I'm Back - For the Moment!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Yes, it's been over a month since I posted and it's not fair. But, on the other hand, I have more to report on. Let's start!

As I mentioned in my last post about Neutrogena, I wanted to get the new Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser. What are my thoughts? I love it in small doses. Since my face isn't terribly acne prone, I only use it to keep away the oilies. And it smells good, tooI.  A. I still love you Neutrogena even though I don't use you exclusively.

Something old to something just as old: Avon. I'm now on the same floor as the company's Avon rep so finally ordered some facial and body products from her and I'm very happy. I also purchased a gorgeous blush by marimekko in a gorgeous poppy design. Appropriately enough, I got the poppy bouquet palette, which is lighter and looks great on my fair complexion. It only got an average review of 3.7 stars. The biggest complaint apparently is that it has too much glitter, which I don't notice at all. I give it a big 5. This is high praise from since I normally dislike Avon colors intensely and am always disappointed when I have ordered in the past.

I also ordered body/facial care products: the Advanced Eye Protector and PLANET SPA Mediterranean Olive Oil Firming Neck & Chest Serum. Love, love, love the eye gel. Users give the product an average of 3.9, but I give it a 5. It touches the little more than fine lines on the edge of my eyes and they close right up. One of the best products I've ever seen. In addition to the fine lines next to my eyes, I put it on the crease in my forehead, dimple forming to the left of my mouth and forehead. As long as I think it's working... This looks really good, too! And it's not even expensive.

Hmm. The Firming Neck & Chest Serum. What can I say. Since I have a fairly abundant cleavage, I'm starting to get lines between my breasts and a few stretch marks (will have tho think about geting the Avon stretch marks and cellulite solution), I'm putting lotion, serum, whatever I can to make it less noticeable, but hey it's just little lines. Blech, though. I don't use this as often as I should, but it's also a hard place since I sleep on my stomach and my boobs naturally get in the way. I'll keep using it. Maybe just a hair less that they were. 

I'm still enjoying the Be Fine products, too!

Signing off, Makeupista!

Neutrogena, I love you!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

A long time ago, Neutrogena had one product - a hand cream. That's it. It was good hand cream, but it was one of those "hippy" products that only health care nuts used. I also use the T-Gel shampoo a little bit in the winter so my scalp doesn't get flaky. It doesn't smell great so I usually mix it with something else.

Somehow, it's one of the biggest brands and has some really great products. It just recently won a lot of awards from Allure in its Best of Beauty.

Currently, I use the Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power Foam Wash. It's good, but the pump doesn't really work and it's a pain to use.

I haven't really used their cosmetics outside their foundation and since I don't use foundation that much, I might as well not have used any of it.

The brand definitely has a place in my heart no matter how popular gets. It is a little pricey and I like trying other brands as you know, so maybe in a bit I'll try additional products.

Nothing else too new on the makeup front. This weekend I'm going to NYC for an Allure/Henri Bendel's makeup show. I'll be trying Mally cosmetics. Should be fun.

Au revoir, Makeupista!

Right on Target?

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Yesterday, I went to one of my favorite stores: Target. You can say you're only going in for X, but when you leave you have Y, A, D, M, and maybe X. Anyway, after making my way through the whole store and not having too much in my basket, I ended up in the Health & Beauty aids section.

It's an odd section that seems like an afterthought to the rest of the store. Other sections are so well-tended and stocked that the H&B aisles seem ravaged. Are we women that desperate or does Target not really care about these sections all that much?

I find that hard to believe since they're pretty high margin items. The displays look cheap and overlit and it just seems like they're, again, an afterthought. It's odd, too because they spend money on developing not just one makeup line, Sonia Kashuk, but now four!  Jemma Kidd, NP Set, and Pixi. 

They had the Soap and Glory line that I had mentioned previously, but on the whole, it looked cheap and didn't really interest me at all (except the cellulite-reducing cream, but didn't buy it).

Even the Biore section was messy and I couldn't find the product I was looking for. So while it has some interesing things, Target doesn't promote their products, their own line, and others' very well. C-

A disappointed Makeupista.

Bad again!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Yep, I've been bad. Buying more beauty products. My biggest weakness, and one of my very few faults.

Last Friday, I went to lunch with LT to Saladworks in Chatham and, of course, we had to stop in at the CVS...I needed Airborne to prevent a cold. Did I actually buy any? You'll have to read on to find out.

The first thing I saw was a new endpiece proclaiming a new product line called Vickery & Clarke. It's a natural line. I can't find a web site but it seems like a very interesting line of face and body products. No makeup yet, but that's ok. Plenty more will show up. I only purchased a lip stuff to make my lips soft and supple in the winter time. It has cocoa butter so it has the added benefit of smelling really good. Don't know if I could eat it, but it's good if I need a quick chocolate fix.

Before I realized what time it was, it's always later than you think, I put my sweaty little hands on a Biore "warming" mask. I tried this Tuesday night and it was quite bizarre. For some reason, I thought it was a cloth that you put on your face like some others I've had. It is not. When the cream that has blue crystally things in it touched my pre-moistened face it actually warms up. It's almost like a mud mask, but without the rashes that follow it.

Afterward, I did get a couple of breakouts, which is a good thing since my face has been a bit oily lately. I feel like I can only do this this once a week or my face will break out in rashes rather than just blemishes.

I was in CVS again on Tuesday getting cards for my whole family practically who has birthdays this coming week, I was very tempted to get the Vickery & Clarke serum, but held off.

Saw some additional lines around my left eye today. As long as there's "recovery" and it doesn't stay I'm happy. Should this stuff matter? No, probably not, but it's almost like a game more than know that it will actually help. And, if it does help. So much the better!!!

Oh, and I never did get the Airborne, and had some at home already!

Au Revoir, Darlings!

Makeupista!

Allure to You

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Every time I think about discontinuing my subscription to Allure (and it's time to renew now), it brings something new to the beauty world, and not just new products.

Also, in the mail, I received some product samples of Rembrandt tooth whitening paste, Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser, and a tiny, tiny deordorant. I love the Biore cleanser. It's cool and feels good afterward. I don't really get any blemishes since I'm 40, but we'll see. However, I do get pretty oily on my forehead and nose - the dreaded T-Zone.

The latest Allure issue is their "Best of Beauty" issue where they test thousands of products: makeup, facial, hair, scent, nails, and more. That would be a great job! They say that the editors were testing two different products at a time on different body parts.

Biore also has a new product for eyes. It's the Biore Eliven Cooling Eye Gel. I can't wait to try this since my favorite St. Ive's Cooling Eye Gel was discontinued (grrr!).  This gel contains golden root (not golden rod), yeast and sugar beets. Wait a minute...YEAST? Doesn't that make bread rise? Anyway, it's worth a try and it's only $9.99. 

St. Ives has a new exfoliating scrub that looks interesting that contains oatmeal and shea butter. It says the scrub isn't oily. The H2O one I have is good, but does leave my skin very greasy - or soft depending on what you think! For $6.99 also not a bad way to try something.

I love finding out about fun and intersting makeup and product lines. Soap & Glory looks interesting, but their site isn't up and running yet. This is the type of lines that CVS' new Beauty 360 stores stock, not just the usual ones that you see at Sephora. Otherwise, what's their hook? Bath & Body Works carries the C.O. Bigelow products and I like that. (One of these days, I'm going to try this...)

Anyway, it's time for me to get my beauty sleep so I can be fresh for tomorrow.

Hasta! 

Makeupista!

Facial Dreams

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

So this week has seen some of the warmest, nastiest weather we've had this summer, yet tonight is in the 60's and maybe the 50's overnight. Fall is on its way.

On one of the hottest days, Sunday, I was shopping at Kohl's department store and really took a look at their skincare lines.

They have three main lines: a "prescription" line, good skin; a natural line, grassroots; and a neutral line, American Beauty. The woman in charge of the area recommended either the American Beauty or grassroots lines. I definitely considered getting the pomegranate cream (not listed on the site), but couldn't really decide after all that.

So, I ended up getting these EarthTherapeutics Hydrogel Under Eye Patch. I've been wearing them the past few nights and feel that they've made a slight difference in some of the fine lines around my eyes. They're a little big and extend up past the eyebrow so I actually cut that part and put a section on the frown line between my eyes. It seems to soften that as well.

For some reason, though I couldn't wear them last night since they irritated the skin under my right eye. However, I blame my Garnier Nutrisse lotion since it hasn't felt right on my skin in a while. I finally threw out the other GN product, but not the facial cleansing clothes.

What I find odd is that there were 5 pairs for $8 at Kohl's. However, they sell for $8.99 at Harmon Cosmetics. What's that? Harmon's is supposed to be "discount."

Today we got a little windfall from the State of New jersey so I decided to splurge just a little and buy some face stuff. As I've mentioned, I don't usually buy product "lines," but tonight I purchased some products from the Be Fine line.

• Eye Brightening Cream with Avocado Oil
• Night Cream with Millet, Cocoa, and Rice Bran
• Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15, Rosemary, Pomegranate, and Rice

I have to say that the price for these products rival those at Kohl's, even though I got them at CVS. They weren't inexpensive and the Eye Brightening Cream rivals Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado for the same .5 oz. Actually, Kiehl's was less expensive by $.50.

Other products I'd like to get: are the neck cream and serum.

Trying another natural mask tonight. This one with strawberries so my face looks like I'm in some type of horror movie!!

-Makeupista

Au Naturel

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Last night I made one of the best facial masks ever! 

What did use? All measurement are approximate since I didn't really measure:

• about 20 blueberries
• one tablespoon of honey
• about one teaspoon of white sugar
• about one tablespoon of oatmeal 

I mashed the blueberries, added the honey and sugar and mashed it together. The oatmeal didn't get into the mask until after I put it on face. You always need something to make the liquid ingredients dry. I suppose in time it would have dried, but it was late and needed to get it done pretty quickly. It would look better if the oatmeal was mashed with the blueberry mixture. As it, I looked like I had some sort of skin condition.

Plus, oatmeal is good for your face. It is good to "smooth and comfort  itchy, scratchy, and dry skin," which is why it's used in baths as an anti-itch product for eczema, poison ivy and other skin conditions. The alpha hydroxy acids in the blueberries is good to remove dead skin cells. Sugar acts as an skin exfoliant, and honey is said to have healing properties for skin. 

I've made other masks, but I think this one was my best. If you know a little bit about the properties of various foods, and do some research on the web, you, too can make your own beauty products.

As I said in my initial post, though. it's best to only make a little bit because they don't last.

Makeupista!!

Fresh is as Fresh Does

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Yes, I've been bad about writing. I think I need to only do at least one post a week, especially since no one's actually reading this! However, believe me, I could write a lot more about this subject!

Kieran, my beauty-product enabler, and I went to bluemercury in Westfield last Thursday to walk the glossy floors and bask in the lowlighted, but not dark, ambience in this wonderful place for high-end products. 

We walked all the way around the store to make sure we took in everything before possibly deciding on a product to buy. The first product line was Bliss. They always havefun  product names to help make it easier to purchase their products. One of the first products was a "bust enhancer" cream. Give me a break. Even I'm not that taken, but I did have to look at it! 

The back of the store in a small shelf were some men's products and the Mustela baby products line. Gee, why bother. Walking around the store some more we hit the hair products that include Frederic Fekkai, Bumble & Bumble, and other boutique brands. Nothing stirred me here. Now that I have short hair, I don't have to do as much with it to tame the mass.

Finally, I decided on a product by Fresh. I had thought about the Black Tea Age-Defying Cream. It smelled awful, and cost $125 and that's just way too much unless I know for a fact that it's going to work. So, I decided on the Cucumber cleanser for $48. Yes, it's a bit of money, but not $125!! (I'm having problems with images so I'm not going to post it.)

I tried it that night and I love that it foams. It's so much easier to work with than a bar of soap or juggling a liquid in my hand and try to get it to my face before it spills. It doesn't smell great, but hey as long as it works, I can live with it. The first few days, my face felt kind of bumpy but no actual breakouts. One thing I have noticed is that my face doesn't feel puffy in the morning like it previously has and the lines around my eyes calm down pretty quickly (which is a wonderful thing!!). Even this morning when I had a line emergency, they went down pretty quickly even though I didn't wash my face right away.

Now my face feels very smooth and feel like pretty young! A good buy! Sometimes it is worth the extra $ if you feel like you're getting something from it and it's doing what it should. I'm glad I spent less on the scrub because that's something that can be replicated.

An A+++!

They also have a spa and I'll definitely want to use one or two of their services and they're pretty reasonable. (Oh, and a few samples including Perricone, M.D.!)

~~~

On another note, I hear through the grapevine that CVS is opening a chain of high-end cosmetics stores, expanding its role in the beauty/health market. I think it's a brilliant idea (quoting Blair from The Facts of Life TV show from the 80's). Who doesn't love CVS? Who doesn't love high-end cosmetics and beauty aids? Moi? absolutement!!

Can't wait to visit the new "Beauty 360" stores. Hopefully, they're more like bluemercury than Sephora! 

Making Up is Hard to Do!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Yes, I've been a bad blogger and haven't written in a while. Please forgive me!

Nothing too new in the makeup world here at least. I've worn the Exceptionnel mascara a couple of times and I really like it. Last week I put it on even when my eyes were feeling a little itchy from allergies and they felt OK, which is more than I can say for the Mary Kay mascara that I recently threw away since it was pretty old.

Ever since I had the Lasik surgery/implanted contact lense, my eyes have become more sensitive to allergens and irritants so the fact that this mascara wasn't too harsh is a plus.

Haven't had a lot of occasions to wear mascara, although I like to wear it when I'm not wearing a ton of makeup since my natural eyelashes aren't very long. Thick, but not long like my friend Dawn's. Last year she got contact for the first time and then had a makeover by a very good Mary Kay representative and Dawn's eyes were amazingly huge. Sigh.

The Chanel mascara also didn't make my lashes feel too stiff like a lot do. So overall, I'd give the Exceptionnel high marks except for being a little pricey. Although, if it came in the trial size for a reduced price, I might give it a thought.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Went to the beach again this past Sunday. It was a gorgeous day and I was much more aware about putting on sunscreen. My husband was there so he helped put is on where I couldn't. The mark from my previous burn is still there and will be for a while, but I make extra sure to cover up that area very well and reapplied sunscreen after coming out of the water.

I had used my normal daytime moisturizer Garnier Nutitioniste Skin Renew Anti-Sun Damage SPF 28, and that seemed to work well as a sunscreen. On my body, I used CVS brand SPF 30 spray on in addition to a lotion just to make sure I was covered.

Not sure if I'm totally happy with the Garnier overall, though. It's a little thick to put on in the morning and my face looks a little greasy afterward. The other cream I have from them has stung my face a little at times so I'm conflicted about continuing to use it, but can't seem to bring myself to throw it away and get something else. Hmmm. Maybe once I get my first paycheck at the end of the month (wink, wink)!

Makeupista!

Exceptionnel de Chanel: A Taste of Luxe

Thursday, August 14, 2008

I've subscribed to Allure magazine for a long time (since it's initial issue through my mother-in-law) and about a year ago they finally started this Allure Beauty Experts group that I immediately signed up for. So far, I've reviewed a few different products such as Kinerase products (nice, but too expensive) and today I received a sample of Chanel's new mascara: Exceptionnel.

It's main feature is the 3 brush sides that "create intense lash volume" that "comb, separate, and curl lashes." So I'll try it for a week and then Allure will send me an email asking for my opinion.

The color they sent is Smoky Black, which hopefully isn't too dark. I normally use black/brown since black is very start against my fair skin. Looking forward to trying it out.

A long time ago, I purchased several Chanel products and still use them: eyeliners in green, brown, blue & black. Green and brown came together and blue and black came together each with a mini brush. They're very nice.

I also received the latest Allure issue that has Carrie Underwood on the cover. The usual articles on Younger, Smoother Skin; Fall Fashion Checklist; Love This Makeup; Perfect Hair, and Eat What You Crave (and still lose weight).

I'll let you know what I think about the mascara.

Makeupista!

bluemercury, a better Sephora?

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

One store that I forget about, but is really great is bluemercury. I've visited this store in a couple of places (Bridgewater Commons and at the Tropicana in Atlantic City) and have always longed to purchase beauty products from there.

Last Fall we were at the Trop in AC, NJ for our friend Donna's 40th birthday and got her a gift certificate from there. I said to Sean, "I would love to buy my products from here." He said OK, but I've always been a little concerned about price...and selection. What I mean by that is there are just so many products to choose from how can one decide?

The store is impeccably laid out: glossy wood floors, nicely arranged shelves and tables by brands. Kind of like the Bath & Body Works that I mentioned earlier, but sleeker. It's a lot friendlier, though, than Sephora and the lighting isn't as scary!!

They also provide spa services like manicures, pedicures, facials, and such at selected stores as well as events with high-end cosmetics such as NARS, Trish McEvoy, Laura Mercier, etc. I'll have to pay more attention next year!

I need to visit the store in Westfield, NJ, where there's also an independent Kiehl's store. Although Westfield's close, it isn't someplace that I normally go to shop, which is too bad because it's a great town with a lot of activity going on in it.

Like I said, the only problem is deciding what to get since there is sooo much to choose from.

As you know, I normally purchase lower-end products, but sometimes you just have to splurge!!

Makeupista

Is ULTA the Ulitmate?

Monday, August 11, 2008

Last Tuesday I had to leave the house to let the cleaners come and do their thing, which is fine so I headed to the Watchung Square Mall about 8 miles away. They have an ULTA store there and that was my first stop.

Ulta has a wide range of products, from CoverGirl, Maybelline, Physician's Formula, to Too Faced and other high-end brands. They also have their own line, which I haven't tried.

The store itself isn't bad, but can seem a little down at its heels in areas such as the back clearance area. They also provide full salon services, but I've never seen anyone there although I don't go there a lot.

I made quick work of the store starting in the makeup section and decided that I didn't really need anything so I bypassed there and moved onto the brushes and hair care products. My stylist who cut my hair short suggested a large, round brush to use when I blow out my hair, but ultimately couldn't decide on one. Checked out the upscale hair products, but don't need any at the moment. I just purchased some Vive products for color and smoothness.

In the end, I decided on a container of Method hand soap in Sea Minerals, which is very nice and smooth and its scent isn't overwhelming and three samples from the Be Fine face products line: the Daily Moisturizer that feels really fresh and different from anything else I've worn; Night Cream, which I've used and is nice; and the Warming Clay Mask. The clay mask is really good. I'm not much of a clay mask user since I tried one before and it was too harsh on my skin. My skin feels incredibly smooth and silky after using it.

When compared to Sephora and Bath & Body Works, Ulta seems nice, but a little frayed at the edges like it doesn't quite know what to do with itself. Does it want to be upscale like Sephora or not. It tends to get leftovers and items that companies may not make any longer so that might give it that discount feel even though they're trying to make it a bit more upscale. The salon also doesn't help.

It's a good place to go when you want to try something different, but don't want to spend a lot of money.

Have fun shopping!

Makeupista!

Sephora vs. Bath & Body Works

Monday, August 4, 2008

Last week I went to both Sephora and Bath & Body Works, both are places I love to visit!

Sephora:
I went to Sephora at "The Mall at Short Hills," which is unusually snooty so it's hardly fair to compare this store with Bath & Body Works, but it's still fun to browse there.

The first item to note is that the store is practically bursting at the seams with products and promotions and the interior of the store is pushed to its limit. It's very confusing and overwhelming. Upon arrival, I was "greeted" by a floor person and seemingly reluctantly asked if they could help.

I wandered the store a bit trying on this and washing it off with semi-conveniently placed tissues and such. Passed to the back where the hair and skin products are located and tried on a Fresh soy facial cleanser. Nice, but still too expensive... a nicer salewoman asked if I was a member of their "rewards" program. I thought I was but I don't buy enough stuff to make it worth my while and extra emails that clog my various email "inboxes."

The lighting is quite bright unforgiving. I guess to give you a better of the product, however sometimes lower light is better. I like that in the checkout line there are a lot fun samples. They're from top brands, too, not just Sephora's own brands, so they're still pretty expensive.

I left without buying anything and there was nothing that I absolutely had to have...for now.

Bath & Body Works:
After an interview with a recruiter, I went to Woodbridge Mall for a stroll. At the mall, they have an expanded Bath & Body Works that not only stocks its own brand, but others as well, such as Patricia Wexler, Frederic Fekkai, C.O. Bigelow, Mustela, Phyto, Caudalie, and many more. This has been something B & BW has done for a relatively short time and not all of their stores have all of these brands, but they can be purchased through their web site. Most of their stores have been redecorated to be less cute and many have cleaner lines and product displays.

The atmosphere was much different: the lights weren't as bright, there was actually places to walk around the shelves and there was a working sink available if you had too much product on and needed to wash it off. Immediately, I headed over to the trial size racks and searched for good stuff.

In previous posts, I've noted that many of B&BW's private label products are overly scented and make me sneeze. I stay away from their signature products and scents and steer toward the more natural scents featured in their Aromatherapy line.

Products were arranged by brand if it was a nonB&BW brand. There were two makeup sets available to try on but no salepeople were really around to help and no one really greeted me even though I was nearly the only person in the store.

I ended up purchasing one bottle of the Aromatherapy liquid hand soaps for our basement bathroom. It was only $6 for 12 ozs. A nice price. There's a promotion going on where you can get 3 products from this line for $15 or 7 products for $20. Makes me hope they're not discontinuing this line. It seems to good to be true, but I only purchased one in Tranquil Mint/Stress Reliever. A very nice scent.

I did a little more browsing and ended up with a small container of hand sanitizer also for the bathroom for $1.50. The person who checked me out made sure to ask if I was sure I didn't need more; I was sure.

Overall a much nicer experience.

Conclusion:
I like these stores for different reasons, but I'm more likely to make more regular purchases at B&BW, especially of their non-private label signature line products. I also like the C.O. Bigelow products and Patricia Wexler lines.

None of the sales people were overly friendly. So I told the Sephora woman that I was just looking, but even so there were a lot of people just hanging around doing seemingly nothing.

I love makeovers and would have liked to have been approached for one especially since they weren't too busy. I wanted to ask someone at Sephora for a sample of the Fresh facial cleanser, but felt shy.

Overall, I'd give the award to B&BW for their friendlier atmosphere, not as cluttered look, and more items that I would actually buy regularly. If only there was one with all of the brands closer to me I'd love it.

Update: Some of the aromatherapy scents make me sneeze!! :(

Short Hair = Styling Freedom & Hair for a Child's Wig

Saturday, August 2, 2008

I have a bunch info to post (trips to both Bath & Body Works deluxe and Sephora), but for now I wanted to let you know that I finally cut my hair for Locks of Love.

My hair's been growing since January 2007 and it's taken a lot of patience to grow it out so long but today was finally the day to cut it nearly all off! The impetus was an interview on Monday at KPMG, a very conservative company. However, it's versatile enough to change into a more modern style as well.

Here's a picture of the ponytail that was cut off. Believe me when I say it wasn't painful at all to cut off. It was getting way too long and wasn't in great condition. Plus, it would be better to have shorter hair for the rest of the summer.

This is after the cut. I aplogize for the tiny picture here but it was taken with the camera on my phone. You can see how short it is already.

Below are a couple of pictures of how the new haircut looks from a side view and without glam sunglasses:

Definitely different from what I had!! It's a little short, but it'll be nice to have a shorter "get ready" time. Sean asked me if I now have "5-Year Plan-Hair?" 

Back to normal posting soon. My job search is picking up so be patient...if anyone is reading this!!!

And no, I don't have any makeup on. This is my naturally glowing skin!

And I'm pretty much burn-free at this point. Just an unnatural glow where my bathing suit ended at the top of my right thigh.

Makeupista

Long time...

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Sorry it's been such a long time since I posted. I have been very busy looking for work.

Just received the latest ULTA Beauty flyer and here is an overview of some cool things:

Skipping the fragrances because they're not my thing...although if you buy $30 or more you can get a FREE weekend bag, which I don't need!

• Page 7 Earth Therapeutics items - 20% off but excludes sets and clearance items
• Page 8 $4.99 Little Black Book 24-piece Beauty Boutique. I loved these mondo makeup collections and always wanted the monster one, but couldn't justify it since I don't wear much makeup.
• Page 9 Ulta has it's own line of mineral makeup as made popular by Bare Minerals, which can also be found at Ulta. I've never tried any of Ulta's private label makeup (I really like Sephora's), but it's a good way to try something if you don't want to spend a lot on the "name brand" product of the same type such as lip plumper. There's also a Buy 1, get 1 free of Ulta makeup that excludes the mineral makeup, eyeliners, lip liners...kits, and brushes. What DOES it include??
• Pages 10-11 Ooooh, Japonesque brushes & beauty tools are "buy 2, get 1 free." Normally, $7.50-$60! Not bad.
• Other 2/1 promotions include: Jane, Physician's Formula, Rimmel, Nic's Sticks Paint & Go by OPI, Neutrogena Cosmetics, Max Factor, Cover Girl, and Almay.
• Page 12 Stila Fall Palette $38 for a $90 value (or so they say!) Looks very neutral, but definitely fall oriented.
• Page 15 bare minerals (by Bare Escentuals) Face Fashion $34 for a $55 value. Very dark and glittery eye shadows definitely not for me!
• Page 16 New!! ULTA Professional Cosmetics Brushes & Tools! $10-$39.99.
• Page 19 Free (sample) Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel.
• Page 20 $1.00 Garnier Nutriste Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller This looks really interesting and want to try it sometime.
• Page 21 Nioxin Buy 2, get 1 free.
• Page 22-23 Hair product discounts by Matrix, Sexy Hair, TIGI, Rusk, and CHI/Biosilk, Ojon & Jonathan (of Bravo's Blown Out show).


• The last section is all about hair styling tools...I'd love to get a new hair straightener.

There's nothing here that I need at this time and really the only thing I'd like to try is the Garnier anit-puff eye roller. That looks cool.

Speaking of hair styling, I'm not sure where I initially saw this, but I wrote down a reminder in the notepage section of my cell phone. It's the Remington D4444 hair dryer. It sounds really cool...literally.
This hair dryer has a place where you can put a misting cartridge to mousturize your hair as you dry it.

Here are its specs:
2-Pack Replacement Cartridges; 1875 Watt; 3 Heat & 2 Speed Settings;
Ionic Conditioning; Ceramic Even Heat Protection; Built-In Vitamin Shine Technology Emits Delicate Sheer Mist During Styling; User Controlled Mist Mist Contained In Disposable Cartridges That Last About 30 Uses Mist Is A Light Blend Of Shine Enhancing Moisturizers & Avocado Oil, Rich w/ Vitamins A, E, & D; Included FREE: 2-Pack Replacement Cartridges

Remember, I'm not promoting any particular product or store, and receive no compensation for anything written in the blog...

Hope you're keeping cool & fresh!

Makeupista!

New Purchases @ CVS

Friday, July 25, 2008

Yesterday, I went shopping at CVS since I hadn't been there in a while except to get the stuff for my burn last weekend. Of course, just as I walk in there in front of my face is the makeup section. What luck!!

Did a quick browse of the Maybelline displays and nothing caught my eye so I proceeded on back and saw...Rimmel! I like Rimmel. It may be a drugstore brand here in the US, but apparently, it's quite high-end in the UK. Usually, I only see this brand at Walgreen's so I was shocked to see it in my favorite CVS store.

Allure magazine had just profiled the Mousse Blush and that really caught my eye. I often use my lip glosses as quick blush just for a hint of color that looks fresh. Juicy Lychee is the color I selected since it's a neutral and will look good all year round. Plus, this cute little pot only cost $4.99, which seems to be a great price! BTW, I had no idea this was an Oprah pick. Is that a good thing?

While I was at the kiosk, I also looked at the eyeshadows. Last year, I thought I'd try a green eye shadow. Not that the old-fashioned electric green shadows, but the modern less bright shadows. My friend and makeup enabler (in a good way), Kieran, suggested I purchase a less expensive one to try out. So we went to Walgreen's at lunchtime and saw that Rimmel has a nice trio of eyeshadows for the whole eyeshadow experience. I have to admit that eye shadow application is not my strongest suit. What I'm trying to get at is that I also purchased another Rimmel trio in Spice. Nothing outrageous. This was also a steal at $4.99.

While I'm on the subject of eye shadow, I have to talk about eye shadow application. As many/most of you know, I'm not working and have been meeting with a career counselor from Lee Hecht Harrison an outplacement service my company has been paying for. She's a great help, but I can't help but notice that she has very deep set eyes and wears very dark eye shadow. This makes her eyes look like they're sunken, and her mascara is clumpy, which emphasizes it. I would love it if she used lighter eye colors and instead of dark mascara, maybe a brown or even clear. She's probably in her mid-to-late 50's and would help her look years younger or at least not like her eyes are sunken. This was the first thing I noticed about her and that's not a good thing.

Every few years, take stock of the makeup you're wearing and make sure it's age appropriate. Dark eyeliner at 18 is much different than dark eyeliner at 35. It's different if you're going out to dinner or to a club or at a dance recital. Day to day makeup should be light, almost as though you're not wearing any.

Thankfully, I couldn't decide on any facial products and I got out of CVS with no extra stuff like notebooks and pens!

~~~

Day 6 of the sunburn: Well, it's finally calming down so my leg looks medium rare rather than fully rare. It no longer feels warm or hot to the touch. Now I have a little bit of a tan, but I will wear better sunscreen next time!

Makeupista

10 Reasons for More Makeup!!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

I KNOW everyone can think of more*...Feel free to post!

1. You resisted eating a donut at lunch, so a new eye shadow is an obvious non-food reward.

2. You've just bought a three-tier make up case, and it really would be a shame if you couldn't fill it to the brim.

3. Because what would be the point of buying that new pair of shoes if you didn't have a nail polish to match? Hmm... (Even if it's another black pair!!! kabc)

4. For hygiene reasons. Mascara only lasts three months, so it's always nearly time for a new one. (And the reason you're keeping the old one is for emergencies.)

5. Your quest for the perfect lip gloss is a life long dedication. Therefore you need to test as many varieties as physically possible.

6. Because you can feel it in your bones that this is the fake tan that will finally turn you into a Gisele-like bronzed goddess.

7. This new blusher really could help you get that promotion. You read once that employers look for signs of healthiness in their employees.

8. Now that it's almost summer, it's imperative you replace everything in your make up bag with versions that contain SPF. After all, make up will never be as much fun if you have wrinkles.

9. Because you're having a bad hair day - you need something to help detract from your frizzy mop.

10. And if all else fails. Because you want to (and can kabc), and ain't nobody gonna stand in your way.

These are from another fun and more established makeup blog: *Kiss and Makeup.

All joking aside, besides eating there's nothing that get's me back in a good mood than beauty products! This means I'm waaaay overdue.

***

Burn: Day 4. My burn is getting much better. I hardly feel it and is fading except in a few bloctchy areas on my right leg.

Toodles,
Makeupista

Sunburn: Day 2 & More

Monday, July 21, 2008

Well, day 2 is a little better. I spend most of the day inside an office building so the air conditioning was a great thing. Couldn't use the CVS-brand-Aquafor until this evening since I was wearing nice pants, but a little Aveeno dry skin lotion really helped.

The burn on my upper thigh is a tiny bit better but still there. Not fun.

***

I'm mourning the loss of one of my favorite products: St. Ives' Cucumber & Elastin Eye & Face Stress Gel. Seriously, I have no idea how long I've had this container and just used the very last bit of it tonight. Howevevr, St. Ives has discontinued the product! What is that? It had a very clean, fresh scent that wasn't overwhelming, which is rare in the over-scented bath-product world (I'm looking at you Bath & Body Works!).

It went on light and cool and just sort of melted into the skin, and...discontinued. However, someone is selling a four-pack of it on eBay for over $32! It used to cost no more than $3.50! Sigh. Anyone know of another product that does the same thing?

I'm watching the eBay sale, but I'm really sad about it.

***

Today, I actually wore makeup: a light undereye coverup that ended up also used as coverup since I ended up with too much on the brush tip (Physician's Formula Cover ToxTen50); Bobbi Brown blush in Tawny, Maybelline's famous pink-and-green Great Lash mascara, and Rimmel eye shadow duo in Bavaran Green. All of this was topped off with Sephora's compact powder that has a slight shimmer to it.

When I worked with Dress For Success Morris County, Bobbi Brown was very generous and held a fundraiser for us in a salon that she co-owned in a salon in Montclair, NJ. There was a donation of $50 and one of her professional makeup artists would make you up. DFSMC received all the proceeds. Of course, her products were available for purchase and I bought this blush. It's hardly been used this since I think it's a little dark for my fair skin, but could be a nice bronzer in the cooler months if it's mixed with a little powder.

***

I also got a manicure/pedicure and eyebrow wax today. SPLURGE!! I have an interview tomorrow and my nails were a mess. Esther at Karousel in Chatham (some of you have been there with me) was glad to see me.

Day 1 of Sunburn

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Day 1 of the Burn (reminds me of the show Burn Notice with Jeffrey Donovan and Bruce Campbell :))

I put some more salve on before going to sleep, before the gym this morning, and again afterward. It still hurts, but does seem a tiny bit less red.

Just now I sprayed on some Lanacane and some Avene Eau Thermale spray water because I'll try anything to get this to go away!

Going swimming in a bit and that should help with the heat. Another Advil/Tylenol would also help with some of the pain.

I just want to let anyone reading this blog (anyone???) know that I'm not getting paid by any of the companies I mention and I purchase these products with my own money. None are sent to me and no company is providing any compensation for these reviews. This is only for you.

A sad Makeupista!

Here I go again!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

What is it about the beach that make me not very careful about taking care of my skin? I get caught up in wanting sun but forgetting to reapply sunscreen after getting in the water.

Today, before even getting to the actual sand part of the beach, a friend sprayed SPF 30 sunscreen on my back and I sprayed the rest (I thought) and still got burned! It could be my very pale, non-sunlight-exposed skin and by the time I got home, I realized I would need the big guns to help out on this one.

A friend provided me with some Aquaphor to use after my sunburn last year (you'd think I'd learn), and so I needed to buy some for myself. At the local CVS, a small container (probably 4.0 oz.s) of Aquaphor was $16.99, when the CVS version was $13.99 for 14 ozs. Why would I purchase the brand name?

Well, it's not exactly like Aquaphor. From what I remember, the original product was yellowish and more solid than the CVS type, which is a lot more like petroleum jelly. It contains mineral oil, celesin,and lanolin alcohol. Alcohol?? Doesn't that dry skin out, not make it smoother? Hmmm. Aquaphor has the same ingredients, adding in Petrolatum. Mineral oil supposedly isn't recommended for long term use since it's said that it can clog pores.

Makeup artists swear by Aquaphor for all kinds of uses apparently. My first knowledge of the product came from reading a Allure magazine article about what products makeup artists must have in their kits. For them it's not expensive since they use it all the time, and it's for business. I have a harder time justifying spending that much for something I don't think I'd need all that often. I'll try out the CVS brand and let you know.

Will post pics of my beach day when I get them.

In the meantime, stay cool, and be SURE to put on sunscreen!!!!!

Makeupista!

Is Expensive Worth It?

Thursday, July 17, 2008

When is it ok to buy expensive products? As a slurge, when they actually make a difference? In April, I went to the manicurist's and one of her customers sells Arbonne similar to Avon and Mary Kay but from Switzerland. I was persuaded to try the product line.

I'm not much of a "line" person so right off the bat I was a little weary, but Esther (my mancurist) looks great whatever her age is so I thought I'd try it. I decided to use the products on half my face and my usual products on the other half.

The products were nice and while it seemed overly complicated with the many steps, the true test was how my skin actually looked. After 3-4 days I asked my husband which side of my face (not knowing which side was which) looked better and he picked the Arbonne side. I was a bit surprised; I didn't think there would actually be a difference.

However, after a couple of days of using the products, I started getting a breakout that sort of itched and hadn't gotten before. I asked the representative about this and she said it was a reaction to a new product. It didn't feel like that and didn't continue with the testing. Plus, the set was $143 which I think is a little steep. What I was sort of grossed me out was the fact the products were full-sized and ones that she passed around from person to person. Ugh.

I'm a softie so I decided to purchase only the serum. It was good, but again, my face broke out so I returned the product. I do love the idea of serums so I ended up purchasing the Lumene Vitamin C+ Age-Defying Artic Cloudberry & Caring Cranberry serum from CVS.

It seems to work great, but it's always hard to tell if it works as well as a more expensive product, but for $19.99 it's worth the chance. I use this morning or night not both. My face definitely feel softer and still get a nice glow.

I'm not against sets or expensive products, but when they make you break out, it's time to get rid of them.

Good luck and great product hunting!

Makeupista!!

P.S. I'm trying to format this so it can be read easier but blogger insists on making it look this way!

Who am I?

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Hi there again.

I just wanted to post to let you know more about me and this blog. As of April 26th of this year, I turned 40 years old. Yes, you read right, 4-0! So many people have nicely said, "you don't look 40." But then I wonder what DOES 40 look like? I mean, when I ws 30, I thought 40 was ancient, but time flew by and 40 doesn't look a lot different than 30, except with a few more lines around my eyes from smiling and crying because that's what life is.

My parents & me on my 40th birthday.

Would I ever consider plastic surgery or other "help" with staying young? Maybe. I don't want to rule it out since I won't know until I do it. One area that you can't change much are your hands, neck, and feet unless you get some sort of laser or chemical peel. Ninety-percent of being young is attitude and your health.

My lovely husband and I take a lot of vitamins and eat ok. We're not health nuts, just people who want to feel better longer. Our cholesterol is low, our triglycerides are good and have no obvious joint problems (except for my frozen shoulder syndrome), but I'm prone to tendonitis. I dance at least 3 nights a week and try to exercise while I'm watching TV; however, I don't think I need to go crazy to be stick thin. One of these days I would like to try Weight Watchers though.

As I mentioned in the first post, I don't wear a lot of makeup, but I try to take care of my skin. I can't lie, I also sometimes don't wash my face at night. I'm not a makeup or skincare expert, but sometimes it's easier not to be when you want an honest opinion!

Makeupista

Makeupistas Unite!

You ask, do women really need another makeup blog? Well, probably not. There are ton out there that I read, but hey another one isn't going to bring down the net!

One of the goals of this blog is to help find lower-cost alternatives to high end products. I hate spending a ton of money on products, but will on occasion if need be. Plus, I don't wear a ton of makeup and try not to overdo the facial products.

Here's my take, and maybe a few friends takes as well, to help guide you through the wilderness of the world of makeup products.

I don't wear a ton, but want to wear them well!

Face Polishers:
I had a spa day at the Hilton at Short Hills in February and they recommended that I use a face exfoliator/scrub/polisher 2-3 times a week. Finding the exact one from the myriad of products available can be a nightmare. This is when I started making my own. My recent favorite is using brown sugar as an ingredient.

I love using natural products on my face, and have made a few scrubs/polishers modifying recipes from around the web. The hard part is that they are natural and the ingredients spoil and/or my husband determines that he doesn't like having science projects in the fridge (since we don't have kids, it's not a natural thing!)

While browsing in Sephora, Mecca to makeupistas, I found the Fresh Sugar Face Polish.

Priced at $55 for 4.2 ozs., it was a bit expensive so I asked the sales woman for a sample. It was heavenly! Literally, only a dab was needed for my whole face. My face was silky smooth and it smelled so wonderful (and tasted great, too). What a treat!

Not long after that, I was laid off, so I could hardly justify spending this even though it would last for a long time.

I was going to save up some money from some freelance work, but all that changed yesterday during my trip to Bath & Body Works. It wasn't a remodeled store, but that was fine because I still found C.O. Bigelow's Brown Sugar Crystal Face Polish # 1181.

This product contains both brown sugar and strawberries as does the Fresh version. This 4.0 oz. container sells for only $19.00 - a steal. I tried it this morning and my face felt soft and smooth, if a little oily. I don't remember if the Fresh version felt this way, but it's really only a bad thing if your face might be prone to breakouts.

It also smells really good and seems a little grainier than the Fresh version, but isn't that the point? I still only needed a little bit to get the same effects as the more expensive product.

I'm sure using this product will continue to make my face smooth and touchable (and younger-looking), I just have to remember to use it!

So you save $36, and still get a wonderful product, and sometimes you just have to have it!

There are times when you want to splurge and finding great products like this make it easier when you want to spend the extra money.

Happy Making UP!