Thursday, 04 December 2008
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Do YOU Want a Makeover?
I love giving makeovers! I am always willing to pounce on my friends with suggestions or contribute my ideas when someone I know is having a beauty or fashion dilemma. Now, I want to give you a chance to have the same opportunity. Do you want a little help in the beauty or fashion department? Just tell me what you want to receive (a change of clothes, a new look, a way to bring out your eyes or any other feature, etc) and I will answer your questions directly. I may ask a few questions myself to get a better understanding of you as to give a more personalized response. Also, if you feel a little lost when it comes to beauty and fashion trends, let me know and I will do my best to help you out and make the hottest trends more approachable. Just leave a comment or send me a message if any of these options sound enticing to you!
Love, Mary
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Comments (7)
Oh my gosh, I've always wanted a make-over :O
I have way too many dark color clothes. My closet is seriously composed of black and gray clothes.
I usually wear dresses with black tights and boots. Every other day I wear skinny jeans and a casual top. If I'm feeling daring, I'll wear my trench coat.
But other than that, my style is pretty boring.
Do you also have any advice for acne problems besides covering it up with concealer and foundation?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated :)
@x___insomniac@xanga - That's wonderful to hear!
If you want to expand your color palette, you have three options:
1) You can go shopping, find a store that has a lot of clothes in different colors [don't focus so much on the actual styles for now, but the colors] such as H&M or Forever 21 and look in the mirror honestly. Try on a cobalt blue color, a hot pink, bright red, a lime green, a tangerine orange, a sunny yellow, a mellow rose color, sky blue... every color you can think of! Make a list (in your head or on a piece of paper) or colors you think look good on you. Maybe lilac gives your skin a beautiful glow, but forest green gives you an ashy tone. After this trip, look out for flattering colors the next time you go shopping!
2) Grab an honest fashionista friend and take her to the mall with you if you don't think you can judge the colors on your own. Do the same Forever 21/H&M/other colorful store trick, but have her offer her opinion. However, if you think you can use your own opinion, it might just be fun to hear a second opinion. Don't let her persuade you to to stay away from new colors you actually like, but try to let her stop you from buying clothes in colors you already have, such as black and gray.
3) I'm assuming that is you in your profile picture, so I'm going to give my right-off-the-bat color suggestions based upon that image. You don't have to commit to any of this, but here are 10 colors I think you should give an honest try: 1) Magenta 2) Hot pink 3) Cobalt blue 4) Lilac purple 5) Bright red 6) Sky blue 7) Deep eggplant purple 8) Mint green 9) Orange ginger 10) Navy blue. Give it a try! You have nothing to lose!
Are your dresses and tops of the same style, or do you go with a variety of trends, solids, and patterns? Have you tried using textured tights? Do you wear the same pair of boots, or do you switch heels and colors? Do you like high heel pumps and flats? How about pencil skirts? A trench coat is very classic and a great piece to have. Do you like scarves and hats?
When you invest in signature pieces for your wardrobe, you can still follow the trends by simply updating your accessories by season (but you can buy some new trendy pieces along the way!). Right now, statement necklaces are such a huge trend! Here are some Forever 21 jewelry links, and you can look around for pieces like these - if you like them, of course - at other stores, from department stores all the way to Wet Seal and Claire's. Here are some ideas, but feel free to browse the website to check out things on your own!
Statement necklaces: http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1056681836&Page=1, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1057272398&Page=2, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1057133078&Page=3, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1055825018&Page=4
A cool watch is always a nice touch: http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1054699235&Page=1, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1057620311&Page=1
Sparkly or detailed rings are really pretty: http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1058044463&Page=1, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1057528592&Page=1, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1039125968&Page=1, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1056492206&Page=5, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1056995693&Page=6
Charm or chain necklaces (great for layering!): http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1057827743&Page=1, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1057826195&Page=2, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1057804136&Page=2, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1056151259&Page=5, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1054077713&Page=9
Bracelets: http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1058019695&Page=1, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1057623794&Page=1, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1056833927&Page=1, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1057068062&Page=1, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1055477105&Page=8
Bangles: http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1058046011&Page=1, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1056663647&Page=2, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1056658616&Page=4, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1057619537&Page=4
Big earrings: http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1057797944&Page=2, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1042489385&Page=2, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1056630752&Page=4#, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1057535171&Page=5#, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1055080817&Page=10
Do you mean in terms of covering up acne, healing acne, or both?
Thanks! I'm glad it is!
~~Mary~~
Wow, those are colors I've never thought of trying on before! I guess I'll give it a shot this weekend :)
Mint green, cobalt blue, and lilac stand out to me. I'm not really a person who goes "pink" on a wardrobe. I still have that tomboyish vibe even if I wear dresses.
Speaking of dresses, I have a LOT of cocktail dresses in black. I have a few summer dresses with embroidering, sweater dresses, bubble dresses, but no fancy dresses. There are actually no patterns on my dresses, just a plain simple color, or two main colors. I kept my homecoming dress from three years ago, but that one is black with white polka dots.
In terms of shoes, I have quite a lot, but they are mostly in black. The only two shoes that are an exception are my two neon Nike dunks. But other than that, I have black boots that go up mid-calf, Oxfords, black Vans prison edition, black ballet flats, black wedges, and black flip flops. I also have a pair of gold flip flops, but I don't wear them at the moment because of the cold season. The black boots I have are starting to wear out, and I'm thinking of getting a pair that's ankle length. That seems like it's with the trend. However, I would never invest in Ugg boots. That's the one thing that repels me like bug spray. I love flats, I find them comfortable as opposed to heels. I'm not the most graceful person, and whenever I do wear my Oxfords, my feet go funny on me and I end up almost falling on my face.
I don't own much skirts, I think I have only one! It was from Banana Republic, and I bought it four years ago. I'm not sure about pencil skirts because I kind of have that Tina-the-Talking-Tummy. My stomach folds over when I wear jeans. It's depressing to poke at my fat in class when I'm sitting down. So yeah, not so sure if the pencil skirts will have that same effect on my developing kangaroo pouch.
I have a LOT of different scarves and hats, I do wear them because my outfits seem dull and need some pizazz. However, I can't wear hats to school. I do have berets and beanies, though. I occasionally sneak on my white beret before I go to school. When I went to Charlotte Russe and Forever 21, I tried on Fedoras, but I don't think they're for me.
I have lots of tights, over the knee socks, thigh high socks, and a few pair of leggings. Most of these are black.
I think I'm attracted to black because it makes me look slimmer. I always go for a dark pair of jeans because the lighter jeans make my thighs bulge out, and whenever I'm standing up straight with my feet together, it looks like my thighs are squishing together and making out with each other (bad mental image, sorry).
I LOVE the first necklace from Forever 21 that you picked up. I might just order that online after I'm done with this comment. I have an obsession with chokers. So naturally, the first one popped up. I do wear earrings, but I've never thought about wearing big earrings. I think I'll give those a shot on Monday, too. I just stay away from giant hoop earrings. To me, it doesn't seem really classy. I clicked on the watch link, and I have around 5-6 watches. I think big watches are also popular at the moment.
As for the acne, I meant both covering up acne and healing acne. I use Murad concealer for Acne and Maybelline press powder/Aveda press powder. It doesn't make me look very natural, but it does a satisfactory job of covering up. I've been breaking out under the sides of my neck, and it looks horrendous. If it weren't for my hair, the whole world would be exposed to it!
I love giving makeovers too! You give good beauty advice as well.
:)
Good pointers!
@x___insomniac@xanga - That's great!
Hmm, I think you should look around for cocktail dresses in other colors! For example, this dress would be so gorgeous in navy or teal for you: http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dress%5Fdressy&product%5Fid=2048423643&Page=1#
Some trends are: one shoulder bubble dresses like this one (but look for colors with this; it will seem more modern and youthful): http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dress%5Fdressy&product%5Fid=2054967426&Page=1
I'm going to post some alternative casual dress ideas; you may already own a few similar styles, though: http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dress%5Fcasual&product%5Fid=2053056807&Page=1, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dress%5Fcasual&product%5Fid=2045376792&Page=1# (the purple and blue are fabulous!), http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dress%5Fcasual&product%5Fid=2056109463&Page=2 (it kind of has a Grecian appeal, which is really artsy and pretty... but goodness, it is black!), http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dress%5Fcasual&product%5Fid=2055501486&Page=2# (you can layer the navy or white with bright colors to make the look pop), http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dress%5Fcasual&product%5Fid=2053459674&Page=3, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dress%5Fcasual&product%5Fid=2052070731&Page=4# (versatile), http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2997331/0~2378467~2378483~2377032~6008190?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6008190&P=1 (turtleneck dresses are glam and casual), http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3012061/0~2378467~2378483~2377032~6008190?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6008190&P=1 (the pattern is fierce), http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3007801?refsid=248880&refcat=0%7e2378467%7e2378483%7e2377032%7e6008190&SourceID=1&SlotID=2&origin=related, http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3000295/0~2378467~2378483~2377032~6008190?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6008190&P=3, http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2986427/0~2378467~2378483~2377032~6008190?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6008190&P=4
Patterns are more common in spring and summer, though! For now, solid prints are a bit more fashionable.
Here are some relatively fancy dress styles you might like (let me know if you think you would need longer dresses because I didn't include any): http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dress%5Fdressy&product%5Fid=2054967426&Page=1 (one shoulder bubble dresses are very youthful and modern in bright colors, like red), http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2999010/0~2378467~2378483~2377032~6008190?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6008190&P=1 (jewel tones), http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3008740/0~2378467~2378483~2377032~6008190?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6008190&P=2 (a touch of black), http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2994093/0~2378467~2378483~2377032~6008190?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6008190&P=4 (rosettes are romantic), http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2978075/0~2378467~2378483~2377032~6008190?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6008190&P=8 (the bow and the twisted bubble hem are really flirty)
Try looking out for different color boots! If you go with brown, that goes with many colors - even black, and bright colors do not have to match your top (but they could match a color on a pattern or accessory). Many of these styles are available at different stores. Here are some boot ideas: http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/boots/city-fashion/69847664-frorina (brown with a heel), http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/boots/city-fashion/69923532-flosand (the gray and the purple are stunning), http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/boots/city-fashion/69220941-sammie (dark brown with no heel), http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/boots/city-fashion/69855904-fronori (long, brown and a heel), http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/boots/city-fashion/69919074-keyl (light taupe), http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/boots/city-fashion/69663101-damour (purple), http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/boots/city-fashion/69220570-crysta (dark brown), http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/boots/city-fashion/66862519-orvillea (brown), http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/boots/city-fashion/69546888-latricia (flat in golden brown/cognac), http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/boots/dress-fashion/71813121-froling (gray or purple ankle booties)
I agree with you on Uggs! Do you like rainboots?
Flats: http://www.shoes.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC1133347&pg=5084643 (glittery), http://www.shoes.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC1136190&pg=5085508 (eggplant), http://www.shoes.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC1115331&pg=5075997 (metallic silver), http://www.shoes.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC1059007&pg=5048467 (red patent leather), http://www.shoes.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC1091410&pg=5063363 (gold with floral accent), http://www.shoes.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC1144430&pg=5035216 (metallic silver ballerina), http://www.shoes.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC1110809&pg=5073729 (regal purple), http://www.shoes.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC1062722&pg=5051020 (gold with beads)
If you like the look of heels, they do take practice! I'm a pageant girl and I spent many hours walking around with a book on my head! But if boots and flats are your ideal shoe, then you're perfectly fine to stay with those. Kitten heels (very small heels, 1/2 to 1 inch) are great for starters too.
If you're worried about that, just make sure you buy the right size clothing (no one is really going to know but you) and don't feel weird about Spandex or clothing like that. Even Jessica Alba wears Spandex under her gorgeous gowns! You can wear it during the day too, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. You might also have to try on more than one skirt in order to find the best style for you. Trust me, I spend hours finding perfect jeans!
Great! Scarves and hats are wonderful touches to winter and fall outfits. Fedoras aren't for everyone, I confess. I don't feel like I wear them well either.
Have you tried navy or light gray? What about metallic finish tights? I saw this girl who had gorgeous magenta stockings with a subtle gold shimmer to them. They might have details like that in other colors you are comfortable with.
I'm glad you did like it! Chokers are really gorgeous; do you ever just take a simple color ribbon and tie it around your neck? I just don't think hoop earrings have a lot of presence in the category of earrings. Good luck with trying big earrings! It's good that you have some watches to wear.
What about your makeup doesn't look natural? The two key steps to concealing are color and consistency. First of all, you want to make sure that your products match your skintone. However, your concealer should be one shade (not two) lighter than your skintone. Your foundation should blend into your skin perfectly, and your powder should be your skintone or possibly a shade darker if you think you look pale. If you aren't sure what color you may be, this magazine scan might help you decode your skintone: http://i33.tinypic.com/97se50.jpg
You can also go to a makeup counter and either try on shades yourself or have the professional at the counter help you find the correct shade. Make sure you look at the color in natural sunlight before choosing it, because indoor lighting is softer and will not give you an accurate conclusion. Or, if you have L'Oreal at your local drugstore, they might have a transparent card with all the shades (I believe this is for Color Match foundation?) that you can hold up to your skin to see which shade matches. If you're undecided between two, you might want to buy both and mix them together. There is also the Revlon Custom Creations foundation which is where you customize your foundation until you get the correct shade. You can look for foundations from other companies as long as you have a general idea of what your skintone is so you buy the proper shade.
For consistency, you really do not want a heavy foundation. Try to go with medium to light coverage. Foundation is for evening out your overall skintone, not covering acne. You can apply foundation with a flat foundation brush, kabuki brush, or a damp makeup sponge. If you use a brush, apply the foundation to your hand and swirl in circles. You can even use a tinted moisturizer for lighter coverage if your skintone isn't too uneven. With concealer, you'll want to have a medium coverage and a thicker coverage. The medium coverage one (a pot, palette, or wand) should be for areas where you have acne scars or very small acne. The thicker coverage (such as a concealer stick, not a wand) would be for big zits. The key is to apply a small amount of concealer at a time with a concealer brush and slowly build up your coverage. Make sure to blend well! Powder is simply for setting all of your makeup and meant to be applied lightly. You can always apply a foundation primer before foundation to help your makeup last. A finishing mist is also a good idea.
Here is a good foundation tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiyG0QECOto
This is a great tutorial for concealer for acne prone skin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7teyzhLIaog
You want to do three things: exfoliate two to three times a week, wash your face in the morning and a night (you can start with once a day for your first week), and moisturize your skin after you wash your face. If you have oily skin, you can also use a toner before washing your face. Right now I'm using Biore Ice Cleanser, intended for acne prone skin, and it's working very well. However my natural skintype is dry so I have to use a lot of moisturizer (I use Avon Nurtura Replenishing Cream because it's very thick and hydrating). It's also important to exfoliate two to three times a week. I like Neutrogena Acne Stress exfoliator or St. Ives Apricot Scrub. Sometimes I use a toner, such as Clean & Clear's Deep Cleaning Astringent. You do have to be patient and consistent, but eventually your skin will be clear and your makeup will look much better since you'll need less coverage!
Hope this helps!
~~Mary~~
@butterfly_frailty@xanga - Thanks! Do you have any questions or are you good? :)
@CityChicToronto@xanga - Thanks! Let me know if there is anything I can help you out with!
~~Mary~~