divacheck

Diva checks back in...

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 23:03:00 +0000

I've heard if you can do something for 21 days it becomes a habit.

Well, today I decided I am diving back into my love of writing and pretty much thinking out loud and in "print".

I have a long list of things I want to write about. Divacheck may not be the right place for all the stuff I want to discuss, but I can sort that all later.

My goal is to put what I want out there and to see what happens.

Ready, set, write...

The Laundress does it again!!

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:38:00 +0000

The Laundress has a couple of great deals going on right now.

You can get 15% off your website order by using the code "lindseysbday" until July 31st. Just use that code at checkout and it will apply to your entire order.

As if that's enough, the Laundresss is also offering bulk pricing on 8 oz., 16 oz. and 32 oz. bottles of fabric care and detergents; buy five, get one free!! You'll see the offer in the drop down menu when making your selection of a product.

Yes, you can get 15% off any bulk priced detergents too!!

Great deal, stock up now!!

What's in a name?

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:09:00 +0000

Who wouldn't want to be a "Supervixen" or "Misbehave"? That's what I was thinking as I was looking at the names of the new Nars summer lip glosses.

Since this is Nars, these glosses deliver more than just a fun name and notion. Supervixen is a slightly shimmering perfect shade of nude beige and Misbehave is a lovely sheer pale red with just the right amount of glitter.

Both glosses are a great way to inject some fun into your summer makeup routine. They glide on smoothly and have good staying power without a distracting smell or taste.

Did I buy the glosses because the names were so great and sassy? No, but I do smile when choosing between my new glosses and think, "Do I want to misbehave or be a Supervixen?".

worth sharing

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:47:00 +0000

I just cast my votes in Sephora's "2008 best of sephora" beauty product ballot. At the end they ask you, "What's your beauty secret/tip?". Well, I thought since I was willing to share it with Sephora, I should share it with you.

My eyelashes are very straight. To give my shu uemura eyelash curler a little help, I tilt the eyelash curler (while holding lashes) back towards my upper eyelid. Instead of pressing and pressing and pressing, I just hold and tilt that curler.

That's just one of my beauty habits.

Any beauty secrets or tips you want to share?

knowing when

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 02:45:00 +0000

Sometimes you just have to know when to say when. When there's chaos going on around you and you don't know what to do next, maybe the answer is to walk away.

Seriously.

Take a mental time out. Close the door. Take the phone off the hook. Hide all the open windows on you computer screen. Go to the bathroom. Yes, give yourself permission to relieve your bladder. And while you're in there, take a few deep breaths and enjoy the solitude.

Figure out what nourishes your soul and work that into your life.

Two of my closest friends live a thousand miles away from me (one in Texas, one in Florida) and getting together with them always nourishes me. When we can't physically be together we connect over the phone or via e-mail. Sometimes just hearing one of their voices makes everything seem right in the world.

What's your nourishment?

happy music

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Thu, 29 May 2008 03:05:00 +0000

I re-discovered my love of disco music recently.

I was reminiscing about Donna Summer's 1978 hit "Last Dance" when I remembered I had her 2-disc anthology set. I put both CD's in the car CD player on my way to work that day. It has been awhile since I've listened to Last Dance, Bad Girls, Hot Stuff and let's not forget the duo with Barbra Streisand, Enough is Enough, but there I was singing every word like there was no tomorrow.

I sang the entire time I was driving and managed to get a little car dancing in at red lights. I arrived at work in an amazingly good mood and a bit hoarse (if you're going to sing in the car you might as well belt it out at the top of your lungs).

What makes you sing in the car?

Oxymoron

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 02:09:00 +0000

I first mentioned Lipstick Queen's Oxymoron last May.

I purchased the shade Honest Politician a few months ago and I'm not sure what surprised me more, the color depth or texture.

As promised it glided on like a gloss and looked like freshly applied lipstick. The color depth took me by surprise and had real staying power. And my lips never felt dry (occasional lipstick effect) and the color didn't disappear (often a lipgloss effect) after an hour.

Poppy King has indeed done it again and created an innovative lip product every woman can use.

Stila Cherry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 22:31:00 +0000

I was intrigued when I found out Stila's new Cherry Crush & Lip Stain reacts to the pH levels in your cheeks and lips to create a personalized look.

Sephora touts it as a "multi-tasking lip and cheek stain".

I liked the convenience of this product being in a click pen. I used this on my lips and it turned my lips too red. I would not use this daily because every time I looked in the mirror all I saw was bright red lips.

I admit that I didn't try it on my cheeks because I was afraid it would also turn too red on my face.

When I went to give the pen a second try, some of the product had leaked through and it was a little "goopy".

I really like a lot of Stila products, but give this one a thumbs down. The innovation was a cool idea but didn't deliver for me.

Any one else try this?

Catalog Choice

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:49:00 +0000

Yes, I'm still around.

I am working on new product reviews and other fun stuff. But I discovered something fabulous and out of the ordinary last week and just had to let you know.

It's called catalogchoice.org. It's a free service that helps you clean up your mailbox. How? All you do is create an account, then you get to opt-out of catalogs you no longer wish to receive. It's really that easy and think of all the paper you'll save.

I joined because I was fed up with getting a new Pottery Barn catalog every month that just worked it's way into the recycling bin after sitting on the counter for a week. Catalogchoice.org helps me get to the source so I don't even get the catalog.

Check it out and help take a baby step in cutting out the clutter (not to mention helping the environment).

Holiday shopping

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:23:00 +0000

I enjoy giving gifts and if you haven't figured this out yet, I really like shopping. The only time I don't like shopping is during the holiday season. Too many people are shopping because they think they have to, not because they want to.

While in Dallas this past weekend, I decided mall parking might be the biggest obstacle a shopper has to overcome. My friends parents' had to leave the swanky North Park Shopping Center because after 20 minutes of searching they couldn't find parking, while a friend and I had a stress-free jaunt at the Galleria where we had been dropped off.

Check out my tips from a previous blog that will make your gift-giving easier: http://divacheck.blogspot.com/2006/10/holiday-considerations.html.

Happy Holidays!

worth the mention

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:02:00 +0000

The Laundress knows how to kick off the holiday season.

They are offering a very generous 20% off all products until December 5th with the code holiday (just enter at check-out). This is a great opportunity to stock up on your favorites and to do a little holiday shopping.

Laundry detergent as a gift? Here's a few ideas.

Treat your friend who always has the latest and greatest pair of designer denim to The Laundress Denim Wash. She might already know about it, but she'll thank you for re-stocking her supply or be excited to find out about this great product. Either way, you both win.

For your sister who travels every other week, introduce her to The Laundress Wash & Stain Bar. It's airplane friendly (it's like a bar of soap, so it doesn't take up valuable space in the quart sized "liquid" bag) and easy to use. You might also want to pick up a box of the Wool & Cashmere Shampoo pacquettes for her so she can take care of her sweaters when travelling too.

Your friend who has a High Effiency or front loading washing machine will be eternally grateful that you found her this great low-sudsing, yummy-smelling laundry detergent she can use with her delicates and her everyday clothes.

Just don't forget to stock up on all your favs.

Really?

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:09:00 +0000

I just found a great tip in the Real Simple August issue to help all divas prevent sweat stains from ruining their gorgeous summer white shirts.

All you need to do is sprinkle a little baby powder on the underarms and collar of a shirt, then iron. The powder forms a barrier that prevents oil and dirt from seeping into your shirt.

I haven't tried this out yet; but it's so quick and easy I hope it works!!

Thanks to Real Simple for teaching us new ways to take of ourselves.

what's in your bag?

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 01:18:00 +0000

Allure magazine recently polled 2,600 women, ages 18 - 64, online and found that most women leave the house with at least four beauty items in their handbag. Lip balm, hand/body moisturizer, lipstick and lip gloss, in that order, are what topped the list.

What else? Beauty implements, fragrance/perfume, mascara, foundation, blush or bronzer and eye shadow can also be found in our handbags.

After reading this, I had to look in my handbag and see exactly what beauty products I leave home with. Here's what I found: comb, eyelash curler, eyebrow pencil, lip palette that has six glosses inside, three lipsticks, one (individual) lip gloss, hand lotion, blotting papers and one cream eye shadow.

I was surprised by how many lip products were in my bag and was happy to find the blotting papers. I removed two of the lipsticks and kept the rest.

What's in your handbag? Any surprises?

L'OCCITANE Sale

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 04:01:00 +0000

While all the clothing retailers are bombarding you with their summer sales, it's only fair that I mention one of my favorite product lines has a "sale" too.

French beauty brand L'OCCITANE has a great selection of their products discounted 20 to 50 percent until July 10, 2007.

I love the luxurious feel of the Shea Butter Body Lotion and couldn't pass up the larger 16.9 fl. oz. size for $36. It's pricey, but definitely worth every cent.

And since they're 20% off and I've never seen them on sale before, I had to purchase a few of the Extra Gentle Soaps. The Milk, Verbena and Lavender scented soaps are great for sensitive skin and last a long time.

The L'Occitane sale prices are only valid at L'Occitane stores and usa.loccitane.com. All products are available while supplies last, so act sooner rather than later.

Real Simple July issue

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 14:51:00 +0000

Real Simple's July issue is jam packed with lots of good information.

The beauty section has two can't miss articles; stubble trouble and summer hair help. Stubble trouble (pgs 91-97) lists the pros and cons of four hair removal methods then provides six product recommendations. Summer hair help (pgs 99-103) provides the quick-fix and preventive measure for four common summer hair dilemas.

My favorite section, road tests (pgs 155-174), tackles bras, teeth whiteners, ice cream makers and pickles. Such an interesting, and odd, combination that I found myself carefully reading each category. While all four categories were very informative, I was most impressed by the 10 "winner" bras and the fitting tips.

All my fellow laundry fanatics will be drawn to the hints on how to keep white clothes white (p. 189). But y'all probably do that stuff already. ;)

The July Real Simple issue is available now wherever magazines are sold.

remember to look down

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 15:12:00 +0000

Summer officially arrives in the Northern Hemisphere next week.

I'd like to take this opportunity to remind every one to look at their feet, especially their toes, when choosing their shoes for the day. No matter how tempting, if you look at your toes and wouldn't want anyone else to look at them, DO NOT wear open toe shoes.

Here are a few guidelines for summer toes:

You do not have to have the perfect pedicure day after day to show off your toes. You do need to cover up (better yet, remove) chipped nail polish.

You don't need to wear toe nail polish. You do need clean, filed toenails.

Use a pumice stone on your feet at least three times a week.

Know when to call in a professional. If you are completely helpless when it comes to your feet, get a pedicure and watch what the technician does.

Feel free to pass this information along to any "known offenders".

Band-Aid Blister Block

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Fri, 18 May 2007 18:15:00 +0000

This product might be the answer to every diva's new shoe dilema, "Should I wear these out tonight? I don't want to get a blister."

Band-Aid's Blister Block promises to invisibly prevent blisters. It's a natural based lubricating formula packaged in a small roll-up stick that reduces rubbing on the skin. The stick formula makes it non-messy and easy to apply. It's ideal for open toe shoes (no exposed band-aids).

I bought one but haven't had the opportunity to try it. It does glide on easily without leaving you feeling slippery and has a faint, pleasant floral scent. I did read a few reviews on drugstore.com and the reviewers said it worked, but needed to be re-applied.

I'd love feedback from anyone who has already tried the Blister Block. I'm wondering if it works on "corns" too.

Band-Aid Blister Block is available at most drugstore chains, mass retailers (Target, Wal-Mart) and online at drugstore.com.

Pantene Texturize Moussing Foam Wax

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Thu, 17 May 2007 12:18:00 +0000

Last month's "trust the expert" post discussed some new hair products I had purchased. I mentioned that I discovered a category I had never heard before, gel wax.

The May issue of Lucky Magazine introduced me to another category I wasn't aware of, mousse wax. I was intrigued by Lucky's write up because they mention you can use this on wet hair for volume and dry hair for extra texture. And, I'll admit it, I spent part of the 80's with a perm so mousse makes me a little nostalgic.

I decided to try the Pantene Texturize Moussing Foam Wax. It's only six bucks and readily available.

Pantene is right on the money with their description, "easy-to-use whipped foam wax crosses a wax with a mousse for lightness and stability". When I used it on wet hair, I had volume without fly-aways after blow-drying. I had amazing results when I applied a small amount to dry hair (sans product before blow-drying). I ended up with so much volume and texture that my husband called me "Rock and Roll Diva".

This product seems like a regular mousse until you start to work with it. The directions say to (after dispensing) "rub hands together, making a thin layer", then applying. The mousse wax seems to turn into a thin layer of slighty tacky water. I noticed a texture change when I was working this into my dry hair. The longer I had it on my hands the tackier it became.

My diva haircare experiment continues and I'd love to hear from anyone who has other haircare product suggestions or questions.

Why I Love Cream Eye Shadows

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Thu, 10 May 2007 02:50:00 +0000

Last month I told you how eyeliner pencils can leave a mark in the crease of my right eye.

Unfortunately, that's not where my eye makeup issues end.

Powder eye shadow collects in my crease within a couple hours after application. I've tried numerous makeup techniques and products and they just don't prevent this from happening.

So how does this high maintenance diva dress her eyes up?

My solution to all day, crease-proof, smudge-proof eye lid color is cream eye shadows. They're easy to apply and dry quickly. Squeeze a little out of the tube, one quick swipe of color to each eyelid, a little blending and you're done. I apply with my fingertips (if that's too messy for you, use a nylon brush for application).

Who makes cream eye shadows?

Dior, Clarins, Clinique, Bourjois, MAC, BeneFit and Rimmel all make great ones.

If you are trying a cream shadow for the first time, look for formulas that say they dry to a powder finish. And remember that a little goes a long way.

High Maintenance

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Wed, 09 May 2007 04:45:00 +0000

Toby Keith has a song called "High Maintenance Woman".

Whenever I hear this song on the radio I am reminded of the time a friends husband called me high maintenance.

He was listening to us chatting about people and said, "Boy, you are high maintenance".

My immediate response was, "Yes, I am. I've got standards. I mean who wants to be low maintenance?"

My friend chuckled and appreciated the way I spun the negative connotation. Her husband was somewhat surprised by my response, but didn't have anything else to say on the subject.

So what exactly is high maintenance?

Someone who takes care of themselves? Someone who spends money on personal grooming habits? Someone who likes nice food? Someone who likes to dress nicely? Someone who treats others with respect and dignity? Someone who expects others to treat them with respect and dignity?

I color my hair. I wear makeup. I love good food. I usually look put together. I'm also nice, hard-working and a great friend. I am not mean nor do I feel entitled to anything.

Is that all sooooo bad?

If anyone tells you that you're high maintenance - smile and say, "thank you".

at-home facials, part 2

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Mon, 07 May 2007 02:40:00 +0000

This post is for the diva who wants an at-home facial that doesn't involve an electronic gadget.

The easiest way to replicate a facial at-home is to exfoliate once or twice a week and use a facial mask once a week.

When choosing a mask, decide what you'd like to accomplish (deep cleansing, moisturizing, calming, etc.). If your budget allows it, you should consider buying issue-specific masks and use them as needed.

Here are some of my favorite masks.

under $10: Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque This works wonders on oily skin.

under $20: American Beauty Spare Moment Moisture Mask This makes you feel like you just gave your skin a drink of water.

under $40: REN Multi-Mineral Detoxifying Facial Mask Great deep cleansing and purifying clay mask that leaves your skin smooth and decongested.

sky's-the-limit: Tracie Martyn Enzyme Exfoliant Gently exfoliates while reducing the appearance of fine lines and large pores. Brightens and revives complexion. A little goes a long way, so it's worth the splurge!

Queen Helene is available at most drugstores and online at drugstore.com. American Beauty is available at Kohl's stores and online at kohls.com. REN is available at select Sephora and Barneys New York stores and online at renskincare.com, barneys.com and sephora.com. Tracie Martyn is available at select Barneys New York and Neiman Marcus stores and online at barneys.com, neimanmarcus.com and traciemartyn.com.

The most important piece of advice here is consistency. Whether it's once a week, every other week or once a month, figure out what you can work into your schedule and stick to it.

If you can't make time for yourself, who will?

at-home facials

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Thu, 03 May 2007 22:14:00 +0000

I'm not really into "gadgets". But I purchased one last week that's making a big impact on my face.

Meet Conair's Microdermabrasion Facial System.

I enjoy getting facials but don't have room in my budget to have them with any type of frequency. So I decided to try and give myself facials at home.

Facial masks are great and I use one at least once a week. But I felt like something was lacking in my regimen; I decided it was the steam that the professionals use.

After a small amount of research (and reading many amazon.com reviews) the Conair Microdermabrasion Facial System sounded like the ideal facial steamer.

This system comes with two facial sauna cones (wide facial steamer and narrow sinus cone), a microdermabrasion tool with two attachments (gentle exfoliating brush and sponge for applying moisturizer) and a timer that you can set for three to fifteen minutes. For safety, the unit automatically shuts off after 45 minutes.

I've used mine twice already and really like it. The system is very easy to use; just fill, attach your preferred cone, plug-in and wait (only three to five minutes) until the indicator says it's time to steam. It's small enough that you can set it up almost anywhere.

I used the wide facial steamer cone for 10 to 15 minutes and loved the way my skin felt when I was done; soft, moist and clean. The timer is a great feature that I used both times.

My in-home steam use didn't replicate my professional facials, but it was pretty darn close. Considering that I spent the fraction of the cost of one facial on my steamer, I'm more than happy with my at-home facial.

Conair's Microdermabrasion Facial System is available at Bed, Bath and Beyond stores and online at target.com, amazon.com and bedbathandbeyond.com. This facial steamer is also called Conair Complete Facial Sauna.

up next: at-home facials, part 2

Lipstick Queen's Oxymoron

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Thu, 03 May 2007 03:51:00 +0000

Poppy King has done it again.

She's created a lip product I can't wait to try, Oxymoron. It's a matte gloss.

What?

Matte gloss?

Is there such a thing?

Only the Lipstick Queen could create a lip product that glides on like a gloss but looks matte like a lipstick. (Hence the name)

The four subtle shades are inspired by the colors of cheek blush. Oxymoron is as easy and simple to use as blush too. Just pick your shade and apply with the (provided) Lipstick Queen brush.

I'll be trying this soon and will let you know what I think in a future post. Knowing Poppy King's attention to detail and passion for lip products, I'm sure it's a winner.

Lipstick Queen products are sold at select stores and online at barneys.com.

Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Tue, 01 May 2007 22:22:00 +0000

Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil offers great color with mega staying power. This smooth waterproof formula stays soft and creamy for blending (about 30 seconds), then dries down and will not budge.

This remarkable pencil even stays put on the inner lid. When applying on the inner lid, apply, then try not to blink for a second or two, and you’ve got immovable liner. Really.

It's similar to Clinique's Cream Shaper for Eyes (which I wrote about last month); but Urban Decay's 24/7 sets itself apart from other eyeliner pencils with their vibrant hues and metallic tones.

A friend's strong recommendation led me to purchase Urban Decay's 24/7 pencil in their black shade, Zero. It went on effortlessly and stayed all day. I used it on my inner lid one evening and it didn't smudge (or budge) all night.

Lust is such a rich plush purple that I couldn't resist and just "had to have it". I'm currently debating which metallic shade - bronze, gold or silver - I should pick up for Summer. If you prefer bright colors, be sure to check out Electric, Deviant and Covet.

Urban Decay products are available at select Sephora stores and online at urbandecay.com and sephora.com.

trust the expert

noreply@blogger.com (DIVA) — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 03:50:00 +0000

No matter how much you know, it never hurts to listen to an expert. You just might learn a thing or two. Or in my case, learn and purchase a thing or two.

My recent haircut meant I needed new hair styling products.

But how does a diva decide what products are right for her new haircut?

By trusting the expert.

That's how I ended up with two great new products. My new favorite product is Goldwell's Crystal Turn. It's in a category I had never heard before, gel wax. The consistency is denser than your usual styling gel and slightly tacky to the touch.

I like it because it works magic on my new haircut. It provides volume and brings out my hairs new "piecey" effect without weighing it down. This is a product I never would have guessed would work on my hair if someone didn't show me how it works.

I also purchased Goldwell's Big Finish hairspray. This was big for me, I haven't used hairspray in 15+ years. I took the plunge on this hairspray because when my hairdresser used it on my hair I got hold without stiffness or stickiness.

diva lesson: Listen to your hairdresser when you are at the salon. If he or she uses a product and you like the results, buy it then and there. Don't try to make do with what you have at home or tell yourself you'll buy something similar in the drugstore.

Just trust the expert!