Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Is It Time to Toss It?

How long is too long to keep beauty products? 

Just like food, beauty products don't stay good forever. When's the last time you did a cosmetics and beauty product cleanse? It might be time to, because bacteria and contamination can creep in if you're not careful. Pink eye is not a shade of eye shadow I highly recommend! 


Cosmetics:

Liquid Foundation, 3-6 months (Cream foundation can last 4-6 months)

Foundation in a bottle should last 3-6 months, but wide mouthed jars can expose the product to more air and should be tossed sooner. You'll know it's time to purchase a new bottle, when the ingredients begin to settle or separate, the texture thickens or thins, or the smell changes.

Concealer, 6-8 months

Powders, 1 year

Pressed powder, eye-shadows, blush

Mascara, 3 months

You should never keep mascara for any longer than 3 months (air pushes bacteria back into the tube). Never "pump" your mascara.

Lip gloss & Lipstick, 1 year

Eye/Lip Pencils, 1 year

Eye and lip pencils should last 1 year or more, but you should sharpen pencils at least once a week to prevent bacteria from being transferred to your eye area. You'll know the product has gone bad if it dries or crumbles.

Skincare

Facial Cleansers & Moisturizers, 6 months

Facial Toners, 1 year

Natural Cosmetics, 6 months ("all-natural body washes", etc.)

Among other cosmetics that are likely to have an unusually short shelf life are "all natural" products that contain plant-derived ingredients (which are conducive to bacterial growth), or products with no preservatives.

Brushes And Tools

Oils and bacteria get trapped in the bristles of the brushes. Wash natural-bristled brushes once a month, and synthetic brushes three to four times a month. Lay the brushes flat to dry so that the bristles don't break, and to maintain the shape of the brushes. There are brush cleansers out there, but you can also use mild soap. You may also use baby shampoo to wash your brushes.

Cosmetic makeup sponges are disposable tools. Wash after every use. Toss within 1 month, or when the sponge begins to tear.

Courtesty of www.cbsnews.com



Monday, October 25, 2010

Win It!!!

I've already mentioned it on the Shine FaceBook page, but I'm giving away a fabulous prize for the person who shares the best answer for their favorite beauty product and why.

The winner gets to pick out an amazing piece of jewelry from Adornments by Wendi. 

Most of this tremendously talented Arkansas-based jewelry designer's jewelry is "repurposed" vintage or vintage inspired...meaning she loves to take vintage jewelry and rework it, with some new modern flair.  She also does bridal and bridal party jewelry. Here's a look at a few of her unique pieces.







To see more, visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/AdornmentsbyWendi. If you live in the Northwest Arkansas area,  Adornments by Wendi will be at the Northwest Arkansas Boutique Show on November 19th and 20th so you can speak to Wendi in person and see her jewelry. 

So, if you'd like to win one of her pieces, comment below or post it on the Shine FaceBook wall. Contest ends November 12th!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Wanna Blush?

OK, so I'm always in the market for a new blush. I just can't ever seem to find one that I'm in love with. As of yesterday, I just might have. A few weeks ago, I was flipping through a magazine in which they had a review for Stila's Custom Color Blush. At first glance, it looked pretty intense. The hot pink color made me hesitate to think that it could actually look good on someone without having a flashback to the 80s!

As I read on, it began to make more sense. This smart one-shade-fits-all powder blush reacts with your skin's pH to create a one-of-a-kind, customized shade for everyone. The weightless powder can be layered to achieve just the right amount of color and coverage. The magazine tested it on several different skin tones, and the blush worked with each one.

So I thought, what the heck...I'm going to try it. I popped into Sephora yesterday and picked one up(along with some other goodies, but that's for a different post). It costs around $20, which isn't the cheapest, but if it solves my blush woes it is worth it.

I brushed it on this morning, and I liked what I saw. It did give a nice "flushed" look, and didn't make me look like a clown. It has stayed put throughout the day and didn't get cakey. So...I think it's safe to say that I think I'm a fan! So if you're tired of guessing or wearing the wrong color blush, then try this out.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

The Results are In...

The results from the matte nail polish poll are in!

12 of you said: Sure- I'm always looking for something new and different.
7 said: Nope-It looks like someone forgot to put a clear coat on top.
5 said: I guess-It's not for everyone though.

Looks like the majority of you all would like to give it a try. I've already been hearing comments and seeing pictures from those who have. Way to branch out and try something different!



Look of the Week..Forest Green Shadow!

The military look is very "in" this season, and a simple, easy way to jump on the bandwagon is with forest green eyeshadow. It's not your typical eyeshadow color, but it can look absolutely gorgeous on. Don't be intimidated!

Here are some great forest green shadows as suggested by Allure magazine. Stay tuned for more suggestions and application tips as I venture into the "forest" (sorry, couldn't resist) for myself!

1. Tarte EmphasEYES Waterproof Clay Shadow/Liner in Green, $22 Available at Sephora.
2. Sonia Kashuk Eye Shadow Quad in Brown Eyed Girl, $12.99 Available at Target.


Take the poll on the right hand side of the blog to tell me if you would be willing to give forest green eyeshadow a try!



Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Looking Good for a Cause.

There are so many companies and organizations these days that let people to buy awesome products to help fund great causes. One popular example is TOMS shoes. Another great company that I stumbled upon recently is Falling Whistles. Their story is one that will captivate your attention and bring you to tears.

What is Falling Whistles?

The youngest ones, the ones too small to carry a weapon, are sent to the front lines.  They carry only a whistle.  They blow the whistles to scare away the enemy. When that doesn’t work, their job is to receive the bullets the enemy fires. When they fall, their bodies become inadequate shields for the other child soldiers."

The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to the world’s largest and most deadly war. During the past 10 years, roughly 6 million people have died, and nearly 1,500 people continue to lose their lives daily. Sexual violence is more rampant here than anywhere else in the world, and thousands of children are involved in the war.

The Falling Whistles story reveals two urgent needs:
1. Children escaping the war-region.
2. Children forced to the frontlines of war. 


The escaped children are often traumatized and have few options for survival.  The result is that they are regularly pulled back into the cycle of war.  In Congo, Falling Whistles is developing partnerships with community leaders who are rehabilitating these children through education, art, sports, music, human rights education, vocational skills training, medical treatment and nutritional services. Each organization is working to give children the tools to be whistleblowers and stand for peace within the war-region. 


How Can We Help? 

Go to their Web site, www.fallingwhistles.com, and buy a whistle, or two or three. There are currently four differently choices, and each one is beautiful. Prices range from $34-$44, and there is a limited edition gold whistle for $104. They also offer t-shirts. 

100% of proceeds are used to rehabilitate war-affected children in Congo and advocate for their freedom.
 
Be sure to watch the intro video and read more of their story. It's one that should move you into action. 
 
Do you know of other companies like Falling Whistles and TOMS shoes?     If so, let us know!
 


Monday, October 11, 2010

And the Winner Is...

Ann Claire Bullock!
This new mom was the 100th person to "Like" Shine on FaceBook!
Ann Claire with her hubby and sweet baby Lila.
What a beautiful family!
Stay tuned to find out what Ann Claire won...

Friday, October 8, 2010

Nail Color I'm Digging!



So I think I've found one of my go-to nail polish colors for Fall...Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure in Commander In Chic. It's on trend for the season, and the Complete Salon Manicure line has all 5 steps of a salon manicure in 1 bottle: Base Coat, Strengthener, Growth Treatment, Color, Top Coat.

I love the putty gray color. It's not as severe as a dark purple/black polish, and is a great replacement for the Summer/pink polishes. You can get this polish at Walmart and it retails for around $6.50.

What do you think? Would you try this color out? I wanna hear what colors you're rocking this Fall!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Contest Time!

The 100th person to "Like" Shine on FB gets one of My Favorite Things. Pass this on to your friends!


Wednesday, October 6, 2010

My "Getting Ready" Playlist

Granted, this post isn't really about makeup, but you need good music playing while you're getting ready to go out! Here are some of my favorites:


1. Crazy in Love-Beyonce
2. I've Got a Feeling-Black Eyed Peas
3. Ain't No Other Man-Christina Aguilera
4. Vertigo-U2
5. American Woman-Lenny Kravitz
6. Don't Stop Believing-Journey
7. Born to Be Wild-Steppenwolf
8. Bootylicious-Destiny's Child
9. Anything Rihanna
10. Big Pimpin'-Jay-Z
11. OMG-Usher
12. Undo It-Carrie Underwood
13. Live Your Life-T.I. and Rihanna
14. Wonderful-Gary Go
15. Canned Heat-Jameriqui
16. Ridin' Solo-Jason Derulo


What would YOU add to this list?

Monday, October 4, 2010

Look of the Week...Dramatic Eyes!

A lot of people might think that they can't pull off a dramatic/smokey eye, especially in a bold color pallet like purple. However, I think anyone can pull it off at the right time and place. It just takes some self-confidence and a little patience. Stay tuned on step-by-step instructions on how to create this look!
Thanks, Myra, for letting me create this look on you!
She makes my job easy. Isn't she gorgeous?!