Mon 25 Jan 2010

Beauty Blog: Eyeshadow Tips!

Posted by MollyLoretta under Beauty Blog
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I figured one thing I get a lot of questions on is how I keep my eyeshadows so vibrant, and how do I prevent them from creasing.  So, I’ve decided to compile a list of my favorite eyeshadow tricks!

  • Always, always, always use a primer.  I cannot stress this enough.  An eyeshadow primer will prevent creasing, and also keep the color from migrating around your lid and fading.  My favorite eyeshadow of all time is the Urban Decay Primer Potion.
  • You can also use a colored base over your primer.  This can be a cream eyeshadow (Ben Nye’s are fantastic and have an array of colors), an eye pencil (NYX Jumbo Eye pencils are nice, or you can use a colored eyeliner such as Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil), or any other colored base you can think of.  The one thing I enjoy about using these is you can play with colors and change them up a bit just by using a colored base!  One thing to remember with these bases is that they are creamy, and a little goes a long way.  Using too much will cause creasing even though you’re using a primer.  Oh, and just because you’re using a base, doesn’t mean you can skip the primer!  Always prime your eyes to keep them from getting oily!
  • PAT your eyeshadow on.  Don’t just sweep it over the lid.  Patting it on will provide better, more even coverage, and will keep the eyeshadow where you put it.  Did you ever notice if you put eyeshadow on your brush, then sweep it over your lid some will always get to where you don’t want it?  Or you’ll get fall out?  Patting your eyeshadow on will help prevent this.
  • When blending, use a clean brush, and use small circular motions.  Use a brush to apply more product where necessary, and blend some more!
  • If you get some eyeshadow on the corners of your eyes where you don’t want it, or underneath your eye, keep some oil-free make up remover handy, and q-tips.  This is also essential to have in your kit for when you’re doing cat eyes.  The oil-free remover won’t make your skin greasy, and it’ll be easier to apply make up over it again.

Think I missed something?  Let me know in the comments section!

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Tue 19 Jan 2010

Posted by MollyLoretta under My Life
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People have a tendency to view me as cold, stand-off-ish, and more often than not use the word “intimidating” to describe when they first meet me.  Over the years I’ve become excellent at compartmentalization, I can easily hide my feelings and feign that nothing is bothering me, fake my happiness, and vice versa.

I think that since I excel in compartmentalization techniques, people misinterpret my feelings.  Maybe misinterpret is an incorrect word, I am rarely ever asked how I feel about certain situations, and people will just assume.  Since I can easily not show emotion and can ignore people for weeks on end, others think they can sense what’s going on in my brain.  I know from experience in trying to do this to others that you can’t, and you can’t assume you know how someone else feels because you’ll probably never get it right.

Have you ever had that gut feeling when people are talking about you?  That’s my feeling today.  Recently, a person in my life (we’ll refer to this person as A1) has betrayed my friendship and my trust.  A1 is a person whom I’ve worked very hard to make sure I’ve met his feelings at least halfway, and tried to respect the things that bring him happiness.  This same respect has not been shown onto me time and time again.  As a result, I’ve decided to discontinue my association with A1 in effect to save my sanity.  I can’t continue to put someone else’s feelings and wishes ahead of my own if I haven’t even made their list.

It reminds me of a quote:

Never make someone a priority while allowing yourself to be their option.

That may not be the exact quote, but it’s close enough.  I can’t continue making myself an option for people who toss my feelings aside, and are hypocritical.  If you want me to do something, you should probably do it in return.  It often makes me wonder if A1 respected my feelings at all.  I shall safely assume no, since he has never tried to contact me in order to rectify the situation.  In fact, he hasn’t even bothered to ask me my feelings at all.

I’ve never worn my heart on my sleeve, if not asked I more often than not will not share my deepest emotions.  In fact, not even the emotions that dwell just under the surface.  I wonder if people realize that I have feelings at all.  It’s become a joke within my circle of friends, as I will often say, “That would hurt my feelings…. If I had any.”  I hide them well.  Hey, it’s important in service positions.  I can’t be cutting someone’s hair while sobbing and wiping snot on my sleeve.  That’s not going to make them want to return to me, is it?

Readers, have you ever had someone who you believed to be close with brush you aside and blatantly disregard your feelings as if you had none?  Who can relate?

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Tue 19 Jan 2010

My Life: I’m going to do a complete overhaul.

Posted by MollyLoretta under My Life
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I’ve decided instead of just keeping a blog based on beauty products, that I’m going to get down to the core.  I’m going to say what I really feel.  Most of all, I’m going to open up and let people get to know me, and how I tick.  Instead of just answering beauty related questions, I’d be happy to give advice as well as my views on relationships, social stigmas, you name it.

I apologize in advance for my scattered thoughts.  More often than not I’ll get sidetracked mid-story.  I’ll do my best to avoid such circumstances, but I can’t make any promises.

Send in any comments or suggestions!

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Mon 28 Dec 2009

Reviewing hair care products!

Posted by MollyLoretta under Product Reviews
[2] Comments

I think it’s about time I started reviewing hair care products; from shampoos and conditioners to styling product!

Is there any product you’ve been wondering about in particular?  Looking for a product to do something specific and special?

Ask away!  I want to grab some stuff to review, and review the items in my arsenal — but I want my readers to tell me what they want to know about!

Leave suggestions and requests in the comments!

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Sat 26 Dec 2009

Beauty Blog: What is microdermabrasion?

Posted by MollyLoretta under Beauty Blog
1 Comment

After a discussion in a LiveJournal community, I’ve noticed people are very confused regarding exfoliation and microdermabrasion.  Especially when it comes to what microdermabrasion does.

a⋅bra⋅sion

Pronunciation [uh-brey-zhuhn]

  1. a scraped spot or area; the result of rubbing or abrading: abrasions on his leg caused by falling on the gravel.
  2. the act or process of abrading.

a⋅brade

Pronunciation [uh-breyd]

  1. to wear off or down by scraping or rubbing.
  2. to scrape off.

(Definitions taken from Dictionary.com)

What is microdermabrasion, anyway?

Microdermabrasion is an effective way to remove scars caused by injury or acne, fine wrinkles, sunspots and flaky skin by exfoliating the top layers of skin.  Yes, it removes your uppermost layers of skin.  While microdermabrasion can cause some pain and irritation, it’s great for removing that dead skin cells and can seriously help with scarring.  Think of it, if you have a mole removed somewhere and have a scar, microdermabrasion can help.  It also promotes cell regeneration by stimulating the skin.  After you remove the superficial layers of skin, the new layers of skin are revealed.

What do they use to do microdermabrasion?

Small crystals of aluminum oxide are used to “abrade the stratum corneum” (or remove the uppermost layers of skin).  Don’t worry, they’re safe, non carcinogenic, and haven’t been known to cause any adverse skin reactions.

Does a microdermabrasion procedure hurt?

You shouldn’t really experience pain, but you can definitely feel it.  The delicate areas around the eyes will be the most sensitive to the treatment.  Redness after the procedure is completely normal.  I find it’s not particularly comfortable to have the procedure done, but the results are very welcome!

What can I expect after microdermabrasion?

After a microdermabrasion treatment, you shouldn’t wear make up for the first couple of days.  The newly exposed skin will be very sensitized, and you don’t want to make it worse!  Also avoid sun contact as your skin will be more susceptible to burns and irritation following the procedure.

Who would you recommend receives microdermabrasion?

Anyone.  Many people who are sensitive to chemical peels and chemical exfoliation do not have the same side effects when receiving microdermabrasion, yet the results are the same.

Please keep in mind that:

This procedure can get costly, but it’s worth it.  It is recommended to go in once every 2-3 months for treatments, and sometimes more frequently in the beginning depending on your skin.  Using a gentle daily exfoliant between treatments is fine (I am personally partial to the St Ives, I very gently rub it on my face to remove any flakiness I have.  Dermalogica also has a wonderful daily microfoliant.  Use what works for you or what your esthetician or dermatologist recommends.  Ask for samples!), and welcome to keep your results looking fresh.  Be sure to follow your at home care instructions for the few days following the procedure so as not to injure your skin.  Whoever performs the procedure may even send you home with specific products to use that won’t irritate your skin (cleansers, moisturizers, etc).  If you’re looking for quick and definite results, microdermabrasion is for you!

Don’t be scared of being slightly sore and red.  It’s normal for the first few hours after the procedure, and the redness of course will go down!

Have you ever had microdermabrasion?  Who performed the procedure?  What did you think of the procedure itself, and the results?

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