Lancome Hypnose Star

You know, for years I've been perfectly content with dressing my lashes in drugstore mascaras.  Far from being a mascara snob, my modest requirement of simply making my peeper sweepers more noticeable has been expertly handled by my L'Oreals, therefore I haven't felt the need to seek nor try out any from a higher retail bracket... that is, until now.  They're Real! mascara by Benefit was one of the first to whet my appetite for pricier fare and now this gem is making me downright ravenous for it.  It's Lancome's Hypnose Star and, if you have a few moments, I'd like to tell you a little about it.

Hypnose Star is a volume-inducing mascara inspired by the likes of iconic, animated vixen Betty Boop to deliver glamorous looking lashes while imparting a "glossy, gel-like finish" via their "black-diamond effect" formula.  The wand has a rounded side to ensure separation and definition, and a flatter side to expertly disperse product - a dual feature I had no prior knowledge of as I routinely applied it as I would any other mascara and got awesomely dramatic results nonetheless.  Fully "suited and booted" in a silky, ink-black from root to tip, my lashes instantly looked longer and more lush after only one round of coating!  No layering needed!  #Winning!

(Bare lashes)

(Bare lashes)

(Hypnose Star lashes)

(Hypnose Star lashes)

(Hypnose Star lashes)

 

(Hypnose Star lashes)

Guys, I think I may have to break down and legitimately cop this one.  The one I have now was a GWP ("gift with purchase" - thank God for freebies!), so when it runs out... *sigh*.  I think I may have to make the splurge.  I mean, my peeper sweepers looked like they were desperately trying to touch my eyebrows after applying.  And it didn't flake.  And it didn't make my lashes feel like they were burdened with a heavy coat of armor.  Now, that's pretty darn good mascara in my book!

So, while I still appreciate my L'Oreals, two mascaras in (They're Real!, Hypnose Star) and I'm already starting to think that an upgrade may be in order.  This Lancome Hypnose is definitely the bee's knees, y'all.  Gorgeous on all fronts, it has rooted a desire in me to branch out and give some more of these high-brow mascaras a second look. 

Lancome Hypnose Star is available at Sephora and retails for $28.50.

By Request: How I Cut My Bangs

Recently, I had a lovely reader compliment me on my bangs (or "fringe" for those across the pond!) and ask me how I maintain them.  I've been rocking bangs for quite a number of years now and have formed my own groove on how I cut and style them.  It bears repeating that I am NOT a professional hairdresser nor do I claim to be one; however, after many moons of tackling my own tresses, I know what works for me.  So if that one caveat hasn't scared you away, I'd love to share with you my regimen for how I cut my bangs.

I find myself needing to cut my bangs to keep them fresh about every three weeks.  My two choice weapons of mass construction: a narrow-toothed, rat tail comb and regular hair shears/scissors.  After washing and flat ironing, I part my bangs in a moderately wide inverted "V" then separate the section from the rest of my hair.

Next, I measure how long I want my bangs to hang, which would be right smack in the middle of my eyes, at the top of my nose's bridge.  Any shorter and I look like Moe from The Three Stooges; any longer and I look like Sam Sheepdog from the Bugs Bunny cartoons.  Either way: no bueno.  So, once I've established my desired length, starting with the front-middle section, I do a blunt cut straight across the bang, matching that section's length to the others (left side, right side) as I go. 

(Comb pointed at bottom, shortest length)

Once I have the entire bang cut bluntly, I then part it into vertical sections and pull the hair outward from my head at a 90 degree angle.  Doing this will reveal the length of the hair as going from long to short, with the shortest length appearing at the bottom.  This will be my "guide" as I will use the shortest length at the bottom as a guide for where I want to cut the longer lengths so that the entire vertical length of the bang ends up being a straight, even line.  I do NOT cut the guide, only the longer hairs above!  I repeat: I do NOT cut the guide!!

When I am done cutting along the guide across the entire width of my bangs, the process is complete.  My bangs are full, have movement and can be swooshed to either side - left or right - for style versatility.  I have cut my bangs after curling/bumping them as well as flat-ironing them straight with no real preference between the two; both result in the same ample fringe that has now become my trademark of sorts.

It's kinda funny to me that I'm up here talking about my bangs and how I cut them when I've been seriously entertaining thoughts of changing up my hairstyle and growing them out.  Hmmm... maybe I'll hold on to them for just a little while longer, huh?  Yeah, I just might do that.  We shall see.

But in the meantime, I hope this tutorial was somewhat informative and not too convoluted.  Cutting your bangs can be highly frustrating and kind of a daunting task.  However, once you find your rhythm after some practice, the style dividends undoubtedly become worth the toil since having a fabulous fringe could be all the change you need to bump your "ho-hum" style up to "simply bangin'"!  And if you've ever slacked on your eyebrow upkeep, a full bang will hide every unplucked sin and keep those caterpillars covered!  It's a win-win smorgasbord!

So, for all those who have been debating taking the plunge, debate no more.  If I can do it, trust me - you can, too!  Grab those scissors, guys, and bang away!

Champagne Wishes - 397

I really don't buy a lot of single shadows from the neutral family.  If it didn't already come prepackaged in a palette or isn't some shade of taupe (my weakness) or sparkling brown, it prolly won't be following me home.  When I buy, I buy colorful outbursts of brights and bolds, but hardly ever any neutrals.  However, this one caught my eye.  Can't truly explain it, but if you give me a few moments, I'll try.  It's #397.  It's from Inglot.  And I like it a lot.   

#397 is a champagne apricot and it's from Inglot's Freedom System lineup of eyeshadows.  Its velvety smooth texture makes it a dream to work with as it applies and blends with ease.  Boldly pigmented, it applies/swatches slightly paler than it appears in the pan - a light shade that easily qualifies as a "triple threat" as it can be seamlessly rocked as an all over lid color, a brow/inner corner highlight and/or as a spotlight on the cheekbones.  Oh, it's quite lovely indeed... and has a pearl finish.

Well, I could try to further explain its appeal and how it grabbed me by the eyeballs, but I guess it really just came down to looks and this one's a looker.  Upon sight, it made this color groupie concede and procure it without hesitation, which is a feat in and of itself.  It's a pretty shadow, plain and simple.  And I'm so happy that it landed in my eyeshadow collection. 

Inglot #397 is available at Inglot boutiques and select Macy's, and retails for $7.

Field Trip: Pier 1 Imports

OK, you guys are just gonna have to excuse me because I've become slightly obsessed with looking at/shopping for/talking about home furnishings and the like for the past couple of days with no sign of abatement on the visible horizon.  So, with that being said, I'm going to allow this sudden zeal for decor commandeer this post and get right to the devilish details.  I recently took a trip to Pier 1 (and I do mean trip!) and if you have a moment, I would love to share a little bit of what I saw with you.

Going into Pier 1 Imports is like being transported to a whole different world - a world where there are no culture barriers or borders, but instead an eclectic mix of colors, sights, shapes and textures harmoniously co-existing in one space.  Overwhelming at times due to the sheer volume of items creatively crammed into seemingly every square inch of the store, I always thought of it as a place to grab some whimsical tchotchkes and knick-knacks, and nothing more.  However, after this particular excursion, I have a new found respect for its diverse inventory.

And while tchotchkes abound and most certainly claim a good chunk of the real estate in the store, Pier 1 also has a well versed assortment of handsome furniture!  Believe it or not, I never really paid attention to the entire breadth of their wares before, but definitely lent an eye or two to their "four-footed goods" and was thoroughly impressed!  From the chairs to the tables to the sofas - oh, my! - everything looked good enough to touch and tempting enough to take home...

And you know what?  After years of doing the traditional "circle plate" thing, I'm thinking of going the square route 'cause I'm definitely diggin' the concept of these plates/dishes.  Very nice.

And this floral framed mirror of banana leaf and wood is just so dope to me, y'all.  I mean, really.  I absolutely love it!  And I mean L.O.V.E. it with a capital "L"!  Wow...

So, there you have it, guys!  I took my time around the store just to make sure I didn't miss anything and all of what I did see made me excited all the more to get this decorating thing going!  Ughhh... I have so many ideas in my head... so many things I wanna try and concepts to explore; I can't wait!  I'm going to give y'all a break for now, but I'm not at all sated.  Therefore, more trips and online searches will likely ensue.  I must see more, gather more intel!!  I have become woefully obsessed and you all know how I get when I become obsessed.  Yeah...  

You.  Have.  Been. Warned.  

Vision Quest

I may be jumping the gun here, putting the carriage before the horse and all, but I went looking for furniture the other day.  Well, actually, I went into Marshall's (a discount department store) to see what kind of makeup and beauty products they had on hand, and ended UP in the home decor/furniture section.  For what it's worth, I didn't buy anything.  But what I did end up leaving with was a pocketful of ideas on how I would like my new abode to be furnished once I get settled.

I first made a stop in the organizer section and happened upon this makeup caddy as well as a multi lipstick holder.  Both were clear acrylic and the caddy had a small mirror attached for convenience, but neither really did anything for me so I kept it moving.

Inching closer to the decor section, I came across a bevy of baskets.  From wicker/rattan to wire framed to wood, I am a huge sucker for baskets and found myself attracted to one in particular.  Large enough for a baby to comfortably ride down the Nile in, I can see myself making good use of two or three of these.  But, alas, I did not purchase even one.  I placed the basket back on the shelf and kept on truckin'.

Now, I thought this was pretty cute.  I wouldn't buy it, but still think it's kinda cute nonetheless.  What looks like a vinyl apron is actually a multiple scarf holder where you would tuck your neck accessories through the daisy framed holes for safe keeping.  Welp, that's one I never would have though of...

This decorative glass bowl caught my eye...

... as did these faux leather, iron framed stools.

Marshall's changes out their inventory quite frequently, so on this day there wasn't a whole lot to "ooh" and "ahh" over.  But I did take a fancy to this tufted, faux leather bench with the cavernous storage space hidden underneath the seating.  Furniture doing double duty?  Now that's right up my alley!

Having had my fill of what they had as far as furniture went, I wandered into the small makeup section.  Well, more like makeup rack.  They had their usual round up of e.l.f. products, but I was surprised to see two new faces in the mix:

Pop star Fergie's Centerstage Collection for Wet 'n' Wild made an appearance...

and high-end brand Borghese managed to make a cameo, too.  A couple of unexpected finds with the latter causing my heart to pitter-patter a tad bit faster upon sight.  However, gloating as the proud victor over this last temptation, I calmly put the Borghese box back on its rack and concluded my trip with a smile.

And so although I left empty-handed, I gained a wealth of ideas and creative direction for what I want my place to look like, which has whet my appetite for more inspiration laden missions like this one. Boy, I can't wait until this all comes together.  Yep, I am putting the carriage before the horse, but that's OK.  I'm still en route, only now I have a clearer vision of what I want my destination to look like when I finally arrive.