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Lifestyle: Live the Lovely Life

Lifestyle: How to live a lovely life ... in style!


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Ohuhu 24-color Watercolor Pencils

July 31, 2016 · Leave a Comment

This Fine Art 24 Water Color Pencil set is a collection of 24 high-quality watercolor pencils. They function as both traditional coloring and sketching pencils when used dry and as a watercolor applicator pencil when used to apply layers of colors that are then brushed with a damp paintbrush to blend the pencil colors to create watercolor paint.

Ohuhu 24-color Watercolor Pencils

Ohuhu 24-color Watercolor Pencils

I have no real talent, but coloring it is a relaxing hobby, and the pencils provide some flexibility in their use as a wet or dry medium. When the pencils are used dry, the color is highly pigmented. I was pleased with the depth this gave to water coloring pictures and the range of colors it produced. I also enjoyed using these pencils with my adult coloring book sets as it provides an opportunity for an extension of the fun of relaxing coloring activities. The pencils have a nice texture to them; they don’t leave a waxy pencil finish on the paper or leave dents in either regular scrap paper or sketching papers. This makes them very suitable for crafting ideas such as watercolor designs on DIY greeting cards.

I also like that by using a combination of dry and wet for the final artwork, it gives some structure to the look of a watercolor piece, which if you are a novice like me, makes for a much nicer result on your projects. I can do outlines in pencil and blend the water colors in interior sections with a wet brush for a gentle flush of color on large items, darker pigment on the detailing. When the pencil colors are combined a lovely flush of color tones and shades result, and the white and black pencils can be used with colors to create lighter or darker shades respectively.

There is both a brown and gray that are not quite metallic but they are almost a matte metal color of gold and silver, and these give nice custom color effects to a combination of colors once water is brushed over them. When my flower got too dark in sections, I went over it with the white watercolor pencil to fill in some spaces and then it was closer to my intended color once it was blended as a watercolor. I added some white pencil where the light would hit, and a faint outline of black where the shadow would appear, and it gave some nice depth to the picture. While these are “Coloring 101” kinds of basics, being able to do this with pencils instead of watercolors gave me more control over the final color result, and that makes my projects look better, which I enjoy.

The kit comes with a number 5 starter brush which personally I find suitable for using on larger areas, but it is too cumbersome for smaller detailing. It is long, thin and stiff and bends awkwardly. This brush is more suitable for someone who does not have any watercolor brushes and needs something just to get started. But if you are giving it as a gift, then you know the recipient can create watercolor designs right away.

I would consider this a nice gift for someone who enjoys adult coloring books, enjoys using watercolors outside or while traveling, and it comes in an attractive cardboard box. They look more expensive than they are, which is always a nice thing in a gift item.

I received this product in exchange for testing and review purposes.

Posted by Style Chicks / Filed In: Gifts
Tagged: Art, Drawing, Painting, Relax, Water Color Pencils

Sunglasses with SPF: LotFancy Women’s Resin Frame Metal Temples Sunglasses

July 5, 2016 · 4 Comments

LotFancy Women's Resin Frame Metal Temples Sunglasses

LotFancy Women’s Resin Frame Metal Temples Sunglasses

Well, it’s past July 4th, I guess there is no denying that Summer is here. While I wear sunglasses year round, I think summer is a good time to revisit your sunglass game. So we’ll be taking a look at a few varieties in the upcoming weeks.

An important part of a useful summer sunglass is a lens with UV protection. Not only does it protect your eye, but a proper UV coating also protects the delicate skin around your eye. You know, that part that ages faster than any part of your face.

That is why we like LotFancy Women’s Resin Frame Metal Temples Sunglasses. They have UV400 protection, which means that they guard against 100% of both UVA and UVB rays, so your eyes and orbital skin are completely protected by these lenses.

Sunglasses with UV protection is especially imperative if you don’t have a sunscreen that you can tolerate wearing around your eyes. It took me a long time to find a few sunscreens that don’t irritate my eye skin, and even then, and the extra layer of protection is good to protect the thin skin of the orbital area.

The oversized styling of the frames also works in your favor as far as skin protection. The top of your cheekbones is a prime spot for sun damage, so a pair of sunglasses that covers the area is a wonderful aid in keeping the area wrinkle and age spot free.

I also really like the white colored frames. There is something so fresh, crispy, and summery about white frames. Do you remember the last scene in Gwenyth Paltrow’s Great Expectations? Her oversized white frames exuded classic preppy chic. They also come in black if you want a more classic look.

While I use sunglasses everyday that there is the slightest of sun peaking out (over my sunscreen that I wear rain or shine, of course), these sunglasses are a must for vacations to sunny locales. Did you read that fantastic article about Italy in Allure this month? How amazing would these glasses look as you spend the day on the gorgeous Italian coast?

Lot Fancy makes a great pair of sunglasses at a reasonable cost, and the UV400 protection rivals $200 pairs of sunglasses. So whether you are looking for an everyday pair or an extra pair for the beach, these are worth picking up!.

Find them at Amazon.com.

 

Style Chicks received samples for review.

Posted by Style Chicks / Filed In: Accessories, Fashion, Skincare, Travel
Tagged: Beach, Eyes, Sunglasses, Travel, UV Protection

Marte Pocket Watch with Necklace Chain

June 30, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Marte Pocket Watch with Necklace Chain

Marte Pocket Watch with Necklace Chain

I like the vintage feel of this watch. It can be dressed feminine or masculine depending on the overall outfit. This watch comes on a chain so it can be worn as a necklace or pendant and can be adapted with a watch fob to be worn on a suit or carried in a pocket. I have a silver family heirloom watch that has some detailing on the case body, but I am reluctant to wear it much for fear of losing it, and the crown is so delicate that the watch cannot be used to tell the time. It is nice to have an ornamental yet functional piece like this pocket watch that has a retro vibe and adds some nice detailing to simple outfits.

STYLE
It is stylized enough on the face of the watch to appeal to vintage lovers and steampunk fans, yet the exterior of the watch gives a classic, streamlined look that is suitable to be worn to a wedding. The face is white

MECHANICS
It is Japanese Quartz Movement with seconds hands. The crown is sturdy, so setting the time and opening the watch can be done easily. The case opens and closes smoothly. The chain is relatively thick.

AS A GIFT
This Pocket makes for a suitable gift for oneself or a friend and comes in a black gift box. It is a very good price for such as sturdy piece. Someone who like retro and vintage pieces but prefers a streamline, simple look would appreciate this watch. A nice gift for someone who likes pieces without too much fuss but a bit of element detailing.

Marte Pocket Watch with Necklace Chain

Marte Pocket Watch with Necklace Chain

Marte Pocket Watch with Necklace Chain

Marte Pocket Watch with Necklace Chain

Posted by Style Chicks / Filed In: Accessories, Fashion, Gifts, Jewelry
Tagged: Jewelry, Marie Pocket Watch with Necklace Chain, Vintage, Watch

1000 Hour Compact Hands-Free Makeup Mirror

June 28, 2016 · Leave a Comment

1000 Hour Compact Hands-Free Makeup Mirror

1000 Hour Compact Hands-Free Makeup Mirror

When applying makeup that requires using both hands, such as one hand to hold the skin taut and the other to apply, such as with liquid eyeliner or applying false lashes, an angled mirror is very helpful. A hand held mirror or compact has an advantage over an upright mounted mirror such as a bathroom cabinet mirror because it can be positioned to look downwards into the mirror. The problem is getting the right angle and keeping your hands free. This 1000 Hour Compact is a hands-free makeup mirror that is particularly useful when applying makeup that requires being able to see from the underneath and at weird angles including mascara or anything else that you might tilt your head back while applying the makeup product.

HOW I USE THIS MIRROR TO APPLY LIQUID EYELINER
I don’t have a very steady hand, so when I apply liquid eyeliner, I place this mirror on the table at about a 75-degree angle. I put my elbow on the table and look down into the mirror. I hold my eyelid skin semi-taut with my left hand and hold the eyeliner brush in my right. Looking into the mirror, I tap out tiny dots of liner all along the lashline, midway between my top lashes and the skin. Then I blend it with a clean brush or q-tip.

The mirror can be used as a standard compact, and the arm can position the height and angle in a full range of angles. I find this especially useful for liquid eyeliner application, mascara application, any item you might use a stencil such as an eyebrow powder stencil and when I apply false eyelashes.

When I do quick makeup touch ups at my desk at work, this mirror is handy to lean over and quickly fix any errant mascara or eyeliner. While I don’t like to do my makeup at my desk, I prefer to fix some mistakes discretely without walking past the whole office to the ladies room.

It is also helpful to angle the mirror when tweezing my eyebrows so that I can see tiny hairs above or below on the brow tails; I tend to miss these hairs when I use a wall mounted mirror.

Sturdy, flexible, and bends into all sorts of angles and heights, this fits neatly into my bag or desk and is a useful little compact.

1000 Hour Compact Hands-Free Makeup Mirror

1000 Hour Compact Hands-Free Makeup Mirror

1000hourmirror3 1000hourmirror5

Posted by Style Chicks / Filed In: Accessories, Beauty, Gadgets, Gifts, Gym Beauty Bag
Tagged: Hand Mirror, Mirror, Purse, Travel Mirror

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