Allure to the rescue - again

I finally cracked open my Allure July 2009 issue, and low and behold they have an article on how to wear beach make up! I scanned it in for all to read.


a few suggestions for the products mentioned in the article

Neutrogena dry touch sunblock with helioplex; Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting pressed bronzer; Revlon matte powder blush in Rose Rapture; Lancome High Deficils Mascara; Rimmel lasting finish lipstick in Pink Champagne.
I have all of these products and absolutely love them! The sunblock is the best I've used so far, even compared to all the department store brands, this is the least greasy. And the bronzer really does leave your skin with a nice glow, even after you wash your face. The blush gives a natural flush because it doesn't glisten. The mascara is a true wonder and worth every penny, lashes become long and separated, and waterproof so officially beach perfect! The lipstick is bright so I usually dab a little and then smush my lips.

Seal it!

It’s summer, it’s hot, and you’re sticky. I often just skip the powdery makeup and stick with mascara, eyeliner, and gloss. For the beach, I apply Neutrogena sun block and sparkly lip gloss.

Today I bought Make Up For Ever eye seal. I’ve never used it before but the brand was created for performers for shows like Cirque du Soleil, which is my favorite, so I had to buy it!

I wanted this for the beach, so my eyes can really pop without the globby mess dripping down my face after a dip. Does anyone have any stay-put makeup tips?

Farrah Fawcett

She passed away this morning at the age of 62 from cancer. She and Ryan O'Neal never got married, though they did finally get engaged.

This is sad, I've always liked Farrah Fawcett for her hundred watt smile and her beach bunny look.

She'll always be America's icon and Charlie's Angel.
More here.

Oil wells

Blackheads aren’t pores full of dirt, they’re pores clogged with oil and when mixed with oxygen turn dark. Clean & Clear came out with a "Blackhead Eraser." I’m a sucker for any face product. Though this has been out for quite some time now, I’ve been too lazy (and I must admit, too cheap) to buy yet another facial cleanser when our bathroom cabinet is stocked till next Christmas.

If anyone has tried this, let me know how you like it. I have made a deal with myself that I will buy one by the end of next week. I also printed a $5 coupon off their site.

Don't you think daisies are the friendliest flower?

As asked by Kathleen Kelly in You've Got Mail, to which Joe Fox replied, "yes I do."

My mother's garden is overflowing with them. Shasta daisies might just be the easier flower to plant and take care of; there is virtually no maintenance. The only downer, they have no smell.

On that note, I love Marc Jacobs' Daisy perfume (introduced in 2007). I'm one of those people who's body chemistry doesn't work well with all scents, at which point I begin to smell like an old French lady. Perfumes like Tresor and Noa which smell so yummy in the bottle and on so many women smell absolutely wretched on me

The scent is fresh and floral; strong enough for evenings; light enough for hot summer days; sexy while maintaining a certain air of sincerity; and the bottle ain't too bad on the eyes either. An overall perfection, did you really expect less from Marc?

"Bling is over."

Oh really, Mr. Lagerfeld?

I hate to disagree with one of the most influential people in the fashion industry, but if it sparkles and screams "look at me," I WANT IT!

I believe this was quoted at the height of the recession, and on that note let's turn our focus to Forever21. I went to the mall today and bought the boldest cocktail ring at Forever21 for only $6.80! It looks like a Monet from Macy's for ohhh maybe six times less.

You like?

Happy Father's Day!

Glycolic acid vs. Lactic acid

I have oily skin and larger pores. It kills me!

With the season changing and this non-stop rain, my skin has been excessively oily and dull all at the same time. I went to my facialist and she gave me two glycolic peels (10% the first week, and 15% the second week).

Of course, the little detective that I am, I wanted to see if I can do these at home. Instead, I found an at home lactic acid peel. So I got to thinking, what exactly is the difference? I did a little research and found that glycolic is best for EVERYTHING, from fine lines to acne scaring, and especially excellent for oily skin; lactic acid focuses more on mature skin.

Needless to say, until I can find at home glycolic peels, I’m stuck paying $40 per session.

More on which peels is best for you here.

Taupe looks good on everyone

I have the kind of skin that works with neutral-warm tones. A little too coppery and I look sick, a little too silver and I look pasty. So what's a girl to do when she wants to go for the cool look? Taupe! I really do think this color works for everyone.

A personal favorite (and super cheap thrill) is Cover Girl's single shadow in Tapestry Taupe and if you like coordinates, may I suggest Cover Girl’s 3-kit eye enhancer in Shimmering Sands, where the middle color is very similar – if not identical with a different name (Toasted Sand) – to the single shadow.

Good luck! And don’t be wary if the color seems too dark, it’s all about layering!

New Mascara

I opened my new L'Oreal Voluminous mascara today.

I love this one, it's a true classic. I'm always on a hunt for the latest and greatest in mascara science, but I always come back to this one. Lately, instead of the Original curved brush I've switched to Carbon Black. It's certainly darker and much thicker, so a little clumpier, but nothing a lash comb can't brush out.

What's your favorite tube?