That make-up draw...empty it! Get rid of what you absolutely won't wear (Green eyeshadow, Blue eyeshadow, old mascara, and that sponge that is falling apart).
Keep...your concealer, foundation, powder, blush, eyeshadow (you will wear), and lipstick, mascara (new), and wash your brushes (in warm water with shampoo, rinse well, and shape - place on a towel overnight, and you'll have beautiful brushes in the morning!) NOTE: If your brushes are wool...you won't be able to wash them!)
If you have questions about what you'll need, post it in the comments section - and I'll send you the info!
Simple!
Having been in the movie/fashion industry for over 35 years, I've decided to post some "tricks of the trade" here. This is a place where we can gather, ask questions, and learn about the value of what you buy! All proceeds go to "The Stephen Nason Artificial Heart Fund."
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Apparel Valley.com - My FAVORITE
Late post, but you can still get in on these one of a kind deals at 30% off, today only! The entire catalog at Apparel Valley.com! They usually take 1-3 business days to ship!
Use code: 30offBF

d
Use code: 30offBF

dTools of the "Trade"
No artist, including Make-up Artist, can work without the proper tools. For us, it's brushes, sponges, and the right make-up.
Here are some great brushes I found on Amazon.com, that give you all you need, will last forever, and check out the PRICE!
In the coming blogs, I will show you how each one is to be used, and some short cuts.
I wish these were around when I was buying my tools...I have spent thousands...and I didn't need to. Now you can have all the tools I have - at a fraction of the cost!
Here are some great brushes I found on Amazon.com, that give you all you need, will last forever, and check out the PRICE!
In the coming blogs, I will show you how each one is to be used, and some short cuts.
I wish these were around when I was buying my tools...I have spent thousands...and I didn't need to. Now you can have all the tools I have - at a fraction of the cost!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Beauty & Giving Thanks
We've all seen those surprising make-over contests and the thrill people get knowing they're going to be pampered. Well, you can do this too! It will help your stylist, the business, the person receiving this gift and you. Mind, body, spirit has as much to do with beauty, as that face cream.
A simple hair cut and blow out to someone who really needs a break can do wonders for them. More importantly, they will know you care.
If you have the means to give this gift, it could change someones life. And you will know, that perhaps, they will "pay it forward" in their own way.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, I am grateful to you all. Laurie
A simple hair cut and blow out to someone who really needs a break can do wonders for them. More importantly, they will know you care.
If you have the means to give this gift, it could change someones life. And you will know, that perhaps, they will "pay it forward" in their own way.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, I am grateful to you all. Laurie
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Curling those Eyelashes!
Every - I mean - every girl I know has an eyelash curler. Most are as old as the hills, the pads aren't good anymore, and dare I mention that mascara clumped on it? Also note, they don't do a great job!
Heated eyelash curlers are all the rage, and work brilliantly! They take a small battery and do a great job of curling your lashes! There are many brands, but they're all pretty similar. You can find them at your local drug store or online/Amazon.com!
Heated eyelash curlers are all the rage, and work brilliantly! They take a small battery and do a great job of curling your lashes! There are many brands, but they're all pretty similar. You can find them at your local drug store or online/Amazon.com!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Wearing ART!
So, you all know how I love "one of a kind" items without spending a fortune. This tip is hard to let go of, as this company has been one of my favorites for years, but their stock is limited, so I'm careful about sharing, as some of the items I want sell out FAST!
www.Apparel Valley.com
They have soooo many Gorgeous, WELL MADE, items, that would cost...(and I'm not kidding) thousands. I have cashmere sweaters that I paid $88.00 for! My sweaters and coats are AMAZING! I urge you to just check them out. They stand by their products, the customer service is great, and people go nuts over my stuff.
This sweater is by Icelandic Designs...that collection is to die for! They carry items from Norway, Canada and many other countries!
Ahhh....that was hard, but I want you to know, I've had one coat, that has lasted over 10 years, and still looks brand new, and up to date!
Here are a couple of other things I own...the wear, the uniqueness, for the money Can't be BEAT! The following is what is called a "base layer" by Neve; to wear under ski wear, but I wear them as shirts with leggings, out to dinner, shopping, whatever!

One More Thing...They go great with my Shoes!!
www.Apparel Valley.com
They have soooo many Gorgeous, WELL MADE, items, that would cost...(and I'm not kidding) thousands. I have cashmere sweaters that I paid $88.00 for! My sweaters and coats are AMAZING! I urge you to just check them out. They stand by their products, the customer service is great, and people go nuts over my stuff.
This sweater is by Icelandic Designs...that collection is to die for! They carry items from Norway, Canada and many other countries!
Ahhh....that was hard, but I want you to know, I've had one coat, that has lasted over 10 years, and still looks brand new, and up to date!
Here are a couple of other things I own...the wear, the uniqueness, for the money Can't be BEAT! The following is what is called a "base layer" by Neve; to wear under ski wear, but I wear them as shirts with leggings, out to dinner, shopping, whatever!

One More Thing...They go great with my Shoes!!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
ARRRGGGGG.....MY HAIR!!
If your like me, you own shampoos, conditioners, gels, and the "Occasional" visit to your salon for treatments. I'll bet you even own a Round Brush and Blow Dryer! Somehow, all this, and your hair still doesn't "feel" right. (These are styling tools, and have nothing to do with the condition of your hair.)
IT'S YOUR BRUSH! And how you brush. Remember when you were 5, your mother would want to brush your hair a 100 strokes! (My mother used to give me those dumb "Tony" perms - growl) Well, when you were 5 you didn't need to brush your hair that much. Now that we're older, and likely have some process on our hair, your brush will make all the difference.
Natural bristle brushes, with wood handles will change the way your hair feels and the health of it. As we age, it's very hard to get natural oils to the ends of your hair. But, if you brush your hair with a natural bristle brush, 100 strokes, twice a week, you will see an amazing difference in the condition of your hair!
These brushes can cost $5.00 (yep at your local drug store) or you could spend "hundreds." Either way, you will see a difference.
One More Thing...try not to wash your hair everyday, as this will wash away your natural oils, and make the job of brushing more frustrating. Let me know how you're doing out there!
IT'S YOUR BRUSH! And how you brush. Remember when you were 5, your mother would want to brush your hair a 100 strokes! (My mother used to give me those dumb "Tony" perms - growl) Well, when you were 5 you didn't need to brush your hair that much. Now that we're older, and likely have some process on our hair, your brush will make all the difference.
Natural bristle brushes, with wood handles will change the way your hair feels and the health of it. As we age, it's very hard to get natural oils to the ends of your hair. But, if you brush your hair with a natural bristle brush, 100 strokes, twice a week, you will see an amazing difference in the condition of your hair!
These brushes can cost $5.00 (yep at your local drug store) or you could spend "hundreds." Either way, you will see a difference.
One More Thing...try not to wash your hair everyday, as this will wash away your natural oils, and make the job of brushing more frustrating. Let me know how you're doing out there!
Monday, November 14, 2011
My Mascara Doesn't Behave!
The most annoying thing is when you find mascara "rubbage" under your eyes, just after about an hour or so. You've bought the best, and yet that black smudge shows up under eyes. Tip, try "waterproof" mascara. Since our body is always producing moisture (a nice way of saying sweat) this causes the mascara to end up underneath your eyes. Waterproof mascara, however, will "behave itself" as the moisture won't effect it until you remove it!
Brands - you'll be surprised, but most brands are pretty much alike. Don't big bucks at the cosmetic counter. The mascara used by most "pros" is Great Lash. Yep, your local drug store carries it. And for Heavens sake...DON'T BUY BLACK! Black should only be used at night or some special event. Brown will give you the lashes you want, giving you a cleaner more natural look.
One More Thing...after about a month...throw that mascara out! Bacteria can grow inside the tube, and cause a good deal of trouble for your eyes.
Brands - you'll be surprised, but most brands are pretty much alike. Don't big bucks at the cosmetic counter. The mascara used by most "pros" is Great Lash. Yep, your local drug store carries it. And for Heavens sake...DON'T BUY BLACK! Black should only be used at night or some special event. Brown will give you the lashes you want, giving you a cleaner more natural look.
One More Thing...after about a month...throw that mascara out! Bacteria can grow inside the tube, and cause a good deal of trouble for your eyes.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Ouch! My Aching Feet!
Having spent most of my life running here and there, and then when I get there, I could be on my feet 16 hours at a time...literally! My solution in the past has been the unfashionable sneaker, which over time wouldn't give me the support I needed after so many hours.
I always want to look and be unique in my shoes, but more importantly, I needed Comfort! Well, I've found the answer in the most unlikely place...the hospital! All the nurses and doctors were wearing a kind of clog. Thinking to myself, "How can they be comfortable?" So my search began.
If you want the most adorable, comfortable shoes, that last and last, and can be worn for hours on end, this is the company for you!! Swanx.com! The shoes can be ordered with no design or they have a selection of "Hand Painted" shoes by local artists! If you don't see what you like, you can DESIGN your own! Their selection has both open back and closed back shoes.
Hint...order a size larger, so you can add shoe supports and socks if you need to...truly these shoes have changed my life! And people run up to me asking, "Where did you get those shoes?!"
You have to wait about 4 weeks for delivery, but trust me, they are worth it! The prices range from $149 to about $169 and they will last you "Forever!" Here are a few examples! Enjoy!
These are my shoes:
I always want to look and be unique in my shoes, but more importantly, I needed Comfort! Well, I've found the answer in the most unlikely place...the hospital! All the nurses and doctors were wearing a kind of clog. Thinking to myself, "How can they be comfortable?" So my search began.
If you want the most adorable, comfortable shoes, that last and last, and can be worn for hours on end, this is the company for you!! Swanx.com! The shoes can be ordered with no design or they have a selection of "Hand Painted" shoes by local artists! If you don't see what you like, you can DESIGN your own! Their selection has both open back and closed back shoes.
Hint...order a size larger, so you can add shoe supports and socks if you need to...truly these shoes have changed my life! And people run up to me asking, "Where did you get those shoes?!"
You have to wait about 4 weeks for delivery, but trust me, they are worth it! The prices range from $149 to about $169 and they will last you "Forever!" Here are a few examples! Enjoy!
These are my shoes:
| Next in Santa >> |
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Saturday, November 12, 2011
We all grow Old :-(/
Yep, that's the truth. All my life I've been a size 6, now in my 50's, I find that I've turned into a short, fat, Italian woman! What to do, what to do?
Believe it or not, your posture can add to the look of many more pounds than you actually have. Do you walk hunched over, with a purse that can carry a small SUV in it?! Well, I'm here to tell you, that the lesson I learned from my "Super" model friends, is CARRY YOURSELF WITH CONFIDENCE! Have someone video tape you while your out and about. You'd be amazed how other people see you. And, if you improve your posture, you will certainly feel better! Yes, I want you to walk like you are the "Queen." Even in the house!
That purse, that purse! If you have to go big, buy "across the shoulder" bags. There are really cute ones in specialty stores. Don't forget you don't have to pay a fortune. TJMax has an excellent selection for everyone's taste.
One More Thing....If you wear 5 inch heels, this will be a particular challenge, because it alters your entire posture. Tomorrow, I'm going to write about some "FABULOUS" shoe recommendations!!
Let me know how you're doing!
Believe it or not, your posture can add to the look of many more pounds than you actually have. Do you walk hunched over, with a purse that can carry a small SUV in it?! Well, I'm here to tell you, that the lesson I learned from my "Super" model friends, is CARRY YOURSELF WITH CONFIDENCE! Have someone video tape you while your out and about. You'd be amazed how other people see you. And, if you improve your posture, you will certainly feel better! Yes, I want you to walk like you are the "Queen." Even in the house!
That purse, that purse! If you have to go big, buy "across the shoulder" bags. There are really cute ones in specialty stores. Don't forget you don't have to pay a fortune. TJMax has an excellent selection for everyone's taste.
One More Thing....If you wear 5 inch heels, this will be a particular challenge, because it alters your entire posture. Tomorrow, I'm going to write about some "FABULOUS" shoe recommendations!!
Let me know how you're doing!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Careful....Don't get sick for the Holiday's!
Holiday's, Holiday's, Holiday's...I know what you're thinking..."I'm going to treat myself to a manicure, and pedicure so I can look great for those parties coming up!" Do you know your manicurist? Really? Do you know if s/he sterilizes those instruments/files? Don't be afraid to ask! Be sure your manicurist changes and disinfects working surfaces between clients. (and washes their hands) Just washing cuticle cutters - well - doesn't cut it! They have to be sterilized! Don't be afraid to bring your own tools with you to your appointment!
All this applies to the pedicure...however, that shaver is illegal in most states! The shaving of feet only adds to the problem. I have found that foot creams just don't work, but, my face cream works just great! Heels, knees, and elbows are now as soft as my face.
Also, since I'm in my 50's, I've decided to live life to the fullest! Select a polish that fits you. I'm going purple - because I CAN!
Hope this blog gives you the information you need, if not...feel free to chime in.
Average costs of manicures: Well, us "big-city folks" are going to pay $30+
Average costs of pedicures: Big city $45+
Don't be afraid to call your salon and find out what those prices are!
ONE MORE THING - forget those false nails! They damage the nail bed, could fall off in the middle of your event, and most Fashionistas have their nails filed down, with no polish. Yep, that's the trend!
All this applies to the pedicure...however, that shaver is illegal in most states! The shaving of feet only adds to the problem. I have found that foot creams just don't work, but, my face cream works just great! Heels, knees, and elbows are now as soft as my face.
Also, since I'm in my 50's, I've decided to live life to the fullest! Select a polish that fits you. I'm going purple - because I CAN!
Hope this blog gives you the information you need, if not...feel free to chime in.
Average costs of manicures: Well, us "big-city folks" are going to pay $30+
Average costs of pedicures: Big city $45+
Don't be afraid to call your salon and find out what those prices are!
ONE MORE THING - forget those false nails! They damage the nail bed, could fall off in the middle of your event, and most Fashionistas have their nails filed down, with no polish. Yep, that's the trend!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Under Construction!
Have some wonderful ideas to stretch your dollar...and be beautiful doing it! Remember "Love is being beautiful and Knowing IT!" Laurie
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