Ombre Lips - tutorial

Read my Lip(stick)

HOW MANY LIPSTICKS DOES A GIRL REALLY NEED?

According to author Helena Frith Powell's book All You Need to Be Impossibly French, she bluntly states that to be more French all you need are two lipsticks (and a lover). She explains that one lipstick is for everyday wear and that the second is for nighttime or those occasions when you really want to vamp it up.

Can't say that I agree with her on having only 2 lipsticks, but in an effort to downsize for my move to Costa Rica I must go through everything, including my makeup. I need only take the bare minimum. 

The choice of which lipsticks is really hard because I have 20 tubes, and I pretty much like them all! 

This was also a rather difficult post to do because I am not exactly in love with my lips, but I decided to take these pictures anyway so that I could see the variety of shades I have (mostly red) and then make the cut from there. 

In the interest of your time I will not photograph all 20. 

I started with my lipliner - Smashbox Always Sharp Lip Liner in Ruby 

it goes well with all my colors and the pencil is self sharpening - I like that a lot

1st up from the Exclusive Collection Blake's Red by L'Oreal Colour Riche

It's a smooth and long lasting matte. It's my go to lip color for everyday wear.  

2nd up

F-Bomb by Urban Decay

Another one of my faves - creamy with a bit of shine

3rd lipstick

L'Oreal #315 True Red

4th Channel (can't read the shade anymore)

5th Bobbi Brown Essentials

Burnt Red #9

 6th Smashbox Rouge A Levres Screen Queen Matte
this one is new so I am still getting used to it

 7th Luxury Moisturizing Lipstick #001 Wild Thing
with just a hint of orchid

 8th YSL Rouge Pur
my spring and summer time pink

9th Mac Cosmetics CB96
this one is actually orange so can't say I have ever worn it alone. I usually mix it with a red 

How many lipsticks do you have?

And the winner is....Simply "Devine"!

A month ago I started out to see if I could come up with a perfume scent I would like, using only pure essential oils. I mixed up 4 different recipes in my kitchen and let them marinate for about 30 days. On Xmas I unveiled the scents and chose a winner.

Perfume #1 was OK but a bit too lemongrassy

Perfume #2 was a little too orangey

Perfume #3 was so awful I threw it in the toilet

and so the winner was Perfume #4
I named it Devine a nickname given to me by my brother

I actually like it a lot. The problem is, I have to get way better in my record keeping because when I went back over my chart....I couldn't figure out exactly which oils I put in the bottle or exactly how many drops of ea (oops). So...I am left guessing the actual contents of Devine. I do remember improvising and putting in more drops of scents I really liked (i.e more rose, amber and neroli) As for the rest of the ingredients, I'm pretty sure they include jasmine, frankincense, chamomile and bergamot.

Oh well. I like it and I have whole bottle of it. So that's a good thing. I'll figure it out next time.

Happy New Year from Changing Direction

Hey everybody - Happy New Year!

I'm not going to bother doing a thorough 2015 wrap up. That would take too much time and brain power!

Instead...

Here's a short list of my proudest accomplishments for 2015 

(in no particular order):

1. Planning & executing an amazing trip to Costa Rica

2. Decision to go all organic! Hard work but worth every dime I have to pay due to the inflated cost of REAL food!!

3. Beginning use of essential oils and herbs

4. Mimimizing and simplying my life (a work in progress)

5. Opening of our 2nd school in Guiledje Guinea Bissau West Africa

Just let it suffice to say that the year flew by very quickly and with retirement only a few short months away I am really looking forward to a spectacularly exciting 2016!

But....
To end the year right, I made a trip down to Union Square to check out the Xmas decorations yesterday (since I did not dare go near that place during the height of the shopping season).

I stopped into Macy's to browse and met a delightful lady named Carla Thomas. She works in the make up department. We chatted for a bit and turns out we have some common interests (she's a writer, blogger, music lover and fellow traveller) Happy that I made her acquaintance.

Even though I have decided to use all natural products, I ended up over @ SmashBox and the lovely lady with me in the photo below, helped me with my brows and a new lip color (of course one cannot leave Macy's empty handed LOL)

We're not going out to celebrate tonight, just going to relax and kick back with a bottle of Champagne and the dogs while we bring in the New Year watching Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin Eve. (some things never change!)

Hope you have a wonderful time and stay safe if you're going out tonight.

With that
It's a wrap!

Thank you for reading this blog and hope to see you in 2016 with more stories and fashions!

My 15 X 4 Facial Oil & Anti Aging Serum

My 15 by 4 facial oil/Anti Aging

For about a year I have been using straight coconut oil as a single oil on my face. I have been using it as night cream and a daily moisturizer. Before this I was using a commercial moisturizer. I really wanted to use something that was free of chemicals and coconut oil is very helpful in a multitude of ways. I didn't have issues with it per se, but I did feel that it might be just a bit too oily for everyday use on the face if you are using it as your single source.

So, I have been on the look out for a lighter replacement and the perfect oil for my face. 

Last month I made a face serum with a recipe that used Rose Hip Oil. In addition to being a pretty expensive oil,  I did not care much for the scent. I do realize that the oils are therapeutic, however there are generally alternative oils than can be substituted if you do not have a suggested oil or, as in my case, you do not like the scent.

So I have continued my search

This newest herbal face oil is amazing for skin. It does use 5 different essential oils (and not the least expensive oils) but it smells incredible and should work just as well.

If you follow the recipe you will only need a couple of smalls drop each day and it should last about 6-8 months and it is the only face moisturizer you'll need.

Herbal Face Oil Ingredients

The special blend of oils in this recipe is especially good for skin, including:

• Argan Oil ( I did not have Argan so I substituted jojoba)
• Rose (I used Rose Absolute)
• Lavender Essential Oil
• Frankincense Essential Oil
• Myrrh Essential oil

Another great thing about this recipe is that it takes seconds to make because you are just mixing oils with other oils and no water or emulsification is needed.

Keep  it handy by your sink and use a drop after oil cleansing each night or after washing your face in the morning. It smells incredible and I love smelling the oils as I drift off to sleep or as I work in the morning.

Face Oil Ingredients:

• 2 ounces argan oil
• 15 drops each of Rose, Lavender, Frankincense Myrrh essential oils

How to Make Herbal Face Oil:

1. Mix all ingredients in a small glass dropper bottle or pump bottle that can release only a drop or two at a time.
2. Use 2-3 drops per day as needed on face.

Note: If you have drier skin, another oil like jojoba, olive or sea buckthorn can be used.

Recipe Source 

Step into my kitchen

Can you guess what I'm cooking up?

hint...I don't cook!

No, it's not a Thanksgiving turkey. As a matter of fact it has nothing to do with Thanksgiving.

When last I wrote, I told you that I was making some big changes in my life. The biggest being a complete change in diet and my approach to wellness. In conjunction with participating in the healing of my own body, I have also started using essential oils. The oils can be used therapeutically to support physical and emotional well being and are also useful in so many other ways. My plan is to rid myself and my home of the toxic products I have been using and replace them with clean, natural organic, products. 

Another thing I have always loved is creating scents and fragrances. I did this by mixing different fragrances together. Of course I have known for some time that commercial fragrances contains harmful, toxic ingredients but thinking I had no choice, I used them anyway. 

Scent of Danger: Are There Toxic Ingredients in Perfumes and Colognes?

So now I've decided to make my own perfume using essential oils. 

Over the weekend I also made anti aging night serums for my face and neck. Clean and for a fraction of the cost to buy them @ Nordstrom or Macy's!

 With the night cream under my belt, how hard could it be to create a fragrance? 

I scoured the internet watching video after video 

and learned a lot about how to make my own fragrance. 

And, really it's not that difficult

I gathered up all of my oils and set out to whip up a new scent. 

except.....

I didn't follow the directions closely enough as I discovered 

I needed to use alcohol for the recipes I had chosen.

I had not seen that part. Nor had I paid attention to the fact that I also needed distilled water.

So back to the store I went. 

 You can use perfumer's alcohol 

or 

wait for it....

Vodka! 

At least 80 proof. The alcohol helps the scent to evaporate 

I bought a  bottle @ Trader Joe's for $5.99 (don't think I will try drinking it) 

Once I had all of my ingredients. I set them out on my counter top and 

separated them by base, middle and top notes

Snapping a few pics of myself along the way

All kidding aside, it's really not that hard. All you really need to make your own perfume is a good quality oil to use as your base, some quality essential oils (there are many companies out there to choose from) and a non reactive container to put it in. I think glass is better. 

Now I have so many choices that I haven't decided which one I want to make first.

I'll be sure to share the results with you. It also takes about 30 days after you make the fragrance before you can wear it.

I'm shooting for a Xmas reveal! Be sure to stop back by.

Also if you have questions about essential oils and/or want to make your own creams. perfumes. etc. Email me or Leave me message in comments.

Do French women wear red lipstick?

So the question goes.
Maybe French women DON'T wear red lipstick! And, I've heard they don't wear red nail polish either. So, I guess it's all a myth. I've heard many things about it. Some say they do wear red lipstick, but not for every day (they kiss too much and it smudges) and NEVER after age 50!

Well, I don't care. I wear it, but then I'M not French! I say wear what you like!

Love this little video though

And so it goes....

Do you use a washcloth?

I recently came across an article about the washcloth (face cloth) posing the question - whether using a washcloth is a good idea or not? Today I saw yet another article discussing the topic, this one among a group of travelers who were wondering why they were being continually reminded to "bring a washcloth" whenever they travelled outside of the U.S. This one got my attention because on our recent trip to Costa Rica we stayed at a place where there were no washcloths. We thought the reason was because it was not a high class American style hotel and chalked it up to "something lacking in the service".

Are we alone?

I searched high and low on the internet and could not find much information on the use of the washcloth outside of the U.S. 

We "Americans" (as in the U.S) appear to be about the only people who use this item!!!

In the Soviet Union, they use the sponge and in the UK they use a face flannel but you are less likely to find a washcloth in your hotel or B&B in Europe (even in the UK) than in an American hotel - where you will always receive one! 

The NO washcloth zone

So, what is the reason you ask? Well, because things are different in other countries. It's similar to the way that a lot of hotels & B&B's don't use a top sheet, they use only a comforter. Just because something is normal or expected in the States doesn't mean you can assume it will be that way in other places as well. 

Outside of the U.S a washcloth is considered to be more of a personal item and isn't usually shared, much like a toothbrush, underwear, etc.  So it would be like expecting a hotel to provide you with a toothbrush and undies. Keeping that thought in mind, the hotel staff would not take kindly to having to pick up your personal washcloth - heaven knows where that thing has been!

(BTW-if you stay at an American style hotel washcloths will be provided)

So what next?

Getting along without a washcloth can be a bit difficult for those of us who are very used to using them in showers, baths, etc although washcloths are used much less now that the disposable make-up removal wipes are so popular with the younger throw away generation.

There are some strong opinions when it comes to using a washcloth or not using a washcloth. Some believe that you have to use one religiously no matter whether you're washing your face or your body.

Board certified Dr. N. Williams says, “You should never scrub too vigorously with a washcloth. Removing dead skin cells is a good thing, but if you scrub too hard, your skin may appear red and irritated afterward. A gentle scrubbing is all you need to get rid of dead skin. If dry skin is a persistent problem, avoid using products that contain alcohol — alcohol will cause your skin to become tight and dry.  Apply a moisturizer immediately after washing your face while your skin is still damp.” 

Always use a clean washcloth every time you wash your face. Hanging a used washcloth up for use later is a bad idea. Bacteria thrive in moist environments such as a wet washcloth. Washing your face with a washcloth that hasn’t been cleaned could spread the bacteria on your skin, potentially leading to an illness or infection. (source)

So now you know! 

Knobbles that wobble - Got Knees?

I swear I never heard of this before

What the heck are knobbles?

Knobbles occur as a result of loose skin around the joint and is caused from a loss of elastic fibres, 

collagen and muscle.

Celebrities aren’t always gorgeous from top to toe.

"Demi Moore (below) circa the Ashton Kutcher days with the face of a twenty year old and the knees of a seventy year old." (quoting here)

I only found out about this knee issue on Saturday while I was shopping at one of my favorite boutiques.

I was trying on a dress which was a tad short (for my taste). However, as short skirts are in, I have been inclined to, (on occasion), allow my hemline to rise...just a little (you know, all in the name of fashion).

So, I try on the dress and come out to check myself out in the big mirror (btw -I hate it when there isn't a mirror in the dressing room. I prefer to preview what I am wearing alone first before sharing it with the sales person and all the customers in the store) however in smaller shops they often have only the community mirror. And so it was.

When I came out, and saw myself in the dress, I was a little concerned about the length, but the sales person and some of the other shoppers complimented me on my legs.

My? legs!

I have never thought of myself as having nice legs. As a matter of fact, when I was younger, I absolutely hated my legs. "Too skinny" I used to complain. Since about 50, my legs have filled out a little.

As we were discussing the dress and its length, she told me how lucky I was to "still have knees". That struck me as odd.

So I asked "what do you mean"  "don't you have knees? "

"No" she said. "My knees are gone" She explained that she only has saggy skin where her knees used to be.

"OMG" I thought. That must be terrible.

So I came home and googled....

Sagging and wrinkled knees....
a rarely discussed, but frequently seen, part of the body that is prone to wrinkles as we age

Sagging knees are a dead giveaway to age and, unfortunately, there really aren’t many procedures available to reverse the effect.

But wait!

there's hope!

My recommendation

to

prevent wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots

is

Coconut oil

which contains a high level of antioxidants and medium chain fatty acids (MCFA’s).
These fatty acids help to prevent the development of wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots.

Also, by using coconut oil for skin you increase its turnover of collagen (skin’s primary structural protein). Therefore, with an increased rate of collagen turnover, skin repair happens quicker and more often.

Now, I think I'll go back and buy that dress!

before the knobbles set in!

Do stripes make you look fat?

Do you think that horizontal stripes add inches to the waistline?

Stripes often get a bad rap

Stripes are fun and flattering on practically any item in your wardrobe, 

from dresses and tops to shoes and skirts.

While, there is some truth that horizontal stripes make you look wider, 

in all honesty, the difference is minuscule and can be negated by the size of the stripe. 

So do we cast out wearing stripes altogether?

"People should probably not worry too much about wearing vertical or horizontal stripes,"

say fashion experts. 

“They don’t make much of a difference to perceived height and weight.”

Our fashion expert agrees.

“Rules are meant to be broken, especially fashion rules,”

Keep the size of the stripe in line with the size of your body

petite women can wear smaller stripes

Black and white striped dress available @ Ann Taylor

fuller busted women can opt for a chevron stripes

Stripe relaxed T-shirt dress from the Gap

$49.95

Comes in several colors

gray/black stripe  

I also got one in blue (solid) 

try layering to break up the stripe

Or...

 you can be like me

I have a fuller bust

I'm no longer skinny

and I'm only 5'3

I love stripes, both vertical and horizontal

 I wear whatever I want!

It's really all about owning your look!