How to Get Every Last Drop of Your Lip Gloss

We posted this story last year and got a big response! Good tips never get old! Thanks for reading and sharing! -- xoxo

Ever get to the tail end of your lip gloss and think to yourself, “If only I could get one more drop of my Bad Bessie out of this tube!?” Well, wonder no more! Getting the last of your Laugh SHINE Repeat Glossware out of its tube is super easy! Here’s how:

1. Fill a microwavable safe mug with water. Fill the mug half way. You don’t want to use too much water. A mug with water filled all the way to the top will spill over when you place your lip stick tube(s) inside.

2. Heat the water to a safe and acceptable degree. Be careful NOT to burn yourself. 1 minute of heating should do the trick. You want the water to be hot – not boiling.

3. Submerge your lip gloss tube(s) into the water for 10 -to-15 minutes. Make certain the cap is still on the lip gloss. You don’t want water to get inside the tube.

4. Take the lip gloss from the water and remove the cap. The lip gloss should appear watery or slightly runny. Pour the lip gloss into a small empty container like a contact lens case. Wait for the gloss to cool before using.

Of course, if you’re not interested in putting in the extra work, you can always visit the Laugh SHINE Repeat online store for a new tube!

Green Beauty: What To Do with Your Old Beauty Buys

BY: GERIT QUEALY

SOURCE: REBECCA VAN OMMEN

What to do with all those beauty items -- bottles, jars, tubes, and wands -- that accumulate in your cabinets, closets, dressers and drawers.

Having a lot of beauty products is fun. But there's a responsibility that comes with that, which includes begin green.

I feel I must test samples before I can recommend anything. Plus, there's the issue of green beauty — where does it all go afterward? Because really, shouldn't every day be Earth Day?

I have a very very frugal and thrifty streak, and I hate throwing anything away when there's even just a smidge left. It just seems wasteful to me and I dislike waste.

But that leads to a lot of stuff in every cabinet, closet and corner of my abode.

For Earth Day Week, I am determined to make a little more room, and get some feng shui going in the beauty department. Not to mention streamline! I have 12 foundations in my repertoire right now! That's ridiculous. Although, I do use a lot of them...

So, a quick look at some money-saving strategies and green routines to get into:

1. Foundation - I've written before on the safety aspects of foundation and why I think it's a beauty must. But when they accumulate:

• make a conscious effort to use them up when there's just a bit left — I'm doing that now & just rediscovered a Burt's Bees base I thought I hated but now I like.)
• If they're in the right kind of bottles, combine them - at this point it doesn't matter if they're water, or oil, or gel based - just use them for causal days.
• Use the old or combined base on your chest - not only will it make you décolleté look better, you'll be getting sun protection there which I bet you forget.
• You can also use it to cover bruises, age spots, and other discoloration on arms or legs if you're going somewhere where it matters.
• Hey, this can make fine finger paint for kids too — as can any makeup.

2. Blush - powder blush isn't great for midlifers anyway — it settles in pores and lines and makes matters worse. Try applying it with a sponge, give it to a younger friend who likes the color and doesn't mind a gently used product, or just toss it*

3. Lipgloss: A lip brush is a girl's best friend for getting to the bottom if the tube.
Or you can use an empty pot of something else, such as cream or loose-powder eye shadows to scoop the stuff into — although then you're left with that complicated multi-material tube*

4. Moisturizer

• combine them when your down to your last bits in several bottles — you'll probably come up with a new scent sensation.
• or add soe perfume you rarely use to give both items new life
• pour it in your bath for a little extra moisturizer - I've always wanted to soak in a bath full of cream.
• dump it on an old towel: this is a nice way to get lotion all over while you're sill damp and dry off at the same time.

5. Conditioner: again, combine them.

• or, I always add water to make mine last longer and give hair a lighter conditioning treatment
• use as a leave in conditioner, put on palms and smooth over hair after it's dry to tamp down fly-aways; extra protection from drying weather elements too.

6. Beauty Party: Invite friends over - close friends who aren't germ-o-phobes. Everybody can try different colors and products without spending the money, to see what they might want to buy. Plus, you get instant input on whether that peach is a little too orange for you. Swap at will. Can be combined with book club, play dates, party planning, business meetings, etc.

7. Mascara - this is a tough one because old mascara can small bad, or just get dry and crumbly. I use it for eyebrows or as a lash separator, depending the brush. Here are some good tips like using it as a jewelry cleaner, small toy or crevice cleaner.

8. Hairspray - I ended up with about 15 cans of hairspray over Christmas! So I had a party with a hairspray bar and invited everyone to take some. That brought me down to 10. This is my favorite discovery: 10 weird ways to use hair spray from the Luxury Spot . Such as: a quicker zipper and stocking saver. Beyond BRILLIANT!

9. Packaging: Let's face it, beauty products are over packaged. Look for green beauty options such as: Physicians Formula cosmetics come in recycled & recyclable cardboard-type packaging. I did have one fall apart in my purse — anything that goes in there takes a beating - but I still used it.

You can use some jars for jewelry, other left over makeup (see #3) or container for kids paints but in the end you're still left with the stuff. I don't know about you, but that makes me feel massively guilty, so...

The BEST Discovery: A points program for recycling beauty products!
TerraCycle is a company that specializes in recycling harder-to-recycle goods, so the you don't have to worry.  Lotsof beauty products are accepted (not: hair spray cans, polish remover, nail polish bottles). Bellasugar says:

Products are then upcycled to build eco-friendly playgrounds throughout the U.S."

Sign up for the Personal Care and Beauty Brigade program (via Garnier!)

Every time you finish your personal care or beauty product ... save the packaging, send it in so we can recycle the material into fun and innovative products. For each approved item received, your collection location will be awarded two TerraCycle points which can be redeemed for a variety of charitable gifts or for a payment of $0.01 per point to the non-profit organization or school of your choice."

Check the TerraCycle Points Program website for more details on locations and instructions.

Now, you can be more frugal, more green and feel a little less guilty!

What do you do with your old beauty buys? Brilliant strategy? We want to hear it!

VIDEO: Instant Beauty Makeover with Mally Roncal

If you're pressed for time, make-up artist extraordinaire, Mally Roncal says it's easy to give yourself an instant beauty makeover in just ONE MINUTE! When time is of the essence, some mascara, a little concealer under the eyes and some lip gloss will do wonders!

Model and Dancer Ashanti Mfuko with Mally Roncal on The Nate Berkus Show

To start, Mally suggests adding color appropriate concealer under the eyes and mascara on the lashes. When applying mascara, Mally says it's best to do two coats on the top and one on the bottom. It may take a few extra seconds, but adding the two coats of mascara on the top lashes will make the eyes pop!

When choosing lip gloss, use something with color. According to Mally, applying color on the lips can make the face appear brighter. For the best lip gloss on the planet with long lasting color and outstanding shine, visit the Laugh SHINE Repeat online store for selections galore.

RED Lips For The Cardinals

Fire Engine by Laugh SHINE Repeat

The St. Louis Cardinals will kick off a brand new season of baseball at Busch Stadium today. For myself and countless other fans of the 2011 World Series Champions, today is like a holiday on par with Christmas. The color red can be seen on most everything and everyone in St. Louis. I plan to represent Cardinals Nation to the fullest by wearing red lip gloss all day long! 

Baseball is back and it's a great season to be a fan of the Cardinals! Go Cards! - xoxo

Confessions of a Lip Gloss Addict

This is how I roll! A cup of tea on one side and lip gloss on the other!

I probably should NOT apply lip gloss while driving, but I do.  Over the years, I’ve actually gotten quite good at watching the road and using a lip gloss wand without looking at my lips. I can get the consistency on my lips perfectly in just a couple of seconds. It doesn’t matter; day or night, I can get my lips poppin’ in a flash! I am addicted to lip gloss! I love it!

Honestly, Keeping a few tubes close to me at all times helps to satisfy my need to have moist, glossy lips on the go. I stash my Laugh SHINE Repeat everywhere; in my purse, the medicine cabinet in my bathroom, at work and especially in the car! Question: Where do you keep your lip gloss? I’d love to know!

XOXO,

Tammie

Lip Care For Love Seekers!

If by chance you’ve found yourself in a love drought, add a little moisture to your lips. Believe it or not, your lips play an essential role in the seductive process. Chapped lips can be a huge turn off for some. If you want to make a good first impression, remember to take good care of your lips. This spring season especially, reach for a balm or a natural looking gloss to protect and cover your lips. Kissable lips are often defined by men as soft, silky and natural looking.

For the best lip balm ever, check out Laugh SHINE Repeat’s Mentha Lip Balm HERE!

xoxo

HOW TO MAKE A THIN TOP LIP LOOK FULL

QUESTION:
My top and bottom lips are two different sizes. My top lip is very thin and my bottom lip is very full. I only wear light colored lip gloss because I don't want to bring attention to my lips. I am very self conscious. I would love to wear red lip gloss, but I don't know how. Can you offer some suggestions?


SUGGESTION:
Try using a little concealer on your top lip line - first. Then using a lip pencil, slightly line outside your upper lip. Careful not to use the pencil too far away from your lip line. Also, match the color of the pencil as closely to your desired lip color as possible. Lining your lip in this way should make your top lip look a little fuller. You can control lip colors and keep them from running by using a lip stick before adding gloss. 


For bold red lips, try Fire Engine Red by Laugh SHINE Repeat, $16.

Actual Color Swatch

Improve Your Kisses

Kisses don’t lie! Sure, they can reveal much about our emotions, but they can also tell an interesting story about how well we care for our lips. Before you pucker up today, make note of these tips to keep your lips are as soft and kissable as possible!

Drink Plenty of Water – No matter how often you apply gloss or balm, if you’re dehydrated your lips will be prone to flaking. Drinking between 6 to 8 glasses of water a day is not just good for your lips – it’s good for your whole body!

Exfoliate Lips - Just like your face and body, your lips need to be properly cared for as well. If you want long lasting lip color, keep them free of dry skin and those dreaded 'lip balls'! Make your own lip scrub using brown sugar and olive oil. Apply the scrub with a soft tooth brush or moist towel. Careful not to over exfoliate your lips. Scrubs should only be used once per week. Lip tissue is extremely sensitive and the use of lip scrubs often can result in damaged lip tissue. 

Use A Lip Balm - Keep a moisture rich lip balm handy at home and in your purse for those times when your lips feel dry. Hydrate your lips with Mentha Lip Balm by Laugh SHINE Repeat, $16.

What would you do if a hot guy asked to borrow your lip gloss?

So, you see a hot guy walking towards you at a party and your heart starts fluttering. He comes closer and leans against you, dazzling you with his smile. He's so FINE! Your knees are shaky. Then he whispers, "Can I borrow some of your lip gloss?" You ask, "What did you say?" It's an awkward moment but in a blink of an eye, your knight in shining armor is now wearing Go Bare by Laugh SHINE Repeat... and he's straight.

Believe it or not, incidents like this are not uncommon. When The Deacon Chronicle asked a few guys about the things too embarrassing to buy and the interesting items they've borrowed from a girl, they had plenty to say. "I borrowed strawberry lip gloss because my lips were chapped. it worked well and even tasted good," laughs Rahil, a software professional. "I also borrow Kajal sometimes to make my eyes look intense," he adds.

Nishanth, a consultant says,"I once borrowed chapstick and sunscreen lotion. It was a sunny day, so you can't blame me! I also wore a girl's bag and sunglasses all night at a party just for fun." Numan, an engineer, quips, "I am guilty of borrowing moisturizers quite often. Also, I was in urgent need of sports shoes and one day and borrowed them from a female friend. Thankfully, the shoes weren't too girly."

Take our poll question on the right side of the blog and tell us, "What would you do if a hot guy asked to borrow your lip gloss?" Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Who knows, maybe we should add a "man gloss" to the Laugh SHINE Repeat line! - xoxo

PROBLEM SOLVED: NO MORE GUNKY LIPS!

For a lack of better words; having gunky lip gloss caked in the corners of your mouth sucks! It’s a common problem for lip gloss users during colder months. Still, for every problem, there is a solution.

When lips are dry and flaky, particles can get trapped in the creases and create a gunky coating. Exfoliate your pucker with a washcloth before applying gloss. You can also run a cotton swab along the inside of the lips to remove the film. Or switch to a glossy balm. Try our Mentha Lip Balm, $16 at laughshinerepeat.com

GO BARE SALE!

Buy 1 Tube of Go Bare Glossware at Regular Price and Get the
2nd Tube Half Off! Sale Ends Tuesday, January 31st.
Shop HERE now!

LAUGH SHINE READ: TAMMIE'S PICK - BITTERSWEET BY SHELIA BANKS



R&B Singing Legend Mary Wells and Television Personality Shelia Banks

As a teenager I COMPLETELY idolized television personality, Shelia Banks. She was the original co-host of BET's Video Soul with Donnie Simpson and was always FABULOUS!

Nothing you could say or do could keep me away from my television when Sheila was on the air. I was completely taken by Shelia’s grace, flawless on air delivery and her Fire Engine red lips! Fast forward a few years (smiles) and I am still just as in awe of her gifts and talents as ever.

Obviously pretty darn good at wearing multiple hats, Shelia has  a new job - author! Her first book is called Bittersweet; a novel based on a true story. The book hasn't even hit stores shelves, but people are already buzzing about it! I could totally see Bittersweet on the big screen! It's just that good!

Bittersweet is listed on Barnes & Noble's website for pre-ordering at a discounted price.  Go Shelia, Go! - xoxox

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a deeper hued playmate declares, “My mamma says you ain’t nothin’ but a whole lotta yellow gon’ to waste,” Ellie gets a taste of racism on her side of the fence. But the often-tortured, uneducated young girl refuses to let the taunt dampen her spirit. Instead her passion and drive for self-realization propel her from a childhood rape in swampy LeBeau, Louisiana to a spurious first marriage in the Indian/Creole/Black dust bowl of Oklahoma and a successful career as a fashion designer, business owner, and real estate entrepreneur in Los Angeles. Decade’s later life comes full circle when her daughter dates a young white man whose father had been one of those who raped Ellie and Ellie is brutalized by her own people at the ignition of the Watts Riots. This debut novel is one of coming of age, race, womanhood, and the determination of a woman to succeed in early-20th-century America despite the country’s racial prescriptions and gender presumptions. Through it all, Ellie’s relationships with her loved ones force her to deal with the trauma of her childhood and the difficulties of letting go and to recognize the values of forgiveness, understanding, love, and healing.

PRODUCT DETAILS

• ISBN-13: 9780979098734
• Publisher: Sweet Earth Flying Press, LLC
• Publication date: 4/1/2012
• Pages: 306

Meet the Author

Sheila Banks is a former television personality, an award-winning documentary producer, and a communications executive. She is a former host of a weekly PBS news analysis program Metro Week in Review and This Week in Black Entertainment at WETA in Washington, DC, and the original co-host of BET's Video Soul. She received an Emmy Award for her documentary March on Washington: 20 Years Later. She lives in Washington, DC.

 

 

 

Inspiring Salon Profile: Christopher Stevens The Salon



Stylist Tanya Crumel, "Good Hair" the documentary with Steven Lacy
Photo by Maat Marcus Atkins 

Laugh Shine Repeat Gloss Ware is on a mission to inspire happiness in the lives of women everywhere! While happiness can obviously come from a number of sources, we L-O-V-E lip gloss! Our brand was birthed from a belief that a small, beauty tool like lip gloss can actually be used to remind women to SHINE and be happy.

Master Stylist Steven Lacy of Christopher Stevens the Salon agrees. Lacy not only retails Laugh SHINE Repeat at his St. Louis salon, he uses LSR as an occasional finishing tool for his clients. "Adding color and shine to the lips after a service enhances the overall good experience we provide,” says Lacy. “Laugh SHINE Repeat makes our clients happy.”

Thomas Watson, Sr. said it best, "To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business and your business in your heart." Clearly Steven Lacy understands Watson's words very well. He  operates a successful salon and is endeared by his clients and peers alike. We recently sat down with the master stylist to get the scoop on everything from his sources of inspiration to pumping iron; yes, my friends... he's a bodybuilder too! Enjoy - xoxo :)

Master Stylist and Educator Steven Lacy of CS the Salon

LSR: Pretend you are a client and tell us what you like most about Christopher Stevens the Salon.

SL: There’s a friendly upbeat and knowledgeable group of artists at Christopher Stevens. It’s very easy to tell they enjoy what they do!  

CS the Salon Stylist Valerie Brown

LSR: We love your website. How important is it to your business?

SL: Thanks for the compliment! Having an effective website is necessary.  People surf the web for images and information all the time.  It’s important for us at Christopher Stevens to be of assistance to our clients in every way possible. Our website is simply another extension of the quality services we provide. 

LSR: Thanks so much for retailing Laugh SHINE Repeat at your salon! Do you think having retail merchandise for sale enhances the overall experience for your clients?

SL: You are very welcome. We proudly support the happy woman movement! After receiving services, most of our clients want to freshen their faces with a little pop of color.  Having lip gloss for testing and purchasing is another positive contributor to the overall good experience we work hard to provide at Christopher Stevens the Salon.

Bronze Ice by Laugh Shine Repeat

LSR: What is your most popular selling Laugh SHINE Repeat Gloss Ware color?

SL: A lot of our clients enjoy Bronze Ice by Laugh SHINE Repeat.

LSR: Who and what inspires you?

SL: My hair idol is Vidal Sassoon. He inspires me. Vidal Sassoon has an uncanny ability to turn the simplistic into extraordinary. He’s also very successful. I like that. I am an extremely driven person who is inspired by success and successful people like Mr. Sassoon. So, answering the second part of your question; failure is what motivates me. Failure is never an option for me.  I am always pushing to be better.


LSR: Who have been some of the favorite people you have worked with?

SL: I am completely inspired by Donnal Chung. Simply watching him work is art! His talents have been a source of inspiration for me.


LSR: How important is it to have interests outside of owning a salon and being a hair stylist?
SL: Having outside interests are as important as it is to have a healthy body and current industry knowledge. In addition to my work at my salon, I am an Educator for Design Essentials; a job that I keeps me on toes. I also enjoy body building. Teaching and body building helps strengthen my resolve to grow and share. 


LSR: We admire the fact that you are always evolving and growing. What’s next for Steven Lacy and Christopher Stevens The Salon?
SL: More education, lots of travel, body building, clothing, dvd’s, innovative promotions and so much more!

Thought of the day: Go the extra mile and get great results! Retail Laugh SHINE Repeat at your salon, spa or boutique, reach out to us HERE. We'd love to do business with you! 

SPRING 2012 LIP TREND: BE YOURSELF!

Style watchers have spoken and fresh faces are still all the rage!

R&B Singer Ciara

If you're interested in keeping up with the latest spring and summer trends, just be yourself. Explore monochromatic make-up options and use just a touch of pink or nude color on your lips. Remember to pay close attention to the maintenance of your brows, but don't wax or tweeze too much. Thick and well defined brows are in style

For great pink and nude lip gloss color options, visit the Laugh SHINE Repeat online store HERE!

LAUGH SHINE SUPPORT: BALD BARBIE

A bald barbie wearing a head scarf

A movement is underway on Facebook to create a bald Barbie doll as a role model for young girls with cancer and hair loss conditions. We think it's a sweet idea and we've joined the movement. What are your thoughts? Read the story HERE.

LAUGH SIP REPEAT: PINK ROCKS GELATIN SHOTS

Pink Rocks by Laugh SHINE Repeat

Of course you can't drink a tube of Pink Rocks by Laugh SHINE Repeat, but you can enjoy a cocktail of the same name! The next time your friends are over for laughs, whip up a batch of Pink Rocks Gelatin Shots and have a blast! 

Here's What You'll Need:

• 2/3 cup frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
• 2 envelopes (1/4 oz. each) gelatin
• 2/3 cup of Purus Vodka
• Pop Rocks Candy for garnish

Easy Directions:

In a large measuring cup, combine the lemonade concentrate and 2/3 cup water; strain into a medium saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over the liquid and let soften for 2 minutes. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until the gelatin is dissolved, about 5 minutes; stir in the Purus Vodka. Pour the mixture into a 4-by-8 inch loaf pan and refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours. Cut into 24 pieces. Garnish each piece with sprinkles of pop rocks candy before serving.

Note to underage blog readers: This post is intended for mature readers. Laugh SHINE Repeat does not condone underage drinking. 

 

GET SOFT WINTER LIPS

Mentha Lip Balm by Laugh SHINE Repeat

Winter weather conditions can be tough on your lips. In fact, frigid temperatures and high winds will chap even the softest pout. Still, you can combat whatever conditions Mother Nature brings by keeping your lips well moisturized.


When your lips are at their driest state, try Laugh SHINE Repeat's Mentha Lip Balm.  Our lip balm formula is infused with mint oil and Vitamin E. Just a small amount is all you'll need to keep your lips soft, moisturized and protected year round. 


Just like our other products, Mentha Lip Balm packs a powerful SHINE. Wear it alone or on top of other colors, $16 Laugh SHINE Repeat online store. 

GET A JUMPSTART ON SPRING WITH HIGH SPEED & BAD BESSIE

Donna Karen paired crimson and chocolate lips with her African-inspired collection of tribal prints and form-fitting pieces at her recent spring show in New York. For a glossy version of this model’s look, try BAD BESSIE and HIGH SPEED by Laugh SHINE Repeat, $16.

Bad Bessie by Laugh SHINE Repeat

High Speed by Laugh SHINE Repeat

HIGH SPEED and BAD BESSIE are formulated to give an extremely shiny appearance with a stay put application. Both have a pearl-like finish and are slightly sheer. All Laugh SHINE Repeat Gloss Ware products are Paraben free. We’ve added Vitamin E to moisturize and protect your lips and a hint of vanilla to make your lips taste great. See BAD BESSIE and HIGH SPEED up close and personal (smiles) at our online store HERE!

GET THE LIPS: JENNIFER HUDSON

Photo Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images

Jennifer Hudson always SHINES and we love her for it! She's pictured here at the 9th Annual GEM Awards in New York on January 7, 2011 with beautiful glossy lips. Want a pout like Jennifer's? Just keep it clear and glossy! Try Super Clear by Laugh SHINE Repeat, $16.

LAUGH SHINE READ: JENNIFER HUDSON’S NEW BOOK

I do not liked being boxed in. I do not belive in limits.

Nobody knows your potiental better than you. I don't listen to things that weight you down."

- Jennifer Hudson

It goes without saying; Jennifer Hudson has been through a lot. Still, despite enormous pain and pressures, Hudson stands tall and continues to SHINE.

The Grammy and Academy Award Winner has written a book about her life experiences, her incredible weight loss and her ‘two David’s’; fiancé David Otunga and son David Jr. The book is titled, “I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down.” Hudson says when she dropped 80 lbs., she gained sheer positivity. While the book is not exactly a tell-all, it does say much about the Chicago native. She’s one tough cookie!

With the Weight Watchers brand endorsing her, Jennifer gives her fans tips for embracing a healthy lifestyle in order to lose weight and reclaim their bodies. Full of stories from her American Idol days, her experience acting in Dreamgirls, and how her son inspired her to want to live healthfully, this book is a gift for her millions of fans and an inspiration for anyone struggling with weight issues.

Thought of the day: Take charge of your life and rid yourself of what’s holding you back! Laugh SHINE Repeat!

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780525952770                       

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)

Publication date: 1/10/2012

Pages: 304

Product dimensions: 6.38 (w) x 9.26 (h) x 1.07 (d)