Hello everybody. 
I am currently in the process of redying my hair, as has been the routine for many, many years (not even sure exactly what my natural haircolor is supposed to be, hehe). This time I’m using Loreal Excellence Creme (a brand I’ve used a couple of times in the past) because my preferred Garnier color was not available. No big surprises here – the color is medium maple brown, just a tad warmer and perhaps more auburn than the last color. So, I’m sitting here naked with my hair plastered in a dome shape, waiting for 20 more minutes until it’s time to rinse. 
People commonly make the mistake of judging the color immediately after rinsing and drying, but I say it’s best to wait until after the first washing since it will fade slightly.
The shades I experiment with range from caramel (usually as highlights) to deep brown/black, usually sticking near the medium-brown camp since it helps brighten my complexion by lightening my natural color (which is actually a dark brown) and providing warm glints of color. Though I do miss the dark black sometimes, that tended to make me look washed out. I personally avoid plum/burgundy shades since they clash with my light olive complexion.
For a couple of years there I started having the salons dye and highlight my hair, which came out nicely (save for this one time) but was very expensive. Having dyed my own hair ever since age 12, I see no good reason to pay someone else to do what I’m fully capable of on my own. Oh sure, their highlights tend to look nicer, more even, less chunky, but perfection comes second to personal satisfaction. Saving $100 and having hair that looks just as pretty makes me happier. Hell, even my salon tech at an upscale place where I have it cut says he can’t tell my dye job is homemade, claiming usually he can. I think this probably has more to do with people choosing colors drastically different than their natural shade, then not keeping up on root care. When I stick between medium-to-dark brown shades, my dark brown roots are less noticeable, meaning I don’t have to dye my hair but every 3-4 months or so.
Besides, the quality and variety of take-home dye kits is truly amazing today, most priced well-below $20. It’s just more fun to do it yourself.
Six minutes remaining…and my scalp itches a little.
I own so many beauty products that it seems a shame I don’t take more time to get fixed up regularly. But the barscene is less appealing and I’m restricted to more conservative looks while out with clients (hey, I’m not a stripper – can’t be wearing glittery violet eye shadow out to dinner!), so my options are limited. And I hate to waste product, so if it’s going on my face, I better be headed somewhere to show it off. ‘Course I do need to take photos for my escort site, so maybe that’s where the theatrical looks can come into play. We’ll see.
This afternoon I was watching youtube video tutorials on applying loose glitter in eye makeup looks. Aside from sprinkling loose shimmer/iridescent glitter over my shoulders, decolletage, and hair, I haven’t found other uses. Plus, it’s a rare day that I find my way into a club, so again, outside of personal photography I’m not sure these looks will serve a purpose. But that’s okay. It’s all about enjoying yourself.
Ooh! Time to rinse!
Newsvine
wakemenow said
Oooh…it’s darker. Such a nice shade. Can’t wait til tomorrow to see what it fades out to be.
wakemenow said
Now on to a home pedicure…
I used a Tweezerman-brand callus shaver and rasp, followed by a two-sided sanding paddle and then Freeman Barefoot Creamy Pumice foot scrub in iced teaberry & mint scent. After that, a lathering of Heel to Toe therapeutice healing foot repair cream in lavender, peppermint, rosemary & shea butter formulation. Feets are feeling so clean and soft now!
Toes and fingernails painted – wooh! Time to dry!