Monthly Archives: January 2013
T-L.i.f.e. Blog:
DIY: Nail Art Made Easy!
Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. is all about keeping up with the latest trends and my favorite new trend is nail art. It’s a simple way to express my style and change it up with very little effort. Plus, it’s a way of making a statement when I want to complement an outfit to finish the look.
So here’s my typical nail routine: 1 base coat, 2 coats (if I’m lucky) of polish, 1 top coat, and wait for my nails to dry. Like the rest of us girls on the move, I’m always so eager to do something that I never fail to smudge my perfect manicure. I always thought how great it would be if there were a nail polish that could not get smudged.
Luckily, there have been tons of nail polish strips, decals, and appliques out there lately. These nail polish strips are easy to use – you just lay the decal on your nail and file away the extra material. The best part is that there’s no wait time for your manicure to dry. Since I tried the nail strips the first time, it’s been pretty tempting to head straight for the strips and abandon my drawer full of nail polishes.
Here’s a look at my top 3 brands for nail strips:
Essie Sleek Stick Stickers
Essie makes nail appliques (meaning they’re not real nail polish and more like stickers) that come in mostly metallic and animal print designs. Each pack comes with 18 strips, a cuticle pusher and a nail filer. Although the designs of the strips are gorgeous and chic, they’re pretty hard to apply and file because they are a little stiff. Also, after wearing the strips for about a day, I had to take off 4 of the strips and replace them.
Incoco
I haven’t actually seen Incoco sold in stores, but I bought it from a mall stand. The great thing about this brand is that they make tons of solid and glitter strips that are made of real nail polish. Because it’s nail polish, it’s easier to file and fit perfectly on your nail. The only con is that it is sometimes difficult to separate the plastic cover from the nail polish strip.
Sally Hansen Salon Effects
These strips are by far my favorite. Inside each package are two sealed packages of 8 strips, a cuticle pusher, and nail filer. Similar to the Incoco strips, these are real nail polish strips that come in a variety of solids, prints, and metallic. Also, for everyone who’s budget conscious, these strips come in two sealed packages, which means you can turn one package into two manicures with a little craftiness.
These strips are my new addiction – saving me time to get back to my busy schedule. Now, I only have to schedule 10 minutes for a manicure instead of the 30 minutes I used to take. Anyone else know of any other great nail polish strips?
Blog Post By: Tiffany Chan, Southern California
T-L.i.f.e. Blog:
What is PH Balance?
PH ( Potential Hydrogen ) balance measures the acidity and alkalinity level in your hair. Ph values are measured on a scale from 1-10. The lower the PH the less acidic while the higher values contain more acid. The normal PH balance of our hair ranges from 4.5-5.5. Natural hair acidity prevents fungi and bacteria in the hair and scalp, which helps keep the hair cuticle sealed and healthy. Many hair products can disturb the natural PH in the hair. I suggest using a product once a week that will clarify hard water and sebum off the scalp. A clarifying shampoo and conditioner will restore your hair making it shiny, bouncy, and full of life. Malibu 1000 makes a product called Hard Water. I use this product and reap the rewards of healthy hair. Not only is the product easy to use, it’s inexpensive too. You also can go to your local hair stylist for a clarifying treatment layered by a conditioning treatment. If you go to the salon for service, I suggest going once a month or when your hair looks dull and lifeless. Always remember to wash regularly with products purchased from a salon or beauty supply store.
Feel beautiful, Be beautiful!
Blog Post By: Natalie Jaeger, Stylist, Lotus Salon Spa in Costa Mesa, CA
T-L.i.f.e. Blog:
Recipes for the Latest Trends: Colorblocking
Colorblocking has made numerous red carpet appearances, ranging from palettes of bold jewel tones to fun neon options to more muted hues, this trend can be interpreted in so many different ways. The best part? You can create the look from your own closet!
Sabrina Levine loves color just as much as Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. does and her closet is proof of it. It must be our lucky day because today this fashionable University of Southern California student shared a few tips on how to colorblock using the contents of your own closet.
Tip 1: Choose your first block
The simplest method to creating a colorblock outfit is to select a piece and build on it. Have a piece that steals the show? Let it have the spotlight! Sabrina’s bold blue blazer, complete with shoulder pads and sharp tailoring, is a great foundation for an outfit.
The Ingredients:
Tip 2: Building blocks
Add another solidly colored piece to the outfit, creating the colorblock look. If you are new to the trend and not ready to pair two bright colors, try pairing a bright color with a neutral shade.
Tip 3: Try some texture
If you think that wearing only solid colors is boring, play around with different textures! Sabrina’s skirt has a patterned texture that provides interest to the outfit, making it much more than simply a cream-colored skirt. And if you take a closer look at her black skirt, you are able to admire the vertical panels that make up the skirt.
Tip 4: Add accessories
Accessories provide a great opportunity to add another layer of colorblocking to an outfit. Try a boldly colored scarf or bright purse to punch up a look. Sabrina suggests layering a pair of colored tights, or even a pair of white tights as shown here, to achieve a chic look.
Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. is all about making a statement with your personal style! Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to bold, colorful looks. Just remember to have fun with it and mix it up!
Blog Post By: Keanne Okabayashi, Los Angeles, California; with help from Sabrina Levine
T-L.i.f.e. Blog:
Your Tamagotchi Alter Ego
If you’ve ever wondered which Tamagotchi character you’re most like, now there’s a fun quiz which can help you figure it out. Just visit Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. on Facebook and click the “T-L.i.f.e.” icon atop the page. Answer five quick questions, and your answer will be revealed.
http://www.facebook.com/TamagotchiLife/app_455615964496482
T-L.i.f.e. Blog:
Back to the Future: Oversized is In!
They’re BACK! Boyfriend jackets and oversized sweaters are all the rage again. Trendsetters have been sighted wearing them on the runway, around town, and in Tinseltown. The good news for Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. fans? You can get these oversized looks without having to empty your wallet. Boyfriend jackets are the perfect fit to flatter any body type, and so versatile that you can wear them with almost anything; dress them up by pairing them with jeans and heels, or dress for a casual afternoon at the movies in corduroys and suede boots.
Another style from the 80′s that has made a comeback is the oversized sweater. You may find one or two buried deep in your closet. Simply add an infinity scarf, or some layering, wear them with skinny jeans and you’re good to go! Both boyfriend jackets and oversized sweaters are great for after-holiday casual looks. They also come in handy for January’s colder weather because you can layer a shirt or two underneath either of these pieces to stay cozy and warm.
So, remember to think twice before you clear your closet of old favorites. They may hold promise for a future fashion trend, because you never know when they will come back in style with an exciting new twist…just like Tamagotchi L.i.f.e.! It’s inspired by the original Tamagotchi philosophy with new lifestyle products for those who want to express their personal style. Go to Facebook and take the Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. personality quiz at http://www.facebook.com/TamagotchiLife/app_455615964496482 to see what type of Tamagotchi you are. I’m most like Tarakotchi, who can be elusive at times, and is often mysterious. So true!
Blog Post By: Dilyara Castro, Southern California