Storage Cabinet Makeover

In search of a storage solution for all of my makeup kit and cleaning supplies I headed to my favorite Lexington bargain locations, The Restore. I know exactly what I wanted- which is usually makes finding it very difficult. For some reason, the stars aligned and they had not one, but at least 20 of “just what I wanted”. After digging through and finding the least of the worst,  we settled on this old but sturdy dresser. It appears to have come out of a UK dorm and I am certain it could tell a story of two! Not very pretty but hard wood and solid according to my Dad who is my chief furniture remaking assistant and consultant.

 

Old UK Dorm chest

After Makeover

Pedestal Feet

Khaki Drawers contrast cream color base

Stencil Design

Finished and full of makeup

 

 

We started with a good cleaning and sanding. In addition to a new paint job we decided that a set of pedestal legs would totally dress this baby up. Having no clue how to do that I searched the web and found a great blog: Thrifty Inspirations. Hip Hop Hooray for those that lead the way! Especially when they share the inspiration and know how!!

 

 

Adding a stencil design and fun hardware to the drawers also gave this piece new life.

And here it is…..happily existing in my foyer completely full of cool things like makeup brushes, cleansers, glitter and feathers! Every morning when I walk down my stairs this piece makes me happy!

A special thank you to my Dad for all of his help- I couldn’t have done it without him! Knowing that we did it together makes this chest even more of a treasure. Sorry, getting all sentimental on you.

Total investment: Probably $150. Chest $55. Legs $20 Paint $30 Hardware $40

 

Mistletoe anyone?

I have to say that I am so excited to review this Hot off the Press product from Mary Kay Cosmetics! The New True Dimensions Lipsticks are said to be ” Intensely moisturizing, exquisitely soothing. It’s like a color infused fountain of youth.”  Almost sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? My investigation…ordering all colors and testing them on myself  proved the claims to be true. ( you can always count on me to take one for the team).

The rosette found a place in my purse. Its a soft rose, very natural looking with a hint of color. Next will be either “sizzling red” or “firecraker”- perfect colors to sport for the holiday season. There are 10 very tempting shades to choose from.

What I love best about this formula is that it feels more like wearing a lip balm. The  moisture really lasts for hours. Very cool packaging although I did have to read instructions on how to open the tube. If you have ever had a tube disassemble itself in your purse you will love this design. Pretty, sleek and secure. Possibly even childproof! I can still remember having a toddler get into a tube of lipstick and draw all over a wall. Of course she picked the brightest shade of pink on earth for her design. That same toddler, now a beautiful young woman, still loves her lipstick! Beautiful bright bold colors are included in most of her fashion statements and they are always applied perfectly to her lips and never to the walls.

Ooops sorry. Off on a trip down memory lane. Back to the topic.  The True Dimensions are a little pricier than MK’s traditional line of lip colors. At $18 they seem a little steep but remembering that they provide anti-aging benefits and extreme moisture as well as color makes it worthy investment in my book.

So pucker up, it’s that time of year! You are sure to be kissing somebody under the mistletoe- make sure your lips are soft, hydrated and pretty!

Trish

Image Insight

Lauren Allen’s Fashion Blog

Lipstick Overload

  Just about a month ago I made the switch from plastic craft containers to the Z Palette for my Lip Colors. I love using Z Palettes for my eye and cheek colors so it only made sense for the lips to make the move. Using a clean knife I cut a small amount of each color and placed it into the metal pans- labeling each pan so that I could pull the color from inventory if someone fell in love with it and especially so I could have the full size available for my Brides’ touch-up kits  on Wedding days.

The lipsticks needed to spend a few minutes in a warm oven to conform to their new little pans. I’ll have to say that my family got a little excited when they saw the cookie sheet come out of the drawer but they were not at all surprised that instead I was baking makeup. I prefer to leave the baking to my friends at Dream Day Cakes!

It was a tedious job but well worth it in the end. The lipcolors take up about 1/8th of the space in my kit and are much easier to see and compare shades. I can scrape out the color onto a spatula and use a brush to apply- no double dipping necessary and the colors are creamy and moist.

You will see that I have 3 empty pans ready to fill with new exciting colors. Well that’s just great except that my favorite company just came out with a new line of  lipsticks in 10 irresistible shades. Here we go again! Just ordered 2 more small Z Palettes and soon it will be time to start baking!

Trish

Owner, Principal Makeup Artist

Image Insight

A Day at “Disney”

Makeup or Mickey Mouse?? I choose makeup- at least this weekend that was my choice! For the first time ever The Makeup Show  made it’s appearance in Orlando FL.  For makeup enthusiasts from Florida to Georgia this was theme park worthy event. Hosted at the Peabody Hotel on Universal Dr in Orlando and filled with top of the line beauty products, innovative companies and successful Artists willing to share skills and knowledge with the up and coming artists in the industry.

My day consisted of sampling products, discussing business tips and trends with other artists, watching amazing transformations happen right before my eyes and sitting in on a variety of educational seminars.  Temptu Pro gave a very tempting lesson on airbrushing and although I am not ready to retire my foundation brush just yet I was very impressed with the product and hope to someday try it out for myself. The highlight of the day for me was listening to Tia Dantzler.   Tia shared from her heart the hard work and passion that went into growing her successful career as a celebrity makeup artist. I was inspired by her faith and willingness to serve others.

As with any trip to a theme park, souvenirs are a necessity! I have a few new additions to my kit that I can’t wait to start using but most importantly a new “kit” to tote it all around in. A special thank you to Leslie from Cara Cosmetics International that dismantled the display so that I could take my new kit home Sunday night vs waiting to have it shipped. Yes, I was just that desperate.  Thank you also to Eugenia Weston, artist and founder of Senna Cosmetics. Your class on highlighting and contouring was so informative and I can’t tell you how honored I was to sit in your makeup chair. You made me feel beautiful and I can’t wait for my shipment to arrive from your company! The winner of the “Most Frivolous” purchase of the day for Image Insight was the sparkle collection from Eye Kandy. 7 gorgeous glittery eye colors and the stay true base. This will be a fun addition to our kit, perfect for special event makeup and likely to be a hit with our younger clients.

Next  year I look forward to attending this event in Chicago! Who will join me?