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The Eighth Letter

Banged.

Megan Fox Photo Courtesy of Interview Magazine

Megan Fox , Lea Michelle, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Katy Perry & Naomi Campbell all have a completely different sense of style. Though lately they've had at least ONE thing in common: Bangs. From Bettie Page's iconic hair-do to a style a little more like model turned muse Peggy Moffitt, bangs seem to be all over the place.

Though I couldn't pull these looks off, I can't deny my interest in them. Be they natural, or a wig it's obvious these hairstyles are coming back. Do you think it's trend worthy?

References for hair:

(Megan/Interview Magazine)

(Lea/Tony Awards)

(GaGa/Music Video - Alejandro)

(Beyonce/Music Video - Why don't you love me?)

(Katy/Music Video - California Gurls)

The Makeup Show 2010 part 2

So...normally I wouldn't wait a million years to post pictures, BUT I lost my camera cord! Ugh! So finally I have them uploaded! Too bad I didn't learn photography while I was there, because, dang--I couldn't shoot a good picture if my life depended on it. Hahaha!

Here are my favorite 3. All from my master class with Dany Sanz, and her creation of a darker Snow White.

Check out my facebook page for the rest!

Amazing.....she's such an inspiration. xo

Summer Must Haves

Unless you're Lady Gaga it seems that fall and winter can be such a drab time for fun fashion, makeup and hair. I can be fashionably lazy for the sake of being cozy, and get away with it during freezing temps. But that's why I love summer. You say goodbye to drab and hello to your inner sex pot. With flowy tops, cute skirts, beach hair, rocker nails and a fresh dewy face you're staying comfortable and in style. Here are some of the products that have come into play in my beauty regime this summer. :)

Bumble and Bumble: Surf Spray - $22 - Summer is filled with moisture. In the air, on the skin, and if you take a dip your hair is bound to get wet. If it's wavy to curly like my own you know the end result of this is not a cute look. If you can't beat it, join it. On damp hair spray this salt water formula generously for beachy tousled looks with minimal frizz.

Guerlain: Terracotta Touch Glow Enhancing Perfector - $40 - Summer, after summer I see women with the light patches under their eyes. When you're tan you need to change not only your foundation, or tinted moisturizer but also your concealer. Avoid the patchy look with a dewy, tan concealer like this one.

Kardashian: Glamour Tan - $34 - Since Kim Kardashian got so badly sun burned last year and hopped on the "sunless tan" bandwagon I figured she'd use her super savvy bizz skills and make a product. She did. I had my doubts, and before trying a self tanner I always get nervous that i'll look like a carrot. However, Kim being the perfectionist she is really perfected the art of tan in a bottle. This went on evenly, didn't look orange to me at all and has pretty good staying power. Worth a try!

Sephora by O.P.I: Chic Prints - $16 a set - Much like the paws of Beyonce, Fergie, Rihanna and Katy Perry! Minx have been making nails funky and fabulous for all sorts of A-Listers. Try out this heat activated manicure on a sheet and make all of your friends jealous. I've already ordered the anchors for my vacation in maine. ;)

Make Up For Ever: Aqua Cream - $22 - I've suggested this before, and i'll do it again. Waterproof and fadeproof, It's a must have for a beach day. There is a complimentary color for every skin tone to get a little flush on your eyes, cheeks, and lips. Sort of an entire face of makeup in a pot. To finish off your simple, fresh, and understated look open and define your eyes with your favorite waterproof mascara.

Aquolina Pink Sugar: Body Spritzer - $20 - I've been wearing pink sugar for years, it's a crowd pleaser. Ha! Literally everywhere I go people ask me what I have on. It's such a sweet smell and perfect for the beach. It's sexy, without trying TOO hard. Since the perfume isn't portable friendly try the spritzer. Long lasting, and can hang out in your beach bag or purse without breaking.

What are your summer favorites, or new products you'd like to try??

Frump change

So! A couple weeks ago I wrote about changing my look, and my unhealthy ways. I feel that between my career as a makeup artist, always glamming other people up, and juggling two kids I've spent less time on ME and accidentally let myself go. So my little plan entails changing everything from clothes, weight, skin, hair etc. - the whole nine.

So, first I spent week one really working on my body, and nutrition plan, thanks to Katrina, and Karena of ToneItUp! I could give you a biography on who and what this is, but I won't....I want to encourage everyone who reads this to go to the link yourself and read up! Especially if you're like me, and need to dust yourself off a little bit, and do some re-vamping. You won't be sorry.

So yes, the diet plan. I'll be honest - the weekend before I began I felt like I was on death row. Don't get me wrong, I was excited for this opportunity to change, but I've "tried and failed" so many times that I was fearful this time would be no different. I spent the weekend with friends, and went to Mohegan Sun. I ate at Todd English's Tuscany (soda, spaghetti and meatballs, and bread, bread, bread) and then later I even went to Krispy Kreme!!! I felt like complete garbage, but I chalked it up to "last hurrah," which I always do, but it has never really been the LAST.

On Monday, I went for my suggested morning walk and came home to eat what I thought would taste like--I'll keep it real-- crap, as all other "diet" foods do. I made a ToneItUp! breakfast recipe of oats with almonds, raisins and bananas and LOVED it! I followed their meal plan to a “T,” and by the end of the night and 5 meals later, it hit me: I'm not on a DIET, I CAN stick to this, I'm changing my lifestyle. I spent the other 5 days faithfully exercising and staying true to my eating plan.

I can honestly say I felt better in those 5 days than I ever have. I wasn't hungry, I didn't crave junk food, I had so much energy and I didn't feel bloated, weighed down, and miserable with myself. I was eating real food that tasted great, 5 times a day, drinking water, working out and feeling amazing. Then the weekend came, and I was shaken out of my ToneItUp bubble. It was EASY to stock my own fridge up with healthy food, and follow their delicious diet plan. Going out is a different story. This wasn't any ole' weekend either, it was MEMORIAL DAY! The BBQ weekend of all weekends, and I had 3 parties to attend! How would I stick to this??

Everywhere I looked I saw hot dogs, burgers, cheese, crackers, soda, BEER, cakes, pies and ice cream. Normally I would have stuffed my face pretty good and said "back on track tomorrow"- anything to get me off the hook for the moment for some guilt free indulging. Instead I stuck to my plan, ate veggies instead of crackers and lemon water instead of Mountain Dew. By the end of the weekend I swear every favorite food of mine made an appearance. Candy, brownies, apple pie, cheesecake, chips, dip, crackers--should I continue??? For a moment I was feeling sad, and deprived. Then I realized, every month on my calendar is cluttered with special occasions, holidays or birthdays. There will always be a reason to eat cake, or pizza. I can always "start again on Monday." I've been "cheating" on my "diets" for years with all of these excuses. So, I stopped whining, and reminded myself of my goals. This isn't to say it was easy, or that I will remain perfect throughout this life change. In fact I know there has to be a day in the future where I will have Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers and some margarita's at Chili's (I can hear Katrina and Karena screaming from California! Ha ha!) But I'm happy, and content, with these amazing recipes, and I know I'm on my way to a healthier, happier and more fit me.

To sum it up. In 7 days weight loss started to click for me. I’m eating delicious food and never go hungry. Yo-yo dieting, diet pills, starving myself, then over eating is a thing of the past and I'm happy!!! Oh yeah, and I lost 9 pounds!!!!!!!!

My goals for this week are to find time between work, kids, and activities - get to the gym for my two days of ToneItUp fat blasting, make sure I walk every day for 30 minutes, and drink that ToneItUp metabolism "potion" that terrified me the first time. LOL. I'm still learning. It will take some time to undo 26 years of bad choices, but I think I'm off to a great start!

I'll update you in a couple weeks, when I will delve deeper into diet, and workouts!

Coming soon, I'm cutting my long locks, and going to Nordstroms with a stylist. Guess my sweats are getting canned. Oh boy!

For more on ToneItUp! visit:

http://www.toneitup.com/

http://toneitup.com/blog/

http://www.toneitup.tv/ (Subscribe for fun workouts and yummy recipes!)

Make Up For Ever is heaven

My kit is filled with hidden cheapy treasures $1 concealers, $2 lipsticks, $4 foundations. I enjoy a mix and match. I've seen some of the "greats" use drugstore products alongside department store, and specialty brands. I'm not a makeup brat, I could give a "Hoot" less if the company has a celebrity ambassador, if they were just recently name dropped by the hottest magazine, and hell... I definitely don't agree that the product is better the more expensive it is. But if you're going to spend some serious money, and go after a "higher level" of product It should be about nothing but diversity, in every sense of the word. I want a product line to cover all of my clients needs, and my own. So, when it comes time to replenish my kit and spend some serious cash it's amazing to be able to pick up a phone and order everything I need in one shot. Make Up For Ever is my absolute favorite line and is always my go-to hot spot for products. I'll risk the chance of sounding infomercial-ish to show you my favorite MUFE products, and maybe you'll agree, or try them out sometime.

HD Primers - I'm loyal and true to these primers as they offer something for everyone. (Green to reduce red, pink to brighten, caramel to warm ashy skin etc.) When it dries it will leave you with a perfect and luminous canvas.

HD Foundation - Since makeup is completely going HD it's important to have a base that will cater to that. These foundations come in the most versatile range of skin tones that I know of, and have the most flawless finish. Try using two shades to sculpt the face.

HD Blush - I've found that cream/liquid blushes can look more natural than powder, however for someone not used to applying them it can turn into a big ole mess on your face. These blushes can provide a sweet glow or a deep contour and they're a little easier to work with as they don't set as fast as some others.

Star Powder - This is really a kit secret weapon! Add to foundation to create a highlighter, add water for the perfect eyeshadow, even combine it with your body lotion for an all over dew. You name it, you can use it. So worth the cost being as it can double as so many different products.

Lash Fibers - My most FAVORITE lash primer! The fibers elongate and thicken so well, then just top with a couple coats of your favorite mascara and I promise you will see more longer, more voluminous lashes.

Aqua Cream - Works similarly to their flash colors but you won't need to seal it as it's waterproof and sets fairly quickly. Use this to get a crease less vibrant pop of color on your eyes, or play around with the color on your lips or cheeks.

Special FX products - Body paint, FX , or Avant Garde with products ranging from cotton string underwear, fun lashes/glitter/crystals to coagulated blood. My favorite would be the plasto wax as you can use this alongside a spatula to erase eyebrows to fully transform a character, or you can create scars/bullet wounds/gashes.

When it comes to Make Up For Ever's products the limits are endless, most everything is multi-functional, which is why they're so amazing! You truly get more bang for your buck, and it's worth every penny.

Do you have a MUFE product fave I didn't list?

MINT craving.

After seeing Beyonce's "Why don't you love me?" video where she flaunts her manicure of Chanel Le Vernis in Nouvelle Vague, I've had a fetish for anything, and everything MINT. Dark or light green it's just so refreshing and fun to the eyes. It got me thinking... what other products do I love that are cool, breezy, fun and-well-minty. Here's a little list for you to get into the spirit.

Make Up For Ever - Flash Color - Pale Green 21- $23 - To me flash colors or SO fun. They really give you the room to be creative. You can use this ANYWHERE. Yes, anywhere. Lips, eyes, cheeks. You could really use this color to bring out your eyes! Try first using a light, shimmery shadow such as shroom (M.A.C) and then adding this color lightly to the inner corners of your eyes and then a tiny bit in the sides and just a tiny amount underneath. It will be a very unexpected play with colors.

NARS - duo eyeshadow - Habanera - $32 These colors are absolutely gorgeous on and off the palette. You can go light, and build up to your liking. Coming in a plum and mint color there are SO many ways to wear this. Have fun!

Smashbox - Photo Finish Primer- Color Adjust- $38 - Just as MINT relaxes, soothes, and refreshes you this shade of green primer can do the same for your skin tone! If you suffer from redness and irritation this will reduce the redness and become a perfect base for the start of your makeup.

M.A.C - Pearlglide eye liner - Under currant -$14.50 - I love this line Art Supplies by M.A.C so fun, and it really does remind me of crayons, and colored pencils like we all used in elementary school. You can use this deep minty shade to line the rims of your eye lids, or use on your water line. It really brings out brown and blue eyes the best.

Tokidoki - Punk Lash Mascara - Mad Rocker- $18 - I love this because it doesn't go on too heavy, and dark. You won't go from normal to avant garde in one coat. You can build it up, which is always a plus. Start at one coat for a tint of color, and add more to get your desired effect. Again, my favorite color irises for this shade are brown and blue. But any could pull it off.

Chanel Le Vernis - Nouvelle Vague $25 - Again, the shade that started it all. I figured I would give more props to the inspiration of my new obsession. Not looking to spend that much on nail polish? A great alternative is Revlon Nail Enamel - Minted- $3.50. It isn't as thick as Chanel, so more coats will be necessary to achieve the look.

Do you have any faves to add to the list? What do you think of the Mint trend?

Pale is the new tan...

Photo credit: Allure Magazine

Or--it should be.

Back in high school is when I started tanning in a bed, the almost immediate results really blew me away and it gave me this burst of self confidence! I tanned indoors and out from 15 years old until 23. I'm 26 now. I'm what you'd call a recovering tanorexic, tanaholic or whatever new cute nicknames they may say. Thing is, it wasn't cute. Naturally I have milky white skin, which now as a makeup artist I'm in love with! But before I felt hideous unless my skin was dark. Especially since I have dark hair and eyes. My love for dark skin still stands true, it's beautiful and to any of you ladies out there I'm envious! But it was time for me to step out of the bed, off my lawn covered in tanning oil and put on some SPF. Preparing for a vacation a couple years back my desire to look more west Indian than french Canadian resulted in severe sun damage. I won't get into gory details but.....let's just say I've spent some $$$$ on anti aging products and color correcting primer. Ahem. Since I've vowed to be SMART about sun, and healthy about my skin. Thought I was the only one at first but slowly I started noticing Hollywood ladies like Bryce Dallas Howard, Zooey Deschanel, Kristen Bell, Amanda Seyfried, Rachel Mcadams, Ann Hathway, Christina Hendricks and new to the club Megan Fox look amazing rocking it Au Naturale. What are your plans for this summer?

Looking to stay protected?? Even a lil'?? My Favorite SPF products!!

Aveeno - Baby continuous protection sunblock lotion - I know it says baby, but... I love this product. First off it's SPF55!!! Which means it blocks out over 98% of all incoming UVB rays. Use a generous amount and work it in well.

Josie Maran - Argan Protect SPF 40+ Natural Daily Sun Protection: Whoa...a mouthful. With a name like that it has to be worth something, right? Correct. This is the ONLY product I know of that can serve as a sunblock and makeup primer, while improving your complexion and reversing damage that's already done. Consider the days of white sunblock masked noses over...

Dior- Diorskin Nude Glow Hydrating Makeup SPF10: This is my FAVORITE foundation of all time. It gives you an airbrush quality base, has a little bit of dew to it, and you don't NEED to put a moisturizer underneath as this is a hydrating product.

DuWop Revolotion SPF15: No one at the beach has to know you're cheating. You can mix this with a little body lotion the night before to achieve natural healthy glow. Feel free to also apply it during the day for a little shimmery bronze and to benefit from it's SPF15.

Shiseido Sun Protecting Lip Treatment SPF 36: Don't forget your kisser! This is pretty much sunblock for your lips, and it moisturizes amazingly. ALSO, big plus: Buying this product or any other "skincare challenge item" over $20 earn you a credit. Every 4 credits gets a FREE featured reward. Check out the program!

Pair these skin saviors with your favorite sunglasses, and maybe even a cute hat and you're golden, figuratively speaking. :)

What do YOU use to protect your skin during the year????

Check out Megan Fox dissing tanning in the June issue of ALLURE, out May 25th.

For more information skin cancer-or protecting your skin visit SkinCancer.org

The Makeup Show 2010

Going into the Makeup Show I was stunned.

It was like planet makeup. Which I'd have NO problem moving to if such a place really existed! I saw people bouncing around table to table scanning new products and checking out the amazing deals. Bodypainters, models, Bloggers, celebrity hair & makeup artists, and stars alike were all mixed in the crowd brought together for one thing: The love of makeup, and it's art.

I was pulled over to Eve Pearl's booth, got to meet her, and she showed off some of her products, which I must say I fell for. You should check out the magic the HD dual pressed powder creates. You can use it wet, or dry, and it's formulated to not get that cakey appearance that most powders get when damp.

At the Stila booth I was introduced to their One step makeup. Absolutely a kit must have as it's a quadruple threat. A primer, foundation, concealer, and powder all in one! Also 100% natural mineral, and paraben free which is a get out of jail free card for your skin. The best part is it lived up to it's hype.

My skin got a makeover at Luminess Air. I'm a Temptu snob, so I must admit I had all intentions of walking past this booth. But I have this condition where I can't say no to people. Glad I stayed! The makeup itself had the consistency of water as its basically a mineral airbrush makeup. Went on smooth and up close looked like MY skin! Oh yeah, and try the body glow it's amazing for those glowaholics out there, and the prices were extremely reasonable!

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics had Lip Tars! Incredible, as they appear to be a gloss, dry to a satin finish, and have the lasting power of a lipstick. My favorite colors: RX, Tarred, Hush, Vapid, and Hoochie.

These were just a few of my favorite products... after my browsing I was off the the Makeup Beyond Beauty master class with Make Up For Ever's creator and artistic director Dany Sanz!

Sitting in the class waiting for it to begin, and who comes in but Kevin James Bennett. I was so excited!. As a fan of his work I was a little too intimidated to talk to him (Still kicking myself.)

He provided the sweetest introduction for the very beautiful, and talented Dany. She spoke a little about her top secret ;) tips and tricks, and demonstrated how to create an edgy snow white. Two things I noticed about her artistry is she approaches makeup like painting. She literally sketches the face as you would paper or canvas. As a mixed medium artist myself I've always had trouble combining the two. She definitely blurred that line for me, which I think will help me to take my makeup to the next level. It also seemed as her catch phrase was "Why not" which she would say before taking a makeup risk. Most importantly the words that stuck in my head from Miss.Sanz would be "Makeup should be fun! Experiment, it can always wash off." She was so inspiring.

All in all I'd say it was an amazing day. Next year I will go for the two days as there is just so much to see, do and learn. Oh and bring tons of money. Starting to save as of...now. :)

Did you go? What did you think?

P.S I have a trillion pictures and my camera/computer cord is M.I.A so...I will load and update asap. :)

Revamped Retro

For those that know me there is no secret. If I could go back in time and be a pin up girl, Bettie Page, or Marilyn Monroe -- I would.

As today's "Rockabilly" culture is okay, It's not 1940. I've always wondered how to make 2010's pinup a little less phony, more fashion forward and FRESH. Well Katy Perry and her glam team figured it out. Though I was sad this was just a wig, it's a bright blue version of Bettie Page, with a dramatic winged eye, and a revamped retro bathing suit.

Stunning all the way around!

#CaliforniaGurls music video!

Paperself...

So, I'm in love with paperself!!!

I saw these online a while back, and then someone had a pair at the Makeup Show NY and let me see them, SO FUN! Original, creative and the looks you can execute with these are endless. The only downside is that these are based on chinese paper cutting. Meaning these falsies ARE paper. Still, if you're gentle and meticulous you will have a one of a kind eye. My favorite's are the peonies, even cuter in person and they mean happiness and good fortune. :)

(Photo of Peonies courtesy of Paperself)

VS Obsessions...

I remember in Junior High and High School I was OBSESSED with Pear Glace, Strawberries & Champagne and Vanilla Lace lotion and spray from Victoria's Secret. It was the perfume before perfume! I graduated from those smells to the likes of Heavenly, Body by Victoria, and along the way have been seduced by their Heidi Klum's Supermodel collection before it was--as I like to call it--de-shelved (Bring it back!!!!) and of course Very Sexy. It's safe to say Victoria's Secret has not only been the go-to place for sexy apparel but also for our beauty needs. I have a few favorite's I'd love to list, all perfect for the summer goddess you'll soon unleash....

Secret Moments - Island Escape Sheer Fragrance Mist - $12

This smell is amazing! Tropical and sexy without being too overpowering. That being said it has lasting power so you won't have to re-apply a million times which is perfect when on the go.

Beauty Rush - Appletini Hypergloss Shampoo & Conditioner - 2 for $20

If you're looking for a little hair pick me up give this a shot.... makes your hair incredibly shiny, clean and has a really fresh scent.

VS Makeup - Limited-edition Spring 2010 Mineral Bronzing Powder - $14

This is the perfect bronzer. Not too orange, not too dark and just the right amount of shimmer. Get creative with your applications to get a full body glow.

Naturally Victoria's Secret - Grapefruit, Lime & Mint Energizing Body Polish - $18

My favorite body scrub hands down, smells fresh, and just as it says it completely polishes your skin to it's true form. Also, use this before getting a spray tan or using an at home tanner...you'll have less smudges and gathering of color that would normally adhere to dry skin.

VS Makeup - PRO Matte FX Blotting Gel - $16

Use this neat little compact to freshen up your natural skin in the heat, or use to keep your makeup flawless when you start getting a little shiny and oily without adding any extra product.

Beauty Rush - Luminous Shadow in Glow Nude - $7

Small enough to throw in a tote for a beach day, and just enough color to glam up your eyes without looking overdone. Try using over an eye primer if you'd like it to last all night.

Naturally Victoria's Secret - Vanilla & Sandalwood Hydrating Body Lotion - $12

Intoxicating smell, and leaves your skin soft and smooth. I love to pair this with the Grapefruit, Lime & Mint Energizing Body Polish.

All perfect for the simple and undone look of summer, give some of these a whirl, and i'm pretty sure you'll be pleased. Have a favorite I didn't mention? Share below! :)

Ye ole Book of Face....

Hey Facebook addicts... "Like" me and we can chat makeup, fashion, tips and questions!

Photography - Melissa Kosswig

Makeup - Me

Hair Stylist - Bill Schrlau

Model- Valerie D.

Floral Jewelry - Stylish Blooms

(Search on Facebook for more information)

Hag-to-Fab

The shocking truth is....I'm a closet frump-a-lump.

I could peruse fashion magazines all day, I know the hottest looks for hair and makeup and chances are I could name every designer you're wearing. However if you stopped by my house on any given day unannounced--err okay, I'll be honest, even announced-- I will be rocking bed head, and sweats.

Somehow after noticing my first fine line, and having 2 children I lost the desire to make MYSELF look beautiful. My attention has been fully directed to other women at shoots, runway shows, wedding days, or consultations. After I work with a woman I love watching her stand just a little bit taller, walk with just a little more swag, and smile because she feels on the outside, the way she knows she is on the inside. That is really what drives me to be a makeup artist. So, why don't I do that for myself when it's so easy? I'm starting a new section of this blog to bring myself from hag to fab and I'm going to document it the entire way. Weight, hair, skin, clothes--it's all getting revamped. Lord help me. ;)

In the same rut? Feel free to join me, and share with me your tips/struggles/hopes..... I'm excited!

Check back this Monday!

Boo!

I haven't written a THING since October?

Time to change that.

I have a whole bunch of things coming! New fave products, easy-to-do looks, trends for this season and more.

Let me know if you have any requests. xOx

M.A.C Halloween looks!

Okay, I have to give credit where credit is due. Typically i don't post other peoples work, but i couldn't resist! This is hands down one of the most creative uses of makeup i've EVER seen for a costume. *picking up jaw off floor* I'm so inspired now for Halloween. It's one of my favorite days of the year! Maybe i'll go as Brenda Star using a similar idea to this comic strip girl. Kuddos to the amazing minds and talent of M.A.C senior artists: Bianca Alexander, Luc Bouchard, Keri Blair, Sandy Joseph and Chantel Miller. Honestly, amazing!

Photo Courtesy of M.A.C Cosmetics Facebook page

check out the other Halloween looks here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=324057&id=16126780553&page=2

What are you going as this year!?

For my penny-pinching diva's!

When new things arrive at the department/makeup specialty stores yours truly flock's there like a Zombie in the night, it's just instinctual. I know I'm not alone here, women are predisposed to be drawn to beauty. What can make us a better version of ourselves? Our eyes wide open searching for the perfect products. $30 nail polish, $40 mascara's, $70 eye shadows, $300 face creams! I mean, when does "this is too much money" come into play? If your like me it doesn't. I'm amongst the beauty obsessed, I venture to say I'd sell my soul for a Le Mer face cream. Okay, maybe not, but I WOULD work a lot of overtime, and probably forgo electricity for the month. However, my love for all things beauty does not speak for the "everyday woman." I know most women out there love to window shop these items, but could never fathom spending obscene amounts of money on products. If you're a penny-pinching Diva this one is for you.... Great beauty buys for a natural look. All $6 or less. Hug me if you need to...

Ponds dry skin cream - $4.89

Think of it as I.V fluid for your face, this will hydrate you and leave you as soft as $300 Le Mer face cream, some would say it's even better, and you won't become sick with buyers remorse.

2. Rimmel London Hide the blemish concealer - $5.19

Be prepared to be amazed at what this will cover, be gone dark circles and pesky pimples.

3. Maybelline pure makeup foundation - $5.49

I've used this, and I must say the coverage is flawless, and will not leave you looking overdone. I'd compare the effects to Stila's Illuminating Liquid Foundation for $38.

4. e.l.f All over color stick in Lilac Petal- $1

Much like NARS The Multiple, this can be used just as their brand name states on your eyes, lips, and face (e.l.f) I would use this as a blush, but on days when you're in a rush plop this all of those areas for a pretty subtle and youthful look.

5. Cover Girl Eye enhancer 3 kit shadows in Shimmering sands - $4.69

This gorgeous palette comes with 3 pans, the colors have a great pigment, and are very natural with a light shimmer. A great look especially when similar colors go for $15 a piece at m.a.c.

6. mark. On the edge hook up liquid eyeliner in Cleo- $5.50

Because mark. is only sold by an avon/mark Representative I consider it a hidden gem, I use this eyeliner religiously it's also a fave of reality show alumni turned fashion designer Lauren Conrad.

7. N.Y.C Classic brow & Liner pencils in sable - $0.99

You can use this on your brow, or for liner! It lasts forever and come on.... nothing is less than a dollar these days!!!

8. Boots Botanics volumizing mascara - $5.94

Another hidden gem adorned by most in the UK, this gives great length to your lashes, and will not clump!

9. Milani Crystal gloss in

Tantalizing 11A-$3.49

For a little bit pinker of a shade than just a nude lip, this is flattering, simplistically sexy also shiny without being sticky.

10. Wet N Wild craze nail polish in Inferno- $1.99

I know what you're thinking, Wet n Wild??? You'd be surprised how this apply's, and looks when all finished. Their products have come a long way since I was in junior high. Definitely comparable to Chanel's polish without the accompanied sounds of your wallet draining.

There you have it, now you can get a whole face and nails using great products for less than $40!! What I typically spend on an eyeshadow palette. Hmm...maybe I should take my own advice? Check back soon for another $6 or less post for a Dramatic evening look.

Beauty-book-buy of the week

“It is said that no star is a heroine to her makeup artist”

- Richard Corliss

It's that time of the week again! Another great book to check out, by a great makeup artist.

Mary Quant has had much to do with fashion world since the 50's. From Stores, and her own iconic clothing and makeup line "Mary Quant LTD". This eccentric woman has done, and seen it all. Not to mention her own claim to have invented duvet covers, the Mini-skirt and Hot pants. You can't argue her knowledge, so learn from it! Using her 'self-analysis' chart you can figure out what makeup will look best for your face shape, color, and complexion. Includes great "How-To's" for day and evening, and useful tips for skin care, and massage. Extremely fun, inspiring, and informative, you'll most certainly enjoy this read.

You put what, where!?

So, it's the night before a big day and you spot a mammoth volcanic mass on your face. You search and riffle through your drawers and cabinets for your Clearasil, and nada. It's either grown legs and ran away from your recurring acne, or dried up into a useless zit fighting pile of dust. Just then...you spot the Colgate Toothpaste hanging out by the sink and smack it on that sucker as fast as you can. By morning your face is clear, and you have this little improvised secret to smile about. Truth is, we all have our little tips and good lord are they useful! So here are some of the ones I love!!

Vaseline - If I was stranded on an island and could bring one thing, this would be it. I swear I ALWAYS have a tub of this in my house. Combats dry lips, ashy elbows, knees and chapped cheeks. Aside from those common uses, here are my tricks:

- Shimmy a coat of this on your eyelashes at night, it serves as a great conditioner and makes mascara apply more evenly in the morning.

- Hair masks are messy and time consuming, so try adding some Vaseline to the ends of your hair at night. When your hair is washed, conditioned and blown out, those straw-like ends will be hydrated and softer.

Q-Tips - Bless these little cotton ended sticks of gold. So many different ways to use them, aside from the wax in your ears!

- After you apply your eyeliner, stroke a tip of one of these babies with an eyeshadow close to the same pigment, then use it to smudge and set your liner. Also works great as an eyeshadow blender. No need for expensive brushes.

- Ever get makeup gunk in the corner of your eyes? Not a good look. Dampen a tip with water and use it lightly to catch the makeup for a flawless eye.

- Dip one into translucent powder, then use it to clean up any areas of your face after you've applied your makeup, such as the ashes of dark shadow your smoky eyes leave behind, etc...

Waterproof mascara- Not just your pal on a beach day.

- Have a few gray hairs and missed a coloring? No need to pluck 100+ hairs until your hairdresser rescues you. Stroke a color of mascara that is close to your hair color along the grays for a temporary camouflage no one will detect.

Baby Powder - I love this stuff. Seriously, the list could go on for what you can do with it.

- Woke up late! It's hair washing day! Why didn't I buy that dry shampoo? Crap. Take a SMALL amount of this powder and use your fingertips to slowly work it into your oily roots. Remember to use a little at a time or you will end up looking like George Washington. When done correctly, it will fluff up the volume, absorb oil, smell fresh and won't alter the color of your hair.

- Leave your makeup bags at home! It's all about a low maintenance mid-day freshen up. Use a travel size baby powder, then take a tissue, lightly pick up a dab of powder and brush it over the spots you're most oily. Works like a translucent powder, without all the bags and equipment.

- Hate sand all over you at the beach? Rub this powder on any areas covered in wet sand and it will slide right off. Leaves behind NO cakey mess.

Deodorant - This isn't just for the pits!

- For any major event where you NEED your makeup and face to stay PERFECT: Take clear roll on deodorant, put some on a makeup sponge before applying foundation, and then dab around your hairline. Let dry. Pat softly with a paper towel. Then apply your makeup. This will prevent drops of sweat to run down your face or ruin your makeup.

Cold water - We all know drinking this gives you a great glow, and running some over your hair will make it shinier. But what else?

- At the end of your shower, run cold water over your body to temporarily tighten the appearance of your skin, works wonders on your face. This will also help makeup to be applied and blended more evenly and look better than ever!

- In a rush and your nails are wet? Dip them in cold water to dry them faster, it's neater than a hair dyer which may leave smudges.

Hairspray - Not just for your tresses...

- Unruly eyebrows before a wax can be a nightmare! If you don't want to buy brow gel, or you're out, spray a brow brush with a maximum hold hair spray and then brush them in the direction you'd like them to be in for a great hold!

What are your favorite tricks?

Beauty-book-buy of the week

“It is said that no star is a heroine to her makeup artist”

- Richard Corliss

It's that time of the week again! Another great book to check out, by a great makeup artist.

I'm a huge Bobbi Brown fan, she's a beauty pioneer who made it possible for women to look amazing without slapping on the makeup with a kitchen spatula! In fact I remember passing her books in Barnes & Nobles when I was in high school and flipping through the pages in complete awe, it's where I first learned of my passion for makeup, and the reason why i wanted to pursue it. This book is a favorite because it gives you a new fresh take on application and technique in addition to helpful tips for the trickiest times. Such as days where you may feel a little frumpy, makeup during pregnancy, and an overall "honest approach" on how to make others, or yourself look best naturally. Also, a great read for anyone a little fuzzy on how to correctly wear foundation! She's an influence to me, and I know she would be one for you if she isn't already.