Showing posts with label Color style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Color style. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Performance Colors + MY Thoughts on Makeup {review}

 
 
 
Hello ladies!
Today I have a makeup review for y'all.
Some time back I was sent some samples from  Performance Colors.
 
I know not all of y'all wear cosmetics, but for those of you who do, you might want to check out this shop.
 
First, I feel a need to clarify a bit on my personal stance concerning makeup, for anyone who is curious. (Please note that I said *personal stance.* I am by no means trying to say that this is what all the other ladies here on APOC believe - I'll let them speak for themselves on the matter if they wish!)
 
I believe that God created us in His image, therefore we are all naturally beautiful and unique.
We don't need cosmetic products to make us gorgeous. With the variety of genetic variance in physical traits of humankind, there's an incredible potential for many different, unique colors and characteristics in our skin, hair, eyes and bodies.
Think about it: we're all made in the image of God, and yet we can look so different! Some of us have bright blue eyes, and some of us deep brown or crisp hazel. Skin pigmentation can vary so incredibly much, as with hair consistency/hue.
 
Each human being is incredibly unique - and yet, we all share one thing. Being handcrafted by the Creator of the Universe!
 
Therefore, we all possess our own form of individualized, intricate beauty.  I never want to encourage girls to be dependent on make-up or other beauty products to make themselves feel lovely. This shouldn't be! Once you get that idea that you NEED makeup to look pretty, it's hard to wash that ideal out of your system and boom - suddenly you're not exercising a spirit of thankfulness but one of discontent. So I'll say it again - make up is nice, but don't ever feel "naked" without it.
 
Only until recently did *I* even start to wear some light makeup. Up until last year, when I was sixteen, I'd never touched anything cosmetic-wise except for a couple tubes of transparent shimmer lip gloss. 
 
I began using makeup for the primary purpose of covering my acne. When it comes to zits, I have no shame dabbing something overtop to hide them! This is quite a different matter than "hiding your natural beauty".
 
 And even then, I only use it when going out - I'll usually throw on some foundation or concealer when going to teach a piano lesson or to the store or something. When I'm around at my house, doing chores and yard work and such, what's the point of putting on extra powders that'll only get wiped off right away?
 
 Sometimes if we're going to a semi-formal event, church or if I'm working at my dad's conferences, I'll wear some eye shadow/mascara and lip color. I was sent some blush and bronzer to review several weeks ago by a different shop and I enjoyed trying those out for a lunch out after church - I thought the blush gave a cool semi-vintage look.
 
So. My personal view on make up is that it's completely fine, as long as you keep your outlook on it right. I use it to enhance my natural looks, not cover them over or drown them out. I also prefer to use natural cosmetics that don't include harmful ingredients.
 
And, let me say it again. I don't ever want to be where I feel that I MUST put on make-up when I go out in public. I want to feel completely comfortable in my own skin, just the way it is. I might put on a little something cosmetic wise just for the fun of it, but I never want to be reliant on beauty products to make me feel beautiful.
 
Oh dear. I guess I rambled for a while there, didn't I?
Whoops. Well, as I said earlier - I felt a need to clarify this, and so now it's done and you won't be left wondering "Wait - I thought Leah didn't approve of make up or did she ...um...but here she is, doing a make up review so..."
 
Er, yeah.
 Let's move on.
 
 
I was sent a number of different samples from Performance Colors, and it was exciting to get to try so many different things from one store.
Having never used eyeliner before, I'll admit I've struggled a bit with the Rococo Eyeliner that was in the package. It's a nice, relatively neutral color for eyeliner, but a bit hard to apply. Or maybe it's just me, being ignorant on how to do it. Either way, it ended up looking like a thin line of eyeshadow when I put it on.
 
LIP REPAIR quick penetrating precious oils, aloe vera, shea butter, and moisturizing ingredients, 5ml
 
Lip Repair
This seems most comparable to lip balm. I'm not a huge fan of lip balm so I'll probably give this sample to my mom, who has very dry skin and would likely appreciate it more. I have very oily skin so my lips are in pretty decent shape, I think.
 
In the package was a Cream Eyeshadow in "Champagne". This is a very mild color for eyeshadow. I would probably blend it with something a little darker, creating a ombre/gradual fade look.
Since the eyeshadow is in a cream format, it's super easy to apply and I really like that. All other shadows I've tried have been in powder form which can get kinda messy. So this is a nice factor. I would've probably picked a more dramatic color, say a turquoise or blue/green hue, but hey - the Champagne matches with virtually everything in my wardrobe!
 
 
SHADOW MAGNET LIDPRIMER for a non-creasing long-lasting eyeshadow base,  2.8ml.
 
Honestly, I'm still not entirely sure what the point of the Shadow Magnet is. I think it is to help keep your eye shadow on better? I've still yet to try it in depth.
 
 
 POSH SEMI MATTE Opaque Lipcolor in light toned down coral adobe color, 5ml
 
"Posh" Matte Cream Lipstick
This is a nice lipstick color and consistency. It's a very muted coral and gives a nice matte look which seems to be relatively popular these days.
 
 
BUFF SEMI MATTE Opaque Lipcolor in light nude color, 5ml
 
"Buff" Semi- Matte Lipcolor
Now, I use this one all the time. It's slightly lighter than "Posh" and is the same general consistency. I love to use it when I get ready to go to church. It doesn't create an overly dramatic look, as darker lipsticks do, and yet it still looks like you're wearing something cosmetic wise. I love the distinct  matte look this one gives.
Definitely recommend this one.
 
PINKCHOCOLATE SEMI MATTE Opaque Lipstick in a neutral brown pink, very pigmented, 5ml
I also use the "Pink Choco" Semi-Matte Lipstick frequently. It looks a little more bright pink than in the picture here. (All photos are taken from the Performance Colors Etsy shop.) I like it for it's 'brightness' if that's the right way to put it. It's a very light pink (once again, a bit different than the picture) and very girly and vintage-esque. I recommend.
 
GINGERHEART Restorative Lipcolor in super-saturated, saucy deep pink red, semi-transparent, 5ml
 
"Ginger Heart" Restorative Lipcolor
I'm not sure what makes this (and the other Restoratives)  'restorative' and the semi-matte ones not.
Either way, it's a pretty color.
 
SHOWDOWN Restorative LIPSTICK in medium burnt coral, 5ml
 
"Show Down" Restorative Lipcolor
Another nice, fun shade. It's definitely more pink, and comparable to "Pink Choco."
 
 
MALIBU Restorative Lipcolor in super-saturated, highly reflective, semi-opaque, shrimp pink, 5ml
 
"Malibu" Restorative Lipcolor
 Slightly comparable to "Posh", but darker.

All the lip products here were very smooth and easy to apply. Also, just from the little sample containers I received, it seems they last a long while. I'm nowhere near being finished with them, and I've already put them to good use!
 
Lastly, I received a Pressed Eyeshadow in "Siren" which apparently there are no pictures to be found of, on the site.
It's a light/medium grey color, and good for layering/blending, or attempting a smoky eye look.

Overall, I like what I'm seeing from Performance Colors. The things they sent I've enjoyed wearing, and, looking at their page again just now, I'm really interested in some of their other products - namely the "Mermaid" cream eyeshadow. *grins*

Well, anyways, y'all make-up wearers should check out the shop.


Note: I was provided these items from Performance Colors in exchange for my honest review. All opinions stated remain mine and mine alone.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Summer Accessory + Natural Beauty Haul!


 
Hola, mi amigas!
 
It's August! Can you believe we're already more than half-way into this year? School's about to start for a lot of kids, summer will soon be coming to a close, and time just seems to speed on faster and faster!
 
Well, to celebrate some of the awesome summer moments we've had so far, today I'm going to do a haul post - 3 different reviews all in one!
 
We'll start out with.....
 
 
This is a darling handmade accessory and perfect for summer. It's a metallic orange color. I don't usually wear a lot of orange but I have to say this is one I really like! It is a nice, bright summer-y hue and goes well with my hair color.
 
The design of the headband is very unique. It almost has a vintage feel to it.  The headband has an adjustable strap in the back, making it a comfortable one-size-fits-all. It stays put well in my hair, as I've already worn it numerous times, doing various different activities.
 
My new favorite thing to do with this hairband is to wear it with braids.
 
Overall, I love it! It's a very unique, chic piece and I enjoy wearing it as it's both practical and pretty.
 
 (Click the link above to go to the Etsy listing where you can get one of your own!)
 
 
 
Next up, a very charming vintage fish necklace from Iris Jane
 
Oh my goodness. This is such a cute piece! I have nothing bad to say about it. Nothing at all.
I simply adore the fish pendant. From the turquoise/gold color scheme to the little intricate details of the fish scales, tale and eyes, it's definitely a favorite piece. Once again, it's an accessory perfect for the summer months, or family vacation at the beach.
 
The chain is a gold color, and has it where you can adjust the length. I like wearing it semi-choker-esque, where the pendant just barely drops beneath my shoulder blades.
 
It's an eye-catching necklace and I love everything about it. The uniqueness of the fish pendant is the main draw for me since I like fresh, different-looking things.
 
Sadly since it's vintage I'm not sure where you could find one like it of your own, but you could check out the Iris Jane shop above anyway and maybe inquire about it if you were really interested.
 
 
Panacea's Sample Salve Trio Pack
 
Last but not least we have some awesome natural hair products from NightBlooming.
 
I first discovered NightBlooming by way of their fabulous hair sticks, but little did I know they also made some fab hair treatments and the like!
 
We'll start with the Panaceas Sample Salve Trio. Each of these salves above can be used on the tips of your hair to help strengthen the fibers and even help repair split ends and other damage.
 
I tried each of the three and didn't notice a very big difference between the three. You only use a very small amount each time, and it's always after you shower. I look forward to seeing long-term effects of using these salves! It looks like a promising concept.
 
 
 
I was also sent a Triple Moon Hair Annointing Oil , a beautiful handmade hairstick, and Moondust Herbal Dry Shampoo from NightBlooming.
 
To be honest, I'll admit I was a little skeptical of the hair oil in the beginning. For one thing, my hair is already VERY oily so I doubted this oil could really benefit me in any way.
 
I'm still testing it, so it's a work in progress so to speak. So far, I've been trying to follow the directions listed on the Etsy listing.
 
You rub a small amount into your scalp, an hour before showering. It is supposed to help strengthen the roots of your hair. (Of course, you wash it thoroughly when showering.)
 
I haven't been able to see any difference "before and after" using this, yet, but as I said I'm still testing it. It could be more of a long-term result for all I know. 
 
The hair stick was absolutely gorgeous. I really loved the colors - a bright, cheery blue base and mesmerizing transparent/milky blue fixture at the end. Very, very pretty. Also it's a good length - almost too short for my amount of hair to fit in, but it still worked. It came tucked primly in a felt case which I thought was a nice touch.
 
The Moondust herbal dry shampoo really interested me. I'm always curious to find out natural shampoo/conditioner alternatives.  However, the dry aspect of it doesn't thrill me too much. Mom tried it, and didn't really like that it was to be used in that way. She thought it was too messy.
I'm going to try it in more depth but so far I have to agree with her.
 
-
 
Thank you to these wonderful businesses for providing the products for today's haul/triple review.  
 
On a random note, next month I'm going to the Great Ozarks Mountain Shindig with my family for four days! I'm really, really, reallllllyyyy excited about it. I found out the other day that there will be a line dance on one evening, and that the dress code/suggested dress attire is semi-dressy/long dresses etc. I really would like to dress a bit more formally for it, but can't decide whether to go with a vintage/retro/'50s theme or a Western/country girl theme...eeek, help!
 
I've been looking for retro/50's style party dresses, but it seems like everything is either too expensive, not modest in some way or the waistline is incredibly small. Does anyone have any advice? 
 
Hope everyone is having a very blessed summer!
 
Note: I was provided these items from JoHanna Martinez, Iris Jane and NightBlooming in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed remain mine and mine alone.

Friday, March 15, 2013

What Is Your Color Style?


Good day APOC friends! My post today is going to be about finding your color style. Your color style is the shades or certain colors that fit you best (In this case the object of your color style is clothing). I have noticed that out of the four girls in our family, almost each of us have a certain "color style" that we like best. I found a website on the computer that gives you charts with "keys" that help you to find the color scheme that fits you best. Though I was already pretty sure what my color scheme was just from looking at the color charts, I am now able to know for sure what my color scheme is. You can take the test in four easy steps: 1. Eye Color- My eye color is blue  2. Hair Color- My hair color is blond  3. Skin color- This was pretty hard since these charts have so many different skin colors to choose from, so I am not quite positive which skin color I am. But I did narrow my colors down to the two seasons "Spring" or "Summer". I still have not decided yet but my Mom thinks that I am "Spring".  4. Find Your Chart- Hopefully, you can narrow your colors down to a certain shade chart (deep winter, light spring, warm autumn, etc.) but I have not been able to do that for myself. :( We also went through my two oldest sisters to see what "seasons" they were. My sister Mikaela has dark hair and dark eyes. We are pretty sure that she is "Winter". My sister Gabby has dark blond hair and dark eyes. We are pretty sure that she is "Autumn". 

Now, you may think that this has nothing to do with modesty, but in a way, it does. Have you ever seen someone that was a very nice looking person, but when they wore a certain outfit, their whole look seemed to change? Perhaps they wore a certain style of clothing that just did not look right or perhaps it had to do with the color scheme of their outfit. My sister Mikaela and I are only 15 months apart, and I have noticed how some outfits look gorgeous on her but if I try to wear them, they look awful on me. Sadly, today's culture does not seem to care much (or anything at all) about if what you are wearing looks right on you. A matter of fact, it almost seems like whoever can wear the most miss-matched outfit is the "coolest". Proverbs 11:22 says, "Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion." As of late, I had noticed a couple certain outfits that I really liked, but did not look quite right on me. Both outfits were very beautiful but when I wore them I knew something was wrong. Thankfully, after much conflict in my mind, I put the two items in the "take to the thrift store" box, along with the other girls who were getting rid of some stuff as well. A couple days later when we were going to the store I noticed Mikaela wearing a very nice looking shirt that I had never seen on her before, and then I realized that it was the shirt that I had gotten rid of, and it looked wonderful on her! 
I found this test on the Internet and copied the pictures over here, but before I did that, I cropped the pictures to take off the faces of some modern day celebrities which they were using for examples of the different color schemes. If you would like to see the complete article with the examples you can click here. (The examples are not bad, but I cropped the pictures just in case, for the sake of any in the APOC audience that would prefer not to have those pictures.) 
 
If any of y'all take the test, I would love for you to comment and tell me what color scheme you are! Also, If you have a blog with a picture of you on it, I would love to come stop by and see, so I can see how you found your color scheme! 
 
Winter Colors
 
Clear Winter

Cool Winter
Deep Winter




Spring Colors

Light Spring

Warm Spring

Clear Spring


Summer Colors
           
Light Summer
Cool Summer

Soft Summer


Autumn Colors
 
Soft Autumn
Warm Autumn
Deep Autumn


I hope you have enjoyed taking this test! Have a colorful day!