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...
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
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!!!
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!!!
Friday, September 4, 2009
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??
Thursday, September 3, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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? ;)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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.
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