There seems to be an ongoing debate about the proper way to apply bronzer. I'm not sure that it will ever be settled - all over the face, just where the sun hits, more like blush? Who knows?
Well, apparently the editors of People's Summer Style Edition do. I only read People when I fly on planes, or if someone randomly brings one within 10 feet of me. It's a guilty pleasure, and because it's expensive (and less satisfying than makeup) I manage to avoid it. But the Style issue I could NOT pass up.
Apparently, bronzer should be applied in a large "W" on your face - accenting your cheekbones, then up and arching over the bridge of your nose. I have been trying this the past few days (I'm normally an all over glow kinda gal), and it's actually quite pretty. A different look than I'm used to (what can I say, pale girls like to pretend!), but I think I'll keep it in the arsenal.
On a completely unrelated note - Neutrogena has come out with a new online skin profiling system called SkinID. It's to diagnose your specific acne problems and get your own personalized kit designed for your skin. It's definitely the most in-depth skin analysis I've ever done. I won't be ordering it, because I know the reason my skin breaks out: STRESS and touching my face while I'm studying. Does NOT take a rocket scientist (or an online profile). However, I think it's a neat idea, especially if you or someone you know deals with acne. It gets pretty specific.
Finally, a plug for my recently re-discovered favorite lip gloss: Her Glossiness by Benefit. I love Benefit, it's a great company with awesome packaging and marketing. I own almost every product they have. I got a freebie sample of Her Glossiness in Life on the A List (a pale pink) a while ago, and it really is one of the best wearing, best consistency glosses I've ever tried. I truly enjoy it, and find myself savoring that eensy weensy tube, trying to make it last. Although, at $16 for a fairly decent sized tube, I don't know what my issue is. I haven't tried any of the darker colors, but if I were suggesting, I'd REALLY say go for this color. I love how easy it is, how full it makes my lips, and if you want more color, try a stain or pencil underneath it.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Hair fun!
Sorry for the hiatus - I've been in Denver visiting Roomie and her beautiful children. It was a great week and I'm well rested - much better for the lines in my face than studying!
A few fun things happened while I was there:
1. I got to try Catwalk's Oatmeal and Honey Conditioner - I've been dying to try this stuff, because I adore Catwalk products and because the flavor smells SO yummy. Roomie had some in her guest shower, so I gave it a try. It's very thick, the smell is delicious, and my hair responded really well. It's formulated for damaged hair, but I think it would work for just about anyone, except maybe those with really fine hair - it could be too heavy. And, as luck would have it, a salon in the mall had the 1L size 60% off today! Lucky me! I bought a pump to make it extra convenient. I can't wait to try it!
2. I got to go to Ulta for the first time - I'd been hearing all about their fun beauty products, especially that, unlike Sephora, they have a large hair care section. On my list of products to try was Frederic Fekkai's Glossing Cream. Beauty mavens all over the web have raved about this product - and I must say, they weren't lying! I have yet to try it with my hair curly, but when it's straight, it makes my hair SO shiny and smooth, it's really unbelievable. Also, now that I am back to a deep brunette again, the extra shine really gives an extra kick! I think it would make a great product for those who have straight hair and don't necessarily NEED product, but could use a little extra shine and sleekness. Also, it makes my hair really soft. Good stuff. Slightly high on the price tag (ranges from $9 for travel size to $26.50 for 7oz) - but they recommend using just a pea size amount, so it should last forever. I think it's going to be one of my new favorite products.
3. This wasn't in Denver, but I read about it on the plane back, so it counts. Sunsilk, who, admittedly, really doesn't produce all that great of hair care products (but they'll do for the price), has come out with a summer line called Waves of Envy. One of those to give you that wave that looks like you've been in/at the ocean all day. They have a shampoo, conditioner, glossing cream and spray. I bought the spray at $2.83 - a steal even if it only half works. I tried it last night to get that tousled look (my hair had been straight), and I was pretty satisfied - I think it would work better if I tried it on my hair when it's curly, or if someone with straight hair did it - because anything moisturizing wants to make my hair curly again. However, I think it will be fun for the beach next week! Definitely worth the $3 if you want a fun summer look!
Sunsilk is also offering free samples, but honestly, for $3 - who wants to wait 10-12 weeks???
Finally, I learned a cool tip that might be useful with either the Glossing Cream or the Waves of Envy. A website was promoting how to put wave in your hair, and their recommendation was to apply the product, then take sections of your hair, twist them, and hold them (loose or tight - depends on how you want your wave) while you dry them with the blow dryer - presto! Waves! The cream should eliminate most of the frizz. I even tried it on my hair straight out of the shower - and while it made me more ringlets than waves (shocker...), it definitely make a different look!
Happy Summer Hair-ing!
A few fun things happened while I was there:
1. I got to try Catwalk's Oatmeal and Honey Conditioner - I've been dying to try this stuff, because I adore Catwalk products and because the flavor smells SO yummy. Roomie had some in her guest shower, so I gave it a try. It's very thick, the smell is delicious, and my hair responded really well. It's formulated for damaged hair, but I think it would work for just about anyone, except maybe those with really fine hair - it could be too heavy. And, as luck would have it, a salon in the mall had the 1L size 60% off today! Lucky me! I bought a pump to make it extra convenient. I can't wait to try it!
2. I got to go to Ulta for the first time - I'd been hearing all about their fun beauty products, especially that, unlike Sephora, they have a large hair care section. On my list of products to try was Frederic Fekkai's Glossing Cream. Beauty mavens all over the web have raved about this product - and I must say, they weren't lying! I have yet to try it with my hair curly, but when it's straight, it makes my hair SO shiny and smooth, it's really unbelievable. Also, now that I am back to a deep brunette again, the extra shine really gives an extra kick! I think it would make a great product for those who have straight hair and don't necessarily NEED product, but could use a little extra shine and sleekness. Also, it makes my hair really soft. Good stuff. Slightly high on the price tag (ranges from $9 for travel size to $26.50 for 7oz) - but they recommend using just a pea size amount, so it should last forever. I think it's going to be one of my new favorite products.
3. This wasn't in Denver, but I read about it on the plane back, so it counts. Sunsilk, who, admittedly, really doesn't produce all that great of hair care products (but they'll do for the price), has come out with a summer line called Waves of Envy. One of those to give you that wave that looks like you've been in/at the ocean all day. They have a shampoo, conditioner, glossing cream and spray. I bought the spray at $2.83 - a steal even if it only half works. I tried it last night to get that tousled look (my hair had been straight), and I was pretty satisfied - I think it would work better if I tried it on my hair when it's curly, or if someone with straight hair did it - because anything moisturizing wants to make my hair curly again. However, I think it will be fun for the beach next week! Definitely worth the $3 if you want a fun summer look!
Sunsilk is also offering free samples, but honestly, for $3 - who wants to wait 10-12 weeks???
Finally, I learned a cool tip that might be useful with either the Glossing Cream or the Waves of Envy. A website was promoting how to put wave in your hair, and their recommendation was to apply the product, then take sections of your hair, twist them, and hold them (loose or tight - depends on how you want your wave) while you dry them with the blow dryer - presto! Waves! The cream should eliminate most of the frizz. I even tried it on my hair straight out of the shower - and while it made me more ringlets than waves (shocker...), it definitely make a different look!
Happy Summer Hair-ing!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Mellow Yellow
Spring and Summer's new hot eyeshadow color is YELLOW!
No, not gold. Not slightly yellow ivory. Serious, tried and true, yellow.
I'll admit, I was a skeptic. Well, a skeptic who doubted yet immediately went out to search for yellow shadow. It's hard to come by, unless you're traveling to Sephora. But I managed to luck out with L'Oreal's HIP Shadow Duo in Flamboyant. Now, quit rolling your eyes...I know I am prone to loving bright color, but believe me, yellow - it's awesome. Allow me to digress.
I look AWFUL in yellow. I really can't wear it at all. There are a few rare shades that are acceptable on me, but for the most part, just...no. No one ever believes me. I've had numerous encounters in stores where I remark, "This is cute, but yellow. I'll look sick." To which my friends reply, No!! You'll be cute! And then I hold it up to my face, and they politely say, "oh."
Plus, I hate LSU.
As you can imagine I had no hopes for yellow eyeshadow. But when I put it on...oh, the beauty!!! SO lovely, and the purple shade with it (which is matte) is a great blender. And I received a ton of compliments on it! It's different, to be sure, but it can be toned down, adapted, anything. LOVELY!
So, here's my suggestion - give yellow a try. This week, the HIP set I got is $5 at Target and buy 1 get 1 50% off at CVS. In addition, Cover Girl has just released a new line of colorful eyeshadow trios and singles that may LOOK scary, but are actually great. They have a single shadow in a nice rich yellow that probably retails for about $4. And you could mix it with something less scary, like a brown, just to dip your toes in the water.
Final points to win you over:
No, not gold. Not slightly yellow ivory. Serious, tried and true, yellow.
I'll admit, I was a skeptic. Well, a skeptic who doubted yet immediately went out to search for yellow shadow. It's hard to come by, unless you're traveling to Sephora. But I managed to luck out with L'Oreal's HIP Shadow Duo in Flamboyant. Now, quit rolling your eyes...I know I am prone to loving bright color, but believe me, yellow - it's awesome. Allow me to digress.
I look AWFUL in yellow. I really can't wear it at all. There are a few rare shades that are acceptable on me, but for the most part, just...no. No one ever believes me. I've had numerous encounters in stores where I remark, "This is cute, but yellow. I'll look sick." To which my friends reply, No!! You'll be cute! And then I hold it up to my face, and they politely say, "oh."
Plus, I hate LSU.
As you can imagine I had no hopes for yellow eyeshadow. But when I put it on...oh, the beauty!!! SO lovely, and the purple shade with it (which is matte) is a great blender. And I received a ton of compliments on it! It's different, to be sure, but it can be toned down, adapted, anything. LOVELY!
So, here's my suggestion - give yellow a try. This week, the HIP set I got is $5 at Target and buy 1 get 1 50% off at CVS. In addition, Cover Girl has just released a new line of colorful eyeshadow trios and singles that may LOOK scary, but are actually great. They have a single shadow in a nice rich yellow that probably retails for about $4. And you could mix it with something less scary, like a brown, just to dip your toes in the water.
Final points to win you over:
- Consider a color wheel. I'm sure we all remember learning about them in art class. Complimentary colors are the ones opposite on the color wheel. Well, for all of you Blue-Eyed Beauties - notice how yellow lies opposite purple on the wheel? Yellow will bring out a lovely shade in your blue eyes (much like gold can).
- Brown-Eyed Girls - If you look carefully at your gorgeous eyes, you'll probably notice flecks of green, yellow, gold, etc in your eyes - wearing these colors as shadows can help pull them out and give your eyes a really unique look.
- It's cheap. At least I gave a drugstore deal option this time
- I'm not lying when I say this is the hot new color - this outfit got Emmy Rossum all sorts of press - because she wore yellow shadow with it as well - and she looks GORGEOUS!
Go out, be brave. It's worth it.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Everyone wants in...
Bath and Body Works has released a line of gradual self-tanners. Our store had them on sale for $4, so who was I to resist such a deal?
Pros:
Pros:
- These come in 7 scents (3 from the Breathe line and 4 from the Signature line) - I picked up Sea Island Cotton because it smelled the freshest, but it was a tough call between that and Cherry Blossom. The perk? They smell NOTHING like tanner!
- They include a subtle shimmer in them - like nice light-reflecting, not like "I'm 14 and I just dumped glitter on myself" - you know I hate obvious sparkle.
- It works!
Cons:
- It works - slooooooooowly. I was going to do it on one leg for 3 days and show you, and while I can SEE a difference, it did not show up on the picture. So gradual is the operative word. Might work better for paler people or those who are not so DEMANDING as I. ***EDIT: Chris could tell last night (without prompting) that one leg was darker - so I guess that means it works. Especially since I think I accidentally put it on both legs one of those days...whatever. Details.***
- It has no indicator color - so there is a risk of streaks, but because it's so gradual, I sincerely doubt this is an issue.
- When it goes off sale at B&BW, it will be $14.50 - it is NOT worth this. It is, however, worth $4. It's a decent sized bottle, and it could be a maintenence tanner for between Jergens Express or something.
Happy Shopping!!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Quick ideas for fun in the sun!
I'm not going to waste time lecturing about sun exposure. Most everyone who reads this knows me, knows I am pale (mostly by choice), wear SPF every day (on face and body), and wear hats whenever I'm outside for long periods of time. I believe sun makes you wrinkly. I don't want to be wrinkly. Anywhere.
However, as you can tell by my constant review of tanning products, I do love the color a tan gives you, so I totally understand why some people bake themselves into oblivion. The truth? I can't stand "laying out." I find it boring, always have. Pale is just easier. Plus there's that happy plus of maybe not getting skin cancer.
ANYWAY, off the soap box. Two new products have come across my radar, and I thought I'd share. I haven't tried either, but I plan to add them to the cache very soon - especially before I head to the beach!
1. Lubriderm Daily UV Moisturizer with SPF 15 - I know how much it sucks to wear sunscreen everyday. The smell alone is heinous. Lubriderm is pioneering into daily lotion with SPF, and I'm sure others will follow. Luckily, it does not smell like sunscreen, although it does smell like Lubriderm, which some are not fans of. It's not very expensive, maybe $7-8 for one of those big pump bottles. Much cheaper than sunscreen. And it's easy to incorporate into your daily routine. I think it would be a winning combo with a self tanner (tan at night, spf in the am - PERFECT!), and for $8 - isn't your skin worth it? Do you want to wake up at 50 with those weird wrinkles around your knees and sunspots on your hands?
(Note: If you want to wait OR just get a sample size, Lubriderm is offering a free sample by mail.)
2. Neutrogena Sunblock with Color Boosting Gradual Tan, SPF 30 - Now this is a killer idea - protect your skin while still getting a healthy glow. This product is definitely accompanying me to the beach. It comes in both light and dark (get the dark! Don't be a wuss!), and is a waterproof formula. The one drawback is that in order to get the color to work, you still have to apply it an hour before getting in the water (normal tanners are 3-5) - of course, normal sunscreens suggest waiting at least 30 minutes anyway - we just do it incorrectly. However, for a tan WITH SPF, I think it's a great idea! And besides, there are so many other summer activities that don't involve the water - gardening, playing with kids outside, hiking, biking...And here I am spending my summer indoors. At least I'm saving $$ on sunscreen! I saw this at Walmart for around $8-9.
So head out there, paleys, don't be afraid of the sun! Lots of new ideas are coming out DAILY to help us be more sun safe!! Let me know if you hear/try something I should look into...Happy (safe) Sunning!
However, as you can tell by my constant review of tanning products, I do love the color a tan gives you, so I totally understand why some people bake themselves into oblivion. The truth? I can't stand "laying out." I find it boring, always have. Pale is just easier. Plus there's that happy plus of maybe not getting skin cancer.
ANYWAY, off the soap box. Two new products have come across my radar, and I thought I'd share. I haven't tried either, but I plan to add them to the cache very soon - especially before I head to the beach!
1. Lubriderm Daily UV Moisturizer with SPF 15 - I know how much it sucks to wear sunscreen everyday. The smell alone is heinous. Lubriderm is pioneering into daily lotion with SPF, and I'm sure others will follow. Luckily, it does not smell like sunscreen, although it does smell like Lubriderm, which some are not fans of. It's not very expensive, maybe $7-8 for one of those big pump bottles. Much cheaper than sunscreen. And it's easy to incorporate into your daily routine. I think it would be a winning combo with a self tanner (tan at night, spf in the am - PERFECT!), and for $8 - isn't your skin worth it? Do you want to wake up at 50 with those weird wrinkles around your knees and sunspots on your hands?
(Note: If you want to wait OR just get a sample size, Lubriderm is offering a free sample by mail.)
2. Neutrogena Sunblock with Color Boosting Gradual Tan, SPF 30 - Now this is a killer idea - protect your skin while still getting a healthy glow. This product is definitely accompanying me to the beach. It comes in both light and dark (get the dark! Don't be a wuss!), and is a waterproof formula. The one drawback is that in order to get the color to work, you still have to apply it an hour before getting in the water (normal tanners are 3-5) - of course, normal sunscreens suggest waiting at least 30 minutes anyway - we just do it incorrectly. However, for a tan WITH SPF, I think it's a great idea! And besides, there are so many other summer activities that don't involve the water - gardening, playing with kids outside, hiking, biking...And here I am spending my summer indoors. At least I'm saving $$ on sunscreen! I saw this at Walmart for around $8-9.
So head out there, paleys, don't be afraid of the sun! Lots of new ideas are coming out DAILY to help us be more sun safe!! Let me know if you hear/try something I should look into...Happy (safe) Sunning!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Another Reason to love Urban Decay
I received UD's email newsletter yesterday, and it included a memorial to their "mascot," Marley. Marley was a black lab owned by one of the company's co-founders. After 14 years of working at UD, Marley passed away recently. If you search their website, you'll see many "Marley Approved" products - indicating they are vegan friendly. All of their products are cruelty-free, but those few are specifically without ANY animal products (I'm assuming things like gelatin, etc).
What is more impressive about this company is that they are a dog-friendly work environment. All employees who own dogs are encouraged to bring their animals to work, allowing the pets to socialize and not be left at home all day.
I would LOVE to work in a place like that!! Not realistic for my line of work, but a nice thought nonetheless.
So, just in case all my rantings about their makeup haven't sold you - the heart of UD should really win you over.
What is more impressive about this company is that they are a dog-friendly work environment. All employees who own dogs are encouraged to bring their animals to work, allowing the pets to socialize and not be left at home all day.
I would LOVE to work in a place like that!! Not realistic for my line of work, but a nice thought nonetheless.
So, just in case all my rantings about their makeup haven't sold you - the heart of UD should really win you over.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
CVS Seasonal Clean Out
I dropped by CVS last night because they are having an amazing sale on Coke 12 packs (5 for $11!!!), and of course had to browse the makeup section, because I'm pretty sure I would have a seizure if I didn't.
Lucky for me, it was that glorious time of the year when CVS cleans out some of their makeup inventory by sending the magical Clearance Fairy around with 50% and 75% off stickers to randomly place on merchandise! Just the site of those brightly colored stickers gets me all excited! Occasionally, this sale leaves something to be desired, with only the super dark foundations, or truly heinous shades of lipstick left. NOT SO last night! I think every major brand had something that was 50-75% off, and it was good stuff. I managed to limit myself to only one eye shadow and a new foundation, but it was very difficult. My rule was to only buy at 75% off. That helped. I only spent $5 - for $20 worth of makeup! Covergirl had some great eye shadow colors half off, Maybelline had their Dream Matte Mousse Eye Shadows 50% off, and L'Oreal had various eye shadows, some stuff from their HIP line, and a few foundations available.
I bought one pale green matte eye shadow from L'Oreal, and a foundation they had, which I think I'm going to really like. It's their Visible Lift Extra Coverage makeup. Aside from the 75% off, I was also intrigued because this has Retinol in it, which is great for your skin, but also because it is a foundation (not a tinted moisturizer) with SPF 17! I tried it out this morning, and it's not heavy, goes on well, and blends really nicely with good coverage. For the product and how much you get, it's a decent price ($12.99 at my store - before the discount, obviously!), and a product I was pleased with. Check into it if you need a new foundation and like to take care of your skin!
P.S. Another bonus to this item is that it comes in REALLY pale shades. I bought maybe the third palest shade (which is unusual for me) - and the ones before me were very light. So that's good for the paleys!
Lucky for me, it was that glorious time of the year when CVS cleans out some of their makeup inventory by sending the magical Clearance Fairy around with 50% and 75% off stickers to randomly place on merchandise! Just the site of those brightly colored stickers gets me all excited! Occasionally, this sale leaves something to be desired, with only the super dark foundations, or truly heinous shades of lipstick left. NOT SO last night! I think every major brand had something that was 50-75% off, and it was good stuff. I managed to limit myself to only one eye shadow and a new foundation, but it was very difficult. My rule was to only buy at 75% off. That helped. I only spent $5 - for $20 worth of makeup! Covergirl had some great eye shadow colors half off, Maybelline had their Dream Matte Mousse Eye Shadows 50% off, and L'Oreal had various eye shadows, some stuff from their HIP line, and a few foundations available.
I bought one pale green matte eye shadow from L'Oreal, and a foundation they had, which I think I'm going to really like. It's their Visible Lift Extra Coverage makeup. Aside from the 75% off, I was also intrigued because this has Retinol in it, which is great for your skin, but also because it is a foundation (not a tinted moisturizer) with SPF 17! I tried it out this morning, and it's not heavy, goes on well, and blends really nicely with good coverage. For the product and how much you get, it's a decent price ($12.99 at my store - before the discount, obviously!), and a product I was pleased with. Check into it if you need a new foundation and like to take care of your skin!
P.S. Another bonus to this item is that it comes in REALLY pale shades. I bought maybe the third palest shade (which is unusual for me) - and the ones before me were very light. So that's good for the paleys!
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