Champagne Bubbles

For those of us who haven't reached 5 pm yet, here is a little luxurious fizz in another form!

What a fun bohemian look! Love the earth tones and doily skirt.

 Starry Starry Nails !! These are next on my list of fancy nails to try..

 Ode to Stretch Marks--We've all got em, may as well respect em.

 *Happy Dance*

 When Fat Rolls Are Awesome.

     Agreed.

Goals of this Week !

Do my nails.

Take the time to stop running around cleaning and making messes and playing Gin Rummy and drinking gin and just sit down and give myself a full manicure (while watching unimproving television, of course) and do something unique with my nails. Something outside of my norm. I typically just do pretty pinks or nudes-- you know, the typical ladylike job interview nail--and I need to spice it up!! I saw something groovy online that I'd like to try but of course I can't find the picture now (it is like a splotchy leopard print with 4 different colors. Sounds weird, but it looks so cool--like a psychedelic flower with multiple layers. I just did a terrible job of explaining that.).
So I think I'm going to try....glitter!
I usually stay away from the stuff (herpes of the world!!) in my makeup and clothes and general daily life (as you saw in my post on the worst lip glosses) and I don't usually do glitter on my nails. The last time I did was months ago and I just did a pink nail with purple glitter on the tip--80s French tip style. And it was because I was going to Las Vegas, where Glitter lives.
I can't even remember when I last did an entire glitter nail, but I was sitting here and it hit me so hard I almost chocked on my green tea:

I NEED SOMETHING SPARKLY!!!!

Like what Piglet and Pooh are rocking here. Hell yeah!
This weather has been so drab and I'm sitting at this boring temp job all day and I keep catching glimpses of my nails and thinking they need a super boost. Before work this morning I actually got dinner (orange chicken!) into the crock pot, so I've decided I earned a gold star so when I get home I'm going to glitter the shit out of my nails!

This is the color I'm thinking...

It is a dupe for OPI's Teenage Dream (yes I love the song and OPI but I'm not shelling out 10 bones for another OPI polish till I use the ones I've got) and I have heard marvelous things about it--both on top of other colors and by itself. Bring on the glam!
Skin goal:
Stop picking at my face!! There will always be something wrong with it. I need to stop doing what I think of as "conducting investigations" (in effect poking, peeling, and jabbing at my skin to determine whether it is an irritation, a pimple, a boil, etc.) and just put some treatment on the spot and let it go. Giving it the Evil Eye in the mirror evidently does not work.
 And I must remember to use my amazing new mask at least a few times...although that should not be too hard considering how awesome and soothing it is.
(Review to come on this and the Sally Hansen polish)

And my last goal ---

Try new looks! My hair is starting to grow out to a length I really love (about 2 inches below my chin when it is flat-ironed) and I've been curling it almost every day since I chopped it all off in November. Today I straightened it and wore my thick black rimmed glasses and it is definitely a different look and I love it. It feels good to make little changes to your appearance because they feel like big changes. They make you feel brave and interesting. And I needed to get out of my hair rut!

So...yummy dinner, dazzling digits, and beautiful skin here I come!

Worst Lip Glosses

Everyone has a different preference on their gloss, so let me start by stating mine:
I like glosses (or lippies, as I often call them) to have enough sheer color and shine that I can wear them by themselves and see a difference (and they show up in photos), or wear them over lip color for a different look every time.
I want a lippie that is moisturizing but not thick or sticky, and one that I feel comfortable kissing my husband in (i.e. not stinky, not going to seal us together like glue, not going to leave ludicrous color or glitter on his face). It has to have a bit of shimmer, but no chunks of sparkles. I'm not 4 years old (ok, I admit I still use and love LipSmackers, Legos, coloring...etc. but I'm too old for my face to be glittering). It needs to last a while and be easy to apply, preferably without a mirror.
And, most obviously, it has to taste good. Why in the samhill would you put something on your mouth that doesn't?! Even my homemade lip masks have to be edible.
I am a lippie addict, collector, whatever you want to call it, so I have tried many in my day and these are the ones that went back to the store, in the trash, or, if they weren't too radical in their colors and chemical content, were given to my niece:

Sally Hansen Lip Inflation anything. It is sticky and feels like it is burning my lips and not in a sexy, plumping way, but rather "I feel like I just took a sip from a jug of bleach" way. And the smell isn't much better than bleach either.

CoverGirl Wetslicks.

I bought this in the light chocolate shade (similar to what you see at left)
for a nice autumn look to complement brown eyeshadow (or in other terms, to make it look like I give a damn and have the patience to try to appear put together). I was immediately disappointed and returned it and I will never look back!! Sometimes I look back. Like with the LaMer Balm. Ouch. But anyway--I did not look back with this guy! It wears badly--disappearing in about 10 minutes and leaving your lips dry, sticky, and yes--sparkly!! This stuff has pointy little chunks of glitter. Stay away! Unless you favor the whole crackwhore look, which hasn't been in for years and years dah-ling.

NYC Lippin Large Gloss in Clear. This lippie has changed looks a bit over the years, but if you see the clear tube with glutinous gloss rolling around in it, run the other way!!
The only time when this gloss is do-able is if you're going out and you will not be eating, drinking, talking extensively, or kissing anyone. And there can be no wind or fans at this event you are going to because if your hair gets remotely near your mouth, this gloss is a magnet and will coat the shit out of it and it is not easy to get out. This is the stickiest stuff I have ever come across. It is like honey, but worse. It gives a fantastic shine and I've heard it is a cheap dupe of Elizabeth Arden's Crystal Clear Lip Gloss (which is also too heavy for my taste) but you risk opening your mouth and having sticky strings connecting your upper and lower lips (yes, that has happened to me).
This was the stuff you wore to the big awkward Junior High dance because you thought the rays of light your lips were catching would attract a boy and something would happen. Not that he would kiss you with this goop on, because then you would get a reputation around the halls as being the girl so desparate to catch a dude that you employed SuperGlueGloss.

Revlon Colorstay anything.

I don't know if I have some kind of allergy to this,

but whenever I use it I get a ring of white around my inner lips within 30 minutes.

And the formula is too dry for my taste--it cracks while on my lips and that is never a good look.
Maybelline Superstay has the same problems.

I hate thinking "I can apply it and then forget about it!" because you A) Cannot "just" apply it. These darn things require precision and patience (I lack both) and B) The moment you forget about it you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror looking awful. And then you feel incompetent and lame. Not a fun combination.

L'Oreal Color Juice.  Not completely horrible, but not really worth the price either.
They smell good, but they're too thick and don't wear very well. They just feel too "high school" for me because of the colors and small glitter particles. And because I wore a few of them in high school...

 Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush.

Yes, they smell amazing and have cute names and fun packaging, but ...GLITTER. Some aren't as bad as others and if you can pinpoint them, great. When I worked at VS I learned that these things are like candy to the younger girls and do make a great gift for those 17 and under, though I do admit to opening one or two of them and sniffing them now and then. Call me a glitter huffer, but they just stink so pretty and bring back memories.

Good luck on your gloss hunt! I will soon post on the BEST lippies.



Yu-Be !!!

I discovered this little gem 2 weeks ago at Sephora.
Not quite sure how it is pronounced ("you-bee" or does it rhyme with lube??) but that is irrelevant because it accomplishes all of the things it says it will which, in my book, makes it a star product!
I am exhausted with reading up on something and the list of miracles it can perform only to get it home and have it fall flat and go through the chore of returning it.

This baby is an old Japanese treatment for dry skin (even skin that has reached the nasty cracking point) and it is safe to use everywhere. At first I was just using it for my cuticles because nothing on the planet seems to keep them happy, and it quickly healed a small cut I had near my cuticle. That got me to thinking... I dabbed it on some irritated skin (looked like a bit of eczema), which also sealed right up, and then finally said "to hell with it" and decided to put it on my face.
I have really sensitive skin that loves to turn red, get bumps, boils, or breakouts and all kinds of reactions when I apply something new that it doesn't like. I thought this would sit on top all oily-like and never absorb, but I gave it a chance because the weather here has been so bizarre that it has sapped all moisture from my skin and I was desparate.
Rubbing it in I was surprised at how quickly it dissipated and didn't leave any waxy residue. The next morning I woke up and my skin felt and looked so wonderful I didn't even want to wash it !

I would best describe the texture of this as a yellow balm. It isn't as greasy as a salve and is thicker than Vasoline. It has a different smell but it doesn't last and considering what it does I don't care what it smells like! I only wish that it came in a larger size...

The Quest for The Perfect BB

BB creams are the hottest trend in beauty right now! They've been big in Asia for a long time, are becoming popular in Europe, and have just recently hit the American market.
The term "BB" has a few differing definitions--apparently manufacturers and the beauty elite cannot decide if it stands for "beauty balm" or "blemish balm" or "beblesh balm" or "blemish base" but they can agree on one thing: this wicked little skin multi-taskers are convenient and fabulous.

 Although the different formulas accomplish varying things for the skin, the general idea is that BB creams provide moisture and basic concealment of imperfections, balancing the tone, minimizing pores, and brightening the skin a bit.  Why would I choose this over a tinted moisturizer, you ask? Beauty balms tend to have more nutrients to contribute to the health of the skin, whereas tinted moisturizers aim to apply a light amount of foundation without it sticking in skin's dry spots.  Some BBs also have sunscreen and a bit of primer to keep them smooth all day so your skin can look natural, but better than it does bare!

The only BB cream I've had the chance to try is Dr. Jart's. This is available at Sephora comes in two formulas: Water Fuse and Premium.  I tried samples of both and preferred the Premium formula. The Water Fuse is just what is sounds like--50% water, and therefore thinner and giving skin a more dewy look.  Although I'm a sucker for dewiness, I feel like I can better achieve it other ways and if I want to use a Beauty Balm I'm going to use one that gives a bit more coverage, which is why Premium worked better for me.  The Premium formula is a few bucks more ($39 as compared to Water Fuse's $32), and yet it is smaller.  Reading the ingredients list and descriptions, I think this is because it has more "good skin stuff" in it and is not diluted the way Water Fuse is.

In short, I've used the Premium for special occasions when I want to give my skin an extra lift, but unless I am in that miraculous absolutely clear skin mode, I still need some under eye brightener and concealer to get my skin how I want it to look, and unless I want the dewy-moist look I still need a bit of powder. So I don't think I would shell out the cash for Dr. Jart again.

Garnier has just released their BB Cream but my local stores don't have it in yet (damn!!).
It is obviously significantly cheaper than Dr. Jart and you'll be able to pick it up at Wal-Mart, rather than trying to find a Sephora.  It is getting varied reviews, and the gist of it is that it makes a great moisturizer and skin smoother, helping quite a bit with redness, but reviewers describe the formula as less than a tinted moisturizer and getting tacky after a few hours. What a bummer!!! I hate it when makeup turns into taffy on your face and you haven't even worn it for 6 hours or sweated in it yet.  Once I get ahold of it we'll see, but this product received a lot of hype but doesn't seem to be standing up to it.

Other BB creams that are the most popular and get the best reviews (by brands like Missha, Laneige, Skin 79) aren't widely available in the U.S. I've heard things about Boscia, MAC, and Smashbox having BB creams, but have not seen them or heard anything yet.
Until then, I shall continue searching for the ultimate Beauty Balm.


EDIT: 1/31/12
I was FaceTime-ing with my best friend from Plymouth, England, and she has the Garnier version and relaly loves it. After seeing how glorious her face looked (although via computer screen), I again returned to the hunt and found it at Target in 2 shades--light/medium and medium/dark.  I obviously had to buy the former, being the pasty white person that I am, and used it for the first time this morning. I LOVE IT. It has such a nice texture--very creamy and thicker than a typical foundation or tinted moisturizer, so I can definitely understand the "balm" concept. I didn't even really need concealer after putting it on and my face just looks so even, smooth, and glowy. It is quite a lovely product and only about $11.

The Genetic Mutation We All Want

I have always been incredibly envious of Liz Taylor's definitive, brilliant violet eyes.

I love the story of her being born and doctors breaking the news to her parents that little baby Elizabeth suffered from a genetic mutation....
I'm sure their hearts stopped in this moment as they imagined what horrific disfiguring mutation had befallen their new child. And then the doctor clarifies that the mutation is distichiasis --a double row of eyelashes. How terrible! Not. 

Unfortunately for the majority of us the only way to achieve Taylor's unparalleled peepers is via colored contacts. Or, for us blue-eyed babes, use eyeshadow with some redness in it (think more maroon than lavender). I also like L'Oreal's Hip eyeshadow.

Try dipping your brush in water and then into the deeper purple and us it as a smudgy liner closest to the eye and on the actual eyelid, and the bright purple just above it. Think this look----

Heavy Duty Hair Cream

A few weeks ago I purchased the much-raved-about new hair mask by Living Proof--
The Living Proof Hair Restore Mask.

This stuff is supposed to do lots of wicked amazing things, like returning tired, dry hair to "virgin hair" (gotta love that phrasing). It is advertised as beyond far beyond a typical conditioner (and way more expensive than one, for sure). I was expecting stunning results! I recently cut about 10 inches off my hair  and wanted to help it grow back in the healthiest possible way, via the miracle of this mask. Unfortunately, after following the instructions on the back and letting my hair dry, I looked in the mirror and...no halo shining around my hair! No miracle bounce and shine!

That isn't to say my hair didn't look great, it just didn't look as fabulous as was promised, and certainly was not worth it for that price. In defense of this mask, the tub is a generous size and the stuff has a nice texture and lovely smell and makes your hair quite soft.
But..after returning this mask to the store (I gave it 4 different chances at working, then gave up) I discovered another mask that fulfills my needs and is not as hard on my wallet.

This is Redken All Soft Heavy Cream. Look at that pretty golden tube!!

This is more affordable (it runs about $15-$18 dollars, depending where you buy) and more widely available. I prefer the tube to the pot that the other mask came in and the thickness of the product--it really sticks to your hair which makes it easy to keep on your hair for 5-10 minutes while it absorbs. I apply a little dollop of this, comb it through my hair, let it soak in (I've noticed time doesn't matter so much with this one--if you don't leave it in as long or longer than recommended there isn't much of a difference), rinse with lukewarm water and then a shot of cold (not sure if this does much but I feel like it is sealing in all the nutrients) and then let my hair air dry before taking any hot tools to it. When I use this I cannot keep my hands out of my hair and it just has a special sheen to it. I don't notice little hair splitting and flaking away when I handle/brush my hair--the hydration is remarkable. It will last you, particularly if you only use it a few times a week like I do, but I would feel comfortable using this as a daily conditioner because it doesn't feel like "too much"--you know how some products weight your hair down--this one doesn't. I'm not a Redken-aholic; I've only tried the All Soft shampoo and the Anti-Snap and was relatively happy with them. I may try other products from the line after falling in love with this Heavy Cream.

The best part is that the name truly defines the product; after using this even once your hair is ALL SOFT. I highly recommend it, especially for those like me looking to save a few bucks.

I have not been paid to endorse this or any products, or received them for free (I wish!!)

Happy Conditioning !

Clear Skin?? Easy as Lemon [Cake]

Lemons are a miraculous fruit! Besides giving your vodka soda a kick, they'll spruce up your skin as well.
I use lemon both topically and internally and always notice a difference in how I feel and look when I remember to use it on a frequent basis.
Lemons are stuffed with nutrients, Vitamin C, limonin and limonene (don't worry if you don't know what those are--just know that they're great for you and can even stop the growth of cancer cells through detoxification), citric acid, etc...

I sometimes get acid reflux and drinking lemon juice in your water helps alkalize your system. Fresh lemon juice is optimal, but in a pinch I get the little plastic ones and squirt about a tablespoon into my bottle of water, twice a day. It helps my tummy and I've noticed a bit of a glow on the outside too.
I have essential lemon oil that I add to my Febreeze spritzer--that was I'm not only freshening the smell of things, I'm killing bacteria too. I use it to wash things, including my face, and even on cuts. It tastes good, it smells good, and that yellow is just so cheery and bright!
Confession: I love lemon so much that sometimes I indulge in lemon cake and pretend that, like all other lemon things, it is good for me. Oh well! Everyone needs their indulgences, and I highly recommend this one...
For problem areas on skin try rubbing a slice of fresh lemon on a few times a day (remember it can sting and dry out your skin so take it easy) or, if you can't walk around smelling like lemonade with juice smearing your makeup, squeeze some onto the particular area in the evening (I always make sure I get a few pieces of pulp, just to make sure) and put gauze/bandaid over it for as long as you can, or even sleep with it overnight (some people may have a reaction and wake up with red skin, so again, test it first).

I've seen videos on YouTube for lemon sugar face scrubs, which are fun and yes, they taste like sweet sweet lemonade, but I prefer to use masks while I'm in the tub. When I take a bath I know I'm going to be in there for a while so I dedicate this time to masks. They have ample time to sink in and the steam enhances the effects. A few of my favorite creations involve honey, brown sugar, and lemon. Try adding some fresh mashed up fruit for extra benefits (bananas, strawberries, blueberries, and avocado are all lovely). If I am using lemon essential oil I make sure I have a carrier oil in the mixture (coconut and sunflower are my favorites), but if you're using regular whole lemons, try cutting a thick slice and using this to apply the mask, or (for juice) just add it to the bowl.  I've never been one for specifics on measuring (for cooking, sometimes, but face masks--come on!) so just create your own face mask and you'll know when the texture is right. I always use a wet, steaming hot towel to remove the mask and then a toner to ensure I've gotten it all out! Just as masks can cleanse your pores, over-masking and leaving residue can clog them back up again. If you're unsure about prolonged exposure to it (like through a mask) you can aways add a drop or two to your typical face wash for a special cleansing boost.

Doterra makes my favorite edible essential oil. You can use it internally or topically and it tastes and smells fantastic. Sometimes I just dab some on my wrists for its uplifting scent! Happy lemoning!

History and Beauty

Isn't it funny how this term--"beauty"--that once referred to general loveliness has become mainstream and typically defines attractiveness (make that physical female attractiveness)?

As a historian I have always been interested in the progression of what is considered beautiful over the ages. Many of these definitions of "gorgeous" and the lengths women went through to achieve them are considered ludicrous nowadays...until you re-think some of the methods modern women use including:being stretched and sewn up like Frankenstein's monster all for the sake of a few wrinkles; Having God-Knows-What injected into your face that freezes it up like a cartoon; Starving yourself. Especially absurd when in conjunction with breast implants. Those two don't go hand in hand people!!!

So yes, modern society has some deranged ideas of "beauty." But look at the past---

During the Renaissance "larger" women were the height of hotness (considered attractive because they had the wealth to consume more food).  Even cellulite was alright!

In Imperial Russia it was considered mighty pretty to dye one's teeth black. Yes, black (this was one of those instances of "because I can afford to!").

Some Victorians went a bit far to be considered beautiful, including wearing eyeshadows made out of lead.

The 1920s ushered in the popularity of the flapper, bringing with it shorter hairdos, an increase in the popularity of nail polish and heavy eyeliner, and thinner figures. However, the reign of the curvy woman returned in the 1940s and 50s (with the exception of dear, willowy Audrey Hepburn), along with heavy pan-cake makeup, bleached hair, and a myriad of beauty rules that meant regimented makeup application. 

Check out this segment from a 1959 magazine article:

"...slap on some astringent lotion, foundation cream, eyelid cream, neck cream, powder, rouge, lipstick, eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, mascara, beauty spots, eye shadow, hand lotion, invisible chin tightener [what the hell?!], nail polish, and perfume..."

Beauty sure has come a long way, and although there are others who stick to the layers and layers of product, I prefer to keep it simple in order to let me natural beauty shine through--namely, my freckles! So for me beauty is about being clean and fresh, so products are just slight improvements and enhancements. I don't want to be the girl that washes off her makeup at night, gets in bed, and has my husband scream in terror because he doesn't recognize me.  In fact, he prefers me without makeup and doesn't get why I am so fixated with products (my weaknesses are skin, lips, hair). He doesn't seem to understand the excitement of going somewhere beautiful, like Nordstrom or Sephora and eying the pretty little pots of colors, all lined up like baubles in a jewelry parlor.

 
You dot on, rub across, smell, smear, and test them until you find one that you love, one--you think--will make you achieve that look you strive for. And then you take it home and are overcome with the fresh new wave of pleasure as you unwrap it and relish the fact that it now belongs to you, and try to think of an excuse to wear it NOW ! There are many that don't understand this sensation, but to those of us that do, we are continuing in history's long tradition of devotion to beauty, and if makeup or hair masks or new nail polishes or soaps or creams are what bring you a little joy (or a lot), 

welcome to the club.