Almost Back!

Wow!  It has really been a long time and I am working diligently to get everything back up and running here and on YouTube.    


I got a new computer and home network for Christmas so that is finally done.  I am at least connected now...slowly, but connected.  


Somehow, my email got hacked yesterday though!  Luckily, my free anti-virus software caught it before it did any harm though!  (Now, I'm a FIRM believer in anti-virus!  Its a small price to pay for the piece of mind!)  It didn't harm my computer but the hacker sent emails to everyone on my contact lists on both my makeup address and my personal address so I scrambled to contact everyone I could before they opened the email and ended up like my BFF, Mandy, with a crashed computer.  I feel SO bad about that too!  Crummy thing...it happened while she and I were on the phone together!  Now, she is without a computer until next month when she visits back home to get it fixed!  I'm sorry honey....AGAIN!!!  So, as you guessed it, I have a new email address and I have closed my old ones!  If you ever have a question or a reason to contact me, please do so through the new address above!  :)  I try and check my account at least every other day!


Were also in the middle of remodeling our house as well.  We had some damage to our roof that the insurance company decided deserved a new roof and a new interior ceiling!  YAY!  So, to get new walls to replace the old, 80s paneling throughout the living areas, we decided to do the majority of the work ourselves to really get the most out of our money!  Yes....I helped put the roof on this house, put up drywall, and primed until I am just sick of it!  This has been my past two weeks!  All of my makeup and craft room stuff got crammed in our guest room and we have been living out of our two rooms this entire time.  Were putting the living room back together tonight because my father in law is coming to pick up his trailer tomorrow.  I spent my morning unloading 6200 pounds of shingles, molding, old sheet rock and insulation at the dump!  How glamorous!  LOL!


So, you see...just with the little I have shared, I am sure you can all tell that I have been overly busy this past, well, month!  I am diligently working to try and get a space to begin videos again and get back to blogging on a regular basis.  I will probably only be doing basic things.  I don't have a great deal of cash right now to try new products because I am still on the job hunt.  I may also start a craft channel or blog as well....IF I can find the time that is!  (Note: If you have a job and hate it, don't just quit!  Start looking because even the crummy jobs are hard to come by!  My advice for the day!)  I will do all that I can though.  I really miss doing YouTube and I miss talking to you guys on here and via email everyday!  :)  If for some reason all my efforts don't work out and I am unable to make videos or blog for any reason, I will certainly let you all know!  However, that is not the plan at this point!


Thank you all for being so patient with me and still subscribing!  It means a lot to me to open my accounts after so long and see that people are still coming by and wanting to stay!  (Even if it is just a few, it means a lot to me!  I may not have a million subscribers like some, but the ones I have I will always cherish!)


Take care and I will hopefully have the moment to talk to you all again soon!  Once the first stage of this portion of remodeling is finished, I will take post some before and after pictures for you all to see!  :)  


Keep smiling!  :)

Yet Another Update...

It feels like I have been gone for years at this point and I apologize to all of you!  I finally got moved but being unpacked and totally settled is a totally different story!  We got our daughters room remodeled and she got to move in and we just finished gutting the guest room before we decided to head to the inlaws for the weekend.  We can't decide what internet service to go with quite yet and that really doesn't matter considering our computer is down.  However....all of these things are in the works and hopefully will happen very soon so I can get back going with my blog and YouTube pages. 
I don't have a set place to do my filming so I have not created anything new either.  I only get to use the computer when we visit family so I will always try and get online to update you guys when I can.  I know I am being totally lame to all of you that are being so patient and staying with me through this.  I keep telling my husband that I probably wouldn't be so stressed out if I could just be able to get back in the swing with all my websites!  LOL!  I rarely get to do my makeup anymore!  Our air conditioner went out about a week ago so I have not even thought about pulling anything out since it is SO hot!  The temp in the house is about 5 degrees higher than it is outside!  The outdoor temps are running between 95 and 105 daily with heat indexes around 110.  It is miserable.  I have to make sure to at least check my makeup daily to make sure it doesn't melt.  My husband cleared out an area in the mini fridge, that we use for parties, for me to put my makeup if need be.  (He is the BEST!)
Again, you guys, I am really sorry that I have gone missing for so long this time, but know I am checking messages as often as I can and will continue to do so until we have the net and a computer up and running.  And as soon as our connection is up, I will be here to update and to stay!
Thank you ALL for being here and waiting for me!  I have so many things planned and can't wait to share them with you!  Talk to you all very soon...I hope!

Products For Rimming: What I Use & What Works

Once I was introduced to the whole rimming the eye technique, I was hooked.  (For anyone that doesn't know, tightlining/rimming is when you apply a liner/color to the inner portion of your lashline, 'shelf', closest to your eye.  You MUST be VERY careful when utilizing this technique and keep in mind that it is not for everyone.  Some people's eyes are just too sensitive to do this to.)  Whether in color or simple black or brown, I think it really completes your entire look, creating the look of fuller lashes, larger eyes, or whiter whites.  There are just so many possibilities and SO many products to choose from.  But, I am telling you, if you haven't tried this, you really should, just once.  I had a friend that had only rimmed her lower lashes and never her upper.  When I did her uppers for her one day, I think she was pretty impressed by how different it made her eyes look...more sultry and sexy with the colors we had applied.

"What do you use to do this though?" you ask?  There are a plethera of products on the market you can try and below, I have outlined my experiences with each I have tried.  I would say, you should choose your product according to how watery your eyes are.  Mine are pretty sensitive as well, because I wear contacts, so these products are REALLY
put to the test with me!  If they can stay for more than an hour...we have a winner!  There are a couple of additional tricks I will include for you at the end of the post.  Some ways I have found will make the color last a bit longer.  Now, on to the products!

The star ratings below are NOT for the actual product itself...it is for the staying power.  I adore all of the products below and couldn't live without any of them.  I also feel the products themselves are worth MORE than 5 stars overall!

MAC Eye Kohl: My favorite is Smolder, but I do have other colors like Fascinating & Hot Poppy.  I have always had GREAT luck with these pencils in my waterline...especially using my eye shadow trick (below).  I can normally go about 6-7 hours without having to touch up using this pencil, which is phenomenal in my book.  I really HATE touching up makeup when I am at work.  Now, I have found that when my eyes are the most watery, it dosn't last quite as long and begins fading on the shelf area closes to the eye and in the corners.  This product is very rich and creamy so it will smudge easily if you are not careful.  Setting is your best form of smudge prevention!  4 STARS

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner: Very comparable to MAC Fluidline, in my opinion.  However, the claims are that it is waterproof, 24 hour color, yeah right!  Well, IT IS...amazingly enough!  I have to say this is the drugstore product that I am most impressed with at the moment (next to the Revlon Photoready Foundation & Powder).  I, of course, use it as a normal gel liner creating a flawless wing and line on my upper lash line, but I have also used it in my waterline for additional drama.  (I kept the brush that comes with it and use that for tightlining sometimes.)  Only on RARE occassions do I see any loss of color from this product.  Generally, only when I rub my eyes...NOT even when I have cried (no running)!  I have set it with shadow before and got even LONGER wear out of it.  It is just a PUNK to have to take off!  I recommend a remover with oil in it.  The Lasting Drama Gel Liner is definately a product you want to try, just BE CAREFUL!  5 STARS

MAC Powerpoint:  This was the first MAC eye liner I purchased.  It was recommended to me because I was looking for a liner that was soft and wouldn't tug on my skin.  This is a great liner and it is said to be waterproof.  However, I don't feel that is so.  Don't get me wrong...I LOVE these liners, but they have really crummy staying power in MY waterline. (This is why I took a star away!)  I have tried a multitude of different ways to try & make it stay to no avail.  It will stay for about 3-4 hours max, then I am in the ladies room reapplying.  I have started using these liners mostly as a base under my shadow instead of a shadow stick to make colors appear more vibrant.  I love using it as a regular old liner on my lashline and on my lower lashline because the Powerpoint liner will smudge easily and glide on effortlessly providing lasting color in these areas.  *Idea:  Apply these liners on your lashline as a base for glitter, pigments, or shimmery shadows for a glowing effect!  3 STARS

Stila Eye Kajal: Tiffany D was the first person I saw using the Stila Kajal...in her waterline.  Since I trust her reviews & thoughts on makeup, I HAD to get my hands on one to try for myself!  I compare it to the MAC Powerpoint in look, however, it is MUCH creamier.  The ease of application is amazing...the staying power...pretty good.  I have found setting it will make it last a bit longer though.  It is not an all day wear, but I can get through lunch time until about mid afternoon with it.  If you are looking for the softest pencil, well EVER, this is the one you should grab up!  They come in tons of colors including an actual nude shade that is perfect for making your eyes look larger.  I have created entire smokey eye looks with one of these pencils.  They are also so soft that you can apply to a brush and use the product like a cream liner.  I absolutely adore these liners for tightlining!  Again, not great staying power, but a killer product so only 4 STARS

Urban Decay 24-7 Liner:  I acquired the UD 24-7 Liner Super Stash from a wonderful seller on the Makeup Geek Forum.  It was so exciting to get this since I had never tried these liners and all I heard was fabulous buzz about them!  These liners come in SO many colors and there are tons of applications they can be used for.  Today, we are talking about rimming, so on to my experience with that!  It was hard to step away from my MAC Kohl, but I gave in one day and did it.  I rimmed my eyes with Zero (the black color) and that is it.  I didn't set it with anything so I could see what the outcome would be on me.  Unfortunately, it didn't turn out that well.  The staying power was minimal...it was midmorning and I was having to touch up.  I will say, though, that when it started to fade, it was an even fade and didn't end up looking all crazy!  I also didn't end up with that gunky build up around my tear duct...THAT was a plus!  I DO love these liners and I will continue using them in my waterline, but with no expectations.  3 STARS

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils:  You may not think to use a shadow pencil in your waterline, but it works and the NYX Pencils are no exception.  I don't know how I ever survived makeup before these little gems!  I mean, primer, shadow, liner, blush, lipstick, all wrapped up into one...how could you go wrong???!!!  If you don't own one...GET ONE!!!  I always have one in my bag and the day I had to substitue the Jumbo Pencil in Black Bean for my usual Kohl Liner, because I left it at home, I wasn't too disappointed.  No, the staying power on its own was NOT flawless, but when I set it with a shadow, it did stay longer.  Plus, tons of colors will ensure that you always have a liner that will match your eye look!  3 STARS

I have continued my quest for the perfect liners for the waterline and will continue to update you all on what I find.  Staying power is always going to be the catch with me.  All these companies claim that their pencil is waterproof, and for the most part they are...but when I put them on my waterline...they aren't!!!  I have always applied them to my hand at the beginning of the day...just to see how they will do in comparisson to my eye...and the color on my hand WILL stay all day.  So, what's the deal and the difference in my eye?  Is it the fact that the water is a different composition?  Are companies testing actual tears or a substance that is similar prior to stating that they are waterproof IN THE EYE? 

Seriously, that conversation could go on forever, so I have come up with a couple of ways you can get your liner to actually stay longer in your waterline...beyond having the supposed perfect product.  Applying a primer to that area has worked for me.  However, my eyes are VERY sensitive so this is not always an option.  Plus, you may not want to do this...some people just have an aversion to applying makeup products THAT close to their eyes.  My one, sure fire way, to make liners stay in my waterline is to set that liner with a powder shadow or pigment.  Not only will you get the additonal staying power, but you can end up with some really killer effects!  Applying certain shadows over a Kohl Liner will create an all new look/color.  (The MAC Starflash Colors are an example...I will be doing a post on this topic soon.)  Also, applying a shadow with glitter will allow the glitter to actually show up!  I like to apply MAC Beauty Marked over Smolder Eye Kohl in my waterline.  The glitter actually stays and the effect is phenomenal!

Now...I want to know from YOU!  What do you use in your waterline??  What have you used and what works best?  What type of issues do you deal with...are your eyes sensitive, watery, do you have allergies?  Are there any ways that you go about helping your products stay?  If so, let me know and I will include your tip in one of my YouTube 'Quick Tip' videos with you as the contributor!  If there is a product I didn't mention above that you think I should try, let me know!!!  I LOVE trying new things and reporting my findings and you KNOW I will always tell you exactly how it is!

As always...your comments will enter you into my quarterly giveaway GOING ON NOW!  Prize video to be uploaded next week with the drawing being on April 1st! 

Giveaway Results Posted NOW!

I filmed the drawing last week but because of my camera and editing issues, was unable to edit and post until today.  I have finally figured out that I am just going to have to film lower quality until I can get some new editing software to utilize.  Ah well, such is life.  Nothing is ever perfect, I just hope you guys forgive me for less that great quality for now! 

BUT, enough of my rambling!  Lets just get on to the results!  If you haven't yet viewed this vid on YouTube, then make sure to check out the video for winner results!

Congratulations to the winner!!!  Please contact me via email or YouTube Messaging with your information and I will ship your prizes out to you!  I am so pumped that you won!  You have been nothing but supportive through all the ups and downs of my blog this past quarter and I really appreciate all your kind words and uplifting notes!  You are a great subscriber and I appreciate you!  I hope this gift shows you just a little bit of that thanks!

NOW...all you guys make sure to sub and comment so you can get in some of this gift action!  All you have to do is follow here and on YouTube, comment, & get ready to win with little or no effort!  I will be posting other contests on YouTube soon, so make sure to check back often!

Thanks to everyone that has and is supporting me!  You guys mean SO much to me and I appreciate everything you do and have done for me! 

Love you all!

What Did You Ask For?

I know there are many other celebrations during the holidays, besides Christmas. I can certainly appreciate each and every one of them. So, please know when I am talking about Christmas or the holidays, know that I mean every holiday around this time! I am showing no prejudice by saying Christmas…but that is what I celebrate, so it is sort of what I will lean more towards talking about. I apologize if that offends anyone. I certainly mean no harm.

That being said…I would LOVE to know what you all would like for Christmas! What have you asked for from your loved ones, Santa, or what are you planning to simply get for yourself! Yes, it is the holidays and it is better to give rather than receive, BUT every year, there is always something that I put off buying because I can hardly justify it in most cases. If I don’t buy this something for myself prior to the holiday, I will take some of the cash I get for Christmas and pick it up. Generally, Christmas money pays off some sort of debt or bill, but I always try to allocate some cash for something that I may have asked for that I didn’t get. If you are like that…I want to know about it!

You can post your list here in the comments section if you would like! I will also be doing a video on my YouTube page asking for video responses of your “Gift List” (which is what we will call it so we can cover all of the holidays! I would love to know what you all have asked for and it is a great way to tell your loved ones what you would like as well!


So, what are you waiting for?? Get to listin’!

Im Back!

I finally got back from my quick trip to the beach! I had a pretty good time since I got to go to the CCO! I was so pumped and ended up staying in there for 2.5 hours filming and chatting with the ladies that work there! I got offered a job and had I had my daughter with me...I would've taken it and left this crap town behind! How I would love to take it...but I really don't want to live on that island...only one way out when there is a hurricane! AHHHH!!! Maybe the next CCO I go to will offer me a job...that one IS in a town I would live in! (And actually planning to move to!)

Anyway...they carry all sorts of brands in there all the way from Clinique, Estee Lauder, & Bobbi Brown...to Origins & MAC...which is of course why I went! LOL! I had the best time hearing how the whole thing works and playing with all their stuff! I learned so much from the ladies that work in there about when stuff hits there stores, so I will plan my next trip around the schedule!

They had just started getting in products from MAC's Hello Kitty Collection and I was amazed at the prices! I ended up getting one of the blushes in Tippy...which I saw listed on eBay and the MUG forum for $30+!!! I got the thing...brand new, mind you...for $12.95! I stuck mostly to blushes getting a Flirt & Tease and Starknaked. I found a CreamColor Base in Pearl for $11 and walked out of there with a 219 for $16.95! I could have spend a friggin fortune in there!!! They just had so many things that I wanted!

I didn't end up with any new eyeshadows, because most of the ones they had, I already had or just really wasn't interested in. Most of those were just discontinued colors...nothing Limited Edition except for the Starflash Collection, which I already picked up on eBay. Their shadows were $10.50 each...and I have been getting them on eBay for cheaper, so I will just stick with that until my Pro card comes in...if it ever does! LOL!

I am going to start working on editing the footage that I shot. It is very choppy since I was trying to film only when there weren't people in there, but that was about impossible since it was Labor Day weekend and everyone and their momma was out shopping at the outlet mall that day! LOL! I didn't talk much in it either, so it will mostly be set to music and captioned, but you will at least get to see what all they had and how it was set up. (The parts that I did talk during, you really couldn't hear me because there were so many friggin women in there gushing about how cheap the MAC was! LOL!!!

Well, during my intro to the vid, I will go into greater detail about this particular shopping trip and I will also film a small haul for you guys...I say small because I just bought 5 items! (I did really good and didn't go over my budget! LOL! YAY!)

I hope you guys all had a fabulous Labor Day Weekend and I will let you know when the vids are posted and hook you up with some photos as well!!! Much love to you guys...as always! Take it easy and have a fantastical day! :)

IM BACK...WITH A REQUEST FOR A CONTEST!

IM BACK!!! WOOHOO!!! I got my computer back yesterday and spent the day trying to reconfigure it back the way I had it....yeah, that's not working! I am sure I'll get it there. It will prob be a couple of days until I have new posts on my YouTube page, but I will let you know when vids go up!!! You can also look on the left side of the page to see links to my latest videos!! If you haven't checked it out yet, go and sub! I promise you won't be disappointed! I will honor most every request as long as I have the products!! So, point and click when you finish reading this post....now.....on to the request!

So I am falling in love with Cibu styling products! Their product line is amazing and some of their stylists are on YouTube as well! I began watching Cibu17 and CibuStyleLounge when I got my hair cut and was looking for "short hair styles" to do on myself. I have fallen in love with the channels! I turned on my computer just now and saw that CibuStyleLounge has posted his second subscriber contest and the prizes are AMAZING! There is a Fusion Blowdryer, a Fusion Flat Iron, and a batch of killer Cibu products that will be chosen according to the winner. The contest is SIMPLE!!! Just click this link... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV6AlCbVxqQ ...& watch the video for info! Make sure to click and subscribe to the channel. Once you subscribe, just post a text comment stating that I sent you to subscribe and you did!!! Then, you can get your friends to go sub and participate in the contest for yourself! All you have to do is be one of the first 3 people to get 25 subs to the page and you win!!! Easy-cheezy! I REALLY need a new flat iron! I have killed mine, already, since I couldn't afford to get a decent one in the first place! *tear* I really don't think you will be disappointed in the channel or in these products! If you sub to NatNeagle, you have prob heard her talk about these products. She is who introduced me to them! I can't wait until I can finish saving for my order! I only wish I lived close to one of the salons! (I may have to take a trip!)

So....go sub to www.YouTube.com/CibuStyleLounge and tell him I sent you!!!! For anyone that does, I will figure out a small giveaway for you guys!!! Just let me know in the comments below referring to your comment and his sub page!

Thanks in advance to everyone!!! Go....have some Cibu-Fun!!! Love you guys!! Man...I'm SO glad I'm back! :)