Sara gets all: ARTSY FARTSY ON MY NAILS

So, I'm sitting here listening to lectures for school and me being me (a child, really) I have to be doing SOMETHING with my hands. That something turned out to be water marbling. MY FIRST TIME EVER! WOOT!

For the uninitiated, this is makeup geekery at it's finest. Here's how to make it do.

Source: heynicenails.com via Sara on Pinterest

Now, I just used a shallow bowl and toothpicks to stir/marble the polish. Water needs to be room temperature (too cold and the nail polish will harden, too warm and it will disperse weirdly).

1.) Paint a base color over the entire nail.
2.) Pick 2 or more other colors and quickly drop the polish on the surface of the water.
3.) Gently drag the toothpick through the drops of polish. Don't swirl too much, but enough to get a nice color variation on your nail. Your nail is probably a smaller surface than you think.
4.) Working quickly, brace yourself and stick your nail "under" the polish layer (holding your finger horizontally the whole time).
5.) TA-DA!

Here's what I used and my result!

Orly Rubberized Basecoat/Zoya Harley for base color/Orly Polishield Topcoat

Marble colors: Zoya Ivanka/Sephora by OPI Caught With My Khakis Down/Orly Velvet Rope

left hand

right hand

right thumb

I'm really pleased with how it turned out and will definitely try it again! There is a mess-factor and cleanup required obviously, but I didn't have too much of a problem with that.

Sorry the pictures are crappier than usual, but these colors are really kind of muted. Grey, pale army green, sparkly primary green, and purple. I likes it!

Have you ever water marbled? What colors would you or did you pick?

Sara says: I NEED SERENITY

I hope everyone is having a serene and peaceful weekend. I have just started my regular Fall semester and have also contracted some sort of germ that has filled my sinus cavity with concrete. Speaking of red noses...

Lookit his serene little face...

... and his tiny witch-feet and yarn hair.

Matt looks thrilled!

Seriously, Savers is full of these goddamned things. Could you imagine being a poor Savers employee and someone pulls up to dump off a truckload of these?! Thrifting helps you realize who to avoid in your community. Like, the people who buy used toiletries at estate sales... yeah.


And also a sweet friend of mine provided a submission for your viewing pleasure! I guess!

From a thrifty store in Fayetteville, AR

This is some sort of clown flag with rocket-ship eyes. Why you would wave around a clown flag is beyond me. Kinda like being on your period in shark infested waters... it's just gonna draw negativity to you.


With that being said, clearly the keys to survival, as demonstrated by the Creepy Thrifted Clowns is to practice effective stress management and keep a peaceful gait and uhhhh... don't go swimming in the ocean on your monthly? Yeah...


Have a good week! See you same time next week for more clown-y insanity!

Sara says: ME ENCANTA LA ABEJA

Happy Monday, which is my favorite word en Español... ¡LUNES! You can't say ¡LUNES! without being happy.

¡LUNES!  :D

*ahem* Anyways, I have makeup geekery! Another manicure inspired by Pinterest. Well, actually, it was orginally a pedicure. Bee-hold!

Source: makeupalley.com via Sara on Pinterest

Now, in my rendition, my nail art brush (that actually came with the product) BROKE so I had to used toothpicks to draw the tiny lines. Hence, my lines are pretty messy. But I would definitely do this look again. It's so cute! I love bees!

The yellow base is Catwalk Queen by Finger Paints. The design is really super easy to do (if you have a decent damn brush... GRR!) Try practicing detail work on a piece of paper first - "bee" sure (ok, ok, I'll quit!) to practice drawing the design with your non-dominant hand as well.





Have a BEE-UTIFUL WEEK! (I lied, can't stop...)

Sara says: 1 AND 2 AND 3 AND 4!

I've implemented a workout routine in the past couple of weeks. Being creepy as they are, looks like the clowns have followed suit. Let's see what they've been up to...

Here's some enterprising clowns doing some clowny yoga... or something.

1 and 2 and 3 and 4!!!

Sometimes it's important to have supportive elements to maintain your balance during a workout.

What is the one on the right doing to that barrel?!?!?!?

It's also important, when starting an exercise routine, to relax and truly de-stress. Try petting a bunny-puppy to lower your blood pressure.

What?

It's a lot of work to look this good and maintain these damn golden eyebrows.

Whew! I'm tired already!

Sara says: NOTHING LIKE HIGH MAINTANENCE ORCHIDS

Source: design-seeds.com via Kathi on Pinterest

The Pantone color of the year is 'Honeysuckle', but I'm a bit obsessed with a color a little further down the spectrum. ORCHID! OMG! ORCHID! ORCHID! ORCHID!


Here's some prime examples of my latest favorite color.

Source: google.com via PreppyPrincess on Pinterest

Now's here's orchid beautifully represented in stuff!

+MAC Show Orchid lipstick

Source: temptalia.com via Sara on Pinterest

+Sugar Pill Pressed Eyeshadow in Dollypop

Source: sugarpillshop.com via Sara on Pinterest

+Natalie Portman at the 2009 Academy Awards wearing Rodarte

Source: google.com via Sara on Pinterest

+I'm gonna have to call blog spotlight on ADVANCED STYLE. Check out Ms. Rose. She's 99. She's truly amazing.

Source: advancedstyle.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

+An orchid and black lovely day dress from eShakti

Source: eshakti.com via Sara on Pinterest

+I love tights! These are from Torrid, but We Love Color is awesome too.

Source: torrid.com via Sara on Pinterest

+Mystic Heather, probably the hardest Manic Panic color to execute, besides pure white!

Source: manicpanic.com via Sara on Pinterest

+These are the sexy. Tsumori Chisato Color Cateye Sunglasses

Source: polyvore.com via Sara on Pinterest

+Because I have to be literal sometimes... OMG, HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?! A miniature orchid origami necklace!

Source: etsy.com via Sara on Pinterest

+I love the world. Gorgeous ring made out of colored pencils!!!

Source: klimt02.net via Sara on Pinterest

+Finally, work out some stress and make something awesome with this fun "dyeing" technique. Squish some orchids and make something ah-mazing yourself! Clicky through for a tut!

Source: saidosdaconcha.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

What's your most favoritest, I-gotta-have-it-or-I'll-die, color right now?

Sara says: SEE THEM LIVE AND IN LIVING COLOR!

Here's some colorful fellows!

Greenie plays a mean 2-string guitar.

The blue one is playing a... blue alien booger... or something.

Everyone knows you should coordinate your instrument to your hair color and your hat with your pants.

Sara says: PUT THE LIME IN THE COCONUT

Salutations! I have makeup geekery for you! This is a color pairing that I REALLY FREAKIN LOVE, which was inspired by something I saw on, you guessed it, Pinterest.

LIME + TAUPE/BROWN/BEIGE

Source: make-up.becomegorgeous.com via Sara on Pinterest

Here's my rendition:

I used the Urban Decay Naked Palette for a nice, neutral eye (using the colors Naked, Buck, and a wee of Darkhorse).

For the greens I used:
-MAC Bitter Eyeshadow
-Tarina Tarininto Tokyo Hardcore Eye Dream Hypershadow (which on on sale for $5!!! GET IT! It's lovely! I paid $10 a few months ago and I may buy another one...)
-A bit of the Wet n Wild I Dream of Greenie trio (I've heard they're gonna quit making these trios, go snatch it up at your local drug store!)

Source: maccosmetics.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: temptalia.com via Sara on Pinterest

The shape of this look is somewhat inspired by one of my favorite Sephora looks from a couple of years ago.

Source: sephora.com via Sara on Pinterest

The trick it to add a little pop of color somewhere unexpected. It can be a bright color, like my acid green funtimes, but it has to be kind of subtle and blended out. See the top right portion of her blue eyeshadow look? I just did that on the left side for my lime look!

I lined the bottom of my eye with a flesh-toned pencil (which, thankfully, are easier to find now). I added a tiny bit of the lime green to the middle of my bottom lash line and blended it out to make a gradient effect. Being in the center of the eye made it playful and spiffy, if I do say so myself. :P



So there ya have it! What's your favorite way to add color to your makeup looks?

Sara says: I'M AS FREE AS MY HAIR

Hello lovelies! At this point, my makeup geekery is well documented - but I also like to dabble in hair. Namely color. So we'll classify this as hair geekery (clicky on "hair" above for one of my favorite Gaga songs, live!)

The previous Sunday I was feeling kinda down, so I was all, "I'm gonna dye my hair fucking orange".

I used L'OREAL Excellence Creme in #8.43 Medium Copper Golden Blonde (shimmer awesome sexy howmanyadjectivesdoesitreallyneed?!) Clicky the link for a swatch and whatnot.

I used a 20 volume developer and my results were still pretty dark. I like it though! It's just lacking the WOW-factor I was hoping for.

I am also a wiz at the ombre hair trend... except backwards. My hair is lighter at the top (roots yadda yadda) and I have some inexplicable dark patchiness in the upper 1/3 of my hair. Hair goes from light - dark instead of dark - light. I have some ideas though...

RED OMBRE FUNTIMES!

Source: google.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: mrnewton.net via Maja on Pinterest

Source: fancifulfreckles.blogspot.com via Adrienne on Pinterest

I'm thinkin the option on the bottom will be the easiest for me to execute. I'm excited that my favorite local tattoo studio is opening a salon soon, so maybe I'll get some help from the pros... but I know myself. I'll always be wanting to slap some dye on my head.

Are you looking forward to change your look for Fall? Ever have any DIY epic fails? TELL ME and have a vibrant weekend!

Sara says: TAG, I'M IT! BEAUTY FAVORITES!

BEAUTY FAVORITES TAG FROM NOUVEAU CHEAP

(Note: Some  of these products are holy grails and some are just products I'm really loving right now.)

[Foundation]
I’m still looking for a favorite foundation. Right now, I’m using a Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer with some powder on top – which is good for the sweltering summer months anyways.

[Powder]
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Light Medium.

Source: painted-ladies.com via Sara on Pinterest

[Primer]
Too Faced Primed and Poreless Bronzed Tint. In the beginning of the summer this really helped me feel less transparent (and I have a bit of sun damage on my chest, so face and chest were different colors). It's an intimidating brown color, but a little bit goes a long ways! Pale faces can totally use it!

[Blush]

I love bright blushers! My favorite is a cremeblend blush by MAC, Optimistic Orange, from the MAC in Lillyland collection from 2010. I used it on my friend Kristen when we went to go see Chicago in June.

Observe Optimistic Orange in action! :)

[Bronzer]

Sometimes I’ll use a bit of MAC powder blush in Prism for a subtle effect, but I love the Physician’s Formula Happy Heart powder collection and I have the bronzer from that in the aptly named Light Bronzer.

[Concealer]

I haven’t found a favorite yet! I really would like to try the Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer. Confession: I’m a bit of a n00b when it comes to applying concealer.

[Highlight]

tokidoki's Luminosa Powder is my favorite! It's pinky with pink micro-glitter (very subtle!) and it is gorgeous when the light hits it.

Source: sephora.com via Sara on Pinterest

[Moisturizer]

I use a pretty basic, drugstore one with SPF, but my fall quest is to find the perfect, affordable moisturizer. Suggestions for oily skin? I have a Mario Badescu gift card to spend too! Maybe I’ll do that (and blog about it of course!)

[Lipgloss]

Favorite of the moment is L'Oreal Colour Riche le gloss in Plum Rush and Revlon Lip Gloss in Lilac Pastelle. I'm into the purple spectrum right now apparently! 

[Lipstick]

Like blushers, if it looks hard to pull off I will probably love it. A couple of my favorites are: Wet n Wild #511B (a bright fuchsia), Revlon's Siren (a creamy orange), MAC's Playing Koi from Quite Cute 2011, Viva Glam Gaga 2010, and this craziness by Maybelline that I found today. It looks like candy!

Source: temptalia.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: scrangie.com via Sara on Pinterest

[Lip Balm]

e.o.s or Jack Black! The e.o.s is fun for when you wanna freak people out in public. It is, indeed, freaky looking, but lovely.

Source: google.com via Sara on Pinterest

[Lip Liner]
I mostly use MAC, but primarily because if I get a crazy lip color and there’s a matchy matching liner I’ll probably pick that up too. I also use the Lip Primer from Too Faced and it’s not half bad (when I remember to use it…)

[Eye Primer]

Urban Decay Primer Potion forever! I’ve heard the NARS one is really, really good though.

[Eyeshadow]

I really love my e.l.f palette in Punk Funk and the Milani Paint palette, but my favorite ever (for the moment at least, lol) is Sassy Grass by MAC (from the Dare to Wear collection from summer 2010).

Source: temptalia.com via Sara on Pinterest

[Eyeliner]
I have the Urban Decay 15th Anniversary set of 24/7 liners and I’m loving it! They’re my go-to for sure. I do also agree with one of my favorite YouTubers, LovePeaceandLipGloss, that Whiskey (a red-brown) from the Urban Decay's Naked palette is one of my favs, but it is exclusive to that set so I don’t use it very often. The Naked palettes for sale now don’t even come with that pencil anymore! Hopefully they’ll make it permanent. It’s gorgeous.

Source: urbandecay.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: fuckyeahgirlythings.tumblr.com via Sara on Pinterest

[Mascara]
I like the one I’m using right now, the leafy-Physician’s Formula one. I’ve also enjoyed MAKE UP FOR EVER’s smoky lash mascara. I want a good colored one!

[Face Brush]
I really want to add this brush from Physician’s Formula to my stash, but ya know I tend to mainly use powder puffs. I don’t have a “set in stone” face routine, so it really just depends. I do like this fan brush from e.l.f. and stippiling “skunk” brushes. I have the #188 from MAC.

Source: google.com via Sara on Pinterest

[Eye Brush]
It really depends on the look I’m doing! I am really impressed right now with the eyeliner brush from e.l.f. (it makes gel liners a BREEZE and I am BLIND y’all!)

[Nail Polish]

Right now, I’m really loving Orly Lollipop (the perfect light purple for my skin-tone, NO LOBSTER-HANDS!) and Finger Paints Catwalk Queen from the Fall Fashionista collection. I can’t wait for Halloween collections to start rolling out. >:)

Source: scrangie.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: scrangie.com via Sara on Pinterest

[Perfume]
Burberry (just the classic Burberry) and Thierry Mugler’s Alien are pretty much all I wear. I’ve been enjoying a solid perfume by Pacifica, Spanish Rose, for the summer time.

Source: sephora.com via Sara on Pinterest

[Makeup Brands: Highend/Drugstore]
High End: I don’t venture in to that territory very often, but I’d have to say uhmmm... YSL, Guerlain, Chanel, Giorgio Armani... whatever Christine posts that is fabulous. I like to window shop!
Middle: Urban Decay, MAC, MAKE UP FOR EVER, NARS, Too Faced
Drugstore: Wet n Wild, Milani, Physican’s Formula, L.A. Colors, e.l.f.



Whew! I tag EVERYONE reading this post right now. If you don't have a blog, feel free to leave your favorites in the comments. I'd love to read them!

Full-disclosure: I bought everything! I am not affiliated with anything! Links are for information only and I would never send you anywhere I wouldn't go, ok?