Finding Motivation

As the new year approaches, its time to get motivated about getting to the gym. We all have certain things that motivate us to get to the gym to shed those extra pounds we put on since November. Fitting into that little black dress to a black tie party coming up, fitting into a swim suit on spring break, to just flat out looking our best.

Well I found my motivation to help get me back to the gym: Hayden Panettierre and Kaley Cuoco. While yes,  they are trimmer than I probably ever will be, Hayden and Kaley at the very least my visual motivation. I'd already been working out before Black Friday, and then I've only been 2x afterwards, so getting back in the swing of things shouldn't be too hard. I've got motivation!!!

I've included a few pics, and maybe they'll inspire you to get in shape as well.

pics from esquire.com and pinterest.com

A Little Off Track...

So I've gotten off track with my eatting and going to the gym. I've slipped somewhat back into my old eatting habits and I've not been to the gym in quite sometime, sadly. I was doing so good, and then the seaonal foods came and it just went down hill from there. I went swimming 2x after Black Friday, and then my old eatting habits came into play, but on Thursday (12/27/12) I'm going back to the gym so I can start losing weight, around 10-15lbs is my goal!

I know I can do it, I just need to get started!!! And I'm doing it before January which makes me feel ahead of the game of losing the extra pounds!

Hitting the Gym

So I've not blogged since August! Since I last posted, I've been going to the gym more and I've lost a few lbs!!! So motovating!!! Keeps going 4x a week, but this week I've only gone 2x since I'm sick and a little under the weather, and I don't plan on going back until after Thanksgiving/Black Friday and just start a new week. But I've accomplished so much that I won't let myself go back to old eatting habits, but instead make new ones, and so far I have. And I've also been taking more vitamin D and its made my nails so strong. They are the longest they've been and I'm so proud of them. ;  ) That's all...for now...

August....

Well its been since June that I've last blogged here. I'm not that good at blogging as one can see. I write in my diary more often than I blog, even though its been about 10 days since I last wrote in my diary, so I need to catch up on that.

I'm working on a makeover on myself. With this makeover, I want it to be than just swiping on a new shade of lipstick and eye shadow. I wanna lose 15-20 lbs, cut my hair, get some new clothes from my favorite stores at the mall, and then swipe on new makeup. I want a change in how I do everything in my life. I want to reinvent my self into That Woman. The one that's confident, has it together, or at least more together than before. More stylish, sophisticated, chic.

So that's my goal, and I plan on doing my makeover by March, so between now and then I'm gonna be working on my makeover on myself. I've been gathering ideas and taking notes on what I want out of my makeover.

The Suit

The Suit

The suit is all about sleek sophistication. And though many men must wear one every day, woman are allowed to pick and choose when they will don the item. This makes wearing one al the more striking. The trick is either to wear a lacy camisole underneath the suit jacket, or plain white tee, or nothing at all, and then play up the jewelry, hair and makeup. And of course, pair the suit up with the perfect stilettos. These are decidedly female touches let a woman own the suit, rather than having the suit own the woman..
 

Suit Up

The cool, modern way to wear a suit is to break it up. Wear the jacket with jeans or the skirt with a tank or tee.

As always, make sure it is tailored perfectly for you. Nothing beats great tailoring.

When buying a suit for work, choose one that can work in a more fun way outside of the office. The double duty will truly be cost-effective for you in the long run.

If you must wear a traditional suit to the office, personalize it with jewelry, etc. Always, always personalize it. Own it!

The Inside Track: Where to Buy

Chanel is the timeless investment.

Dolce & Garbbana and Alexander McQueen make the sexed-up versions.

Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani are for the most classic look.The One Hundred a Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nina Garcia

Pencil Skirt

Pencil Skirt

A pencil skirt immediately conjures up images of femmes fatales—the best film noir has to offer. There is a power about the pencil skirt, a certain sophistication. But there is also a subversive sexuality as it manages to show off the legs without showing them at all. What an illusion! It asserts femininity, but is also asserts power, which is the best feature a skirt can have: powerful femininity. And the savvy, stylish woman is well aware of the combination. She takes deliberate steps, strides confidently by her high heels, and pretends to be oblivious to the stir her pencil skirt is causing.

Penciling It In

The hemline should fall just below or just above the knee.

It is more flattering when worn with sky-high heels.

Try a high-waisted version to elongate the line of the body.

It should always be snug but never too tight.

It should have a vent or it could be hard to walk or sit. Be mindful of such tailoring.

A little stretch in the fabric makes it immeasurably easier to wear.

The One Hundred a Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nina Garcia

Fishnets

Fishnets

Fishnets were originally worn only by questionable women in dark, dank bars, but in the ‘20s they were brought out into the light by intrepid flappers. Marlene Dietrich made these all the rage. They are most powerful when just a little flicker of the fishnet is shown (a few inches at the knee, a centimeter at the peep toe). Teasing with fishnets is incredibly sexy and intriguing. It makes one wonder what else is underneath. A little bit of Marlene Dietrich? A touch of Dita Von Teese? But if the entire leg of fishnets is showing with too short a skirt and too high of heel, all the intrigue is gone. We all know what kind of woman that is. And you don’t want to be her.

Going Fishin’

Fishnets are supersexy when done right, supertawdry when done wrong. To stay on the right side of the line, make sure you:
Choose a fine mesh.

Pair with sophisticated clothing.

Try it in a nude.

Don’t let too much show. A peel of fishnet at the ankle, when you are wearing tailored trousers, can go much further than showing an entire leg of fishnet with high heels and short skirt. Try a blouse with a pencil skirt or pants and a flicker of fishnets at the feet. Keep it between an eighth and a quarter of an inch. The smaller, the better.

The One Hundred a Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nina Garcia

Little Black Dress

Little Black Dress

 

Often, the perfect little black dress finds a girl when she is not looking. If she sets out on a "perfect little black dress mission," the thing will elude her all afternoon. But if she is on her way to a lazy Sunday brunch, it will most likely jump out at her from the storefront. No matter what the cost, she should buy it. It may be H&M or it may be Alaia. The price is immaterial, since by number of times worn equals priceless. It will be there time after time, decade after decade.

Back In Black

Choose the best material you can find (not all are created equal) and nothing too tight or too shiny.

Consider your LBD a blank canvas instead of a fallback. It demands to be accessorized and adorned.

To avoid being accused of playing it safe, make sure you have a dash of daring (a dangerous stiletto, bold jewelry, etc.), and make sure it shows off your best assets.

Remember, the reason the simple garment is so enduring is because it understands the essences of style, to step back and let the woman shine. So shine.

It is said that you need only one, but a minimum of two is a better guideline
.
Make sure you can dance in it.

The One Hundred a Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nina Garcia

Cashmere Sweater

Cashmere Sweater

Woman first began craving cashmere in 1937, when Lana Turner wore her tight cashmere sweater in the film They Won’t Forget. And nobody did forget that sweater. From that moment, woman began their cashmere collections.
It is advisable to have as many as possible in as many versions as possible: a cardigan, a turtle-neck, a crewneck, a V-neck, a wrap, etc. The massive appeal of cashmere is the silken, featherlight feel that will always make you feel luxe. It is also, ounce of ounce, the warmest of natural fibers, so it provides coziness without bulk.

Shopping for Cashmere

The One Hundred a Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nina Garcia

Let yourself spend a little. You can find cashmere at any price point, but if you want quality that will last, be prepared to spend at least $200..
For summer-weight cashmere, look for cashmere blend with silk.
The higher the ply, the warmer the sweater (it will also be more expensive). If you live in Vermont go for a higher ply, and if you live in Florida go for a lower one.

Blazer

Blazer

 

The jacket that woman blatantly stole from the boys and then wore it better, as is so the case. Woman wear it with sleek white pants or on top of little black dresses: we wear it with skinny black jeans or khakis (Google Balenciaga Fall 2007). Girls most often wear it with heels instead of the standard prep-school penny loafers. The beauty of the blazer is that it does a tango between the masculine and the feminine, the formal and the casual, and the preppy and the trendy, the smart and the sexy. You can’t quite pin it down, and therein lies its charm. A chic untraditional way to buy a blazer is to buy it unconstructed or oversized (Google Ann Demeulemeester) or shrunken (Brooks Brothers boys’ department) for a dramatic and fashionable look.

 

The key to the blazer is making sure each element is tailored just for you:

The Buttons:

The Sleeves:

The Shoulders:

The Front:

The Length:

It is all a matter of preference. The classic blazer will fall at your hip, but it can be longer or cropped, depending on your personal style. Should lie smooth when buttoned. Even if you never button your blazer, make sure you can button it at the tailor so you can make sure there are no bumps and bulges.(In fact, check for bumps and bulges everywhere, too.) Should be straight and crisp. The seam where the arm and body meet should be at the outer edge of your shoulder. Should fall at the heel of your hand for a traditional and timeless look. If you want to take it in a trendier direction , you can go about an inch longer than the traditional sleeve length, or choose a three-quarter length.Make sure they re working buttons with real buttonholes. It is a sign of a quality blazer.

Final Test:

While you are still at the tailor, life your hands above your head, reach out in front, etc. The blazer should move with you, never pulling or bunching.
The One Hundred a Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nina Garcia

Tailor Made

Cape

Cape

It is a garment often associated with eccentrics and superheroes, but the cape can be very elegant and practical/ The cape is bold, mysterious, and powerful. There is a reason Superman and Dracula are such big fans. It is the perfect way to add drama, hides a multitude of flaws, and is a great option to pair with an evening dress. It can be knit, wool, velvet, cashmere, or fur. As global warming progresses and makes the weather as unpredictable as can be, capes will come out of the closet a lot more. Thankfully. Living in a world without capes would be a dull world indeed.

Cape Fear

Keep everything else tight to the body. A cape looks best when the layer underneath is tailored. Baggy layers underneath the cape take away the cosmopolitan cachet you are going for.
For more formal evening options, use a capelet to top off your dress.The One Hundred a Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nina Garcia

Evening Gown

Evening Gown

 

When famous woman on the red carpet wear their evening gowns has became a sort of sport. We all sit there and comment, judge, and praise or deify.. But when the situation is turned on us, when we are the ones who have to go somewhere that requires an evening gown, we often enter into a state of terror. This is why you should buy an evening gown when you don’t need it. Typically, we search for an evening gown only to when we have somewhere to go. Then we are in the torturous situation of the under-pressure-evening-gown-hunt. A few hours into the search, we will usually throw our hands up in defeat and spend too much on a dress we are not even that crazy about.

The smarter girl never passes a sale rack without looking at the evening gowns. If she sees one she loves, she buys it. It does not matter that she has no black-tie events in her future. She knows that the invite will come-and when it does, it’s best to have an evening gown waiting in the wings. If your chest and arms are your best feature. For the tall and thin. For the curvy, feminine body For everyone.
THE CLASSIC OPTIONS FOR EACH BODY TYPE
STRAPLESS:
COLUMN:
BIAS-CUT:
GODDESS:THE GREAT GOWN SEARCH
Opt for a year-around fabric: chiffon, lightweight crepe, or lightweight silk or satin.
Avoid any details that will make the dress go out of style.
Too much beading, ruffles, too many colors prints.
Choose a dark or neutral color that can be worn over and over again (just change you accessories each time).
The most figure-flattering option: a bias-cut gown in chiffon or satin (bias is a cut that follows the line of the body and is easier to wear than a straight-cut dress).The One Hundred a Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nina Garcia

Stilettos

Stilettos

This shoe is capable of invoking euphoria, admiration, panic, and justifiable credit card debt. You can never have too many stilettos, and you’ll never feel as though you have enough. Ask the notorious Imelda Marcos. In 1986, when she fled the Philippines with three thousand pairs of shoes in her closet. (She later said she left behind only 1,060, but who’s counting?) Much of the world balked-but I’ve gotta say, I wanted to meet the woman, I think she lived out a shoe fantasy most woman would kill for. More accurately, I wanted to see her stiletto collection. A woman’s entire being can be understood by the heels she turns on.

What’s more is that the stiletto helps to define the curvature of a woman’s leg, and offers height, confidence, and sass. A woman wearing the right stiletto is a true force to be reckoned with.
 

INVEST, INVEST, INVEST

The names you hear time and again-Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin-you hear them for a reason. They know what they are doing. They know how to create a classic, timeless shoe and make four-inch heels that are actually comfortable to walk in. Geniuses, all of them. But genius does not come cheap. I know some people think it is ridiculous to spend so much money on a pair of shoes. I’ll tell you why it is not:
Quality, expensive shoes will last longer and wear better.
They will not leave you hobbling down the streets.
You will feel incredible every time you slip them on.

HOW TO WALK IN STILETTOS

Practice.
Practice.
Practice.The One Hundred a Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nina Garcia

Silk Scarf

Silk Scarf

The only way to really understand the value of a scarf is to spend an afternoon at a Parisian café and just watch the woman walk by. Scarves as belts, scarves as decorating handbags, scarves as tops, scarves as headbands, scarves tied through the back loops of trench coats, scarves tied around the neck in 88 different ways, and on and on and on. It does seem, as is so often said, that the women of Paris are born knowing how to wear a scarf. The rest of us to have watch and learn and maybe seek out an instructional guide or two. In 1988, Jean-Louis Dumas-Hermes put out a pictorial pamphlet called "How to Wear Your Hermes Scarf." If you can manage to find it, it is the most inspiring manual. But if you cannot get your hands on the pamphlet or a plan ticket to Paris, you’re going to have to resort to good old-fashioned practice.

ALL TIED UP

In addition to Hermes, Gucci and Ferragamo make beautiful printed silk scarves. These are traditional, iconic souvenirs from one’s first trip to Italy. They are instant heirlooms.
Consider it as piece of jewelry and it wear it as such (it should add oomph and drama).
It should be personal and a part of you-it doesn’t have to be silk if that’s not your thing.

Closet Obsession: THE HERMES SCARFIt is just 90 centimeters and 65 grams of silk, yet it takes 2 years to create a single Hermes scarf. Technically, the process begins in Brazil, where the silk is spun from cocoons woven by the larvae of 250 silk moths. As the silk is spinning in Brail, the design process begins in Lyon, France, where all f the designers are briefed on what the theme of the season’s collection will be. Then’ over 50 artists create designs for the ten scarves to be produced that season. After the many months it takes to create the designs, an engraver will make a silk screen for each different color that will appear on each scarf. If there are 30 colors in one scarf, he much create 30 different silks screens. Then there is an intensive coloration process, as an entire committee will vote on the shades and tones, before the design is finally sent to the factory where the dirty work begins. There is dizzy printing process, then a luxurious steam bath to make the scarves unbelievably soft, and then 2 women painstakingly scrutinize each centimeter of silk for any defects. Last, the squares are cut and seamstresses edge them by hand, before they are shipped off to be snatched by woman the world over.

Blowout 101

The 5-Step Plan to Healthy Hair

The 5-Step Plan to Healthy Hair

1. Lay off the chemicals.
Even the strongest hair can’t withstand a full-on assault of peroxide and straightening solution. Talk to your stylist or colorist about how to give it a rest for at least 3 months (it may require a different cut or daily routine to camouflage roots or unwanted waves).

2. Shampoo gently. Hair that’s weak or damaged needs a moisturizing shampoo. Wash as infrequently as possible, and unless hair is filthy, there’s no need to scrub hard – just rub shampoo into the scalp, and let the runoff clean the ends.
 
3. Don’t stint on conditioner.
Those weekly deep treatments some consider a luxury are now a necessity to you. Consider slathering them on every other day before you shampoo (to fill in cracks), then following the wash with a regular rinse-out formula.
 
4. Protect yourself.
If you can’t lay off the blow-dryer completely, at least minimize further damage. Coat strands with a protective styling product, wait until hair is mostly dry (so you spend less time under the nozzle), use the warm setting instead of ho, keep the dryer 6 inches from the head, and don’t point it on one area for too long.. If you insist on flatironing, coat hair first with a leave-in conditioner or silicone-based product.
 
5. Stay out of the sun.
UV rays dry out hair and ruin its color. Before going out-side, douse your hair with leave-in sunscreen treatment – or better yet, wear a hat.

Allure: Confessions of a Beauty Editor

Foundation in Translation

Foundation in Translation

If we wanted our resumes to be beyond reproach, we’d drop all mention of our farcical college French and replace it with "Fluent in the language of makeup packaging." An abridged dictionary:

"MOISTURZING", "CREAMY",:

"ILLUMINATING," "LINE MINIMIZING," OR "RADIANT":
"CREAM-TO-POWDER," "MATTIFYING":

"TINT" OR "GEL":

"STAIN":

"LONG WERAING," "ENDURING," OR "LASTING":


~Allure, Confessions of a Beauty Editor~ Intensely pigmented formulas designed to cling to skin. (Antonym: "sheer".) Light, sheer, and not the least bit shiny. Also known for drying fast and fading slowly. The color is definitely sheer – and it will probably fade fast. Dries to a powdery finish that’s ideal for very oily skin: far too What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? for dry skin. Contains shimmer particles to reflect light from wrinkles. It also, however, will reflect light onto blemishes- skip if your skin isn’t clear. Will keep dry skin from becoming flaky by the end of the day but make oily complexions look (and feel) even slicker.

Get on Schedule!!!

Get on Schedule

New Year’s Eve. College reunion. Your ex-boyfriend’s wedding. When you know you have a big event coming up, timing skin appointments is important.

Facials:

Microdermabrasion:

Glycolic Peels:

Waxing:

Botox:
Go 2 weeks ahead of time. It takes that long top see real results, and there can be mild bruising at the injection site, which needs time to heal. Schedule your session for one week before the big day-especially if waxing facial hair. You want to allow time for any redness or tiny bumps to subside. Go in fall or winter. While any redness usually lasts only a day or so, you need to stay out of the sun after a prescription-strength peel. Home peels with a lower concentration of acid can be done 2 days ahead of the event for the most radiant results. Have your first session 3 months ahead of the date. There’s no downtime, but you’ll need several sessions before you start seeing real, lasting results. Dermatologists recommend a minimum of 4-6 treats spaced 2 weeks apart. And if you’re just going to splurge once, go a day or two before the even for maximum glow factor. Go one week before skin needs to look great to allow for recovery time from any postfacial breakouts.

Facial 101

Facial 101

Apply Scrub:

Steam Clean:

Moisturize:

~Allure, Confessions of a Beauty Editor~

Relax until the mask is ready to be removed (check the label for suggested time), then rinse it off thoroughly, and blot with a towel. While skin is still damp, rub on a thin layer of your everyday moisturizer – oil free or oily combination skin, a richer formula for dry skin. If possible, wait up to 6-8 hrs before putting on makeup. Once the water is boiling, remove the pan from the heat. Hold your face more than one foot above it, close your eyes, and create a tent over your head with a towel. After 3-5 minutes, rinse off the exfoliant with warm, not hot, water, and gently blot dry the skin dry. Apply a face mask that’s suited to your complexion-one with hyaluronic acid or glycerin for dry skin, sulfur for acne, clay for oily skin, or antioxidants for normal or combination skin. Pull hair back and off the face with a headband. Wash with your usual cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, rinsing the skin well and then lightly patting it dry. Drop four chamomile tea bags into a large saucepan of water, and while waiting for it to come to a boil, apply an exfoliating scrub with fruit enzymes like papaya. Do not rinse.

Cheeky!

Powder:

Cream:

Gel:

Liquid:

Trish McEvoy, The Power of Makeup

Longest wearing. Should be applied to bare skin. Because it’s a stain, it requires practice to make perfect. Gives a transparent, natural glow. Needs to be applied to bare skin or cover foundation. Don't use over powder.. Very easy to work with and can be worn on bare skin. To apply, use fingertips, sponge or brush. Probably the most popular due to its ease of application. Great for all skin types, assuming skin is properly prepped. For best results, apply bronzer or blush over foundation and powder.

Brows—The Finishing Touch

Brows—The Finishing Touch

Get the shape right, of course, and you’re halfway there – your eyes will look groomed, but (unless you’re blessed with naturally dark brows,) they won’t necessarily have enough impact. Many of us need pencil – or better yet, powder – to achieve that.
Eliza Petrescu explains: "Pencil and powder selection should be determined by hair and skin color. Go one shade darker if hair is light: go one shade lighter if hair is dark." (Even if hair is dark brown, she advises, avoid black.)

The only way to test brow color when makeup shopping is on the brow itself. Either shop bare-browed or remove your color at the counter. (A hand mirror is useful, once again, for judging the color of daylight. If a shade looks natural there, it’ll look natural everywhere.)

What you’re really looking for are mousy brown tones of pencil or powder –and check to make sure there isn’t a hint of red in the pencil/powder, even if you’re a redhead. Because brows aren’t naturally one color, you might opt for 2 very slightly different shades. Brow powders are specially designed for use on this area, and have a slightly waxier texture- but if you can’t get the right shade, use powder eyeshadow. (M.A.C and Bobbi Brown offer brow-friendly shadow colors.)

Before coloring brows, brush them upwards to make sure they’re even – and then brush out horizontally. (This is something we skip when we’re in a hurry-which is most of the time-but could be a must if yours are unruly.)

Stephen Glass recommends Kanebo’s eyebrow pencil in Muted Brown, "a really natural-looking taupe which works on almost all brows". Another rather miraculous product – recommended by Valentine Gotti, aka the "Makeup Doctor"- is Brenda Christian brow Shaper Pencil, which adjusts to the color of every brow (from blonde to brunette) as if by magic.

We’ll be frank: we feel that of the brow products available, powder gives the most natural look, but if you still prefer pencil, start at the inner corner and works outwards using light, feathery strokes. You’re trying to color the hairs – although when it comes to "filling in" gaps, you can draw directly onto skin.

When using powder, you need a brush specifically designed for brows-which is stiff and angled. Tap the handle on a hard surface (or the back of your hand) to remove excess, then start at the thickest part of the brow and work outwards using feathery, light strokes. Again, you’re trying to get color onto the hairs, not the skin—and be sure that the outer corner ends in a very fine point.

For maximum staying power, Vincent Longo likes to use pencil followed by powder shadow to "fix" the pencil. This is fine for special occasions, but may be too time-consuming on an everyday basis.

There is an increasing range of colored "brow mascaras" on the market but in our opinion, they’re a nightmare to use in a hurry and don’t look natural- brows can appear stiff. In the same way, many experts recommend using brow gel or hairspray to fix brows in place, but, once again—unless your brows are constantly trying to escape – we say skip this, except for the outermost ends if necessary.

If you have the time, sweep brows through with a (clean) mascara wand after you’ve applied your brow color – either one you’ve bought, or one you’ve adapted for the task by first dunking it in eye-makeup remover, then washing it in gentle soap—to give your brows a tended look.
Note: Having brows tattooed with semi-permanent makeup may seem like the ultimate time-saving beauty gesture, but beware: we’ve seen some horrendous results in which all you notice are the brows, not the woman they belong to. (Remember, too, that brows fade naturally as we age—and what works with your hair color now may not work when you’ve gone grey/lighter/darker, in a few year’s time.) If you’re considering having semi-permanent makeup done, ask to see – in person- several people who’ve been treated by the person you’re considering so that you can gauge the results with your own eyes. Do not be fooled by photos, which sometimes show another therapist’s work, or are promotional shots taken by the company that supplies the tattooing equipment. There is also theoretical risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C if an unsterilized needle is used. Meanwhile, never have brows or lashes dyed with hair dye: in many countries it’s even illegal.
Total Beauty by Sarah Stacey & Josephine Fairley

Lash Flash

Lash Flash

Pros swear by lash combs for separating and preventing clumps. Get rid of excess mascara by wiping the wand on a tissue, eliminating blobs before you start.

An alternative to a lash comb is to have a second mascara wand, clean and dry, which you sweep through lashes to separate them while mascara is still wet. No need to buy one: when you finish you next tube of mascara, swish the wand in a capful of eye-makeup remover, then wash with soap and dry. Keep it clean by washing whenever you clean your tools.

Aimee Adams insists that with modern high –tech mascara formulations, "one coat should be enough to thicken, lengthen, and curl. The more you apply, the more you run the risk of ‘spider lashes’." Skipping that second coat saves times. (And prevents that Tammy Faye Baker look.)

Colored mascaras look great in glossy ads but rarely work in real life, we find (from the authors of this book). The simple rule is: black works for everyone except blondes, who look best in brown/black by day and reserving black for after dark.

Lash-lengthening and/or thickening mascaras use tiny filaments to extend and fatten lashes, but many women find that these shed their fibers and encourage smudging as the day wears on. If this is your problem, switch to a lash-curling mascara instead, or ask at the beauty counter for a mascara that’s "filament-free".

When applying mascara, wiggle your mascara wand in the base of lashes. It’s the mascara placed near the roots –not the tips- that gives the illusion of length. Total Beauty by Sarah Stacey & Josephine Fairley

Twist and Pout

Twist and Pout

The sheerer and glossier the formulation, the quicker it is to apply-because you don’t have to worry so much about precision.
Lip gloss has a tendency to slide off more quickly than any other formulation, but Stila’s Jeanine Lobel has this advice: "To give lip gloss more staying power, line lips first with a coordinating lip liner, then ‘fill in’ by drawing all over the lips with liner. Lip gloss will naturally wear more quickly than lipstick, but the liner will make the lips matte and provide a base for the gloss to adhere to, so it won’t slip and slide around quite so much."


It’s up to you whether you apply lipstick straight from the "tube" or with a lip brush-but a brush gives a more polished look and makes lipstick stay put longer by pressing the color into the lips.


To make any lipstick last longer, apply then slip a tissue between lips and press down on it with your lips. Add a second coat of lipstick. (Alternatively, some makeup artists like to powder lips after the first application – using a velvet puff – and apply a second coat over that.)


There’s a red lipstick for everyone, insists Bobbi Brown, but warmer complexions, including olive skin and one that tan easily, look best in reds that have yellow and orange in them. Cooler tones (fair skin) should stick to blue reds. When in doubt, try red in a sheer texture.


To make sure you avoid getting lipstick on your teeth – a Gloria Swanson effect that nobody wants – purse your lips as though you were about to give a kiss, then put your index finger in your mouth and pull it out. Any excess color will end up on your finger rather than on your teeth.


Don’t throw out a fave lipstick just because it’s broken off. Swivel it up so that the broken base is exposed. Then, hold the decapitated top with a tissue – so it doesn’t slip – and the slowly wave a lit match under the chunk of lipstick to warm it. (Be careful not to burn yourself!) When it starts to soften, gently place it on the back on top of the broken base. Twist the lipstick all the way down and place it – uncovered – in the fridge for 5 minutes. (Just make sure not to twist the tube up so high next time.)

Got to the end of a lipstick and don’t want to waste the last bit? Scrape out the remains with a cotton swab or orange stick, and mash with Vaseline or lip gloss in a lipstick palette.
Total Beauty by Sarah Stacey & Josephine Fairley

Foundation for Your Age

Foundation for Your Age

20-Something:

30-Something:

40-Something:

50-Something & above: Says Laura Mercier, "Older woman tend to think of foundation and powder like spackle, to fill the cracks. But, in fact it just draws attention to lines and wrinkles.." Laura’s approach is almost the same as she’d use for a fresh-faced teenager. "I put a dab of concealer o n imperfections- like dark circles, broken capillaries, and age spots-blended into the skin, rather than use foundation."
Total Beauty by Sarah Stacey & Josephine Fairley According to Laura Mercier, "Older skins need foundation wherever there are shadows, darkness or broken capillaries, That may include the innermost corner of the eye on the ‘nose-bone’ (which most woman tend to overlook), the inner half-circle under the eye, on broken capillaries on either side of the nose, and just under the corners of the mouth-which can be shadowy in some woman." She suggests looking out for formulations with extra moisturizing elements, experimenting with stick foundations –"and whenever you do, avoid ‘oil-free’ formulations: a little oil in the formulation helps provide a barrier against dehydration." You have got the widest choice of foundations: sheer, long-lasting foundations or all-in-one foundation/powders. But you shouldn’t have to go heavier than sheer or medium coverage, with the lightest dusting of powder to set it in areas where you’re more prone to shine. Back in the glow, says Laura Mercier, leading makeup artist and creator of her own signature makeup line, "because your skin may never look this good –natural-again. Use foundation only where you need it-to cover imperfections, or to mattify skin. Start in the middle and work outwards only as far as you need to even out the skin tone-but never go near the edges, and avoid all creases."

Finding the Right Shade

Finding the Right Shade

The perfect shade of foundation should vanish into your skin without a trace, so when shopping in a department store, don’t ever buy base without trying it on. Here’s how:

Always Test before You Buy

Pick A Few Colors: Show up with a clean, bare face and select a couple of shades that seem close to your natural skin tone. Many makeup artists believe that yellow-based foundations look warmest and most natural on all skin tones, but if you’re extremely fair, try something a bit pinker and cooler.

Put Them On:
Take A Good Look:

Don’t Settle

Makeup artists
~ InStyle, Getting Gorgeous~ agree that foundation is worth spending some money on because it’s so crucial that the tone and product be customized to your skin. However, there are plenty of high-quality, inexpensive foundations out there, too. So if you’re shopping in a drugstore test a shade by standing near a door or window and holding the bottle up to your neck while looking in a mirror. If you fear you can’t make an accurate assessment, buy two different shades from a drugstore with a liberal return policy (like Rite Aid), hang on to your receipt and try them at home.. Stand near a doorway or step outside of the store (ask to borrow a hand mirror) and examine your skin in natural light. The right shade is the one you can’t see because it blends in so perfectly. Remember also that your skin color changes from summer to winter, so switch foundation shades accordingly. Apply small amounts along your jawline (not your hand or inner wrist, contrary to popular belief), so you can make sure the base matches your face and your neck, hence avoiding the dreaded mask effect.

Just Some Favorites...

My favorite place to vacation: CHICAGO!!!

One of my favorite quotes that I love!

I love orchids and this shade as well! ;  )

My favorite OPI nail polish in Lucky Lucky Lavendar and Diva of Geneva
(from top to bottom)

My favorite scents,  Viva La Juicy Juicy Couture by Play for Her by Givenchy

 

I would love a dress in this lovely color

I want my hair to be this length of summer

Some of my favorite solo artists who lean toward jazz!!

Christina Aguilera

Esperanza Spalding

Michael Buble

Tony Bennett

Frank Sinatra

  

I like nice black n white pics, and these are very classy. The top one was taken in Paris and unsure of where the bottom pic was taken, but both were found on the net.

Cameron Looking Chic!!!

I just loved these pics of Cameron Diaz at the preimere of her new movie, What To Exprect When Expecting, in London.