by Ladonna Stein

1. Part the hair on the side. A very deep part was a popular style in the 20′s. You would sometimes see it almost on the side of the head.

2. Using a curling iron or hot rollers, starting at the part, roll the hair all in the same direction around the head. The smaller the curling iron barrel, the tighter the wave will be in the end. Set your curls with pins and allow them to cool in a rolled up position. This would be a good time to do makeup while the curls set.

3. Take out the pins and brush or comb the hair straight down. All the curls should come together to form waves. You can leave it like this for a looser, Hollywood hair effect (like worn by Dita Von Teese).

4. For more of a 1920′s finger wave, use a comb and hairspray to sculpt and perfect the waves. Start at the top of the head and work your way down, holding down the top waves as you sculpt the lower ones. Use bobby pins to create more dramatic curves. Just be sure to try and hide them in the hair. You can also use clips to hold the sprayed waves in place while they dry.

5. For the ends, hold end of the hair against your hand and comb it all in the direction you want it to lay. If your hair is long, you can pin it under in the back. A hairnet is a great way to help keep it in place for the rest of the day.

A special thank you to Grace Gotham for modeling, and Ladonna Stein of Dallas PinUp for styling, writing, and teaching!

We tried all of the natural methods: toothpaste, ammonia, club soda, etc.-  but one little product that’s about $15-$25 dollars beat them all on removing lipstick stains; especially on costume pieces that couldn’t be thrown into the washing machine!  Make-Up Artist Ladonna Stein to the rescue with MAC: Cleanse Off Oil, and no- they aren’t paying us to say that. This product was made to cut through oil, which is good, considering that’s exactly the staining ingredient in lipstick.

Step One:
DAB the product on gently.  Do not rub or you will spread the stain.
Step Two:
Let sit 2-4min for product to break down the stain.
Step Three:
BLOT with a damp rag or paper towel.  Stain should minimize dramatically.  For non-machine washable products like costumes, repeat this process until in stain is gone.  For more everyday clothing, repeat until stain is barely visible and throw into wash.  Check that stain is completely gone before drying.

Three natural cure-alls that truly are the most essential of oils:

Traveling or on a tight budget, or both? Then it is especially important to have one product that does everything.  Here are my top three picks for all natural cure-alls.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Antiseptic – Use on cuts before bandaging.

Pimples– Dab undiluted on zits to banish.

Cold Sores/Herpes- Works faster than any product at banishing cold sores.  If you use when you first feel the tingle of a cold sore coming on, you will never get the blister.  Just dab undiluted on affected area.

Dandruff- Mix 60 drops tea tree oil with 6 fl oz. water and put into an empty spray bottle (preferably glass over plastic).  Spray liberally on scalp after showering to get rid of dandruff.

Athlete’s Foot- Dab directly onto affected area three times daily to cure athlete’s foot.  Once per day will prevent.

Coughs & Colds- Add 15 drops to a bowl of just boiled water.  Lean your face over the mixture, cover your head with a towel, and breathe in the minty steam.

Prevent Colds and Flu- Add 10 drops to a large shot glass of warm water and gargle daily during cold & flu season to kill the bacteria and viruses that cause illness.  (Do not swallow!)

Lavender Essential Oil

Unwind-  Stressed Out?  Dab a drop or two on your wrists or on the spot just below the ear and above the jaw to inhale the calming scent anywhere.  Better still- add a few drops to your bathwater or your pillow.

Blisters, Mild Burns, Rashes, & Bug Bites- Grab a 4 oz empty wide mouth jar and add the following: 3 oz carrier oil (olive oil, hemp oil, grapeseed oil, or sweet almond oil are good examples), 30 drops tea tree oil, & 30 drops lavender oil.  Shake to mix, then apply directly to affected areas until problem is gone. Store mixture for up to two months.

Eye Strain- Too many hours on Facebook?  Add 2-3 drops to a warm washcloth and cover eyes.

Orange Essential Oil

Anti-Inflammatory- Grab an empty jar and mix 30 drops with 3 oz of carrier oil.  Apply to inflamed muscles or skin as needed.  Store mixture for up to two months.  (If you are using often- careful when going outside, as orange oil increases your sensitivity to the sun.)

Anti-Depressant – Dab a drop or two on your wrists or on the spot just below the ear and above the jaw to inhale the uplifting scent and kick the blues.  Add a few drops to a scent warmer to lift the spirits of an entire room.

Digestive Issues- Use massage oil mixture above on abdomen to aid digestive issues such as bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.

Anti-Spasmodic/Cramps- Use massage oil mixture above on muscle spasms.  Also works for menstrual cramps.

Detox- Add 10 drops to your bath water and soak to help the body rid toxins, and boost the immune system.

Bug Repellant- Fill a 4 oz spray bottle with water and add 30 drops orange essential oil.   Spray liberally on yourself, and your surroundings- doorways, windows, or your campsite to prevent pesky intruders.  If you are using for more than several days, be aware you will be more sensitive to the sun- keep your skin covered to prevent burns.

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.

Watch on You Tube

Version 2 on You Tube

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:

1. With a comb, divide your hair into a front section that will become bangs.
2. Starting at the tip, roll your hair over the rat, tucking as you go.
3. 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