The dreaded driver's license photo. Notorious for making people look lifeless and dreary in the most unflattering of ways. And it seems inevitable with the drab white background, cranky employees, bright fluorescent lights, and generally boring atmosphere. While your driver's license photo isn't a glamour shot for a fashion magazine- rather it is a serious form of identification- gosh, that thing is going to be around for a long time. Ten years to be exact, a decade if you want to call it that. So who can blame us for wanting to look a little better with some tips?
1) Look like you. So ditch the bright red lips and Hollywood-ready smokey eyes. Again, a driver's license is a serious form of identification used for official, important matters, so it is important to look like yourself, and not like Angelina Jolie or Nicole Kidman just before the Oscars (though they are absolutely gorgeous!).
2) Embrace your natural hair texture. Again, try to look like yourself, so if the case ever arises that a police officer or some other official person (sorry, it's late at night, my vocabulary left the office at 6 o'clock), they will know what you actually look like.
3) Pull hair out of the way. Obviously, if your fringe is covering your eyes, they can't see your face clearly, but also if you pull all of your hair over one shoulder, it will unbalance how your face looks in the picture, make the picture more cluttered, and look like your hair is one giant glop. Pull it out of the way, or split the hair into two sections and put one over one shoulder, and the other over the second. However, don't go for the slicked-back, strict-as-a-corset, "Russian" ballerina bun either, because that's a bit more severe.
4) Add some color back into your face. Now this doesn't mean that we should go out and buy clown makeup. The fluorescent lights and bleak background will wash your face out, regardless of skin tone. Unless the hungover zombie look is desired, blush and bronzer will be your best friend. Use bronzer that is a few shades darker than your natural skin tone, and a natural, healthy-looking blush.
5) Find a good angle. If you take selfies a lot, I'm sure this is something you already have an idea of. Straight-on shots are not always flattering, so if you can find an angle that makes you look great without blocking the view of any of your features, you're golden.
6) Don't pile on a store-full of luminizer or highlighter, and don't overdo the shimmer/sparkle. Yes, I love sparkle, shimmer, and highlighter as much as the next person, but using too much of these products will backfire and make your face look wet or shiny. Use these with a light hand and caution in mind.
7) Look friendly. Some states have banned smiling in photos, and we can't really do anything about that then, but if you are allowed to smile, then go ahead and look friendly and happy with a little, cute, closed-mouthed smile, or a Tyra Banks-approved "smize".
Friday, February 7, 2014
Friday, January 3, 2014
Showdown of the Perfume Travel Atomizers: The Travalo vs. FLO
So, I've been getting really into perfumes lately, and my collection has just been growing and growing. I just noticed how when I smell nice all day, my happiness, confidence, and general mood goes up, and that's always a good thing. However, sometimes my perfume doesn't quite last the ten hours I'm away from home, so I decided to invest in a perfume atomizer to carry around my favorite scent with. The two most popular ones seen to be the Travalo and the FLO atomizers, and I was really confused as to which one I should buy. But after doing some research, I finally set my dollars down on the FLO (eBay, $7.50 with free, 3-day shipping), and here are the pros and cons of each product that led to that decision.
The FLO Atomizer: Pros (7 mL fluid capacity, around $10.00)
. The bottle is glass, so it won't tamper with the fragrance's composition
. Sleek-looking aluminum casing that is elegant, sturdy, and pretty
. Universal to all types of perfumes (spray perfumes with nozzles of all types, pour perfumes)
. Casing protects perfume from sunlight (which breaks down the molecules).
. Small, easy to carry around, and travel-friendly/compliant
The FLO Atomizer: Cons
. Only 3 colors (pink, silver, black)
. A little product may come onto fingers (but I'm a really careful person, so I don't think this is a big deal, and I see how if one would angle the FLO so that the nozzle of the perfume bottle is pointing slightly downwards, the leakage would be minimized, or maybe even eliminated)
Travalo: Pros (5 mL fluid capacity, around $10.99)
. Many, many colors
. Small side window to see how much fluid is in the case (or in the older models, the entire thing is clear)
. Small, easy to carry around, and travel-friendly/compliant
Travalo: Cons
. The older version is plastic, so sunlight can break the perfume down and plastic isn't quite as sturdy as aluminum, the newer version seems a little better
. Only works with removable spray nozzles
In my opinion, just looking at the pros and cons, the FLO atomizer seem better, and I like that the FLO is universal (works with all perfume). The Travalo only works with spray nozzles, and only the spray nozzles that are removable.
I watched some videos of people loading both the FLO and the Travalo, and while in the FLO, the bottom lid has a small piece on the cap to plug the bottom, sealing off the perfume, the Travalo seems like it would leak because there's no bottom part, and I'm not sure how the makers intend for the perfume to stay in there.
Also, there is more fluid capacity for the FLO than the Travalo, and the price is less for a product that is higher quality and more aesthetically pleasing. Win!
Finally, I change perfumes quite a lot, and the FLO states that it can be cleaned easily with some rubbing alcohol, or just putting in new perfume and flushing out the old one with a few spritzes. However, on the Travalo's site, it says that they don't recommend reusing a Travalo. So to change perfumes, you have to buy a whole other Travalo for another $10.99? They states that if you really wanted to clean the Travalo, you had to find an empty spray bottle (detachable nozzle, of course) and use that to flush it out. That's more money or time digging around for stuff.
My Verdict: FLO wins!
The FLO Atomizer: Pros (7 mL fluid capacity, around $10.00)
. The bottle is glass, so it won't tamper with the fragrance's composition
. Sleek-looking aluminum casing that is elegant, sturdy, and pretty
. Universal to all types of perfumes (spray perfumes with nozzles of all types, pour perfumes)
. Casing protects perfume from sunlight (which breaks down the molecules).
. Small, easy to carry around, and travel-friendly/compliant
The FLO Atomizer: Cons
. Only 3 colors (pink, silver, black)
. A little product may come onto fingers (but I'm a really careful person, so I don't think this is a big deal, and I see how if one would angle the FLO so that the nozzle of the perfume bottle is pointing slightly downwards, the leakage would be minimized, or maybe even eliminated)
Travalo: Pros (5 mL fluid capacity, around $10.99)
. Many, many colors
. Small side window to see how much fluid is in the case (or in the older models, the entire thing is clear)
. Small, easy to carry around, and travel-friendly/compliant
Travalo: Cons
. The older version is plastic, so sunlight can break the perfume down and plastic isn't quite as sturdy as aluminum, the newer version seems a little better
. Only works with removable spray nozzles
In my opinion, just looking at the pros and cons, the FLO atomizer seem better, and I like that the FLO is universal (works with all perfume). The Travalo only works with spray nozzles, and only the spray nozzles that are removable.
I watched some videos of people loading both the FLO and the Travalo, and while in the FLO, the bottom lid has a small piece on the cap to plug the bottom, sealing off the perfume, the Travalo seems like it would leak because there's no bottom part, and I'm not sure how the makers intend for the perfume to stay in there.
Also, there is more fluid capacity for the FLO than the Travalo, and the price is less for a product that is higher quality and more aesthetically pleasing. Win!
Finally, I change perfumes quite a lot, and the FLO states that it can be cleaned easily with some rubbing alcohol, or just putting in new perfume and flushing out the old one with a few spritzes. However, on the Travalo's site, it says that they don't recommend reusing a Travalo. So to change perfumes, you have to buy a whole other Travalo for another $10.99? They states that if you really wanted to clean the Travalo, you had to find an empty spray bottle (detachable nozzle, of course) and use that to flush it out. That's more money or time digging around for stuff.
My Verdict: FLO wins!
Friday, December 27, 2013
My New Discovery for the New Year (2014)
I'm not joking. I think I just found one of my all-time favorite beauty lines.
It's Boots No.7, and all of the branching companies, such as Boots Botanics, Boots Expert Care, and Champreys.
Not only do they make makeup, skincare products, bath products, and body products, they are so affordably priced and their skincare products rival some of my Shiseido, Bliss, and Estee Lauder products!
What are some of your guys' favorite beauty brands? Sound off in the comments and have a wonderful, beautiful, happy new year!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Holiday Special: Turn Heads at the Next Holiday Party
Happy holidays and Christmas Eve, everyone!
I know I don't post very consistently, but since it's so close to Christmas (less than 24 hours actually), I felt that it'd be only right to post something for people to enjoy. Hopefully.
Since it's the holiday season, and after Christmas the new year of 2014 is looming closely on the horizon, I'm willing to assume that a lot of people will be throwing or attending holiday parties. I always love holiday parties for the companionship, cheer, and festivities, but it also means dressing up. Which I am rather inept at because it's so hard for me to step outside of my fashion comfort zone. However, after some experimenting, I found some fun, wearable, easy ways to change up your look for the holidays ranging from subtle to a bit of edge and boldness (well, in my opinion).
1) Metallics and holiday colors in eye makeup. Try things such as using a metallic gold eyeliner or a light dusting of some glittery, shimmery eyeshadow for some subtle sparkle. It's easy to pull off, not too bold, and it will look great when you and your friends are all sitting around the holiday candlelight. I also tried a dark, lush green eyeliner with some gold eyeshadow, and it really brought out the colors of my eyes and pulled my outfit together. And I was not self-conscious at all.
2) Glam accessories. Nothing pulls an outfit together better than some seriously fabulous accessories. And since it's the holidays, it's perfectly acceptable to wear more bling than ever! Some simple ideas are some dangle earrings with serious sparkle; a cute, red bow on a dress or in hair; a cute charm bracelet; delicate, elegant necklaces; sparkly headbands; and bold, chunkier statements pieces! Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!
3) Don't be afraid to show some skin. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean that every inch of you needs to be covered in flannel or fleece. It's easy to be both cozy and cute in a skirt and dress. If you're going to be indoors, then rock those legs! (Just don't forget some moisturizer to avoid pastiness or a slight dusting of bronze shimmer to give them a leaner effect. If the dryness is really severe, or if you're feeling shy, pantyhose will be your best bet.) Outside, skirts and dresses and be layered over cute, patterned tights or leggings! Also, don't forget about sweater dresses. They make some sweater dresses that are just so pretty that I wish I could wear them all year.
4) Scents make sense. While accessories make a huge impact on an outfit's "togetherness", perfume is a finishing touch that can really take your style from good to brilliant.
5) Retro glam. I never thought I'd say this, but the holidays are a great time to whip out some good ol' retro-inspired hairstyles! For example, a classic wave from the old-time silver screens looks great with a sparkly, mid-thigh party dress!
6) Bold lips! Bolder, darker lip colors have got to be one of my favorite things about the colder months, including shades like raspberry, deep red, plum, fuchsia, and magenta. However, for the holidays, there's an excuse to really amp it up to include shimmer or major gloss in lip colors! I never thought about wearing a red lip, but pairing it with a creamy white sweater totally made it work.
And that's about it! If I missed anything or if you have some tips and ideas to share, leave them in the comments.
Happy holidays and merry Christmas, everyone!
I know I don't post very consistently, but since it's so close to Christmas (less than 24 hours actually), I felt that it'd be only right to post something for people to enjoy. Hopefully.
Since it's the holiday season, and after Christmas the new year of 2014 is looming closely on the horizon, I'm willing to assume that a lot of people will be throwing or attending holiday parties. I always love holiday parties for the companionship, cheer, and festivities, but it also means dressing up. Which I am rather inept at because it's so hard for me to step outside of my fashion comfort zone. However, after some experimenting, I found some fun, wearable, easy ways to change up your look for the holidays ranging from subtle to a bit of edge and boldness (well, in my opinion).
1) Metallics and holiday colors in eye makeup. Try things such as using a metallic gold eyeliner or a light dusting of some glittery, shimmery eyeshadow for some subtle sparkle. It's easy to pull off, not too bold, and it will look great when you and your friends are all sitting around the holiday candlelight. I also tried a dark, lush green eyeliner with some gold eyeshadow, and it really brought out the colors of my eyes and pulled my outfit together. And I was not self-conscious at all.
2) Glam accessories. Nothing pulls an outfit together better than some seriously fabulous accessories. And since it's the holidays, it's perfectly acceptable to wear more bling than ever! Some simple ideas are some dangle earrings with serious sparkle; a cute, red bow on a dress or in hair; a cute charm bracelet; delicate, elegant necklaces; sparkly headbands; and bold, chunkier statements pieces! Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!
3) Don't be afraid to show some skin. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean that every inch of you needs to be covered in flannel or fleece. It's easy to be both cozy and cute in a skirt and dress. If you're going to be indoors, then rock those legs! (Just don't forget some moisturizer to avoid pastiness or a slight dusting of bronze shimmer to give them a leaner effect. If the dryness is really severe, or if you're feeling shy, pantyhose will be your best bet.) Outside, skirts and dresses and be layered over cute, patterned tights or leggings! Also, don't forget about sweater dresses. They make some sweater dresses that are just so pretty that I wish I could wear them all year.
4) Scents make sense. While accessories make a huge impact on an outfit's "togetherness", perfume is a finishing touch that can really take your style from good to brilliant.
5) Retro glam. I never thought I'd say this, but the holidays are a great time to whip out some good ol' retro-inspired hairstyles! For example, a classic wave from the old-time silver screens looks great with a sparkly, mid-thigh party dress!
6) Bold lips! Bolder, darker lip colors have got to be one of my favorite things about the colder months, including shades like raspberry, deep red, plum, fuchsia, and magenta. However, for the holidays, there's an excuse to really amp it up to include shimmer or major gloss in lip colors! I never thought about wearing a red lip, but pairing it with a creamy white sweater totally made it work.
And that's about it! If I missed anything or if you have some tips and ideas to share, leave them in the comments.
Happy holidays and merry Christmas, everyone!
Friday, November 8, 2013
Hand Cream: Underrated Savior or Just Another Unnecessary Tube?
For the longest time, I avoided hand cream. Like the plague. (I know that sounds cliche because that's really the only way to describe my feelings and behaviors towards that stuff.) Why? Well:
1) It's greasy, which makes me unproductive. I can't type, play piano, or touch stuff in general waiting for that layer of grease to sink in. I don't have the time for that.
2) Hand cream reminded me of old ladies. There was just this really strange association.
3) It seemed like a completely unnecessary expense to my (already) huge beauty list.
Couldn't I just use regular lotion? Why should I buy a separate cream, lotion, or whatever? However, after reading some articles, I learned that I shouldn't have avoided hand cream all these years. Even if I were to keep my skin in prime condition for the next gazillion years, my hands would be one of the first things to give away my actual age in a gazillion years if I didn't do something about them, because hands tend to be one of the drier parts of the body. Without adequate moisture, wrinkles would eventually form. So I went out, bought my first hand cream, and... Completely fell in love. It made my hands feel so smooth, soothed the dryness (and the accompanying itching, flaking, pain from cracking, etc.), smelled lovely, and the love letter goes on and on and on. Now, I'm pretty much a hand cream junkie.
In my opinion, hand cream is not just another unnecessary tube. Rather, it's an underrated savior.
So in the future, I'll be posting some reviews and posts for hand cream. Well, on top of reviews and posts for other stuff.
Eos Sweet Mint Lip Sphere Review
This review was originally posted in one of my earliest blogs, but since I'm about to delete that blog, I decided to post this here, just because I thought it may be helpful. :)
Eos Lip Sphere in Sweet Mint Review
This just might be the best lip balm I've ever used, no joke, and I'm pretty impressed myself considering how picky I am when it comes to cosmetics. I've always heard a lot about these little lip balm spheres, but I never had the chance to try it until now, and now I know what all the rage is about.
The packaging is first what caught my eye. It's like a little egg, with a small, flattened surface on one end (so it can stand) and you twist it open. I like the texture of the lip sphere because it's really smooth and it's a lot easier to open compared to other lip balms in twist-up tubes. Plus, the colors of Eos Lip Spheres are so vivid and beautiful.
The lip balm inside is like a little, smooth mound (think of if the earth was cut in half, thus a hemisphere!). It goes on extremely smooth, and the contoured shape makes it a lot easier to apply opposed to tube lip balms because it fits the shape of your lips. With this type of packaging and shape, you get a lot more product.
The lip balm inside is absolutely. Amazing. It's really smooth and sheer, but still offers a lot of protection and hydration for your lips that lasts for a long time. I like how the lip balm is really well textured, so there's no stickiness, chunky pieces, or gritty grains inside. The flavors only make this lip balm better. I love how there are so many varieties of flavors, and the quality of the flavor blows my socks off. Sweet Mint makes my lips tingle, and it smells and tastes incredible. I've been using Eos Lip Spheres for only a week, but it has made my lips so soft.
On a scale of one to ten, I give this lip balm a twelve. :)
Eos Lip Sphere in Sweet Mint Review
This just might be the best lip balm I've ever used, no joke, and I'm pretty impressed myself considering how picky I am when it comes to cosmetics. I've always heard a lot about these little lip balm spheres, but I never had the chance to try it until now, and now I know what all the rage is about.
The packaging is first what caught my eye. It's like a little egg, with a small, flattened surface on one end (so it can stand) and you twist it open. I like the texture of the lip sphere because it's really smooth and it's a lot easier to open compared to other lip balms in twist-up tubes. Plus, the colors of Eos Lip Spheres are so vivid and beautiful.
The lip balm inside is like a little, smooth mound (think of if the earth was cut in half, thus a hemisphere!). It goes on extremely smooth, and the contoured shape makes it a lot easier to apply opposed to tube lip balms because it fits the shape of your lips. With this type of packaging and shape, you get a lot more product.
The lip balm inside is absolutely. Amazing. It's really smooth and sheer, but still offers a lot of protection and hydration for your lips that lasts for a long time. I like how the lip balm is really well textured, so there's no stickiness, chunky pieces, or gritty grains inside. The flavors only make this lip balm better. I love how there are so many varieties of flavors, and the quality of the flavor blows my socks off. Sweet Mint makes my lips tingle, and it smells and tastes incredible. I've been using Eos Lip Spheres for only a week, but it has made my lips so soft.
On a scale of one to ten, I give this lip balm a twelve. :)
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Be Warned
Okay guys, just hang in there, because I am going to rant.
There is a company called Discount Dance Supply, and for the past five year, I've thought they were absolutely wonderful. Until now. Until I had to make a return, which I had never done before.
I had bought five leotards on their website, and checked the sizing chart for every single one, just because that's a habit I've had for the longest time. But when I finally got the leotards, I took one look at every single one and I could tell that they were all way too small. I didn't even try them on to see that they were too small. So I neatly packed the leotards into a box, wrote the check to cover the returns and shipping, and filled out the form, informing Discount Dance Supply that the garments were too small, not accurate to the sizing chart, and new (meaning unworn, the tags still there, packaging still intact). Then, I was off to the post office.
So, about ten days later, I got a package from Discount Dance, and initially I was very impressed with their speed and efficiency. However, when I opened the box, I was furious. Inside were the original leotards I had sent back, along with an angry-looking letter. As I read the letter, I felt like I was personally being screamed at. It was in very rude wording, with very condescending language. Reading it, I felt like they thought that I, a loyal customer for the past five years, was a stupid, retarded ape. It said that I couldn't have my leotards exchanged because they were "soiled". How could they be soiled? All I did was unzip the packets they came in, look at the leotard, decide they were too small, fold the leotard up, and put it back into the packet. Plus, the letter was very unclear on whether they were giving me back credit or not. I sure hope so because now I have five leotards that are absolutely useless, over $120 wasted, and I am so angry that I was so tempted to send the company a link to this blog.
These righteous, selfish, unreasonable people will never be touching or seeing any more of my hard-earned money in the future. I now realize that there is too much hype around this pathetic, rude, disrespectful excuse for a business.
And to the people who (thank you) have read so far, NEVER order from this company if you are expecting good customer service, because their customer service is the absolute worst. Save your money for a company more deserving, attentive, and unselfish.
There is a company called Discount Dance Supply, and for the past five year, I've thought they were absolutely wonderful. Until now. Until I had to make a return, which I had never done before.
I had bought five leotards on their website, and checked the sizing chart for every single one, just because that's a habit I've had for the longest time. But when I finally got the leotards, I took one look at every single one and I could tell that they were all way too small. I didn't even try them on to see that they were too small. So I neatly packed the leotards into a box, wrote the check to cover the returns and shipping, and filled out the form, informing Discount Dance Supply that the garments were too small, not accurate to the sizing chart, and new (meaning unworn, the tags still there, packaging still intact). Then, I was off to the post office.
So, about ten days later, I got a package from Discount Dance, and initially I was very impressed with their speed and efficiency. However, when I opened the box, I was furious. Inside were the original leotards I had sent back, along with an angry-looking letter. As I read the letter, I felt like I was personally being screamed at. It was in very rude wording, with very condescending language. Reading it, I felt like they thought that I, a loyal customer for the past five years, was a stupid, retarded ape. It said that I couldn't have my leotards exchanged because they were "soiled". How could they be soiled? All I did was unzip the packets they came in, look at the leotard, decide they were too small, fold the leotard up, and put it back into the packet. Plus, the letter was very unclear on whether they were giving me back credit or not. I sure hope so because now I have five leotards that are absolutely useless, over $120 wasted, and I am so angry that I was so tempted to send the company a link to this blog.
These righteous, selfish, unreasonable people will never be touching or seeing any more of my hard-earned money in the future. I now realize that there is too much hype around this pathetic, rude, disrespectful excuse for a business.
And to the people who (thank you) have read so far, NEVER order from this company if you are expecting good customer service, because their customer service is the absolute worst. Save your money for a company more deserving, attentive, and unselfish.
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