Excess baggage: Day 1

Only a week in, I can already tell 2013 is going to be a stellar year. Determined not to lose my resolve, with Husband's help I have already delved in to some of my goals (aka non-resolutions).

First a little background: I have been following The Minimalist Mom for many months now and greatly appreciate her approach to living with less. She wrote an article for Canada's The Globe and Mail, which I have read several times. She is often in the back of my mind and my husband, who is rather resistant to getting rid of stuff, was even influenced by her story. Although a simple, common-sense idea, my favorite line she wrote is this: "We know what we have, we know where to find it and we know what we use."  She is living proof that 'stuff' can keep money tight and distract you from what's really important. I also love that she doesn't take a one-size-fits-all approach. Each person has their own version of what living simply looks like. We are finding ours.

After some thought, more talking, and a lot of letting go, we are well on our way to changing how we live and what kind of consumers we are. I am not abandoning my vintage Pyrex collection anytime soon. I enjoy it. And use it. My husband's vintage travel bar collection? He loves them (and, thanks to Mad Men, they are quite sought-after). We're hanging on to it. But that's the criteria. What we love, enjoy, and can fit into our space, stays. The things that clutter our lives and our home and don't really have our love, go.

We are not ridding ourselves of life's comforts. Anything but! Instead, our mindset is evolving and we are working toward a life we truly love and a bank account balance we can be proud of. The last week has led to a lot of small changes that have added up to a lot. Seeing garbage bags full of regret, emotional attachment, and burden leave our house forever feels so good to both of us.

It began last week after a long discussion about living with less. Mario and I each saw things very differently and were therefore frustrated and at a bit of a standstill. The next day, Mario stopped by a local antique store to inquire about selling an antique bowl and pitcher set his grandma gave us. It wasn't our style, but we felt bad about getting rid of it. Another local antique shop had offered us thirty bucks for it a while back so Mario walked away and it resumed taking up space in our basement. His persistence paid off, because the next store paid him $125 for it. Cash.

We were both in the right that day. We do need to let go of things that weigh us down. But Mario was right to hold off on selling it. I saw things a bit differently and I think he did, too. There is a middle ground, and I'm hoping we have found it.

Inspired and motivated, we gathered up some of our old unused CDs and DVDs and took them to a local record shop (goodbye NSYNC, Jessica Simpson and Bryan McKnight...yeah, some were that old, and I was that lame cool). They only bought about 1/3 of them, but we got $29 out of the deal. In less than 24 hours, we'd lost some of our baggage and gained over 150 bucks. And we are not done yet.

Antique store?

Craigslist, perhaps?

Vintage consignment store?

The money went straight into an envelope in our lock box. We haven't made any plans for it, nor do we expect to right now. Maybe, with consistent contributions, we can take a family vacation with it. Perhaps it will help fund our next move. Who knows? But knowing it's there (and our junk isn't) is pretty awesome.

We didn't stop there. We called Directv, cancelled our movie channels, and reduced our package. We haven't noticed a difference, to be honest. Which tells me that we had more than we needed. We have all the channels we want, and between Netflix and my Amazon student membership, we get plenty of movies right through our TVs. Not to mention our sizable DVD collection; now filled with only the ones we like and want to watch again. ADT agreed to reduce our monthly bill by $6. Not much, sure, but he started by offering $2 off per month and I kept at him. It will save us $75 per year.

On Saturday I tackled our bathroom cabinets, often neglected spaces that easily become overrun with stuff. Our bathroom has little space under the sink, and it had gotten to the point where an avalanche of bath products occurred every time I opened it. 

At first I felt so incredibly wasteful. But I overcame those feelings and threw away all the unwanted, unused bath products I had collected over the years. I found a few expiration dates and realized how long we'd been carrying around some of that stuff. Two 10-year old bottles of Bath and Body Works Frosted Cranberry body wash?!  Some were gifts, but more were products that I'd purchased and disliked. I felt like I was throwing away our hard-earned money.

I have sensitive skin and a grouchy scalp, so many products caused adverse reactions. Others were duds right out the gate. I found prescription creams that were so old they were likely toxic. I also realized long ago that I don't need them if I'm careful about the products I use and some of the foods I eat (I'm talking to you, Dairy). Keeping them around was a safety net. An excuse to slip into old habits. 

My new motto: Try before you buy.

As that giant garbage bag filled, my mindset changed and realizations occurred. I have finally found products that work for me and don't make my skin crazy. I stopped fighting it. Thank goodness. I no longer buy beauty products unless I love them and have used them before. I return lipsticks that are unflattering, foundations that don't quite match my skin tone (thanks to Sephora's no-questions-asked return policy), and shampoos that make me want to claw at my scalp. I only buy trusted brands and, when in doubt, I ask for a sample. Sure, I spend more on hairspray than before, but I know it will work. Besides, one amazing $12 bottle trumps four $5 duds any day.

That's all for now. But the last week or so has led to some lovely and profound changes around here. Instead of writing a 10-page post, I'm going to break it up into several sequential segments (say that 3 times fast). See you tomorrow!

Excess baggage: Day 1

Monday, January 7, 2013

Get Glowing

I wrote about my skincare faves way back when only my husband read my blog. That might still be the case. If so, this one's for you, Honey.

Because I like to experiment with different creams, serums, and lotions, beauty products are an ever-revolving door around here. Late this last summer, I stopped by an Origins counter within Macy's to look into their foundation. What I ended up with was a mini-facial and bunches of samples. And some products that will never leave the rotation.

I don't know why I didn't try their stuff sooner! It's lovely, gentle, high quality and mid-range in terms of pricing (more Clinique than Perricone). I can't imagine those crazy expensive brands could do a better job.

This is what I'm obsessed with right now:

1. Origins Zero Oil cleanser: My skin isn't breaking out as much these days, but I'm still oily. This is the perfect cleanser...non-drying, gentle, and overall lovely. I got a sample at the counter and had to buy a bottle when it ran out. 2. Kiehl's Abyssine Eye Cream: This was a Birchbox introduction, and I have since ordered the full size product. A little goes a long way, and my eye area looks and feels refreshed when I wake up. 3. Murad Clarifying Cleanser: This bad boy got me through some pretty rough skin days. It doesn't dry out my skin and definitely does the job. I use it now when my skin is acting up, and will always keep it on standby. Oh, and a single bottle goes a looong way (I'm going 18 months strong on the same one). 4. Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask: This was a "Sure, I'll buy it" at the Origins counter this summer. I finally got around to using it a couple months later and for the first time in my life I'm a regular mask user. It was love at first use. My skin glows like CRAZY for days after. It's on my face as I write this. 5. Ole Henriksen Enlighten Me Kit: I bought this set when I came back from California this summer with blotchy skin thanks to our rental Jeep. Despite liberal sunscreen use. It wasn't bad (my husband said I had to point it out in bright lighting for him to even see it), but I wanted to nip it in the bud. I used the 3-step part right away and am still milking the serum and night cream for all they are worth. My skin feels good and the spots (although not gone) are much better. The night cream is full size (or close), so it will be around a while. Definitely a good buy. 6. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum: This is an absolute favorite of mine. I have so many samples, I've never had to splurge on a full size bottle. Once the Enlighten Me serum is gone, I will be switching back to this at night. It makes my skin glow. Seriously glow. 7. Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega Bright serum: This is a fairly new friend. Sephora was having their 20% discount about a month ago and I went for it. Best. Move. Ever. Besides having my son, marrying my husband and getting a college degree. But you get my point. I use it in the morning and my skin looks amazing all day. And it doesn't cause my makeup to ball up like other serums. I can't imagine not using it forever. Amazing stuff.

It goes without saying that I have skincare ADD. I love trying new products, and the regular influx of samples thanks to frequent Sephora purchases and my monthly Birchbox keep my experimenting. In fact, I hoarded compiled so many samples last year that I was able to make up beauty bags for my sister and sister-in-law as Christmas gifts. It was so fun. I'm doing it again this year for someone, so I'll post on it soon.

What are your tried and true skincare must-haves?

Get Glowing

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Face First

Great for my mood, less so for my skin.

After riding around SoCal in a topless Jeep for almost two weeks, I came home with spotty skin.  I wear sunscreen religiously, but I still noticed subtle dark splotches on my forehead. My husband said you could only see them if you looked really hard. I must have been, because they were all I could see when I looked in the mirror. So I decided to take action.

I spent a bit in Sephora exploring what my favorite brands had to offer in terms of complexion evening potions.  I finally settled on this kit:

Ole Henriksen Enlighten Me Kit

At $45 for the whole set, it was less than the other full size products.  And it included three products. These are pretty generous bottles, and I've barely made a dent after a month.  I really like this brand of products, and just swapped their "Truth" products for these for the time being.  I noticed a difference pretty quickly.  Some freckles that border on sun spots even lightened up.  The cream irritates the seborrheic dermatitis on my nose if used twice a day every day, so I limit these products to bedtime.  By the time I've used them up, I'm confident that my spots will be close to gone, if not completely. Am I being too optimistic?

Because I was feeling uneven, I decided to seek out a little more coverage foundation-wise.  I've used Sephora's tinted moisturizer for several years and love the light color it gives.  It's not too sheer, so it has served my purposes well.  Deciding on their foundation seemed like a no-brainer.  Besides, I already had a color that worked for me since they are consistent between their face products; and matching foundation has always proved tricky for me. 

Sephora Collection Instant Radiance Foundation

This stuff did not make me happy.  It was too light for my skin tone, too pasty-looking, and didn't make my skin look at all flawless.  I looked like I'd been spackled, despite applying it with a cosmetic sponge and blending well.  I gave it the old college try, but ultimately had to say goodbye.  Because I was in St. Louis (I bought in in Boston) and didn't have my receipt, I exchanged it for a foundation brush.

I was walking through a Macy's one day during our trip and decided to stop by the Origins section and check out what they had to offer.  The salesperson approached me and offered to help match me.  I thought, why not?  She ended up giving me a full facial, in a reclining chair, and redid my makeup.  The whole time I kept wondering when the hard sell was going to come.  It didn't, really.  She showed me what she used and I chose a charcoal mask I liked as well as the foundation.  She didn't push me like other makeup counter salespeople I've dealt with in the past. In the end, I walked away with a new foundation, a pore refining mask, glowing skin, and some deluxe samples to boot.

Origins Stay Tuned balancing foundation in Angel

This foundation is amazing.  I was just using my fingers to apply it prior to exchanging for the foundation brush, and it looked flawless.  It goes on smooth, melts into my skin, and lasts all day.  And at $23, it was only a dollar more than Sephora's foundation.  As far as the foundation brush goes, well, time will tell. The lady at Origins applied my foundation with one and I liked the effect, but I have a feeling that I'll need practice to master a seamless look with it. The brush is well made, with oh so soft bristles, so I'm confident I will get the hang of it.

I'm an Origins convert.  I am working really  hard to use up what I have at home, but once my supply of products is depleted, I will likely turn to them for more of my skincare products.  They smell amazing and make my skin feel so good, so it's really hard not to say "I'll take it!" while squelching my more, more more! inclination.  I can be very instant gradification-ish when it comes to beauty products I love, but the excess of unused, abandoned products under my bathroom sink makes me feel hungover with product shame.  So I've been on a mission to use up or give away neglected products and samples.

My other purchase: Origins Clear Improvement charcoal mask

The fact that I returned the lackluster foundation was a huge accomplishment.  In the past, I've just stewed in my disappointment or lived with a product I didn't love, meanwhile feeling bad that I spent twenty bucks on a lipstick that doesn't quite suit my complexion.  Those days are gone.  I've been liberated by my experience and vow never to be tied down by expensive yet sub par cosmetics anymore.

While I love Sephora and the plethora of amazing products housed within each store, I also had a dysfunctional relationship with her.  She is fancy schmancy and I am, well, not so much.  At least not right now. I was intimidated by the upscale nature of the products and their often insane prices.

I like that I save my skin and money for only high quality products, but feelings of inadequacy were also trapping me in this vortex: Don't return it, just live with it. Or put it where you can't see it.  It will just make you feel bad.  Bad for the money you spent on it and the fact that the ill-suited product is a blaring sign that you're not good at this.  You know, being fancy.  Twenty dollar lipstick is wasted on a college student who rarely goes on a date with her husband and even then has no need for the fanciness.  You don't live in Manhattan, you live in Nowhereville, New Hampshire.  Stop pretending to be something you're not.

My next tone corrector: Origins Mega-Bright serum

My inner monologue can be a bitch, no?  The fact is, wearing nice makeup, however neutral, is an investment in my looks and I shouldn't be ashamed to spend money on it.  I will be putting on full makeup every day for work in the near future, so it's good to possess the skills now.  As far as my skin goes, forty and fifty year old me will be thankful I took such good care of it. But I needed to find a balance in terms of how and what to buy.  And to stop getting sucked into an unhealthy relationship with Sephora.  She's my friend, but one that needs boundaries.


Wow, what was intended to be a lighthearted post about foundation got deep. Real deep. I think I just purged some serious emotional baggage.  Did I just inadvertently use this blog as a cheap replacement for therapy? Thoughts on either my lunacy or the content of this post?

Face First

Sunday, August 19, 2012

I Only Have Eyes For You

While visiting a dear friend during a recent layover in St. Louis, we stepped into a Sephora to look around. I was telling her about my shameful Beauty Bank balance when she said, "I think it's interesting that you've spent that much here. You don't wear a ton of makeup." I wasn't offended. She knows me well. I'm pretty natural and neutral makeup-wise. In other words, I'm the Switzerland of makeup application. We make lovely watches, no? I like my daily routine to be simple, quick, and chic. Even when I experiment or get dolled up, I want the results to be attainable yet polished. Cat eye? I use a liquid eyeliner pen. Fancy eyeshadow applications? I use highly pigmented baked trios so the colors are all in one place and offer good coverage. You get the point. So I thought I'd share some of my tried and true favorites. Plus, if I'm recommending them, you know they are simple to use.

My first line of defense is eye cream. It keeps the crow's feet at bay and allows my makeup to glide on. I'm really thankful that I caught on to eye products in my mid twenties because they have become an important part of my beauty regimen. I love they way they feel and what they do for my skin. I only use two products: a cream at bedtime and a serum in the morning.

Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage

For years I didn't even use a product in the morning because it inevitably seeped into my eyes, making them blurry and irritated. Then I discovered this. I roll it on under and around my eyes, wait a couple minutes for it to soak in, and apply my makeup as usual. It firms, brightens and depuffs as promised. I hope they never quit making it.

Like face creams, I've used a million different eye products at night. This is the one I'm loving right now. I apply it every night before bed and instantly feel it cooling and tightening my whole eye area. I would buy it in a hot second...assuming it was at a discount. Eye creams are a common sample I get and last a long time, so I don't have to purchase them often.

One that I have bought and loved was Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Creme. This stuff is awesome. I would definitely buy it again. Plus, it's available at most stores. That's if I ever get through my stack of eye product samples.

Since the eyebrows are your picture frames to the world, I'll talk about them next. I just made that up. Pretty profound though, eh? My brows went neglected during my twenties. Brow products simply weren't a part of my beauty regimen for some unknown reason. Nowadays, if I'm limited on time and can only do a couple of things, it's my brows and my lashes. I can't imagine not attending to them. I've used pencils before but didn't ever feel like I obtained a natural look; so I avoid them completely.

Stila All Day Waterproof Brow Color

I stumbled across this on Sephora.com a couple years ago and thought I'd give it a go. This product was really what prompted me to start filling in my brows. It's in pen form, so you literally color them in. It looks a lot like brown watercolor going on, but can build in intensity. Because of that, they only offer it in two shades. I really like this product and still use it occasionally because of its convenience. Once that pen runs out, I probably won't buy it again. My only gripe is the size and price. For twenty bucks, I could buy several brow pencils that last for months, if not years. Yet this only lasts about 4 weeks. I couldn't justify spending that much every month just to color my brows. So I moved on. If you don't mind that aspect, buy it. It's a great product and it got me on the brow grooming train.  Choo! Choo!

Clinique Brow Shaper in Soft Brown

Because I knew I didn't like brow pencils, I sought out powders. I came across this one and decided to try it. It's awesome! I bought it from Sephora (it's basically my beauty crack den), and got their brow brush at the same time because the one that comes with it is tiny and stiff. I'm glad I did. It only cost $7 and will last forever.

Sephora Classic Double-Ended Brow Sculpting Brush

I've been using this powder for about a year and have barely made a dent. A little goes a long way! I love the double-ended nature of the brush and usually shape my brows with the brush end then apply the powder with the other. I couldn't believe I found a winner on my first try. If they ever stop making this, I'll be completely lost.

I was in search of a clear mascara to keep my brows shaped all day. I found this stuff by E.L.F. and decided to give it a go. I read a bunch of reviews because I thought it couldn't be that great if it only cost a buck. Isn't that terrible? This day in age we wonder what is wrong with something if it doesn't cost a lot. Well, high price and quality don't always go hand in hand. This little beauty is proof of that. It is double ended but both sides contain the same clear gel. One is labeled for eyelashes, the other for eyebrows. I use up one side and switch to the other. Sure, it only lasts about 6 weeks...but did I mention it costs a buck? Sometimes a little brow powder gets on the wand and mixed into the gel, so I wouldn't want to keep a full tube for months at a time. You can find it at any Target. For a buck.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is to use good makeup brushes. For most of my twenties, I only used the cheap little sponge eyeshadow applicators from the drugstore, but often hated the smeary-looking results. Prices can vary tremendously based on the brand and materials used (i.e. real hair/fur vs. synthetic bristles). I don't want or need real animal hair, so I opt for synthetic. They are just as lovely and much cheaper. I'd love a butler most days, but don't need a mink applying my makeup. Here are my favorites:

Sephora Classic All Over Shadow Brush

EcoTools Bamboo 6 Piece Eye Brush Set

I own several of the Sephora brushes.  At around $10-$15 each, they are pretty inexpensive. I take care of them and clean them regularly when I'm not feeling lazy (aka I'm back on coffee), so they should last until I no longer care how I look and stop wearing makeup all together.  Hopefully that is 75 years from now. EcoTools makes this great earth-friendly set of brushes.  I first heard about them on Alicia Silverstone's website, The Kind Life, and decided to buy them.  I'm so glad I did.  They are soft as can be and well made.  I will have these until I'm old and wrinkly.  Which I also hope is at least 75 years away.

If I'm wearing eyeshadow, I'm wearing lid primer. Period. I struggled with disappearing shadow and creasing for most of my adult life. Then I stumbled upon the wonder that is eyeshadow primer. It is fantastic. If I'm going to go to all the effort to get pretty, why have in melt off in mere hours? I only use one kind and this is it:

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

I don't love the price, but I love the results. A little goes a looong way, though, so one tube is going 1+ years strong.

This brings me to eyeshadow. There a gazillion of them out there. My biggest issues with most drugstore brands are a) the lack of pigment, and b) the lack of glidiness. I made up that last word. I just mean that they aren't as blendable as really good brands. It goes on one spot and doesn't move. I've had it happen to me a million times and had to end up washing it off and starting over. This is not to say that some expensive brands don't do the same, I just happen to find that this occurs more frequently with cheaper products. Plus, I like to sample them, and I can't do that at Target. I like to stick my finger in it and rub it around on the back of my hand to get a feel for its texture and color. When it comes to eyeshadow, in my experience, you get what you pay for. That is not to say that I blow $20+ on a single eyeshadow very often. Quite the opposite. Because they cost a pretty penny, I'm more selective about what I buy. I always stop to consider whether or not I already have something like it, if I will wear it very often, and whether the product is worth its price. I don't do that at a drugstore and can easily spend $20 on four eyeshadows I end up hating. As a result, I have fewer eyeshadows at my disposal, but I like every one of them. Also, the high quality of pigment allows me to use much less. I haven't used up an eyeshadow yet. I did break one once and had to replace it. But not before trying to repress it into the compact using rubbing alcohol and instructions I found off the internet. See, I am frugal. Please don't think that my high makeup expectations indicate otherwise.

I bought this duo about a month ago after lusting after it for a while. This is why:

Now, the fact that we have a completely different ethnicity, skin type, and overall coloring is not lost on me. But she is easy breezy. I want to be easy breezy. This eyeshadow makes her teeth white, her hair thick, and she's laughing. It must be mine. That eyeshadow must surely be what got her invited to a party. I want to go to a party. I took to the internet to find out what colors she is wearing and discovered this duo. I like it! Sure, it doesn't look the same on me, but it looks good. It's soft, blendable and highly pigmented. The first time I wore it, I had a conversation with my husband that sounded something like this:

"Is that new eye shadow? I can't tell if I like it.  It's that color that deli meat gets when it starts to get slimy. Roast beef in particular. No, I think I like it. Yeah."

He sure knows how to make a girl feel pretty. Don't listen to him.
 

Stila Eyeshadow Trio in Gold Glow

...and in Rose Gold

Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights in Baked Starburst

I have become a big fan of baked trios and...quartets? Thruples and quaples? Oh, who knows. I'm also glad that they are baked, not fried, because I'm watching my weight. Go up. They make blending so easy and my makeup looks multifaceted and professional. I'm neither of those things. These are the three I use on a regular basis. I'll even use one of them for a week straight. With the Stila baked trios, I usually use the two outside colors and blend in just a dab of the deeper middle color for more impact. If I'm going minimal, I don't use the middle color at all. The Smashbox one is pretty neutral, so I just swirl my brush around in it and apply. Simple.

Nars Single Eyeshadow in Cyprus

...and in Ashes to Ashes

Nars makes beautiful eyeshadows.  They are soft, creamy and super blendable.  I own these two colors and they are perfect for day or night.  I also have another color, Night Clubbing, which is black with pearl flecks.  It only comes out on special occasions.  Like a NASCAR race or a pig roast. I use an eyeshadow brush and apply one color over my whole lid.  Cyprus was the one that broke and needed replacing, but I've had Ashes to Ashes for years.  I highly recommend these.

Bare Minerals Glimmer Eyeshadow in Nude Beach

...and in True Gold.

Here is my two cents regarding Bare Minerals: They make beautiful colors and their products are really high quality.  I don't have any experience with their face products, but their eyeshadows can be a hassle to apply.  These are the two I own.  I love the colors, but no matter how hard I try, I end up with pigment and sparkles all over my face.  I tap, tap, tap to get off the excess and even put a Kleenex under my eyes to catch falloff, but I find it on my forehead, cheeks, and even chest.  What a pain.  But I love them so!  What is a girl to do? It is very likely that I don't have the process down.  Because I like them so much, I just apply them before the rest of my makeup so that I can wipe it off my face and not ruin my foundation and blush.  I also own one of their liner shadows and like it.  I wet it, though, so it doesn't get all over the place.  I can see why people would love these so much if they have a good grasp on the application process.  I just like my makeup to require less effort.

Buxom Stay-There Eye Shadow in Chihuahua

I wanted to include an eyeshadow for those times when I want to be really fancy.  Buxom brand is made by Bare Escentuals, but they don't really advertise that fact.  I own this actual color.  It is a very, very highly pigmented cream shadow that goes on smooth, blends well, and dries to a perfect finish that stays put.  All night.  A little goes a long way, so I build the intensity gradually so that I don't enter hooker territory.  Good stuff.

I've probably tried all these and more.

I have tried so many mascaras that I've lost count.  Between the ones I've purchased and the numerous samples I've received, it must be in the dozens.  In my humble opinion, there is no significant difference between $20+ designer and $5 drugstore mascaras.  I've had duds at both price points.  Therefore, I have a hard and fast rule about spending more than 5 bucks for a tube of mascara.  I have terrible eye allergies, so I have to swap tubes more frequently than most.  I can't imagine dropping more than a five spot a month for mascara. I am actually of the opinion that fancy mascaras are the biggest ripoff in the beauty industry.  That's just me. For years I used a Max Factor mascara and loved it.  I ordered it in bulk.  A couple years ago, Max Factor stopped selling in the States.  After a few more lackluster mascaras, I came across this one:

Covergirl Professional Remarkable Mascara in Very Black

I've seen this at Walgreens and at an airport convenience store, but I'm not sure it's readily available.  I was searching for a new mascara on Drugstore.com and went with this one because it had the best reviews.  It's the only one I use anymore.  I keep the deluxe samples in my purse as a backup, but otherwise use this exclusively.  Drugstore.com frequently has coupons, so I usually get them for about $3.50 a pop.  It's good stuff...no clumps!

I'm done.  Finally.  I am sure you are thinking, "Simple. Pffft.  Yeah right."  I swear I haven't blown my kid's college fund on eye color.  Sure, he may have to settle for a community college, but hey, his mother will look so lovely on parent's day.  I kid.  Since investing in a few nice products, my beauty regimen has simplified and I get a ton of compliments on my makeup.  I'm always surprised by that because my ultimate goal is to look put together without looking made up.  I think I've accomplished that.  What are your eye faves? Share. Please.

I Only Have Eyes For You

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Kiss and Makeup

I was fortunate in that I caught on to the idea of washing my face before bed every night by the time I was twenty one. By twenty six I had discovered the wonder that is anti aging cream. And my skin does not greet the sun without SPF. These days, however, I'm a full-fledged beauty addict. I am also fortunate in that, over the last 5 years, I've finally found what works best for me...and it only cost a small fortune. My skin hasn't made it easy, either.

Last time I was at Sephora, they announced my "Beauty Bank" had 1900 points in it. I wanted to simultaneously hang my head in shame while patting my own back. I'm a bonafide Beauty Insider, yo! As much as I hate to admit it, good quality (i.e. expensive) products are worth it in many cases. I'd spent years believing it was propaganda, meant to fleece the women of this country of their husband's hard-earned cash; but alas, there is some truth to it. Except for mascara. Five dollars max...but more on that later. In some ways I've actually saved money because I didn't have to go through twenty foundations to find one that matched; and if it aggravates my skin, it's gladly accepted back. So I thought I'd share a few of my favorite face and lip products.

First, I'm going to blow your mind with my expensive, hard to find makeup remover.  Yep, this is it.  Pampers Sensitive baby wipes.  The same thing you use to clean a baby's bum. Other makeup removing wipes are ridiculously expensive and typically give me a rash.  On my face.  I tested a few different varieties and settled on this one almost 10 years ago.  It removes all traces of makeup and gently exfoliate (you know, the rubbing part).  Also, it is wet enough that it doesn't pull on my skin.  Other brands were just too dry. I buy cases to make sure I never run out.

As I've mentioned before, I'm a sample whore.  Therefore, I have tried a zillion different anti aging face products and when I do buy them, I don't buy the same one twice.  Some people believe that mixing up your products keep your skin "guessing" and are therefore more effective, but I don't buy in to that necessarily.  I just have moisturizer/serum/face cream ADD.  There are about a million products out there and a good portion of them are really nice.  So I tend to go from sample to sample and keep one purchased product on hand for when I run out.  Pfff...like that would ever happen.  Still, I'll give you some of my favorites so far.

Serum:

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum

 This is one of those products that I've never had to buy.  I regularly receive packets and mini bottles because I always choose this when it's available as a promo or sample.  Sounds like a lot of work, but it is stupid expensive.  But awesome.  My skin glows like crazy.  A little goes a long way, so I've been able to avoid having to spring for a full size bottle.  I may have to if I ever run out because it's that good.  All of his stuff is, and apparently he knows it.  I apply it before bed every night.  I used to apply it in the morning, but it made my foundation ball up.  How annoying is that?  It's one of my product pet peeves.

Moisturizers/Face Creams:

Vichy Aqualia Thermal or Lift Activ Nuit

I got a special promo containing all of their products via my Birchbox subscription.  They are good size sample jars, so I've been milking them for a while. They are lovely and make my skin feel amazing.  As far as pricing, at just under $30 for the full size, it's pretty reasonable as far as high end moisturizers go.  I would definitely buy this stuff.

Kiehl's Abyssine Cream

Another Birchbox discovery.  I've already started writing about my sample super highway and will share soon.  Anyway, I've been slathering this stuff on for a while and love it like crazy.  My husband has commented on my "glowiness" a few times.  Still milking this sample, too.  Will definitely buy on my next full size rotation.

Philosophy Hope in a Jar

 This was in my full size rotation, so I've used a whole jar.  It's great stuff.  I wish I could eat it.  Maybe it would be good in a smoothie.  My insides would glow like my outsides did.  Too far?  Sorry.  I have been using a deluxe sample of Miracle Worker Dark Spot Corrector lately because I tend to get freckly.  That's what I tell myself.  They are just freckles.  They are just freckles. Age spots are scary and I don't feel that I've reached that age.  Denial is not just a river in Egypt, folks.

Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Nourishing Moisturizer

Sometimes a drugstore buy does prove its worth.  I've been using this for many years now and like it a lot.  I might even go so far as to use the word love.  It goes on great under my makeup, has a nice SPF factor, and never, ever stings my eyes or irritates my skin.  A bottle lasts forever, making it a permanent fixture in my skin routine.

Foundation:

Sephora Collection Oil-Free Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer

Okay, so it is technically a tinted moisturizer, but I use it exclusively as a foundation.  It provides good, sheer coverage that makes my skin look polished but not overdone.  Because I take care of my skin, I don't require anything more heavy duty and I like the fact that it allows my skin to "breathe."  I've used foundations (Clinique makes some great ones), but this stuff is so awesome that I've broken free.  I have accepted the fact, however, that I will need to upgrade to something with more coverage as I get older. For now I'm content.  I apply it with a cosmetic sponge so it goes on smooth and doesn't cover my hands in pigment. It lasts a really long time (my last one expired before I used it up) because just a little covers my whole face; making it worth the twenty bucks.  In the world of good foundations, I've discovered that is pretty cheap.

Blush:

Tarte Cheek Stain

I have been using this gem for years and adore it.  It imparts a natural glow and dewiness that regular blushes just cannot provide.  I just wrote the word "dewiness." Weird. I use the "Flush" color and it blends into my skin perfectly.  It looks really purple in photos, but it gives me a subtle berry glow.  One stick goes forever and ever, so it is definitely worth the price.  The words are all rubbed off on mine and it looks well-loved, but it just won't quit.  Think about the fact that it will last for years if you find yourself cringing at the price.

Hot Mama All-In-One Blush, Shadow and Highlighter

This is the only other cheek product I own.  Sometimes my makeup is more peachy, so a berry-hued blush doesn't quite match, leaving me looking a little prostitutish.  That is totally a word. That's when I turn to this.  I haven't used it as a highlighter or eyeshadow, but it is touted as being an all-over product.  I can attest to what a great blush it is, which is why I insist on keeping it around. 

Lips:

Philosophy Lip Shines

I have a full-fledged addiction to these.  They often come in sets of four, each with a matching body wash, so in past years I have broken them up and given a pair to my son's teachers during the holidays.  I bought a lip shine set this past Christmas to gift to relatives, but ended up trying several of them because I couldn't resist.  Then I had this moment not unlike after I eat too many cookies and sit all bloated going, "What did I just do?" I couldn't decide if I should wipe off the tip and send it anyway.  Yeah, yeah, I'm disgusting.  It was my sister, though.  If I had been selling it on EBay, I could have listed as being in "like new condition."

True story:  My absolute favorite flavor/color is Melting Marshmallow.  Last year I needed a new one.  When it came, it said "Marshmallows for Toasting" and I didn't think anything of it.  However, they drastically changed the flavor.  One night I was applying it as my husband and I were driving to a movie date.  It was dark, so my husband didn't see me doing it. All the sudden he swerved off to the side of the road.

Mario: "Crap!  We have a radiator leak!"
Me: "How can you tell?" 
Mario: "Don't you smell that?  It's radiator fluid.  The sweet smell."
Me: "Oh. It may be my, um, lip gloss?"

It was.  Now I don't apply it in the car.  Another time my son goes, "Who, might I ask, is eating french toast?"  It smells just like maple syrup, not marshmallows, so I get paranoid that people think I was just stuffing my face with breakfast pastries prior to seeing them.  So if you're reading this, Philosophy (I know you aren't), bring back the real marshmallow flavor!  Still, I love, love, love these.  They go on thick but not sticky (no awkward hair removal on a windy day) and moisturize like crazy.  I'll rub my lips and think, when did I put on lip gloss? because it lasts for hours.  Plus, there are a million different flavors and even more around various holidays.  I have probably consumed gallons.

Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Bramble

This is a new friend. I really am more of a gloss girl, but occasionally I like to feel fancy.  I was at Sephora yesterday and decided to find a bold lip product.  The lady showed me a true red color.  I just wasn't brave enough to attempt an all out red lip, despite its return in popularity.  However, this color gave me the bold lip I was looking for, without making me feel too out there.  I'm wearing it in the above pic.  Bite Beauty's products claim to be "Natural Food Grade," and have the same amount of antioxidants as 5 glasses of red wine.  Hopefully without the red teeth.  I can pronounce all of the ingredients which is cool, and it lasted all afternoon.  I love it so much that I wore it to walk the dog this morning.  I said I like to feel fancy.

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

This stuff is a classic for a reason.  It is subtle but beautiful and universally flattering.  Enough said.

Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint

I first encountered this stuff in Sephora.  Shocking, I know.  I am super paranoid about contracting cold sores, so I don't generally sample lip products.  But considering I was thinking about putting down 24 bones for a little stick of lip color, I wanted to know if I'd like it.  I used a pad soaked in alcohol to wipe it off well and applied it with a disposable lip applicator.  I liked the color "Envy" and decided to buy it.  A couple of minutes later, my lips started tingling like crazy and I thought for sure I had contracted something.  I started furiously rubbing it off with another pad soaked in alcohol.  My lips nearly fell off.  Turns out it contains peppermint and I need to go back to therapy. Now I see it as refreshing and not frightening.  And I don't sample lip stuff.  Ever.  I'll just return something if I don't like it...which is one of the benefits of buying from places like Sephora.  I have wasted tons of money over the years on drugstore lipstick buys that I hated and had to toss.  Is there anything they can do to get the swatches to match the actual color?  Geez.

Okay, so my beauty hoarding tendencies are probably becoming apparent at this point. But in all honesty, I use only a handful of products.  Lotion, foundation, blush and lip gloss are about it in terms of my face most days.  That's what an addict would say, isn't it?  Just wait until I get to eyes.

Any favorites?  Share? Pretty please?

Kiss and Makeup

Monday, July 2, 2012

Complexion Perfection

My husband and I decided a few years ago that there were no more bambinos in our future. So at the suggestion of my nurse practitioner, I opted for a more long term solution...in the form of the Mirena IUD. TMI? Sorry about that. Anyway, what I thought would make my life easier ended up being a HUGE problem for my skin. "Oh yeah, progesterone will do that," was her response upon hearing my complaints. Uh, thanks? You could have warned me! Sure, I didn't have to remember to take a pill at the same time every day, but about six weeks after getting it installed my skin exploded. I was breaking out like crazy! It wasn't just my face, either. My neck and upper back were adversely affected, too. Sexy, right? I'd had the normal breakouts on my T-zone as a teen and struggled with oiliness in adulthood, but I had no idea how to handle this. And bacne? Fuhgetaboutit. I'd always been blessed with pretty decent skin and almost ten years on The Pill hadn't hurt, either. I tried everything I could find, yet the problem persisted for the first 18 months I had the IUD. Prescription creams just dried out the skin around my zits. Proactiv worked pretty well, but it bleached the necklines of my shirts and pillowcases. And while effective (but drying), Proactiv was annoying to buy. Get it sent regularly and risk having too much or too little of one product, or spend forever finding a mall kiosk. Ugh. Being a beauty product hoarder in the making at the time, I decided to seek out some awesome, effective products on my own. However, navigating the world of acne products left me feeling like Jennifer Connelly in Labyrinth. Minus the Muppets. And David Bowie. Wait, those are my two favorite parts! Bummer.

There are a million products out there and it is really easy to spend a fortune trying to find what works. For the past three years or so my skin has (thankfully!) been under control...just in time for me to get my Mirena replaced. I haven't been able to let my guard down, though, and I still use these products diligently to maintain my clear skin. I've actually considered going back on The Pill for fear of dealing with this again. Don't be afraid of Mirena, though. This was just my experience and everyone is different. Otherwise it has been fine. If I do go back for more, at least I'll be more equipped to handle the inevitable breakouts next time around. As a result, my hope is that I won't experience the same skin struggles I did before. This post is intended to help you navigate the world of acne products. My biggest piece of advice: give them time to work. I would get frustrated when my skin wasn't clear in two days, but it does not work that way! Sometimes my breakouts would initially get worse. Then they'd get better. Give a product a week or two of daily use before trashing it. Trust me. I wish I'd had me four years ago. Or something like that. Oh, you know what I mean.

Best Cleanser:

I would marry this product if I could. We have developed a close, personal relationship over the last several years and I'm a better woman for it. In all seriousness, Murad's Clarifying Cleanser has been a lifesaver. It has a nice citrusy smell and gives my skin a cool, tingly feeling. I use it every day and love, love, love it. It is non-drying and contains salicylic acid so it won't have a bleaching effect on your clothes and towels. The bottle is pretty big, too, so I've been going strong for a year and still have plenty left. Murad has a whole acne treatment line that this belongs to. I recently bought the toner after using up a sample size. It has the same effervescent feeling and makes my skin feel refreshed.

Best Spot Treatment:

I have been obsessed with Philosophy's lip glosses for ages. I should really find a support group because my purse is bursting at the seams with delicious lip lovelies. Acne treatment, though? Well, they proved me wrong. The On a Clear Day spot treatment is awesome. I put it on before bed and my zit looks way better in the morning. I've slathered it on my whole face before out of sheer desperation. It is also non-bleaching, as it uses sulfur rather than benzoyl peroxide to dry out blemishes. Sure, it smells a little like putting a tiny dab of fart on your face, but hey, if it works it works. And the smell really isn't that sulfur-y.

Best Tool:

I initially cringed at the thought of recommending this because it is not cheap (around $120) and I'm all about reasonable prices. But it is just too good not to mention. I bought the Mia a couple of years ago after coveting it for a long time, and I still maintain that it was worth the investment. I use the sensitive brush heads and never feel over-exfoliated. You know that feeling, and it is not pleasant. I started out using it three times a week and have worked my way up to using it with the Murad cleanser every time I shower. The only exception is if I'm using another exfoliator. One charge lasts for 20-30 uses (it turns off automatically after 1 minute so you don't overdo it), so I keep it in my shower. My skin easily looks dull, but this has never failed me. Shop around with this one for sure. Many websites offer coupon codes (the website attached to the pic has a 20% off code). You shouldn't have to pay full price.

Best Kit:

I purchased this while going through my "I'll do anything to get out of this skin" phase. It is a two step process that involves applying the exfoliant (in the jar), then the peel portion. Once added it foams up in a very satisfying way. I use it only occasionally now that my skin is under control, but I remember why I love it so after each use. It has a lovely orange scent. My skin glows like crazy and is more balanced. My blemishes improved considerably for at least a week after using it. It is pricey, but one set has lasted me two years with occasional use. Even when I was using it weekly, a little went a looong way.

Honorable Mentions:

I was first introduced to this product through my Birchbox subscription (more about that in a future post). It looks like a little container of baby powder, so I was interested to see what it had to offer. It also feels a lot like baby powder (its main ingredient is rice powder). You sprinkle some of it into the palm of your hand and add a little water to form a paste. Then gently rub into your skin for a bit. It doesn't feel grainy at all, so the first time I used it I thought it was a mean hoax. I have real skin problems, people! However, my skin felt awesome! Smooth, calm and balanced as a baby's butt. Now I keep a vial in my shower and use it a couple times a week when I want to feel fancy. And butt-like.

This mask was another Birchbox introduction and is made by June Jacobs. It is a creamy moisturizing mask that smells so good I've been tempted to lick my own face. I have a really long tongue. You probably didn't want to know that much about me. Sorry. My only hang-up is the price. The thought of paying $60+ for 3 ounces of something I rinse off after ten minutes makes me feel icky inside. But it feels SO good on my outside. I'm still milking my sample for all it is worth, but when it is gone I am going to be forced to have a really intense conversation with myself about the cost of my beauty habit. It is super balancing and calming. I want more.

I tried to put this one as far away as possible from my "Proactiv is a pain" comments. But I'd be remiss not to share it with you. And in all fairness, I did use words like "effective." When I was knee-deep in acne, this product really did help me crawl out. I smeared it onto my face, neck and back like a junkie. I still maintain that Proactiv is a pain, though. I didn't use the toner, and the Repairing Lotion lasts a really long time, so I was always running out of cleanser and stockpiling the others. It wasn't cheap, either. I keep a bottle of this in my medicine cabinet for times when my skin decides to be all-over naughty. A little dab covers a large area, so one bottle lasts forever these days (at least a year). It can be drying in a I'm-going-to-claw-my-skin-off kind of way if you use it daily but don't moisturize. That's the nature of the beast in acne care, though. Just remember to wear a scrappy shirt and use a white pillow case or one that you don't mind ruining. For those times when I'm feeling out of control (especially on my neck and back), it's a good tool to have. It is the only product in the line I use, and rarely anymore, so I buy it at a kiosk if I know where one is. I also included a link to Amazon, who sells it for less than half the kiosk price. If I need more in the future, I'll probably get it there. Murad also makes something like this, but I haven't tried it as it is pretty expensive and I just can't justify paying that much for a product I very rarely need anymore. If I have the same experience I did before skin-wise and my other products aren't cutting it, I will definitely give it a try.

So this is my acne arsenal and it works incredibly well for me. It just took a while to compile it. Part of the problem was the fact that I was trying mostly drugstore products in the beginning and they simply were not effective in my case. In fact, they frequently made the problem worse because they were so irritating. When I realized that spending a little more for really good, quality products would make all the difference, I was liberated. Besides, it wasn't really that much more expensive if I thought about it. Trying ten different drugstore products actually cost three times as much as one bottle of the Murad cleanser. I try to take really good care of my skin in general, and although rough, that 18 month period really reinforced the importance of good skin care. Silver lining and all, folks. A post on the the other products I use is on the way, but I have an eight page paper analyzing Fifty Shades of Grey due tomorrow for my Human Sexuality class. Being a blogger is a big responsibility! But I love you all dearly and would never let you down, even at the expense of my graded homework. Now leave me alone and let me write.

Complexion Perfection

Friday, June 22, 2012