One of my earliest memories was playing with my cousin’s makeup. I would hide in the bathroom and paint my face and put on layers of mascara and inevitably get in a lot of trouble. As a small child, I can remember being in tow when all of the females would make the visit to the Merrill Norman salon. I would watch in envy while their faces where painted in some hot pink mask. I have no idea what that pink stuff did, but I wanted my face covered in it.

As I progressed to a teenager, with a heavy hand on the eye shadow, my cousin took me to the department store for my first makeover. I have been hooked ever since! I literally cannot pass a makeup counter without trying or buying something. My two biggest obsessions are the longest lasting lipstick and the mascara which will give me long thick lashes. Skin care and anti-frizz hair products follow closely after.

I am a sucker for fancy packaging and the newest, best and so-called promised product that will turn me into one of the glamorous beauties in the latest fashion magazine. Unfortunately for me, most products don’t live up to the hype promised by the advertisement.

Therefore, I’ve decided, along with the help of some of my not so obsessive friends and family to post products that we tried so you can decide if you want to spend your money!

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

I can't get this stuff off!

My quest might be over.  Again on Pinterest, I found a product called LipSense by Sene Gence Long Lasting Liquid Lip Color.  I applied the gloss like color yesterday afternoon.  Apparently you need to shake before application because it burned my lips like crazy.  This morning at 7:30AM I applied it again (after shaking vigorously) in the three layers as recommended.  It is now 5PM and it's still on my lips.  They look a little pruney and are very dry, but the color is still going.

They offer one of the largest assortment of colors to choose from that I've ever seen and the tube sells for $25. 

Herbal cleanser for troubled skin

Another product from LUSH that I've been trying is Herbalism Cleanser.  The jury is still out and will let you know...

 

Can your pillow help reduce wrinkles?

Another night which sleep eluded me and the convenience of the 'buy on demand remote and flex-pay', I had HSN send me an iluminage CopperOxide Age-Defying Pillowcase.  They claim it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  I’ve been sleeping on it for a week.  You are not to use any kind of laundry softener when cleaning.  Will let you know how it goes…  

Lipstick Heaven

O-M-G was my initial reaction to the recently released 
Christian Louboutin lipstick.  

The packaging is so beautiful you expect beams of stardust to spill from the box.  The gold case looks like a beautiful Christmas ornament with its own sparkling ribbon.  It comes in three different varieties each with a different case.

Admittedly I had a hard time choosing one of the 20 colors offered in the Silky Satin Lip Colour, but I was not disappointed in the lovely shade of Let Me Tell YouThe rich colour lasts for several hours.



Is it worth the $90 price tag?  Is a Ferrari worth the price?  Probably not for most people, but it was for this obsessive compulsive lipstick collector!

Battery Operated Pedicure

I received this MicroPedi as a gift.  WOW does it take off dead skin on your feet.  The roller is fast and strong - be careful around sensitive areas.  I used it on my knees hoping to get rid of the dark spots and quickly rubbed them raw - LOL.

I found a number of online sites which carries it, but only $29.99 at Target.

Foam Shampoo...

I know I have a problem which has been brought clearly to my attention since I started this blog.  Most women while home alone and left to their own devises would opt for a glass of wine and watch chick flicks.  Not me – I watch Home Shopping Network Beauty Report.  Which leads me to my next product. 

I hear – “Prevents frizz,” and my full attention swings to the television.  The special for the evening is Tweak-d Ultra Nourishing Self Cleansing Hair Treatment, Tweak-d Tame-d Bye-Bye Frizz! Flexible Finishing Mist and Moisturizing Crème. - 3 for price of 1.  Thanks to my handy ‘buy on demand’ remote, with a few flicks of buttons everything is on its way to my door.

The Self Cleansing Hair Treatment is sulfate-free and completely different than any shampoo I’ve ever used.  It comes in an aerosol can and has the consistency of shaving cream.  Depending on length of hair, you squirt an ample amount of foam into the palm of your hand and most importantly you apply to DRY HAIR.  Try to evenly distribute throughout hair (do in shower because sometimes the foam gets messy) and then add some water.  Suddenly it becomes silky shampoo.  Wash hair and rinse (be careful, as I’ve noticed the shower floor gets slippery afterwards).  I don’t use a conditioner to follow-up because the Moisturizing Crème states to let soak on head 30 minutes – which I haven’t had time to do.

The smell is amazing which stays with your hair throughout the day.  My hair is soft and shiny after use and the frizz is better.  I got less than 10 uses from the $29/10.58oz. bottle, because I think I was using too much before getting the hang of it. 

If I could purchase the Self Cleansing Hair Treatment on special, I would definitely get this product again.  I haven't really tried the other two products, but again the smell of the Flexible Finishing Mist is also wonderful.

This Product isn't a Lemon!


I have occasionally used L'OCCITANE bath and body products over the years but became hooked on their lemony/citrus fragrance - VERBENA - while taking a river cruise through the Netherlands.  The ship offered VERBENA as toiletry supplies in our stateroom.  

Once I returned stateside I purchased the shower gel (I buy in the refill package and save $10) which I use almost every morning.  The lemony citrus scent wakes me up and makes me happy.  The body salt smells wonderful and really moisturizes your skin.  I use the tube of the Gel Crème for hand lotion and keep in my desk drawer.  I have a packet of Refreshing Towelettes in my car for a quick pick me up throughout the day. 

Both of the deodorant options smell nice, but aren't for people who need a lot of cover-up.  I've noticed they don't really control underarm odor very long.


This product gets a big thumbs up!  

If lemon isn’t your scent, L’OCCITANE offers a wide variety of fragrances and boasts that the Divine Crème is an award winning anti-aging crème.  They always seem happy to hand out samples of their products.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Perfect Razor

I don't know about you, but ever since design of  the old style pink Daisy razor changed, I haven't found a razor that I like and isn't cheaply made or expensive.  My friend swears by the Dollar Shave Club.  Select one of their great blades and they send them right to your door.  She has the $6 a month plan and claims they are better than store bought brands.  For $6 you get four blades, the handle and samples of their other products delivered to you monthly.


She couldn't say enough wonderful things about DR. CARVER’S EASY SHAVE BUTTER.  She received a sample with her monthly razor order and is hooked on this save cream that made her skin feel wonderful.  If you use shave cream on your legs it might be worth the $8 investment.

Another winner

Received my Dolce & Gabbana - Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipstick from Sephora the other day.  

I REALLY like it!  Smooth and creamy and it lasted through the morning after drinking my protein shake, eating a banana, some almonds and a couple glasses of water.  A splurge at $37, but I would buy it again in another one of these 26 colors.



Thursday, September 24, 2015

Tried of FRIZZ?

I have been using the John Frieda BEYOND SMOOTH hair line for a couple of weeks.  By no means have I found the miracle cure, but this seems to work better than any other product I've tried.  It controls about 90% of frizz in the South Florida heat and humidity.  

Perhaps try the SECRET WEAPON smoothing cream (applied to dry hair) or the Beyond Smooth Frizz Immunity Primer (applied to wet hair) to see if it works before purchasing the other products.  



Although it is a rainy day, as you can see, I still have frizz/fly away hair - this is after shampoo/conditioner, primer, defining gel, blow dry and styler brush.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Best way to dry makeup brushes

This is a great idea to hold brushes so they hang downwards to dry. 
Be sure to wash your brushes at least once a week to prevent acne.

I agree with this post from Pinterest!


And once you purchase it, WEN will keep mailing
it to you whether you want it or not!  

And continue to charge your credit card 
after you cancel the account!

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

e.l.f. studio lengthening & volumizing mascara

For only $3 and easily purchased at at e.l.f. online, a local drugstore or discount store, this is a great mascara!

Anti-Ager

I have been using this about 6 weeks and can say I can see an improvement in my skin tone.
It doesn't cause my skin to peel.

Japan's #1 mascara

Miaray Fiberwig ($19) - While checking out at Ulta, this mascara display promptly caught my attention, as the packaging stated:  #1 Selling Mascara in Japan. After two coats, frankly, I could barely tell I had any mascara on my lashes.  Might be popular in Japan, but not in my house!  This one's going back!


Can't say I agree...



I really like Too Face products, but I didn’t find this mascara better than sex nor very voluptuous, especially for $23.  I promptly returned it!

Best Long Lasting Lipstick



CHANEL ROUGE DOUBLE INTENSITÉ Ultra Wear Lip Colour - Although a splurge at $36 a tube, it's really the longest lasting lipstick I've ever used.  Swipe on your color and let it dry for 30 seconds to a minute before adding the clear coat.  The darker the color, the longer it seems to last.  There are an array of colors and can be purchased at most department stores or online.  This is my favorite to use for a night out on town when I'm eating and drinking and don't want to worry about reapplying my lipstick!

A very good substitute is Rimmel PROVOCALIPS 16HR KISSPROOF LIP COLOUR.  Used the same way, swipe color, let dry then add the clear coat, it works really well and is a steal for under $10. It can be found at most local drug and discount chain stores and is available in nine colors!

Best acne mask - lifetime supply under $10


I bought this on Amazon for under $10 for a pound of dry clay.  Mix a teaspoon or two of the powdered clay with a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar and you have enough product for 2-3 facial masks.  I save it in an air tight container.  This will clear up acne in 48 hours.  I've never had any product work as well as this.



Monday, September 21, 2015

Tatcha Facial Cleanser

Really like this Tatcha skin care line. Makeup dissolves in a minute with the cleansing oil and the rice exfoliate is very subtle but effective.  I bought these both from Sephora; the cleansing oil in regular size and the rice exfoliate in travel size to see if I liked it.  Also available on QVC.

LUNA™ for Sensitive-Normal Skin

Can't say the Luna facial cleansing brush was worth the money.  Has been sitting in my drawer.  Maybe I'll try using it again.  I purchased mine on HSN but don't think I paid $199.  I must have gotten it on special.

Heated Styling Brush

I bought this on HSN for under $60.  It arrived the other day and I have to say WOW!  I have thick, yet fine, color treated hair that tends to frizz. It's difficult for me to blow dry without it ending up like a frizz-ball. If you slowly swipe this brush/styler through your hair after blow drying, it does leave it smooth, soft and shiny.  It is VERY easy to use - almost like a brush.  I think the trick is to go SLOW.  Like a curling iron, I can make curls or manipulate my hair in a style.  The Rising Star Spray smells amazing.  This one is worth the $$.

Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting Highlighter

Really like the way this highlights my eyes and face, especially when applied at end of a long day before going out.  Gives your skin a refreshed look.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream

Great eye gel for under $20 at local drugstores or Amazon.

Mally Volumizing Mascara

This Mally Volumizing Mascara would be in my top five favorites.  Well worth the $20 and I found mine on QVC when they were running a 3 for the price of 1 special.

Mally Eye Shadow Stick

 

I really like these Mally eye shadow sticks that last all day without smudging.  I found mine at Ulta, but she also sells them on QVC and other online shops.  Cost is $25 and just as good as the higher department store brands.  Color choices seem to vary at different shops.


Bobby Brown Luxe Lip Color





I Really like this lipstick
Goes on smooth and creamy and last for a few hours. 
 Liked it so much I bought it in two shades of the 27 color choices! 


L'Oreal Liquid Eye Liner

This eyeliner is worth every penny that you can spend at a local drugstore.

Burberry Lipstick

The Burberry Lip Cover is Almost worth the $33 price tag.

Another Lipstick Splurge

Tory Burch lipstick - packaging alone was worth the $32 price.




Favorite Foundation

I have combination skin that tends to breakout even though I'm  near menopause.  My esthetician recommended this foundation which I have used for 2 years now. It helps control the oil and gives me a matte finish.  Sometimes you can find it for 25% off online if you keep checking different online sites running discount specials and you only need to buy the refill after the initial purchase of the compact.

Gucci Lipstick

Being a sucker for anything designer and fancy packaging, I splurged for the Gucci lipstick. The smell and taste were so bad I returned it.

LOREAL Voluminous Super Star

I got this on sale at the local drug store for under $5. Tried it out this morning and I have to say I really like it. Not crazy about two step process but it does do what it says on the packaging.

Not my favorite mascara

My free sample to was so wonderful I went to the MAC store and purchased the full size. Huge disappointment, as it clumps on and is very messy. Was telling my girlfriend about it who also had the exact experience using the sample versus the full-size product. Another friend recommended warming it up, but for $20 + - we shouldn't have to do that!

Zoya Nail Polish

Zoya is one of my favorite nail polishes. Great variety of colors that lasts a really long time on my natural nails - 7-10 days! Yes, I do dishes.

Another LUSH shampoo I like

This one is great for traveling

LUSH Cosmetics Seanik shampoo bar. Smells like the beach and is great for frizz.