www.painted-ladies.com

You heard me right … we’re finally live on Painted-Ladies.com and we couldn’t be more excited about this! We have a few new features, so please check them out and let us know what you think!

The transition to Painted-Ladies.com is being prepared so that it will eventually be seamless.  Hopefully within the next few days, we’ll have it set up so that anyone who types in paintedpouts.wordpress.com will be automatically redirected to our new URL.

This is a dream come true for us, truly, and we are so excited to have you all along for the ride! Thank you to all who are supporting us and cheering us on!

Personally, I want to thank the entire Painted Ladies team for everything that they do to make this site a positive, welcoming, informative place. There are so many voice, so many stories, so many experiences, and we strive to do right by all of them.

Mavens, Mavenettes, and Experts – you all rock the house. Xoxoxo

Our web designer — amazing! Thank you for putting up with us!!!! That’s all I have to say about that!

Desiree - girlfriend, you are a woman of many talents, and I sincerely hope you pursue your graphics talent because you are truly gifted.

Saving the best for last (and getting out my kleenex for this part): Almost a decade ago, when I was searching for makeup addicts like myself, I never would have  thought that one of those addicts would end up being the best business partner I’ve ever could have imagined. Taryn you are so amazing in so many ways, and I am so grateful that the both of us were THAT into Kevyn Aucoin and have stayed in touch through the years.

Taryn and her husband helped bring an idea to fruition with their technical knowledge and support, and none of this would be possible without them. For all that you’ve done, I am eternally grateful and thankful for your presence.

Let the “Painting” begin.

Back in the late 80s, early 90s, Maybelline had a line called Shine Free cosmetics, and my gosh, how I loved that brand.  They had dozens of little lipsticks packaged in the cutest pink tubes with the best scent (well, it was that phony lipstick scent, but I still liked it back then).  They also had eye shadow singles, powders, foundations and mascara, and the line had a very colorful ad campaign.  One of my favorite ads is the one below:

That was 1988 for you – full of bright, tropical makeup looks and colorful packaging.  I fondly remember slathering on their frosty pink lipsticks and neon blue mascara.

Anyone else out there remember Shine Free?

PL Reader: I’m just getting started in my makeup artist career. Can you give me some tips as to how to put together a makeup portfolio?

Jason: This has always been a difficult question for me to answer; putting together a book has not been a huge focus of mine, although it is an essential element in getting jobs.

In order to get many jobs, you need to have a good book, but in order to have a good book you need to have had good jobs — it is a conundrum.

For a basic starter book, first you’ll need to find subjects, do their makeup and take their pictures yourself.

Second, look for photographers in your area you can do testing with — there are always new models and photographers needing to get their books together as well. Word of mouth is a great way to find photographers, as is Craigslist.

Also, find established makeup artists for whom you can assist. Often, artists get overbooked and need to find replacements. Contact the artist’s agent to get on their assistant list.

Lastly, remember, you will ALWAYS be putting your book together as it is a constant process to stay current. Remember, your book is a representation of your talent and style — build a book which reflects who you are as an artist. It is all about the edit!

Courtesy of Orglamix

A week or so ago, I had the chance to try Orglamix shadows, and it was love at first brush stroke. An up-and-coming mineral makeup  company, their colors are extremely wearable, blend well, and the company’s philosophy of eco-friendly beauty is too good not to adore.

Because Cheri, the creator of Orglamix, is just plain awesome, she’s giving away a set of her gorgeous shadows just for our readers! Included in the prize is the Wearable Collection, a set of six shadows that would look gorgeous on anyone, valued at $24.75. The colors in the kit are: Cafe Au Lait, Silk, Sweet Pea, Moonstone, Buttercup,  and Sandalwood.

How to enter? It’s a simple as leaving a comment below. You have until next Saturday, October 3rd at noon PST to enter, one entry per reader.

There’s one thing I would like you all to do, though –hop on over to Operation Beautiful, a super blog that beauty blogger Clumps of Mascara mentioned earlier this week.

Courtesy of operationbeautiful.com

The concept of Operation Beautiful is simple: you leave random notes with a kind message anywhere, for anyone. Spread positivity around, bring a smile to someone’s face … it’s easy, it’s free, and it could make a profound difference in someone’s life. What could be better than that? Besides winning some fab eye shadows, of course!

Good luck, Ladies!!!

You can find more information on Orglamix at their Etsy store.

Sabotage, thy name is candy.
 
Oh, if I weren’t such a devoted blogger, determined to stick to a truth-telling regimen in my weight loss journey, I would never post this column. It’s hard to admit when you’ve failed, but that is something I’ve become well acquainted with this week, and part of my healing process is being truthful when that’s happened.
 
You see this bowl?

 
It used to be full. Guess who helped get it down to its current levels?
 
Life has been stressful recently, and with that in clear view and within a few feet of me, I haven’t been able to resist chocolate’s siren call.
 
“Shhhhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeilaaaaaaaaaa…. Come and eaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat me!”

Half the time I don’t taste it, I just know it feels good and helps take my mind off my dilemmas. I hate it, but it’s happening, and nothing can help me from sabotaging my own success.
 
Speaking of sabotage, there are different forms of it … there’s the kind we do to ourselves, as we try convincing ourselves that it’s ok to eat that one extra helping, or that one more scoop won’t hurt anyone. There’s also the sabotage other’s do to us. .. you know… that envious look in people’s eyes, the jealous tone to their congratulations they give you when you’ve lost some weight that makes you want to say ok to that second or third serving of what you know you shouldn’t have in the first place. 

And now, I’m asking because I really want to  know … how do you prevent yourself from committing and/or falling prey sabotage?

Battle of the Bulge, Part 1

Battle of the Bulge, Part 2

Battle of the Bulge, Part 3

Piggybacking on Jessi’s excellent The Perfect Red Lip post, I figured I’d offer up my own experiences in finding the right red lipstick/gloss…

Up until a few years ago, I had always favored dark, matte lip colors like MAC’s Rocker, Russian Red, Ruby Woo and most of all, the now-discontinued Benefit Dietrich, which was a matte, blood red with cool undertones. Here’s a shot of it in the tube:

Oddly enough, when photographed in certain lights, it appeared to be more of a tomato red, which wasn’t accurate at all. Regardless of the color, however, it gave me “Joker mouth” and was hardly flattering to my chalk-white skin. My skin, BTW, also amazingly appears much lighter in this photograph of my lips (as if it couldn’t get any lighter!). Also, notice how much smaller and less plump my lips look when wearing a harsh, matte lipstick:

While I could marginally pull that off a few years ago, now it would just look aging. So, I decided to come up with a softer red lip that I could wear more often since I really missed wearing the most glamorous of lip colors. Here’s what I came up with:

It still has pigment, but a much softer finish. Here’s what I used to get the look:

1. Lined lips with Kevyn Aucoin’s The Flesh Tone Lip Pencil in Medium
2. Put a touch of Benefit’s Cupid’s Bow in the bow of the lips
3. Drew in lips with Shiseido’s Automatic Lip Crayon in LC4, which is a berryish-red
4. Took MAC’s Red Romp* Lipglass and wiped the wand on a tissue before applying all over, and blotted lightly once again.

*Red Romp was LE, so you may want to check out Russian Red as a duplicate.

Red is wearable for anyone; it’s just a matter of experimenting, finding the right MA to work with you, and getting the right texture and shade for your skintone!

By Megan

Ok, so I am late on last week’s Project Runway Recap. I suck, I am sorry, and I will never do it again. I was going to write a Runway article, I really was; however, this article caught my eye and got my Irish up. I can say that because, really, my name is Megan Murray…figure it out.  

Before I link to the article, I want you to all make sure you are sitting down and do not have a drink in your mouth. I will wait. Ok, here is the link that blew my mind: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1214799/London-Fashion-Week-stylist-resigns-designers-decision-use-size-14-models-show.html  

Oh yes, Canadian Designer Mark Fast grew a set of big ones and used sized 14 models along with traditional models to show his fashion line.  

I know, I looked for the four horseman of the Apocalypse, played the lottery, and almost tried the blowfish. I mean, what about all the excuses all the designers use about how they NEVER could EVER properly show their clothes on ANYONE over a size -12.  

You see, you can’t showcase a designer’s work on someone who is at the proper weight and height for someone who is 5’10 

Yeah…. 
STOP STOP STOP- If you are going to give me the FAT IS UNHEALTHY speech, turn off the computer and walk away. These women aren’t unhealthy and they are curvy and muscular.  

Now, why could I POSSIBLY be angry about this awesomeness? According to the article a stylist and some management quit over the designers vision to have people who wear a size 12 and up walk the runway.  People were actually angered by making fashion accessible to a larger amount of people in a time when the fashion industry is scraping for dollars. Besides being size-ist and unreasonable, is it economically feasible to alienate a large part of the population?  

I also want to applaud the designer for having the skills to create fashion that fits over curves. It isn’t easy to make a dress, and I long suspected designers used very thin models to hide the fact that they can’t sew very well. It is obvious Mark Fast is one hell of a dress maker. Fast’s decision is also a brilliant PR move. In a time when there is resentment towards the luxury market, this designer gave us all a big huge hug. A big, huge, 2000 dollar hug, but a hug nonetheless. 

Give Mark a little love at: http://www.markfast.net/home

PL Reader: I’m about to start a course of chemotherapy, and I know I’ll have to change up my beauty routine as the inevitable hair loss occurs. Can you give me some new tricks I can rely on?

Jessi: I want to begin by stating that I’m terribly sorry to hear of your health issues and wish a speedy recovery after chemotherapy.  I lost a grandmother 10 years ago to stomach cancer, so this subject is very dear to me! 

Courtesy of chickjunk.com

 
Brow shaping:

The first thing you should do is have a picture of yourself as your basis for what your brows naturally are shaped like and try to use that as your guideline.  If you don’t feel comfortable drawing in your brows, then by all means go stencil shopping!  And when shopping, make sure that the brow color matches your natural hair color, (if you wear a wig, and it’s a different color than natural, make sure to be within your natural color and the wig color choice, not darker than the wig).  I also suggest a sealer of types for after your brow application, this will help you waterproof your brow look for an even longer wear.  Unfortunately every climate and skin type is different so I will suggest a few highly recommended products!
A great tip I always use is the pencil trick.  I really don’t remember where I got it from but it really is a “no fail” trick.  Place a pencil next to and parallel to your nose.  The top of the pencil should be at the beginning inner point of your brow, then if you rotate the pencil holding it at your nose in the direction towards your ear, (following the length of the brow), your highest point or arch in your brow should be where your pencil is just past your iris.  Try it, it really works!

When you find your stencil, or eyeshape.  Draw on the brows with your pencil in a upward motion mimicking the look of short brow hairs.  When you have your desired amount and shape of brow, blend with a spooley or brow brush to soften.  Then apply a sealer on top to assure all day, smudge proof wear!

Stencils
Anastasia of Beverly Hills Brow Stix, $14.00: This product comes in 3 different sizes with 5 disposable and self adhesive stencils, for easy application

Anastasia of Beverly Hills Stencils, $20.00:  This product comes in 5 different sizes made out of durable plastic they are easy to clean and reusable.
From the Anastasia website: 

Petite Arch – Suggested for small facial features
Slim High Arch – Recommended for brows in training, growth challenged, thin or sparse brows
Medium Arch – Suggested for straight, flat brows or brows with little to no natural arch
High Arch – Suggested for full brows and larger facial features
Full Arch – Recommended for the fullest shape and larger facial features

Ardell Brow Perfection Stencils, $3.99:  One package has 4 brow sizes, easy to clean and reusable.

Brow Pencils
Dior Powder Brow Pencil, $26: With three shades to choose from this duo pencil with a shadow color on one side and pencil color on the other.  Long wearing even in warm weather.

Anastasia of Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil,  $22: Six shades to choose from, and a double ended pencil, one side with the shade and the other a brow brush for blending.

Make Up For Ever Eyebrow Pencil, $18: Five colors to choose from with long lasting effect

Sephora Eye Brow Pencil, $10 :Only three colors to choose from, with long wear and a eye brow color blending brush on the lid.

Beautique Brow Pencil, $2.99: six shades available, also double ended with a brow brush, and are smudge proof.

Sealers

Benefit Cosmetics She Laq,  $30: A clear liquid that seals makeup with stay put power, leaving it smudge proof.  It comes with 5 different brushes for all of your stay put needs!  This stuff really works, it just leaves a shiny effect.  Be sure to lightly dust powder over to dull.

Courtesy of Sephora.com

MAC Cosmetics Fluidline, $15

Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner, $22

For an idea of what the eyeliner brush should look like, this is the easiest one to use if you aren’t used to lining eyes with a brush.

MAC Small Angle Brush, $19.50

If you want to have lashes, you can purchase shorter lashes that really look natural.  The trick is to line the eye before applying lashes to help hide the false lash seam line.  And if you don’t want to apply the lashes or, with lashes for a more dramatic look, then apply the liner to the upper lash/inner rim of the eye with the liners I suggested.  Do this by pulling eyelid away from eye by raising brow with index finger then apply carefully.   It certainly takes practice.  But practice makes perfect!

While scrolling through the comments on another blog, I saw someone talking about Ellis Faas lip products and how good their reds are.  I went to the website, intrigued, and saw that her products come in three formulas: Creamy Lips, Milky Lips and Glazed Lips.  Bright reds are not really flattering on me anymore, but I can wear a sheerer red, and that’s where the Glazed Lips come in.

Packaged in sleek, bullet-like silver tubes, all Ellis Faas lip colors are in a click-pen format.  The Glazed Lips almost have a watercolor-like consistency, where you can see through them yet they still provide a good amount of pigment.  They come with brush applicators, but I have better luck using my own lip brush rather than their applicator, which tends to just spread the color around, making it look uneven and slightly messy.

I’ve also found that wearing a lip liner under these will give your lips a cleaner appearance, as well as slightly better coverage and lasting time.

Glazed Lips L301 and L303

While these are expensive at 24.95 Euros (about $36.87 USD), they made for a nice splurge and definitely have a unique look to them.  I wish the applicator was easier to use and the product blended in a little better, but so far I haven’t found lip colors that look this wet and watercolor-esque from any other brand.

They can be purchased at ellisfaas.com.

Summary: Expensive, but unique liquid lip colors that have a thinner consistency yet brilliant pigmentation.