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The Fairest Of Them All.

Yet another conversation with the husband.  He just gives me so much material.

 

Ward:  “Do you think Vampires poop?”

Me:  “For real or is this a joke?”

Ward:  “I just saw a movie preview and Johnny Depp is sitting at the table.  I didn’t think Vampires sat at tables?”

Me:  “Well, if I were a Vampire, I think I would be too cool to poop!”

Ward:  “Do you eat regular food?”

Me:  “No way, then I would have to poop!”

Ward:  “Not even fruit?”

Me:  “Nope.  The seeds would get stuck in my teeth.”

Ward:  “Chocolate Chip Cookies?”

Me:  “And ruin this figure?  NO!”

Ward: “What’s your favorite drink?”

Me:  “Duh, Bloody Mary!”

Ward:  “Do you shower?”

Me:  “This Vampire does!”

Ward:  “Good to know!”

 

And then as strangely as it started, the conversation was over.  And what’s even more strange, it was the most exciting conversation I’d had all day.

 

Since we are on the subject of movies, I thought I would showcase some makeup palettes and kits inspired from the movies and celebrity favorites.   Starting with my favorite, of course.

 

Benefit Cosmetics, “Snow White and The Huntsman”:  Be the fairest of them all with this kit.  Get skin like porcelain, rosy cheeks and eye lashes black as night with this complete face collection.  The train case is silver and lavender, almost reminiscent of fairy tales themselves.  The POREfessional priming balm fills in your pores and makes your skin soft and flawless.  Then, Benetint gives your cheeks and lips a rosy glow.  Make your lips as dark as scarlet by applying extra coats of this coveted stain.  Next, use High Beam to give your cheeks, eyes and nose some luminous complexion enhancement.  Last, coat those lashes with the volumizing and lengthening BADgal mascara.  Available at Department Stores, Benefitcosmetics.com, Sephora and Ulta stores for $45.00.

 

 

Tarte, “Shining Stars Limited Edition”:  Shine as brightly as any celebrity with this limited edition mini bestsellers kit.  Start off the look with the most sought after cheek stain on the market, Flush.  This berry hue not only gives you gorgeous cheeks, you can also use it on your lips shoulders, anywhere you’d like to add a little color.  Then line your upper lash line with the intense black shade of the brands Amazonian Clay Shadow Liners.  Apply 2 coats of the best selling, Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara.  This mascara thickens and curls your lashes as it dries, so no curler needed.  Top off the look with LipSurgence Natural Lip Tint in Enchanted.  The rose tinted lip stain chubby stick naturally plumps your pout with a light peppermint oil and moisturizes, too.  Tarte uses only natural and healthy for your skin ingredients in their products, which is one reason why I love this brand.  That and the stains are just so fun.  Available for $25 dollars at Department Stores, Ulta, Sephora and online at Tartecosmetics.com.

 

NARS, “Sea of Love Set”:  Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin smoldered in this mystery of a love fest, and so can you with this inspired complete set.  First, give your complexion a sunlit glow with the Laguna Facial illuminator.  Next, dust the brands popular Blush in Super Orgasm on the cheeks for a bit of sun kissed shimmer.  Then follow up with NARS, the Multiple in Orgasm.  This creamy highlighting stick looks fantastic on lids as a creamy shadow.  Illuminate the chin, forehead, decolletage, bridge of nose and cheeks bones with this “Multiple” stick in a hot, summery peachy pink shade.  Top off the look with the pale pink lip gloss in Turkish Delight.  I love these glosses, they are almost like lipstick in a tube since there is so much pigment.  Available at Department Stores, Sephora and online at Narscosmetics.com for$49.00.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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A Little Bit Crazy.

Yesterday, I had dinner with a friend.  While discussing his dating woes, he said something that I found to be rather humorous.

 

“All passionate women are a little crazy!”

 

At first I just laughed at this statement.  After all, I consider myself to be a passionate woman yet I’m completely sane.  Well, usually sane.  For the most part, I am almost sane.  On occasion I might need one good cry, but then I am right back to being my normal, genius self.  Except around my birthday.  I do not like my birthday that much.  Aging is not fun.   But the rest of the year, I absolutely have all my marbles.  Well, there is the month of May.  I do not hate much of anything in this world, but I do despise the month of May.  The whole month.  But after that, completely with it.  Yep.  Passionate, genius and utterly sane…………..For the most part.

 

This sentence resonated in my 1/2 sane brain the entire day.  Maybe it just might be a little true.  The definition of the word, “Passionate” alone could describe any woman during a hormonal shift.

 

“Capable of having, or being dominated by powerful emotions.”  Please.  I know men that fit this description.  Of course they are passionate men.

 

Yeah, I just might be crazy.  Sane is boring.

 

Now that we’ve established my mental status, let me talk to you about a few new products that I am just crazy about:

 

Alterna, “1 Night Highlights”:  Honestly, I can not get enough of this product.  You shake the can and press the button down.  Out comes this colored mousse that you brush into select strands of dry hair.  Let the strands dry for about 10 minutes or so, then run a brush through your locks.  You now have the perfect highlights for just one night. After brushing out the excess product, just mist with hairspray to set the style and go.  Perfect for trying out highlights to see if you want them or just wanting to do something different for a night on the town.  also included in the box, a mini Luminous Shine Shampoo and Conditioner to erase the color in the morning.  The highlights come in 3 hot shades:  Ravishing Red, Sweet Caramel (my fave) and Shimmering Blonde.  Available in Salons where Alterna products are sold and Sephora Stores for $29.00.  One more good thing, these highlights are made without Parabens, Sulfates or Synthetic Dyes of any kind.

 

Minerals Mate:  So, when I first got this in the mail, I thought.  “What am I supposed to do with this?”  Then I started playing with it and now I’m addicted to this Mineral Makeup artist tray.  Loose Mineral makeup can be a little messy.  Not to mention, you pour your minerals into the cap of your container and swirl your brush around then apply the color to your face, right?  So, how often do you clean that lid?  Must we have the bacteria talk again?  Anyway, this fun little tray gets rid of all the mess and the bacteria petri-dish.  Pour your Minerals in the tray instead of the cap, then swirl your brush around and apply the color.  Sometimes in summer, you get a little darker.  These trays are perfect for mixing shades of foundation or blush together to create the perfect look for you.  My favorite part was the eyeshadow compartments.  I love wetting the brush before applying loose shades and drawing on eyeliner.  The color is more vibrant and it stays put longer.  Now, I have a place to do it.  Mix your eye shadows around to create new looks.  If you like the color you created, place one of the enclosed lids on it and use it again.  The best part about this tray, it is dishwasher safe.  Just pop off the caps and throw it on the top shelf of your dishwasher.  Bye bye bacteria.  The tray comes in three shades, “Red at Play”, “Double Platinum” (black) and “Muddy Mate” (white).  A full set of seven lids comes with the tray,  along with a handy carrying pouch.  Available for $19.95 at Mineralsmate.com.  Type in 2468MineralsMate at checkout andr eceive a cool 25% off!

 

Physicians Formula, “pH Matchmaker”:  This pink blush was so pretty, I couldn’t take my eyes off of it.  Then I read the claims and had to try it.  Swirl the color onto your cheeks and magically, it adjusts to your skins own pH to create an original shade, just for you.  It’s like the blush is telling you what shade of pink is right for your skin tone.  You can not go wrong.  The cool thing is that it looks the same whether your indoors or outdoors.  The color comes in a lighted compact for easier application.  Physicians Formula products are made without Parabens and are available at Drugstore’s everywhere.  Available in Rose (this pretty pink, here) and Natural (brownish shade) for $12.95.

 

Got a product you are absolutely addicted to?  Share your tips by leaving a comment or sending me a personal email by clicking on the envelope to the right of your screen!

 

 

 

 

 

 
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The Winner Is…………

Congratulations, Melodi, you are the winner of the Stila 3 shade Eyeshadow pan!  I know you will love the colors and the texture of the makeup and can not wait for you to try them!

 

Now, for a new contest.  I should tell you that I almost kept this little goody for myself.  But I quickly realized that I have way too many products and giveaways only help me make room for more makeup!  Trust me, this benefits me just as much as it benefits you.

 

Too Faced, “Glamour To Go Palette”.  The case itself reminds me of some unique little vintage find.  Or something you saw on your Grandmother’s makeup table when you were little.  The one you always wanted to touch but weren’t allowed.   Lust after the image for a minute, then look at the open palette.  You have 8 luxurious shades of shadow.  Day and evening looks.  The blues are gorgeous and perfect for everyone.  Then, throw in a pink blush and bronzer.  I use them together.  Always put a little pink in the apples of your cheeks after applying bronzer.  Gives you a healthy glow.  Last, a pale shimmery pink lipgloss to round out the look.  Keep it in your purse, desk or gym bag, but always have it handy.  Available at Toofaced.com for about $25 dollars but can be yours for free if you are randomly chosen as the winner.

 

Simply leave a comment below or in the “Contest” box in green at the top of your screen.  State your first name and that you would like to win this palette.  Please include your email address so I can notify you when you win!  Contest available to residents of the United States, only.  Also, as always, if you wish to remain anonymous, just click on the envelope at the top right of the screen and shoot me a personal email.

 

Good luck, my beauties.

 
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The Box

For days now, I have been unable to do anything.  It appears that I have fractured my foot, leaving me in a boot and on crutches.  Both of which I despise.  They are now the enemy.  Every day things that I once found to be easy are now a challenge.  Limping around work, not being able to go to the gym or run with my friends.  I’m basically couch bound.  Even peeing is difficult because I have to take the boot off to get my pants down far enough to not touch the front of the toilet seat.  Gross.

 

Yes, I am bored.  I’m tired because I’m laying on the couch.  I am texting like mad to stay connected.  Also, I may have inadvertently become a pimp and I need to start eating more vegetables.

 

So, the ringing of the doorbell was a welcome distraction.  Poor Fed-ex guy.  I wouldn’t stop talking.  I even offered him Apple Crisp.  Thankfully he declined, since I didn’t have any Apple Crisp to give.  But he did bring me presents!  One great thing about writing about  beauty products, people send you products.

 

Today’s box came from Yu-Be.  I’ve really been in to Organic products, lately.  My friend, Mandi, has a rule that she won’t eat anything she can’t pronounce all of the ingredients of.  I’m starting to think she might be on to something.

 

Yu-Be, “Foaming Skin Polish”.  This is the first thing I tear into.  I read the ingredients.  Rice Bran and Walnut Shells.  This kind of scares me.  Only because Walnut Shells can sometimes be a bit abrasive.  But then I read that they have moisturizing ingredients and Camphor to soothe away any irritations.  So I scrub.  This polish is exactly what my skin needed.  It cleaned the makeup off, plus took away the dead skin cells and gave me the rosiest glow.  My skin didn’t feel dry at all.  It feels soft, smooth and squeaky clean.  When this freebie tube is gone, I am totally buying this for my stock!  Yu-Be products are an import from Japan.  They’ve been making skin beautiful since 1957.  Now available in the United States, you can purchase this large tube of wash for $18 dollars at Sephora Stores, Spalook.com and Yu-Be.com

 

 

Yu-Be, “Lip Therapy Lip Balm”.  Since I’ve been sleeping on the couch and forgetting my Lip Balm, lately, my lips are feeling dry, so I couldn’t wait to try this 50 year old recipe.  A high Glycerin base coats your lips with softness and forms a barrier of sorts against outside intruders.  Vitamin E moisturizes, and gives Antioxidant protection while the Camphor soothes your pucker.  It feels fantastic on my mouth and emits a minty aroma.  I can’t wait to get back on my feet so I can try this balm on a run.  $6 dollars a tube.

 

 

Body lotions and balms galore round out my box of goodies.  I’ll try them after my shower.  But I have to write about it now because Yu-Be Skincare wants to hook one of you up with a travel sized bottles of your own to try.

 

Yu-Be, “Travel Set”.  Tubes, and sample pouches of the brands entire Skincare line. This is your freebie prize, my beauties.  Simply leave a comment below that you would like to be entered to win these Organic imports from Japan and I will randomly pick a winner within a week.  I can’t wait for you to try this facial scrub! 

 

 
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Spring Favorites and Lashes Galore

One way to make training fun, get together with your friends to run some miles on a soft, scenic  path then follow it up with  brunch full of stories and laughter.  The one thing missing in our training this time around, was the fun.  We are all doing our own thing and some of us, (namely me) run at a slower speed.  Even though they have offered on many occasions to hang with the slower runners, (once again, me) the thought of hampering their training just so no one runs alone is heart wrenching.

 

When you’ve seen someone sweat and work incredibly hard to cross a finish line even 2 minutes faster than their last time, asking them to risk harming that time by running a slower pace just is not an option.

 

Which is why running for fun is sometimes a necessity.  Also, Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s should from now on be a long run staple in our training.  Just saying.

 

Since we are on the subject of “fun”, I have been having the most fun with some of the new makeup palettes and products out there.  Actually, I am more excited about one of these things than I am about Punky Brewster returning to TV, and believe me, I love Punky Brewster!

 

Too Faced, “Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System”.  My friend, Pam, is going to kill me when she reads this and sees that I forgot to let her try my new mascara before writing about it.  Love thick, full luxurious lashes?  Now you can completely skip the falsies and have major fullness with just a 3 step mascara.  First, use the black Activating Mascara Base and Top Coat to apply a nice base coat to your lashes.  Then, take the white Flexstretch Nylon Fibers tube and coat your top lashes.  This is the most important part.  This white wand will look fuzzy.  On purpose, fuzzy.  These safe for contacts fibers adhere to the base coat, lengthening and volumizing your lashes.  Last, apply that first mascara right on top of the fiber layer.  Then, prepare to be WOWED.  (And I don’t use all caps frequently)  Before trying this system, I was planning on getting a prescription for Latisse.  I am not losing lashes, I just wanted super full peepers.  This is my new favorite product and well worth the $35 dollars I paid for it.  Actually, I had a 15% off coupon from Sephora, so I did not pay full price.  Available at Ulta, Sephora and online at Toofacedcosmetics.com.

 

Benefit Cosmetics, “Confessions of a Concealaholic”.  This palette is a must have if you want to brighten your complexion and do some imperfection concealing in the process.  This kit is also great for work.  Have an important meeting but you had to pull an all nighter to get your presentation together?  This contains all the products you need to make your skin glowing and well rested.  A tube of That Gal Brightening Face Primer starts off the fun.  This primer not only gives you a poreless canvass,  it luminates your skin making you look healthy and younger.  Then, play around with the 2 shades of the brands bestselling Boi-ing concealer.  Need more coverage?  Just grab the pot of Erase Paste and use an enclosed concealing brush to dab those imperfections away.  Lemon aid, a pale yellowish concealer is actually the perfect lid primer.  It covers those pesky little spider veins and blue tones that start showing up as we age.  Finally, besides 2 top notch concealing brushes, place the pink toned, Eye Bright in the corners of both eyes and watch them get larger and brighter.  Not able to follow my gibberish, a step by step lesson is also included.  Available for $36 dollars at Sephora, Ulta and Benefitcosmetics.com.

 

Revlon, “ColorBurst Lip Butter in Creamsicle”.  Hopping on the Tangerine spring trend, I searched the Drugstore for the perfect Tangerine shade at a bargain price.  Being a redhead, this is the perfect color for me.  So when I saw a display with Emma Stone wearing a stunning coral shade, I had to try it.  All 17 colors were gorgeous, but when I saw “Creamsicle”, I knew it would be the one.  One slick of the tube and immediately, I knew this was something better than just a lipstick.  The soft creamy texture mirrored that of an expensive lip balm.  My lips had this amazing Sherbert color with buttery gloss and major hydration.  Seriously, with a product this good, who needs Chanel?  Available at Drugstores everywhere for under $7.50.

 

 

 
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The Super Anti-Ager.

The night before Easter and I am currently on my second attempt at a coconut cake.  The first cake never rose.  The batter was very thick and smelled of vanilla wafers.  It looked terribly thick, but I completely followed the recipe, so I put it in the oven.  After 40 minutes, the cake looked more like a pie crust.  In the garbage it went.

 

So I poured myself a glass of Moscato, put a Borghese mud mask on my face and sat down at the computer to regroup and find a new recipe.  After first checking my emails, of course.

 

After reading my new beauty questions, I found one that I have to answer, immediately.  Mainly because I love this question!

 

“Is there one skincare ingredient that you would choose above all others?”

 

YES, YES, YES!  There most certainly is.

 

Before I answer this, keep in mind that my main skin concerns are different than a younger persons concerns.  I’m in my early 40′s and I need anti-aging products.  So I look for creams and serums that contain what I call a “super anti-ager”……..Retin-A.

 

Retin-a is a form of Vitamin A that works at a cellular level to restore your skin.  It was first introduced as a treatment for Acne, but Doctor’s took notice of the anti-aging effects it thus it began.  Actually, Retin-A is the one ingredient that you can find the most scientific proof on.  Working on a cellular level means that this drug produces new cells.  Wrinkles are formed when Collagen and Elastin are broken down.  This happens with aging.  Retin-A produces new cells better than any other anti-aging ingredient.  These new cells will last for years.  Not only does Retin-A produce new cells, it also keeps your pores clean, fades discolorations and red marks and exfoliates with every use.  True Retin-A creams are currently available by prescription only, but there are substitutes.

 

In my early 30′s I tried some hormone medication that made me break out like crazy.  The Dermatologist gave me a prescription for a Retin-A drug called, Tazorac.  I tried it 3 times and my skin looked like I had a 2nd degree sunburn.  So I stupidly stopped using it.  I was one of the masses that gave up too quickly.  Truthfully, most people will have a similar reaction in the beginning.  They say it takes about 6 weeks for your skin to really get used to the cream and in the beginning, it should not be used daily.  I did it wrong.

 

Like I said, true Retin-A is only available by prescription, but there is a substitute that is a derivative of Retin-A and gentler on the skin, cheaper and available in spas, department stores and drugstores……Retinol.

 

SkinCeuticals, “Retinol 1.0 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream”.  SkinCeuticals is one of the brands most recommended by Physicians and even carried in their offices.   After having a reaction to the Tazorac, my Dermatologist turned me on the the brands Acne clearing system.  A lesser dose of this cream was included in the kit.  Besides containing a high dose of Retinol, this night cream also contains Antioxidants, Chamomile and fruit extracts to soothe the skin and prevent the irritations that Retinol can products can give.  Also, Shea Butter is also included to moisturize.  This product should be used at night not only because your body does its best regenerating while you are at rest, but you also do not want to go in the sun while using a Retinol product.  Available in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery offices as well as online at Dermstore.com and SkinCeuticals.com for $59.00.

 

Philosophy, “Booster Caps”.  What I love about these little capsules, is that it is in serum form.  Most anti-agers are more stable in a serum.  Plus, you can continue to use your own favorite moisturizers and if your skin gets a bit irritated from the Retinol, you can just skip a night or two without changing your moisturizer.  Twist the cap off and apply serum to face.  If you have a little extra, rub it in to the backs of your hands or your neck, as well.  Let soak in to the skin before applying your moisturizer.  These caps are also perfect for traveling!  60 capsules in a jar make it well worth the price tag.  Available in Department stores, Sephora, Ulta and online at Philosophy.com for $50.oo.

 

 

Jan Marini, “Age Intervention Enlighten Plus”.  There are a couple things that I really like about this serum.  First, it is backed by one fantastic name, Jan Marini.  Second, this serum also contains Salicylic Acid to keep those pores clean and any Acne at bay.  Licorice Extract is thrown in to fade Melasma, or brown spots.  Plus, Cucumber extract and Sunflower oils to comfort your skin while the anti-agers do their duties.  Apply 2 pumps or so of this serum at night on a clean and towel dried face.  I always apply my serums while my skin is a little damp from a good wash.  It spreads easier and soaks in quicker.  Plus, you need less of the product.  Let dry then apply your favorite night time moisturizers.  Available in Dermatology and Plastic Surgeon’s offices plus online at Dermstore.com, Spalook.com and Janmarini.com for $92.oo.

 

 

RoC, ” Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”.  I always try to include one Drugstore brand product to give everyone a good option.  This Night Cream has won awards in many Magazines and is made in France by a company that has been making anti-aging skincare products since 1957.   This deep wrinkle cream contains a strong dose of Retinol plus Glycolic Acid to exfoliate and keep your pores clean.  Vitamin C provides Antioxidant protection, plus a good dose of Squalane was added for moisture.  Available in Drugstores everywhere for under $20 dollars.  If you only try one Retinol product mentioned, let it be this one.  If only for the price.

 

 

A few things I should mention with Retin-A and Retinol products.  If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, do not use products that contain any form of Vitamin A.  Also, this makes your skin a bit more photosensitive, so be sure to use a sunscreen in the day.  Most makeups these days have it included, but you’ll want to be sure.  Also, there are some things that you should not mix with Retin-A products.  If you are on prescription cream medications for Acne or Rosacea, consult your Physician before using one of these products.

 

 
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The Winner Is and a New Contest!

Congratulations to Valerie, who is the winner of the Beekman Lump of Kohl Detoxifying Soap!  I know you will love this and can not wait to send it to you!  As a little suggestion, keep this large bar of soap in the square container it comes in and slice of slivers of the soap to keep in the shower or on your sink.  That way, the rest of the bar will not get “gummy” from water coming in contact with the bar.  Also, it is rather large and hard to handle the whole bar in your hands at once.

 

Now, for a new contest:

 

Stila Eye Shadow Trio, “Melrose Avenue”:  Three shades of Stila’s luxurious, rich pigmented eye shadows in a sleek case.  Although available in a multitude of colors, I picked shades inspired by the newly arrived Spring season.  Goldfish, a soft golden shimmery shade.  Meadow, the Springy-est shade of pale green grass and Java, a matte deep brown perfect for contouring and lining.  Stila shadows are so soft in texture that you’ll not feel like you are even wearing any makeup.  So rich in finely mulled pigments, that you will barely need to put much product on the brush.  Start off light and layer for a dramatic evening look.

 

Retails for $36 on Stilacosmetics.com but you can win a freebie here simply by leaving a comment that you wish to be entered.   That’s it.  If you do not wish for your first name to appear on the website, then simply click the envelope at the top right hand corner of this post and send me a private email.  A winner will randomly be selected at the end of the month.

 

Good luck, my beauties.

 
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Fabulous Drugstore Finds

I love walking the isles of Walgreens.  Any Drugstore, actually.  New products make my heart beat just a little faster.  While waiting for a prescription to get filled, I walked up and down, examining every product and display.  I found and tried a few new things and even purchased 3 of them.

 

A lot of the questions I get asked revolve around the subject of saving money.  Seriously, who wouldn’t like to save a little green?  I do.  With all of the fantastic Drugstore brands and products, saving just keeps getting a little easier!

 

Here are a few of the gems I found while hunting the isles, today.

 

Maybelline, EyeStudio Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner:  About a month or so ago, I wrote about this YSL eyeliner pen that I couldn’t get enough of.  It cost me 20 dollars.  I used it every single day to line my upper lash line.  This felt tip marker like pen works the exact same way.  The tip is so small that you can draw designs on your lids with stealth like precision.  The line on my upper lashes is perfect.  It didn’t skip or wear out as I went along.  The color doesn’t feel tacky or sticky.  This is seriously luxury makeup for under 6 dollars!  I am in awe of this liner.  The color lasts for a good 12 hours and is safe for contact lens wearers.  Available in deep black at Drugstores everywhere for $7.99, but I got it on sale for 2 dollars less.

 

 

L’Oreal Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer:  If you’ve ever read my blog, you know I am a girl that likes her dew.  Especially as we age, skin should glow and be luminous to make one appear younger.  When Jennifer Lopez started on Idol, 36 questions in one evening came to me about how to get her glow.  Ladies, this is it.  One pump of this white luminizing potion before your makeup to make your whole face light up and smooth out imperfections.  If this much glow is a bit much for you, do what I did and mix a drop in with your foundation.  Then, apply a hint of glow down the bridge on your nose, above your lip and around the outer corners of each eye in a “C” motion.  This brings a little light reflecting action right where you need it.  Softening your skin and making you look years younger!  This sells at Drugstores for about $12 dollars.  But once again, I got it on sale.  Buy one L’Oreal product get one half off.  (I got a Voluminous Mascara with the discount!)

 

Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub:  Whenever I am on the lookout for a Drugstore luxury item, I always head right to the Neutrogena section.  These people know skin.  Their facial cleansers are my favorite.  I may stray while testing, but I always come back.  This scrub is a cleanser and a scrub in one, which only makes me like it better.  Put a little lukewarm water in your hands and watch this baby foam.  Rub in for about a minute then rinse off.  The exfoliating action isn’t abrasive at all.  It is even gentle enough to use daily.  Sweating after a workout sometimes calls for a great scrub, this is in a tube a perfect for throwing into your gym bag.  Available at Drugstores for $6.50.

 

 

Just a few things to get you started on a good Drugstore trek.  Now please excuse me while I save my spotted cat, Quinnie, from a spider the size of a fun sized peppermint pattie.  This is one of those times that I really hate being the man of the house.

 

 

 
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“Runner”

The day is warm and the air smells of wet earth from the early morning thunderstorms.  Perfect time for a run.  I head to a nearby park and hit the pavement-ed running trails.   The park is crowded with families, runners and people walking their dogs, this only makes me happier.  I can hear the locusts singing in the trees.  The birds chirping.  Children laughing.   For an Ohio March, this weather and these sounds are a rarity.  So I decide to leave the Ipod in the car.

 

I’m supposed to run 8 miles today, but my Garmin has stopped working and I was up sick all night, so I decide on a 5 mile jaunt.  Luckily the running paths are marked every half mile.  I start with a good stretch and off I go.

 

The day is so beautiful.  Dogs wag their tails when I run by.  Deer can be seen in the still decayed woods.  Women on horses are trotting near the running trails because the rain caused some bad mud on the horse paths.  I know they are not supposed to be on the running path, but I don’t care.   Until I notice one of them dropping a load as they walk.  And I am behind them.  Ugh.  I decide to pull off the path and run towards the Information Center to get a nice drink from the fountain.   None of the fountains on the path were turned on yet, so I really needed some water by this time, anyway.  Plus, it gets me away from the horse poo.

 

I continue my run.  Children are trying to find frogs in the creek.  A little boy being carried by who I am assuming is his father, points to things and says: “this?”  His father replies: “bench”.  He points to me and says: “this?’  His father responds: “runner”.

 

This word really resonated with me.  You have no idea how long it took me to become a, “runner”.  How much pain I had in my legs while I trained my feet to work properly.  Injuries I sustained because I ran with my feet out like a duck.  How many pairs of shoes I went through because every time I moved my feet in an inch, I needed a new style of shoe.  Thankfully I have great friends that helped me.  Mandi spent numerous days in her subdivision getting me to run properly.  Now, thanks mostly to her, my feet are almost perfectly lined.  She had me run in my socks to train me  not to strike on me heels or plod hard like Herman Munster.  Thanks to her, I have run 20 miles these last two weeks without any pain whatsoever.  I owe a lot to her.

 

A lot of people would give up after the first shin splint.  But I couldn’t.  I only had to cross a finish line one time to come to that conclusion.  The rush of joy, accomplishment and love that I get when my feet hit that line is unmeasurable.  Really, there aren’t enough adjectives to describe how good that rush feels.  Also, I like buying shoes.   So, I couldn’t give up.  I wouldn’t give up.   Watch a marathon finish line one time and you just might get the bug, too!

 

Now, since this is a blog about beauty products, I thought I could mention a few products no runner or gym goer should be without.

 

Pond’s “Clean Sweep Original Cleansing Towlettes”.   Now water needed with these facial cleansing cloths.  Simply take one out and wipe the dirt, sweat and oil away.  Chamomile and Green Tea calm and soothe the skin while the Citric Acid gives them a nice clean scent.  I always have these in my gym bag.  Best part?  They cost less than 3 dollars and can be purchased at any drugstore.  They are also available in a fresh Cucumber scent!  $2.99 at drugstores!

 

 

 

Michelle Fresh Bath Body Wipes:  I’m going to be honest.  No wipe was getting rid of the stench of the horse poo, but a sweaty run is another story.  These cooling shower wipes are engulfed with a nice clean Aloe Vera scent.  Plus Vitamins A and E for skin softening Antioxidant protection.  These wipes are alcohol free and once again, no water is needed.  Simply wipe and toss.  Available in drugstores for about $4 dollars.

 

 

 

Degree Women Natureffects Body Mist.  If you are like me, you always have to run in to some store right after your run.  I like smelling good at all times.  A couple squirts of this mist is all you need to feel confident enough to run in to Target!  I love the sweet smell of this Honeysuckle and Tea Tree Oil aroma, but it is also available in two other scents:  The floral hints in Classic Romance are light enough to wear every day and the fruity scent of  Just Dance might just become your new favorite aroma!  Available in drugstores for under 7 dollars.

 

 

No Diva runs without her favorite waterproof mascara and eyeliner!  But that is for another blog!

 

 

 

 

 
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formats

BB Creams, The New Makeup.

Eleven questions sat in my queue all week and I didn’t have time to answer them.  So, tonight, hydrating mask on my face and bottle of SmartWater in play, I decided to sit down and answer a few.  It seems that I can get 4 questions out of the way with one post.   To be honest, I’ve been expecting this question in particular for a couple of months now, so I’ve been testing!

 

“What are BB Creams and should I be using one?”

 

BB Creams, or “Blemish Balms”, started in Korea.  Asian actresses were using the BB Creams after surgical procedures to hide blemishes, scarring and heal the skin with regenerative and smoothing properties.  Blemish Balms are a mix of a tinted moisturizer and a skin treatment.  They provide skin soothing ingredients, Antioxidant protection, SPF, anti-aging properties and light to medium skin coverage.  You just may want to throw away your current tinted moisturizer and switch to a BB Cream.

 

Now that this Asian import has made its way to the United States, the name has even changed a little.  Besides being called a “BB Cream” or “Blemish Balm”, you will also see it called a “Beauty Balm”.  Any way you put it, they are amazing.  Especially if you have acne prone skin because you get to cover your blemishes and scars while treating them with the other ingredients.

 

Here are a few of my favorites:

 

Missha, “Perfect Cover BB Cream”.  Originating in Korea, then branching out all over China, this is one of the original Blemish Balms.  This tube of cream contains a whopping SPF of 42!  The skin softening ingredient list is pretty extensive.  Mineral Oils, Macadamia oils, Jojoba.  With so much oil, I was afraid it would not mix well with my oily skin.  But I was wrong.  I have no clogged pores or extra pimples that need covering.  As for anti-aging benefits, this balm does not disappoint.  Algae, Caviar extract and Hyaluronic Acid promote cell regeneration.  Camomile and Rosemary soothe and comfort your skin while the luminizing makeup provides its coverage.  This was my favorite.  Maybe because it was exotic in a sense.  Using a product that came right from Korea.  But I really think I liked it for its coverage.  I loved it.  I didn’t even need concealer.  Available in 5 shades and online at missahus.com or on amazon.com for under $30.

 

Too Faced, “Tinted Beauty Balm”.   What I loved about this product was that it was oil free.  Being a slick skinned beauty, I am always concerned about clogging my pores and getting more zits than I want.  This did not clog my pores.   Besides containing an SPF of 20, this cream also contains something the other BB Creams do not have, Retinol!  A more gentle to the skin version of the best prescription anti-ager on the market.  Although not as moisturizing as the first Balm I mentioned, the Mica in the mix really makes for a beautiful glow to the skin.  Available in 4 shades for $32 dollars at Sephora stores, Ulta stores and online at Toofacedcosmetics.com.

 

 

Smashbox, “Camera Ready BB Cream”.   I really like this product.  Besides giving great coverage, containing all treatment type ingredients, this cream also acts like a primer.   Therefor, it seems to last longer on the skin.  Containing pearl pigments, the makeup gives a nice angelic like glow to the skin.  Plus, the coverage is buildable.  If you have imperfections, apply a little extra Blemish Balm and avoid the concealer.  Caffeine is included in this Cream, which reduces puffiness or swelling.  Great if you had little sleep.  Fruit extracts provide your antioxidant protection, Linoleic Acid works as an anti-ager.  This cream also contains an SPF Factor of 35.  5 shades to choose from and available at fine Department Stores, Ulta, Sephora and online at Smashbox.com for $39.

 

I suggest heading out and trying a sample of these wonderful Beauty Balms, then picking one to wear this summer in place of your normal foundation.  You just may give up on liquid foundation, all together!

 
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