two_days_until_forever's Lovelyish

The New Girl!

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 23:32:50 GMT

Who is that new Lovelyish writer on the frontpage, you ask? You know her name is Mary. Hmm, what a coincidence. Mary happens to be my name too. From her picture, you can see dark brown wavy hair, glasses, makeup. That description could fit me. Wait a minute - that is me! I do not believe I am dreaming either. That's right, lovely ladies and gentlemen - I am completely honored to me a new writer for the Lovelyish team. I should have an introductory post up soon. I am absolutely thrilled to have this position and I will do my best not to let the Lovelyish community down!

Love, Mary

Affordable and Quality Hair Care

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:04:52 GMT

There is one haircare product line that I can always turn to in my time of need. I have fallen in love with so many of their products: frizz-fighting cream, heat protecting spray, hairspray, shampoo, conditioner, mousse, and so on. I have transformed friends into fans of the brand, and my sister even steals some of the products from me when she can (she doesn't quite believe in buying her own). While my haircare needs are always attended to by these quality products, the best part is the low price. The brand consists of professional salon-quality products at an affordable price. Yes, the company does promote that line, but the promise rings true. TRESemme, in a word, is amazing!

While I certainly could go on raving about all the products, I will restrain myself and glorify my favorite one. My thick, wavy hair has a naturally frizzy texture. But I have a secret that fights my frizz like nobody's business. TRESemme Anti-Frizz Secret is a thick hair cream that does the job without making product in your hair apparent. The frizz is gone and your hair becomes smooth and light. The transformation seems like a miracle to me. I have lived through many bottles of this trustworthy product.

I highly recommend all TRESemme products. I have never been disappointed in any product from this brand, and I regularly use so many TRESemme products! Go out and try the Anti-Frizz Secret, Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray or something TRESemme. You get so much for a wonderfully low price. I have a feeling you'll love whatever product you try and ultimately go back for more.

What products or brand do you turn to for affordable and quality haircare?

I'm Back!

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:49:26 GMT

I haven't been very active for a bit, and I am here to explain why. My dad became very sick, and he passed away on January 19th. Posting was not a top priority, although I missed Lovelyish terribly and came on just to read around as often as I could. However, my future with Lovelyish is looking very bright and I am definitely ready to return to posting! I hope all of you understand, and I'm so excited to be back!

Love, Mary

Side Bangs

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:09:08 GMT

Nicole Richie is a smart girl when it comes to hair. My signature hair style had previously been the sophisticated Alessandra Ambrosio 'do - all over long layers with shorter layers framing the cheekbones and jawline. This is definitely a look I can always go back to because it doesn't take me very long to style. It is very flattering for my face shape and hair type. I truly do love the look.

However, I was ready for a change. I was thinking bangs. I do have a small forehead, so I knew side bangs a la Alicia Keys in the blue outfit with the purple piano in her "Karma" video would not work for me. Visions of Nicole Richie danced in my head. I studied videos on YouTube of how to cut my own side bangs because I wanted them right there and then. I had been contemplating this decision for a while, so it wasn't a completely sudden decision. I went for something rather soft and not too thick yet. Once I was positive that I liked the look, I took screencaps of the look I really wanted - the brunette with bangs wearing the beige fringe dress in Ne-Yo's "Because of You" music video - and had my stylist give me the look. I will take pictures later!

What I love about cutting bangs is the exhilaration during and after the process. It's like creating a whole new you. I felt more youthful and vibrant with the look. While Alessandra's style has a very glamorous appeal, I like the fun and carefree vibe of my new side bangs.

Have you ever cut bangs, or do you have bangs cut now? Was the decision a good move for you?

Love, Mary

Real Girls Wear Crowns Too

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 02:15:48 GMT

This is my response to the Lovelyish entry Beauty Pageants: Self-Esteem Booster or Confidence Breaker? This post is more of a response to the comments of the post because I felt the post author gave a thoughtful view of pageantry.

As a pageant queen myself, I have encountered many people who are completely uninformed about the true essence of beauty pageants. I also find that many people believe the stereotypes and generalize pageants as a whole. I find this very upsetting. Stereotypes and generalizations are often criticized, yet many people do not seem to find an issue in placing them upon pageants. One pageant may emphasize certain ideals or one contestant may behave inappropriately, but this does not mean all pageants and contestants fulfill that particular image. Let me break it down for you into two truths.

1. All pageant girls are not the same.

Laugh all you want at Miss South Carolina Teen USA 2007 Caitlin Upton's unintelligent response at the Interview segment of the national pageant. Shake your head at the behavior of Miss USA 2006 Tara Connor. Does the behavior of those two women mean that all pageant queens act that way? Absolutely not. You could not be farther from the truth if you believed that all pageant girls are not making the most of their education or that the girls go wild at clubs. Sadly, we all see the media reports about certain contestants who do represent these distasteful images. But there are many more girls who are not portrayed that are responsible. I have never gone clubbing and I assure you that I am not confused about my global geography. I would feel ashamed to hold a title and to embarrass my pageant company and mock pageants all over the world in such incidents. I know that many other beauty queens feel the same way. Most contestants put admirable efforts into their schoolwork and strive to be well-informed citizens about national and global current events. Most contestants take pride in making safe decisions for themselves and others.

Every pageant girl is her own individual human being. We each have our own interests and passions. I enjoy fashion design and I have sewn some of my own gowns. However, the girl next to me may be a soccer star, a clarinet talent, or something else. We may enter pageants for different reasons. Some girls are truly vying for the glory of the crown (or their mother is pushing them to), some love the gowns and glamour, others are interested in scholarships, and so forth. Not all of us are bleached blonde and dipped in the most unnatural orange self-tanner with perfectly fake French manicure tips glued to our fingernails. Pageants are a wonderful source for beautifully diverse girls to come together for the competition. We are unique sources of intelligence, talent, and beauty. Please recognize that all pageant girls are not the same.

2. Beauty pageants are created differently.

Apparently all beauty pageants only judge girls on how much beauty they possess and crown the prettiest of them all. Wrong! Beauty pageants get a hard time for demanding girls to be beautiful, yet I do not see the problem with this. I realize that most people assume that pageants seek outer beauty, but a true pageant queen is so much more. Honestly, some pageants do have very strict standards of outer beauty and base the results upon such factors. However, not all beauty pageants follow that code. One pageant system I love and have participated in myself never hosted a swimsuit competition and accepts girls of all sizes to successfully compete. The judges look for real women who are strong and sparkling on the inside. These girls are also happen to be lovely to the eyes as well, but then again I am a person who believes all women are beautiful in their own special way. Not all pageants discriminate due to size and outer beauty. Many beauty pageants simply judge the poise and confidence of a contestant, not just her pretty face and toned body. All beauty pageants judge on varying aspects and therefore represent different women.

Get the facts before bashing beauty pageants, please. While there are individual contestants or competitions who do not give the beauty pageant the respectable association deserved, that doesn't mean all beauty pageants do. There are many beautiful women of all different races, shapes, sizes, and nationalities across the world that exude the beautiful, intelligent, charitable and poised young women that many beauty pageants strive to celebrate.

Love, Mary

What Makes Me Beautiful

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:14:53 GMT

I have come to believe that true beauty is not on the outside. I believe that society influences beautiful women to think they are not beautiful because of narrow ideals. I think that one can have some beautiful features, such as sapphire eyes or lush lips. But I think a woman is so much more beautiful when she has the heart and soul to make the mirror reflection so worthwhile. A woman is beautiful when she gives to others and helps out friends and strangers in need of someone who cares. A woman is beautiful when she does not deny herself of her true identity and her real beauty.

I am beautiful because I know I do not have to meet society's standards in order to be beautiful.

I am beautiful because I have hazy brown eyes that have endured a beautifully broken life.

I am beautiful because I believe in love and dreams.

I am beautiful because my soul is composed of substance that represents who I truly am.

I am beautiful because I know my personal assessment in the mirror does not determine my beauty.

I am beautiful because I am involved in charity.

I am beautiful because I will always be there for a friend who needs a supportive shoulder and a listening ear.

I am beautiful because any stranger can trust me if they need me.

I am beautiful because I am true to myself.

I am beautiful because I am honest with myself and as real as I can be.

I am Mary.

I am beautiful regardless of what you think of me. I am beautiful no matter what picture of me you see. I am beautiful because I am me.

Explain why you are beautiful, but read this post first.

Love, Mary

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 16:16:02 GMT

My regular moisturizer, Avon Nurtura Replenishing Cream, was no longer performing as well as it used to. No matter what I would do, my skin was no longer fresh and hydrated after I moisturized. Winter dry and flaking skin was winning the battle. I turned to bring in the heroic Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer, which I ordered from Sephora for fast shipping. This moisturizer had been praised by so many that my beauty junkie curiosity was off the charts and my need for a moisturizer was desperate. Also, I have always adored Clinique products. I could not wait any longer. Once I received the yellow bottle, which was larger than I had expected it to be, I immediately took off my makeup and gave it a try. The moisturizer seemed runny at first. I wondered how this would cure my dry and peeling skin. Would this be able to perform such a difficult task?

A week later, I realize how silly I was to have doubted this amazing product. My skin is so soft and moisturized that my face looks as if it had never seen a second of dryness in its entire existence. This product truly saved and restored my skin. I don't even think I could go back to my old moisturizer, although Avon Nurtura Replenishing Cream was pretty good in the warmer months. My expectations were definitely exceeded with Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer.

Do you use Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer or any Clinique skincare products? What moisturizer is a part of your daily skincare regimen?

Love, Mary

Runway to Real-Way: Inspired Fall Looks

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 13:22:37 GMT

Most of us could not wear the full clothing ensembles and hair and makeup styles sported on the high-fashion runways in our everyday lives. I am going to take three details from different runway shows (all of the Fall 2008 Couture season) and make them more approachable to wear.

Look 1: Armani Prive: Matte Berry Lips

Try L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in 750 Plum Brulee. To make the texture more appear like a stain, pat the lipstick with a tissue to give a matte finish. Pair with minimal makeup, such as tinted moisturizer, a swirl of a light pink blush, and a flicker of mascara.

Look 2: Chanel: Gray and Black Smokey Eyes

The eyes at Chanel were rimmed with dark shades, borderline panda, of gray and black. You want to use either a slate gray or dark black eye shadow on the eyelids and around the eyes. (See my tutorial on smokey black eyes as well.) Use a light peach blush and a gentle lip balm to complete the look.

Look 3: Christian Dior: Sky Blue Eyes

This look has sky blue eye shadow from lid all the way to under the brows, but you don't need to go this extreme. You can simply use the pale blue shadow on the lid or take an eyeliner in the same color for beneath the eyes. Accompany with a peach lip gloss and blush.

Love, Mary

Do YOU Want a Makeover?

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:35:58 GMT

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

YouTube Beauty

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:46:37 GMT

You might be shocked, but YouTube is home to many fantastic makeup videos. My personal tutorials are on hold since I am having camera issues; apparently it's more than just batteries! I will post some links to wonderful users to check out. Hope you enjoy!

Users I recommend:

http://www.youtube.com/user/MakeupGeekTV (Also has her own website: www.MakeupGeek.com)

This woman is creative and very informative. She can put together stunning looks using the best products. She seems very sweet in her videos.

http://www.youtube.com/user/aboywearingmakeup (Also on the WB at http://www.thewb.com/shows/a-boy-wearing-make-up)

He's beautiful, no lie! He gives clear instructions to help make YOU look gorgeous as well. His fierce personality is really wonderful, too! I love watching his videos just for him; the brilliant makeup tips and tutorials are icing on the cake.

http://www.youtube.com/user/panacea81

She has a darling accent, but the real magic is in her transformative videos. She has modern and very dramatic looks, and she shows you how to create them to try for yourself. The results are breathtaking!

I will post individual videos from other YouTube beauty gurus on another today! Until then, love and learn from these three experts!

Love, Mary