Now, let's be honest

Today is honesty day on the blog. There is always SOMETHING in your makeup case that you own that either you don't like or don't use or just flat out don't want. There are also some makeup trends that just don't work for you. THAT'S OK!!!

Want to know mine? I DO NOT like the way liquid liner looks on me. I think it's too harsh and it's honestly just way too much work. Some women can just slap it on and look great. Not so much me. Now, that has not stopped me from purchasing liquid liners in the past. I keep trying to convince myself that different colors or different companies will make a difference. Nope. Not so much. And that's ok! It's just one thing. I have loads of other types of eyeliners that I absolutely ADORE.

Just remember that not every look is for everyone. Find what look makes you happy, get rid of whatever it is in your makeup case that doesn't work for you, and take a deep breath. You gorgeous thing, you.

Deal O' the Day and something to think about...

Oooh! Hello Stila holiday lip glazes!! http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product_detail.asp?PMID=686&utm_source=ncr&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=lipglazecollection&nlid=10252.1008109.0.1.0.142196&eid=divadawn1@yahoo.com

The great thing about this set is that you get loads of different colors to try in a RANGE of shades. And the price for that number of glosses is INSANE! Oh, and if you buy anything on stilacosmetics.com and enter the code "FALLBEAUTY" at checkout, you get a GORGEOUS smudgepot for free!!! Hello! Yes please!!!

And now for your weekly PSA. Let's talk about a little thing called parabens. Who is familiar with these? For those of you who aren't, they are petroleum based preservatives in cosmetics that primarily are added to help destroy bacteria and funguses. As with any chemical, there are some risks. The weird thing is that parabens can actually mimic estrogen when introduced to the body. Also, people with more sensitive skin can be more likely to have reactions to products with parabens in them. Finally, some people just think that parabens, since they are not a natural substance, can clog pores.

The reason I bring this up is because I want to educate. I can tell you that I use cosmetics that do and cosmetics that don't contain parabens. I believe in all things in moderation and I also think that we should all be educated so that we can make the best decisions for ourselves.

Monday, Monday...

So, we made it through the weekend and blam! It's Monday again. Let's see if I can give you a few suggestions that might make you feel a little more like smiling!

Let's talk about masks. Most of you have probably tried one at some point or another. Lots of women don't know what kind to even use! Here's a fantastic overall suggestion. Clay. Yep- it is fantastic for all skin types. Why? Because clay is a natural toxin remover. It will literally pull the junk out of your pores like a sponge as it dries. If you have drier or normal skin, look for a white clay mask. If you have combination or oily skin, look for a red or green clay mask. Suggestions:

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod1150012

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod1060172

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P61214&categoryId=S15145&shouldPaginate=true

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P12406&categoryId=S15145&shouldPaginate=true

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=157924&catid=9386&trx=PLST-0-CAT&trxp1=9386&trxp2=157924&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-CAT

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=219257&catid=9386&trx=PLST-0-CAT&trxp1=9386&trxp2=219257&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-CAT

Now that it is really, REALLY fall, let the gorgeous deep nail colors enter the scene! My favorites right now are OPI's Espana line. http://www.opi.com/ Personal favorites are "Here Today, Aragon Tomorrow", "Manicurist of Seville" and "Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees". These colors look great on short, rounded fingernails and are amazing on toenails!!!

Tips and discounts today!!!

So, your tip today is to take that exfoliant that you use on your face in the shower once a week. Use it on your neck and chest. Think of that skin as just an extension of your face. It needs care, too.

Now, I am here to give you some lovely discount codes for makeup websites!!

You know that website I keep talking about Eyes Lips Face (E.L.F.)? Well, if you use this code when you check out, you get 50% off your entire order. Up to $15 off. Enter WWYBFIFTY and let the savings begin!

Thinking of ordering anything from Stila? Use code FALLSHIPPING to get free shipping on any order with no minimum purchase.

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is offering free shipping and a free mini lip gloss sample with any order with offer code MASCARA

Too Faced Cosmetics is offering free shipping for a week starting today. No offer code needed!

At Sephora, if you enter offer code BEFLAWLESS, you get a free sample of Bare Minerals mascara with any order.

How about them apples??

That's hot

Did you know that when you sleep, your body's core temperature raises, thus making your skin more absorb-able? That's why there are so many nighttime products out there. Because your skin "accepts" more when you are sleeping. So, here are a couple of evening tips for you!

When you are putting on your eye cream, make sure to dab it all over the eye area- undereye, next to eyes, and eyelid. Also, gently rub some into your eyelashes. Think of it as a conditioner for them.

PLEASE make sure that you are washing your face in tepid water. Not hot. Also, if you wash your face and the skin feels really tight after you pat it dry, your cleanser is too strong. Bump down a level and see if it feels better. Your skin should feel refreshed and smooth. Neither tight nor still greasy. If you have either of the latter, you need a new cleanser.

Want whiter teeth? Floss at night. Studies have shown that this is the best time of day to do it and that regular flossing equals whiter teeth! Also, flossers tend to live an average of 7 years longer than non-flossers. What the heck???

Don't forget, you can always leave me comments and questions on here or you are welcome to e-mail me at toobeautylicious@yahoo.com!

A neat little trick and some things to pick up

I was reading an article about choosing the right colors for you. One thing that people often wonder about is what color blush to use. The tip the article gave was to look at the pad of your index finger and that was the cheek (and lip) color for you! What a great idea!!!

Also, you might want to think about picking up some of the October issues of beauty magazines. October is usually the month when magazines run their "best of" issues. They test thousands of products every year and these issues are the best of the best! Their top recommendations in beauty products, hair products, beauty tools, etc. Allure even has tear out cheat sheets to use when you shop! So, these are a wonderful investment to perhaps try something new or to re-new your faith in an old favorite.

Do you have the right tools?

So, I want to hammer a couple of boards together. I think I'll get out my tape measure to do that.

WHAT?? I know, I know. Cheesy metaphor. But, let's discuss your beauty tools. Do you have a separate set of makeup brushes? Not those little flat brushes that come with the blush or the small weird little spongy things in the eyeshadow. No, I mean REAL brushes. Well, if you already do, then I am SUPER proud. If you don't, allow me to introduce you to my absolutel favorites. Bonus- they will absolutely NOT break the bank!

http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio_brushes/10_pc._studio_brush_collection

Love, love, LOVE these brushes. First of all, they are incredibly soft and durable. Secondly, it's a great "starter kit" for the makeup novice. And honestly, you get 10 brushes for $30. Um, you can't buy ONE makeup brush for $30 on most beauty sites. If you wanted to add one more brush a la carte, I would add this one: http://www.eyeslipsface.com/brushes/blending_eye_brush

It's super soft and is just the right size for dusting a light color all over the eyelid.

The good news is that if you're saying "I don't know how to take care of these!" it's EASY! Keep them neatly in some sort of case and once a week, wash the bristles in baby shampoo and lay out to air dry. Ta da!!!

Two recommendations

Hey y'all! Two quick recommendations for you. First, if you're looking for a great fall lip gloss, Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush lip gloss in "Red Delicious" is this fantastic sheer red with micro-sparkles. http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/onlineProductDisplay.vs?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=EE-193348&page=1&cgname=OSBAFTWYZZZ&rfnbr=5696
It looks great on it's own or over a lip stain or stick!

Someone was asking me about how to baby her color treated hair. When I asked her if she was using any kind of a deep conditioning treatment once a week, she said no. So, I quickly recommended this: http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=86558&catid=80576
The Neutrogena Triple Moisture Hair Mask. Love, love, LOVE this stuff. It's affordable, easy to find, and will make your hair feel amazing! Oh, and did I mention how great your hair also SMELLS after using this? Dee-lish-us!

It's not slap dash!

If I had to describe the whole look for the fall, it would be "deliberate". Nothing is just flung on or slapped on. It's a ladylike, defined look. Now, a great place to start with that would be your eyebrows. Think about it- when you see woman with well shaped and defined eyebrows, it just makes her whole face look amazing. Brows that are too thin just don't cut it anymore. Likewise, you can have a "strong brow", but you don't want to look like Bert from Sesame Street.

This is why I am highly recommending these: http://maybelline.com/Product/Eye/EyeLiner/expert-eyes-twin-brow-and-eye-pencil.htm

Maybelline's eyebrow pencils are a staple. They've been making them forever!! They are the perfect texture. Now, I do not recommend the trick that some women do where they tweeze out all their eyebrows and then draw them on with a pencil. No. That's not what eyebrow pencils are for. Instead, you can use them to fill in bare spots, even out color, lengthen the brow slightly, or create a slight shape.

I like to draw the pencil in lightly and then use my eyebrow brush to shape my brows in an arch. I find that this keeps the pencil on all day.

Mix-ologist!

Let's start with an obvious question- do you use multiple hair products? (I do. Big shock, I know.) Well, if you do, are you layering them or mixing them? I prefer to mix mine. For straight haired ladies, I love mixing a shine serum and a gel for absolutely sleek, glossy locks. Just be sure to rub them together really well in your hands and then really distribute the product throughout the hair.

For my curly haired ladies, Paul Mitchell is now making a cream gel called Fast Form: http://www.paulmitchell.com/WhatsNew/Pages/NEWFastFormandHotOffThePress.aspx
Instead of a hard look, it's supposed to be softer. Mix some of that with your anti-frizz serum, and you'll have the curls of a Renaissance beauty!

So, give it a try. Mix your products. See if you don't like the results more!

A couple of things for y'all today

Ok, first things first. A little common sense. You get out of the shower, you dry off and put on lotion, deodorant, whatever. You may put your hair product in now as well while your hair is wet. You may or may not dry it right off. But then you go to put on your makeup. STOP! Have you washed your hands first??? Please, please, PLEASE make sure that anytime you're going to be touching your face, that your hands are CLEAN. If you've got lotion or any kind of hair product on your hands, it's just going to get jammed into your pores. Hello! Breakout city! Clean hands= clean face.

Oh, and one more little tidbit. It's not quite beauty related. But I figured y'all wouldn't mind. If you aren't shopping for accessories at Wal-Mart or K-Mart, you're missing out! I have found some amazing steals at both!!! Long necklaces that can double as wrap around bracelets, rhinestone bracelets that look fantastically vintage, great big pearl bracelets and earrings. And I've never paid more than $7 for any of it!! I'm just saying- don't turn your nose up. You never know what you're going to find!

Fear not- I have not abandoned you!

I know, I know. I have been gone for 2 whole days. No beauty tips for 2 whole days!! So, that means that you get double tips today! Woo hoo!

I hear you naked faces out there. There are some of you that don't necessarily need all my tips on lip glosses and sticks, etc. You are just a hard core lip-balm-in-a-stick girl. Well, buy this: http://www.burtsbees.com/natural-products/lips-lip-care/replenishing-lip-balm-pomegranate-oil.html
It's Burt's Bees. It's cheap. It's extremely moisturizing. Oh, and it has a teeny tiny but of tint in it. Not too much so that it looks weird. Just a light rosiness. It's perfect.

Second- want to make your manicure and/or pedicure last? One word- MOISTURIZE. No joke. Especially your pedi. At night before you go to bed, slap on a layer of lotion or cream, throw on some socks (or don't. They're your sheets after all.) and wake up to awfully purty feet. Honest to god, I can literally stretch out a pedi at least an extra week if I am diligent in moisturizing. I am a big fan of this: http://www.curel.com/foot.asp

Your mani is the same way. Make sure to use lotion on your hands everytime you wash. And moisturize at night, too. Even if you don't have polish on your nails, the moisture is good to help strengthen your nails. And since you're already going to be in the area, check it out: http://www.curel.com/hand.asp

Consider it an investment

Now, I know there are those of you out there who are die hard eyebrow waxers. But, for those of you (like me) who tweeze, you need to make sure you are using the right tool.

The end all, be all gold standard the-buck-stops-here tweezers are made by Tweezerman: http://www.tweezerman.com/scripts/category.cfm?gc=B&topmenu=1&submenu=1

Yes, those of you who already own them know how UNREAL they are. They are perfect. They get those uber-short hairs that you spend 3 minutes on with regular tweezers and just end up with really red skin. They get the super fine hairs that just slip through other tweezers. Yes, they start at $15-$20. I know, I know! "WE'RE IN A RECESSION!!!" That's why I called them an investment. I bought my Tweezermans at least 5 or 6 years ago. They are jsut as sharp as the day I bought them.

And here's a bonus- if your tweezers ever do get dull, you can send them to Tweezerman and they will sharpen them free FOR LIFE (see here- http://www.tweezerman.com/pages/index.cfm?pg=20&ca=4)

Um, that means you won't have to buy tweezers ever again. That $15 or $20 isn't looking so bad now, is it?

The eyes have it!

Love, love, love these! http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P204316&categoryId=C10214&shouldPaginate=true

So gorgeous and in so many shades. And for a high end cosmetics line, a great bargain for the price.

A little something I am currently loving

Now, I don't know if any of you have ever used M.A.C. makeup. I looooove it! It is amazing and comes in some great colors. I have an eye liner pencil that is just about perfect. It's in their Eye Kohl line and it's called "Teddy": http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT151&PRODUCT_ID=323

It's this fantastic medium brown with very subtle gold undertones in it. Somehow, it manages to look good on everyone. It makes blue eyes pop. It brings out the gold flecks in green eyes. And it makes brown eyes so nice and warm. It is the perfect neutral eyeliner on those days when you can't make up your mind which pencil to use. It also smudges to perfection!

Just a suggestion for your fall makeup bag...

The devil you know...

...is better than the devil you don't know. We've all heard that saying. Let's see if that applies to you.

I read an article recently that had a crazy statistic. It said that a ridiculously high percentage of women (like, in the 70% range) have at least one beauty product that doesn't work for them. But, they just keep using it because they don't want to look for something else. Um, what???? I don't get that!!!

I know, I know. It's a bad economy. Times are tough. You don't want to spend extra money on something new that might not work either. Well, first of all, if you go to a makeup counter to purchase your new product, ASK THE PERSON BEHIND THE COUNTER FOR HELP!! Tell them what you've been using and why it no longer works for you OR what you are looking for. It's their job to guide you towards the right product. Here's the beauty of it- if you go home and it doesn't live up to your expectations or if you have problems with it, you can return it! And exchange it for something that will. The cosmetic companies want you to be happy and keep coming back to buy their products. Trust me, they are more than willing to work with you to find the right thing.

If, however, you are going to a drugstore or the equivalent to try to buy a new product, do a little research first. Get online at a major website like www.ulta.com or www.drugstore.com. You can narrow down your search on both of these and read descriptions of the products. That way, you can find what you like before you get in the store and are faced with a zillion choices that you know NOTHING about. Bonus- there are also reviews of products as well. You can see what other women think of the product. And finally, most drugstores and mass market stores will take makeup back as well. As long as you have your receipt and a valid reason why you are returning it (ex- it made my eyes burn, my skin broke out after I used it, etc) they are also happy to let you exchange your product.

SOOOOOO, I say all that to say this. Think about your makeup, your skin care, your hair care, etc. Are you truly happy with all of it? Is there something that you wish worked just a little bit better? Are you tired of the same old thing? Then make a change. Be brave! And if nothing else, you can always ask me for help. I'm here for YOU! You can leave a question on the blog or e-mail me at toobeautylicious@yahoo.com.

A question from a reader

First and foremost- I'd like to offer up a big ol' CONGRATS to Erin M. for recruiting the most followers. She will be receiving the bag o' fall beauty stuff!! Don't worry everyone else- there will be more chances to win stuff in the future! Again, I'm never above bribery.

Ok, so the beauty tip for today is kind of an odd one. I was talking to a friend of mine who was dealing with a perpetually chapped upper lip. She was a regular lip balm user, so she couldn't figure out what was going on. (And no, that's just an old wives tale that if you use too much chapstick or lip balm or Carmex that you'll become addicted and your lips won't make their own moisture. Those products provide a barrier for your lips. They don't take stuff away.) Anyway, she was asking what she could try to help alleviate the problem.

Don't freak out when I tell you this. Seriously. Don't. I suggested she try this: http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=72400&catid=20&brand=23229&trx=PLST-0-BRAND&trxp1=20&trxp2=72400&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-BRAND

This is Lansinoh Lanolin Cream. It is primarily used by women who are breastfeeding on their nipples. For those who have never breastfed, it can be a bit...uncomfortable for some. This stuff is like manna from heaven. It is the absolute gold standard in moisturizers, period. It's natural and pure and SAFE. Oh, and did I mention that you can use practically a pin head sized amount?? That's how concentrated this stuff is. I'm not joking. One tube will last you forever. Let me put it this way- I bought a tube when my son was born. He just turned 3.

I primarily use mine in the wintertime on my hands. My cuticles get so dry and sometimes I will actually have cracks in my skin. This stuff is so healing and soothing. I love it. I've also used it when I got dry patches on my knees or elbows. The uses are limitless. I bought mine at Wal-Mart, but you can pretty much get it at any drugstore or mass market type place.

I know, I know. It's weird. BUT IT WORKS!!!

Per a reader's request

I have to say that I probably get the most questions about mascara. A huge population of women wear it. And it seems like most of those women are constantly looking for a better mascara. ;) So, I am dedicating today's blog post to all the different types of looks that you'd want from your mascara. I am going to give you an "haute couture" recommendation and a "bargain basement" recommendation for each.

Lengthening

Haute Couture: Clinique's Lash Power mascara: http://www.clinique.com/product/CATEGORY4904/PROD12638/Makeup/Mascara/index.tmpl

For unbelievable long, spidery lashes, this stuff is great!! It also really stays on all day and slides off when you rinse with warm water. It can weigh curled eyelashes down, so you have to make sure that your coats are light.

Bargain Basement: Maybelline Define-A-Lash: http://www.maybelline.com/Product/Eye/Mascara/define-a-lash-lengthening-mascara.htm

It's award winning and the cool shaped brush really helps get EVERY lash.

Volumizing

Haute Couture: Dior Show Volume Intense: http://beauty.dior.com/usa/en/base.html#/en/woman/makeup/women-makeup-eyes/woman-makeup-eyes-mascaras/diorshow-black-out-spectacular-volume-in-9.html

This is the stuff that makeup artists go coo coo nuts for! It is unreal and your lashes look AMAZING. Deep, dark black color and a great brush make for some high drama and giant lashes.

Bargain Basement: Max Factor Volume Couture: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2140602&productId=xlsImpprod860090&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat80040

Fantastic rubber brush and smooth texture make for big ol' fat eyelashes.

Natural/Soft

Haute Couture: Tarte's 4 Day Lash stain: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P210587&categoryId=S10510&shouldPaginate=true

Now, I know the price of this stuff is not in the "haute couture" price range, but Tarte is a higher end product. This stuff tints your lashes and just makes it look like you have naturally dark lashes without adding too much.

Bargain Basement: Neutrogena Clean Lash Tint: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=prod2106119

Same idea as above. It's more of a tint than an actual mascara.

Waterproof

Haute Couture: Dior Show Blackout Waterproof Mascara: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P212928&categoryId=S10510&shouldPaginate=true

This stuff stays on ALL DAY and is clump free!! This is one of my favorites.

Bargain Basement: Max Factor 2000 Calorie Aqua Lash: http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=159228&catid=98638&cmbProdBrandFilter=5986

This is just about as perfect as waterproof mascara gets. It's affordable, it's got a great texture, the bristles on the brush distribute color evenly and it stays on ALL DAY. (Yes, this is my go to mascara.)

All Purpose

Haute Couture: Benefit's Bad Gal Mascara: http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/gp/product/B000FBF5BI/sr=1-1/qid=1252079672/ref=sr_1_1/185-2654206-8654825?ie=UTF8&n=1289302011&bcBrand=core

This stuff lengthens, fattens, lifts. It's great and will make your eyes look unreal!

Bargain Basement: Cover Girl's Lash Exact Mascara: http://www.covergirl.com/products/product.jsp?productId=lashexact_mascara

I don't think I've heard a bad thing about this product. It's so multi-purpose and can really make the eyes just look beautiful.

So, enough suggestions for you? Are y'all inspired to try something new??

A happy finding

So, I was swapping out my spring and summer lip glosses for my fall and winter lip colors (yes, I know. Most people just swap out their clothes for the summer. I swap out lip colors. I have a sickness.) Anywho, I was pulling out my gorgeous fall colors and re-discovered my all time favorite!! It's called Fat Balm and it's made by a British company called Eyeko: http://www.eyeko.com/product_info.php?products_id=28

My personal favorite is the Strawberry Balm. It is the perfect shade of rosy loveliness. And here's the crazy part- it is literally the perfect blend of lipstick/lip balm/ and gloss. It is amazingly moisturizing, provides just the right amount of color, and has a little sheen to it, too. Here's the even better part: it lasts a long time and as it wears off, it turns into that great stained look. Like "Oh yeah, my lips are naturally this gorgeous rosy color." Now, if you are more of a medium or darker skin tone, you can definitely pull off the Raspberry Balm. If you want a more natural look, go for the Minty Balm. But the Strawberry looks good on EVERYONE.

Oh, and did I mention that this stuff is only $8 and they do free shipping to the U.S.? Check out the website and see what you think!

Don't forget- tomorrow we will reveal who won the bag o' beauty treats for recruiting the most people!

Something to consider

There is a fantastic article in this month's Allure magazine about style. As in personal style. Think about icons that are well known. Audrey. Marilyn. Jackie O. They had amazing personal style. And they were all different! The article encouraged the reader to discover and embrace their own style.

That got me thinking that I needed to bring it up on the beauty blog. Quick, think of something that makes you, YOU. What is an element of YOUR personal style? Do you have amazing curly hair that you emphasize? Do you have a great vintage jewelry collection? Are you a fan of bright colors? Do you know how to rock the current trends, no matter what they are? Are you a makeup artiste extraordinaire who can do a cat eye like nobody's business? Can you work a pair of stilettos no matter what time of day or what you're wearing?

If you can't think of something that helps define you, then take a minute. Ponder this. What do you want to add to your look to give you that extra oomph? Do you want to try the current scarf trend? What about committing to using lipstick more regularly to really bring out your gorgeous lips? Mix and match jewelry for a really unique/funky look.

Every woman should feel special and beautiful and unique. Having something personal that not only makes you feel good, but makes you memorable is a GOOD thing. It's not about vanity. It's about showing a little piece of who you are on the outside.

Now, that being said, where are my purple, patent leather pants? ;)

New product recommendation

I don't know if you guys know this, but Victoria's Secert recently revamped their cosmetics line. They felt that their first outing just wasn't good enough. So, they cleaned off their shelves, went back to the drawing board, and just released their newest versions of their products. I gotta say, from what I've seen, I am really impressed. Plus, at my VS, they have a coupon sitting with the makeup for $10 off a purchase of $30. Um, yes please!!

Anywho, I have tried their new Sheer Gloss Stick and I LOVE IT: http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/onlineProductDisplay.vs?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=EC-232462&page=1&cgname=OSBAFVSMZZZ&rfnbr=2674&atp=a

It goes on like a balm and feels so nice and moist. And it really is a sheer color. The coolest part was that when it was wearing off, it kind of turned into this nice stain.

It comes in a great range of colors for any skin shade. My recommendations? "Only You" and "Grace". They are great colors for the fall.