Prom Makeup

Here's a simple, natural prom makeup look, featuring my good friend Erika Orstad as my model.

*****Music provided by Give Up, Ghost Kingdom in the Clouds*****

…And You're Watching Aftershock

This video goes deep into how Aftershock is a family, and why the cast and crew are so close. That class taught me more than any other experience i've gone through. I am truly incredibly grateful for CBTV and it has a very special place in my heart. I was features producer for my first and only year in Aftershock, and for my last feature I decided to show why me and the rest of the crew are so dedicated and passionate about making our weekly show. This is Aftershock.

How to Strengthen your Nails

This post is all about how I manage to keep my nails strong, healthy, and long.
First of all, and probably most importantly, I do this process every two days. I think it's essential that one's nails should be freshly cared for frequently so that they are not exposed to excessive amount of water and are less likely to break. I want to clearly state that i do not go to nail salon and I never wear acrylics or gels are they damage the top layer of the nail. So here, in this post, I am tell you guys all I know about nail care.
Nails are essentially made up of the same material as human hair: dead cells. They are also a part of the body where one can physically detect one's health. This means that if you have any vitamin deficiencies, your nails will show that by becoming ridged, bumpy, or even frail and peel.
Some things you should avoid are having naked, exposed nails in water for more than 5 minutes. If you're doing the dishes, wear some rubber gloves. Also, treat your nails like jewels, not tools. When opening a soda can, instead of using your nail, use your thumb's finger pad to open it. Constantly putting pressure on the free edge of
your nail make it bend and peel, or even crack.

Here in this picture are all the materials I use to do my manicure: 100% pure acetone, either OPI, Essie, or China Glaze polishes, moisturizing lotion (hand cream), any standard nail filer, and most importantly, a nail strengthening base coat.
Although the pure acetone is a chemical that strips the nail bed of all its hydration, I use it because it removed all kinds of polished.
To counteract the polish remover's drying effect, I immediately apply hand cream directly onto my clean nails and gently massage it into the nail bed. This moisturizes the nail so it quenches it after being dehydrated from the acetone. As for the nail strengthener, I get mine from Sally's Beauty Supply. Mine is by Nail Saavy, but many other brands make the same thing. I have used the Sally Hansen nail strengthener and it works just as fine.
So here is a step by step breakdown of what i do every two days:
Using a few cotton balls soaked in acetone, I bentley rub off any nail posh I already have on. I like to make sure I get all the nail polish off so I repeat this twice on all my nails.
This next tip is imperative: only file your nails BEFORE any lotion is applied to your hands. If you don't, the lotion will soften your nails and it may lead to having the nail split and crack when filing.
Next I put the hand cream on my nails and gently massage it into the nail beds. This deeply moisturizes one's nails. What many people don't realize is that nails can get dehydrated and the cracking and breaking is a result of that.
Immediately after the lotion has been massaged into my nails, I apply the nail strengthener as a base coat. Having this go on the nails before anything else ensures that it has maximum effect and keeps the following nail polish from staining your nails.
Now, depending on the color of the polish, you can apply a second coat of the base coat. If the color is neutral and nude, there is no need to apply two coats of base coat. But if it's a dark or vibrant color, such as blue, black, or red, then a second coat of base coat will ensure that the color won't stain your
nails.
For applying the color on your nail, use slow, long, controlled strokes so that the color doesn't streak. It keeps the whole first coat completely smooth and even. Do 2-3 coats of color polish and let it dry completely. And I mean completely.
Finally you can top it off with the nail strengthener or any clear polish.

Repeat this every two days and within a month your nails should feel much thicker and stronger.

Dark Silver Smokey Eye

Here's a super simple, dramatic eye look perfect for night time and parties.


*****Music provided by Give Up, Ghost Kingdom in the Clouds*****

Zombie Makeup

Super simple and easy to follow tutorial on how to achieve a classic zombie look.
******Music provided by Give Up, Ghost "Kingdom in the Clouds".******

Classic pin-up look

Pairing the winged liner with a bold red lip is a classic. Here I'm wearing a Sephora liquid lipstick.

How-To: Winged Liner

Many of us face that struggle with winged liner. Here is a quick video I made to teach how to do a simple tapered winged eyeliner using Maybelline New York's gel liner in blackest black and a Revlon angled eyeliner brush.
Lashes are by Ardell in "Glamour"
*****Music provided by Give Up, Ghost "Kingdom in the Clouds"*****