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Zombie Shak at Anime Overload III

   Anime Overload III was zombie themed this year and I was invited to Zombiefy the patrons....just all around good bloody fun!!

For those who don't know what an anime convention is all about let me tell you it is great FUN! It all revolves around the Japanese culture of cartoons (anime) and books (manga). The highlight of these events are dressing up like your favoriate character and role playing on stage (Cosplay). All forms of pop culture are invited to join so you will commonly see Star Wars, Star Trek, WOW, D&D, and arcade video characters come to life. There are many events to attend, panel discussions, fashion shows, costume contests, dances and raves, video and game rooms, artists and vendor talbles, and plenty of amazing Japanese food. Anyone interested in theater, makeup, and/or costume design this is a dream event to attend.

For this event I constucted a "shak" which served as my booth. I sold clothes, makeup and makeup services. The clothing is harvested from donations and sterilized before begining the transformation of being painted, stained and burnt for the full rechid effect. Items are sold for $6 each or 2 for $5  (...or included in a full body package). Zombie makeup kits sell for $20 and includes everything thing you need to create your own zombie look.
The makeup services offered are:
Black Eye $5
6' Bruise   $5
Throat Slash  $10
Stage I (just infected) $10
Stage II (eats brains)   $15
Stage III (bloody mess) $20
Fully Body Package   $30

Zombie Shak is available for hire! Invite us to invade your business, and promote your goods...who can resist taking a flyer from a zombie?!! We are also looking for spaces to set up shak to zombify the masses -let us know if you have a location we can use.

MYKA in Community Impact 2008

MYKA Chronicle



Stephen Moser pumped started my business with a small blurb about the store the first week it opened. Stephen has continued to support my success through the years and I think he is a wonderful human being!

Questions and Answers

An educated customer is a satisfied customer. We believe the more informed you are; the more comfortable and satisfied you will be with your purchase. So, along with some insightful information, we invited some our existing customers to submit questions that they had when first introduced to us. We hope this information will satisfy your curiosity. If you care for more information you are more than welcome to submit your own question via email.

 

I have been looking for a certain color that the company I bought it from, has since discontinued. Can you match colors from other companies?

Yes, we’ll give it our best effort! All we need from you is a sample of the color you are trying to match.

If we cannot match it, or you are not satisfied, you owe us nothing. (We only want satisfied customers!!)

One of our unique services is Personalized Color Compounding. When you are looking to match a particular color, or you want create your own, we can help! We work with you, mixing until the blend is just right. This service is available at selected satellite locations.

 

Does your color selection change with the seasons?

We have a great selection of colors and we keep them ALL available for you, year round.

Whatever the season, you will have full access to our complete line of colors.

 

How are your makeup and spa products made? Are they mass manufactured by a contracted company or do you order formulas from another company?

Neither. We understand your demand for a higher quality of beautification products. Iconz Cosmetics manufactures each batch by hand, assuring you the product is prepared the way you request it. We developed our own unique formula to use as a base in our makeup line (patent pending) and we use European aromatherapy formulas in our spa products. Because we make our own products we are not limited to the usually high manufacturing minimum orders that contract companies often require. Mass manufacturing becomes quite expensive and unless the company has very deep pockets they must choose just a few colors to produce. Manufacturing ourselves by hand allows us to buy more colorants and ingredients to offer you more choices. We also feel that it supports our community by providing local jobs.

 

I hear a lot about mineral makeup, exactly what is it and how does your makeup line compare?

Mineral makeup is a very popular choice in today’s beauty industry. Even though it has been available for quite some time it has recently gained a lot of media attention. One of its attributes is that it’s safe to use for sun protection. It is so safe that doctors and plastics surgeons are recommending it to their clients. Mineral makeup is composed primarily of mica which is an inert, inorganic mineral that cannot support bacteria. This is very important to persons with acne prone skin. Mineral makeup is usually referred to as water resistant because heat or humidity has little effect on the performance. It is known as non-comedogenic which means the particles will not block or clog your pores, allowing your skin to breathe. Mica is very lightweight, which is a very important quality, because it will not promote sagging of the skin, allowing skin to appear more youthful. Most people who try it love the light weight feeling and enjoy the way their skin appears to glow.

 

One of the problems with mineral makeup is that it has a limited the color pallet. Another problem is that mica, by itself, is so light weight that it has difficulty adhering to the skin. Therefore some companies offer additional products that you have to purchase to improve its performance.

 

So how does MYKA compare?

The MYKA Powder Makeup Collection offers all of the same positive qualities as mineral makeup such as: sun protection, a light weight formula, a non-comedogenic product, and it is still considered water, heat and humidity resistant. We also keep our products in powder form to preserve the bacteria resistant quality. We offer a larger variety of colors, versus mineral makeup. Our colorants are derived from sources such as: micas, pigments and dyes. The main difference between our finished product and mineral makeup is we have developed a natural formula (patent pending) which we use as a base. We compound our base with the colorant to increase the long lasting performance of the product. This saves you from having to purchase an extra item to get the same result and/or having to perform an extra step when applying your makeup.


 
Life can be complicated, applying makeup should not be.

 

How is your makeup different from conventional makeup?

The unique formula uses natural clays as a binding device. This method allows the clays to adhere the mica to the skin in order to draw oil impurities and toxins away from the skin. Clays are not absorbed by the body, they work with it, allowing our products to provide balance and beauty adaptable to your skin’s unique needs. The oil absorbing qualities are non-drying, so oily skin doesn’t appear greasy and dry skin doesn’t dehydrate. You will be impressed at how long you can wear our makeup before it begins to crease or fade. The Iconz formula (patent pending) naturally contains potassium and magnesium to nurture your skin. The colorant contains anti-inflammatory properties that will calm and soothe irritated skin. This combination makes the MYKA Powder Makeup Collection the perfect choice for healthy skin, acne prone skin, chemically sensitive skin, and skin suffering from rosacea.

 

In comparison, conventional products dilute the colorant with a variety of fillers. A common ingredient in conventional cosmetic items is talc, which is a known carcinogen (causes cancer). In fact, one of every 120 products on the US market contain ingredients certified by government authorities as known or probable human carcinogens, including shampoos, lotions, makeup foundations and lip balms. You will not find this information in a commercial!

 

We are not trying to scare you into buying our product.
We do want you to become informed - independently.

Your health should not have to be compromised for your beauty. They can coexist.

 

Do you offer pressed powders?

No. When you press a powder you need to add a wetting agent to get the powder to mold. This changes the inorganic quality of the composition. When a wetting agent is added, bacteria can grow and you must add a preservative to keep the product safe. Even though there are some really fancy pressed powder containers and pretty imprinting that looks really nice, we do not press our powders. It makes sense to offer the product in loose powder form since you just manipulate the pressed powder into a loose powder prior to application. We also have the belief that the less you have to add to the composition of the product, the less chance we have of irritating someone’s skin. (Irritated skin does not make customers happy!)

 

Will my skin have an allergic reaction if I use other over-the-counter brands along with your product?

We cannot guarantee that you won’t have an allergic reaction to our products. We sure hope you don’t!

Everybody has a unique biochemistry composition that reacts differently to chemical or environmental stimuli. For the most part, we use chemically inert ingredients. We do use essential oils that may cause a reaction when combined with the sun or other ingredients. Please read all product labels thoroughly. Many companies, including ours, will post precautions.   

What is the shelf life of your products?  Should I store them in a special place?  Is the heat from the bathroom going to break down the composition?

The shelf life will vary from product to product. Powders will keep longer than creams. The Rich Cream Lotion will last approximately 3 months. There is no need to refrigerate it. Personal care products should be stored in a cool, dry place to prolong the life cycle. The Food and Drug Administration offers recommendations and guidelines to how long a product should be considered safe. To learn more, visit the FDA website.

How can I tell what colors and tones are best for my skin type?
There are a variety of methods to determine your most flattering color options.

 Color analysis determines your tone and season. It will determine if you are considered a cool tone (blue undertones) or a warm tone (red undertones) and designate a particular season: spring, summer, winter or fall. Each season has a selection of colors that are considered to be more flattering for your coloring than other colors.

 

The color wheel technique focuses on the use of complementary colors to enhance the desired focal point.

 

If you are trying to determine for yourself which color is best, it is almost easier to first determine what does not work. When you hold a color up to your face does your face look blotchy or uneven? Do dark circles appear under your eyes? Do your veins seem more pronounced? If you have this reaction to the color avoid wearing it and colors that are similar to it, close to or on your face.

Do your makeup products contain sun screen?

All of our products in our Powder Makeup Collection contain mica, a natural source for sun protection. Mica is a reflective material that blocks UV radiation rays by reflecting them away from the skin.  When mica is combined with zinc it has the ability to not only block but also absorb the UV radiation; aiding with the prevention of skin cancer. Mineral based makeup products provide a broad spectrum of effortless sun protection against UVB and UVA harmful rays. The estimated SPF is around 15-20. Mineral based makeup products are approved and endorsed by skin professionals for post procedure sun protection and general beautification. They are also approved for use after harsh treatments, such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing.

How will I know how to apply the product? Will there be someone to help me if I have a question about how to use/apply a product?
We are available to you anytime via email. Forward any questions to us at info@mykastore.com. There are also many books written exclusively on makeup application. You can also explore the internet where you can find sites that offer application tips. Any of our satellite locations will be able to offer individual instruction. Retail locations do offer limited instruction which will vary from location to location. There is also the option to book a class or seminars directly with our company. Please refer to the Hire Us page for more information.

 

Which brush/applicator do I use? 

The use of an applicator will vary depending on the level of skill you obtain and the desired effect you are creating.

As a general rule use a clean applicator and do not share the applicator with others. Be aware of the texture of your applicator, if it scratches or feels rough, do not use it; you may damage or irritate your skin.

 

How do I care for the brushes?

A quality brush is well worth the money you will pay for it. If properly cared for, it could last you a lifetime.

One of the most common mistakes we hear of is soaking a brush. DO NOT SOAK! The hairs are all held in place by glue. When water penetrates the glue the bond is weakened and the brush will begin to shed. Shedding is not good! The technique we use is to first blow the excess powder off with canned air, then take a washcloth that is dampened with mild Giovanni shampoo and purified water and simply wipe the brush back and forth until it appears clean. We then use a washcloth with just purified water to rinse any residue away with the same wiping technique. The brushes are wiped on a dry cloth to expedite the drying process and to ensure the wetness doesn’t travel up the hairs into the part of the brush known as the ferrule.

 

What makes your products better than department store products? 

We do not wish to imply that we are better than any other company; but we would like to believe we offer some solutions to common troubles that customers like you have been waiting for. An example of this is would be the open product testers that department stores have at their counters. There have been numerous studies done that prove these testers are prone to bacterial contamination. The bacterium is passed from person to person causing trouble like acne. Imagine you use a contaminated tester and unknowingly you are infected, then you pass the bacteria on to your applicators and personal products you use at home. After you finally determine the cause, you will need to clean and sanitize your personal collection and, unfortunately, you may have to discard a few items. All that trouble for trying something new. Not at our company. Our solution is so simple! We package our makeup in testers that shake and pour out. We want to minimize the risk of transmitting bacteria to you. We may use a little more product this way and it may be more costly and wasteful than the traditional testers, but our policy is that the health of our customers comes first, and it’s worth the expense!

 

I am real sensitive on what I can wear and I am curious about your products. Can I try any of them before I buy them? I don’t feel comfortable buying things over the internet until I am sure I will like them.

We respect your feelings of reservation concerning ordering over the World Wide Web. Most of the products we sell are available to sample first. To request a sample, send us an email from the Contact page of the web store at www.shop.iconzcosmetic.com href="" ??>


What are chemical sensitivities?

 Chemical-based products are all around: in the clothes we wear, in the food we eat and in the air breathe. It is not possible to escape exposure. Many people have become sensitized to the chemicals around them. It is estimated that as much as 20% of the population has become sensitized to common household and commercial products.

For some people the sensitization is not too serious of a problem. They may have what appears to be a minor allergy to one or more chemicals. Other people are much more seriously affected. These people have a condition known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity or MCS. When a body is assaulted with levels of chemicals that it cannot safely process, it can become ill. For some the outcome could be cancer or reproductive damage, others may become hypersensitive or develop other chronic disorders. While some people may not experience any noticeable side effects at all. The threshold of toxic injury is not the same for everyone because the ability to detoxify varies greatly from individual to individual. There is no cure and symptoms only improve with avoidance. Commonly reported triggers include: anesthesia, preservatives, detergents, cleansers, perfumes, synthetic fragrances, air fresheners, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, fluorescent lighting, prescribed medications, electromagnetic fields and solvents from dry-cleaning.

 

What is an Independent Sales Representative and how would I find one?

Independent Sales Representatives are authorized by MYKA to resell our products. Most of our Independent Sales Representatives are cosmetology students who have been trained in our particular techniques and sell our Powder Makeup Collection products part time for extra income. To find one in your area visit our Contact page at this web address. Using a representative has advantages the website does not offer. Our Reps are very familiar with the color choices and can guide you easily through your purchasing decisions. They also work directly with our corporate office and manufacturing system and can assist you with Personalized Formula Compounding that you cannot access through the web store.

 

I have a teenage daughter and I would like her to learn the proper way to apply makeup and care for her skin. Do you offer classes or private parties?

Lori currently does lectures and guest speaking engagements for hire upon request. She is very involved in her passionately created business and is committed to teaching her skill to anyone who is interested. There are two classes that focus just on teenagers. To view these descriptions and other selections, visit the webstore.

 

 

In addition to wonderful products and personal service, we also offer employment and income opportunities. For those who desire to become involved with our new and exciting company, forward your requests of employment to info@mykastore.com

 

 

 

Store Closed

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 

Well, at first I thought it was going to suck in a big way and I had that nagging sense of failure looming over my head. Then I moved out and realized that I liberated myself and my company. Now without the burden of the store weighing me down we can expand and be more creative in business. It feels wonderful! I can put six counters up around town for the price of a few months rent. Look for some exciting changes for MYKA this year!

Thriller Event at The Alamo Draft House



From the Alamo Drfat House: "We've joined forces with Ines Markeljovic, a dance teacher and founder of ThrillTheWorld.com, to help her complete her task of setting a Guiness World Record for having the most people around the world doing the Thriller dance at the exact same time. For the past seven months, we've been hosting Michael Jackson Sing-Alongs at the Alamo Ritz, then following the music video orgy with two hours of dance instruction that gets everyone in the crowd up to speed on how to do the Thriller dance themselves. We've partnered with local theater groups, dance companies, and schools as well, and we're convinced that when it comes time to participate in the Thrill the World dance, on Saturday, October 25th, we'll have more people in one place than anywhere else on the globe!"

MYKA will be there zombifing the crowd!!

http://www.originalalamo.com/Show.aspx?id=5664

Fantastic Fest 08: Zombie Girl






http://fantasticfest.bside.com/2008/films/zombiegirl_fantasticfest2008


Look for zombies on South Lamar at the Alamo Draft House Sept 21st from 3-4:30pm. My undead friends will be handing out coupons to Gruesome Gardens along with other swag. Check out the link to Zombie Girl....Emily Hagins rocks!

Gruesome Gardens Haunted House

Austin Zombie Invasions


Community Impact August 08

Wow! My business was tripled by this article! I sooooo appreciate the professional writing skills and layout design of the staff!!!  Yay, thank you, and I was so proud to be on the cover!  I am not fond of paid advertising but I will recommend supporting this paper. I have had such positive feedback from my customers who enjoy reading sound, concise articles. If you missed the article here is a link: http://impactnews.com/southwest-austin/business-profiles/1599-myka

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Recent Posts

  1. Zombie Shak at Anime Overload III
    Saturday, July 16, 2011
  2. MYKA in Community Impact 2008
    Thursday, April 14, 2011
  3. MYKA Chronicle
    Thursday, April 14, 2011
  4. Questions and Answers
    Monday, March 22, 2010
  5. Store Closed
    Tuesday, May 12, 2009
  6. Thriller Event at The Alamo Draft House
    Tuesday, September 16, 2008
  7. Fantastic Fest 08: Zombie Girl
    Monday, September 15, 2008
  8. Gruesome Gardens Haunted House
    Sunday, September 14, 2008
  9. Austin Zombie Invasions
    Friday, September 12, 2008
  10. Community Impact August 08
    Friday, September 12, 2008

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