I haven't touched this blog in ages. I lost track of it as so many things require my attention. Much more important things.
In the time I've been gone I've been diagnosed with some ugly things, things that are taking a direct toll on my appearance. And more. But since this is a fluff blog about beauty, that's what I'm sticking to!
I've had to change my skin care, hair care and entire make up routine. I'll skip the long winded drama and delve right into what's working and why I needed it. Surely, I am not the only person battling disease while trying to look good.
I've been on Obagi's NuDerm line for a while now. I cannot say anything negative about this line. I use the whole line though I'll be honest and admit I often skip step 2, the toner. It's been keeping my face pretty smooth and even which is a massive feat considering I've been on hormone replacement meds and have CHANGED meds 3 times in year. It's wreaked total havoc on my skin but I do credit Obagi with maintaining it as best as can be expected. Without NuDerm, I suspect I'd be a complete mess.
Due to my health issues and probably due to the stress associated with it, I haven't aged well this year. For the longest time I've looked 15 years younger than I am with once a year Botox injections between the brows. It's all been catching up with me, though. I have developed crow's feet. Dreaded crow's feet! The lines between my brows have also deepened and have gone beyond the 'Tox. I have gotten my doctors' (not my plastic surgeon, the endocrinologist and the like) approval for fillers and the like and will be exploring that next month or even within the next few weeks. I need to smooth out my forehead, erase these crow's feet and overall, get my 'glow' back. I also have creases and dark patches under my eyes that just appeared this past summer. I will be looking into getting rid of that.
My hair has also been an issue. For several months I was in a medication that has a wicked side effect of hair loss. Boo! I should not whine much considering it's only hair, after all but like I said, this is a blog about vanity so I'll just say that I shed a lot of tears in the last couple of months watching my thick, shiny blonde locks become thinner, dull and lackluster. I have a few patches here and there where hair loss is rather evident. even half an eyebrow fell out! That still requires very steady skill daily wit various products that I'll get into later.
Luckily, I'm off those meds and onto a different level of treatment so the hair loss has stopped and I can expect to regrow it all back right away. However, something had to be done to deal with the thin, dull pale locks. So, I now sport auburn hair. It's a medium, nearly light brown with a good deal of golden red to it. I've been using Hair Glaze by Fekkai to keep up shine and brilliance. It's working. The darker, warmer color makes my hair seem denser, fuller. It hides much of what was lost. If you didn't know me before, you'd never know I've just lost about 1/4 to 1/3 of my hair. But to me, this is temporary! I think it looks way better than thinning hair but I don't feel like me under this hair! I miss my blondie blonde hair a lot.
I'm not yet used to adjusting my makeup to this darker hair, either. The usual colors and palettes I reached for everyday don't quite work as well now with this warm hair. (My usual color is a very cool light blonde, like wheat). I think the warmth in the auburn makes my skin look rather ruddy so I am working on that. But I will say that it makes my blue eyes bluer so that's a plus. I need to make a visit to a good make up artist this weekend and learn some tips from a pro about adjusting to this hair.
Who knew it would be this hard?
Product I'm addicted to right now: Tarte LipSurgence in Swank and Glitzy. Blonde or Auburn, they just look damn good.
Product I need most: a mascara. I have been a DiorShow addict for ages but my lashes are thinned out from hair loss and I have new growth coming in. I need to find the right mascara that will thicken but not clump bu NOT lengthen because I have long, long lashes as it is.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
MUFE Mist and Fix
Make Up Forever Mist and Fix
S27.00 
This kinds of goes back to my previous entry aboout needing primers. I'm on this long kick in search of the ideal face primer.
Well....maybethat perfect primer comes in a mist? We'll see.
What MUFE says:
"What it is:A light and comfortable spray that sets all types of makeup and prolongs hold, even under extreme conditions. What it is formulated to do:With the alcohol-free formula, makeup is protected by a light, invisible film that feels comfortable on the skin. Enriched with chitosan, a marine algae extract, this makeup fixer spray protects skin against external damage caused by temperature changes, pollution, and other possible irritants.Dany Sanz Tip:For busy women who want to go from work to an evening dinner out and don't have time to go home for touch ups, spray mist and fix on a thick tissue and pat gently on the face to refresh your makeup. Then apply a veil of compact powder to give your complexion a velvety texture for the evening. "
We shall see, I guess. I have some here and am starting a week long test run with it tomorrow. I'm going to refrain from testing this at the same time I'm testing Laura Geller's Spackle, though. I'll be switching up products every day to get a fair reading.
Also, I've been toying with Sephora's Lip Last
Sephora brand Lip Last $14.00
"What it is:A clear liquid that prolongs lip color.What it does:Sephora Brand Lip Last makes your lip color stay put extra long, if not all day. Just dip the brush applicator into the clear liquid and paint on. The clear fixative does the rest. "
I've only used it twice. I'm not a fan just yet. I am
willing to give it another week, try it with some
various colors and textures from different lines. But,
I am not pleased as yet. I find it feels sticky tacky on
my lips at first and wears off dry- not matte- dry.
I can't give a verdict on this product without more research. I think 2 weeks is warranted here before I condemn this stuff. I am so happy with Sephora brand Lip Peel that I want to give Lip Last a chance to win me over.
Stay tuned for an upcoming verdict...
TestTube: you will thank me for this, I promise
You might not read New Beauty. You might not even know what it is. When it comes to women's magazine's, it's not a household name. New Beauty is clearly in a class of its own. Focusing on aging, high end products and costly treatments and the newest in plastic surgery, it's geared to a slightly older, more financially sound women. Even if you're not jet setting (I'm not!!) or visiting your surgeon's office for injections of this or that (I plead the fifth!) it's a wealth of info. I especially recommend it for you over 35 ladies.
The one thing New Beauty offers that every woman needs to know about is the TestTube.
Just click the link and get out your American Express. Trust me on this. I swear you'll not find a better way to spend $10.00 a month. That's all it comes out to in the end. I dare you to find a better sample deal than this anywhere. I'm a make up and beauty product junkie of the highest order and I still get giddy over the TestTube.
It really, truly lives up to its promises and it's one hundred times better then you ever expect it to be.
You'll get samples, and sometimes full sized samples from companies like:
Estee Lauder
Dr. Brandt
Bioelements
SkinMedica
Jane Iredale
Supersmile/Go Smile
Obagi
N.V. Perricone
Viktor and Rolf
Kinerase
Cosmedine
Peter Thomas Roth
DDF
Pytomer
Ahava
Babor....
And more, these are just the products I can recall from memory.
Just head my advice. Enroll online. Like yesterday. And then, next time you're at the bookstore, pick up a New Beauty and browse it. It might be for you, it might not. But the Beauty Test Tube really will make you happy.
Once more for good measure, click it and just sign up!!
You're welcome. =) You *will* thank me.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Praise DiorShow....and Let's talk primers, please
This post is dedicated to Crystal, who says I've been slacking. She's right. So, here we go.
First, a review of a few new products I've gotten and tried over the past month or so.
First one up at bat is Benefit's Erase Paste $26
What it promises: "....instantly brightens and camouflages all in one....makes sure signs of stress and fatigue are a thing of the past....."
Ok, so, well. Yes, it does deliver on that promise. It's definately
creamy. It's very thick, hence the paste part of the name. It covers and conceals everything and anything. However, I find it
to be too heavy. It does blend well but there is no getting around the sheer weight of this concealer. It feels goopy and mask-like when on the skin. And though it does work, it doesn't wear well.
I tried this concealer under my eyes since God knows I've been massively sleep deprived over these past two weeks. I've had bags under my eyes big enough to use as weekend luggage. It's not pretty. I used it alone, on bare skin. Immediate results and almost immediate fading and falling into fine creases. Not good. So, then I used it with Smashbox's Photo Finish primer. Better results, lasted a few hours. Still felt 'thick'. Lastly, I tried it over a smear of Laura Geller's Spackle over which I dusted Make Up Forever's HD Microfinish Powder. This was (oddly) the best result. Despite the Spackle and MUFE Powder underneath, it didn't feel too heavy or built up. The Erase Paste blended well, covered well, felt a little lighter and lasted many hours even in the humidity. This was a winning combo.
I don't know that I'd buy Erase Paste again. I guess I'll have to see how it holds up long term and how it performs in other ways. There are a hundred ways to use a concealer so I'll be fussing with it for a while. One thing to mention is that a little goes a really, really long way! This one tiny .15oz pot looks like it will last me the better part of a year.
Something else I've finally broken down and tried is Too Faced Wrinkle Injection. Now, let me start by admitting I have very few, if any fine lines around my eyes. I don't have much in the way of crow's feet. So, my results with this MIRACLE PRODUCT are based on just that- I have very small, very few and very, very fine lines around the eyes. That said, I could kick myself for looking at Wrinkle Injection all the time and never deciding to give it a whirl.
It started with a smear on the back of my hand, just for kicks. Instantly, the tiny lines on my hand seemed to plump up. They almost disappeared. I did a double take and looked more closely. The spot I rubbed the gel on was almost line-free. I had to buy it!
When I got home I put it on my unwilling husband. He's never thrilled to be my product test dummy but he takes one for the team now and then. I think he knows it'll keep me happy and therefore I *MAY* spend less on cosmetics.. lol Poor guy. Anyway, my point is that he does indeed have crow's feet and some moderate lines under and around the eye. (He's an over 40 distinguished gentleman so the lines are a sign of wisdom, honey!) so this was a good way for me to test Wrinkle Injection's true ability. His lines instantly were reduced by more than 50%. I'd venture to say 70% improvement. Total success. Which he promtply washed off...but I digress..
So, I've not really used Wrinkle Injection all that much on myself. Truth is I've been slacking in the eye makeup area because almost all my time is being spent outdoors and I'm covered in big Jackie-O sized sunglasses. I've been sticking to mascara and that's about it. But, I do plan on utilizing Wrinkle Injection after what I've seen of it.
Bottom line: It works.
$26.50 at Sephora. My only argument is this: $26 a month adds up to over $300 per year, IF you don't use more than one tube per month. Botox delivers superior results and costs about the same. If you're one of those ladies who is considering Botox, I'd have to chime in here and say that it's a better option. If you're against Botox, which many are, then I say Wrinkle Injection is something to try out. I give it two thumbs up.
Another item I started using (again) DiorShow Blackout. ::::::Cue singing Seraphim:::: DiorShow....ahhhhhh... The best and blackest mascara out there. I can't get away from DiorShow. So, while I was at my local Dior counter I chatted a bit with the sales lady. She gave me a great tip to pass on to my friends. Try this combo for the most incredible lashes:
thin coats of Diorshow Iconic to lengthen and thicken the lashes
top with one coat Diorshow Blackout
She wiped off all her makeup on one eye and showed me. She, like a certain lady who reads this blog, has rather short, sparse lashes. She used the Iconic to add length. She topped with Blackout to add drama and depth. It looked like she put on the world's best falsies. The woman transformed her eye and made it look 10x bigger than it is. I admit, it had never occurred to me to blend various mascaras before. Blending lip colors? Yeah! Layering eye colors? Of course! But mascara? Brilliant. I myself won't be doing this as I have lashes that pretty much reach my eyebrow already (albeit blonde lashes). I definately think it's an idea to pass on though. If you girls try it, let me know how it works for you.
Let's talk about primers for a bit. Face primers, not eye. I have already said time and time again that Urban Decay's Primer Potion and Too Faced Shadow Insurance are the best eye primers I have found with UD taking a slight lead in the race. But let's get a discussion going about facial primers. I'm getting a little frazzled trying everything and anything in search of the ideal product.
I've tried most of the Smashbox primers, such as the ones shown above, and quite honestly, I don't see why they're $30someodd dollars. Yes, they definately make my makeup go on smoother and the Photo Finish Light product seems to mattify my skin for hours. I like that. I don't like it for nearly forty bucks. The Green one, called Color Adjust, promises to reduce redness. I find it doesn't really deliver. The Peach Color Blend option is supposed to help conceal and even out skin. It doesn't hold up, though. I've tried all of these products and it's always the same, I adore how it smooths out my skin and makes my makeup look flawless. Then 2 hours later I'm wondering where it all went.
So, I've moved away from Smashbox and gotten a few samples of some other primers.
I'm currently testing out Laura Gellar's Spackle. I have no verdict yet as I have only used it under my eyes and I've only had it a couple of days. I'll report back later after a week of use with my two cents.
Monistat Chaffing Gel is still raved about all over the internet. I have begun seeing negative reports from people claiming prolonged use has wreaked havoc on their skin. I'm still unsure about it. I can't get past the idea of putting chaffing gel (!?!) on my face.
I'm also giving Sephora's Smoothing Primer a go. At under $20.00 for a full size bottle it's the cheapest of all the face primers so I am kind of hoping this one will be a winner. I have a list of other primers I want to try out. I am going to give Bare Minerals a chance as well as Laura Mercier. I really don't have any idea what the end results will be but I'm willing to test run them all through the summer's hot and humid months to see who holds up and who flops.
Speaking of flopping.... Fekkai, Fekkai. Oh, Why?
Fekkai Glossing Sheer Shine Mist $22.50: BOMBED! Big Sexy Hair makes a way better glossing mist for $5, available at any drug store.
Fekkai Value Set for Color treated hair: $46.00: Don't bother! The shampoo, conditioner, glossing glaze and hair mask are all TINY, not even one week's worth of product. And quite frankly, I've had better products from my local WalGreen's.
Overall, I'm just going to come out and say that I would not bother spending another cent on anything Fekkai. I'm not impressed at all.
And now, before I run and get to Father's Day festivities, I have to put out a cry for help. My hair is looking lackluster. The cut is in between grown out and freshly chopped, I can't hold a style, I haven't colored or highlighted in a while so my gift from Mother Nature of dull, dirty blonde hair is just that- DULL! I'm in desperate need of a new stylist. So if you know of anyone fantastic- at any price- in the Williamsburg area, Richmond area or even as far as Norfolk, please do let me know. I need hair help!
First, a review of a few new products I've gotten and tried over the past month or so.
First one up at bat is Benefit's Erase Paste $26
What it promises: "....instantly brightens and camouflages all in one....makes sure signs of stress and fatigue are a thing of the past....."
Ok, so, well. Yes, it does deliver on that promise. It's definately
creamy. It's very thick, hence the paste part of the name. It covers and conceals everything and anything. However, I find it
to be too heavy. It does blend well but there is no getting around the sheer weight of this concealer. It feels goopy and mask-like when on the skin. And though it does work, it doesn't wear well.
I tried this concealer under my eyes since God knows I've been massively sleep deprived over these past two weeks. I've had bags under my eyes big enough to use as weekend luggage. It's not pretty. I used it alone, on bare skin. Immediate results and almost immediate fading and falling into fine creases. Not good. So, then I used it with Smashbox's Photo Finish primer. Better results, lasted a few hours. Still felt 'thick'. Lastly, I tried it over a smear of Laura Geller's Spackle over which I dusted Make Up Forever's HD Microfinish Powder. This was (oddly) the best result. Despite the Spackle and MUFE Powder underneath, it didn't feel too heavy or built up. The Erase Paste blended well, covered well, felt a little lighter and lasted many hours even in the humidity. This was a winning combo.
I don't know that I'd buy Erase Paste again. I guess I'll have to see how it holds up long term and how it performs in other ways. There are a hundred ways to use a concealer so I'll be fussing with it for a while. One thing to mention is that a little goes a really, really long way! This one tiny .15oz pot looks like it will last me the better part of a year.
Something else I've finally broken down and tried is Too Faced Wrinkle Injection. Now, let me start by admitting I have very few, if any fine lines around my eyes. I don't have much in the way of crow's feet. So, my results with this MIRACLE PRODUCT are based on just that- I have very small, very few and very, very fine lines around the eyes. That said, I could kick myself for looking at Wrinkle Injection all the time and never deciding to give it a whirl.
It started with a smear on the back of my hand, just for kicks. Instantly, the tiny lines on my hand seemed to plump up. They almost disappeared. I did a double take and looked more closely. The spot I rubbed the gel on was almost line-free. I had to buy it!
When I got home I put it on my unwilling husband. He's never thrilled to be my product test dummy but he takes one for the team now and then. I think he knows it'll keep me happy and therefore I *MAY* spend less on cosmetics.. lol Poor guy. Anyway, my point is that he does indeed have crow's feet and some moderate lines under and around the eye. (He's an over 40 distinguished gentleman so the lines are a sign of wisdom, honey!) so this was a good way for me to test Wrinkle Injection's true ability. His lines instantly were reduced by more than 50%. I'd venture to say 70% improvement. Total success. Which he promtply washed off...but I digress..
So, I've not really used Wrinkle Injection all that much on myself. Truth is I've been slacking in the eye makeup area because almost all my time is being spent outdoors and I'm covered in big Jackie-O sized sunglasses. I've been sticking to mascara and that's about it. But, I do plan on utilizing Wrinkle Injection after what I've seen of it.
Bottom line: It works.
$26.50 at Sephora. My only argument is this: $26 a month adds up to over $300 per year, IF you don't use more than one tube per month. Botox delivers superior results and costs about the same. If you're one of those ladies who is considering Botox, I'd have to chime in here and say that it's a better option. If you're against Botox, which many are, then I say Wrinkle Injection is something to try out. I give it two thumbs up.
Another item I started using (again) DiorShow Blackout. ::::::Cue singing Seraphim:::: DiorShow....ahhhhhh... The best and blackest mascara out there. I can't get away from DiorShow. So, while I was at my local Dior counter I chatted a bit with the sales lady. She gave me a great tip to pass on to my friends. Try this combo for the most incredible lashes:
thin coats of Diorshow Iconic to lengthen and thicken the lashes
top with one coat Diorshow Blackout
She wiped off all her makeup on one eye and showed me. She, like a certain lady who reads this blog, has rather short, sparse lashes. She used the Iconic to add length. She topped with Blackout to add drama and depth. It looked like she put on the world's best falsies. The woman transformed her eye and made it look 10x bigger than it is. I admit, it had never occurred to me to blend various mascaras before. Blending lip colors? Yeah! Layering eye colors? Of course! But mascara? Brilliant. I myself won't be doing this as I have lashes that pretty much reach my eyebrow already (albeit blonde lashes). I definately think it's an idea to pass on though. If you girls try it, let me know how it works for you.
Let's talk about primers for a bit. Face primers, not eye. I have already said time and time again that Urban Decay's Primer Potion and Too Faced Shadow Insurance are the best eye primers I have found with UD taking a slight lead in the race. But let's get a discussion going about facial primers. I'm getting a little frazzled trying everything and anything in search of the ideal product.
I've tried most of the Smashbox primers, such as the ones shown above, and quite honestly, I don't see why they're $30someodd dollars. Yes, they definately make my makeup go on smoother and the Photo Finish Light product seems to mattify my skin for hours. I like that. I don't like it for nearly forty bucks. The Green one, called Color Adjust, promises to reduce redness. I find it doesn't really deliver. The Peach Color Blend option is supposed to help conceal and even out skin. It doesn't hold up, though. I've tried all of these products and it's always the same, I adore how it smooths out my skin and makes my makeup look flawless. Then 2 hours later I'm wondering where it all went.
So, I've moved away from Smashbox and gotten a few samples of some other primers.
I'm currently testing out Laura Gellar's Spackle. I have no verdict yet as I have only used it under my eyes and I've only had it a couple of days. I'll report back later after a week of use with my two cents.
Monistat Chaffing Gel is still raved about all over the internet. I have begun seeing negative reports from people claiming prolonged use has wreaked havoc on their skin. I'm still unsure about it. I can't get past the idea of putting chaffing gel (!?!) on my face.
I'm also giving Sephora's Smoothing Primer a go. At under $20.00 for a full size bottle it's the cheapest of all the face primers so I am kind of hoping this one will be a winner. I have a list of other primers I want to try out. I am going to give Bare Minerals a chance as well as Laura Mercier. I really don't have any idea what the end results will be but I'm willing to test run them all through the summer's hot and humid months to see who holds up and who flops.
Speaking of flopping.... Fekkai, Fekkai. Oh, Why?
Fekkai Glossing Sheer Shine Mist $22.50: BOMBED! Big Sexy Hair makes a way better glossing mist for $5, available at any drug store.
Fekkai Value Set for Color treated hair: $46.00: Don't bother! The shampoo, conditioner, glossing glaze and hair mask are all TINY, not even one week's worth of product. And quite frankly, I've had better products from my local WalGreen's.
Overall, I'm just going to come out and say that I would not bother spending another cent on anything Fekkai. I'm not impressed at all.
And now, before I run and get to Father's Day festivities, I have to put out a cry for help. My hair is looking lackluster. The cut is in between grown out and freshly chopped, I can't hold a style, I haven't colored or highlighted in a while so my gift from Mother Nature of dull, dirty blonde hair is just that- DULL! I'm in desperate need of a new stylist. So if you know of anyone fantastic- at any price- in the Williamsburg area, Richmond area or even as far as Norfolk, please do let me know. I need hair help!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
New products and the advive of a hot octogenarian
My apologies to Crystal and Lady S for 'never' updating my blog. I know I'm a slacker! But I have good intentions and always mean to get to it...I just have 1,000 other things going on.
Be warend, there will be no rhyme or reason to this particular entry. I've got a lot to cover and can't even figure out where to start.
First we'll go with some new (or new to me) product reviews.
Make Up For Ever
Professional Line
High Definition Powder
$30
A microfine white mineral silica powder, it promises to slightly mattify while evening out skin tone and reducing the appearance of fine lines and dark circles. It's a one-color suits all product and it's supposed to provide visible results without being visible. My verdict? It works. It's a bit gritty to the touch, despite beign microfine. However, I tested it out just now on bare skin and also over some concealer. I used a Bare Esecntuals kabuki brush for application since I didn't buy the MUFE kabuki. I can't say that the MUFE kabuki would be any better or worse but my results with the BE brush are definately good. I think I will incorporate this product into my routine for a week and see what I think of it long term. So far, so good.
Next up, and a bit overdue. Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel
$21 at Sephora
My friend Crystal urged me to try it. All I'll say on it is YES. It's fabulous. I love it and I don't ever want to run out. This brow gel and weekly waxing are all i need for perfectly groome brows.
.....And this is turning out to be a semi-entry. I'll have to finish the rest later. My poor little Jack is sick and it's time to haul him off to the doctor. =(
I won't forget the octogenarians's advice, though! More to come....
Thursday, April 9, 2009
5 recent beauty tips that are worth passing on
1- Light and glossy lips look younger. Dark, matte lip colors age your face. Don't believe it? Try it out. It's true. You'll see.
2- Monistat Chaffing Gel is the best make up primer on Earth. Google it. I also thought it was pure insanity.
3- Exfoliating your face 2-3x per week will vastly improve your appearance. Vastly.
4- Brown eyeliner and brown shadow is done. It looks washed out on most women. It looks...blah. A little eye color brightens the face. Try a little pale pink or a touch of navy blue liner. Experiment with lilac or green. Just try it. It's amazing how much more youthful and awake you look when you wash away all that brown. Nuetral doesn't have to mean brown!
5- Hair conditioner is an excellent substitute for shaving cream.
2- Monistat Chaffing Gel is the best make up primer on Earth. Google it. I also thought it was pure insanity.
3- Exfoliating your face 2-3x per week will vastly improve your appearance. Vastly.
4- Brown eyeliner and brown shadow is done. It looks washed out on most women. It looks...blah. A little eye color brightens the face. Try a little pale pink or a touch of navy blue liner. Experiment with lilac or green. Just try it. It's amazing how much more youthful and awake you look when you wash away all that brown. Nuetral doesn't have to mean brown!
5- Hair conditioner is an excellent substitute for shaving cream.
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