A FEW WORDS ABOUT HOLIDAY GLITTER

Happy Holidays,  everyone!

This is a re-post from 2011,  but according to my blog stats, it’s one of my most popular posts ever!  Enjoy…

Ah, glitter! Where would we dancers be without it? No doubt you've heard this saying  before:

"Glitter Is The Herpes Of The Art World"

I'm not sure who originally said this, but like Herpes, glitter is certainly the gift that keeps on giving-it gets all over everything, and stays embedded no matter how much you try to get rid of it. It sticks to you, your significant other, your pets, your furniture. In fact, I don't even think comparing it to Herpes drives home the point of how much glitter pollutes everything it gets near.

I prefer this saying, which I made up myself:

"Glitter Has More Of A Half-Life Than Uranium!"

What was once the sole domain of pre-teens and strippers, glitter is now a performance mainstay for all types of dancers...as well as gymnasts, cheerleaders and gals who like to sparkle on the dance floor during a night on the town.

And now that the Holidays are upon us, glitter is EVERYWHERE.

Glitter looks lovely under stage lights, it will highlight your every movement and make you look like a fairy dusted fantasy. It can be applied to the skin , and even on top of the stockings on your legs - or body stockings, if you wear them. There are many types of commercial body glitters available; they come in sprays, oils, and in little solid waxy bars as well as in the “sprinkle on” type. However, I prefer to make my own body glitter mix; it looks much better with my coloring, and it also saves money!

On your face and especially around your eyes, you must wear cosmetic glitter. In the old days glitter was made of metal flakes. Now, glitter is usually made of some type of copolymer plastic. The individual cosmetic glitter flakes are laser cut, in shapes that are are oval and/or rounded, not square or octagonal the way most craft glitter is cut. When used on your face, this will reduce (but not prevent!) any injury, should the glitter get into your eyes. Also, some craft glitter is still made of metal.

How do I know this? I am so glitter-obsessed that I actually have a friend who was a biology student at Berkeley look at many types of body glitter, craft glitter and cosmetic grade glitter under her microscope! I sent her lots of unlabeled glitter samples, and she told me what shape they were and what they were made of…it was extremely educational!

But back to making your own body glitter and saving money by doing it- since you will not risk potential injury by using craft glitter on your body, there is no need for you to buy expensive, pre-made body glitter.

Buy a few different colors of regular, inexpensive craft glitter, the kind in the big shakers, then mix them up in a jar and pop it into your gig bag, along with a small container of hand lotion or body cream. When you want to glitter up, just mix the two products in the palm of your hand and apply it liberally to your skin.

For my own body glitter mix, since I am fair-skinned, I use equal parts of lavender, opalescent pink, iridescent white, gold and silver. If you have skin that is darker, you might want to also mix in shades of bronze, orange, opalescent yellow and copper.

Deeper colors of glitter such as dark reds, purples, black, blues or greens tend to look ashy and strange onstage, so stick to a mix of shades that enhance your natural skin tone.

Insane as this may sound, I also think glitter is a great exfoliant! When you wash it off in the shower, it totally helps to slough off any rough or dead skin cells.

A word to the wise: though glitter looks great in motion ( such as in performance, on film or videotape) but in still photos, but it can appear gritty and make your skin look bumpy, unless you are photographed from very close up, so think about doing some promo shots without it, then adding on the sparkles... or just saving it for performances.

Oh, and be prepared to sleep in a bed full of pixie dust, because that’s exactly what you’ll be doing post-show, even if you showered the moment you got home!

I’ll say it one more time: do not use craft glitter on your face!

Now get on out there and SPARKLE!

 #

If you’d like to purchase latest book, Showgirl Confidential: My Life Onstage, Backstage And On The Road  and have me sign it for you, or for a gift, click here:  http://www.princessfarhana.com/book_showgirl.htm

WHAT THE &%@*$# ARE YOU PUTTING ON YOUR FACE?

 Here’s a dirty little secret…

Did you know that most of your cosmetics and beauty tools  come with expiration dates? If you’re wondering why your face is breaking out constantly, why you are prone to eye infections  or  why a certain cream, powder or gel irritates your face, old beauty products just might be the culprit.

This is a list of commonly used beauty products and their life expectancy:

  FACE

 MASCARA AND  LIQUID, GEL  OR CAKE  EYELINER

 These products are good for three months, tops- because the mascara  or eyeliner is is wet and gets “contaminated” every time the brush goes into the tube then onto your eye and back into the tube, it  literally becomes a breeding ground for bacteria! You wouldn’t put the contents of a Petri dish on your eyes, right? Well,  that’s exactly what you’re doing  every time you use an out-dated liquid, gel or cream eye product!

I date all of mine with a Sharpie and toss them after three months.  Sure, it gets expensive….but  eye doctor appointments are even more expensive!

And please don’t ever  lend these products to anyone, even your bestie.

 EYELASH GLUE AND ADHESIVE

 If you keep the cap on tightly and store the glue in a cool, dark place, you could probably keep the glue up to  six months… but again- this stuff goes on your eyes! You can never be too careful. If it smells fishy or like bleach, get rid of it pronto!

FALSE EYELASHES

 Yes, darling, they can be re-used!   I’ve had some sets of lashes for months- they just need to be cared for properly. After each use, I pick the remaining glue off the band of the lash, then swab it with a Q-tip full of alcohol to kill any bugs or germs before storing the lashes in their original container, set into the tray they came in, so that they retain their shape.

  EYE AND LIP PENCILS AND CRAYONS

Eye and lip pencils  will last up to a year if  you care for them correctly. Make sure to sharpen the pencils  before every use- or at least once a week -to prevent  transferring bacteria to your eyes or mouth.  If you notice a textural or color change- particularly a weird white coloring at the tip of the pencil, get rid of it stat!

LIQUID OR  CREAM FOUNDATION , CONCEALERS AND CREAM BLUSH

Three to six months, depending on whether you use your ( clean) fingers,  or  a disposeable sponge to  apply it. Every time the sponge touches your face, it is transferring bacteria from your skin  right back to the product. Make sure to keep all of these containers tightly sealed, and stored in a cool, dry place.

 Definitely discard any liquid foundations that have separated, or any creamy make up item that smells funny.

POWDER EYESHADOW , FINISHING POWDER AND POWDER BLUSH

 Generally speaking, these products have a “life expectancy” of two years. You could probably use them a little beyond that, but the  texture will be different- older powders  will be more flakey and dry, and the color may be a little off.

LIPSTICK AND LIP GLOSS

 Lipstick can last up to two years, if  you take care of it properly.  Some gals like to store it in the refrigerator in the summer, to prevent melting and breakage.  Throw your lipsticks away if they smell icky or become discolored.  You can make an older lipstick “new” again  by slicing off the tip with a knife.  As for lip glosses, they will last up to a year- again, it’s the concept of liquid/gel as a breeding ground for  bugs and bacteria.

 SKIN CARE PRODUCTS AND FACE CREAMS

 Most over the counter skin care products  will last about six months to a year, though  if you’re an anti-aging slut ( like me!)  you’ll use them up way before there’s an expiration issue!

Any  products  that are  organic, "all natural", or those containing antioxidants ( like Vitamin E or C ) or those with  retinals  should definitely be stored away from sunlight. Again, if  your skin care creams  smell funky  or have gotten separated, lumpy or  thinner, just to be safe... throw them away!

MAKE UP BRUSHES AND COSMETIC SPONGES

Bacteria and sebaceous oils  can easily get  trapped in  make up sponges and brushes… which is bad for your tools and  even worse for your skin!

 I wash all my brushes at least once every two weeks in tepid water with mild soap or baby shampoo. To dry,  lay brushes flat on a soft, clean towel  so the bristles don't break or lose their shape. If you care for your brushes well,  they can last for years!

 Toss cosmetic sponges roughly once every month or so, or any time you notice them cracking or flaking.  Better yet, invest in the disposable kind!

  HAIR

BLOW DRYERS

 A  good blow dryer ought to last at the very least one to seven  years, depending on the make of the dryer, how often-or carelessly- you use it, if it is dropped, gets hair clogged in the vents, etc.

FLAT IRONS

 One to four years depending on use; the ceramic plates  and heating elements  on the flat iron are usually the first thing to go.

 HAIR BRUSHES

A good hairbrush can last for years- even a cheap one can- it just depends on how  you maintain it.  Make sure  to clean your brush regularly, by removing the hair from it, and swishing it around in a bath of hot water and mild detergent, then letting it dry naturally, before using it.

 MISCELLANEOUS

 MAKE UP REMOVERS

 Usually, these products are used up too quickly to go bad- but if you’ve opened a product , had it for a few months and it smells odd, do a little patch test on your wrist or inner elbow  to check for irritation before using it on your face!

As for make up wipes and towellettes, the liquid product in the package can tend to dry up rather quickly… say, two months. In order to keep mine fresh,  every time I use a wipe, I put the package back on the shelf in a different position- right side up, upside down or on it’s side- this will ensure that the towellettes stay saturated  with the remover product and easy-to-use.

HAND  AND BODY LOTION

 Since we tend to use an awful lot of these and they’re relatively inexpensive, expiration is not usually an issue.  Sealed in the container, they will last  about a year. After being opened, you’ll probably use the product up fairly quickly. But if you’ve had the lotion  for about six months, or it begins to smell off, get rid of  any unused portion.

SUNSCREEN

 Most sunscreens last for two to three years, and, unlike "regular" cosmetics,  many have an expiration date  printed right on the tube or bottle! This means that you can use them from one season into the next-yay! I always date my sunscreen with a sharpie pen, just to make sure I’m getting full coverage.

NAIL POLISH

 Though bacteria won’t really last -or reproduce-in nail polish because it’s a “hostile environment”, the polish itself  may lose color, separate or become gummy and tacky over time.  Most nail polishes have a shelf-life of about two years. They won’t harm you if they expire, but they may not go on well or look their best.

SAY CHEESE: BEAUTIFUL MAKE UP FOR PHOTO SESSIONS

  I just received an email  from a well-known dancer who is about to do a photo session with an well-known photographer.  Her email  had an emergency feel to it because apparently, the photographer instructed her to  show up for the shoot with “light make up, no eyeliner and no glitter”. 

  The tone of  her email was urgent and she sounded stressed to the max about this- it was a belly dance shoot, after all! She was after my opinion regarding his decree.

 So  I answered her email right away…  after diplomatically inquiring  as to whether the photographer in question was smoking crack!

Before I hit “send”,  I re-read my answer,  and  realized that I should  share it with you, dear readers, so here goes:

As dancers, it is  absolutely necessary for us to have an exotic, compelling look- we are not going after  a fresh-faced portrait, we are entertainers, and we need to look the part!

 I’m valiantly hoping that the  “no eyeliner” comment  was because some people do an extremely think black line on the bottom lide,  hoping it will look natural in the pictures…but it actually tends to look harsh.

As for the  glitter: I agree with the photographer-do not use it during  your photo shoots unless it’s for a extreme close up.

 If you know me ( whether in real life or on social media!) then you  know I'm all about the glitter... just  not  for photo sessions.

Why?

Glitter looks amazing in motion-  such as in  any sort of live performance, or  on film or video, but in  still photos, it can look downright weird… sort of sandy and grainy, or it  can  appear to be small white specks. For photos,  I only put glitter on at the very end of the shoot and  then  knock off a  quick bunch of  extreme  close up shots.

 I have a pretty specific formula I stick to for my “generic” dance  photo sessions- dark eyes,  soft looking skin and a  lighter  glossy mouth. Unless I’m  going after an unusual or  fantasy look, I use this formula  and it has never failed me.

 Peruse these pictures – all taken at different times, in a range of lighting situations by  a variety of photographers, and  you can see that  formula in action in every shot.

 So here’s what else  I do:

SKIN

 In still photos I  use foundation only. I always try to avoid powder, because I favor a  very dewy 
 ( hence, younger!)  look. Powder is terrific for the stage,  but in  photos it  can accumulate and actually accent  creases or wrinkes- or even the small, fine barely-there lines around the eyes!  And while a matte finish  looks marvelous on a twenty year old with flawless skin, I  prefer  my own skin to look  glowing and  pearly… so I save the powder for live performances, where it will also keep my sweat  under control!

 Fresh looking, dewy skin means  foundation only, no powder. I always  mix a dab of MAC’s Strobe Cream into my foundation to get a really lustrous and glowing-from-within look.

CHEEKS

 I use coral or true  rosy pink  blush on the  apples of the cheeks only.  Using blush on the apples will give you an instant "facelift"  and make you look gorgeous and healthy. If you  are darker skinned,  for your blush  colors  go with   brick tones,  true reds, deep mauves or  even burgundy… but really try avoiding anything that looks too muddy- by that I mean too dark, or colors with gray under-tones. For blush in photo shoots, stay away from anything pearly, because it will reflect light and look too theatrical- and presumably  you  want to look  pretty, not  shiny and weird, right?

Contouring is a must for the stage and in my opinion, necessary for photos, too. However,  make sure you place the contour color ( a soft  taupe is good for almost any skin tone) just under your natural cheek bone, and blend it well. Again, you do not want to use a shiny or pearly color for this; a matte finish powder is best  for the job because you’re creating the illusion of a shadow. Blend, blend, blend…. you don't want those   definite  1980's style lines...I’ll say it again: blend!

  Use a soft  white, eggshell or  beige-toned  pearly highlighter ( powder or cream, your choice) on the tops of cheekbones and up  to the temples, into  the hairline. This type of highlighting is an optical illusion  that  will draw the planes of your cheek bones forward,  and make your bone structure look insane.  It will also make your visage  look luminous, as though natural light is hitting  you in a very flattering way.

 

EYES

 If you’re  taking  dance shots,  you need to look dramatic and stunning. Period, end of sentence! Heavily lined dark eyes- think  smoky eyes  in  blacks, grays or browns   with  big  lush  faux lashes- are absolute classics for  almost any  type of dance you can think of…ballet, samba, jazz, hip hop, or whatever- and  this super-smoldering look   is , of course, always  right-on for any sort of belly dance or burlesque photo!

I like to go crazy with the eyeliner, it’s practically my trademark- but you might not be into such an extreme look… let your own taste dictate! A nice look that is finished and  defined without being extreme would be to line your top lids, and on the bottom lid, just  use  a dark powder shadow, blended well to look soft. 

 I've said this before and I'll say it again: please don't believe the stuff you hear about black eyeliner making your eyes look small!

Look at my eyes in these pictures  and you will see.  In real life, my eyes are very small and almond shaped. With black eyeliner  that s extended  from the outside corners, you can see how large my eyes look. Again, it's an  illusion...and when you're wearing an incredible  costume and lots of bling,  your  eyes need to be accented  enough to match the sheer volume of your outfit!

  Use  a lighter color on the brows than you would onstage. In performance, you have to accentuate your brows and make them darker so that they’re visible under the hot lights or in a dark club,  but for photos you  need a  much softer look. I usually use  dark brown brow  powder  for photographs, whereas onstage, I  use black pencil!  Redheads- be ware of using a brow color that's too red or russet- it will look strange. A light brown ought to suffice.  And blonde ladies-  if you're not a bootle blonde, believe me, you need brow color!  Use a  bare whisper of taupe for brows that are "there" but not cartoon-like.

Unless you’re going for a period-specific look, like a  classic  pin up  with thicker ‘50’s style brows-think Liz Taylor  or Audrey Hepburn-  or a 1920’s feel, with a pin-thin  brow, follow the natural shape of your brows and  then fill them in with light, feathery strokes.

 LIPS

For pictures, personally I’m all about  having  a  natural lip.

 Ha-  bet you never thought I’d utter the word “natural” while referring to my  make up,  didja?!  

I have been known to rock an amazing frosty teal shade of lipstick- but that was for a character promo  pictures.

 For my own  "regular" promo photos, I  prefer the focus to be on my eyes, so  for my lip color I go  with light peaches to corals- but not too orangey or chalky and matte. I also like  pinks  in various shades or beige skin tones.  This is because in close ups and portraits,  deep colors can   often  make the mouth look smaller and the lips almost too thin-  no matter what size they really are-which also  ages your face significantly, or merely accentuate your age! 

 For stage or pictures, I line my lower lip  around the outside of the lip-line to create a plump and luxuriant effect. I put my lip color on first, and then  I use the pencil- it looks  way less harsh this way.

I use a lot of lip gloss in photographs too, because it looks luscious and  seriously yummy. On stage, it’s a no-no  because it  just won’t stay put and will also  attract anything from  your own hair to errant feathers or sequins!   But for photos? Hell yeah!

 Don’t be afraid to experiment with your make up for photo shoots- but make sure you do an ample amount of test-runs  well before the shoot itself.

And even if the photographer tells you not to use eyeliner...you should still make sure to give  photo credit whenever you can!

 Photo Credits:

 First and last shots by Lapis

Second  and fourth photo  by Dusti Cunningham

Third photo by Celeste Hines

DRUG STORE COWGIRL: TWELVE INEXPENSIVE BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT JUST MIGHT CHANGE YOUR LIFE

 These days, cosmetic science is evolving almost as fast as electronic science- there are so many innovative and inexpensive products coming out on the market it’s hard to keep up with them! Happily, that means that a hefty price tag is no longer a prerequisite for a great beauty product.  Just in case it's not entirely obvious, I'm an absolute  make up fanatic, and one of my favorite...er...hobbies is looking for inexpensive cosmetics  that perform well  on or off stage!

 Here are some of my favorite drug store cosmetics, all of which are more than worth their price, and widely available. 

 EYES

Revlon Precision Lash Adhesive

  I can’t rave enough about this fantastic product! It’s one of the best discoveries I’ve made in the past year, I am totally addicted! The main reason most chicks have a problem applying their falsies is because they put the glue on and don’t wait for it to get tacky enough to set on the lash. But you won’t have that problem with Lash Precision-it’s perfect for those who are not experienced with applying false eyelashes- or those in a rush on their way to a show- because the moment you apply the glue, it’s tacky enough to put the lash directly onto your eye with no wait time whatsoever!  This little gem comes in clear or black glue, and features a fine-tipped brush applicator, which will enable you to paint the glue onto the lash with no messy drips. The formula is also   great for those with Latex sensitivity- no more swollen weepy eyes! A godsend for newbies and make up addicts alike!

Wet N Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Palettes

 Through out the years, Wet N Wild has offered a great selection of cosmetics for the budget-minded, but these new palettes are just incredible! An absolute steal at under seven bucks a pop, the palettes feature either four or eight trays of lush, hyper-pigmented frosty color, which means you can use them wet or dry. Seriously, the quality of these eye shadows are comparable to Mac or Nars! And the little purse-sized palettes mean they are perfectly transportable in dancer’s gig bag. Two of my fave collections are  “Blue Had Me At Hello” ( some of the shades are pictured on my eye, above) an eight-shadow palette with frosty white, metallic silver, pearlescent teal, minty aqua, royal blue, navy, flat black and black with silver glitter;  and  “I’m Getting Sunburned”, a four-pack with a beautiful blue/pink, a metallic bronze, dark brown with copper glitter and rich black. 

Ardell Double Up Lashes

Some of you might remember a post I did a while ago on double stacking lashes…well, these come that way already!  They have a full, thick and slightly uneven look that makes their appearance a little more “natural”… well… not really, but that’s why we use them, right?  Anyway, these’d be terrific for use onstage or just for a glam night on the town- and they go for $3.99-$5.99 depending on where you buy them. Use them with the Lash Precision glue!

 L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Shocking Extension Mascara

This stuff really works!  You’ll ridiculously get long, thick, luxurious lashes with just a few swipes of the wand. The fibers in it somehow don’t clump into scary Tammy Faye Bakker lashes, either. I was blessed with a lot of things, but beautiful eyelashes just wasn’t one of them…when I use this mascara, you’d never know! Try it, you’ll become devoted.

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips

 Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow And Liner 

Another handy palette, these eye assortments comes in a cute box trimmed with black lace, and creates perfect, dimensional ombre smoky eyes…of any color. Some are intended for certain eye colors, such as green or hazel, but the Nude palette, a mix of matte and pearly colors, would be terrific on anyone. Under ten bucks, and considerably less depending on where you shop.

 Urban Decay  Glitter Liner

 By far the most sparkly and stay-put glitter liners on the market.  Unlike other brands that barely leave a trace, the Urban Decay Glitter Liners are packed with color and glitter, so they really shine and twinkle when you’re onstage. They look great on their own with a couple of coats, but for extra drama, layer them over eye shadow of the same tone, like bronze on bronze, turquoise on top of teal- you get the idea. They come in eleven different colors, and all of them look like a serious explosion of bling!

LIPS

Revlon’s Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

A super-fantastic cross between lip balm and lipstick, this product slides on easily and precisely, and it is shaped like a chunky crayon with a pointed tip that doesn’t need to be sharpened. The candy-like colors stay put for ages, and have a nice moist sheen, but are not gloppy at all.  There’s a huge array of shades- the one I use the most right now is  # 040, a punchy perfect coral that is not chalky-looking or old lady-ish at all.

 Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm

 I’m sure you’re already extremely familiar with Burt’s Bees incredible line of skin care and cosmetics…but their tinted lip balms are the bomb! They’re perfect for any season- great for winter, because the 100% natural botanical waxes and shea butter condition your lips as they add a pretty color, while being light enough for summer, with shimmering sheer shades that don’t look too over done, and aren’t messy even if you apply the balm a little haphazardly. Available in nine shades, at about seven bucks apiece, my favorite shade is Red Dahlia.

  SKIN

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream

  The new buzzword in cosmetics is BB...and if you’re wondering what the heck a BB is, the initials  stand for Beauty Balm, which is a multi-purpose product that provides skin care and coverage.   Beauty Balms mask imperfections like a foundation, but they are lighter and don’t cake up.  They hydrate and brighten the skin, while providing a sunscreen.

 In other words, how did we ever live without them? 

Maybelline Dream BB Cream is hands-down the best BB I’ve tried yet- and I’ve tried a lot of them.  It glides onto the skin, provides coverage for redness and zits, and it looks dewy and fresh. Plus, Maybelline’s version has five shades, while most BB creams only offer two or three.  While it’s too sheer to use onstage, I highly recommend this stuff for real life, especially on those days when you’re running out to a dance class, but don’t wanna look like a hag!

 Urban Decay Afterglow Glide On Cheek Tint

 I was never really a fan of creamy cheek color; I much preferred powder until I tried this nifty stuff.  The formula is silky and glides on evenly whether you’re putting it on bare skin or over foundation or a BB cream.  Because the tints are sheer and natural looking, you can build the color up to increase the color value. Yummy.  

Boots No.7 Photo Fix Primer

Finally! An inexpensive primer that allows your foundation to slide on easily and faultlessly.  I love this stuff: it’s light and doesn’t feel greasy, in fact it’s barely noticeable, but it also seems to “fill in” problem areas like smile lines or crow’s feet without looking cakey at all.

Lumene Pure radiance Day Cream SPF15

I discovered Lumene products in Finland in 2011, and I just adored them.  On that trip, I started stressing about how I was going to get more, but wouldn’t ya know that the moment I got home, they became available in the USA?  Cool! Their products are natural, mostly made with Arctic Cloudberry. I’m not entirely sure what exactly that is, but let me tell you, all their stuff feels amazing on your face!  Aside from this emollient cream, they make a variety of facial washes, toners, and eye creams, and every single item I have tried just rocks! Super affordable and wildly repairing.  Go for it!

CUTE HOLIDAY COSTUMES!

  Happy  Holidays, everyone!

The Holiday Season  can be stressful for some people, especially this year, with the  awful one-two punch of Superstorm Sandy and the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.

 But it's also one of the most magical times of the year,  full of love and  lights and glitter...

...and nobody- but NOBODY does holiday glitz  better than dancers!


 Just for fun and a touch of levity, here are some of my favorite  holiday- themed costumes- ENJOY!

Belly dancer Leyla Soleil  in a costume by Eshta Amar:

Burlesque  dancers The Poubelle Twins:

The Morgan Sisters,  Molly & Bonnie in their "Santa Baby"  contortion act:

Bella Luna  ATS  Troupe as Santa's Helpers

The Schlep Sisters, Minnie Tonka  and Darlinda Just Darlinda  lighting the Menorah

Belly dancer Najla  raqqin'  some Poinsettias

Burlesque dancer Kitten DeVille trimming her Christmas tree

Belly Dancer  Najah's  Santa's Reindeer  costume

  ...and of course my Princess Claus  costume!