With this string...

My Sephora loot arrived yesterday, unfortunately the bareMinerals foundation did not work for my menopausal skin. Most my adult life I have had very oily skin with enlarged pores and would load up products that were mattifying and pore reducing. My skin has changed and I'm just becoming aware of how dry it has become. Sounds silly, that I wouldn't have noticed this right away but I didn't, it's only going through this process of looking for new skin care and makeup that I have become fully aware of my skin's current state.

So, I'm going to have to retrain my brain to adjust to these changes and I'm thinking that I will try a foundation for normal to dry skin and one that gives good coverage for my "poor textured skin."

I am using Paula's Choice as my guide, so far she has been right on with the reviews.

It appears that Revlon has foundations that exceed many of those found in department stores, check out this link where the "best" foundations have been ranked, I've sorted them by price.

I'll update as I try them in hopes of finding one to match my pale skin and cover well...wish me luck?

On another note, check out the loot of samples I received from Sephora, one of the perks being a "Beauty Insider."

have a great day,

eliza

Paula's Choice....

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:45:00 +0000

I'm not sure how I stumbled upon Paula's Choice but I do, vaguely remember reading a book years ago about cosmetic ingredients, etc. I'm so glad that I stumbled upon her site as the information is incredible.

You may remember a few posts ago I ordered some new cosmetics & skin care. Well, the bad news is that the Paula's Choice review does not give a glowing report of the products I ordered.

I'm hoping that her site and information is accurate and honest because I decided to order some of her own skin care line, at worse, I won't like it, in which case I can return it for full refund.

So, I decided to try her Skin Recovery System

and I also ordered an anti-aging hand cream, body cream, aha body lotion and skin lightening product. I will review them individually once they arrive and I use them for a bit.

eliza

Brows...

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 23:09:00 +0000

Brilliant instruction, as always!

eliza

A little change up...

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 04:50:00 +0000

I decided after reading all the reviews that I will tr bareMinerals Active Cell Renewal Night Serum to my routine. I prefer to use products without the following:

- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates

I will let you know what I think of this as soon as it arrives.

Well, I couldn't very well let my Sephora beauty insider points go unused, so I also grabbed some awesome skin care samples and can't wait to give them a try. Are you a Sephora Beauty Insider?

I've not been happy with my current makeup of late, so I decided to give bareMineral foundation a try, too.

It's difficult for me to "match my shade" online, but after reviewing the options I chose the Fair and will see how it works.

I purchased this kit which looks like it has most of the goodies to get me started.

I think I'm in the market to revamp my morning & evening routine as well but I dread the searching...particularly since I want to avoid those nasty chemicals mentioned above.

Do you use products that avoid certain chemicals and if so, do you find them as effective as those that harbor the little nasties?

eliza

Today's Look - Equestrian

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Today's Look - Equestrian by withthisstring featuring ralph lauren blue label

Ralph Lauren Blue Label / Freda velvet blazer / Levi's mid-rise jeans, $125 / Tory Burch boots / Kate Spade / +Beryll beryll / Essie nail polish / Estee Lauder Cinnabar Fragrance Spray

I was feeling a little equestrian today and pulled this look together.

Have a great day,

eliza

Today's Outfit

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:44:00 +0000

Today's Outfit by withthisstring featuring brown jewelry

A Wardrobe Capsule...huh?

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:07:00 +0000

Wardrobe Capsule...what is it?

As Allie over at Wardrobe Oxygen explains it here.

If you want to build one on a budget, The Simply Luxurious Life shows you how here.

What I am learning is that it is a collection of your clothing that is selected for a particular season, although some use a single capsule for their entire wardrobe, year round. I like the idea of a seasonal capsule since I live in New England.

The purpose is to gather together a grouping of clothing, quality basic pieces that you can mix and match with all the other pieces in the capsule to create a balanced, wearable wardrobe. You will then dress from this capsule all season long. I quickly went over to Polyvore and made up what I believe would get me through the rest of winter in high style.

Winter Capsule Wardrobe by withthisstring featuring levi s

Armani Collezioni knee length dress, $595 / L.K.Bennett l k bennett, $230 / Lanvin / Donna Karan wrap blouse / Dolce & Gabbana polka dot cardigan, $1,040 / The Row cashmere sweater, $960 / Joseph striped shirt / Joseph long sleeve top, $625 / Chanel vintage sweater, $545 / Diane von Furstenberg silk tank, $180 / By Malene Birger cashmere cardigan, $200 / AFTERSHOCK bow blouse, $120 / T By Alexander Wang scoop neck tee, $120 / STEFFEN SCHRAUT navy blue jacket / Jil Sander a line skirt, $400 / Pringle of Scotland wide leg pants / Burberry pencil skirt, $385 / Carven wide leg pants, $175 / Toast high waisted wide leg pants, $79 / Levi's levi s, $125 / Chloé wide leg pants, $32

You should select items that are quality, this is the focus, creating a core wardrobe of quality pieces that will last for years, as opposed to the "new" trendy disposable piece that you are currently seeing advertised in your favorite boutique or store.

The object is that by selecting a basic wardrobe full of high quality pieces you will be able to mix and match your pieces and always looks savvy. This appeals to me for many reasons, the first is that I am moving towards an entire life of quality over quantity...this is relatively new for me as I use to carelessly shop and purchase things I thought I loved and typically on sale, only to find that they were of poor quality or did not fit into my wardrobe in total.

This is the key, if you are shopping the sales with no regard to your current wardrobe, you'll end up like me with a closet full of pieces and nothing to wear.

So, I will keep you posted on my "real" capsule as soon as I gather the items that I currently own and believe will carry me through the rest of the winter.

What do you think of the capsule idea?

eliza