Summer Makeup Must-Haves!

Now that summer is here, I though I would share with you all some great products that will help ensure your makeup's staying power and also help protect your skin from the sun!

In the heat of summer, our makeup can fall victim to heat, perspiration, humidity, and the sun. Oil production increases, foundation slides off, blush fades away, and days spent outside can cause sunburn that can lead to sun damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer.

So, what is a summertime gal to do? She can update her beauty kit with products that will safeguard her look and skin!

One of the most important items a gal should have in her summertime kit is a moisturizer, foundation primer, or foundation that contains SPF. If I am going to be outside for long stretches of time, I rely on RoC Complete Lift Daily Moisturizer in Spf 30 (retails for about $20-25+ USD). I also wear it when I go skiing in Colorado. It provides complete sunblock protection and it goes well under mineral foundation and powder foundation. For some reason, this moisturizer does not pair well with liquid foundation. I am not sure why but it tends to "ball up."

When shopping for a foundation that has sun protection, anything with a SPF of 15+ is ideal. The same goes for a daily moisturizer or foundation primer.  If you are unsure about what SPF to purchase, please visit the Skin Cancer Foundation site:

http://www.skincancer.org/seal/

If you want a foundation and moisturizer with SPF together, then I cannot recommend Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer (1.7 ounce for $42.00 USD) in SPF 20 enough! There are three different formulas in this range: the original, oil-free, and Illuminating (has a pearly highlight effect). I prefer the Oil-Free because my skin is very oily! The shade that I use is the lightest, Porcelain.

This foundation provides sheer to light coverage. It is perfect on lazy weekend days or when you want a no-fuss look. On the days I am doing yardwork or hanging out by my in-laws' pool, I simply wash my face, put on a pea-size amount of foundation, set with loose powder, apply red lipstick, put on a hair scarf and sunglasses, and I am done.

In the last year, I have started using foundation primer occasionally for special events like nights out and Viva Las Vegas.  I first used MAC's Prep and Prime SPF 50 Primer but it contains a lot of silicone which broke me out badly. I was very disappointed because it really made my foundation look better and last so much longer.  However, before I went to my first Viva back in April, Erin from Every Branch Blog recommended Korres 99% Oil-Free (basically means little to no silicones) Natural Foundation Primer for $28.00 USD (available at Sephora stores and Sephora online). This primer is very light and it helps provide a smooth base that makes foundation look more even and last longer. When I was at Viva, this primer did wonders in helping my makeup survive nighttime dancing and cocktails, the pool party, and the car show.

Another important item for summertime makeup is blot powder. I use MAC's Blot Powder in Light ($23.00 USD). This powder is not heavy and it does not coat the face in heaviness. It is very light and very finely milled. It simply blots oil and mattifies skin.

Speaking of blotting oil, I cannot tell you how grateful I am to have discovered oil-absorbing sheets! I use the Target "Up and Up" brand and I cannot remember how much they cost but I suspect they are around 3 bucks. The sheets by Clean and Clear (50 count) are $4.49 USD.

These sheets are also available at MAC but the Target and Clean and Clear brands are identical to MAC's and they are cheaper! Throughout the day (e.g. every couple of hours), I will use one sheet to blot excess oil and then I will re-apply my MAC Blot Powder. This method will help prevent powder build up and a cakey look that can sometimes result from layering powder on top of oil over and over.

When I was in high school and college, I worked at an amusement park. I spent most of my days working outside in the Virginia heat and humidity. I would often pull out my Cover Girl Clean and Natural compact to blot my face and by the end of the day, I looked like a coated, pale pancake from hell! When I started using blot sheets about 8-10 years ago, I soon discovered that not only did my makeup look better at the end of the day, I had less breakouts as well.

In conclusion, summertime makeup essentials should include a good SPF, an oil-free/light coverage foundation or tinted moisturizer, an oil-free foundation primer, an oil-blotting powder, and an oil-absorbing sheets. With these must-haves in your kit, you are sure to look picture-perfect all summer long!

Getting Your Beauty Travel Kit Ready for Viva Las Vegas!

Many of us know that Viva Las Vegas 14 is coming up fast! I just found out that the event is now sold out! I am going and this will be my first event! I am very excited! In preparation, I am creating a packing list to ensure I have all the essentials that I will need. My final list will include everything from clothing, accessories, shoes, jewelry, swimwear, personal care to cosmetics! I am learning so much from other gals's blogs about what to wear and what not to wear. So, I would like to do a post about how to update your beauty kit and share a few tips for the big event!

Like I said, I have never done Viva before. Despite my unfamiliarity, I would like to share my tried-and-true tips for makeup and travel.

When it comes to selecting what beauty products and tools to bring, you need to consider your style, what you plan to wear, time of day, event, and how many days you will be away from home.

1. Make sure you have a good-quality cosmetic bag with lots of room for storage. If you plan on packing your makeup essentials in your suitcase, try to use/buy a makeup bag that is made of a material (plastic, vinyl, etc) that can be wiped clean. This comes in handy in case any liquids escape their containers. Also, invest in a bag with a good seal or strong zipper. You do not want any makeup getting on your clothes!

2. If you fly and plan on carrying your makeup with you as a carry-on, you need to familiarize yourself with TSA's rules (Transportation Security Administration) liquids and gels. Here is are two links:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm

http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm

Nevertheless, if you prefer to carry your beauty kit, you will need a standard, clear plastic, zippered bag for all liquids and gels.

Liquids and gels include: liquid foundation, cream foundation, mascara, lipstick, lip gloss, cream to powder eyeshadow, lip balm, gel-based eyeshadow primers, liquid liner, creams, eyeshadow cream, brow gels, brow wax, etc.

If you are concerned about the number of liquid/gel items, you can store them in your checked luggage. Just make sure they are in a plastic ziplock bag (sealed!) and then placed in a sealed makeup/toiletry bag. Remember, keep your vintage safe from spills and stains!

2. Tailor your beauty kit to the number of days you will be away from home. Do you need to pack every tube of lipstick and do you really need every eyeshadow? No, not really. If you have made a clothing list, plan your makeup around what you intend to wear.

In regards to lipsticks, I only wear red but I have several red shades. Therefore, for red lipsticks, a good rule of thumb is to bring a neutral red (Besame Red) that suits many outfit colors (ie navy, black green,charcoal, gray); a cool-toned red (Julie Hewett Femme Noir or MAC Ruby Woo) for pink/purple/blue/blue-green outfits; and a warm red (Besame Red Hot Red) for orange/brown/coral/yellow/orangey-red outfits.

Be sure your travel beauty kit contains foundation, powder, blush, mascara, eyeliner, brow essentials, concealer, foundation primer, SPF foundation or SPF lotion for the face (vital for the pool party and car show), makeup brushes, foundation sponges, blotting papers/sheets for touch-ups, eyelash curler, eyeshadow primer, makeup remover toilettes for correcting makeup mistakes and eyeshadow fall-out, and a nice, yet basic array of eyeshadows.

When it comes to eyeshadow, I like to bring a palette that has nude tones for the day along with a few vibrant colors for the evening. You can find several makeup brands that have palettes that have a variety of neutrals and brights. You can also make your own palette at MAC stores and online. Palettes can be purchased in 4-color and even in 15-color palettes. This way, you can tailor your makeup PERFECTLY to your Viva wardrobe!

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/154/4278/Custom-Palette-Eye-Shadow-x-4/index.tmpl

Liquid eyeliner is wonderful for creating cat-eye looks and eye glitters like Urban Decay's Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner are great for giving your nightwear/dancing look some 'wow' factor. These liners come in shades from hot pink, green, atomic blue, purple, gold, beige, opal to silver:

http://www.urbandecay.com/categories/HeavyMetalGlitterEyeliner.cfm

This glitter brings me to point  #3: Experiment with new makeup looks BEFORE you travel! If you have never used glitter liner, liquid liner, or false eyelashes, you should practice and perfect your eyelooks at home and not in your hotel room just as you are about to go out and burn up the dancefloor! Imagine applying your new eye product(s) and then realizing it is all wrong and/or looks bad! You now have to carefully fix or worse; wash it all off and start again! Talk about frustration and no fun!

So, here is an idea: say you want to try a fun, dramatic false eyelash look for Saturday night at Viva. A few weeks before the event, go buy some cheap 'experiment' false eyelashes like E.L.F:

These lashes can be found at most Target stores and they cost only $1.00 USD! If you mess up or break them, you only lost a buck! With that said, buy a few sets of these lashes to experiment with. Pick a lazy weekend afternoon and practice applying the lashes. Once you 'get the hang' of applying eyelashes correctly, you can invest in a couple of pairs of higher-quality lashes like Sephora, MAC, or Make Up For Ever!

Need professional help? No, not THAT "professional help!" Makeup artist help! If you really want to 'amp up' your look for Viva, make an appointment with a makeup artist! Most makeup counters (Bobbi Brown, Nars, Chanel) and stores (MAC, Sephora) offer makeup services. You can get tips and learn techniques you can practice on your own.

MAC online even has makeup instructional videos! I have been doing makeup for years and I always learn something new whenever I view their artists' tutorials! Here is a great cat-eye liner tutorial:

http://www.maccosmetics.com/makeup_artistry/3996/Video/index.tmpl

4. Keep a lipstick, blotter sheets (MAC, Palladio, Clean-n-Clear), and a powder compact in your purse/bag! Do not let the sun and heat at the car show or a shiny nose from dancin' all night ruin your makeup! These items will keep your look fresh and they are all you need! Simple!

 5. If you get your brows waxed and/or tinted, it is best to have your appointment 5 days to a week before Viva. Your brow skin will be very sensitive to sun and it will need to heal before heading off to the pool and car show. Get a manicure and pedicure a day or two before travel.

6. Make a list of what you need in your beauty kit. Do this a week or so before travel in case you need to go out and buy what you do not have.

I hope I remembered everything! I am getting more and more excited as the days get closer to Viva! I hope to meet you gals who are going too!

Getting to Know Las Vegas-Tips and Advice for First-Time Vegas Visitors

Most of us vintage bloggers are aware that the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender is coming up fast. This year's event starts on April 21st and ends on the 24th. Many of us, Viva first-timers or not, visited Las Vegas before. However, if this is your first Viva event and/or you have never been to Las Vegas, I have some tips for you that can help make your trip even better!

As a former travel agent who spent over 10 years in the industry and as a gal who has been to Vegas before, I would like to do a post detailing some information about getting around, walking, traffic, using the Monorail, shopping, food, and entertainment.

So, without further ado, here we go!

1. Las Vegas is a party town. It was created for gambling and entertainment back in the 40s. People visit Vegas all year round in search of good times, playing casino games,  shopping, dining, and well, to party.

2. Vegas is pretty much non-stop 24 hours. Casinos are always open. Most restaurants have set hours but they stay open late. Bars and nightclubs are open into the wee hours. The malls, like Caesars Forum Shops and the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, are open to 11 pm and on Friday and Saturday night, until midnight.

3. Gambling is everywhere! You will find slot machines at the McCarran Airport and even the local gas stations! Casinos in all major hotels are open 24 hours. There is smoking allowed on the casino floor but most places restrict smoking to these areas.

4. If you plan to walk the Strip in Vegas, please use the overhead walking bridges and use only designated crosswalks. Also be sure to bring good walking shoes if you are feeling adventurous. You can also use the Las Vegas Monorail System. The Monorail costs $5.00 USD for a one-way trip, $14.00 for an unlimited all day pass, and $30.00 for an unlimited three day pass.

http://www.vegas.com/transportation/monorails.html

For some reason, there seems to be a lot of pedestrian vs car accidents here. I have been there four times and twice I saw the aftermath of someone bumped by a car. Thankfully, the pedestrian was not seriously hurt.  I suspect the combination of tons of people on the Strip and constant vehicle traffic is part of the problem. I also think a few pedestrians are not paying attention because they have been consuming alcohol.

Alcohol brings me to topic #5: Las Vegas allows pedestrians to openly carry alcohol. For example, say you just got a Miller Lite at Nine Fine Irishmen Pub at New York New York Casino and want to check out Tabu at the MGM Grand. But, wait! I have not finished my beer! That's okay, bring it with you! As long as you are not driving, you can openly carry alcohol.

6. The "Girls to You" guys. Las Vegas, being the entertainment capital, is also known for its adult entertainment and escort services. If you walk down certain sections of the Strip, you will often see guys flipping business cards featuring nude/semi-nude women and a phone number.  These are the escort girls. The guys shout, "GIRLS TO YOU!" as hand the cards out to men walking down the strip.  There are usually tons of nudie cards scattered on the ground due to people tossing them aside once the cards are handed to them. You may also see the "Girls To You" mini billboard on a truck stuck in traffic on the Strip. I am only mentioning this if you are sensitive to these type of things.

7. Speaking of adult entertainment,  Las Vegas also features scores of exotic dancing establisments (Spearmint Rhino), topless revues (Crazy Girls),  sexual-themed shows like Zumanity and Peepshow), and even shows featuring hunky male dancers (Thunder from Down Under and Men of Sapphire). Vegas still offers the traditional showgirl revues at Bally's ( The Show is called "Jubilee!" and they have both clothed and topless showings)

8. Many casinos have shows ranging from comedy, concerts, musicals, magic acts, and impressionists. Check your casino's website for tickets and showtimes.

9. Speaking of casinos, the hotel and casino is literally a world within itself. Many casinos boast several fine and casual dining options, bars, nightclubs, shopping, gambling, high stakes gambling rooms, convention rooms for conferences, entertainment venues, gyms, pools, and even full salon and spa services.  Talk about everything in one place!

Now, if you like to workout when you go on vacation (like me), be aware that you just can't 'waltz in' and use the weights and treadmill like most hotels. In Las Vegas, most of the casinos charge guests a 'per day fee' to use their gym. The average fee is about 25.00 to 30.00 USD. Now, if you are a high-stakes gamer and a VIP, you use the gym for free.

10. Shopping. Now we're talkin'! I love me some shoppin' for sure! I like visiting the Fashion Show Mall, the Caesars Forum Shops, and the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. As I mentioned earlier, most malls are open to 11 pm Monday-Thursday and Sunday. They are open to 12 midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. I, for one, love going to the Sephora at the Venetian! It is HUUUUGE! I am in makeup heaven! This store is bigger than their flagship location in New York City! I find brands there that my local Sephora does not carry. I also love visiting the MAC Cosmetics Pro Store at the Caesars.  This store features MAC's retail collection along with its professional line. Anyone can shop at at Pro store but only Pro members can shop online so if you ever have a chance to visit a MAC Pro store, go!

Las Vegas is also the home of Bettie Page Clothing! The store was at the Planet Hollywood but is going to open at the Caesar Shops in March 2011. Bettie Page Clothing makes cute repro dresses and separates. I know many gals prefer vintage, but I, for one, like the occasional repro piece (especially swimwear).

Because Vegas is a high roller town, you are going to find high-end stores like Chanel, Agent Provocateur, Gucci, Burberry, Bulgari, Tods, Armani, Louis Vuitton, Neiman Marcus, and Saks. You can also find Forever 21, Gap, and Bebe. So, if you are a 'rolling in the dough' diva or a 'regular jane,' Vegas' shopping has it.

11. FOOOOOD! I love food. I mean, I LOVE food. If it weren't weren't for the shopping and nightlife, I would go to Las Vegas just for the food! Whether it's haute cuisine at Nine, Jean Georges Steakhouse, or Aureole or chain fare like McDonalds and Maggiano's Little Italy, again, Las Vegas has it! You can even find cafes and diners in many casinos are that open 24 hours. Other than an oversalted alfredo at the Tropicana in 2003, I have never had a bad meal in Vegas. All of the casinos' restaurants are in competition with each other so the chefs are going to put on their best to 'wow' your tastebuds.

12. Crime. Like most places on the planet, Las Vegas has crime. Be careful. Keep valuables in your hotel room safe, stay in the public areas, and do not over consume alcohol to the point you are posing a risk to yourself. In addition, do not be surprised if you occasionally have transients come up to you asking for money. Yes, Las Vegas is bright, shiny, pretty, fun, and lively, but it is still a real city. It may seem like Disneyworld but just be aware of your surroundings, especially at night and especially if you walk the Strip.

13. Heat. Las Vegas is a desert city and if you ever visit the city in the heat of the summer, be prepared for hot temperatures! The average temperature in July and August can go over 100 F! Make sure you drink lots of water, stay in the shade, and if you are sun-sensitive like me, brings lots of sunblock.

However, the temperatures in March and April can vary. I was in Vegas in March 2010 and I was surprised how cold it was! During the day, the temperature was about 60 degrees the week I was there and it was misty and rainy until the day we left. During the evening, the temperature was in thh 40s and I needed a coat.

I did some research regarding the average temperatures for April and it seems Viva days can be in the 70s or cooler. It does get colder at night so be sure to bring a light coat or wrap. I am going to pack a cardigan or two for the daytime and a light wool coat for night. It is always good to have the bases covered when it comes to weather. Moreover, if the forecast calls for rain, be sure to pack a small, compact umbrella in your suitcase! What a shame it would be to get your victory rolls wet!

So, for all you first-timer visitors to Vegas, I hope this post was helpful. Also, to those who know Las Vegas well or those who are Vegas locals, let me know if I missed something.

I cannot wait for Viva and I am looking forward to visiting Las Vegas again!