For Better or Worse: Lashes

Today Electra Lane is debuting a new monthly series entitled For Better or Worse, which is my version of monthly favorites. This month, you need to know how to get long, fluffy lashes without extensions or strange rituals.  Full disclosure: my dad passed down great lashes (thanks, Dad!); however, they have become slightly longer and almost doubled in thickness since I started doing this.  But let's start with what not to do...

Worse:

I purchased this as an add-on item during Black Friday shopping because I was curious.  If you really need some serious lash growth, this might be a great product for you, but I say skip it. First of all, I accidentally used too much and a little dripped into my eyes - it felt like I used a jalapeno for eyeliner.  Don't know about you, but I want especially my nighttime makeup-removal routine to be as quick and efficient as possible (otherwise I won't take it off at all), so adding this extra, tedious step simply was not going to happen.  That said, I wasn't consistent enough with the application to see any results - maybe four or five applications in two months, and they suggest twice a day.  Nope.

Better:

I am NOT a doctor, nurse, nutritionist, or health professional in any sense, and anything of this type should be cleared by your doctor before you take it!!!  However, if your doc says it's okay, prenatal vitamins are legit.  My hair stylist says it's the biotin and folic acid, but it could be ground-up Capuchin monkey toenails for all I care.  Not only are my lashes growing, but so are my hair and nails.  This specific brand also has your probiotics and digestive enzymes, plus all the good stuff that comes in a multivitamin.  As long as I take it with breakfast, I don't have any stomach irritation, so this is the quickest, easiest, and cheapest way that I've experienced to get the eyelashes I want.

Here are my lashes with no mascara:

Curled and with mascara (NARS Audacious):

Side by side:

Welcome to 2016!

Hello again! It feels like a only few short weeks was forever ago.  I truly hope you had a wonderful holiday season, and that you're refreshed and ready to tackle 2016.

So before Thanksgiving, I hinted about two announcements. The first is that we're moving back to D.C., but there's still a lot up in the air - when we'll move, where exactly we'll live, etc. - so that one isn't very cool.

The other, though, is that I'm having hip surgery in a few weeks. After 17 years of ballet, my body is falling apart and, after four years of many different injuries and treatments, we've finally traced everything back to my hip. This is great news, and, as one of my doctors says, my life is about to "change radically" in a good way.  I'll go more in-depth on this topic later in the month.

What it means for my business, and for this blog, though, is that I'll have to take a little more time off.  To prepare, I'll upload several posts in advance but if I go missing, it's because I'm choosing to focus on healing and rehab - and I'll be back!

The blog will also be going through some changes as I will offer new types of content because - let's get real - I won't physically be able to schlep all the stuff necessary to produce a post for a while.

But I also want to make sure you're seeing content you want, so get a hold of me on social media - @ElectraLane or ElectraLane on Facebok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Periscope, and search "Electra Lane Channel" on YouTube - to let me know what topics interest you.  You'll also see real-time updates and shenanigans on those formats, especially Snapchat, so please follow me there.

I hope you've enjoyed my photos from the holidays - it was definitely a memorable season, and I am beyond ready to start the new year.

P.S. Be on the look out for the year's first Friday Flash on YouTube!

May the Force Be With You (in 2016)

As 2015 comes to a close, I want to leave you with a few tidbits that I've learned over the year.

1. Speak Up

A lovely friend of mine called, slightly distressed, before her wedding because the makeup artist she hired did a less-than-stellar job during the trial.  Basically, I suggested that, as soon as possible, she tell the makeup artist everything she had just told me - even though it would be awkward.  Good makeup artists want to make you happy so, as long as you don't spring bad news on them last minute, they should be more than happy to make any changes.

This is something I've put into practice in life, too.  I'm the type of person to just let things go unless it's really worth fighting for, but the problem with that is I'm left with a sub-par experience.  While it's never okay to be rude, double checking with the hostess or letting the cashier know he double-scanned those bananas in a kind tone will make everyone happier.

By the way, my friend had a great conversation with her makeup artist and looked positively stunning on her wedding day.

2.  Try New Things

I've been wearing a lot of red-toned eye shadows lately.  Whodathunk?  My husband has cut back on red meat (when we met, he was downing it five+ days a week), and I haven't had a manicure in over a year because I learned how to do my nails better than the salon.  Not everything I've tried works out, but at least I tried, and there's a peace of mind associated with taking those things and putting them behind me   - it's much easier than always wondering.

So try the crazy smokey eye.  Complement the crabby barista.  Ask your friend out for coffee even if there's a good chance she'll turn you down.  You never know.  And if you don't try, the answer will always be no.

Speaking of a crazy smokey eye, here's a fun, sparkly look:

3.  Less is More

Glamorous makeup aside, I've been transitioning into a more minimalist routine.  Now, I keep a carefully curated makeup bag stocked with just the basics so I can be on my way in five minutes or less.  Spoiler alert - one of the big changes coming next year is that we're moving.  As we start to purge our belongings, we realized that we don't use at least a third of our stuff.  It's the same way in makeup.  Even the leanest of bags I've helped to edit have at least two or three items that need thrown out or replaced.  So, in 2016, I encourage you to get rid of the things that no longer serve you - both in your makeup bag and in life - and treat yourself to the things that make you smile.

I truly hope you have a wonderful holiday season.  Please stay in touch with me @ElectraLane on your favorite social media site, and cheers to the new year!  See you in 2016!

What I'm Thankful For - 2 of 2

Last week, I shared a few things I’m thankful for. Before I get to the rest, though, I want to take a moment to also share that next week's post will be the last for the year so I can gear up for 2016.  Next year will bring several big changes which I'll get to January (I'm NOT knocked up!), but they will force me to change up the blog's format a bit.  I'd like to stay in touch over the holidays and beyond, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, as well as Periscope for live makeup demos - my handle is @ElectraLane on all formats. On to the favorites!

1. Bioderma

Makeup is awesome, but you have to take it off at some point.  Although I've tried many makeup-removing wipes, some Bioderma on a cotton pad thoroughly cleans my skin without any irritations or breakouts.  And as much as I wish I washed my face and did a mask every night, on the nights when this is all I can squeak out, I don't wake up with wrecked skin.

2. Chocolate Cake

I have a deep, undying love for chocolate.  So does my husband - he's the only person I know who loves chocolate as much as I do.  I eat a little piece of dark chocolate most days but, if I could, I would have a piece of chocolate cake with chocolate filling and chocolate frosting every day.  My favorite recipe is the Hershey's Perfectly Chocolate Chocolate Cake (unless you use something else for the filling, I highly recommend making a double batch of the frosting).  Serve with a giant glass of whole milk.

3. Candles from The Little Market

If you around 30, you might be slightly obsessed with Lauren Conrad from Laguna Beach and The Hills.  I've always felt like she and I could be friends...anyway, LC has an amazing company called The Little Market and its mission is "to empower women artisans to rise above poverty and support their families."  These candles smell incredible, they don't give me a headache, and they last: I've burned the one pictured above every day this month for about four hours each time, and it's still going.

4. Becca Cosmetics x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop Shimmering Skin Perfector

The thing that deters me from most illuminators is the fact you can see them, which defeats the purpose of creating a subtle, from-within glow.  At least for my skin tone, this is the perfect highlight because it’s light and sheer – until the light hits my skin.  It's also stunning on the shoulders and collar bone!  You can see it in action HERE.

5. Dr. Bronner’s Castile Liquid Soap

This is what I use for my monthly makeup brush bath – my favorite scent is almond - but it's also an incredible multi-purpose item for uses that range from washing your face to mopping your floors.

6. The Ivanka Trump Newsletter (sign up on the website)

This website, just over a year old, is unlike any other blog/website/etc. I've visited before - so much so that I've signed up to receive her weekly newsletter.  It's filled with advice and tips in a modern, upbeat and concise manner, and I actually look forward to it each week.  This week, Ivanka and her her team showed us what's in their work bags, aptly titled The Spill, so I was inspired to spill my own everyday bag in the upcoming Friday Flash (search Electra Lane Channel on YouTube, or follow THIS link on Friday).

7. Wayne Goss The Brow Set

Filling in your brows with an angle brush is like flying down a mountain filled with switchbacks in my 2010 Honda Civic.  Filling in your browns with with these bad boys is like taking the same switchbacks in a Lamborghini.

8. NARS Sex Appeal Blush

Ever the wordsmith, NARS also knows how to make flawless blushes.  Not one who likes to bring attention to my cheeks, I do love how much life a little flush brings to one’s face, so I’m glad to have finally found this.

9. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

The last thing you want is to wake up Christmas morning looking like Rudolph, so for that disgusting, cystic pimple that comes out of nowhere, I keep this on hand.  This stuff isn’t a miracle, but it’s the best product I’ve found that destroys the zit without drying out the skin around it.

10. Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

…or any of UD’s setting sprays.  Not only will this spray keep makeup in place throughout your New Year's Eve party, but it also gets rid of the heavy look of any powder sitting on the skin.

And, of course, I'm so thankful for you!  Best wishes for a lovely Thanksgiving, and I'll see you Friday on YouTube.

Photo credits:  4, 6, 8, 9

What I'm Thankful For - 1 of 2

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, at least in my opinion.  My husband and I celebrated our birthdays, we made it through Halloween and, now that Thanksgiving is in TWO WEEKS (!!!), we are officially in the holiday season. Since many folks do the Facebook “what I’m thankful for today” thing during November, I'm sharing some of my favorite beauty products - as well as some things that just make me smile (which is the best makeup!).

Before we start, as I normally post on Wednesday, the hubby and I took yesterday off to celebrate Veterans Day.  I want to give a sincere THANK YOU to him and to those who signed up to protect and defend this great country, as well as the families who carry on in the service member's absence - whether temporary or permanent. I'm forever grateful.

So here we go...

1. La Mer everything

Full disclosure: I used to work for La Mer.  I fell in love, and I fell hard.  It saved (and continues to save) my face, and I’ve even convinced my husband to use it.  Yes, it’s expensive, but I make it last all year.  Since I only get one set of skin, I am completely okay with getting my jeans from Target in favor of first-class skin care.

2. My Water Bottle

Though not technically skincare or makeup, I can’t tell you how big of a difference drinking a daily minimum of 64-oz. of water makes in my skin, and therefore my makeup.

3. NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss

I feel like this is the best all-around gloss on the market: cruelty-free, buttery texture, fantastic color range, smells divine, and costs $5.

4. Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks

You will always find these in my purse, at my makeup table, and with me on makeup jobs.  It’s a cotton swab filled with makeup remover, and it has saved me from smudges so many times. (Also great for making winged eyeliner even!)

5. theBalm Sexy Mama Powder

This stuff is the jam and, if more people knew about it, it would never stay on the shelf.  Full disclosure again: I worked for theBalm – but TRUST me, I follow the “if you don’t have anything nice to say keep your mouth shut” rule, and I don’t get sponsored by any of the brands I write about (yet!), but either way I’ll always keep it real.  Anyway, it’s incredible because even though it contains little oil-absorbing spheres, it doesn’t dry out my skin.  Also, it’s truly translucent: I buffed this onto the face of a woman with beautiful, espresso-colored skin, who was also very shiny, and she instantly looked airbrushed. Get this ASAP.

6. Weleda Skin Food

When I’m not bathing in rationing out my La Mer, I use this for moisturizer.  It's very hydrating, made with essential oils, and I think it smells like Sweet Tarts.

7. Armani Rouge D’Armani Lipstick in Beige 100

My perfect nude lip color to which I’ve been loyal for years.  It makes me feel powerful, pretty, and sexy, and it’s nude without making my lips disappear.

8. Yes to Carrots Cream Cleanser

This is such a whipped, delicious cleanser that leaves behind no icky residue.  And it smells so clean and fresh.  It's available at drugstores, it's good for you and the environment, and beats every high-end cleanser I've tried (except for La Mer's The Cleansing Oil...I mean...).  Occasionally I'll even do an in-shower spa-like treatment:  massage the cleanser into my skin, then rinse.  Next, I massage the product into my skin again but let it sit there until the very end of the shower, like a mask, and use either my Clarisonic or a wash cloth to gently buff it away.

9. My Doggies

As you might have seen in more than one Friday Flash, we have two beagles named Clark and Kent.  You can follow them on Instagram @TheSuperBeagles.  They're super cuddly and they don't bark much, but they do grunt like little piggies when they are really happy.  They're our best friends, they're family, and they have brought more joy into our lives than we can say!

10. Treat Beauty Lip Balm

Saw this jumbo tube o' balm on Kandee Johnson's YouTube Channel multiple times, so I ordered the Marshmallow flavor.  Holy wow. It's perfect.  So then I ordered the 3-pack.  And now they have holiday flavors which I'll also add to the collection.  Again, this is a good-for-you-and-the-environment product, so my three- and four-year-old nieces will get these in their Christmas stockings.

See you next week for the second installment!

(Photos c/o Lamer.com,  Amazon.com,  nyxcosmetics.com,  Drugstore.com,  thebalm.com,  Birchbox.com,  Beautezine.com,  Target.com,  and TreatBeauty.com)