The Mascara Addict

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There is an interesting saying that "the eyes alone can say much more than the lips." And I couldn't agree more. Whether blue, brown or green, our eyes can convey the strongest, non-verbal cues of thoughts and feelings. The act of flirting, especially for women, is relatively simple and easily possible  by just an alluring glance or a few, playful blinks of the eye. 

After many open, often comical conversations with my guy friends about women, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that even though men do notice a woman's body, it isn't the first thing that always stands out. Really? What could stand out more than a pair of boobs? More noticeable? A pair of beautiful eyes. A similar   conclusion was reached by researchers conducting a study for Murine, a major manufacturer of eye drops. Of the 1,000 men interviewed for the study, more than 70% agreed that regardless if they met a girl on a blind date or simply passed a woman on the street, the first thing they noticed about her was her "eyes" followed by "pretty smile and then, yes, a "nice body."

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Our Little Magic Beauty Wand

Inner beauty is, of course, a very important quality, but a little mascara never hurt anyone. And knowing the strong,yet sultry power our eyes can have on men, it's no surprise why mascara is possibly the most cherished beauty item in our cosmetic bag. Although women have always had a complicated relationship with makeup for years, our love for mascara has always been a simple, faithful one, blossoming at an early age. Besides lip gloss, it's one of the first makeup products our moms allow us to wear on "special" occasions.  Then, as grown-ups, mascara is something we end up wearing on "every" occasion.

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Time To Put On My Face

Regardless if I'm getting ready for work on a Monday morning or preparing for a Saturday night out with friends, my typical beauty routine is essentially the same. I always want my makeup to look pretty and stand out regardless what time of the day it is. So I apply foundation, blush, eyeliner lipstick, etc...but without mascara, my face still  looks unfinished. That's why it's the most crucial, finishing step for makeup perfection. I'm not ashamed to admit that, yes, I'm undoubtedly addicted! So...If I was to somehow be stranded on a tropical island far, far away, I would most certainly need food, fresh water and shelter to survive. However, having my precious mascara  along with a few other things with me would make my stay in paradise much more enjoyable:

1. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black!

2. Lots and Lots of Soap!

3. And Tom Cruise, of course...

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 Mascara Ingredients Are Simple
So why make things complicated? 

In 1917, the first packaged mascara was created by Eugene Rimmel for Maybelline using a blend of petroleum jelly and black coal dust. Since the creation of this revolutionary cake mascara, the core ingredients have changed but not significantly much over the last 50 years.The F.D.A. is of course now involved in regulating the basic standards of cosmetics.  But with the exception of some color additives and a few prohibited, toxic ingredients, every tube of mascara, regardless if it's $5 or $50, contains components of these 3 basic ingredients:

1. Wax - For Thickening

2. Pigments - For Color

3. Film Formers - For Coating

So honestly, knowing the true simplicity about the ingredients in mascara, do you really feel like wasting your time at a department store cosmetics counter, listening to  "beauty expert" yapping about the innovative ingredients and advanced science behind their mascara? Blah, blah blah... I didn't think so. So unless you're a muti-million dollar supermodel like Adrianna Lima, it's pointless to spend your money on over-priced mascara.

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1. Just because it's Brighter doesn't make it Better! 

It's quite fascinating that there are over 500 types of mascara produced today. Does the world truly need that many kinds? With so much competition and little room for ingredient improvement, cosmetic manufacturers have focused their attention on re-designing the packaging of mascara  to catch our attention. Instead of using  standard, boring black, mascara tubes are brightly colored in hues similar to neon sharpie markers. Sure, the colors definitely stand out on drugstore shelves, but pretty packaging doesn't always deliver pretty lashes. Well at least you can always spot this mascara at the bottom of your purse.

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2. The weirder the wand, the worst it may be!

I don't think I will  ever understand the science behind the new mascara wand shapes. They're impractical, comical, even ugly. If you look at the design of the mascara wand and can't understand it, you will more than likely struggle with using it. Lets be honest, women already have a hard enough time trying not to poke themselves in the eye while applying mascara  with a normal wand. These new, bizarre shapes will inevitably make the process more difficult and frustrating.  

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3.   The Mascara World is full of Big, Fat Liars

200% more volume? Really?

False advertising claims in the cosmetics industry are now more obvious than ever! Especially in television commercials and print ads for mascara. The ads are very misleading, over-exaggerated and show lashes on models that are virtually impossible to achieve with mascara alone.

Exhibit A: 

 "Volum' Express the Rocket" by Maybelline print ad which reads, "It's patented supersonic jumbo brush builds volume instantly, making lashes 8X's bigger!" Yes, the model's eyelashes are extremely impressive, full of volume and full of...Lash Inserts?" 

Investigators for the National Advertising Division found that most mascara ads were "literally false" because they were not an accurate depiction of what could be achieved by the mascara or special mascara brush alone. The N.A.D. enow requires that all mascara companies provide fine print at the bottom of the ad that the model was "styled with lash inserts."

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#1 Mascara on the Planet - 
"L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black"

Yes...it's that good!

I may not have an P.h.D in advanced Mascara Studies but, having used it for over 20 years, I've figured out which brand
is hands down the best on the market: "L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black." Ladies, it's time to stop wasting your money on expensive name brand mascara. I personally could never justify spending $50 on Chanel Mascara knowing it really isn't better. So head to your local drugstore, Ulta or Target, and pick one up (or two). The best part about Voluminious is that, for just less than $10 a tube, it is consistent at building big beautiful lashes.  You can thank me later!

Shhhh...The Secret To Big Lashes:
Lots and Lots of Coats

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I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but , regardless of  what  what people say, it  definitely takes more than "2 to 3 coats" of mascara to get your real volume in your lashes. I know that I use a lot of mascara but one day I  decided to count the actual number of coats. Allowing for a few occasional breaks to let the mascara dry, each eyeball got well over 100 coats!  I know that sounds crazy, excessive or a waste of time but I wholeheartedly disagree.  Taking the extra effort to layer your mascara will not only get you the  luscious lashes you want BUT it will also get you lots of beautiful compliments from both men and women alike.

Love,
Saima B.
xoxo
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Glow 
Salon   Med Spa   Boutique
www.liveloveglow.com

Glam Glow - The benefits of getting down & dirty with Mud!

  GlamGlow 
Is it really "The Best mask in the world?"

If you own or manage a Salon or Spa, you are more than likely approached by skincare sales reps who can overwhelm you with persistent emails, phone calls & unexpected visits in the hopes that you retail their "exclusive" line. To be brutally honest, most product brochures left behind are thrown away and emails deleted even before they are read.  Occasionally, however, something appears on my desk and catches my eye especially if it has the word glow in it.  Enter "GlamGlow." The most intriguing thing about this line wasn't just the name or the girly packaging, but the intriguing ingredients: Ancient Volcanic Ash, Super Antioxidants and Minerals.  In other words, MUD!

Mud, you ask? Yes indeed. 
Smelly pigs, dusty elephants and slimy worms aren't the only creatures drawn to it.  Small children sometimes fit in that category as well. They love playing in it, creating a dirty mess from head to toe. But what childhood memory is better than that that of making an authentic mud pie?

A No-Calorie, No-Carb Mud Pie

But as adults, the thought of rolling around in a Mud Pool - hot spring water mixed with volcanic ash - sounds soothing, sexy and somewhat fascinating. And, yes, it is just one more thing to check off your bucket list. Most people enjoy soaking in mud not only because it feels good but also because natural clay is packed with rich minerals. It not only helps to detoxify the skin but serves as an anti-inflammatory agent for many skin disorders.  Plus it makes for great pictures on Facebook and Instagram! .

Say "Cheese!"

-  SuperMud Clearing Treatment  -

This scientifically advanced SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment was clinically developed by GlamGlow Dermatological Chemists to fight common skin concerns. The first 6-Acid AHA & BHA blend of its kind, SUPERMUD shows results immediately. New Pore-Matrix Technology using Activated-X Charcoal and New K17-Clay helps to penetrate the skin, allowing for deep pore extraction. The result is a seemingly smooth, glowing appearance.

Looks a little creepy but that drying process is what makes this treatment so interesting!

-  YouthMud Tingle-Exfoliating Treatment  -

Designed as 10-minute professional "facial in a jar," the YouthMud Tingle-Exfoliating Treatment delivers just that - a unique sensation to your face. Used in Hollywood's entertainment, music and fashion award industries, YouthMud gently exfoliates skin and absorbs impurities leaving your face feeling clear and GLAM-tastic.  

Who doesn't love a winner, right?

-  Bright Mud Eye Treatment  -

Need to fake a full night's sleep? 

The Bright Mud Eye Treatment just might be the remedy to help minimize puffiness, fine lines and dark circles. Each treatment package contains two Bio-Active Mud "spheres" full of active ingredients, including GlamGlow's secret percentage mix of "Caffeine Molecules." Simply tap this non-drying, mask under & over eyelids, gently wiping off after 5 minutes. This rich, soothing treatment will leave your eyes looking hydrated and well-rested. 

The simple science behind the benefits of Caffeine

 Left Eye / Right Eye indicator on package very helpful. Just in case you forget which is which! :)

"We are from Mars...
Take us to your leader!"

I figured if singer Michael Buble likes  GlamGlow "SuperMud" then why wouldn't I?

Okay. I may have overdone it the first time

Much, much better... 
 - GlamGlow Gorgeous -
Saima B. - xoxo
www.liveloveglow.com

The Online Budget Fashionista - Stylish & Smart

Units 

When I was in the 9th Grade, I can still remember getting excited because I heard a new concept clothing store was

opening at Hulen Mall in Ft. Worth, TX.  It was called UNITS! I'm sure there are plenty of you out there over the age of 40 who remember it clearly. The store itself seemed so unique at first because it was a new concept and of its cube-style interior decor looked modern.  UNITS was a very simple, silly concept.  A line of solid jersey knits -Tops, Skirts, Pants and Tights sold as separates. Each item was designed to be worn alone either alone or layered with other pieces. Fascinating, right? Not quite. My sister and I were so excited to go in and pick out our cool new outfits.  We both chose a 3-piece combination. I opted for a light purple number and my sister, Uzma, chose blue. "What's a 3 pc. combo" you might ask? Well wearing a loose, long sleeve shirt, paired with a long Amish skirt, with ANOTHER tu-tu like skirt on top was indeed bizarre.  So unfortunately, the Paki twins with the big eyebrows & even bigger hair looked strange & unfashionable....again. Needless to say, UNITS obviously didn't make it out of the 80's.... along with Stirrup Pants, Banana Clips and Acid Washed Jeans.Thank God.

Unfortunately, clothing choices in the 90's didn't dramatically improve for teens & young adults who had since transformed their UNITS into cleaning rags for their boyfriend's old Chevrolet Cavaliers. Fashion didn't get better, just more bland. Large retail chains like Foley's, Dillard's, JCPenny's and Mervyn's flourished because of competitive pricing as well as targeting every age & size group. Our mothers, aunts & grandmothers became obsessed with specials at these retail giants. Always scouring the cluttered sales racks in the hopes of finding the best deal.  Of course, no one under the age of 18 really cared for these "old people" mega stores so most girls found themselves wandering thru the racks of Express and The Limited. Yes. It was stylish for the time. But, more than 20 years later, I'm honestly a surprised that they still have strong consumer appeal. I don't think I have purchased anything from either store in years mainly because the women's line at both stores is absurdly overpriced, not stylish or even original looking. And even if someone used a coupon or got something on sale, it's still not a good value. I'm not a snot, but If I'm going to spend any amount on clothes, I want them to look modern & stylish. Not like I'm heading to work at the Dallas Public Library.

Express (a.k.a. Dull)

The Limited (a.k.a. The Mundane)

Then something magical happened at the beginning of the year 2000.  The skies opened, the grey retail clouds parted and FOREVER 21 fell out of the sky. We can all thank Don Won Chang for this. Not because he opened Panda Express in the food court at the mall but because he was the genius behind this retail giant. Women were shocked at the price tags on these Tops, Dresses, Jeans, Skirts & Accessories.  "Is this pretty blouse really $11.90?" Not only surprised at the price but how vast, colorful & stylish the selections were!  Yes, some argue that after one wash, most of the clothing falls apart, but I disagree.  Pick the right material, wash them appropriately and that $21 dress will be hanging in your closet for years. With a whopping 480 Forever 21's open worldwide and a net worth of 3.9 billion, I would definitely say Don did something right.

Forever 21

Now I do realize of course that not every woman likes this store or plans on shopping at Forever 21 until she is Forever 61.  That's precisely the reason why I love the fact that online Clothing Boutiques are the savviest shopping tool for women of all ages.  You can find fabulous clothes, jewelry, shoes & accessories daily at wonderful prices. And I'm not gonna lie....it feels really good when your family or friends drool over a gorgeous Blouse or Dress you're wearing. Inside you're smiling because a). No one else you know has it and b). It was on SALE!  Below, I have highlighted 5 of my favorite online Deal Boutiques that I would highly recommend any fashionista to join & explore. Even if you don't buy anything, it's fun to see the newest trends. Because after all ladies, we may have busy lives, we may be stressed or even a bit depressed at times....but we can all still be Well Dressed!

Saima B. xoxo

www.hautelook.com

www.ideeli.com 

www.modnique.com

www.shopstyle.com

www.bluefly.com