Blonde Ambition

Hey Blondie!

It's about that time of year when all of us blondes (both natural and processed) go out and spend a pretty penny on touching up those highlights in prep for the warm weather ahead... Well, I'm here to share with you one of my personal products of choice for cutting out that trip to the salon and saving you a few bucks.

Being a natural strawberry-blonde, I never felt comfortable dishing out $150 on highlights when I always already blonde by nature. I thought that I should get some sort of "special" discount or something being that the colorist didn't have to work too hard... but what do I know about what the actual process was for highlights.

All I did know is that I felt extremely guilty and a had a strong case of buyers remorse every time I dropped that kind of cash on my hair. AND I was never really thrilled about how it left my hair feeling dry and matted whenever I took a shower.

It wasn't until my mom went blonde herself that I really understood what was being done to my hair in the salon. It was being stripped with BLEACH which is why my hair was left tangle-prone and bird's nest like whenever water hit it. All the more reason why I stopped getting highlights in the salon about 5 years ago to not only save some money but save my hair from being destroyed.

I have been highlight free since 2006 and my hair is now back to it's natural state. I have a whole arsenal of products that I use semi-daily that keep my natural blonde locks looking bright and shiny without that sticker shock at the salon. But the MOST important is my fabulous shampoo by John Frieda.

It's the John Frida Sheer Blonde GO BLONDER Lightening Shampoo.

This stuff is great! It REALLY works to lighten your natural or color-treated blonde hair! I was amazed when I bought my first bottle last Summer to see that it gives such a natural effect of "real" highlights that mom asked me who did my hair! The natural highlighters of citrus and chamomile help gradually lighten hair through normal shampooing and give that natural, sun-kissed look.

There are actual "streaks" of color which are the true natural look to highlights and what (some) try to achieve in the salon. Big, chunky stripes are not what you're gonna get with this and at $7.99 a bottle, it's quite a bargain for what could cost you $100+ in the chair.

Even when I was getting pro highlights, I have been using John Frieda's Sheer Blonde products since they hit the stores back in about 2000 - you do the math... that's a big dedication to one line. So, whenever a new product comes out, I'm usually one of the first to run and get it. Test it. And of course, APPROVE it!

Go get your blonde on baby!

Xoxo

Jen

"Clinique"ally Proven Results...

Ok... so most of you out there may know my background as a Clinique counter girl when I was back in NY... Recently, I started freelancing with them again for events and for what every woman knows as "Gift with Purchase".

I was quickly reminded on how good it feels to make an impact on someone's life with something so silly as a little lipgloss. But is it really silly? For me, it isn't but in the grand scheme of things it can be, to some. Whenever my numbers where low and I was confronted by management I always used to say to myself "We're not saving lives here... it's lipstick and mascara. Can't we just have FUN and not worry about pushing products?"

Well... being a freelance artist with Clinique, I don't have to worry about numbers anymore. Now, I get to do what I've always loved about being at a counter, without the additional stress - HELP PEOPLE. Helping people with something that is important to them makes me feel like I've done my job not only as a makeup artist but as a caring person. And it all starts with my own personal experiences with the products... I make my best sales when I show others what I use on myself and relate to them on their issues. It works because it's TRUE. I'm not selling to them... I'm telling them about something that I personally love and use daily.

There are a few products from Clinique that launched recently that I personally use and have used on clients at the counter that have made them go "Wow... I'll take that!" They are amazing and have changed my "beauty" life too. Check them out... they are all "Jen Tested & Approved"!

#1 Clinique Acne Solutions Foaming Face Cleanser & Clarifying Lotion

They make the "3rd Step" for this too, a clarifying moisturizer, but I can't use it because it contains Benzoyl Peroxide which I am ALLERGIC too... This has been my dilemma since DAY ONE with my breakout prone skin. I can't use any product that contains Benzoyl Peroxide, which is in ALMOST every acne treatment out there. The Clinique Acne Solutions Cleanser & Clarifying Lotion contain Salicylic Acid and they do not leave my skin dry and flakey. They actually clean my skin and keep it breakout free!

#2 Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (DDMG)

When I first stared with Clinique back in 2006, this was one of the "newer" products I was introduced to... I have been using it ever since. I recommend this to everyone who come to me looking for a good daily moisturizer, regardless of skin type. I use it because I have oily skin and the gel formula doesn't cause me to break out unlike it's older sister the DDML (Lotion). I love the cool feel of the gel when I apply it and it doesn't feel heavy or greasy. I am moisturized but not shiny which is also what I love about it. It is a staple in my pro kit as well as my personal...

#3 Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

This has been around forever... but I only started using it about 3 months ago when I got a sample from my fellow Clinique girls in Nordstrom one day. This is AMAZING! Especially for me where I tend to get dried out pretty quickly regardless of my oiliness. I have a different kind of heat in my house and in the air here in California that my skin will probably never get used to. I use this on the days where my skin needs that extra bit of moisture from the heat or Santa Anna winds... This is great for the guys too! I use it frequently on the men clients as they never seem to like to take care of their skin. This cures it right up and fast!

#4 Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup!!!

OMFG! I all I have to say for this one folks! Not really... I have to tell you how seriously AMAZING this stuff is! Of all my years of camouflaging and perfecting the flawless face, this is by far the most natural-looking, full-coverage foundation for acne prone skin I have ever used! It just launched about 2 weeks ago at the end of March and I was one of the lucky girls who got to test it out at the counter on it's arrival. I put it on my hand just to see the consistency and test out the coverage. I was sold right then and there. It's light formula packs pretty strong covering power with the fact that I hardly need a concealer now. It dries to a velvety soft, powder finish and also helps control oil throughout the day with .05% Salicylic Acid as the active ingredient. So, even if you don't have acne, I would say TRY THIS anyway! I tried it on one young bride to be at the counter that day who was left with horrible acne scars and (like me) continues to get breakouts still. She was the first girl to try the foundation that day with me and left not only with a new bottle but with a new sense of confidence that she would look absolutely stunning in her wedding photos. After helping her, I left work that day with full heart and a full bottle in my shade.

#5 Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer

Last but not least... one last Godsend product from the skin masterminds at Clinique. This is another one of those products I was introduced to back in the counter days. What this does is help shed those layers of dead skin (sounds gross, I know...) to reveal the newer skin underneath. I like this because of my very light skin, I am left with the annoying reminders of blemishes come and gone. This helps fade the pink (or dark) spots on my face so that they are quickly forgotten like an ex's phone number in your cell phone. It also gives your skin that youthful glow and helps treat fine lines - which at 31 (in a few weeks), I do start to see...

And there you have it... the Clinique products that I ACTUALLY use because they really do work! Jen Tested and Approved! Now, you can all trust those other counter girls when they're trying to push you that product! Teehee!

Xoxo

Jen

"Clean Up Your Act!" Practicing Proper Hygiene with Your Makeup

Hi Everyone!

I know it's been a while since my last blog post but I guess that's a good thing because I've been busy! I have lots to share with you so bear with me on my many blog posts! I hope you can keep up!

My first topic is something that every girl who loves their favorite (and hoards) old makeup, or shares it with a best friend, sister etc. needs to know... HYGIENE and trusting cosmetic companies that makeup does actually EXPIRE! Please - take it from me... I speak from experience not only as a "hoarder" but also as a victim.

Last month I thought I would pay tribute as an alumna (and earn some extra cash) by sitting as a demonstration model for interviewing, would-be makeup instructors at the school where I earned my creds. I also saw it as an opportunity to learn some new tricks and see how a few of my peers did their job. Some where great and I did take a few notes... Others, not so much and found myself sitting tight-fisted with sweating palms, waiting for the torture to end.

One "makeup artist", who was self-taught (which means nothing other than that no one has ever told her right from wrong) not only scared me with her cup of dirty brushes, but the kit from which she worked had makeup that had not been on the market for at least TEN YEARS!

So what? You may say to yourself - "I have makeup that old too..." Well, if that's the case, THROW IT OUT NOW! TRUST ME! Not only was I in fear of the creatures growing on this girl's brushes, my face is so sensitive and prone to breakouts that I was trying to find a "happy place" as she applied the MAC foundation that hasn't existed since about 1999.

Maybe it was the smell of mildew that made me think of my grandmother's basement where I happily played with my Barbies that stopped me from launching this girl and her nasty-ass kit across the room. I'm not kidding. The foundation was so old that it had reached it's 12 month expiration date when I was still dying my hair with Manic Panic. It smelled of mildew and I was NOT happy to have been putting my face through this torture. My heart was POUNDING and my palms were certainly SWEATING! Even more so after she grabbed the nub of an eyeliner without sharpening it or cleaning it, and applied it to my eyes!

Now, it's one thing not to wash your brushes when they're your OWN personal brushes and they ONLY touch your face, but when you're working on clients??? Unacceptable. AND I do admit that I have a makeup "graveyard" of products that seise to exist, BUT It's for comparison purposes only! I think of them as my "archives" and keep them in a box so I don't forget about the products I once loved and hunt for new ones to replace them. I certainly do not use them on myself, let alone anyone else!

Being self-taught is no excuse! Everyone should practice good hygiene with themselves regardless of being taught to do so on others. It's COMMON SENSE! At least for me... so now I'm tell you and you have no excuse either. But I'm talking about a personal practice here that everyone needs to know, just for professional purposes.

All makeup whether it's a powder or cream and your brushes (if you use them) are carriers of bacteria. It's your own bacteria (unless you share your stuff) but bacteria none the less. If you don't practice proper hygiene with your makeup you're looking for trouble down the line. And regardless of what you may believe, makeup does expire, just like food! Have you ever seen a nail polish separate and turn color? Well the same goes for your liquid and cream based makeups!

Breakouts, eye infections, and get this... even damage to your skin can all come from old makeup and not cleaning your brushes. Here are some of my tips to keep your makeup and your face FRESH!

1. Clean your brushes at least every 3 months with your facial cleanser or baby shampoo. Wash them in soapy warm water and let them dry overnight on a paper towel. It's best to do this on a weekend when you are given your face a break (if you remember from one of my earlier blogs).

2. On the powder products that you use occasionally (and will probably have for longer than that expiration date) spray them with alcohol using a small spray bottle that you can pick up at any beauty supply or even the travel section of the drugstore. This will keep your makeup clean and free of bacteria between uses. I recommend doing this for all your shadows but if you have ones that you use everyday, you may use them up before they die anyway.

3. DO NOT keep lipgloss or mascara for more than SIX MONTHS. Trust me. There is no way to keep these products sanitary unless you use a separate wand every time... now who the hell does that on themselves? - not me! Bacterial lives and grows in these products so just throw them out!

4. During and after a cold or being sick, spray and slice off a chunk of your lipstick to prevent germs and other bacteria from growing. Sound gross? I know... but it's true! I'm sure you've heard about switching out your toothbrush after a cold, well this is the same idea. Don't even bother with the gloss if you're sick... you'll just be wasting it and my guess is that you'll be using Chapstick anyway.

5. For your makeup "graveyard", make a list of the products that you love and try to find replacements, don't keep makeup for more than a year unless you've started spraying it from day one. There is no reason to hold onto things if they're not around anymore. Make a separate pile of these and go shopping! There are SO many new and wonderful things out there now that you won't even miss the old ones. And you don't have to break the bank either. Target, Walmart and even Kohl's have some really great products that will make the transition seem painless and so worth it.

AND THE LAST...

6. DO NOT SHARE YOUR MAKEUP!!! This seems like common sense to some, but it's a very common task. We've all borrowed a girlfriend's lipstick in the bathroom at a club or tried a friend's new mascara... I'm guilty just as some of you are. But please... Don't do this. Would you use your friend's toothbrush or share a piece of gum after it's been chewed? Then why would you share a mascara, eyeliner or even a lipstick? Germs are germs no matter how clean we all are... or aren't. :)

Well, I hope my traumatic experience has shown some light on this very important topic. And you all take it to heart before you let someone else touch your face... other than me.

You know I'm clean baby! ;-)

Xoxo

Jen

Time is a Factor...

As if losing Polaroid and KodaChrome this past year wasn't bad enough, the sad time has finally come for another great brand. It's the end of the lip line for one of the first names in makeup. Max Factor is ceasing production and distribution here in the US this month.

I first heard this "rumor" during Nolan Robert's demo at last year's IMATS and then shockingly found it to be true. For you non-pro's out there, Nolan was the winner of Lifetime's 1st and only makeup artist reality show, BLUSH where he received a $100,000 contract with Max Factor. The IMATS, well... let's just call it Disneyland for makeup artists. It's the International Makeup Artist Trade Show. But that kids, is a whole other blog, come June when it hits LA again...

This Max Factor thing saddens me for a number of reasons but one in general is that the 2000 Calorie Mascara was one of my very first when I started my makeup obsession. I feel partially responsible for not buying more over the years as maybe I could have helped save this iconic brand.

So many products have come and gone in my personal arsenal but never in a million years did I think that a great brand like Max Factor would join the cosmetic dump bin.

Right now you can find Max Factor products at 50-75% off at some retailers. Stock up while you can... before you can't and make tribute to the man who started it all...

R.I.P. Mr. Factor. You taught us well.

Makeup: Expert Tips, Advice And Products At MAX Factor.com

www.maxfactor.com

Find professional-quality makeup products and expert advice at MAX Factor.com.

"Show Dick Some Respect!"

Oh, how my lips are singing to the news that red is going to be huge for Spring!

I wasn't quite ready to retire the holiday red just yet - but it looks like I can bring it out again soon enough! Makeup master, Dick Page - the amazing head makeup artist for "NINE", tells his tricks for the best red lips! (See link below).

I recently had a friend ask me for advice on picking out a red lipstick for the holidays as she was not sure she could wear it, weary of looking like a hooker with her bold, red lips.

I gave her the confidence, telling her that ANYONE can wear red, just as long as it is right shade for your skin tone and of course remembering to go light on your eye makeup.

One of my favorite looks is the one that Taylor Swift rocks so beautifully with just a neutral shimmery shade and a classic, black winged eyeliner. If you're fair like Taylor (and me!) you want to stick to the blueish tones of red (think ruby reds) and if you're on the darker, olive side you can go with the more orangey reds or even more brick reds.

But my #1 suggestion for trying out a new color such as a bold red, take a trip to the drugstore or other retailer like Walmart or Target first and test out the cheap brands (no pun intended) like NYC or Covergirl. This way if you just can't commit, you've only spent $5 and not $15. Besides, you can always return it without getting a dirty look from the counter girl...

Happy playing!

Xoxo

Jen

Dick Page's Best Red Lip Tips: Daily Beauty Reporter: Beauty Reporter Blog: allure.com

www.allure.com

Daily beauty news and product reviews from the editors of Allure.