The Life of A Ladybug

Ask me how to ... interpret the season's colorful eyes to suit my look!

So, in this week's Ask me how to ..., I'm going to talk about how to achieve a colorful eye.  I had a reader send me an e-mail, letting me know that she's been looking into the makeup trends for the fall and winter and that she keeps seeing colorful eye looks, over and over again.  She wants to know how to pick colors to achieve the look.

Well, here's the answer!  If you want to go for a colorful eye makeup look and you want your own beautiful eyes to "pop", go for colors that are the opposite of your eye color.  So, for instance, if you have warm brown eyes, use shadows in shades of blue (see the picture for an example), purple, or green, to really bring out their rich tone.  If you have blue eyes, go for shades of brown and bronze.  For green eyes, purples work well.

If you aren't bold enough to go for an entire eyelid full of color, a great alternative is to use colored eyeliner!  Do a soft wash of color in a neutral shade like taupe or brown and then line your peepers in the colored eyeliner that corresponds to your eye color (see the tips above).  Add a couple coats of mascara to make those lashes lush and you're good to go!

See you next week for another edition of Ask me how to ...!  And if you have a question you'd like to have answered here on The Life of A Ladybug, you can either post it in the comments or send me an e-mail to lifeofaladybug@gmail.com.

Ask me how to ... make your cleavage look more glamorous!

Yes, you read that right - this edition of Ask me how to ... is about how to make one's "girls" look prettier.  LOL!

On a bellydance forum I frequent, one of the posting dancers asked for tips on how to make her boobies look lovely in her new bedleh.  And I realized, that question doesn't just apply to us bellydancers!  All women can use tips on how to bedazzle their decolletage.

So, here's a really easy tip:

• Get a double-sided bronzer compact, like the one shown above, which happens to be one of my favorites, Too Faced Sun Bunny.  Using the darker side and a small fluffy brush (like, blush-sized), apply it as contour to your actual cleavage line (the line where your breasts meet) and where they connect to your chest.  Not a strip of color, ladies - blend!  You want to create a shadow effect.  Then, using the lighter side (and a larger fluffy blush, like powder-sized), dust the tops of the girls, to add a bit of brightness and glow.  And voila!  All pretty!

To send me a question for my Ask me how to ... series, send me an e-mail at lifeofaladybug@gmail.com!

Ask me how to ... use mineral makeup if I have dry skin!

So, this week's question is: How do I use mineral makeup if I have dry skin?

This is a great question, as most mineral makeup comes in powder form and, as such, can exacerbate dry skin, making it look flaky and feel tight.  Some mineral makeup brands, like Jane Iredale, do make liquid mineral formulas.  However, if you already have a powder mineral foundation that you'd like to use, grab your favorite moisturizer and mix some of the foundation powder into a bit of the moisturizer.  Tada!  Instant tinted moisturizer.  You get all the benefits of the mineral foundation and the added benefit of moisture.  Enjoy!

Ask me how to ... use bronzer in the fall!

Beautiful readers, I'm making some changes to the site content, so please let me know what you think.  I'm going to make a few things a regular feature here on The Life of A Ladybug.  I started with the "Bronzers for Brown Girls" series this summer and that got a really good response.  So now, I'd like to make regular features out of things that you, the reader, find interesting.  Now that I've done bronzers, what other beauty or makeup issues and products would you like to see featured?  Please let me know in the comments.  Also, look for a product that will be designated what "Ladybug Loves" each week, an "Affordable Alternatives" feature that will tell you how to get the look of a high-end product without kicking out as much money and this feature, "Ask me how to ...".  "Ask me how to ..." was the brainchild of my friend Wendi (also known as Jahzaal), who told me that she'd like to get answers to makeup and beauty-related questions.  So, each week, I will be answering a reader's question in my "Ask me how to ..." post.  Please e-mail or comment with your questions!

This week's "Ask me" question is from the lovely Wendi, who wants to know, "How can I use my bronzer in the fall and winter months?"  As many of you can tell from the "Bronzers for Brown Girls" series, I am a lover of bronzers and I advocate using them all year round, not only to add a sunniness to the skin, but also because a great bronzer is a multi-use product.  Of course, I love adding a sunkissed glow to the skin all year, but here are other uses for bronzer:

• To get rid of sallowness.  If your skin starts looking a bit sallow or sickly when you lose your summer tan, you can continue to use the product as a traditional bronzer, i.e, swiping it over the high planes of the face to add back some glow.  Or, if the bronzer is one without shimmer, you can add a light dusting all over your face to warm up your skintone.
• As a lovely eyeshadow.  If you like a bronzed eye look, you can use your bronzer this way.  Deep bronzers can also make great crease/definition colors for the eye.
• As a blush.  Bronzers can make great natural-looking blushes, particularly on brown-skinned women.
• As a contour powder.  You can use a deep, matte bronzer as a means of creating the look of cheekbones, slimming down the nose, and shading the hairline.
• As lip color.  You can dust the bronzer on your lips, add a touch of clear gloss or balm and there you go!
• To darken up a too light blush shade.  Add the blush to the apples of your cheeks, top with a light dusting of bronzer and voila!  The same color of blush, but deeper and warmer.

I hope these tips helped you transition your summer makeup into a more fall-appropriate look!  Continue to enjoy your bronzer all year long!  Next week, I'll feature another "Ask me how to ...".  Please submit your questions!

Tonyette's question

Whenever you try a new line or brand, what product do you try first? Or is there no particular rhyme and/or reason...you just try whatever you hear about? For example, I want to try Bobbi Brown products...in order to get a feel for her products, should I try lip gloss first, or foundation, etc?

Good question, Tonyette!  Honestly, my introduction to a brand happens in a few different ways.  As you probably already know, whenever I'm out and about, my eyes are scanning for new products and new lines that I've never heard of or tried.  Usually, I will find at least one thing that looks interesting and pick it up to test out.  If I like it, it makes me want to delve into the rest of the line.  I have subscriptions to quite a few beauty/fashion magazines and when I read about interesting products on the pages, I go after those.  I listen to the suggestions of ladies whose taste I trust, like my fellow beauty bloggers or my friends.  And, of course, sometimes product lines will approach me and ask me to test their products and that's how I find out about them.

Usually, if I'm picking a product to try, I start with lipgloss.  That's only because I am a lipgloss fanatic - I own more glosses than any other beauty product.  I think changing your gloss changes your whole look.  But, if I am suggesting where a person should start when trying a new line, I would say, start with whatever catches your eye - there's usually something about that product that is of interest to you.  Or, if you're at the brand's counter, talk to the person there.  Let her guide in what products to choose, provided that you don't feel that she's cramming the products down your throat - never buy anything you don't want to!

In the case of Bobbi Brown, I say, start with the blush.  For me, the blushes are the essence of Bobbi Brown.  I say this because her blushes are such wonderfully natural shades.  They come in a range of colors, but each shade has been developed to look beautifully natural on the wearer - you won't look as if you've been slapped in the face or broken out in a rash.  In your case, I would suggest you pick a darker shade, like Currant.  Or try a Pot Rouge that works for cheeks and lips - I'd suggest Chocolate Cherry for you.  If you find that you like it, then go back and try other stuff.

Let me know if you ever try Bobbi Brown!  Or if you want to have a friend go along, I'd love to go to the counter with you.

Thanks, Tonyette!

Keep the questions coming, folks!

Amethyst's question

Ok, so you're stranded on a desert island and you absolutely, positively only have ONE lipstick (or lipgloss) in ONE shade with you in your pocket. Which one is it? (name, shade, lipstick or gloss?)

Wow.  That's a hard one, Amethyst!  I have more lip products than anything else, so asking me to pare it down to one is rough!

Okay.  I would say ... Kiehl's Goldenberry lipgloss.  Jut because it's emollient enough to be used as a lipbalm, yet adds a pop of healthy pinky-red to my lips.  If I'm going to be on a deserted island, I can at least have smooth, glossy lips.

Thanks for the question!

Free-for-all!

So, I haven't done this in a while.  For the next week, I'm open to questions.  Any and all questions.  I will answer honestly.  I won't tell you too much of my business and I won't answer any questions submitted by jackasses, but other than that ... go for it!

Reader Question: How do I wear bronzer?

Hey Luv! I have a much needed question. Is bronzer applied all over my face or just to my cheeks? Or can I do either? I didn't wear face makeup besides eye makeup, and I am a newborn to it. I recently took a trip to Ft. Lauderdale,this weekend and I was anxious to go to the Sephora and ask for something to add a little color to my cheeks. She gave me "Laura Mercier cheek colour in blushing apple"...I am so hooked, it was so pretty! P.S.I got so many compliments while in the store on how good my natural skin looks, and if you remember, you adviced me on what products to use for my skin. Thanks again!

Hey Vixenlibra!  Your question is a common one - many people seem to have trouble with how to apply bronzer.  Here's the short of it: you should apply bronzer to the places where the sun naturally hits your face.  So, apply bronzer to the raised portion of your face: your cheekbones, bridge of your nose, around your hairline and on the tip of your chin.  Remember that you only need a light dusting - don't go too heavy.  There are people who wear bronzer all over their faces, but I think this looks unnatural and is unnecessary, unless you're trying to make your face darker than the rest of your body, for some reason.  When you apply bronzer, use a fluffy brush.  I usually use a large blush brush or a powder brush.  Some people even use a kabuki brush.

I'm so glad that you're branching out in your make-up wardrobe and trying new things - good for you!  Yay on the new blush - I'll have to check it out!  And I'm glad that your new skincare regimen is working for you - congratulations!

Ask me!

Just want to remind you that I love answering questions and chatting about beauty, bellydance, natural hair, and life in general.  I love to hear from you!  So, please - if you have any questions for me or ideas on topics you'd like to see addressed on The Life of A Ladybug, comment or send me an e-mail!

At Rachel's request ... Pontificating about character

So, Rachel's reply to my "Feel free ..." post was to ask me to "pontificate on character."  I shall attempt to do so and hope my replies are what you're looking for, Rach!

What is the #1 quality you look for in a friend or partner?

Well, if I have to pick a #1, I would say honesty.  I know that's what everyone says, but I really mean it.  I like it when people tell me the truth.  I know that sometimes the truth is hard for me to hear, but I respect a person more when (s)he can share honest thoughts, without worry that our friendship or relationship will suffer.  All my closest friends share this trait.  There have been times when their honesty has caused me pain - when I've been told that I'm jealous, or have acted in an ignorant manner, or that I need to shut up.  But, after I get over my initial defensiveness and evaluate what the person has had to say, (s)he is almost always right.  I pride myself on my ability to accept and absorb criticism when it is given in a spirit of love.  What I have found with those honest people in my life is that they are able to share their unbiased thoughts and opinions without trying to cut me down.  Too many people lack tact and compassion.  There are times when I am lacking in the tact department myself, so I surround myself with people who can balance me out in that regard.  Thank God for Kim, who has, on numerous occasions, gently and kindly reminded me that there are different ways in which to say what I think.  Her tact has saved me more than once.

So, with that in mind, my #2 requirement is compassion.  I am thankful that I am a compassionate person.  I can see beyond myself and feel the needs of others and respond to those needs.  And I want people in my life who are also like that.  I am continually frustrated by people who seem to lack basic human kindness and compassion, people who can look at the suffering of others and just not seem to give a damn.  I wonder if there is a special place in hell for such folks.  (Okay, see there?  Lack of tact.  sigh)

What is the single most annoying quality a person can have?

A negative spirit.  Not pessimism (my husband, God love him, is a pessimist of the highest order sometimes and it really frustrates me), but negativity.  A person who is contrary just for the hell of it.  Who goes out of her way to rain on everybody's parade.  Who can never be happy for anyone or share anyone's joy.  Who reminds you over and over again that her life isn't going just as she planned it.  A person who refuses to celebrate the miracle of life without saying that life didn't come wrapped in the pretty, pretty package she requested.  Such people make me want to slap the taste out of their mouths. 

What are your best and worst qualities?  How do you celebrate your best qualities and adapt around your worst?

I would say my best quality is my depth of feeling.  That's kind of an awkward way to put it, but what I mean is that I feel everything, everything really, really deeply.  Gah!  Why can't I explain what I mean?  Okay, here it is - I'm a drama queen.  Everything is very melodramatic in my life.  When I am angry, I am furious.  When I find something funny, I laugh until there are tears streaming down my face or I have a spit take and spew Coke (or whatever beverage) everywhere.  When I think a commercial, TV show, song or whatever is sad, I bawl.  When I love, I love with every inch of my body and soul.  And when I can't stand you?  Well, I have the frostiest cold shoulder you'll ever feel.

I know this may not sound like such an awesome trait, but it is.  My emotional overload has gotten me in some scrapes, to be sure, but because of it, I know that I have the best friends ever - I chose them because my soul has a real reaction to them ... they are my soulmates, each of them, in ways that I can't explain.  Because of my status as Her Royal Highness, Annabella, Queen of Drama, I have the most Schmaboobin of a husband that can be found - I wouldn't have accepted less because I feel I deserve the best.  I write with passion.  I dance my pain or joy until I drive myself to tears.  I give generously because I can't stand to see others without.  I stand behind my beliefs whether others agree with me or not because I intensely believe what I say.  I can't stand hypocrisy or injustice and will fight to stamp it out wherever it exists.  I like these things about myself.  There are times when it would be easier if I was otherwise, but I would miss the drama, really.  I function best in such an environment.

As for my worst quality ... I am a procrastinator of the highest order.  I think I got it from my father.  I hate things that have a timeline.  When I know I'm on a schedule, I futz around and hem and haw until the last minute.  I just hate parceling things out in logical chunks and working slowly and steadily.  It drives me batty.  I wait until the last possible second and then do it.  That's bad, bad, bad.

I celebrate my best quality by allowing myself the freedom to be dramatic.  Thankfully, my friends and relatives allow me that freedom, too.  If I'm just too much for them, they pull back and give me space, which works for all involved.  Sometimes I just need the time to soak in my own dramatics before I am fit for public consumption.  In order to adapt to my worst quality, I make "to do" lists.  I love lists and I love the sense of accomplishment I feel when I can check off things on my list, so that helps.

Thanks for these, Rachel.  It was fun to answer them and it's always good to do a little introspection.