What's Hot & What's Not

I noticed everyone doing "In & Outs" so I'm doing "Hot & Not." I have always said "that's hot" to something I like, even when I was little.

HOT:

 

-Spring weather. Oh baby, bring on the open-toed shoes, skirts, tanks & shorts.  I can't wait to go to the pool in my bikini & just lounge. Yes, I know this isn't for a while but the very thought of it is making me very happy.

-Getting a modeling gig started. I may not be drop-dead gorgeous & I am 5'3'', but he said I would do very well in print so I have a one year contract with this agency. I'm gonna work what my mama gave me. Who knows what'll come of it, but it's exciting for me. Make that money, don't let it make you.

-Being a brunette for the past year. I had it done yesterday, a little bit darker & I'll soon take pictures once I wash it. It makes my eyes really pop out & I don't look back at my blonde days. Brunettes really do have more fun! 

-Dark eyes. I did thicker eyeliner this morning, kinda stepping out of my simple mode & to my surprise, people are loving it. I was just tired & not paying attention to how heavy I was applying it but hot damn, it turned out well after all! 

-My workout plan. Oh yeaaah, it is awesome & I will share with people, if they're interested.

-All that Glitters on the lid, Swiss Chocolate in the crease, a little Sable in the outer crease is rockin' my world. I'll post a pic soon.

NOT:

-This isn't beauty related but I have to vent. Proposition 8 (California) being approved & how the courts probably won't override it is b.s. In case you don't know, prop 8 banned gay marriage just after 4 months of the courts approving it. I'm sorry, but if you're against gay marriage then shut the fuck up & don't get one. No one has the right to tell people how to live & love. I'm pretty disgusted that people voted to approve prop 8 (most being religious fanatics, but I won't touch that) & even more so by bigoted hatred standing in the way of two people in love - how demeaning :-/ 

-My boyfriend having to put his family cat down soon. Baggy is 18 years old & is getting pretty sick. We don't want him to suffer but it definitely hurts his family to have to make that decision. Him & I have four cats of our own & it'd break my heart to see anything happen to them.

-Girls not eating so they'll be skinny. I'm sorry, but ever hear of fat skinny? When you don't eat, your body turns catabolic & munches on your muscle. Yeah, you'll be skinny & also flabby as hell. Your body will also be lacking nutrition & will feel like a giant marsh mellow. Toned bodies are sexy, ladies. So are curves. If you're having some issues with weight, just message me. I may be able to help.

-My bank account. Ugh. 

What's hot or not in your life??

EOTD/FOTD #1

I had a meeting with a modeling agent this morning & I kept my makeup natural & my outfit simple. I didn't take a picture of my outfit (I so should've, I looked cute) but of course I took one of the makeup! Also, the interview went very well & I am starting some projects next week. Very exciting stuff. I have so many obligations now but we'll see if anything happens with it :-) Enjoy the pics. I may look a little sleepy, but I'm getting over a cold.

FACE: MUFE HD #120
Smashbox Foundation Primer
NARS Laguna
MAC Danity blush (beautiful color)

EYES: Too Faced Shadow Insurance
MAC Blanc Type (lid/highlighter)
MAC Quarry (lid)
MAC Wedge (crease)
MAC Blacktrack Fluidline
MAC Plushlash

Guerlain Oriental Metal (waterline)

LIPS: MAC Spice lip pencil
MAC Hue
MAC Myth

More pics of my other combos soon! XOXO

A MAC Haul...

I planned to treat this blog as my baby but I am making out to be one lousy parent :-(  Anywho, here's my first haul blog! 

I'm a MACaholic- this is a minor haul for me, believe it or not. I'm saving up for SugarSweet, which launches here in the US March 19th. Even the girls there said I had an addiction- but that it is well-warranted :-) In the blog, I also mentioned what I plan to pair each with ♥

STARRING...the e/s's:  

BLANC TYPE

What a lovely matte highlighter or base e/s.  The texture is a dream to work with-creamy, smooth & easily blended. I also liked how it brightened up my eye area. It's very similar to MAC's Painterly PP.  It doesn't have shimmer like Shroom, but I am thrilled that I added this to my collection- I know it'll be a staple.

JEST

Picked this up because my other suffered an unfortunate de-potting accident :-(  A staple e/s of mine, love love LOVE this shimmery peachy-champagne color all over the lid with Satin Taupe in the crease. Also works well with Twinks. 

QUARRY

I can see this shade not working for some girls, but I loved it on me! It's a...dusky taupe. I wore  Blanc Type as my base, Quarry on my lid, & Wedge in the crease, a lil' liner & I loved it- so did the MA.  I have green-eyes & this color really made them pop. 

SABLE

I would call this a plummy-brown with a golden sheen to it. I am super excited about this e/s. I plan to wear it with Satin Taupe on my lid, & Sable on the outer corner & up in the crease to add depth. Then line the lid with carbon. I'm sure I'll think of some more combos for this baby.

SWISS CHOCOLATE

If you love browns & neutrals, this is a must-have. It's a reddish warm brown shade that I plan to use as a crease color. At MAC, I had the MA pair it with All That Glitters & it looked sooo nice. I also see myself pairing this with Wedge, Sketch, Woodwinked, Satin Taupe & Haux. I will use a light hand with this one though-too much can look very harsh.

WOODWINKED

This was more of a "what the hell, why not?" purchase. I'm still not too sure about this gold-bronzey e/s but I had it on my fair-medium skin tone & it didn't look orangey.  I do wish I had more of a tan going on for this color to really pop, but I am still willing to work with it. I know it's going to be used a lot come summertime! And if it doesn't work, that's what swaps are for.

ALSO FEATURING.....lips: 

Blankety & Hue

Hello, my name is April & I'm a nude addict. I think this should be my personal slogan. Typically, I pair Cherish & Myth for my signature color. Perhaps this will change?? First off, Blankety won't be my favorite color, but I wanted to try it. At MAC, it looked nice- gave me a pretty nude lip. At home, it looks craptastic.  I'll play around with it & see where my love goes for it though. I do love Hue though. Hue- a soft milky pink-  is definitely going to be getting some serious lip action from me.  

LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST...blush:

Danity

I heart MAC'S mineralized blushes & this looks lovely on me. I will soon be taking a picture of it on so you can check it out. I thought it'd be too bold for me, but it worked out beautifully. Really added a gorgeous sheen to my cheeks & I actually got a compliment about it today.  I also have Warm Soul & can't decide which one I like more. 

That is it! I did pick up a MAC HK Pink Fish & while the name is rather unfortunate, it's super cute. Pics are to come, you gorgeous gals! 

My Favorite Look Right Now

So, I went to a lil' shindig at a friends house last night & I kept it simple since we were supposed to show up in our jam jams.  Thought I'd share some pre-party pictures...& relish in narcissism, lol. Hope you enjoy, xoxo! Everything I used is down below.

FACE: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

MUFE HD in #120

GloMinerals Pressed Powder in Medium

NARS Orgasm

NARS Laguna

EYES: Too Faced Shadow Insurance

MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot

MAC All that Glitters (lid)

MAC Wedge (crease)

MAC Bare Study (brow bone)

MAC Fluidline Blacktrack

Guerlain loose kohl in Oriental metal (waterline)

  MAC PlushLash

LIPS: MAC Spice lip pencil

MAC Cherish  (first)

MAC Myth (second)

Whattya think??

Things that I use tag

I jumped late on this. Not sure if anyone reads my blog, but just in case ;-)

Shampoo: Pureology Volumizing Shampoo

Condtioner: Pureology Hydrating Conditioner

Styling products: Okay...this is a task for me since I'm anal about hair...CHI Silk Infusion & Thermal Spray  (most days) Skinny Serum (here & there), Pureology Root Lift (always), and Ojon Restorative Hair treatment (lightly applied to ends if they're really dry). Also use Ojon as a hair mask.

Shower Gel: Depth Botanical...somethin' or St. Ives H20

Body moisturizer: Right now, Dermalogica Ultra-Rich Lotion & there is no love between me & this product :-(

Deodorant: Degree Clinical Sport

Fake Tan: VersaSpa

Cleanser: Eminence Mineral Cleanser & Eminence Sweet Red Rose toner (Eminence has got to be the best skin line)

Eye makeup remover: Johnson's Baby Oil

Exfoliator: I don't do this often, but if I do I use Befine exfoliating cleanser. For a face mask, simply aspirin mask works for me!

Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish 

Foundation:  MUFE HD # 120 or Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer in Nude

Foundation brush: Mac 187 & a kabuki brush from Branded J

Concealer: GloMinerals in Natural...best concealer for me right now

Highlighter: MAC Vanilla pigment

Powder: GloMinerals in Medium

Blusher: MAC Warm Soul or NARS Orgasm

Bronzer: Nars Laguna

Eyeshadow base: Too Faced Shadow Insurance & MAC Paint Pots...Rubenesque my favorite but Bare Study is a close runner up

Eyeshadows: all MAC! They seriously make the best e/s's

Eyeliner: MAC Blacktrack fluidline or Guerlain Loose Kohl

Eyelash curler: Japonesque...never use it.:-( I should start though

Eyelash base: none

Mascara: MAC PlushLash right now, will invest in YSL Faux Cils soon

Lipstick: MAC Cherish, MAC Myth, MAC Slimshine in Bare

Lipgloss: None....just a lil' vaseline or MAC's lip balm for me

Nail Colour: OPI in Suzi Says Da

URL & Header Change

I changed my URL this morning because I ran across another makeup (very awesome) blog with a similar URL that I had chosen- mine used to be allthatglitters22. I didn't want there to be any confusion so I changed it.  My Grandma is the one who suggested the new name, she thinks blogs are fun. Hope it doesn't mess up anything up with the followers I already have!! I hope I get more followers as well ;-) By the way, review on YSL lipstick coming tonight or tomorrow. First video this weekend!! XOXO

Guerlain Terracotta Loose Kohl Liner: Oriental Metal vs. Noir

I finally got my Guerlain kohl & YSL lipstick ::does a happy dance:: I was leaving the house & saw the UPS guy while I was driving away, so I frantically turned around & caught up with him. He probably thought I was a lil' nutty, but oh well.

As soon as I got home, I needed to play with my waterline. I put on the Oriental Metal first. It's very soft & subtle, perfect for the day. I will admit, I love the intensity of Noir, however I am also drawn into the subtlety of Oriental Metal. I will mix them up throughout the week. Noir is definitely more for evening makeup, but whatever. I dolled myself up after the gym so here ya go!

The first pic is with Oriental Metal. Subtle & loverly.

Here's Oriental Metal close-up:

The second pic is with Noir. Intense & defined.

And here's Noir close-up:

Honestly, I love them both. As I previously mentioned, the staying power is impeccable & it's versatile-I can work out with it on, go out to dinner with friends, or just get through an ordinary workday with either of these- without worrying if it's smudged.  Although my heart is with Noir, I will use Oriental Metal during the day because it really is quite nice.  The pic doesn't do it justice & when I run out, I'd repurchase both a heartbeat. Seriously, if you love lining your waterline, get one!! 

*****I'm reviewing YSL lipstick in another blog in case you were wondering if I was also wearing it- I'm not wearing it in these pics, just vaseline.*****

Laptops dying & new purchases

So, I was planning on blogging every other day in order to get my page "happenin'," but my laptop died. I had it for four years, always served me well but one day I turn it on and...its screen was black.  A nice computer geek told me that it would cost more to fix it then the laptop was worth so I had to spend the next couple of days looking around until I finally settled on this beautiful Mac. Oh, how I love it already. It has a pretty sufficient webcam, so I'm sure I'll put that to good use!!

Since I now have the internet again, of course I had to order some new stuff that I can't find in the stores.  First thing I ordered was  Talika Eyelash Lipocils. I'm not sure where I heard about this item, but its reviews look quite stellar. The product claims that it's clinically proven to stimulate eyelash growth as it conditions existing lashes.  You apply twice a day, morning and evening.  I already have good enough eyelashes, but I am curious to see if the product will thicken and lengthen them a little bit. From the reviews, it sounds like it does work IF used consistently.  It also sounds like the tube lasts awhile, but that you have to keep buying it for the effect to last. When I get it, I'll use it for the recommended month to see results and then I'll post about it :-)

Another item I bought from

 amazon.com was a Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte lipstick in Sensual Silk. I have heard great things about this lipstick!! And it better be FANTASTIC considering that it was $34.  YSL claims that it is a smooth and creamy lipstick that transforms into a fluid veil of radiant color when it touches your lips.  This strong and sensual item also contains SPF 15.  I'm excited to see if my lips will be transformed into sensual steaminess. Doesn't the lipstick just sound freakin' hot? When it arrives, I'll post a pic. 

From, nordstrom.com, I ordered Guerlain's Kohl in Oriental Metal. I am simply in love with these kohls because they're the best product that I've ever used on my waterline. I currently use Noir, which is an intense black and will be featured in an upcoming video. Its staying power is so impeccable that it even survives my uber-sweaty workouts!  Oriental Metal is a silvery taupe and looks more subtle than the black Noir that I'm using, so I'm excited to use it and compare the two.

Finally, when I run out of my GloMinerals foundation, I'm going to purchase Mufe HD- there's been so much hype surrounding it, I just gotta. 

Hope you enjoyed reading some of my new purchases and I'll post pics/results of all when I can!!

My eyebrow threading experience

I've been tweezing my own eyebrows for almost 10 years. Eyebrows frame & give definition to your face, so I feel that it's important to keep them well-groomed. I learned how to shape them pretty well just by looking through the internet & my way always worked for me. I have waxed twice & neither was a pleasant experience for me. The first girl tore off some of my skin so it looked like I had burns under my brows & the second girl made them waaay too thin. I'm totally against thin eyebrows- they age you quicker than sun & birthdays!..... I also don't understand why some girls would shave their eyebrows off just to draw them back on...I've never seen that nicely pulled off...I'm not sure if it can be...but I digress....


Getting tired of the tedious world of plucking, I decided to investigate this hot new trend I kept hearing about: eyebrow threading. I was hesitant at first because I'm a huge skeptic, but I dropped my inhibitions, let my eyebrows grow out a little bit & made my appointment after researching my options.


I was greeted by a nice middle-eastern woman who instructed me to lay down on what looked like a dentist's chair & she worked wonders with a piece of twisted cotton thread. It wasn't painful & when I looked in the mirror, I was amazed at the difference in my shape & just how clean it looked. I always flattered myself with thoughts of how well I did eyebrows, but she totally kicked my butt with that piece of thread.


I gave in & let her thread my upper lip too. Now, that 'effin hurt. I'd do it again in a heartbeat because it really made a difference, but I will warn that it wasn't pleasant. But then again, there is much in life that isn't :-)


It's been 4 days since my first eyebrow threading experience & I love it. Maybe it's just in my head, but I feel that it really refines my face, even if just a little bit. She said she also does mens' too & that in her country, all the men have it done.


I should've taken a before pic, but I'm getting them touched up on March 3 so I will take a picture then.


Here's what they look like now:












The pic doesn't grasp the full effect, but it really is awesome. Sooo, what're you waitin' for??? If you're in the Cincinnati area, call Perfections Salon today! And if you aren't, look for one that'll shape & clean them. Some places will only clean, which is great because threading is the quickest way of hair removal, but to really get the full effect, find someone who shapes them too!


Hope this helps & go love life!

Hotsteppin' is what I like

Hi all! Thanks for checking out my blog :-) Although it'll take me some time to really get this mama rolling, I feel that I'll be a solid resource for some. I love makeup, clothing, & staying in shape, so if you like those things too, I think we'll get along just fine.

I certainly don't want to come off as a licensed makeup artist. I'm simply someone who is passionate about makeup & how it enhances beauty. I always enjoyed watching my grammy do her makeup (she's possibly the most beautiful 81 year old) & that's definately where my passion stems from. She always told me that vanity is a virtue & that's been my motto for a very long time.

I've done some makeup for entertainers & for tgirls, so some of my blogs will help them out too. I think everyone should be able to feel beautiful, regardless of gender.

Some of the products I use are Chanel, Chi, Eminence, Guerlain, GloMinerals, MAC, OPI, Pureology, Smashbox, & YSL. All that is totally off the top of my head, so I'm sure I'm forgetting something!

I love shopping for clothes at Abercrombie, American Eagle, Armani Exhange, Buckle, G by Guess, and Metropark.

I work very hard as a personal trainer so fitness is definately a passion of mine. It saddens me that people struggle with their weight & are judged because of it, so I'd like to make a difference in their lives & self-esteem. I doubt I'll stay in it forever, but I love it at the moment & that's good enough for me.

I'm a very warm & compassionate person who belives that you can never have too many friends! Regardless of your location, feel free to contact me. My life has room for tons of fun lovin' people!

I'd love to hear what others use so start talkin'!