Snow White and Wicked Queen Costumes for Halloween

Click HERE to see the tutorial with my mom as the Queen from Snow White

No, I didn't film a tutorial for a Snow White look. :)

What I'm suggesting is, how about dressing up as the Queen, while your daughter or niece dresses up as Snow White?

Since a little girl wearing a Snow White outfit doesn't need makeup to be recognizable as the character she's portraying, all you need now is to look like the Queen. Once you've got the costume--and perhaps a shiny red apple as a prop--you can complete your look with the makeup. The steps are posted on my YouTube channel, along with a growing list of videos especially for Halloween or a costume party.

This is just a little "hello" before I go about my day. I'll see you again soon!

Take care,

~Lea

Disney-Inspired Halloween Looks

As I type this, I am about to film a tutorial focused on the makeup of a villain from a Disney feature film. I'll be using a model for this particular video, so I'm off to get my stuff ready.

I just wanted to post a quick blog as an update in case anyone out there is still exploring possibilities on what to be come October 31st.

Also, speaking of Disney, I just posted a very easy to create Alice in Wonderland look on my YouTube channel. Here it is:

Easy Halloween or Costume Party Look: Alice in Wonderland

I'll be back before you know it!
~Lea

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

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

Prom!

I know it's still somewhat early, but to give prom attendees some time to pick and practice makeup looks that appeal to them, I have started planning some tutorials for the occasion.

In fact, I already have one up.

Granted, I started with something that isn't quite so classic--it's an intense jewel-tone smoky eye--but there are girls who aren't so big on looking like most everyone else, and this particular tutorial actually doesn't take a lot of time, that I thought it wasn't such a bad place to start.

However, keep an eye out for looks on my YouTube channel that are closer to traditional if they are more your style. After all, with the exception of tutorials I put out for Halloween or costume parties, I like keeping the looks I create on the wearable side.

I also made a playlist for future prom and bridal-style makeup tutorials, which you can view by clicking HERE. Now watch it grow! ;)

Right now I will be getting some rest to make up for being pretty busy in the past few days as my family is visiting and my dog's got a cough that rears its head most especially at bedtime, but I will be back soon. I hope to film another tutorial by tomorrow.

Wishing you well wherever you are in the world,

~Lea

P.S.

You certainly don't have to be a prom attendee or a bride or bridesmaid to benefit from the aforementioned playlist. If you love playing with makeup, by all means take a look, as there just might be something there that calls out to you!

Makeup Looks Inspired by "The Runaways"

Since the movie The Runaways is going to be released on March 19th (at least in the U.S.), I thought I'd play around with creating inspired looks for the two stars/main characters for anyone who's a fan of either the actors or the "rock chick" sort of makeup they have on in the film.

These videos have been up on my YouTube channel for quite a few days now, but I'll post them here as well for those who happen to come across this blog post instead of the actual videos.

The first one I put up is based off of Kristen Stewart and Joan Jett, who Kristen plays in the movie. It has a different feel from the way Joan wears her makeup these days--as the movie is set in the 1970s--so I just might do a more modern Joan Jett video tutorial sometime in the future. After all, I think Joan is super hot, be it yesterday or today!

The second tutorial I posted has a somewhat more feminine, as opposed to tomboyish, feel to it, although it's not your basic perfect pretty makeup either. I put the look together using Dakota Fanning and Cherie Currie as inspiration. Dakota plays The Runaways' lead singer Cherie in the movie. Did you know that these days Cherie is a chainsaw artist?

There you have them. I'm slightly more preoccupied than usual at the moment because my family is visiting me from the other side of the state, but I already have so many more videos planned, so stay tuned if you enjoy makeup tutorials. I'll be putting up a bunch of prom looks in particular, as it's that time of year when prom attendees are seeking inspiration for one of the most anticipated times in the life of many a teen.

I'll see you again really soon. Thanks for stopping by today!

~Lea

Janis Joplin, Tomorrow's Tutorial and My Rescued Dog

As I write this, I have on that hairstyle you see in the above photo. The makeup to match is all that's missing for you to figure out who the inspiration is for my next tutorial.

...but hold on!

No need to devote so much time and effort to guessing who I'm basing my next instructional makeup video on if the hair isn't enough of a clue. I'll film it tomorrow and post the video on my YouTube channel as soon as I'm done editing it.

Right now, I have my "How I Would Have Done Janis Joplin's Makeup" tutorial pretty freshly uploaded on YouTube, so you can view it to help with your makeup fix, if that's what you're looking for.

This video was actually quite easy to edit, but I took slightly longer than usual to put it up because I've been busy.

Busy loving my new baby, Lakota, that is!

My sweetheart, who'd been researching Australian Cattle Dogs/Blue Heelers for six months before finally getting this one, rescued Lakota from a dog shelter about an hour away; he was already on the "URGENT!" list, and maybe that's what was necessary to catch my fiance's attention.

Lakota, named after the Lakota Sioux Native Americans who my sweetheart and I very much resonate with, is everything that my sweetheart's been looking for in a Blue Heeler, from his appearance to his temperament to his intelligence and so on and so forth.

Although he's a blessing I am very much grateful for, I won't go into so much detail on our sweet doggie for now; my sweetheart may vlog and/or blog about him, so I won't take that away from him hahaha!

Nevertheless, you can expect to see and hear more from me about this furry angel as we go along because he's my baby too. Stick with me if you love doggies!

Who knows, he just might make an appearance here and there in my videos.

Good night from California and I'll see you again very soon!

~Lea

Coffee, Red Velvet Cupcake and Another Special Treat

If we're going to be spending quite some time with each other here, you might as well know about my love for coffee.

No, I didn't start drinking it at a very young age, nor did my elders encourage me to foster the habit growing up. (In fact, my parents told me repeatedly that coffee isn't for kids and that drinking it can be quite unhealthy.)

However, with the advent of Starbucks shops, I inevitably tried gourmet coffee on an afternoon out with one of my closest girlfriends sometime immediately after my college years. Not being a big fan of mood-altering substances, all throughout my life I'd steered clear of even the most basic over-the-counter cough, cold and flu medications as much as I possibly could. You can only imagine then how that sugar-filled blast of coffee hit me.

All was right with the world in my eyes at that moment in time, and I did not hesitate to tell my friend so. I was so thrilled to be living the first day of the rest of my life, standing on the edge of a new beginning and all that jazz... My heart, jumping with the caffeine racing through my veins, felt to me to be jumping for joy.

A coffee aficionado was born that day.

It remains the only "drug" that I regularly ingest, as I never built up a personal fondness for alcohol, tobacco, and friends.

...unless you count salt, which I crave from time to time.

But shucks, enough with this chatter I'm using as an excuse to keep from cleaning up before a special surprise shows up at my doorstep about an hour or less from now.

Once I post a vlog and/or blog after this wonderful new love that's coming into my life, you'll know why picking my makeup, books, and most everything else off of the floor is going to be essential from this moment on.

I'll be back with word on the surprise as soon as I can.

For now, I'll put my half-eaten red velvet cupcake back in its box and begin tidying up (and I really should hop to it if I want to have any makeup left to do YouTube tutorials with, as this "surprise" might not be so aware that lipstick is made to be applied instead of nibbled on).

I'll see you later!

~Lea

P.S.: In case you were curious, that coffee in the photo above is a Vanilla Biscotti/French Vanilla blend.