Nail Care

Normally when I do my nails, I don't really take care of them. I clean off the polish with a nail polish remover an a apply the next color, along with base and top coats. Today, I decided to actually give myself a manicure. My nails are thanking me as we speak. My cuticles look a lot better, my polish looks better. My nails look pretty darn good.


First, I removed the existing polish with Sally Hansen Moisturizing Polish Remover. It works really well, but I can't speak to how much it moisturizes. I just never took notice. But I've been using the stuff for a while. Could be, if I switched to something non-moisturizing, that I would notice right away.


Next, I used Sally Hansen Problem Cuticle Remover, which I bought a few months ago, but only used it once. Didn't really notice anything. I took it out today and followed the directions: Apply a thin strip of Problem Cuticle Remover around cuticle and under nail. Massage into cuticle. After 3 to 5 minutes, gently ease back cuticles with Manicure Stick. Wash away excess with warm, soapy water. Huh, I definitely didn't follow those directions when I used it last time. So, I follow the directions. Afterward, my horrible cuticles were much improved. They appeared healthier and they were pushed back, so my nails looked better.


After applying the color, I used Avon Anew Ultimate Transforming Hand and Nail Cream. (whew! What a mouthful!) This product claims to:

"Visibly reduce fine wrinkling and strengthen nails and cuticles with a cream that reduces blotchiness and produces a naturally radiant, even skintone."

I can't really assure you if it does that. I don't think I have any significant wrinkling on my hands. It was a very thick cream. It feels a little greasy I think. I am not sure I love it. I might try another cream next time.

Another thing I am working on to improve the appearing of my manicures is the way I treat my nails. I am being more careful about when I use my nails. It takes some work to type without using my fingertips, but I'm getting there. I have stopped opening soda cans and taking out staples with my finger nails, and I've seen a marked improvement.

All in all, I think my hands look nicer. They definitely feel better. I am thinking that it might be worth it to take a little extra time when I'm doing my nails from now on.

FOTD: Sunday March 15 2009

Products used:
Covergirl Advanced Radiance Pressed Powder in Classic Beige
Avon True Color Blush in Earthen Rose
Estee Lauder All Day Lipstick in Starlit Pink
ELF Plumping Lip Glaze in Ruby Kiss
Rimmel Extra Super Lash Mascara in Black
ELF Brightening Eye Color in Drama (only sparkly black)
Jesse's Girl Color My World Shadow in Volcanic

Very simple. I swirled a fluffy brush through the JG Volcanic and swept it all over my lid. Turned into a lovely iridescent pink! (forgive the brows). Then I lined my lower lash with the sparkly black shadow from ELF Drama

Applied the Estee Lauder lipstick and then used the red side of the ELF gloss. WOWZA! Talk about bright!
Then, of course, I camwhored.

FOTD: Saturday March 14 2009

On Saturday, Kevin and I went out to sushi with a bunch of friends for Kevin's birthday! Happy 22! Also, it was Pi day. I guess we would've gotten pie for desert, but they didn't have any. :-) Anyway, here is the makeup I did for the evening. Trying to do a tutorial here, so I took pictures as I did my makeup. Pic heavy!

Before I started taking photos, I had applied Mary Kay Signature Eye Primer and ELF Cream Shadow in Berry Mix (the lighter one) all over my lids.

Apply the HiP Crayon along the lower lash line (not terribly sure why I chose to do this first)

Using ELF eyeshadow in Drama, pick up some of the light gray. I'm using an "Eye Contour" brush from Face Secrets, carried at Sally Beauty Supply.

Apply all over lid

Pick up some of the sparkly black. I'm using a small eyeshadow brush (unknown brand)

Apply to the outer 1/2 of lid

Looks like this (sorry for blurriness)

Blend. Should look like this. You can make the outer 1/2 darker if you like, just pick up more of the sparkly black and blend it in.

Using the same black, with an angled eyeshadow brush:

Apply over the HiP Crayon liner

Looks like this:

On second thought, I decided to do the same to the upper lid. Lined in with the HiP liner and applied the ELF sparkly black shadow over top of that.

So far:

Next, apply mascara. I'm using Jane Max Lash² in Black

First, use the white side, the primer:

When that dries, do two coats of the black side.

Finished eye look:

Next: highlight and bronzer

Apply the highlight along your cheek bones (in this it is the lighter two shades, I run the brush through both colors)

Next, apply the bronzer (darker two shades) to the hollows of your cheek. You can find this by sucking in your cheeks (which I'm doing, but you can't really tell).

For blush, I'm using ELF Blush in Glow (my favorite)

Start at the apple of your cheek, I always smile when I do this to emphasize my apple

And sweep up along cheek bones.

Apply lipstick:

Final step: Plenty of camwhoring!

Notice I look different than the first pic at the top of the post? I changed my shirt and put my hair 1/2 up.

FOTD: Tuesday March 3 2009

Products used
Face:

• Almay pure blends mineral makeup in 400 (light to soft medium)
• ELF Natural Radiance Blusher in Glow
• Wet 'n' Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder in Catwalk Pink

Eyes

• Ulta Shadow in Pink
• Physician's Formula RetroGlow Illuminating Eyeshadow in Crystal Classic
• L.A. Girl Eyeliner in Raging Violet
• Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus
• Maybelline Volum' Express Turbo Boost Mascara in Very Black

Lips

• Avon pro-to-go lipstick in Golden Pink
  

It's fairly simple, just adding a few things to my daily routine, which consists of makeup, blush, lipstick and mascara. I added two shadows, a highlighter, and lash primer. I used the PF Crystal Clear on my inner corner and on my brow bone, and dusted the Ulta Pink all over my lid. The eyeliner is only on my lower lashline. I used the WNW Illuminator very sparingly, the dark side in the hollows (or what would be my hollows if I didn't have chubby li'l cheeks) of my cheeks and the lighter side on my cheek bones. Also, can I say how much I love the Almay Pure Blends makeup in that tube? It's so convienient and easy and it gives decent coverage!!! THANK YOU TIFFASAURUS!




P.S. NO my collar is NOT popped! That is just how this sweater is. It isn't a laydown collar. And it isn't a polo collar either.

Daily Face

On a daily basis, these are the only products I use. Honestly! (I might rotate mascaras, though.)
It's quick and simply. I like to wear some makeup, because, usually, I don't like the look of a naked face. And if I'm going to wear a little something on my face, I might as well spruce it up a bit. Still looks quite natural.

Also, check out my awesome new hair color! Woo! Matches my glasses.