I LOVE nail polish! It is the finishing touch to your overall look. You can be well dressed, but if your nails are not manicured, your look appears incomplete.
There are so many brands of nail polish in the marketplace. For some women, it is difficult to distinguish the benefits of each. They all offer a full range of seasonal colors mirroring the current fashion trend, bold, intense color, smooth application and longevity. However, the price can differ dramatically. From $4.50 in mass merchandiser outlets such as Target to $8.50 in specialty cosmetics stores to $20 for prestige brands in department stores. Now, another brand has been introduced -- Butter. This time it is priced at the higher end of the specialty cosmetics stores, but not quite as high as the department store brands.
During my last visit to Ulta Cosmetics, I couldn't ignore the tantalizing display of Butter nail polish. I had to check it out and inquire about what justifies the higher price. I spoke with a salesperson and I was told that it lasts longer than the more popular brands and it is worth the price. So, at $15 a bottle, I decided to test it.
I found the color options to be beautiful and plentiful, but somewhat comparable to existing brands. Since the product was highly recommended because of its coverage and longevity, I focused more on those aspects. I was impressed by the coverage of Butter nail polish. I applied the base coat, one coat of color and then a top coat. I usually apply two coats of color, but only one was needed for Butter. Four days, several showers and dishwashing episodes later and my nails are still freshly polished. This one is a keeper.
If you try the Butter brand nail polish, let me know your thoughts on the product.
As a mom with two children, a husband and a business managed from my home, it is a major challenge to look good every day, but I TRY. There are days when I feel as though I do not have time to apply even a little makeup or dress stylishly; however, I force myself to do these things and ultimately I am happy that I had taken the time. I am certain that my husband and children do not want to return home and see me in the same pajamas I had on when they departed for school and work in the morning. Have you ever done this? Honestly, I also know that I need to keep my husband's interest and appearance plays a major role. I know he appreciates this! Trust me, it keeps the romance alive!!!
Eyelash Extensions
I have been searching for ways to consistently look great, without being a slave to makeup, and look seemingly natural. I scour the beauty industry to find new and exciting things that I can do to enhance my look. Although this is not new, the one popular non-surgical permanent beauty treatment that I will do is add eyelash extensions. The lashes are applied by a cosmetician who generally adds a single lash to each natural lash with an adhesive. The bond is designed to last until the natural lash falls out.
Eyelash Extensions
Lash extensions can be added to increase volume, length and color intensity. The length of time for the service is approximately one to two hours. The cost can range from $100 to $500, depending on the number of lashes used, the skill of the professional and the location and reputation of the salon. My understanding is that the re-applications are not as costly.
Make sure that you know to what you are committing. Take a look at the short video below. It demonstrates exactly how lashes are added.
Indulge me for a few seconds with a brief exercise. Close your eyes and envision the following:
Your eyebrows are tattooed to perfection so that you do not have to draw them in any longer.
Your eyelashes are long, beautiful and dark where you no longer need mascara.
All you need to do when you awaken is to add minimal makeup (eyeliner and lip gloss or lipstick) to complete your look.
When you start your day, you look fabulous, and therefore feel fabulous.
Now open your eyes. Make your beauty appointments. Get ready to look even more fabulous than you already are.
It's not what you think. I am talking about eyebrow tattoos (permanent makeup). I use to be so opposed to anything that wasn't naturally mine or that couldn't be altered with good old cosmetics. Now, don't get me wrong, I am such a girly girl. I love trying new skincare products, makeup, the latest nail polish colors and just being in-the-know of what's available to enhance my "natural" beauty. I get a rush from it. However, altering myself for the sake of beauty is a little scary.
As a busy mom, sometimes I neglect my beauty regimen and I am not proud to announce this. But, I am working diligently to change it. My goal is to look beautiful all of the time. This is not for my husband (well it is a little bit). This is primarily for me. You know the saying, "if you look good you will feel good". If I feel good, then my family would reap the benefits.
One of the areas I consistently focus on are my eyebrows. I believe they make or break my look. Fortunately, I have been blessed with well-shaped brows. However, within the last 3 - 4 years, I have had to use an eyebrow pencil to slightly enhance them. I am generally fine with my brows, but there are times when my day becomes hectic and I am unable to tend to them. I do not want to worry about this, so I am considering tattooing my brows.
Eyebrows are so crucial to our beauty. The shape, arch, thickness and color make a significant difference. For many women, tweezing and waxing eyebrows to get the right individual look for you, can wreak havoc on our brows over the years. Eventually, you may find that they just don't look as good as they once did. A great option to the fill-in-the-brows-with-an-eyebrow-pencil look is to tattoo your eyebrows.
Speaking of eyebrows, I love, love, love Meagan Good's brows. She recently admitted, on a daytime talk show, that they are tattooed. In her younger days, she shaved them so frequently they stopped growing. Tattooing her eyebrows was out of necessity.
Actress, Meagan Good
Check out this quick video demonstrating the process:
I am sure you are wondering about the advantages and the disadvantages. Here they are:
Advantages
no daily maintenance
perfect eyebrows all day every day
you'll always look great
Disadvantages
tattoo is permanent
tattoo fades over time
color intensity changes as tattoo fades
I am not going to list any costs because I identified various prices depending on the level and/or location of the salon.
My advice is to conduct thorough research before making the decision to get your eyebrows tattooed. Take time to investigate estheticians' credentials, references and portfolio. Also, visit the establishments to determine their cleanliness and processes relevant to completing this service. Once you have compiled all of your information, make a decision. Decide to do something for yourself and go for it!
So, if you are a mom who has little time to spend on applying makeup but wants to look good every moment of the day (at least with respect to your eyebrows), consider eyebrow tattoos. You will look FABULOUS without doing much.
Permanent makeup is scary to me, especially when it will be applied to my face. However, eyebrow tattooing is one that I will try.
Have I piqued your interest? I hope so. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Suburban moms often get a bad rap, but it may be well deserved. Many people have preconceived notions about who is a suburban mom. She may be someone who has traded her powerful corporate position, her chic fashions, her high-heel pumps, her perfectly made up face and her well done nails, all for a great life with her husband and children. This wonderful trade off may have led you to become the mom who has lost her sex appeal and wears sweats and sneakers regularly, Uggs on most days, hair in a ponytail unless you are going out and no makeup when leaving the house. Is this you? Well, it doesn't have to be. Just because you are a Suburban Mom does not mean that you have to lose yourself.
So, if you are tired of not looking and feeling your best and you need guidance to regain your sexy, keep in touch with Suburban Mommy Makeover. I will bring to you product reviews of new and tried & true beauty products and fashion trends that you can really use in your every day life as a mom. I will also share advice from the experts to help you reinvent yourself and add zest to your life. Trust me, when you start to look better, your self-esteem will be elevated and you will feel so much better. The goal is to help you, the Suburban Mom, become the person you've envisioned, while still making your family the priority.
