a beauty loft

“Beauty Against Bullying”- Raise Awareness, Let’s Talk About It!

19.10.12

Can we please take a moment to discuss bullying and how it is affecting our youth? When our parents were young, the kids that picked on the ‘geeks’ were called ‘bullies’, but the extent of the ‘bullying’ was generally nothing that could hold a flame to what children/teens are experiencing in 2012. Bullying has the power to drive them to self destruction, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, isolation… the list can go on and on. In one sentence- bullying is causing individuals to hurt themselves and others… we have to find a way to stop this.

Included in this article is the information for an event happening this coming Sunday October 21tst in Stroudsburg, PA. The parties involved have come together to raise awareness to the effects of bullying and are trying to spread the word of its venom in attempts to stop it. This is something close to my heart and I thought I would tell my story:

I personally was at the receiving end of torturous bullying for over 3 years in high school. Now as an adult, I think back to how juvenile it all was and can brush it off, but it was quite the contrary as a teen. I was bullied by 7 girls in the grades above me from 9th grade through 11th. To this day I can name each girl and each moment they affected me.

In the 9th grade I was walking down the packed halls of my small, suburban, mid-west high school with a girlfriend and heard some commotion behind me. I looked over my shoulder to see a group of girls laughing, but thought nothing of it. Moments later, I was being pushed down a stairwell only to crash at the bottom along with the multiple classmates I had taken down with me. At the top of the stairs I saw the same group of girls laughing, but again, really thought nothing of it. Not more then 5 minutes went by before I was cornered at my freshman locker by these very same girls that, at the time, I couldn’t name if you paid me. I had no idea why they were there, who they were or what they wanted with me. They kept screaming in my face things like “do you know who I am b*#!h?” along with every derogatory name they could muster up. Conveniently, this happened during class change, so you can imagine the plethora of faces I had staring at me.

I would like to backtrack for a moment and mention that the night before this all happened, I had unexpectedly lost my great grandmother. She was one of the dearest and most special people in my life, one that to this day I mourn the loss of daily. Needless to say, when these events took place I was in no position to put up a fight. I was completely baffled and already so drained; they ‘smelled the blood’ and came in for more.

I do not recall how the screaming and shoving at my locker stopped, but it didn’t stop for long. About 15 minutes later, the girls appeared in the locker room as I was changing for gym. They, along with a few faces added to their posse, cornered me to continue with the screaming and name calling. I broke down and I started to cry. I wanted to know why were they bothering me and who they were. The fact that I finally shed tears excited them. I begged them to stop. At this point a friend of mine had chimed in something along the lines of “leave her alone, she lost her grandmother last night”, but they thought this was hysterical. I very clearly remember one of them saying “good, now she doesn’t have to deal with you anymore”. I cannot remember another time in my young adult life that I was more confused and alone then in that locker room.

From that day on, I walked the halls of my high school in fear of what was going to happen next. Often, they screamed awful things at me with full hallways. They threw their lunches at me, followed me to sporting events after school and harassed me there too. I, at one point, had an entire stall in my high school bathroom dedicated to calling me awful names. I would often hear from friends that there was a new phrase or curse referring to me. Many times, the school would paint over the black permanent marker, but it would be back in just a few days. I often missed school or went to the nurse’s office just to get away from it. My parents came to the school, my mom came with me to the sporting events, my father threatened to sue, but it did nothing. The girls started coming into my work where they knew I had to be kind to them. There, they would make their comments knowing I had to smile through it for the sake of my job.

One day it did stop. After 3+ years, I finally had enough. While I was walking the empty halls, the ‘ring leader’ of this girl posse was perched on a railing with one of my male classmates. She pulled her usual name calling routine, but this time I did not just keep walking and hang my head. I finally screamed back. I let it all out and let me tell you; the look in her eyes showed her fear. This look was no doubtably the same look they saw on my face the day this all began. The difference between her and I? I didn’t get pleasure out of her fear. I simply wanted to be left alone. This was they day it all began to stop. Word must have spread amongst the girls because the bullying dwindled quickly. When they got brave and tried for a bit more, I fought back with a vengeance (figuratively, not physically).

In the middle of my 11th grade year, I was finally free. It stopped. I still get angry when I think of all that they did to me, but I am grateful. Their torture made me stronger and taught me to be heard; to stand up for myself. I went to years of therapy to gain back the confidence they so successfully took from me and can now look back with pity for them. I might get angry on occasion, but I wish them well. We were kids and obviously their parents did not teach them compassion and kindness. I sincerely hope they never have to comfort their child who is at the receiving end of bullying.

Following my run with these girls in high school, I participated in a group that worked to bring awareness to bullying. I spoke at convention centers to teens, did TV shows and mentored others going through it. This was 10 years ago. I am saddened that it has taken this long for those at the receiving end of bullying to finally find a voice. Children and teens are getting hurt, they are harming themselves, they are harming others. It has to end and the severity of bullying needs to be heard. The only way this will stop is to talk about it. I am a stronger woman today because of my experience, but not everyone comes out that way. We need to take it seriously and we need to act. Please check out the event below. I am volunteering my makeup services to the runway show. It if you cannot attend, please spread the word and/or donate.

Beauty Against Bullying- Celebrity Fashion Show and Fundraiser

Stroudsburg, PA – October 21st, 2012 – Celebrities from the fashion world are teaming up with local sponsors to raise awareness to the detrimental effects bullying has on our youth. Dawn Notaro, fashion stylist and proprietor of Stroudsburg business, Dawn of New York is teaming up with a myriad of fashion, health and fitness and beauty celebrities to host a Celebrity Fashion Show and Charity event at the Chateau in Tannersville on Sunday, October 21^st at 3pm. America’s Next Top Model Nastasia Scott, Former Miss Teen America Katarina Kneer, Jazmin Brown:14 year old fashion designer, Liz Gaspari, Denis Sergovskiy IFBB Professional Bodybuilder, Jerseylicious’ Tracy Di Marco, Corey Eps and Miguel Allure Rodriguez and Glam Fairy’s Jon Kutlu are among the celebrities donating their time to this worthy event.

Dawn Notaro has made stomping out bullying one of her life callings. The event has been organized to ”raise awareness, increase self esteem – and mostly show that no matter what your size, shape, age, color or gender -your beauty can shine like a bright light from within!”

Dawn of New York, 4Corners Health and Fitness, Pocono Prep, HarryB. Videos, Minuteman Printing and Lora Warnick Photography have banded together to benefit and put the spotlight on KidsPeace, Angels Without Wings:Battling Bullying, Susan Korwin Life Consultant and Author , Bully Busters and TapOut Bullying by Rob Fletcher, Founder of America’s Next Great Trainer.

Tickets to this amazing Fashion Show and After Party are $25.00 and are available at www.beautyagainstbullying.eventbrite.com. For further information please contact Dawn Notaro at 917-751-4953.

I sincerely thank you for reading,

-x-

JenniferK

The Ugly Truth of Growing Out Your Eyebrows

11.10.12

If their done right, it can transform any face into a more youthful, elegant, sophisticated, or even exotic appearance. But if done wrong, it can throw off your whole face making you look evil, old, or surprised.

We’re talking about eyebrows here in case you didn’t catch on yet.

My obsession with a well groomed eyebrow began in high school with nothing but a bottle of Nair to clean them up. Eventually I moved onto waxing, and I’ve had the same eyebrow woman for probably about 7 years (haaay Nina!). However at this point Nina may be wondering where I’ve been. I haven’t called or visited since February 2012. I blame Lily Collins.

Let me explain. I have a severe case of Lily Collins brow envy. They are disgustingly perfect—thick and full with the perfect subtle arch. So in effort to achieve Collins brow status, I’ve given up waxing or plucking my eyebrows for a full year.

It’s not easy. Four months in, the phrase “You need to do your eyebrows”, rolled off the tongues of my sister and cousin in laws. “No, I’m letting them grow out,” I defensively would explain. Blank stares ensued.

I found myself praying the shampoo girl didn’t notice my unkempt brows while sudsing up my tresses whenever I had a hair appointment.

Applying makeup isn’t fun anymore–why even bother highlighting my brow bone? To emphasize the ugly stray hairs that refuse to grow back in a nice looking formation? No thanks.

Eyebrow Close Up 300x225 The Ugly Truth of Growing Out Your Eyebrows

Six months of no plucking or waxing

I’ve come close to picking up the phone and making an appointment with Nina because my brows give me so much anxiety. Who even knows if they will grow in anymore? Am I tarnishing my rep as a beauty blogger with such hideous eyebrows?

But then I’m reminded of why I started this crazy eyebrow journey and why I love Lily Collins eyebrows so much. It’s a return to a simpler and more natural version of me—which is why I love the bold brow trend.

So for the remaining 4 months, I’ll keep my eye on the prize and fingers on my Laura Mercier eyebrow gel.

FA1291616E2C1EFFDFE71FFF82805E89 The Ugly Truth of Growing Out Your Eyebrows

My Obsession With the Studded Nail Trend Continues

09.10.12

So after my nails got so much attention from last week’s studs and oxblood look, I adorned my nails with studs again—with some inspiration from my favorite nail blogger The Nailasaurus.

For the color, I turned to my September Birchbox and used a dark denim color from the Color Club Custom Collection nail polish in Status Update ($8). Three studs were used on each nail starting towards the base of the nail in a linear pattern.

I think at this point I may have to eat my words on my dislike for nail art….

FA1291616E2C1EFFDFE71FFF82805E89 My Obsession With the Studded Nail Trend Continues

Interview with Famed Makeup Artist Troy Jensen

05.10.12

There is no doubt that when you look at stars like Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and Elle Macpherson you see beautifully poised women, but what you also see is often the work of famed Makeup Artist Troy Jensen. He has been working in the industry for 26 years and in his words, “I came here with a dream and nothing else. I thank God I ended up how I did.” He tells me the story of how he arrived at his first makeup job with a paper bag full of Revlon products (he still has a soft spot for Revlon) and thought: “What am I doing? I have no business being here.” He knew he had something that set him apart: a love for his craft and the knowledge that he was just genetically programed to make women beautiful with a makeup brush. Based on his portfolio, plethora of magazine covers and high profile clients, the years of hard work and determination are paying off.

To start the interview, I ask Troy what he is currently doing and what he has coming up. He tells me that he is currently on a short lunch break on set and has budgeted this time to speak with me. I get butterflies because it hits me – I am speaking to an incredibly talented man who has reached a level of success I can only dream of. He tells me of his excitement for the entrance of fall because this is the time that Makeup Artists find most of their inspiration and are trying new trends.

“All makeup trends start on the runway, make their way to the red carpet, and are finally solidified by the average consumer – the women wearing them and owning them daily.”

He tells us of his new adventures coming up: his collaboration with and love of a new brand called Sindulge (sindulge.com), a cruelty free makeup line that has highly pigmented formulas that perform perfectly. Troy will soon be doing tutorials and offering tips with the line, so stay tuned to their site and www.troyjensen.com.

“If I could fill my kit with only products that were cruelty free, I would. How great is it to be using products on clients and know that they weren’t produced in undesirable circumstances? Stay tuned because as I discover it, I will share it.”

One trend Troy is really loving is the Bordeaux lip. Many of us have seen it but are often too intimidated to try it. Troy’s tip to make this deep, sexy color wearable and easy to apply? Your finger! Apply the color with your finger (not from the tube) and smudge it into the lips rather then applying it on top of the lips. Follow with a clear gloss. There is no hard line (read: lip liner) and no worrying about your hair getting caught in the color and smudging it all over your face. Yes, we have all been there. For a look with just one step, swipe on Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss in Black Tie Plum.

Another loved trick of Troy’s is to apply an illuminating product like Benefit’s Whatts Up in specified spots to achieve the look of an inner glow. Apply it down the center of the nose, on the inner corners of the eyes, the cupids bow on the upper lip, just above the cheekbones, along the ridge of the jawline, on the clavicle bone, the shoulders, and down seem of the legs. This can be applied under foundation, on top or both. The effect is glowing skin that doesn’t look shiny or overdone. Troy has filmed a really fun and charismatic video with Benefit for their illuminating products, see it here.

Troy’s most loved makeup technique is something he calls “The Troy Jensen Smokey Flair” which is basically a fool proof way to get a smokey eye with a sex-kitten edge. He breaks down the steps for us:

Curl your lashes.
Line the upper lid with a brown/bronze pencil then smudge it a bit.
Using a dampened small, soft, and narrow brush to apply bronze/brown shimmery shadow over the line.
Use the brush to extend the line to the thickness and length (winged, cat-eye, etc.) you want.
Apply lots of black mascara, at least two coats.
Draw a thin line very close to the lashes with a black liquid liner.
Using your brush, blend it all together.

He tells me of how he has one room in his house dedicated to just makeup, but that it has found its way into each and every other room as well. “It’s in every room of my house! Sometimes I get overwhelmed by it all and think ‘I’m going to get rid of the stuff I don’t use’, but I just cannot part with it. What if I do want to use it? Makeup is like my baby, I am attached” he says. He then talks about how refreshed he feels after a recent return from a two year break:

“I’m starting over, that’s amazing. I’m walking back in with bright eyes and professionalism. Waiting for that opportunity that I can say ‘bam here I am’”.

I think it is pretty safe to say that Troy Jensen has solidified his name in the beauty industry, yet he remains humble, open, eager and passionate about his craft. His humility is shown when I ask him who his favorite celebrity to work with is and he responds with, “I appreciate every face I work on. It’s all rich. Every person brings something special. Some make me laugh, some are sweet, they are all incredible. I am going to be 47 this week (October 6th. Ahem, Twitter: @itstroyjensen and Facebook: troyjensenbeauty, birthday wishes!) and I am still in awe of my job and my clients.”

We ask him for some advice for fellow Makeup Artists out there trying to succeed and he says, “Beauty is life. We’re effecting people! Listen to your client and listen to yourself. What you achieve belongs to you and is yours, no one can take it away”.

Please follow Troy on Twitter and ‘like’ him on Facebook! It was a pleasure interviewing such a joyous and kind man. Troy is a true gem and we are honored to have had the opportunity to speak with him.

-x-

JenniferK

Photo Credit: Brandon Showers www.brandonshowers.com.