DIY- The Perfect Shave
While winter is the time when most are considering becoming lazy with their shaving, those of us in the industry don’t get a break of being perfectly shaving under unforgiving spotlights. Here’s some of the best tips we’ve gathered for getting the perfect shave and avoiding unsightly bumps and razor burn.
Step 1: Sugar Scrub
This step is great for prepping the skin before shaving. A good sugar scrub exfoliates and lifts all of the little hairs so they are easier to get in one swipe. Many companies make great options, or you can make your own using equal parts white processed sugar and oil (avocado, almond, or olive) and a few drops of your favorite scented oil if desired.
Step 2: A good shaving gel & really hot water
Good shaving cream or gel makes a huge difference. I wish the manufacturers had better names for their products, but alas products like Koochie Kreme actually work really well. There’s also Bikini Zone’s Anti-Bumps which is great and has a much less offensive name.
Step 3: A good, new razor
Seems simple, but you’d be amazed how many gals use cheap disposable razors, or the same razor way too many times. Use at least a double blade razor and no more than three shaves out of any one razor. If you shave your legs at the same time, you may be down to two uses.
Step: 4 Pat dry, don’t rub
When you leave the shower, pat yourself dry. Rubbing can irritate the already sensitive skin of your bikini zone.
Step 5: Solid, white, unscented, antiperspirant
Using a solid, white, antiperspirant over the newly shaved areas will go a long way in preventing redness and bumps. I like Dove Unscented. Be careful though, as this is intended for outside the body, so make sure to not get your overly sensitive areas.
Repeat steps often, as the more often you shave, the less “shocking” it is to the system each time. Less re-growth, means less razor burn, ingrown hairs and bumps.
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is one of the most unique holidays in the world. Originating in Mexico, it is a celebration of the lives of those who have passed, and an invitation for them to return to visit for a day. More recently, it has become an American pop culture obsession. Want to join in on the celebration? Enjoy this handy DIY make-up tutorial on calavera, or skull, make-up applications.
Are you a gal looking to rock a pompadour? Check out this neat little video tutorial:
Embedded version doesn’t work? Click HERE
In a pinch for time? Check out this video tutorial for 30 sec victory rolls!
Want to get the dramatic smokey eye look in just 5 minutes? This video starts with explaining that the holidays are coming, but burlesque starlets and glamour gals don’t need to wait for the holidays for dramatic make-up!
What is a hair rat? They are extra padding that were used back in the day to add volume and make those classic hairstyles easier to achieve.
Historically, hair rats were made from the hair of the wearier. Women would simply gather the stray hairs caught in their brushes, when they had a pretty significant amount, they roll them with their hands until a tight sausage shape was achieved and viola- a hair rat! These were then used to roll their natural hair over (like rollers) and secured with hairpins to achieve everything from liberty rolls to Betty Page bangs, and because it was made from their own hair- the color and texture matched perfectly, making the rat extremely hard to spot.
If the idea of gathering your old hair and wearing it without being able to wash it eeks you out, modern luxuries include the store purchased rat, which are made of foam or tightly woven mesh and come in a variety of colors. Simply Google “foam hair rats” and a variety of suppliers will pop up. Once you’ve obtained the synthetic hair rat that is closest to your hair color, just cut it to the length you want and style away.
Easy as 1,2,3- Betty Bangs for gals without any bangs:
- With a comb, divide your hair into a front section that will become bangs.
- Starting at the tip, roll your hair over the rat, tucking as you go.
- Using hair pins, secure the hair and rat in place, making sure to pin hair over the entire rat including the sides.
This will take practice. Remember: the ultimate Bettie Bangs are actually U-shaped, and not straight across.
We found a great little video on achieving great vintage hairstyles in under 5 minutes. Enjoy!
5 Min 1940’s hairdo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2QyEWv4WDo
Originally posted here: http://www.queensofvintage.com/we-love-vintage-manicures/4
We love vintage manicures
by Lena
The most noticeable difference to today’s manicures is in the painting technique. It was considered to be a sign of good breeding during the late Twenties and early Thirties, to paint only part of the nail, leaving the moons and the tips un-coloured.
It may be more time consuming to achieve than painting the whole nail, but it does make the manicure last longer, particularly if you spend a lot of time typing! This style was considered more conservative and left the painting of the whole nail to those women who were more considered ’extreme’. By the late Thirties however, Helena Rubenstein was an advocate for painting the whole nail, moons and all, heralding a new look in nail fashion.
The basic steps of a vintage manicure are the same as those you would practice today:
- Start by filing the nails into an oval or almond shape before soaking, so they don’t shred or tear.
- Soak the nails in a mild soapy solution. When the skin has softened, use an orange stick to push back the cuticles and remove any dead skin.
- Massage in cuticle oil, then remove any excess from the nail with a remover.
- Cover the whole nail in a clear, hardening undercoat and allow to thoroughly dry.
- Apply French Manicure strips to the moon and the tip area of the nail to create the block-out effect.
- Apply the polish slightly overlapping the strips. Apply two coats and allow to dry thoroughly in between. You may also want to apply a hardener on the last coat.
- Before the final coat is completely dry, remove the French strips, to prevent any lifting or tearing of the polish should it be completely dry.
Almost all of the big name pin-up models wear red lipstick. All of the modern beauty magazines say not to line your lips when wearing red, and to do minimal eye make-up. When I try and wear red, I’m just not pulling it off. How can I successfully create the vintage pinup look with red lipstick? — Samantha in Houston
Samantha in Houston,
Red lips are a classic pinup look and can pick up your whole face when you don’t have a lot of time for makeup. My best advice for wearing them well is to always apply a dark or bright lipstick with a lip brush so that you have total control and can achieve perfect symmetry. If you are not comfortable with a true red, then try a sheer red lipstick or gloss, or tone it down with a brown lip liner. Just be sure to blend really well! It also helps to wear a light application of a bright blush in the same tone as the lipstick. This will pull the whole look together. The general rule with red lips is to keep the eyes more neutral. You can’t go wrong with a nice black liquid eyeliner on the upper lash line. Now go and be fabulous!
–LaDonna Hearne of Drop Dead Gorgeous
