for now. These are just the beginning!

Year in Review: What I remember most of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:44:00 +0000

This was the year I broke out of my usual makeup sources (e.g. MAC) and explored other bands I wasn't familiar with personally. I had gotten tired of seeing the same colors get recycled by main stream brands along with higher price tags than when they offered them originally. Also, I found when you purchase from an indi brand it can be a lot more personal and gratifying on a different level, as opposed to always going for what is main stream. I love helping people get a little boost because I featured something of theirs on this little blog of mine.That makes me happy!

I also made it a point to get out and into Dayton proper a bit more. I enjoyed urban neighborhoods, popup shops, new places to eat, and especially new friends. This is something I want to continue to do next year.

But for now, let's get on with...

2011: What I will remember... (in random order)

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Quest For My Pretty - Weekly Weightloss Report

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:33:00 +0000

Wow! Christmas... Cookies! That's what Christmas was about. My mother makes the most awesome cookies and I was happy to eat them. But I did get some exercise in so I hope the damage is minimal...

Weight: 160.2 lbs (-0.2lbs)

Hey! I maintained! That's great news!

I have a new tool for weight loss which is sort of awesome. My parents purchased a BodyBugg for me for Christmas. It's awesome! I've been wearing it as much as I possibly can since I got it charged up. I discovered that I burn between 700 and 800 calories while sleeping. SLEEPING! But what this information can do is give me more clear idea on what I should be eating, not what anyone else thinks I should be eating in terms of calorie allotment. I've been pretty sure that my intake has been off for a while. I hope the BodyBugg will keep me on track and give me new insight into how my body is actually burning it's fuel.

In other news, my HUSBAND asked me when I was doing another Shakeology Cleanse. I can't believe he wants to do this with me, but I'm excited that he does! I was thinking mid January. Is anyone interested in joining us?

Penhaligon's Ltd - Up to 50% off selected items!

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:23:00 +0000

Just letting you know Penhaligon's is having a big sale (as in BIG DISCOUNT) on their site. Not everything is on sale, and there are differences between what's on sale in the US and what's on sale in the UK. I thought I would point some things out:

If you are in the US...

Lilly & Spice Eau de Perfume - both sizes are on sale. I picked up the larger size for $33.75 (normally $135)
Artemisia Candle - I didn't buy this but I adore the scent.

If you are in the UK...

Anthology Fragrance Collection - £40.60, was £58.
Lp #9 for Ladies - You have no idea how envious I am! £29, was £58. I would have snatched this up super fast if it was on sale in the US.

So what are you waiting for? Go shop!

Cuticle and Peeling Nails Advice from Ms. Lisa of the Beaute Box

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Have YOU signed "The Box" yet? I actually haven't, but I wish I had asked if I could!

The Beaute Box, as you know, is my favorite place in Dayton to go get my nails done. I don't do it often - I have far too many polishes at home. But when I get a craving for a Shellac on the Rocks or a Minx-tini pedicure, I head over to Ms. Lisa.

In Lisa's new location, which I wanted to mention, she has ample space. Not only is she doing nails, but you can have parties come in. If you want the services of an esthetician, she has one - and she'll double team you with a Shellac manicure while you're getting your lashes done (see picture of some patron, not me).

However, when I go see Lisa, she often has advice for me on how to care for my nails. I have two main problems right now: Raggedy Cuticles and Splitting Nails. Let me impart to you Lisa's advice on how to care for these two conditions.

Raggedy Cuticles Home Care

Solar Oil, Solar Oil, Solar Oil! - Lisa trusts CND as a company implicitly. And she says their Solar Oil is the best. Some Oils have fragrance or other additives that may cause your cuticles to feel dry. So she suggests investing in Solar Oil. But either way, a cuticle oil for Lisa is a MUST!
The Post-Shower Routine - After you are done showering every night, take your towel while your hands are still damp. Use the towel friction to push back your delicate cuticles. Lisa says that this is both gentle enough of your tender cuticles and effective.
Cuticle Oil at Night, Every Night - I'm a fan of lotions, and I play on my iPhone before bed when I don't have a book, but Lisa wants me to get this into my routine. I'm going to try!
Cuticle Nipper, not a Shaver! - You know those little implements that nip at cuticles? This is Lisa's favorite. I loved the little Shavers,but what I've come to realize is that they are not good enough. They create bigger problems later on. In this case, the quick solution is indeed not the best.

Peeling Nails Home Care
Really, we all know most of the things to do here (keep your nails polished, wear gloves when washing dishes, hydrate, etc) but Lisa had additional information on buffing out the peelies once you have them. Quite simply put: Buff toward the "good" part of the nail. In my case, I tend to peel from the ends of my nails. So I should peel from the tip, toward the base where the cuticle is. This will remove the peel, but keep the good part of the nail intact and ready to grow healthy. Side to side buffing will not help - you're buffing the peel away but not down to the good part of the nail. I found this most curious.

For the moment my nails are Shellac-ed with Asphalt in order to keep them protected while they grow out. They are down to the quick, and that's not very comfortable. But with Lisa's suggestions and a little luck I hope to get my nails back to their functional length soon.

Incidentally, Ms. Lisa is looking for more vintage furniture. If you know some at a good price, the Beaute Box might be interested.

To make an appointment at The Beaute Box, try their facebook page.

My Husband's Holiday Party - What I wore...

noreply@blogger.com (styrch) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Ta-da!

I've never felt more like a sparkler in my life! However I quite liked my makeup and my hair...

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