I love olive greens and wanted a little kick to include in this daily look, hence the gold liner.

Base: MAC Bare Canvas Paint Pot

Lid: Fryinnae Platinum

Crease: MAC Fiction

Browbone: MA C Shroom

Liner (upper lid): LaFemme Gold Pigment

Liner (rims): MAC Teddy

Brows: MAC Lingering

Mascara: CoverGirl Lash Blast

Although I get compliments on my hair, there is nothing naturally beautiful about it.  It takes lots of time, expensive products and years of accumulated skill to get a decent hairstyle.  After I take a shower, my hair looks like this:

Scary.  And as dramatic as it sounds, having hair this unruly can be [...]]]> By Kate Valancy

Although I get compliments on my hair, there is nothing naturally beautiful about it.  It takes lots of time, expensive products and years of accumulated skill to get a decent hairstyle.  After I take a shower, my hair looks like this:

Scary.  And as dramatic as it sounds, having hair this unruly can be really tough.  I’ve learned how to “tame the beast,” but it always feels heavy, frizzy, and just plain uncomfortable.  Thick, coarse, curly, I truly lost the hair lottery.  As soon as my hair starts to dry (and expand) I want it fixed immediately.  But now when I wash my hair, it looks like this:

This miracle would not have been possible without the innovative treatment that is the Brazilian Blowout, a smoothing treatment that eliminates frizz, turn curls into waves, and is actually good for the hair.  When I heard of the blowout and how amazing the results were, I knew it was something I needed to try.  Although pricy (between $200-400 depending on the salon), the time it will save me every day (not to mention the much needed break my hair needs from constant heat styling) makes it beyond worth it.

After doing some research, I was referred by another stylist to Nicole at A Salon Beyond in Concord, CA.  The process took about two hours, and is grueling for the stylist.  My hair was washed with a special shampoo, blown dry, and then a cream was applied while each strand was straightened multiple times with an extremely hot flat iron.  The cream slightly stings the eyes (more for poor Nicole than myself) but other than that, the process is painless and had no foul odor like a perm, thank goodness!  After all the straightening was finished my hair was pin straight, soft and shiny.  It felt finer and sleeker than ever before.  Then was the true test, where Nicole put a conditioning mask on it and then washed it again and blew it dry.  She only lightly brushed threw it, yet it dried stick straight and completely frizz-less.  Now when I let my hair air dry, it has a few nice waves in the center with stick straight ends.  It doesn’t look or feel like my hair, which is AMAZING but takes some getting used to.  I’m used to so much volume, that having normal hair feels very flat.  It’s kind of like waking up twenty pounds thinner.  You’d love it, but nothing would fit and you’d feel a little unlike yourself.  My hair routine is going to be completely different now.

Before: Here is my hair air-dried, no product

After:  My hair air-dried, no product

Depending on your hair type and how you take care of it, the treatment should last 12 weeks or more.  Instead of growing out awkwardly, the treatment fades naturally and my hair will slowly turn back to its natural state.  I will definitely want to get it done again, seeing how light and smooth my hair feels.  Your hair will also get straighter each time you get a blowout, but you can still curl and style it however you’d like. 

If you’ve suffered from wild and frizzy hair your whole life, I highly recommend giving this a try at least once.  Shop around different salons for a good deal, and calculate the money you usually spend on serums, hair masks, blow dryers.  It is so worth it to finally have soft hair.  Thank you, Nicole, for answering my prayers!

Every once in a while I try to incorporate some glitter. It doesn’t have to be over the top, just a little dab’ll do ya! I used my finger to dab MAC’s Mixing Medium and then a bit of glitter.

Base: MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot

Lid: MAC All That Glitters

Glitter (on lid): MAC Pro Reflects Pearl Glitter

Crease: MAC Trax

Browbone: [...]]]> By Sheila Arkee

Every once in a while I try to incorporate some glitter. It doesn’t have to be over the top, just a little dab’ll do ya! I used my finger to dab MAC’s Mixing Medium and then a bit of glitter.

Base: MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot

Lid: MAC All That Glitters

Glitter (on lid): MAC Pro Reflects Pearl Glitter

Crease: MAC Trax

Browbone: MAC Retrospect

Liner (upper): MAC Boot Black liquid liner

Liner (lower rim): Avon Glimmersticks in Sugar Plum

Brows: MAC Lingering

Mascara: CoverGirl Lash Blast

There are many times in my life when I wonder if there is a bit of Sasquatch in my family background. Really.

I am a hairy person in general, and naturally, a lot of my hair removal efforts are concentrated on my face! So, when I received the Twist-n-Roll Tweezers* to test, I was [...]]]> By Sheila Arkee

There are many times in my life when I wonder if there is a bit of Sasquatch in my family background. Really.

I am a hairy person in general, and naturally, a lot of my hair removal efforts are concentrated on my face! So, when I received the Twist-n-Roll Tweezers* to test, I was excited to see how well this simple tool lived up to its claims of gently removing excess hair.

As the website states, this IS a very simple concept, where you use an outward rolling technique to remove your hair from the desired areas. The website - www.facialwork.com –  has an excellent tutorial that breaks down exactly how to use the Twist-n-Roll Tweezers.

On first inspection, I was immediately taken back to my childhood.

Weird confession of the day: I was a very bored only child for the first 11 years of my life, and to amuse myself, I would take out the springy door stopper and remember getting my facial hair stuck, or removed, in the coils.

So, how did I like this tool, nearly 30 years after my experiences with a door stopper? It was okay.

As they claim, the Twist-n-Roll Tweezers didn’t leave any redness, but it didn’t remove all of my facial hair. Also, and unfortunatley, there was a bit of an “ouch” factor involved. The pain wasn’t so bad on the upper lip or neck, but I couldn’t tolerate the pain when I used the tool on my sideburns.

If you’re looking for a waxing alternative, this is a great at-home method for removing facial hair for the simple price of $14.99. However, if you are sensitive to pain, you might want to avoid!

*Product provided for consideration.

Here is a slightly different take on a combo I did a few weeks ago. It’s Sweet Libertine’s Emerald Fog, with a black cream base underneath to boost the color.

Base: MAC Soft Ochre

Lid Base: MAC Pro Black Cream Color Base

Lid: Sweet Libertine Emerald Fog*

Crease: MAC Rich Flesh

Browbone: MAC Dazzlelight

Under Lid: Sweet Libertine His [...]]]> By Sheila Arkee

Here is a slightly different take on a combo I did a few weeks ago. It’s Sweet Libertine’s Emerald Fog, with a black cream base underneath to boost the color.

Base: MAC Soft Ochre

Lid Base: MAC Pro Black Cream Color Base

Lid: Sweet Libertine Emerald Fog*

Crease: MAC Rich Flesh

Browbone: MAC Dazzlelight

Under Lid: Sweet Libertine His n Hers*

Liner (upper): MAC Smolder

Liner (lower rim): MAC Fascinating

Brows: MAC Lingering

Mascara: CoverGirl Lash Blast

*Provided for consideration.

You never know what connections you’ll come across at any point in your life. Because of Painted Ladies, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some incredible people, and Madelynn Cassin from Garnet Girl Designs is no exception.

Masselyn, the wonderful web designer who threw this site together, first introduced me to Madelynn, and I am [...]]]> By Sheila Arkee

You never know what connections you’ll come across at any point in your life. Because of Painted Ladies, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some incredible people, and Madelynn Cassin from Garnet Girl Designs is no exception.

Masselyn, the wonderful web designer who threw this site together, first introduced me to Madelynn, and I am so glad she did, because as I’ve come to find out, she is a fantastic person with an incredible eye for jewelry design.

I am a huge fan of decorating myself with bright, bold colors, and jewelry is no exception.  Madelynn’s jewelry is beautiful, and she uses conflict-free diamonds and recycled metals, to boot.  The brightly colored gems she chooses have actually influenced my makeup choices!  My personal favorites are anything with London Blue Topaz – what a gorgeous gem!

Madelynn started making jewelry professionally four years ago after being shown some gorgeous and richly colored gems. After taking a basic class and doing some research, she was in business, making the jewelry she craved at a reasonable price point.

Intrigued by her story and amazed by her passion, I asked Madelynn to tell me why she enjoys making jewelry:

“Jewelry makes people happy, and I get the pleasure of knowing the gems I choose and the metals I shape are going to be gazed upon for years. My favorite pieces of jewelry were given to me by loved ones,  or pieces I found and HAD TO have. I’m happy to be a little part of someone else’s memory.”

I love this sentiment, and I love Madelynn’s jewelry!

This story gets even BETTER — you have the opportunity to win a ring from her Rock Fetish collection! The rules are simple – “like” Garnet Girl Designs on Facebook and post your favorite item from her Etsy store on the wall. On October 11th, a winner will be chosen at random, no purchase necessary!

Follow this link to “like” Garnet Girl Designs on Facebook.

Good luck!

By now I think you know I’m crazy about purple eyeshadow. Pair it with hot pink, and I’m head over heels in LOVE!

Yeah, I might have gone bokeh overboard here!

Base: MAC Soft Ochre

Lid Base: MAC Pearl Cream Color Base

Lid: MAC Bright Coral Pigment

Crease: Tokidoki Diamante Shadow*

Browbone and Inner Corner: MAC Pink Opal [...]]]> By Sheila Arkee

By now I think you know I’m crazy about purple eyeshadow. Pair it with hot pink, and I’m head over heels in LOVE!

Yeah, I might have gone bokeh overboard here!

Base: MAC Soft Ochre

Lid Base: MAC Pearl Cream Color Base

Lid: MAC Bright Coral Pigment

Crease: Tokidoki Diamante Shadow*

Browbone and Inner Corner: MAC Pink Opal Pigment

Liner (upper): MAC Boot Black liquid liner

Liner (rims): Stila Onyx Kajal

Brows: MAC Lingering

Mascara: CoverGirl Lash Blast

Ladies, I am exhausted. I am in the process of moving (mostly by myself), and it is major work! It’s been tough, and so to reward myself I’m having a spa night tonight. A facial mask. A movie. Ice cream. It’s on.

It’s also a little time for me, which is something that doesn’t happen [...]]]> By Sheila Arkee

Ladies, I am exhausted. I am in the process of moving (mostly by myself), and it is major work! It’s been tough, and so to reward myself I’m having a spa night tonight. A facial mask. A movie. Ice cream. It’s on.

It’s also a little time for me, which is something that doesn’t happen to often around these here parts! As crazy as life can get, I think we often forget to take care of ourselves, and that can lead to burn out. So, even if it’s a spare 15 minutes in the morning or evening, do something nice for yourself today! 

Here’s some things I’ve been trying and have heard about recently ….

Larissa Love Cosmetics Revitalizing Shower Cream in White Tea*

Oh, this is NICE! Larissa sent over the and let me tell you, it is lovely. Packaging means a lot to me, so the lotion scores big points for being in a glass container. It could use a pump, as I’m not fond of tapping out the lotion from the bottle. The scent, however, is gorgeous and the lotion, which is fortified with shea butter, is very nourishing.

Individual Eyelashes

I’m not a huge fan. Although I’ve never had a problem applying full strips of lashes on myself or others, there’s just something about individuals I find frustrating. You win some, you lose some.

My best advice is to follow the general falsh lash application rules and to let the glue on the lash get tacky - let it set for about 30 seconds post glue applicaiton – and then apply directly to your lashline, exactly where you want more volume.

Arcona Comes to Nordstroms

Cult skin care line Arcona is making a huge move and expanding to Nordstroms! They recently opened at the refurbished Nordstroms at Santa Monica, which is SO beautiful. They’ll be coming to more locations very soon and you can always purchase products via nordstrombeauty.com

August:
Santa Monica, CA – Santa Monica Place
Las Vegas, NV – Fashion Mall
San Jose, CA – Valley Fair
Newport, CA – Fashion Island

September:
Chicago, IL – Michigan Ave
Portland, OR – Downtown
Dallas, TX – NorthPark Center
Boca Raton, FL – Town Center at Boca Raton

October:
Portland, OR – Washington Square
Honolulu, HI – Ala Moana 
Short Hills, NJ – The Mall at Short Hills 
San Diego, CA – Fashion Valley

Great Murad Deal!

Buy a book and get free skincare! But hurry, the deal ends tomorrow! Here are the details!

The Water Secret: The Cellular Breakthrough to Look and Feel 10 Years Younger by Howard Murad, M.D. is  available  now at Amazon.com, Borders Books, Barnes and Noble, walmart.com and target.com. 

For a limited time, Murad is sending a free AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser ($65 value) to customers who preorder the book online through September 6th, 2010 – that’s tomorrow!!!  Everyone that forwards their online order confirmation from any of the above retailers to TheWaterSecret@Murad.com will receive the cleanser shipped directly from Murad.

*Provided for consideration.

A little twist on green. P.S. Have I told you lately how much I <3 MAC’s Club eyeshadow? One of the best duochrome shadows I’ve ever used!

Base: MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot

Lid Base: MAC Pearl Cream Color Base

Lid: NYX My Favorite Color (but whose favorite color???)

Crease: MAC Club

Under Eye: MAC Bitter

Liner (upper): MAC [...]]]> By Sheila Arkee

A little twist on green. P.S. Have I told you lately how much I <3 MAC’s Club eyeshadow? One of the best duochrome shadows I’ve ever used!

Base: MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot

Lid Base: MAC Pearl Cream Color Base

Lid: NYX My Favorite Color (but whose favorite color???)

Crease: MAC Club

Under Eye: MAC Bitter

Liner (upper): MAC Boot Black

Liner (rims): Stila Onyx

Brows: Stila Dark brow duo, darker shade

Mascara: CoverGirl Lash Blast

A few months ago, in an attempt to make a little bit of pocket change, I signed up to be an Avon representative. Things didn’t go exactly as planned and I ended up resigning from Avon, but I did manage to find a couple of new favorite products.

MagiX Cashmere Finish Liquid Foundation SPF [...]]]> By Sheila Arkee

A few months ago, in an attempt to make a little bit of pocket change, I signed up to be an Avon representative. Things didn’t go exactly as planned and I ended up resigning from Avon, but I did manage to find a couple of new favorite products.

MagiX Cashmere Finish Liquid Foundation SPF 10

The texture of this foundation is unlike any I’ve ever experienced. It’s not quite a mousse, not quite a gel, not quite a cream. It glides on the skin, feels lightweight, doesn’t settle in pores, and covers, covers, covers! Good stuff, at a really good price – $11.

For me, the most important features about the foundation are that it doesn’t feel heavy at all, and that it just blends in perfectly. A must have!

Glimmersticks Eye Liners

A few Painted Ladies readers recommended these, and I have to say they live up to their reputation! Nicely pigmented, glide right on the eye, nice amount of fine glitter, and they stay put for quite a while on the waterline. They have my seal of approval!

What are your Avon must haves?