Oolala!

Stretch Mark Challenge

2011-10-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

Like many women, I have stretch marks. Mine are particularly bad in some places, like my lower abdomen and the back of my arms. When I experienced a growth spurt during puberty, I actually got two on either shoulder which are still slightly red to this day.

I have done so much research on the treatment and prevention of stretch marks, and generally found an attitude of "once you have them, you have them forever." I simply don't believe this could be true and to prove it, I am going to go out of my way to reduce the appearance of mine as much as possible.

It's my idea that people who take that attitude about stretch marks are people who gave up too soon. It might take eight months, it might take two years. But I really think that with frequent, strict application of certain products, they can be reduced or even removed. It would take constant maintenance and attention, but I think I can prove that it's possible.

Stretch marks ruin your confidence. Even when I'm covered up and looking my best, I know they're there and feel a little less confident. This is the case for many women, so I want to dig in and find THE WAY to get rid of mine or at least reduce them so that I can share it with you here.

Here are some ways to tackle those ugly things:

* Vitamin E
* Olive Oil
*Castor Oil
*Grapeseed Oil
*Cocoa Butter
*Exfoliation
*Glycolic Acid
*Collagen Creams

The preceding are external means of treating the marks. How about internal?

*Green Tea
*Vegetables
*Fruits
*Collagen powder
*ACV

I think that were a person to commit totally to both external and internal rituals, they could see a drastic change in their marks. I have decided to commit to this plan and see what happens.

When I see improvement, I'll share before and after photos.

My Gift to You

2011-10-13T13:02:00.000-07:00

Here is my gift to my beloved readers. As you know by now, I use and try everything I can to pamper my skin, silkify my hair, and GROW MY LASHES. I spent many hours googling the last only to come across bogus "articles" on eyelash growth and expensive serums that only seemed to work for a small percentage of people who've tried them.

By chance, I found a way to lengthen and thicken my eyelashes. It's a product I've mentioned here before, and it's one of the best I've tried. My sister is also a huge fan of this miracle cream.

Sweet Blessed Bee Magic is the secret. I use this as a night cream and absolutely love it out of everything I've tried. It's smooth, melts into my skin, and makes me glow. It's AMAZING. It contains a few miracle ingredients like honey, olive oil, and royal jelly. It's truly the most beneficial cream I've found for my skin.

I have no affiliation with the company, I receive no money or compensation for recommending it. I just want you all to know what an amazing product this cream is, and I also want you to know what's helped grow my lashes.

I rub this all over my face. I started making sure to coat my lashes with it and before I knew it, they were thickening and lengthening. I now have beautiful lashes. Ok, they were nice before, but not this good!

A tub of this elixir is about $24.00 and will last you a long, long time. Compare that with spending 60 bucks on some other "BIG NAME" product and running out within two months. Not with this product. My sister has been sharing it with me for months, and we've only just now run out. I've had this about 8 months!

I highly recommend you try this stuff out. I'm not joking when I say it's improved my skin. I absolutely glow afterwards.

So there you go! My eyelash secret is out, but if you share this tidbit you better give credit where credit is due! Sweet Blessed Bee Magic and Oolala!

New Nose, Same Me

2011-10-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

Guten Tag, my sweetlings! It seems like just yesterday I was going in for the rhinoplasty procedure and here I am now, sporting a brand new honker as well as a rather unaltered attitude. I love my nose,don't get me wrong, but it hasn't changed my life or given me limitless confidence. It can be easy to fall into the trap of expecting surgery to massively change either your life or your appearance, but that often just isn't the case!

Some thoughts for any of you considering surgery:

1. Take your time, talk to people, and shop around for the best doctor. I went to the best surgeon in my city and got what I paid for: a beautiful and relatively painless result.

2. Think about it. Do you really want this alteration? Is this just something you MAYBE want or something you've been considering for years? Can you afford it? If you can afford it, it's still expensive so make sure it's worth it to you. And lastly, are you doing this for the right reasons? NEVER make a major change to your appearance for anyone else. That means no boob job because your twit boyfriend tells you he'd like you better if you had fake bazoongas. Do not get any surgery expecting it to completely make your life fabulous. It won't. You will still be you, just with a better nose, boobs, chin, eyes, whatever. I'd disliked my nose for a long time and had many, many months to think about the surgery. I made SURE it's what I wanted.

3. Take care of yourself while you recover. No strenuous activity. Use this time to be the biggest waste of space possible if you can get away with it. Enjoy the copious painkillers and a heap of tabloids while you await your beautiful new body part.

4. Remember that swelling and bruising will make you look like a rotten fruit for a week or so. It may also take several months for your new body part to settle into its permanent state, so don't be worried if you've got some minimal swelling.

Quit Eating Your Food and Play With it!

2011-05-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

The possibilities are endless when it comes to pampering your body. There are all sorts of food items you can use to enhance your looks. For example, you can get more use out of a bottle of champagne than just a toast!

Make a refreshing scrub out of champagne, a little bit of oil, and sugar. You don't want the consistency too thick or thin. Scrub your entire body to reveal smooth, soft, and lightly scented skin.

Olive oil makes a great cuticle softener. Rub it into your nails on a daily basis.

Honey is a moisturizer, softener, and antibacterial. Heat with caution because it can get extremely hot very quickly, not to mention heating it too much will destroy some natural properties. Spread this on your face for a glow.

Hershey's Cocoa Powder is a treat for your skin as well as your tongue. I have mixed it with olive oil and spread it all over my face, neck, and bust, then relaxed in a half-filled tub. It's an indulgence, and a messy one at that, but definitely worth it.

Sugar and lemon juice make a great exfoliant for those with bumps on places like your arms and butt.

Flushed and red-faced? Milk. Soak cotton balls or hand towels in cold milk, then press on your face.

Mix turmeric with some oil and scrub your face very gently, then leave the paste on for 20 minutes. This is an Indian beauty secret. Be sure to wash very thoroughly afterwards. It's probably best to use an old towel you don't care about to help get it off, because you might be tinted yellow if you don't. (turmeric, either in powder or pill form, is also very good for weight loss!)

Here's a strange thing I did one time. We had a leftover jar of caviar in the fridge and I, hearing so much about the latest fish egg beauty treatments, decided to experiment. I took gobs of the little suckers and rubbed them all over my face... Nasty, and I noticed little to no improvement. Some things are best left to the spa!

Corioliss Curling Wand from Misikko

2011-05-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

One of the many perks of running a blog is that you're given the privilege of owning and reviewing products. I was contacted by Misikko several months ago and offered the chance to review either a hair straightener or a curling wand. I opted for the latter, as I love the look of curls and need to perfect my technique. Now I'm hooked!

The Corioliss Curling Wand is very sleek and convenient to use. It came with a glove to protect me from heat, plus a wrap to contain the wand. It's not at all bulky and it stores easily in small spaces. I keep it under my bathroom sink. I have a plethora of hair straighteners and an old curling iron I never got the hang of, and they're all bulky and take up way too much room. This curling wand is simple to store.

My favorite feature of this wand is how quickly it heats! It was hot within 15 seconds! Now, I'm not going to lie, I had some help from my sister curling my hair. She'd never used a curling wand before, so at first she was unsure of how to wield it. However, the wand is very manageable and within a matter of minutes she was creating gorgeous, bouncy curls on my head. It looked fantastic! I have a thick mane of hair, but I usually just leave it straight because I'm so uncoordinated with styling my hair. Now that I've seen what this curling wand can do, I think I'm going to be curling my hair more often. My sister got used to it very quickly. It took only about 20 minutes to curl my hair, and that's only because I have A LOT (enough for two people!) of hair. I'm sure it would be a shorter process for many people.

I love this curling iron. I can't say enough good things about it. The wand does get VERY hot, but the glove helps protect your skin and the wand is so sleek and not at all cumbersome that you aren't likely to burn yourself.

I give this wand 4 stars!

Pros: light, easy to use, heats quickly, creates beautiful curls, inexpensive

Cons: could result in bad burns if you're careless with it

Thank you to Misikko for the opportunity to own and review this amazing styling tool. I would recommend this to anyone and it's a great product at a great price!

Goodbye Liz

2011-03-23T09:35:00.001-07:00

Beauty is Pain. Pain, Beauty.

2011-03-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

Hello my loves!

I told you in a recent post that I was having rhinoplasty on the 17th. I was there at the doctor's office by 6:30 yesterday morning. I was so very anxious and scared, but the doctor and his staff were wonderful. The last thing I knew, I was given an oxygen mask and then BOOM! I woke up and apparently, though I only remember certain flashes, threw quite an agitated fit. I remember flailing at the poor nurse and waving my head around while I cried. Ha ha! I awoke in such terrible discomfort and agony, and the feeling that my nostrils were filled with snot. But you can't blow your nose after a rhinoplasty, so it's been nothing but discomfort and pain since yesterday. And what feels like snot is actually copious amounts of blood. Sorry for the TMI! I am so grateful to have the pain medication, I'll tell you that much.

I won't have the cast off until next Thursday, but it's worth the wait. I am so excited about seeing the results, though I know I'll still have swelling and bruising. When I am finally de-puffed and ready to put my face on, I'll post before and after pictures for you.

My main reason for posting this is to let you all know I probably won't be very active on the blog for the next few days. I plan on doing a lot of sleeping and lazing around. I will be posting, but probably not very frequently.

However, I received the very generous offer from Misikko to review one of their curling wands. Expect that in the near future! They appear to be an amazing company and I am thrilled to have a new curling wand! The reviews of their products are stellar, so I expect to be blown away. My nose needs to heal before I can even think about fooling with my hair, but I should have a post dedicated to the wand and Misikko within a week or so.

Take Care

K's Beauty Boudoir

2011-03-10T14:07:00.000-08:00

What I'm loving:

Urban Decay Liquid Eyeliner in Perversion. I've never had much luck with eyeliner, as my eyelids produce oil and they are shaped so that they rub against my lower brow bone, resulting in unsightly smudging. On a recent trip to Sephora, however, I decided to seek the advice of a makeup artist. He recommended the Urban Decay liner and I must say, I'm very pleased. My hand is not the steadiest, so I have to wipe and retry, but the line is beautiful and bold. This liner stays on for hours, despite my oily lids. Now if I can only master the wing, I'll be set.

Sweet Blessed Bee Magic Miracle Healing Cream. I was searching for Egyptian Magic Cream at a local health food store and found this instead. Luckily, I'd researched the former cream's ingredients and this bee cream is basically the same recipe. It's a wham-bam recipe for BEAUTIFUL skin, and I've certainly enjoyed some luminous skin since using it. It contains olive oil, beeswax, honey, propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly. I put it on at night when my hair is pulled back and wake up to find my skin is soft, plump, and glowing. It doesn't clog my pores at all, and the frequent little blemishes I get on my chin are going away. It's marvelous and rich. A tiny bit goes a long way.

Weleda Wild Rose Moisturizing Cream. This is a delicately scented cream. It makes your skin soft and lovely. I use this in the day sometimes, and it keeps me nicely hydrated.

Pacifica Persian Rose. Rose has become my favorite scent. I absolutely love it. Pacifica has an intoxicating line of rose products, like soap, body butter, and perfume. The perfume is too pricey for me to put money on, but I got the soap on discount. It smells exotic and feminine.

Classic Glamour Chic

2011-03-10T12:58:00.000-08:00

This is a marvelous blog about Rudolph Valentino. The writer has many interesting, obscure tidbits about Rudy, not to mention a variety of gorgeous photographs. Please check it out. It's well-done and quite informative. How wonderful to come across another Rudy lover!

Classic Glamour Chic

True Corset

2011-03-10T10:17:00.000-08:00

Imagine my delight when I was contacted by a genuine corsetiere, True Corset, and given the opportunity to own and review a corset of my choice! Mon dieu! I had a terrible time deciding which corset I wanted because their collection is limitless and there were so many beautiful, varied colors and styles from which to choose. What did I want? Did I want something exotic and colorful, or something mysterious and understated? I couldn't make the choice by myself, my brain was too overwhelmed at the possibilities. After consulting an expert, I made the nearly impossible decision... The Steel Boned Velvet Corset!

This corset is absolutely gorgeous. It's the most sumptuous, soft black velvet, and I was amazed at both how snug and comfortable I felt when I tried it on. I can only compare it to having a suave, beautiful lover's arms around me. In fact, inspired by the secret passions it stirs in me, I've named my corset. Don't laugh, but I thought the only name fitting would be Rudolph Valentino. The quality and beauty, not to mention the fit, is that excellent.

I have no words for how much I love my corset. I keep it in a special drawer all to itself. There are days I like to stroke it. True Corset has given me a masterpiece, a wonderful opportunity to possess something feminine and lovely. There were times in the past I examined corsets on a whim, never expecting to possess one, and found many to be of a cheap, vulgar quality. Now, not only do I have my own, but it's a corset of true craftsmanship and beauty. The best I could ever hope for, and I am so honored to have it all to myself.

After this experience, I would never go anywhere else for a corset. I would recommend this wonderful company to anyone, from queens to courtesans. After all, who doesn't need a little beauty in their life? This company offers beauty in spades. If nothing else, visit and feast your eyes on all the finery they offer.

Well Met, Chickadees!

2011-03-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

The year is 2011 and Spring is now descending upon us with all her usual charms. How wonderful the prospect of warm breezes, blooming flowers, and adorable dresses now that the chilly fingers of Winter have unhanded us! We've waited a long time for this, so let's make the most of it while we can!

Let me apologize for my unusually long absence, but I've had various life-changing events in the last few months. Some bad, some good. I won't dicker around with trying to explain, but I will tell you about something wonderful that's happening to me. I am finally getting rhinoplasty, a procedure I've wanted for a few years now. The day is next Thursday, the 17th, and I am very excited!

This blog has experienced much generosity from different people. Expect some reviews to follow, not to mention more beauty tips and features devoted to the pioneers of the film industry. That's right! I've been fostering a passion for silent film, so we'll have some fun with that soon.

Love to each and every one of you!

The Road to Thin

2010-09-11T18:08:00.000-07:00

Alright. It's time to stop dickering around and commit myself to losing these last 20 pounds. I know most women would like to drop some weight, and despite my non-skinniness, I have some good tips and ideas in my arsenal. Here's what I plan to do. I hope you can use these and see improvement.

* Drink more green tea and apple cider vinegar in water. Green tea is excellent for weight loss and overall health, as is the ACV. The Amish swear by ACV and others have experienced weight loss from drinking this at least three times a day.

* Cut back on the drinking! I've had a habit of going out and drinking three nights a week, which definitely puffs me up. There's no way to get around it. Drinking will hinder weight loss. If you must imbibe, drink one to two glasses of red wine one night a week.

* Sauna. If I have a good sweat session in our Infra Red sauna, I immediately slim down. It's also great for beautiful skin.

* Take the right supplements. I take CLA and Chromium for their weight loss benefits.

* Kettle ball! This is amazing. I have just started using one, but I feel deliciously sore the next day. It's great toning.

* Bliss Fat Girl Slim. If used consistently and faithfully, it will sculpt and slenderize your body.

* Meditate. Every morning when you wake, don't bounce up like a rocket. Lay there and take deep breaths for a few minutes. You are at your lightest in the morning, it's a new day, and you need to meditate on your body. Feel the weight falling away, revealing your toned and slim body.

* Stretch. This can go hand-in-hand with meditation. You are stretching your body, observing the beautiful aspects of it, and keeping yourself limber.

* Cut back on bread, pasta, and other starches. You will see immediate results. You will feel lighter and burst with energy.

* No more sodas or juice. Only water and tea!

* Have a sweet treat but once a week.

* Compensate. If you know you're going out one night, limit your caloric intake during the day. That way, you have more room for drinking.

Our Latest Muse

2010-09-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

Marion Cotillard, star of the recently released Inception and oscar winner for her role as Edith Piaf, is my latest obsession. Elegant, talented, and naturally beautiful, Marion's makeup is always exceptional and perfectly suited to her features. What I love is that she often emphasizes her lips with plum or blueish-red shades, which happen to be my favorite lip colors, and accents her eyes just enough so that her beautiful blue peepers speak for themselves. When she does dramatize her eyes, it's perfection. Let's see some of her best looks.

What I gather is a simple way to emulate Marion is to apply some light gold shadow along your lids, following with a brown liner along your top lash line. Your complexion should be dewey and fresh. Follow with some lovely plumy lipstick. Pull your hair back to show off your fresh-faced gorgeousness, or let your hair cascade around your face. Mon dieu!

Tips for Marion-esqueness:

* Since lips are the main course, keep them smooth and plump with exfoliation. You can use a toothbrush or a simple sugar scrub. Massage them for no more than ten seconds.

* Nourish hair with an oil treatment at least once a month. I usually like using things around my kitchen for this, but Aussie makes a great 3 Minute Miracle conditioning mask. It's amazing and very cheap at around $3.00.

* Cultivate a mysterious, sexy smile. Marion always looks alluring and flirty, like she's got a big sexy secret only she knows about.

Veil Your Eyes...

2010-08-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

With some long, thick lashes!

I'm constantly fussing with myself, plucking and primping, exfoliating and moisturizing, and trying to find other little ways to improve my appearance. Lately, I've been fixated on my lashes.

What I've been doing on a nightly basis is using an old, clean mascara wand to coat my lashes with a mixture of grape seed oil and vaseline. It's strange to me how ideas about things like vaseline come into existence. I've found sites where hundreds of hundreds of people have left comments saying that vaseline improved their lashes, yet you'll always find some "expert" trying to tear the idea down. Duh! If people experience something from doing it, then there's obviously something to the idea! It's the same with apple cider vinegar or body wraps. There are women who find permanent weight and inch loss from using body wraps. People who eat pasta and chips every day incorporate some ACV into their diets, lose weight consistently with NO other changes to their habits, and there are STILL morons saying, "It doesn't work. Just eat right and work out. There aren't any shortcuts!"

Well, I'm here to tell you that there are shortcuts! To most anything! But I digress... I can get really worked up. I'm just sick of people slamming alternative health and beauty methods.

Back to my eyelashes. I coat them with the aforementioned ingredients, plus I dab a bit of Rapid Lash on them every now and then. I'm wary of using this product because A) it has made my eye area red and puffy, and B) there are people who have experienced thinning lashes after months of using it. But to address that, there are also many users who love the product and say that losing lashes, especially once they've become so thick and numerous, is a natural process of regrowth and that the lashes come back and continue to grow.

Other people tout coconut, olive, and castor oil as being conducive to beautiful, fat lashes. I say, they're all probably good for lash growth.

The biggest thing, I believe, with growing your lashes is consistency. Baby them every day. Imagine them growing. See how lush and dark and BEGUILING they are. SEE IT, DAMN IT!

Beauty Bibles

2010-08-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

I love ridiculous beauty how-to books. I've got several Adrien Arpel books (not so ridiculous, as the woman's ancient at this point and is so lovely that she must be sleeping in formaldehyde), an early 20th century guide to body care (which yields very little applicable advice beyond an "eye bath," a practice where you pour a softening oil into a glass and hold it over each eye for 10 to 20 minutes), and "The Beautiful People's Diet Book" by Luciana Pignatelli. Luciana was the cat's meow in the 60's and 70's. She killed herself in 2008 after the Madoff scandal left her finances in ruins, claiming she couldn't be "both old and poor." Full of wit and juicy secrets, my favorite chapter of TBPDB deals with fat farms disguised as spas. God, what I wouldn't give to go stay at a compound where they rub me down with oil and feed me broiled chicken. Not that I like broiled chicken, but I might actually lose these last 20 pounds if I had someone to boss me around!

She has another book, "The Beautiful People's Beauty Book," that I'm dying to get a hold of, but I simply can't put another thing on my card right now. If it's anything like the diet guide, it's full of delightful morsels.

One tidbit floating around the internet I've found concerns homosexual Parisians in the 70's. Luciana claims that a popular beauty ritual for them was to whip egg whites and olive oil, apply it to the face, and sit back while it tightens the pores.

She put a lot of stock in what gay men have to say about self-care, as should we all, and went so far as to claim that every woman over the age of 30 must have a gay man in her life. Personally, I'd love to have one long before then, but I'll certainly not turn him down should he take some time to get here!

Beautiful Skin is Easy

2010-08-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

It doesn't matter if you're pale or tan, freckled or smooth, 25 or 50, beautiful skin is easy to achieve and maintain. I'm not an esthetician, but I know a thing or two about self-care.

I've got good skin. I'll say it. I'm fortunate to have it, but I also devote an inordinate amount of time to pampering and protecting it. When I was in my teens, I had acne. Not horrible acne, but I definitely suffered. And when I was about 19, I had a horrible, nasty outbreak on my chin that lasted for MONTHS. I still don't know what caused it, but I think it was a combination of birth control, stress, and not taking care of myself. Now I have a pimple or two, but they are definitely manageable and don't dominate my face.

It's always fascinated me how different people's bodies are from one another. We're all human beings, we're made of flesh and bone, blood and fat, et cetera. Yet some people can eat as much cake, cookies, and cokes as they want and stay thin, while others are forced to eat rabbit food to maintain. Some people have a negative reaction to certain vitamins, others need the same supplements to thrive. It's the same way with skin care products.

I've always preferred a bar of soap to cleanse my face. There's something about the slippery feel of a fat cake of soap, and the voluminous suds, that sends me. I love to lather up two, three, even four times. Two of my favorites are the Dove Beauty Bar and Cetaphil Facial Bar. It's inexpensive, sweet-smelling, good for sensitive skin, and doesn't leave a residue. The second, which I'm currently using, is Cetaphil. It has a slightly more "chemical" feel to it, but it's still a good bar of soap.

I tried using cream or gel cleansers for a long time. They never seemed to really clean my face, nor did they keep blemishes at bay. Yet there are people who would never dream of using anything but these types of cleansers. Others like cold cream or cleansing pads. What works for you might not work for me, even if we have similar skin types, and vice versa. It's interesting how different people can be.

My advice, should you choose to accept it, is rudimentary. Good skin begins with the mind. You need to believe you have good skin. You need to accept that beautiful, clear skin is a part of your identity, what people see when they look at you. Next, you keep rituals which support that belief. Your rituals are the things you do every day to take care of your beautiful skin.

* Cleanse twice a day, once in the morning and then at night. Experiment with different cleansers to see what works for you. Bar soaps, creams, gels, cleansing pads, and even the Oil Cleansing Method are all methods to explore.

* Exfoliate once a day with a gentle exfoliant. I've mentioned my favorite, a mixture of olive oil and sugar, but as long as the grains aren't too large, any one you purchase should suffice. Be very gentle as you rub your face in a circular motion. Concentrate on your nose and chin.

* Moisturize. I'm a huge fan of oils, like olive and grapeseed, but these are not always realistic when beginning your day. I use Dove Beauty Fluid as a moisturizer. It's not my favorite, as I've yet to find a moisturizer I'm in love with, but it does the job and smells nice. You should explore a lot of different moisturizers to find the one that makes you feel good. In my opinion, the best moisturizer should make your skin feel plump, soft, and dewey. At night, you could try the oils that I mentioned. Women in the Mediterranean swear by olive oil for beautiful skin, and I think they may be onto something. I love grapeseed, as it has vitamin e and is touted as being the fountain of youth by some health nuts.

* I think rose water is an excellent way to beautify your skin. It's refreshing, smells lovely, and makes you look like you just stepped out of a Roman bath!

* Once or twice a week, you must use a good mask. Shop around depending on your skin type. If you have dry skin, naturally you would like a hydrating mask. Elizabeth Arden has a nice one. For those with acne or on a budget, the Queen Helene Mint Julep mask is a nice addition to your rituals. For the truly committed beauty queens, there is the Aztec Clay Mask. This is not for the faint of heart, but it is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. It's comprised of nothing but mud clay and when mixed with apple cider vinegar (I've told you how marvelous this is for the skin) or water, it will take care of your skin for years. It will not feel good while it's on, but it pulls impurities out of your skin. When used consistently, it eradicates acne and keeps your skin healthy and flawless. Remember to keep it on until it's completely dry, which could take an hour or so, and do not put anything on your face for about an hour afterwards. Your face will pulsate while it's drying, and that can be uncomfortable, but it's worth it. Expect serious redness after you remove this miracle. The Aztec mask is so inexpensive and lasts forever. It's easily found on the internet, but most health stores should carry it.

* A nice practice is to give your face a steam bath every so often. Boil water on a stove, add some chamomile tea and other nice-smelling things, and hang a towel over your head while you let the scented steam open your pores for ten minutes. Follow with a spray of rose water to further clean your pores.

* It's not realistic for most of us to get a luxurious facial whenever we want at the BEST spa in town, but consider visiting your local beauty schools. For example, there is a decent beauty school in my area that offers hour-long facials for a mere $20 dollars. The students are always overseen by a professional while they perform their work, and you can't beat the price.

* Exercise. There's no way to get around it: exercise is beneficial to your skin.

* Supplements are a great way to make sure your skin gets everything it needs. You needn't drop a load either, as quality supplements are available inexpensively at www.vitacost.com. Here are the ones I've found that provide exceptional support to skin.

Grape Seed

MSM

CoQ10

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Glucosamine

Omega 3

Vitamin C

A juice complex of some kind (including things like noni, mangosteen, pomegranate)

* You know the drill. As much fresh, clean (no tap) water a day as you can manage without overdosing. Too much can be unhealthy, but your body will tell you when that limit has been reached.

* Ginger and Green tea are good skin beautifiers.

* Try my beauty tonic. Combine hot water with a tablespoon of honey and lemon juice, with some apple cider vinegar thrown in. Be careful, as those last two are highly acidic. You don't want to destroy your beautiful teeth.

To Beauty!

Beauty Secrets

2010-08-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

Time to divulge some of my favorite beauty secrets and hopefully learn some from you all!

* NEVER spend money on a body scrub. You can make one of as good quality with ingredients from your own kitchen. A favorite is to mix olive oil and sugar, either white or brown. You want the consistency to be almost like a paste. Sugar is an excellent exfoliant and the oil leaves your skin silky and soft.

* Grape Seed oil is an exceptional moisturizer. I like to use it every night. It absorbs well and leaves you with a plump, bright complexion. GSO is packed with Vitamin E, so I suspect it's amazing for stretch marks and other scars. You can find GSO relatively cheap at any health store or even online.

* I love to have some rich color on my lips, but I dislike how bright and garish lipstick can look on me. What I do is layer the color on my lips double time, then blot it off with a tissue until it's nothing more than a vibrant stain. A little vaseline on top will make your lips juicy, as well as hydrate and preserve the color.

* Are you out of your favorite true red lipstick? Never fear! Take the reddest stick you do have and apply it, then take out some black eyeshadow. Make a few small dots of the shadow on your lower lip, then either rub your lips together or otherwise smear to distribute the black. This will darken your lips to the desired shade.

* Are you feeling a cold coming on? I sure was this past weekend! My mom made me a fabulous concoction and I believe it contributed to my recovery. Boil water and add some apple cider vinegar, pepper, honey, and salt. Put into a container and shake whenever you're ready for a drink. Remember to dilute the mixture into some water, as the vinegar can be harmful to your tooth enamel. An added bonus to this cold remedy is that the apple cider vinegar fights acne and gives you a lovely glow, as well as boosts your metabolism. The pepper adds an extra metabolism kick. Honey is also a skin beautifier. Might as well pretty ourselves while we're sick, eh?

* Glucosamine is an excellent supplement for those losing weight or worried about the sagginess that comes with age. Take it daily to help fight loose skin and stretch marks.

* Vaseline, olive oil, and castor oil are all excellent lash conditioners and may even contribute to their growth. Coat your lashes with any of these before bed.

* Slice open a grape and rub over your wrinkles.

* Rosewater is a new favorite of mine. It smells heavenly. I have a little bottle I keep in the fridge. It acts as a marvelous toner and wakes your complexion up. You'll glow!

That's all for now. Be sure to share your favorites so we can all benefit.

Daily Rituals for Health and Beauty: Part One

2010-02-01T06:31:00.000-08:00

Ok, we all know that there are certain things our body needs to function healthily. While growing up, we are told to take vitamins, eat veggies, and drink milk. As adults, we are constantly inundated with warnings about obesity and diabetes. Not to mention all the health and beauty practices of celebrities being shoved down our throats via magazines and television. But how many of us actually take these things seriously? Do we see a beautiful, healthy actor and assume they are simply genetically endowed in ways we are not? So many people, and I used to be one of them, look at actors as gods. We believe they are not only naturally superior to us, but that they have the money to secure health and beauty treatments. WRONG!

Anyone can look like a celebrity. But to do so, you must go beyond hair extensions and tanning beds. They say beauty begins on the inside, and this is true. We may be so used to consuming processed foods and bad carbs that we believe eating and living well is beyond our strength. Nonsense! All it takes are a few tweaks. You may find that living healthily is easier after a few days. You will be excited about the prospect of clearer skin, healthier hair, renewed energy, and weight loss. It may give you a sense of pride to take care of yourself.

First of all, it's essential to have a good supplement program. This is one of your biggest beauty weapons. Take them morning, afternoon, or night, but take them! Supplements will give you the necessary nutrients to keep your body functioning well, which in turn will make you happier and more energetic. They will also give you unimaginable beauty benefits!

* Omega 3 Fish Oil. Excellent for cardiovascular and brain health, this capsule is also great for a glowing, soft complexion. Fish Oil has been proven to aid in weight loss! Take two a day.

* Vitamin C. Strengthens the immune system and helps fight infections and illness. Also gives you a boost of energy. Vitamin C is a collagen booster, which means good skin! Take one a day!

* Gellatin. Take gellatin throughout your life and enjoy limber, healthy joints and bones. You will never have a bone/joint problem if you take these faithfully. Two a day is right.

* CoQ10. This baby is a miracle pill. It benefits your heart, kidneys, maintains blood pressure and insulin levels, and battles fat! People with diabetes and low blood pressure should consult a doctor before taking CoQ10. It significately lowers these things, so it could be unhealthy in some cases.

* Chromium. Great for weight loss and maintenance. Enough said! High levels can be toxic, so just take one a day.

* Vitamins D and A. Got this one from a dermatologist. These are the best vitamins for healthy, gorgeous skin!

Research all your supplemental options! This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more amazing supplements out there! I recommend a book called "The Truth About Beauty" by Kat James. Kat was a tired, miserable, overweight binge-eater who transformed her face, body, and health by taking supplements and changing her eating habits. She is a big believer in the power of vitamins and supplements, so this would be a great read. She breaks down the best supplements for different results, both health and beauty wise.

Your body needs the right kind of fuel to perform at its best. People have different constitutions and chemistries. What works for one person will not work for another. Case in point: I struggled for a year to lose weight. I cut out processed foods, drank only water, exercised, and ate only whole wheat when I had carbs. I didn't lose a pound. I did Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet, cutting out everything but low-fat dairy, veggies, and lean meat, and lost nearly 10 pounds in less than two weeks. The weight stayed off even after I indulged in some margaritas. It wasn't until I ate a piece of red velvet cake that I IMMEDIATELY, by the next morning, gained almost three pounds. My body simply cannot have these kinds of foods and not gain weight. I can't even have healthy grains! But that's fine! At least I know what it takes for me to lose weight and feel my best. Many people still don't know the secret to their personal weight loss.

So experiment. See what works for you. Many people are "allergic" to bad carbs, like me. If you feel sluggish after eating them, stay puffy and fat, and crave them, you may benefit from the South Beach Diet.

Whatever your constitution, there are foods that are ALWAYS good and safe to eat.

* Veggies. Eat broccoli, spinach, and other greens.

* Meat. Turkey bacon is delicious! It also averages about 35 calories a slice. Amazing! Chicken is good too. Saturate it in some good dressing for an hour, then bake it in the oven. Have a steak maybe once a week. This meat is delicous, decadent, and filling. It's also a kung-pow combo of iron and protein.

* Low-fat dairy. Get some carb smart yogurt, it makes a great breakfast. Especially with some chopped pecans thrown in. Cheese makes a great snack.

Teas are a great way to control your waistline and beautify yourself. I drink two huge mason jars of green tea a day. Kat James says green tea is the ultimate beauty and health elixir. It also burns fat! Oolong tea is another good healthy tea. It controls weight too.

And let's not forget the number one health, beauty, and weight loss elixir out there: pure, healthy water!

Ok, let's run down what I've said so far. For inner health:

* Take the right supplements every day

* Eat the right foods for your particular constitution

* Drink tea and water

Pretty basic, huh? Perhaps, but I guarantee that this is what the healthiest celebrities do every day of their lives.

Part 2 coming soon. Stay tuned!

South Beach Power

2010-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

I know I said I would report on my weight loss earlier (and I'm sure every one of you was waiting with bated breath, haha), but I decided to give it to my tenth day. And I am so glad I did.

I have lost six pounds!

The South Beach Diet is the way to go. I seriously think it's how human beings are meant to eat. Protein, veggies, and limited amounts of dairy. For most of us, bad carbs are simply not something our bodies need. Just look at how fat this country is; all we eat is carby, processed foods.

If you are looking to lose weight, try this diet. Drink lots of water, green tea, take supplements, and weight train. As the pounds fall off, muscles will appear and ripple beautifully. I also recommend yoga. It strengthens you, tones, and gives you a great sense of balance/peace.

Yay!

The Bod

2010-01-20T18:01:00.000-08:00

As I've told you in an earlier post, I'm try to lose weight. Ultimately, I'd like to drop 40 pounds. Both because I have high standards for myself and am going into the acting field.

Today is day 5 of South Beach Diet for me. I say "diet" because that's what most people call it, but I think of it more as a lifestyle to maintain for the rest of my life. Everybody has a particular body type, a certain chemistry, and mine happens to be "allergic" to carbs and sugar. By carbs, I mean bad carbs. Like cereal, bread, pasta, and other indulgent types. I already feel lighter, my stomach has slimmed, and I feel better. If I eat carbs and sugar, even relatively small amounts, I stay puffy and fat. I'm going to weigh myself Friday morning and I'll let you know the outcome.

I hope to have dropped 20 pounds by May. As well as changing my eating habits, I am drinking gallons of green tea, water, using a sauna, doing light cardio, and weight training. This past Sunday, I went to a beginner's yoga class and LOVED it. Parts of my body are still sore. I hope to do yoga twice a week. It's amazing! I'm also doing leg exercises and sit ups. Two days ago, I could barely do ten. Now I'm doing 20 at a time and did a total of 80 for today!

I am so ready to be the thin person I am under the layer of flab. I'm not meant to be overweight and I look forward to gaining confidence from getting the body I was born to possess. Then I can really apply myself to my career.

Are you trying to get fit or healthier? What have you found that works?

Oolala's Current Muse

2010-01-20T09:42:00.000-08:00

Lady Gaga. It took a long time for me to pay any attention to her, let alone like her music. But she is really growing on me and I admire her boldness, ingenuity, and dance skills! I am embarking on extreme weight loss and toning up, and I find her body to be an inspiration. Gaga looks great. I really love her music now, just bought her cd, and can't stop playing it. Nearly every track is awesome. I recommend "Bad Romance" and "Paparazzi."

Gaga is a huge deal right now for good reason. She dresses scantily and her videos are sexy, but she also has a raw, strong voice, original beats, and a grand vision. After reading interviews with her, it's clear to me that she strives to be original and is driven by more than a desire to be famous. She wants to create music and images that are groundbreaking and original. The dance routines in her videos are AWESOME.

Oolala's Guide to Aunt Flo

2010-01-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

Ugh, the trials and tribulations of womanhood. Seriously, what's normal about bleeding for five days and not dying? Props to Mr. Garrison for that one. Anyway, if you're like me, your period is painful, heavy, and nearly debilitating. There's little you can do to avoid all suffering, but I have a few tricks in my bag.

1. Take a B.C. Powder STAT! These little packets of powder are a Godsend. They are some of the strongest pain killers on the market (the legal or non-prescription market, that is).

2. Lay in a hot bath. This is the only time I condone taking a piping hot soak. Your entire bloated, sore abdomen will be surrounded by the magical liquid of health and beauty. Lay there for as long as possible.

3. Curl up on a heat pad or with a hot water bottle.

4. This is a little odd, but I've tried it and it works. Place a finger firmly in the middle of your top lip. Press this for menstrual relief. I don't know the science behind it, but it must be some kind of pressure point.

5. Ok, this is definitely gross, but I refuse to neglect it simply for the sake of not skeeving anyone out. If this brings relief to someone, then I want it known. Some people find intense relief from period pain by getting off. There, I said it.

6. Exercise. This definitely helps.

May you beat Mother Nature at her own game!

Oolala's Guide to Freshening Up

2010-01-16T17:02:00.000-08:00

Be it due to a late night (along with a few too many salty margueritas!) or uneasy sleep, waking up puffy and lackluster will ruin your entire day. Here are some tips and tricks for salvaging your face and body:

1. Enjoy a tall glass of water. No, not Hugh Jackman or Sam Worthington! I'm talking about cool, pure H2O. Sip a big glass slowly and steadily. Water is reviving. I can't stress enough how good it is for you. It moisturizes your skin and insides, and washes away salt and toxins. It's your best friend.

2. Preparation H isn't just for your bodacious bottom, it eliminates puffiness and gives you a virtual face lift. Pat it gently around your eyes and the rest of your face.

3. Need to wake up? Stand in an ice-cold shower. This is a marvelous shock to your system. As an extra perk, it firms skin and adds shine to your mane.

4. Take an Omega 3 Fish Oil STAT! This little sucker will not only help your heart, but make you luminous.

5. Recline on a couch or bed for ten minutes with two slices of raw cucumber over each eye. Make sure to elevate your feet. After your time is up, lean over and dangle your head. Massage your scalp and enjoy as blood rushes to your head.

6. Slide some moisturizing cream over your face. I recommend Oil of Olay's moisturizing lotions. They make your skin soft, plump, and healthy-looking. They absorb fabulously into your skin too.

7. Makeup covers all sins. If you're in a pinch or too weak to do much, just swipe your lashes with good mascara, pinken those cheeks with some blush, and apply lip gloss.

8. Take some Vitamin C, either in pill form or fruit.

Oolala's Guide to Fake Designer Bags

2010-01-15T18:41:00.000-08:00

I will admit I've been duped before, but that experience has only given me exceptional skills at recognizing fake designer bags. While it can be difficult to overcome the excitement of encountering a purported Louis Vuitton or Chanel for a steal, you will hone your skills at discerning fakes if you try to be more discriminating and not give in to cheap copies. Here's how you do it:

1. Consider the environment. Are the bags thrown together on wall pegs? Are they jumbled on top one another in a bin? Is the store an independent hole-in-the-wall?

2. Feel the bags. Do they feel heavy or light? Is the stitching irregular and messy? Does the "leather" really feel like leather... or plastic? You will be amazed at how quickly you can discern a replica from a real bag just by holding it. If it feels smooth, luxurious, and heavy, it may be real. If it feels cheap and light, with bad stitching and a huge logo smacking you in the face, it's probably fake.

3. Study originals. Louis Vuitton never attaches tags to their bags, nor do they have dust jackets with certain logo styles. Make sure you know how a genuine designer bag is presented.

4. Is the price too good to be true? It's fake. If you aren't shopping around for a pre-owned vintage bag, then you aren't going to get a new luxury bag for a steal. People know what they have and they won't let it go cheaply. I gave in to temptation and purchased an LV that turned out to be fake. Don't let this happen to you. You will never get a real LV for under $100 dollars unless you are buying vintage or pre-owned, and even then I advocate getting profusive assurance from the seller that it's genuine. Most sellers will own up to a bag being fake if pressed. Even then, it's highly unlikely that you will get a vintage LV for so low a price. They are super hot and people will milk this for all they can.

If you want a designer bag, budget and save. Go without the daily Starbucks. Cut back on skincare products. Save your pennies. Make a special fund for your bag. You will get it at some point, so just save, save, save!

Haute Look

2010-01-14T12:54:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Jen for sharing this on her blog!

Haute Look offers designer items at extraordinary markdowns. But hurry! Items sell out quick, so you have to jump on them immediately. They are running an Urban Decay Makeup event right now and the prices are super cheap. For the luxury-lover, there's a new Cartier event. Oh, to dream.

Twin Beauties

2010-01-13T12:10:00.000-08:00

I watched Tod Browning's "Freaks" yesterday, a highly controversial film from the 1930's. Browning used a cast largely comprised of actual sideshow freaks, and the film was banned not long after its release. One woman sued the film makers, claiming that she suffered a miscarriage after watching it. That's not so unbelievable; the film is shocking and I can't imagine how it affected audiences in the 30's.

I was doing a little research on the film and came across the sad story of Violet and Daisy Hilton, conjoined twins and stars of the film. They were born to a barmaid in Brighton, England in 1908. Their mother's employer "bought" the girls and proceeded to shop them around as an attraction. The girls were forced to call her "Auntie Lou" and her husband "Sir." The girls never saw a dollar of what they made and were beaten severely for tiny infractions. When "Auntie Lou" died, the girls discovered they had been "willed" to her husband and daughter. Luckily, they were falsely sued in a divorce case and taken to see a lawyer, who asked "Sir" to leave the room. As soon as he left, they begged and pleaded for help. At long last, the girls had gained independence.

After "Freaks," the girls toured around up into the 1960's. They were at a drive-in theater in Charlotte, North Carolina when their agent abandoned them with no money and no means of transportation. They stayed in Charlotte and got jobs at a grocery store, living in a trailer. In 1969, their employer went to their house after not hearing from them for a few days and called the police, who busted open the door. Violet and Daisy were dead and curled up on a heating grate in the hallway (probably to keep warm). Daisy had died first, while Violet lingered on for two to four days after.

I can't imagine such a life, nor can I imagine being attached to my dead sister for two to four days. Here's to the Hilton Sisters, who were dealt a crappy hand in life. They were beautiful girls!

Unglamorous...

2010-01-13T09:25:00.000-08:00

Today is one of those blah, insecure days. I have a spray of hormonal acne across my chin and my hair is lank. Work was stressful because Valentine's Day is coming up and we have a new store manager who nitpicks. I mean, I know he's a store manager, but it's somewhat crappy to come into a place as a newbie and immediately start barking orders at people. Don't rock the boat, dude.

Also, I asked off for Friday so I had a whole bunch of stuff to do... which is funny, because they weren't tasks that really fall under my job category. I help my manager out doing stuff (stuff that's really only his responsibility) and it's gotten to the point where all this extra crap is expected of me whenever I'm there. People were in crappy moods today and I'm one of those insecure types who takes it personally. I feel really awkward around some of my co-workers for a few reasons: One, I have really bad hearing and people are constantly mumbling things at me that I can't hear. Two, people look at me blankly whenever I talk. Three, I'm too sensitive for my own good and if one of my managers doesn't interact with me like they usually do, I think I've done something wrong.

C'est la vie.

I was mulling over a new feature for Oolala! where I try a new makeup technique every day and share it on the blog. If I end up doing this, pics will be included.

I'm having a phone consultation with a personal trainer today and while I think I need a trainer to show me how to eat and what I can do to get the results I want, she's extremely pricey for being 26 years old, relatively new to personal training, and living where we do. Whatever. It's worth it to me, but I can only afford it for a month or so. I'm hoping I can take notes and figure it out enough to continue doing it on my own.

I am getting ready to put together a giveaway, so stay tuned for that.

A Bag By Any Other Name...

2010-01-11T14:13:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't be Fendi!

I got my beautiful vintage Fendi bag today! It's got some wear, but is in excellent shape and I'm so glad to have found it for such a steal.

My new baby! Notice how greedily I clutch it!

A Curious Contradiction

2010-01-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

I've been reading over my blog today and it occurred to me that while I do have an impressive arsenal of beauty and self-care knowledge, I do not look as impressive or polished as all this information would lead one to believe. I am constantly searching for that magic elixir, that special product or health habit, that will transform me into as perfect a me (K) as possible. I pluck frequently, drink green tea and water, use a sauna, dye my hair, use great makeup and hair products, exercise (here and there, not as much as I should), try to avoid processed foods most of the time, and take a cartload of supplements and vitamins. Despite all this, I am carrying about 20 extra pounds and my hair never looks smooth and polished. I can't cultivate good, strong nails to save my life and my skin still breaks out around my period... with a vengeance!

But there are limits to what one can achieve by themselves without plastic surgery. And it seems to me that I'm doing everything possible (aside from strenuous exercising) to look as good as I can. So where can I go from here? How did the beautiful people get to be so beautiful, and how do they maintain their beauty once they get it?

It's definitely not a hobby worth so much stress and frustration, trying to better your looks... But I was a very ugly teenager and since my passions are leading me to the entertainment field, I have to do everything I can for myself.

Thoughts? What is the secret? How did you achieve it? Or are you still looking for it?

The French seem to have it inherently. A French girl can look like a rabbit and still be gorgeous. They also eat buttered biscuits and cake without suffering for it.

P.S. This picture. Could they not have used a body that's actually really FAT for the mirror image? I'm much bigger than that! Now I need to go self-flagellate. Buh-bye.

Kitty Has Claws

2010-01-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm going to talk about catty girls.

There is this girl around my age where I work. She works a cash register. I have always smiled at her when we encounter one another, I've complimented her on her purses, et cetera. Well, I never sensed any sort of cattiness from her until over the past few months. If she even bothers to smile at me now, it's very insincere and tolerant. I catch her giving me once-overs with her eyes and today, I gave her a friendly smile and she simply stared at me with a seriously bitchy, catty look on her face.

It's ridiculous and it bothered me for about five seconds. Then I called her a twat (under my breath) and scooted away to get some coffee.

Why do girls do this to other girls? I've NEVER initiated cattiness towards another female. It never even occurs to me. If I see a beautiful or stylish girl, my first instinct is to ADMIRE her, not try to make her feel like shit.

This kind of thing used to ruin my day, but not anymore. When it happens (and it's not often), I will try to take it as a compliment. I've recently slimmed down a bit, have been dressing nicer, wearing more jewelry, and because of a hair treatment I did last night, my hair looked great. My first instinct would have been to be upset, but I got too many compliments about my hair today to feel anything but good about this stupid girl's ill will. I am always kind to people, always helpful, but if people are going to come out of nowhere and be unpleasant towards me, I will savor it.

When you are confronted with people like this, feel good. In fact, make sure you look as good as possible whenever you will be put in an environment with this person. It will eat them up.

Tips for General Superiority and the Inspiration of Jealousy (Kidding!):

* Drink tons of water and green tea. It will slim you and make your skin bright and luminous.

* Pluck your brows into perfect face-framing arches.

* Do a hair treatment before bed. Last night, I combined Carol's Daughter Lisa's Hair Elixir with olive oil, heated, rubbed into scalp, and combed through hair. Shampoo the next day. Your hair will shine.

* Enhance your lashes with volumizing mascara.

* Exfoliate lips and follow with your perfect lip color. I recently got Viva Glam 6 by M.A.C. and it's accompanying gloss, and am in love with it!

* Walk with your shoulders up, head high, and breasts proudly jutted forth!

* Wear your finest bling.

* Always important. While I condone not letting people's nastiness get you down, never react by behaving in kind towards them. Continue to be friendly. The logic here may be hypocritical because not being affected by them will drive them crazy, thus giving you immense satisfaction! Whatever! It's the right thing to do. You can't help it if they're so jealous that it bothers them.

* Smile. Don't just smile with your mouth, but let it curl up into your eyes. A beautiful smile will always touch the peepers. When you smile, your instinct should be to take it as an opportunity to not only extend good will towards another person, but to let your beauty shine in full magnificence.

Don't let haters get you down.

Jeepers Creepers, Where'd You Get Those Peepers?!

2010-01-10T19:38:00.000-08:00

If eyes are the windows to the soul, then eye makeup is the window-dressing. Your eye makeup will serve as your greatest tool when it comes to your current mood and what you want to project. There are several fool- proof looks you can always turn to, especially when you're crunched for time or need a look that will impress without a lot of experimentation and stress.

Smokey Eye (aka Mafia Queen, aka Sexpot, aka Bond Girl)

To start, select a good eyelid primer that isn't too thick and which is close to your natural skin tone. Primer will help makeup adhere to your skin for a long-lasting look. After application, choose a base shadow. If you want a more brownish, or natural eye, go for a neutral brown or taupe. It's always a good idea to layer several shadows, because this will give your eye depth. You could start with a white shadow all over the lid up to your brow bone, followed by a darker brown along the lower lid. Blend this like there's no tomorrow. You want to be careful that the white shadow isn't too heavy or pale. Some people love to follow with eyeliner, but I find that liner fades when applied to my top eyelid. Whatever works for you. Follow with several swipes of dark, volumizing mascara. I love this look for day time, and I always line my bottom lid with a rich brown. It's not too dramatic for day, but heavy enough that it looks as if you've put in an effort.

A more dramatic look for night time can be achieved with darker shadows. Try dark brown, black, and dark green. Lancome makes excellent shadows and I've found that dark green looks super sexy. You can be a little more messy with this look. Layer, layer, layer! Go heavy on your bottom lid. Beef those lashes up with some great mascara. Again, Lancome makes excellent eye makeup products.

Pinup Eye (aka Cheesecake Chic, Glamour Girl, Betty Grable)

This is a beautiful, classic look and perfect for day time. This is what epitomized "cheesecake" and pinup beauty in the old days.

Start with primer and then cover eye from lower lid to brow bone with white, light taupe, or a subtle pink. Next take a light brown and blend gently from lower lid up to mid. The idea is to make sure this blends smoothly into the lighter shade. Then take some black liquid liner and starting at the inner eye, draw a line out to the end of your lash line, extending further if you prefer. Follow with some black or brown mascara. I like to swipe my lower lashes with mascara as well, making sure to separate each lash. This will open your eyes up and make them pop!

As a side note, you can follow with some bright red lipstick or a subtle coral color.

I love this look. It's classic, easy, and looks good on most people.

And there you have it! Two gorgeous looks, tried and tested by moi, and easily mastered.

* Don't get frustrated. Eye makeup takes time to master, but anybody can learn to get it right. Practice and experiment to get the look you love.

* Never line your inner lid (the area directly under your eyelashes) with liner. This could lead to eye infectins and irritation.

* Not all shadows are made alike. There are good and bad ones out there. Good ones will be vibrant, smooth, and adhere to your skin. Bad ones will be dull, thick, and messy. Again, I highly recommend Lancome's eyeshadows.

* There's nothing wrong with using your fingers to apply shadow. Just wash your hands prior. You may find the application is easier and smoother with the pads of your fingers.

A Bevy of Blogs

2010-01-08T16:07:00.000-08:00

Phew! How refreshing to find that there are other like-minded bloggers out there!

Check out Kitsch-Slapped, a blog which proves feminists really do have a sense of humor! Specializing in "bad taste," the blog offers observations on the media, relationships, and beauty. The articles are delightful. I love makeup and beauty tips from all walks of life, and this article on the beauty tricks of sex workers hit my naughty spot! Hit up the bloggers' other sites too!

Sweet, Mysterious Feast, my sister's blog, is a delightful smorgasbord of beauty, whimsy, and insightful ponderings. An aesthetical and intellectual orgasm! Oh, and did I mention that SMF is hosting a giveaway contest? Enter for a chance to win a sweet set of wine glasses, but hurry! Winner will be drawn on Monday the 11th.

Saints Marilyn, Ava, and Elizabeth! Ok, not only does this blogger like Stephen King, but she designs gorgeous jewelry. Check out Pretty Things for pretty baubles and book reviews. This blog has reminded me that I've got to get back into Stephen King. Oh, and I totally want some pie too. I could eat two right now.

Damn my acting aspirations and unattainable self-standards! Die, fat, die! To the next blog!

Speaking of the wide world of entertainment and fashion, get a gander at these two beauties. Both are devoted to fashion and regularly showcase a medley of designer duds. I dig their high fashion passion! Jennifhsieh and The Pink Boudoir regale us with wonderfully-crafted details of garments and provide us with gorgeous imagery. Perfect considering I just watched a documentary on Valentino!

Foxy Lady

2010-01-08T07:59:00.001-08:00

I've not always been a fan of Megan Fox and while I still wouldn't qualify myself as one, I do recognize that the girl looks amazing. I watched "Jennifer's Body" and was constantly astonished by how beautiful she really is, despite the perpetual smirk on her face. Her hair is amazing, her skin is beautifully sun-kissed, her eyes are bright blue, and she has a great bod. She does have the look of someone a little too manufactured, a tad too fake, but she's still gorgeous.

In my research of her beauty habits, I found a plethora of questions from girls asking how they can look like her. I also found articles on how to make yourself more like Megan Fox. Here's what I think about that:

We should all want to be as beautiful and well-tended as Ms. Fox. However, we should look like ourselves. Wanting to look like Megan Fox is setting yourself up for major self-criticism and disgust because, well, our faces are put together so individually and uniquely that you will never look exactly like her. This will make you view yourself as a failure. You will never see Megan Fox in the mirror, but you can see yourself looking fabulous and sexy.

If you want to have a similar l00k, here are my ideas:

* Megan Fox has slightly tanned skin. I used to sneer at tan skin, but like it so much now that I've purchased subtle tanning moisturizer and lotion to get a glow. Tan skin can make a huge difference in your appearance. If you have light eyes, tanned skin will bring them out (as in Megan's case). When your skin is pale, you may focus on how dark or thick your brows look. When you're tan, you can give yourself some leniency when it comes to brows. Brows should be dark if your skin is tanner. I recommend Jergen's tanning products. They make you glow beautifully.

* Exercise. Megan is in excellent shape.

* Sauna. Megan has very sleek face and body structure. Sweating profusely will get rid of any puffiness in your flesh and skin, making you appear sleeker. It will also make you as soft as a baby's butt.

* Your hair should be long, thick, and shiny. The look can be either wavy/curled or straight and sleek. Carol's Daughter products are some of my favorites. Garnier also makes a good shine serum. If you really want to get the MF thang going on, darken your hair.

* Your makeup should stand out. Megan's lashes are hella long, so either use falsies or find a good serum. Use several coats of volumizing mascara. Shadow should be neutral brown and always use black or brown liner. Megan often wears pink lipgloss, which looks AMAZING with tanned skin.

The Top of the Shops

2010-01-08T05:33:00.000-08:00

One of my guiltiest pleasures is online shopping. Shopping on foot just can't compare to the ease and comfort of purveying the internet's treasures. With my recent acquisition of a debit card, I have gone slightly bonkers. Fortunately, I haven't completely depleted my coffers and am on the way to rebuilding them, but I still like to look for future purchases.

Forever 21 is great for cute, well-made, and inexpensive items. I've bought two hats and several undergarments from them. Their accessories are ridiculously cheap and you can always find some articles of clothing for less than $20 dollars. Check out this adorable Bow Accent Beret for just $6.80!

Skin Store is one of the best places to order beauty products. They have great prices (often cheaper than Sephora) and offer a diverse variety. I've purchased creams, hair masks, and scrubs from them. Their holiday promotional deals were excellent! I'm lusting after this Philip B Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo. Looks luxurious! Unfortunately, I can't justify spending over $100 dollars for shampoo!

Etsy is a diverse collection of vintage and hand-made items. You can find everything from jewelry to corsets to designer bags (I'm eagerly awaiting a Fendi bag in the mail!). Artists and craftspeople can showcase their work, and there are tons of vintage goodies. I bought my purse and a gorgeous pair of earrings for my sister from Etsy! Check out this beautiful coral necklace of a horse and foal. So delicate and pretty!

The Vermont Country Store is an underrated gem! They carry all sorts of rare beauty products, tools, toys, and candy. Their specialty is tracking down beloved items from the past. If a customer loved a specific shampoo in the 70's and enough people want to see it brought back, TVCS will find it and sell it for ridiculously reasonable prices! This Rosebud Salve looks like it will give you a pretty pout.

Oolala's Guide to Fantabulousness

2010-01-07T14:39:00.000-08:00

Here are some ideas on cultivating an air of fantabulousness.

* Study yourself. What do you like about your face? Which angle makes you look the best? Are your brows as groomed as they can be? Should they be thicker for a dramatic look, or thinner for glamour? Should you embrace your pale skin? Or should you nurture a tannish glow? What colors would complement your features and complexion? Is your hair long or short? What color? Would it look better with another style or a different length? Consider all the possibilities for showing off and enhancing your best features. Your face and body belong to you. Make a fun project of showcasing them!

* In the same spirit of showcasing yourself, play around to find a signature "look" or "staple" that makes you unique and individualized. It could be a tan, a hairstyle, a certain piece of jewelry, a hat, acrylic nails, a designer bag, a streak of gray through the hair, a ribbon around the neck, a particular perfume (mine tends to be Angel by Thierry Mugler) a funny t-shirt, buccaneer boots, red lips... The possibilities are ENDLESS! Even if you feel like your self-care and image are lax, if you find an identifying "beauty badge" you will not only have something to build a look around, but something unique that people will admire about you. For example, I work with this girl who wears the most amazing vintage peasant blouses every day. She combs through thrift stores and her attic to find these things. She found an old muumuu, liked it, and had her grandmother take the bottom off to make it a shirt! Umm, is that not amazing? Love a specific designer? Let that designer serve as your Beauty Badge (if you're lucky enough to afford them!) . There are so many things you can do!

* Sometimes we let the drudgeries of life cloud our perception of ourselves and our fantabulousness. We have to deal with work, financial worries, family, our health... We sometimes feel dumpy and unattractive. Beauty and glamour can seem like an entire other world we can't take part in. Fight these feelings! Create your own space. Nay, create your own temple. Your temple could be your body, which you pamper and nourish, or your home. Take a nap, sweat in a sauna, luxuriate in a fragrant bath of hot water (but not too hot! Remember my lessons about hot water!). Surround yourself with candles, good food, good scents, good books, and good movies. Turn your bedroom into a sexy boudoir. Strip naked and drape yourself in your finest jewels! Create an experience for yourself.

To sum up:

* Know thyself.

* Distinguish thyself.

* Indulge thyself.

Image from www.fourseasons.com

A Sweet, Mysterious Giveaway!

2010-01-07T12:16:00.000-08:00

Hop on over to Sweet, Mysterious Feast to possibly score some gorgeous wine glasses! This is Frasier's first giveaway and the glasses are sublime, so what are you waiting for? Enter for a chance to win these beauties! Or I'll curse you with chronic acne and saggy bosoms! I'll do it, too. Just watch.

Gomatta Girls

2010-01-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

Ladies, I have died and gone to mob-girl heaven!

From the bullet-shaped buttons to the "Hitlist" (mailing list), this shop has it all for the discriminating mafianista! I had dared to dream there may exist such a place and lo, here it is. You'll find it all: beautiful clothing, shoes, accessories, personal care products, and an awesome blog. I am simply in love with both the idea and the items! Shop here and Adriana La Cerva won't have nothing on you!

Gomatta Girls

Mafia Couture

2010-01-04T09:42:00.000-08:00

Virginia Hill definitely had a hand in it. Debra Gravano, perhaps. And Carmella Soprano? She brought it to us on a weekly basis. That's right, ladies, I'm talking about Mafia Couture.

Say anything you want about Mafia ladies, you can't deny they've got STYLE. Perfectly coiffed, faces expertly caked with makeup, sparkling bling, designer dudes. These women craft and maintain an impeccable image. While they can look tacky, at least they take care of themselves. Mafia ladies, or any well-to-do guidette from New Jersey (or its affiliate areas), generally look like a million bucks. They epitomize glamour and high maintenance perfection, not to mention they excite us with their close association with dangerous mobsters.

"The Real Housewives of New Jersey" is one of the best of the television phenomenon, coming second only to the New York series. You have Caroline, Dina, Jacqueline, Teresa, and Danielle. The first two are definitely mobbed up, despite their protestations. Their father-in-law was executed in a mob hit! Teresa carries thousands of dollars, COLD HARD CASH, on her person at all times and her husband has a "construction business." Yeah, sure. Danielle was involved with a corrupt cop and was a major figure in a book written about said cop. All five women live in massive homes of marble, onyx, and crystal. And lest we forget Caroline's reference to "the family" every ten seconds.

Regardless, they're all fabulous and highly comical. Teresa and Dina are my favorites, the former flaunting her wealth at every turn, as well as a tight, tanned body she claims is completely natural. This Mafia Queen doesn't work for what she's got, it's just perfect as is. She does, however, possess a chest as flat as a pancake. This calls for a visit to the ps and a new set of "bubbies." Dina, the only blue-eyed blonde, seems to be the most down-to-earth, friendly one of the bunch. She is devoted to her daughter, as well as a children's charity she works on tirelessly (I'm a facebook fan of both these women. Teresa updates constantly with daughter Gia's modeling assignments, while Dina asks for donations and attendees for her charity events).

They may be superficial, tacky, and oftentimes belligerent, but they are hella fun to watch. Mafia Couture to the extreme.

If you want to look like these women, here are some ideas:

* You must always take great pains with your makeup. Eye makeup especially should be heavy.

* You gotta get your nails done. You have two options. You can either go the goomar route and have colored, or otherwise flamboyant nails, or you can emulate a mafia wife with a basic french, or lighter hued nails. Whichever you choose, your nails MUST be long. Longer than necessary.

* Go to the salon. Hair must be big! Either piled on top your head or voluminous around your shoulders. Some blonde highlights won't hurt. For the dedicated, a perm may be in order.

* You must be tan. Any self-respecting mob girl is tan. Even if she has naturally dark skin, she goes to the tanning bed. Or applies tanning lotion at home.

* Wear your finest bling. Have a few sparklies on both hands. Big earrings.

* Dress well. If you can't afford Versace, you can still look like a high roller.

There you have it. Throw in some wine, antipasto, and a man in a track suit. You'll be singing "Mambo Italiano" in your sleep!

Coveted Beauty Products

2009-12-31T19:43:00.000-08:00

* Elizabeth Arden's 8 Hour Cream. Created to soothe the legs of racehorses, this cream is touted by supermodels, actresses, and beauty professionals. I've only used a couple of Arden's face masks, but hear great things about their other products. This is apparently pretty pricey, so budget ye'selves!

* Bliss Steep Clean Mask. I was introduced to this by my sister and love it! This mask is a luxurious cream that penetrates deep into pores, as well as exfoliates to reveal soft, smooth skin. Reviews are all positive. Some reviewers claim that this mask cleared their face of chronic acne. Others say that using it weekly will guarantee beautiful, luminous skin. It's not exorbitantly priced, but definitely not a cheapie.

* Any Eyelash Serum That Works! Oh, to have long, thick lashes that flutter provocatively on the cheek! Mine are definitely not thin or wimpy, but I know that somewhere out there exists an eyelash serum that will coax them into lushness. Eyelashes so thick and long that they leave shadows on your cheekbones! Know any products or tips? Do share.

* Pond's Cold Cream. This is affordable and easily acquired, but I wanted to include it. This cream smells delicious and feels wonderful to glide across the skin. Not only does it soften, but it cleans pores. Just don't use it too often or you might break out. I recommend just using it at night to remove makeup and daily grime.

* Belli Stretchmark Minimizing Cream. This is a great product. After two days of applying this religiously to stretchmarks, I noticed a marked difference. Marks were lighter and slightly smoother. The cream is different from others because it promises to minimize stretchmarks of ANY cause or age. Reviews of this product are positive. What gives me hope is that this product claims to smooth the texture of the marks. That's my biggest concern -not having big craters in my skin. If you have a number of marks, the product disappears quickly so you'll have to purchase more. The cheapest I've found it is about $35.99.

Cut, Color, and Patented Bitchery

2009-12-30T07:53:00.000-08:00

Why do so many hateful people work at salons? Is there something about beauty that attracts rotten souls?

My experience with salons has largely been tainted by encounters with snooty, unfriendly women. This is strange to me. Salons should be a haven for women. Women should feel comfortable there. The whole experience should be one of luxury and comfort, and when you leave it should be with confidence and satisfaction. The purpose is to look good AND feel good about yourself, so why does every salon feature some snobby, cat-that-got-the-canary bitch who sneers and smirks at you?

Funnily enough, it's nearly always the receptionist or counter girl that has this attitude. I've rarely experienced a hair dresser or stylist who behaves so bitchily. No, it's always the twat manning the counter.

A friend was once at the salon securing a hair cut. The receptionist snidely informed her that the salon also offered "facial waxing." If I owned a salon, I would be FURIOUS at this kind of bitchery! A salon needs to be a haven of beauty and luxury! If I owned a salon, I would go to great lengths to avoid anything but making my customers feel beautiful, safe, and admired. They are your guests, your patrons, and they are there for an EXPERIENCE, not just a service.

I went to get my sister a gift card from her favorite salon. When I informed the receptionist of the value of the card, she made an amused face and raised her eyebrows. Excuse me? I'm a customer. I'm patronizing your place of work and you're disrespecting me?

I'm learning to not be so bothered by people like this, but it baffles me regardless. What was your worst salon experience? Or your best?

I recently began going to a new salon and LOVE the girl who does my hair. She is so sweet and caring. She goes to great lengths to make sure my hair looks beautiful. I feel immensely fortunate to have found someone I like to take care of my hair. There are a few snobby people in the salon, but the atmosphere is not as unfriendly as others I've visited.

A Slip of a Girl Rocks Oolala's World!

2009-12-29T12:48:00.000-08:00

Last year, I won an adorable thong by Betsey Johnson from ASlipofaGirl, a blog devoted to beautiful lingerie and other slinky garments. This time, I won a spa set from Sothy's. I am so glad to have it! Let's face it, winning free luxuries is one of the greatest pleasures in life. The set is wonderful and I especially love the bath oil. Sothy's smells so good that Frasier and Myron have gotten their claws on a few of my bath fizzies. Don't boggart the luxuries, bantlings!

So thanks to ASlipofaGirl, not only for being so generous and spreading Christmas cheer, but showcasing gorgeous lingerie and embracing the naughty, beautiful things in life. Check it out and lose yourself in the frilly gorgeousness!

http://aslipofagirl.blogspot.com/

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T07:04:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all! I want to thank those bloggers who have given me shout-outs, linked to me, or commented on Oolala! Merry Christmas to my precious followers! I hope everyone has a bright, illuminated day full of love and satisfaction.

Remember the beautiful ruby earrings from Etsy I posted about a few weeks ago? Imagine my delight when I opened a box from my sister and found the precious dainties! They are even more beautiful in person, the pictures don't do them justice, and I will treasure them forever!

It's funny how things work out! My sister had posted about a pair of blue topaz earrings from the same designer on her blog, and I ordered them for her. So we both got the pair of earrings we most wanted!

Here I am looking very self-satisfied with my beautiful new baubles!

The Idiot's Guide to Gift-Giving

2009-12-23T12:57:00.000-08:00

Don't let the title of this post fool you; I'm certainly no expert at picking out the best gifts. I am amazed, however, by people who give crappy presents. It's even worse when someone announces that they're a bad gift-giver. They shrug their shoulders and jut their chins when they say it, as if it's an inherent flaw they can't do anything about and damn it, they're not going to even try!

Bad gifts are oftentimes worse than no gift at all. The idea that the "thought" is what matters holds some merit, but how difficult is it to pick out an item that's appealing or pleasing on a general level? A gift card? A Swiss Colony Beef Log? A pretty candle? A trinket box?

Gift Card: Does this person like coffee? Ten bucks from Starbucks. Does she like to read? Border's Bookstore. Beauty products? Sephora.

Swiss Colony Beef Log: Eric Cartman said it best.

"Swiss Colony Beeflog, baby
That's what Christmas is all abouut!
A roly-poly Colony beeflog, lady
Makes a little boy scream and shout!"

Candle: Uh... Anywhere from Walmart to Yankee Candle to Marshall's.

Trinket Box: All over the place!

I was inspired to write this after thinking about my mother's friend, a neighbor who has known my mother for years and continually buys her the dumbest, cheapest gifts. They aren't best friends, but I can't help but wonder why this woman won't put forth the tiniest effort to get my mother something she might actually like. Not that she should spend a fortune, either, but this person makes an enormously good living. Yet she buys items like cheap, cloying bath fizzes for a dollar (price tag attached), or cheap, goofy pictures of chipmunks, and acts as if she's handing my mother gold.

It's not difficult and I can't help but feel it's out of laziness that people call themselves "Bad Gift Givers."

Here is what I believe to be a good checklist/guide for gifts:

1. What gender?
2. What's their personal style?
3. What kind of music do they like?
4. Favorite colors?
5. Favorite scents?
6. Hobbies?

And very important, have they given you gifts before? You can probably get a lot of insight into what they might like by what they've given you. Did they spend a little or a lot?

Sometimes people give inappropriate gifts. If a casual acquaintance or co-worker buys an expensive cashmere scarf for you, it arouses all sorts of confused and worrisome feelings. And if your best friend buys you a pot of carmex (and you hand her a pot of caviar face mask), you might wonder exactly how important you are to her.

This post may reek of materialism and shallowness, and that wasn't my intention. Gifts are not the most important thing, nor are they even that important AT ALL in the grand scheme. But it is important to please the people in your life who are special, whom you love and appreciate. You may find that giving a good gift which excites the receiver is an instant confidence boost for you. It's nice to show people that we consider them to be important, that we want them to have a nice gift as a display of our affection.

So calm down, breathe slowly, and take a long perusal of the shops until you find the right gift for the person you want to honor.

Looklet

2009-12-23T12:09:00.000-08:00

OMG! Coolest site ever! Jo from Sweet, Mysterious Feast clued me into Looklet, where you can piece together outfits from hundreds upon hundreds of tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, and accessories. It's addictive, so check it out!

Here are some of my ensembles:

Dita's Upgrade

2009-12-23T04:01:00.000-08:00

The lovely Dita Von Teese was spotted grocery shopping with her new SEXY French boyfriend. Definitely an upgrade from Marilyn Manson, huh? Mon Dieu!

Image from PerezHilton.com

All Things Beautiful, All Things Delightful

2009-12-07T08:15:00.000-08:00

Oolala! presents the latest in all things beautiful and delightful!

*Smokey Eyes

Grey and black make peepers sexy and mysterious. Lids glisten in metallic and shiney brown shades. There are a few ways to rock the smokey eye, but no matter what you do, play down your pucker!

Fairy Tale Hair

Heighten your allure with shiney, voluminous hair. Tousle to get the look of a woodland nymph, or sleekify your long locks to emulate Rapunzel. Try Carol's Daughter products for shine and beguiling scent! Set a comb or hairband, like these gorgeous adornments from Andrea's Beau (http://www.andreasbeau.com/shop-womens-hair-accessories.htm), upon your crown.

Pretty Baubles

Treasures adorn and enhance the body. Delicate earrings dangle provocatively. Pendants show off a slender neck. Rings flash charmingly on elegant fingers. Take your pick at Essensual Jewelry (http://www.etsy.com/shop/jennytrinh), some of the finest pieces I've ever seen.

Chocolate Covered Cherries

Christmas simply calls for them. Delicious chocolate encasing a beautiful, plump cherry floating in creme. Savor these rich morsels.

Friends and Family

When this time of year comes around, we become hyper-aware of the people in our life. Enjoy your friends and family. Marvel at their beauty, humor, and intelligence. Convene and have a grand old time together! Head out to the local bar and share a few glasses of wine. Curl up and share thoughts. Take a favored girlfriend out to lunch. Crawl into bed with your mother and cuddle like you did when you were a child.

Ruby Delight

2009-12-05T21:04:00.000-08:00

Check out these absolutely stunning ruby earrings from Etsy! The artist has many, many other gorgeous and unique creations: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35910902

I would love to get my hands on these dainties!

Anthropologie: The Study of Beautiful Dresses

2009-12-01T07:41:00.000-08:00

Here are some adorable dresses from Anthropologie. I love their feminine and elegant, yet cute dresses and hope to have a good few hanging in my closet at some point!

Skyfall Dress - $178

Frozen Crystals Dress - $178

Sound Waves Dress - $248

Sterling Dress - $168

Fields of Gold Dress - $148

Longing-For-Yellow-Dress - $158

Let Down Your Hair

2009-11-21T18:32:00.000-08:00

Frasier asked me to do a feature on hair growth. She is intent on growing out some luxurious locks. There is nothing quite so poetic and beautiful as some well-tended, long hair, so this is what you can do.

The healthier your hair is, the better your chances of maintaining longer hair will be. To promote healthy hair, always condition. Condition your hair from the ends to about mid-shaft, or at least to your ears. Never run a comb or brush through tangles. This will roughen up the cuticle. Instead, start at the ends of your hair and gently work tangles free with a comb. Once a week, do a hot oil treatment. You can use olive oil, jojoba, or even a combination of the two. Some like to put honey on their hair, but it can be quite sticky. Leave this on for half an hour or so, then wash out.

Beautiful hair starts inside the body. Take biotin, which is great for your nails and skin, and which also stimulates and feeds the scalp. Drink lots of water and eat protein-rich foods. Also, ingesting oils and certain fats is great for hair health. Olive oil is great, not to mention avocado. Get some flax seed in your diet, which will definitely affect the health and growth of your hair.

Massage your scalp. Lean over and let the blood rush to your head while you firmly knead your scalp. Take time with this, enjoy it. It's a great pleasure. Find a soft-toothed brush and brush your scalp. Tug firmly on your hair.

I advocate Potion 9 by Sebastian. It's pricey, but is one of the best things I've ever put on my hair. It's good for your hair and makes it sleek. You can fake polished, well-groomed hair with Potion 9. It contains nine oils, like jojoba, and nourishes the hair.

Always rinse your hair with cold water, which closes the cuticle and makes hair shine. Hot water is the enemy of all beautiful hair.

You Are a Project

2009-11-17T10:25:00.000-08:00

This is a revelation I recently had in regards to health and beauty: you are a project. Your health should be an ongoing project. Your appearance should be an ongoing project. Your happiness should be an ongoing project.

I have noticed that little changes beget big results. Little tips and tricks can help you to things like healthier skin and hair. They can also add up to big body pay offs.

I have decided to obtain a juicer and create my own detox and beauty drinks. I was inspired after picking up a book called "There Are No Incurable Diseases" by a Dr. Schultze.

The big goal is to attempt his 30 day juice fast, but after Christmas. Until then, I'm gonna aim to fast for two days a week.

By this time next year, I want to be between 130-145 pounds. I want to look great in a bikini. Yes, you read that right. A bikini. I was looking at myself in the mirror today. I was wearing a bra and underwear, which I rarely do, and was shocked by the possibilities I saw. For the first time, I saw how friggin awesome I would look if I exercised and toned up. I never realized it. I could basically look like a model if I only put a little effort into it. And I could look good in a bikini. So that is my goal. I want to be bikini ready by this time next year. There's always a chance Frasier, Myron, and I might be able to go to Tybee. Not that I would EVER swim in that murky water, but I'd like to be able to perhaps lounge beside it.

Here are some little tips and tricks that will definitely, without-a-doubt help you drop a few pounds and look better. I've seen results from doing these things, but you MUST do them consistently. That means every day, or at least a few times a week.

1. Drink water. It's amazing the difference you see when you chug nothing but water over the course of a few days. It's even more amazing how much other drinks puff you up. Water eliminates all bloat around your tummy, brightens and moisturizes your skin, and keeps your systems working in harmony. It is the oldest weight loss/management trick in the world.

2. Drink apple cider vinegar diluted with water. Drink this every day. Drink this first thing when you get up in the morning. Drink this before every meal. This is one of the only real miracle weight loss tricks out there. It actually seems to melt belly fat. The Amish know about this and use it for weight loss. There are thousands of firsthand accounts of how much weight people lose doing this. For one thing, it helps curb appetite. For another, apple cider vinegar inhibits fat absorption by the body. For yet another, it seems to eat the fat off of your stomach. Apple cider vinegar alkalizes the body. Fergie drinks a shot of it every morning. Only buy organic apple cider vinegar, like Bragg's, which is the best out there.

3. Drink green tea. I don't have as much experience with this, but everyone agrees that it does help. It's also good for your health in general.

4. Eat raw veggies before or with every meal.

5. Take chromium, but not too much. It can be toxic if you ingest too much. I would recommend only one capsule daily. Chromium is a great supplement for weight loss.

6. Stay away from alcohol, breads, and pasta. Everything in moderation. Have one night a week to have what you want, but get right back on your plan the next day.

The Bath

2009-11-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

There's no reason why bathing should ever be a chore for anyone. Even for the super busy of us, bathing should be a time to relax and indulge. You may find that taking the time to provide yourself with a luxurious, restful bathing experience may improve other areas of your life. You may feel better rested, less stressed, and more confident. Bathing can and should be a beauty/health ritual.

To start, never take a piping hot bath. I know this is hard to resist. I am just now weaning myself off a hot bath. But you will be happy to adjust to lower temperatures when you find that your skin is softer, less dry, and less prone to rashes or rough patches. Hot water will suck moisture from your skin, which will age it. To avoid water that is too hot, let your bath run at its hottest until about half full. Then adjust it to lukewarm until full. This will give you a nice temperature.

Bubbles are a bad idea. They also dry your skin and oftentimes contain ingredients harmful to your skin. Instead, try essential oils. Or pour some olive oil into your bath. Olive oil is one of the best beauty secrets. It's good externally and internally. It is so similar to our body's natural oils that it's absorbed extremely well. You can also pour some creamy milk into your bath. Cleopatra took milk baths to exfoliate and soften her skin. The acids in the milk are excellent.

Exfoliate. Buy an exfoliating cloth and squeeze some gel onto it for maximum luxury. Or make up your own exfoliating paste out of olive oil and sugar. Or opt for oatmeal and vegetable oil.

Never dunk your head in your bath water before shampooing, nor after. I know it can be tempting. I am often too lazy to stand up and use the shower head. But think about it: you've just been stewing in that water. It's got dirt and oil from your body in it. After you shampoo, use a good conditioner. Never put conditioner on your scalp. Apply it from the ends up to about mid-shaft. While you leave that on, shave the necessary areas. Or cleanse your face. When ready to rinse, stand and use the shower. Use the coldest water you can stand. This will close the cuticle and make your hair sleek.

Step out and moisturize with lotion. You should do this when you are still wet, but personally I need to wipe off a bit with a towel. Being soaking wet and slick with lotion is uncomfortable.

If you washed your face during your bath, apply your moisturizer. I hate using toner, but most people advocate it. If you use it, moisturize on top of it.

If you're going out, wrap hair in a towel and put your face on. If not, still wrap it up. It's always better to let hair dry that way a few minutes before attacking it with a blow dryer.

*Use incense or listen to music during your bath if you like

*Enjoy your bath! It's not a punishment! It's supposed to make you feel great and look fresh!

New Blog

2009-10-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

I've started a new blog unrelated to beauty tips or vintage-y things. It's just observations and random things.

http://strangersobservations.blogspot.com/2009/10/channon-christian-and-christopher.html

Bugsy's Baby

2009-10-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

I've always loved reading biographies of women from 20's, 30's, and 40's. Marilyn Monroe, Ava Gardner, Bettie Page... and Virginia Hill. Most people don't know about Virginia Hill. She was an influential member of the mob during the 1940's and she was so important, she sat in on mob conferences with the men, laundered huge sums of money, and was trusted with the job of spying on Ben Siegel with the intent of digging up dirt on him.

Virginia was born in Marietta, Georgia, a white trash tomboy who was abused by her father and liked to hike mountains barefoot. She moved to Chicago at the tender age of 17 and attracted the attention of Joe Epstein, a member of the Chicago mob who acted as her personal Henry Higgins, glamorizing her and trusting her with missions for the mob. Virginia, unlike a lot of the stupid, unstable women involved with mobsters, knew how to keep her mouth shut. She never acted without instruction and was good at keeping secrets.

LA during the 40's was highly corrupt. The mob paid off politicians, not to mention the LAPD, and were considered to be as cool as the movie stars. In fact, Ben Siegel was often present at Hollywood parties and Virginia Hill was constantly chased by paparazzi. She became a big news story when Errol Flynn hit on her at a restaurant and she threw a plate at his head.

Ben and Virginia had a troubled, passionate relationship. They cheated on each other constantly, but always came back to one another. He named his club/casino, The Flamingo, after her long legs.

After suffering a brutal beating at Bugsy's hands, Virginia flew to Paris. The Bug stayed behind and was assassinated at Virginia's luxurious Hollywood home. Virginia ended up dying in 1966 in Austria, purportedly by suicide, but it's said that she was wacked (and I believe it) for threatening to publish her memoirs, a precise diary she kept of criminal activity, in which she gave dates and names of major mob figures.

Virginia is noteworthy on a superficial level for several reasons. She was a glamorous, fast-talking, cool-headed lady of the mob. She hobnobbed with dangerous gangsters and used men for her own purposes, never playing second fiddle. She lived a luxurious life and had fine tastes. She was an extra in several Hollywood films, though her scenes were cut out. Virginia was also a major player in the Kefauver Hearings, in which a senator from Tennessee headed a movement against the mob, and was interrogated on film (these clips are awesome. she's so feisty and intolerant of them all, and she point-blank tells them that she received gifts from mobsters because she was good at giving head).

Here's to you, Virginia Hill, not because you were a good person, but because you kicked ass in your own special way!

Men and Stores Don't Mesh...

2009-10-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

So Myron, Frasier, my grandmother, and I made our yearly trip to the Coach outlet to select a purse. As I dejectedly tried to select a purse I liked, which I never did, disliking most and ogling the too expensive, I became increasingly irritated by the scores of men milling around the store. It was full of husbands and boyfriends, all doddering around in the way or staring at the ceiling with confused looks on their faces. Their wives, on the other hand, were knocking people out of the way to examine the purses. Git'er'done!

I don't understand it. You can see this in other places, like clothing and grocery stores, and they are always IN THE WAY. I can understand if a man is alone and doing his own shopping, but I simply can't comprehend why they have to follow their wives all over the place.

Couldn't they be watching the football game? Or getting something to eat? Going into a store that sells something they might be interested in? Staying home with the kids?

Why do these idiots insist on following their wives everywhere they go? Why don't they have their own thing going on?

In the words of Carrie Bradshaw...

I couldn't help but wonder: are men feminizing and slowly developing vaginas?

They'll probably be menstruating a hundred years from now and forming support groups for men with cramps.

Anyway, I never found a purse I liked. There were a few handsome purses that Frasier tried to press on me, but I didn't see the point of Myron spending money on a christmas present I wouldn't care about having.

Which is disappointing, as I have but three Coach bags and would really like a new purse.

There are bigger problems out there. And the biggest is not drinking your honey/lemon juice tonic, SO DRINK UP!

Apple Cider Vinegar

2009-10-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

Apple Cider Vinegar is highly beneficial for inner and outer health. The Amish use it for many different ailments. Here are some of its uses:

For weight loss: drink apple cider vinegar and honey in hot water before every meal, or at least twice a day, for a weight loss of ten pounds a month. The Amish advocate this and who wouldn't trust them?

For skin: steam your face with hot towels and elevate feet for ten minutes. Then apply a towel steeped in vinegar and water to your face for another ten minutes. Then dab face with apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider is also said to eradicate varicose veins when drunk in water.

Does the Carpet Match the Drapes?

2009-09-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I dyed my hair red. It was gorgeous and suited my skin perfectly, but it's beginning to fade! It's still got a hint of red, but is really just dark at this point, despite my having used color protecting shampoos. Does anyone have any advice on products to use to help preserve the color? I am getting it done again on the 29th.

Wuthering Heights

2009-09-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

My sister is reading "Wuthering Heights," my favorite book in the entire universe. I am most thrilled that Frasier is delving into this story and advocate that anyone with a love for melancholy stories and tragic love pick it up.

There have been many film adaptations. Some bad, some decent, and some awesome. My favorites are the Timothy Dalton version from the 1970's and the most recent with Tom Hardy. First, the former.

This version has its low points, as most adaptations do, but the good points outweigh the bad. For one, the scenery is beautiful, atmospheric, and spooky. The original score is gorgeous. The two leads, Timothy Dalton and Anna Calder Marshall, are excellent in their roles. The screenwriters did an admirable job incorporating key monologues and other quotes into the film. Heathcliff was brooding, dashing, and pitiable, as he should be. I loved Anna as Cathy. So many versions tone Cathy's character down and fail to depict her accurately. Cathy was wild, fierce (Tyra banks FIERCE!), and selfish. Anna brought passion and confliction to the role.

A major low point: the story was cut in half and the second generation was entirely ignored. It ended rather abruptly.

The version with Tom Hardy is my favorite. It's beautiful and includes the second generation, the children, and Tom Hardy is the best Heathcliff. He is simply amazing. Not one moment did I feel like he was "acting." Marvelous. In his moments with Cathy, he was dedicated and loving. We could see all his tenderness and passion for her. In his moments with his enemies, he was menacing and merciless. He showed Heathcliff's misery and desperation. That was a brilliant piece of casting! Catherine was not written truthfully, they toned down her impetuosity and wicked nature. How boring! The other actors are very good, with the exception of young Cathy, who is utterly boring and grating, and sometimes Hareton is unendearing. The screenwriters also added a bunch of dialogue to beef up the love story and some events that never happened in the book. But overall, it's an admirable movie and Tom Hardy was magnificent. He also possesses an interesting, varied sort of handsomeness. His face was always changing. From a wild youth in love to a shorn, commanding man intent on winning his love's affections, to an unkempt, nasty curmudgeon, he was always different.

What I Wouldn't Give...

2009-09-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

To be 16 or 17 and an EMO. I'm serious.

Of course, I should take pride in the fact that I was EMO before it was a recognized state of being. My originality has no boundaries. I will be 22 come October 6th, but when I was 15 and 16, man, I was the prototype for EMO.

I had short, thick hair that I loved to wild up with a bunch of gel. I even used afro pomade to pump up my 'do. I looked like the Night Hob in "Neverending Story." I lined my eyes with dark liner. I sat up until 2 in the morning watching movies like "The Hunger" or "The Lost Boys." I even sat up to watch the sunrise because I was so stimulated by "Interview with the Vampire," a movie I could quote word for word. I didn't really get the wardrobe down. I preferred ugly t-shirts and plaid, button-up shirts from my grandfather's closet. I was an ugly, dumpy EMO, but I was one of the first, damn it.

And I was so miserable! I guess that comes with being the pioneering EMO, but I was dreadfully unhappy. And now I look at EMO's today, those mopey bantlings who are so fortunate to have things like "Twilight" and an entire underground culture that supports them, and I want to cry. You see, as one of the first, I didn't have other people supporting me and petting me and giving me EMO toys to play with, no. I moped around in a corduroy jacket during the summer and just felt ugly all the time.

But my inner life was rich. My God. I was pure in a way I no longer am today. I had an openness, a way of looking at themes and ideas with understanding, that I don't have in the same way today. I awoke every morning with this intoxicating, oily film over my head and really BELIEVED that I'd been watched by a vampire in the night, while I slumbered. There was always a sense of that dark hope!

I was in pain all the time, but it was pleasurable pain.

And that's why I love the fall. I feel all of that again. The smell of wind and dead, burning leaves is like ambrosia to my soul. And yet, it hurts in a bad way because I know I will never be as young as I was. Never, ever. Only in another life, probably in far different circumstances, with different genitalia, and never with as much perception and wonder as I did in this life, five and six years ago. It's all gone.

There is only getting older and dreading death, even though you know it's probably not so bad. It's just knowing that the person I am now, the things that excite and enliven me, won't ever be important to me again. I will be a different person in death and I will be a different person in the next life. And what is dear and exciting to me now will probably cease to be even a memory. For anyone.

The Return of Oolala!

2009-09-16T15:50:00.001-07:00

Forgive me, my sweet dears, for neglecting the blog over the past few months. It is entirely unacceptable! I have been adjusting to a new job, trying to get on a proper diet, and getting back into acting class (and lately, trying to quit smoking!), but feel ready to return to the frilly, fragrant world of beauty.

I have decided that I want to broaden Oolala's horizons a bit. I am interested in all aspects of beauty: hair, makeup, toiletries, vintage and historical beauty tricks, spas, et cetera. Therefore, I want this blog to focus not only on beauty from the 30's, 40's, and 50's, but of every era. I also want to pay more attention to specific beauties and fashionistas. There were times I didn't pursue ideas for the blog because I thought they were going outside the theme.

I will be giving the blog another face lift and revamping in a major way. Stay tuned!

As a gift for being absent, I am going to share a beauty tonic with you. I found this online and it is amazing. I just recently started drinking this and have noticed I feel happier. I am also noticing an improvement in my skin already. This is a miracle tonic, but the ingredients are so simple! People who drink the tonic have noticed the following:

*fewer wrinkles
*fewer pimples
*glowing skin
*weight loss
*less cellulite

Drink this soothing concoction every morning and night, or at least once a day.

Bring however much water you need to a near boil, then add 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey to water. Stir and follow with a big slice of lemon (or lemon juice) and cover. Steep for five minutes and then enjoy! It's simple, but tastes great and really improves your system. Honey has amazing healing and cleansing properties, plus lemon is a great detoxifier. Lemon supports the liver and aids in metabolism, which may account for the purported weight loss.

I hope you all try this and enjoy it! I feel like the sorceress Circe when I drink it. It's the ultimate beauty tonic.

Mmmwa!

Friday's WTF

2009-06-26T04:11:00.001-07:00

I wouldn't normally do this, but I'm borrowing my sister's feature as a way to vent on Oolala. While I like to stick to the theme of this blog, sometimes I need to say some things and have no other medium to do it.

I want to thank the person who made my first official day on cash register that much easier. Due to no fault of my own, I had to endure your impatience and smart ass comments for five minutes while I tried to work through a problem I had been given no training to solve. Being a massive prick is not going to make me move faster. You are not so important that you have a right to behave that way. You are not special, nor are you a big shot, and the fact that you blew up so quickly over so small a matter indicates that you have a stunted maturity level and a big stick up your ass. It smacks of self-importance. You hadn't even been waiting 60 seconds before you started. Get over yourself. I hope your prickdom collects in your puny heart and results in a massive coronary, you ugly, over-tan, mook-looking piece of shit. If not, may you choke on the food you bought.

Excerpt from "My Lady Scandalous"

2009-06-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

This is an excerpt from a fascinating book by Jo Manning about Grace Dalrymple Elliott, a celebrated courtesan from the British Regency era.

"Those coveted white complexions held a deadly secret: ceruse. Not all women had naturally pale, ivory-colored complexions. Nature could be assisted by the use of a mixture of white lead and vinegar, a thick paste that was applied as foundation to the face, neck, and bosom. The first record of its use was in Tudor times, the 1500s. Not only was a desirable white complexion achieved, but this concoction successfully hid what smallpox left behind: pits and scars. (Acne would also be covered.) Unfortunately, white lead was a killer. Mercury, used for facial peels, was deadly as well. Vermilion (mercuric sulfide), used to paint lips and cheeks, was also dangerous. Belladonna, which made the eyes sparkle (it dilated the pupils and whitened the whites), was a toxic hallucinogen. Applied to the cheeks, it was a kind of blusher, as the plant irritated the skin and caused redness. Safer cosmetics were prepared from madder, cochineal, and ochre, for lips and cheeks, and kohl (powdered antimony), to line the eyelids. Overapplication of ceruse would, like today's Botox, limit a user's ability to smile; cracks would appear on the thickly used base. There was also a good possibility the user would die, as a number of aristocratic women and their demimondaine sisters did. Women of the lower classes, with no money to purchase these artificial aids to beauty, were likely to live longer."

Monday's Fab Five: June 22, 2009

2009-06-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

1. Purchase raw shea butter (expensive!) and combine in a container with olive oil. Apply this to stretch marks daily for a few months to see results.

2. Coconut oil is better than olive oil for the health of your hair. Indian women use it often to silkify their hair.

3. A sea salt bath will draw impurities out of the body and feel really good.

4. Hold a banana peel over a bruise for 10-30 minutes. It's said that a chemical in the banana peel will draw out the discoloration.

5. Coat your feet in olive oil, vaseline, or any other oil and put socks on. Sleep this way and you'll find your feet are soft by morning.

In Lieu...

2009-06-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

In lieu of a Fetching Friday Article, here's some advice that will always be wise and valid. Thank Ms. Leighton Meester for this bit of gold:

Ready?

NEVER FILM YOURSELF HAVING SEX!

This is getting to be ridiculous, you silly celebs!

More Delights...

2009-06-16T08:26:00.001-07:00

The cake is here because it looks so good.... OM NOM NOM!

Hats and Heels

2009-06-16T07:53:00.000-07:00

The majority of these gorgeous images are from the movie "Marie Antoinette." Enjoy this veritable orgasm for the eyes!

Bon Vivant!

2009-06-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

Look at these gorgeous shoes by Irregular Choice, a designer based out of London. I'm in love with them, some of them are perfectly reminiscent of Marie Antoinette and other historical ladies of the court! These are my favorites. When I have the money, I'm going to splurge on a pair.

Monday's Fab Five: June 15, 2009

2009-06-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

To Achieve a Lily-Fair Complexion:

1. Wash face with a nice bar of black licorice soap. This is said to be amazing for skin lightening. Many Asian women use it to lighten their skin tone.

2. Tremella Mushroom. Another favorite in Asian countries, this supplement is supposed to make your skin super soft, pliant, and white.

3. Glutathione supplements are another skin lightener. You can track them down on a discount vitamin website, like vitacost.

4. Apply lemon, plain yogurt, and turmeric powder to the skin as a mask for 20 minutes. Indian women use this secret.

5. If everything else fails, you can always use makeup. Blend a light powder with a lilac base and layer until you achieve the desired pale look.

Remember, all skin tones are gorgeous and rock whatever you have!

Fetching Fridays: June 12, 2009

2009-06-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

Borrowed from Vintage Articles: http://www.marilynmonroe.ca/camera/mags/

Life Magazine

April 7, 1952

Marilyn Monroe: The Talk of Hollywood

Every so often, more in hope than conviction, Hollywood annouces the advent of a sensational glamour girl, guaranteed to entice people from all lands to the box office. Usually the sensation fizzles. But today the most respected studio seers, in a crescendo of talk unparalleled since the debut of Rita Hayworth, are saying that the genuine article is here at last: a sturdy blonde named Marilyn Monroe.

Three years ago Marilyn was trying to get a start like any other starlet: a low-salary contract with 20th Century-Fox, small parts in movies, choice as Miss Flamethrower by an Army unit. She even posed for calendar art for a few badly needed extra pennies. Somewhere between her ingenous mind and voluptuous body came a spark of the kind that makes movie personalities. Her bit parts stood out in big films (All About Eve, Asphalt Jungle). Today she is topic A-plus in Hollywood. She gets 5000 fan letters a week and is being costarred simultaneously in films with Cary Grant, Richard Widmark, Charles Laughton.

THE MONROE DOCTRINE

Marilyn was being driven down a California scenic route recently by an admirer when she volunteered the information, "I was born under the sign of Gemini. That stands for the intellect." "Yes?" said the admirer. "Everybody else I've told that to," said Marilyn, "laughed." Because, her movie role is always that of a dumb blonde. Hollywood generally supposes she is pretty dumb herself. This is a delusion. Marilyn is naive and guileless. But she is smart enough to have known how to make a success in the cutthroat world of glamour. She does it by being as wholly natural as the world will allow. Physically she has many of the attributes of Jean Harlow. But there is no suggestion of hardness or tartness in Marilyn. She is relaxed, warm, apparently absorbed by whatever man she has her big blue eyes fixed on at any particular moment. "I've given pure sex appeal very little thought," she says, "If I had to think about it I'm sure it would frighten me."

What does she think about the expresses in aphorisms. On clothes: "I dress for men. A woman looks at your clothes critically. A man appreciates them." On eating with a man: "I don't give the food much thought." On walking: "I use walking to just get me around." On resting: "I sit down the way I feel." On men: "They seem to understand me." On herself: "I am very definitely a woman and I enjoy it."

Marilyn never finished high school but she is devoted to the intellectual life. She sprinkles her conversation with lines from Thomas Wolfe and Browning, with the same candid simplicity she uses in describing her dumbbell exercises: "I'm fighting gravity. If you don't fight gravity, you sag." Her candor sometimes disconcerts interviewers. "Once this fellow says, 'Marilyn, what do you wear to bed?' So I said I only wear Chanel No. 5 and he groans, 'Oh no, I can't use that.'"

Marilyn's real name is Norma Jeane Mortenson, though she generally gives it as Baker, apparently because her father was a baker. She was brought up at municipal expense in 12 different foster homes in Los Angeles. The first family was intensely religious. "To go to a movie was a sin," recalls Marilyn. "Every night I was told to pray that I would not wake up in hell." The next family was comprised of movie bit players: "They drank and danced and played cards. Oh, how I prayed for them." Another one gave her empty whiskey bottles as her only toys. She was a skinny child, something of an ugly duckling. At 16, to avoid being sent to an orphanage, she married an aircraft worker and was divorced two years later. Marilyn looks back on the hard knocks of her youth with no particular self-pity and only hopes they may have taught her a few things about people which will help her in her career. For, with all Hollywood at her feet, she is obsessed by an irrational childhood ambition: she wants very much to became an actress.

-Transcribed by Melinda

Jean Harlow Gets Around

2009-06-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

I haven't always thought much of Jean Harlow, probably because of all the Marilyn Monroe comparisons. Monroe is my number one girl, but I've come to love Jean Harlow because of her spirit. In my opinion, when you watch old movie stars, they have an affected manner, a way of acting that is distinctly of their time. Not so with Harlow. She was funny, had great timing, cute facial expressions, and a modern type of confidence. She's the one star who could have been magically transplanted into modern Hollywood and made it.

Harlow was everybody's baby. Beloved by all her friends and family, that became her nickname. When she died at the young age of 26 from a kidney attack, her tombstone was inscribed: Our Baby.

This is an awesome video from Youtube of Harlow set to The Dragonette's "I Get Around." The song rocks and Harlow is so charming. I really dig her.

Make Your Own Coffee, Harvey...

2009-06-12T06:02:00.000-07:00

Plumes and Pearls

2009-06-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

This shop is darling! They make little gifts in the style of the 18th century, like little tins and scented powders named after famous women of the time. What a neat idea! Hop on over for a unique gift:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6546962

The Duchess of Devonshire's Guide to the 18th Century

2009-06-10T10:45:00.001-07:00

I recently found this marvelous site. It focuses on the beauty secrets, lives, and intrigues of tarts from the 18th and 19th centuries. An interesting and informational feature is the "Tart of the Week," in which the history of an obscure tart is examined. It's a well done and beautiful blog, so please visit!

http://georgianaduchessofdevonshire.blogspot.com/

Tuesday's Tidbit

2009-06-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

Back in the old days, people didn't have all the little candies and sweets we have now. To feed their need for sweets, they would put a biscuit in a cup and pour coffee, with cream and sugar, over the biscuit. This was known as Soakey and people really enjoyed it!

Monday's Fab Five: June 8th, 2009

2009-06-08T05:58:00.000-07:00

* Masks are not just for your face. On a day of pampering, apply a mud firming mask to your arms, breasts, even your derriere. It's preferable to do this after a steamy shower/bath, then stand around and fix your hair, makeup; do whatever will keep you on your feet a few minutes.

* When taking a shower, it's fine to use warm water. But it can be quite beneficial for the quality of your skin to stand under an icy shower for a few moments. Warm water causes blood to rush to the surface of your skin, making it a little more squishy. Cold water forces blood away from the surface, making your skin firm and smooth. Plus, cold water is such a good shock for your system. Just don't do this if you have a sensitive heart!

* Always moisturize your body after a bath or shower. Not moisturizing your skin is like begging for stretch marks and dryness. When skin isn't kept moist and plump. any weight loss or gain will be more likely to show up in the form of stretch marks. Concentrate especially on your breasts, abdomen, elbows, knees, and the rest of your legs. These areas need the extra moisturizer.

* One of the best beauty secrets I heard was in regards to hair: treat your hair like a silk shirt. You wouldn't rip a piece of fine silk with a comb, so why do it to your hair? This isn't always an easy rule to follow, especially if you have thick hair that tangles after EVERY bath. Here are a few tidbits:

1. Use your fingertips, not your nails to massage shampoo into hair.
2. When rinsing, use the shower head and not the bath water you've been marinating in for the past half hour. That
bath water is full of dirt and oils from your body.
3. Allow conditioner to sit on hair for at least 2 minutes. Try to keep it away from your scalp to avoid oily head.
4. Rinse with ice cold water.
5. If possible, sleep on a silk pillowcase. This sounds too luxurious, even to me, but it is great for your hair.

* In our weight-obsessed culture, we receive quite a load of conflicting information. You can lose if you starve, you have to eat six meals a day, you have to work out, you don't have to work out, et cetera. It's especially popular right now to avoid fasting, but I am here to endorse The Fast. For one, one or two days of scanty eating is not going to hurt you. It's great for cleansing your body, giving your organs a rest, and gathering spiritual energy. Why do you think so many religious people fast? It's not a punishment, but rather a beauty ritual.

1. If you have been overeating and find it hard to get back on track, one day of fasting can do wonders. You'll wake up feeling refreshed and lighter.
2. A fast doesn't necessarily mean, don't eat a single calorie. Rather, it means to allow your body to rest. Don't consume food that will tax your system. If you want, you can eat yogurt with honey all day. Or apples (Edgar Cayce recommends an Apple Fast for good health). Or, as one socialite endorses, lay in bed all day and drink vegetable broth. She claims it's marvelous for the body.
3. Do it however you like. Make a day of it. Lie on the couch under a luxurious blanket and drink green tea while wearing a face mask. Spend the day naked in your bedroom, just being lazy. But don't do anything that exhausts you! And if you begin to feel weak or sick, eat something pronto! You cannot lose weight in a day and this is not meant for weight loss!

I hope today's Fab Five has been helpful! Be good to your body!

Fly Your Freak Flag...

2009-06-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

Most from Vintage Scans, http://vintagescans.blogspot.com/:

Fetching Fridays

2009-06-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

I've added another feature to the blog, Fetching Fridays, where I post a vintage article or photo guide from a vintage magazine. Since I've recently come across the mecca that is Photoplay Magazine, you will be enjoying treats from them for a while to come. Unfortunately, I have no way to scan the photos, but I hope to remedy that somehow.

"PHOTOPLAY’S

Hollywood Beauty Shop

Conducted by Carolyn Van Wyck

All the beauty tricks of all the stars brought to you each month

Jean Harlow is representative of an extreme, exotic type of beauty. Her platinum hair set a world-wide vogue. Her half-moon brows accent her pastel coloring. Make-up is concentrated at eyes and mouth. She depends upon good health, fresh air, exercise, cream, soap and water, followed by an ice water rinse, for her perfect skin. Note her lashes. They are naturally long.

• High, narrow and very arched are Jean’s eyebrows. She uses a finely pointed eyebrow pencil. The high brow enlarges the eye, gives clarity, an appealing quality.

• Jean uses a true red cream rouge for her lips, blending the line perfectly and carrying the color well inside to prevent a break in tone. Those very long lashes are black.

• Skin-tone powder is then puffed lightly but thoroughly over Jean’s face and neck, with special attention to nostrils, eye corners and chin. And, always brush from brows.

• Jean’s platinum halo has probably aroused more comment and curiosity than any one feature of any star. Naturally blonde, Jean encourages whiteness by weekly shampoos with white soap and a final rinse containing a few drops of French bluing. She brushes for softness, sets her wave with water and vinegar."

Raise Mutant Frogs

2009-06-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

This was too funny not to share. From Vintage Scans:

Lies and Your Size

2009-06-02T10:10:00.001-07:00

Lately, I've been pondering over how so many women lie about their size and the confusion this causes other people. Now, I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. I'm going to be honest about this because it needs to be said.

Never lie about your size. Why? Because people know that you're lying. I was watching a television show which featured two women trying to lose weight. One was 5'7" and started at over 200 pounds. At the end, she was down to 175 pounds and claimed to be a size 10.

Now, everyone looks bigger on television and people have different shapes, but it was painfully obvious she was lying. For one thing, her body was noticeably bigger than a size 10. It simply was. Her waist measurement was over 40 inches.

I am 5'9" and 170 pounds (give a pound or two). My waist measures in at 31 inches and I wear a size 12 in pants, usually a medium or large in tops. Now, I am working on dropping 30-40 pounds because I want to fit into a certain size. Partly because of the field I want to go into and simply because I will never feel good about myself at my current size. But that's not to say that my size is a "big" size. At 5'9", a size 12 is average and perfectly acceptable. For the most part, I carry my weight well and don't look distorted. I am by no means thin, but I also don't look like a huge person.

Which is why I think it's harmful for bigger women to lie about their size. A woman who is really a size 18 (but crams herself into 16's) who claims she is a size 12/10 makes women who really ARE that size confused about what they look like. If this woman, who is huge and fits the image of a typically obese person, is claiming to be my size, what do people see when they look at me? If I am a size 12 and a mindful, moderate eater, why is this person who is visibly much bigger than me claiming to be the same size?

I think the fact that women lie about this has contributed to the bizarre, unhealthy weight obsession in this country. Big women who lie about their size cause women who are average, but could lose a few pounds to feel bad about their bodies. Hence all the women who starve themselves and feel they need to be a size 2 to look good. It's a vicious cycle and women have created it, not men. Men don't LIKE women who look like skeletons.

Why don't we all do either one of two things: own up to our size and embrace it or lose weight?

Monday's Fab Five

2009-06-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

Taking a cue from my sister's blog, Sweet Mysterious Feast, and in an effort to update the blog regularly, I am including a feature for every monday: Monday's Fab Five. Health and Beauty Tips!

1. After cleansing, apply your moisturizer while skin is still damp. This will lock in moisture and keep skin plump and healthy.

2. Put a dot of shimmery gold eye shadow in the middle of each eyelid. This will capture the light and make your eyes look luminous.

3. Eat eggs several times a week for healthy protein. This will keep you energized, as well as help hair, skin, and nails stay healthy.

4. Cellulite? Drink plenty of water and brush skin with a soft brush, ideally every day. Warm coffee grounds rubbed into the skin are said to eliminate cellulite, but be ready to do some major cleanup!

5. Water proof mascaras dry and tighten your lashes, which can lead to break offs. Never curl lashes with mascara already applied, this can also cause them to break off. Apply a mixture of olive oil and castor oil to your eyelashes, root to tip, bottom and top, every evening for lush, thick lashes. Some people report results after only one treatment.

Flapper Style

2009-05-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

The Flapper Style is equal parts bohemian, sexy, and stylish. When they hit the scene in the early 20th century, they scandalized older generations with their short hair, heavy makeup, smoking, and wild dancing. The Flapper reveled in her feminine charms, she drank like a pirate, and enjoyed a good man... as long as he didn't cramp her style!

I recently sojourned in Nashville and along with an obsession for the city, I picked up a fabulous feather headband. With a mass of brown feathers and a golded flower applique, it's my favorite adornment. And it set me in the mind for the style of the flapper.

For feathered headbands:

http://www.estiheadbands.com/

Your eyes should be heavy. Think rich browns, blacks, plums, or even gunmetal. This is perfect:

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P211900&categoryId=C18697

If you really want to emulate the look, have hair cut into a bob. Wear a cloche hat or headband.

http://www.hatsinthebelfry.com/category/womens-clochet-hats.html

Bangin' Bangs!

2009-05-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

Some people are afraid of giving themselves bangs. I'll admit, it's better to have them professionally done and then trim them yourself. But I just gave myself some fabulous bangs after months of growth and it was easy!

1. Wet the area to be snipped.
2. Make sure hair is reasonably combed and not tangled.
3. Pinch your hair between your index and middle fingers, like a crab. Hair should be pulled together in front of face to almost a point.
4. Cut right below the line of your finger.
5. Remember to leave an inch or so more than you think you want. Hair will climb up when dry and your bangs might be too short.
6. Blow dry and fluff so they're nice and puffy!
7. Delicately snip any too long strands.

Voila!

Pocket Venus

2009-05-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

This site is dedicated to the lovely Dita Von Teese and is chock full o' pictures, articles, and links.

http://pocketvenus.wordpress.com/

Outdated Beauty Advice

2009-05-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

Yahoo's article about outdated beauty tips and tricks. I'd heard of the meat mask, but some of these were new to me:

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/outdated-beauty-advice-that-thankfully-hasn-t-stood-the-test-of-time-464097/

Sweet, Mysterious Feast!

2009-05-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

Check out my sister's blog, Sweet Mysterious Feast, a celebration of all things beautiful and delightful! Constantly updated with delicious tidbits, the blog is always interesting!

http://sweetmysteriousfeast.blogspot.com/

Miss Monroe

2009-05-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

After several months of mulling and researching, I give you my best effort to compile Marilyn Monroe's beauty tips and tricks. It was hard work because she did her best to keep them secret, but she lived her life surrounded by people and a few trickled out to the public.

Marilyn's Figure:

5'5" 1/2 tall
36-24-34
Weighed 117 pounds at the time of her death
Heaviest weight was 140 pounds
Shoe size was a size 7

*Marilyn jogged long before it was a popular exercise
*Lifted weights when it was only a man's sport
*Undertook a series of stretches every morning when she woke up

Marilyn Monroe was extremely body-conscious. She took great pains to shape and preserve her figure. An urban legend is that Marilyn Monroe was today's size 14 and that she was a full-figured woman. While this would be a nice ego boost for the non-skinny of us, it simply isn't true. All one need do is look at pictures of Marilyn to see that she was an extremely trim, small individual. She was an hourglass, but by no means ever wore a plus size. A size 14 then is a small size today.

Marilyn's Hair:

Natural Color was a reddish brown
Curly-headed
Hair ranged from golden blonde to platinum throughout her life

Marilyn's idol, Jean Harlow, was the inspiration for her hair. After she made a name for herself, Marilyn employed the hair dresser who dyed and took care of Harlow's hair. Unfortunately by the end of her life, all of those dye jobs had started to take a toll and Marilyn's hair was falling out and fraying.

Marilyn's Skin:

Fair

Marilyn took obsessive care of her skin. She used Shu Uemura, Nivea, Hormone Cream, Vaseline, and Cold Cream throughout her life. After cleansing her face, she splashed her skin 15 times with as cold a water as she could stand. If she wasn't going somewhere special afterward, she slathered Vaseline or Hormone cream all over her face. This habit often embarrassed her friends because she would run errands with a greasy face. This also led to fuzzy cheeks later in her life.

If she was going on a date or to an event, Marilyn still applied Vaseline, but then covered that with a fine powder. She then applied more Vaseline followed by more powder, which she repeated over and over until she got a flawless look.

Marilyn did not like the look of tan skin and took great pains to protect her fair complexion.

Marilyn's Makeup

Used Elizabeth Arden, Max Factor, and some Guerlain

Marilyn's makeup was most important to her. She spent hours putting it on and perfecting it. This led to her being late for shootings and interviews because she was never sure she looked good enough.

I won't say too much about her makeup because there are so many other great sites about her makeup application and, honestly, it's exhausting to repeat all of it! Just know that eyes and lips are equally important and she worked laboriously on both. She used as many as five shades of lipstick on her mouth to give them fullness and depth. She always wore false eyelashes.

Here is a great site. She has put a lot of work into this and I consider this the best page about Marilyn's makeup: http://teamsugar.com/group/137941/blog/197582

Random Trivia:

*Cut a quarter of an inch of one heel to give herself a sexy walk
*Bathed in Chanel No. 5
*Laid in ice baths to smooth skin
*Underwent regular colonic irrigation treatments to slim herself
*Used Greta Garbo as inspiration for eye makeup
*Also used olive oil on her face

Marilyn

2009-02-22T17:24:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been reading a lot about Marilyn Monroe. She is a classic star that interests me for the usual reasons. For one, she was glamorous and created a larger-than-life image for herself. For another, she led a very troubled, very sad life. Her mother's side was riddled with mental illness. She never knew her father. She was passed from foster home to foster home, then lived in an orphanage for a time. The fresh-faced brunette was despised by the head of the studio, Darryl Zanuck, who thought she was stupid and ugly. Marilyn underwent a nose job, a chin implant, and eyelid reconstruction to become the perfect star. When she first came on the scene in Hollywood, no one wanted to give her a chance. She was forced to entertain ugly, lecherous old men at parties and events, all of whom thought of her as nothing but an easy lay. She truly was regarded as a joke in those early days.

And yet, Marilyn's name became synonymous with glamour and beauty. She became an accomplished actress and studied with Lee Strasberg. She married a brilliant writer. Marilyn achieved the level of fame she dreamt about as a little girl.

Why is she so interesting? I think because she created who she wanted to be. She created the life she thought she wanted, even if it wasn't good for her in the end. She worked and perfected herself.

I've done a blog on Marilyn's beauty secrets before and wish I could bring some new ones to you. The fact is that she was INCREDIBLY secretive about her beauty secrets. She made a point of hiding her little tricks from people.

If I find something, I'll definitely share it here.

She's Got Legs

2009-02-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

Betty Grable. Has anyone else ever come close to her vivacity and beauty? Sweet, sassy, and a talented actress who could sing and dance, Betty was the number one pin up during WWII. Soldiers pasted pictures of her in their lockers, the most well-known photo of Betty showcasing her amazing legs, which were insured for 1,000,000 dollars. Though her stems were lovely and Betty attributed her success to them, she was more than that. She simply shone, so much so that she influences women to this day. She is Dita Von Teese's favorite pin up and constant source of inspiration.

Want to look like Grable? Go blonde and puff your hair on top of your head. Never go heavy on your eye makeup, opting for no more than white on your lids and mascara. Skin should be flawlessly matte. Lips either pink or coral. And remember, smile a lot!

As for getting her famous legs, Miss Vintage has a great page of leg exercises modeled after Betty. Her site is undergoing construction right now, but should be up again soon.

Hair Tonics

2009-01-31T08:33:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of updates! Here are some vintage hair tonics from "Personal Beauty." Please use these at your own risk, as they were published in 1870 and may be iffy!

Take--

Of Castor Oil one ounce
Liquor of ammonia one ounce
Best French brandy two ounces
Rose water six ounces

The above recipe should be used no more than every other day.

Apply this next one morning and evening.

Strong decoction of Peruvian bark half a pint
Brandy wineglassful
Glycerine tablespoonful

This next one apparently had great success.

Old Whiskey half a pint
Rock salt as much as will dissolve
Glycerine tablespoonful
Flour of sulphur teaspoonful

Be a Bettie

2008-12-29T18:06:00.000-08:00

Since her recent death, I've been thinking a lot about Bettie Page. Having just finished a book about the model, I wanted to blog about what I think attracts women to Bettie.

Of course, she had all the usual things that people admire: a nice body, pretty face, an innate understanding of how to present herself in the best way... But what makes her appeal to other women? Why do those of us who love vintage LOVE Bettie Page so damn much?

For me, at least, I think it's because she had her own style, her own unique look. No one else looked like her. And while everyone can admit she was a knockout, closer inspection shows us she wasn't perfect. She had a tendency to plumpness and asymmetrical eyes. If not for the cover of the bangs, her forehead would have looked out of proportion to the rest of her face. Despite these things, she was gorgeous.

She established her own look. What helped was the hairstyle. She really lucked into that one. No one else had that hairstyle. Now, every vintage or retro girl has had THAT hairstyle at one time or another.

I think the key is to finding not only the best hairstyle for your features, but the best hair practices. For instance, finding the best shampoo for your hair type or making sure to deep condition once a week. Find the most flattering hairstyle for you and coddle it. Wear it and make it your own. Let the style and the color establish you as someone well-groomed, polished, and glamorous.

Next was her body. Bettie was curvy and fit during her modeling days, but she always battled with her weight. Before she ever began modeling, after a falling out with her first husband, Bettie weighed nearly 180 pounds because of junk food. But did she let that conquer her? No. She replaced the ice cream with veggies and began working out. During the zenith of her modeling career she weighed 118 pounds. Imagine! A model considered by many to be the epitome of beauty and glamour didn't have a lightning fast metabolism. She had to work to stay so fit. I find this very encouraging! She took her body and health into her own hands.

Take care of yourself. Be mindful of everything you put in your mouth. You can still have a treat when you want, just don't go crazy. Work out at least four or five days a week. If you don't do cardio, lift weights or do a leg work out. Any effort is a step toward looking like a goddess.

Bettie looked after her mind the best she could. She was educated and even tried her hand at teaching. She loved to read mystery and fantasy stories. After her modeling career was over, Bettie went to a bible university. She did all of this because she wanted to better herself, to find a higher purpose.

Pursue the things that interest you. Read, draw, play music, take up some sort of study, have a goal for yourself. There is nothing intriguing about a beautiful person with an empty head and no story to tell.

I titled this blog "Be a Bettie," but it's really about being yourself. Corny as that sounds, you may find that there is great satisfaction in honing your own beauty, body, and mind in a way all your own. It's nice to admire other people, but you can only do so much of that before you start pursuing your own accomplishment!

Pamper Yourself

2008-12-27T17:31:00.000-08:00

I can be an extremist, which means that when it comes to beauty, I will overdose. I'll scrub, steam, massage, slather, submerge, pluck, and torture myself with beauty treatments.

Try it and you may find that it soothes your soul. If I'm ever feeling bad about myself, all it takes is some major primping and I'm better.

Here's a plan from me to you. Follow each step in order for major beautification.

1. Combine mayo with olive oil, jojoba oil, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. Apply gobs to your hair from root to ends.

Wrap head in saran wrap or other material.

While this sits...

2. Coat face in castor and olive oil. Rub this into face several minutes, then remove with hot, wet wash cloth. Reapply oils to face, massaging the skin until nicely absorbed.

Put some water on the stove on medium/high heat until steam rises. With oil still on your face, place a towel over head and lean over steam. Let steam penetrate skin for 5-10 minutes.

Remove again with hot washcloth, then apply a scrub of sugar, milk, and honey. Be sure to massage gently. You'll find that this is great for removing dead skin from your lips.

Rinse with warm water when properly scrubbed.

Next you should...

3. Make a mixture of olive oil, castor oil, milk, karo syrup, and honey. Heat this for a maximum of 15 seconds. Be sure to make an additional mixture of sugar and olive oil. Head to the bathroom.

Run a hot bath. When halfway full, add half of the FIRST mixture into the running water. When completely full, add rest of mixture.

Rest in bath for as long as you wish. When ready, begin exfoliating your body with the second mixture of sugar and olive oil. Do this all over your body.

When done, submerge your body in the bath. Luxuriate for as long as you wish. When done, shampoo hair and rinse under the COLDEST shower you can stand. I recommend lathering hair twice because this mixture can be really hard to get out. Follow with a heavy conditioner.

When finished, dry off with a soft towel. Apply a thick body cream like Palm's Cocoa Butter.

Other people claim their treatments make you feel like a queen. Mine really does!

My OCM Findings

2008-12-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

I have been following the Oil Cleansing Method over a week now and can report that it's a great way to not only cleanse your skin, but keep it looking beautiful. Since beginning, I've noticed that my skin has a healthy glow. The best part, however, is that I've not had a noticeable pimple. A slight red discoloration on the side of my nose seems to be fading, not to mention the fact that I've not needed ANY foundation all week. I don't want to jinx it, but I'm hoping I may have found the best way to care for my skin!

I HIGHLY recommend following this regimen.

Lucky in Lingerie

2008-12-17T06:02:00.001-08:00

Being the take-everything-I-can-get-my-paws-on kind of girl, I entered a giveaway contest for a pair of Betsey Johnson underwear... And won.

Visit Slip of a Girl, a fabulously detailed blog, for beautiful vintage lingerie and amazing contests. She provides daily fodder for the retro-minded.

http://aslipofagirl.blogspot.com/

The Perfect Figure

2008-12-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

Weight loss has been on my mind a lot lately. Both because I need to lose some weight and the fact that rich, sweet food is everywhere this season.

There are things I like about my body and things I don't. Sometimes I can see how nice my figure could be if I worked out and took care of myself. All I want to lose is 30 pounds, but I just can't seem to force myself to commit to a fitness plan. A couple times a week I'll hop on the elliptical for half an hour, but it's not enough. I'm still taking in too many calories.

I am resolving to really make the effort. I am tired of not having the kind of figure I want. And honestly, exercise gets to be enjoyable. It's just avoiding the calories. If I don't eat too many calories in a day, I'm still not eating well because I don't have a balanced diet. I do not have a taste for most protein and while I can enjoy vegetables, they bore me.

But it's time to get real. I want to be fit and thin. And now's the time to do it.

If anyone else out there is wanting to get serious about weight loss, I salute you.

Here is a little gift from a book printed in 1870 called "The Laws of Health in Relation to the Human Form," a vintage diet:

Breakfast

Lean beef, mutton, game, cold fowl, or other meat, except pork, bacon, or veal.

Any fish except cat fish, eel, salmon, or fresh mackerel.

Eggs boiled, dropped, or in an omelette, most of the yelk being avoided.

A small piece of ship's biscuit, gluten or bran bread, or thin dry toast from stale bread.

Coffee or tea, one cup, without milk or sugar. Russian tea is very suitable. It has a thick slice of lemon floating in the cup instead of milk or sugar.

Dinner

Soup- maigre.

Fish - of any kind, except those mentioned above, prepared plainly.

Meats- mutton, beef, game, fowls, or any other lean meat with the exceptions mentioned above, the fat being carefully skimmed from the gravies.

Vegetables- beans, peas, cabbages, onions, apple-sauce, tomatoes, asparagus, eggplant, or any other vegetable except beets, oyster plant, turnips, potatoes, carrots, rice, green peas and corn.

Gluten bread, or a small portion of bran bread.

Dessert- fruit cooked without sugar, water-ice, cheese.

For drinks, pure water, and if accustomed to spirits, better stop them.

Supper

Cold meat from the dinner.

A small portion of dry toast or gluten bread, cheese, water-ice. Plain fruit without sugar. Raw tomatoes. Apple sauce without sugar. The white of dropped eggs.

Tea without milk or sugar.

R.I.P Bettie Page

2008-12-11T20:09:00.000-08:00

Bettie Page died today at the age of 85. She was one of the most popular pinups of all time and had a huge cult following. Her trademark was her glorious smile and black, banged hair.

The Sun

2008-12-09T19:40:00.000-08:00

I got this awesome book called "Hair Culture" or something like that. It was first published between 1910 and 1920. It's full of pictures of girls taking care of their insanely long hair and sentences like, "The beard is rather a secondary sexual appendage."

The author says that famous starlets, which in his day would have been Lillian Gish and Norma Talmadge, swore by taking "sun baths" for their hair. He claims that this is a way of achieving thick, healthy hair. After slathering on sunscreen, you should allow the sun to cast His rays on your head. I don't know. I get the sense that this would make your head drier or something.

The Oil Cleansing Method

2008-12-09T19:28:00.000-08:00

The OCM is a method of skin care that turns everybody who follows it into glowing, smooth-skinned zombies.

I have been using olive oil and castor oil in beauty treatments for a long time, but it never occurred to me to use them this way. Sure, I put castor oil on my face at night some times, but I always do it timidly and not without a smidge of worry. I'm not oily skinned, but I NEVER don't have a pimple somewhere on my face.

The people who try the OCM rave about it. It is said to make skin soft, clear, and luminous. It gets rid of heavy acne, rosacea, and uneven skin tones.

The method revolves around combining olive and castor oil in a bowl. You generally use more OO if you want extra moisture and more CO if you need extra cleansing. You drench your hands in this mixture, then begin massaging your face, concentrating on relaxing and breathing deeply. You do this several minutes, then place a hot, wet towel on your face. You let this sit on your face until it cools, then begin massaging more of the mixture into your face. Do this again for a few minutes, then follow with another round of the hot towel. This opens your pores. Be sure to always wipe at your face gently, do not rub. Repeat these steps until you feel totally cleansed.

Apparently, people who do this regularly enjoy fabulous complexions. I just did it and will be doing it a few days a week. I'll get back with you on how good this works. But for now, my skin feels really soft and healthy, plus several burgeoning zits have somehow deflated. No joke. This may just be what the doctor ordered. Haw!

Makeup Cases

2008-12-03T18:09:00.000-08:00

What is it about a makeup case? There's something so glamorous, yet so simple about a nicely sized makeup case. And I'm not talking a pouch. I mean, the kind that resembles a hat box.

I recently splurged at the Lancome counter, buying one of their makeup cases for $60 or so dollars. It included mascara, lash primer, concealer, an eyeshadow pallette, blush, brow brush, eyeshadow brush, four lipsticks, two glosses, and makeup remover. Forgive me if I've forgotten anything. But the point is, the booty came in the cutest package.

Purple, about the size of a hat box, with the cutest little Eiffel Tower shaped zippers of all time. I'm obsessed with it.

And it made me wonder... What other kinds of makeup cases/train cases exist out there? I could collect these things.

There's this faux black crocodile case from Pinup Girl Clothing. Unfortunately, it's sold out right now:

http://www.pinupgirlclothing.com/twofivemakeup.html

Ebay has a gaggle of them: http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZtrainQ20casesQ20luggageQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZQQ_sopZ12

Trinkets and Baubles

2008-12-03T17:58:00.000-08:00

Am I the only one who's feeling particularly greedy right now? If it's not the diamond and emerald bracelet at the store where I work, it's obscure Japanese face powder.

Marutake Rice Powder is cheap and promises to provide a flawless, matte complexion. Check out The Vermount Country Store. They sell, among other cosmetics and body care items, Tangee lipstick. This was a favorite of Ava Gardner.

http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/browse/Home/Apothecary/Cosmetics/Marutake-Rice-Powder/D/30100/P/1:100:1000:10020/I/f00218?evar3=BROWSE

I'd Rather Go Naked...

2008-11-25T19:20:00.000-08:00

Than not wear fur.

Believe me, I don't approve of the fur industry. I have worked myself into enraged fits over youtube videos showing the manner in which animals are killed for their fur. It is senseless and inhumane.

But on the other hand... Fur is just so pretty.

There is no material more soft, more luxurious, and more synonymous with richness than fur. It has been worn by many a fabulous starlet, including our Ms. von Teese. Think about Marilyn Monroe draped in her furs. Why, there's nothing lovelier to my mind's eye!

And it is this love for fur that has led me to this concession: I will not pay a cent that goes towards the current killing of animals for their fur. I will not buy new fur coats. I will not wear them in public.

But by God, when my grandmother finally decides to relinquish her Russian fox fur stole to me, you better believe I will take it! And some day, yes, some delicious day I will wear a vintage white fur coat in the privacy of my bedroom. And for that moment, that selfish moment when I ignore my conscience for vanity, I will be liberated.

Updates and Endorsements

2008-11-25T09:10:00.000-08:00

As you can see, Oolala has gone through a facelift. Doesn't she look fresh?

Check out Peculiar Beauty, which is an amazing blog I recently had the pleasure of encountering. Bonnie, the mistress, collects odd and obscure beauty tidbits, as well as reviews insane vintage books about self-improvement and beauty. Her writing is smart and hilarious, plus she is dedicated to the pursuit of beauty.

http://peculiarbeautyblog.blogspot.com/