Penny's on Pause

Hello!

Penny here! Happy New Year! Yes...its been that long. :-)

Just dropping you all a quick note to let you know that I will be taking a hiatus from this blog. I have lots of reasons for putting Penny's Penchant on pause. However, I would like to focus this note on sharing some of my inspirational sites with you all instead.

These are some of the blogs and YouTube channels I follow for inspiration, motivation, and to stay on top of the latest beauty trends:

http://www.totalbeauty.com/ - (good beauty product reviews)

http://www.vinylblush.com/ - (see on Youtube as well)

http://www.YouTube.com/SunKissAlba - (great focus on natural products)


http://www.alllacqueredup.com/ - (all about nails)

http://www.makeupgeek.com  - (see on Youtube as well)

http://www.pixiwoo.com/ - (see on Youtube as well)

http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com  - (see on Youtube as well)

http://michellephan.com/ - (see on Youtube as well)

http://theglossy.sephora.com - (Sephora's blog)

Look for these folks on YouTube:

• Shameless Maya
• Wayne Goss
• Andrea's Choice
• Samantha Chapman (of Pixiwoo)

Not sure when I'll return to beauty blogging but I will continue to make myself available to those of you who have shown your support over the years. I appreciate you always.

You may email me with questions or if you want me to research products for you. I will also leave this blog up for a little while if you want to leave a "comment." I can receive those notifications and respond promptly.

Stay blessed. Stay beautiful.
Penny

Glam it Up for the Holidays

Hi there!
Penny here with some last minute tips and products for cool Holiday looks!

It's that time of year when many of us get dolled up to attend holiday parties, shows at the theater, and to be the hottest hostess! So the dilemma becomes...do I go with my typical red lips and sparkly eyes or do I try something new?

Stila, MIND palette

For the company holiday party I did a little bit of classic with a twist (unfortunately my pics didn't come out well). I used my new Stila 'Eyes Are the Window' palette in Mind; these are matte shadows used to create a slightly neutral eye, but I added a touch of shimmer using NYX Roll-on Shimmer Powder in Almond (love this stuff; I put it on the back of my hand then tap onto the eyelid to avoid using too much). I mixed my staple MAC Blush in Harmony with NARS Blush in Sin (which has a slight shimmer).


For my lips I did an ombre, deep red color using Make Up For Ever Lip Liner in 11C Matte Dark Raspberry, Kat Von D Studded Lipstick in Prayer, with MAC's Lip Liner in Nightmoth blended from the outer corners in for an ombre effect. The look was completed with MAC's Viva Glam Rihanna 2 lipglass for a slight opulent shimmer. It was cool to see that lip gloss over a red color.

Penny loves this time of year when all the 'limited edition' and new palettes and colors are released. Check out the following if you're in the market for great new eye shadow shades:

• Too Faced Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar ($49, Sephora)
• STILA Eyes are the Windows Eye Shadow Palettes ($49, Sephora)
• Maybelline The Nudes ($8.99, ULTA; quickly became a Penny staple)
• Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette ($54, ULTA)
• Bobbi Brown Nude on Nude Palette ($65, Bloomingdales)
• Marc Jacobs Beauty Eye-con No.7 in The Starlet 204 ($59, Sephora)
• Urban Decay Naked On The Run Palette ($54, Sephora, eyes and cheeks; Penny's fave right now) 

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna 2

Trending Now:
Metallic lips and eyes in gold, bronze, and pewter
Plum and berry lip colors
Metallic or vampy nails
Smokey eyes with browns, bronze, blues and grays

Classics:
Red or shimmery lips
Sparkly eye shadows

Kat Von D, Prayer

Smokey eyes
Red nails

Check out this beautiful beauty blogger/vlogger and fellow product princess (Cindy Diaz) who posted a beautiful holiday look 'tutorial.' Her blog is: www.vinylblush.com
The step-by-step video is on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRPgTxNMqso
- Check out her video for the 'jewel-toned smokey eye look' too for something different this holiday season.

Be blessed. Be beautiful.
P

   

Beauty Blitz

Penny's back!

The beautiful fall season with its warm rich colors always inspire me to go shopping for beauty products. (Not like I need any encouragement!) LOL! So this is just a brief review of some of my most recent purchases, and/or shades that I'm loving this season:

Maybelline 'The Nudes' Eye shadow Palette

Maybelline The Nudes 

Love this compact palette! Been using it almost daily. Perfect for travel. I've have gotten both daytime and nighttime looks out of this palette. ($9.99, Target)

MAC Lipstick in 'Fetish'
This is an old standard. This gives me the perfect coppery bronze lip for the season. Remember, metallic colors are in and not just for a holiday outing. ($16, MAC store)

Maybelline Color Sensation The Buffs Lip Color in 'Touchable Taupe'
Beautiful neutral shade. I did a great monochromatic look with this lipstick. Great cool, winter nude. ($5.59, Target)

MAC Lip Pencil in 'Stone'
Perfect lip pencil for the taupe look I was going for. ($16, MAC store)

L'Oreal Lipstick Privee' Collection in 'JLo'
A pretty brownish pink nude. Just a real nice neutral at an even nicer price. ($8.99, CVS)

L'Oreal JLo's Nude

Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense in 'Black Honey'
A beautiful alternative to black. This deep burgundy, almost black shade works great for a soft smokey effect. It easily compliments wine, bronze, and brown shadows without the harsh look of black. ($16, Sephora)

NYX Vampy Lip Cream in 'Enamored'
This dark jumbo lip pencil went on smooth and dried to a pretty matte shimmer finish. I love the control you have with a lip pencil and often wear them without lip liner. ($6.49, ULTA)

Bite Beauty Winterberry

MAC Blush in 'Taupe'
I've used this true taupe shade as a blush but prefer it as a contour shade. Worked great for the monochromatic taupe look I did. ($22, Macy's)

Bite Beauty Remix Lip Collection (Winterberry shade)
Love these jumbo lip pencils by Bite Beauty. They are creamy but long lasting with a great pop of color. Especially love that this line uses natural ingredients. I had a great pic of this color on me but it wouldn't post for me. Will try to put it on my Pinterest page. ($25, Sephora)

TIP OF THE DAY:
Most of you know that dark and red lipstick shades can make your teeth look more white and bright. So nudes and pinks could do the opposite if you already have non-white teeth. Penny recommends using a whitening strip like Crest Whitening Strips before you head out the door. 

What are some of your recent fall finds?

Be blessed. Be beautiful.
Penny

New Meaning to Natural Nails

 

Hey!

This is a quick-n-dirty post from Penny reminding you all that tomorrow, April 22nd is Earth Day! "Earth Day is an annual event, celebrated on April 22, on which events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970, and is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, and celebrated in more than 192 countries each year.^{" - Wikipedia}  


Irene

Kalista


What does all that have to do with Penny you ask? Well, it is only one of my most exciting times of the year...to buy Nail Polish! Ok...did  I lose you again? LOL!

Today kicks of Zoya's 2014 Earth Day Nail Polish Exchange! Zoya, as many of you know, is one of Penny's all-time favorite toxin-free nail polish brands!


I love the colors and wear-ability of their products. The beautiful, wide-array of colors and finishes are free of Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene and Camphor. Check out:  www.zoya.com.


Cole
(Spring 2014)

Here's how it works. For one week only (4/21 -4/28/2014):
" Exchange your old nail color for BIG5FREE** ZOYA Nail Polish and let us properly dispose of your unwanted bottles.  Only $4.50 per bottle OR $5 for PixieDust and special effect toppers. Shipping and handling fees apply." *Offer excludes ALL Summer 2014 Collection shades (Tickled, Bubbly & Summer Magical PixieDust).


Perrie

Polishes regularly sell for $9 a bottle so this is a great deal! Follow their detailed instructions here on their blog: http://blog.zoya.com/  



Basically, once you place your order, they use the honor system in trusting that you will send back as many bottles as you purchased, of your old nail polishes (any brand except Zoya) for disposal. I've done this a few times.

Please be responsible and check online for the proper way to ship your polishes.  I'm pretty sure I have sent mine via the US Postal Service, but they have to be ship by Ground transportation only (since they are liquid and flammable). You know that question they ask you at the Post Office and the airport that most people just lie about to get through? LOL! Well, follow the rules and ship responsibly. Here is a website I found to be helpful.
http://www.chemwise.org/9-Simple-Steps-to-Mail-Nail-Polish.pdf


Dream

Happy Shopping!

Be blessed. Be beautiful.
Penny


Chemical-free Make-up

 

Happy New Year my Beauties!
Penny has been trying to get here for about a month now, but something called a job has gotten in the way. *sigh* I started a different piece for January but need to do more research so I thought I'd share this one instead.
In my usual search for new products and ideas I came across a cool video by someone I already follow on YouTube...SunKissAlba. This beautiful young lady always catches my attention whether she is talking about her curly hair care, sharing make-up tutorials, or offering healthy living tips. In particular I came across a video demonstrating Chemical-free, Organic Make-up.

I was intrigued because as I get older and my skin becomes more sensitive, I'm curious about gentler, less toxic products. I have a few friends whom I know would be interested in such products as well. Here is a link to SunKissAlba's video demonstration:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RaZfvWDV1U&list=UUhFtIFokGfWATn1Je7Cf6Vg&feature=c4-overview

Although her make-up look might not be for you, the products and where to find them might be helpful:

LeeAnni Eco 3 in 1 Revolotion:  (Skin Prep; toner, serum, moisturizer in one. $29.98)



Alima Pure Foundation

Nourish Organic Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion ($21.99)
http://nourishorganic.com/collections/face/?2

Alima Pure - Balancing Face Primer  ($20)
Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation ($25)
Alima Pure Eyeshadow ($10-$12.50)
Alima Pure Satin Matte Blush ($15-$20)
http://www.hipapotheca.com or www.Amazon.com


Herbs Of Grace Foundation ($19.95)Herbs Of Grace Eyeshadow ($8.75)
http://store.livingearthbeauty.com/herbs_of_grace_s/43.htm



Lippy Girl Vegocentric Lipstick

Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara ($29.95)
http://www.drhauschka.com

Eco Tools - Barely There Lash System ($4.95)
www.Amazon.com

LippyGirl Vegocentric Lipsticks ($16.99)
http://www.Amazon.com

Revolution Organics Beauty Balm (3-in-1) Stick ($13.60 on sale)
http://www.hipapotheca.com
 
Body/Facial Skincare:
Balanced Guru Balm Me Up Organic Sweet Cocoa & Tangy Body Balm ($45)
http://balancedguru.com/pages/ipsy-january

Scotch Naturals Nail Polish

Hair Care:
Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Mask ($26)
https://www.briogeohair.com/product/dont-despair-repair/?2
 
Nails:
Scotch Naturals Nail Lacquer ($13)
http://www.hipapotheca.com
- Base Coat
- On the Rocks Top Coat
- Color: Macbeth's Dream
*Must be used with base and top coats for better results. 

These products have not yet been tested by Penny (but I've already ordered a couple of things). I hope the color pay-off and the wear of these products are similar to the chemical-infused products that I currently use and love. Some of these products are a bit pricey but so are other more popular brands. I have not checked to see if these products are sold in any of the local stores. If any of you have seen these in store, or have other chemical-free products you use, please share.

Hope this was helpful.

Be blessed. Be beautiful.
Penny

2013 Beauty Buys

Happy Holidays!
Hopefully you are enjoying your holiday season and are in the best of health and spirits. I just wanted to take a moment to share 'some' of my 2013 beauty buys now that the year is coming to a close. Pardon the lengthy post. Hope its helpful.

Skin Care:
Sephora Face Complexion Brush ($7, Sephora.com) - Love the gentle exfoliation I get daily from this brush (used with the Purity cleanser usually).  It is also an inexpensive way to stimulate your circulation and improve skin texture. My skin feels clean but never dry.

Simple Sensitive Skin Expert Cleansing Facial Wipes  ($6.49, CVS) - This is a great make-up remover wipe that doesn't irritate my skin. I use this before a work out; to clean up mistakes; or if I'm in a hurry and don't have time for the Boscia cleanser. It is also great for travel.

Clarins Toning Lotion ($22, Sephora.com) - I never liked to use toner because my skin is so dry, but this tones and leaves my skin super clean without any drying or irritation. It has chamomile in it and is alcohol-free. I got a free sample from Sephora and I plan to buy a regular size bottle. Will work great in the summer when my skin is more oily in the t-zone area.

First Aid Beauty Anti-Redness Serum ($34, Sephora) - Its all about trial and error for Penny but this was an error. Not only did it not do anything for the redness (caused by my eczema) but it smells awful. And for the price it was a big fail. It happens.

Make-Up:
L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara ($9, CVS) - Love this mascara with its unusal wand. It separates my lashes easily and catches even the shortest and finest of lashes. Works great on top and bottom lashes.

NARS Pro Prime Multi-Protect Primer SPF 30 ($34, Nordstrom) - I love that this foundation primer has SPF; it gives me that extra protection I need since I don't touch up my make-up during the day. Its a light weight liquid that absorbs quickly.

MARC JACOBS BEAUTY, Lust for Lacquer Lip Vinyl Sheer ($28, Sephora.com) - Was so disappointed with this purchase. I really wanted to love this gloss but is was too gooey (is that a word?). LOL! It didn't stay put long enough and the peppermint oil in it dried out my lips. Bought it in beautiful shade called 306-Sweet Escape (well it was beautiful in the ad).

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) Lip Tar Stained Gloss ($18, Sephora.com) - Bought this in a beautiful deep berry color called Rhythm Box. Its a great stain to use alone or under lipstick for a long lasting effect.

Kat Von D Lock-it Tattoo Concealer ($25, Sephora) - This has become my staple. As described by the brand, this concealer is a "heavy duty, highly pigmented, transfer- and water-resistant, multitasking concealer." After trying many other brands, I find that this covers my hyperpigmentation better than any other, and stays put all day.  I apply this with my Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Brush ($21) in a stippling motion for full coverage.

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot ($20, Maccosmetics.com) - This cream eye shadow is what I use daily as a 'base' to neutralize the dark color of my lids and allow my eye shadow colors to show true. I use eye shadow primer underneath this for longer lasting looks. Comes in a variety of colors but I didn't find the one that matches my skin tone until I went into the MAC store; its hard to tell how the color will show on your skin online. Layin Low is the best match for me.

NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation Refill ($38, Nordstrom) - This is a really good lightweight cream foundation with medium-full coverage. The texture of this cream almost feels gel-like when you apply it. I've never had a cream feel so light. For me it wears best when set with powder; lasts all day. The empty compact case is sold separately ($10).

(read full story...)

Now What?

Hola! So in my last post ('Holiday Harriet') I shared some of the make-up I have been using this holiday season (and I even forgot a few things...smh). But now what? What to do with it all you ask? Well, here are some quick tips and tricks for creating your holiday looks!  We all know we have a few more nights to party and we want to bring in the new year on point (especially with that damn Facebook documenting it all in chronological order...sigh). So let's make sure we don't try a new make-up accessory and commit any fashion felonies folks. LOL!

Here are a couple of GENERAL things to remember:

1. If you're going dancing or any place that might be hot, be sure to take oil blotting papers or your pressed powder to touch up your face throughout the night
• Penny uses MAC's Oil Blot Powder or Boscia's Oil Blot Papers
2. Wear waterproof mascara in your favorite brand; it won't smudge if you get all emotional at the top of the hour, or if you just tear up when you laugh like I do. LOL!  
3. Wear lip liner and fill in your lips with lip pencil. This allows you to have color even if your lip gloss or lipstick wears off. If you're concerned about changing the color of the lipstick/gloss, use the same color lip pencil or one that is a shade lighter. Some of you don't want to fight your way to the ladies room, or remember to reapply your lip gloss or lipstick as the night goes on; so this is very helpful. 
• If you're wearing red or dark colored lipstick this is a must!
4. Think about what you want your focal point to be: Are you playing up your eyes? Your lips?  Your cheeks? Try not to go all out if you're a make-up novice.
• Remember to always start with a light application of any product; it's much easier to go heavier/darker, than to fix a mistake because you put too much of something on.
5. Don't touch your face with your bare hands too much. You want to keep your make-up on your face and avoid any possible transfer.

• Be mindful of other people's clothing. Even with make up setting spray I think there is always a chance for some transfer.
6. We may not all like to use hair spray, but you might want to consider a light, brushable one for the weekend's festivities
• Penny recommends Sebastian's Zero Gravity Hair Spray ($9); Garnier Fructis Style Sleek and Shine Anti-Humidity Hair Spray ($4); L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hair Spray ($9-$15)
7. Carry Wet One's (Citrus Scented) in your purse if you can for emergency clean up. These work wonders for getting drink and food spills, even make-up out of clothing.
8. Always carry a compact mirror to check for eyeliner smudge or lipstick on the teeth (not a sexy look)
9. Please be sure that you're wearing the right under garments and that everything fits properly (go try them all on now!) There is nothing worse than the look or feeling of ill-fitting attire. Check your bra straps. Just sayin...
10. Pack your portable flats in your clutch or at least have them in the car. We all know that familiar burn in the balls of our feet that comes on half way through the night. Ummm hmmm. Walking out of a party barefoot is not a sexy look (unless your on the beach at a luau).
11. Give yourself time. Unless you're already good at it, make-up application is not a quick process. There are several steps to take for a flawless face.
12. Carry mints in your purse...nuff said. LOL!

(read full story...)

Foundation Fix

Hi there!
Penny misses you all. It's been a hectic month and a half, and I wasn't able to get here, but here I am. Before I get into my love for the change of seasons and all the fun fall trends that I've been reading about these past few weeks, I want to talk about my latest make-up foundation. Cover FX Total Coverage Cream Foundation SPF 30 (Sephora, $42).

With my melasma becoming more of an issue this summer (due to my own neglect and being out in the sun), I needed a full coverage foundation.  The Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation, and the L'Oreal True Match that I started the summer with wasn't enough to cover all my dark spots without a lot of concealer. The Cover FX was a referral by one of my favorite beauty bloggers (MusingsofaCityGirl-Cindy Diaz). I asked her for some suggestions and decided to try Cover FX. It is a foundation and concealer in one, which I so desparately needed. I was trying different concealers at the time because I noticed that in flash photos my MAC Studio Sculpt concealer was showing lighter under my eyes (reverse raccoon). I'm still not sure if it was a concealer problem, powder problem or foundation problem. But with the Cover FX this issue was greatly minimized.

Cover FX comes in over 30 shades but I highly recommend getting a professional to assist you in choosing the right shade for you. I was originally going to make my first purchase online, but eventually called around to three different Sephora locations before I found the product. When I went into the store I had a post-it note with the shade "I thought" was the right one for me, based on what I researched online. But when the sales rep offered to help me and swatched it on my jawline, I was completely off. The shade was too light. Turned out I was in a whole different category and after about three swatches we found that I was a B15. Since I get very pale in the colder months, I'm sure to purchase a different shade then by going back to Sephora and getting swatched again.

Holiday Photo Ops

Penny is back and just in time for the holidays! With social calendars that fill up fast during the holiday season, it is likely that many of us will end up in someone's online photo album, on the family video, and/or on Facebook (*sigh*). We have office parties, charity fundraisers, family gatherings, and more to attend this season. Some of you might also be contemplating a family portrait style holiday card, or a self-portrait gift to a loved one. So what are some things we need to keep in mind when being photographed during this festive season?

• Powder is essential. Not only to set your foundation and give an even, matte complexion, but also to prevent any appearance of oil or shine on the skin. Shiny skin will reflect the light from the camera's flash.
• Photos are two-dimensional, the camera ages subjects by enhancing dark, fine lines and wrinkles. To compensate, gently apply a lighter shade of concealer make-up to darker areas: around the eyes, crevices and expression lines.
• Define and groom your brows; this helps to frame your face. Penny loves a good brown eyebrow powder (Ardell Defining Brow Powder in Taupe) and an angled brush.
• Always make sure your foundation matches your skin tone.  Blend it well; test it against your jawline. You don't want a sudden change of color from your face to your neck or shoulders.
• Stay away from shimmery products; light reflecting powders and creams can sometimes reflect light back at the camera. (Read full story...) 
  

Pre-Holiday Beauty Specials at Target!

**Penny's Beauty Buzz!**

Many of you know that although Halloween is barely here, most stores are preparing for the Christmas holiday shopping season. That means that now is a great time to look for beauty bargains of all kinds. Many stores have cosmetics, fragrances, and skincare bundled together just for the holidays.

Penny contributor, Mavis-the-Mascara-Maven was all to excited to discover and end cap in her local TARGET offering great stocking stuffers! Several brands of mascara, and eyeliner have been packaged in sets of TWO for the price of ONE! That is a steal of a deal!

Some of the products displayed were:

• L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara
• L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen Mascara
• Maybelline Great Lash BIG Washable Mascara
• Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara
• Revlon Double Twist Mascara
• Various Pencil Eyeliners

Happy Shopping!

Be blessed. Be beautiful.

The Mascara Maniac - At it again!

Most of you know that Penny is a self-proclaimed Mascara Maniac...trying more than 25 brands this past year! (Yes...yes, we are seeking professional help). LOL! Well, how could I resist the temptation when Sephora sent this V.I.B. (Very Important Beauty insider) an offer to receive Too Faced Mascara Layering Kit...for FREE!  With 'any purchase' of course (you didn't really think it was free did you? LOL!). This kit is sold regularly for $19.50. The idea is to use both the Lash Injection and the Lash Pinpoint mascaras to create the ultimate look of length and volume. (Read full story)

Sephora's Friends & Family Sale - ends 11/2/09!

Hello my pretties!
Go to http://www.sephora.com/  and get 20% off your order and free shipping on orders over $50! This is thier Friends and Family 2009 Sale and it ends November 2nd.  Use this Code at checkout:  FF2009

For shopping ideas Penny recommends that you check out the Beauty Central section that connects you to Sephora's Fall Runway Report. Talk about fun! You know those bright eyeshadows and dark lipsticks some of you want to try?...well here are some fun ways to wear them this holiday season. If you can't access the link below, when you go to Sephora's main page, look at the bottom left for the small box called Beauty Central.  Once you get to the Fall Runway Report, click on "Get the Look" on the left menu for quite a few fun and fab looks!

http://www.sephora.com/browse/article.jhtml?id=200024

Be blessed. Be beautiful.

No more Prescriptives Prescriptions?

Hello folks!

One of Penny's Posse members shared some interesting news this morning. Prescriptives is reluctantly going out of business! Some of you who use their products may already be aware of this but I had no idea. They are closing their cosmetic retail counters as of January 31, 2010. You will be able to purchase products online as long as supplies last (even after the retail counters close).  See the official announcement here by clicking on the link below. (Read full story)http://www.prescriptives.com/customerservice/cust_serv_about_px.tmpl