What’s your current favorite mascara? Have you tried any of the new varieties and loved/hated them?

Welcome to another installment of Bionic Beauty Homemade with Joycey Couture!

Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s day- if there is only one thing in the world that is a certainty in life it’s that we all have chocolate in the house this time of year.

Once regarded as bad for our health, research has proven that dark chocolate is healthy- and not just to eat. The compounds found in chocolate can actually benefit the skin.

Time to melt down that left over Christmas candy!

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp cream, plain yogurt, or sour cream
• 3 tsp oats

Sooth your skin throughout the candy season with this scrumptious chocolate face mask!

Directions:

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Apply the mixture to your clean, dry skin and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Enjoy!

Stay Bionic,

Many years ago, I was a nail polish newbie, and I know from personal experience that some of the odd nail terms can be confuzzling. So here’s my handy little cheat-sheet to nail tech terminology…

Acetone: Solvent used to break down and remove nail polish and acrylic nails. A chemical in the ketone family. Acetone is neither better nor worse than non-acetone polish removers.

Acrylic nails: Two-part system of liquid (monomer) and powder (polymer). This type of product can be applied with one color of acrylic, pink and white acrylic for a Permanent French look, or can be applied with colored acrylic, glitter acrylic or in any combination. Commonly called “fake nails”.
Scientific details on Acrylic: Hardened and cured coating that comes from a precise mix ratio of liquid monomer and powdered polymer. Most acrylic monomers are made primarily from Ethyl Methacrylate (EMA). Polymers contain approximately 70% EMA and 30% MMA (Methyl Methacrylate), and a very small percentage of initiator, such as Benzoyl Peroxide. Note: MMA is not harmful when it is a solid (powder/polymer), but is considered harmful in its’ liquid form (monomer). Nail techs should avoid acrylic systems with MMA monomer.

Almost-black: a polish color that looks black or very, very close to black in normal light. In sunshine or bright indoor lighting you can typically see some hint of navy, purple or other dark color tinted in the polish.

American Manicure: A variation of the French Manicure (FM) where more a more natural white (i.e. not as bright as the white used in a French Manicure). The nail bed itself is typically colored in a more sheer manner (versus a more opaque nail bed in a FM).

Base coat: Typically a clear nail formula that is applied under colored nail polish. Base coats help prevent yellowing/staining of the nails, ease in polish removal, and can help increase length of wear. For best results, match your base coat to your polish – if your nail polish is Big 3 Free, use a base coat that is too; if it’s Big 3 polish, use a base coat that has formaldehyde. Popular base coats include CND’s Sticky and Dermelect’s Launchpad.

Big 3 Free: Refers to nail polish formulas that do not contain toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP (dibutyl phthalate). Acronym – B3F. For further information check out All Lacquered Up’s guide to the Big 3 Chemicals.

Chevron: In nails, refers to a style of French Manicure. Instead of following the natural curve of the nail tip with white or colored polish, an precise ^ (an inverted V) is used.

A diagram of fingernail parts

Cream or creme: A nail polish, lacquer, or enamel that has absolutely no glitter, shimmer, metallic properties.

Cuticle drag: Term used when a nail polish applies thinner, more translucent, towards the cuticle area. The color “drags” away from the cuticle area towards the main part of the nail bed. It can take several coats to cover this, or with some polishes- it never really covers.

Duochrome: A nail polish color that appears one color under a certain light, but when shown in another light or at a different angle, another color “flashes”. Common duochromes are pairs brown/green, purple/green (example: Rescue Beauty Lounge’s Scrangie).

Flat nail beds: What Jami (aka me, aka Bionic Beauty) suffers from and why my nails don’t grow more than a few millimeters past the nail beds before ripping or breaking. I’ve learned to love mine and if you have flat nail beds, I recommend you do the same. There’s no way to change ‘em. If you get Acrylic nails, be SURE to point out your flat nail beds. Otherwise your nails will be very sore for a few days until your fingers shape around the tough acrylic. Trust me.

French manicure: Nail polishing technique where the natural free-edge of the nail (tip) is painted white, and the nail bed is painted pink, beige, or clear, to mimic a healthy looking natural nail. Sometimes the moons (lunulas) are painted in as well.

Frost: Nail polish loaded with micro-shimmer particles. Frosted polishes are notoriously difficult to apply although they are getting better. Be sure to apply frosted polish in straight swipes with the polish brush… otherwise the frost particles look squiggly and messy.

The UV Gel curing process in action...

Gel nails: Gel acrylic is a one-part system consisting of the application of a thick viscosity gel acrylic. Gel is normally cured under a UV light. Do not confuse gel with traditional acrylic. Even though the two products are actually acrylic, they apply and wear differently. Gel applied over acrylic to seal the surface does not make your nails “Gel Nails”. Gel nails are a type of acrylic nails since they are made from the same class of acrylates, but with different molecular structures, appearance, application procedures and different curing methods.

Glimmer: Micro or mini glitter or shine particles. Added to polish colors for depth and a tiny bit of sparkle. In almost-black polishes, glimmer can be barely noticeable but allows the polish to show the undertones instead of appearing as plain, solid black.

Glitter: Larger chunks of metal pieces to add shine and shimmer to polish. Larger glitter flakes can make polish harder to remove since they snag the cotton remover pads. Glitter polish can also feel chunky after application. It’s typically best when paired with a thick top coat such as Seche Vite.

Holographic: Nail polish colors that are loaded with a special micro-fine shimmer (or diamond dust in the case of OPI’s DS polishes) that throws rainbows in the sun. My favorite polish of all-time is a holographic: OPI’s Designer Series in Glamour. Milani also released a very nice line of Holographic polishes in Spring 2010.

Moon: Small curved area just above the cuticle, typically a lighter color than the rest of your nail bed. Also called the half moon. Scientific term – lunulas.

Non-Acetone: Solvent used to break down and remove nail polish and acrylic nails. Non-acetone polish removers are made from MEK – methyl ethyl ketone, also a member of the ketone family. If you have acrylic nails and wish to remove your nail polish (and not your acrylic nails), then you should use a non-acetone based polish remover.

NOTD: Nail Of The Day. Acronym often used by nail bloggers.

Polish thinner: Not the same as polish remover. Thinner is the same (or similar) chemical solvent found in the polish that evaporates as it dries (and evaporates from the open bottle thus causing the polish to thicken over time). Polish remover breaks down the chemicals in polish, hence why it is not a good thinner.

Primer: Typically a liquid brushed on your nails before fake nails are applied. The primer dehydrates nails which will improve adhesion and help to prevent growth of yeast, bacteria and fungi.

Seal edges: Done by filing with a glass or crystal file. File lightly by swiping the file perpendicular to your nail edge at a 45 degree angle. It helps remove any roughness and helps your shape last longer.

Shimmer: See Glimmer above.

Smile line: The natural curve of the nail tip once it passes the nail bed. Some people have straight smile lines, others are more curved.

Tip buildup (also referred to as edge buildup): During application, a certain nail polish color, formula or brand may coagulate or “bunch up” at the edge/tip of your nail causing a thick lump. This is generally a sign of a poor applying polish.

Tip pull or Tip shrinkage: Commonly occurs with super-quick dry top coats or polishes that have a higher alcohol content. The fast drying causes the polish to shrink and pull away from the tip of your nail leaving the edge showing.

Top coat: Clear polish that is specifically designed to apply over colored nail polish or your manicure to increase wear and help prevent peeling/chipping. Commonly available in gloss, matte, shimmery, glittery, holographic. Popular top coats include Seche Vite and INM’s Out the Door.

Vampy: A very dark nail polish color.

Did I miss something you nail-related you wonder about? Please post in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer and keep this “Nail Dictionary” updated!

The holiday season is upcoming… by the way, you all are welcome to join me in hiding my head in the sand to pretend it’s not right around the corner. But in reality, whether it’s just a family gathering, some relaxing time in a cabin, or just dry skin from the no-humidity-winter, skin can look dull and dreary this time of year.

I’m going to let you in on my tried and tested glowing skin secret. I embrace my paleness and rarely use sunless tanner, so I look for other ways to help hide slight skin imperfections (such as the inevitable bruises, scraps, flaky skin, et cetera). Simply apply a slightly shimmery body lotion to your arms, legs, and chest. It’s typically not noticeable but makes your skin look soft and bright, dewey and fresh!

Don't bother with sunless tanner this winter. These shimmery body lotions will have you glowing in seconds!

My personal beauty stash favorites include:

• Urban Decay’s Midnight Cowboy – The scent is mildly tropical and guaranteed to warm your senses. The shimmer is gold-toned and looks splendid on legs! $28 at Sephora.com
• CND’s Scentsations Vanilla Shimmer Lotion – Warm vanilla comforts your nose, while the shimmer is perfect for your entire body but looks especially nice on arms and chest! Only $2.99 at Sally Beauty Supply!
• CND’s Sparkling Champagne Lotion (this one is a limited edition for the 2010 holiday season) – Geared toward holiday festivities, I love this new release from CND! Not yet released but check your local salons, spas and Sally stores.

And the best part is – it’s quick to apply and won’t stain your hands! Feel free to share your winter skin and holiday prep tips in the comments section below.

With all the new makeup and beauty products that launch every Fall and Winter, it’s a total nightmare to keep up with them! Total Beauty has a “summary” version with some of my new favorite items- including my current most loved lip product- Revlon’s Just Bitten lip stain markers. I’m SO in love with Midnight. It’s a gorgeous deep berry and lasts forever. The only drawback I’ve found is the little lip balm/top coat built into the opposite end cap is not stable (I’ll get a review up soon with swatches of the colors I have purchased). Mine always fall right off… then again, I am a bit klutzy.

Your Beauty CliffsNotes

These easy, trusty tips will have you covered day and night all through fall

This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty tips article Here are some autumn skin care suggestions as well as seasonal day and night makeup looks. Read cheat sheet

What are your favorite beauty items this fall? Are there any makeup looks that you were in cooler weather more than you would in the summer months?

Looking for the best bang-for-your-buck in the makeup aisle? Aren’t we all these days? I know my personal “fluff” beauty budget is beyond tight. I’m pinching half pennies at this point. Hence, I thought this new feature on Total Beauty might help us all out. It’s got ideas for those of us watching every makeup and skin care cent, and for those of us on a looser-budget.

What recommendations did Total Beauty have for you? Are there any celeb looks that inspired you to dig out some stuff from your makeup tote to copy?

Check out this new quiz from Total Beauty to help gather tips and ideas for your personal Fall 2010 look!

So go ahead, take the quiz (it’s short and quick), and then we can discuss our results in the comments section below…

Here are my results from TB’s quiz:

Sophisticated Chic – “You always look effortlessly sharp, yet have an ever-evolving sense of style. While you like to follow trends, you must make them your own in order to appreciate them.”

The celebs Total Beauty suggested that were “similar” to me – Estelle, Evan Rachel, and Sarah Jessica. Hmm… I only know SJP out of that list. I guess I’m WAY out of the current celeb loop, eh?

Last year I had a Bionic Asks “How do you do your eyebrows?” and there was a definite mix of Bionic Beauties who tweeze at home, or go to the salon for waxing, threading, or other specialty treatments.

Personally, I tweeze my own brows. I can’t justify the expense to “get them done” or the time; but I totally understand having your brows done by someone else. I will confess that I’ve always wanted Elke Von Freudenberg (the founder of the Beauty Blog Network, and a famous makeup artist brow-specialist) to check out my brows.

I seem to have a knack for my eye brows… but even so, this quicky series by Total Beauty has some great tips to remember when grooming your eye brows at home.

Eyebrows 101

See why having great brows is the best beauty-enhancing tip

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup tips article If you’ve ever seen before and after brow photos, you know what a difference well-defined ones make. Here are some tips to help you get your best brows yet. Read tips

One of the most frequent topics that fellow Bionic Beauties ask me via email is for mineral makeup application tips. I have some tricks n’ tips scattered in the archives of the Bionic Beauty blog, but I figured it was high-time I posted compiled list of my most useful application techniques.

Using a glazed terracotta pot saucer as a mineral makeup “tray” makes application onto your brush or sponge MUCH easier. I outlined my full technique in this article and added some photographs and further details. You can pick up these glazed pot bottoms at home improvement stores for around $1-2. They are easily sanitized too!

Many women think you can only apply mineral makeup with a brush. Step outside of that thought-box and check out my review of the Beauty Blender sponge. I also included a video from Beauty Blender themselves on how to use the sponge. It took me about a week to get my technique nailed, but now it’s a breeze.

If you’re not ready for the price of the Beauty Blender, but want to check out something similar, head to your local Target store. In the makeup aisle, you’ll find Sonia Kashuk’s blue version of this infamous makeup sponge. It usually runs around $8-$10.

In the hopes of helping you skip the awkwardness that I had when I got my first Beauty Blender, here is my step-by-step application technique…

1. Grab your Sonia Kashuk or Beauty Blender sponge and wet it thoroughly until it swells.
2. Make a fist and squeeze really well (this is great stress relief for me, by the way, ha!).
3. Then I squeeze mine lightly in a towel, so the sponge is now barely damp.
4. Dump your mineral makeup (or other powdered or liquid makeup) into your saucer, countertop, palm, wherever.
5. Lightly tap, tap, tap the large end (i.e. the bottom, wide part of the egg shape) sponge into a bit of the mineral makeup you’ve dumped out. Move over to a bare spot in your saucer and tap the sponge there a few more times. I find this step helps evenly spread the minerals on your sponge’s surface.
6. Now that your sponge is loaded, bounce the it around your face. It’s more like “pouncing” or “blotting” your face. Keep bouncing focusing on a large section of your face (but not your entire face at once). Start by applying less than you think you need- I have found that my makeup goes on so much more evenly with the Blender sponge that I don’t have to use nearly as much makeup to get the same coverage. Plus it looks like I am wearing a LOT less makeup!
7. To apply concealer, use the smaller/pointy tip of your sponge for precise application.
8. If your sponge dries out during your makeup process, just re-wet it and squeeze it out again.

As much as I love my Beauty Blender, I also love my flat-top bronzer brush (from Purely Cosmetics) to apply my mineral makeup. There are more application tips in my Purely Cosmetics review. You can see a photograph of the brush that I use: it’s bristles are about 3/4″ long and very tightly packed so you don’t lose your powder by it wandering up into the brush. You can use the brush damp too if you want!

Tips for mineral makeup application with a brush:

1. Dump some minerals out into your saucer, plate, etc. Swirl them around to spread them out a bit.
2. Tap your brush into them lightly. Tap any excess powder off on the side of the saucer (so that your saucer catches the excess).
3. Then go to a bare-ish spot on the saucer and swirl the brush to work the minerals evenly onto the brush tips. Hint: Don’t use much pressure because you don’t want the makeup pushing INTO the brush bristles, but just staying on the tips.
4. Go to one section of your face (I do my eyes first), dab the brush on and start blending around your face. Swirl some more. When you finish from your brows to your under-eyes, it’s probably time for a bit more minerals. If you still have plenty on your brush, you picked up too many in the beginning. Be sure to tap more off on the next “loading”.
5. Move onto the next section of your face.
6. For damp application with a brush~ You can use a spritzer bottle to mist the brush once. Then follow the steps above. Using a damp application method will get you more coverage, more even distribution, and it tends to look less like “makeup”.

My final tip is to mix your own custom tinted moisturizer using your favorite face lotion and your mineral makeup. This do-it-yourself makeup recipe is my go-to makeup when I am suffering from dry skin, seasonal or hormonal changes, flakes, “airplane” skin. It would also be perfect for after treatments of glycolic peels, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide.

If you’re new to mineral makeup, or had some difficulty with the application process, hopefully these tips can get you on the right path. And for my mineral makeup gurus out there, feel free to weigh in with your secret techniques too!