Nail Sticker Tutorial

Apparently I have been really into nail art the last few months. I always want to try intricate nail designs but do not have the dexterity to paint my right hand (as I am right handed). I decide to experiment with creating my own nail stickers and it is ridiculously easy to achieve cool custom looks! This tutorial is documenting my first foray into creating my own stickers; my skills can only go up from here once I learn more! 

First, lets look at the things you will need.

For this tutorial, I used a variety of nail polish colors to create this cool tribal/art deco look. Products I used were:

- Essie First Base base coat

- Essie Tart Deco (coral color)

- Essie Avenue Maintain (blue color) 

- Kiss Nail Art Paint in Black and White

- Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Sheet Me Now (nude color)

- Seche Vite Quick Dry Top Coat

- Tweezers

- Plastic sandwich bag.

The sandwich bag is the most important part for this tutorial!

First, I laid out my sandwich bag and cut off the little lip part that folds over to seal the bag. It was just annoying to me, but you can leave it. I painted ten strips in the general shape of my nails in the colors I wanted directly to the bag. The above picture is with two coats of nail polish. Starting at the left would be my pinky nail. You can see the size of the polish strips increases gradually as I make my way toward the shape of my thumb. I let this dry just like regular nail polish in between coats; about 5-10 minutes.

Next, I decided to paint little details outlining the general shape of the tribal print I was going to create. I also decided I did not want two blue nails right in a row so You can see I made a nude nail above on the plastic to go with my pointer finger. The thing that is nice about this method of painting your nails is that you can change things up and not have to use nail polish remover and possibly ruin your other polish on your fingers!

After this, I used the nail art pens to draw different designs and stripes on each nail. (I like the ring finger the best!) This took a little practice and I think if I were to do this tutorial next time it would go even better. Again, I waited until my polish was dry before painting the details onto each strip. In total, from starting the base color polish to ending with the details I would say this design took about 30-40 minutes. But, I was watching a show on Netflix too, so this may have been a distraction!  The thing I liked about this method was that I could do things like eat and wash my hands while waiting for the polish to dry on the bag without worrying it would ruin my nails (which is the worst after you paint your nails!)

Next, once the polish was dry, I used the tweezers to lightly lift up the polish and separate it from the plastic bag. You can see the edge of the polish coming up in the picture. Once this happened, it was easy to pick off the whole strip. I then applied a base coat to my nails and pressed the polish on my nails. I filed off any excess that was hanging past the shape of my nails and allowed the strips to dry for a minute or two and really adhere to my nails before locking them down with a top coat.

 Here is the finish product! I messed up a little bit on the edges, and I think I would change the design a bit to match each nail with a nude base coat but have different designs and shapes on each nail if I were to do this again. Overall, this method was ridiculously easy and it was nice to know I could experiment with ideas and styles I wanted and not pay for pricey strips at the drugstore! Plus, I didn't mess up my manicure with wet nails like I always do. I will definitely do this process again.

I hope you are inspired to try something like this for yourself! If you do, we would love to see your designs in the comments below this post! Feel free to ask any questions too. Happy painting!

Love, Erica

Shrek Saga: Part I

This summer I was asked to help design, purchase, and apply makeup and hair ideas for the musical Shrek. I found out when I was student teaching that one of my students, Helen, (Who just graduated! Congrats!) created her own theater company at the age of 14. Since then, it has grown into a huge business that has left the community asking for bigger and more involved shows. You can check out Helen's fantastic work here http://www.diyteentheatre.com/. You go girl!

Shrek is obviously no small production. Over the summer, I want to share my second large foray in stage makeup (my first being Tarzan this past spring) with you. I thought this blog would be a nice way to share my progress, ideas, and maybe make a few tutorials. I am going to be making prosthetics for our student who plays Shrek from scratch -- look out for that post coming soon!

I am very excited to work with a talented team of young adults and am honored that I was chosen to help with this production.

For now, I will leave you with a few preliminary makeup sketches. I wonder what these will look like during the production? Stay tuned!

Love, Erica

Wolf character preliminary sketch

Donkey character preliminary sketch

Dragon character preliminary sketch. Does this remind anyone of RuPaul? 

Review: Japonesque Makeup Brush Cleanser

I hate dirty things. For anyone who knows me, they can attest to this fact. You wash your hair and face every day; why shouldn't you wash your makeup brushes? Not many people realize this, but makeup brushes are harboring bacteria that can make your face break out. Plus over time, product build up in the brushes can lead to discoloration of your makeup and uneven streaks when you apply.

I decided to try out Japonesque Makeup Brush Cleanser because I have heard about Parian Spirit brush cleanser in the beauty world. This spray is made up of anti-bacterial disinfectant and cleansing compounds. This is a quicker alternative to cleaning your brushes with soap and water; all you need to do is spray the product on your brush, rub the brush on a piece of paper towel or wash cloth to remove any old makeup, and let it dry for a minute or two. You literally see the pigment coming off of your brush and onto the towel. The first time I used this product, I was shocked at how much makeup and grime was living in my makeup brushes. The brushes were almost completely dry after I swirled them around on the towel and were able to be used almost immediately for fresh makeup application.

Japoonesque Makeup Brush Cleanser, spray bottle, and various brushes.

At first I was skeptical that this product would really get the job done. It looked too good to be true. I tested and swirled a few of my freshly cleansed brushes on a new piece of paper towel and no pigment came out of them. They felt brand new to the touch and had a light citrus scent. My makeup application went on much smoother after cleaning my brushes, and I am convinced that by cleaning my brushes regularly it has helped keep my skin clear.

As seen in the picture above, I bought the 16oz professional refill amount of Japonesque Makeup Brush Cleanser. This was the only amount they had at Ulta when I was shopping and I had to try it out. I bought a small spray bottle for about $2.00 and poured some of the cleanser in there for an easier way to spray and clean my brushes. I liked that I could use this spray bottle as a travel cleanser as well. I also found that by using a spray bottle you are less likely to get bristles falling out. This is a common problem that happens when you dip brushes into liquid and the liquid absorbs into the base of the brush and weakens the glue bond  and the bristles. I found that spraying my brushes helped with their longevity while still getting them clean.

Overall, I really loved this brush cleanser. It makes my brushes clean and it is a quick cleanser between shampoos. I would definitely buy this product again as this is an effective way to clean your makeup brushes.

Love, Erica

How To Extend Your Shellac Manicure

About a week and a half ago I got a Shellac, or gel, manicure at a local salon near where I student teach. I love the color, and while though there are no chips at the end of my nails, my nails have grown out to the point of being annoying. I constantly want to pick at them -- a habit I have acquired when I become annoyed with my polish which completely ruins the manicure. I decided to try something different to save money, keep my nails healthy and let them grow out naturally, and to save time.

I hate having to go to the salon to have my manicure professionally taken off; I always get persuaded into buying a new Shellac manicure because the last one looked so good! We will see if this extender I created will keep me away from the salon....

Things you need:

Base coat (Essie First Base)

Loose glitter (Makeup Forever Glitters #11)

Top Coat (Seche Vite Quick Dry Top Coat)

Any makeup brush you don't mind getting glitter or a bit of nail polish on. Any brush will really do. I like to use a brush because it deposits the pigment more and is less messy, but I suppose a finger would work just as well. 

First, you will need to cut and shape your nails. I have found that even if you cut your nails, the shellac manicure will stay put. Just be careful not to file your nails to break through the manicure as this will weaken the bonding to your nails.

Next, apply a generous amount of base coat to the grown out part of your nails and extending a small amount onto the Shellac polish. I did this rather unevenly to give the glitter a gradient effect.

Next, while the polish is still wet, dip your brush or finger into the glitter and gently pat the glitter onto your nail. Allow for the glitter to dry before applying a top coat to make sure the glitter stays put.

I made this short video to demonstrate the process.

I have done this with regular polish too and the glitter removes easily with nail polish remover.

Good luck and happy painting!
-Erica

Jen - Galaxy look

Hey everyone! So to celebrate both me and Erica graduating from university today, I decided to post a few looks that I've done in the past week. This look was inspired by outer space and how beautiful it is--galaxies and their swirling arms, nebulae and their haphazard hues, stars that twinkle across the universe.

Eyes:
All eyeshadows were exclusively from Sugarpill.
Inner corner - Tako (pure matte white)
Center of lid - Dollipop (matte hot pink) and Decora (hot pink shimmer)
Outer corner -  Afterparty (bright turquoise) and Royal Sugar (bright blue shimmer)
Crease - Bulletproof (matte black) and Stella (jet black with rainbow shimmer), Tipsy (metallic silver) blended out
Lumi (white with turquoise, blue, and green shimmer) for stars
Anastasia Beauty Express brow kit in Brunette

Face:
Urban Decay Naked foundation in 1.0
Benefit boi-ing concealer in 01
Urban Decay eyeshadow in Naked for cheek contour
Benefit Watt's Up? highlighter

Lips:
Wet N' Wild Fantasy Makers black lipstick
Sugarpill loose eyeshadows in Birthday Girl (princess pink), Paperdoll (lavender shimmer), and Lumi

This look was a lot of fun to do, but black lipstick is difficult to pull off. This definitely makes for a great photoshoot look!

- Jen

Rice/Jen's Introduction

Hi, everyone! So as Erica mentioned before, we decided to do a survey so you could all get acquainted with our usual cleansing and makeup routines. Here are my answers. If you want to get to know either of us better, just let us know.

- Jen


1. How many times do you wash your face daily?
Once in the morning and once at night. I used to be terrible at sticking to this, but now if I don't do it, I feel so gross.

2. What skin type do you have? Dry, oily, or combination skin?
Combination skin and it's terrible. Dry patches on my cheeks, and super oily in my T-zone. It's really hard to get under control. My skin is also relatively sensitive to cleansing products.

3. What is your current facial wash?
I use Aveeno Positively Radiant brightening cleaner in the morning and Yes to Tomato acne control gel cleanser at night. I intend to start using Aveeno Smart Essentials daily detoxifying scrub soon, though.

4. Do you exfoliate? How often?
I should really exfoliate more often, but I only do it about 1-2 times a week if I even remember to do it.

5. What product do you use to exfoliate?
Generally, I just use Neutrogena acne wash redness soothing facial scrub.

6. What moisturizer do you use?
Aveeno Positively Radiant daily moisturiser in the morning, and Aveeno Smart Essentials nighttime moisture infusion before bed.

7. Do you have freckles/sun spots?
I have freckles, but I don't believe they're from sun exposure.

10. Do you use eye cream?
No, but I really should! They're just a little too expensive for me to justify their purchase, but I'm a hypocrite and can spend loads on makeup.

11. Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
I don't have excessively acne prone skin, but I do get more breakouts than I should.

12. Did you ever have to use pro-activ?
Never.

13. What foundation do you use?
I rarely use foundation and if I do, it's either Urban Decay's Naked Skin in 1.0, or I mix concealer with moisturiser as suggested by Wayne Goss. I'm starting to get into Lancôme's Teint Idole Ultra and Clinique's Even Better, although it's so hard to find a shade to match my skintone.

14. How about concealer?
It's a must for me because I have large red patches on my cheeks that could be rosacea, but who knows? I generally use Benefit's boi-ing in 01, but I've been testing out a bunch of other brands. Benefit's Fake-up is wonderful, too.

15. Do you know your undertone color?
I believe it's neutral--warm foundations make me look slightly jaundiced but cool foundations make me look too red.

16. What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I think they're fun for a while! I like wearing them for performances or for the occasional photoshoot, but they can be impractical and with my glasses, they're generally a bad idea if I intend to wear them out.

17. Did you know that you’re supposed to change mascara every 3 months?
Yes, but I don't wear my mascara often enough to warrant buying a new one every 3 months, so I cheat that rule a bit.

18. What brand of mascara do you use?
Because it needs to be replaced more often, I stick with drugstore brands, mostly Maybelline.

19. Sephora or Mac?
Sephora. Such a wide range of brands from which to choose! The few times I've been in a Mac store, I always feel slightly overwhelmed.

20. Do you have a Mac pro card?
No. I wish I did, though!

21. What makeup tools do you use in makeup application?
I'm a big fan of just using my fingers for almost everything, but I will almost always use an angled brush/spoolie for my brows and occasionally a liner brush and a blush brush. Urban Decay's optical blurring brush is amazing for foundation and I'm starting to use Ulta's version of the beautyblender.

22. Do you use makeup base or primer for your eyes?
Always. I have oily lids, so eyeshadow will crease very easily on me.

23. For the face?
Very rarely. I know it would help the appearance of foundation, but often the primer will dry my skin or enhance dry spots.

24. What is your favorite eyeshadow shade?
I love love love bright colours like Sephora's Blue Curucao, but I also really like Sugarpill's Lumi and Goldilux.

25. Do you use pencil or liquid liner?
Both! I prefer pencils like Urban Decay's eyeliners, but liquid liner is always so precise. Right now I'm using Maybelline's Line Stiletto because it was the first liquid liner I've used in a while and I wanted to get the hang of it before getting something a little pricier.

26. How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
I used to do it a lot, but I've gotten much better at not doing so.

27. What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
I LOVE them. Colour is my area of expertise.

28. Do you use mineral makeup?
Sometimes! I find that it will sometimes not stick to my skin so easily due to any presence of oil throughout the day. Mineral eyeshadows tend to be the most noticably flakey.

29. What is your favorite “go-to” lipstick? Why?
I'm a big fan of Revlon's lip butters, actually. I only own Peach Parfait, but I'd really like to get others! I also really like Maybelline's colorsensational in Deepest Cherry.

30. How about lip gloss? Why?
I love Buxom's lip glosses because they smell great and do have a bit of a plumping effect.

31. What is your favorite blush to use and why?
I generally don't use blush because I'm actually naturally red in the cheeks anyway, but I do like L'oreal's Magicsmooth souffle blush in Celestial and NARS Orgasm or Super Orgasm. I'm vaguely in love with their darker blushes but I can't use them unless I have a very light hand and even then I tend to look a little sunburnt.

32. Do you buy your makeup on ebay/ebay.ph?
No, but I've considered it!

33. Do you like drugstore makeup?
There are some great drugstore brands! I do prefer drugstore mascara as I've mentioned earlier. They're also a great way to test colours that you don't want to break the bank for just yet, although the only drawback is that you can't test them in store, but at least they're cheaper.

34. Do you go to cosmetic company outlets?
Sometimes, but I've never found anything I need to snag right away.

35. Do you ever consider taking makeup classes?
All the time.

36. Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
I've gotten a lot better in the past few years. I'm not a perfectionist with my makeup, though--if it looks a little messy, that's fine with me.

37. Name a makeup crime(s) that you hate.
Honestly, I don't think I have one. I'm all about breaking rules and changing expectations. Everyone should experiment with how makeup works best for them--it's an art, a way to express yourself, and you don't need to stick to the expected.

38. Do you like colorful shades of makeup or neutral ones?
Both! It's fun to play with neutrals, but I'm also a huge fan of colour.

39. Which celebrity always has great makeup?
Michelle Dockery, Phoebe Tonkin, Sophie Turner, Saoirse Ronan. It always depends on what I'm feeling at any given time, and I've loved very specific looks like Emilia Clarke's photoshoot for Breakfast at Tiffany's and Emma Watson's dramatic black shadow with gold leaf.

40. If you could leave the house using just one makeup item, what would you use?
Does sunblock count? Because anything with SPF. I burn so easily.

41. Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
To be honest, I don't wear makeup at least 50% of the time because usually I'm just too lazy.

42. In your opinion, what is the best makeup line?
I can't pick just one! Urban Decay, Too Faced, Sugarpill, Benefit, LIT cosmetics, OCC, there's just so many that I love.

43. What do you think of makeup?
I love it. I love using it as a way to express myself or as a way to make myself feel less exhausted, and it's really an art form. I wish the ingredients were all more well-known because I'd love to know what goes on my skin, but for now I'm just having fun. If you want to wear makeup to enhance your appearance, go for it. If you want to use your face as a canvas, do it. There isn't anything stopping you.

44. What is your favorite “quote” related to makeup?
"Cosmetics are an extension of the will. Why do you think all men paint themselves when they go to fight?" - from Catherynne M. Valente's Deathless

45. If you were a makeup tool/product, what would you be and why?
I'm pretty sure I'd be Urban Decay's eyeliner in Deep End. Very specific, I know, but it's a bright colour (one of my favourites!), eyeliner is one of the makeup items I'd use daily if I was motivated enough, and it's just so fun.