Where have I been?

I just wanted to post a quick note to say hi and let you all know that I'm still here and haven't disappeared into makeup oblivion.

I do want to apologize for not announcing the contest winners yet, I had planned on doing that right away but things got in the way and now here we are in November. I will be making a video this week for sure to announce the winners even if I don't post any others right away. Thank you again to all who entered the entries were great and I really appreciate everyone who entered!

Where have I been? Well, I've been here just not blogging or making videos. As we all know there is a live outside of YT (for most of us at least) and although YT has been a big part of my life for over a year other things started to come up and it was time for a break. Nothing super serious, just stuff that was more important and took more energy to deal with.

I do want to thank everyone who has emailed or DM'd or PM'd or left me messages on my profile. I truly appreciate each and every message and am really touched that so many of you have thought of me and wanted to know how I am. I really didn't think anyone would notice or care for that matter. I now realize that I have made more connections that I thought since a lot of you who I had little interaction with have contacted me and I'm really touched. Thank you! And I apologize for not responding, yet, but I will :).

To the person who contacted me wanting to know why I stopped following them, maybe you need to step away from the camera and take a good look in the mirror. If we were really friends you would have noticed 2 months prior, and instead of being so self absorbed and only caring about yourself you would have asked how I was. Clearly you don't know what real friends are or how to be anything other than fake.

To everyone else, I miss you all too and do need to get my but in gear and rejoin the land of YT and twitter. I also want to thank you for caring. And I want to say a special THANK YOU to TheChryyyyst for sending me such a great surprise in the mail last week. Chrysst/TheChryyyst has been a subscriber since before I hit the 500 mark. She's also someone one, who for having never met me, knows what I like. Her gift (pictures later) was so sweet and unexpected, and touching because everything that she sent was something that I myself would have picked out and she sent it just because. SO THANK YOU TheChryyyst!!!!!!!!!!! You didn't have to, and I know you know that which makes it even more special.

That’s about it, nothing exciting, and nothing to worry about. I'm alive, I'm well, I'm just consumed with real life stuff right now. I will tell you that even hubby is telling me that I need to get back into making videos though which is funny and sweet, he's always so supportive even if he doesn't completely understand why I do things.

Regular posts will be back next week (interviews etc.) since I have been taking pictures of the NOTM and just other randomness. I also have lots of reviews to catch up on. I just wanted to say HI and thank most of you for being so great and supportive. I really am touched by the number of people who have reached out to me.

Tuesday's Tips - Facial Massage

This weeks tip is also a bit of a treat. Oxford Jasmine shows us how to do an at home facial type massage to increase circulation and overall skin appearance. If you don't feel totally relaxed and inspired to do your own at home facial massage massage after watching this video then you just might need a few more yoga classes. ;p

Tuesday's Tips - How to disinfect your makeup

Here GossMakeUpArtist shows us how to clean our makeup and keep it cootie free! I'm definitely going to be doing this more!

Tuesday's Tips - Blocking out/Covering your Eyebrows

This week's tip is for those of you who want to learn how to cover your brows for more theatrical or dramatic looks.

Blanchebabcock shows us how.

Kick off your shoes with Oxford Jasmine!

Today in the "Kick Off Your Shoes with..." interview series we get to know the beautiful, talented and incredibly sweet Oxford Jasmine. Jasmine is from the UK and has the most pleasant accent (you know how I love an accent). Her channel is a wonderful combination of wearable everyday looks and special occasion looks and of course everyone's favorite, hauls. She also posts really great tips and tricks. She shows you how to achieve beautiful looks while keeping things simple and fun, all the while remaining cruelty free which I think is amazing. She really has something for everyone on both her YT Channel and her Blog. If you weren't familiar with her before then I definitely suggest you subscribe to both her channel and blog, you won't be disappointed!

ICM: At what age did you discover make-up? When did you start wearing makeup and what did you wear at first?
OJ: I remember clearly my first eye shadow trio; it was by Constance Carroll (anyone remember?). My friend and I were 10 and we bought one each, I bought the blue trio and she bought the pink trio. We had no idea what to do with it but instinctively knew to put it somewhere on our eyes… Unfortunately, we grew tired of looking less than glamorous but for me it opened up a door just a bit to wonder what make up was all about. I would read my sisters’ magazines and wonder what “translucent” powder was and why it was necessary for “setting” your make up.

I was fascinated by face and eye shapes and used to love drawing faces of what I thought a beautiful woman would look like; she had almond shaped eyes, square jaw and curly hair. I was the opposite, squinty-odd eyes, round face and dead straight hair.

I loved Christmas time the most as that’s when all the gift sets of make up and perfume would come out, and one year I bought myself a pink and purple eye shadow set. I was a bit ahead of my time by wearing that particular colour combination but I knew it was gorgeous!

ICM: What made you really get into make-up (wearing and/or collecting)?
OJ: A few years ago, I started taking a real interest in my appearance and vowed to take care of myself a bit more. I started to wear a bit of make up to work and people complimented me on how good I was looking. I used to do my make up on the bus! I was also dating, and what better than a full face of flawless make up to hide behind when meeting someone new on a first date? I would always wear a natural look but accentuated my eyes and lips. Collecting started then really as soon I was bored of natural looks and itched to get better at the more dramatic and eye catching looks which meant buying more make up. I then decided to go to College and learn professional techniques which helped me to improve on my early attempts!

ICM: What role did or does the YT beauty community play into your love of make-up?

OJ: YouTube has been and still is a place to express yourself and share your ideas and passion for make up without feeling guilty about being a bit girly. I have learned so much and been inspired by the more dramatic YouTube make up people to explore those aspects of my personality. I wouldn’t have anyone to share my make up fondness with otherwise!

ICM: Did you start out with drugstore makeup first? If yes what was the first brand(s) you remember using?
OJ: Besides Constance Carroll, I remember buying a fair bit of Rimmel, it was cheap to buy and had a huge range of colours suitable for all skin tones. Black Cherry Lipstick was a particular favourite of mine for a night out!

ICM: Who’s your favorite Drag Queen?
OJ: It has to be the unsurpassable RuPaul hasn’t it? What an amazing ego and legs that go all the way up!

ICM: What was the first brand of high end makeup you ever remember using?
OJ: It was a Clarins gold and dark brown eye shadow duo. My friends and I went for a make over. The results were just disastrous, really hideous as we looked over done and not in a good way, but the eye shadow was lovely so bought it.

ICM: What are your staple items, the ones you can’t live without and have replaced at least once if not more?
OJ: I can’t live without Barefaced Mineral Foundation in Sincere as it is just the perfect shade for me. It is so hard to find good make up for Indian skin tones, everything looks either overly orange or grey generally. As soon as I tried this, I knew it was going to be my staple. It only costs £12 and lasts ages. I’ve also got my sister hooked on it too, she loves the glow it gives her skin without looking like you’re wearing a lot of foundation and I have to agree it’s lovely.

ICM: Bret Michaels or Dee Snider and why?
OJ: Oh dear, do I really have to choose one of them? I really can’t, both are so not my type. I like that they both wear make up though. Ok, Brett Michaels because of those fine abs.

ICM: Any makeup or skincare tips or tricks that you’d like to share?
OJ: Love it or hate it, sunscreen should be your best friend. Ageing can’t be undone but the impact that the environment has on the severity of wrinkles and age spots can be reduced by protecting your skin.

Once in a while have a facial and get your skin analysed so that you can develop an effective cleanse/tone/moisturising routine that will work for your skin. You don’t have to buy expensive products, just ones that are right for your skin type.

ICM: What would you say to someone who is just getting into makeup to help him or her get started on the right foot?
OJ: Make up isn’t all about making someone look Ah-maaaazing or trying to emulate an actress or pop star; it’s about making your clients feel happy, proud and confident in their own skin. If I can do that, I’ve achieved something worthwhile. A lot of make up that I do on my channel is exactly about that, I talk about the little things that can improve how we like to look and feel, it’s a very personal thing.

Also practice as much as you can on other people to understand what works for different skin types, tones, ages and face shapes. Don’t be disheartened if the final look doesn’t all come together either, keep at it and don’t let anyone leave your house without having had some kind of make over!

ICM: What do you do for a living and how does makeup play a role in that if any?
OJ: I am a freelance make up artist so I work with companies and individuals for editorial and special occasion make up.

ICM: If you had to label your makeup style what would you call it?
OJ: Stylish rather than Fashionable.

ICM: Where do you get your inspiration for looks?
OJ: A lot of it is from nature itself, such as the changing of seasons, things to look forward to like holidays and special occasions. I am starting to explore fantasy make up a bit more too.

ICM: Was or is there a specific genre of music that influenced your makeup style?
OJ: Not really. I am more inspired by mood, imagery and scenery than music.

ICM: What is your favorite “go to” look if you have little time but don’t want to run out the door with a naked face?
OJ: My go to look that does not fail if I am in a hurry in the morning is a raspberry lip stain on the cheeks and lips, honey beige all over the eye lid with chocolate brown in and above the crease, black kohl liner and mascara. I’ll slip a black liner and glittery lip gloss in my bag if I’m out after work in order to smoke out the eyes and bring out the lips.

ICM: What made you start making videos on YT and start your blog?
OJ: I couldn’t find any tutorials for every day and special occasion looks for Indian women actually on Indian women, so I thought I’d get over my nerves and make a few. I think I’ve made over 100 videos now, so I haven’t run out of inspiration yet! I like to blog about things I have found useful and products that I like at the moment. Blogging is something you can do with a bit of spare time and if the mood takes you, a video takes a bit longer and requires more energy!

ICM: Looking back, what are some things you wish someone would have told you before you jumped into the makeup addiction?
OJ: To make sure you have good make up storage and that it is easy to organize and get to what you need when you need it!

ICM: What is your favorite color?
OJ: Kingfisher blue.

ICM: What is your favorite type of food or your favorite dish?
OJ: Something spicy and that makes your mouth water in anticipation.

ICM: What other hobbies do you have?
OJ: I do a bit of voluntary work with my community, I find this very rewarding because it uses skills that I don’t use in my every day life and it’s never dull!

ICM: What is your favorite 80s movie?
OJ: Ghostbusters!

ICM: What is the best brand or type of make up that will last through the “walk of shame”?
OJ: Well it’s been a long time since I’ve done that particular walk but I think it has to be e.l.f waterproof mascara – it’s doesn’t smudge and any mineral make up, as I can sleep in it knowing I won’t get spotty!

ICM: What is your favorite online store(s) for beauty products or deals?
OJ: Who can argue with the new e.l.f Studio line, it’s amazing value and I haven’t found a dud product yet – and I have them all…

ICM: Who is your favorite comedian?
OJ: I love going to see comedy shows and stand up comedy, my all time favourite has to be Eddie Izzard. I think perhaps because he is an executive transvestite. I’d really love to do his make up, that would be truly awesome.

ICM: Anything else you’d like to share with the readers?
OJ: My humble thanks, eternal gratitude and hopeful wishes go out to everyone who reads and watches my sites. I hope that I continue to provide entertaining and useful material for you.

To find out more about Oxford Jasmine be sure to check out the links below!

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/oxfordjasmine
Twitter: http://twitter.com/oxfordjasmine
Blog: http://oxfordjasmine.blogspot.com
BlogTv: http://www.blogtv.com/people/oxfordjasmine

A haul/tug of sorts

Due to personal reasons my hauling days have been few and far between this year which is good and bad. Good because the reality is that I don't NEED anymore makeup, I have plenty. Bad simply because I have a shopping problem so I've been having withdrawals. I did however purchase 1 item from the most recent Urban Decay F&F sale although I actually ordered a lot because I owed my sister some money (we trade hair products/services for makeup instead of money) but I wasn't able to get any pictures of her haul but I can say she got some great stuff. The same day that I took her her package of goodies she asked if we could go to Mac so of course I agreed since it had been months and even if I wasn't going to spend money (I really tried) I could shop vicariously through her right?

Again she got lots of goodies but no pics. I just finally mentioned that I have a blog although I won't tell her the URL maybe in a few more months I'll tell her about my YT channel and then convince her to make vids with me or at least do some hauls since she always has great ones.

Here are the few items that I did get. I never buy full size pigments but we decided to split these since they were just too good to pass up.

Click on images to enlarge

The one thing that I was in need of is a new highlighter since the one I currently have is getting low and I didn't realize it was Limited Edition when I bought it. Of course there was not a single MSF dupe for the one I have (MSF Duo in Med/) but leave it to my "new boyfriend" (total inside joke) to find something perfect for me. Totally nothing like what my current highlighter looks like but this one looks way better on me, at least when he put it on me (I think I need whatever brush he used). Even my sister commented on it which mean we both had to have one since she too was in need of a highlighter and we're about the same shade, kinda. I would have never looked at Belightful and thought it was a highlighter but it is perfect and I really love the little gold flecks that it has. I know some people hate any sparkle but I personally love it. Kinda reminds me of a fairy and I LOVE faeries.

I only got 1 for myself but I wanted to try and capture the sparkle which is why there are 3 pictures below. The best part is that it is a perm product so I don't have to freak out when I hit pan on this one. I can honestly say that this is the first Mac compact I've ever had. I do wish I could put it in a palette but oh well I still love it.

Then my new "boyfriend"/MUA, who is always showing me stuff I don't need, decided to tell us that one of his favorite highlight eye shadows is Dreammaker from the Starflash collection. As soon as he showed us we both knew that we NEEDED it so I ask for 2. Sadly they only had 1 left but I he gave me the tester since they were now sold out and there was no need for it. All I need to do is douse (spray lightly) it with some 91% alcohol and voila its germ free and free. Can't really ask for more right? It really is a gorgeous color and although used a few times I know its going to last me ages. Maybe I'll hit up the CCOs soon for a back up, who knows.

So there is my latest little "tug." Oh and since we were there he showed me another upcoming collection (can't remember the name and I can't find it on Temptalia either - it's not HiDef or DSquared or Style Black - that was in back and now I have 2 lipsticks and 2 glosses on presale hold. Damn him for knowing what I like!

Thats it for now. I think I need to spend a few hours depotting soon so that I can B2M and not have to pay for all of my presale items.

Tuesday's Tips - Smudge Free Makeup Removal

Every once in a while I come across a video with a great tip. Sometimes it a tip about something I already know but have forgotten and other times its something completely new, either way there are lots of great people posting these great tips so I decided to start sharing them with you. There will be no set frequency on how often I post these but they will be posted on either a Tuesday or Thursday whe I do find them.

Here is a great tip from OxfordJasmine on how to remove eye makeup. Its a technique that my esthetician has used on me during facials but for some reason I never thought to try it at home, Fortunately for us Jasmine did and has decided to share it with us.

Blog Contest from Lou Lou Land

I recently found out about Lou Lou Land from one of my readers, Lyd at ALice in Wonderland. I only recently started reading both blogs but so far they seem great!

Lou Lou Land is holding a contest to celebrate her 100+ followers and has some great prizes. For those of you in the US this is a great opportunity to try some Sleek and Barry M since we can't get those brands here. So go to her blog, follow her and enter! Contest ends September 9th 12 midday UK time.

Congrats Louise!

Review: Orglamix (picture heavy)

I recently had the opportunity to try Orglamix mineral eye shadows. Orglamix is committed to keeping their mineral makeup healthy and natural. All products are safe for eyes, lips and face and are gentle and pure enough for all skin types. Their products contain no parabens or synthetic dyes. In addition to their eye and face products they also carry a full line of cruelty free, earth friendly makeup brushes.

In this post I will be showing and reviewing the 5 colors that I received;

Lemongrass (light green with fine glitter)

Espresso (coppery/bronze Brown)

Heliotrope (Iridescent White/Duo Chrome)

Indigo (Deep Blue)

Midnight (matteish Black)

I started playing with these the day after they arrived and literally wore at least one if not more of the colors everyday for a week. The colors are beautiful and apply great both wet and dry and they all blend very easily with each other and with other brands. I did notice that the pigmentation really depended on which brush I was using and while I will say that from my experience that applies to most all shadows regardless of type or brand, it was something I really noticed specifically with Lemongrass. Another thing I noticed was that the consistency of each color is slightly different. Some colors are more finely milled than others. Again, this is the case with Mac pigments as well so its not a huge deal but it is something that stood out to me specifically with Espresso.

Here are some swatches on bare skin without primer and applied with a pencil brush.

Below are some pictures of recent looks I did using mainly Orglamix. I used each color over UDPP with a variety of brushes and also used them both wet (Using my Kryolan Cel Sealer) and dry in the same look. I have also used the colors mixed with other brands and they blended well with all of them.

The two pictures above are using Heliotrope and Indigo, nothing else. As you can see Heliotrope is definitely a beautiful duo chrome and although Indigo is a deep blue it turns into more of a purple when applied over Heliotrope. The outer liner is Indigo and the inner liner is Heliotrope.

Here I used Heliotrope as a highlight with some colors from my UD Deluxe Palette. It reminds me a lot of Mac's Vellum. Definitely a must have color.

Here is Indigo alone used wet. No primer or anything else in this picture.

The above pictures are using Midnight with NYX White Pearl and White. The Midnight is on the outer V and also used as liner.

This is Lemongrass on the inner 2/3 of the lid and Indigo on the outer V and in the crease. I also used the Lemongrass wet as liner. Another favorite. This color really changes its intensity depending on how it is applied.

Here is a look using Lemongrass, Espresso and Midnight (UD Ink for in Loaded Eyes as liner)

Lastly Espresso. This one is a gorgeous coppery/bronzy brown that although rather chunky in the container blends out nicely with the right brush and it looks amazing wet! Here I used it over UD Sin and the a bit of Mac Vanilla on the lid.

All in all I really do like these minerals. I had no problems at all in terms of sensitivity which means they are great for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers. She has a variety of colors on her site that aren't too bright which is great for those of you who want color but are afraid of some of the brighter colors offered by other companies. With Orglamix I think you get a happy medium. Great color variety without fear of looking like you had a fight with the light bright and lost. Of course I personally like that look as well but sometimes I do try to tone it down for fun. She also carries brushes and face minerals so its not just about the eyes.

Where to find: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7663983
Price: Ranges based on product but it is all very reasonable

Rating: 4 out of 5
Would I recommend: Yes
Vegan: Yes

*This review as well as any others on my blog are not influenced by anyone or any company, they are strictly MY personal opinions based on trying the products myself. I do not expect everyone or anyone to agree with me. I am simply sharing information and conclusions that I have come to based on trying an individual product and I hope that somehow it helps someone else.

Another Cut the Crease for Work

This is actually my Eye of the Day from Thursday the 3rd.

Another attempt at "cutting the crease." This time I tried to do something a bit more defined yet still wearable to work. Last time I did this I think it was more subtle and definitely less defined which is why I called it quick and dirty. I've seen a ton of amazing videos on how to do this and frankly some intimidate me. Not because they look hard so much as I'm afraid I'll be disappointed in how it looks on me which is partially why I'm starting out slowly in this process, that and 98% of my looks are worn to work so while I'm all about dramatic I still need to remember that I work in a fairly conservative environment.

I started out with UDPP as always then added Mac Soft Ochre Paint Pot to my lid and just slightly above.
I then used my Stila Grey Look quad. Of course I don't remember the names of any of the colors but I used the "bone/cream" color on top of the Soft Ochre to create a clean matte look. Mac Vanilla or Bobbie Brown's Bone would work just as well.
Then I grabbed my 214 and the black color from the Stila quad and lightly drew a line above my natural crease and then lightly kept tracing over and over so that it was defined yet not too harsh.
Then I grabbed more black on my 36 (similar to the 226) and lightly blended out and up towards the brow bone.
After that I decided that the contrast was too much so I grabbed my 239 and Global Goddess Aishwarya from my BeautyFix 2 kit and lightly blended that just under the black line but making sure not to get it on the lid.
I added Dazzlelight as a highlight
Blinc black liquid liner
Brun to fill in my brows
Then used my 214 again and added some of the black to my outer lower lash line and brought it out to meet the wing of the upper lash line.
Mascara, face and done!

Open which is where my eye just eats up any detail, damn "hooded eyes."

Nothing too crazy but still a fun look for work. Let me know if you have any questions.

Another blog giveaway!

This time its MagicMaid celebrating 100 followers and she is giving away 9 nail polishes from Wet n Wild's new collection! How awesome is that? So what are you waiting for, head on over to her blog for the official rules and enter! I don't know about you but I could always use some more polish :)

(both of the above photos are courtesy of MagicMaid's blog)

The power of peer pressure and how I LOVE true honesty!

I know that some of you are strictly blog readers but there are also some of you, like myself, who are YT addicts viewers as well as blog readers. Regardless of what you read or watch if you are reading this blog then you have some interest in beauty which means you are possibly product obsessed like to hear about and try new products and look to other beauty aficionados for their insight and opinions. Now maybe its just me but having been part of this whole "beauty community" for a little over a year has taught me a lot, good and bad. One thing that I have learned is that the power of suggestion or peer pressure really does get a lot of people, myself included on occasion. Having been a beauty/product junkie since my early years I have tried many things long before they became the "latest trend." In the same respect I'm very set in my ways and brands that I didn't always venture very far into a lot of the brands that I have discovered over this past year. Either way it has been fun but another thing I learned early on is DON'T FALL FOR PEER PRESSURE or a "Keep up with the Jones' mentality! Meaning just because your friend has it or "everyone else" doesn't mean you have to get it too.
One thing I noticed when my whole YT experience started was how I would see these sudden waves of saturation of one product or brand. Its like the "right person" would either haul or review something and then suddenly EVERYONE had to have it.

Lush is a perfect example. Let me start by saying that I do like Lush products and in fact have been using them since 2003 which is probably why I have not jumped on the crazy Lush bandwagon that has taken over the YT beauty community. Funny thing is that in all the hauls and reviews I see/hear about Lush it is 80% of the same products that everyone is buying which I always find amusing, especially because Lush has such a large variety of different things.
My personal favorites include the massage bars, the deodorants - both solid and powder and the Karma fragrance. I also love the honey line which seems to come and go, I also love Coalface and these little shower thingies that I can't seem to find anymore but you kept them in the freezer and then broke off a bubble before jumping into the shower and it was perfect for summertime. So you see I am no stranger to Lush but I just can't get into all the hype especially when its over the same products over and over. Every review seems to be the same too, everyone loves the same products, the same scents the same...which makes me think is there something in the porridge koolaide or does everyone just wanna be a rockstar? I mean how many kids can you really shrink ya know? How can everyone LOVE the same products? I don't get it. Sometimes it feels like invasion of the beauty snatchers or maybe its more like Stepford Wives. Well whatever it is I have no desire to go to Lush anytime soon mainly because it feels tainted now, its no longer a little gem amongst all the tourists downtown, its become mainstream which makes it less appealing to me.

Plus I must say out of all the reviews I've watched and read this one seems to be the most honest. Not saying that others are not being honest but Vane always tells it like it is and anyone who describes smells the way I would gets my instant attention. And in case you're wondering, no I have not smelled or tried the porridge soap, and frankly even if I were to go into Lush tonight I don't think I would be drawn to it simply because of its name. It may sound dumb but I have a thing for scents and names. Washing my face with Coalface is far more appealing than rubbing porridge on my body. Maybe its just me...

Either way if you are still on the fence about this particular product definitely do your research and please read Vanes take on it as well, if for no other reason than it doesn't sound like all the rest.
RANT & REVIEW- Lush Porridge Soap

Body Image and what IS plus size?

Every once in a while we see the media go crazy over someone suddenly publishing a "real woman" in a magazine or commercial (remember the Dove spots). Now I realize that I am not "fat" (I mention that because I'm sure someone will say I'm biased or something) and that some people might not agree with me but the latest photo in Glamour is slightly irritating and misleading IMO.

First off I do agree that it is a great image and the model looks great and I applaud her for posing with little to no clothing (do you even see the string of undies on the side? I didn't.). But to call her plus is where I get irritated. Yes she is a size 12/14 but she is 5'11 and 180 pounds. That to me seems normal period, not fat. Nor is she emaciated. She looks great and honestly I'm sure she would still look great at 160 (still considered a normal BMI for her age and height) yet probably still be considered "plus sized." You know why, because she's tall. Her frame requires more weight and muscle period otherwise she would look sickly. I'm all about being thin but seeing every bone and muscle and organ is just gross.

Yes it appears that she has a "belly" but look closely, its her skin. I don't care how thin you are skin stretches and therefore there is some extra that will fold when compressed. Just look at your elbow. Bend it and the skin is taught, straighten your arm and you have skin folding.

Shit my belly has more volume than that when I sit down and I'm 135lb, 5'5 and a size 6 (size 4 on a good day and a M or L top always) . Her BMI is average based on this BMI calculator that I found via google as is mine even though mine is like 3 points lower than hers.

Maybe I'm wrong here but to me plus size means you have to wear plus size clothes, as in you can't shop in the Juniors or Misses section and in some instances you can't even shop at the same stores that I can. You have to go to the Women's and Plus section/stores. It means big, overweight, obese and yes I'll say it, just plain fat.

I realize that there is a HUGE controversy over BMIs and I do agree with some of them but I included that info to keep things simple. The reality is that yes the woman is normal but because she is proportionate not because she is a size 12/14. If I was 180 or even a size 12/14 not only would I be huge but I would be morbidly obese, you know why, cuz I'm only 5'5. Now those of you who read my blog know that I follow the Weight Watchers plan and based on that they provide you with a guide that shows where your healthy weight is based on your height. For me I can weigh between 120-150 and still be considered healthy. Personally I prefer to be at the lower to mid range simply because I look and feel best there (in MY opinion). I don't feel good at the higher end and I don't think I look good either.

For anyone who watches ANTM I remember watching a rerun last year with a "plus size model." This model was taller than I am by like 2 inches maybe but had my exact measurements and possibly same weight and they said she was plus size. Now I'm sorry but if I am considered plus then that would make this Lizzi lady gargantuan right? And yet she looks totally normal and great really.

What is my point you may be wondering? Well for one I'm venting because its frustrating. Two its my blog and I felt like it and 3 come on people when did we get such distorted views. As women we have so much going for us yet so much stacked against us. Image issues being one of them. I'm all for accepting who you are and what size you are but at the same time I also think some people need a reality check. To some big is beautiful and that is fine but really the beauty should come from within not your size. Yes aesthetically some of us prefer to be thin and thin in general and others prefer to be a bit "fluffier," but what I think it should really come down to is what is healthy?

Too thin is NOT healthy or is too fat. Where is the happy medium. Is it a size 4 or a size 14? As a society we are getting bigger and bigger you can't deny it just look around. Studies have been done and there are articles everywhere on the obesity problem specifically in children and its sad. More and more children and adults are being diagnosed with health issues that are specifically tied to weight yet we are constantly being bombarded with the Extra Value Meals that are seriously causing extra health issues in addition to the extra weight. Big people are starting to get upset because of "fatism" yet it seems that we can rip on skelator looking models all the time and I've never heard anyone cry about "thinism." No one ever complained that their plane seat was too roomy yet larger people who are asked to purchase 2 seats based on their size are getting upset. If you can't fit into one seat then you need two, squeezing into one makes everyone uncomfortable. Facts are facts you can't deny the obvious but we can educate ourselves and not fall into the media trap of believing everything they tell us. Yes this woman is a size 12/14 and might be considered "big" but why hasn't anyone mentioned her height. She is a tall woman. So by calling her "normal" does that mean that the rest of us who are shorter not "normal." No, it means that she is tall and her weight is normal and healthy for her height. At least that's how I look at it.

Last I checked my height was considered "average" which I believe could also be considered "normal" but if a size 12 is "average/normal" then that would make me "abnormal" and in turn fat if I gained enough weight to get me to a "normal" size. Do you see where I'm going here? Just because something is considered "normal/average" does not mean that you have to accept it or do it. When I was growing up and in school a 'C' was considered an "average" and acceptable grade, to some, yet I was NOT allowed to get them. Maybe that's just it, my standards were set high at a young age and while I can't totally do anything about my "average" height (I do wear heels daily to give the illusion of more height because to me its more attractive) I CAN do something about my weight. Do I strive for "average" not if it means big and unhealthy for me so why should you? Why not find what IS the right size for you and stick with that. If its a size 2 great! If its a size 12 great! But make it be what works for YOU not what some magazine or runway or TV show says you should be. And when you figure it out embrace it and be confident. Some of us will never be a size 2 (I have hips that don't shrink) or have 6 pack abs (I am convinced that I only have 1 big ab muscle that is slightly squishy) or even wear a bikini but that's okay.

And for those of you who like to pull the Marilyn card saying she was a size 12 or 16, let's look at that.

According to her official site

Height: 5 feet 5 1/2 inches

Weight: Varied, 115 - 120 lbs.

Measurements: 37-23-36 (Studio's Claim); 35-22-35 (Dressmaker's Claim)

And one more that included a dress and pant size. Her dress size was probably a 12 because of her chest. I for one wear a size 10 dress but 6 pants simply because of the ladies so it makes perfect sense that Marilyn was a 12 and 8 although with that waist I'd say a 0 regardless of the decade.

And in case you still don't believe me here is the info from snopes

I realize that sizes have changed over the decades all you have to do is go to a bridal shop but in comparing her measurements to 3 size charts (Old Navy, White House Black Market and Victoria's Secret) She is not a size 12 or 16 as some have said. A 12 in the 50's is NOT a 12 in the '00s. And even if she was a 12 in the 50's measurements haven't changed so you can compare hers above to the charts below.

Her top/bust almost always falls into the M/L/10/12 (occasional S) category but her waist puts her an an XS/0 and her hips put her at a XS/S/2/4. So at the most a part of her was a size 10 and that was the chest area.

My point? Possibly none other than let's just be real people. There are "model sizes" which for all intents and purposes aren't necessarily healthy nor are they always attractive (I like to see my collar bones but seeing a sternum is just gross). "Regular sizes" which IMO means not too thin and not too fat, proportionate to height and hopefully healthy and "Plus sizes" which means you are big and possibly do need to lose some weight regardless of height. Either way accept what you are and do what you need/want to do about it but lets stop obsessing over the tall girl who is NOT plus size. She's normal. Oh and lastly curves are just that, curves not to be mistaken with lumps. Your natural shape and bone structure make you curvy, extra weight can make you lumpy. You can be thin and curvy.

I don't expect you to agree with me, remember this is all just MY opinion on the matter. I would like to hear your thoughts though as long as they are expressed appropriately and not being rude simply because you don't agree or like my take on the matter.

That is all.

Contest Prize Update

Here are the prize packs for my 1000+ & 1 Year Anniversary Contest. Click here for the Rules and more info if you are interested in entering. Contest ends September 6th 2009 10pm PST.

1st Prize Pack (16 items total)

1 Pink and black satin train case filled with

1 It Cosmetics My Sculpted Face contouring kit

2 ManGlaze polishes - 1 The Death Tar and 1 Fuggen Ugly

1 pair of Earrings from Beau Monde Boutique

1 Woven Headband from Groupie Glam

1 Glittersniffer Pigment sampler (5 pigments & 2 cosmetic grade glitters)

1 Zann Clip your choice of size and color

1 set of hair clips and 1 set of buttons from Goth Cupcake

2 pairs of Red Cherry lashes - #138 & #38 from MsCuppyCakes

1 Blinc item (either Mascara, Lash Primer or Liquid liner)

1 Vegan Lipgloss and 1 eye dust from PinUp Cosmetics

1 set of Assorted Brush Guards

2nd Prize Pack (13 items total)

1 Black satin small makeup bag

1 It Cosmetics My Sculpted Face contouring kit

2 ManGlaze polishes - 1 The Death Tar and 1 Fuggen Ugly

1 pair of Earrings from Beau Monde Boutique

1 Woven Headband from Groupie Glam

1 Glittersniffer Pigment sampler (5 pigments & 2 cosmetic grade glitters)

1 Zann Clip your choice of size and color

1 set of hair clips and 1 set of buttons from Goth Cupcake

1 pairs of Red Cherry lashes - (your choice of #138 or #38) from MsCuppyCakes

1 Blinc item (either Mascara, Lash Primer or Liquid liner)

1 eye dust from PinUp Cosmetics

1 set of Assorted Brush Guards

3rd Prize Pack (11 items total)

1 Black & Pink satin small makeup/coin purse

1 It Cosmetics My Sculpted Face contouring kit

2 ManGlaze polishes - 1 The Death Tar and 1 Fuggen Ugly

1 pair of Earrings from Beau Monde Boutique

1 Woven Headband from Groupie Glam

1 Zann Clip your choice of size and color

1 set of hair clips and 1 set of buttons from Goth Cupcake

1 pairs of Red Cherry lashes - (#138 or #38) from MsCuppyCakes

1 Blinc item (either Mascara, Lash Primer or Liquid liner)

1 set of Assorted Brush Guards

Comment Prize Pack 1

It Cosmetics My Sculpted Face contouring kit

1 Woven Headband from Groupie Glam

1 Bottle cap Necklace from Groupie Glam

Comment Prize Pack 2

It Cosmetics My Sculpted Face contouring kit

1 Woven Headband from Groupie Glam

1 Bottle cap Necklace from Groupie Glam

Click the image below if you want a better look at the prizes.

Please note that the prizes are subject to change based on how many entries there end up being in the contest. Click here to enter!

Click here to see my Zann Clip review and demo

Click here to see my review on the ManGlaze matte polishes, here for more pictures of Fuggen Ugly and here for more pictures of The Death Tar

Click here for my Blinc Lash Primer Review

Click here for my review on tube mascaras and to hear more about the Blinc mascara

Click here to read about my experience using all 3 Blinc products and how great their waterproofability is

More Reasons to Shop

BEAUTY BLOWOUT SALE
25-50% OFF

My other YouTube Channel - BeautyLabs

Not sure if you've seen it or not but about a month ago WhatsCooknGoodLookn and I started a collab channel on YouTube called BeautyLabs. You can see our intro Video below

And our 1st "experiment" below.

More Reasons to Shop

Bb Thickening Full, Fuller Free

Bobbie Brown

FREE Standard Shipping on Any Order PLUS a Mini Perfectly Defined Mascara!

$20 off $75 or more at HotTopic.com

Free shipping today only at Quidad code 25AFree

20% off Endless.com

*I am not affiliated with any of these companies nor do I get anything out of sharing these deals with you. As I've mentioned before I sign up for TONS of e-newsletters and literally get loads of emails daily on specials and promos. I'm just passing them along in case anyone is interested.

Review: Kryolan Cake Eye Liner Sealer/Cel Sealer

Do you love liquid liner but hate that you can never find just the right shade of (fill in the blank). Or are you just looking for something to foil your pigments/loose minerals but don't want to spend the money on Fix+? Well then you NEED the Kryolan Cel Sealer!

I bought this at a trade show a while back and honestly didn't use it for months because I as afraid to ruin something but after a while I decide what the heck! In addition to the Cel Sealer I had purchased 5 of the Kryolan eye dusts and the sales associate told me that the Cel Sealer would turn them into liner if I wanted. Now this was before I had discovered YT so I had no idea what "foiling" was I just know that you could apply shadows wet if you wanted. So one day I got brave and decided to play it safe and use one of the black eye dusts and turn it onto liner. WOW. It was so super easy and you barely need any product. I put a TINY drop in the lid of the eye dust (or any pigment/loose mineral) and then mix in some of the color and VOILA instant liner in any color you have really.

It's amazing. Not only because its so easy but because you barely need any product and it doesn't alter the color of the pigment at all. It dries quickly and doesn't smudge. A half drop is really all you need if you can manage to squeeze that little out. What I do is drop a teeny bit into the lid of the color I'm going to use, then wet my brush in the drop and then dip the wet brush into my pigment of choice*. The wet brush picks up just the right amount then just mix it in the cap, you can add more dry product if you want but I do not recommend adding more of the liquid as it will become too watery and dilute the color. Once you have it completely mixed and the right consistancy apply it to your lid and it will dry in seconds and last ALL DAY!

*If you are a professional and work on clients then obviously you would want to have a completely separate mixing container so that you don't cross contaminate anything but since I use these products only on myself its not an issues.

I do NOT recommend mixing the Cel Sealer and dry pigment on the back of your hand because since the Cel Sealer is liquid it will dry quickly on your skin and then you will end up wasting product.

This product is great for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. It does not smudge, smear or run. Its not necessarily waterproof but pretty close if you aske me.

I really can't say enough about it other than remind myself to use it more. I actually had a subscriber ask me why I would ever need to buy any other liquid liner if I have the Cel Sealer and she's right. My only excuse was time. Not that it takes forever to mix but when I'm rushing in the morning I need as few steps as possible simply because I'm just NOT a morning person so the less thinking involved, the better LOL. It is true though, if you have lots of pigments/loose minerals and wish you could turn then into eye liner or simply want to get more use out of them then get your hands on some Kryolan Cel Sealer. A little goes a LONG way so 1 bottle will last you forever!

What the Kryolan site says:
"Cake Eye Liner Sealer is an innovative preparation created especially for the professional make-up artist to effectively help him or her provide perfect eye make-up.Cake Eye Liner Sealer seals the applied eye liner, enhances its durability and improves moisture resistance.The sealer is thinly applied over the eye liner after it has dried. This sealer preparation can, however, also be directly employed to line the eyelid: the brush is first wet with Cake Eye Liner Sealer and the moist brush is then used to apply Cake Eye Liner."

Click on the image below to watch my review talking about the Cel Sealer and showing you how it will NOT alter the color of your pigment/loose mineral at all.

Click on the image below to watch my Rocket Pop tutorial using the Cel Sealer.

Rating: 5 out of 5!
Where to find: Kryolan stores. I had a hard time finding it on line but here are a few links that resulted from a google search. I am listing them here for your convenience but I have never purchased from these stores so I have no idea what their customer service is like or what their policies are. AlconeCompany, Dance Shopper, FXSupply, FunHouseTheatrical
Price: Varies based on site $3.95-$8
Would I recommend: YES

*This review as well as any others on my blog are not influenced by anyone or any company, they are strictly MY personal opinions based on trying the products myself. I do not expect everyone or anyone to agree with me. I am simply sharing information and conclusions that I have come to based on trying an individual product and I hope that somehow it helps someone else.

Stila - Get $82 worth of free makeup today!

More Reasons to Shop

Here is a list of some of the great deals that are currently going on. Just click on the images for each promo.

Victoria's Secret 40% off any single item!

Too Faced 40% off select brushes!

15% off boots at Aerosoles!

all Nixie and Visiora to 60% off!!!

*I am not affiliated with any of these companies nor do I get anything out of sharing these deals with you. As I've mentioned before I sign up for TONS of e-newsletters and literally get loads of emails daily on specials and promos. I'm just passing them along in case anyone is interested.