December 8, 2009

My Attempt at Nail Art Design

I decided to give myself a mani and pedi this past weekend.  I used OPI Mother Road Rose polish as a base. 

December 6, 2009

Selling My Hubby's Sports Jerseys

Need some ideas for Christmas?  Check out my online store for great deals on your favorite teams jerseys.

http://www.jennjennscloset.ecrater.com/









Thanks for stopping by!

December 2, 2009

Starting My Freelance Portfolio

I'm so very excited and so blessed to have the best BFF's ever!  I have gone from being just a  total beauty/makeup junkie to aspiring MA.  I asked my best gals if they would be willing to let me give them makeovers and video/take before & after pics.  I was so delighted to get such an overwhelming response.  My girls have been completely supportive of my dream and I'm so happy to have them be of part of making my dream a reality.

My hubby, the best hubby ever, got me an early Christmas present to help me start building my portfolio too.  I just received my (our) new Canon DSLR camera today.  My BFF also got me more makeup for my Bday last month and I ordered a new set of Sigma brushes for my kit. 

I'm hoping to start in the next couple of weeks.

I'll keep you all posted!  Thanks for stopping by!


November 11, 2009

Update 11.12.09

Hi Everyone!  Sorry I've been missing in action for a couple of weeks.  Just been spending some quality time with my hubby and son and working.  I promise I have some blog posts coming up this month to include:
  • "What's in my purse"
  • "Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes Review"
  • Birthday Haul
  • and other product reviews...

Stay tuned...

October 31, 2009

Halloween Costume 10.31.09

So I watched MakeupbyRenRen's zombie makeup video on YT this morning.  I wasn't planning on dressing up this year.  We usually just take my little boy out T-or-T each year but after I watch her video I was inspired!  Here's my version of a female Zombie!  Thanks Ren! 








Happy Halloween!!!!
Thanks for Stopping by!!!



October 30, 2009

Haul 10.29.09

So I went shopping with my girl Kasey this week. We planned to stop by the MAC counter to check out the new holiday collection plus Sephora as it was Kasey’s first time. I was so excited to go shopping with her.


So what I picked up this week…

MAC


Sephora







EXPRESS




Dillard’s




If you have any questions please post them below and I’ll respond soon. Thanks again for stopping by!

October 27, 2009

Self Tanners -Clarins - Crème Délicieuse Auto-Bronzante

I love this self tanner! I've stayed away from self tanners for several years because of the fear of that orangey streaky look. I was in Sephora and got to talking one of the sales assoc. and she recommended I give this a try. I figured I would since I could return it if I didn't like it. Well I've used this for about 6 months now and I absolutely love. No orangey color or streaking. It's glides on so smooth and smells like cocoa. The color is a natural tan and can be built up with multiple applications for those that like a deeper bronzer color. The price is a bit much but I really only use it once every week or two. The only thing I can recommend it to exfoliate really well prior to application and sleep in it overnight and shower off the next morning. You will still notice color within about 30 mins after applying so if you prefer to apply in the morning its still works and looks great! 


Thanks for stopping by!

October 26, 2009

Sigma Brush Kit Update - Just my 2 cents...

So as I posted earlier last month I broke down and purchased the Sigma complete brush kit plus the SS109. The complete kit is US $89 for 12 brushes plus the brush roll. The SS109 is US $14.




Since so many Gurus have posted reviews on YouTube I have decided to not necessarily do a “review” but just more of a “how I use each one”. I have some that I use daily and others that I use time to time.

I have been using all the brushes for several weeks now and washed them several times since receiving them. The majority of the brushes shed upon first wash but nothing excessive. I must say that I love this kit as a whole. I also appreciate the fact that the brush roll is excellent quality and not cheap looking at all.




Okay, on to what and how I use…

SS109 – This has to be my favorite daily brush. I use this with my MAC Studio Fix Powder foundation and/or my MAC MSF. The key I have found is to press the powder into my skin and work with ¼ of my face at a time then buff in as a last go around. I’m able to right under my eyes and in the corners of my nose with ease. The brush gives an even medium to full coverage.




SS224 – This is a fluffy blending brush. I find this best used for blending a light wash of color into the crease and fading it out. This is also a daily must-have for me and I love it!




SS150 – Large all over powder brush. Best used for light dusting of powder all over face or as I use it for bronzer. I don’t use this everyday only because I don’t use bronzer daily.

SS187 – I have the MAC 187 and absolutely love it. Since discovering the beauty community on YT I use the 187 for liquid foundation. Since I’m not using liquid foundation daily right now I haven’t had as much use of the SS187 but have given it a try twice. The brush holds up well without any shedding. Same great airbrush effect that I get when using MACs 187.





SS219 – Pencil shadow brush. I use this fairly often but not daily since I don’t define my outer corner on my lazy days. This brush is wonderful for controlled application of powder to define the outer V and crease. I used this on my mom to who has very small eyes and not as much lid space as I do. This is great to use as a crease brush for those with smaller eyes. I also use this at all shadow under my lower lash line.

SS239 – I have the MAC 239 and this is definitely not an exact dup. The SS239 is slightly larger and I personally prefer the SS239 over MACs since I have more lid space to cover; but again I like MACs 239 for my mom’s smaller lids. Does just as great with packing on color.

SS190 – I also have MACs 190 foundation brush. There is a difference to me but very slight, barely noticeable…. The SS190 seems just slightly softer but same application results as MACs 190. I used this for tinted moisturizer since I wasn’t using liquid foundation during the summer months.

SS168 – I own MACs 168 and this is an exact dup in my opinion. Best used for blush application or highlight.

SS194 – I don’t use this daily as I prefer to apply concealer with my fingers vs. a brush.

SS275 – I use this daily for my brow highlight. Can also be use for crease but I prefer the SS224 for the crease.

SS266 – Recommended use for eyeliner or filling in brows. I personally don’t and haven’t used this for eyeliner so I use this daily for my brows.

SS252 – Another daily brush for packing shadow onto the lid.

SS209 – Sigma recommends this brush for use with eyeliner however I actually use this for lip color/glosses. I feel that the brush itself is too big for use with eyeliner unless you want that think liner look.

SS217 – Sigma included this as a free gift. It’s a travel version so the handle is not as long as the others. This brush I find it best used for all over wash of color on the lid or brow highlight.




Again, this wasn’t meant to be a full review but I for the record I absolutely recommend these brushes.  For a full review I recommend watching MakeupbyTiffanyD’s review on YT.

Other Sigma Brushes I have on my short list:
SS182 - Kabuki Brush $19
SS188 - Small Duo Fibre Brush $14
Thanks again for stopping by!  If you have any questions, please post below and I'll reply shortly.

October 18, 2009

Product Review: DuWop Lash Venom Mascara



I had the opportunity to give the DuWop Lash Venom Mascara a try as it came in the Lashstash Mascara Deluxe Sampler from Sephora.  I tried to use this as often I could but unfortunately I couldn't take it anymore.  I'm sorry, but I don't have anything good to say about this mascara.  It is not a smooth formula at all and the built-in fibers are too noticeable.  Throughout the day it flakes and runs.  When I said I couldn't take it anymore I meant it.  I had to constantly keep checking and cleaning up the raccoon look throughout the day.  I couldn't wear it without any peace of mind.  I work in an office and don't even work up a sweat but I look so worn-out by lunch because it runs so easily.  I even tried not wearing it on my bottom lashes and that didn't help still ran and flaked. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or have tried this product personally without the issues...maybe I'm missing something.  Thanks again for stopping by!

Product Rave: Body Dew by Pure Romance

This light after bath oil mist is great especially this time of year when the weather stays to cool and our skin starts to become dryer. I don't know about the rest of you but I tend need lotions and moistures more during the fall and winter months but hate putting it on due to the coldness. I must say that having this spray that I can quickly mist on right out the shower is so convenient yet effective. In the past I used the original scent but Pure Romance recently came out with a Green Tea scent. I have to say that I like the Green Tea better because it's not too girly smelling and won't overwhelm my hubby's nose. A light misting having shaving my legs makes them look so silky and smooth, while relieving irritation caused by razor.




I know you must be thinking that if it's an OIL mist then you won't be able to sit or touch anything or even get dressed right away. Well, this product once sprayed on immediately absorbs into your skin. Your skin literally drinks it up right away. Have dry cuticles? Well spray this on your hands and rub gently into your cuticles after your manicure or pedicure and voila! beautiful hands, feet, and cuticles.

Fake bake or spray tan? This will even help to prolong your color since it will keep your skin moisturized for several hours. By the way, once you spray this on in the morning you won't need to re-apply any time throughout the day...that’s how effective this is.

Another feature to this product is that it is formulated pheromones to increase your sexual awareness and intensify romantic interludes!

October 3, 2009

LUSH 1st Timer!



Okay, so I finally made the trip out to the only Lush in the state of AZ.  I have to admit, although the store wasn't huge I was overwhelmed and didn't know where to start.  The sales girl I think may have noticed right away and immediately offered help.  I told her it was my first time.  She was super sweet and helpful.  She asked if there was a certain product I was looking for.  I told her I interested in the shampoo bars.  She asked about my hair and ended up recommending the Trichomania Solid Shampoo.  It has a very subtle coconut scent.  Then we worked out way around to the facial stuff.  I love how everything is hands on.  She sampled several things on my hand and arms.  I didn't want to go too crazy in the store and buy tons of stuff since its the first time I'm trying any of this.  I also ended up getting Love Lettuce mask (can only be purchased in store) and the Buffy Body Butter.

I'll have to try everything, then in the next couple of weeks I post an official review! 

To locate a LUSH near you visit their website! http://www.lushusa.com/




September 27, 2009

Bath & Body Works Haul 9.25.09





I'm really loving the new "P.S I Love you" scent from BBW!  Candles are 2 for $20 right now, not sure how long it will last though.  I plan to get more candles because I love for my house to smell like Fall/Winter.

September 24, 2009

Product Rave: Have Dandruff or Flaky Scalp? Try Pureology's Dandruff Scalp Cure System

Ever since I can remember I have always had issues with dandruff and flaky scalp.  I have tried so many products and spent so much money trying to find something that tamed the flaking.  In searching I also needed to find products safe for color treated hair.  I have found a couple of different products I like and that have worked but I'm going to talk about one of the products since I'm currently using it.



I discovered the Pureology Dandruff Scalp Cure System about 2 years ago.  I received a trial size from my salon and immediately fell in love with it.  I then bought a large bottle and still have it!  I started out using it twice a week.  (BTW, I wash my hair every other day).  After I noticed my scalp was not as flaky between washes I cut down to once a week until my scalp was fully neutralized then just used it "as needed".  I will tell you that it is quite pricey but I feel that I get my moneys worth since I don't use it daily plus I still have the bottle I originally purchased nearly 2 years ago.  You only need a small amount and just focus on your scalp.  I use it in conjunction with my normal shampoo so I don't need to "wash" the rest of my hair with it; I leave that to my normal shampoo.  As for conditioning I didn't purchase the full size bottle.  After using the trial size I didn't find the need to get the conditioner and just continue to use my regular conditioner that compliments my regular shampoo.

The smell is nice too; not too strong, very subtle.  Don't take my word for it, just give it a try yourself.  Everyone's scalp is different so expect results to vary.

Other Dandruff Taming Products I've tried and recommend:




Goldwell Scalp Regulation Anti-Dandruff Shampoo










SOMA Hair Technology - Scalp Therapy

September 21, 2009

Display Your Nail Polish Collection with Spice Racks

Like my makeup collection, my nail polish collection seems to be growing rapidly. I was previously storing all my nail polish along with all my mani/pedi tools in a 2pc makeup carrying case. Every time I wanted to sit in my living room and watch TV and do my nails I had to pull out both cases and take them with me. It wasn't a huge pain but definitely inconvenient to carry so much stuff that I wasn't going to use. I realized I needed to re-think my storage and organization.

**BEFORE**


I looked around online for about a week for a nail polish display rack similar to those in the salons) but I also knew that I didn't want one of those acrylic/ plastic ones. I looked online and really had no luck finding a "pretty" one. Then I came across spice racks in my online search. I found this one particular one I wanted. Deciding to hold off on ordering online. I visited just about every store I could think of:

BB&B (Bed, Bath, & Beyond), Pier 1, Lowes, Home Depot, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, & World Market. I had no luck in finding it. Then finally I visited this store in my local mall called Kitchen Gourmet (Arrowhead Mall, Glendale, AZ). To my surprise and delight, they had 3 in stock. I only bought 2 since the sales girl said they carry them all the time.

I hung them in my master bathroom above my toilet. I love these! Now when I ready to do my nails I just grab the color I plan to use and my little carrying case with my tools/supplies.

**AFTER**


I hope you all find this helpful! Thanks again for stopping by.
Please comment and share your thoughts!

September 20, 2009

Getting to know Me!

Good Evening Beauties! So since I'm so new to blogging I thought I would officially introduce myself and share some "good to know" info about me.

My name is Jennifer, but I go by Jenn. As you can see from my profile, I'm pushing 30. I don't really feel like it but maybe that's a good thing. I've been married for 10 years to my handsome & loving husband, Chris. We have one little boy, Adrian, who just celebrated his 5th birthday.

So, for the record, I'm not a professional, but I have become a total beauty junky. My mom is a licensed cosmologist and it's pretty much rubbed off on me. About a year, almost exactly I started watching makeup videos on YouTube. Honestly I was just bored and wanted to get some new ideas on what I could do with my makeup routine. It started out just watching a few here and there on and off, but quickly grew to the point that I was on YouTube all the time. The beauty community and Gurus on YT inspired me and made me go from just an individual that put on makeup to look presentable for work to now....well, lets just say "I'm outta control". I absolutely love beauty, makeup, skincare, hair......and on on... Today, my goal/hope is to become a licensed pro. I realize we are not in strong economic times and my personal situation with work, family, and of course $ doesn't exactly allow me to drop everything and start school with no guarantee that I'll be able to find work. So...for now, I am keeping my day job and just enjoying and learning from other Gurus.

I'm going to try and put together a FAQ so shoot some questions you may have on over to me at jennanika@gmail.com. I'm going to try and build my FAQ section as questions come in.
Thanks to all my followers and I hope everyone has a Fabulous week.

September 19, 2009

Threading (Hair Removal)

***Shout out to my girl Shak!***

I have been threading for about 3 years now. 

What is it?
Threading is an ancient hair removal technique.  It uses 100% cotton thread which is twisted several times.  When rolled against the skin, even the tiniest hair is grabbed and entwined in the thread and pulled right from the follicle.  Threading offers more precise lines then waxing.  It's also mess free & chemical free.




Does it hurt?
Everyone has different tolerance level.  Personally, it doesn't hurt me.  I remember the first time I had it done I just thought it was a feeling but no pain.  I think that waxing is more painful then threading.  I will say though, when doing my upper lip it is slightly more intense but again I wouldn't say painful.  My suggestion for first timers would be to just get your brows done so you can get use to the feeling before moving on to your upper lip.

How long does it last?
Depending on your hair growth cycle this can vary from 2-weeks.  I personally can make mine last for up to 3 weeks with plucking straying in between. 

Why Threading vs. Waxing?
As opposed to waxing, the top layers of skin are not peeled or traumatized in the process making threading gentler on the skin. Threading is highly recommended and an excellent option for those who use Retin-A, Accutane, or similar products.  Also, over time the delicate skin over your eyes will become loose and saggy due to the pulling.  Threading does not pull at your skin.

Is it expensive?
Depending on your local market the price will vary but threading in general tends to cost less then waxing.  I get my brows and lips done for $10 total.  If I have my coupon I save another $2 each visit making it $8 total.  Just a brow waxing alone from a licensed aesthetician is $15-$20. (Again, this is based on my local area).

Where can I find threading?
Since threading is still somewhat new or even unheard of in some areas, you may want to talk with friends and get a referral.  For those in the NW Phoenix, AZ area I would recommend #1 Gemini of Chicago (Ask for Laura-she's also my amazing hairdresser!); #2 Just Stringz (kiosks located in many malls).

September 17, 2009

Mini Haul 9.17.09

Guess Heels from Dillards! Love these!


Also got:
MAC 109 Brush (Returned since my Sigma SS109 came in)
MAC Lipstick in Angel (Kim Kardashian Favorite)

Review: Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara

I purchased the Lashstash Mascara Deluxe Sampler from Sephora about 2 months ago.  The Buxom Lash was one of the mascaras included in the sampler.  Almost immediately, I fell in love with this mascara.  The formula is very smooth yet not heavy.  This is important as I hate it when I curl then apply mascara, some are so heavy that is weighs the curl down.  It's also fast drying but not too fast to the point you can't apply additional coats.  I can usually get up to 3 coats without clumping for maximum volume and length.  I also have not experienced any flaking or running throughout the day.  I live in HOT Arizona, so that was a best thing to test. 

Product Claims:
Blackest Black holds the style of your lashes for a continuous 12 hours with no flakiness. The silky, vitamin-rich formula darkens, lengthens, and thickens from root to tip without ever clumping. Its patented, hourglass-shaped brush is designed to lift and separate every lash while delivering the perfect amount of antioxidant-rich mascara needed for bigger, fuller lashes.
It Intensely volumizes lashes up to 300%.

My Opinion: Thumbs Up! 

September 16, 2009

Awaiting Sigma Makeup Brushes

Okay, so with all the rave on the Youtube beauty community I finally broke down and ordered the full set of makeup brushes with the roll. I can't wait...they're supposedly very comparable to MAC brushes in quality. I'll keep you posted as to when they arrive and my own personal opinion of them.

http://www.sigmamakeup.com/