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  • And the winners are ……

    September 1st, 2010

    The Winners Are

    Francis A and Miki

    Enjoy your

    Thank you to all whom entered!  We will be doing another giveaway in two weeks, so watch for it and don’t forget to enter!

    Bella

    XoX

    It’s giveaway time!

    Two $25.00  gift certificate from FROWNIES

    I was estactic when I first found these, because I am one of those rare people who  is allergic to Botox.  I tried it about 10 years ago, and became severely ill.

    So you can imagine when I saw a natural way, I knew I had to try them.

    You can postpone the signs of aging… NATURALLY

    FROWNIES beauty treatments include products that reduce wrinkles while you sleep and natural biologically active antioxidant treatments for the skin. The right antioxidants for the skin and wrinkle treatment products can help you reduce wrinkles and preserve your beauty.

    Frownies Anti-Wrinkle Products

    Raquel Welch, a beautiful 69 year old Hollywood star, was interviewed by Valerie Bertinelli on the Joy Behar show. Raquel Welch said that she uses Frownies to keep the elevens between the eyes under control. What other stars use Frownies and we just don’t know? They were after all called “Hollywood’s Beauty Secret”.

    One more star lets the secret out. Today we all assume they use Botox if there are no lines but many women won’t touch it and others just have not learned about Frownies.

    Joy Behar Show-March 31, 2010

    The View is an American talk show broadcast on American Broadcasting Company as part of ABC Daytime. The View created by Barbara Walters and Bill Geddie, features a panel of women as co-hosts. Frownies were seen on the View when Eve Pearl, View Crew Makeup Artist and make-up artist for Sex In the City brought Frownies anti-aging patch on the show. Eve said: ” Frownies are Hollywood’s biggest secret. It’s kind of like the natural Botox…You wet it, use the adhesive, and you stick it on those little areas where you have frowns…And basically when you sleep with this, it rejuvenates the muscles in your skin, and it gets rid of those lines…You do it while you’re vacuuming, when you’re sleeping…They do work, they really work.” -Eve Pearl, View Crew Makeup Artist. – The View on ABC, October 22, 2004

    Contest Rules:

    Two $ 25.00 gift certificate will be given out,to two   randomly selected  followers of my Blog.

    1.  You must follow my Blog to be elegible.

    2.  You must tweet this giveaway.

    3.  You must follow TheFrownies on Twitter

    4.  You may enter as many times as you wish… just keep Retweeting or posting to Facebook, and please leave me a comment, so I can keep track of your entries.

    Winner will be announced September 1, 2010, one week from today!

    If this is succesful, we will be doing similar giveaways with Frownies on a regular basis!

    Good Luck

    Bella XoX


    Malin Ackerman for Dirty Glam

    August 24th, 2010

    MALIN AKERMAN

    This look is so fresh and easy, famed makeup artist Troy Jensen always gets it right!  This was from a photo shoot for Dirty Glam.

    An illuminator was applied  to Malin’s upper cheekbones, along her jawline and into her shoulders. Then  a liquid foundation evenly on her entire face and neck,   some concealer under the eyes, around the mouth and blended well.   Dusted a rose powder cheek color to the apples of the cheeks and set the face with a pressed powder.

    A pale beige liquid shimmer was added  down the bridge of the nose, inner corners of the eyes, just above the upper bow of the lips, and blended well.

    The brows were lined with a brow pencil and groomed them with a brow gel.
    blended soft browns to lightly define the eyes yet keeping a natural look.
    A thin line was applied with a black liquid liner and finished by curling and coating the lashes with black mascara. Troy then defined the lips with a nude lip liner and topped off with a rose pink lipgloss.

    via TroyJensen

    Poolside With Leann Rimes

    August 18th, 2010

    Natural looking makeup is a work of art!
    The key is using a light touch and blending well into the skin. For a poolside beauty look with LeAnn, he wanted her to look fresh and pretty with a subtle pop of color. Using a tinted moisturizer, foundation or concealer one to three shades warmer than your own skin tone. If blended well it can give the appearance of a natural looking tan without hours in the sun. Soft shades of tan, peach, or bronze, can be patted across the bridge of the nose and the upper apples of the cheeks for that sun-kissed look. He kept LeAnn’s look subtle with soft shades of nude and brown. Well groomed eyebrows can give the face a more glamorous polished look. To finish this look I chose a very pretty shade of pale pink lip gloss.
    If you’re enjoying the last days of summer by the pool in the sun, here are a few beauty essentials you wanna have on hand.

    I’ve had so many request since updating my Blog, as to how I did my eyes.    Here are the products I used, and step by step instructions!  {Excuse the EXTREME close up of my EYE !!!}  : ) Plus, I also wished I had paid closer detail to my brows this day, ooops!

    Products I used …

    M·A·C Paint Pot; $16.50
    Color: Blackground

    Eyeliner: Clinique Kohl Shaper for Eyes; $15.50
    Color: Blackened Pewter

    Concealer: Laura Mercier Undercover Pot; $34.00
    Color: Uc-1

    Smoky Eye Palette

    Smoky Eye Palette
    What it is:
    A kit that contains everything you need to create sexy, sizzling lids with no fuss or guesswork.

    Shadow Insurance $18
    Greasy or cakey lids are not a good look. This baby blue tube is your secret weapon for smooth lids every time, and it works wonders with both cream or powder eyeshadows. A little goes a long way (wink, wink).

    1. Prime the entire eyelid with Shadow Insurance, then I applied my base color over entire eye lid Fawn (peachy taupe shimmer) above Two Faced Eye Kit, next I used the Mac  Paint Pot.. color Background, and blended to shape the contour of my eyes.  Use this as a guide >>>>>> making the crease a little darker and carrying the color out in a cleopatraesque shape!


    I then highlighted my brow with Cream (ivory cream),above  in the Two Faced Eye Kit, ensuring to blend ever so lightly.  Another trick is, I pinpoint the center and highest part of my brow and dot with any white and bright eye highlighter I have laying around!  This totally gives you the illusion of higher arc than you actually have.

    Line your eyes.  I used Clinique Kohl Shaper, color Blackened Pewter,  and I used it heavily!  Don’t be afraid, this is where you get the glamour !!!!!!   You should place your finger at the outer corner of your eye and gently lift the skin up and out slightly. Be sure and hold the pencil as close to the upper lash line as possible and draw short strokes from the outer lashes inward, creating a thick line. Stop just short of the corner. Line your bottom lashes, but don’t worry about making it perfect. Use a cotton swab to smudge all of the color.

    Voila look how gorgeous you are !!!!  See I knew you could do it !!!

    Tip … Take your compact powder and dust off any residue under your eyes, and my favorite tip … take the pad of your compact and run it right up the outside of your eye to clean up the edge.  Shear perfection I promise!! : )

    Need more help… watch this video.

    Sending everyone so many thanks for the requests and I hope I explained it properly, if you still have any questions, just ask me in the comment section!

    Happy Monday, Bella XoX

    Mad-Dash Beauty


    At-the-Mall Makeover

    You’ve spent the day shopping in frenzied department stores and you’re running late for a date with your guy or some other p.m. appointment you want to look awesome for. The problem: Your hair has fallen flat, your eye makeup has suffered a meltdown, and since you’ve learned it’s best to tote less when you holiday shop, the only thing you’re packing is a lip gloss. Don’t fret — instead, check out these artful freshen-up strategies.

    Blot away oil-slicked skin.

    If your face is shinier than the patent-leather pumps you just picked up, make a beeline for a bathroom stall. Since you don’t want to wash away what’s left of your makeup, tear off a piece of toilet-seat-cover paper and use it to dab away grease gently. Caveat: Don’t rub or you’ll smear off every trace of color.

    Look for lotion.

    Hit the beauty floor of a department store and seek out the one product that can cover the most get-gorgeous ground: moisturizer. You can use this multitasker to smooth dry skin on your face, clean up old makeup, and even calm frizzy hair. So pick a beauty counter selling skin-care items and use a sample of their latest silkener to lube up liberally.

    Snag samples and do a speedy makeup job.

    Next, get to work using the cosmetic color testers to foxify your face. Play up either your eyes or your lips using a bright or bold hue — emphasizing just one feature is a fast way to look hot and p.m. appropriate, says makeup artist Robin Nardaez, of NYC’s Borja Color Studio.

    Get blown off.

    You can revive limp long-past-their-prime locks with a blast of warm air from the hand dryers found in most public rest rooms, says Lisa Chiccine, senior stylist for Avon Salon and Spa in New York City. Aim the nozzle toward your tresses and finger-tousle while the hot air hits them. To give definition to frizzed-out curls, wet your hands and use them to scrunch your twirls as the air blows. Note: If the nozzle won’t turn upward, you can bend at the waist, flip your hair over, and massage your roots to amp up the volume.

    Plump up your pucker.

    The paper towels in rest rooms are just rough enough to polish your pout perfectly. First, wipe away any cakey leftover lipstick residue, then rub a towel over your lips to exfoliate dry, chapped skin and bring a natural, just-kissed flush to the surface.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    A current trend

    Match Your Lips to Your Dress

    True, being too coordinated with your clothes and makeup can smack of a faux pas, but there’s an easy, super-stylish side step: Zero in on just your pout, and paint it a shade taken from your outfit. Best to stick with timeless reds or rich, deep tones; steer clear of bubblegum pinks and frosty hues, which could push the look into costume territory.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Stila

    click brush to purchase

    This brush is now part of my makeup bag, love sharing with you great finds.  I also use it as an eyeshadow applicator, truly blends flawlessly!

    One Step Complexion Brush #33
    What it is:
    A buffing and foundation brush that works overtime to make foundation and concealer application a breeze.

    What it does:
    This dual-ended foundation and concealer brush allows you to blend both liquid and powder products seamlessly for effortless makeup application and a flawless finish. One side beautifully blends liquid, creams, and powder foundation into your skin, while the other delivers precision concealing for a perfected, polished complexion. The synthetic bristles are shaped to imitate application with your fingertips, but are firmer and more flexible for quicker, easier makeup application.

    What else you need to know:
    The tapered brush tip can burrow into tiny, hard-to-reach crevices and the synthetic bristles eliminate the transfer of oils and bacteria. It can also be used to apply eyeshadow and cheek color.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Fresh Ideas

    Summer Knits

    “I love shopping just as much as anyone,  but what I love even more  is digging into my closet and discovering new ways to wear old favorites.  This week I was inspired by a woman I saw out and about in shorts, a tank and a burgundy knit cap, yet she still looked perfectly summery chic –so why not re-work your winter wears for summer?  Whether you hide your hair on a humid day or keep cozy in the chilly movies, here are a few fresh ideas for bringing out your cold-weather favs.”  Bobbie Thomas

    Personal Note:

    I know so many people going through extreme times right now,  my life as well has been affected in so many different ways.  My hopes and wishes for all of us is to endure, survive, be blessed and HAPPY!   Sending you wishes that all of your dreams come true!

    Be Beautiful, Bella XoX

    first article via Cosmo

    So how do you like it?  A new look for my site, just felt the need for an update, a cleaner look I think.

    Lately so many people have been asking me what products I use, especially on my hair.  I am going to start a new segment on Mondays called, Product Mondays!  I will share with you the products I can’t live without !!!    Let’s get started ….

    Currently obsessing over

    Josie Maran

    Argan Oil Hair Serum

    Just click on the bottle to order ….

    This one Hair Serum has done more for my hair, than any product has ever before!  I love it, my hair is visibly smooth, healthy  and soooo shiny!

    For extra shine, dose wet strands with an argan oil based serum—the miracle ingredient boosts luminosity, protects against UV-damage and strengthens the hair with just a few drops.
    Argan Oil Hair Serum
    What it is:
    An anti-frizz treatment that creates exceptional shine.
    It’s the shine of the times! Argan Oil Hair Serum delivers instant shine and long-lasting rejuvenation. Argan Oil naturally penetrates the hair to help moisturize each layer of the hair strand for long-term hair repair so your hair actually looks and feels healthier, silkier, and extraordinarily shiny. Subtly scented with geranium and bergamot fruit oils, the ultra-light, never-greasy, non-alcoholic formula penetrates the hair shaft to seal split ends and deliver intense moisture to each layer of the hair strand. All hair types will instantly look and feel healthier, silkier, and shinier.
    What it is formulated WITHOUT:
    - Parabens
    - Sulfates
    - Synthetic Fragrances
    - Synthetic Dyes
    - Petro-Chemicals
    - Phthalates
    - GMOs
    - Triclosan
    What else you need to know:
    Argan Oil is a superior source of antioxidants, Vitamin E, and moisture as it nourishes and protects skin and hair from the environment. This organic ingredient prevents dehydration, inflammation, hyper pigmentation, and sebum production. It is your answer to healthy, youthful, radiant, clear skin and hair…naturally.

    Hair Glamour …..

    August 6th, 2010

    Hello Luvs … sharing some hair glamour.  I was getting ready to throw the pillow at my camera this day.   Wishing you a splendid weekend full of fun, peace and love.

    Bella .. XoX

    Update the Bardot:

    tease by giving hair a boost with curlers and a blow-dryer. Begin by setting your hair in the hot rollers to add body. Once they’ve cooled, remove the rollers, blast your hair with a blow-dryer to break up the curls, then flip your head upside down and brush through with a paddle brush. When you bring your head up, lightly tease the length of your hair with the brush, then massage your scalp with your fingertips for a sultry look that’s not too over the top.

    Jumbo curls

    The secret to creating them: hot rollers, which give a looser spring to hair than a curling iron. Use medium-size rollers if you have fine hair, and large ones for thick or curly hair. Working with widths of hair that are the size of the rollers, start by wrapping the middle section around the barrel first, then wind the ends around and roll up to your scalp. (This prevents the curls from becoming perky ringlets.) To finish, brush through the curls once to fluff them, then keep your fingers off so they don’t lose their shape.

    Wispy knot

    For the most appealing chignon, follow these steps:

    1. Starting about two inches from your scalp, lightly tease just your roots with a fine-tooth comb, using broad strokes to avoid compacting the hair too tightly. This will help prevent the bun from slipping out. (Skip this step if your hair is curly.)

    2. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and make a low, loose ponytail, securing it with an elastic placed about a half-inch away from your scalp.

    3. Tease the underside of the ponytail, then casually wind it into a bun. Use ridged, U-shape hairpins to anchor it, sticking one in each side of the knot and one at the bottom.

    Relaxed waves

    There’s nothing sexy about perfectly flatironed hair—just ask any guy. For soft, touchable waves, work volumizer through damp hair (if your hair is thick, use a nickel-size drop of styling cream instead to reduce frizz). Blow-dry while tossing your hair around with your hands—the bigger it gets, the better. Then take a one-inch curling iron and, holding it vertically, open the iron and spiral inch-wide sections of hair around the barrel for a few seconds without clamping the iron shut. Only curl the hair from ear level down—leaving the roots straight keeps the look loose and natural. Once the waves have cooled, rake your fingers through to soften them.

    Bridgett Bardot’s  look always called for extreme black-rimmed eyes with glossy   lips, followed by a slightly undone full head of tousled  hair. The look is head-turning sexy  …

    [bridgette+bardot.png]

    Brigitte Bardot

    Face Canvas

    As always start with a perfect canvas. Apply a light foundation with a powder finish, to achieve what is known as the “natural look.”

    Black Out

    To create eyes that demand attention, try layering on the black makeup. First, line the eye with dark black liner/pencil on top and bottom of the eyelid. Then, layer on a sheer layer of inky black cream eyeshadow over the pencil. My favorite is Nars Cream Eyeshadow -Zardoz which goes for about $21 bones at Sephora. Blend through the  crease and along the lower last line and slightly upwards and out for a subtle cat-eye effect. Then curl your lashes and top it all off with two coats of black volumizing mascara on both sets of lashes.

    Pout

    A dramatic eye look calls for minimal makeup elsewhere. So define the brows slightly and only apply very little blush to the cheeks. Finish by  lining the lips with a liner 2 shades darker than your gloss, create the perfect pout with a dab of  white eye highlighter directly in the center of the lower lip, blend slightly.

    Hair

    Ford Models hairstylist Jennifer Brent shows how to tease a Bridget Bardot hairstyle that can be very romantic, soft, sexy, and fun.

    big hair - Brigitte Bardot

    Lucky to be a woman ….

    July 28th, 2010

    Aren’t we lucky to be women, with everything so beautiful around us, to inspire us.   I sometimes have thought men have it made, jump in the shower, comb hair, out the door, all the while I’m still preparing for my shower!

    But, then I would miss my makeup, my vanity with all it’s glamour, my wardrobe, {men have clothes, we have wardrobes}, the silly, yet fun preparations we make everyday to make our world fabulous.

    Cheers to us ladies … for being your magical self!  XoX

    pics via { troyjenson, citifiedblogspot, flicker

    Glamour Lockdown!

    July 23rd, 2010

    What better way to start off your weekend than looking and feeling fabulous!   I have always adored Too Facedproducts, especially their eye kits, but I found these great tips provided by them and wanted to share them with you.

    Happy Friday Ladies,  here’s to keeping your world  GLAMOROUS , one tip at a time!

    Too Faced

    You Want: The look of lash extensions without the cost or commitment Your “Special Effects” Tool: Lash Injection Mascara

    FEATURES & BENEFITS Extreme Volume, Length and Intense Color: Its unique 3-D polymers build tubes that fatten your fringe and stretch it far beyond your natural lash. Innovative Formula: The original Lash Injection formula creates a dramatic, false-eyelash-in-a-tube effect. Enormous Fluffy Brush: Its specially designed giant brush injects lashes with indelible, intense, waterproof color.

    You Want: A full-coverage insurance policy against shadow fading, creasing, and hard-to-blend eye shadow accidents
    Your “Special Effects” Tool: Shadow Insurance Eye Primer

    FEATURES & BENEFITS
    Unique Binders: Uses volatile, lock-down shadow pigments for amazingly long wear.
    Concentrated: A bead-size drop before powder or cream eyeshadow application covers the entire lid.
    Intense Color: The anti-creasing formula intensifies shadow pigments for rich, bold color.

    You Want: A magic serum to really smooth your complexion – wrinkles and all
    Your “Special Effects” Tool: Wrinkle Injection

    FEATURES & BENEFITS
    Oil-free, Silicone-based Primer: Erases lines, wrinkles, and pores instantly.
    Innovative Formula: Includes mulberry extract, vitamin C, and lumiskin to promote long-term brightening.
    Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: Supports the skin’s natural ability to produce collagen.

    You Want: A plump pout that lasts all day
    Your “Special Effects” Tool: Lip Injection Extreme

    FEATURES & BENEFITS
    Clinically Proven: Its dehydrated collagen formula penetrates and swells with the body’s own water cells for increased volume.
    Vitamin E Derivative: The natural blood vessel dilators restore color and plump lips in minutes.
    Botanical Cocktail of Avocado Oil and Jojoba Oil: Hydrates, moisturizes, and soothes lips.

    Side Swept Style

    July 19th, 2010

    “The hair was allowed to dry in a natural way so it had sort of a rough tousle going on. I heighten that by twisting her hair in coils and flat-ironing them. I then twisted the coils down at the root to create a rough wave and let that set. Once we let the hair down from that I un-coiled the hair and tweaked areas by wrapping them around a 3/4 barrel iron and backcombed the root in the crown for volume. The hair fell into a side part and Whitney liked it so much we went with it swept to a side!”  Said, stylist Charles Baker Strahan.

    Then he misted the whole thing with Herbal Essences Body Envy Hairspray to keep the volume.

    Have any of you ever tried his twist-and-flat-iron technique for getting waves? (If you’re curious, They have   some thorough instructions right here.)

    Love all things Whitney? Check out the lipstick shade she designed and the cute way she spices up her ponytails.

    via {Glamour Magazine}

    Bright Eyes

    July 16th, 2010

    

    To get that flapper-fabulous eye, De May recommends blending Ombre Magnétique in Black Macadam on the outter “v” of your eyes, while concentrating the Urban Silver shade on the inner corner. Blend the two hues into one another with your finger or a shadow brush to smoke, and then line the top and lower lash lines with liquid Artliner in Sparkling Noir. Finish with Le Crayon Khôl in Black Ebony on your waterline to intensify.

    Flappers were also known for their short yet vibrantly painted and glossy nails. A trio of mini nail polishes coyly named Kissed By Paris rounds out the look, in shades of shimmer-infused red, plum and salmon pink-coral.

    ******************************************

    This Fall, Lancôme relives the roaring decade of the ’20′s, with a makeup collection designed by artistic director Aaron De Mey that is etched in burned plums, metallic charcoals and elegant nudes straight out of the Gilded Age.

    We’re loving the flapper-chic ad campaign, which features Daisy Buchanan-like bobbed models Daria Werbowy and Elettra Wiedemann in their first co-appearance for the French luxury brand, shot under the masterful lens of fashion photographer Mario Testino.

    And De Mey agrees.

    “Together, this pair perfectly expresses my vision of a hedonistic era during which women freed themselves of conventions and were able, for the very first time, to express their personality through their style, clothes, hair…and of course their makeup.”

    Our stand-out picks include La Rose Deco, an all-over sheer shimmer powder designed in the shape of Lancôme’s iconic rose, as well as Ombre Magnétique, a gel shadow that is the primary product used to create the captivating sparkle that you see on the eyes of both girls.

    via {StyleList)

    Modern Day Cleopatra Look

    July 12th, 2010

    Harsh and Stunning at the same time, but this look is timeless … reminds me a little of Elizabeth Taylor

    “Modern Day Cleopatra” look by using a liquid foundation to create a bronze glow.   Focus is on heavily lined eyes and strong defined brows, keeping the cheek and lip pale and neutral.

    ..

    via Troy Jensen

    How many reminders do we need?  Well, for me, keep them coming!  I love reading about Beauty mistakes especially for skin thats’ no longer 20.  Subtlety sinks in after a while, and as we age, we do need to keep in mind, that our skin is changing so therefore our beauty routines must change as well!

    I hope you find some of these helpful, and stay BEAUTIFUL Ladies XoX

    Letting Foundation Settle Into Fine Lines.

    Think you’re hiding wrinkles by piling on the foundation? Excess makeup just exaggerates them. The fix: After applying your foundation with a brush, take a damp makeup sponge and gently press it all over your face. This removes any foundation that has settled into lines, and creates a soft finish.

    Letting Foundation Settle Into Fine Lines.

    Skipping Eyeliner.

    Even if your Saturday nights no longer end on Sunday mornings, you don’t need to start ditching eye makeup. As we age, our eyes start to droop at the outer corners—and liner and mascara can do wonders. Fake a lifted look by lining your upper lashes with black pencil, making the line a bit thicker at the outer corners. Next, curl your lashes and add a few coats of mascara—straight lashes may make lids appear hooded.

    Skipping Eyeliner.

    Not Exfoliating.

    The older we get, the longer it takes for dead skin cells to slough off. Translation: dull skin. But giving yourself a youthful glow is as simple as using an at-home glycolic peel once or twice a week.  (Clinique Turnaround Radiance Peel.) Bonus: It will make any anti-aging products you are using penetrate better.

    Blunt Haircuts.

    Most of my favorite over-40 stars have layered haircuts—and there’s a reason for that. All-one-length looks tend to draw the eyes down and therefore make your face look droopy. Instead, ask your stylist to cut some layers. This brings all the focus to your great cheekbones.

    Blunt Haircuts.

    Getting Overzealous With Your Concealer.

    Applying concealer with a heavy hand can end up looking almost as bad as letting your dark circles show. The secret: Tap a very small brush into a liquid concealer and pat it under your eyes, focusing most of the color at the inner corners, where discoloration is usually the worst. Then blend it well in a crescent-moon shape under the eyes. When you’re done, set it with a little loose powder. And to make your concealer work double duty, mix it with a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid or peptides (we like Olay Regenerist Deep Hydrating Regenerating Cream) before applying, and you’ll smooth wrinkles as you hide them.

    Getting Overzealous With Your Concealer.

    via (Glamour)

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