Meine Hübschen! Endlich kann ich mein Versprechen einlösen und den offiziellen Startschuss für das Dezembergewinnpiel – exklusiv für meine treuen Leserinnen in Deutschland – geben. Am besten leite ich nun zum Prozedere bzw. zu den Regeln über, die ich in Form eines Fragen-und-Antworten-Katalogs präsentieren werde.

• Wer darf teilnehmen?

Alle kreativen Mädels und Damen gleich welchen Alters, die sich an ausgefallene Ideen wagen und eine gute Digi-oder Handy-Cam besitzen. Bloggerinnen müsst Ihr aber zwangsläufig nicht sein, da ich von Euch in keinster Weise erwarte, mein Gewinnspiel zu verlinken. Schließlich soll Euer Blog nicht zu einer reinen Gewinnspiel-Fundgrube mutieren, sondern ausreichend Platz für Eure eigenen Werke bieten.

• Was muss man tun?

Zeigt mir ein Augen-Make-up oder Nageldesign, das Euch zum Thema des bekannten Kinderliedes “Funkel, funkel, kleiner Stern” einfällt. Ich möchte auf jeden Fall Glitter, Sterne und Farben sehen! Im Übrigen lasse ich auch ältere Make-ups gelten, deshalb sind Links zu Euren Blogs oder Fotos von anno dazumal, die Ihr mir logscherweise per E-Mail zusendet, zulässig und gern gesehen. Die Links lasst Ihr bitte mittels der Betätigung der Kommentarfunktion bei mir, während Ihr Eure Fotos an die folgende E-Mail-Addy sendet: mylanqolia@googlemail.com

• Wie lange hat man Zeit?

Da bald der große Feiertags-Marathon ansteht, habe ich die Deadline bis zum 3. Januar 2010 (bis 22 Uhr) ausgeweitet.  Bis dahin müsste Euch sicherlich etwas eingefallen sein. 

• Wer kann gewinnen?

Es kann nur eine Gewinnerin geben, die ich wahrscheinlich unter Schwierigkeiten auswählen werde. Bitte strengt Euch nicht allzu sehr an, damit ich die Spreu leichter vom Weizen trennen kann.

• Was kann man gewinnen?

1. Miss Helen von Hema Eyeshadow Wet&Dry 03
2. wet n wild Mega Eyes Monolidschatten Silvermatic E91421
3. Rival de Loop Eye Shimmer bronze 03
4. Essence Made with Love LE eyeliner 01 In Love
5. Essence Made with Love LE eyeliner 03 Love of My Life
6. Hema Soft Glitter Kohl 03
7. Hema Nailpolish 08
8. Hema Nailpolish 09
9. Manhattan Magical Crazy Colours Nagellack
10. Rival de Loop Young Diamond Wish Nagelsticker
11. Miss Helen von Hema Volume Lipgloss pink

ALLE ARTIKEL SIND NEU & UNBENUTZT!

Falls Ihr noch Fragen haben solltet, könnt Ihr sie hier loswerden! Ansonsten wünsche ich Euch eine Menge Ideen und natürlich viel Glück!

Liebe Grüße, Mikio, äh, Mylanqolia

In English: This is a contest especially for my trusty readers in Germany! Please don’t be sad that you can’t take part in it. I’ll do more international contests in the future or let’s say next year. So see you soon, sweeties!

Yes, I admit, I was depressed and I had to buy some drugs to get high and stoned. The drugs I consume fortunately are legal and safe to use. The best thing is that I received the package by Claudine of  http://www.shadesbeauty.moonfruit.com/ (thanks to her!!!) and yeah, yeah, yeah, the Sleek eyeshadows are completely undamaged though the fucking postman tried to destroy the package with squeezing it through the small hole of the post box. How silly! I’m sorry that I won’t show any swatches but I intend to do something else with it. Just be patient. Anyways, I haven’t had the time to test all the wonderful stuff on my eyelids or lips but I don’t forget to show some EOTDs made with some products of this particular haul – promise!

I bought:

• 2x Allround Mascara wp (my holy grail)
• Catrice Royal Nights LE liquid eyeliner C02 Royal Petrol [1]
• Catrice Royal Nights LE liquid eyeliner Co3 Dark Diamond (what a beautiful colour!) [2]
• Essence Secrets of the Past LE kajal designer 01 Matryoshka Doll (very pretty and soft) [3]
• Essence Secrets of the Past LE trio eyeshadow 02 Babushka’s Dream [4]
• P2 Intensive Khol Eyeliner 060 Royal Sweden [6]
• Basic Concept Twist Up Eyeshadow Glitter-Stick 01 Pearl White
• Infinity Woman Metallic Eyeliner Nr.6 (unconvincing because of the dry the texture) [5]
• Miss Helen by Hema Volume Lipgloss nude
• Sabrina Cosmetics Eyeshadow Palette (warm colours)
• wet n wild Crazy Colors LE Mega Eyes mono e/s Magic Purple E 11811 (neon colours? No way!)
• Hema Cream Eyeshader 01 [7]
• Infinity Woman Glamour Lipgloss Nr.10 Ruby Love
• Sleek Make up I-divine Mineral Based Eyeshadow Palette Storm 578
• Sleek Make up Ink Pot Eyeliner Gel Stone Cold 499

It’s time for the big surprise now (not the following pics)!!!

Auf Deutsch: Ja, ich gestehe, dass ich depressiv war und die Drogenbeschaffung als einzigen Ausweg betrachtete, mich aufzuputschen. Die Drogen, die ich übrigens konsumierte, sind glücklicherweise legal und gesundheitlich unbedenklich. Das Beste ist weiterhin, dass ich endlich das Päckchen von Claudine, der ich an dieser Stelle nochmals danken möchte, erhalten habe. Hurra, die Sleek Lidschatten sind unbeschadet geblieben, obwohl der bescheidene Postbote versucht hat, die Warensendung durch den schmalen Birefkastenschlitz zu quetschen. Wie dumm! Leider muss ich Euch den Anblick von Swatches verwehren, denn ich habe etwas Anderes mit den beiden Sachen vor. Wartet es einfach ab! Insgesamt fehlte mir bisher die Zeit und die Muße, die ganzen Produkte auf meinen Augenlidern und Lippen zu testen. Doch ich verpreche hiermit feierlich, dass ich einige EOTDs zeigen werde, die damit gemacht wurden. 

Nun ist es Zeit für die große Überraschung (damit sind nicht die unteren Bilder gemeint)!!!

Most men may not complain when young women these days wear their pants lower than where their mother’s pockets used to be, but it can be somewhat nauseating to see older females trying to keep up with their daughter and even granddaughter’s peer group. It reminds one of the sixties, when in order to be cool, boys had to wear Levi’s brand jeans, even though JC Penny sold a perfectly functional pair for half the price.

A Bob Dylan song back then touched on this “Mr. Jones” mentality of modern society and, what with large gas-guzzling SUV’s being purchased by American middle-class “McMansion” families in the midst of Middle East wars, oil shortages and looming planetary disaster, certainly nothing much has changed.

Liberal authors tend to blame corporate branding, but such a “keeping up with the Joneses” reality has existed since ancient Babylon and, traces back into the mists of prehistoric time. Tribal cultures on a global basis display culturally dictated rings, beads, feathers and other ornaments, paint faces and bodies in peer-pressure proscribed ways and, mimic each other in dress, speech and custom.

Ancient warriors often trimmed beards and hair in certain proscribed fashion and displayed specific tattoos and other body markings. Cultures throughout history display their own unique concepts of beauty, manliness and femininity, often directly contradicting what other cultures dictate. Heterosexual men in many societies have worn clothing that even the most overt homosexual male wouldn’t wear in our own.

Today, tattoos and body piercings are all the modern rage and women deliberately reveal bra straps they worked diligently to keep hidden not long ago. And, we are inundated with harmful food and “must have” gizmos and gadgets that no one in their right mind would consider purchasing for logical survival or any other purpose.

Are designs carved on ancient pottery and inlaid jewels on swords functionally necessary at all? And, was expensive architecture, art and sculpture purchased by kings and popes in the midst of massive poverty and famine during the Middle Ages, any less moral than modern Wall Street paper-shufflers earning 10,000 and more times as much as those who pick their fruit, cook their food, cut their lawns and pick up their garbage?

Does a wise society reward athletes with enormous sums to play games in the midst of rising poverty, homelessness and human suffering? Do wise people stand in long lines to see the latest film or to meet celebrities who really haven’t accomplished much of anything at all? How many Americans blindly believe we represent the greatest society in history, without even bothering to actually study much of human civilization, if any?

Culturally induced conformity might appear harmless, but it extends into endorsing the amassing of private wealth and consequent enslavement of the masses, supporting wars in a guise of false patriotism’ and, endorsing racism and classicism in order to “belong”.

Is it really true that “all we like sheep have gone astray”? You decide.

Link to footnotes and documentation for this article

Ok, lovelies, so here’s my yesterday’s EOTD. It was inspired by Divashops’ aka Gloria’s fab tutorial, which I had requested. See here:

http://www.divashopblog.com/2009/11/rose-inspired-look.html

To be honest, I hardly use red eyeshadows on a daily base because I think they look horrible with my eyes. But Gloria convinced me to do some more eye make-up looks with red. Wanna see my shabby interpretation of the rose inspired look? No prob.

Let’s move on to my large Saturday’s haul!!! 

Auf Deutsch: Ok, Ihr Lieben, es folgt nun mein gestriges EOTD, das von Divashops alias Glorias fabelhafter und von mir gewünschten Schminkanleitung (Link s.o.). Um ehrlich zu sein, mach ich im Alltag kaum (lies: gar keinen) Gebrauch von rotem Lidschatten, weil er meines Erachtens schrecklich an meinen Augen aussieht. Doch Gloria hat es geschafft, mich vom Gegenteil zu überzeugen. Wollt Ihr meine schäbige Interpretation des von Rosen inpirierten Looks sehen? Kein Problem.

Nun leite ich aber zur großen Samstags-Beute über!!!

My tools

*flash*

Howdyho sexy gals or lasses! Excuse me, but haven’t we met before somewhere? Don’t worry, I’m not a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I’m still female and I won’t change it in the future. Frankly speaking, I can’t imagine to think every 7th second of sex because it seems to be boring. I prefer thinking every 7th second of cosmetics, to be honest. I could laugh my arse off  when listening to this ridiculous chat-up line by male creatures. Some creativity would do just fine sometimes.  

Anyways, I’m very sorry that I make myself scarce at the moment but my Internet service provider is a pain in the arse. The connection is miserable because it’s too slow , interrupted or unavailable. Gosh, I hate it!  Though I’m fucking angry I’d like you to turn your attention to my latest review on the Manhattan Winter Pearls Eyeshadow Palette Crystal Blue 20 at pinkmelon.

Click: http://www.pinkmelon.de/test

I’m very relieved that I finally had THE idea with regard to the text structure. If you understand German, please read “Tränen der Götter”. Otherwise skip it.

I don’t want to forget to mention that I’ve recently found a great beautyblog written by an older Swedish woman. It’s called http://marinamake.blogspot.com/ . I don’t know her exact age but you can guess that she isn’t 21 anymore. But does age count in this particular case? Look at her amazing make-up, especially EOTDs. Breathtaking and inspirational! I hope that I won’t lose my make-up spirit when I’m older. I need colours and colours need me. Please visit her blog though you won’t undertstand much. Swedish isn’t that easy, to be honest, though some words are similiar in German.

The last point I’d like to talk about is the unbelieveable work of Isabel. Do you remember the cuties I made for her? Look what she has done with them. Here’s the link of Flora: http://landsbook.blogspot.com/2009/11/flora-by-lands-book.html

and of Chic: http://landsbook.blogspot.com/2009/11/just-another-chic.html (I love vintage cars, by the way! Just one funny thing: If you use the English translation my nick name Massu turns into Mikio. Just call me Mikio now. *lol*)

She has done magic. I mean you can print them in a magazine. Just wicked!

Onto my yesterday’s EOTD!!!

Auf Deutsch: Heyho Ihr sexy Mädels! Haben wir uns nicht irgendwo schon einmal gesehen? Keine Angst, ich bin kein Wolf im Schafspelz, da ich immer noch weiblich bin und eine Geschlechtsumwandlung in naher Zukunft für mich auch ausschließen werde. Alles  Sekunden an Sex zu denken finde ich nämlich ermüdend. Dann denke ich lieber alle 7 Sekunden an Kosmetik. Ich lache mich dennoch jedes Mal über diesen lächerlichen Anmachspruch von Seiten der Männerwelt kringelig.  Wie wäre es zur Abwechslung mit etwas mehr Kreativität?

Jedenfalls tut es mir sehr leid, dass ich mich zurzeit rar mache, aber ich habe faktisch besehen ein großes Problem mit dem Provider. Die Verbindung ist defizitär, um nicht zu sagen: miserabel, weil sie entweder verlangsamt, unterbrochen oder nicht verfügbar ist. Verdammt, ich hasse das! Obwohl ich total angenervt bin, möchte ich Eure Aufmerksamkeit auf meinen neuesten Testbericht über die Manhattan Winter Pearls Eyeshadow Palette Crystal Blue 20 bei pinkmelon lenken. Den Link dazu findet ihr oben. Ich bin unheimlich erleichtert, dass es endlich in meinem Geiste geblitzt hat bzw. meinem Schrumpfhirn die Gnade eines Geistesblitzes zuteil wurde.

Ferner möchte ich es nicht verpassen, Euch den Besuch eines schwedischsprachigen Beauty Blogs (Link s.o.), der von einer nicht mehr so jungen Dame geführt wird. In dem speziellen Fall wird das Alter an sich sekundär, denn schaut Euch die atemberaubenden und inspirierenden Make-ups respektive EOTDs an! Ich hoffe, dass ich meine Begeisterung für Make-up nicht verliere, wenn ich älter werde (soll heißen, auf die 40 zugehe). Ich brauche nämlich Farben und Farben brauchen mich.  Lasst Euch im Übrigen nicht von der schwedischen Sprache abschrecken. Ich habe auch kaum bis gar nichts kapiert, obwohl es einige Überschneidungen bzw. Ähnlichkeiten mit dem Deutschen gibt.

Abschließend möchte ich die unglaubliche Arbeit von Isabel thematisieren, für die ich vor einiger Zeit die beiden Schnuckies angefertigt habe. Könnt Ihr Euch noch daran erinnern? Schaut Euch unbedingt an, was sie daraus gemacht hat. Die beiden Links zu Flora und Chic findet Ihr oben. Ich mag übrigens Oldtimer!!! Da fällt mir noch ein lustiges Anekdötchen ein: Wenn Ihr die Google-Übersetzungsfunktion benutzt und als Zielsprache Englisch auswählt, wird mein Spitzname Massu automatischn in Mikio umgewandelt. Nennt mich ab jetzt einfach Mikio. *lol* Alles in allem hat Isabel gezaubert und eine perfekte Bildbearbeitungs-Kür abgelegt. Man kann die beiden Bilder ungelogen so in einem Magazin abdrucken. 

Aber auf zum gestrigen EOTD!!!

In the immortal words of Amy Winehouse:  WHAT KIND OF F*CKERY IS THIS?!? Everyone, it seems, is hopping on the “Indian” makeup band wagon. First MAC. Then Givenchy. Then Stila. And now Victoria’s Secret. I find myself secretly hoping the cosmetic industry’s gang-rape of the Indian Subcontinent is finished, as I can’t stomach another bland, South Asian-’inspired’ makeup collection.

Now, when I say ‘Indian makeup’, I don’t mean frosty brown lipstick outlined with dark brown lipliner, streaky maroon blush, greasy looking cheeks, or any number of beauty sins that Desis like to commit. No, I mean makeup that’s about as Indian as Tania Zaetta, ‘inspired’ (as it were) by India. Not sure how that’s done? Take your average (but decent) run of the mill cosmetic item. Paint the packaging gold. Then tack on a bindi (or two). Voila! Now it’s more Indian than Gandhi himself!

Apparently, Victoria’s Secret and Heidi Klum applied a similar formula to the new “Exotic Jewels” collection. This is a damn shame; I like Heidi Klum, but I’d sooner buy a makeup collection designed by Dev Patel! If nothing else, I know Dev Patel is Asian and has an eye for beauty! Don’t get me wrong: the packaging looks beautiful and all, but you can clearly tell this collection is geared towards the Western market, as true Desis are loathe to pay more than $2 for anything not made of 22 karat gold. Coloring the makeup gold and charging $22 for it isn’t going to fool them either; most Desis have advanced degrees in calculus or statistics, so they won’t fall for Heidi’s subliminal trickery.

I stumbled upon the “Heidi Klum’s Exotic Jewels” display this Saturday while trying to cash a $10 VS gift voucher for something worth exactly $10 (you can take the girl out of South Asia, but you can take the South Asian out of the girl). Not certain what a German hausfrau living in the US would know about India, I grabbed the accompanying pamphlet and read the descriptive blurb on the back:  “Take a magical journey with Exotic Jewels, Heidi’s new, limited-edition makeup collection. Inspired by her life-changing trip to India…this enchanting collection is a celebration of her most treasured beauty discoveries. I’d always assumed Heidi Klum’s “most treasured beauty discoveries” were Fen-phen and self-tanner, but apparently, those aren’t worth celebrating. :-/

Marketing bullshit aside, this collection makes sense. Visiting India is the closest thing non-Muslim Westerners have to Hajj: it seems as if every Westerner is compelled to make the pilgrimage at least once in his or her lifetime, and is equally compelled to refer to to India as mystical (though ‘enchanting’ also works) and ‘life-changing’, claiming it inspired him/her/it to do X/Y/Z. To date, the only thing visiting India has inspired me to do is boil my water to ensure I don’t get dysentery again, but it really doesn’t really matter what you do as long as it’s profoundly influenced by your trip. You can almost hear Heidi Klum rambling away cheerfully in her Teutonic accent: ‘Eeet vas my mystical and life-changing treep to Eeendia zat eeenspired me to create zees mystical and life-changing make-up collection!’

Apparently, the Exotic Jewels collection is quite a hit with beauty bloggers, which means that Heidi Klum has found the secret to pedaling these faux-ethnic fards:

1. Include the words ‘Indian’, ‘Sari’ or ‘Jewels’ in the name to give it that air of authenticity (eg: Wet n’ Wild’s ‘Indiansarijewels Collection’).
2. Make the packaging as gaudy and glitzy as possible, but keep the makeup itself neutral and flattering; don’t include brown lipliners, frosted purple lipstick, garish colored contact lenses, or any number of cosmetic  faux-pas that Desis love to commit.
3. Claim the whole thing was inspired by your ‘mystical’ and ‘life-changing’ visit to India during a layover January.

Verdict: Screw these Western cosmetic conglomerates and their bland, so-called ‘Bollywood’ makeup! I should come out with my own line: a Chameli inspired makeup collection, comprised of a single shade of metallic maroon lipstick that serves as an eyeshadow, lippie and blush (all in one), paired with a waxy, dark brown pencil used to line both  eyes and lips (don’t judge!). They wouldn’t cost more than $2 apiece (not being made of 22 karat gold, you see) and would be displayed in giant discount bins at Subzi Mandi, Rice ‘n Spice, Patel Brothers’ and other fine cash-and-carry retail establishments. Now THAT’s Indian inspired!

Police in Peru have broken up a gang that allegedly killed dozens of people in order  to extract and sell their fat for use in cosmetics, according to media reports.

See ITN’s video above or click here.

The Associated Press quotesCol. Jorge Mejia, chief of Peru’s anti-kidnapping police, as saying  three gang members have confessed to killing five people for their fat.

Two were arrested at a bus station while carrying bottles of liquid fat, he says. The suspects told police it was worth about $60,000 a gallon.

The three  have been charged with homicide, criminal conspiracy, illegal firearms possession and drug trafficking, the AP reports.

Several medical experts acknowledged that fat had cosmetic uses, but they also said they doubted that there was an international black market for human fat, the AP says.

While police officials suspect that the fat was sold to cosmetic companies in Europe, Mejia said he could not confirm any sales, the AP says.

Police showed reporters two bottles of fat recovered from the suspects and a photo of the remains of a dismembered 27-year-old man recovered in a coca-growing valley.

Mejía said on of the suspects, Elmer Segundo Castillejos, told officers that the gang would cut off a victim’s head, arms and legs, remove the organs, and then drain the fat into tubs.

Reuters reports that police are investigating the disappearance of at least  60 people in the area linked to the gang.

(Posted by Doug Stanglin)

sorce: http://www.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2009/11/peruvian-gang-allegedly-killed-for-human-fat-for-cosmetics/1

Marie Louise Cosmetics has generously offered a 20% discount for all Melinda Mae customers from now until 2010! Every Melinda Mae customer will receive the Marie Louise Cosmetics 20% discount to be used on the website, www.marielouisecosmetics.com, to buy the all of the Marie Louise Cosmetics.

Marie Louise Cosmetics

I have used some of the Marie Louise Cosmetics and I really love them! Marie Louise Cosmetics are made in Japan and use gentle ingredients to moisturize and cleanse your face.  The products that I especially love are the Moistraiser a-VC and the Restoration Clear Gel.

Moistraiser a-VC

The Moistraiser a-VC is a gentle toner that I have been using after I cleanse my face. After using this product, my skin feels smooth and clear. I have very sensitive skin but this product does not dry out my skin or irritate it. I only need about a quarter size amount and sweep it across my face.

Restoration Clear Gel

This cleanser is amazing! I use it once a week to exfoliate and cleanse my face. I use a couple pumps of this gel and massage it all over my face. As you massage your face, you can feel the dead skin shedding off. Then, just rinse and your face feels refreshed!

And if you go to the Marie Louise Cosmetics site now, you’ll see all of the great holiday deals that are going on right now! So when you purchase a Melinda Mae product from now until 2010, you will automatically receive a 20% discount on all Marie Louise Cosmetics! I hope that you love the Marie Louise products like I do!

There isn’t a more fun time to dress up in your favorite pretty dresses and experiment with new products then around the holiday season. One of my favorite things to utilize during Christmastime is scents. I love surrounding myself with deeply rich scented perfumes, holiday soaps and lotions, and things that keep your senses immersed in the season. It’s also the best time to incorporate things into your wardrobe/make-up routines that you might usually stay away from. For me, I tend to avoid anything too shimmery during most of the year, but I love adding sparkle and glitter accents around Christmas – whether it’s through my make-up and nail polish or subtle hints of it in accessories and clothing.

Below are some of my favorite things of the season that I’ve either been wearing or using or that I’m anxious to wear or try out.

Love Birds Dress, Get to The Point Spectators, Zeizo Patent Shoe (no longer on the site! They’re from Forever 21.), Lace of Base Dress.

I haven’t gotten the chance to wear the Love Birds Dress or the Spectators just yet, but I’m planning on creating my Christmas outfit with them. I did wear the Lace of Base Dress and Zeizo shoes to a Hanson concert recently and the shoes were amazingly comfortable. I’ve worn all kinds of shoes to shows and just let my feet suffer the consequences, but I was pleasantly surprised when I came out of the Regency Ballroom and walked the several blocks back to the car pain free! I’ll put photos up of both outfits later on. I plan on wearing knee highs and either a white or dark sandy colored cardigan with the first dress and last time I wore the other, I wore black opaque tights and a cream colored crochet cardigan.

OPI Holiday Glow Nail Polish, NARS Bloodwork Lipgloss, Miss Dior Cherie eau de parfum, Best Bath Store Dead Sea Mud Mask, Best Bath Store Peppermint Body Bar, MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder in NC15.

I got Holiday Glow in an OPI mini set and it’s the second of the four that I’ve tried and I’m absolutely in love with it. I put on two or three coats to achieve the solid color that I wanted, but it looks lovely even with just one. In the bottle it looks a purpley bluish color, but with multiple layers it comes out more of a brownish color with a gorgeous amount of glitter to it. I mentioned the NARS lip gloss a couple posts down and it’s a really nice, vibrant red that looks great with all kinds of holiday looks. Miss Dior Cherie is one of my favorite perfumes as it is, but it’s especially nice in the winter. I usually alternate between it and Chanel Chance in the later months of the year. Best Bath Store is a company that I discovered through a YouTube review video and I was really excited to try their products because they’re cruelty free and all home-made. They have this really amazing sample offer where you get to try fairly decent sized samples of five of their products for just $6.95 shipping. I’ll do a review of all the things I got from them in sample and full size eventually. The mud mask does an amazing job at unclogging your pores and leaving your skin really nice and soft. It wasn’t too abrasive either. I haven’t tried the peppermint soap yet, but the smell is really nice, almost exactly like real peppermint. Last but not least, MAC Select Sheer is one of my favorite things ever. It’s one of my absolute make-up staples that I always wear. It creates the nicest finish over any kind of foundation or concealer.

* None of the aforementioned products test on animals and the shoes are from man-made materials.

I think my next post might be about different holiday outfit ideas on different budgets. We will see! I hope anyone who stumbles across this had a nice Thanksgiving.

Sometimes, the school you picked isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Maybe the culture just doesn’t mesh with you, or maybe you realize after a few months that you want to be studying something completely different.

The thought of transferring crosses your mind. And then the thoughts of all you’d have to do -  paperwork, credit juggling, and the process of making new friends all over again – flood your brain. My expert advice (I’m a self-proclaimed expert, of course)  is to give your school a fighting chance before you go through the grueling process of transferring. But if you’re really unhappy, a change can be well worth it.

There are many different options when it comes to your education, some of which you might never knew existed. Here are a few different routes you can take on your path to academic success and happiness:

• Four-Year College
It might be a public university or it might be a private school, but places are handing out bachelor’s degrees like candy these days (well, if you do the work, anyway). This is probably the type of school most of you are in and the type to which most of you would consider transferring. There are zillions of them, so do your research and really know what you want—don’t just transfer because your boyfriend goes there.

• Career College
If you know exactly what you want to do and you’re on the fast track to doing it, consider a career college. Some of them can be just as pricey as liberal-arts colleges, but they may not keep you there for the full four years, and when you’re done, you’re basically set to get a job or apprenticeship in your field. A quick way to check out your options is to visit a site like CollegeSurfing.com, which lets you search for schools by career interest.

• Technical School
A little bit like a career college, a technical school preps you for employment in a specific line of work. Most of the programs are only two years long, so you’ll be able to graduate before all your friends and start raking in the dough while they’re still paying off loans. Common technical-school programs include management, beauty, culinary arts, and trades like welding. The U.S. Department of Education gives you a few tips to keep in mind when trying to choose a technical school, such as making sure the institution is accredited.

• Vocational School/Trade School
Vocational school is closely connected with apprenticeship programs and is likely to give you a lot of on-the-job training. It also prepares you for a specific line of work, but the difference is that most vocational-school programs are non-academic and primarily require you to work with your hands. You can go to vocational school to learn how to be a mechanic or a blacksmith, for example, although the term has branched out considerably to now encompass careers in cosmetics and other fields as well. Explore what’s available from the vocational-school world at this directory.

Obviously, there are other options – dropping out and open a cupcake bakery, for example – but if you want to earn that degree or certificate, you’ll likely be hitting up one of the above. Before you go, though, get to the root of why you’re transferring, and make sure it’s the right decision for you. You want to make sure to make an informed decision this time so you don’t have to do the Transfer Shuffle again!

Just remember that transferring should be primarily motivated by an academic choice. If you’re going through a tough time with friends or boys or making your mark on a campus, trying on a new school for size isn’t likely to solve all your problems (that’s what chocolate is for).

We at CC want you to be happy, and part of that includes finding the school that fits your needs best, so if you’re not there, go forth and explore!

http://www.shopthebunny.com/

ShopTheBunny.com, one of Playboy’s fashion sites, offers a large selection of official Playboy Apparel, Jewelry, Cosmetics, Accessories and so much more for both Women & Men! Promote Shop The Bunny today, and earn up to 8% commission on all sales!

I have recently discovered the brand Yves Rocher (which I enjoy) and happily tested some of their Holiday 2009 offerings. 

My favorite holiday item from Yves Rocher is the Extra Long Wear Eye Pencil ($5.00 USD). This thick pencil goes on very smooth and is claimed to be long -lasting. It didn’t last all day on me, but did last for a while. It comes in two colors — Taupe Rose is a rosy, bronze that is great for day and Bleu Nuit is a dramatic navy that is perfect for evening looks.

Gloss & Charm Mirror – Limited Edition ($6.00 USD) are perfect holiday lip glosses.  They are available in two party-perfect shades: Raspberry Jelly and Frosty White.  These glosses are soft and shimmery and can be worn over lipstick for more glamour! Plus you’ll receive a mirror charm with every gloss purchased.

Yves Rocher also has a home fragrance collection. I really like the Jardins de Noel  Liquid Hand Soap ($5.00 USD). It comes in a generous 10.1 fl. oz bottle and is a festive way to dress up your bathroom (and keep your hands clean) this holiday season. It comes in Fleur de Noel, with notes of white flower, cedar, lemon extract and orange, and Jardins de Noel, with notes of almond, mandarin, bergamot and grapefruit. The bottle is very pretty as well!

Visit www.yvesrocherusa to purchase these festive products. Enjoy!

Great Gift Idea: Just in time for the holidays, Borghese introduces two mini kits featuring fun, glittery lacquers. These kits would make perfect stocking stuffers, teacher and co-worker gifts, perfect for all of the stylish ladies on your list!

Each kit contains four long-wearing, nail-strengthening polishes that contain Borghese’s exclusive Acqua di Vita complex to help restore healthy moisture to the nails. Micronized Gemstones add brilliance. Each shade comes with a special Duale Curve Tip Brush custom designed to hug the shape of your nail for a smooth, flawless application. The rich, saturated hues are free of DBP’s, Toluene and added Formaldehyde.

The collections are:

 Allegra — Gold Glitter, Red Glitter, White Glitter and Black Glitter

Serena — Brown Glitter, Green Duochrome, Multi-Colored Glitter, Purple Shimmer

Each kit costs $9.99 and can be found at drugstores nationwide. Pick one up for a friend — and yourself!

Looking for a natural makeup line that does not break the bank? Yves Rocher creates quality cosmetics that are affordable and fun to use!

Some of the products from this line that I love are:

Loose powder foundation & Kabuki brush ($39.00 USD) This makeup contains organic sweet almond oil which claims to sooth the skin. Most mineral makeup settles in to my pores, which I HATE! This foundation smooths over wrinkles and pores and makes them appear smaller — which is nice for an aging lady! I have also noticed that my skin gets a glow when I use it, which I LOVE.   I get the claim of soothing, my red cheeks feel better when I wear it. The kabuki brush is very well made and the bristles are very soft. I pore some of the foundation into the cap, swirl the brush in it, tap of excess and buff it on my face. Wonderful!  

Loose Pearls-Intense illuminating effect ($18.00 — $9.00 on sale) will give you a flirty holiday sparkle. This is a nice, shimmery pigment in a very cute little bottle. A little goes a long way with this product, and it would be great for evenings out. It is available in four shades, Pink, Taupes, Gold and Copper.  This also contains organic sweet almond oil to help powder stay soft and not dry lids out.

Sometimes, instead of heavy lipstick or gloss, you just want a little color and softened  lips. The Cream Balm ($12.00 USD) is a natural lip color that give a little shine and long-lasting moisture.  The Cream Balm contains soothing organic sweet almond oil and is available in two shades, Petales de Rose (lighter pinkish hue) and Petales de Cuivre (reddish shade).

visit www.yvesrocherusa.com to learn more and to purchase these cosmetics.

i heart aesop. i love their products and bottles, i love their stores. above is a picture of their melbourne shop and then second is a new shop they have opened in singapore – yes thats hay coming down from the ceiling. they always seem to do something innovative and earthy and they pull it off with effortless finesse.

i have a growing shelf full of their products but a few of my favourites include their primrose face mask and their mandarin and cedarwood atlas handcream (i couldnt afford the huge pump pack but i have been through a tube and am now on the cute bottle).

even their e-newsletters are a cut above other ones i get in my inbox every couple of weeks or so. they set them out beautifully, letting you know their picks of cafes, movies, books, events etc.

oh and theyre australian which makes them that much better

Really not sure how this will go over, but I thought I’d try a different kind of post. ^^
For GD’s Vogue shoot, I thought the makeup he wore looked really good. The colors really flowed well together, and I thought maybe people would like to try it out. Of course, not as extreme for every day use, but.. Well, you’ll see. ^^;

For the eyes:

MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo in Mayhem. The silver that comes as part of the duo doesn’t really go on as silver, it’s more of a kind of glitter that just adds a little more metallic sheen. Available here.

Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner. G-Dragon’s definitely got a lot of eyeliner on, and this can be brushed on to the thickness of your choice. ^^ Available here.

For the cheeks:

Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer. I think he used bronzer rather than blush, and I’ve seen plenty of people do this. ^^ Buy it here, not that the image makes it obvious at all.

For the lips:

NARS Lip Lacquer in Baby Doll.
Baby doll is this shade: And is for sale here.

For… whatever:

MAC Liquidlast Liner in Aqualine.

Available here.  (GD wears this type of color in an…interesting way, but just in case anyone wants to try it. ^^)

And there we go! Not sure if anyone was curious about this or even cares, but I thought I’d try something new. Feedback’s appreciated, good or bad!

If you enjoy shopping at Ulta, check this out. You can get $5 off a $10 purchase by using the coupon code 31877. The deal expires Dec. 31.

(Thanks, Hard Times Newsletter)

Here’s a soft glam party look:

How to get it:

~Apply your usual face stuffs (primer, foundation etc).
~ Use a matte peachy blush to contour your cheeks (suck in your cheeks aka make fishy face) then apply the blush to the sunken in spots. Stardust Product used: Stella pigment
~Highlight your cheekbones with a luminizer or shimmery powder with a peachy undertone.  Stardust Product used: Goddess luminizer
~Dust your face with a finishing powder to set and soften.  Stardust Product used:  Matte Finishing Veil

For the eyes:
~Apply a sheer peachy glittery shade to your lid area, wet with sealant or mixing medium–you need something for the glitter to stick to in the next step.  Stardust Product used: Melt the Snow shimmer powder.
~While the peachy shade is still wet, pat on a silvery/crystal glitter on top of lid.  Stardust Product used:  Shimmerstorm shimmer powder
~Highlight browbone area with a slightly shimmery, warm shade.  Stardust Product used:  Cashmere Mittens
~Apply the crystal/silver glitter, wet along lower lashline.  Stardust Product used:  Shimmerstorm shimmer powder.
~Line upperlashline with a thin black line.  Stardust Product used:  Midnight Candle, wet
~Curl lashes
~Apply falsies if desired.  Used Ardell #117 in this look.
~Coat upper and lower lashes with mascara.  Be very generous with the coats.  Used Covergirl Lashblast in black.
~Bat those pretty sparkly peepers!

Lips:
~Use a peachy/pinky lipstick or gloss to finish.  Used Nars Orgasm l/g

So yes, I bit the “we’ll take on unnecessary risk to our vision in trade for long, thick, luscious eyelashes” bug.  What kind of beauty junkie would I be if vanity isn’t my top priority? Wait, don’t answer that. Let me clarify that I’m actually using Bimatoprost, one of Latisse’s generic. Bimatoprost is the actual ingredient in Latisse; it’s what makes your lashes grow long and thick. And if you look at both of their labels, it’s the same amount -  .03%.

Before we go into the review, I want to go into a brief class about the drug and why it’s labeled for different use. Bimatoprost is originally used for patients with Glaucoma, which according to Wikipedia is an eye disease or disorder that is defined as a characteristic optic neuropathy, or disease of the optic nerve, possibly, if untreated, leading to damage of the optic disc of the eye and resultant visual field loss due to lack of communication between the retina and the brain, which can lead to blindness. When glaucoma patients saw their lashes grow long as a side effect of the bimatoprost drops, the world of cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies saw dollar signs. Cha-ching. In the world of pharmacology and medicine, you’re not allowed to prescribe a drug if its not for its intended use.  One of the ways a drug gets introduced as a different/new treatment, it has to be FDA approved – and that takes a lot of money for clinical studies, research etc. So Allergan, the same pharmaceutical company that brought you Botox and Juviderm, capitalized it by putting out the money and making it an exclusive brand, Latisse.  So you’re paying the 1000% markup because of its brand. Why can’t we they sell it as a generic? Well, a drug has to be out for at least 5 years before the generic can be introduced into the market for the same treatment – don’t quote me on that though. But if you’re lucky enough, some doctors will prescribe Lumigan (the generic) for your eyelid hairs.

Ok, onto the review. I’m about 5 weeks into using bimatoprost, and I can probably tell a very slight difference in length and volume. Let me start by telling you the kind of brush I used to lengthen the use of bottle. It’s an eyeliner brush I got over the counter – I forgot where.  But if you’re familiar with MAC, it’s the #209 brush.

Using this brush allowed me to apply several layers right into my lash line, top and bottom, as well as, extending my eyebrows from ONE drop.  This is how I did it, let me repeat it, this is how I did it. I’m not a medical expertise, please follow directions as labeled.

Brush I used to apply the solution

One drop into the cap.

Dip bush into solution

Apply solution into clean lashline

Apply into bottom lash line

Apply to eyebrows

These pictures are from WEEK 1.

Week 1

Week 5

These are from WEEK 5. I realized their not from the same angles. Future posts will be closer.

5 Weeks, no curl no mascara

Week 5 no curl, no mascara

Week 5 with curl

Week 5 with curl

Week 5 with curl

Week 5 with mascara

Week 5 with mascara

Week 5 with mascara

Left - no mascara, Right - with mascara

Future updates will be more comprehensive, yeah, these are a lot of separate pictures.

In conclusion, I really like it. Out of all the side effects, I only had slight irritation/redness my first 2 weeks.  Some don’t see results until 8 weeks, and I saw some by week 5. I’ll definitely keep this topic updated until the end of 4 months.

Since moving to Hawaii, I have had the opportunity to meet some extremely amazing people. One in particular is a girl named Noelani. She is a single mom/model/jewelry designer/entrepreneur extraordinaire! She makes it happen and not under simple circumstances. Having the luxury of living in paradise is definitely keeping her motivated to succeed.

All of her jewelry is handmade here in Hale’iwa Hawaii. A small amazing town on the north shore of Oahu. You have to see her designs, they are the perfect depiction of Hawaii through the eyes of an artist.

I hope to be able to work with her on a few shoots before I have to leave paradise. But I really wanted to give you all an opportunity to see how amazingly beautiful her designs are. She makes beauty in some of the simplest forms. Please check out her stuff and show her some support by leaving your thoughts and well wishes!

These are also great things to give for Christmas. Authentic handmade jewelry from paradise.

See her Website.

Here are some of her designs if you decide not to visit her site for a moment.

Open Heart Earrings

Mother of pearl heart and 14K Gold Fill or Sterling Silver chains.

Brittany

Wire hoop with turquoise beads and dangling coral (found on the beach!)

Madeline

An adjustable charm bracelet of freshwater pearls, mother of pearl beads, tiger’s eye, and other stones on 14K Gold or Sterling Silver chain. Lobster clasp attached.

Malia

Large turquoise oval with goldstone beads and chain tassle on adjustable 29 inch 14K Gold Fill or Sterling Silver chain with a lobster clasp. Length: about 29 inches.

Tiarra

Champagne colored, white or black freshwater pearls adorn a 14K Gold Fill wire half-moon pendant on an 18 inch 14K Gold Fill or Sterling Silver chain. (Personally I LOVE this necklace! -Aub)

Leilani

Pink mother of pearl starfish on an 18 inch chain with toggle clasp.

Joy

Pineapple quartz teardrop on a 16 inch or 18 inch 14K Gold Fill or Sterling Silver chain.

There are so many more amazing pieces on her website so please do check it out. These are all great ideas for Christmas gifts as well.

Click here for her website!

Source: Shanghai Daily

To create self-awareness and generate self confident to Yahoo!Personals members who desires to make a different in their looks.

Video cutting, make the contrast of before and after, to make it has more fun.

URL

Buyer Beware!

Much of the make-up that you see in the stores and on the Internet is imported from China and other parts of South East Asia.

Any cosmetic product that you use should be manufactured in an FDA registered facility under the stringent good manufacturing practices code. The reason for this is that imported cosmetics contain inferior raw materials and can damage your skin or cause you health problems.

There are only a small handful of FDA approved private contract manufacturers in the US. The largest is located in Northeastern United States and is responsible for creating and manufacturing many of the highest quality, most exclusive and pricey brands in department stores and in the Internet beauty stores.

To read more, search for SKU: 01000-PCF0014
Illuminating Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation by Pure Chemistry
This lightweight SPF 8 foundation will offer UV coverage all day long. This mineral foundation will hide any imperfections and is great for all skin types. 1.2 oz

It may not seem apparent, but whether you are  studying in the library, at work, or just out at the mall, psychological principles can be applied to every facet of our lives.

The other day I walked into a Pharmaprix, and I noticed that the only entrance to the store first lead me through the vibrant isles of the cosmetic section.  Upon entering, I was instantly greeted with a warm smile and hello from one of the staff.  The way the environment was set up, and the charismatic people employed there was no coincidence.  In retail, interacting with your customer base is critical in securing sales, and getting repeat clientele.  To do this, staff must project warmth, and expertise. Helping customers with their needs and making them feel at ease involves a variety of psychological principles at work.

Customer Service, Cosmetics, and Psychology

Think about when you walk into a cosmetic store, how are you able to decipher staff from customers? The staff are often seen wearing a technician/lab coat uniforms. This not only signals to the customer that these individuals work there, but it also effects the way they view the beautician.  The way we dress, and the environmental context can tap into existing schemas (mental constructs that help us organize the way we see our self, others, and the world).  Quite often, when we see a lab coat in the context of pristine rows of cosmetics (sterile and lab like), through our existing schemas it indicates to us that this individual is a specialist in their field. In therapy, as a client, it is important that you believe that your therapist has knowledge and expertise.  These elements are crucial to treatment outcomes, because it helps build and foster trust and rapport (therapeutic alliance).   The same processes are at work in retail, if you do not have rapport with the sales staff, or believe that they are knowledgeable in the field, the suggestions, and information they offer may go in one ear and out the other.

However, it’s not just they way you dress in retail, but how you interact with clients.  In psychology we refer to these as social skills.  Take the example of someone walking into a cosmetic store that is unhappy with their skin, and is too shy to directly ask about various products.  As soon as she walks into the store she will be greeted by a beautician.   In this case when greeted, she pauses, makes eye contact and says hello back.  Staff who have a strong social skills set will be able to read the situation (reception skills), then  make sense of the situation by interpreting the clients subtle verbal and non verbal cues (processing skills) to conclude that that the client is shy, and then act accordingly by approaching the client subtly to offer help and engage in further conversation(expressive skills).  These skills are essential for optimal client care.

Often clients come to the store because they are not happy with the they look, and seek to improve their outward appearance.  They often rely on the expertise of the staff to help guide them.  How we look on the outside can be tied to the way we feel about ourselves.  Often times, staff can play a major role in increasing the self-image of clients.  Take the sensitive area of skincare, for some women, having poor skin can effect the way they see them selves, how others see them, and more importantly how they perceive how others view them.  If a beautician is able to give a client techniques, and products to improve their skin, this empowers the client into feeling that they have control (self-efficacy).  Relating back to social skills, because of the sensitive topic, staff are not going to approach someone and directly say something like “I see that you have problem skin, let me help you.”  Sometimes all it takes is a warm smile, and a subtle approach.

When clients do discuss their skincare, the next step involves what psychologists would call a functional analysis.  In psychology this relates to examining the “ABC’s” and were not referring to the alphabet.  This same analysis is carried out with skin care.  First the beautician would ask for a history of the products used in the past(antecedents), and what the client is currently doing for skin care (behavior), and examine the current state of the skin (consequences).  To further help to examine the current state of the problem (poor skin), a beautician would use a machine called a Skin Dehydration monitor to assess the current state, and compare it to an ideal or goal.    Using the information gathered, they can then offer their clients feedback.  Feedback is crucial in the treatment process for determining goals and formulating a plan of action.  So as you can see, CBT can be applied to anything.  Next time you go to a store, see if you can pick out the very things discussed in this blog.  Happy shopping.