A little granola for your Saturday

So, I heard about this new mostly natural/organic beauty line called Noah's Naturals (http://www.noahsnaturals.com/) and was really interested! The product that had been recommended was their facial scrub which is for ALL skin types! (Love that!!) Anywho, I perused the website and was extremely pleased to see that they had a range of products at really affordable prices. You can choose between their regular all natural lineup of cosmetics or the organic line.

If you've been wanting to incorporate more natural ingredients into your beauty routine, this would be a great place to start. You can order the products directly from their website or from http://www.drugstore.com/. I will be ordering the aforementioned facial scrub today and will certainly be reporting back how well it works.

Friday!!

Hey y'all! A couple of fun things for your weekend.

First, Clinique.com is offering free shipping and a free sample of dramatically different moisturizing lotion starting to day through Sunday with any order from the website. Just use the code "WEEKEND".

Second, for those of you who have met Too in the flesh, you know that I have quite possibly the straightest hair on earth. Seriously. It's ridiculous. But, I feel like that kind of leaves my curly haired ladies in the lurch when it comes to hair product advice. So, I sort of underhandedly enlisted the help of my friend (We'll refer to her as a Tall Drink of Water) who does have curly hair to try some products.

Thus far, she overwhelmingly loves this fun product called "Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding." It is this lavender creamy product that you put in your hair when it is wet, like you normally would a gel. However, instead of drying to a crunchy, wet/hard look, the pudding turns it into a mass of gorgeous soft curls. Tall Drink informed me that her curls were soft and pretty and she felt like her hair looked amazingly cute. And of course- NO FRIZZ! Did I also mention that this stuff smells like heaven? I can attest to that personally. I smelled it in her hair and it was amazing!!

So, where can you get this miracle product? Well. I ordered it from http://www.urbanbella.net/. Urban Bella is a salon in Atlanta that specializes in all types of curly hair. And only curly hair. So, if you live in the Atl, swing by the salon and take a peek. Or, you can just order any of their products from the website.

Whew. Back from the crazy

Dearest, darling readers. I am so very sorry for being gone for so long. Real life has a way of really interrupting the fun stuff that you actually WANT to do! So, I am back with lots of fun new tips for you and some crazy discounts.

I do love me some Tarte Cosmetics. LOVE them. And, from now until Feb 1, if you use the code "luckyweek3", you get 40% off your entire purchase!!! What??? That's crazy! Too recommends their dual ended lip glosses. Those happen to be on sale for $10, plus an extra 40% off is an absolute steal!!!!!

Sigh, why oh why must I constantly find things that are going to tempt the heck out of me?? You know how I've been introducing you to the sample sale websites? Yeah, apparently they have one just for beauty products. Seriously?? The temptation is going to make me a little coo coo. The website is http://www.thefairest.com/ and I was already really impressed with what I saw. I can't wait to see what brands they feature in the future. Oh, and joining the site is free! Woo hoo!!

So, here we are in late January. It's that weird stretch of time where the holidays are over and spring still feels like it's a long way off. We all tend to get into some sort of beauty doldrums right about now. Well, there's no reason to "wait for warmer weather" to do something different. Get some gorgeous lowlights the next time you go to the salon. Buy a new violet eye pencil and rock that bad boy! Use a fantastic berry shade on either your fingernails or toenails. And don't forget that you should still be treating your hair with a deep conditioner to combat the dry winter winds. Static is not your friend. So, I challenge you readers- do something new or different in your beauty routine this week. Shake it up!

Spring is on the way!

So, it's January. And I don't know about where you live, but here it's cold and rainy. Blech. I am trying to cope with this by wearing bright colors and looking at what lovely makeup colors I will be rocking very soon. Now, I have always loved MAC's lip colors. They are so pretty and saturated and you can find them if you like softer or bolder colors. They have a line of glosses called Lip Gelee and there is a special collection out right now inspired by Lilly Pulitzer. It's called "MAC in Lillyland." There are 4 colors and they are so pretty and bright and cheerful! The good news is that you can wear them very sheer or you can build the color. Either way you wear them, they are guaranteed to improve your attitude and give you a great, shiny smile!

Want to take a peek? Go to http://www.maccosmetics.com/ and go to the "What's New" area. I think you'll really like the entire collection.

It's Quirky!

So, I don't know if you're anything like me, you kind of love Johnny Depp. Which means that if he's in a movie, you're going to go see it. Now, when you take Johnny Depp and add Alice in Wonderland- I AM THERE!!!! Tim Burton? Yes, please!!!

Now, I know you're all saying "Um, Too. What on earth are you talking about????" Well, OPI has partnered with the movie to come out with a line of nail polishes that are as quirky and magical as sliding down the rabbit hole! They're glittery and gorgeous and come int he best shades!! I am currently wearing "Absolutely Alice" which is the faaaaaabulous blue glitter. Sigh, how am I going to keep myself from buying all the rest???

Here's a tip- go to enailsupply.com where their OPI polishes are on sale!

A couple of things

First and foremost, one of my FAVORITE cosmetic lines, Laura Geller, is having a big ol' sale on Gilt Groupe. They have some great offers, including an entire kit with foundation, concealer, and all kinds of other goodies for your face. I'm telling you, you're going to want to check this out! If you need an invite to this site, just e-mail me at too.beautylicious@yahoo.com. But hurry! Tomorrow is the last day of the sale!

Next- some exciting lip color offers at Sephora! One, you can get a Korres lipstick trio for only $21. This includes 3 full sized, organic lipsticks with an SPF of 15. Perfect for your spring looks. Also, they are offering a lip color sampler that includes 7 different lipsticks and lip glosses in gorgeous shades of pink and red just in time for Valentine's Day! It's only $25 and it looks AMAZING!!!

And now for something completely different

Remember last night when we were discussing the colors of the Golden Globes dresses and how they were all purples and pinks? Well, throw in some oranges, and you've got yourself the major lip colors of the spring. People are wanting to look and feel optimistic. What's more optimistic than a bright lip color? Candy colored pinks and surf tastic corals and bright violets are ruling the catwalks and fashion magazines these days. Talk about a wake up to the face after a dull, cold winter. Here's a great idea for those of you who are a little nervous about such a major choice- you can always elect for a sheer, bright colored gloss. That way, you can still get the pop without quite the same level of...commitment, as it were. Want some ideas? I thought you'd never ask:

Clinique's High Impact Lip Color in Peach Pop

Kat Von D's Painted Love Lipstick in Backstage Bambi

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Amethyst Shimmer

Napolean Perdis Devine Goddess Lipstick in either Calypso or Xenia

All of these can be found on Sephora or Ulta. And remember- if you're scared of the lipstick, you can always get a gloss that is bright, but sheer.

Off the mascara topic...

So, I'm watching the Golden Globes and I am seeing quite the interesting contrast from what I've been hearing. All I've heard for a few months now is that turquoise is going to be THE color for spring. It is the IT color that has marched down every runway of every spring show. And yet, not a single woman is wearing it tonight. Hmmm... LOADS of pink and purple in every conceiveable shade. But no turquoise.

I think what we can draw from this is that pretty, rich tones are going to be big for spring. This makes me very happy! Why? Because everyone can find a pink or a purple or a blue that looks good on them. These colors are cheerful and happy and optimistic. A great sign that people are determined to put on a happy face. So, think bright beautiful colors when looking for spring clothes, accessories, and yes, makeup. I plan on taking a cue from the GG's tonight and rocking some lovely purple eyeliner and shadow tomorrow.

Still going...

See what I do for you? I am still trying out these mascaras!

Today's mascara is kind of different. It's Tarte's 4 Day Stay Lash Stain. Now, this description was not on the sample sized tube when I used it. I figured it was just regular old mascara. Now, according to Tarte, this stuff is supposed to last 4 days while not being harmful to your lashes. You can wear it into the shower/pool/any wet environment and it's still supposed to stay on your lashes for up to 4 days!!!

Now, I used this stuff and it sure did make my lashes pretty. Long, dark. Very smooth, which I like. No smudging and all that. Interestingly enough, though, when I washed my face, it sure did come off. Now, I don't know if Tarte is assuming that you're not going to use soap on your eye area or what. So, next time I use it, I guess I'll just use water on my eyes. Although, I'm not sure how that's going to get the liner and the shadow off. Hmmm..

Long story short- great product. Nice mascara. But, I don't think it really lasts 4 days.

Still going...

So, the experiment continues. What did I use today? Only what might be my new favorite!!! Smashbox's "Lash DNA." Why DNA? Because the brush is helix shaped. It's bigger on the ends than it is in the middle. This allows coverage over all your lashes when you are applying. This stuff claims to use proteins and amino acids to create curl and length while conditioning and actually repairing past lash damage. Well, I don't know about all that high falutin' science stuff; but I do know that it provided some amazing, inky black coverage. ZERO clumps! Gorgeous fat lashes that lasted allllllllll day! Holy smoke, this stuff is fantastic! Now the only bad part is that I have to use something else tomorrow. Sigh...see what I do for y'all???

Ohhhhh nooooo...

I'm a little sad today. Why? Well, are we all familiar with the famous "YSL" logo? Yep, Yves St. Laurent. Designer of extemely high end women's clothing. Unbelieveable style. So, when I saw that YSL was creating makeup, I was beyond excited!! So, today I pulled out my sample of "Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils". It claims to make your lashes look like you are wearing fake lashes. OK! Well, after applying 3 (count them) THREE coats to each set of eyelashes, I can tell you that I am highly disappointed. My lashes look...dark. So, that's something. But, they definitely do not look any longer. And they don't really look any thicker. I mean, if you are going for a very natural look, this stuff would be great. But, I don't think you would want to pay $28 for a mascara that just makes your lashes look darker!!!! There was no smudging or flaking, but overall, I doubt this stuff is going to be making any friends or influencing any people. Boooo...

Curiouser and curiouser

So, I figured that today's mascara review was going to be a little different since I tried essentially the same mascara just in different colors. Today's (and yesterday's) choice was Benefit's Bad Gal Lash. I tried the Bad Gal Plum on Sunday and the regualr black Bad Gal Lash today. Now, Benefit claims that the Plum enhances your eye color, no matter what it is. Hmmm...interesting. So, I have to say that honestly, I liked the Plum better! Weird, right? I don't know if it, in fact, enhanced my eye color. But, the sample that I got definitely made my lashes thicker than the black version. They both had pretty good staying power. No clumps. Great lash separation. I would certainly recommend either of these to anyone!

Holy 100th post, Batman!!!

Woo hoo! This is post 100! Who knew? So excited about that!

Ok, back to it. It's going to be a double tip day today. First, let's discuss the mascara of the day, shall we?

Sephora Lash Stretcher- Now, this stuff is supposed to make your lashes crazy long. It has these itty bitty fibers in it that are supposed to attach to your lashes and make them look long when the mascara dries. Hmmm... I was intrigued. Then I actually used this stuff. Sweet fancy Moses. If you have some chick that you don't like; perhaps a hateful co-worker or an uber-competitive mom in your playgroup, buy her this stuff. First off, after 3 coats, I could still barely see my lashes. Secondly, the magic little fibers flaked off all day. I nearly scratched my eyes out of my face. I had to throw out my contact lenses that night. So, for the love of Pete, do not buy this stuff. Unless you're a glutton for punishment.

Now, for the other tip. A lovely Too Beautylicious reader named Karri B. is a representative for Artistry Cosmetics. Anyone heard of it? I had, but I had never tried them. Karri turned me onto their eye shadows and blush. I wanted to give them a real hard core trial before reporting on them to the rest of you readers. I wore this stuff through the crazy of the holidays. The constant hugs and kisses and dragging things in and out of the oven. I have to tell you- this stuff impressed me. The staying power of this stuff was amazing! It stayed on all day! I LOVE it! So, if you, like me, have the tendency of having your makeup fade as the day goes along, I would seriously consider getting some more info about Artistry. How can I do that, Too? I hear you asking. Well, if you e-mail the lovely Karri B. at karri@ltdkate.com and she can hook you up with a catalog of all the lovely products Artistry makes. And who doesn't love getting a catalog of pretty things in the mail???

Day 3 of the great lash experiment...

Wait for it...

Urban Decay Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara- I don't know if many of you are familiar with Urban Decay. I kind of love them. The makeup is a little extreme and the names of their colors make me laugh out loud. Who else is going to have a lip gloss called "Gash"? Anywho, needless to say, I was very excited to try this mascara. They claim that it will "lengthen, strengthen, separate, curl, brighten, and thicken" your lashes. Well, I don't know about all that. I mean, why don't they just say it will vaccuum my whole house while they are at it??

I must say, I was a teensy bit disappointed in this mascara. First of all, the applicator brush is not solid plastic. It's...rubbery. So, it bends instead of staying rigid. That makes the application part a little tricky. Secondly, it just doesn't do all that it claims to do. I mean, my lashes look nice. Separated. Sooty black. No clumps. But, I was expecting great big dramatic so-big-they-practically-look-fake lashes. And I just got...nice lashes. So, I think this mascara is fine for everyday wear. But, if you're looking for drama, I think you might want to go elsewhere.

Another day, another mascara

And the mascara today is...

Korres Abyssinia Oil Volumizing Mascara- I don't know how many of you are familiar with Korres. They are a Greek cosmetics company that prides itself on its use of natural ingredients in their products. Olive oil, pomegranate, etc, etc. This mascara contains a botanical oil that they claim conditions your lashes. I must admit, I am impressed with this stuff as well. My eyelashes look big and black and nicely separated. No clumping together! My lashes also feel and look very soft. No smudging which is a big deal for me since I am a habitual eye rub-er.

The one weird caveat I would have to add is that it has slightly irritated my contacts on and off during the day. I don't know why, but it's something that I will definitely consider when wearing this again.

Everything I do, I do it for you!!!

Fear not readers! I have not abandoned you! I just had computer issues for a few days. Urg.

Anywho, I giggled with glee when my mascara sampler from Sephora arrived. As you may recall, Max Factor will no longer be selling my beloved mascara in the U.S. anymore as of this month. Boooo... So, I figured that meant it was as good of a time as any to try some new mascaras and let y'all know what I thought. So, I figured I'd try a new mascara every day for 12 days (the number of samples I got) and let you know what I thought. And, without further ado...

1. Hourglass "Superficial Lash"- this is a volumizing, lengthening mascara. The sample is in their carbon black shade. I have to be honest- I'd never even heard of this brand before I got this sampler. So, I went into this completely blind. I was pleasantly surprised with it. It didn't weigh my lashes down after I'd curled them. It's also loaded with vitamin E, so my lashes still feel soft even after wearing it all day. No smudging or flaking. I'd say it gave me more volume as opposed to a lot of extra length. The only caveat would be that it dries pretty fast. So, I'd probably not wait until the first coat dried before applying a second coat.

I'd give this mascara a high rating and would definitely recommend it to a friend!