23 Wednesday May 2012
Posted in Portfolio/Pictures
Tags
Beauty, blog, miscellaneous, makeup, cosmetics, pictures, photo's, camera, makeup artist, esthetician, photographer, makeover, cannon t3 rebel, natural, prom, wedding, professional, models, pretty makeup, fashion, photography
This gallery contains 4 photos.
These are photographs that I’ve taken after completing a makeover. I will be adding different pictures to this Portfolio as they …
19 Saturday May 2012
Posted in Makeup/Skincare products, Uncategorized
Tags
Beauty, blog, complexion, Cosmetic Review Board, cosmetics, education, FDA, health, ideas, irritants, knowledge, lead, lipstick, makeup, miscellaneous, opinion, thoughts
Does hearing the words Lead in Lipstick make you cringe?
Is it a controversy? No, it’s a proven fact! The FDA released information regarding their 2010 testing of 400 lipsticks. All contained lead. Isn’t lead a bad thing? Then why is it in our lipstick?
Lipstick is one of the only makeup products we can ingest. The FDA researchers say that the PPM (parts per million) in lipstick stays within the regulated guide lines, and that we don’t ingest enough of it to cause a problem. Well, dear FDA how would you know? Did you conduct any clinical trials to stand behind such a statement? Common sense would tell you that if it’s on the mouth then were eating it, even if we don’t mean to. Think about what lipstick you’re wearing when you eat, drink, kiss, chew gum, or spit. Now I know we can’t ingest the entirety of what is on our mouth, because half is wiped off. However, we are ingesting a good percentage and as that may not hurt you once or twice, what about a lifetime? Women are not just wearing lipsticks once and while, but every day for hours at a time. So accumulatively we are building up a lead level that doesn’t need to be there.
Lead is a nasty beast found in many things, even our soil. Plants are being grown out of polluted soil and we eat those plants. So is it possible to escape lead? Probably not, but we can limit our exposure to it. We as humans can not, and are not, in control of everything. What we can do is react. There is no reason for any amount of lead to be found in our lipsticks. It has even been found in Cosmetic Foundation! So what are we to do? Stop wearing these favorite products of ours? Its hard enough picking things that work let alone adding ingredient formulations to our decision making. So what are we to do?
The best thing any of us makeup, skin care, product consumers can do is limit our exposure. Evaluate what we are wearing and who it is made by. We can not live our lives consumed by fear, worry, and dread. However, we can use common sense.
Another move is looking into companies with good report. Who follow the strictest of guidelines and try to put people first, instead of the dollar. Research which companies are practicing what they preach. Read the ingredients and try to locate ones you wish to avoid. This rule changes upon individual preference. Some may worry over parabens, some may not. If you do not like parabens then do yourself a favour and avoid it. I have been asked questions on good vs evil when it comes to formulations in cosmetic ingredients. There is no right answer, because its individual. The best I can do is share my opinion, and pass it on. (Please see ‘Which Side are You on?’ post for further information)
I will tell you from my own personal research that I am not an avoider of all things. I am of some. I feel that fragrance is an ingredient, if its synthetic, to be avoided. Fragrance can cause irritation in many individuals and irritation leads to inflammation. Inflammation causes redness and accelerates the aging process. Another is formaldehyde. Formaldehyde releasers are found in everything from baby shampoo to moisturizers. They are used as a preservative to keep bacteria away. I do not fear formaldehyde in itself (it’s formed naturally in nature) but I do its effects. It too is a known irritant and I just explained what irritation can lead too. With that said, it is still found in half the stuff I own. I’m searching for things that do not contain Formaldehyde, but not fretting about.
We need to remember it’s not what we use from time to time that is a problem but what we use everyday over many years. Even certain sun screens have been found to build up in our tissues after continued use and are harmful to our bodies. This doesn’t mean go without it! It means sourcing information, looking into clinical studies, and purchasing the appropriate product. It is a lot of work, and very time-consuming. Who has time for all this? That is why we put our trust into the administrations that govern the factories out-putting our products.
Here’s a shocker though. That ‘Administration’ we put our trust into, has little interaction within the cosmetics industry. It has only ruled over a few things, and for the most part allows the companies to govern themselves. The FDA will only step in when enough of a problem over a product has been found to be dangerous to the health of an individual/individuals. It is up to us to sound off. The Cosmetic Review Board, which is an organization under the FDA, is responsible for following through and checking up on the guidelines these manufactures are ‘supposed’ to follow. The sad fact is they only have a voice, no power. They set the standard and make suggestions, but its left up to the companies to uphold themselves to that standard and make an honest product. Again, what to do?
Mrs Susan with four small children doesn’t have the time to scan every product on the shelf for safe ingredients. Even if she could, would she know what she’s reading? Ingredients can be overwhelming and without being a chemist, are hard to understand. Not to mention 1 or 2 different ingredients on their own may be safe but mixed together can create a dangerous cocktail. How are we supposed to know these things as a consumer? We can’t, and we don’t have the time. We are not all chemist and makeup guru’s. We have to trust someone. That’s where we start.
My opinion is nothing that can cause cancer, or build up to toxic levels should enter our cosmetic products. NO EXCEPTIONS! I have seen so many problems arise from irritation. Having an allergic reaction to food is one thing, but it shouldn’t happen from our makeup. I feel that the FDA has too much on their hands to truly be concerned with lead in lipstick. Especially if the PPM are kept to requirement. I do not agree with their approach and wish they would take it more seriously. It is ingested, and it does start to cause a problem after many years of use. As a civilization we have crossed hazardous roads before. Take asbestos for example. It was ‘supposed’ to be so safe. For goodness sake it was meant for fire-proofing, but what eventually happened? Cancer.
The Skin Deep Data base (SDD) is a great place to start if searching for safer products is something your interested in. They narrow it down, and give you an honest idea of what to look for using a numbered scale. 0-3 for good 3-6 for okay 7-9 as bad. Please be aware. Even though the SDD creators have the best of intentions they do not have all the clinical information to back up some of their warnings. Don’t let what you read scare you. Instead, research it for yourself. If you agree with them, then adjust accordingly.
Another good source is the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. For a company to sign their campaign act they must adhere to strict guidelines, follow protocol, and be environmentally friendly. They must maintain these standards yearly, and are consistently checked in upon. If they stop doing what they are supposed to then they are removed from the list. Two cosmetic companies that have signed and been a member for years is Zosimos Botanicals and Jane Iredale. Both are mineral makeup companies and produce a lot of product. These are just some examples, and many other’s have signed the act.
Trusting a company before a purchase is made can make you feel more secure. Any brand can have its good and bad side. Don’t fret if you find this to be true when making a decision. Instead of writing them off completely just choose another product from their line that meets your standards. I love Aveda and Origins (both are owned by Estee Lauder) but even though they claim to be all natural they aren’t entirely. Some of their ingredients fall short, or have an added preservative. This doesn’t make them bad, it just makes me weed out what I don’t want, and be aware.
Be careful, realistic, educated, and informed on making your choices. Find what works for you, and trust what you purchase. We are all individuals and make our decisions based upon that. Don’t be pushed around, or scared into/out-of something. Knowing is half the battle.
With Beauty’s Best,
Angel-a
08 Tuesday May 2012
Posted in Grocery List's, Makeup Techniques, Makeup/Skincare products, Video's
Tags
Beauty, blog, complexion, cosmetics, eyeshadow application, instructional video, MAC cosmetics, makeup, makeup how-to, makeup products, Merle Norman, miscellaneous, opinion, scarlett johannson, skin, step by step, Urban Decay, video
Scarlett Johansson has been compared to many things. One is Marilyn Monroe, the other a sexy super hero. (Which she plays in this Month’s release of the Avengers) I find her looks very appealing, yet down to earth. It’s as if she could literally be that sexy girl next door, or the hot friend of a friend. I love the sound of her voice. I purchased the CD she made with Pete Yorn titled the ‘Break Up.’ Its a great CD and has a relaxing quality to it.
While I was flipping through this month’s Vogue issue I saw a Dolce & Gabanna add she did for their perfume ‘The One.’ I thought it would be fun to tackle the look and dissect it. It’s always fun to try new things, and change it up. I figured I would share the tips, and tricks I used to achieve it. I hope you all enjoy, and have fun trying a ScarJo look out on yourself.
With Beauty’s Best,
Angel-a
Please see Scarlett Johansson Makeup Tutorial in Vodpod side bar.
Here is the link for the video on You Tube
02 Wednesday May 2012
Posted in Makeup Techniques, Makeup/Skincare products, Video's
Tags
actress, angelina jolie, Beauty, blog, cat eye makeup look, Chantecaille Lip Gloss, complexion, cosmetics, education, eye shadow techniques, idea, MAC cosmetics, makeup, makeup application, makeup how-to, miscellaneous, opinion, sexy, step by step, Urban Decay, video tutorial
Angelina Jolie
Angelina’s eyes are sexy yet natural. She usually chooses to wear nudes, and browns. (Brown eyeshadows are great for bringing out blue eyes) I can pick out three colors when looking at her eye shadows.
The idea is to appear natural, and understated. However, your also making a statement without it screaming NOTICE ME! (Yet at the same time, you’re getting noticed)
This is the area where you’ll have to work by trial and error to figure out your best Angelina Cat Eye. I will suggest colors that I’ve personally chosen for myself but remember I am fair. You can use this as a guide when choosing colors but pick those that work for you.
* These are suggestions only. Remember Angelina makes makeup work for her skin, and goals. For true Angelina-izing, do what you love best
*Suggestions (Eyeshadow)
I personally use MAC eyeshadows in Brule, SoftBrown, Malt, Quarry, and Mylar. I also use Foxy and Naked from Urban Decay.
If you are fair to light-skinned these eyeshadow colors should work for you. Remember to take your eye color into consideration. Depending on its color you may want to find neutral toned eyeshadows that have different underlying color tones to emphasize and bring out your eyes. Continue reading »
25 Wednesday Apr 2012
Posted in Uncategorized, Skin Types, Skin Conditons
Tags
Beauty, skin care, microdermabrasion, blog, routine, spa, complexion, cosmetics, aging, plastic surgery, skin treatments, options, serums, plastic surgeon, esthetics, esthetician, chemical peels, retinol, vitamin A, ROC
Resveratrol is an antioxidant produced by the red grape. It has been found to retard the aging process by keeping free radicals at bay, and protecting the good cells in the body. Certain companies have started formulating their products with this antioxidant and using it in skin care. Resveratrol is available as a chewy vitamin through (GNC) and in a pill form. It has many health benefits that suit the needs of the body as well as the skin.
Another ingredient to look for is Hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is great at reducing sun spots, and blotches. It does this by blocking enzymes that trigger melanin. *For best results see a dermatologist about a prescription. Licorice extract, arbutin, and kojic acid are also great ingredients for lightening the skin due to hyperpigmenation.
White tea extract has been known to reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.
Look for ingredients that help prevent or slow down the aging process. Argireline is known for minimizing, and slowing down the appearance of lines in the face. You may find it in a lot of preventative skin care items, and some serums. Continue reading »
22 Sunday Apr 2012
Tags
baby belly pictures, baby belly portraits, baby pictures, black and white photo's, cannon camera, mommy, photogrophy, pictures, rebel t3
This is my friend Chrissy, before baby. She asked if I wouldn’t mind coming by and doing some pre-baby pictures. We took so many that day, but these two were among my favourites. I added a third to my portfolio/pictures tab if you want to see another we both love so much. Life is precious in any stage.
All pictures are shot, and edited by myself, Angel-a, unless otherwise noted. My style is very low-key, and natural. When it comes to editing I am not going to change the person/person’s face to reflect an un-realistic portrayal of beauty. My editing involves cropping, lighting adjustments, light removal of objects (such as hair blown into face or an oversized blemish) nothing more. It gives the viewer and subject an honest portrayal of the best scenario possible, because we all know nature can be a beast to work with.
For any questions or wishes to use and distribute my photo’s please contact me through email.
With Beauty’s Best,
Angel-a
Posted by Angel-a | Filed under Portfolio/Pictures
21 Saturday Apr 2012
Posted in Makeup Techniques, Makeup/Skincare products, Video's
Tags
angelina jolie, angelina jolie makeup, angelina jolie tips and tricks, Beauty, biofond cream foundation, blog, complexion, cosmetics, how to, ideas, Lancome, MAC cosmetics, makeup, Merle Norman, miscellaneous, step by step, Urban Decay, video tutorial
If you thought of her eyes, lips, hair or body then you were close, but I have another reason to think she rocks. No matter your opinion of her, or the choices she has made one thing is absolutely clear. Angelina is her own person. She doesn’t try to be someone else, or Hollywood’s version of her. She, in my book, is a fierce woman. Even if you don’t agree, it is worth it to say that she still deserves our respect. Respect for being a person who doesn’t bend who they are for others. Who remains true to themselves even if it goes against the grain. She takes charge, and accepts what ever is thrown at her. What ever decision she has made Angelina follows it through, and doesn’t bulk at the consequences.
The focus of this post isn’t specifically about her personality but of her cosmetic look. It wouldn’t be fair if I moved forward without shedding some insight on what intrigues me.
Angelina knows herself from the inside out. She accepts, and loves who she is. Miss Jolie is comfortable in her own skin which is very appealing to everyone who beholds her. When someone is comfortable with themselves, and projects self-confidence you find it contagious. Without question you believe what they believe, and that makes all the difference.
The purpose of this blog is to teach you how to apply the Sexy Angelina Cat eye, educate you on the Foundation technique, and get the look of a pouty lip all while keeping your identity front and center. It’s finding your own sexiness, while borrowing her style. This means down-playing what you may see as a flaw, up-playing your strong points, and putting your best self forward. Remember, strong women were never famous for being ‘opinionated’. They were famous for being bold and following through on their word, no matter what. Sometimes that is a very difficult thing to do especially in the face of adversity. There are many women we can think of that have made history and have done great things (Iron Lady anyone?) I chose to speak on Angelina because I respect her confidence, her realism, and style.
This may set her apart from others, but it’s the way she presents them that gets us to notice. Her makeup could be described as sexy, flawless, and natural. It’s a look that isn’t new but is a compilation of techniques morphed into one. The difference is, Angelina puts her personal spin on it by creating her own signature look. Continue reading »
17 Tuesday Apr 2012
Posted in Makeup/Skincare products, Skin Conditons, Skin Types, Uncategorized
Tags
aging, anti-aging, anti-aging skin care, Beauty, beauty products, blog, brighteners, complexion, dermatology, exfoliate, ideas, masks, mature skin, old, opinion, people, routine, skin, skin care products, spa, step by step, wellbeing, young
Whether, it’s a sweet 16 or the big 50. It’s not something we should dread and we are constantly reminded how lucky we are when another birthday comes along. However, for women, being blessed another year has its discouraging moments when the face in the mirror reflects back at you. * Before I go on I must note that any year you have on this earth is precious, blessed, and most of all IMPORTANT. Never dread getting older. The opposite is far less glamorous.
The discouraging part is a realistic dose of actuality. Its seeing lines form, dark circles appear, a radiant complexion change, and spots. These things may creep up slowly, or happen suddenly. Either way, it can turn our once loved mirror into something we rather forget.
I am not sure how old the readers of this post may be. You may have plenty of vitality left in your skin, or feel those days are long past. In either case this post is meant to treat areas of concern, and help you find your own way to age gracefully. Isn’t that what we have always been told? Age gracefully? However, do any of us know what that truly means? In my opinion. It means accepting the expected with an air of grace and a determination towards happiness.
Happiness is something to be willed at times of our life. It doesn’t always come gift wrapped in ‘fun’ or ‘sparkly’ packaging, but if you can wield it people will flock to you. Being happy is like attracting bee’s to honey and believe me, happiness is sweet. Therefore, the sweeter your honey the more beautiful you are.
Its proven, we are dying from the moment we draw our first breath. As we age it’s presence shows itself in different ways. For many, aches and pains become more apparent followed with skin changes. Your skin reflects what’s going on inside of you rather its good or bad. Continue reading »
12 Thursday Apr 2012
Tags
1940's, Beauty, blog, complexion, cosmetics, MAC cosmetics, makeup, makeup application, Merle Norman, miscellaneous, model, opinion, other, photogrophy, pictures, pin-up, routine, step by step, thoughts, women
She is a woman with curves, confidence and sex appeal. This is a brief (Angel-a) description for the popular ‘Pin-Up’.
Pin-Ups became popular and gained notoriety over the War time. Soldiers would hang they’re pictures up and take comfort gazing at the American woman. At first, women were drawn or painted from life. It wasn’t until the 40′s that actual photographs of women started to be used and these prints eventually moved over to posters by World War 2. The more popular Pin-Ups were pictures of actresses such as Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth.
The pin-up was the ideal woman of the 1940-50′s. The sensuality of these women, and their sexy curves, which are the epitome of pin-up, made them desirable. Not only do you think of curves when relating to the model, but you can’t have the pin-up without the ‘look’. This is where cosmetics take center stage.
The ‘Look’ consists of beautiful skin, the bedroom eye, and bold red lips. Makeup was starting to come into its own during the 30′s and 40′s. Most available cosmetic choices were not as they are today, and many women from home did not wear any at all. With few eye color choices the lips were given the spot light and the color red was the star. In the hands of the Makeup Artist this look was transformed from basic girl next door, to glamour queen. It was a Hollywood creation that led the way for women to copy. (These same principles apply to today. Just pick up Allure or Glamour.) In essence, it was the style/trend at the time but it’s forever changed the way we think of a pin-up. It’s a look we automatically link to sexy, and desirable.
Today I have included a Pin-Up look of mine that is easy to duplicate, and may give you that sexy edge you were searching for. If not I hope you enjoy looking at the pictures, and maybe trying it out for fun.
It’s important to note that for a true Pin-Up look, a semi-matte finish is needed for the foundation. Followed by a setting of loose powder. In the era of the pin-up most foundations had a semi-matte or matte look to them.
* I suggest using a cream foundation like Cinema Secrets, Biofond, or MAC’s Studio Tech. These cream foundations have a semi-matte quality to them that wont look cakey. Both are great at building coverage for those areas in extra need of it. If a liquid foundation is preferred I suggest Clinique Even Better, MAC Studio Fix Liquid. or Revlon Color Stay. For those of you wanting to go mineral try Jane Iredale or Bare Escentuals. Merle Norman Ultra Powder foundation and MAC Studio Fix Powder are also nice alternatives.
Make sure to conceal areas of imperfection, or dark circles.
* I suggest using Benefit Erase Paint or Loreal MAGIC LUMI under eye concealer. Both of these concealers cover and brighten the area they’re applied to. (Using a brightener helps keep the eye area youthful looking)
Most women used some form of highlighting down the nose, on the chin, under the eyebrow, in the cupids bow of the lip, and on the cheek bones.
Finish with a light dusting of loose powder. I use a powder puff to apply mine. Rolling and pressing in a downward motion.
Use a blush that brightens your complexion but wont compete with the red lipstick. I used and applied NARS Orgasim blush (lightly) on my upper cheek bones.
MAC Eyeshadow’s in 
Brule, Dazzelight, Soft Brown, and Carbon.
Merle Norman Lasting Cream Liner in Black & MAC Superslick Liquid Liner in ‘On the Hunt.’
Katy Perry Eylure Fake Lashes (Oh Honey!)
Lancome Doll Lashes- BLack
(Please see the Pin-Up Eye Tutorial in the VodPod side bar, or click this link to follow along and complete this look!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA5BuJ8EvRQ&context=C428295dADvjVQa1PpcFOt2C9AqvmBs4qC-rItrWMQf4oFlAUJgrQ=
* Use reds that correspond with your skin tone. With so many to choose from you may get overwhelmed, but don’t. If you are fair to light-skinned and have pink undertones look for orange based reds. If you have light to dark skin, and your undertones are olive complected (green) choose reds with blue undertones. You can always start with neutral reds if you think you may be an in-between or are unsure of what your undertone is.
(Please see the Pin-Up Lip Tutorial in the VodPod side bar, or click this link to follow along and complete this look!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcXnOnD8EhQ
Have fun playing and applying this look. Cinema Secrets can be purchased directly from their website or CameraReadyCosmetics.com. For a MAC counter near you look in Nordstrums or Macy’s.
With Beauty’s Best,
Angel-a
(The complete Pin-Up Look) 
Posted by Angel-a | Filed under Makeup Techniques, Makeup/Skincare products
10 Tuesday Apr 2012
Posted in Grocery List's, Makeup/Skincare products
Tags
Beauty, blog, complexion, cosmetics, education, eyeshadow, foundation, makeup, Merle Norman, miscellaneous, model, step by step, thoughts
Primed with Merle Norman Facial Primer-Original
Flawless Effect Liquid Foundation-#38
Flawless Effect Loose Powder- Translucent
Merle Norman Blush in Teakwood & Cupid
Merle Norman Eyeshadow’s in Lox, Almond, Truffle, Black Frost, and Chamois
Lasting Cream Eyeliner -Black
Ivory Cream Eyeshadow- (Used as an eye primer before eyeshadow application.)
Merle Norman Brow Powder – Brown
Extreme Length Mascara - Xtreme Black
Merle Norman Lip Pencil Plus- Hussy
Have Fun Shopping!
With Beauty’s Best,
Angel-a
