Archive for July 18th, 2008

Ask anyone which facial feature they most often notice first and many times the answer is the eyes. Eyes are the most expressive feature on the human face; through them we see emotion, thoughts, secrets and reflections of ourselves. To illustrate the power of permanent makeup and the art of eyeliner let me tell you about one of my clients. The star feature of her face was fabulous almond shaped eyes. Following cosmetic surgery to take her back in time a bit, her eyes healed into a different shape, which made the outer corners awkwardly rounded and one lower eyelid partially drooped. Before agreeing to another surgery to fix it, she searched for an alternative way to regain the almond shape. With a little design strategy and meticulously placed pigment all around her eyes, we lifted the droop and then by marking into puckered scar tissue, we re-created the almond-type point at the outer corner of each eye. My client was amazed at how precise and subtle the permanent makeup appeared and she was thrilled to be able to go without topical makeup once again.
When I think of the power of permanent eye makeup, another client always comes to mind. Advanced in years, she wanted the outer her to reflect the youthfulness of the inner her. The blue color of her eyes was stunning, and definitely worth flaunting; however, a few wisps of blonde eyelashes and a total absence of eyebrows did nothing towards the cause. She started out conservatively with very soft, natural-looking permanent eyebrows and lash enhancement. A year later she returned, asking for a bolder look. Here is what she had to say: “Even with the plastic surgery (3 facelifts), the permanent makeup is what gave me the most self esteem. I wish I’d known about it and done it years ago.”
Consider the Advantages
Permanent makeup appeals to a wide variety of people. Busy moms, athletes, travelers, equestrians, chefs, models, doctors, dancers, police officers, busy career people and busily retired people have all been clients of mine. In my experience the best argument for a cosmetic tattoo is simply convenience. Individuals who suffer from allergies, toxicity issues, poor vision, hair loss or disabilities that limit manual dexterity have benefited from permanent makeup. Of course, the most rewarding aspect of permanent makeup is the most obvious: it stays put! Permanent eyeliner will never smear or rub away through watery eyes, perspiration, wind, snow, rain, fatigue, or a long night’s sleep. For those of you who like the compliment of eyeliner to your face, permanent makeup can give you the look you want without the extra work or cost involved with traditional makeup.
The Difference Between Lash Enhancement and Eyeliner
Skillfully applied lash enhancement looks very natural, not at all like makeup. For a lash enhancement, one or more shades of color are placed in a sprinkle or a line at the base of the eyelash hairs only, making the lashes appear darker and thicker. Rather than eyeliner, I recommend lash enhancement to women, or men, who want a lift to their face “naturally”. It makes a good argument for “less is more”.
Eyeliner begins with lash enhancement and then widens above or below the eyelashes. Permanent eyeliner can have a hard edge, a softened edge, or even a smudgy, shadow look placed where it most enhances you. It can be very precise, with delicate, crisp endings to the lines; or it can be a soft powdery look. Eyeliner really rocks as a way to bring a flattering color lift to the face. Sometimes a subtle blend of multiple colors creates the perfect effect. I recommend you think conservative, tasteful, and classic. Although this is not totally permanent, it is long lasting. Choose cosmetic tattoos that will wear well through changes in mind, lifestyle and age. To bring out the trendy, glamorous or outrageous expressions of you just add topical cosmetics.
Like Makeup Only Better!
Permanent makeup is an excellent way to enhance your natural facial features. Permanent eyeliner works especially to perfect the balance, shape and overall look of the eyes. Time and again, I witness permanent eyeliner, or simple lash enhancement, lend power, alertness, confidence and youthfulness to the faces of both men and women. To read more about the art of permanent makeup please visit my web site www.DawnColors.com.

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How To Buy Pearls

Jul-18-2008 By cindy

Pearls are an enduring classic of romantic beauty and sophistication suitable for almost any occasions or celebrations. Pearls may be worn with formal eveningwear, with a business suit, or casually with a sweater and jeans. The official June birthstone provides an ideal choice for brides, young women looking for a touch of elegance, or a cherished gift for birthday, Christmas, graduation, sweet-sixteen, anniversary, or just to say I love you.
Once rare and expensive, modern cultured pearls have become an affordable luxury. To choose consider six factors contribute to the value of a pearl: luster, nacre thickness, shape, surface texture, size, and color.
Luster- the Essence of Pearl Beauty
Pearls gain their unique beauty from the play of light reflecting through layers of fine crystalline nacre gradually deposited by an oyster. Nearly transparent nacre gives the deepest luster and the highest reflection. A high-quality pearl will have a brilliant even reflection with a fine warm glow or radiance. Lower quality pearls have a dull sheen.
High-quality Akoya saltwater pearls have a higher luster than South Sea or Tahitian pearls, which tend to have a softer, more diffuse reflection.
Color and Overtones
The dominant color of a pearl comes from the main reflection from the pearl surface. The deeper reflected light draws the inner color from the pearl, called the overtone.
Light colored pearls are available in shades of white, cream, and golden. White with pink or silver overtones are generally the most valuable. The most desirable dark colored pearls are black with green or blue overtones. Color matching is also important when buying pearl jewelry. Perfectly matched pearls in color and size are more valuable than poorly matched pearls.
Shape and Surface Texture
The highest quality pearls are perfectly round with smooth surface, very few surface imperfections, and even coloration. Lower quality pearls may be nearly round, or show more surface imperfections, such as wrinkles or large pits on the surface.
Pearl Size and Necklace Length
The pearls in a strand are measured in a range, such as 7-7.5mm. They are strung with the largest pearls at the center of the necklace and gradually smaller towards the clasp. Larger pearls are more valuable and they create a more dramatic look. High-quality pearls larger than 9 mm are scarce and very expensive.
The classic and most common pearl necklace length is the 17-19 inch princess. It is a good choice for a first pearl necklace because it can be worn with many things.
Decide Pearl Types
There are four types of pearls:

Classic Akoya Pearls
Large Exotic Black Tahitian Pearls
Large Golden or White South Sea Pearls
Inexpensive Decorative Freshwater Pearls

The above four types of pearls are all cultured pearls. Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls grow in ocean saltwater so they are also called saltwater pearls.
Akoya pearls are the most popular type for their appealing high luster, luxury and affordability.
Decide Pearl Quality
Pearls usually have four grades: A, AA, AAA, and AAA quality. AAA and AAA quality are the highest quality.
AAA and AAA quality pearls are the most desired pearls for gifts. They have high luster and very clean surface skins.
AA quality pearls have medium luster and slight to medium surface imperfection. They are ideal gifts for someone who will be happy to own a piece of fine pearl jewelry.
A quality pearls have low luster and medium to heavy blemishes. They are not popular for gifts due to their low quality.
Decide where to buy pearls
You can buy pearls from retail stores, online shops or online auctions. When shop for pearls, it is recommended to buy pearls from these places: stores that grade pearls carefully; stores that provide certificate and offer money back guarantees.
Copyright: andcopy; 2004 by Premium Pearl Jewelry

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