Classy Cosmetics

Lash Out

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:54:00 +0000

The Daily Glow is a website I love to peruse through. It gives great tips and tricks for a well rounded healthy lifestyle. When I find something that I think is just fabulous I tuck it away and bring it to you on Monday. I've always heard of the stigma surrounding Mondays. It's the day we don't want to get out of bed, the start of a work week after a playful weekend, blah blah blah! Let's change that! Monday is a day of new beginnings. For me, it's the day after a great Sunday at church listening to great talks, lessons and me taking notes on how I want to better myself. Monday is my exciting "start time". Am I Pollyanna and love it every week? Of course not, but I don't hate it more or less than any other day of the week. I want you to be able to wake up to some refreshing tips and tricks every Monday to help YOU have a better day and work on or try something beauty related for the week. Do I expect a report come Friday? No, but I wouldn't mind it either ;). If you try anything out there in the world of beauty let me know! Write a review! You may just see it published here on the Classy Blog! Okay enough from Chatty Kathy, let's talk Mascara! Many of you know that I wear false lashes everyday and LOVE them, but for those that haven't taken the plunge or don't want to, here are some helpful tips. As always, my comments and opinions are in red.

Time to Lash Out

Mascara has been a cosmetics staple since the ancient

Egyptians stained their lashes with kohl about 6,000 years ago. Now a tube of Maybelline's iconic Great Lash mascara is sold about once every second somewhere in the world.

When it comes to immediate cosmetic results, mascara is hard to beat. “It’s the quickest way to frame your eyes and give them instant definition,” says Carmindy, makeup host of What Not to Wear.

Perhaps because we expect so much from a humble tube of pigment, we experience a range of frustrations with mascara to this day — clumping, flaking, and smearing. “It takes a lot of trial and error to find the best mascara for you,” says Ricky Wilson, a celebrity makeup artist for Dior. “Women sometimes forget that the lashes are their own hair and just end up buying a mascara based on a commercial or what their friend uses.”

Read on to find out how makeup artists and cosmetics chemists avoid and address mascara mishaps. Plus, learn which formulas they say are the best for you.

Clumping

Does your mascara transform you into Tammy Faye Baker? To address clumping, Ni’Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist and vice president of research and innovation at Englewood Lab, in New Jersey, recommends blotting the brush on a clean tissue to remove excess pigment that can be deposited in clumps.

Also, check the product label. “Mascaras with a high wax content will smear easier and can be prone to more clumping than mascaras with more gums,” Wilson says. Waxes commonly found in mascara include paraffin, carnauba, and beeswax. Gums might be gum tragacanth and methyl cellulose.

The mascara brush matters just as much if you have trouble with lumpy lashes. Celebrity makeup artist Kristofer Buckle prefers “a silicone brush that glides through lashes while perfectly separating them.” He also recommends avoiding brushes that feature a wide spiral formation. “This allows an uncontrolled amount of product to be coated onto lashes, leaving them clumpy.”

CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion ($8.99) delivers a separated-lash effect by means of a silicone brush and a slick formula.

Flaking

Just as a little pain is the price we pay for wearing high heels in the pursuit of mile-long legs, flaking is often the unpleasant consequence of the quest for longer lashes. The polymers used to make mascara waterproof and to elongate lashes tend to flake, says Ni’Kita Wilson. “They are necessary, and it's difficult to avoid them in lengthening and waterproof formulas,” she says.

The solution is all about application technique. Wilson says the key is to apply just one or two coats. Also, allow each coat to dry completely if you apply more than one. If you’re not seeing the results you want with two coats, consider switching to a cream formula for more volume and fullness, says Sarah Lucero, a makeup artist with Stila.

For a flake-free option, try Nuance Salma Hayek Full Effect Ultra-Volumizing Mascara ($9.79).

Smearing

Pandas and raccoons are pretty much the only creatures that look cute with black rings around their eyes. Humans, not so much. Smearing of mascara is usually more of a problem in warmer weather, when heat and humidity break down your makeup. Ni’Kita Wilson suggests wearing a waterproof formula when it's warm, but one that contains polymers rather than waxes. “Polymers form a film around lashes that is more likely than waxes to seal the pigments in place,” she says.

You can also prevent mascara runoff with some carefully placed translucent powder, Buckle suggests. He advises patting powder around your eyes — to cut down on oil and moisture — before applying mascara.

To avoid mascara smear, try Neutrogena Healthy Volume Waterproof Mascara ($7.99). I am a fan of Benefit's waterproof mascara.

Stubbiness

Ni’Kita Wilson maintains that length is where the brush is every bit as important as the formula. “You want to make sure that you're using a brush that allows you to get to the base of your lashes without gouging your eyes,” she says. “Women with really short lashes may want to opt for a thinner brush or a comb-style brush.”

Combing through your lashes can also help prevent a short, stubby effect, says Brett Freedman, a makeup artist and the founder of Vanitymark. A ‘wetter formula will spread a bit more easily, but it can also fuse lashes together. Freedman suggests using a lash comb to separate and define lashes while the mascara is still wet.

Benefit They’re Real! Mascara ($22) will grab lashes and coat them all the way to the tips for length and definition.

Sparseness

Anyone hoping to fatten up sparse lashes should know that bigger is better. Ni’Kita Wilson explains that volumizing mascaras tend to use fat brushes with waxy formulas. “The waxes coat the lashes and increase the diameter of each lash,” she says.

Look for a wand with a cone shape — thick at one end and tapering to a point, says Mario Dedivanovic, a celebrity makeup artist who works on the impressive lashes of Kim Kardashian. “I use the thick part of the brush on the upper lashes, and the pointed part for the lower ones,” he says. “I sweep a few of the lower lashes at a time from left to right to evenly coat them.”

For “glam chop lashes” (Mario's term), try Lancôme’s Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara ($25).

Brittleness

“Mascaras that yield both thickness and volume typically have a dry formulation,” says Ricky Wilson. This allows them to be built quickly in a few coats, but it can tend to dry lashes out, making them brittle. He suggests addressing brittle lashes by layering mascaras with different formulas: “I always use more than one for those who love lashes because the different formulas provide really eye-catching effects.”

Think of your lashes as you would your hair, and condition them to prevent breakage. A dab of Vaseline on your lids at night should do the trick. Or try a conditioner designed for your lash line, like RevitaLash ($98 for a three-month supply).

You can also add “conditioner” to a dried-out mascara tube. Freedman suggests adding a drop of rosewater to the brush and swirling it around the tube. Another genius tip is to add a drop or two of SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel to your mascara to keep the formula wet.

Avoid dry, brittle lashes with Maybelline's Great Lash Mascara ($4.99). This iconic formula has been a favorite of makeup artists for decades because of its lushness and ability to build volume.

Lack of Curl

Curled lashes create a wide-eyed Bambi look that's enlivening for anyone who appears tired and dull in the early morning. You can add curves with a tweak in technique. Freedman advises brushing the center lashes straight up, sweeping the lashes in the inner corners of the eyes toward your nose, and angling the outer lashes toward the temples.

Arched brushes can also mold straight lashes into curved shapes. And there is always the trusty lash curler.

Give your lashes a dramatic turn with Stila's Forever Your Curl ($22), which reaches each individual lash and even lets you skip the lash curler.

Sale!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:14:00 +0000

And now a word from our sponsors at SHABBY APPLE. Right now you can get 20% off accessories!!! What will YOU be wearing new in 2012? I have to say that I am absolutely in LOVE with the skirt I just recently purchased there! It's perfectly high waisted and fits like a glove thanks to their easy fit guide. Go check them out and add some fabulous pieces to your wardrobe.

Who's Your Favorite?

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:17:00 +0000

American Idol is under way for it's next season and from what I hear there seems to be no lack of talent....and humiliation. I have long since stopped watching the show but LOVE to blast the radio on long and short car rides and belt it out with my favorite singers. Tell me I'm not alone!!! In honor of yet another nationwide search for more vocal talent I wanted to post my favorite singers and, in my opinion, some of my favorite makeup looks of theirs. Comment to which is YOUR favorite look and I'll do a tutorial on it =)!

The classic red lip, gorgeous lashes, effortless style, class and bombshell blonde hair. How can I NOT love her!!!!!

Love her, hate her (how could you) or think she's full of cheese, THIS girl has some PIPES!!!!! Whenever I think of Celine Dion I think of someone that no matter how high they are going (not wise) I am NEVER cringing to see if she'll hit it. She's amazing and I would LOVE to see her in concert...insert me hinting to my hubby ; ).

This girl has had so many ups and downs but I LOVE dancing and singing to her songs. Look at that natural glow!

I fell in LOVE with this look from Burlesque. I bet you didn't know this but I actually sound just like her when I'm singing. Oh yeah, you can too! Just turn her up to the absolute max and just mouth every perfect note ; ). I always feel so badly on American Idol when someone picks a song of hers...it's just sad = (.

I aDORE Roisin Murphy's music! Chances are you like her too. Do you wtch So You Think You Can Dance? Remember Ramalama? Yup, that's her. Wade Robson uses her a lot too aaaannnndddd since I love HIM, well there you go. I wanted to put one a little off the wall and fun up and you can always count on Roisin for that!

Hair Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:14:00 +0000

A somewhat silly video of me and my ambitions for hair in the new year. Anyone that knows me knows that I am AWFUL and always putting my hair back in a bun or a ponytail. Alas no more, my friends, I will truly be attempting to be better in every way at the anomaly known as hair. It intrigues me with it's mystery and often bamboozles me at it's trickery. Come laugh/cry with/at me on my journey ; ). Remember to watch it in HD!!!

Reese Witherspoon (& a red lip)

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:48:00 +0000

I had a request from Ashley for a Reese Witherspoon look and also a red lip tutorial. I kind of just put them both together since they came from the same person =). You can also watch it in HD!!!!!!! SO much better quality. Click play and where you see the numbers 360p, click on it and choose the 720pHD version =). She wanted to know how to do shadow on hooded lids and how to make a red lip not look trashy with her coloring. She also sent me some pictures of herself and holy COW does she look like Reese. Check out that jawline!!!

This is the red lip that I chose for the look but not the eye makeup. I think this lip will look stunning on Ashley with it's slight orange undertone.

Here is cute Ashley herself =).

This is the eye makeup that I chose for the tutorial. Soft and somewhat pinky nude in it's color with fabulous sparkle. Great for the red carpet and stunning for an everyday look. I'll be doing a more dramatic Reese eye in the future.

My Flawless Face Routine (updated)

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:02:00 +0000

With a few simple steps you can achieve a flawless looking face. Remember that the best way to HAVE a flawless face is to drink lots of water, wash your face everyday and have a skin care regime free of toxins. Look out for Parabyns and PEGs in your products. Lessen your sugar intake so that you aren't dehydrating your skin causing unwanted wrinkles. Get a good amount of sleep to avoid excessive bags under your eyes and exercise at least three times a week. It's a lot to think about and that's why most of us, me included, don't have a flawless face. Just do the best you can, choosing the steps that you feel are most important in your life and go from there =).

Coastal Scents SALE!

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:42:00 +0000

Have you been debating whether or not to get the 88 palette from Coastal Scents? Do you already have it but want to try out their blushes, lip colors, BRUSHES, or concealers? NOW is the time to act!!! Jordan, a lovely Classy reader, was kind enough to pass on the news that Coastal Scents is having a MAJOR SALE until tomorrow night! She purchased the 88 palette, the camouflage palette and the ten blush palette for only $32.60!!!!! There is also FREE FedEx ground shipping when you spend over $50!!!!! Ladies if there was EVER a time to jump on something....let THIS be it!!!!! Click here and get your booty over there!!!! I just ordered the contouring and lip palette. With shipping it all came to $31!!!!!

Shabby Apple Exclusive Deal

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:25:00 +0000

And now a word about one of our sponsors =)

Just ordered my NEW Shabby Apple skirt ON SALE AND at an additional 20% off!!!!! Want to get in on that??? Click here

and shop away at sale items and get 20% off with the code WINTERSALE. For Classy Readers Shabby Apple is extending free shipping and 15% off all items after this weeks promotion of 20% is over. It's like getting to stay after hours and get special deals till the end of the month!!! I am SO going to get this dress below next!!! What are YOU getting???

Cindy Lou and Martha May Too

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:29:00 +0000

Here's a funky look inspired by a request that I got.

Someone's was having a Whoville themed Christmas Party and I liked that a lot!

I looked all through pictures to come up with a look

but alas could not find just the right one,

not even in a book.

So I thought and I pondered just what would I do

Then it came to me! I would not do just one Who....but TWO!!!

That's right not just one Who would do for today

so a new Who was born, her name? "Cindy May"

or Martha Lou? Cindy Martha? Lou May?

I think I'll need to better hone my Who skills especially since I keep saying and writing Betty Lou instead of Cindy. Oh Jen... but you get the picture =D. Merry Christmas!!! What are YOU doing this year to keep you from being the Grinch?

Holiday Sparkle

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:59:00 +0000

Here is a look with a little Holiday sparkle =). Sorry I had to resort to my old camera for this one but if you follow the techniques and use the same colors then your results will be AmAzInG!!!

Daphne Guinness For MAC

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:11:00 +0000

The imagination of Daphne Guinness, a new line from MAC offering the most romantic and gorgeous shades of rose. The lip shades are to die for in all of their berry goodness! I am not prone to drooling over a MAC line since most of the shades can be found in their already existing line under another name but THIS I might have to go out and get!!! It's available the day after Christmas so ask for a gift card to your local Nordstrom ;). Check it out:

Cremesheen Glass - $22
Borealis - pale grey pink with iridescent pearl
Japanese Spring - pale dirty pink
Narcissus - dirty eggplant
Richly Revered - deep brown plum

Source: beautycrazed (http://s.tt/14LHs)

Cremesheen Glass - $22

Borealis - pale grey pink with iridescent pearl

Japanese Spring - pale dirty pink

Narcissus - dirty eggplant

Richly Revered - deep brown plum

Cremesheen Glass - $22
Borealis - pale grey pink with iridescent pearl
Japanese Spring - pale dirty pink
Narcissus - dirty eggplant
Richly Revered - deep brown plum

Source: beautycrazed (http://s.tt/14LHs)

Powerpoint Eye Pencil - $18
Engraved - rich black
Grey Utility - uniform grey

Source: beautycrazed (http://s.tt/14LHs)

Eye Brows - $18

Fling - light taupe ash blonde

Stud - deep rich blackened brown

Powerpoint Eye Pencil - $18
Engraved - rich black
Grey Utility - uniform grey

Source: beautycrazed (http://s.tt/14LHs)

Eye Shadow X4 - $45

Interior Life Quad:

Stratus - light pink (matte)

Interior Life - mid-tone grey blue (veluxe pearl)

Bruised Sky - dark lavender-y grey (satin)

Heather Belles - dark charcoal/carbon (satin)

Pro Longwear Lipcreme - $20

Red Dwarf - blue-ink

Approaching Storm - deep rose

Seasoned Plum - mid-tone lavender

Warp Speed - light silver

Blush Ombre - $31

Azalea Blossom - light cool pink

Vintage Grape - mid-tone violet pink

Pigment - $24

Aurora - pinked taupe (frost)

Circa Plum - frosty dirty mid-tone lavender (frost)

Nebula - dark greyed brown with pearl (frost)

Nail Lacquer - $18

Blueblood - deep eggplant (creme)Endless Night - pale grey pink with iridescent pearl (frost)

Hyperion - light grey blue green (creme)

         Powerpoint Eye Pencil - $18

         Engraved - Rich Black

         Grey Utility - Uniform Grey

Red Lip Flashback

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:03:00 +0000

I absolutely aDORE this lip and wanted to revisit it for the holidays. The only thing that I would do differently is take my MAC wax pencil (usually meant for brows) and line just above my lip line. That way it would trap any lipstick wanting to wander up into creases =). Merry Christmas!!!!

Shabby Apple Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:13:00 +0000

Shabby Apple has to die for fashion. I can't help but peruse up and down their online "aisles" of gorgeous dress after gorgeous dress. My blog is appropriately named Classy Cosmetics since I would love nothing more than to have all aspects of my life be deemed as such. Classy! Makeup, hair, speech, clothing, demeanor, all of it. Sometimes I feel as if Shabby has jumped right into my head and produced my thoughts exactly. Their bathing suits during the Summer are perfect, their Spring dresses are casual, cool and retro, the Fall line is always structured and berry colored and the Winter always brings class!!! This black number might be on my Christmas list now and hopefully my hubby will come through. It makes me think of old Hollywood glamour infused with modern day whimsy. Right now at Shabby you can enjoy FREE shipping for this WHOLE month. Yes, that means my hubby better get ON it!!!!! =)

All I Want For Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:20:00 +0000

Here are some good ideas for that special someone in your life. To make it easier for them to get you exactly what you want =). I go through a few of my must haves, good starter brushes and my fav products. Merry Christmas!!!

image from Martha Stewart.com =)

Halloween Entries

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:57:00 +0000

I wanted to thank all of you for sending it such great entries this year. I will for sure get it going sooner next time to give you more time to send your makeup creations. Look at the amazing detail that went into these costumes. I LOVE them!!!

Halloween Contest

Catherine Zeta-Jones Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:58:00 +0000

Do you remember the first time you remember Catherine Zeta Jones in all of her gorgeous glory? For me it was Zorro and I thought she was so beautiful and such a great actress! I remember the magazine that came out when she wore this look on the red carpet as well. I was tickled that they were spotlighting how to make brown eyes pop and low and behold...I HAD BROWN EYES!!!! I was so eager to try the green all around and when the look was completed I LoVeD it and sported it for a while =). Just recently I got an email from Tanja asking for a Catherine look and I immediately remembered my fav green eye and decided to pull it out and share it with you. Enjoy and sport if for a while yourself! =)

Brow Class

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:22:00 +0000

Another month equals another class at my home! This month is all things brows =). How to shape, tweez, and fill them in. It will be this Saturday from 2:30-3:30. We had an AmAzInG turnout for the false lash class and I had so much fun meeting all of you! There will be new friends to meet, munchies, a door prize and I have purchased a set of brow stencils for anyone attending. Like all of my classes it is $10 to attend, due on Friday. Just email me if you would like to come and join us! Look forward to seeing you all there!!!

Winner Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:07:00 +0000

This year came with some ReAlLy good costume entries but one really BLEW my mind!!! Behold! Camille's sister (since I never got a name LOL) is the winner of our Classy Halloween Contest for 2011 =D. Just send me an email with your information within 48 hours and I can send you your gift!!! Check this out everyone...

How gruesome and cool is THAT??? My mom also sent me some pictures of dArLiNg trick or treating costumes. Here are my favs!

Audrey is ALWAYS classy!

She's PERFECT!!!!! Look at those brows! That expression!!!

So beautiful

LOVE!!!!! Darling, and perfectly Fall colored with the cutest pigtails EvEr!!!

Bah ha ha ha haaaaaaa!!!!!

This little smoosh was at our church party and his whole family was dressed up as Legos. Notice the genius of using his costume as a double chin rest = D. I LOVE HIM!!!!!!!

Here's me and my hubby for our Halloween party. We won best costumes yay!!! =) What did you dress up as this year?

Concealing Your Eyebrows

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:42:00 +0000

Halloween is upon us and for those crazy dramatic looks that call for no eyebrows are sometimes daunting. I don't feel I did a great job in the Sally look so I did some more research and found better techniques =). Here you are and I hope you enjoy! Have you sent me a Halloween look yet??? Can't wait to see them all this year!!!

Halloween Contest!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:44:00 +0000

Are you so excited for our Annual Classy Halloween Contest??? This is one of my favorite times of year and I LOVE seeing what you come up with! Here is what you need to do:
-Be a Follower
-Submit a Halloween makeup look from this year (dollcosmetics@gmail.com)
-Tell all of your friends to come and do the same
That's it! The contest will go until Halloween night (midnight MST) and I will choose the winner the next day =). Good luck and have fun with it!!! The prize will be a bag full of Halloween fun!!! Makeup, treats and some decor!

Wilma Flinstone

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Wiiiiilmaaaaaa!!!!!! Here's a funny take on Wilma Flinestone. Very dramatic and over the top on the lips =).

Laugh With Me

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 22:48:00 +0000

Funniest kid costumes EVER!!!!! I was seriously dying when I saw these and shed a tear or two from laughing so hard! Can you STAND it????? I wanted to change my kids costumes right then and there but alas, Wolverine and the Blue Power Ranger it is. Maybe next year especially since my youngest has super curly hair and the other is stick straight...Bah ha ha ha ha!!!!!!!!!

WINNER!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:12:00 +0000

Thank you to everyone that entered to win this amazing prize. It is valued at over $200 and is jam PACKED with amazingly safe and wonderful smelling products. We have at least two more giveaways this year that I am excited about too! THIS prize can only go to ONE lucky subscriber and that lucky girl iiiiiisssssss.........

Kelie Scott!!!!!!!

Congrats!!! Send me your information for when to send your goodies within 48 hours or a new winner will be announced. I'm so excited for you Kel!!!!! =D

Picture of the day...what the JUNK am I doing????? What could possible have prompted this unfortunate face???

Mary Poppins

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:09:00 +0000

Practically perfect in every way! Here is Mary Poppins for our third Halloween look. Her lips were more of an orange brown but I wanted to do a more updated look with red. Hope Julie will forgive ; ). Hope you enjoy! A few items of business:

Our Annual Halloween Contest will be announced soon so keep a look out

the Xango Beauty Contest end TONIGHT! Tweet away and share this post with others to get more entries!

Lash Class

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:02:00 +0000

Yay Saturday is coming up! =) For those of you wanting to attend the False Eyelash night on the 22nd please RSVP and have your payment of $10 in by Friday ($6 if you bring your own lashes). If I don't hear from you, I won't be expecting you or have goodies for ya, so please let me know. I am so excited for all of those that are already coming and hope to hear from more of you. I adORE meeting new people and love throwing parties! There will be munchies and door prizes in addition to learning how to put your lashes on. I will be providing lashes and I have glue already here but if you have your own bring that with you. To get more details or if you have questions just email me at dollcosmetics@gmail.com. Look forward to meeting you!