I 've been on hiatus for a while but now I'm back and intend to be posting weekly.
A reader wrote to ask what tips I may have to help spiff up her look for a Florida vacation without spending a bundle.
Look no further than your nearest Target! First head for the sun care department and pick up a sunblock made for babies. It works well on our delicate skin too and you can be sure it won't sting eyes or irritate.
Next head for accessories. They have a great selection of broad brimmed straw hats that will give even more protection besides giving you a touch of elan. If you don't need prescription glasses pick up a pair of over sized sun glasses. Instant glamor with out a hint of makeup. Why do you think celebrities go for this look.?You may want to pick up one of their cloth hobo style beach bags to sling over your shoulder while you're there. They are roomy, lightweight, stylish and inexpensive.
Next stop jewelery. What you're looking for is a chunky turquoise necklace in a short to medium length. It can dress up a tee shirt, look great peeking out from the collar of a white shirt, maybe worn open with a cami underneath. It also dresses up a plain black shift. If you only buy one thing this summer this should be it. Just make sure it isn't too delicate. At our age bold jewelry looks great and makes a statement You'll be surprised at how many colors this shade can work with and how stylish you'll look,
Final stop, cosmetics. Revlon Renewist is still my favorite lipstick, It's moisturizing , gives a little gloss and stays on better thn most. Coral Fixation is a great color for those warm climates
Neutrogena has a new automatic eye pencil that goes on smoothly and lasts. Try it in pewter. It's less harsh than black and in flattering to all eye colors. If you're in a rush just underline the lower lid from the corner to the mid eye point. You'd be surprised how that can define the eye.
For mascara try CoverGirl's LASHBLAST Get the waterproof one even if you're planning on staying land locked and you won't have to worry about smudges.
That's it. Just remember to stand up straight,lift from the rib cage and smile!
Showing posts with label makeup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label makeup. Show all posts
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
GET A CONCEALER THAT REALY WORKS!
My cache' of concealers is considerable. Chanel shares space with. Maybelline, CoverGirl and others. None provide that flawless look I'm seeking. I either appear washed out, have that dreaded raccoon look, or my under eye shadows are still in evidence. My skin is fair and most cosmetic advisers take one quick look and present me with their lightest shade.
Not too long ago I finally hit on the right color. Wandering through Sephora, I found a concealer that had a great consistency and good coverage.(Amazing Concealer) They were out of the light shades so on a whim, because it was one of those things that I just had to have, I tried the medium. Bingo! There was great coverage without the hint of a shadow and there was a slight touch of pink that added instant brightness. I had found that elusive FLAWLESS!
Too many of us pick a shade lighter than our foundation or skin when the answer actually is something just a bit darker that covers what we're looking to cover. I recently read that Bobbie Brown recommends brushing a bit of bronzer over the undereye area to warm it up before applying concealer. I haven't tried it but I've sworn off those the paler shades for good.
Amazing Concealer is hard to find and expensive although it does last for about a year. A less costly alternative is L'Oreal Visable Lift Eye. It's not as thick as Amazing Concealer but I've used the medium( 178 )shade with good results.
Not too long ago I finally hit on the right color. Wandering through Sephora, I found a concealer that had a great consistency and good coverage.(Amazing Concealer) They were out of the light shades so on a whim, because it was one of those things that I just had to have, I tried the medium. Bingo! There was great coverage without the hint of a shadow and there was a slight touch of pink that added instant brightness. I had found that elusive FLAWLESS!
Too many of us pick a shade lighter than our foundation or skin when the answer actually is something just a bit darker that covers what we're looking to cover. I recently read that Bobbie Brown recommends brushing a bit of bronzer over the undereye area to warm it up before applying concealer. I haven't tried it but I've sworn off those the paler shades for good.
Amazing Concealer is hard to find and expensive although it does last for about a year. A less costly alternative is L'Oreal Visable Lift Eye. It's not as thick as Amazing Concealer but I've used the medium( 178 )shade with good results.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
ABSOLUTE BEST BEAUTY BUY
I've been spending the summer in a place that knows not of Sephora or Saks and Walmart has become the sole source of my beauty fix. I've been pleasantly surprised by the extraordinary selection and the sometimes incredible buys I've found there.
They must have some sort of arrangement with mass market cosmetic manufacturers to bundle products together and offer them as specials. Just yesterday I found my current favorite mascara, Cover Girl's Lash Blast in very black packaged with their Perfect Point Plus Self Sharpening Eye Pencil,(charcoal and Eye Enhancers Shadow in french vanilla.
All items are full sized and the package comes in different color combos.
I usually pay around $7.00 for the mascara alone! The package was $9.99.
I may just have to add Walmart to my list of cosmetic sources year round!
They must have some sort of arrangement with mass market cosmetic manufacturers to bundle products together and offer them as specials. Just yesterday I found my current favorite mascara, Cover Girl's Lash Blast in very black packaged with their Perfect Point Plus Self Sharpening Eye Pencil,(charcoal and Eye Enhancers Shadow in french vanilla.
All items are full sized and the package comes in different color combos.
I usually pay around $7.00 for the mascara alone! The package was $9.99.
I may just have to add Walmart to my list of cosmetic sources year round!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Worst Beauty Bargain
Most Sunday mornings you'll find me and my youngest son David in Target. It's the perfect destination for us. The roomy aisles easily accommodate his wheelchair and his CCI dog, Ian. The wide array of products provide much to interest us both although I must admit my attention tends to sag when he insists we linger in the tool department more than a few minutes. He feels the same way about the makeup section, which is why I picked up what I considered an incredible bargain rather quickly.
I was checking out the Boot's07 display. I've never used their products but had heard good things about them. What caught my attention was a a full size eyeliner and mascara packaged together for $6.99. It was a no brainer. I dropped it into the almost full basket that David balances on his lap and headed for the checkout. I was already feeling that nice surge of anticipation that surfaces before trying a new product.
Boot's Amazing Eyes Pencil is the usual kind, point on one end, smudger on the other. It's described as long wearing and silky smooth. It went on smoothly without any tugging. However when I checked it out I realized it hadn't imparted much color. I applied it again pressing a bit harder and found that it did indeed tug. The mascara went on easily with out clumping and defined my lashes nicely. However in ballet class, my friend Maxine informed me I had a black smudge on my eye lid. I gave it another try the next day and this time I checked in the rear view mirror before I got out of the car for class. There it was again; a black smudge by the outer corner of my eye. Good I saved the receipt!
Cheers,
Barb
I was checking out the Boot's07 display. I've never used their products but had heard good things about them. What caught my attention was a a full size eyeliner and mascara packaged together for $6.99. It was a no brainer. I dropped it into the almost full basket that David balances on his lap and headed for the checkout. I was already feeling that nice surge of anticipation that surfaces before trying a new product.
Boot's Amazing Eyes Pencil is the usual kind, point on one end, smudger on the other. It's described as long wearing and silky smooth. It went on smoothly without any tugging. However when I checked it out I realized it hadn't imparted much color. I applied it again pressing a bit harder and found that it did indeed tug. The mascara went on easily with out clumping and defined my lashes nicely. However in ballet class, my friend Maxine informed me I had a black smudge on my eye lid. I gave it another try the next day and this time I checked in the rear view mirror before I got out of the car for class. There it was again; a black smudge by the outer corner of my eye. Good I saved the receipt!
Cheers,
Barb
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Beauty Product Rebellion
I've made up my mind and I won't be swayed. From this point on I will never purchase any two step beauty product be it mascara or anything else. Ditto for the primers that are flooding the market to be used prior to applying foundation. I am also swearing off the double blush application as touted by a Bobbie Brown sales associate. She swirled a cream pink blush over the apples of my checks and then addressed my cheek bones with a swipe or two of bronzer. Yes, I looked rosy cheeked and healthy and my cheek bones appeared more prominent that they usually do but it is nothing I would ever do at home.
Multiple products and numerous application steps remind me of a good friend who has since moved on to a place where adornment is unnecessary. When earthbound, her face while never shouting makeup, always looked great. Of course I had to learn her secret and she was happy to share it. The process involved layering and mixing three different foundations and two concealers for starters and then moved on to multi step processes for eyes,lips and cheeks. It ended with brushing a pale pink powder over her entire face with a big fluffy brush. As much as I admired the finished product, I didn't posses the patience or own the fluffy brush(which she insisted was key), to even try to replicate it
There are increasingly a ton of tricks and products available to seduce us in our efforts to present a more attractive facade. It's easy to be tempted especially if we compare ourselves with celebrities who spend hours being styled,buffed and Botoxed to within an inch of their lives. As vain as I may be, I'm still not willing to spend an iota more time than I already do applying cosmetics. Time is precious and there are too many other more interesting and rewarding ways to use it.
I'm still a beauty product junkie and will be forever on the lookout for that perfect product that will help transform or cover whatever is bothering me, the only criteria being that it's quick and easy to apply.
How much time to you spend putting on your makeup? I'd love to know!
Cheers,
Barb
Multiple products and numerous application steps remind me of a good friend who has since moved on to a place where adornment is unnecessary. When earthbound, her face while never shouting makeup, always looked great. Of course I had to learn her secret and she was happy to share it. The process involved layering and mixing three different foundations and two concealers for starters and then moved on to multi step processes for eyes,lips and cheeks. It ended with brushing a pale pink powder over her entire face with a big fluffy brush. As much as I admired the finished product, I didn't posses the patience or own the fluffy brush(which she insisted was key), to even try to replicate it
There are increasingly a ton of tricks and products available to seduce us in our efforts to present a more attractive facade. It's easy to be tempted especially if we compare ourselves with celebrities who spend hours being styled,buffed and Botoxed to within an inch of their lives. As vain as I may be, I'm still not willing to spend an iota more time than I already do applying cosmetics. Time is precious and there are too many other more interesting and rewarding ways to use it.
I'm still a beauty product junkie and will be forever on the lookout for that perfect product that will help transform or cover whatever is bothering me, the only criteria being that it's quick and easy to apply.
How much time to you spend putting on your makeup? I'd love to know!
Cheers,
Barb
Sunday, November 25, 2007
IS IT DANGEROUS TO TRY BEFORE YOU BUY?
I'm the original try before you buy consumer. The sales associates at Sephora pay me no attention as I wander between displays smudging this and that on my hand and face. Lately though I've given second thoughts to trying those samples set out for the world at large to use. True there is no shortage of disposable applicators but all sorts of apprehensions are surfacing. What about those who double dip? Can germs thrive in makeup? Can they spread? Wondering about such things has dampened my enthusiasm for this particular pastime.
I think it was my desire to try false eyelashes with out making a significant outlay that made me take a different look at a cosmetic company called E.L.F. They makes mini sizes of a wide range of beauty products and price them at a dollar each. For that amount I purchased their Natural Lash Kit. It comes complete with lashes, tray, adhesive gel and directions. I can't wait to try them but want to clear it with my plastic surgeon first! I'll let you know.
Meanwhile their products are intriguing and the array wide. I felt like a kid in a candy store just cruising the site. How would I look in dark red lipgloss? What about yellow eyeshadow? Such possibilities. Of course it's not free but there are no nasty germs to spoil the fun!
I think it was my desire to try false eyelashes with out making a significant outlay that made me take a different look at a cosmetic company called E.L.F. They makes mini sizes of a wide range of beauty products and price them at a dollar each. For that amount I purchased their Natural Lash Kit. It comes complete with lashes, tray, adhesive gel and directions. I can't wait to try them but want to clear it with my plastic surgeon first! I'll let you know.
Meanwhile their products are intriguing and the array wide. I felt like a kid in a candy store just cruising the site. How would I look in dark red lipgloss? What about yellow eyeshadow? Such possibilities. Of course it's not free but there are no nasty germs to spoil the fun!
Monday, October 08, 2007
THREE TO GO
Just three products tucked into that makeup bag and you're good to go!
If you're like me the number of products you're toting around in your makeup bag seems to mushroom overnight. Soon you're spending more time rummaging around for that concealer you know is in there somewhere than you do applying it
The solution is simple; pare down. Now with so many double duty products appearing on the market, it's a breeze.
Start out with a concealer that works as both a highlighter and concealer. MAYBELINE AGE REWIND FACE PERFECTOR does a great job. Erace those dark circles and discolorations with the concealer, then brighten eyelids brow and cheekbone with the high lighter. Don't forget to give special attention (translation a little extra highlighter to the inner eye area.
Cheeks and lips come to life courtesy of a new product from BENEFIT called RUSH HOUR. Housed in a gold cylinder, this luscious sunberry tint is a neutral color that is formulated to work equally well on cheeks, lips or anywhere.
Now all you're left needing is the mascara of your choice! The options are endless. I still have a bit of a problem. I'm addicted to eyeliner. No amount of mascara can make my pale eyes come to life with out it. If only some cosmetic company would come out with a mascara that has an eyeliner on the other end I'd be first in line to purchase it.
Cheers,
Barb
Just three products tucked into that makeup bag and you're good to go!
If you're like me the number of products you're toting around in your makeup bag seems to mushroom overnight. Soon you're spending more time rummaging around for that concealer you know is in there somewhere than you do applying it
The solution is simple; pare down. Now with so many double duty products appearing on the market, it's a breeze.
Start out with a concealer that works as both a highlighter and concealer. MAYBELINE AGE REWIND FACE PERFECTOR does a great job. Erace those dark circles and discolorations with the concealer, then brighten eyelids brow and cheekbone with the high lighter. Don't forget to give special attention (translation a little extra highlighter to the inner eye area.
Cheeks and lips come to life courtesy of a new product from BENEFIT called RUSH HOUR. Housed in a gold cylinder, this luscious sunberry tint is a neutral color that is formulated to work equally well on cheeks, lips or anywhere.
Now all you're left needing is the mascara of your choice! The options are endless. I still have a bit of a problem. I'm addicted to eyeliner. No amount of mascara can make my pale eyes come to life with out it. If only some cosmetic company would come out with a mascara that has an eyeliner on the other end I'd be first in line to purchase it.
Cheers,
Barb
Monday, September 24, 2007
The Perfectly Made Up Mouth
It smiles or pouts delectably from the covers of magazines and on TV and in recent years it's been plumbed up considerably. I once read in a magazine the story of a woman who on getting up in the morning, spent her first 30 minutes outlining her lips and filling them in and lord knows what else, so that she could present her husband with a perfectly made up mouth when he awoke.
I've only recently started to ponder such things because until lately my only thought about lipstick was what shade to choose and its staying power. Now I've added creaminess to the list. My lips are always dry. Sun exposure has worsened the problem and lip balm has become my companion.
Add to the evidence that I seldom use lip liner or gloss in combination with my lipstick and you'll say that I don't deserve any better. Yes, I'm lazy that way. I can guarantee that my husband will never be presented with a perfectly made up mouth, at least not by me. So I've continued my hunt for a product that glides on with out drying out, has reasonable staying power (an entire hour and a half ballet class) SPF and a good choice of colors. And recently I found it
Revlon has come out with a new product RENEWIST Lipcolor
It feels great going on. It's patented Pro collegen Moisture Core,actually a dot of cream color that runs through the center of the lip stick, promises to boost moisture 80% while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and enhancing lip fullness over time. All this and it has an SPF of 15 too. I've been using this daily for almost a month and yes, it delivers on it's promise.
It comes in a whooping 24 shades, so you're sure to find one to please. On caveat: It's housed in a clear plastic case that you might hesitate to brandish when your friends whip out the Chanel
Cheers,
Barb
It smiles or pouts delectably from the covers of magazines and on TV and in recent years it's been plumbed up considerably. I once read in a magazine the story of a woman who on getting up in the morning, spent her first 30 minutes outlining her lips and filling them in and lord knows what else, so that she could present her husband with a perfectly made up mouth when he awoke.
I've only recently started to ponder such things because until lately my only thought about lipstick was what shade to choose and its staying power. Now I've added creaminess to the list. My lips are always dry. Sun exposure has worsened the problem and lip balm has become my companion.
Add to the evidence that I seldom use lip liner or gloss in combination with my lipstick and you'll say that I don't deserve any better. Yes, I'm lazy that way. I can guarantee that my husband will never be presented with a perfectly made up mouth, at least not by me. So I've continued my hunt for a product that glides on with out drying out, has reasonable staying power (an entire hour and a half ballet class) SPF and a good choice of colors. And recently I found it
Revlon has come out with a new product RENEWIST Lipcolor
It feels great going on. It's patented Pro collegen Moisture Core,actually a dot of cream color that runs through the center of the lip stick, promises to boost moisture 80% while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and enhancing lip fullness over time. All this and it has an SPF of 15 too. I've been using this daily for almost a month and yes, it delivers on it's promise.
It comes in a whooping 24 shades, so you're sure to find one to please. On caveat: It's housed in a clear plastic case that you might hesitate to brandish when your friends whip out the Chanel
Cheers,
Barb
Thursday, September 20, 2007
The Premier Primer
There I was after a two month hiatus back in Sephora not knowing which way to go first. So many new products, so little time. I headed for Benefit where I found that they too had jumped into the primer parade with an entry called"that gal" brightening face primer.
While most primers are housed in a pump bottles or tubes Benefit's is presented in a plastic cylinder capped with a wide perforated top. When you twist the bottom of the cylinder a luscious petal pink cream wiggles its way out.
I headed for the mirror and smoothed it over my face on top of whatever makeup was left from earlier in the day. It had a cool silky feel and I looked brighter immediately. "But you know I still have some other makeup under it" I said to the sales girl when she complimented me. Not to worry, she said. The product could be used alone, under or even on top of makeup. But she still insisted it was a primer??? I had an almost full bottle of Smashbox primer at home so I didn't purchase the new product.
When I started to cleanse my face that night I noticed I looked better than I usually did at that hour which is most often, just this side of hagged. Then I recalled the label which read brightening face primer. Benefit is a bastion of brightening products. Witness their It Stick, High Beam (a favorite of mine)and Eye Bright. All deliver a brightening radiance. This latest product carries on the tradition and an almost full bottle of Smahbox or not I have to add it to my collection.
Cheers,
Barb
There I was after a two month hiatus back in Sephora not knowing which way to go first. So many new products, so little time. I headed for Benefit where I found that they too had jumped into the primer parade with an entry called"that gal" brightening face primer.
While most primers are housed in a pump bottles or tubes Benefit's is presented in a plastic cylinder capped with a wide perforated top. When you twist the bottom of the cylinder a luscious petal pink cream wiggles its way out.
I headed for the mirror and smoothed it over my face on top of whatever makeup was left from earlier in the day. It had a cool silky feel and I looked brighter immediately. "But you know I still have some other makeup under it" I said to the sales girl when she complimented me. Not to worry, she said. The product could be used alone, under or even on top of makeup. But she still insisted it was a primer??? I had an almost full bottle of Smashbox primer at home so I didn't purchase the new product.
When I started to cleanse my face that night I noticed I looked better than I usually did at that hour which is most often, just this side of hagged. Then I recalled the label which read brightening face primer. Benefit is a bastion of brightening products. Witness their It Stick, High Beam (a favorite of mine)and Eye Bright. All deliver a brightening radiance. This latest product carries on the tradition and an almost full bottle of Smahbox or not I have to add it to my collection.
Cheers,
Barb
Friday, March 16, 2007
Does Smashbox Have Another Hit?
Well that depends on who is using it. Let me start out by admitting that I was a reluctant Smashbox user. I heard great things about their primer which is applied under foundation but didn't buy it. Much as I like looking good I don't want to devote too much of my time to the process . I strive to keep my required beauty products to a minimum and thus try to avoid any two step procedure.
Then my daughter Joan,also a beauty product junkie, gave me a sampleof the primer. Yes it does make a difference. Lines are diminished and makeup goes on more smoothly. It also makes thin skin look thicker. I save it for evenings out or those occasions such as meeting someone I haven't seen in a while, which raises the looking good stakes!
Then I heard about Smashbox's latest product, a blush that goes on over bare skin and adjusts to your complexion. It's said to give a natural,fresh from a run, flush. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Any product that even hints of natural speaks directly to me. Even as beauty products clutter my drawers and spill out of my medicine cabinet I try to kid myself that my looks are almost natural.
At Sephora I actually snatched the small tube filled with clear liquid gel out of the twenty something sales assistant's hand. I smoothed a generous amount over my cheeks and looked in the mirror. I had that healthy pink natural looking flush but interspersed were dots and patches of bright pink. I knew immediately what had happened and looked in dismay towards the sales assistant. "It's making my age spots darker. " Lets try a little less," she suggested. In my eagerness I had put on a large glob . She removed what was on my face and applied it more sparingly. The pink spots were not as bright but were still visible. I've had the same trouble with self tanners. My skin tone is just too uneven.
On the way out, after buying a new lip gloss to lift my spirits, I picked up the blush again. It's not for me but it's still a great product and if I were to bet I would say it's destined to become an even bigger hit than the primer.
Cheers, Barb
Well that depends on who is using it. Let me start out by admitting that I was a reluctant Smashbox user. I heard great things about their primer which is applied under foundation but didn't buy it. Much as I like looking good I don't want to devote too much of my time to the process . I strive to keep my required beauty products to a minimum and thus try to avoid any two step procedure.
Then my daughter Joan,also a beauty product junkie, gave me a sampleof the primer. Yes it does make a difference. Lines are diminished and makeup goes on more smoothly. It also makes thin skin look thicker. I save it for evenings out or those occasions such as meeting someone I haven't seen in a while, which raises the looking good stakes!
Then I heard about Smashbox's latest product, a blush that goes on over bare skin and adjusts to your complexion. It's said to give a natural,fresh from a run, flush. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Any product that even hints of natural speaks directly to me. Even as beauty products clutter my drawers and spill out of my medicine cabinet I try to kid myself that my looks are almost natural.
At Sephora I actually snatched the small tube filled with clear liquid gel out of the twenty something sales assistant's hand. I smoothed a generous amount over my cheeks and looked in the mirror. I had that healthy pink natural looking flush but interspersed were dots and patches of bright pink. I knew immediately what had happened and looked in dismay towards the sales assistant. "It's making my age spots darker. " Lets try a little less," she suggested. In my eagerness I had put on a large glob . She removed what was on my face and applied it more sparingly. The pink spots were not as bright but were still visible. I've had the same trouble with self tanners. My skin tone is just too uneven.
On the way out, after buying a new lip gloss to lift my spirits, I picked up the blush again. It's not for me but it's still a great product and if I were to bet I would say it's destined to become an even bigger hit than the primer.
Cheers, Barb
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