Makeup Brush Care

Brushes 

Cleaning can be a chore, and even if it is, it is one thing that has to be done. Cleaning a few makeup brushes isn’t nearly as a daunting task than cleaning the whole apartment or a sink full of dishes after a delicious feast, but can be quickly overlooked with all that we do in life.

PlayCHIC Fashion Show

Playchic fashion show was great and housed in the gorgeous Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, with fashion designer Boris Powell and several others basing their designs off of well known and loved childhood games and toys, one being Twister!
Powell incorporated the playfulness of the game into the dress, having one actually being utilitarian, sliding off and becoming a Twister mat.

Fall Colour Trend

It feels more like Fall in Chicago, well, on some days... and I've been getting ready for it all: the crisp air, Halloween decorations, the beautiful colours of the leaves before they flutter down from outstretched branches.
I've also been thinking of colour schemes and cute jackets and sweaters for this season as well.
One of the main colours I wanted to showcase in some of my outfits is a burgandy, or a wine colour. It fits within mature styles while giving you a pop of colour.

Here are a few items that work as a quick go to template that would look great in this month's colour, fit for fall.

Outer
Coat

My First Tattoo

An associated  had prepped me for the ink work that I wanted done and what to expect. She even assisted me with locations of shops I could go to and the artists she liked and also went to. 

I got an Uber and shared it with the associate named Sandra. 

Sandra  and I being excited 

I made my way to the northside of town, inching through traffic like a snail. She made sure I wasn't hungry at all, and coached me one final time before we stepped foot inside.

In no time at all after entering the shop, I was sending over my idea to my first tattoo artist. And moments after that? I was trying to hold my excitement to fill in paperwork.

Working on my arm

Soon enough, the letters became etched into my skin. It didn't hurt as much as I thought, and the finger tattoos ached in a few spots. The artist, J, made the experience enjoyable, cracking jokes and even pulling a face for a picture.

Serious pictures only, of course!

Thank you so much Pandy/Sandra and J for my first tattoo session!

♡

________________
Notes to keep in mind

・Find a reputable shop and avoid dinky little places. Infections and art that doesn’t match what you want isn't worth it, and you get what you pay for.
・ This day and perhaps the day before as well is NOT the time to fast or forego meals. Getting a tattoo on an empty stomach can make the pain feel worse.
・ Make sure all spelling and line work is correct. No regerts on the work you want done!
・ Keep your tattoo clean and moisturized.

Share your favorite tattoo that you have or would like to get! I'd like to see! 

The Toxic Gal Comm

Since this little bug has been in my ear for a while, I guess I'll post about it. I've heard people critiquing the gal comms as 'its toxic' blablabla. Ok. So?

First and foremost...

The world and its many subdivisions can and can be toxic. Gamer and tech worlds. Beauty worlds. Queer ones. Straight ones. Heteronormative ones. Poc ones. And that list goes on and on, ad nauseum. People can be mean. People can be assholes.

A fashion subculture or something 'different' isn't exempt and the people who participate in forums where people create rumours to best the competition and spread those rumors are toxic. 

But, if the phrase was reworded to atleast seem like a complete idea, then maybe I'd have more to say.

True it has given me a ton of headaches, but I got to meet people with inspiring talents and style and chatted with people all over the world which made me happy. I got to make events and meet people and give advice to aspiring gals or people who just liked the type of makeup I did.

More on this later...maybe.

Coments? Please share! 

West vs East: Makeup Techniques

Contour

With new steps added into a full face of makeup, the Western makeup trend is a lot more sculpted than ever before. This ''instagram baddie'' look derived from the way drag queens applied their makeup has made way in the makeup world on and off Instagram for the past few years. People contour their foreheads, noses, cheeks, and chins; defining their faces and features with layers of makeup.

Gal Weekend pt2

This warm weekend was another meet up I decided to attend for a moment.
After work, I got dolled up, and headed on out for a night on the town.

I went for a more banba-esque look with a dress that had a trippy, kaleidoscope print on it and light beige heels. 

Nailing It! Nailcare Part 3

Lisha's Guide To Nailcare
Pt 3

Nail Extensions

Hi Heartlets, Nail extensions can help if you want your nails to be longer... just without the wait. They last for two to four weeks depending on your upkeep along with the nail tech's quality.

When choosing a salon, you will not only be looking at their prices for their services, but for also any additional services you will want for your appointment and the nail tech's handiwork.
Nail salons offer the basics such as manicures, pedicures and various polish applications, and some offer nail extensions and designs as a part of their skills.

Acrylics, a plastic, is used to sculpt a nail, using either nail tips as the base or a sticker form. This material dries on its own.

photo from Beautylish.com

True gels, usually less common in some areas, is thick and uses a uv lamp to cure it into its hardened state.

Make sure you are vocal, and polite, while the nail tech does your nails. You will need to have some idea of what the final outcome will be. This includes nail shape, if you want colour or designs, or even if the nail tech is being too rough.

Bonus tip!: Make sure you check your nails as they grow out or if you crack one. Water can seep under the acrylic if it has started to lift, resulting in a possible fungal infection! Yikes!!

Read the first Nailcare here and the second one here.

Dammit Hottopic!

Its always just a matter of time til something that's not mainstream gains traction and is seen popping up in alternative stores and in Halloween costume shops.

It was only a matter of time for it to happen to the first Jfashion I fell in love with; Lolita.

Branded lolitawear, in all its modest glory, from Baby The Stars Shine Bright to Metamorphose, was praised for its cloth and lace quality. Indie lolita brands reigning in second place, and the infamous Bodyline being shunned with upturned noses.

Hottopic ceased a trend that grew and was fostered in the Western Jfashion community. Overlooking what Lolita's wanted and were searching for to produce what looks like a one-and-done Halloweeb costume.

Though it makes it more affordable for people who cannot drop 400$ usd on a branded dress, quality and design was a huge factor in lolita clothing.

<i> What do you think about Hottopic picking up lolita style to sell in their stores? Have you checked it out? Share your stories and comments! </i>

Check out my online store, Lishaslooks.storenvy.com . Sales help keep this blog running + future coverage from different conventions, and more !

New Gyaru Make Up Tutorial Coming Monday!

Yippu! Its a new season and not only that, I've been inspired to make a new makeup video again! This time around its not manba or kuro gyaru related! (Le gasp!)

I had fun making it and putting it together as well. 

I will also have a post and maybe a video about how to make bottom lashes too so stay tuned! 

Selling off a few gyaru clothes and items that are taking up space. Buy an item and get a couple free stickers! Limited time only! Shop Now!  

Nailing It! Nailcare Part 2

Lisha's Guide To Nailcare
Pt 2

Polishing Up

Welcome back to the second part of the Nailcare Guide! If you missed the first part, click here.

Polishes, nail varnishes, nail lacquers, are a great and definitely easy way to add a pop of colour and personality to your hands. Polishes come in so many different colours, finishes (if the polish is glittery, shiny, or matte), and not to mention brands.

Date Being Rude?

Subpar Date, Summer Edition


Went on second  date with someone some weeks ago, and I had dinner at a restaurant. The establishment was GORGEOUS and I loved the decorative books and frames that gave an air of sophistication.
I decided to go with liver and onions (not my go to meal )　with a glass of Stella Artois to wash it down. It had been years since I've tasted liver and onions, wanting to see how it will turn out here.
It was actually really delicious, smooth without liver's grainy texture and topped with savory BACON!

My date though it was a good idea to constantly bitch about my choice of meal, calling it a dinner from hell and "so disgusting", while reaching over my ENTER plate to take a few brussel sprouts. He also thought it was sexy to pick food from his teeth with his fingers! Disgustingggg!!! Like, DID YOUR MOM EVEN RAISE YOU?! DO YOU REALLY THINK YOUR BEHAVIOUR IS OK??! Terrible, but also amusing. 

His table manners seemed that of a teen, and was definitely not sexy nor did it make me want to eat in public with him. I think if you are kicking it with your friends in a little dive bar or small low key restaurant... like Mcdonalds, maybe somethings can let slide.... I guess.

Besides terrible table manners, he also would mention lowkey racist type statements like, "you don't act like a (stereotypical) black person!" or talking down on Asian people. He seemed to be stuck in white frat boy land than really trying to seem like a halfway decent person. ughhhhh He also though he was being 'romantic'. lmfaoooo

If anything, I'd visit the restaurant again, and grab another plate of 💖💖’s liver and onions. The only highlight of that night.

My Journey

Mental Health and Vitamins

from rebuildingyou.com

This year in the journey of bettering myself and mood, I decided to look into B vitamins. I have added in working out into my schedule, positive affirmations instead of negative self talk, listening to different music that uplift than perpetuate negative moods, and also meditating and yoga. I wanted to do more in my daily routing to not only establish something constant, but to (hopefully) boost my mood and keep me going.

I researched a few things and had to take note that B6 and B12 are helpful with mood. Neesie, a Lolita I met at an anime convention, also told me that Vitamin D is also helpful. We don’t get as much of it here in the Midwest when it becomes cold because we aren’t outside as much to absorb it from the sun resulting in SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you have dairy sensitivity or intolerance like myself, you may also be at risk unless the foods you eat contain enough of it.

Currently I have taken several months of B6 and B12, and will restock my supply along with some Vitamin D. It is still kind of summer, and I usually am in better spirits, but I will defo check back in during the Spring to see how well this new addition to my routine works! I may even buy a Happy Light!

Thank you for reading and stay tuned! Comments are always appreciated!

And It Begins

Headed into work in a bit. Simplicity and pretty basic is the goal for today's look.
Did my meditation and stretches,read some articles, and doodled for a while.

Just ready to get the day started, and finished so I can work on my own projects. Its a little gloomy today, and its already making me want to get cozy, knit and nap. 😌💤

Nostalgia Show Recap

August 19^th, 2016 marked the second year of the Nostalgia Show and the last bit of fall! Local artists, Natalia V. and Elgin B. created the Nostalgia Show to showcase and provide a space for various facets of art produced by other artistically inclined Artists in Chicago.