Finally: New Vlog!

It's been quite a while since I last posted an inspirational vlog where I ponder upon subjects I feel passionately about, and share what moves me with anyone out there who also just might find the topic personally affecting.

In a few hours from now, after quite a few requests from some viewers of my YouTube channel, I am finally uploading a new vlog with a spiritual theme.

I thought I'd start my return to the world of vlogging with a beauty-related post so that those who come to my channel for the makeup tutorials won't feel neglected; maybe some of you out there who haven't previously been into self-exploration and metaphysics might even find that you're also very much interested in this other passion of mine.

Take note: I am using this occasion as well to more visibly incorporate my metaphysical work into my makeup artistry. In my life, there's no way when I paint a face--my own or anyone else's--that there's nothing more to it than what meets the eye. Applying makeup to me isn't about denying what I look like, even when a look is on the elaborate side; for me, it's a way to have fun with expression... to play or even role-play, since all the world's a stage.

Besides, makeup is just an extension of my love for beauty.

...and I don't mean this in what might be labeled "superficial," where what you see on the surface is everything. I've spoken of this in at least one older blog post (click on "older blog post" to see it): There is beauty and inspiration even in situations that may be taken for granted as they are so commonplace to the beholder, or appear unattractive as they are perceived as dark and dreary.

Yes, you read that right--when I speak of beauty, I am not just referring to what looks lovely. The nature, vibe, or feel of a person, situation, event, or anything else has a lot to do in my book with how beautiful it truly is regardless of how it appears on the surface.

So, if you have been waiting for me to post a vlog again, it will be up on my channel by tomorrow. On the other hand, if you're new to this aspect of what I do, thanks for joining me here today all the same. See you later!

♥,

~Lea

Me, excited after a year of posting video tutorials but not vlogs!

I am about to...

Click HERE to see the video for this look

...do an edgy--but easy--makeup look on my sister, Anna Dee.

I already made a video a while back showing me applying similar Rihanna-style makeup on Anna, but the instructions were posted on the screen rather than spoken.

This time, Rihanna remains the inspiration for the tutorial on the chic, stylish look I am uploading soon on my YouTube channel. It's a different one though from what you see in the photo above, so stay tuned if you enjoy wearing looks along these lines.

I'll be back soon,

~Lea

Are you a Barbie girl?

One night at the place I used to work, one of the employees told the manager about a customer who had just called her a "bitch." The manager, a tomboyish--almost androgynous--woman, responded, "I'd rather be called a bitch than a Barbie doll."

While I understand that she meant that according to her personal definition of what a Barbie doll is, I couldn't help but take notice of her words because I, on the other hand, associate Barbie with good things.

For one, I have pleasant memories of playing with Barbie when I was little and didn't have many friends. I've always been on the introspective and introverted, rather than outgoing, side, so along with my thoughts and dreams, the doll kept me company.

As I had several different Barbie dolls, I also got the message early in life that I could be whatever I wanted and dress up in a variety of ways if I so wished. I'm glad the many looks I've posted on my YouTube channel serve as a testimony of this lesson I learned in childhood.

So, as a tribute to the girl who's played an important role in my life, I've made a tutorial based on 1959 Barbie, the first ever. Despite the 1980s being one of my least favorite decades in terms of style and makeup, I've also uploaded a Barbie look based on how her face was made up in those times, which is when I was growing up.

1959 Barbie Makeup for Halloween or a Costume Party

"Brunette Barbie" Halloween or Costume Party Makeup

As with the videos I've already posted that appear to be a recurring theme on my channel, you haven't seen the last of Barbie. ;)

Pink Barbie kisses,

~Lea

Standout Lips

If you like looking pretty and polished, but don't necessarily have--or want to spend--the time to apply full-face makeup whenever you go out, you may want to experiment with bold lip colors.

Depending on the look you are going for, and the level of maintenance you are willing to give your lips throughout the day, you can wear a sheer but vivid shade (easier to reapply), or an opaque one with full color (can be more challenging).

You don't necessarily need a mirror to apply lip products with a see-through consistency, which is convenient if you can't sneak off at any given moment for a touch-up. A lipstick with an opaque finish on the other hand requires more precision of application if you want to get the best results. After all, with this kind of finish, it's easier to spot mistakes and for the lipstick to get on your teeth.

Regardless of what you choose, below are links to videos with tips on wearing standout lip colors.

Make a Statement with Red Lips

Quick Tip: Lighten Up with Bright Lips

Quickie Tutorial: Define Your Lips (Not Limited to Red Lipstick)

At first glance, the lips in the photos above may all appear the same to you, especially if you're new to makeup application. However, at closer glance and after watching the videos, you will notice that the second lip look is the least intense in terms of color, the first one is second, and the third the most dramatic.

Thanks for stopping by today. I'm off to either rest after that really hearty lunch I just had, or to edit or film another video.

See you next time,

~Lea

I have some GREAT news!

Today, September 15th, 2010, something that I have been waiting for has finally happened.

I have become a YouTube partner!

I know that this is neutral at best to some viewers and subscribers to my YouTube channel, but I am celebrating because now I have more flexibility with my video uploads and can also reach a wider audience, some of whom may very well resonate with the kind of content I post but just don't know about my videos yet.

If you've been following my blog posts, you know that I've mentioned my anticipation of this event. Most partners have way more subscribers and views than I do (as I write this, there are 1,257 accounts subscribed to my channel, and my videos get 700 views on average per day), yet I finally made it into the program after a year and three months of uploading videos.

To all who enjoy what I contribute, thank you. Stick around for much more, as I have even greater motivation now to continue what I've been doing. Take care of yourselves and I'll see you again soon.

With love from the bottom of my heart,

~Lea

A still from my first video, posted June 16, 2009

Vampires Galore

During my college years, I was sucked into the movie, Interview with the Vampire. I've seen Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Kirsten Dunst over and over again, both on the big screen and on VHS, as well as on DVD years later.

When Interview came out in theaters, my angst-y teenage self was so into the whole existential kick; I was in the mode of attempting to figure out the reason I was put on the planet and whatnot, so it was no surprise that I related to Brad Pitt's Louis, who questioned his way through the film. In Louis' eyes, Tom Cruise's Lestat appeared so monstrous, yet after reading Anne Rice's books that inspired the movie, I found Lestat more than likable. Why, I empathized with him more than Louis as I got to know him better.

Although I left my vampire-loving days further and further behind as new interests and passions revealed themselves to me, I see that there are remnants of that time in my life. Below are links to vampire-themed looks that I've made tutorials for on my YouTube channel. Click on the captions under each picture to see the corresponding video.

Before you proceed, take note that I did not include here the looks I've created that are vampy, but not as evidently vampiric as the ones below. Also, feel free to skip through the photos in the beginning of the first tutorial. I was attempting to get a decent thumbnail (YouTube freezes one spot each in the beginning, middle and end of the video so you have three to choose from if you are not a partner with the site) as I made this early video, hence the actual how-to portion comes much later.

Easy Halloween Makeup: Vampire

"Twilight Saga" Jane Makeup Tutorial

Vampire "Queen of the Damned" Akasha-Inspired Makeup

Dark Glam Vampire-Inspired Makeup Tutorial

"Twilight" Rosalie Hale Makeup for Halloween (...or anytime you want)

"Twilight" Alice Cullen Makeup for Halloween (...or anytime you want)

I know I haven't posted my final vampire tutorial. Hang in there if you love them as much as I apparently still do. ☺

Bites and kisses,

~Lea

Ode to Marilyn

About a year ago, I added the book, Marilyn Monroe: Platinum Fox, by Cindy De La Hoz to my library. My love of history, Old Hollywood, and Marilyn all combined make the book a treat even if it's of the coffee table variety that is arguably more for display purposes, rather than being the other kind I go for that requires the reader's rapt attention in order to understand the plot or a point the author is making. I'm glad I got the book because of its many photos.

Despite any issues she may have had in life--and don't we all have our own versions of those?--Marilyn really stands out to me out of the many other Old Hollywood starlets, actresses and personalities. While I have a few other favorites, I find Miss Monroe so charming and such a pleasure to look at.

If you are fascinated by her as well and love reading like I do, two other books you may enjoy are Marilyn Monroe Returns: The Healing of a Soul by Adrian Finkelstein and J. Randy Taraborrelli's The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe.

Of course, I would advise you to take anything you read with a grain of salt; I consider the above titles interesting reads, but that's not to say I agree with the theories they present or believe the tales they tell.

...as for my little way of remembering the former Norma Jeane Baker, I've posted a couple of tutorials on applying makeup in her style or inspired by it.

Click HERE for my interpretation of Marilyn's signature look

Click HERE for a modernized take on Marilyn's makeup in Something's Got to Give

I may upload others when the inspiration hits. For now, I'm off to lunch. See you next time!


XOXO,
~Lea

In Love with Fall

Although every season has its perks, the time of year I most resonate with is when the leaves start changing colors and trees are multi-hued.

I love how the weather gets cooler and I can begin bundling up in cozy clothes come autumn.

All this considered, I didn't really post many makeup tutorials with a fall theme last year (I was more preoccupied creating Halloween looks, haha!). There's my basic fall tutorial that uses rich shades for easy-to-apply makeup with the vibe of the season.

Click HERE for the video

...and this year (2010), in anticipation of fall I've uploaded a video with steps on putting together a vampy look that's also winter-appropriate for those who enjoy wearing much darker shades.

Click ME to see the tutorial

At this point, at least for the remainder of the year, I don't know yet if I'll be putting up any more videos with autumn specifically in mind. I just filmed a tutorial for a foxy look that makes use of warm and deep makeup colors that are suited to this time of year, but once it's been edited, I just might focus on costume makeup looks for those who want to play dress up on All Hallows' Eve.

In any case, while I'm grateful for the opportunity summer's given me to wear less clothing and not always have to think about putting my socks and shoes on to keep warm whenever I step outside, I am really thankful that my most beloved time of year is here again.

Cheers and I'll be back soon!

~Lea

Going deeper, deeper... down deeper

In the process of cleaning up old posts on this blog, fixing broken links and whatnot, I came across my older posts on metaphysics and spirituality.

I feel the need now to share that part of myself again in case anyone out there is interested in the subject matter and has been waiting to read more.

In March of 2010, my fiancé and I attended a workshop on becoming professional hypnotists. I had known about the facilitator and his work since 1996, and had always wanted to meet him and his wife, who worked closely with him in taking clients back to the cause of any issue they wished to resolve or better understand. While I finally met them in 2006, it was another four years before I took the class on how to become a hypnotist myself.

Although I don't focus specifically on hypnosis in my metaphysical work, I can now offer my existing skills and services (which you can read about HERE and HERE if you want some background information) in conjunction with the hypnosis sessions my fiancé conducts.

I attended the workshop specifically to better understand myself, and I am really glad I went; since then, my fiancé and I have explored the reasons for why either of us have been challenged in certain areas. He's worked with clients in person and over Skype if they live in other parts of the country and the world.

The results of our sessions together are a little too private for me to reveal at this point--and what comes up in client sessions isn't for public disclosure unless we've been granted permission--but I at least wanted to reach out and let you know that you can work with us if you feel called to.

Who knows... if you've unsuccessfully tried a variety of methods to find a solution for something that's been bothering you, even perhaps to the point of debilitation... Maybe hypnosis can help you.

Unexplained fears and phobias are only one example of what can be dealt with during hypnosis. If there are any goals you have yet to achieve, discovering your blockages and then receiving powerful suggestions while you are in a very relaxed hypnotic state can propel you onwards.

Even if all you seek is a larger understanding of who you are and any other lifetimes your soul has experienced, a hypnosis session is one way you can do that. Getting in touch with parts of yourself you normally don't consciously access can grant you more insight into why you do the things you do and how you can make changes for the better in your life if necessary.

If you have any questions or want to get a more in-depth understanding of hypnosis before experiencing it yourself, I invite you to contact my fiancé, Matthew, on his Facebook page or through the website he's setting up for this purpose.

Since this is all I have time for at the moment, I'll leave off here for now, but may post more informative and detailed blog entries on the subject in the future.

♥ ,

~Lea

Team Alice!

As I write this, I am in the process of editing my "Twilight" saga Alice Cullen makeup tutorial for Halloween. You don't even have to save this look for a costume party, as it is very wearable, just like the Rosalie Hale one I did also based off of "Twilight."

Simply apply your foundation the usual way rather than paling down your skin.

...and if you're not a fan of Bella Swan and company, you can still pull these looks off if you like them, since you aren't likely to resemble the characters anyway without the hairstyles and costumes to match.

This year, I am posting my less dramatic Halloween-themed tutorials first. The more dramatic ones are coming a little later, but soon enough. ;)

I'll be seeing you,

Lea ㋛

This is Halloween (...well, almost!)

My "Brunette Barbie" look for Halloween or a costume party

Last year, during the Halloween season, I started posting makeup tutorials on a consistent basis. Before then, I was really wary of uploading my makeup videos on YouTube, as so many were already doing it and I didn't want to be just one out of a million.

However, I realized after putting up my first Halloween-themed video that not only was it so much fun, I could actually put my own spin even on a look that's been done thousands of times before.

When the views started coming in--and these were the most I ever had at the time--it was clear that people liked clicking on makeup videos. The grateful messages I received afterwards from women who wore my looks as part of their Halloween costumes showed me that there was an audience for my work.

This served as inspiration for me to continue coming up with tutorials even after October was over, and I'm glad I did. Since the videos I used to upload have temporarily gotten displaced by the makeup ones, I also have to say:

I've been asked several times when I will be posting inspirational vlogs again like I used to before I started putting makeup videos up. Rest assured, for anyone who enjoys them, I have an idea for how I can continue sharing inspirational and metaphysical video messages on my channel, even after being tired at the end of a busy day.

In the meantime, I'm about to begin work on Halloween tutorials. Stay tuned if you're looking for ideas on what or whom to be this year.

I'll be back soon,

Lea ♥