Tool Tuesday: Shower Comb

This is quite the unassuming comb. It's cheap; like about $1 at Walgreens or even the dollar store. There's nothing about it to make it worth more than that...

This comb is hooked on the shower rack in my....guess it.....SHOWER, YES!!!

I have long, fine hair. I can't imagine trying to comb my hair without combing it first, with conditioner still in it, before rinsing. If not, I'd end up with a tangled mess and a handful of broken hair.

This pink one I got last year when I went to the coast for a weekend. I forgot to bring my original one. And, as I mentioned, I couldn't go without one. Hey, that's what makes Walgreens so damn handy!

Simple features....

...hook on one end...

...teeth on the other. But, seriously, before I rinse out my conditioner, I use this comb because it is super gentle on my fragile, wet strands. And the comb, itself is easy to care for. To wash it, I put it in a bowl of water with a couple of capfuls of bleach and let it stand for a couple of hours. After wiping and rinsing, back into the shower ready for my next wash.

I know it is so simple, but, really I LOVE this tool! It could easily be the only tool I would need for my hair. And because I know you want to know, my original one is white and I have had it for at least a decade. Since I had to get a second one, I went for pink.

Tool Tuesday: Cuticle Nippers

On my purchase list at the recent hair/nails/skin licensed professional convention, was to get a good pair of cuticle nippers. I have two pair and one is from way back when I went to nail tech school...over 2 decades ago. Gasp!


It was high time to replace both of the ones I had. I was going to be at the perfect place too. Here is what I got...

I stopped by a booth that was selling a variety of nail tools from nippers to acrylic nail brushes to twizzers. This company had 17 different cuticle nippers to choose from. The best I could do was find a pair that felt comfortable in my hands and was plenty sharp. The above was the pair I chose.


These babies are sharp too...

I made sure that the hinge was smooth, as some of them seemed like they 'hitched' when pinched together. The two blades needed to match perfectly. And, even though I made my choice by looking and testing a demos, I went through the same inspection with the pair I paid for too.


Even though I had my old pair since 1990, it had only become dull, not rusted or pitted. Taking very good care of them made a difference. I do know it was a quality pair and was part of a 3-set made by a Germany company. Back then, I paid $65 for the set. My new pair, $12.


Time will tell if I picked a good one. So far, I'm really pleased. I'm actually 'nipping' instead of 'pulling' like before. And I found the instructions on the back of the package really easy to follow...

 

How good are your cuticle nippers?

Tool Tuesday: Versatility of Wax Paper

Today's Tool Tuesday item is the humble wax paper. Too simple, eh? But, it works super cool. I didn't learn this from any blog, though I am sure there are at least seventy-zillion out there that have talked about it. Surely....??

Here's what I mean...

I use the wax paper and the microfiber cloth in conjunction. I posted about the microfiber cloth here. And here is where I posted about coping with messy mineral makeup. So, the wax paper is something I use to keep things handy and in control.

This is how I have it set up at the Vanity...

I think of this as my artistic palette, in some ways.

If I spill any mineral makeup, I can use the paper to funnel it back into the container. Or, I can tap out a bit of the powder so I have room to swirl my brush into the powder. If I add water to a mineral powder to make an eyeliner or for foiling shadow, the wax paper is my palette.

I can, also, wipe off the gooey end of a mascara wand or take off a bit from the brush of an eyeliner too. I can do this on the microfiber cloth, just as well. However, I like using the paper rather than the cloth for the mascara. It doesn't pick up wild stringy-things.

I've been using wax paper to test nail polish layering before I actually put it on my nails too...

Was paper is a poor woman's nail wheel. Since wax paper is relatively inexpensive, I can change it out often so that I don't contaminate my brushes or my mineral makeup. And I don't have to worry about any of the liquids seeping through and staining my vanity.

Do you have a cool tool you use at your vanity? I'm open to learning some new ideas. Shoot me an email and maybe you can be a guest writer for a Tool Tuesday segment.

Tool Tuesday: Eye and Lip Liner Sharpeners

This is a simple tool, but a very important one, on the vanity. It is the pencil sharpener...

Seems simple enough, doesn't it? They are quite affordable and if you use eyeliner and/or lip liner pencils, this is something you have to have.

Here are a couple of reasons why you need one, and you may not have thought about these. One is that the color/liner is made out of a waxy substance. There has to be enough binder in it to keep it held together but not so much that it dries out the product. I'm thinking right now you are remembering dealing with those two very incidents at your own vanity. Right?

One trick to eliminate this is to only sharpen your liners when you are ready to use them. That way you will shave off the dried out sections and expose the more fresh, pliable, workable liner.

Next, using a sharpener after you have used your liner helps keep it clean from nasty bugaboos and other germs that can come into contact with your eyes or lips. And keeping your sharpener clean is not only going to keep germs from taking up residency on it, but also help keep the little blades at their sharpest.

So, which do I suggest, sharpening before or after use? I do both, especially for my lip liner pencils. And I clean off the shaved parts from the sharpener with a bent paperclip, a tissue and creamy makeup remover.

And since these little tools are cheap (I got this one from Wet 'n Wild for 69 cents), it is easy to replace them on a regular basis. Sharpeners like the one in my photos, I replace 3 times a year. My specialty ones, for much larger, blush pencils, I replace as I find that size.

These are simple tips that will keep your sharpener in good shape and keep your face healthy too.

Tool Tuesday: Apparel/Body Tape For The Discreet

Today's Tool Tuesday is about how to avoid a wardrobe malfunction. I discovered these tape strips on QVC about 8 years ago. As a modestly-dressed lady, these help me not show off any more than I want to...

I picked up 'Fashion-Fix' apparel/body tape at Sally's Beauty Supply. However, I have found similar strips at Walmart, Target, Ross, Bed, Bath and Beyond, and Steinmart.

What are these tape strips for? Well, I use them for tops that have a low-cut neckline. I also use them to solidly close gaps on a button-down shirt. Pretty much, I use body tape to keep my boobs from view.

Here's what the tape looks like...

Essentially, it is double-sided sticky tape. But, these are super strong and allow one to keep their boobies to themselves! One side of the tape has a paper strip that you remove and apply the stick side to cleavage-showing area. What's neat is that these stick awesomely well on skin as well as clothing. Once you have the strip in place, you peel back the paper strips (there are two, it's sliced down the middle) and press the tape right were you want coverage. 'Fashion-Fix' comes in two different sizes so you can customize your peep-age.

I found this tape at Ross...

Here you can see the slit down the middle of the one side of the tape. Bending that in the middle, once the tape is first placed on your skin or garment, makes it very easy to peel back the paper.

'Problem Solved' body/clothing fashion tape is a bit more difficult to use than 'Fashion-Fix'. The papers that you remove to reveal the sticky tape are heavier and that makes somewhat harder to put the tape in place. And, I also feel I got more for my money with the individual strips.

When I originally saw this on QVC, they demonstrated how it could fix a skirt or pant hem in a pinch. I also liked that they used the tape to hold a scarf around the chest and neck area so it didn't slide down in a helpless heap.

Two of these fashion strips are in my purse makeup kit for emergencies. Safety pins can do the job but, using fashion strips are friendlier to your clothes and just look better.

Do you use fashion/body tape or do you let it all hang out? ;)

Tool Tuesday: Beauty Tweezers

When I think about how many tools I use for my beauty regimen, I guess I'm concerned high-maintenance. But, I maintain myself, so that's not a bad thing, is it?

Some of the tools that I have shared with you are extra items. I mean that they are not necessarily 'must haves'. I do think I need them, but you know what I mean. Tweezers are something that we could do without. There are plenty of folks out there that are quite OK with their uni-brow. Many women are perfectly OK with having a mustache. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people. Hence, the need for tweezers...

 

Truly, I have no idea how old these tweezers are. They are at least 2 decades old. I don't remember a time when I did not have these. And I'm talking about this very pair you see in the photo.

I have guarded these tweezers with my life. I travel WITHOUT them in fear that they would become lost. I threaten serious bodily harm to my hubs if he misplaces them. I have a very good reason too; I can't replace them. And believe me, I have tried. But even Tweezerman hasn't measured up to my beloved tweezers.

 

The scissor-like finger loops make these easy to hold. Precession is ultimately important!!! And, the awesomeness doesn't stop with just that. In my ode to my tweezers, I covet...the slanted end...

Even though I know there are many different types of tweezers, I have tried many of them, these are my very favorite. These just work for me. I can continue to maintain that awesome brow arch in just seconds a day. No one ever needs to know that I have a thicker mustache than Justin Bieber.

I did try to replace my tweezers, more than once. I even tried these needle-nose type...

This Lacross brand even has a protective tip for the end and it keeps the ends together. You'd think that I could get perfect precession with these too. Any time I have had a spa treatment, the needle-nose type is what they have used. 

 

They even look medical! But I might as well be using chopsticks when I try these. I just can't work with these. It's like the tips are not in alignment, I can't grab the hair. But, I keep these around just in case, 'GASP!!!' something should happen to my slanted pair. 

Are you getting the feeling that I'm obsessed about my slanted tweeters? I admit it. When I find something that works so darn good, that's a tough act to follow. 

Do you have a beloved beauty tool too? Pleeeease tell me you do!!

Tool Tuesday: Dry Body Brush

It seems that I'm a bit obsessive, as I'm going to talk about yet another brush as a beauty tool. Maybe because it is one of the oldest known beauty tools. I don't know the history of brushes but you can imagine, it has to have a llooonnng history!

Today's brush is the 'body brush'...

Body brushing is a very old beauty technique. Somewhere along the line of history, it fell out of favor in the Western Civilization. Too bad, because it is something that is therapeutic in several ways and for many people.

Here's why I use the body brush...

It removes the dry, dead skin cells. That's one reason. The other is that it stimulates the skin and promotes a higher turn-over of cells. And then the last reason that is probably going to have a lot of reader drop-off is that it stimulates the lymphatic system and promotes detoxing as well as a healthy immune system.

If you are still with me, let me explain. Have you ever gotten swollen nodes on the sides your throat when you are sick? That's the lymphatic system working to isolate a virus, attack it and then, removing it from your body. You have a lot more of those nodes throughout your body; armpits, crease of your hips, behind your knees, etc. Well, check this photo out and you'll see what I mean...

In a nutshell, the lymphatic system is part of your immune system. Body brushing helps make this system work better and you can possibly get sick less often.

I used to teach nutrition classes and I have a whole lecture on the lymphatic system and using the body brush. You'll have to attend a lecture to be bored with it longer than a blog post.

So, there are two main reasons; makes my skin soft and boosts my immune system.

Brushing is just like exfoliating. That's all it is. But, the brushing is done dry. I do it before I get into the shower. That way I wash off all the sloughed off dry skin. It is recommended that this is to be done every day. I actually do it more in the winter when I'm battling dry skin the most. But, brushing every day feels good. And who wants to feel good? I thought so.

I purchased this brush from The Fuller Brush Company.

Tool Tuesday: Plastic Bowl For Mineral Makeup Foundation

Tool Tuesday is a fun series for me to plan. The feedback I am getting is that the items I show are different and many had no idea there was such a thing. Great! My work is being done. :)

This one is more of a tip than an actual tool. However, I do use something unique to make something easier and tidier...

I use mineral foundation and have for about 12 years. Mineral makeup is known to be a bit messy (OK, it's pretty messy), and since I don't like to be wasteful, I came up with an idea to keep the minerals off the vanity and on my face.

I use a little Lock-N-Lock container that holds just a wee bit more than 3 ounces. It's very small, doesn't even cost over $2 and it doesn't take up too much room in my makeup drawer...

I take the original container of the mineral foundation...

As you can see, this is a very small container that the minerals came it. There's no way I can get that on my brush without spilling a lot. So, I tap a bit of the minerals into the Lock-N-Lock container...

And, just as easy as that, I now have enough room to load my brush up, tap off the excess powder and not waste a bit.

And since I like to mix up different combinations of foundation, say, during the summer I might add a bit of tan color into my regular shade, I can mix up a separate batch for one application or, I can make a larger batch, if need be.

And the Lock-N-Lock container washes up easily enough, either by hand or in the dishwasher. You can use a glass or metal dish too. But, since I have tile floors and a marble vanity (Oh, did you REALLY think it was pink?!), I don't have to worry about breaking glass this way. Plus, the plastic container is shallow enough that it sets in my makeup drawer quite nicely. And the puffy kabuki brush swirls in it so easily.

How do you get your mineral foundation onto your brush?

Tool Tuesday: A Good Nail Brush

 Do you have a good nail brush? You should, as part of your core grooming tools.

 I like mine because it has a concaved side where the bristles are set inward. These are for getting under the nails' free edge and removing debris.

 The bristles are firm but not to the point that they will tear and tug on the nail or skin.

 As a nail blogger, I change my nail polish a LOT. So my cuticles get dry and bits of polish can wedge into the corners. Also, to remove all film of polish remover so the next polish can adhere well, it has to be removed.

You can get a nail brush at any drugstore or mass merchandiser. I got this one (I have two, actually) from a manicure company that did at-home parties. I googled and couldn't find anything about them. Lucky for me, these brushes have held up and still work wonderfully.

Do you use a nail brush on a regular basis?

Tool Tuesday: Maxius MaxiGlide Hair Flat Iron

Google usually makes things better. This time, I have my doubts. They will be eliminating Google Friend Connect. And they are ending it March 1.

If you would like to, and I hope so, continue reading my blog, here are a couple of ways to do that:

First, I'm on Twitter. OK, I LIVE on Twitter. :) But my name is: KimberlyIsHere When there is a new post, it gets tweeted.

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And then, there is Networked Blogs. You can find me at this link.

Take a quick look over in the right-hand column and you can click on any of these widgets to get you where you can follow.

Today's trusty tool is my flat iron. However, this is not the typical flat iron. This one is ingenious...

This is Maxius 'MaxiGlide' flat iron. You can see and purchase it here, from their website.

This is what makes the 'MaxiGlide' special and different; it has teeth...

I have a typical flat iron and I was not very successful getting it to make my hair straight. It was just pressing my hair and not truly straightening it. After seeing the 'MaxiGlide' on HSN, thought I'd give it a try.

It's perfect! Here is a photo of my hair, dried naturally. This photo is about 7 months ago so my hair is about 6 inches longer today.

Then, just a month later, here I am with Ms. Clumps of Mascara! I had straightened my hair for the LOTD.  (Do check out Clumps of Mascara blog; it's very professional and informative.)

To hold the hair straight (aka fighting Florida humidity), I use the steam burst to set it...

And there is a dial to adjust the heat. Am I the only one that sets it on the highest number? I'm impatient like that...

At $60, I don't think this nifty hair tool breaks the bank. Especially when I see $190 CHI brands. And, they don't even have teeth!!!

I have had my 'MaxiGlide' for about 7 years. Looking on their website, it seems they have updated the style. However, my iron is still going strong and I haven't touched my regular iron since.

'MaxiGlide' is about 1/-1/4" wide and can straighten a wide section of hair. The sides don't get hot. But it does an excellent job in straightening and detangling all in one stroke.

Maxius 'MaxiGlide' gets the Pink Vanity seal of approval.

Have you heard about the 'MaxiGlide' hair straightener? Would you ever switch over from a regular flat iron to this?

Tool Tuesday: Lighted Makeup Mirror

I get a rush finding a bargain. And if you have gotten to know me through this blog, I've been upfront about being cheap frugal all along. It's a pleasant surprise to find something that is a bit better than decent and, the cost is much lower than you expected.

However, today's Tool Tuesday isn't one of those items. But, having tried less expensive routes, way in the past, I knew exactly what I wanted and after researching, I found that a really, really good makeup mirror runs about $100.

Having both of my hands free when I blow dry my hair or put on makeup has become an obsession. A past Tool Tuesday post was on a blow-dryer stand that I love using. I wanted a makeup mirror that freed up both hands as well.

Here are some photos of mine...

This is a swivel mirror with a 8X magnifier on one side and regular power on the other. And you know what; I never use the regular power. As scary as magnifying mirrors can be, this is what I want for makeup and grooming. I can make magic with makeup working close up.

Also, the mirror is attached to a swivel arm to move the distance. We had this installed to the perfect height for both me and the hubs. Tilted up, he gets a good view. Down a bit for me and I'm good.

I don't mind hubs using it at all. But if I find him using it, you'd think, by the way he acts, he's done something wrong. Naw. He thinks he's the only man that uses a close up mirror. It would be easier for me to convince him if they had these installed in the men's locker room at the gym, though.

Now, the next sweet feature of my makeup mirror is that it is lit. I don't even have to have on the vanity lights.

Seeing close up isn't as easy as it used to be on my aging eyes. But, this mirror makes it a bit easier. I can say, without any doubt, that I do apply my makeup better with this lighted mirror.

I don't have to be tight in to have the regular power mirror show a sharp view.

I got this mirror at Bed, Bath and Beyond. It was $99. BUT....I used the 20% off coupon! See, I still found a deal.

What type of mirror do you use to put on your makeup? I like to stand at the sink/vanity to apply my makeup. Do you stand or sit?