Prettiest by Default

Dude, it's been a crazy year!

2013-12-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone...long time no see!

It's been a crazy year! We moved cross country...twice actually...and are now residing in South Carolina, USA!

It's so nice to have the entire family in one house again.

Hubs has been touting my makeup prowess to anyone and everyone, so now that we're settled in, I may as well start plugging away again!

Stay tuned!

Happy shopping! Some Black Friday-Cyber Monday Deals!

2012-11-23T13:42:00.003-08:00

Urban Decay Cosmetics Super Saturated Lip-Pencil Bundle!

http://www.urbandecay.com/7-super-saturated-lip-gloss-from-urban-decay-for-black-friday/357,default,pd.html

Philosophy Black Friday Doorbusters:
http://www.philosophy.com/sale/C640,en_US,sc.html?cm_mmc=responsys-_-nov12-_-bf-_-L07

Temptu Pro:
Use code Friends30 at checkout for 30% off!

Nordstrom Gift With Purchase Specials!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/beauty-gifts-with-purchase?redirectmobile=false&cm_ven=EMAIL&cm_cat=112312&cm_pla=evtlck_beauty_black_friday_private_shop&cm_ite=giftpurch&cm_em=26612273

Sedona Lace:
50% off plus free shipping to the US! Use code 50Free at checkout

MAC:
Grey Friday Special! http://www.maccosmetics.com/picks/sets_collection.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT10382&cm_mmc=email-_-nov-_-1123_Grey%20Friday-_-main

ULTA:
Doorbusters! http://www.ulta.com/blackfriday/

Real Techniques:
Enter code "CYBERMON" at checkout to receive a free deluxe crease brush with your order of $25!

Sephora:
1 day wonders! http://www.sephora.com/gifts#!pageSize=60&sortBy=-1&categoryId=cat200029

Your Next Tube of Mascara-CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Review

2012-11-12T12:31:00.001-08:00

I confess, I'm a mascara snob.

I somehow managed to get brows that constantly need pruning and fixative and some seriously wimpy lashes and hair. Cruel fate! Anything that promises a big lash is in my makeup bag, and usually money is no object. Still, I haven't found a formula that I've been overall impressed with...until CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara came into my life two weeks ago!

My new favorite mascara

Being the mascara snob that I am, I would have walked right by the display in CVS if I hadn't read about this mascara in Allure Magazine where it was listed in Beauty Breakthroughs.

Here's what makes this such a winner:

1. It stays on until you take it off: I always buy waterproof mascara because I'm such a greaseball. Usually when I attempt to wear a regular formula mascara, I end up with greasy mascara hashmarks on my upper lids, or bloodshot raccoon eyes...or both. I've worn this every day for two weeks and it hasn't flaked or traveled elsewhere on my face yet.

2. It's easy to remove when you want to remove it: Despite it's awesome staying power, no oil based makeup remover is needed. At the end of the day if you're exhausted, it comes off easily with makeup removing wipes or Bioderma.

As a side note, if you have eyelash extensions, this would be an excellent mascara to use with them since it doesn't require an oil based remover or lots of tugging and rubbing to take off.

3. No clumps! Seriously, I tried putting on about 10 coats of this and I still can't get my lashes to look like fly legs.

4. No flakes! Besides resisting my greasies, I also don't find random "new" freckles on my face during the day. The formula dries soft and flexible, not stiff.

Image: Allure.com

5. The brush: It's easy to control on both upper and lower lashes. Not ridiculously huge, but not too tiny either. The plastic bristles stay clean and clump free, which means less clumping on the lashes.

6. The Endorsement: Even world renowned cosmetic chemist Ni'kita Wilson told Allure Magazine "I'm so impressed, I've made it my go-to mascara." I wonder how many mascaras she has access to?!

7. The Price: $6 USD. That means I could buy 6 tubes of CoverGirl Clump Crusher for the price of one tube of my usual not as impressive mascara.

Here's a pic of my lashes with a few coats of Clump Crusher Last Blast and a little bit of kajal (and nothing else on my face) :

My eye...

As you can see, my lashes are not crazy impressive without my glue on lashes, but they're practically invisible without mascara. Plus, no fly legs and no black freckles.

CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara is available now in select markets like CVS, but should be available everywhere by the end of the month. At $6 USD a pop, it would be silly of you not to try it!
.

MAC Pro Now Available Online!

2012-10-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

How exciting! MAC Pro is now available online!!!

Click here to go to the MAC Cosmetics site and check out all the fun stuff they have available!

CC Creams: What's Next, DD Creams?

2012-10-18T15:10:00.001-07:00

Just when I thought I was all hip for knowing what BB Creams were, here come the CC creams; CC meaning "color and care" or "color and correct".

Like your BB Cream, but want something with better coverage with anti-aging and diminished discoloration benefits? CC Creams are your best bet. It's BB Cream for grown ups. I'm pretty excited because I'm getting up there in age. The only thing that's helping me look younger lately is my lack of height and some hair color.

There are quite a few CC Creams out on the Asian market already; even Chanel has jumped on the CC bandwagon! For those of us who do not travel to Asia from the USA Chanel's CC Cream is going for about $75 USD a pop on EBay. I'm not that curious (or rich).

Luckily, Olay Total Effects CC Tone Correcting Moisturizer hits the U.S. market this month and retails for about $25 USD.

Have you tried CC Creams yet?

Kajaloholic

2012-10-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

My Honey Boo Boo is in the United Arab Emirates on business! Sounds awesome, right? Of course right after I got over the fact that I was not going with him to explore what is probably the world's most insane shopping destinations a la Carrie Bradshaw, I started checking out the Emirati beauty blogs to see what sort of beauty goodies he could bring back for me. And how do they get that perfect smoky eye anyway? That perfect black waterline and tightline? Then I read it..."Kajal" or "Surma". Paste, cone, pencil, or powder. Apply to waterline and instantly look sexy and mysterious. Some brands make downright bizarre claims, but all I cared about was being able to line my waterline without looking like Taylor Momsen soon afterwards because that is not the look I'm going for. I decided I couldn't wait for hubs, I wanted to try it now!

Not So Authentic Kohl/Kajal/Surma

Apparently, lots of companies make a kajal liner. Some are not all that authentic, some are not kajal at all. Givenchy makes two authentic style kajals; a cone and a powder. Both are about $36 USD. The packaging is fantastic! Unfortunately, I am unable to attest to to magical Guerlain eyelining powers, but I'm tempted to buy one of these just because it would look so cool at my makeup mirror...a real ritual!

Guerlain Khol

Guerlain Kajal

Sephora, Victoria's Secret, and Clarins have made kajal bullets or cones on a seasonal or limited edition basis. Most major brands have a kajal that they market overseas; in fact the most popular kajal right now in India is the Maybelline Colossal Kajal. It gets awesome ratings. Of course I want one.

L'Oreal has actually made two attempts at bringing kajal to the US market. One flopped, the other has just been released. The one that flopped was actually part of their H.I.P. line. I actually bought it when it was 75% off at CVS and after a few attempts, threw it in a drawer since (surprise) I didn't know how to use it. If I'd known the proper way to word it, I would have been on YouTube learning how to apply it and wearing it sooner. Here it is:

The liner and how to apply it

It's a stick. In some powder. Anyone who has an old container of Bare Minerals laying around knows that powder gets EVERYWHERE and is therefore an intimidating choice for contact lens wearers and anyone who travels often, but when applied properly, it can stay for quite a while as the moisture from your eye creates an almost paste-like consistency on the waterline. I dug it out of my makeup drawer and tried applying it again after watching some How To videos on YouTube and it really does make a nice black budge proof line!

You can still purchase this from the L'Oreal website for about $13 USD.

I picked up L'Oreal's Voluminous Smouldering Eyeliner in the exchange while buying toilet paper and sunblock because again, it was on sale. Sadly, I wasn't as impressed. When I looked at the package again, I noticed that it said it was kajal "inspired". It's really just a big, pointy kajal imitator eye pencil. Boo. It was $6 USD.

Controversy, controversy...

I called a few Indo Pak grocery stores, a few Middle Eastern markets, an Indian clothing store, and the woman I go to keep my eyebrows from becoming an eyebrow to see if I could find some authentic kajal liners. The kind that are touted as Ayurvedic medicine, although some make ridiculous claims like that they will restore your vision and you can "throw away your spectacles". I'm here to tell you that even after a few weeks of kajal wear, I have glasses on right now.

Real kajals are hard to find in the USA (but not impossible) since they're restricted for import due to some of the traditional ayurvedic formulas containing lead.

The Hashmi stick is the kajal everyone goes bonkers for and also the kajal attached to the NYC lead controversy. Back in 2007, the NYC Health Department reported that kajal or surma samples they took contained lead. Since that report came out, the company that makes the very popular Hashmi Kohl, Kajal, or Surma has gone out of their way to get the word out that the product does not contain lead. The apparent lead containing ingredient has been replaced with carbon or "amorphous black". You can check their site for toxicology reports conducted in the US in 2009 and 2011 at www.hashmisurma.com. and ISO certificates. The lead report from NYC was dated 2007; The kajal stick I have was manufactured in 2011 and is labeled Pb 0.00%. If that's not good enough, you can always get a lead detection kit and test it yourself. It costs about $15 USD for 8 tests. They're good to have around if you live in an old house or have small children who put toys in their mouths.

Now, one may argue that lots of products contain lead...and they do (check out this list http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/sources.htm), but are you intentionally sticking most of those products in your eye? Probably not. Lots of them go on your lips. Of course, the controversial Hashmi Kajal is my favorite, despite the controversy. It's the fastest, delivers the best color, is the longest lasting and the oldest formula (coming from a company over 200 years old). It glides on like butter, probably because butter is one of the ingredients. There's nothing unrecognizable in it. Here's a video demonstrating how to apply cone shaped Kajal:

Cool, huh? I got this one at a middle eastern market and paid $4 USD which is apparently an outrageous markup, but I've seen them sold online for up to $15 USD each. With all the money I've spent on liners that never stuck to my waterline, I would have gladly spent $15. If you get your hands on one, sanitize it first by giving it a rub with a paper towel and then wipe it with an alcohol swab. If you apply it as shown in the video, it will never dull or need to be sharpened and 1 cone should last about 2 years with daily use. Not bad, huh?

Here's my entire collection:

My collection

The Lakme Kajal pencil I picked up at the Indo Pak Grocery was about $3 USD, which from what I hear is an outrageous markup because "they're so cheap in India", but when I factor in the price of an airplane ticket, I'd say I got a good deal. It delivers a really nice, shiny black line , but it's a bit difficult to keep the point and sharpen. The pencil part of it is plastic. I guess for $3 I can't complain.

The Shingar Kajal Paste I picked up in another grocery reminded me of MAC's Blacktrack, but almost a vinyl coated version of it. I applied it with a MAC 210 brush and I got a beautiful shiny, plastic line that lasted all day. The formula has camphor in it, so it does feel nice on the eyes. As you can see, the packaging is very plain, which doesn't bother me any...I'm a no frills kind of gal sometimes, BUT I noticed that even two days after I removed it, I could still kind of taste camphor at the back of my mouth. I couldn't find a list of ingredients anywhere online, but I did find a few articles stating that this formula may contain lead. Buzzkill. It cost 85 cents, but it went in the trash after that.

If you've been desperately looking for something to stick to your waterline, find a kajal. Once they "set", they don't really travel. It just fades off instead of going somewhere else on your face.

Pulling off the kajal look is so easy! A steady hand and a strong brow and a clean face. Keep it simple! Primer, foundation, a bit of shadow in the crease and a filled in full brows (try MAC Cork for both!), mascara, and a peachy blush (such as MAC Mineralize Warm Soul) and gloss.

False Lash Bummer!

2012-09-18T13:50:00.002-07:00

I had such high hopes for Too Faced's Better Than False Lashes Lash Extension System! I am so disappointed that it did not work out the way I thought it would.

I don't have super wimpy lashes, they're there, but they're not exceptional by any means. I don't need false lashes on a daily basis, but I will break them out for special occasions. If I'm just going to work, I do not need false lashes; a little bit of mascara is plenty. Besides, I work with a bunch of guys who
(1) are mostly retired military and don't normally have contact with women outside their own home (except me)
(2) have seen me without makeup anyway, and
(3) have no idea how to approach any subject relating to women they are not related to in some way.

When I show up at work without makeup, most of the guys I work with will tell me that I look "tired". They also tell me when I need to get my roots done or when I need to wax my upper lip because they think they're being helpful/funny.

Anyway, the lashes...even though I don't NEED them per se, I thought it would be neat to have ridiculous lashes without expensive lash extensions, Latisse, or the old fashioned glue-on method, so when Better Than False Lashes arrived at the Marine Corps Exchange, I figured this was my chance to try it out at a discount.

So what went wrong with this coveted three step lash enhancement system? A few things.

First of all, the "activating mascara", which is both step one and three of the system is very sticky; an absolutely fine quality to have if you don't blink from the time you apply the mascara, until the time you remove it. Unlikely.

Step two is to brush on a coat of Flexistretch™ Nylon Fibers to built up the lashes. Again, all fine and good until the fibers that don't stick to your lashes get everywhere; in your eyes, in your bangs, and God help you if you're wearing lip gloss. It's like a very small pillow fight took place on your face.

What I expected my eye makeup to look like (RuPaul)

Then you finish by applying another coat of the sticky mascara and voila! Falsies! I stepped back from the mirror expecting high RuPaul-like drama. Meh, not so much.

What my eye makeup actually looked like (Amy Winehouse, may she R.I.P.)

In fact, it was less impressive than my usual Lancome Hypnose Drama. Then I blinked and my upper and lower lashes stuck together, effectively gluing my left eye shut. What the?!?! I pried my eyelids apart, losing a few lashes in the process and reread the directions because surely, I thought, I'd done something wrong. There was no drag queen drama and my sticky upper and lower lashes had made my eyes into a potential Venus Flytrap. I scanned the directions again, but it looked like I had done everything right, so I just kept it on and went to work. This was a mistake.

The entire day I fought flakes of the fibers falling into my eyes and my eyelashes still sticking together at random and inopportune moments. Remember how I said I work with a lot of overly honest older gentlemen? My entire day was filled with concerned questions and remarks about eye irritation, my lashes being stuck together, questions about whether I'd gotten beaten up after a giant smudge appeared under one eye, nylon fiber "fuzz", nylon fiber "bugs", and to top it off, the ever popular "You look like a raccoon." and "Why are you crying? Something I said again? Is it because of your mustache?".

I removed what was left as soon as I got home. I read some reviews on Beautylish and I agree that It's difficult to remove because it almost breaks off into little pieces. I returned it yesterday and I've showered twice since my last Better Than False Lashes attempt and I'm still finding little nylon fiber "bugs" on things today. In fact, the only 5 star review of the product on Beautylish was titled "Can't Wait To Try It!" or something along those lines.

There were a few mentions of another product from Hard Candy Cosmetics called 1000 Lashes which sells for $6 USD at Walmart. From the reviews, it looks like a very similar product at a much lower price point, except that you just get the nylon fibers and buy your choice of mascara separately. I'd try it if I could stomach our local Walmart.

For now, I'll just stick with the old fashioned method if I need some high drama drag queen lashes and glue them on.

Me, wearing my lashes (I bought them, so they're mine).

Beauty Secrets from New York City

2012-09-11T13:28:00.003-07:00

Lots of you don't know me personally, especially now that I have lots and lots of readers worldwide (thanks in part to Google Translate), so I'd like to share a personal story about New York City with you.

Today is a crazy day for natives of the New York City area in particular; I should know because I'm one of them. I grew up a whole three miles from "The NYC" in New Jersey.

My mom is a Brooklyn native who moved to New Jersey when she and my dad got married, and even though she could see the Manhattan skyline from her living room window, she still proclaimed her new home to be in "Friggin' Mayberry". I laughed when she still told people even after 40 years in NJ that she was from Brooklyn, but now I get it. No matter how long I've lived in California or wherever, I'm still a Jersey girl.

New York City is where every worldwide trend hits the United States first; whether it's music, fashion, food, makeup, fragrance, whatever. When you're a native, you get used to it. You think that way of living is how everyone in the USA lives. You think everyone has friends whose parents are at least semi-famous, everyone goes to a Broadway show at least once a year, everyone has a classmate who was on Sesame Street or Romper Room. However, the New York City I remember was not the Disney theme park type city that it mostly is now. To be honest, it was kind of gross. The area my mom grew up in and my grandmother still lived in when I was a child was riddled with mafia-related crime, the subways were covered in spray painted tags, and there were areas that you just did not want to be in...some at night, some at any time of the day.

I worked as a tour guide and in the restoration department of a museum for a while where I got to know some of the best people I have ever met. We were our own little gang...I was the token white girl from NJ, then there were three Dominican Girls from Washington Heights, two black girls from Coney Island, one Puerto Rican girl from The Bronx, one Puerto Rican guy from Yonkers, two Polish guys and a Pakistani girl from Brooklyn, two black guys from Harlem, and a Romanian guy from Queens. The neighborhood we worked in wasn't all that great at the time, so on days when we were all just heading home, we would all move down the street to our train or bus stations in a giant multicultural clump. We looked like a Benetton commercial.

Yes, it really does have Garlic in it.

The girls though, we were all about looking good, and every neighborhood had it's virtues. Visiting New Jersey for them meant Italian food and tax free shopping. For me, Washington Heights meant Platanos, putting fries on my McDonald's burger, and getting spoken to in Spanish (after a few incidents, one of my friends taught me how to say "Entiendo, pero no hablo. Soy Italiana!" which was probably a bad idea since that phrase pretty much invited whoever it was to just keep talking). Plus, it was the only place to buy Dominican garlic nail polish. Yes, it works! Boy does it stink when you first put it on, but the smell fades and boy does it make your nails strong! You can find it online now for about $5 a bottle, or you can make your own my dropping some finely minced fresh garlic into a bottle of clear nail polish and letting it sit for a few days. It is very stinky when you make it yourself though! You've been warned! Another beauty secret those girls taught me was how to do what they called The Face. "When you dance with a guy, you have to look like you could care less about him". It's no wonder that I married a guy who knows how to Bachata!

Almost all the Romanian and Polish moms and some grandmas were in the beauty business since their culture dictates that things like facials or manicures are not luxuries, but good hygiene. If you showed up in Queens with a zit, it would get a professional popping or spackling in a homemade drying lotion like the one sold by Mario Badescu ($17 USD) before you left mom's house. For the record, drying lotion is not something you want to leave the house wearing, but you always would thank them for putting it on you and making you look like a goof anyway.

Drying lotion on a whitehead at night will make it disappear by morning!

Visiting Harlem or Coney Island usually meant that any children around were going to tether me in front of the television so that they could touch my very differently textured hair...little girls especially. My friend's daughter once told me that she liked me because I watched cartoons with her and that my hair was like her My Little Pony's hair. Best. Compliment. Ever. One night, I even got my hair wrapped. Suffice to say, it did not look good in the morning, but once I washed it 3 or 4 times, it was very soft!

My Pakistani friend took me to get my eyebrows threaded for the first time. Since she was Muslim, I would review food ingredients and labels for her so she could stay within her diet, and she would share her mom's Biryani with me. Yum! After helping her study for (and pass) her citizenship exam, she treated me to get my brows threaded for the first time. Thank goodness threading salons have picked up in the US because my brows finally look just as good again!

Once a month or so, a gaggle of us would head downtown and hit up all the street vendors, cheap clothing stores, Century 21, Pic 'n Pay Shoes, and Ricky's NYC for crazy makeup colors. In true NYC fashion, most of what we purchased was worn directly out of the store or at the stand...$5 sunglasses, lipstick; old shoes always went in the new shoe box and carried out of the store so we could wear the new shoes. To the untrained eye, it looks very busy, but the natives know that we're just wearing all our new stuff. All at once. Then we'd all go have Chinese food together. I really wish I took more pictures of those days out.

The funny thing is, our little gang wasn't so out of place downtown. The area the towers fell on was a melting pot in the truest. While some of us looked or even felt out of place in each other's neighborhoods, nobody was out of place downtown. It wasn't odd to see the lot of us getting along, making fun of each other, laughing together. Nobody looked at us strangely; it was normal and if anything, the events of September 11th brought NYC natives closer.

Today, thousands of miles away, being from the NYC area is an instant bond. Here in California, we meet, we share what neighborhoods we're from, and then we get down to the important stuff:

"Where do you get your pizza around here?"
"Have you found a decent bagel?"
"I found a Nathan's!"

and of course,
"Where were you that day?"

We never ask if each other saw, felt, or lost because we don't have to. If they saw, felt, or lost, and they want to share it, they'll share it.

Now, no matter what neighborhood, race, religion or how far from home, we're able to bond and share.

We're not all that different...we're New Yorkers. It's a beautiful thing!

We showed them!

Yours truly on the plaza at WTC, September 1980

Reliving my Teen Years (Clinique Haul)

2012-09-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

Ah, the joys of hormone shifts have left me with something I haven't experienced in quite a while: zits.

Yay.

I'm pretty sure that the dermatologist who saw me when I was 14 and told me I would grow out of acne is having a great laugh (in whatever his version of the afterlife is) about the 36 year old me meticulously examining a pimple in my magnifying mirror. "I told her she'd grow out of it! Hah!" he's probably saying to the other doctors in between cigarette puffs.

My new, acne-fighting arsenal

My husband treated me to the Clinique Acne Solutions Line yesterday while we were at the exchange, which is his nice way of saying that I needed it. The Clinique Skincare Consultant was a bit more blunt: "Here's what you need". I walked away with:

Clinique Acne Solutions Oil Control Cleansing Mask (US$22.00)
Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam (US$19.50)
Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion (US$15.00)
and a generous sample of Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel since I am "too old and dry" for their Clearing Moisturizer.

It's been 24 hours and here's my first impression:

I thought I'd be pretty dry, but my face felt super soft and comfortable up until I took my makeup off last night. I thought I'd have a crazy oil slick since I took my baby to her doctor's appointments and to meet my coworkers afterwards. It was 90 degrees yesterday and I hauled her and her diaper bag through three different un-air conditioned buildings. My hair didn't look great, but my face still looked fresh!

The two pimples I had yesterday seem to have flattened and shrunk to two little dry spots on my cheek, everything around those two spots is still soft and comfortable and not at all greasy. I'm off to a good start!

I'll try and update this in a month if all goes for the better, or sooner if things turn to the worse, but right now I am very pleased.

Do you have a go-to acne solution? Tell me about it!

Weird Tufts O'Hair

2012-08-30T09:55:00.001-07:00

Two good things happened this month:

My hair started growing back! If you missed it falling out, you can read all about it here . I'd love to say it's growing back thanks to the Ovation products I've been using, but apparently it's due to my hormones balancing themselves out. The regrowth does look nice and healthy though!

I did reorder Ovation though; their shampoo, Cell Therapy, and cream rinse are very nice, good smelling, cruelty free products and they produce some nice results. My hair is growing back in little tufts all over my head. It's weird looking, but it's there. It's especially noticeable around my temples where a lot of it fell out. At first I thought I just had a lot of gray hair coming in, but then I realized that what I was looking at wasn't hair at all, but pasty white scalp. Uh Mah Gawd. I ordered the Advanced Sulphate Free line this time, which I'm happy to report, produces just as much foamy goodness as the sulphate containing original shampoo.

You can order your own Ovation products at ovation.com. Sign up for their rewards program and you can earn points towards free products.

So now I should probably share with you the other part of this whole hair trial: I get to keep my hair once it grows back in, plus I can go back to my normal life.

You see, back when I was four months pregnant I was diagnosed with cervical cancer.I won't really go into the back-story, but I will say this: there is probably no more pathetic feeling than being wheeled into an operating room when you are clearly pregnant and not yet ready to give birth. Doctors, nurses, other patients...everyone looks at you like their heart is just breaking. It's awful.

Anyway, I just had my follow up biopsy, and I am back to "Precancerous" status. I thought for sure I'd be starting radiation soon, but for now all I have to worry about right now is that my cervix is always going to look "different".

I'll try not to be self-conscious about it.

PBD Introduces A More Attention Deficiency Disorder (ADD) Friendly Format

2012-08-17T15:32:00.000-07:00

Prettiest By Default has been on Facebook for a while (in case you didn't already know), but now we've gone all super-in the know and gotten a Twitter account too!

I know what you're thinking..."How impersonal and celebrity-like!", but you'll get over it. All your favorite little tips and tricks condensed into a format more suitable for people with short attention spans. Ask questions, and post your own tidbits, links, and funny makeup pictures!

@PBDTweets is up and running! Now go!

Cleansing Oil Obsessed (UPDATED)

2012-08-13T13:56:00.001-07:00

     When it comes to makeup removal, I am a huge fan of cleansing oils; ever since a friend of mine brought me a bottle of DHC Cleansing Oil from Japan back in college. I'm a longtime fan of Albolene, which is still my favorite travel choice due to the fact that it's basically a solid until you emulsify it; however, it's not really conducive to immediate makeup re-application.

     I purchased another cleansing oil at a local shop. It was cheap, so I figured I'd give it a whirl. It turned out to be mostly mineral oil so it was cheap in more ways than one. I put it on my face and it just sort of stayed there...no makeup removal, eyes stinging, and no rinsing or wiping would take it off. It ended up in the trash.

    The other day, I stopped in the Marine Corps Exchange for a jug of post-blackout milk (they didn't have any either) during their Glam-O-Rama event when I saw this staring back at me from one of the shelves:

The mother of all cleansing oils

There is was: the brand new Purity Made Simple Mineral Oil-Free Facial Cleansing Oil ($21 USD)

It was beautiful. It may have had a halo around the cap. I swear I faintly heard angels singing. Philosophy has finally come out with a cleansing oil! Haaaaaalelujah! Haaaaaalelujah! Halelujah! Halelujah! Haleeeelujah! Then a salesperson appeared with two coupons that I could use together...I took that as a sign.

     It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Philosophy products. They work and there's no "waste of time" to it (ahem, toner). Besides, if you've ever seen Cristina Carlino, Philosophy's founder, she's her own best advertisement. She's like a female Dick Clark...never seems to age.

     The oil itself is moderately priced, but not cheap, and very luxurious feeling. I used it to wash off my makeup when I got home. It glides on like a dream; a little water, a little wipe with a washcloth and *poof* makeup AND oil were both gone. No stinging of the eyes, no residue.

     The oil was even gentle enough for me to use on my stepdaughter this weekend when she decided to swipe a deep chocolate shade of shadow underneath her eyes. Fortunately, she soon realized that this was not an attractive look. I put a bit of the oil in her hand and told her to smooth it over her face and eyes, then gave her a washcloth to wipe it all off with. It was gentle enough for her face and eyes...no burning, no stinging, no complaints and we were able to reapply something more suitable than the "sleepless nights" look and still make it to brunch on time.

Philosophy is available at finer department stores, The Exchange, QVC, and of course, their website at www.philosophy.com

UPDATE (8/13/2012):

I'm revisiting this entry due to the fact that Shu Uemura USA is giving away 2,000 samples of its world famous cleansing oil every day until August 27th, 2012 and I am really excited about getting my sample! Shu Uemura was the first to introduce the idea of cleansing oil back in 1967 and hey, if Elizabeth Taylor liked and used it every evening to remove her makeup, then it must be good. Get yours by being one of the first 2,000 entrants between now and August 27, 2012 on the Shu Uemura Magic Oil Experience Facebook Page

I really like the Philosophy Cleansing Oil, and I have tried others thanks to samples and living in Hawaii (since almost every skin care brand carried in Japan makes a cleansing oil and is available for tourists, even Biore). I got a sample of Lancôme Huile Douceur Cleansing Oil which was also very nice, but took a little bit of tugging to remove my mascara.

Simply stating an opinion, to be honest, I still haven't found anything yet that works better (or is less risky to travel with) than good old fashioned Albolene and a warm, wet washcloth, which you can read all about in this trusty post here .

I'm almost hoping that I don't like Shu's Magic Oil because with its current price tag of about $77 USD, it would have to last 7 years to make up the price of my Albolene.

If You Buy One Eyeliner In Your Entire Life, Let It Be This One (also, How Not To Look Like a Zombie)

2012-08-07T15:54:00.001-07:00

I feel old.

There was a time, not too long ago where I would go to New York City and stay out partying with my friends until the sun came up. Or worse, I would go out to the bars with my military buddies, come home and actually exercise! Now, I have a glass of wine with dinner or go to sleep a few minutes after 10 p.m. and my entire next day is ruined; even if the baby sleeps through the night.

I should just move into the nursing home now.

My interests in beauty products and makeup have shifted slightly since I have become part of the sleep deprived masses of new parents. I used to be dazzled by feather lashes, glitter, and for some reason, anything in the color teal. That stuff is still all fine and good for fun, but lately I'm more interested in looking awake and alive and less like the undead version of me. I've replaced my buzz word of "Faaaabulous!" with "Fast".

This look would probably be ideal for me. Although beautiful and very well done (and maybe slightly creepy), is not an option. Also it's probably a total pain to do every morning and not conducive to actually getting anything done.

For appearances only: do not attempt to use your painted on eyes to drive with.

My everyday routine has been seriously pared down, so anything that saves me time and makes me look awake all at once is a serious win.

I love you, pencil.

Tarte EmphasEYES™ Inner Rim Brightener, is my new "can't live without it" product. A desert island eyeliner, if you will. It's an itty bitty problem solver.

One of the issues I personally have when I'm tired or feeling under the weather is that the lower rims of my eyelids get bright red. There is no amount of eye drops, eyelash curling, or concealer that will cover this up. The only option to cover it up before was white eyeliner, which tends to look chalky and harsh, or a nap.

This nude color is so much more natural looking and it will work beautifully with all skin tones.
Besides all the happy tag lines of being cruelty free, vegan, formulated without parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances, and packaged in recyclable or post-consumer recycled material as all Tarte products are, this is by far the best liner for the inner rims I have ever used of all the liners in any color that I have ever tried.

The pencil glides on with one stroke, is super pigmented, doesn't make your eyes water, and stays on until you remove it.No skipping, no tearing, and it was still on my inner rims 9 hours later when I took it off. It's a winner.

I'd also like to share with you my super-pared down, yet pretty and awake, fast, and very natural looking eye routine!

If you don't wear much eye makeup, this probably looks like a lot of effort, but if you're like the old me who required a minimum of 4 eyeshadows, 3 liners, lashes, sealant, and glue, you could probably do this one handed while brushing your teeth.

Here's what I use from my kit most days:


My eye essentials

In order of use:

Clairisonic Brush (not shown)
Hair Dryer (not shown)
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Lancôme Effacernes Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer which comes in an amazing 12 different shades (I use Beige III)
Sephora Collection Classic Rounded Crease Brush #13: I love this brush because it produces a well blended result and the slim design lets you fill in your crease with your eyes open.
MAC Matte²Eye Shadow in Copperplate (for the fairer skinned, I like MAC Matte²Eye Shadow in Brown Script; for the dark lovelies, I like MAC Matte²Eye Shadow in Handwritten)
MAC Pentulmate Eye Liner in Rapidblack (the only shade it comes in)
Tarte EmphasEYES™ Inner Rim Brightener
Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Waterproof Instant Full Body Volume Mascara (comes in one color-Black)
MAC Eye Brows Pencil in Lingering (A soft taupe that works on almost everyone)
MAC Brow Set in Clear

Here are the steps:

If you have one, use your Clairisonic brush to cleanse with to get your circulation going and alleviate eye area puffiness.

Give your eyelash curler a quick blast with your hair dryer and curl your top lashes with it (touch it and make sure it's not too hot before you put it near your eyes!).

Using your ring finger, apply Lancôme Effacernes to the both the under eye area and eyelid. It makes a great shadow base too!

Using your shadow and brush, fill in your eyelid crease with a windshield washer, back and forth motion.

Apply Pentulmate liner either over your top lashes by drawing a straight line as close to the lashes as possible or wiggle the tip of the liner between your lashes to create an illusion of fullness.

Draw Tarte EmphasEYES™ Inner Rim Brightener on....your inner rims.

Apply mascara to your lower lashes first and then upper lashes. Personally, I've found that I goof less if I do my lower lashes first and I avoid getting "mascara dots" on my eyelids as well.

Fill in sparse parts of your brows with pencil and set them with Brow Set. Even if you have lots of brow like I do, using a light touch and pencil makes your whole face look so polished that it's a shame not to do it. Get them shaped if you have to, but PLEASE, do not shave them off and draw them back on with a Sharpie.

Seriously, It's that simple. Looks so good, but so natural.

Like you, only less like the zombie version of you.

You're welcome!

I Am Not "imPRESS"-ed

2012-06-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

It had to happen...Negative post! Negative post! We're going to talk about the Impress Press-On Manicure.

The "imPRESS" press-on manicure is anything but impressive. I really wanted to love them! I really did!

This is what happens when my prescription isn't ready toute suite. I start looking at dumb things in CVS, and after about 15 minutes, those things start to look fun and awesome and I end up bringing them to the register with me.In my defense, they looked cool and they were on sale. My own natural nails are in a transitional stage right now due to hormone levels. Plus, the nail on my middle left finger, the one I use to express myself, got halved and infected when I nearly chopped my finger off while making Jambalaya. I could probably use some nail help. Plus they looked so cute in the package! I wanted them!

Adorable packaging is obviously my weakness

Let me say this as well: I am not completely anti-glue on nail; I LOVE Kiss FeatherLight nails. They come in 2 French Manicure colors and if that's your thing, then you can wear them right out of the box. Personally, I cut them down and paint them. For example: If I break one of my own nails, I'll use a Kiss FeatherLight nail, cut down and painted like the rest of them to even things out. Tip: If you paint them, paint the nails before gluing them on. They're super thin and easy to apply, sit flush with the natural nail, and are comfortable to wear. Plus they protect the nail underneath so it can grow out. 24 nails cost about $5 USD. TOTAL BARGAIN.

OK so if you're as old as I am, we can reminisce together, if you were born later, this can be a history lesson:

Back in the 1980s, manicures were something that only the rich and famous did. Lee and Miss Lee Press-On Nails were all the rage, offering little girls like me the chance to have nails like Jem or one of the Holograms (or, if you covered them with some crazy frosty blue Wet 'n' Wild polish, one of The Misfits). I would beg my mom to buy them for me and she would finally give in just to shut me up and to promise not to wear the nails to church. I'd get the package home and open them up. The smell of them was so odd. Nothing else would smell like those nails. It's the smell of...plastic nail. I'd glue them on, dance around my backyard to a 45 record with my best friend pretending to be Madonna (she was always a better Madonna because of her blond locks, little did we know at the time). By the time 5 o'clock rolled around, 8 of those nails had probably fallen off; some hidden in the grass in the yard, some probably ended up in our dog's digestive track. Looking back, I'm surprised they lasted even THAT long.

So natural looking! (NOT)

Anyways I got home from CVS yesterday and took out my Impress Press On Manicure, opened the cute packaging, and there it was: that plastic nail smell. Boy did it take me back to dancing in my backyard and trying to remove those remaining two nails in the car on the way to church.

'Dammit, these are just Lee Press-On Nails all over again.' Really. I said that out loud. I don't know why my hubs thought I was talking to him.

Meh, I already bought them, I might as well stick them on.

I took them all out of the package and tried to size them according to my own natural nails. The nails do not have those convenient little size numbers embossed on the undersides or on convenient little pull off tabs, so you just have to wing it. Boo.

Imagine my disappointment when I found that NOT ONE of the nails sat flush with ANY of my nail beds. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Also I have very tiny hands and even the largest nail did not cover my thumbnail. I looked at the package again, wondering if I bought nails meant for little kids. Nope. Whatever, I just picked out the nails closest to my own and stuck them on.

Staying power was about the same as those Lee Press On Nails. I did not have any typing or cooking to do, so it's not like I put them through any of my typical abuses. Heck, I don't think I even used the restroom before the first nail popped off 3 hours into wear. Another two popped off while I was changing the baby's diaper, the next two went down the garbage disposal while I was washing my hands after the diaper change, and so on. I gave up and pulled the rest of them off. Easily. I guess the easy off is one good thing they have going for them.

Bottom line I'm sure they're great as long as you are doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING that requires your hands except maybe holding a drink in a very dark club.

Want fancy looking nails that last quite a while done at home? Here's what you need:

1 Kiss FeatherLight Nail Kit (if you need nails or want Rihanna dagger nails)
1 pair of cuticle scissors (they're gentler to cut the artificial nails with)
nail polish (optional)
Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips ($9 USD) or
Sephora By OPI Trend Tips ($12 USD)

Here's how you do it:

Size your FeatherLite nails according to your own natural nails
Trim and file nails if needed, or go for the rock star look
Polish nails and let dry or stick on patterned nail polish strips
Glue nails onto your own clean, natural nails
Look sassy

The nails should stay on for a few days, you'll have spares in case one pops off, and your natural nails won't bear too much damage when you remove them. Be sure to remove the nails with acetone-based nail polish remover; never pull them off!

Here's an Attractive Issue: My Hair is Falling Out!

2012-06-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's been a while since I've been here. Rest assured, I have not abandoned you all, I've just been pregnant, then sick, then very pregnant, then recovering from my Cesarean and enjoying my time with my little girl. Let me tell you, she is beautiful! Just the other day we were all out at dinner and a man at the next table said to us "We think that is the most beautiful baby we've ever seen. I mean, look at her!


Little Miss Perfect

Anyway, she's 3 months old now, my estrogen levels have dropped, and all the benefits of pregnancy like that thick, shiny hair and the long, strong nails that just beg for a french manicure (even though its kind of out of style right now) have gone the way of my cankles. Poof. Gone. My nails have either broken off or been trimmed to even nubs which, I can live with. My hair, however...ugh! It's coming out by the handful!

When I was about 3 months pregnant, I actually had to snip my hair to shoulder length to even it out. There was so much new, thick hair coming in that it was looking oddly poofy on top and scraggly at the ends. It was very Britney Spears post freak-out shaved head with bad extensions at first, followed by thick, luxurious mane (which I have NEVER had before) and pregnancy glow.

About 3 weeks ago, I noticed my hair doing some serious flopping. It just looked bad. I don't have poofy Jersey hair, but what style I had would just collapse like bad flan within an hour. I went and had it trimmed because I figured surely that's the issue. While my hair guru Victoria rinsed out my color she asked me "How old is the baby now?" I said three months and she followed with "That explains it, because WOW you are shedding! Don't worry, it happens to everyone. It will go back to normal."

This could be me soon.

Crap! What does she mean by normal? I didn't have great hair to begin with, so now I'm going back to not so great, followed by Kojak?! I would not be a hot bald chick! I am not an Amber Rose or a Michelle Gallegos. No, I'd be more of a Britney with Umbrella type bald.

I have seriously got to be a little bit proactive if other people are noticing. It wasn't too long afterwards that my husband pointed out that every time I shower it looks like a Wookie used our bathroom. I'm not going to be one of those people who has to wear a hair net while they make their own dinner!

So, I've started to do some research. The first thing I found out is that this hair falling out thing happens to most women after they give birth due to a drop in estrogen...and after about this length of time. Whew, I'm not alone. OK.

Awesome Stuff

The first thing I did was go online and order some Ovation hair products, which I have used before and I believe really makes a difference in the way my hair looks and feels. I'm sure everyone has heard the radio commercials: "Thicker, stronger, longer hair! Ovation really works!" Does it make your hair longer? I don't know, but it definitely makes my hair feel better and I do get unsolicited backhanded compliments like "Did you do something different to your hair? It looks really good today!" as if to say "Normally your hair looks like crap, but today you look like you put some effort into yourself!". I fell off the Ovation wagon for a while because to be honest, the price point isn't fantastic and because of a little thing called unemployment. I'm not one of those people who will sacrifice everything for good hair; I'd rather eat, but being that I am under the threat of looking like Telly Savalas, I figured the price point was cheaper than a great Kim Zolciak wig or Hair Club for Women. Plus I had one of those point driven coupons from past orders that took a giant chunk out of the price. I love rewards programs!

You can order your own Ovation System at ovationhair.com for about $55 USD

Another product my dermatologist recommended way back when I was on a medication that "might make your hair fall out" is a supplement called Viviscal. You may have heard it mentioned on Dr. Oz when he had Tabatha Coffey on to talk about hair issues (I love Dr. Oz AND Tabatha Takes Over, so it was an awesome TV day for me). Viviscal is a supplement that helps with hair loss due to stress or hormones. Way back when, I remember people back home in NJ picking it up in Europe because it wasn't approved here in the states yet. It was the mid 90's and everyone who cut their hair in the hopes of being a cool, different, grunge Linda Evangelista realized that they were not Linda Evangelista and they wanted their hair back...fast. Viviscal is supposedly some combination of marine proteins, vitamin C, and amino acids. I was all ready to pick some up when I read the "Not intended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers" on the box. I'd rather have as much hair as my daughter currently does before I take a risk like that. If you're not nursing and suffering from bad hair, you may want to pick up a box.

60 Viviscal tablets sell for about $35 USD on Amazon.com, or you can go right to the source: Viviscal.com and check out some celebrity testimonials while you're there. I may give it a shot when baby moves on to solid foods.

I will update everyone on hair progress in about a month. Or I'll just post a photo of myself bald stating that I have given up. We'll see, but I promise I will post in-between now and then.

Funny You Should Ask!

2012-01-30T11:04:00.000-08:00

Facebook fan and apparent mind reader Cathy asks (on my Facebook page):

"This may be a question you have answered in the past and if so sorry for the repeat. Can you recommend a good moisturizer for the face. Thank you."

As most of you know, I am gigantically pregnant right now. I apologize for not posting for a while, but I am almost too tired to type. When I'm not at my "real" job, at doctor's appointments, or getting ready for baby, I'm either napping or between naps, feet elevated over my uterus reading or watching the boob tube.

Anyway, moisturizers...yes! I have been reading up on them lately because I have dry hair and skin for the very first time in my life thanks to all my hormonal changes. I've also developed a very slight case of melasma.

"Doesn't smell like horse piss"

I love my Bio Oil for body, especially my nightly belly basting; I don't have any stretch marks yet (knock wood), and unlike another very popular stretch mark cream, it "doesn't smell like horse piss" according to my husband. I married a colorful guy!

You really can't beat the price point either. I purchased a 2 oz. and 4 oz. bottle combination pack at Costco back in my first trimester for $20 USD and even with daily use, I just cracked open the 4 oz. bottle 2 weeks ago.

I know plenty of people who use Bio Oil on their faces, but it just doesn't work well on my face. It sort of just sits there. I started researching some moisturizing oils for face and hair probably about the same time as Cathy thought to ask about it. Spoooooky! My requirements were:

can be used on face, hair, and nails (I love cuticle oil, hate hand lotion. I have the world's clammiest hands and lotion makes them 10 times worse)
safe for baby
decent price point

The first thing to show up in my search results was the celebrity favorite, Rodin Olio Lusso.

Olio Lusso is made up of 11 secret herbs and spices and has apparently changed the skin of Madonna, Halle Berry, all the Victoria's Secret Angels, and Josie and The Pussycats (don't quote me on that last one). I'm sure it's absolutely wonderful; however

It costs $95...minimum
Madonna, Josie, and The Pussycats are far richer than most of us and can afford as many syringes full of whatever to smooth their faces than any of us reading or writing this can.
I need that $95 for diapers and wipes

Moving on to something a little more accessible to the masses, I came across Josie Maran Organic Argan Treatment Oil on QVC.com. Josie herself is refreshingly real; you can check her out here in her training video which gives details about her Argan Oil and some of her cosmetic line :

The oil itself fits all my requirements plus its quick, easy to use, lightweight and absorbs quickly. Sephora sells a Try Me 0.5 oz. size for $14 online and by what I like to call the register trap (the little maze of trial size favorites in front of their registers).

I purchased a trial sized bottle and so far am super pleased with just the plain product. It sinks right in and leaves everything nice and soft...even on the ends of my hair. Plus it can even be used on the baby when she decides to make her appearance.

The ingredient list is: Argan Oil. That's it.

You can find an entire line of Josie Maran Argan-based cosmetics and skin care at Sephora and Sephora.com. QVC.com has some great starter sets as well. Shipping from both Sephora and QVC is quick and hassle free.

Hope this helps!

Gelish'd and Shellac'd: 1 week later

2011-11-14T14:23:00.000-08:00

I admit, I was afraid of the gel mani...

Last year around Christmas, I visited my favorite local nail salon on a trip back to NJ; one of the first salons to provide the gel-mani service. I won't say which brand of product they used, but the process ended up being eerily similar to getting acrylic nails which I am not crazy about in there first place, but the promise of 2 weeks of non-stop nail color sounded so good, I just couldn't resist! My nail technician drilled, buffed, primed, and polished. In the end my nails were a little thick and the color was a bit transparent, but they were polished "for 2 weeks" which was great considering all the chicken cutlets and rice balls I had to bread before the big day. Awesome, until a few days later when a big chunk of nail color came off. Awww crap and Wow...there was quite a bit of damage to that nail.

When I got back to Southern California, I had the rest of the color taken off. It took what seemed like forever to remove it, and thanks to an overzealous nail technician, I lost a big chunk of my thumbnail, ending up with a hole clear through to the nail bed. The damage didn't grow out until May! Yeah, never again.

A few months later, salons started offering some gel manicure options like CND Shellac and Harmony Gelish. I'm guessing I am not the first to complain about the first hack on the gel manicure since CND's advertising specifically addresses the very same issues I had with my first gel manicure. All their gel manicures require is a slight buff; no drill, no damage. Coverage is much more opaque and flexible, meaning there isn't the thickness, or weight, or stiffness of an acrylic nail. I was willing to give it another shot.

I brought my stepdaughter to our favorite neighborhood nail salon for our bi-weekly manicure/bonding time and follow up McDonald's soft-serve cone. She got her usual; a purple and dayglo orange mani-pedi with a giant flower on her right big toe. I chose a Shellac manicure in Romantique, a slightly boring sheer light pink. I figured it would look nice for work and if I got bored, there's always the option to paint over it with regular polish without damaging it.

My technician Cindy prepped and primed with Harmony Gelish primer, colored with CND Shellac, and finished with Harmony Gelish topcoat which she said she thinks works best. Considering she was wearing her Shellac with a whole 4 weeks of growth showing ("No time to take off" she said) and she obviously works with her hands, I trusted her. Even with the prep work and UV curing, I was done long before the little diva.

So I figured I wouldn't post a pic immediately of my fresh manicure...I thought it would be more useful to post what I thought would be a totally beat up, week and a half old manicure. Since I last got my nails done, I've painted over and removed my nail color twice (another great Gelish and Shellac option), peeled oranges, opened soda cans, chopped vegetables, and dealt with the chronic handwashing that comes with pregnancy's constant restroom trips. Here's a picture I took of my nails this morning. As you can see, they've grown out a bit. My cuticles still look freshly manicured thanks to the nightly Bio Oil basting of my prego belly.

The nails, a week and a half post Shellac manicure.

My nails feel strong and flexible and they look good. My manicure cost $25, which is on the low end of gel mani cost. The service runs anywhere between $20 (thanks to Groupon) and $50. If you're the type that gets a manicure once a week, the cost is about even but it does save time and gas...and I guess aggravation depending on where and how you get your nails done.

I would definitely do it again!

The Girl With The Bumps on her Neck (and Chest and Face)

2011-10-22T16:16:00.000-07:00

So, a nameless yet longtime fan writes:

Alright, my little miracle worker... dry, flaky skin + little bumpies on my face, neck, chest, and back (almost like raised black heads and mini pimples) = miserable me. I exfoliate, moisturize, take my vitamins, but I can't use sunscreen, because it makes me break out... I think I'm allergic to all chemicals found in the normal stuff. It's depressing, really. Especially the fact that my chest feels like braille without having the red bumps. I hate having dry skin, plus spots. In the winter it's even worse, I get flaky.

OK so here's my take on this (since I'm not exactly a skincare expert): First I would recommend cleaning your phone with some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball, well and often. It seems so obvious once you hear it, but not a lot of people do it. Then, go see an Allergist. If I knew then what I know now, there would have been much fewer dirty bathroom mirrors in my parents' house. If you can rule out a food or (God forbid) beverage cause, you're halfway there.

I say start out with some bare bones skincare. Since I've been pregnant and everyone has been telling me everything I use or eat is poison to the baby, so I've gone back to good old, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream, Mild Liquid Soap, and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (in the pump). I'm not using toner because 1) I think it's useless and 2) Salicylic Acid is bad for the baby.

If all else fails, see a Dermatologist.

Good luck, nameless wonder!!!

It's Just Hair by Michelle Berner Gallegos

2011-09-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

Beau·ty (n): the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest).

Honestly, I’ve wanted to shave my head for a while; wipe the slate clean of all self-inflicted damage. Hair has always been more of a canvas, to me; a playground, if you will, for adventures not definitions. I’ve grown it long, I’ve cut it off. I’ve dyed it Atlantic blue, fuchsia, blonde, brown, and (of course) red (probably a bazillion times). It's just hair, after all, and if all a woman's worth and beauty are tied up in those strands, then I think some serious reevaluating needs to take place.

I’d hate to think that the only reason I have friends, the only reason someone has been attracted to me, the only reason I’m a mother, the only reason I’ve gotten excellent grades or excelled in my accomplishments, the only reason my mother and father love me, the only reason I’ve been blessed by God, or the only reason you think I’m beautiful is because of my hair. That statement is pretty important, and I’m sure you can find a way to relate it to your life.

I’m not doing this because I’ve lost my mind, I’m making a statement, I’m trying to piss you off, I want you to stop loving me… blah blah blah. I did it because, quite simply, I wanted to. I did it because it’s just hair. You don’t have to like it and you certainly don’t have to do it yourself. It’s just hair.

P.S. It feels so friggin amazing and tingly and exposed. I love it. And you know what? I don’t think I ever really noticed how pretty my eyes are. They seem huge now! Hahahahaha :-D

Michelle: bald, beautiful, and perfectly sane.

Michelle Berner Gallegos is a self confessed crazy cat lady. She lives in Virginia with her beautiful daughter and longs for the time in her life when she was stuck with yours truly as a roommate for a long (for her) 7-month Temporary Active Duty period.

A Good Sloughing

2011-08-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

There are just some things that I can't live without and one of those things is a good all-over in-shower sloughing. Rubbing a bar of soap on myself just doesn't do it for me. I just don't feel clean without some sort of dead skin cell removal. If I don't slough, I feel like I haven't even showered. Here are some of my favorite things to get clean with:

Salux Japanese Beauty Skin Wash Cloth ($4 USD)

Magic Japanese towel, take me away!

I have no idea how I lived without having one of these with me at all times. It's such a simple idea, and you'd think that a shower pouf could easily do the job, but it's just not the same!

Here's why you should get one:
It extends the life of your soap by creating a super foamy lather; bar or liquid
It sloughs off dull, dry skin which makes for a better shave, spray or faux tan experience, and prevents ingrown hair.
Your body lotion or oil absorbs into your skin and not your clothes
Your fake tan will fade more evenly (just make sure you wait 2-3 days to start sloughing again)

I have one that I keep in my shower and one that I travel with at all times. You can get yours at any local Asian market or online at saluxshop.com

Clarisonic Skin Care Brush ($149-$225 USD)

Yes, you need one.

    I know what you're thinking...you're looking at the price and saying to yourself "OUCH!!!", but hear me out on this one.

    I bought my Clarisonic 4 years ago on the advice of the lovely Adriana of Adriana Skin Care .
I paid $195 for it, brought it home and I remember my ex-boyfriend saying "You'll use that thing for a week and then it will go under the bathroom sink until you move out." I'm adding that to the long list of things he was wrong about because 4 years later, I still haven't gone a day without using it.

    This gadget is basically a Sonicare toothbrush for your face and yes, it will really scrub the heck out of your pores...so well in fact that you may want to stop using it at first because it will drag every dirty, nasty thing in your pores to the surface of your skin. It removes 6 times more dirt and makeup than cleansing alone. It's like cleaning out the finger holes in a bowling ball; what comes to the surface after years of buildup is a complete turnoff.

     My skin looked gawd awful for about 3 weeks, and then something magical happened: the glowy, soft, clear skin I never had started to show up. A few months later when I got a facial on a spa weekend, my aesthetician actually told me "whatever you're doing, keep doing it." Long story short, I'm 35 years old and still getting carded. In fact, recently, a friend of mine even accused me of getting Botox which I totally can't afford.

       I keep mine in the shower and use it every morning; I can't even remember the last time I charged it. The massaging motion helps de-puff my undereye area besides blasting the gunk out of my pores. The dark marks of pimples past have faded...I'm a changed woman!

Clarisonic brushes are available at most high end cosmetic retailers such as Sephora and Ulta, department stores, and The Exchange.

philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash and Purity Made Simple ($22-$55 USD)

philosophy is the one brand I constantly go back to because it works. I'll be the first to admit that I have product ADD, but with all the great deals online, on QVC and at Sephora they're really hard to resist. Cristina Carlino, the company's founder really has given me "makeup optional skin". I still prefer to wear makeup, but at least I'm not terrifying without it! With the help of my Clarisonic, The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash unglues everything stuck to the insides of my pores. I've built up a good tolerance to both the brush and the wash over the years, but if you're starting fresh, I recommend starting with the sensitive skin brush head and Purity Made Simple for a month or so, and never scrub anything open on your face!

philosophy has a great website at philosophy.com and Ms, Carlino appears on QVC fairly often (tune in and be amazed...she looks fantastic for someone who has been in the business for 30 years!). Kudos to philosophy for opening counters at The Exchange as well!

The Best Undereye Concealer? Look No Further!

2011-08-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

Hooray! My first write in question!

Devon Aoki look-alike, friend, and new mommy Jane asks:

Q: "Hey Andrea, I'm trying to find a good under eye concealer. any recos?"

A: Hi Jane! Thanks for asking! Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat is the best and comes in the best variety of colors, but it's a bit spendy. On the up side, you really don't need much so it lasts a long time. It hides a multitude of sins and really does makes you look well rested. It actually scatters light and has some plumping properties to it for crepey skin and fine lines. I'd say with your skin tone, Look for YSL Touche Eclat in the Radiant Silk shade for light to medium skin with yellow undertones. This is one of Sephora's top sellers, so most stores carry it, even if they don't have an actual Yves Saint Laurent section. If you can't find it in store, there's always online at www.sephora.com


Hiding sins since inception.

There's also Touche Veloutee from By Terry Cosmetics which has been called "Touche Eclat with bells on." Not surprising since By Terry's namesake, Terry De Gunzberg invented Touche Eclat!

If you absolutely cannot bring yourself to spend $40 USD on one item, let alone a concealer (although I do believe it is a worthy splurge), other cosmetic lines, both department store and drug store do make similar products.

I have a similar concealer from the Sally Beauty Supply Femme Couture line which I keep in my desk for emergencies. It's a wink and a nod to the original, but not exactly a duplicate.

Welcome back to the land of the living, hot mama!

Avoiding Touch Ups

2011-08-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

I get a lot of questions about foundation primers. Are they necessary? Are they worth it?

So here's my opinion: I think everyone needs some sort of base so your face doesn't slide down your neck by lunchtime. If you don't want to waste time hauling everything around, then you must prime. If you want to just throw a gloss in your purse and go, prime. Now, here's the thing...while I use a primer every day, I do believe it is essential especially if you are wearing mineral makeup; however I don't use anything that is actual labeled as a primer. So do I think most primers are actually worth it? I think the answer to that one is obvious. Again, this is why I do not work in retail sales.

Oh and when you prime, include your lips.

Nevertheless, here are my top non-priming products:

Massengill Chafing Cream ($5 USD):
Here's a secret which is fairly well known in makeup circles: Massengill Chafing Cream is the same thing as the more expensive primers at up to a $25 USD discount. Really. It smooths everything out, fills in fine lines, and really helps the makeup last! The first time my mother saw me use this she half panicked: "WHYTHEHELLAREYOUPUTTINGTHATONYOURFACE???!!!". After a full day drinking Sangria in NJ humidity, my face still looked sexy though!

You can find it in pretty much any drugstore in the lady things section with other lady essentials like Pamprin and Midol.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream) $14 USD or $25 USD:

The Miracle Cream. No bull.

Ohhhh the coveted French cream! It slices! It dices! It mows the lawn and takes out the garbage! How it helps makeup stay on and works as a cleanser and makeup remover is a total mystery to me, but somehow it does just that AND MORE! It's even gentle enough for babies' skin. A pea sized dab is all you need; press, don't rub it into your skin and voila! Glowing, soft skin ready for all sorts of spackle! One word of advice? Try to avoid your eyelashes since it will make them a bit slick. You'll still look fresh faced at the end of the day, but more like a fresh faced raccoon.

This used to call for a Ricky's stop anytime I visited my folks in the NYC area, but thanks to the miracle of the internet, I can get my fix by going to the mailbox at http://www.embryolisseusa.com or http://www.rickysnyc.com/ Ricky's is a dangerous site, so beware...only go to it if you are prepared mentally and financially to feed a beauty addiction.

La Roche Posay Anthelios 15 Sunscreen (Water Resistant Formula) ($30 USD)

I love cream. This stuff is no joke. It protects even the lowest layers of the skin from sun damage, so much so, that I have developed a Vitamin D deficiency. On the up side, I'm 35 and still getting carded. I use the waterproof formula since it seems to stick better, especially when you want to look good outdoors. For example, when my honey and I went to a very swanky event at the Del Mar Turf Club on a hot Saturday afternoon, this is what I wore under my makeup, and I was still able to take pictures and not be all shiny at the end of the day even after zero touch ups.

The entire La Roche-Posay line as it is available in the U.S. is available at most CVS Pharmacies. http://www.cvs.com/

Finally, for my eyelids, I use MAC Cosmetics Paint Pot in Painterly USD 17.50

Technically this is a shadow itself. Your powder shadows will actually stick to it, but with a bonus. Unlike most other shadow bases, it can be removed with minimal tugging. Based on the available colors alone, MAC has quite obviously caught on to this. You can find MAC Paint Pots in every skin tone imaginable at or at any MAC counter or MAC Pro store or if you're not feeling particularly aggressive enough to battle rabid prom queens (customers, not MAC MUAs), there's always the internet: http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/154/1573/Paint-Pot/index.tmpl

Now you know...go forth and prime yourself silly!

Happy Birthday, Doll! (Shameless Plug/Birthday Present)

2011-08-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

In honor of Actress/Musician/Perfumer/Style Blogger/Mogul/fellow Jersey Girl Dana Varon's birthday, I present to you: DOLL in Suntanned Perfume Oil.

Doll in Suntanned was created by Dana herself who wore and loved celebrity favorite Child Perfume for years before deciding she would like to smell a little more "beachy, like my mom's Bain De Soleil suntan lotion". Every bottle is hand mixed and the fade down is apparently different on everyone. On me, it fades into a fresh, aloe-like scent. Plus, a little goes a long way.

I got mine when my dad and I stopped in to see Dana after walking halfway across Manhattan to see her and Jelly the Wonder Dog. She knew I was stopping by and when she took the roller ball bottle out for me she said "Here you go! I mixed this especially for you!" I hope to hear those words again sometime in my life, preferably not at a Jamba Juice counter.

My dad is notoriously NOT a fan of perfume, especially since I had dragged him to Frédéric Malle 6 months earlier which ended in his demanding that I hang out the car window on our way back to NJ. Did I mention this was in January? He told me, "You smell like a rose left in a filthy ashtray." to which I responded 'You don't understand...it's French. It's supposed to make a statement' (Isn't that what all French women want to smell like?). He saw the perfume, told Dana it was nice seeing her, and opted for what he thought was the lesser of two evils: going outside to be hounded by Orchard Street leather blazer salesmen trying to get rid of their winter wear lines.

Of course I had to try it right away! It's a nice, light sunscreen scent. I dabbed some on my wrist and behind my ears. Even after that generous application, dad still managed to eat dinner in the same outdoor restaurant with me and did not ask me to bungee myself to the roof of the car on the way back to NJ.

I've had my Doll for a year now and take it everywhere...its become my very own fashionable Flat Stanley. Even famed beauty editor Andrea Linett is a fan!

Here's my Doll on her way to Palm Springs! Please note that the bottle originally had a very cute polka-dotted bow on it which is likely floating around in a purse somewhere in my closet.

Doll in Suntanned with Mount San Jacinto in the background (I was not driving when I took this photo)

You can purchase Doll by visiting http://www.dollbydv.com/ featuring the a very Botticelli-esque Dana on the front page. You can also check out her very stylish blog at http://www.livingdolldv.blogspot.com/

Makeup for Kids

2011-08-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

Recently, I got a call from my significant other about makeup. He's not changing sides (although his Gay Pride Float Dance is a must see. It's epic), but his daughter is starting to hit her preteen years and getting curious about Justin Bieber, training bras, and lip gloss. "She tried to shave her legs and nearly bled to death!" I could hear his voice cracking...trembling at the realization that his little girl might want to *gasp!* DATE BEFORE HE'S DEAD! OK actually, he seemed pretty cool with it, but he did ask for me to help out a bit by setting her off on the right foot with the makeup or at least clue him in so it appears that he knows everything. "I told her if she has any questions that she could ask you since her mom isn't really into this sort of thing." 'Sure I'll pick up a few things for her at Target later tonight.'

I didn't want to get her "baby" makeup like Bonne Bell or Sanrio since she is basically a small 22 year old with a high pitched voice; however I didn't think she needed anything either. This isn't Toddlers and Tiaras. I love the e.l.f. line...so inexpensive! so convenient! so doesn't feel like fire ants on your face when you apply it despite the price point! Plus some of the products are so sheer that even if the little whipper snapper over-applies before school, she won't get sent home for looking like the town floozy. Here's what I ended up with:

Brightening Eye Color Palette in Butternut 2001 ($1 USD): This is really the only MAKEUP makeup that I purchased on her behalf. I got myself one too and the pigments are very pretty but not too bold or harsh. You can't really over-apply it.

Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara in Crystal 2201 ($1 USD) : The eyelash and eyebrow fairies were very generous with this little girl. For someone who wears Dior Show, this makes no impact at all, but for someone with virgin eyelashes to see their lashes darkened for the first time, the impact is huge.

Therapeutic Conditioning Balm in Strawberry Creme 8001 ($1 USD): A pink tinted lip balm that should prevent clown face and will hopefully stay out of the clothes dryer.

All Over Color Stick In Pink Lemonade 3101 ($1 USD): She's a smart kid, but we may have to have a discussion about what the all in All Over means. Maybe I'll just say 'It's blush.'

I'll put it all in a cute Sanrio bag for her. Dad can be the enforcer of the rule I suggested for her: It must be washed off before bed. No wash, no wear the next day!

What was your first makeup experience?

Take it off!!! How to Remove All Your Makeup and Still Keep Your Eyelashes

2011-07-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

Readers and Lazy People Rejoice! I'm going to teach you how to take off all your makeup faster than using any of those wipes that promise you can take off your waterproof mascara and still keep your eyelashes attached. I have tried it all, even since I've "discovered" this method. NOTHING works better!

This will require an initial investment of a bank breaking $15 USD. You will need the following:

1 jar of Albolene (about $10 USD) Trust me on this one, grease is the word. Not every drugstore has it; if you have a Rite Aid nearby chances are you can find it there. If not, there's always online: Click here to buy Albolene online
One jar should last a normal, once a day makeup removal type person about 6 months.


The queen of makeup removers!

Cheap Washcloths ($3 USD for 8 at Target) Feel free to use some washcloths that are basically ready for the washcloth graveyard. Whatever washcloth you use, make sure it's not one you particularly fancy.

Your Washcloths: The Before Photo

A Hairband ($2 USD) Again, one you're not attached to is best.

A Clean Sink (hopefully free, of course this depends on your housekeeping skills and whether you are removing your makeup before or after you get toothpaste spiddle all over the sink) Protip: minty fresh toothpaste is great on gums but stings on eyeballs. Avoid it. Wash your face first.

Warm Water (pay your water bill)

Here's how to do it:

Pull your hair back, and throw a washcloth in the sink under the hot tap for a few seconds. Turn off the water after a few seconds and let the washcloth sit and cool slightly.

Emulsify a quarter-sized dollop of Albolene between your hands (Albolene has the consistency of gelatin in the jar, but liquifies with the heat of your body making it an excellent option for travel). Smooth over face and eyes using a windshield wiper motion over your lashes. This should create a very unattractive, Joker-like appearance, so try and make sure you're alone for this step as to not frighten significant others or small children.

You: mid-makeup removal

Now, take that warm, wet washcloth and fan it out a bit so you don't burn your face. Press it against your face to emulsify the Albolene and makeup mix a bit further. With minimum pulling, you should be able to gently wipe off the rest of your makeup. This takes it ALL off...even eyelash glue can't escape it!

This is what your washcloth should look like after makeup removal and before being tossed in the washer:

Why you shouldn't use washcloths you care about

If you have dry skin or at an age where you have to worry about fine lines, wrinkles, or "the scalies", you can probably go to bed now without feeling the least bit greasy or tight. In fact, it should leave you rather clean and comfy! Total time at sink should add up to about 30 seconds.

If you're a bit younger or VERY oily, you may want to go a bit further and wash with your normal cleanser; maybe even break out the Clairisonic.

Now brush your teeth and go to bed. Sweet dreams!