It's the time of the year to kick up the glamour. One of the easiest ways to do that, if you don't do so already, is to add a pair of false lashes to your makeup routine before hitting all of the holiday festivities. My buddy, makeup artist, Alissa Aguilar of Pretty with Pinky shared her tips for easy application. I must admit, I am a bit lash app challenged, but using her process, I manage to get them on every time. Print this guide and tape it to your mirror! Happy lashes Divas!
1.
Purchase lashes according to your taste. For a more natural look, go for
a wispy lash. For more drama, pick the long, thick lashes. Make sure
the lashes you buy come with glue or that you it purchase separately.
Eye Duo is a recommended brand.
2. Apply your other eye makeup first.
It helps to have a layer of mascara on your own lashes. Lash
application should be the last step in completing your look.
3.
Measure lashes to fit the length of your eye. Start from the inner lash
line and measure out, cutting the excess from the outer corner of the
false lashes.
4. Squirt a small amount of glue on a tissue and use a
toothpick to apply a thin line on the base of the false lashes. Allow
the glue to set for about a minute. It will appear white, but don't
worry, it will dry clear.
5. After the glue has become tacky, hold
the lashes in the middle with a pair of tweezers and carefully
stick them as
close to your own lash line as possible. Then, gently press the sides
into place. Allow the lashes to dry in place, about five minutes. If
you feel like you don't have a proper fit, remove the lashes from your
eye, peel the glue from the falsies and start over. There is nothing
worse than uncomfortable lashes.
6. Once the lashes are securely in
place, you can apply liner. If you need to repair eyeshadow, be
careful. You do not want a bunch of shadow on top of your lashes.
7.
You can also apply additional mascara, but you will get more wear out
of the falsies if you don't. The fake lashes really don't need it.
You'll get 4-5 wears out of a pair of lashes if you put mascara on them
versus about 10 wears if you leave the mascara off.
8. Take the lash glue and tweezers with you in case of an emergency lash malfunction.
9. Do not sleep in your lashes, no matter how long of a night you've had.
10.
To remove, gently pull the lashes from
the outer edge
inward and place them back in the case they in. If they have excessive
glue on them, carefully remove it by pulling it off for the next wear.
Find me on FB at Glamour Project By Tanya Bell or on Twitter @glamourproject
Monday, November 19, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Lashing Out
Product Review
Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Lash Extension System with Flexistretch Nylon Fibers
$35 at Sephora stores, Sephora.com
When I saw the new Too Faced Better Than False Lashes lash extension system, I became very excited. Could it be possible to get those long, thick black lashes without applying false lashes?
This system is a three step process in which you apply a base coat of activating mascara. Then you apply a layer of nylon lashes and finally another coat of the mascara.
Let me preface by saying that perhaps I simply do not have the ideal lashes for this product. I didn't even take pictures of my final look because it was so anticlimactic! Different mascaras often give different lashes varying effects.
I have fairly decent, medium thickness lashes.
In step one, the mascara didn't seem wet enough. It didn't appear to really coat my lashes as I expected, despite adding several strokes.
The application of the nylon fibers got me excited. These tiny white fibers do add visible volume and length to the lashes. It's best to place them closer to lash tips and avoid the base of the lash line. I did this the first time I applied and got irritated eyes.
I could not wait to apply the final coat of the mascara and begin batting my long lashes, but that's when the letdown occurred. It was as if I put water on cotton candy. The fluffy white fibers appeared to dissolve instead of expand.
Maybe I didn't do it right, I wondered. So the next day I did it again. This time, I waited in between coats to set the layers better. But I got the same flat result.
Sorry ladies! I really wanted to offer a better report. While this system is brilliant in concept, it did nothing for me. I get much better results with a few coats of a good mascara.
And this stuff is really hard to remove. I had to apply my old standby, Pond's cold cream, three times to get it off! So perhaps Too Faced will improve upon this product in the future, but as for right now, don't believe the hype.
Stay Glamourous,
Tanya
Find me on FB at Glamour Project by Tanya Bell or Follow me on Twitter @glamourproject!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Bright lipstick is for you!
I consider myself to be a makeup junky. Whether it's a 99 cent find from a drug store or a $45 blush from a cosmetic counter, I have a little bit of it all in my makeup bag. One thing I've been in love with lately are ultra bright lipsticks - neon pinks, fruity oranges, and sun kissed corals. They all scream summer. You may think that this look isn't for you, but there is a bright shade for everyone. You just have to take time to find the right ones.
If you're sporting a bronze tan, go for warmer shades with reddish undertones. A nice orange will enhance your face beautifully. If you have a fair complexion, pick colors with a bluer undertone. Deep fuchsia lips are perfect for you. I like to highlight my cheeks with a sweep of subtle blush. Right now I'm totally loving Nars blush in Super Orgasm. It has a gorgeous pink/coral hue and a little bit of sparkle flattering a wide range of skin tones.
Finally, if you choose the bright lips, play down the eyes - try a light shimmer shadow and mascara. It's summer - you want to look light and breezy, not weighed down and heavy. Save the smoky eyes for the fall.
Experiment with bright colors by shopping at drug stores for cheaper brands. Once you find the shade you like, then maybe invest in one of the pricier brands in a similar shade. Depending on how bright and deep the color is, those shades tend to look better in a cream lipstick. They give a more dramatic and long lasting look. Personally, I'm not a fan of ultra bright shiny lip glosses. I stick to nudes and lighter colors when it comes to lipgloss. But do what works for you. Good luck. I hope you find lipstick that you love!
Want more glamour talk? Tune in to "Stylishly Speaking" every Wednesday from 2-3 pm on 1300 am, www.sportsanimal1300.com
Find me on FB at Glamour Project by Tanya Bell or on Twitter @glamourproject
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Get Suited: Help Finding the Swimsuit for You
I'll just be honest. I hate wearing swimsuits. Even before I had three kids and had as what I recall to be a pretty banging body, I hated swimwear. I can't even name a girlfriend who enjoys swimwear, not even the ones who wear a size two. But it seems at some point every summer, we've all gotta put one on. The key is to pick the one that gives you comfort and confidence. The one that doesn't ride up, holds your boobs in place and smooths out any lumps and bumps. It's a tall order, but a doable task.
One piece suits, which I'm guessing at least 90 percent of us are most comfortable in, remain on trend. Thank goodness.
Pick ones with v-necklines to highlight shoulders and bust. They also move the eye upward in case it is your lower half you'd like to draw attention away from.
To conceal your tummy, pick suits with ruching or shirring. It creates texture not just a tight suit accenting what you are trying to hide.
Patterned suits are also great for disguising problem areas. One of my favorite patterns in swimwear are polka dots. They are hip with a retro feel.
Perhaps you found a great suit, but you are afraid about the support it gives your breasts. A girlfriend gave me a great tip. Buy an inexpensive bra in the same color scheme and wear it under the suit, kind of like an added accessory. Now you've got extra coverage and support, but you are still styling.
While it may be tempting to rock those boy shorts, if you have shorter legs, don't do it. You want your legs to look longer so choose a higher cut suit or bottom. It'll add inches to your legs.
Many of today's swimsuit companies offer suits with the same slimming technology as popular shapewear. They have a higher lycra content, which can instantly make you look a size smaller.
If you want your skin to look radiant, choose bright colors. Neons, corals, oranges, sapphire blue and rich emerald tend to flatter every skin tone.
When you are shopping for a suit, try it on at the store. You'll have the benefit of multiple mirrors and the ability to see it at all angles. Bend over, sit down, jump up and down. Give yourself the opportunity to foresee any possible wardrobe malfunctions. You'll be so thankful that you did.
Happy summer! Look hot and stay cool!
Like me on Facebook at Glamour Project by Tanya Bell or Twitter @glamourproject.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Fake it till you make it...
Too many cupcakes and cocktails over the last few months and not enough
running has inspired me to talk about the tricks to dressing yourself
thin. A few fashion tricks can easily make you look five to ten pounds
smaller and you won't even have to wear Spanx 24-7.
Take a good look at yourself. What are you needing/wanting to minimize? For most of us, it's an unflattering tummy area. There is so much you can do.
First, lock and load. Make sure your bra is holding your girls up at the level they should be. Saggy breasts accent a bulging belly. Get professionally fitted for a bra once a year. You'll be amazed at the improvement. Once your chest is in check, go top shopping.
Choose tops that hit right at the top of your hips or lower. A short top is only going to bring unwanted attention.
Go for tunics, but make sure they are not too billowy. The last thing you need is to be accused of being pregnant! It's happened to me, while I was buying an ice cream cone...it still pains me to think about. Go for loose, but not overtaking.
If you are wearing a loose top, go for a slimmer fit on bottoms.
Wear tops with a v-neck. By making your neckline longer, you look leaner. It also makes your face look thinner.
Bulky necklaces with your v-neck top help draw the eye upward and away from your pooch.
Pick pieces that have ruching (where the material gathers or pleats) around the waist, especially in dresses and one piece swimsuits.
If it's your lower half that needs a little thin dressing, pick dark bootcut denim. It's universally flattering and slims hips.
Avoid denim that is lighter on the thighs. Not good.
And pick pants that have small back pockets. It minimizes your butt.
Pencil skirts that hit right above the knee are great for slimming. If it's too short, it can make your thighs look chunky.
Wanna look taller? Try nude pumps. They instantly add inches to your legs.
Finally, on those days when nothing is gonna make you feel or look skinny, and you don't wanna wrestle into a pair of Spanx on, put on a loose maxi dress and let it all hang loose.
Now pass me another cupcake, I mean carrot....
Take a good look at yourself. What are you needing/wanting to minimize? For most of us, it's an unflattering tummy area. There is so much you can do.
First, lock and load. Make sure your bra is holding your girls up at the level they should be. Saggy breasts accent a bulging belly. Get professionally fitted for a bra once a year. You'll be amazed at the improvement. Once your chest is in check, go top shopping.
Choose tops that hit right at the top of your hips or lower. A short top is only going to bring unwanted attention.
Go for tunics, but make sure they are not too billowy. The last thing you need is to be accused of being pregnant! It's happened to me, while I was buying an ice cream cone...it still pains me to think about. Go for loose, but not overtaking.
If you are wearing a loose top, go for a slimmer fit on bottoms.
Wear tops with a v-neck. By making your neckline longer, you look leaner. It also makes your face look thinner.
Bulky necklaces with your v-neck top help draw the eye upward and away from your pooch.
Pick pieces that have ruching (where the material gathers or pleats) around the waist, especially in dresses and one piece swimsuits.
If it's your lower half that needs a little thin dressing, pick dark bootcut denim. It's universally flattering and slims hips.
Avoid denim that is lighter on the thighs. Not good.
And pick pants that have small back pockets. It minimizes your butt.
Pencil skirts that hit right above the knee are great for slimming. If it's too short, it can make your thighs look chunky.
Wanna look taller? Try nude pumps. They instantly add inches to your legs.
Finally, on those days when nothing is gonna make you feel or look skinny, and you don't wanna wrestle into a pair of Spanx on, put on a loose maxi dress and let it all hang loose.
Now pass me another cupcake, I mean carrot....
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Sudatonic Body Wrap Makes You Hot...Literally.
When Rebecca Johnston of Avarya Skin & Body Center offered me the
opportunity to try the Sudatonic Infrared body wrap, I was more than
happy to do it. It's touted by many celebrities as the way to drop
weight quickly and look fabulously refreshed before red carpet events.
Used for many years in Europe, the popularity of the wrap is growing in the United States. Basically, French creams that break down fat are applied all over your trouble areas, you are wrapped in plastic and then you lay inside a Sudatonic Infrared heated full body sized sauna pouch for about 35 minutes. The sauna pouch heats three times deeper than a conventional sauna. The body sweats intensely and breaks down fat cells. It also helps your body to detoxify dirt, oils and other toxins stored in your body.
So here is a rundown of my experience.
Prior to my appointment, I was encouraged to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy meal. The system gets your body to sweat as much as if you ran six miles, so hydration is extremely important. You can't eat for four hours after the treatment so make sure you have some food in you, or else you'll be grumpy and ravenous.
Upon arrival, I had to stand on a machine called a Vibratrim, which shakes and vibrates the body, loosening up the stuff you want to leave. It definitely made me aware of all of my jiggly parts.
Then, I headed into the treatment room, which was a very relaxing spa room with Sudatonic pouch on a comfy massage table. After stripping down to my underwear, I was weighed and my BMI was measured. Then, Jill, the administrator of the treatment, had me lay on the table and she rubbed the first cream on me. She described it as a second skin that made it harder for your own skin to sweat, thus, you end up sweating more. Next, she put on a menthol scented cream that mobilizes fat. Then, she wrapped my thighs, arms and midsection tightly in plastic.
Yes, there was quite a bit of giggling on my part throughout this process. Having a woman you just met wrap you in plastic is ridiculously funny. You've got to have a sense of humor in these situations otherwise it's just plain awkward.
It was time for the pouch, which was a like a big hot sleeping bag. Your arms are wrapped separately in their own little pouches. Before the actual timing of the treatment can begin, your face has to sweat. It shows that your body has reached the proper heat point. On average Jill told me it takes about 15 minutes. So there I lay, waiting. It's actually quite relaxing as your body warms, but after about 10 minutes, I felt like I was trapped in an oven.
When my face finally showed signs of sweat, Jill put on a frozen neck wrap and a cool towel on my forehead. This is key. With a cool head, I could stand the extreme heat my body was experiencing. For 35 minutes I baked in that little oven. Jill checked on me every ten minutes to make sure I could take it. She warned me that the last few minutes were going to be rough. She was right. It's when your body is the hottest and sweating and burning the most fat. I wanted to quit. I was starting to feel slightly miserable. And you can stop at this point. They will gladly let you out of it. But I decided, I'd come this far so I could endure three more minutes.
When the time was up, I felt great relief as she unwrapped me from that fiery cocoon. I was in a huge puddle of sweat and my skin felt soft and luxurious.
I dried off and Jill rubbed some more French cream on me. This one helped your body to continue to burn off fat. Luckily, it smells nice and covers up the undeniable scent of sweat.
Then the moment of truth. The weigh in. I felt like I'd lost several pounds judging from all of that sweat on the table. The scale said I lost about a pound and a half. Not bad for 35 minutes. I had to retreat back to the Vibratrim for ten more minutes to send the loosened up fat to my lymph nodes so that my body could extract it more easily. Your body will continue to burn fat and detox long after the treatment. Keep drinking water to keep things moving.
I felt refreshed and relaxed.
But be warned, you need to go straight home after this treatment because despite how great you feel, you look a hot mess. By the next morning, I was down two pounds. It's recommended that you do several treatments, most clients do ten, to get the full benefit and weight loss. I recommend this treatment as a great way to jump start weight loss or to lose those last few pesky pounds that you just can't seem to shake. For me, it was easy, had no adverse side effects and it did what it said it would.
The Skinny:
Each Sudatonic Infrared Treatment takes about two hours start to finish.
Cost is $125 per treatment, $660 for six treatments or $999 for ten treatments at Avarya Skin and Body Center, 110 1/2 N. Tejon St. During the month of April you can save 20%.
For more information, visit avarya.com or call 719-635-9600.
Used for many years in Europe, the popularity of the wrap is growing in the United States. Basically, French creams that break down fat are applied all over your trouble areas, you are wrapped in plastic and then you lay inside a Sudatonic Infrared heated full body sized sauna pouch for about 35 minutes. The sauna pouch heats three times deeper than a conventional sauna. The body sweats intensely and breaks down fat cells. It also helps your body to detoxify dirt, oils and other toxins stored in your body.
So here is a rundown of my experience.
Prior to my appointment, I was encouraged to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy meal. The system gets your body to sweat as much as if you ran six miles, so hydration is extremely important. You can't eat for four hours after the treatment so make sure you have some food in you, or else you'll be grumpy and ravenous.
Upon arrival, I had to stand on a machine called a Vibratrim, which shakes and vibrates the body, loosening up the stuff you want to leave. It definitely made me aware of all of my jiggly parts.
Then, I headed into the treatment room, which was a very relaxing spa room with Sudatonic pouch on a comfy massage table. After stripping down to my underwear, I was weighed and my BMI was measured. Then, Jill, the administrator of the treatment, had me lay on the table and she rubbed the first cream on me. She described it as a second skin that made it harder for your own skin to sweat, thus, you end up sweating more. Next, she put on a menthol scented cream that mobilizes fat. Then, she wrapped my thighs, arms and midsection tightly in plastic.
Yes, there was quite a bit of giggling on my part throughout this process. Having a woman you just met wrap you in plastic is ridiculously funny. You've got to have a sense of humor in these situations otherwise it's just plain awkward.
It was time for the pouch, which was a like a big hot sleeping bag. Your arms are wrapped separately in their own little pouches. Before the actual timing of the treatment can begin, your face has to sweat. It shows that your body has reached the proper heat point. On average Jill told me it takes about 15 minutes. So there I lay, waiting. It's actually quite relaxing as your body warms, but after about 10 minutes, I felt like I was trapped in an oven.
When my face finally showed signs of sweat, Jill put on a frozen neck wrap and a cool towel on my forehead. This is key. With a cool head, I could stand the extreme heat my body was experiencing. For 35 minutes I baked in that little oven. Jill checked on me every ten minutes to make sure I could take it. She warned me that the last few minutes were going to be rough. She was right. It's when your body is the hottest and sweating and burning the most fat. I wanted to quit. I was starting to feel slightly miserable. And you can stop at this point. They will gladly let you out of it. But I decided, I'd come this far so I could endure three more minutes.
When the time was up, I felt great relief as she unwrapped me from that fiery cocoon. I was in a huge puddle of sweat and my skin felt soft and luxurious.
I dried off and Jill rubbed some more French cream on me. This one helped your body to continue to burn off fat. Luckily, it smells nice and covers up the undeniable scent of sweat.
Then the moment of truth. The weigh in. I felt like I'd lost several pounds judging from all of that sweat on the table. The scale said I lost about a pound and a half. Not bad for 35 minutes. I had to retreat back to the Vibratrim for ten more minutes to send the loosened up fat to my lymph nodes so that my body could extract it more easily. Your body will continue to burn fat and detox long after the treatment. Keep drinking water to keep things moving.
I felt refreshed and relaxed.
But be warned, you need to go straight home after this treatment because despite how great you feel, you look a hot mess. By the next morning, I was down two pounds. It's recommended that you do several treatments, most clients do ten, to get the full benefit and weight loss. I recommend this treatment as a great way to jump start weight loss or to lose those last few pesky pounds that you just can't seem to shake. For me, it was easy, had no adverse side effects and it did what it said it would.
The Skinny:
Each Sudatonic Infrared Treatment takes about two hours start to finish.
Cost is $125 per treatment, $660 for six treatments or $999 for ten treatments at Avarya Skin and Body Center, 110 1/2 N. Tejon St. During the month of April you can save 20%.
For more information, visit avarya.com or call 719-635-9600.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Now Just Let Me Introduce Myself...
Hello Gorgeous! My name is Tanya Bell and I used to write a weekly Sunday fashion and beauty column for a newspaper until the dreaded “budget cuts” got me canned. But that won’t keep me from doing what I love, which is spreading glamour!
If you love clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry or the perfect shade of lip gloss, then we already have a lot in common.
I can recall old episodes of “Sex and the City” based on Carrie’s ensembles.
I have been known to buy shoes before buying food.
I’ve worn a $5 clearance rack dress to a gala, but rocked it like it was vintage Versace.
I carry a classic monogram canvas Louis Vuitton handbag, but some of my favorite dresses come from Target and my grandmother’s basement closet.
I’m a wife and a mother, so most of the time, I need to find the look for less, as school supplies easily trump $250 jeans.
Honestly, I don’t always look right. I recently saw a photo of myself wearing a short dress and noticed my Spanx sticking out of the bottom! But at least I thought I was looking good at the time. I’m far from perfect, but I always have a good story to tell.
I believe no matter what your lifestyle is, everyone can be stylish and beautiful, some just need a well manicured finger to point them in the right direction.
Fashion and beauty are ever evolving. There is always something new. Something better than the last one. If you see it, let me know!
Be part of my movement to help everyone find their outer gorgeousness!
Find me on Facebook and Twitter too!
If you love clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry or the perfect shade of lip gloss, then we already have a lot in common.
I can recall old episodes of “Sex and the City” based on Carrie’s ensembles.
I have been known to buy shoes before buying food.
I’ve worn a $5 clearance rack dress to a gala, but rocked it like it was vintage Versace.
I carry a classic monogram canvas Louis Vuitton handbag, but some of my favorite dresses come from Target and my grandmother’s basement closet.
I’m a wife and a mother, so most of the time, I need to find the look for less, as school supplies easily trump $250 jeans.
Honestly, I don’t always look right. I recently saw a photo of myself wearing a short dress and noticed my Spanx sticking out of the bottom! But at least I thought I was looking good at the time. I’m far from perfect, but I always have a good story to tell.
I believe no matter what your lifestyle is, everyone can be stylish and beautiful, some just need a well manicured finger to point them in the right direction.
Fashion and beauty are ever evolving. There is always something new. Something better than the last one. If you see it, let me know!
Be part of my movement to help everyone find their outer gorgeousness!
Find me on Facebook and Twitter too!
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