Talking Technique (Make-up)

Hi there!
Penny is no make-up artist and doesn't play one on TV, but I've learned quite a bit over the years. Friends and family often ask about my make-up looks, products, tools, and/or application. Here are some of the most common tips I get asked about.

Sephora Pro Stippling
Brush #41

Concealer - When choosing a concealer it is best to remember that various types of concealer work best depending on what you want to conceal. Liquid and more lightweight concealers work best for under eye circles. While cream or thicker formula concealers work better to cover blemishes and other areas of hyperpigmentaiton on the face. It is also important to have a good concealer brush, makeup sponge (or better yet, a clean finger tip). Start with less and then add more to build coverage. 

Foundation - Think about it...if you take the time to put on your concealer, why mess it up by dragging your foundation across your face and disturbing that concealer underneath. The same goes for blush over foundation (except for application w/ a super soft blush brush). Penny knows that some of you apply concealer on top of your foundation or BB cream, however, because I have so much to conceal (cheek area where I have melasma)...I put my concealer on first. The trick to the full, all-day coverage I get is my application technique. I use a flat kabuki brush (Sigma F80)to stipple/pat the concealer into the skin. So when I apply foundation to those areas, I use the same motion with a different stipple brush (Sephora Pro Large Domed Stippling Brush #41). When I set with powder I also 'press' the powder with a sponge into the skin instead of dragging a brush across the area and disturbing what's underneath.



MAC Paint Pot
in Groundwork

Eyeshadow - Penny has a few tried and true ways to apply long-lasting eyeshadow. My lids are dark from allergies, and not necessarily smooth, so I always need 3 things to make my eye make-up look last: 1) primer; 2) base (to even out skin tone and keep the shadow true to color); and 3) a good blending brush (i.e. MAC 224 or Sigma E40). My favorite primer is Too Faced Shadow Insurance and my favorite base is MAC's Paint Pot. But the real key to a good eyeshadow look is to BLEND. Remember less is always better, until you learn an application technique that compliments your eyes. Think about your eye shape when choosing a style and even when choosing colors. For example, if you have small eyes, but like darker shades, know that they may make your eyes look even smaller. It doesn't mean you can't wear a darker shade; but it could mean that you apply it lightly and maybe blend with another lighter color.

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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


Sephora VIB Rouge Event - Beauty Buys

 

Hello Beautiful!

Today I had the pleasure of shopping a private event at Sephora (Chevy Chase, MD location). The customer service was excellent! I found almost every thing I intended to shop for and more. They had beauty make-overs, refreshments, limited edition products, a free makeup bag and samples...the 15% off the entire purchase didn't hurt either. LOL! The 15% off sale for you and a friend starts today and ends April 11th, in store and online, so be sure to take advantage. Here are some of the goodies I picked up:

Cosmetics:
DIVERGENT Cosmetics, Multi-Piece Limited Edition (LE) Palette ($32.50-Sold Out) - This "...all-in-one face palette inspired by the worldwide bestseller, Divergent, now a major motion picture." Love the colors in this palette. It sold out in minutes this

Divergent Collection @ Sephora

morning in the store. I had to order it online ASAP. This kit contains: High-Pigment Eye Shadow in Candor Lace, Luminous Taupe, Envious Chocolate; Long Wear Blush; Matte Bronzer; and High-Shine Lip Gloss in Artistic Mauve.

There is also another LE Divergent Multi-Piece Collectors Kit "inspired by the traits of each Divergent faction" with High-Pigment Eye Shadows in 12 shades, two Long-Wear Blushes, Shimmering Bronzer, and a Radiant Glow Illuminator. Four High Shine Lip Glosses are also included to complete this kit of really cool colors for a variety of looks.


Spring 2014 Makeup Trends

Hello!
March is here and although we’re expecting snow (again) here in the mid-Atlantic Penny is determined to get in the mood for spring. How could you not be ready for all the beautiful colors in cosmetics and fashion in the forecast for the spring 2014?

Orchid is the color that you all may have seen in many of the ads and advertised as the SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE Color of the Year.  But not everyone is comfortable with the purple hues in it. Berry is a beautiful alternative that is also ‘in’ for lips, eyes and cheeks. Penny is thinking of maybe trying an orchid eye shadow, blended with darker colors of plums and purples, if I can’t pull off the lip color.

Speaking of eye shadow trends… Penny is not really feeling the spring runway looks for eye shadows as much...bright blue, a pop of light green, iridescent white, gilded gold and metallics are all “in” for lids. [Oh...and winged eyeliner is still in this season so have fun!].

Bright Orange was also seen on the runways for NY Fashion Week. Orange has made a big splash on lips for this coming season. Here is a quick guide I found on how to find the right orange lipstick for your skin tone. (see http://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/180077-orange-lipstick/)

• Warm skin tones: If you have more yellow/golden tones to your skin, look for yellow based oranges. If the lipstick contains shimmer, look for those with gold, bronze or copper flecks.
• Cool skin tones: Does your skin have more of a pink or red tone to it? Lean towards red or coral based oranges for a more natural look. If there is shimmer in the lipstick, look for those with silver, opal or white shimmer.
• Light complexion: Keep your eyes out for true oranges or tones that are a bit lighter or more pastel.
• Medium complexion: Watch for shades that are slightly darker than your natural lip color. Want to go bold? Try a vibrant, bright orange!
• Deep complexion: Go for a browner or more brick base to your orange for your perfect hue.

TIP: Unsure about orange lipstick?  Try an orange lip gloss or lip stain. The sheer color will blend in with your natural lip color and give a softer, more subtle orange look. This tip will actually work for all the lip colors recommended this spring.

Nude Pink is also in for the spring. This beautiful color works on lips, cheeks and eyes. The color blush is hot this season in fashion so I wasn’t surprise to see nude pink in the mix.

 

Penny is excited to try some of these new trends. Since I tend to get more color to my skin in the warmer months I might have to get more than one shade to make these trends work for me (any excuse to shop) LOL! Winter forecast or not, I have my eyes on these beautiful products to get my spring started off right: 

• SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE Radiant Rush Matte Lipstick in Radiant Orchid
• Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick in A-Go-Go
• Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Jilted
  
• EM Scribble Liquid Liner in Tattoo Black
• Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Ginger Pop

What are you looking forward to wearing this spring?

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).

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Beauty Bonus - Tips for the Holidays

Hey Beautifuls!

I can't decide what I want to share with you today so I might just give you a potpourri of sorts. Hope its helpful and fun. :-)

1) Out with the old, in with the new:
Now is a great time to replenish your make-up stock. It's cool to catch the holiday sales, the limited edition colors and palettes available now. Look for coupons and promo codes for additional savings. If you're a make-up maniac like Penny, sign up for any rewards programs and rack up your points; the savings are worth it! There are a plethora of new technology, colors, formulas, and products that debut during the holidays. You may also have more 'expired' make-up in your bags than you know.  Remember that expired cosmetics usually don't perform well, but can also cause break-outs and allergic reactions. Here is a link to Sephora's blog with a great answer on how long you should keep some of your products (i.e. Eyeliner, Eyeshadow, Mascara, etc).
http://community.sephora.com/t5/Eyes-Q-A/How-long-to-keep-your-eyeshadows/qaq-p/231221

2) Glam it Up:

CG LipPerfection in Euphoria

It's the holiday season and many of us have seasonal events to attend. If you want to get glam for the holidays but your not quite sure how to amp up your look, try some of these tips:

• Try a bold, bright lip and slightly shimmery eye. Don't overdo it with the sparkly eyes if you're wearing a bold lip; you want the focus to be on your lips.
• Try a smokey eye (especially if you're not used to wearing one) and nude or light pink lip. This is easier than it looks and is always a good sultry 'go to' for a festive occasion.
• Wear your hair down  or partially down if you always wear it up (and vice-versa). You want to change up your usual look to get heads turning. Wear heels if you normally wear flats, etc.
• Accessorize with jewelry, a statement purse, or funky shoes. Step out of your comfort zone and try something with a pop of color, texture, or both. If you normally wear small earrings, then try something larger. If you're not used to chunky necklaces, then try one with your comfortable small earrings. 



We all notice that red lips are classic but especially hot this time of year. Believe Penny when she says there is a red out there for everyone! Ask the cosmetic rep at the beauty counter to help you find one you are comfortable with. Don't be afraid. If you're not used to bold make-up maybe try a sheer red like Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Red Velvet or Candy Apple (love this stuff). If you are comfortable doing bold, wear a bright true red color like NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella (goes w/ almost every skin tone; looks great on darker skin tones)...or Covergirl Lip Perfection in Passion. Or try Covergirl Lip Perfection in Smitten or Euphoria for a deep wine/plum color.


Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet

To keep bold lips from smudging or feathering outside your lip line, use a lip liner in the same shade or slightly darker shade as your lipstick. Line your lips then blend the color in toward the center of the lip. By filling in the lip with lip pencil it will help your lip color to last through lots of eating and drinking. After applying lipstick, blot it with a tissue, then apply one more coat for staying power. If you make a mistake when applying your lipstick or liner, you can always clean up around your lips with foundation or concealer and s stiff brush, but be sure to blend it out so it is not obvious. NOTE: If red is not your color, try a deep fuchsia or bright pink; they still make great statements if they match your skin tone.

 

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Bad Habits

Hi all:

At first I was going to review some of my latest beauty buys and then I came across this article the other day that I just had to share with you. This article by Amanda Storey basically reiterates what I've been saying to some of my friends forever. We all have Bad Beauty Habits that we need to pay attention to. Check it out:

Breaking bad…beauty habits! Why you shouldn’t hang on to that old lipstick.
http://shopping.yahoo.com/blogs/fashionate/breaking-bad-beauty-habits-why-shouldn-t-hang-225954856.html

Here are some of Penny's products that you might be interested in:

• Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes ($4.99, Target) - These are the first non-irritating wipes I've found to remove makeup on my sensitive skin. Keep these in your nightstand for those late party nights. LOL!
• Simple Kind to Eyes Makeup Remover ($6.97, Walmart) - Like the wipes, this is the mildest eye makeup liquid remover that is actually effective. This doesn't burn or irritate my eyes or eye lids. This will help with that stubborn mascara and smokey eye makeup that never seems to come off.

http://www.simpleskincare.com/our-products/product/cleansing-facial-wipes.html

• Sephora Daily Brush Cleaner ($7-$15, Sephora.com) - Cleaning your brushes in between washes may seem strange to some but this helps. Some makeup brushes harbor bacteria and can cause break outs. Also, if you use the same brush for more than one product you definitely should clean them in between so your products don't cross contaminate. Don't worry about your brush being wet; they dry very quickly. Penny still cleans her brushes weekly with soap and warm water; daily cleaning doesn't replace that. 
• Honey-n-Brown Sugar DIY Lip Exfoliator - Put a drop of honey and a pinch of sugar in the palm of your hand and mix together. Lightly rub this gritty paste across your lips; leave on for a minute, then rinse with warm water and pat your lips dry. This is the best dry skin exfoliator AND moisturizing lip treatment in one! This is great for the dry winter weather and for the trendy red and oxblood lipsticks and lip stains we all love this season.

Hope this was helpful.

Be blessed. Be beautiful.
P