WIG ADVENTURES: Sharpie Dying Commission

Wahhh, I am so so sorry for not posting on schedule again! My house had no internet for the past few days and it's probably going to last for a while so if I don't update on time again, I apologize! I'm in school right now though so here's my new blog post for this week!

I've been asked how I do sharpie dying so here's a quick look on how I usually do it (again, not a tutorial I am sorry. I'll make a decent one if you're interested!). I had this commission some weeks ago for my gorgeous friend, Snow. She had a pair of synthetic extensions that she wanted to match her current hair colour which was kind of an odd Pink-Orange tone (odd but gorgeous) and I took upon the challenge to match it to the best of my abilities!

This was the original hair extensions. They weren't a platinum or light blonde, which I would suggest working with to get the most vibrant colours, but then I chose really vibrant coloured sharpies to try and get the right colour. I used:
- Pastel Pink Sharpies (4)
- Neon Orange Sharpies (4)
- Pastel Orange Sharpies (3)
- Hot Pink Sharpies (2)

I made a mixture of the pastel pink, neon orange and hot pink sharpies with rubbing alcohol. I use 70% alcohol and put it in a large tub. I usually put it in a spray bottle to dye it evenly but you can see here that I tried putting the hair extensions all into the tub.

The colour of the mixture was exactly how I wanted it but the fibers didn't absorb all the colour in one go. So, I actually dried both extensions then I put the mixture into a spray bottle and dyed it from there. This allowed he fibers to absorb more of the colour and I would suggest just sticking to the spray bottle method - but seeing the synthetic hair soak in a colourful bath is so cute.

After a lot of spraying, this is what it turned out. After spraying t with that mixture, I actually put just the pastel orange sharpies and alcohol in a spray bottle and misted the hair with one layer of the orange misted. This created the odd orange-pink tone causing it to have a two to three toned colour instead of just one. Here's a closer look at the fibers:

This project only took a day to do! And I love making custom colours, it's really really fun hehe and with the wide variety of colours that sharpies come available with, the possibilities are endless!

Thanks for tuning into this blog segment! Sorry for the delay again huhu

Craft With Me! Wig Adventures: John Constantine Commission

This was my first time doing a wig like this and I am pretty happy that it turned out alright! Hehe, actually this was a commission for my friend Vinni who will be cosplaying John Constantine this weekend at the upcoming Tagcom!  I just wanted to share my process of going about this wig, so here we go!

This was how I got the wig from Vinni that I would transform myself. I wasn't expecting anything other than an unstyled wig but I got something that was actually very difficult to work with. I was intimidated by the state of the wig at first and was scared that I couldn't salvage it and turn it into a wig I would want to return to my client. Especially with the style, as shown in the picture above of Matt Ryan the actor, that it needed to be in. (Thanks for the photo google!)

This was the original the colour of the wig, which was something very platinum and the quality of the fibers were very tangled, frayed and dry. However, this wasn't a problem I was too worried with since I knew I was going to be trimming those frayed ends off and I was going to be colouring the wig anyway.

However, as seen above the main problem with this wig was the way the wefts were sewn together. Not only were the fibers very thing and sparse but they were sewn so far away from each other that when it was worn, the netting and wig cap/natural hair will definitely show. The style I needed it to be in would also show that part of the wig netting where the forehead would be which is no good at all!  Plus, the last wefts were completely without any fibers sewn into them at all. Yikes.

Anyway, to solve all these problems I worked with a couple steps:

1. First, I brushed it out as well as I can and then to get a more natural blonde colour, I tea-dyed the wig. This is a method where I submerge the wig in tea-water, for this one I used Earl Grey tea. I drowned it in that bath for a couple hours then washed it out and let it dry.

2. In this photo, you can start to see that I sectioned out the top part of the wig. Then, I began cutting the fibers into layers to give that short style for male wigs. I wasn't too scared with showing the netting at the moment because I was going to fix that. I just wanted to get the general length correct. I kept all the hair i cut off into a bin.

3. Afterwards, I hot-glued some felt onto the widely separated wefts so that the hair I was going to glue on after had something to stick onto. I hot glued these felt pieces into the top section as well as the sides but made sure to keep the bottom wefts un touched because then it might become uncomfortable to wear. Additionally, I added in a widows peak at the front. I used flesh coloured felt so that it could be hidden and easily blended with the blonde fibers.

4. Then, I began attaching the hair I cut off back onto the wig and onto the felt. I had glued some of the cut pieces together to form plates of hair so that it would be easier to attach but I mostly used those for the raised section in the front. I simply grabbed pieces and applied some hot glue then attached them in the same direction the hair would go. So, for the back, it was downward but on the sides (especially nearest to the side burns), I angled it slightly diagonally. It was a tedious process but as seen in the photo below, it paid off since now you can barely see the netting at all. I made my main concern to cover the netting first.

5. The top section is what I covered next, it was the signature style of John Constantine after all. I carefully attached pieces onto the felt widow's peak I made and made sure they were bent upwards. I then attached some under the felt and styled them upwards from there so that the felt wouldn't be seen from under when worn. To keep everything in place and styled, I used a hair dryer to form the correct shape and placement and hair sprayed everything to place.

6. For the sides and the back, I made sure to  add some side burns by attaching longer pieces of wig fibers there. It would cover the nape and the actual side burn of the cosplayer. I also attached more wig fibers above when necessary as well as to the sides of the raised section of hair at the top to make everything look seamless and put together.

7. Once I was happy with the overall shape and condition the wig was in, I continued to colour once again because John Constantine's hair is not just one shade of blonde and has some roots. So as seen below, I began colouring in those sections. I used a mixture of alcohol and brown and orange sharpies, with a lot of alcohol so it would not be too dark. I basically sprayed closer to the head and lifted up fibers so I could spray into the roots of every section.

It took me about 2 days to make this wig and I'm very excited to hand it over to Vinni! I'm sorry if this isn't really a tutorial but I am not yet confident to make an actual tutorial but I hope that this log of my progress would help you somehow! I had a lot of fun with this project and I am now confident in challenging myself more with wigs. Here are final photos of the wig! Stay tuned to my Facebook Page to see Vinni with this wig sometime soon! See you!

Selling Mary Kay Beauty Products + Review !!

Hello everyone! Super exciting news!! I'm selling Mary Kay Beauty Products!!

So, if you are interested in buying Mary Kay Beauty Products, please contact me! There is a little more info about ordering, pricing, payment and products below. But of course, I wouldn't be selling anyone products I don't trust myself - and to my pleasant surprise, these products really are great! So here's a review on a couple of their items, to help you think about buying these babies!

MARY KAY BEAUTY PRODUCTS REVIEW

I ordered quite a number of things from Mary Kay before agreeing to become a distributor. I really believe in sharing and advising people to buy products that I only trust and use myself, so I knew I had to give them a shot first. I'm not writing this review because I have to, this is because I really want you guys to know what to expect when buying these products. These are all my honest and first opinion basis on each of the products. Some worked for me and some did not, but I ask you to be open as well. We are all different kinds of people, and products will work on each of us very differently so it will depend on yourself but I just want to give you a general idea of the products and how they worked for me.

When I received my package, it was so simple yet beautifully packed. I don't know what it is, but I really, really love the simple and straight to the point packaging of the products. These were the products I ordered (+ Prices of the product in Philippine Peso):

1. Botanical Effects Cleanser F3 (P 650.00)
2. Oil-Free Eye Make Up Remover (P 725.00)
3. Creme Lipstick in Rogue Red (P 700)
4. Makeup Finishing Spray (P 1300)
5. Mineral Eye Color Quad in Autumn Leaves (P 750 )
6. Lash Love Lengthening Mascara (Black) (P 755)
7. Facial Highlighting Pen (P 1100)
8. Sheer Mineral Pressed Powder in Ivory 2 (P 650)
9. Liquid Foundation Brush (P 725)
*10. Timewise Matte-Wear Liquid Foundation in Ivory 5 (P 785)
*11. Concealer in Ivory 1 (P 415)

* The last two items are kind of like bonus items? They were ordered by my mom but it sadly did not match her skin tone so she gave it to me instead. Now, let us go slightly in-depth with these products!

The Liquid Foundation Brush was something I was looking forward to because I previously got one from the drugstore and have been very fond of applying my liquid foundation with said brush for everyday use since it applies a thinner layer of the product. However, the bristles at the tip of this brush always poke my skin a bit. It is quite uncomfortable when used on the face but the application is still smooth and the base of the brush is very smooth on the skin. I will probably use this for body paints instead of everyday use on the face.

I would really recommend the Timewise Matte-wear Liquid Foundation because it really does dry matte and it actually lasts. Now, I've never been much of a fan of matte products on my skin because my skin is very dry but this one doesn't bother me too much. I'm sure this looks spectacular on other skin types and will be no problem at all, but with someone with dry skin it does look a bit dry but it isn't incredibly noticeable and bothersome. I also really enjoy how long this lasts, I had a very long day with school and errands on day and this lasted the entire day, looking like I had just applied it a moment ago even if hours had already passed.

The Concealer has this strange smell? Lol, I'm not exactly sure if it's just me but it is a bit strange to me. However, other than that this is super great! Its coverage is magical. I don't even use too much of the product and it conceals don't feels so much already. This is actually in a couple shades lighter than my skin so it really highlights my face as well as conceals it. I would definitely use this while I cosplay.

Speaking of highlighters, the Facial Highlighting Pen is pretty grand as well. Since it's a pen the application of the highlighter is really easy. Just twist it and the product releases into the built in brush and you basically draw on lines on where you want the highlight to be. Since this is also in a liquid form, it creates a nice dewey glow - which I adore in make up looks because it makes the skin look so healthy. It isn't an in-your-face type of highlighter, just subtle and nice. It's perfect for everyday use.

I don't like to add powder after using the matte-wear foundation since it doesn't really do anything but I would definitely use the Sheer Mineral Pressed Powder after using my other liquid foundations. It came with the fluffy brush seen in the photos as well and creates a really nice finish for the face. It brings everything together and if you still want that dewey finish, just use a bit of this product to seal any foundation or concealer on certain spots and you will still get that glow. However, if you want something more matte and flawless, you can just use more of the product, adding more powder to your face carefully with the help of the brush.

The Color Quad Eyeshadows have very pigmented shadows. They are a line of gemstones that have shimmer. It's a very cool toned combination that works very well together. I am in love with the shimmery olive green and gold shadows in the set. They also can apply very opaque if you want and they blend beautifully. I will definitely create a look for this and hopefully can use it for cosplay!

I am very fond of lashes and my go-to make up is always just mascara and lip tint. This Lash love Lengthening Mascara is something to consider. I really love having long, dark, thick and curled lashes. This mascara answers to the length and darkness of the lashes. It separates them very well and avoids clumps of mascara and lashes coming together all the while making them much longer. However, it does straighten my lashes out even after I've curled them very well. Which is quite sad. On days where I just want straight lashes, which is actually very rare, I will use this. Perhaps if you naturally have curled lashes or lashes that holds on to curls better than mine can, then this will work better for you.

I am deeply in love with the Creme Lipstick in Rogue Red. I love getting vibrant colours of lipstick, especially since I usually need them for cosplay. This is a stunning product. It's colour is soooooo saturated and it actually applies super smoothly. I didn't even need to use a brush when applying this because it was so clean. It also applies kind of glossy at first, which I am kind of a fan of but with this particular colour at some angles it was kind of weird. I blotted my lips on tissue once and it completely solved the problem, not too glossy anymore. Blotted it one more time and it looked like a beautiful matte lipstick. It still felt really moisturising despite giving the matte effect and the colour didn't wash out at all. It's, ugh, I would definitely recommend.

And lastly, to top everything off, you can use the Finishing Spray! I've used this once and it allowed my make up to last the entire day. It also has a very pleasant smell and is very refreshing. I have not used this yet for cosplay, but when I do I will definitely let you know because I'm sure it will be amazing!

After wearing make up for a while or for the whole day, the Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is now my go-to to get all the gunk off my face. I know it says Eye Makeup Remover but I honestly use it for my entire face. It just feels so nice! It doesn't leave a sheet of oil on your face either and really removes make up very well. Just a couple swipes and it'll be gone, like it removed my Creme Lipstick in just two swipes! Amazing! Also, it doesn't require a lot of the make up remover to remove make up like I use a couple drops on a cotton pad and it works so well already. So I would definitely recommend this product as well. Must. Have.

And lastly, before hitting bed and sometimes when I start the day, I like to wash my face with my new Botanical Effects Cleanser. This is the F3 which is for oily skin. My mom actually got this for me as a small surprise (Thanks mom!), I don't actually know why she got the one based for oily skin but this thing works as a charm for me! It doesn't dry out my skin and leaves my skin feeling very supple and soft and smooth. It has a very faint and pleasant smell and it doesn't sting the eyes too much. I have very sensitive skin so cleansers and most make up products are a hit or miss for me but this one was incredible. I will definitely try the F1 next time, the one for Dry Skin, but this was already great on its own.

So there you go! Make up really is, just like I said, a hit or miss for me but luckily, Mary Kay definitely passed all the tests and I will be using more of their products from now on. I hope to hear that you will be too! And if you're interested, here's how!

HOW TO ORDER MARY KAY PRODUCTS FROM DINNY !!

So, how we do this is we actually don't have like an order form online as of now and things like that. This gets a little more personal (lol not in a creepy way). I personally have an update catalogue of all the Mary Kay products available and you can reach me and we can go over them together!

However, if you are too far away or something, you can check out their e-catalogue here!

The reason we do this and not just have order forms is so we can really talk about what's great and what will work for you and your skin type or the look you want to achieve. It's kind of like a small consultation. We will be able to talk it out and stuff. So, once we have talked that's when I will give you details about payment, shipping, tracking numbers and basically how you will get what you want from catalogue to your front door.

So, if you're interested send me a message on Facebook or my E-mail ( dinamplified@gmail.com ) about your interest.

If we are close friends we can meet up and look at the catalogue together! If you don't have time or live far away, check out the e-catalogue! If you don't exactly know which specific products to get or are interested but with no idea where to start, message me and I can help you out! I am a freelanced Make Up Artist and have worked with some professionals in the past, I am definitely not the best but I will try my best to help you out!

Toy Review: Sheng Yuan Young Justice, Herd Series

Sorry for not posting last Friday as scheduled! ; 0 ; I was sick and then when I was not sick, there was just so much stuff going on weeeeew but everything's alright now and I will be posting regularly again! But for now, let's get this overdue Toy Review started!

I received this set from Batman himself, Tim G. Villasor, as a birthday present last February 28th! I've been seeing this around forever, but never had a set myself - but I have one now, a complete set at that! So this is from Sheng Yuan, and it's a series of 8 characters from the Young Justice series including: Nightwing, Artemis, Superman, Miss Martian, Superboy, Kid Flash, Robin and Aqualad. Basically everyone is from season 1, except Nightwing who is obviously from Season 2 (which is kind of strange haha, but I am definitely not complaining since I love my Dick Grayson huehue).

This is how every box looks like, let's let the fabulous Nightwing be our model here. It has a big character illustration in front along with the finished product of how the figure is put together and the weapons a character comes with. I like how you can see the end product so you know how it should be looking in the end but I do find the weapons kind of weird. Some of them kind of don't make sense...? Like, Superboy having - what are those? An Erlinmeyer flask and a... faceless head?! I don't know. It was just kind of strange to me but uh, it's nice that there are also little details like that! I wish they had put more relevance in the details though.

The side of the boxes have a small icon of the illustration and the instructions (THANK GOODNESS) on the other side. On the back is a nice group image and a complete list of all the characters you can get out of this series from Sheng Yuan.

I switched to Artemis now to show you the opening of one box, since I knew my older brother wanted to build Dick Grayson. I love Artemis a whole lot anyway. So, all the pieces come in one plastic bag and it's easy to open. No need for scissors. There aren't too many parts and all these parts are pretty small and all characters come with one extra piece: An extra hand.

Sometimes it did get a little confusing because on the instructions, one colour would be kind of different on the instructions compared to the actual colour of the specific part. So it did get confusing. However, the details and sculpting on individual parts are really great! Everything fit together no problem and it was easy to put together.

Here's what I mean by the details being really great! Here is the finished output of Artemis. I really love how she turned out, she's probably my favourite figure out of the whole bunch next to Dick Grayson.

Thanks for staying with me for this toy review! I'll leave you with more photos of everyone else! Here are the other characters from this series! It was a lot of fun building everyone and on my desk, I have Wally, Dick (Robin and Nightwing), and Artemis! Yay!