Venus Exposed

The Very Best Facial I've Ever Had - EVER!

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Sat, 19 May 2007 15:36:00 +0000

I've had a hard week and now I'm going to treat myself to a steam facial this afternoon. It relaxes me and it opens up my pores for more effective cleansing. It is one of the best facials I've ever had and I do it at home for just a few bucks. It's like a soothing tea for your skin. The peppermint and lavender helps to control the oil, the green tea helps to sooth, and the lemon peel contains citric acid that is used in aha products, rose petals help to soften skin. If you read part 3 of my series on even skin tones, Acne: The Battle is On, when your skin is not exfoliated properly, oil and dead skin cells can collect in and around the pores causing breakouts. The steam helps to loosen debris and dead skin cells.

The ingredients for this facial are easy to find and inexpensive. When I do an at-home facial, I follow up my steam bath with an oatmeal and buttermilk mask. It doesn't smell great, but it works well. Oatmeal is a very good cleanser, it softens the skin and is effective for all skin types. Buttermilk also has AHA properties (lactic acid) which helps sooth the skin and even out the skin tone.

How I Do it:

loose green tea

pure peppermint extract

lavender petals

lemon peel

rose petals (they smell pretty)

very hot water

heavy towel (I like white)

Oatmeal/Buttermilk Mask

I run my oatmeal through my coffee grinder and mix in room temperature buttermilk by the tablespoon until it is a yogurt creamy consistency.

Bring water to a rolling boil, add ingredients, cover and let steep for a couple of minutes. Pour steam bath mixture into a heat-resistant bowl. Position your face over the bowl. Do not put your face too close to the steam it will do its work with your face about 6 inches from the rim of the bowl. Of course I don't have to tell you to close your eyes so you don't get sweat in them. I stay over the steam for about 8-10 minutes. Splash with tepid water, pat dry and follow up with the oatmeal/buttermilk mask. I keep the mask on for about 20 minutes and rinse with tepid water and follow up with a very gentle wash to cleanse the residue.

You can follow this up with your regular skincare regime, i.e., toner/moisturizer. I promise your skin will look a little clearer and feel softer. Try it and let me know how it worked for you.

Spoken Word Artist Breaks it Down

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Tue, 15 May 2007 04:54:00 +0000

This video's got legs! One of the most interesting statements on Hip Hop I've heard in a long time by spoken word artist Taalam Acey. There's been a lot of conversation on Acy's assessment of Hip Hop culture across the Internet. What do you think about Acey's critical analysis of Hip Hop culture?

The Hip Hop Project

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Sun, 06 May 2007 14:42:00 +0000

In recent news, Hip Hop has been sentenced and convicted of a litany of crimes. The rap sheet for Hip Hop runs long and is accused of everything from corrupting the 'innocent' minds of suburban youth by inciting a misogynistic, big-baller mentality, the rape and assault of good, clean American social values, to the drugs, death and violence in our neighborhoods. Hip hop has been blamed for CBS's and MSNBC's former cash cow/golden boy, shock jock Don Imus's recent ignorant, racist and uninspired comments about the Rutger's women's basketball team.

With handcuffs jingling, and with the Chair and wet sponge waiting, more than a few activist groups are ready to pull the lever on Hip Hop and toss it into an early and unmarked grave. I am not the biggest fan of Hip Hop. I loathe how women are portrayed and I have to tune out the stuff that relies on the much overused 'bitch 'n ho' formula in order to make the cash register ring. But nor am I a fan of the disingenuous blanket of blame laid at the feet of a genre that is being accused of everything from shooting Aunt Nellie's cat out of a tree to the drilling down of America's social mores.

Every now and then though, something comes along to demand that we take another look and remember that every story has two sides. The Hip Hop Project, produced by Queen Latifah and Bruce Willis takes a look at Hip Hop and the lives of a group of New York teenagers who have used it to transform their lives. They tell their lives through their music. This documentary is the antithesis of the messages normally hyped in mass media. It is a message of hope, dreams and self-realization. The Hip Hop Project, debuted to rave reviews at the Tribeca Film Festival and is scheduled for nationwide release on May 11th. 100% of the net profits of the film will be donated to organizations that work with youth.

The Hip Hop Project an independent film, also tells the story of Chris 'Kazi Kharma' Rolle, formerly a homeless teenager, who created The Hip Hop Project during his time in Art Start, a program started in 1991 by a group of artists who got together to create art with homeless children in New York City. Kazi was born in Nassau, Bahamas, abandoned as a baby and grew up in orphanages.

Kazi created The Hip Hop Project in 1999. This intensive program connects its students with music industry professionals to record and promote their music. The program helps them to realize who they are and gives them skills that they can use from now on. Kazi now tours the country inspiring and motivating his audiences through lectures and live performances. He is also the co-founder of A.P. EX., an organization that hosts college prep classes and ends with a tour of HBCUs.

It would be very naive to think that Hip Hop is blameless. Over the past ten years or so, it has done nothing to help its case. Nor has it done much to elevate and inspire people beyond gripping a new set of spinners or 'tappin a piece of a**. If it were a defendant in a court of law, it would probably spend some time in jail for aiding and abetting or contributing to the delinquency of a minor, if the judge is very lenient.

At the end of the day, we can blame Hip Hop for everything or we can remember there are two sides to everything. Real Hip Hop, love it or hate it, has something to say we all should be open to hear. Real Hip Hop is the reflection and the lyrics of the lives of real people. And while I grant that there are many who have bastardized and commercialized this art form solely for profit, it is not ready to die as many of its detractors would hope. Hip Hop gives Mr. and Mrs. John Suburbanite, and little Buffy and Jeffy the vicarious luxury of visiting America's inner-cities to see how people live for real and not feel they have to clutch their purses and briefcases for dear life as they run back to the 'safety' of their homes. Its been called everything else, now call it a social studies lesson.

"Entertainment" TV has been celebrating the life for the last month or so of a perpetually drug-induced, former playboy bunny whose only talent it seemed was to demonstrate how far you can go with big tits, blond hair and no self-esteem . To lay blame squarely at the feet of Hip Hop for the social ills we face is the ultimate WTF moment in American social history.

Here's a call to action: Go see the movie. Not only for what it is but for what it can do.

Even Skin Tone: Acne - The Battle is On! - Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Sat, 05 May 2007 12:52:00 +0000

Acne can do some pretty funky things to your skin. I developed acne in my mid-twenties and still have outbreaks more than ten years later. I tried some stupid and scary skin-fix remedies in an effort to control breakouts and to control the constant oil slick on my face. Some worked short-term but I believe caused long term damage.

The Problem.

Acne or Acne vulgaris, is an inflammatory skin disease that occur on the face, shoulders, chest and back.

One of the main causes of acne is associated with testosterone/androgen hormones which is produced at puberty and is found in women as in men. Hormones can trigger the sebaceous glands which produce sebum. This is not a bad thing, sebum makes the hair shaft flexible and moisturizes the skin but it also makes the skin more greasy. When the skin has an excess of sebum around a hair follicle or pore it can be come clogged. Propionobacterium (a bacterium bug) that normally lives on your skin can thrive in the blocked pore resulting in an infection that may cause inflammation. The inflammation is what causes redness and swelling of acne. In some severe cases a pore can rupture and cause scarring.

The Anatomy of a Pimple.

Cells that line the follicle are shed too quickly and begin to clump together. Excess sebum sticks to the dead cells and forms a plug, or comedo (also called comedones), that blocks the pore, which is not usually seen. When the follicle begins to bulge and show up as a small whitish bump mostly under the skin, it is called a whitehead. If the comedo opens up, the top surface of the plug darkens, and it is referred to as a blackhead. Pimples are the result of infected blackheads or whiteheads that rupture, releasing sebum, bacteria, dead skin, and white blood cells onto the surrounding tissues.

Some common factors that cause or aggravate acne flare-ups are hereditary, environmental factors, disease, drugs and cosmetics. A common but unfounded myth is lazy personal hygiene causes acne breakouts. What can cause flare-ups is a too-aggressive approach to cleaning your skin in an effort to get rid of the over-production of oil. This can actually cause an over-production of oil and make a bad situation worse.

Acne can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild is usually represented by the occasional whitehead or blackhead and may sometimes include a pimple or two. Moderate acne is characterized by pimples and pustules that pop up on the face. Pimples may also occasionally appear on either the back or chest or both. Severe acne is characterized by many nodules that are usually large and sore and appear on the face as well as the back, chest and other parts of the body. (I got them on my face). Severe acne will most likely leave scars, however if not treated correctly, all forms of acne can leave scars. If you suspect that you have nodular acne, discuss the situation with your dermatologist as soon as possible.

One thing that acne is not; it is not caused by eating french fries, pizza, chocolate, candy and other other greasy foods. This does not mean you can rush out for a grease and sugar cocktail. A healthy diet and lots of water which flushes toxins out of your system, is still a good bet for better skin. Water also helps to regulate body functions in all your organs (skin is the largest organ, the integummentary system) and helps to shed and eliminate dead cells faster.

Lazy personal hygiene is less of a culprit for breakouts than over zealous scrubbing. Aggressive scrubbing with harsh products such as products that contain crushed fruit pits, can create small scratches on the skin, over-stimulate sebaceous glands and at the end of the day, increasing oil production and exacerbating the problem.

While a outbreak can occur anywhere on your face (or other areas for some people), the T-Zone is the most acne prone area of your face. The T-Zone starts from the middle and sides of the forehead and extends down the middle of the nose including a little bit of the sides of the nose and goes down to include the chin.

One of the major reasons acne occurs in the T-Zone is because this area is touched the most, usually with dirty hands. The quick and easy cure for this is to stop doing that! We touch our face usually without realizing it so many times in a day that we are causing dirt to spread on the skin which can result in an acne flare-up.

The Fix.

Vitamins. The best source of course, is in a healthy and balanced diet. If you don't eat right, vitamin supplements are a must. Vitamins A, B Complex, C, and E are the heavyweights that can help control flare-ups. Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A which is used to reduce sebum production and control acne. Retinol also helps reduce wrinkles.

Vitamin B Complex has anti-inflammatory and humectant properties, metabolizes fats and reduces oil production. B Complex include the vitamins B3, 5, 6, and 12.

Vitamin C has antioxident and anti-inflammatory properties that helps prevent recurrent acne and may help repair acne scarring.

Vitamin E is another antioxident that may also help to heal scar tissue.

Probiotics/prebiotic foods can also help you treat your acne at home and helps to reduce breakouts while taking acne drugs such as Tetracycline, Doxycycline and Clindamycin. Foods such as honey, bananas, onions and artichokes are probiotic and added to your diet while taking antibiotics replaces the helpful bacteria in your system that is depleted while taking antibiotics. Be aware that all antibiotics can cause candida vaginal yeast infections in women. Tetracycline most frequently has this side effect.

Prescribed Medications.

Accutane is one of the best treatments available for acne. Accutane contains retinol which is a vitamin A derivative and is considered one of the most potent treatments for acne. It is also a very effective treatment for severe acne. Some people may experience side effects with Accutane, but the majority who use it report positive results.

Anti-androgens is any substance that inhibits the production of adrogens. Oral contraceptions are anti-androgens and are used as acne treatments effectively reducing oil production and reducing the hormones that enable the formation of comedones (the plug of dead cells and sebum that cause pimples).

OTC Treatments.

Over the counter treatments can be very effective in treating acne. Over the cunter acne medications work as exfoliative agents and dry out pimples. It doesn't make sense to try to list all of the over the counter acne medications here but there are some basics that you should know in order to choose your weapons selectively.

Acne medications that include salicylic acid are good for people with sensitive skin. The amount medication used in these medications are measured percentages and the stronger creams and gels will obviously have stronger concentrations of the active ingredient. Choose products that have the percentage of the active ingredient listed and complementing carrying agents as the first few ingredients on the ingredients list printed on the packaging.

Salicylic acid renews skin and unclogs pores. Salicylic acid is an exfoliative agent that removes the dead cells of the skin and helps the skin to regenerate faster and thus it decreases the blockage of the pores and formation of acne pustules and blisters preventing flare-ups.

Benzol peroxide kills the bacteria that causes acne. It acts as an antiseptic and oxidizing agent, and reduces the number of blocked pores. In 80 years of use, there has been no bacterial resistance to benzoyl peroxide; it is the cornerstone of acne therapy.

Tea tree oil and green tea cream are two herbal products that are claimed to work well in the treatment of acne. Tea tree oil and green tea cream can be found at any store that sells wholistic products.

Even though acne for the most part only lasts until the beginning of adulthood, it tends to leave life long scars - pockmarks and craters. The procedures used to eliminate these scars are numerous. Some were mentioned in Even Skin Tone - Pore Perfection - Part 2 of the Even Sk in Tone for the Tone Deaf six-part series that discuss products and procedures that eliminate dark spots (hydraquinoine) and other skin imperfections. Dermabrasion involves abrading the skin resulting in the removal the top layers with a electrical machine. When the skin heals from the procedure it looks smoother and fresher. A chemical peel minimizes the appearance of acne-damaged skin. Laser resurfacing uses high-energy light pulses to burn away damaged skin. Laser resurfacing is also used to minimize wrinkles and fine scars. Another procedure that is used is punch grafting. The dermatologist uses small skin grafts to replace scarred skin. Here is how punch grafting works: a hole is punched in the skin to remove the scar, the hole is then replaced with unscarred skin usually taken from the back of the ear lobe. Punch grafting is usually used to treat deep acne scarring. All of these procedures should be performed by a liscenced dermatologist.

At the end of the day, as in all things, common sense is the best defense. Arm youself with knowledge and don't harsh out your skin with products such as alcohol, and abrasives (microdermabrasion, notwithstanding). Yeah, they'll dry the oil on your skin, but they will also get your glands going into overdrive and you'll end up spending most of your time battling the acne you helped to create by driving your sebaceous glands nuts! Gentle, regular cleansing with products that control oil and kill bacteria should be a basic first step in your skin care regimine. For acne conditions that is more serious than a mild case should be taken to your dermatologist. If any product claims to cure acne, put it back on the shelf. There is no known cure, only treatments--very effective treatments but, treatments only.

This is Serious Business People!

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 16:54:00 +0000

This will be a very short post, I've got to fix my hair.

After an experiment gone horribly wrong last night and waking up this morning sporting the 'Yaphet Kotto' 'fro, it looks like I'll be continuing my search for the best product for my almost natural hair for a while. After this morning's surprise, I'm willing to spend whatever it takes to get it right. If you happen to be traveling this same road I can tell you, I hit paydirt on Afrobella's blog with a number of natural sites that I will be exploring and am happy to share with you:

nappturality.com
motowngirl.com
going-natural.com

If you're in the same boat I'm in, surely you'll find what you need on any one of these sites. I am particularly impressed with Motown Girl, not only because she is from the 'D', but the girl's got it all if you're seriously looking for some information that you can use. They all have a wealth of information on natural hair care and products, transition pictures and how-tos. Enjoy!

Going Natural

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 02:33:00 +0000

There are women that have to use the daily chair and whip method in taming their locks, I was one of those women. For years I wanted to hang up the whip and chair and had been telling myself that natural is beautiful but continued to relax my hair. One night two years ago (to my husband’s horror) I decided to take the scissors to my shoulder length hair. After all I rationalized, it was only hair. So I cut it. All of it, and wore it super short, relaxed with blond streaks for a year. I liked it (he loved it) but it sure was a lot of work maintaining it, and I found that I had begun to lose interest in hair dryers, flat irons and that kind of drudgery.

So I decided last year I would transition back to my natural hair but quickly found that it was a lot harder than I imagined since I had become so used to straight hair. Imagine that, going back to my roots was a culture shock! But, I cut it all off again finally cutting out all the relaxer. Then I chickened out at the last minute on going straight up natural and moved to a texturizer because I still wasn’t quite feeling the ‘fro. My last chop was in February which was so closely cropped that if I didn’t have a texturizer, my hair would have been so kinky I could have played connect-the-dots on my scalp… alright, maybe that’s just a little bit dramatic, but it was awfully short.

Will I be Happy to be Nappy?

I am still fearing the ‘fro. You see, I have a five-finger forehead and that just doesn’t seem to work with a short ‘fro on me. The texturizer gives me a softer look. To my surprise too, the texturizer gives me more options than I thought I had for experimentation. I can now stick a toe or two across the line and play around with the naturally kinky look and then hop back to my safe place for a silkier, more structured curl.

However, now that it’s growing longer, I have decisions to make. Do I wean myself off the texturizer and go all the way? Or do I keep the pacifier (texturizer)? I think I’ll let it grow some more before I ‘man up’ as my husband tells me, and go for the ‘fro.

I have to say I'm anxious to try a couple of products: Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding and Curly Kinky. I'm not familiar with any similar products so feel free to let me know of any others you may have tried. I have been researching these two products but I'm not sure they have the muscle to beat my kinks into submission for any duration. It seems like the products are made more for multi-ethnic women. They may work, or they may not, but the beautiful thing is they will not chemically alter the structure of my hair and I can wash it out and try something else.

Cultural Looting

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 00:36:00 +0000

Kikoi is a generic term for a 100% East African cotton hand-knitted cloth that was traditionally worn by men. It is a hot fashion trend now as ethnic style becomes more popular. As a fashion item, the beautiful and very versatile kikoi is used as a beach wrap, sarong, and as head wraps. The kikoi as a traditional household staple in Kenya is used for baby slings, curtains and other household items such as pillow coverings and, throws in addition to clothing.

The Kikoi is also an artistic expression of a region and its culture. Weaving and selling Kikoi to tourists is how many families in the region, primarily Kenya, earn a living. The arts and crafts sector is Kenya's second highest foreign exchange earner after agriculture and contributes around 18 percent of the country's gross domestic product.
Culture constitutes a history system of core ideas shared by a society. The use of kikoi is part of Kenya’s cultural heritage and should be protected and preserved for future generations.

Kikoi should not be a region’s honest intellectual property up for grabs by any company or government to seize and economically benefit from the indigenous culture of another country at the expense of their livelihood.

Kenyan activists are fighting to retain cultural designs developed in East Africa but are being patented by companies in the UK, the United States and Japan. After losing the kiondo basket, a handmade sisal basket unique to Kenya to Japan, the popular kikoi fabric design is currently at risk of being patented by the Kikoy Company, a British company.
Kikoy Ltd filed an application to register the word Kikoi alone as a UK trademark on August 26, 2006. While raising the alarm in Nairobi on February 21, 2007, Kenya Industrial Property Institute, Managing Director, Prof James Odek, said Kenya had until February 22nd to oppose the application before the trademark application is granted in the UK. February 23rd was the final day to submit any opposition to the registration.

Granting the trademark to the UK firm would mean that Kenyans have to request permission from the UK firm to market kikoi items despite it being a traditional cloth in Kenya and the rest of the region. Should the patent by the Kikoy Company be granted it will result in losses in millions of shillings in income and jobs that provide hundreds of people in the region, particularly Kenya, who sell kikoi items the means to earn a living.

Cooperation for Fair Trade in Africa (COFTA), a Nairobi-based body of nongovernmental organizations, is challenging the Kikoy Company’s patent application for sole ownership of the trademark of the kikoi.

Trade and Industry Ministry Permanent Secretary David Nalo indicated that Kenya will do all within its means to block the Kikoy Company from registering 'Kikoi' as its trademark.
He said preliminary objections have already been filed seeking to block the moved the foreign company is taking to register the Kenya’s indigenous business concern as its sole trademark.

2007 Swimwear Do’s and Don’ts for Bikini Island

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 00:08:00 +0000

Once you’ve waxed yourself all clean and shiny, you’re probably anxious to hop into that new suit you bought in February and head for the beach (if you’re not in Michigan!). The rest of us still need to shop for a new swimwear wardrobe for the summer. If you’re lucky every swimsuit or bikini you put on will look fabulous on you and swimwear shopping will be fun. The rest of us aren’t that lucky and need a little more spandex here and there to hold it in and for us and shopping is less fun and more challenge. But however great the challenge, there is a suit out there that will make almost every body type look great at the beach.

For the swimwear illiterate, here is an update to your swimwear vocabulary:

Maillot -- One-piece suit (some creative types have even labeled a cut-out style the "monokini"). This year maillots are cut out, one-shouldered and halter-necked.

Tankini -- A variation of the bikini, this sporty style has a longer top that leaves only a small portion of the tummy exposed. Don't want to expose your tummy at all? Go for the mock tankini.

Bandini -- A bikini with a bandeau top; ie, a straight, wide horizontal band of cloth worn covering the breasts.

Camikini -- Same as the tankini except the top looks like a camisole.

Boy shorts -- These resemble really short shorts. Careful here -- tends to make the leg look shorter-- but still a favorite style.

Although it’s not easy for some of us to find the perfect suit, it’s not impossible. There are a few general rules to keep in mind when shopping for swimwear:

Buy one to two dress sizes larger than you wear.
Finger Test – put your finger under the shoulder strap and lift, if there is less than 1” space between your shoulder and finger, go up a size. Obviously the reverse is true if there is more than 1” space.
Wide straps or a bandeau-style top minimizes the appearance of a larger bust.
IBTC (Itty-Bitty Titty Committee members) go for a triangle-cut cup or a cup with details that draw attention to the breast. The detail adds the illusion of volume.
The most important factor to consider is the fit of the bottoms and the cut of the leg. If you have a short torso, go for a low rise bottom. This will give the illusion of a longer torso. A woman with a long torso should go for bottoms that hit higher than the hipbone. Low rise on a long torso give a Gumby-like appearance.

If you are heavier than you’d like to be all over, trying a minimizing suit will be a good choice for you. Wearing too tight suits to corral and control bulges will only accentuate them. Wear the proper size suit with 15-20% Lycra or spandex and have adjustable neck and back straps.

If you're not sure of your size, get measured. Also, take a trusted friend shopping with you. They won't lie and tell you that your butt looks small in the white bikini bottoms. See more swimwear at http://www.swimwearboutique.com/shopping/product.asp?cat=Separates&dept=Swimwear&pg=64

As I mentioned in my Retro Rewind post, retro is in and it goes beyond makeup. Halter tops, sweetheart necklines and belts are in in 2007 swimwear.
Now, there are some definite don’ts and while I won’t elaborate with words, the pictures will say more than enough. In general, I find it troubling to make fun of people. However, we all have mirrors in our homes, or the home of a friend or relative. If ANYONE lets you make it to the beach like any of the below Definite Don’ts they are NOT your friend and probably likes you well enough to push you under a bus.

See more at http://donts.glamour.com/

Bikini Island

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 13:43:00 +0000

Hot wax, wooden paddles and a stranger in your nether region? Doesn’t sound very sexy to most women, but many swear by the results. A Brazilian bikini wax removes the hair from the entire pubic region, leaving a small patch just above the vaginal area. Many women prefer a Brazilian wax because it gives a clean, close wax and the freedom to wear almost anything or nothing.

Visiting a salon for a Brazilian bikini wax for the first time can be a little unnerving. When you arrive, you'll be taken to the private waxing area, which may be a room or just a portion of the salon blocked off by curtains or a partition. You'll lie on your back on a table covered with clean paper or sheets, with your legs down or your knees up, as you would in the gynecologist's office. You may be provided a paper thong, or you may not. This is because the technician will be taking it all off or just leaving a little runway strip if you choose.
The technician only needs about a quarter-inch of hair for the wax to grab onto and will start by using small scissors to trim down your pubic hair. The technician will then wax away the "triangle" on your mons pubis.

A traditional Brazilian wax includes the labia and the area that reaches up between the cheeks. If there are stray hairs after waxing, the technician may also tweeze the area. The key to allowing wax to penetrate into the follicles (and provide the closest possible wax) is to relax.
Your technician should use a low-temperature or hard wax for the least amount of discomfort. The wax should be the consistency of taffy. The wax is smoothed on over a pre-waxing oil that is applied to your skin as a prep after clipping you pubic hair to keep the wax from sticking to the skin. This allows the wax to be used without strips, making for a much more comfortable experience. As the wax cools, it basically shrink-wraps each hair and pulls it out from the root.

Twist and Shout!

Glamorous? No. Some technicians may take you through a series of contortions in order to get the cleanest results possible. Most likely, your technician will remove stray hairs with a set of tweezers. Your technician may also flip you on your knees and have you spread’em. If there are areas you are not comfortable having waxed (say, between the cheeks) let your technician know. Painful? You bet it is. It can definitely be quite painful the first time, but your pain threshold may rise with subsequent waxings. If your technician is good, he or she will move quickly to minimize the amount of discomfort you may experience. If your technician doesn’t seem to be conscious of your discomfort, speak up and let him or her know. When your technician is done he or she should apply soothing lotion to the waxed area and you should have a perfectly smooth genital region.

You may still experience red bumps and ingrown hairs, just like with shaving. The results will last anywhere from ten days to three weeks, with no maintenance, and there's no shave that can get you this clean and smooth. You have to go ten to fourteen days between wax jobs, so you may have a period of time with a five o'clock shadow.
.
The procedure can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes and can cost from $50 to 85 depending on location; regular bikini waxes can range from $30 to $50. Good and cheap are usually mutually exclusive when it comes to paying for personal services such as waxing. Always try to get the best price but I suggest that you not bargain shop for this procedure. Check to make sure your technician is not using you as a practice run. Ask your technician how many Brazilian waxings he or she does a week. You want someone who is professional and experienced. As always, ensure the facility is clean and reputable.

I'm Not Done Yet

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 23:38:00 +0000

In an effort to further refine and help to express my opinion to those I have discussed this with on and off-line, visit out these links:

http://www.abolishthenword.com/
http://www.ferris.edu/news/jimcrow/caricature/

They make you think twice (or more) about the continued gratuitous use of the n'word.

N’Word, Please!

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 22:47:00 +0000

A coworker asked me today how I felt about the use of the n’word. The conversation was inspired by an article in Ebony magazine that promised at the end of the piece, the n’word would receive its long overdue burial at Ebony and Jet magazines without fanfare or ceremony.

Based on the opinions of my coworker who I consider to be quite intelligent, the word has seeded a shifting landscape plowed and tilled primarily by African Americans. Her question is this: ‘why, if the word evokes such negative connotations and represents such a painful period in our history, do so many of us use it without compunction and often as a term of endearment even, then lose our minds when someone else not of African American descent uses it?’ Of course, the question these days has all but had the bite taken out of it. But for a waning population of those who lived through ‘it’ it still bears fangs that drip the blood of our forefathers and of those whose shoulders we now stand on. For them, the word picks at sores not quite scabbed over in our own culture and in American society at large the sores will be raw in perpetuity.

Some of our own brothers and sisters, rappers, comedians and other entertainers have desensitized themselves to the word. Society views this self-desensitization as a license to use a word commonized by the very people it was designed to denigrate and has been filed into the book of socially accepted vernacular. Of course the n’word is protected under the 1st Amendment as a right of free speech and will always be a part of the American experience, however bad. But who’s free to use it? Just us? White kids desperate to prove their street cred? The Klan? Michael Richards? A white coworker in his or her bliss ignorance trying to fit in at the water cooler? For those who feel it’s not ok, who has the authority to revoke the license? Should it be considered a congruous term in the lexicon of modern American language, or is this the carriage pulling the horse?

We fall on the floor laughing when we are in the comfort of our circle of friends and talk about the stupid n’word that acted a fool at the doctor’s office/drugstore/grocery store/McDonald’s. Our entertainers stand before audiences the world over rapping or singing about n’words, our brothers use it as a greeting for their closest of friends ‘hey n’guh, my n’guh. But, the moment someone who is not African American utters the word, we’re forming torch bearing mobs running for the nearest lynching tree. WTF? WE opened Pandora’s box, the n’word has escaped and it cannot be reclaimed.

I have to admit, I see my coworker’s point to a degree. Though, in my opinion, it’s not that simple, not so black and white so in part of my friend’s justification of why this question is moot, I’ll have to agree to disagree. In my own humble opinion, there are n’words or as my husband calls them n’double gars. African American ones, White ones, Arab ones, Jewish ones, Hispanic ones, and maybe even some Hindu ones. Anyone who can kill without conscience, those who lay in wait and watch hard working men and women leave their homes to go to work only to clean out the contents of their house once they turn the corner , those who entice our babies with the drug du jour, those who snatch children off the street and pimp them. Do I need to continue? For those I can reserve the use of the word without apology.

Would it rub my skin raw if someone outside the African American society used the n’word as a characterization of these, the lowest type of degenerates? Yes, probably. Its paradoxical, I know, and would take a volume to explain why I feel the way I do, but this is my truth as contradictory as it is and it is so for others, too. At the end of the day, it’s my opinion, protected by the Constitution. She doesn’t necessarily agree, and that’s ok, that’s her right.

So, let me ask you, has the use of the n’word had the sting taken out of it and has become innocuous and non-threatening when used by someone outside of your culture?

Retro Rewind

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 18:57:00 +0000

Vive la ‘60s! Pack up the harsh reds, deep maroons and the heavy matte foundation for the fall, soft colors and dewy skin are in for spring and summer. Skin is clean and fresh. A light dab of foundation to even out the skin tone is all you need.

Lips are soft and pretty for the spring and summer. Start by conditioning the skin on your lips with a good balm. Follow up by evening up the tone by prepping your lips with foundation. This will set your lip color for more even, longer lasting color. Finish with a liner that blends with your lip color.

Eyes pop with dramatic color. Use deep, rich pigments for intense color. Line your lids as close as possible to your lash line. The mod look was heavy on the blue eyeshadow, but keep in mind retro style represents flashback, not throwback.

Miles of lashes never go out of style. Use a fiber-filling mascara for extra length and volume. Too Faced Lash Injection is a good choice.

When the Cream Rises to the Top

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 01:58:00 +0000

I'm pretty new to blogging and as a small fish in an extremely big pond, it takes tremendous effort to capture the attention of an audience on a regular basis when there is such overexposure to so much information available everywhere all the time.

Trying to navigate the internet some days gives you kind of a rush, but more often than not I liken it to pushing an overheated 1978 Ford Pinto with two flat tires and a donut along the lightning fast traffic on the information superhighway.

Anyway, I've always been one to sound the trumpet upon discovering a great new find and one day while schlepping around in the blogosphere, I ran across Afrobella. This woman probably has one of the best blogs I've discovered yet. And yes, I'm plugging her. No, I don't know her. No, this is no ploy to generate traffic but yes I'll admit, I hope to get some traffic as a result.

I am a regular reader of her blog and have yet to not be entertained. Afrobella ia a finely written blog full of up-to-the-minute entertainment news, micro-scale history lessons and, thoughtful journeys through sister and womanhood. The author, Patrice Yursik is well-read and succinct in her commentary. There are posts that will make you smile, make you think and make you angry. Whichever emotion her blog elicits, it is sure to move you. There are hundreds of thousands of blogs out in the blogosphere, but when the cream rises to the top, you gotta hold'em up. I encourage you all to visit www.afrobella.com often.

Hot, Fun, Sexy, Cool

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 03:05:00 +0000

Essentials for the summer

Seriously cool...
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

With grapeseed extract to soothe and protect skin, this colorless formula fills in fine lines and pores to help skin appear visibly softer with a smooth velvet finish. Use after moisturizer and before foundation for complexion perfection.

Seriously sexy...
NARS Sparkling Loose Powder

Triple milled powder that provides sheer, ultra-natural coverage to set makeup, soften color and smooth the texture of the skin for an overall radiant complexion. The silky-smooth texture blends undetectably into the skin, absorbs excess oils and maintains fresh looking skin with an imperceptible finish.

Seriously smart...

Smashbox Hi Def FX Foundation

With all natural, cell-energizing corn extract that renews the appearance of skin for a fresher, revitalized complexion. Packed with anti-aging ingredients including UVA/UVB SPF 15 for sun protection and vitamin C to fight free radicals. The unique, patented bio-delivery system gives you time-released moisturization and firming benefits for a flawless future.

Seriously hot...

Too Faced Cosmetics Quickie Chronicles

Steal your favorite cover girl look with this color coordinated make-up palette in a book. Kit contain 3 coordinating shadows, 4 glosses and 1 brush.

Seriously Fun...

Bella Il Fiori Roll On Eyeshadow

This trend setting eye shadow uses a fun roller ball to evenly coat the eye with Bella’s ultra rich color formulation. Simply roll it on, then blend with your fingertips. Add different shades for a sexy layering effect. Fun and fabulous!

...and other 'must-haves' to start the summer right

From left to right: NYX Single Eye Shadows available in 160 shades, Too Faced Cosmetics Lash Gems available in 4 colors, Too Faced Rip Off Makeup Remover, NARS Sparkling Pressed Powder in 3 shades, Too Faced Lash Injection Mascara, Bella Il Fiore Bella Face Pallettes-3 Collections.

Even Skin Tones - Pore Perfection - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 03:02:00 +0000

Enlarged pores are a fact of life and a problem for many women. We spend millions a year on products to transform our skin to rival images we see in Glamour, Elle, and Cosmo. Unfortunately, what we see on magazine covers is not reality, its airbrushing. Yet we strive to attain the ‘poreless’ look usually with not a lot of luck. It is what it is: real life. Generally there is not a lot that can be done to permanently reduce the size of our pores. And that’s ok, there is an upside. Our pores are from where our hair grows and makes it shiny. They secret oil to protect the skin surface, they serve as an outlet for sweat to help to regulate our skin temperature. The pores in skin also serve as a waste filtering system that gets rid of toxins in our systems.

Genetics play a large part in determining your skin texture. Thick, oily skin is typically characterized by larger pores more so than skin that is dry. There are scads of products on the market to improve the appearance of large pores, refining them and making them look smaller. Some of these products actually do provide a temporary fix, some just make other people richer.

The Problem

Over-active sebaceous glands. Oil is a good thing and a not so good thing. The good thing is that it does protect and lubricate our skin. When produced in reasonable, manageable amounts it helps to give a healthy glow to skin. The not so good thing is our sebaceous glands can be over stimulated and create excess oil that we have to ‘mop’ up. Pores can become clogged with dead skin cells that are not properly exfoliated , the dead cells stick and collect on the skin and becomes an all-you-can-eat buffet for bacteria. The bacteria sit and eat and causes irritation that leads to pus and redness, which usually then lead to pimples. It just becomes a real mess.
Sun exposure (again) can cause enlarged pores. UV rays break down collagen which weakens the tissues that surrounds the pores and ultimately and permanently enlarges them. This makes the case for using sunscreen on a regular basis if the previous post on hyperpigmentation doesn’t.

Digging and picking creates way more problems than it solves. Blackheads and white heads are collections of dead skin cells. To try to squeeze or pick them out of the skin/pore only increases the likelihood that you will only increase (permanently) the size of the clogged pore.

Lackadaisical skin care. It’s a lot of work; looking good. When oily, blackhead-prone skin is paired with inconsistent skin care, the battle waged will be never-ending and brutal. Dead skin cells can gather around the edges of the pores making them look larger than they really are. Overzealous, random cleanings does more harm than good. Skin care should be consistent and approached with a gentle hand. Taking a hand sander to your skin is not going to help. Gentle, consistent exfoliation will.

The Fix

AHAs and BHAs. Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) will help to reduce oil on the skin. Glycolic acid is a fruit acid or alpha hydroxy acid. Other alpha hydroxy acids include citric, lactic, malic acids. Over-the-counter preparations contain about 10% glycolic or other fruit acid. Dermatological procedures and preparations will contain from 20% in topical preparations up to 80%. These higher concentrations are generally used in chemical peel procedures. Over time, over-the-counter preparations can result in minimal improvement in the overall texture of the skin, but peels performed by an aesthetician or dermatologist will net greater overall results. A professionally performed procedure will not only rid the skin of the lipids that bind the dead cells together giving the appearance of larger pores, it will also correct hyperpigmentation, acne scarring and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
BHA is the all-too-common salicylic acid. It is derived from the winter bark and sweet birch bark tree and has been used by dermatologists in treating acne for years.

The cause for sunscreen can never be preached too loudly or too often. UV ray damage causes a host of problems some minor some major. Of your reason for UV protection is only superficial, the bonus is you’re also guarding yourself against more serious conditions such as basal and squamous cell carcinoma. The lowest SPF rating you should use is 15. Many dermatologists and aestheticians recommend 30 SPF. At the very least, UV protection will help to guard against the breakdown of collagen that plumps up the skin, thus minimizing the appearance of large pores.

Blackhead extractors can and should be used if you cannot overcome the urge to pick them out. Blackheads are plugs of dead skin cells and oil clogging the pores. Picking at them will make it worse, I promise! But if you must, you should first steam your skin to loosen the oil and/or use a warm wash cloth to compress the area. Encircle the blackhead in the loop of the extractor and press until the clog dislodges. Do not apply too much pressure. If the clog cannot be dislodged, see your dermatologist. Too much force can cause irritation and scarring.

Consistent, common sense skin care is probably the easiest, and hardest habit to develop. Cleansing the skin twice a day goes a long way to ensure skin that is clearer and fresher looking. Exfoliating the skin regularly helps to slough away dead skin cells revealing fresh skin, keeps your pores unclogged which lessens the occurrence of blackheads and enlarged pores. Exfoliating cleansers include products that are granulated to aid in the exfoliation of the skin. Some work better than others. Natural products such as apricot may have jagged edges that can cause irritation. A washcloth is an ideal aid in exfoliating the skin. An oil-free cleanser is a must, a good toner is another product that should be used regularly as it can assist in the lifting of dead skin cells and to help close freshly cleaned pores.

Don’t sleep in your makeup. Cleanse your skin completely of makeup before you go to bed. Cells regenerate while you sleep. Your pillow also helps to exfoliate your skin (how about that!). Going to bed with a clean face gives your skin a fighting chance at keeping your pore size to its minimum diameter.

Hydration. A recent study suggests that drinking water does not aid in the overall health of your skin. I doubt the validity of the study and will only say that when in doubt, the worst H2O can do is quench your thirst. My own common sense suggests that since a majority of the fluids in our bodies is composed of water it has to have some positive properties that include helping to flush or cleanse and regulate the integumentary system (the skin).

For more detailed reading on this and other common skin conditions, go to http://www.dermadoctor.com/pages/newsletter90.asp

Short Attention Span Theater - Front Row Seat

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:40:00 +0000

I was all concentration, making a conscientious effort to post the most fabulous post ever! I mean really working hard but alas, I was so instantly and completely distracted and I can't help it. I am absolutely in love with the new Target ads. They are so chic and slick...man, I LOVE Target!!! It's like (cheap) champange taste on a Kool-aid budget! Totally absorbed for the ENTIRE 30 seconds! Now I've lost my concentration and drive for the evening, but stay tuned for the most fabulous post ever...next time.

Even Skin Tone for the Tone Deaf

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 02:10:00 +0000

Because beautiful skin is so fundamental to creating the perfect canvas for your look, finding a good skin care system or program that works well for you warrants some time and attention. This is a 6-part series that will include common skin problems and some common, some not-so common and, some cutting-edge solutions that will give you your best skin yet.

Discovering your best looking skin is not as difficult as you might think. Beautiful skin or your best skin is not a one size fits all. But your skin can look its best with some objective expert information, a little discipline and products or procedures that work for you. A good skin care regime is your second step to your best complexion. The first step is knowledge. Before putting together a good skin care regime, you should first know what you’re working with. Specifically, there is no other skin like yours and so you should treat it as such. But, there are common skin types and common skin problems.

Hyperpigmentation and Excess Sun Exposure

The Problem

One culprit of uneven skin tone is hyperpigmentation or a mass of clusters of melanin in skin creating an uneven appearance. Age spots, melasma, and freckles (which are inherited) are examples of hyperpigmentation. UV rays can cause excess melanin to form deposits in the skin resulting in hyperpigmentation. Darkened skin patches can become darker or more pronounced when skin is exposed to the sun. This happens because melanin absorbs the energy of the sun's harmful UV rays in order to protect the skin from overexposure. The usual result of this process is tanning, which tends to darken areas that are already hyperpigmented.

The first and most important rule of thumb is to protect your skin against UV rays. Sun overexposure is a leading cause of skin damage. UV rays can damage all skin tones and skin types. If you think you’re safe because you have dark skin, think again. Dark skin is not your get out of jail free card. UV rays penetrate the skin (all races, all skin tones) and causes free radicals that damage skin cells and cause skin to repair itself more slowly which leads to premature aging.
You can’t shun the sun and become a vampire because you need the sun for your body to manufacture vitamin D which is actually a hormone that that regulates and helps to absorb calcium and phosphorus, but that is a whole other story. Bottom line is you still need the sun, but over exposure can cause potentially serious health problems such as skin cancer. The happy or satisfactory medium – broad-spectrum sun screen.

If you already have superficial damage changing your habits may help to offset the damages of sun exposure. Whatever your skin type, a regularly applied broad-spectrum sunscreen is good protection against blotchy, blemished skin and photo-aging. The recommendation is 15 SPF. Some dermatologists recommend at least 30 SPF.

The Fix

Hydroquinone

There’s more than one cause of skin discoloration. Fortunately, bleaching remains the same regardless of source of the darkness. There are products and procedures on the market that can reverse the effects of damaging UV rays. Topical solutions such as fade creams with hydroquinone work well and are inexpensive. DERMAdoctor.com has articles that provide detail on bleaching or fade creams with hydroquinone and a wide variety of other bleaching solutions that may work for your skin.

Trichloro Acetic Acid
Can erase superficial discoloration and fine lines. Trichloro acetic acid is the most common chemical peel . TCA peels provide an intermediate solution that can last from six months to two years. It is a chemical so it will burn. Your dermatologist will apply iced saline and burns for two to ten minutes. It takes 15 to 60 minutes for the dermatologist to perform the procedure. Chemical peels cannot correct deep sun damage. For more detailed information on chemical peels go to http://www.infoplasticsurgery.com/facial/peels/TCApeels.html

Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses mechanical abrasion from jets of zinc oxide or aluminum oxide crystals, fine organic particles, or a roughened surface. Particles and removed material are vacuumed off through the wand through which the abrasive particles come. It is also effective in removing sun-damaged skin and dark spots on the skin and scars left from moderate to severe acne. The procedure is not very painful and requires no anaesthetic.

Valentino V Absolu

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 13:12:00 +0000

Valentino V Absolu was not on my 'to do' list from my Playing the Field post, but I couldn't resist trying it. Some may like the floral top notes but for me, it was too sweet and overpowering. The bottle is beautiful, though. There is a very subtle hint of vanilla. I like a spicier/woodier fragrance. So far, Tiffany is still my power scent, but I'm still looking, any suggestions?

It's a Wrap, Baby!

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 02:37:00 +0000

Fresh look in clean geen:

Cynthia Steffe Damask Jacquard Trench - $505

Cool nights out:

Valentino Red Evening Coat - $885

Spring couldn't be cooler than this:

Dana Buchman Lyon Belted Leather Jacket - $995

Dolce and Gabanna Belted Suede Trench - $1,595

Nanette Lepore Pompadour Paisley Jacket - $365

Mackage Irina Cape-Style Trench - $395

Spring is here! Well, it's almost here...in a few more days!

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 12:31:00 +0000

Product Close Up:

Did you ever have the perfect lip color then all of a sudden, it’s discontinued? I wore a lip color by Lancome’ that I loved so much I felt like I was married to it. When I found out it was being discontinued, I went to Macy’s (then Hudson’s) and bought every tube of it I could afford. I never since found one that looked so good on me.

But, that was years ago and I can’t remember the color name, and don’t have a sample of the color. Oh well, life goes on. But here’s good news for you, if you have a color that you love and can’t seem to find it anywhere, Three Custom Color Specialists or 3CC, can match it. Will it be identical? Maybe, maybe not. Will it be so close that you won’t care? More than likely.
3CC was founded in 1997 by Scott Catto, Trae Bodge and Chad Hayduk. Bodge and Hayduk began their careers at Visage Beaute, known for its custom blending and later moved on to Kiehl’s. Catto, 3C’s managing director had worked as a director of an art gallery in SoHo. The trio met at The Tunnel, a New York club, became friends and with their combined creative vision, the three custom color specialists went into to business. The trio brings a combined total of more than 30 years experience in cosmetics and marketing. 3CC began in the industry offering ready-to-wear and custom blending lipsticks, glosses and blushes.

Within five years 3CC had expanded their line adding more custom products including blended eye shadows. They don’t color forecast. They don’t need to. If I had a tube of the lipstick I loved so much which would be almost 10 years old, I wouldn’t care too much about what’s coming to market. In the same vein, maybe your Grandma Violet has a candy dish in a funky color you’d never seen anywhere made from let’s say, depression era glass. Yep. They can match it. In 2001 about 75% of their mail order business and 20% of in-store business was custom blending and they never discontinue their colors. Once your color is created, you never have to be without it again. Got a sample of the color you cannot find? You can swipe it into a baggie (don’t swipe it on paper, it may change the color), or send a swatch of fabric, a paint chip, you name it. Know the color and can’t find it? Send them the brand name and color or send your lipstick tube. 3CC has a color archive of more than 6,000 shades of lip color.

What you get for the money.

Fifty dollars will get you two tubes of your custom blended color or gloss available from now on. For an additional $15.00 at the time of ordering you can get an additional tube, pot or wand of your custom color. Reorder and you get a $10.00 discount.

But wait, there’s more! 3CC also custom blends cream concealers, face powders, blush, brow powders and, eye shadows. For more information on Three Custom Color Specialists and how to order your custom colors, go to their website at http://www.threecustom.com/.

Stella by Stella McCartney

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 12:37:00 +0000

In my research for a new 'it' perfume, I decided to try Stella (Stella McCartney) first. I wore it for one afternoon. Smells fine. Probably great on some, but not me. It must be incompatible with my chemistry. In the end, I was not very impressed.

Is This Thing On???

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 02:47:00 +0000

False eyelashes can add drama, mama! The trick to expertly applying false lashes is to take your time so, if you only have ten minutes to dash out the door, dash sans the lashes. The last thing you want to do is look like you’ve been stricken with an acute case of Tammy Faye Syndrome (which can be fatal!) To put them on and keep them on, takes practice. After a few applications, it will get easier and soon you’ll be able to put them on with your eyes closed.
Here are the steps to drop-dead, glamour je ne sais quoi, absolutely fantabulous eyes with falsies.

What you’ll need:
Draft free location
Lashes, individual flare
Pointed tweezers – (Tweezerman brand is a good choice)
Mirror (2x is good)
Lash glue (black)
Eyelash curler
Eyelash comb
Makeup remover
Sharp scissors
Cotton swabs or makeup removal pads
Lashes must be applied to clean dry lashes. Clean eyes/lashes with makeup remover to clean any traces of eye makeup and mascara.
Use and eyelash curler to give your own lashes a little curvature.
Clip false lashes to the desired length.
Put a small (pea-sized) amount of lash glue on the back of your hand.
Pick up tip and dip flare into glue, begin with a minimal amount.
Wait about 30 seconds before applying while the glue sets up (gets tacky).
With a steady hand, apply tip as close to your lash line as possible hold the tip in place with the tweezer for a couple seconds to ensure secure adhesion.
Following its natural curve start, from the outer corner of your eye and work your way in toward the bridge of your nose.
Continue to apply flares until you are satisfied with the results.
Tips for extended wear:
Go big for a good adhesive. A good adhesive will keep the bond longer than a dollar store brand. http://www.oasislashes.com Do not allow water to contact newly applied lashes for at least a couple of hours while the glue sets. Water may compromise the bond of the glue.
Comb through with an eyelash comb to ensure no lashes are sticking together.
Use a specially formulated coating mascara for eyelash extensions.
http://www.oasislashes.com Extension coating mascaras extends the life of your false lashes. You can use a regular water soluble mascara but repeated use of mascara breaks down the bond of the glue and will shorten the life of the application.
Creams, lotions and makeup removers with oil may loosen the bond of your lashes, shortening the life of the bond of your lashes.

Keeping it Almost Real
Use a liquid liner to line your eye to add heighten drama and to hide false lash line.
Do not apply lashes that are more than 1/3 of an inch if you are going for a glamorous but natural look.
Clip lashes if necessary to create subtle variation in the length of individual lashes.
Removal:
Using a makeup remover and a warm compress, take your time to gently remove lashes. Do not pull lashes off. You may pull out your own lashes or rip your skin.

GO WILD!!!

www.shuuemura.com

There are high fashion lashes available in stores and online. Shu Uemura www.shuuemura.com and www.eeyelash.com have a variety of attention getting lashes available that add drama and includes rhinestone studded, glitter banded, feather lashes.

Playing the Field

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 03:39:00 +0000

Ever wear a perfume that smells so great that you get double-takes from almost everyone you walk past? It happens to me just about every time I wear Tiffany. I have been stopped so many times by people asking what I was wearing that I had even started wearing it to the gym (yes, it can even muscle its way through workout funk—now that’s a fragrance!). The scent lasts all day and into the evening and seldom needs freshening up. Tiffany has been my signature fragrance since 1995 when I stumbled across it in what was then Hudson’s Department store (now Macy’s) in suburban Detroit.

Tiffany is now proprietary and only sold offline at the Tiffany Store as far as I know, which is not all bad. I’ve never considered it an inconvenience to have to go to Tiffany’s.

Picking up a fresh scent.

I’m not one who usually messes around with a good thing, but evolution suggests that change is good. So this year I have decided to be a little adventurous and try something new. I’m on a quest to find another perfume to make my own. I don’t think I’ll find anything to replace Tiffany which is my first real love, but I’m ready to fool around a little.

Here are some that I have my sights on and will consider trying over the next two or three months:

The legendary Cartier scent in a new, exotic bottle.• Bright top notes of mandarin and neroli.• Floral middle notes of rose, jasmine, and jonquil.• Vanilla base notes mixed with tonka bean and musk.• 1.6 ounces in a new, exquisite brushed bronze metal casing with an engraved Cartier logo. $190.00

Yosh Omniscent $130.00
Pink pepper gives this scent a light, ethereal quality, yet it's also spicy and robust.

Earth's most precious element, water, is the central theme of L'Eau d'Issey. By blending the sparkling qualities of water with the warm undertones of earth, the fragrance represents purity, serenity, movement, and vivacity—awakening a feeling of total beauty. The fragrance is a pure floral with musky and woody tones, including: • A wide range of floral scents including lotus, cyclamen, freesia, carnations, and white lilies. • Hints of amber-seed musk. 3.3-ounce eau de toilette spray. $84.00

Silver Sleeve ParfumReference no. 168THEO01
Theo Fennell worked closely with expert perfumers to create this bold and sensual fragrance. Theo Fennell Scent is a well-structured classical Chypre-Oriental fragrance that combines primary powerful notes of Saffron, Lily, Rose and Orchid with the rich, spicy floral at the heart of the Scent that gives the fragrance its luxurious sensuality. The light top notes of Jasmine, Vanilla and Sandalwood provide instant impact and an exquisite sparkle. Theo Fennell Scent is a fragrance with potent femininity that is designed to become at one with a woman's skin… The 15ml pure Parfum in the Theo Fennell Scent range sits within a finely crafted silver “cup”, debuting the Theo Fennell Scent Silver Collection. Size: 15mlWorldwide Exclusive to Harrods
PRICE £250.00

Stella McCartney

A fragrance based on the contrast between the freshness and softness of the rose and the dark sensuality of amber. A very sophisticated gesture that emphasizes the intense femininity of the fragrance.• For the top notes, the rose essence fused with peony flower and drops of mandarin essence provide a seductive combination.• For the heart note, the rose absolute reveals a more intense facet.• For the base note, the mystery of amber creates an addictive sensation of sensuality.• .25 ounces. $105.00
I love eye candy! Some of the new fragrances have the most chic packaging that I think it will be difficult to resist making a selection purely on packaging alone. But, the proof will ultimately be in the testing.

If you have to ask the price honey...you can’t afford it.

Clive Christian No 1 for Women Pure Perfume
No 1 for Women Pure Perfume. Floral Oriental. "The world's most expensive perfume", created without reference to cost using the finest, rarest, most precious ingredients. Presented in a handmade lead crystal bottle with a single natural white brilliant cut diamond in gold collar. 1 oz. · Top notes: Pineapple, plum, mirabelle, white peach · Heart: Rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, orris, carnation · Base: Vanilla, benjoin balm, tonka seeds, cedarwood

$2,350.00

Clive Christian Perfume Set for Women
Perfume Spray Traveller Set for Women. An introduction to the three classic Clive Christian perfumes. The ultimate portable luxury for the perfume devotee. Includes: · No 1 perfume spray, 0.34 oz · 1872 perfume spray in authentic green bottle, 0.34 oz · X perfume Creation spray in black bottle, 0.34 oz

$285.00

Tom Ford Eyewear Black Orchid Perfume
Evocative of iconic fragrances of the past, this luxurious and sensual fragrance with its rich dark accords and alluring potion of black orchids and sultry woods is both modern and timeless. The exquisite Lalique crystal bottle is signed and numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity. A glass vial filled with perfume and a gold funnel accompanies the limited edition black bottle. A black velvet pouch completes the presentation.
· Top notes: Black Truffle, Ylang, Bergamot, Black Currant
· Middle notes: Florals, Fruit and Lotus Wood
· Base notes: Noir Gourmand, Patchouli, Incense and Vetiver
· 0.5 oz.

$600.00

I would go into meltdown if I were ever able to afford to have a bottle of Clive Christian perfume. The bottle is hand-cut crystal, with a diamond set in a 24-karat gold plated collar.

The Best Fitting Jeans Ever!

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 12:36:00 +0000

Trolling for Jeans that Will Transform Your Figure

Do you know the Muffin man?
Photo courtesy of the Daily News.

Shopping for jeans can be traumatic. Ok, well that might be overstating it a little but it can be a little stressful at the least if you are shaped anything like me. Jeans are the most basic staple in any closet. Jeans are always the solution for ‘what to wear’ and can be dressed up with a silk blouse, jacket and pumps or down with a tee or halter top and flip flops. If you don’t have any jeans, I’ll have to assume you are wearing those polyester blends with the stitched in permacrease and an elastic waist. And if that’s your thing, that’s ok, it’s a look.
But if you want the best fitting jeans ever, you must first consider some basic truths. Some women make the mistake of assuming they can wear whatever they see on someone else or on a mannequin, oblivious to the fact that the fierce outfit they see on a skinny little size 0 may be an unmitigated disaster on them. If you wear an 8, you cannot assume the laws of physics will allow you squeeze into a 2 and if you are determined (or crazy) enough to actually attempt to defy this law, and stuff your size 8 body into a size 2 your depth of denial is so deep that you should never shop alone. If you are wearing jeans or any clothes that are sizes so small that it takes effort for your body to bend and move naturally more often than not you spend a considerable amount of time looking every bit the stuff sausage ready for the grill. The laws of physics were not made to be broken!

Squeezing into too small jeans will not corral the bulge, they will only amplify it. The muffin top or the plumber’s cleavage will never be in style, it’s just not that sexy despite what your boyfriend or husband tells you. If your girlfriend tells you you look good, check the waist of her jeans. If she has a muffin top too, she’s looking for camaraderie, if she doesn’t, she’s either myopic or wants to make sure she looks hotter than you.

You Don’t Have to Settle for ‘They Kinda Fit”

If you’re trying to get it together, there’s hope for you, and me and every one of us wanting to look good in our jeans. Selecting the best jeans for your body is not as easy as putting a pair to your waist in a department store. Picking up a pair in the store, and doing the ‘eye fit’ is hit-or-miss in the best of times. But it is not as complicated as building a spaceship in your basement either. It just takes a little forethought and critical analysis of your shape. All jeans are not created equal.

The Most Common Body Types

There are three common body types that most women fall into: Pear, Hourglass and Boyish. Pear shaped women are bottom heavy and no matter how many leg lifts and squats they do they will always be pear shaped. It’s their genetic makeup. Just like a woman with an hourglass or straight or boyish figure, it can be enhanced through diet and exercise, but your body type will not change. Each of these body types have positives that can shine through the perceived negatives, i.e., my butt is too fat (pear), I can hide behind a ruler (boyish) or I look like a barbell (hourglass). Actually, any woman with an hourglass figure should never complain. Here are some general characteristics for each common body type and the best jean for that shape:

Pear shaped: Narrower upper body, small bust, small shapely waist, ample hips and thighs.
Celebs with similar shapes: Kim Cattrell

Little in the Middle jeans are made by a specialty retailer of figure fitting jeans and pants for women who have a little less in the waist area than they do in the hips. Little in the Middle jeans are a natural fit for pear and hourglass shaped women who desire form, fit and fashion. No more gaps in the back, finally a pair of pants that embrace your waist! $79.00

Hourglass: the most symmetrical body type, ample bust, small shapely waist, hips that are in equal proportion to upper body
Celebs with similar shapes: Janet Jackson, Jennifer Aniston , Halle Berry

Boyish: straight, small bust, narrow waist, narrow hips, less curvy than pear shape and hourglass.
Celebs with similar shapes: Gweneth Paltrow, Courtney Cox

Style: Low Rise, Snug, Boot
Hudson's Signature Boot's classy fit jean has just the right amount of stretch to perfectly hug your curves. Hudson's triangle flap back pockets and slanted trouser style front pockets create a signature look. The white contrast topstitching perfectly compliments the dark Twilight wash. A wider waist band helps to control your mid-section.

People's Liberation Jeans
Tommy Lee Signature Bootcut
Style: Low Rise, Relaxed, Boot
You cannot help but feel like a rock star while wearing People's Liberation Tommy Lee Signature Boot Cut jeans.
These jeans get their rocker edge from abrasion marks and aged detailing running down the legs. The rock and roll look is topped off with and leather logo patch and Tommy Lee's own signature adorning the back pockets. These jeans are limited so get them while you can! Price: $253.00

For all body types:

Style: Mid Rise, Snug, Boot
Say goodbye to tummy trouble with this pair of mid-rise boot cut Worn jeans that hits across the belly. Worn’s Alder jean is a mid-rise boot cut that fits snuggly through the hip and flatters many body types. Because the mid rise rests two thirds of the way between the hip and the smallest part of the waist, it helps to eliminate the dreaded muffin top, plumber’s butt and love handles that occur when wearing low rise jeans.

Worn jeans are all handcrafted and designed to enhance the female body shape. The dark blue Nocturn wash with a slight green tint creates a vintage looking pair of denim. The golden stitching provides the perfect contrast to the dark blue Nocturn wash. The cotton/spandex blend offers exactly the right amount of stretch in all the right places. A logo patch brands the back waist band and the golden stitching on the back pockets creates a signature vintage style. $84.00

Visit http://www.truejeans.com/ for a wide selection of jeans that fit all body types and more styles and brand names: Lucky Brand, Wrangler 47, Odyn, iT Jeans, Kasil, Frankie B. , Gold Sign, and others.

Basic Elements of a Pair of Bumpin Jeans.
The style of jean is negotiable. Whether boot cut or skinny, low or mid-rise, these 3 basics cannot be compromised if you expect to bump those jeans.

1. Jeans should hug not squeeze your waist. If you can’t put your hand (or a finger) between the small of your back and your waist band, your jeans are too tight.

2. Check the rise. The rise of your jeans should be comfortably seated and not cutting you in half creating the dreaded camel toe nor should it be so low that you can feel your thighs touch together. You should be able to bend, twist and walk comfortably. If the rise is not fitted properly it makes your butt looks like it sags.

3. The length on your jeans is pretty much personal choice but there are still some guidelines. Unless they are cropped, they should pass the ankle. The proper length is to break the crease at the top of the shoe. Since the length or the break is dependent on the shoe type, wear the shoe or a one similar to your jean fitting.

Jeans go into day or night, from the office to the beach. Where ever you go in your jeans, don’t take on the burden of being the crash test dummy for how not to look.

Venus Vixen of the Week...Jennifer Hudson!

noreply@blogger.com (Double Martini) — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 04:34:00 +0000

Look what God can do! This was an obvious choice for Venus Vixen of the Week after Hudson wins the Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress and giving America the best Cinderella story ever! Jennifer Hudson says she feels like she is dreaming an incredible dream. After amassing numerous acclaims for her role as Effe White in Dream Girls, her first movie role ever, Jennifer Hudson went on to win a Golden Globe Award in January. Hudson began her singing career at Progressive Baptist Church, where she sang with the choir. She credits her Grandmother as her inspiration who she remembered her during her Oscar acceptance speech.