Alright, alright. I know I am always telling you how much I love Lime Crime Makeup. If you were ever nervous to invest in something you have never tried before, now is the time! Lime Crime is offering a free gift with a $50 purchase. You will get 4 additional eyeshadow pigments with your order in 4 amazing shades! You want to be sure to enter promo code DOUBLERAINBOW at checkout. I highly suggest you pick up a couple lipsticks - the long lasting creamy formula is to die for. Go on - click the ad below to be taken to the kingdom of color!

Most people don’t know the difference between UVA and UVB rays, let alone the actual meaning of an SPF rating. I wanted to touch on something sun and summer related - and since your probably on bronzer overload I will touch on something a little more personal - your skin and the sun.

Let me define UVA and UVB. UVA rays (or ultraviolet-A rays) penetrate deeper in the skin than UVB rays and can also be considered the “aging” rays - or the rays that cause all that lovely wrinkled, leathery, and discolored skin, or this:

It is more recently being discovered that UVA rays increase your cancer risk. UVB rays (or ultraviolet-B rays) are the cancer causing rays, and also are the main cause of sunburn.

Sunblocks and Sunscreens are also different. A sunblock deflects the suns rays, while a sunscreen chemically absorbs them. Most sunscreens are chemical based so they can cause irritation in some skins.

SPF. The Sun Protection Factor. The SPF on the front of the bottle is indicating how much time you have in the sun, not how strong it is. Most people burn in  5-20 minutes. You multiply that by the sun protection factor to get the amount of time you have before you begin to burn. For example:

You burn in 10 minutes, so you purchase a 40 SPF. You have 6 hours and 40 minutes before you will begin to redden.

10 X 40 = 400 minutes, or 6 hours and 40 minutes

I would love to suggest the following brands that have never done me wrong. I am pasty…PASTY white…and I have never burned while all slathered up in these products!

No, I didn’t get a side degree in dermatology, but I do make sure I am educated by dermatological sources so that I am able to share the best information with you! I will list some other valuable resources at the bottom of this blog!

http://www.melanomafoundation.org/prevention/facts.htm

http://jaxmed.com/articles/wellness/spf.htm

http://www.skincancer.org/

I am proud to announce the Slapping Faces and Pulling Hair online shop is now open!!

Slapping Faces & Pulling Hair online shop - www.slapshop.net -  was created to offer a different point of view to consumers of beauty. Many of our items are one or few of a kind,and are so special they are tagged with their own luscious little seal of approval in the item descriptions. We offer hand made, quirky, imaginative, and sometimes hard to find goodies.

While not all products have been uploaded, tagged, and skued - I have posted the first few items available to give you a taste of whats to come.The online shop will eventually stock full lines of cosmetic and hair accessories, our favorite cosmetic and hair care products, and other unique odds and ends we think you must have.

Slapping Faces & Pulling Hair loves our tumblr community, so our blog will remain at this address. Add us to your RSS by clicking the orange icon in your address bar - it’s good for your health…or something like that.

We fully support small start up business and entrepreneurs. If you feel that you can offer an original item to our shop - of course within the needs of our guy and gal shoppers - email slappingfaces@gmail.com your information for consideration.

“There is no such thing as ugly women, only lazy ones.” - Dita Von Teese

Yesterday afternoon, I was standing in an aisle way near a Benefit Cosmetics counter and was overhearing them try to seat customers walking by. “Come have a seat with Benefit today, we would love to touch you up!” No matter how sweetly the girls asked, every woman they asked not only said “no”, but offered up a reason why. “Oh, honey - you would need to give me a full on puddy job!” “No thanks! I’m so old, I just need a face lift.” “I’m far beyond your help!”

I couldn’t believe it.

Out of 6 women, 5 basically yelled these - and things like these - across the aisle way in public. 5 women in only a few minute period publicly expressed their horrible self image, and it broke my heart. These women weren’t ugly. They were each well-put-together; a couple with small children, a couple in professional business attire. It really struck me how easily it rolled out of their mouths in reaction to an offer that is intended to help you feel more beautiful.

Ladies. Lets have a come to god moment. This horrible idea - that you are so imperfect that the only way you will feel beautiful is if you cut things off and stuff things in - has got to stop. If models were as perfect as they appear to be in ad’s and on covers, I wouldn’t have a job. Nor would hair stylists, clothing stylists, cosmetic dentists, re-touchers, nail technicians, etc.

While I’m not a therapist, I do know that switching things up can be a little therapeutic. If you find yourself putting yourself down - maybe it is time to mix it up, and fall back in love with that face! The tips below may just put a little more swagger in your step.

Re-Paint Your Nails!  This especially works if your surroundings (i.e your cubical, your classroom, your big rig -just sayin’) visually dull or non satisfying. I recommend OPI Nail Lacquer in Cajun Shrimp or Teal The Cows Come Home. Even the name will cheer you up!

Drop That Boring Lipcolor and Go Electric! I love to carry a red shade with me at all times. The second I start to feel bored or uninteresting I paint on some hot red lips to bring back the sassy. Not feeling red-type bold? You can also try Hard Candy’s Painted Lady Manic Shine Intense Color in Delusional (bright pink), MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in Morange (bright orange), Limecrime Candyfuture Opaque Lipstick in Airborne Unicorn (bright purple).

Experiment With A New Cut and Color! If you are rocking some highlights, try throwing in some deep red low lights. If you are working with a solid, all over color, try mixing in some chunks of color underneath the front part of your cut. Wear your hair messy instead of straight. Wear it straight instead of curly. Let your hair fall wildly around your face instead of tying back like usual. Hair is just hair - it’ll grow back. Try something really new and fresh to update your look instantly.

Because a Pair Of Shoes Will Never Let You Down… Stay out of the dressing rooms. If your already feeling less than amazing, searching for clothes is the last place you want to be - unless they have a shoe section! While trying on clothes will sometimes put even worse ideas in your head about self-image, a good pair of shoes can instantly make you stand up straighter, and feel sexier or sportier.

Do your research Before you even think about applying, do your research and figure out exactly who you want to work for. Think about your personal values and scheduling needs before you even go to an interview. Realize that in most cases, you will be working for a retailer AND the cosmetics company, and will be juggling upwards of 6 bosses with different sets of instructions. Look up each companies values (i.e. organic, animal testing, green technology, allergy testing, etc.) and decide which set of values you can get behind. You don’t have to love a companies products to work for them, but it will help in an interview if you can show you identify with a specific line.

Look the part When you make the decision, call the retailer and ask for a name of the cosmetics sales manager. You will want to go see them in person, so knowing who you are asking for when you go in the store will be helpful. In most cases, unless your going to MAC, you will need to speak to the department manager to discuss an interview. Counter Managers don’t handle hiring, although they will be a part of the interview process. What are the girls/guys working there wearing on the clock? You will want to go to your interview looking as if you already have the job. In some cases, there is an “on the floor” portion of the interview where you will need to engage with customers. This is where looking the part comes in.

It’s as much what they ask, as what you ask As the department manager asks questions you will want to reinforce most things with the word “client”, because the aim of clientele - a gigantic part of the business-is to make a casual customer a time loyal client. They want to hear you discuss clientele follow up’s, and how you create relationships. Another key point in the discussion will be the questions you have about the team of people you will be working with. How do they work together already, how will your talents fit in, and what is exactly expected of you in this position. Another point you will want to address is how many people work on the counter. Some managers won’t tell you the volume until you sign paperwork (due to confidentiality in the work place) but you want to shoot for a higher volume to make sure you maximize your commission earning potential. A rule of thumb to estimate if they won’t share is if there is an assistant counter manager -they do at least 1.2 million. If there are between 7-10 associates they do upwards up 2 million a year. That is an earning potential of an extra $6000 per year if you can sell $200,000 for them. If your really great at sales your earning potential can be boundless.

The perks You will get better starting hourly wages then an entry level retail associate. I can’t speak for boutique beauty stores, but department stores can pay decent. You will make 2%-10% commission on everything you sell. Companies also offer free products in training courses, and a quarterly gratis (free product). Some companies send samples, seasonal trend products, or new launch products to your home. If you like the products, you will never have to buy your own beauty regimen as long as you work for them.”

Words of wisdom While selling cosmetics can be a great, rewarding experience for some, it can be extremely stressful. Some of the people I work with day to day rely on prescribed med’s to keep their sanity. While this is an extreme case, don’t let the job get to you, and you will do great. Stay out of the petty shit talking that comes with working in a department of 100+ women with some testosterone spread far few and in between. Don’t be afraid to scream your successes on top of a mountain-you might just find them getting you a promotion!

Who dreamed up the idea of makeup and hair color being categorized by season?

Let me run down my understanding of this system. Some sales person somewhere is standing behind a woman holding up different colored smocks to see what colors make her eyes pop and skin glow. From this observation comes a general “season type” which immediately has her attention. Suzy saleswoman is now rattling off information about earths four seasons, but the intrigued woman is only retaining the words “cool”, “warm”, and “neutral”. After this earth shattering discovery (we will just say she ended up being a “spring”) she finds herself throwing out her favorite black staple clothing pieces and every stick of red lipstick because her analyst said,” Pure white and dark colors like black near your face are no-no’s as they’ll look too heavy and contrasting on your skin.” Yes, that is a quote from an actual color analyst.

Again:

I don’t mean to knock this idealism – but it is old school. Very old school. What started as a short term sales tactic for door to door cosmetic peddlers has become the most asked question from middle aged clients that I run in to. If my color analysis was right, I should be wearing nothing but purple all day every day. Just because I have green eyes, doesn’t mean I am near comfortable wearing purple. I run screaming from violet lipstick, and wouldn’t be caught dead in a periwinkle cardigan. Yet, this is always recommended.

When a model sits in front of me, the first thing I figure out is the shape of the face and the undertone of the skin so I can neutralize it. Neutral tones are a blank canvas that can take any color, and any stretch of the imagination. Makeup and skin are key to a woman’s confidence, power, and image – so if she isn’t confident in colors she was told to wear, why should she be wearing them? Nothing makes me feel better than a bottle of blue black hair dye and some black kohl eyeliner – even though I’m told to rock the reds.

The next time you go to a makeup counter and ask the poor person working there “I’m an autumn, what colors should I be wearing?” consider this: you don’t use the butt belt exercise machine because it’s old technology, and let’s face it – it’s ridiculous. Instead you have upgraded to a fancy new treadmill with levers, pullies, and digital calorie trackers. The season trick is the butt belt –and it’s time to move on.

In case you don’t remember the butt belt - click me

The Oscars is one of the most scrutinized Hollywood events. I didn’t even need to write that - because it’s common knowledge. In the case of this years hair and makeup, it felt under-whelming. Hair stylists in particular chose boring, plain hair styles that were simple and too safe. Makeup, however, was classic and pretty with color choices across the board.

Worst Hair goes to : Sarah Jessica Parker

What on earth is with all the flying frizzles in the front? while the back was beautiful, it looked like someone left the limo window down. It left the hairstyle looking unfinished. Any style paired with a Chanel gown should look polished and refined. This was just a disappointment.

Kathy Ireland - Hot Mess

I saw her during the red carpet show hosting, and quite frankly was scary. I hated her hair - it looked droopy and sloppy. She was profile to the camera most of the time and you couldn’t see her face. I was so distracted by the weird barbie hand movements she was making, however, that I doubt it really mattered.

Deborah Ann Woll - True Bloods Young Vampire

Simple. High School winter formal simple. We forgive her though, because of that deliciously pale skin. Her makeup was clean and the look as a whole was lovely.

Cameron Diaz - Classic

This was one of my favorite looks of the night. She represented old Hollywood glamour and simplicity with a darling hairstyle that went perfect with her makeup. Good choice on leaving it down if “simple” is what your going for.

Mariah Carey - Trainwreck

I hated the bangs. It looked like a mix between a Farrah Fawcett and a sprial curled prom updo :

Only the latter would have been much more flattering.

Helen Mirran - Age Defying Beauty

I appreciated her age appropriate, side swept locks. She looked classic and stunning. Her makeup was light, and fresh. I liked that she wasn’t trying to look like Miley Cyrus (ehem cough demi moore cough ehem).

Miley Cyrus - Annoying Teen Queen

Aside from me being completely confused as to why she was invited in the first place, she did look gorgeous. She looked mature and refined. That smokey eye was just gorgeous with the perfect up-swept do and gold/champagne dress.

Now for the best of the best.

Sandra Bullock - Simple Sleek Actress of the Year

She showed up looking like she was ready to win. That lip with the light boat neck dress, and dark hair was to die for.

Vera Farmiga - Stunning Ruffled Goddess

Everything was perfect about this hair and makeup. I have not one single thing to say otherwise.

Best Hair and Makeup goes to: Kate Winslet

There was not a single hair out of place, an eyelash askew, or eyebrow going south. She was just lovely and classic, simple and perfect. She is always stunning and once again ended up being my favorite look of the night.

Animal Testing is despicable, disgusting, and should be punishable by human testing.

I cannot stand a few of the brands on this list, but none more than Lancome. A dear friend of mine, and a makeup artist who was previously employed by the brand was lied to throughout her employment. Just because a brand doesn’t literally paint some lipstick on the mouths of kittens doesn’t mean they don’t buy ingredients from companies that inject, slather, and force feed them. There are mandates in place to prevent this, but there aren’t any such mandates preventing suppliers from doing these awful things. Attached is a list of companies that are still known to involve themselves in these business practices. Please write them, call them, and email them, refusing to buy a single item until they clean up their acts. The next time you use one of those products think of this:

Is your Eyeliner this important?

Arm & Hammer (Church & Dwight), P.O. Box 1625, Horsham, PA 19044-6625; 609-683-5900; 800-524-1328; www.armhammer.com

Bic Corporation, 1 Bic Way, Ste.1, Shelton, CT 06484; 203-783-2000; www.bicworld.com

Church & Dwight (Aim, Arm & Hammer, Arrid, Brillo, Close-up, Kaboom, Lady’s Choice, Mentadent, Nair, Orange Glo International, Oxi Clean, Pearl Drops), P.O. Box 1625, Horsham, PA 19044-6625; 609-683-5900; 800-524-1328; www.churchdwight.com

Clairol (Aussie, Daily Defense, Herbal Essences, Infusium 23, Procter & Gamble), 1 Blachley Rd., Stamford, CT 06922; 800-252-4765; www.clairol.com

Clorox (ArmorAll, Formula 409, Fresh Step, Glad, Liquid Plumber, Pine-Sol, Soft Scrub, S.O.S., Tilex), 1221 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612; 510-271-7000; 800-227-1860; www.clorox.com

Dial Corporation (Dry Idea, Purex, Renuzit, Right Guard, Soft & Dri), 15101 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 5028, Scottsdale, AZ 85254-2199; 800-528-0849; www.dialcorp.com

Johnson & Johnson (Aveeno, Clean & Clear, Listerine, Lubriderm, Neutrogena, Rembrandt, ROC), 1 Johnson & Johnson Plz., New Brunswick, NJ 08933; 732-524-0400; 800-526-3967; www.jnj.com

L’Oréal (Biotherm, Cacharel, Garnier, Giorgio Armani, Helena Rubinstein, Lancôme, Matrix Essentials, Maybelline, Ralph Lauren Fragrances, Redken, Soft Sheen, Vichy), 575 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10017; 212-818-1500; www.loreal.com

Max Factor (Procter & Gamble), 1 Procter & Gamble Plz., Cincinnati, OH 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745; www.maxfactor.com

Mead, 10 W. Second St., #1, Dayton, OH 45402; 937-495-6323; www.meadweb.com

Melaleuca, 3910 S. Yellowstone Hwy., Idaho Falls, ID 83402-6003; 208-522-0700; www.melaleuca.com

New Dana Perfumes, 470 Oakhill Rd., Crestwood Industrial Park, Mountaintop, PA 18707; 800-822-8547

Olay (Procter & Gamble), P.O. Box 599, Cincinnati, OH 45201; 800-543-1745; www.oilofolay.com

Pantene (Procter & Gamble), 1 Procter & Gamble Plz., Cincinnati, OH 45202; 800-945-7768; www.pantene.com

Physique (Procter & Gamble), 1 Procter & Gamble Plz., Cincinnati, OH 45202; 800-214-8957; www.physique.com

Ponds (Unilever), 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632; 800-909-9493; www.ponds.com

Procter & Gamble Co. (Clairol, Crest, Gillette, Giorgio, Iams, Max Factor, Physique, Tide), 1 Procter & Gamble Plz., Cincinnati, OH 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745; www.pg.com

Reckitt Benckiser (Easy Off, Lysol, Mop & Glo, Old English, Resolve, Spray ‘N Wash, Veet, Woolite), 399 Interpace Pkwy., Parsippany, NJ 07054; 973-633-3600; 800-333-3899; www.reckittbenckiser.com

Shiseido Cosmetics, 5-5, Ginza 7-chome, Chuo-k, Tokyo, 104-0061, Japan; 212-805-2300; www.shiseido.com

Schering-Plough (Bain de Soleil, Coppertone, Dr. Scholl’s), 2000 Galloping Hill Rd., Kenilworth, NJ 07033-0530; 800-842-4090; www.sch-plough.com

S.C. Johnson (Drano, Edge, Fantastik, Glade, OFF!, Oust, Pledge, Scrubbing Bubbles, Shout, Skintimate, Windex, Ziploc), 1525 Howe St., Racine, WI 53403; 800-494-4855; www.scjohnson.com

Suave (Unilever), 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632; 212-888-1260; 800-782-8301; www.suave.com

Unilever (Axe, Dove, Lever Bros., Suave, Sunsilk), 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632; 212-888-1260; 800-598-1223; www.unilever.com

Vicks (Procter & Gamble), 1 Procter & Gamble Plz., Cincinnati, OH 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745; www.pg.com

The second look we created was a simple eye and contrasting lip. I have a soft spot in my heart for matte eyeshadow. The pigment of Glamour Doll Eyes is rich, and bright. I will say, they didn’t fair very well wet. It barely transferred to the eyelid while wet. I decided to press the pigment dry into a nude, matte base…and wah lah!