How to Dry Nail Polish Faster

Hi Sparklers!

I wanted to give you a quick tip this week that isn't about the Shine & Sparkle Report Jewelry Store!

For this quick tip I wanted to give you my 3 top tips for making each layer of nail polish dry faster. O previously did a post on how to give yourself a a salon-perfect manicure and other nail posts.

#1: Dip Nails in Ice-Cold Water:

Get a bowl of ice-cold water (no ice in it please, it will bump your nail polish!).  Dip your fingertips in it for about 30 seconds-1 minute (don't leave it in too long, you don't want it to hurt!).  Let your nails air dry. By the time the water dries, so will that layer of nail polish!

#2: Fan/Hair Dryer:

If water doesn't sound like your style, you can use a fan or hair dryer to increase air flow around the nail polish to dry it faster.  Just make sure the air is cold not hot!  Hot air will cause bubbling and will actually slow down the drying process.

#3: Nail Drying Spray/Drops:

While this seems like a great option, it really isn't as "instant" as they say it is.  I would still try and use tip #1 or #2 in between coats then spray after your top coat to seal in your nail polish because it will make nails sticky.  Hold the can about 5 in. away and spray the entire nail for 3 seconds (Make sure you don't hold the can too close, it will make your fingers freeze).  You are still going to have to sit for 10-15 mins to fully dry.  I would still be careful trying to do things like get dressed or do a lot right after the top is dry because the polish can still slide since the layers below are not as dry.  Overall, I like the Demert Nail Enamel Dryer* because it is inexpensive and effective.  Nail drying oil drops are essentially the same as spray, however it leaves your nails oily afterwards and applying drops of oil on your nails is a lot messier than a spray.  I personally prefer the spray, but feel free to use drops.  I've used O.P.I Drip Dry and found it acceptable as well.


I hope this quick tip helped you out!  Thank you so much for reading!

As Always,

Shine & Sparkle

*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.

Chole + Isabel: Shine & Sparkle Glam Collection

Hi Sparklers!

Today I want to give you my first review to introduce you to one of the collections of jewelry I have curated for you Sparklers in the Shine & Sparkle Report Jewelry Store*!

I will be doing a series of posts about the collections of jewelry I've created, as well as from time-to-time introducing you to new collections or my favorite pieces.

As you can probably see from the title of this post, today, I'm going to be focusing on my favorite collection for obvious reasons-- Shine & Sparkle Glam!

This collection was inspired by my love of shiny and sparkly things (if this blog is any indication).  I was inspired by this blog to create this collection of jewelry that has lots of bling and a bit of a vintage-Hollywood feel.  I wanted these pieces to scream "Susan Sparkles".  I tried to put the things featured here at the top of the boutique, but you can easily use the "Search" boxes to see other color selections if you type in the name of a piece! Though I love all the pieces I picked for this collection, I'll highlight some of my personal favorites below:

Color Code Teardrop Necklace- $98 USD

If you are looking for a timeless and elegant piece of bling, this is one of my favorites.  I love it in this peach, champagne, and coral color combination with the antique plating--but it also comes in other great color combinations like Plum, Topaz, and Lavender as well as Teal .   These pieces have a wonderful high quality weight to them an exceptional detailing.  I love that this necklace has a little c+i bird at the end of the chain.  The bird even has a crystal for an eye.  Talk about detail!

• antique rhodium-plated
• nickel-free plating
• 18" approx. length + 2" extender
• lobster clasp
• peach + champagne glass, coral resin

Retro Glam Square-Cut Crystal Bracelet- $48 USD

If you are looking for something more mid-range in price but still awesomely glam, this is on of my go-to pieces. It also feels luxurious to wear and can fit any personality.  I like that this can easily add a bit of sparkle to a day-time look and fit seamlessly into a full evening outfit--it's also fun to stack with other bracelets!  While I'm into the classic all silver look, this bracelet is also available plated in antique brass  or with blush glass crystals. Of course you can get matching earrings ($28) and matching necklace ($58) if you are into having a complete set of things.  These are easily found in the Shine & Sparkle Glam Collection in my store.

• shiny rhodium-plated
• nickel-free plating
• 6.75" - 7.75" approx. length
• toggle closure
• clear glass

Celestial Frost Hair Pin Duo- $22 USD

If you have less than $25 USD to spend on high-quality and Shine & Sparkle Report approved jewelry pieces, never fear! There are tons of earrings and rings that meet your needs.  However, I think one of the coolest items below $25 in the Shine & Sparkle Glam collection are these Celestial Frost Hair Pins.  These are perfect for going out this winter to see the Nutcracker.  You can also use them to spice up your usual hair styles with virtually no effort.  Pin back your bangs with these and your pony-tail is immediately super sparkle-tastic.  I love the art deco feel to these, it just screams glam!

• antique rhodium-plated
• nickel-free plating
• 2" hair pins
• light peach, crytsal AB + clear crystal

 I hope you enjoyed a bit more reporting on my Shine & Sparkle Glam Jewelry Collection!  Hopefully, you will like this series and think about adding some of these great pieces of sparkle to your own collections.  And don't worry, there will be plenty of your regularly scheduled blogging will be happening.  

As Always,

Shine & Sparkle

*The pictures from this blog post are from the Chloe + Isabel website.  I am compensated a percentage for each piece of jewelry sold.  However, I truly believe in these products and would never suggest you get something that I'm not 100% satisfied with myself--read more about my involvement with c+i here.

Chloe + Isabel: The Shine and Sparkle Report Jewelry Store Grand Opening

Hi Sparklers!

I'm SO SO SO excited to be announcing that The Shine & Sparkle Report is growing up and getting it's own Jewelry Store!  So excited that I'm posting for this week early.

If you don't want to hear me ramble about how much I love the quality and price points of the collections I hand picked for you Sparklers, Click the image below:

So how does The Shine & Sparkle Report Jewelry Store work?

Basically, I'm a merchandiser for Chloe + Isabel (c+i).  I have hand selected collections of amazing jewelry for you in my boutique.  When you purchase fashion jewelry pieces, I get a small portion of the profits to help further this blog!  For example, right now I'm featuring the following collections:

Shine & Sparkle Glam (my personal favorite!)

Sculpted Essentials

Vintage Inspired

c+i Best Sellers

Why am I so passionate about representing jewelry by Chloe + Isabel?

You know Ms. Sparkles, I never would put my name on anything I don't fully love and support!  I have received 14 sample pieces and I can tell you that this is hands-down, some of the most beautiful and high quality fashion jewelry I have ever owned.  I love that these pieces are finely-detailed and affordable!  Also, this jewelry is unique to c+i, so you won't be wearing the same thing as anyone else.

• Each piece is hand-designed in the NYC studio (and produced at the same location that does jewelry for Neiman Marcus and other top designers), 
• Each piece has incredible detail--branded with signature c+i closures (a little bird with crystal eye), and packaged in keepsake pouches.
• All of jewelry is hypoallergenic, nickel-free, and lead safe (this is a Ms. Sparkles MUST!  I'm very allergic to earrings that are not surgical steel.  Luckily, all earrings from c+i are surgical steel and safe for me!)
• Each piece has a lifetime replacement (if stones/crystals fall out, clasps break, etc) and 30-day money back guarantee.
• From timeless to fashion-driven, pieces start at just $18!  

Because c+i take out the middle man and sell directly through merchandisers like me, the prices for very high quality fashion jewelry can be kept really low.  Most jewelry from c+i is made with high quality metals (like gold or silver), real crystals or semi-precious stones, and has gone through a rigorous quality control process.  Seriously, they throw and drop the pieces and man-handle them to make sure each pieces is durable as well as beautiful.

 I also just love that all the pieces are modern and perfect to fit any style.  From super intricate glam necklaces to simple birthstone stud earrings, there is something for everyone.  There is even a charm bracelet collection for all you charm lovers!

So enough rambling on about how excited I am to be representing and bringing Chole+Isabel jewelry to you.  I think you need to click the banner below and do some online shopping!

As Always,

Shine & Sparkle!

Quick Disclaimer: Unfortunately c+i can only ship domestically in the United States right now.  But I'll let you know as soon as this changes...I want all my international Sparklers to have a chance to get their hands on this stuff!

The Best Moisturizer/Sunscreen Combination Products

Hi Sunshine Sparklers!

It is bright and sunny in Northern California during our September Summer.  I am also realizing lately that I'm going on 30 years old and I'm going to have to step up my sun protection game in order to fight signs of aging.  So today I want to talk about my top 2 daily moisturizers that also have SPF (Sun Protection Factor--how many of you knew that SPF mean't this?)

Depending on how much sun I'm going to see that day, I choose one of these 2 moisturizer/sunscreen products when I do my skin care routine in the morning.

I will say that Supergoop* is better for when my skin is feeling extra dry.  Otherwise, I like to add a quick layer of powder to reduce the dewy look a bit.  If you like glowing dewy skin, this is the sunscreen for you.

Sorry this post is so quick and late.  Longer report-style posts coming soon!

As always,

Shine & Sparkle!


*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.

Make-Up 101: Smokey Eye Make-Up Tutorial

Hi Shine and Sparkle Report Readers!

I recently did this blue smokey eye make-up look below and posted it on my instagram (which forwards to my facebook and twitter feeds--shameless hint to follow me on social media).

I actually got a few comments on this and thought that for this weeks post, I'd let you know what products I used to get this look (with little mini reviews of the products).  It's also a general report on how to get a smokey eye look.  Lots of people are trying out the blue smokey eye since the overrated Kim Kardashian wore it in a recent post.  However, feel free to be creative with your colors!

Here is a great eyeshadow diagram from nerdygirlmakeup.com* (so you know what I'm talking about in the instructions I give.  I also like that she has monolids (like me!) so it is easy to compare to my make up look.  Check out her post for all the basics to apply eyeshadow like a pro!

nerdygirlmakeup.com is the source for this picture. If this credit isn't good enough, I'll gladly take it down! But it's just so useful to not reinvent the wheel on my blog when great blogger have done it before me...#amitoolazy?

Step-By-Step Blue Smokey Eye:

1. Base of eyeshadow primer all over my eye area (up to the brow and even below my eye.  I like  Urban Decay Anti-Aging Primer Potion.  I love this stuff.  It's a bit pricey at $24 but it works great and I can't deny that I'm sucked in by the idea of not needing an eye cream on heavy eyeshadow days because of this product.  Killing two birds with one stone.  Hurzah.
2. Covered my whole upper eye area with a wash of white eyeshadow (up to the brow) to make sure everything applies smoothly for the following steps.  I used Make Up Geek shadow in "White Lies" but any matte white shadow you like is fine.  
3. Water proof dark blue eyeliner on the lid.  I used this as an additional base to make sure my shadow stayed exactly where I wanted it and to maximize the pigmentation on the lid.  I used the Marcelle Mini Waterproof Liner in "Blue Lagoon" because I got it in my BirchBox.  But again, any navy blue, waterproof liner will work great.
4. Set with navy blue matte eye shadow.  More insurance that this bold eye look doesn't turn into a blue raccoon eyes/looking like you got punched in the face.  I use a blue powder eye shadow to set this.  I didn't want to spend a whole ton of money on blue matte shadow so I used a cheap one I had that I don't think is made anymore because I can't find it on google.  But you get the idea.
5. Blend black matte eye shadow into the outer-v and crease.  This is a bit tricky.  It takes some practice to learn your eye shape and how to best blend the outer-v and crease to look right.  Start with less product and build up.  I used Make Up Geek shadow in "Corrupt".
6. Used Highlight to highlight inner corner, tear duct, brow bone, and further blend the black.  To do this I used Make Up Geek shadow in "Shimma Shimma".
7. Slightly Winged Liner on Upper and Lower Lash Line.  I used my all time favorite long wearing liquid liner for monolids by Clio (post here!).
8. Blue eyeliner in the waterline.  I used the same liner as in Step 3 to line my water line.
9. Curl Lashes. I might do a post on this in the future.  For right now, this is already a long post!
10. Mascara.  I have a post on this! Phew!
11. Done. 

The great thing about this Make-Up 101 post is that you can be as creative as you'd like with colors!  Have fun and experiment with this way of getting a smokey eye.  Hope you found this post interesting and as always,

Shine & Sparkle!

*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.

How To Keep Natural Nails Healthy Under Acrylic Nails

WAZZZUPPPP Sparklers?

I just wanted to shoot you a quick tip about keeping your natural nails healthy even when you have acrylic nails over them.

If you follow me on Instagram, you have probably seen this picture and all of my past pictures since I got addicted to getting my nails done at the salon again.  

I recently got asked this question:  "Acrylic nails look great and are great if it is hard for you to naturally grow out your nails, but is getting acrylic nails bad for your real nails?"

In a nutshell, the answer is: Yes, some of your natural nail gets filed away to keep the acrylic nail looking natural on your fingers and covering your natural nail so that it doesn't breathe or get moisture as well as is normal are not great for your natural nail.  

BUT...you can minimize the damage by taking the following steps!

#1-Don't Use Them As Tools:

Acrylic nails are much stronger than your real nails.  It is very tempting to start using them to open soda cans, try to retighten bolts on furniture, and all kinds of other things that put way more stress on your natural nail than what they were built for.  This can result in severely damaging your real nails, or even ripping off your real nail all together! EEEEK!  Long story short, baby them, even if they feel super strong.

#2- Have Them Professionally Removed (by the same salon that did them):

It is tempting to not spend the money to remove acrylic nails at the salon when you are ready to be done with them.  I highly caution against this.  While there are many tutorials on YouTube, there is no replacement for a professional who will know the best method for the products that they used.  Also, I know I have damaged my nails horribly even when I do it the "right way" in tutorials.  It is worth it to go into the pros.

#3- Oil Your Cuticles & Under Your Nails:

While water still is the enemy with acrylic nails lifting (just like polish), you can safely and effectively keep your nails hydrated by applying oil to the cuticle/nail bed and under your nails as often as possible. The only place your real nails can access moisture is at the cuticle/nail bed and underside of your nails when the tops are covered in acrylic.  It is important to keep these as moisturized as possible.  I like to soak/cover them in oil after I get out of the shower.  My favorite is using the dropper than comes with my 100% pure argan oil to apply just the right amount.  But coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba and vitamin e oil work well too.  I massage the oil all over concentrating on the underside and cuticle areas.  I like to do this before bed so it can sit on my hands over night, or I let it sit for as long as possible before I have to wash my hands.  I like to follow up oiling with lotion for extra moisture.

I know, it seems a little high maintenance, but hey...you signed up with high maintenance with acrylic nails with the bi-weekly fills anyway *wink*  Hope this helped and...

As Always,

Shine & Sparkle!

3 Healthy Chicken Marinades

Hi Sparklers!

Again, I'm so sorry about the infrequent updates but life throws you curve balls and sometimes you just have to roll with it.  That being said, we a full force into summer.  This means BBQ time!  I recently had a request for my chicken marinade recipes so I thought I would share these 3 marinade recipes to keep your healthy eating interesting (those boneless/skinless chicken breasts get awful boring without fun bold flavors!).  I also really wanted to do this post because I have noticed that a lot of marinade recipes online are not strong enough to impart a lot of flavor into the meat.  I really like my marinades to be strong and bold so that once the meat gets cooked, it really has a lot of flavor, rather than just a hint of taste.

Each of these marinades are for 4 chicken breasts, but other pieces of chicken or other proteins can be substituted.  Squiggles would prefer if you did not eat guinea pigs.  I typically put my meat in a ziplock bag with the marinade and let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.  Then cook with your favorite meat-cooking method.  Mine is the BBQ! Mini-Tip:  Mix marinade before adding meat.  This way you can taste it to make sure it's delicious! 

Chinese Five-Spice Marinade:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup shao hsing wine (or dry sherry)
1 tbs Chinese 5 spice powder
2 tbs raw sugar or honey or the sweetener equivalent
2 tsp fresh grated ginger
1 pinch of cayenne pepper
4-5 cloves of garlic (finely minced)
1 tsp white pepper

Chili-Lime Marinade:
1/2 cup lime juice
1/2 jalapeno finely diced (taste a small piece of the pepper before adding to the marinade to make sure it is not too spicy!  Add less if it is very hot, add more if you love the heat!)
2 tsp onion powder
1 tbs chili powder
1 pinch of cayenne pepper
4-5 cloves of garlic finely minced
2 tsp salt
2 tsp black pepper

Lemon-Turmeric Marinade:
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 tbs turmeric
2 tsp onion powder
1 pinch of cayenne pepper
4-5 cloves of garlic finely minced
2 tsp salt
2 tsp black pepper

I hope you try out these recipes and I also hope that you do not take Squiggle's advice on healthy eating...unless you are a guinea pig.

As Always,

Shine & Sparkle!

Make-Up 101: How to Apply Mascara to Get Different Effects

Greetings Shine and Sparkle Report Readers!

It's been too long since I did a "Make Up 101" report.  I really wanted to get into talking about how to apply mascara to achieve the effect you want. I did do a Basic Report of Mascara waaay back in the day.  Like the little paint drawing? Yeah it's cute.  Even though this is more of a technique post than one about what brands work best, I will be telling what brands I used in the pictures in case you are curious.  Anyway, there are lots of tricks to share about using mascara, so lets get straight into it.

Natural Look:

For a natural look you want to have you lashes look like natural lashes but a bit longer and a bit more full.  Depending on your natural lashes, you might not even need mascara for this!  You might just need a good eyelash curler.  My favorite is the Shiseido Eyelash Curler*.  If your lashes are already long and the hairs not to coarse, just curling them might give you just the extra natural boost you are looking for.  For a little more impact or to hold the curl in coarse lashes, top it off with a water proof mascara.  Brushing from the base of underside of the top lashes up.  Wiggle the brush into the base a little before brushing up to really help distribute product evenly.  Same with brushing the top side of your lower lashes.  If you have very very sparse lower lashes or want less drama, you might consider not applying mascara to the bottom lashes.

Medium Drama Look:
For this look I would highly recommend curling the lashes.  I then would set the curl in place by applying a water proof mascara to the top lashes.  Then I would apply a second coat of mascara that does not smudge (waterproof or non-waterproof, depending on the weather and your preference).  For this look I also tend to take my "Maybelline Lash Discovery Mini-Brush Mascara" (because my lashes are too small to do this with a regular mascara wand) and also apply mascara to the top side of my upper lashes and bottom side of my lower lashes.  This is to ensure that all possible lash surfaces are coated in mascara. Also, applying mascara with the wand position vertical (rather than the typical horizontal) can result in more product delivery to your lashes if you feel like it needs more oomph.

Seen here: Curled lashes with with one layer of Maybelline Rocket Volume Waterproof mascara on top lashes.  Layer of Maybelline Lash Discovery Mini-Brush Mascara on both sides of upper and lower lashes afterwards.  I also like using Benefit's "Yes They're Real" mascara when I'm doing the vertical trick because the mascara brush has points all over the tip of the brush. It's pretty cool.

Max Drama Look:
Follow Medium Drama Steps above.  Then apply fake lashes.  Fake lasshes are a whole world of fun!  There are tons of styles and brands.  You can be as subtle or dramatic as you desire.  I tend to prefer thin/invisible bands on the base of my lashes for maximum comfort.  Make sure to blend real and fake lashes with a quick swipe of any non-waterproof mascara.

Mini Tip: My current favorite lashes Ardell Glamour in "Wispies-Black".  I find Ardell to have great and comfortable lashes quite affordability for under $4 a pair.  M.A.C and Benefit also have excellent lashes but they are $15 a pair.  If you are tempted to order 10+ Pairs for less than $2 off of ebay from China, I would caution against it.  They aren't dangerous but they are really uncomfortable.  They also do not stand up to re-use (see my post on "Fake Lash Quick Tips".)

Ah another successful full length, report style Make-Up 101 post.  I'm so happy that I have had time to put another one of these together for you all!  Hopefully you found it helpful! Please feel free to comment or ask any questions!  I love hearing from you.

As Always,

Shine & Sparkle

*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.

Hacks To Make Instant Ramen Noodles Healthy/Healthier

It's a great day for some noodles my lovely Sparklers!

As many of my friends and family know, I LOVE noodles.  While I love all types of noodles, one of my #1 comfort foods is instant ramen.  The type when you boil a block of dried noodles and add in a foil packet of powder.  These noodles are very familiar to those on a budget or who generally are not great at cooking.  Cooking wise, my blog tends to focus on healthy recipes.  So I thought I would share with you my favorite healthier instant noodle hacks.  They add a lot more nutrition and fiber.  Admittedly, these take a little longer than just whipping up the noodles per the directions, however they take under 15 minutes I promise!

I'm eating this healthier bowl of chicken flavored styrofoam-cup noodles as I type this post...for breakfast.  It has fish-cake, sprouted tofu, frozen peas, and frozen chopped spinach added.  Mmmm...    

Lets start with the basics.  There are 2 primary formats for instant noodles, the traditional kind where you cook it in boiling water on the stove and the type where you just add water to the styrofoam cup.  I have listed my favorite health hacks for each one:

1) Traditional Boil-In-Pot:

• Boil 2 pots of water or 1 pot for cooking and a kettle of extra hot water.
• In 1st pot, cook the block of noodles 1 minute LESS than the instructions.  Drain out the unhealthy the starchy and oily water (did you know instant noodles are deep fried to make them dry?).
• Rinse the noodles in cold water to remove excess oil and to stop the cooking process.
• In the 2nd pot (or rinse and reuse the first pot), add the seasoning packet(s) and however much boiling water you like to achieve the saltyness of broth you like.  This is usually about 1-1.5 cups of water.  
• Heat up healthy add-ins in the broth (or sautee in the pot before adding hot water/broth). My favorite add ins to heat up include:

• Proteins- (Chicken, Beef, Fish Cake, Shrimp, Tofu...)  Any leftover proteins from another meal can be added.  If the flavor on the leftovers doesn't work with the noodles you want to make, you can rinse or boil the protein back to being more neutral in flavor.  It's a great way not to waste food!
• Eggs- I love eggs in my ramen.  You can either scramble or fry them then add on top, add to beaten egg slowly while stirring to boiling pot to get egg-drop soup, or carefully drop a whole egg into the boiling broth without stirring to get a poached egg.  
• Veggies- I tend to go for frozen veggies because they are quick and easy (and that is what we are going for with ramen right?  My favorites include--Spinach, peas, corn, carrots, and broccoli.  If you feel like adding fresh veggies, be my guest!
• Fiber Powder- While adding protein and veggies is great, a little extra fiber never hurt to add to the very refined carbohydrates of the noodles.  It also blends seamlessly with this dish.  You wont even notice that it is there if you get the flavorless dissolving kind.   

• Add back in your noodles to the hot broth and add-in and cook for the remaining minute of cook time.
• Put in a bowl and enjoy your (less) guilty pleasure meal!

2) Just Add Water To Styrofoam Cup:

• Start by boiling water to hydrate the noodles.
• Heat up healthy add-ins in a separate pot.  Saute them in a little coconut or olive oil.   
• Egg-Tip: because you do not have a boiling pot of broth, if you will have to poach eggs separately if you really want a poached egg.  I suggest dropping a whole egg into a mug of water and microwaving it between 30 seconds to 1.5 minutes for different stages of runny yolk.  2 minutes gets you a perfectly hard yolk.
• Add the boiling water to the cup of noodles, after your add-ins are sufficiently heated through.  Let it sit for 1 minute LESS than the instructions, then pour it into your hot pot of add-ins.  Let it heat for the remaining minute with your add-ins. 
• Put in a bowl.  Eat instant ramen noodles because they are so tasty now!

3) Extra Health-ifying Ramen Hacks:

• Don't Drink The Soup- Since you cannot control the amount of seasoning in this format of instant noodles, I suggest limiting the amount of soup you drink.  I find that I'm perfectly satisfied just eating the contents of my noodle soup without drinking too much or the actual broth.  The extra consumption of salt and preservatives isn't worth it to me and I still get the flavor when I eat the best part...the noodles!  I understand if this isn't acceptable to you, in which case I suggest drinking a lot of water before and after to try and flush out some of the salt. 
• Don't Be Afraid- Creativity with instant noodles is a must, and since the base of the dish is so inexpensive, why not try something new?  Some other fun things I have seen done include topping it with cheese, stir-frying the cooked noodles with the seasoning or extra sauces, even turning the noodles into burger buns!  Whatever you decide, be mindful of the salt content of the seasoning packets and try to add some healthy proteins and veggies.

I hope you enjoyed this post on one of my favorite foods.  Be healthy and as always,

Shine & Sparkle!

4 Quick Tips on Wearing False/Fake Lashes

Hi Sparklers!

This week I have a very quick post with some of my quick tips about wearing falselashes.  If you want to know how to apply false/fake lashes, video is a much better platform that a blog post and I encourage you to look it up on YouTube *wink*.

P.S. Does Fake or False sound better when talking about lashes that are not your own? Humm...

Without wasting a lot of time, below are my top 4 Tips on Wearing False Lashes!

*see below

1. Trim the lashes. Don't be afraid to trim them to fit your eye size.  I have little eyes and have to take off at least 1/4 an inch from any false lashes.  If you do this, cut from the outer end of the lash.  You want to make sure the shortest lashes are at the inner corner of your eye.

2. Use a good lash glue. My favorite lash glue is Kiss Ever EZ Lashes Strip Lash Adhesive*.  Many people like the Duo Eyelash Glues, but I find they hold almost too well and can rip out what little lash I have naturally, even when removed properly. The trick with the Kiss glue is to let it set for a a full 30 seconds to 1 minute before applying to make sure the glue is tacky.  Apply the lash, then use some powder eyeshadow or transparent powder to set the glue after waiting for it dry.  Don't open your eye before you set the glue with powder or it wont stick.

3. Remove lashes carefully. Always remove false eyelashes gently by applying an oil based make-up remover (or coconut or oilve oil) to a cottton pad.  Leave it on the eye for 30 seconds then gently remove.  Ripping them off can be painful, or pull out real lashes.

4. Reuse your lashes. Use false lashes more than once!  Place them on a tissue, pour some isopropyl alcohol over the lashes, gently pat the lashes with alcohol soaked tissue to sterilize and gently remove extra mascara or eyelash glue.  Wait until it is completely dry to reuse! Alcohol in the eye=bad news.

I hope you enjoyed this quick tip,

Shine & Sparkle!

*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.  Like all my images not generated by myself, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image or take it down if someone throws a hissy fit.

Reducing Dangers of Gel Manicures

It's another sparkly and shiny day my lovely Sparklers!  Feels good to be posting regularly again!

As you may have gleaned from my SSR Instagram (image above) or SSR Facebook or SSR Twitter, I have been going to get my nails done professionally lately.  I have been getting acrylic false nails with gel nail polish on top.  I love gel because it lasts so much longer and is very durable on my nails.  They really look perfect up until the 2 week mark when I get them redone.  I'm loving my fancy nails right now for sure!  However, I have been doing some research and have learned that there is some health reasons to take precautions when getting gel nail polish done frequently.  I wanted to share what I have learned with you and tell you how you can stay safe and healthy while still getting fun gel manicures!

THE DANGER: 
"The downside with gel manicures stems from the crucial UV-curing step. A recent study found that the cumulative damage from the light frequencies the nail lamps emit can cause DNA damage to the skin that can result in premature aging and possibly cancer" (according to WebMD).

If you think about it, you are putting your hands in essentially a UV tanning bed for a few minutes every 2 weeks.  Most people know by now that tanning in general greatly increases your risk of skin cancer.  This is just another way that you can be exposed to dangerous UV waves.  If you want more information on the risks of tanning in general, here is the link to the FDA "Risks of Tanning" page.  Even if you do not care about your health, exposure to UV rays leads to premature aging and winkles, and who wants their hands to look old faster than they need to?

So, we love our gel manicures and don't want to give them up.  So what can you do to minimize the risks associated with those UV curing lights?

HOW TO REDUCE THE DANGER:

1. Apply Sunscreen.
Apply sunscreen to your hands before they go under the light!  I recommend the highest SPF sunscreen you can find.  If you are getting a full manicure, let your manicurist know you want to put on sunscreen before the nails go under the light, and they can let you know the best time to apply it without ruining your manicure.  If you are just getting an acrylic fill, you should be able to apply the sunscreen before you get to the salon as long as you are not washing your hands before they go under the UV light.

2. Buy Gloves.  
People a becoming more and more aware of the UV risks associated with gel manicures and there are gloves available on the market that cover almost your whole hand except your nail.  These gloves are inexpensive and are probably worth it if you are considering getting gel manicures often.  I would still use sunscreen on your whole hands just for added protection and to protect your finger tips that stick out of the gloves.  Also, the gloves only protect from 98% of UV rays, I feel like maybe the sunscreen will help with the last 2%.  The gloves I bought are on Amazon are called "USpicy® Highly UV Protective Gloves"* and only cost $6.99.  I like these because the fabric on the fingers reaches all the way up your finger to the nail and leaves as little exposed as possible.  If the fingers are too long, you can fold or bunch up the fabric to make them the perfect length.  These also extend up your arm just in case some light reaches your arm/wrist.  I think they are well worth the money.


3. Minimize Exposure.
What do I mean by this?  Simply, only your nail needs to be exposed to the light, so there is no need to jam your whole hand under the light.  This is just adds to the exposure with no actual benefit.


I hope this post was helpful and made you aware of potential dangers of the curing lights used for gel manicures.  Stay safe and as always,


Shine & Sparkle!


*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.  Also, the image of  USpicy® Gloves is owned by them I assume. I'll gladly take it down if someone contacts me about it.

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Review

Beauty Product Review Time!

I hope all my sparklers are doing well and enjoying the return of my regularly scheduled blogging again!  Today, I wanted to review something I have been totally obsessed with lately:  NARS's Velvet Matte Lip Pencils*.  They are totally a splurge product but it really delivers.

The NARS website claims that: The application of a lipstick combined with the convenience of a pencil in a jumbo crayon design. Lips are instantly saturated with rich pigments and a velvety matte finish. The long lasting, non-drying formula is enriched with emollients for a creamy texture, while a combination of unique silicones ensures long-lasting, seamless color for hours. Use for lining, all-over lip color, or pairing with another lip product.

• Rich, vivid shades
• Enriched with Vitamin E
• Convenient, easy application

Retail Price: $26 USD

Ms. Sparkles think that these are sent from heaven.  I have the shade and "Cruella" (a sultry red) in the Matte format. I have included a swatch of "Rikugien" (a brownish nude) which is a NARS Satin Lip Pencil.  The satin formula of Rikugien is more sheer in color and does not have the same staying power as the matte so I think the bold colors of the NARS velvet matte lip pencils shine and sparkle the most!  I did want to throw in a quick comparison for the curious Sparkler since I have both formulas.

Overall, I love the pencil format because it is great for precise application of bright colors.  These are such a great and hassle free way of wearing bright and bold lip colors.  Much easier than a regular bold color lipstick, however, if you want to know how to keep a bold regular lipstick looking fab, check on my Make-Up 101 post on How To Wear a Dark Lipstick.

These pencils glide on ridiculously smooth.  They also dry completely matte and feel like you are wearing nothing on your lips--even though they are bright with whatever color you choose!  Did I also mention the staying power?  I wear my bright red one through eating and drinking and only need minimal touch ups.  If you are no eating and drinking, expect your lips to stay looking perfect!

I hope you enjoyed this product review.  Let me know if there is a product you are curious about me reviewing.  I would be more than happy to!

Shine & Sparkle!


*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.

Ms. Sparkles Chats about New York Times: "The Price Of Nice Nails"

It is still Wednesday right Sparklers?  I made my deadline? Hooray!

As you know, I'm very passionate about bringing you original content from my brain to yours.  However, recent events mean that I've been really busy and I also think I'm getting sick (sad face). Rather than leave you all without a dose of Ms. Sparkles this week, I want to do a quick "Ms. Sparkles Chats" post to point you towards this amazing 2 part piece in the New York Times called "The Price of Nice Nails" and "Perfect Nails, Poisoned Workers". If you have not heard of it, it was an expose by Sarah Maslin Nir.  In this piece, the New York Times found that "Manicurists are routinely underpaid and exploited, and endure ethnic bias and other abuse".  I found this piece very interesting and very moving.  Did I tear up?  Yes, yes I did. 

Picture taken by Credit Nicole Bengiveno/The New York Times.  This image is property of the the New York Times and/or Nicle Bengiveno.  I'll gladly take it down if someone contacts me about it.  

As part of the collective world of beauty, I think it is important to make sure we do our best to be as ethical as possible.  I think it is our job as humans to try and be aware and conscious of social issues in general.  The conditions described in this article were horrible and really brought awareness to the issues with some nail salon businesses.  I get cranky when I see people not treating those preforming salon services (or any service industry job) like machines/non-humans.  A simple smile or "hello, how are you" goes a long way guys.  That person helping you is someones child/parent/sibling/friend.  That was before becoming very aware of the horrible conditions some nail salon workers face every day!  I'm quite determined to make sure I do not support unethical nail salons in the future.  Hopefully after reading this article, you will take it into consideration in your decision making process.  End Rant.

I do not want to go into too much detail about the article because I really think you should read the real thing.  It is expertly written and very interesting.  I could not do it justice in trying to summarize the article for you.  I will, however, provide you with copious links to the article, so that you have no excuse not to know where to click to read the article.  Do you know where the article is yet?  If you were wondering, there is a link at the bottom right of the article to go part 2!  Do so please!

After learning about this article initially through KQED's May 12, 2015 episode of Forum, I was made aware of this great organization for my fellow California-NailSalon-Goers  called "California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative".  I'm not sure if they have such an organization that can guide you to voluntarily more ethical nail salons, but on the Forum episode, the representative noted that they are willing to work with other cities and citizens to get this type of program established.  If you feel passionately about getting such a program started in your area, you should try and contact them!  Maybe you can google to find a similar thing in your area already!

Overall, I thought that this article, podcast, and collaborative organization were really informative and needed to be shared.  I felt it was my duty to offer the opportunity to learn to my lovely Sparklers too.  This way Sparklers can make as informed decisions as possible before getting their nails done!  Hooray!

Hope you enjoyed this chat!

As Always,
Shine & Sparkle

How To Get Rid Of Dark Under-Arms

Sup Super Spiffy Sparklers?

I know I have been neglectful.  So I'm here to make up for it with a full report post!  Summer is coming, so is the season for sleeveless tops.  This week's topic might be a little bit TMI, but really, this is a thing.  Many girls with more pigment in their skin worry about the skin under their arms being darker than the rest of their skin.  Yes, I know, this sounds insane to some but it is a major source of insecurity of others.  As someone who didn't even know this was an issue, I didn't even realize I had darker under arms until I read about it on another blog (lets not talk about the "thigh-gap" thing...I'll rant your head off about how silly that one is...)

This other blog had a ton of crazy DIY tips like "put baking soda paste under your arms every other day", and "rub lemons on them every day" and a gamut of other steps to get the skin color under your arms to match that of the rest of your skin.

While I personally believe that I have other more important things to worry about (like a huge zit in the middle of my face), I did become interested if I could make my underarms lighter if I tried.  And low and behold, it is possible!  Who knew?!  And it was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be.  What are the 3 magic steps that I take to achieve matching under-arm skin color?  Things I would do for hygiene purposes anyway.  Having nice healthy skin under your arms is good for not only your skin, but also helps you not smell bad. Win-win.

#1: Epilate My Under Arm Hair-  Yes, this is the number one thing that changed the appearance of my under arms.  Basically, when I used to shave my under-arms, it would leave a little black dot of hair below the surface of the skin.  This is mainly what gave the look of darker under arms.  I bought an Emoji Soft Caress Corded Epilator ($60USD), and this had 2 major benefits.  A) It quickly pulled the hair out at the root; B) I only have to remove my underarm hair with it once every 2 weeks or so.  This can also be used on legs and they say face, but honestly, I feel it works best for me on my under arms.  Other areas will depend on the thickness of your hair and pain tolerance.

For those who do not know what an epilator is, it is many electricity powered tweezers that quickly pull out hairs.  I went with the corded one because it was the least expensive and I don't use it enough or long enough to care about cordless charging or bothering with batteries.

I'm not going to lie to you, the first couple of times I did it, it was a little painful, but after that, it doesn't really hurt at all.  I will say that if you are very sensitive to pain, it might not be for you.  Also, if you are more tolerant than I am, you might be able to use it to remove every hair on your body.  But not I--said the Susan Sparkles, not I.

Mini-Tip:  I like epilating because it is much more affordable than getting my underarms waxed at a salon.  However, if you would like to wax your under-arms, it should give the same results.  If you want a totally pain free method of getting rid of hair below the surface of your skin, you can try chemical hair removers such as Nair.

#2: Exfoliate-  Nothing crazy, no weird products.  Just make sure you take some sort of abrasive bath object (body brush, exfoliating loofa, even an old tooth brush) and use your regular body soap to exfoliate any dead skin cells from your under arms 1-2 times a week.  You could also try using a mega batch of my DIY Lip Scrub, it will work on your body too!  No biggie, but it keeps the area nice and clean, free of dead skin cells. Hooray!  Really, no need to use steal wool or sand paper guys, just exfoliate.

#3: Tone/Moisturize- If you have a toner for your face (which I highly recommend as part of your skin care routine-I talk about mine in my dealing with oily skin post) use it on your under arms as needed.  If you don't have a toner or you want a cheaper option, drugstore isopropyl alcohol can also work.  Do this after exfoliating to remove any dirt/impurities/leftover deodorant in the skin.  It will also help with body odor.  Hooray!  After this, take your favorite lotion and put some under your arms as well.

So there you have it, basically, take good care of the skin under your arms and it will most likely be lighter in color.  If this does not work, it is possible, that genetically, your skin is just darker under your arms.  My tip if this is the case is to be comfortable and confident.  Do not let something small like the color of your under-arms dictate your life. Wear sleeveless shirts and reach for the peanut butter on the top shelf.  Wear a swimsuit and play volley ball on the beach!  I'm sure that if you carry yourself with pride and are living life to the fullest, nobody will be worried about the color of the skin under your arms.  While in the beauty world we try and alter and enhance ourselves so that we are the most confident in ourselves, I think it is important to embrace what we have and try not to be too critical of ourselves.

As Always,

Shine & Sparkle!



*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions

Top 5 Healthy Nail Tips

Hi Sparklers!

I know I've been MIA Sparklers.  I'm so so sorry!  Life has been...well life.  Sometimes you have to put something you love on the back burner to make sure other parts of  your life shine and sparkle too!  However, lets just jump right back into it.  Over Chinese New Year dinner (I realize this was ages ago...), my Aunt mentioned that she liked my Wet n' Wild Mega Last Nail Polish* Review and Comparison post. We got on to talking about how we both have weak nails that like to peel and break.  I learned a tip form her which is also included!   Thus, I have amassed a quick list of tips that will keep you nail tips looking in tip-top shape! (See what I did there?).  Without a long intro, lets get into the tips (in no particular order).

*

#1: Don't Use Bar Soaps-
This is the wonderful tip that I learned from my Aunt.  In order to create all bar soaps, the soap makers have to use lye.  Lye is a very harsh chemical that can really affect the quality of your nails.  Am I torn because I think bar soap is way more economic than liquid soap? Yes. but if you are battling naturally weak nails, switching to liquid soaps might just help maximize your chances for strong nails.

#2:  Use A Base Coat-
Nail polish colors are drying to your nails no matter if it is free of the 3-5 worst chemicals (This post by SilkyPolish.com* does a good job talking about the chemicals in nail polish).  Using a base coat protects the nail from all these chemicals and has beneficial ingredients that can help with strengthening, moisturizing, or growing your nails (see my how to get salon perfect nails at home post to learn more).  Over time I have tried lots of brands of base coats.  Most preform pretty well, how ever, one base coat is BY FAR the best I have ever used.  It's a little pricey at $30 for 0.6oz, but Pink Gel Coat  rocks my socks.  It dries fast and my nails have never been as nice as when I started using this over a year ago.  One bottle lasts a long time, so I feel like it is totally worth it.  You can also use this as a top coat, which cuts down on the number of nail products you have to buy!

#3: Do Not Pick Off Polish-
I know this is super hard.  Your polish is peeling up and it's so tempting just to pick it off.  But you inevitably will take off some of the surface of your nail and damage it.  I know, the OCD in you might not be able to stop, but try and think about which is worth more to you:  strong healthy nails, or picking off polish leaving a trail of a little colored flakes.

#4: Properly Remove Your Polish-
In keeping with tip #3, please try not to use pure acetone to remove your polish.  Yes it works really fast (which is why salons use it) but it is by far the most damaging to your nails.  I prefer using soy nail polish remover which is actually quite good for your nails.  I wrote a review of soy nail polish remover if you are interested in trying it. It's the only remover I have used for over a year and I've been very satisfied with the long term results!  Always remember to wash your hands after using nail polish removers and apply a moisturizer or oil to your nails/cuticles for a few minutes before painting your nails again.  This will help restore some suppleness to your nails. You'll have to use rubbing alcohol or wash your hands again before painting (since the oil/lotion will drastically reduce the life of you manicure, but even a few minutes without polish and adding moisture will help the condition of your nails a lot.

#5: Nourish From the Inside-
Your body appearance reflects your overall health.  If you are not eating healthy and getting enough water, your hair, skin, and nails will be some of the first places you will show this.  Make sure you are drinking enough water, and eat enough vegetables, protein, and nutrient rich foods.  You might be surprised how much this improves the condition of your hair skin and nails.  I'm not a huge supplement taker, but I do think a high quality daily multi-vitamin can be a good place to start.


I hope you found this post helpful, and I promise to start posting regularly again every Wednesday!

Shine & Sparkle!




*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions. Also, like all my images, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image used in this post or take it down if someone throws a hissy fit.

DIY Lemon-Sugar Exfoliating Lip Scrub

Hope you are staying warm Sparklers!

In keeping with my month of Valentines Day themed posts, my last post in February is my favorite sugary sweet lip scrub recipe (as promised in my post on my favorite lip balms for kissable lips!).

Chapped lips in the winter (or year round if you are me), you might need to exfoliate away dead skin from your lips more often.  If you want to buy a lip exfoliator product, they can cost $10 for less than 1oz of product!  This is a super cheap and easy recipe that uses items that most people have lying around their kitchen--which is good, because you wouldn't want to put things that are not edible on your lips right?  Bonus, this lip scrub tastes a bit like lemonade. Lastly, if you can get organic/food grade/minimally processed ingredients it is always better.

Ingredients:

-1 tablespoon sugar (brown, white, or raw sugar are my preferred sugars for this recipe. I find raw sugar granules are too large and coarse for my lips and better for body scrubs). Mini-tip: size up this recipe and use as a body scrub as well!

-2 teaspoons oilve or coconut oil (or just enough to create a paste with the sugar).

-1 teaspoon lemon juice

-Bowl and Stirring Spoon

Instructions:
1) Add sugar to a bowl.  The sugar is the physical exfoliator that removes dead skin cells.
2) Add the oil to the bowl.  This recipe is so hard right?  Just kidding.  The oil is your moisturizing ingredient.  Both types of recommended oils are great for adding moisture to your lips.  Add about two teaspoons of oil to the sugar, or until the mixture is a toothpaste-like consistency.
3) After mixing the oil and sugar, add the lemon juice.  The lemon juice is the chemical exfoliator.  It will also naturally help cleanse and brighten the skin.

How to Use:
1) Apply scrub to lips.
2) Massage scrub into lips for about 30 seconds to 1 minute (depending on how much you want to physically exfoliate).
3) Leave scrub on lips for another minute.
4) Rinse away scrub. Mini-Tip: Apply your favorite lipbalm afterwards.  You can see my latest favorite lip balms in my...you guessed it...Favorite Lip Balms post.

Hope you liked this quick and easy DIY recipe.

As always,

Shine & Sparkle


*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions. Also, like all my images, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image used in this post or take it down if someone throws a hissy fit.

Strawberry Champagne (or Soda) Cocktail Recipe

Sweet edible treats for you today my loyal Sparklers.

Since Valentines Day is in February, I thought I'd do a bunch of appropriately themed posts.  In the spirit of this the heart filled month, I thought I would take a break from beauty themed posts to give you this romantic beverage idea.  I know a lot of my viewers might not drink alcohol and I also know a some of my viewers are health conscious.  So I made sure that there are 3 ways to make this super simple but romantic drink to satisfy everyone!

Ingredients (serves 4-6):

-1 pint of fresh (frozen can work, but it isn't as good)

-1-3 Fresh Mint leaves (dried mints isn't going to work, sorry)

-Exra-Dry Champagne (it is slight sweet so it's my recommended champagne for this drink)

OR

Lemon-Lime Soda (if you like a decadently sweet non-alcoholic drink)

OR

Soda Water (if you like a less sweet and more healthy non-alcoholic drink)

-Fine Sieve/Strainer.

-Glasses (champagne glasses preferred!)

Directions:

1) Make strawberry mixture.  Place strawberries (without strawberry leaves) into a blender with 1-3 mint leaves depending on how big the leaves are/how minty you want your drink.  Blend this until it forms a liquid.  Strain it through the sieve/strainer.  Alternatively, you can smash the ingredients through the strainer to get the juice.  I prefer to blend-then strain so that I extract maximum juice, flavor, and nutrients. Divide the strained mixture into glasses.  

2) Fill glasses with bubbly liquid of your choice.  This is where you decide if you want champagne, lemon-lime soda, or soda water.  Options are awesome right?

3) Garnish the edge of the glass with a small sprig of mint leaves.  If you set a few fresh strawberries (if you are using fresh berries) aside and cut a vertical slit 1/2 way up the berries.  You can slide them on to the edge of the glass for an extra-special decoration for your romantic beverage.  My last garnishing suggestion is to cut one small fresh strawberry into thin vertical slices.  You can put a few slices directly floating in your beverage.  They soak up the flavor of the drink and are very yummy to eat at the end of your fancy drinking experience.   

Mini-Tip:  Never fear if you only want to make less beverages.  You can either cut the recipe in half or store the strawberry mixture in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.  If you store the strawberry mix, you can keep enjoying fancy-pants drinks for multiple days!

I hope you this share this romantic beverage with your loved one (or super awesome friends) this February.  Let me know if you do!  I read every comment on the blog or any of my social media accounts because I love and appreciate every one of you! Hey, you could drink fancy-dancy drinks while reading past Shine and Sparkle Report posts.  That's a great idea if you ask me...

As always,

Shine & Sparkle

*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions. Also, like all my images, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image or take it down if someone throws a hissy fit.