Costume Creations: Doctor Who's Amy Pond

Hoo boy, I do not look like Karen Gillan. Not even slightly. Of course, like every other female Doctor Who fan in the world, that doesn't stop me from absolutely coveting her hair, makeup, and clothes on the show. Amy Pond is entirely gorgeous, but in that accessible, girl-next-door kind of way. I know that some of you out there might be considering an Amy costume for Halloween, or possibly as cosplay for a convention (I'm getting excited for the New Orleans Comic-Con, myself). To help out, I recreated the look Karen Gillan is wearing in this photo. I can't find where it was taken, but it looks like a press junket. This, out of all the photos I found online, struck me as the most typical "Amy" look (which is odd, since she's not in character in this shot, but whatevs):


Photo Credit

And here's the recreation. You have no idea how badly I want her photographer and lighting and hairstylist and retouching program and genes...

I have to say, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out! The colors are pretty close, and I finally figured out how to do the "Amy Pond Eye". So, here's what we're doing:

First, prime your face, then apply a medium to full coverage foundation. I used Tarte Clean Slate and Urban Decay Naked Skin. You can use whatever you want, of course. If you're doing this for a con, where you're going to be walking around and getting sweaty, but will still be photographed out the ears, Ben Nye cream foundations look amazing and were built for that kind of wear (see the princess tutorial from a couple of days ago, because that's what I used. Heck, see it anyway, 'cause we're going to be reusing a lot of those techniques, here).

Next, prime your eyes from lid to brow with a flesh colored base. I used Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden, but NYX or E.L.F. would work well, too. After I primed, I went into my NYX Crimson Amulet palette and used the matte pink eyeshadow all over the lid and on up to the brow. Next, I took the lilac satin finish and applied it at the crease, then went over it with the purplish-blue color. The white shimmer went just at the brow bone. To line the eyes in that distinct Amy Pond fashion, I used a black gel pencil (Buxom's Insider Eyeliner in Black Onyx) on the top lashline, then brought it down to the bottom lashline, and ran it halfway across. It doesn't wing, but the two lines do connect. Then, I grabbed a waterproof black liner (UD 24/7 in Zero) and used it on the waterline, but only in the very outer corner. I cleaned up by lashlines by running black shadow on a flat brush across them. A white liner (NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk) went on the rest of the waterline and in the inner corner. The look's not difficult, but there are more steps than I ever thought for. Finish up the eyes by filling in your brows and applying copious amounts of black mascara to your top and bottom lashes.

The Eye. Thrilling...

Back to the skin! Grab your concealer (one shade lighter than your foundation, please), and draw a V shape from the inner corner of your eye, down the side of your nose, and back up to the outer corner of your eye. Fill it in and blend it out. This will create that cool "Kim Kardashian" highlight, and it's the same technique we used on the princess look. In fact, go ahead and highlight the center of your nose, your chin, and your forehead while you're at it. I'll wait...

Alrighty. Now, if you're not totally sleep deprived, like I was, this is when you'd want to set everything with a transluscent powder. If you're me, you'll remember that after you have a pain of a time applying your blush. Going back to the NYX Crimson Amulet palette, use the matte pink blush only on my outer cheekbone. The apples are left bare. Then, take the matte red blush and go over the pink, to create a berry color. After that, use a light bronzer to contour the cheekbones and nose. Then (even if you set with a transluscent powder earlier), grab your HD powder and give the whole look a good once over.

Next, take a berry lipliner (mine was the Night Villain color from the E.L.F. Maleficent palette) and line your lips, bringing the color in on the outer corners. Then, fill in with a berry lipstick. I used Buxom's Lip Tarnish in Scandal, but MAC Chic works well, too. Finally, if you're me, and just feel like being sparkly, grab the pretty highlighter out of the NYX palette and go over the already highlighted areas. I don't recommend it, since it photographs weird, but I was on allergy meds and punchy, and it seemed like a good idea at the time. It wasn't.

In person, you are going to look like you have on more makeup than a Norma Desmond-wannabe, but it photographs really well. Have fun exploring time and space!!!

Hair Of the Dog--Er, Ghost

Author's Note: Before we go any further, please bear in mind that Thomas and I have made two films that were outright ghost stories. Together, we have lived in a haunted apartment, and before we were married, I lived in a haunted house. I have been chased by a shadow, watched objects fly across rooms, and seen the unexplainable. In other words: I am not a wuss.

I am not a wuss. That was the mantra I chanted continuously last night, as I lay awake in bed, thankful for the soft glow of the muted television. I am not a wuss, I firmly stated as I turned on every light in the bedroom so I could make my way to the bathroom. I am not a wuss, I defiantly screamed in my head as I curled up even closer to my sweet, loving, and now sleep deprived Thomas. I AM NOT A WUSS!!!

I am, clearly, a wuss.

I adore a good ghost story, so last night, Thomas and I rented The Woman In Black, starring Harry Potter, himself, Daniel Radcliffe. We'd seen the trailers and read the reviews, and both of us were under the impression that it was atmospheric and creepy, but not overly scary. It's PG-13, for crying out loud. How scary could it be?

I had to remind myself to breathe, that's how scary. Then, I looked over at Thomas, and all I could see was the top of his head and two little eyes peering out from beneath a blanket. Heck, even the puppy was completely invested. He only hopped out of my lap once during the movie, and that was only long enough to grab one of his stuffed animals. After that, he was right back on top of me, snuggling with Dinosaur, eyes wide as saucers as he stared intently at the screen. That, folks, is the very definition of "riveting".

Neither one of us slept last night. The puppy slept like a freaking log, but Thomas and I were both wide-eyed. Today, I have been determined to learn as much as possible about the movie, as well as the many other incarnations of the original story. To me, it seemed like taking another shot to fend off a hangover. Did you know that the original story was not a folktale, as I'd been told, but was actually written in 1983? Or, that there was a television movie made in 1989, starring the actor who played James Potter, in the same role as Daniel Radcliffe? There's even a West End stage play that's been running continuously since 1989! And you know what? They're all creepy as heck!! All I've done is scare myself more! Awesome...*sigh*

Maybe not all of my research is for naught, though? If you're into cosplay and have a spare $102.99, then have I got a kickin' costume for you. Just think of all the people you could freak out during panels!

Photo Credit: Milanoo

These Are My Kind of Spock Ears!

Here's a quick bit of pretty for you this (if you live around here) gloomy, nasty Monday:

Photo Credit: LRakerDesigns

These are just plain neat. Whether you're into fairies, elves, or Vulcans, these pretty wire ear-wraps might be right up your alley. Personally, I think they'd go perfectly with my Arwen necklace. Etsy seller LRakerDesigns handmakes these one-of-a-kind beauties, along with a few other gorgeous goodies. Check 'em out, and let me know what you think in the comments. $45, etsy.

Geek Confessions and Guild Gorgeousness

I am a bad geek. I have never watched a full episode of The Guild, and to adorable creature and fellow Alabamian, Felicia Day, I whole-heartedly apologize. That said, my best friend freaking loves the show, so this is for her. Look what you can get at the Halloween store:

 

Photo Credit: HalloweenCostumes.com

 

How cute is that?! It's not a bad incarnation of the Codex character, really, and you get a lot for the $49.99 price tag! The only things shown that aren't included are the shoes and the wig. They also suggest some red hot pants, and I'd have to second that--at least, you know, if you intend to sit down...or walk...or breathe...

 

I'm now a little sad I already have my costume (I have red hair! I'm set!), and need to get cracking on those past episodes. I have a lot of catching up to do.

 

Have a good one!

Magic Bag O' Samples and the Scottish Predicament

The magic bag o' samples made a reappearance this week, and from its mystical depths I withdrew Too Faced's Lip Injection Extreme. ($28, Sephora) Figuring, "what the hey? I could stand looking like Angelina Jolie," I decided to give this pretty plumper a shot. 

Before I go any further, let's see what Sephora has to say about this product:

Lip Injection Extreme is a lip plumping serum that gives long term results based on the most scientifically proven and advanced lip plumping technologies. Too Faced uses a potent quadra-delivery system that combines Vitamin E, collagen-booster MaxiLip and Dehydrated Marine Sponge to stimulate blood flow, promote fullness and re-hydrate with the body's own moisture for a long-lasting effect. Moisturizing doses of Avocado and Jojoba Oil condition to ensure a smooth, plump pout.

So, for the tl;dr crowd, what we have here is a lip plumper that works after a long period of regular use. Luckily, I had a pretty large sample, so I could give this an adequate testing. Let's break this down into categories, shall we?

Photo Credit: Sephora

Look: By "look", I mean the look of the product, not the packaging. This was a sample, so while the packaging was similar to what you'd get with a full-sized product, it wasn't spot-on exact. The plumper, itself, is a cloudy, iridescent clear. When applied, a high-shine, vinyl effect is achieved. Also, your lips will flush upon application, giving you some healthy color. It's actually really lovely. 10 out of 10.

Comfort: User reviews warned me that this would flat-out hurt. They must have really sensitive lips, or maybe mine are just lip plumper-friendly, because, while there was a definite tingle, the discomfort was no worse than I've experienced with any other lip plumper. It was about the equivalent of rubbing Red Hots or Dentyne across your lips. The gloss, itself, is non-sticky, relatively long-wearing (beware of eating), and lubricating, if not moisturizing. Some have complained of dryness, but I've not experienced that problem. 8 out of 10.

Ease of Use: This is to be used twice a day, and only twice a day. I keep it in my bathroom, on the counter, near my skincare products. When I wash my face and put on my moisturizer in the morning and at night, I follow up with this plumper. It really couldn't be simpler. The only drawback is not being able to use it for touch-ups during the day, because it is so pretty, but any lip product can be worn in the interim (or even on top). Too Faced does suggest using their temporary lip plumper, though. I've had decent results with Buxom, Urban Decay, and believe it or not, the non-plumping Beauty Rush from Victoria's Secret. In other words, use what you like. My only complaint is that this is a little pricey, but about standard for a plumping treatment. 9 out of 10.

Effectiveness: I can't swear to permanently fuller lips, but I can tell a definite difference. That's a new one for me. Most of the time, I can't tell if it's the shine that makes the lips look larger or if it's the actual plumper. This one, I can still see the results after the shine has worn off. 7 out of 10. 

Final Verdict: 8 out of 10. If you're in the market for a plumper, give this non-surgical option a try.

On a completely unrelated note, Halloween is a mere two months away, and I'm trying to get my costume in order. This year, I'm geeking out and going as Amy Pond from Doctor Who. Frankly, I thought her kissogram costume was freaking adorable, and I already have reddish hair, so this should be a snap, right? Wrong. I can't find a (reasonably priced) flack jacket anywhere. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know. It seems I'm not the only one having issues, if the cosplay forums are any indication, so several people would probably be very appreciative. Here's a pic of the costume:

Photo Credit: Cosplay Island

Thanks, guys!!

That Old Black(head) Magic...Or Not...

Photo Credit: Geek Chick Daily

Tonight at Midnight, some of you lucky readers will head off to the Harry Potter premiere. Alas, I will not be among you, but am planning to make it to a theatre next weekend. However, to celebrate the, well, beginning of the end, as it were, I have a link to a pretty cool, easy to enter giveaway!

Geek Chic Daily is giving away one unbelievably detailed, screen-quality Invisibility Cloak replica. The retail value on this bad boy is a whopping $395! All you have to do is click the above link (the one on the word "giveaway") and enter your email address. There are also bonus chances on Facebook and Twitter, with info available when you enter. The only catch is you have to subscribe to GCD, but that's not a bad deal. It's a great little once-a-day email newsletter about nifty, nerdy gizmos. Entry deadline is July 27th. Good luck!

Photo Credit: Sephora

Speaking of making things disappear, I dipped into the old magic bag o' samples the other day, in search of something to expelliarmus my blackheads. Sephora sent me two Boscia Pore Purifying Black Strips to try out, so I used one and gave the other to Thomas. Here's what Sephora has to say about the strips:

Each adhesive strip attracts pore-clogging dirt and oil. Its full-contact delivery system instantly applies charcoal powder, an ingredient that draws out impurities and detoxifies the skin. Silica, a natural mineral, controls excess oil while witch hazel extract, a natural astringent, tightens pores. Effective yet gentle, additional botanical ingredients provide a soothing and cooling sensation upon adhesion. Skin is left exceptionally clarified.

Pros: Some blackheads were extracted; Thomas looked a little like a cartoon puppy while wearing the strip.
Cons: I didn't notice much of a difference in pore size or clarity; I looked like a freaking Ewok.

Basically, it's an expensive, slightly larger Biore strip, and worked about as well. I had better luck cleaning out my pores by washing my face more effectively and using the occasional Queen Helene Mint Julip Masque (that gunk works wonders). It did what it said it would, but not to an extent that would justify the price. Unless you are in dire straits where blackheads are concerned, skip this. $15 for six strips, Sephora.
Final Verdict: 4 out of 10. Meh. Just...meh.