Body Positive Rant

My body shape/size have nothing to do with my personality or who I am. I'm so sick of seeing negative images full of all sorts of body slamming and shaming.
I'm 6'ft tall, and weigh 125lbs. You'd never know by looking at me, that I eat my weight in food more often than not. People assume I must work out, or I was blessed with a fast metabolism. I do eat healthy (minus the soda pop), but the truth is, I do not do anything else to keep myself in shape/healthy and I wasn't blessed with a fast metabolism.
I stay this thin, because beneath my skin, beneath the shape of my body, I'm sick. (You) do not see any physical ailments because my body is able. (You) also do not see the pain caused by mental illness. I am not the only one out there. The physical pain that comes from any chronic emotional distress is very real. It takes away from your very being, draining you in every aspect. Sore muscles, headaches, nausea, cramping, clenching hands and teeth, even feet, locking all your joints. The list continues.
So no, I don't want to hear I'm lucky or blessed, and no I don't need to read bullshit (excuse my language) about the shape of my body being able to tell me if I have a jealous, giving, or bitchy personality.  Yes, my issues can sometimes correlate with my bad atitude but in no way can it tell you the type of person I am.
As people we need to drop the judgement, stereotypes and the 'bullshit', empower and encourage, love one another dispite how we look. It is time we stop reading into the negativity the media continues to create, finding new ways to say things they were once allowed to say which are no longer politically inccorect.

Rant over.

;) Cally Anna Mae xo

Thumbs Down to Hickies.

Hickies are unattractive to me. It is one thing sexual that I don't find sexy at all. I know I'm not alone here. We've all been there, when you're young it almost seems "cool", or ways to mark your "territory", or whatever situation that brings such a nasty little buggers.
As an adult, I find them classless, and embarrassing to say the least. Of course there's times when you get caught up in the moment and one is (accidentally) created in a moment of passion. Also in my line of work, we are asked to cover all sorts of things. And unfortunately in the industry, your body is the product. Bruises, hickies, scrapes.. things that you have more control over preventing, are frowned upon. So instead of coming in with the problem for us makeup artists to fix, or just to live daily life without anyone staring, here are two tips/tricks:

1. Comb. Using a fine teeth comb accelerates the process of your cells recovering and stimulating ruptured blood vessels. Gently glide the comb over the affected area being sure not to scrape or break skin.

2. Toothpaste. Cover the affected area with a thin coat of toothpaste to help reduce any swelling, it also helps dull the redness.

These aren't fool proof, they do not rid of hickies, they just help improve them. The damage is already done.

Cally Anna Mae xo

Absence Apology

This will be the first media share of my tragic news, and reason for being a slacker with my blog.
I was raised by my mother and my grandmother. Both loved and supported me uncontionally and showed me the true meaning of family and love. I could not be more grateful for these two amazing women and I would not be the person I am today without either of them. Sadly, on November 9'th 2015 are 10:30am my grandma's soul returned to the universe, where she reunited with the love of her life. It was unexpected, sudden, shocking and heartbreaking to say the least. However, she did not suffer, was pain free, and went peacefully surrounded by family.
The hardest thing I've ever had to do is say goodbye to her. As I choked back tears and held her hands tightly, I told her we were keeping her wishes, and it was okay for her to let go. Losing a parent was not easy, it's lonely coming home and not seeing her in her chair. I've been holding my time with my family so very tightly during this time, and it has kept me away from work and my passion. Trying to fill in the blanks of my life and get everything sorted out has just added to the stress and heartbreak.
This week I will begin my looks and blogs.
Thanks for sticking with me readers, friends and most importantly family. XO

Cally Anna Mae

No Makeup, Just Some Raw Emotions.

Usually late at night I am wide awake wishing I could sleep and finding ways to keep myself occupied. I started this blog hoping to reach out to fellow makeup lovers, hoping to get my name out there and build my skills. So far the blog hasn't done very well in terms of what you call popular, but it has given me an outlet, and keeps my imagination flowing with new creative ways to paint my face and improve my talents.

Tonight however,  I find myself needing a different kind of outlet. An interweb ventilation system if you will. One I am willing to share so publicly because I know there are others who can relate.
I have a few disorders that I find hold me back in many of life's aspects, they are not easy to live with, nor put up with if you happen to be in my range. I am a difficult, complex, strange and complicated being. On a daily basis I question the universe of my demons and struggles. I question my existence here and it's meaning. I question and over analyze almost everything.
I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, paranoia, borderline personality disorder, and insomnia. My first diagnoses was over 10 years ago and every day is an uphill battle. I am proud to say I have overcome many things, and every day is just another day to better myself. Sometimes the recognition of others is nice as well, but unless you're happy with yourself it will never matter what anybody else thinks. You need to know your worth. You need to know you're worth it, even when you're doubtful. Just remind yourself how far you've come through ups and downs. You are not alone in this journey, everyone has a story.

Don't judge what you don't know, or understand. Especially people; they may just surprise you. So if you're anything like me and find yourself needing some positive reinforcement, get busy doing something you love, laugh, smile, and everything else will work out.

Xo Cally Anna Mae

Mondays Are For Makeup: Enzyme Peel

Mondays should be known for makeup, not someone having 'a case of the Mondays'. Unless of course that case is a big makeup case full of wonderful cosmetic goodies!

For every great face of makeup, you need to start with a great base. No, not just the moisturizer and the primer. Of course we need to clean our faces, they fill with grease dirt and oil naturally, let alone the remnants of the outside world. It's nice to exfoliate, but for more sensitive skin it's not always the most rational decision. There are all types of enzyme peels out there as well, that help remove the dead skin cells and other buried dirt. 

I have been using an all natural, chemical free, organic, straight from the farm to jar product. I was introduced to it at a friend's beauty party hosted by Aloette. 

Once you've applied it to your face and let it warm up to the temperature of your skin you can begin massaging it in. At first it feels like water massaging onto your face but after seconds it begins to feel grainy. It's not grains or sands or micro crystals, it's your dead skin beginning to peel off with this miraculous enzyme peel. (Then of course you rinse your face, I use Aveeno foam cleanser.) It was amazing to see the amount of dead skin removed from my face, almost gross, but my face felt so refreshed and clean afterwards. 

A clean face is a great face! And a fundamental in applying makeup. 😘
XO Cally Anna Mae 

September Ipsy Bag.

As usual, it should come as no surprise that I absolutely had favorite goodies in this month's bag.

Of course I would be in love with the nyx eyeshadow pallete that was specifically for @Ipsy.

And there was another waterproof pencil eyeliner that I was amazed by. Another truly smudge/run proof pencil liner. "J.Cats beauty" #motd (makeup of the day) shade: bronze. As a makeup artist, I have very rarely recommended a pencil liner that I had full faith it it's ability to stay in place, let alone one I would be willing to use on myself or a client. This is one of two I would recommend without hesitation.
(Of course number one being of BellaPierre.)

I truly believe in this product,  just having tried it only two days ago. There are few and far between that stay in place just like this pencil liner.

Xo Cally Anna Mae

Face Collage

Some of the faces I have created are in a collage below. Most of these looks were created with my favorite brands of makeup, such as Makeup Forever, NYX Cosmetics, Gosh and Kate Von D.

You can view more of my looks or these up close, (some with video footage!) On my instagram or Facebook.

@_instacally
www.facebook.com/callyimages

XO Cally Anna Mae

Harley Quinn inspired Makeup

As usual, I was up late surfing the net and checking out other MUA's looks when I came across one of Batman's beloved Harley Quinn. (Now to do the joker). By no means is mine near the quality of work as the one I saw, wishing I couldn't think of the women's name.. it was incredible, and by far the best I had seen, and I wanted to copy it without completely stealing the idea.

Here is my twist of the inspired, inspired look. Haha.

XO Cally Anna Mae 

Ipsy: June2015

Once again I was given a bag full of amazing beauty products and one I just loved. This amazing +ipsy  bag had Smashbox makeup Primer in it. It went on so soft and smooth and felt silky and velvety, filling most wrinkles and creating a beautifully matte surface for your makeup.
It also had amother product, one I had not heard of but works quite well. IT cosmetics Brow Power universal brow pencil, shade universal taupe. I would suggest buying this is you already have lovely brows and just want to fill them in or give them some colour, a new shape or dimensions. When I am in a rush I have used it for drawing on my complete eyebrows.. It stayed on quite a while, but of course with the lack of eyebrows I have, It lacked giving the dimension/look I prefer. None the less a great product.

I definitely would recommend buying the Smashbox Primer as it was my favourite product in this month's Ipsy.

Xo Cally Anna Mae

Summer Sunshine; Protect Your Skin

It's that time of year where the sun is out and the heat is here. Sweating, breakouts, awful tans and even worse tan lines. And don't forget the melanoma!

What an awkward time for skin, and skin care. You want to protect yourself from the sun, without covering yourself in an oily lotion that leaves you feeling really greasy, and clogging all your pores... exactly what you don't want if you're prone to breakouts. I already have an oily face, the last thing I want to do is cover my already sweaty greasy face with even more oil and grease. Thank the Universe for water based sunscreen!!!

But what about the ones who don't necessarily want to protect their skin as the do darken it.
Some of you want the sun-kissed glow of tanned skin, and use things such as baby oil to catch a great tan, really fast. If you're willing to be covered in oil, and aren't as unfortunate as I am and my sensitive skin, there is a safer and less greasy way to protect AND tan you skin at the same time. Coconut oil. It absorbs into the skin just enough not to feel slippery, and although not the best alternative to sunscreen, it has benefits of defending the skin against the harmful uv rays.

Just a little tip and reminder to love your skin and take care of it, it's the only skin you have.

Xo Cally Anna Mae

One Reason I Love Makeup.

I've never been what you would call comfortable with my looks. Especially without makeup. In fact, in most cases I won't leave the house without it. I've got a motto stuck in my head, "If you feel good, look good, if you feel like shit, look even better". It has become my way of showing myself exactly what I'm made of, and that is what I'd like to portray, not just a painted face. It wasn't something I decided to do for anyone else other than myself, but it wasn't bad if others noticed it too. That being the only time I was "okay" with people looking at me, and okay was just less uncomfortable than if I had toilet paper stuck to my boot. I don't have eyebrows, I draw them on. I don't have eyelashes, I glue them on. I feel humanlike. Makeup does that for me, it's helped me come out of my shell, embrace my creativity and individualism. It's shown me I am unique, different, it's given me confidence time and time over, but most importantly, it's given me a chance to see myself as beautiful. I wouldn't trade that for a million dollars.

Don't be afraid to get creative and do different things than the norm. You'll be surprised.

Xo
Cally Anna Mae.

BellaPierre Gel Eyeliner Pencil

I recently joined a "club" called Ipsy, an awesome concept that mails you makeup and beauty samples for ten dollars, monthly. In this month's bag I was completely blown away, to say the least, by an eyeliner. I had never heard of the brand before but I was eager to try it as I had also been blown away by products in my previous bag that I has never used.

The eyeliner was a gel based pencil colour "Ebony", by BellaPierre Cosmetics. Let me tell you! Once it sets, it is not going anywhere. I drew a line on my hand let it dry, because it is agel in pencil form. Then I pulled my finger over it having little hopes, any pencil liner I've ever used has smudged, or ran and with water stood no chance.. To my surprise it didn't smudge, so I added more pressure trying to remove it and it still did NOT budge. I washed my hands, it was still there. This eyeliner was amazing me in front of my own eyes, it was like magic!

I will forever swear by this eyeliner here on out.
BellaPierre Cosmetics Gel Liner (pencil)

Cat Play

This look was a lot of fun and really simple. I used only eyeliner (and a small bit of eyeshadow on the lid) for this kitty cat.

I wanted to practice a steadier hand, since I'm always shaky (thanks universe!). This was also my first attempt at framing eyes on my own eyelids. Which let me tell you, getting the detail right is almost impossible when closing one eye at a time and your glasses aren't on. But then again practice, practice, practice!

Thanks for being You.

Some things are harder for me to accept than others, and that in itself is something to accept. I am not one for caring what people think of me, my appearance, intelligence or the things I believe and say.
I am a forgiving person, and as awful as my memory is, I am not one to forget. I believe that people deserve second chances if they're willing to work hard at bettering themselves and proving themselves. I believe that people are entitled to set boundaries for those who have betrayed them, and are trying to regain trust.
I used to have a hard time accepting that I will never be anything more than the outlandish, eccentric. Now I have a hard time accepting that I used to think that wasn't enough.
To the folks out there who aren't exactly what everyone expects you to be, to the folks who are afraid to make a statement, the ones who think they need to tame their personalities and how you express yourself.. DON'T stop being you. Don't let others put a cramp in your step or be the fly in your chardonnay. Be that rainbow in the rainstorm.

Xo Cally

Encourage and Support

I love to encourage and support my friend and family in whatever they plan to achieve, succeed, and dream. I am happy, as long as they are happy. I have not always been a selfless person, I was selfish, pretentious, hypocritical, mean and just a down right monster. It was a long journey, it wasn't easy and I've learned that I will still make mistakes along the way. None of which will ever be the kind of mistakes I made before, the heartless kind, but now an innocent mistake, accident if you will.

Along this journey to becoming a better person and constantly striving to better myself, I have found that my selflessness and limitless love for my family and friends is something I want to share with everyone. Friends, family, acquaintances, and strangers a like. I have also found that not everyone has accepted me now as they cannot or will not forgive me for my past, and that is fine. It is fine that not everyone wants to spread positivity and encouragement like I. I however, have found that their negativity affects my ability to enjoy and embrace the positive change in my life, as well as my ability to want to share with others (that I have grown into a better person) and support them.

As far as I'm concerned there is nothing wrong with wanting to boast about yourself growing and sharing with others it's possible, in whatever aspect of their life. I am not concerned if I have been accepted. There shouldn't be a reason to defamation the honest encouragement and support.

Love you all. Xo
Cally Anna Mae

Makeup Vanity

I have been so busy renovating my home and newLy built home studio, that I've neglected updates and new images of faces I've painted.

I've also started restoring antique furniture that I will be selling. In the process I found two beautiful makeup vanities, completely vintage, one was in pretty rough shape and the lady I got it from did a fantastic job refinishing it. I bought a bench from an antique store at a great price and sanded down and painted the legs to match the vanity. The other I found and plan to refinish myself, which happened to come with the original bench and mirror as well, such a bonus! However, now I cannot decide which one I will keep, or if I will evenbe able to bring myself to sell either. 

It's late and my brain is just flowing with information, which I am always compelled to share. Just for all you readers who went the long haul, and read my rant. I do have photos!

The vanity

And the first 'session'

Thank You!

Just wanted to give a quick thank you to those who continue to check my blog for updates and new tips and tricks!

Don't forget to check out my Facebook page www.facebook.com/callyimages
And my personal Instagram!
@_instacally

I don't know how many of you are, and I'd lover to hear some feedback from my readers!
Also, feel free to send makeup requests for which you'd like to see my makeup take on, and feel free to ask questions! I may have an answer that works for you!

Xo Cally Anna Mae

Personal Instagram!! CHECK IT OUT!

So while I figure out how to make my blog much more user friendly, creative, fun and more accessible.. CHECK OUT my personal Instagram account for time to time photo updates of makeup, and shameless self portraits!!

@_instacally

Be sure to also check out my Facebook page www.facebook.com/callyimages

Xoxo

Revamp.

I am going to revamp my blog. It's always different than what I've tried to set up. And with this revamp I plan to stay on track, by posting more often new looks, tips and tricks.

See you soon with a new look!
Xo Cally Anna Mae