Please Excuse My Mess...

Hey you guys! So I chose a layout for my blog and I am working hard to get it all finished and working correctly! If, for now, links or photos don't work, rest easy, everything will be working normally soon! I have wanted a new layout for the longest long time, but have put it off since there is SO much that goes into putting a new one up! So, if you guys could just bear with me for a moment, I will have it all done in the next couple of days!

OH, if you have any suggestions or comments on the new layout or anything that I should include in the side bars to the right or below, just let me know! Thanks so much for coming by today you guys! Remember to comment, comment, comment so you can win this quarters comment giveaway!!! I finally got the two prizes together and there will most likely just be one winner for this quarter! I will be making a vid to show what I got you guys soon!!

Much love always you guys!!

Share The Love Contest

You guys should go sub and enter this contest! NAT is the BOMB!!! I know these prizes are going to be phenomenal and there are SO many ways to win!!!

Thanks for the contest NAT!!! I am PUMPED about this one!!! I love you!!!

Go now everyone!!

Happy Turkey Day!

To all my friends that celebrate out there, Happy Turkey Day!  I hope you have all had a wonderful day full of great food, family, and great times!  This year I have so much to be thankful for that I just don't know where to begin!  I, of course, am always thankful for my family, friends and their health.  Thankful for my best friend who's husband serves our country with so much pride everyday without asking for anything in return.  I am also SUPER thankful for all of you guys out there that follow, sub, and have such nice things to say everyday!  I really appreciate each and every one of you and wouldn't trade anything in this world for you!  I don't care that I don't have thousands of followers or even hundreds...I am just glad for the few of you that follow religiously and comment!  So, thank you...today and everyday!  I love you guys SO much! 

Have a wonderful day and if you are shopping tomorrow...good luck finding deals and BE CAREFUL!  Remember, it is the holidays...BE SWEET!  LOL!  I will definately let you guys know what bargains I find tomorrow and I will be doing some haul videos for you soon!  Once the holiday calm down a bit and I get all the Christmas decorations up, I will be back making videos hot and heavy for you!  So, keep an eye out and I will be back to chat with you all tomorrow!!!

OH...make sure to check all your favorite online stores!  I know of some that will be having black friday sales!  If I see any for sure, I will let you know!!!  You know me and my coupon codes...GOTTA SHARE!  lol!  Loves ya! 

MAC LE Collection Release - Baroque Boudior (Nov 09)

Personally, I think this collection is GORGOEUS!  Of course, the packaging has drawn me in this time!  It is simply devine in my opinion!  The colors are not some that I am tripping over myself to get a hold of, but I would kill to own one of each piece out of this collection...just for the packaging! 

The Mystery Powder is something that I WOULD love to have, but with a $60 price tag, I don't think it is something that I will get to have very soon!  The lipsticks or a gloss may be more attainable!  LOL!  But, my oh, my...IT IS BEAUTIFUL!

You can check out this new collection for yourself at MAC Cosmetics Online.  You can get free shipping by entering the code BAROQUE at check out too!  (Nothing better than free shipping!!! 

What are your thoughts on this collection?  What are your favorite colors?  Does the packaging appeal to you as well?  Do you plan to purchase any of this collection or are you saving your money for another one that is coming soon?  Let me know in the comments below and give yourself another chance to win the giveaway!  The comment time will be ending soon, so comment, comment, comment and you could be a winner! 

Changes Are Coming!

Hey everyone! I just wanted you to know that my blog will be under construction this week. I am going to reconfigure everything and change the look since I have found some killer templates. I hope to have the patience to change things up on a regular basis just so there is something new for you guys to look at! LOL!

So, if things look out of wack or if links aren't here or not working, no worries! Just know that everything should be back up and running VERY soon! Let me know what you guys think when it is done! After all, everything I do here is for each and every one of YOU!!!

Also, sorry for being a slacker this weekend and not posting. I had the weekend without my daughter and decided it would be a perfect time to lay around and do nothing since the holidays are approaching at full speed! Starting with Thanksgiving, it seems that I don't sleep again until after the New Year so one last weekend of rest was all I really wanted!

I will be ending the comment contest soon, so make sure to post your comments on my posts to be entered into the drawing for some great prizes! Don't worry, if you don't win this time, I will start another one shortly after this drawing! I will hold these once a quarter for you guys just to give back to you! Also, pretty soon, you will have the opportunity to comment on my videos that I post for a week! That will round out the giveaway! Stay tuned for more details!

So, thanks again for all of you guys reading and following. I know there are not a lot of you, but I appreciate each of you more than you know! I am just glad I have a small audience!

Take care and I hope you all have a wonderful holiday week!! :)

COUPON CODES!

I have some coupon codes for you guys today!!! These will be great to go ahead and get some of your Christmas shopping out of the way!!! At SALLY'S BEAUTY SUPPLY ONLINE (http://www.sallybeauty.com/), today and tomorrow (the 23rd & 24th) you can get 15% off your purchase of $25 or more PLUS FREE SHIPPING!! All you do is use the promo code 555262 at check out!

At ELF ONLINE (http://www.eyeslipsface.com/) you can get various percentages off your purchase!!

10% off $20 with code EHGGBA

15% off $30 with code EHGGBB

20% off $50 with code EHGGBC

Both of these companies have really great gifts and stocking stuffers, so go check them out!!

You guys have fun shopping! I know I will!! :)

FREE SHIPPING @ MAC ONLINE: www.maccosmetics.com

They've done it again! FREE SHIPPING THIS WEEKEND AT MAC ONLINE! (http://www.maccosmetics.com/)

Coupon Code: MIDNIGHT3

This is a good deal if you only need one or two things! Then you don't use your gas!! LOL!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Let me know what you think of Twilight! I will do the same and will be making vids, uploading, and posting all weekend! It is a weekend just for me (which sorta makes me sad that my fam is leaving me this weekend). But, I will at least get tons done!

Love you guys!

What Inspires You?

I have yet to find my inspiration, you guys!! I don’t know what has happened with me! I used to wear different looks every day, try new things with my hair, and have a different, crazy nail polish on every other day! Now, I am lucky to trade out neutral colors on my oh, so boring neutral eye looks every day, even flat iron my hair, or paint clear on my nails! Woah…there is SERIOUSLY something wrong with me!

I have spent countless nights on the computer searching for photos that may inspire me, and I have found TONS of gorgeous shots of models with “normal” makeup AND editorial style shots. No matter how many of these photos I save, I just still can’t find any inspiration to carry out a killer look for all my YT subs! I want to bust out those killer, eye catching designs that people can’t help but click, but for some reason, the color combos just don’t come as naturally to me anymore. Who knows? Maybe it is the change of season, the cold weather, or all the rain we have been having, but I am seriously tired of not posting at least one new look a week!

All I know, is that I used to pick out my clothes every night before work. Then, I would go to my vanity and pick out 3-5 different colors that I thought would complement, not necessarily match, my outfit to use the following day. NOW, I keep the same old boring neutral palettes and quads in my makeup bag and can’t break free! Right now, to me, switching things up is wearing purple!!! Hell, I used to LOVE purple eyes, but to me, on me, they just look like another boring ole look!!

So, I wonder what it is that inspires you? Are there photos you keep archived, is it your surroundings…what? How do you get yourself in the mood to do something different with your hair or makeup? Do you purchase new things, do you go chat with the MUA at the makeup counter…something different?? I suppose I am looking for help from my friends…YOU GUYS!!! If there are any color combinations you can’t live without, tips or tricks that get you through the day, anything you would like to share…bring it on!! Thanks everyone! You guys mean the world to me!

Additional Info On Comment Contest for Fall 2009

I wanted to thank everyone that has participated in this quarters comment contest so far! I love hearing what you guys think about the topics I bring up. I think my favorite part has been interacting with my blog followers! I really didn’t think I would acquire any more followers, I just wanted to at least hear from the ones I have had from the beginning!!

Because I want as many people as possible to have an opportunity to win, I am going to be running the contest through December. I will post the “drawing” in a video here and on YouTube, at the beginning of January. I am keeping a list of everyone that comments and how many times they comment in an excel spreadsheet. Once I close the contest, I will make a list and enter it into a randomizer program I have put on my computer. I will film the randomizer choosing the name(s) of the winners and post for everyone to watch and learn the winner(s) with me! Kinda like the lotto drawings! LOL! I think that will be tons of fun for everyone that has participated!

*Please keep in mind, if I have multiple prizes/winners, only one win will be allowed per person.
One week during December, I will allow comments on YouTube to be eligible for the drawing. I will post what week that will be in a vid on YouTube and in a post on here! I feel that everyone should have a chance to be included! (Of course, subscribers only.) The only reason I would like to do this is because I have been promising a video contest for my subs on YT and I honestly don’t know when I am going to have the time to hold that. The holidays are a crazy time for myself and my family full of traveling, decorating, shopping, and cooking! LOL! I may be able to squeeze in a video contest, but just in case, I would like my YouTube subs to have the chance to get in the drawing.

Also, I have decided to try and keep the prizes in line with the posts for that contest period. So, the things that I talk about will most likely be things that I give away! Items will be anything from nail polish, to makeup, to hair stuff that I have used and loved or you guys have said that you loved!

So, that is about it for now! I told you I would have more info!! Hehehe! If you have any questions…let me know in the comments below or email me at Vanitys_Edge@yahoo.com. Make sure to put BLOG CONTEST QUESTION in the subject line so I don’t think it is spam mail and your question will get answered! Thanks again to all of you that are actively participating…especially those that are actively participating daily! I really appreciate it and I have had SO much fun chatting with you guys! I am still trying to decide on just the right prize(s) and I will post photos and a video on those as soon as I get them in!

NEW MOON COMING SOON!!!!!!!!

OBVIOUSLY, this blog has NOTHING to do about makeup and EVERYTHING to do about my favorite book/movie saga TWILIGHT! SO, if you don' t like these books, or these movies, you may want to visit back tomorrow! LOL!

Anyway, with that said...on to what I have to say. As most of you know, this movie releases on Friday, the 20th and I have been counting down the days for months! I purchased my ticket online the day they went on sale in my town and the confirmation has been staring back at me, taunting me from my wallet for 2 months now! I don't know how I have made it this long!

Luckily, my daughter is staying with her dad that night so I can spend my evening in my fantasy world, with my fantasy friends...and men! :) I never thought I would love the movie so much, much less the books! I remember when I saw Twilight and was enthralled with the entire story line! I just HAD to get the box set of books as soon as possible. Now that the binding on the books are starting to wear out from me reading them so much, the second movie is coming out! Needless to say, I CAN HARDLY CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT! I have done nothing but read every spare moment so I could get through the second book, for the 5th time now, to be ready to know what parts they leave out only to ask myself later why.

See that is the worst part about books coming to life on screen, something crucial (to me) is always left behind! I suppose there really isn't a great way to get 400 pages into two hours besides leaving something out!

To be honest, the only reason I can think of why I am so in love with this story is the characters. I mean, is there REALLY a man (or a relationship for that matter) in this world??? Wouldn't it be nice if we could all find our Edward, or Bella as it may be? I find myself reading, sighing with longing for that type of love and connection.

I am extra pumped about this movie release because I have decided that New Moon is one of my two fav books from the series. (Breaking Dawn, #4, being the other fav.) So many things are brought to life and to be able to see Edward in a new light is going to be interesting.

I wonder if after seeing this movie, I will be on Team Jacob.....yeah, I DON'T THINK SO! Hahaha!

I will leave you other Twilight lovers and enthusiests with this question: Did you get tickets for opening night? Have they been staring at you from you wallet for months? What is it about this book that caught your attention most? Are you happy with how the book has been depicted in these movies? Let me know in the comments below!

Love you guys and see you at the theatre!

*Note: I WILL be writing another blog on New Moon following me seeing it Friday night. :)

Bare Minerals...Why Not?

I used to be, and sometimes still am, ADDICTED to Bare Minerals Makeup. I am wondering what the hell happened with this brand? It used to be hard to get their stuff on eBay and you were lucky to get a shadow for $5+shipping. Now, it seems that no one wants BE. I don’t know if MAC and other brands have just taken over because of their cult like following, or if we feel the caliber of their products just isn’t up to par.

I can’t really figure out what happened with this brand! SO many people I knew LOVED their products and collected them like people now collect MAC. Do people still collect this brand like they used to or do they just let it sit in their drawer and stare back at them longingly every morning when their owner reaches for a MAC shadow instead? I am totally guilty of this, but have been working to change my ways.

I have tried, every day, to incorporate at least one BE color into my look for the day. I use their foundation every day and just ordered some of the Matte Foundation to try as well. I have some super gorgeous colors from BE and can’t bare to let them go! Even if I wanted to let them go, however, I would never be able to sell them on a forum because it seems that there is no one that wants them. Oh, and if they do, they won’t give you much of anything for them! I just can’t figure it out!

I thought I was going to be able to get rid of all my overstock that I had from selling on eBay, when I found the BE forum online. Well, they have stopped allowing sales and swaps on their site if you have not been an active member for so long. I also think they have been having issues with their members not following through with sales and or swaps too. WTF, people??

Needless to say, I rediscovered a lot of my colors when I did swatches for my new bestie, Molly. We decided that we would never in a lifetime use all our BE shadows and it would be better to split what we had and swap to get new stuff without having to spend any money! So, I ended up swatching more than half of my collection and what I rediscovered was amazing! The colors are so different and foiling and applying dry make two different colors! WOW…what a concept!

I wanted to share with you guys the swatches that I did. The colors really are amazing and, yes, some of them are dupable for MAC colors and other brands colors, but there are slight differences that make them unique and all their own. When I was purchasing BE, I worked to try and obtain as many of the discontinued colors as I could and get colors that WERE truly unique. I feel that I got some really killer stuff. Check out the pics I have posted to the left!

My question for you guys today is…what is your opinion of BE makeup in general? What have been your reasons for letting it go or not letting it go? Are there really people out there that still use this makeup everyday instead of MAC?? Let me know in the comments below and remember, the more you comment, the better your chances of winning the Fall Blog Comment Giveaway 09!

What Do You Think...Your Vote Counts!

I was thinking, since I didn’t get to do any Halloween tutorials because I was SO busy, I would like to make it up to you guys! I would like to still do some of the looks I had planned to do, just because they look fun and I want to try them! LOL! I know there are a lot that other gurus have done, but I feel that everyone’s vision is different and even if the character is the same, everyone has a tendency to put their own spin on things.

This is what I was thinking about doing and I need your opinion and insight. I absolutely LOVE Halloween and wish it could last year round! So, why don’t we!? I believe I will have the time at least once a month to research and produce a halloween look for you guys. I don’t know about you, but I am already starting to think about what I am going to be next year and how I am going to make my costume. I refuse to wait til the last minute for EVERYTHING again next year! Plus, in my mind, this would provide people with enough time to acquire the proper materials and perfect what they want to do! I know, I know, you ask…”A year in advance…REALLY?” and I say yes! This way, I can have my Halloween year round and help you guys out that do theatre or performance and spark interest for your perfect Halloween costume! Then, I would like to hold a contest in October to bring it all to a close!

What do you think? If I have time, I could also show you guys how to make come costumes. That way, you don’t end up walking into the Halloween party of the century wearing the same costume as 15 other people! THIS is why I generally make my costume and my daughters every year. Plus, if you plan ahead, you can purchase some of the components and fabric after Halloween when they are super on sale! I mean…how can you beat 75% off and getting crazy lashes for a little over $1?? (Yes, I bought 5 pair of lashes at Target the other night for that much! I was SUPER pumped!) I mean think about it…prosthesis components, makeup, and costumes are NOT cheap!

Anyhow…it is just a thought! Let me know what you think and if you are on board…let me know what you are thinking about dressing up as for Halloween next year and maybe I will do a look or a costume that could possibly help you out!! I already know what I am going to be next year…I will for sure show you guys! It is never too early to plan such a huge night in advance! We all Christmas shop early and start buying our Turkeys early before the good ones are gone! Why not treat Halloween the same!?

*REMEMBER: Every comment you make, enters your name anther time in the blog giveaway! The more comments, the better your chance!

Update: OPI Suede...1 more thing to say...

Last night I put on my OPI Suede (Lincoln Park After Dark). My thought was that this would be my nail color for the weekend. Well, I seriously put it on at 11pm last night, two coats, and this morning, I get up (at 830am) & IT HAD CHIPPED IN THE NIGHT! Ugh...I was SO mad! Guys, I REALLY LOVE these polishes...especially this color...but REALLY!? I need my polish to last longer than 9 hours!

I love the color so much and obviously don't want to waste it, so I decided to put a coat of my Seche Vite top coat on over my terribly chipped nails. It actually turned out well! Of course, I don't have that gorgeous, matte-sueded finish, but the color is still just as pretty. It looks more like a shimmer polish with the top coat over it.

This post is just sort of an FYI. Don't go spend the cash on these polishes if you are going to expect them to last longer than maybe an evening. In fact, these would be perfect to put on before a night out. Since they dry so fast, you could certainly put some on on your way out the door.

Don't get me wrong...I still love these polishes...I just wish I could figure out how the hell to make them stay longer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Suggestions.....

Step by Step to Become the Wicked Witch

I promise, this is not has hard as it seems! I know there are a great deal of steps, but they are tedious. That is why this "directions" post looks SO long! Sorry! Well, here goes nothin!

Step One: Use a neutralizing concealer all over your face. I used a green mineralized one by Jane. Do not apply to the brow or eye area.

Step Two: Using Elmers Glue Stick (I like to use the purple so I can see where I’m putting it) & a spatula, cover your brows. Make sure it is smooth and dry before applying makeup. I do this so I can use the tissue process (step 10) over the brows or right up to them. It makes it easier on those hairs when you are tearing off the tissue at the end of the night! LOL!

Step Three: Apply nose and chin prosthetics using spirit gum. I apply spirit gum to the prosthetics first then to my face. Allow to dry to a tacky finish, then adhere. (This stuff dries fast, so work quickly!!!) If you are wearing a nose, cut out the nose holes bigger so the warm air you breathe out doesn’t collect in the nose causing the glue to release. Move your face around so it will fit on your face when you talk or make expressions! LOL!

Step Four: Prime your eyes. I used UDPP.

Step Five: Conceal your brows using the same green concealer.

Step Six: Use cream/grease paint to color your eye area. I used Ben Nye Cream Paint in Kelly Green & my finger. (Feel free to use a brush, but this application gave me the best results.)

Step Seven: Apply red cream/grease paint to the lid and lower lash line, for a tired look. I used Mac Paint in Flammable. Blend out any harsh lines with a soft blending brush. I used my Lowe Cornelle Maxine’s Mop that is similar to the Mac 252…add more where needed.

Step Eight: I put on a hood so I wouldn’t have to make up my entire face, neck and ears!!! My mom had this from when she was the Wicked Witch of the West in a touring company. You could probably get one at a costume shop or online.

Step Nine: Apply green cream/grease paint all over your face in an even layer. I used, again, Ben Nye Cream Paint in Kelly Green. Keep in mind this is the paint the tissue is going to soak up, so put on a nice coating!!!

Step Ten: Tear regular Kleenex into 3 strips and dump some Elmers School Glue out into a dish. I used a foam paint brush to apply the glue to my skin. Make sure to do one area at a time, not the whole face. I did the forehead, each cheek, and the area around the chin…so four areas.
Apply 2 ply tissue over the glue and create wrinkles with your fingers. Before the glue dries, remove the second layer of tissue. (I leave this on while creating the wrinkles because it keeps my fingers from getting so much glue on them and all that extra staying on your face.) Clip away the extra tissue you don’t need and add more glue in any area that needs it.

This process is pretty tedious, so take your time and be patient. Just make sure to overlap the nose/chin with the tissue to make it all blend together and look more real!!! If the glue needs help drying, you can use a hair dryer on a low or cool setting.

Step Eleven: With my spatula, I applied glue around all of the edges where the Kleenex and skin met. This will help blend the tissue into the skin more and just make it look like another wrinkle. Use the spatula to “flatten” the glue onto the skin.

Step Twelve: Apply green cream shadow to the upper lid and brow. I used the MUFE Flash Color Palette and my finger.

Step Thirteen: Apply more of your “skin color” over the tissue so you get a deep green color. Again, Ben Nye Cream Color in Kelly Green and a wedge sponge was used. Make sure to blend the color up and over the prosthesis and any edges of the tissue.

Step Fourteen: Damn there are a lot of steps!! LOL!!!

Step Fifteen: Contour, using the lines of the prosthetics and the normal places you would contour. Plus, put dark circles under your eyes. Sink in as much of your face as you have time to. I would have done lots more had I had time. Also, use a lighter green to highlight as well! To contour and highlight, I used the MUFE Flash Color Palette…black and green with a Lowe Cornelle Maxine’s Mop similar to 252.

Step Sixteen: Use MAC Burnt Burgandy pigment to set the flammable paint and deepen the crease and dark circles around the eye. I used a fluffy blending brush…Sigma 224.

Step Seventeen: If you would like, paint on extra wrinkles with the black in the MUFE palette, the Kelly Green, or a mixture of both, using a fine lining brush. I used the MAC 210. Make sure to blend them out well. These don’t have to be perfect. Just follow your own laughlines/wrinkles.

Step Eighteen: Draw in evil eyebrows. I used the Ardell Brow Pencil in Black.

Step Nineteen: Using any green or combination of dark green eye shadows you would like, set the cream colors beneath the brow to make it look more like you are wearing shadow in that area. This will also help to cover any brow/brow cover you have showing still. I just used a fluffy shadow brush, the Soft Focus Shadow by Bare Minerals .

Step Twenty: Tightline your eyes with a dark black pencil. I used Smolder Eye Kohl by Mac. Make sure to work it into your lashes so NO white/light colored skin shows through! Use a cream liner and line your upper and lower lash line to help with this. You can wing it out like mad if you want or keep it normal, thick or thin. I used Mineral Couture Effects Cream Liner in Black with a Mac 210 brush.

Step Twenty-One: Apply false lashes if you would like and mascara. I didn’t get to apply my lashes…I ran out of time…BOO!!!!!

Step Twenty-Two…and final!!! Line your lips with a dark red/burgundy liner. Fill in your lips with a bright red liner….OR…use a color stay gloss like I did. I used the Maybelline Super Stay Gloss in the reddest candy apple red they had! I let that dry about a minute but before it was set, I applied a little burnt burgundy pigment to contour. Then, I made a few extra wrinkles along the lips.

I know that seems like a lot of steps, but most of them are self explainatory! If you feel you would like a video explaination of the tissue application process, let me know in the comments below! This is just another way to do old person makeup, creepy skin, or wounds. It can really be modified for any of those applications! PLUS, it leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth when you peel it off!!! Hahaha! Just make sure to wash well with baby wipes and cold cream, rinse and wash with your normal face wash so you don’t break out! Make sure you don’t have any skin allergies to grease or cream makeup before doing this makeup. Elmers school glue is made of predominantly water…so you should be good there!

I did not make a seperate products list since the products I used are listed in the steps above. However, if you would like a list, just comment below and I will make one and post it for any of you guys that are intersted!

If you would like to see the video application, here is the link! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJAHaJWm-ec

Let me know what you guys think of the application! It really is easier than it looks!!! Keep an eye out for the third installment in my Halloween videos!!! The last one is REALLY fun!!!!

OPI Suede...Love

What can I say about OPI Suede polishes? I LOVE THEM! The finish is amazing and the color Lincoln Park After Dark has to be the most gorgeous purple shade I have seen in a long time. I have always been partial to purple polish, but this has to beat everything else I have seen!
These Suede colors are so different with an almost glittery effect to them. But, they aren’t glittery…they are more matte. I tell you, they are SO hard to describe! LOL! My suggestion is to just try them for yourself!
Now, there are some things that I dislike about the Suede colors, but they aren’t so bad that I would discontinue using them or never buy another color again. Of course, you use these with or without a base coat and with no top coat. If you use a top coat, it won’t provide the suede-like look…similar to using a top coat with a matte formula, you only get shine. Here is where the problem arises though. Of course, without a top coat, a polish is not going to last as long. So, you will see the finish start to wear faster than most. When this particular color started to wear and fade, the silver glitter particles started to show more and the darkness of the color slowly started to dissipate. I was okay with that…really, it didn’t look bad or anything! They chipped just about like any other polish would if you did heavy duty work wearing your mani but had tremendous staying power for a polish I didn’t use with a top coat.
I didn’t find much difference when I tried the OPI Suede without a base coat. It just really made all the imperfections in my nails show through. And I have some pretty banged up nails from polishing so often, working like I do, and not caring for my nails like I know I should! (I guess I don’t care for them like I should because at work, it never fails, if I have to do any sort of manual labor, whether it be taping a box closed or picking and shipping inventory…I ALWAYS break at least one nail! Ugh…so irritating!) So, for me, I prefer to use a base coat as much as possible…a ridge filler at that! Hahaha!
I have to say, however, the OPI Suede collection has the most GORGEOUS jewel-toned, perfect for fall colors in the world! LOL….seriously! (Now, this is my opinion ladies and gents!) If you can only purchase one on your budget, I suggest getting Lincoln Park After Dark for sure!
*NOTE: OPI DOES have a label on all of these polishes that states that the staying power is not going to be the same, to not use a top coat, and a base coat is optional. I appreciate this company taking the time to add this disclaimer to the bottle. I would have been pissed had they not!
Tell me your experience with this line of polishes! Have you found a fool proof application process? What is your favorite OPI Suede color and why is it SO perfect for you!? If you haven’t tried this line of polishes, what is keeping you from it….budget, can’t choose a color, simply aren’t interested…what?!
*REMEMBER: Your feedback and comments not only enter your user name into the giveaway drawing and not only help me learn more about you guys, BUT you could help a fellow Beauty Guru/Addict learn more about products and how to use them in the best possible way!

Matte Nails...This Season's Big Thing!

What do you think about it…the matte nail polish craze?? Personally, I LOVE matte nails! It is something different that is for sure! I have tried a few brands of matte polish and have liked them all okay for the most part. I LOVE my zoya matte though. They are by far my most fav. But, really getting into purchasing matte shades was getting sort of expensive. I mean, I am basically repurchasing colors I have again, only because the formulation creates a different finish on my nails.

So, I decided when the China Glaze Matte Magic came out, I HAD to have it! I was at Sally’s the day they put it in stock…I know, that’s bad. Why didn’t I just get the Essie brand or something? Well, I sort of prefer China Glaze to Essie and every site I went to to get it from was sold out! That just pissed me off! Anyway, don’t expect a full size container when and if you order this online. The size is comparable to their sets’ sizes. However, a little goes a long way!

I really used it for the first time last night. I painted on a ridge filler, which I feel is key to the perfect matte nail, and China Glaze in the color Cords. The original color of cords to me is almost a chrome like shade… sort of slate grey/pink when it catches the light. I LOVE the finish of this color! Once the matte top coat is applied, the pinky undertones are taken out and the slate color is left. I actually have a pair of cords this color! LOL! I LOVE my nails today!

The matte coat dries pretty fast so I had no accidents even though I was working on swatches while doing my nails! Hehehe! AND the ridge filler made all the difference in the world. Matte top coats, on me anyhow, show EVERY imperfection and line on my nails, but this ridge filler gets into those lines/cracks and closes them up making for the perfect canvas to paint your color!

My only issue with the Matte Magic and ALL the mattifiers and matte shade polishes is that they chip SO easily! I mean, I have not done any heavy duty work (besides put on my MU) this morning, and I have already chipped 2 nails!!! It really bums me out because I can normally keep my painted nails looking great for at least 4 days! Ah, well, I guess that is the price we pay….or is it?!

If you have any advice for me and everyone else that is in love with a matte nail finish, let us know in the comments below! How do you keep your matte mani looking great for more than 12 hours?? LOL! What products do you use and what special steps do you take to keep them chip free? I mean, these are noticeable chips! I have to go through the work day with crummy looking nails and that makes me kinda self conscious. I know…that’s stupid, but I am sure at least some of you know what I mean!

*REMEMER: My Fall Blog Giveaway is in full swing! If you have questions, please make sure to check out the Rules post at the link here ->http://vanitysedge.blogspot.com/2009/11/fall-09-blog-giveaway-rules.html If that post doesn’t answer all your questions, leave them in the comments there or email me at Vanitys_Edge@yahoo.com! Start commenting now for more chances to win!

WIN THE NEW SIGMA MAKEUP COLLECTION!

You guys should check out this vid for a chance to win!!!

Quarterly Contest - Giveaway Rules

* CONTEST/GIVEAWAY GOING ON NOW!  WINNERS RANDOMLY CHOSEN EVERY QUARTER: MARCH, JUNE, SEPTEMBER, & JANUARY!  EACH COMMENT=CHANCE TO WIN!  COMMENT EVERYDAY FOR BETTER ODDS! *

This giveaway is going to be a comment giveaway. All rules are posted below. I LOVE my subs and followers SO much!! I would like to do these giveaways at least quarterly so I can SHOW my love! Of course, that will all depend on how this giveaway goes!



1. You must be a follower of this blog AND a sub to my channel (www.YouTube.com/VanitysEdge) to participate. Some posts may be referencing a video or asking for feedback on a video, which is why you need to be a sub there as well! Most of you are already, so you are set!!! New followers always welcome! I WILL be checking!



2. YOU MUST BE 13 OR OLDER TO PARTICIPATE. UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE WILL REQUIRE PARENTAL PERMISSION TO PARTICIPATE AND RECEIVE PRIZE. This is so no parent thinks I am some crazy woman just randomly sending their kid something in the mail. The prize WILL be addressed to the parent or gaurdian in addition to the winner if he/she is under 18. Parental consent must be emailed to me PRIOR to making comments! Have your parent or gaurdian email me at Vanitys_Edge@yahoo.com so you are able to participate.



3. You MUST comment on posts to be entered in drawing. The more you comment, the more times you are entered. Only ONE comment per post, please.



4. Comment CANNOT simply be enter me or anything of the sort. I want to hear your thoughts on posts, so take a minute and read the content and give your opinion, view, or thoughts on what was written. Any other comment will be a disqualified entry.



5. Some posts may ask for specific comment content, so pay close attention!!!!!!!



6. Contest giveaway will run each quarter for three months.  As long as you are consistantly commenting, you will not miss a giveaway period.  If I decide to change how long each giveaway runs, you will all be notified in plenty of time to get your entries in. 



7. Comments on this post not eligible. The comment portion here will be reserved strictly for questions only!



8. I will number each comment, starting with the first comment on the first post from that quarter.  Each user's comment will be numbered and those numbers/comments entered into random.org.  This will give us a random winner and that is what we are going for...no picking and choosing!  :)  So, you see, the more you comment, the better the odds of you picking up the prize!! 


9. DUH, my bad!!! This giveaway IS open internationally!!!





These are the basic rules. Pretty plain and simple. Please check back regularly for any updates. Normally, when someone asks a question, it will spark something that needs to be included! These updates will be listed with a date next to them and I will do my best to insert a seperate post of the update. Also, read the comments section. Someone may ask the same question you have and the answer may already be there as well. I WILL answer the questions as a comment.



Once I have photos of the prizes, I will post those. The number of winners will be dependant on how much stuff I have stock piled for prizes!



Please, don't hesitate to ask any questions! I am never too busy to answer questions!! And remember to check back for any updates and comment, comment, comment! This is just my way of thanking everyone that takes the time to come to my blog, read, and participate! As always, I take requests for post subjects! If you have a request, I am certainly open to hearing it! Thank you so much you guys! I love you so much and hope you all have fun with this!!

What a Night: Halloween Night Details and Introduction of Giveaway!

Well, for now, the excitement is over. :( Our halloween was fabulous though! We all had the best time regardless of not having sleep at all this week! Hahaha! We got up Saturday and still had to finish our haunted garage, finish my daughters costume, and cook chili. (My mom always makes chili on Halloween...its kind of her start to the fall and winter months.) So, we got up aroun 6 and started to scurry.

I finished up my daughters black cat costume which turned out GREAT! It turned out to be a lot easier than I thought it would be too! She saw a book that my mom had that was photos from the musical Cats on broadway. She fell in love with the costume. I am a terrible painter, so rather than painting the unitard, I decided to use fur. That way, she would be warmer too! I just made some leg warmers and arm warmers out of it then, attached some to the body and voila...DONE! We picked up a cat set with a tail, bowtie and ears, so you know I had to do up the bowtie colar! I sewed on sequins and bells to make it look like one of those bling-bling cat collars that I love so much! Hahaha!

I wanted to paint her face SO bad! I found a killer pic of a child with her face painted like a cat and it was phenomenal how they did it so I worked at tryin to convince her all month to let me. She went back and forth about it, but eventually said she wanted a mask. Rather than getting to the day of and her changing her mind about face painting and having to scurry for a mask, I just got it. Well, she was in such a friggin hurry that she didn't even wear the ears, walked out with out her tail, and refused to wear the mask for anything but this picture! LOL! Kids!!! But, she looked absolutely adorable and had the time of her life! This was the first year that she would go to people's doors by herself and I felt a little sad. I mean...she just seems to not need me much anymore!!! LOL!!!

So, when I was little, my mom always haunted our porch or garage for the occassion! Every year she did a different scene and on Halloween night, there would litterally be van loads of kids/people coming to see what she had done! Needless to say, every year she out did herself! I think I was around age 10 when she stopped doing it because she got a new job and just didn't have the energy. Well, I convinced her that we should do it this year since my daugher and little bro were both going to be there for the first year together in 5 years. We def didnt' give ourselves enough time to work on it so we spent most nights up super late working away, but it came out perfectly and everyone loved it!

We got so many different complements from people saying our sound system and effects were superb (which it was just a boom box in the back and a sound effect box in the front...its all about placement) to people thinking we were ready for hollywood! LOL! Seriously, who would have thought a few masks, costumes, and the right lighting could be so impressive. I must say, it turned out better than we thought it would! When I took the kids out trick or treating, every other person and kid I past were talking about it whether they were saying they had to go see it or they couldn't believe how great and scary it was!

I did take some video during the day and my mom's friend took some at night with his good camera, so I am going to get that from him and post both videos on my YouTube channel. When I get the links ready, I will post them here! I also have more pics and I will include them in a slide show. I just wish I could have got high speed pics of it at night! That is what makes it all come together is the darkness with all the geled lights placed just right! Ambiance is everything!!! LOL!!!

Now....on to me! Hehehe! I decided to be the wicked witch this year. I wanted to be something ugly! After all, its halloween, plus, I knew it would be really cute with my daughter being a black cat! I haven't dressed up for halloween in years so I knew I really needed to do something that would catch some looks...good or bad...I didn't care!

My mom played the wicked witch in The Wizard of Oz with a touring company she worked with when I was little. I never got to see the play because when they came to my school...I woke up sick! (That's my luck!) So, I found her costume, hat and used the same makeup technique she did with her makeup. I was a little disappointed because I didn't have enough time to do everything I wanted to do. I didn't get to start working on myself until aroun 430 and this is a pretty involved process. Plus, I had to stop a million times to do something for my daughter! Hehehe! Well, once she got dressed, she was sitting on go and every 5 minutes someone would call up the stairs..."ARE YOU READY...YET!???!!!???" It drove me BANANAS!!! So, I just got it all on and skipped all the extra contouring, lashes and extra drawn in wrinkles I had planned. Kind of a bummer, but it still turned out okay...I think!

Needless to say, we had a blast on Halloween! We scored tons of candy, scared some kids to tears, and celebrated like we used to! I seriously love halloween! It is like my Christmas! I know, I know, that is weird...but it is just so much fun! I just wish there weren't so many people out there that ruined it for everyone else. I mean, there just weren't as many people out in our neighborhood and that was because most people in our neighborhood turn their lights off these days! Seriously, we walked 6 streets and the kids only got candy from about 25 houses total. That is unreal! I remember when I was little that if we went to that many streets, we had bags and bags of candy that lasted the entire year!!! LOL!!! It just makes me sad that there are just that many crazies out there that screw this fun night up for all the children! Sorry about the rant...it just bums me out.

Let me know what you guys think of the pics or your halloween experience in the comments below!!! The more you comment in the weeks to come, the better your chances of winning my comment giveaway coming up! The more you participate, the more times your user name will be entered in the pot!! This is the best way I can come up with to know that the people that actually read and participate in the blog are going to be the one(s) that end up getting the prize! I will release further information about this giveaway, including the prize(s), in the days to come! All comments, starting today (Nov. 3rd) will be entered. Please note that the content of the comment has to be something relating to the blog and not just one that says enter me or something like that....those comments will not be entered in the drawing. Also, YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER OF THIS BLOG & A SUB TO MY CHANNEL (www.YouTube.com/VanitysEdge) TO PARTICIPATE! OPEN TO FOLLOWERS AGE 13 AND UP. UNDER 18 REQUIRES PARENTAL PERMISSION TO RECEIVE PRIZE! PLEASE CHECK NEXT POST FOR ALL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION! RULES & PRIZES SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Come on guys!! Let the comments begin!!!