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.

Keeping your brushes clean not only knocks out a tiny chore, but is very beneficial to yourself.  You banish bacteria ( and also skin cells, dirt, old product)down the drain that can has built up on the bristles that can clog your pores or break you out, or worse, can spread viruses that can cause pinkeye or Staph infections! Yikes!  When you keep your brushes clean, you won’t worry about mudding up eyeshadow colours or trouble with blending your makeup with cruddy bristles.

Here’s a run down on the basics:

• Makeup Brush cleaner/mild soap
• Water
• Tools that need to be cleansed
• Optional: music

Clean your brushes and sponges with warm soapy water. – Gently work mild soap and water into the bristles of your brushes and sponges. Depending on how often you wash your brushes can determine how many times you may have to rinse and repeat. Sponges tend to absorb a lot of product, thus you will have to make sure you are thoroughly washing and rinsing them! Kabuki styled brushes may have old cakey product stuck within the bristles as you clean them.

Dry- Dry your brushes and sponges on a clean towel after squeezing most of the water out of them.

Store- Store your tools once they are dried.

Annnnd, you’re done! Well, until next time its brush cleansing time!

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Check out my webshop! 20%off on all items! Half the amount on hats will be donated to the Woman's Treatment Center!

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.

There were two other dresses that had playful designs as well, and incorporated the toys into the design.

Orbeez dress

Thank you for reading and have a great Thanksgiving holiday! 

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

Bold enough to keep on trend, yet you can always remove it for your stylish outfit underneath.

Inner

Sweater

What says fall better than a soft and cozy sweater? Nothing...thats what! Pair it with heeled or flat booties and dark pants or jeans!

Footwear
Shoes

A pair of deep red boots or heels looks gorgeous rustling through piles of autumn leaves. With a matching coloured purse or hat, this can keep an outfit on point and cohesive!

Maybe its time to knit a wine coloured sweater....hrm... 

What's your favourite burgandy/wine coloured item for the fall?  

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 way 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.

from https://www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com/blog/Contour-Tutorial

On the other hand, gyaru makeup and make up trends from the East rarely contour as much. If its done at all, its fairly light for most girly styles. The only styles that broke this rule were Manba, banba and Kuro gal, and at times, goth and vkei styles. 

Heirofglee's contour

With gyaru makeup, onee gyaru for instance, many focus on a gentle nose contour and a slight sweep of it on the cheeks and maybe forehead. This is done fairly light compared to the trend in Western contour make up trends.

mydarlingrainbow's contouring

Which do you prefer for your own makeup? Bold contouring, or more subtle?
Comments are greatly appreciated!

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. 

Champagne Pop made their entrance at Three Dots and a Dash, sauntering through the packed, tropical themed bar, finding me sitting near the dj, sipping a drink out of a cute coconut cup. 

We danced and chatted to the latest songs with island themes, waiting for our table reservation to enjoy ourselves a bit more with a group drink named The Zombie. 

Group photo 

Afterwards, we para'd nearby the establishment, blasting Night of Fire. Surprisingly, we gained interest from people who were entranced by our precision and skill despite us not having practiced in a while.

On Sunday it was moreso a chill day as we had stayed up late the night before. 

I got to do Sio's nails too, which I was EXTREMELY excited to do! She’s so gorgeous, it hurts! My new rocker gal inspo.

Nail set! 

Coordinate for Yeowoosai 

Kimchi Nachos! 

Sandra and I 

Eteria/Machi and Sio

We wrapped up the weekend on Sunday night filled up on Korean drinks and the kimchi nachos I bought, being flipped off by a gal (idk what that was about)  and zooming through the sleepy windy city. Is this how new gals are these days? Why so angry?

Anyway, at least the food was good.

Nailing It! Nailcare Part 3

Lisha's Guide To Nailcare
Pt 3

Nail Extensions

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.

Applying polishes are pretty straight forward.:

• Apply the polish to a clean nail bed or after a clear base coat. Let dry. 
• Apply a second coat to make the colour more opaque.
• Top it all with a top coat of your choice. 

You let the layers of polish dry thoroughly... which can be a little difficult, maybe not as difficult as the polish mountain challenge! Setting aside some time where you can relax is the most beneficial to avoid smudging.

Bonus tip!: Want a no hassle look that you can still get away with having chipped polish? Use light colours that are more on the transparent side! It doesn't draw attention the way very opaque or dark colours do.

Stay tuned for part 3; nail extensions.

West vs. East: Makeup Techniques pt 5 Crossover

Crossover

I have mentioned the differences between  Western and Eastern makeup trends but this post is for some of those styles that have merged together.

Gyaru makeup used to be pretty basic and straightforward, while the instagram looks have a lot more steps to them.

I, some of the members of Champagne Pop and a few others mix both styles together,  having sculpted faces with dramatic kawaii eyes.
We mix in the cheek sculpting and baking with a nose stripe and bold top and bottom lashes.

Nostalgia Show Recap

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

Natalia Virufuentas 

The Nostalgia Show is a gallery event that lets artists run wild with their renditions of childhood cartoons and shows that appealed to them. For this year’s theme, local artists produced work that highlighted their favorite dastardly villain or courageous hero. 

 Several artists took to using the mic and their lyrical and musical skills, rapping and using poetry with memories of popular shows and strengthening messages imbedded within. The others used paintings, drawings, and even plushies and 3d printed art works as their mediums of choice.

Elgin Bokari

I was able to speak with Elgin and he had this to share:

“I had a great time and love seeing my people smile and enjoy themselves. The NBostalgia Show is a means o f connecting with your inner child and getting back to times in whixh the boggest ccare in the world was simply choosing what cartoon or favorite show you wanted to watch. We struggle to stay balanced in this crazy world, reliving positive moments only breeds an awaking of new energy.”

Crossposted on Sugargamers.com

 All pictures are property of James Brodie Photography

Horseback Riding!

About to get paired up with a horse

For Sandra’s celebration, one of the members of Champagne Pop, a social group, we took a trip to a stable where we all were able to take horseback riding! We were paired up with a horse that seemed to be a match in Horse Riding Heaven!

Elvis and I

The stable staff was very knowledgeable and taught us some saddling tips and helped us get to know the horses before taking them out to ride. Horseback Riding was a bit of a workout for us. We had to learn how to keep ourselves erect while riding the horse with and without holding on to the reigns as we did laps. It was also pretty hot and sunny which made for a day seeming a little longer than usual!   

We did it!

For me, it was a little difficult trying to match the pace of the horse and I had to concentrate a lot as I was not used to riding and the feel of riding as well. However, I think it is something I would love to do again! 

Snacking... just like me

awwwww!

Now we can be cowboys

After horseback riding, we went to a water park and cooled off. I tried some of the crazy water slides, but I think the Lazy River is the best. Sandra and Porche were the daredevils and tried a slide that was very steep. Way too steep for me!

A little late, but... better late than never right? oh hohoho.....

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

Highbrow Lowbrow Straightbrow!

I am a big fan of arched eyebrows and have been perfecting them for years in my gyaru journey.

Recently, straight brows have become a thing for people in and out of kawaii fashion. The straight brow gives a person a supposedly youthful appearance. 

Those were the samples I drew inspiratiom from...

And this is what I came up with. One brow is a little wonky and both are just... ok. Maybe I'll add this brow look in my repertoire.

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned! 

Lishaslooks.storenvy.com

Gyaru items and handmade goodies 

Hello September

August seemed to pass by all too quickly, ending a lot of summer breaks as we know it. I enjoyed my break and the new adventures and memories I was able to make with my colleagues, coworkers and my gyaru-sa, but it did seem a little long for me.

Though I want to see how this year pans out, I already long for the summer days I didn't put to full use, but I did enjoy the rest I was able to catch up on.

Its time to finish up my summer recaps and get super prepared for fall!

Hello September.

Stay tuned readers! 🌟

Nailing It! LM22 Guide to Nail

Lisha's Guide To Nailcare
Pt 1

Basics

Hair is done and styled to perfection. Accessories are carefully selected to match with your outfit. Your outfit? On point. The slayage is real.

Regardless if your lolita dress is on trend, or you are donning the most intricate sujimori ( a hairstyle that's teased and uses a layering technique with strips of hair), or happy just wearing jeans and a Tee, if your nails aren't done, or are broken, it knocks off a few points.

Entering the world on nails and nailcare doesn't have to be daunting at all.

Welcome

The least one can do, especially if acrylic nail sets deem themselves too expensive or time consuming, is to make sure your nails are filed, trimmed and clean. Easy peasy.

• Keeping a file that is not to abrasive (a file having a higher grit number) is best to shape the nails as desired.
• Nail brushes and thinner metal nail files help remove dirt that is trapped under the nail. 
• File in one direction as you go and keep the file flat against the nail.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this series; polish colours.