Toner and "Sex"

Like my provocative title?? It's actually more to remind me that I'm writing a post on two random thoughts.

I deviated from (cheated on) my normal toner, but definitely had a couple of skin explosions without it. I went back last week, and all is clear again. Phew. Anyone I have recommended it to has adored it. It prevents breakouts, evens out skin texture and color, and fades scars. Truly astounding. Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner.

On a different note, Laura left a comment about "Sex and the City." Yes, I saw it...six gratuitous sex scenes and all. I could have done without those, but other than that, loved a reunion of those four gals. Laura, I too wept openly many times! Strong female friendships, resilient women, inconstant men and loyal men...I know these themes well. I left so thankful for all of the brave, emotional, witty, loyal women in my life...and all the ways I am shaped by my friendships.

I was most moved by Charlotte's fierce defense of Carrie. Brennan Manning said, "a friend is someone who stays with you in the bad weather of life, guards you when you are off your guard..." My friends have certainly done that for me. I have had some pretty huge storms in the last couple of years, and have been guarded when I couldn't function emotionally or physically. I have clung to John Mayer's lyrics during many a storm..."The circle of your friends will defend the silver lining." Mine have circled around me, and fought for me when all my fight was gone.

Make Up For Ever

I am only beginning to discover the wonders of this brand. I had heard of the waterproof "Aqua Eye" eyeliner. However, I have tested so many "waterproof" pencil liners and am convinced that the only truly waterproof are gel liners (like Bobbi Brown.)

Alot of magazines and beauty blogs are raving about the new High Definition Powder, and how its light-reflecting particles mask any skin imperfections and set makeup with 100% mineral silica powder (seriously, this is all from my memory...no joke, everyone is writing about it.) So, I got myself down to Sephora to try it out.

I go to Sephora about once every few weeks, and have a list of all the products I want to play with. While playing around at Make Up For Ever, I tried on the Pearly Waterproof Eyeshadow Pencil in shimmery taupe. It went on kind of creamy and I had a blend a little, but--boy--did that stuff stay put. I was seriously impressed. I usually put in the eyelid primer, then eyeshadow (on the odd day that I actually wear eyeshadow.) This was one step. If they had it in gray, I would snap that thing up.

$18

Milla Jovovich

I love this dress, shoes, her hair. Basically, the whole look!

Wedding Hair

So, Lindsy's wedding is approaching and I'm brushing up on hair and makeup tips. By the way, that is a picture of she and I. I don't have any of her alone that are easily accessible and didn't feel like getting out old picture CD's to search through! Anyways, she wants her hair either half up/half down or most likely, in a low bun. She will have side-swept bangs, and the bun will be fairly messy (as opposed to severe, librarian style...that looks like a bald head from the front.) I will probably tease the hair at the crown to give a little lift that will show up in pictures. We'll curl and texturize it first, for more body all over (but not quite as much body as "Anne of Avonlea" if there are any fans of that movie who thought her hair was a bit too bouffant, as I did.)

Let me just say that I am NO hairdresser. Once a year, I put some effort into my hair, but I'm not generally going to spend the time manipulating my hair to do anything other than what it naturally does. Just like my makeup philosophy, I believe in simply enhancing its best features.

Here are some pictures that are similar to what we'll do...just ideas from each.

What's wrong with me?

Why do I want this so badly? I saw it in my local beauty supply store and haven't been able to forget about it. A few years ago, I was obsessed with a hot pink ModelCo one in Sephora that closed with velcro. However, they never had it in-store and I wasn't about to pay $7 shipping for a $10 item.

But this looks so amazing!! I want it.

Stay tuned: I am on a mad hunt for Lindsy hair/makeup wedding ideas, as I have been charged with the tasks. I will post some pics of my current ideas and tips. I am doing all the research I can now, so that my hands don't shake with nerves and ruin everything!

The Good Stuff

With my Chronic Fatigue, I can't drink coffee or black (fermented) teas. It gives false energy and a jittery feeling for me, which is dangerous because I then push myself too hard. However, my doctor started me on a wonderful herb (no, stop giggling, it is not marijuana.) It is Rhodiola Rosea, and apparently a better natural energy supplement than ginseng. It gives the wide awake feeling of coffee without the buzz. Anyone desiring to feel more alert in a natural way should try it out.

I get mine at Whole Foods. I take one in the morning, and sometimes another at lunch if I'm feeling energy-less. I can still drink my beloved jasmine green tea with it, without getting jittery.

"Because I'm Addicted" Blog Rant

I sometimes check out a blog called "Because I'm Addicted." She wrote a great post on cellulite and how all normal women have it. I love it! Check it out.

Because I'm Addicted

Beauty.com

Hurry, this sale only happens once a year! Last year, I used this discount to purchase my first bottle of Glo Fusion--the most amazing self tanner ever.

This Wednesday only! Beauty products so rarely go on sale, that I feel as though I am spreading top priority world news. Kidding.

Applause from those with yellow undertones

I love Bare Escentuals mineral foundation. I have tried a few different brands, but love the creaminess of BE. My only complaint has been that they offer no colors with yellow undertones. Finally, they released Golden Medium! I could not be happier. I have been using Medium Beige for quite some time now, but always check the coloring in natural light (in my car mirror) to make sure it doesn't look "beige-y" on me. I haven't really been able to use it as a concealer because it only accentuates the beige color on my rather yellow skin tone

One small step for BE, one giant leap for the yellowish girls everywhere.

On a confessional note, one of the reasons I may truly love BE is because of the infomercials. Just when I start to be discontent, and wonder if Laura Mercier or Philosophy mineral makeup is better, I happen upon a BE infomercial. In a matter of minutes, I am excited again about the versatility of it. It's really very sad what a follower I am.

I also could not live without the Faux Tan powder. It keeps me glowing year round with no sun damage, or even the stickiness that sometimes comes with facial self tanners. A simple sweep of the powder across the bridge of my nose, forehead and blending in at the neck...using the flawless face or flawless face full brush...followed by Mineral Veil. Oops, maybe I have watched a few too many infomercials.

Lippies

I probably own over thirty lip products. I don't have an exact count, but at any given time, I carry about twelve in my purse. I suppose it's the same as any other makeup perfection pursuit. No matter how satisfied I am with my current lip products, tiny nagging thoughts nibble away at the contentment and I wonder if I am missing the Holy Grail end-all lip product.

To combat this pesky, nibbling monster, I am going to remind myself and tell you about my favorite go-to lip products...and why they stay the top competitors in this tight race for my affections.

First, Almay Hydracolor Lipstick in Pink Pearl: I would NEVER have tried this, but fell in love with a sample from a magazine last year and have gone through THREE tubes. It is super shimmery, so wears off really well...leaving a hint of shimmer on your lips. It is a great rose pink. Its only flaw is that the shimmer is silver and I tend to like coral/gold, but it is my go-to lip color on the run. I don't even need a mirror to apply it. And it's so moisturizing, and has SPF 15.

Second, my trusty NARS Lipgloss in Orgasm. I have the blush as well, and love its coral-gold goodness. For a lipgloss, it actually deposits quite a bit of color. Its flaw: as it wears, it can leave a white film on the very inside of the lip. Pretty unattractive, so I have to constantly bite my lip as it is wearing off. Definitely my most flattering color, though.


Third, my latest favorite is a recent purchase of Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Guava. I own about four other lip glosses with a hint of fuschia because I find it flattering on me in moderation. But, I'm lazy enough that I don't want to be tied to a mirror in a mid-day application. So, I would rather slap on some color on my lips and trust that it will look inconspicuous. This stuff has peppermint oil in it, lots of shimmer and that perfect hint of fuschia.
I have some great MAC, Benefit and Bobbi Brown lipsticks and liners, but find that I never reach for those. I inevitably grab a gloss or chapstick/lipstick.

Too much, SJP

I can appreciate the fashion-forwardness, fabulousness of this in theory. But, my personal opinion...way too much.

Desert in the Spring

We made it to Palm Desert. Seven hours in the car next to my niece Amelia. I clipped her toenails and applied hot pink polish to her left foot. She said, "Pretty," but then wouldn't let me do the right foot. "Don't, Kara. Don't. No" were her exact words. While I read a magazine, she begged for "paper" and I gave her the subscription card out of the magazine. That kept her occupied for quite some time. Did I mention that she is 15 months old?

Eleven hours of sleep later, we're ready for the pool. I wish I looked like this on vacation:

Photo: Frugal Fashionista

But, alas, I do not. I did, however, get a generous sample of MAC Prep + Prime SPF 50 and I LOVE it. I am a little concerned about using a primer everyday, as it seems as though it would clog the pores. But, it is pretty amazing. I will tell more later.

Vacation Time

I have to pack tonight for seven days away...to Palm Desert and San Diego. I assume that I will mostly be wearing a bikini and dress in the desert, but San Diego is more difficult. I try not to overpack, and therefore, spend far too much time agonizing over the most versatile items to bring. I have issues...

Slapped some self tanner on, will retouch my toenails, bringing a few types of sunscreen. Preparation!

Anthropologie

So my new "Summertime" Anthropologie catalogue came last week. I love Anthropologie clothes, but in moderation. I tend to dress more simply, and then like to add one memorable/distinctive piece or fun accessories. My basics consist of well-fitting, classic clothes. Anthropologie provides many distinctive pieces, but usually the catalogues pair too many distinctive pieces together. As I'm a "less is more" kind of girl, I think this style robs the distinctive pieces of their distinctiveness. (Have I said "distinctive" enough?)

This edition was a breath of fresh air. The clothes were simple, with just a slight twist or the perfect accessory. I wanted nearly everything in it!

Well done, Anthropologie.

Go check it out online.

How did I live?

Lately I wonder how I lived without my Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner in Cobalt Ink. I used to have a problem with disappearing liner from my upper lashes, and smudged lower lashes. The only way I could prevent both was to use my trusty Urban Decay primer under a pencil eyeliner on top, and line only on my actual lower lash waterline.

Then, I heard about Stila Smudge Pots, apparently long wearing. I considered it, but never got crazy excited about it. Finally, I discovered the Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner. I was going to stick with black, but loved the cobalt ink. I can tone it down if I just want to smudge a little on my upper lashes, or embrace its feisty cobalt 'tude all over. It seriously stays put. It's a little on the high maintenance side, requiring purchasing the brush to apply it. And I could never slap this stuff on in the car on the way to work. But it is definitely worth it.

And they have a huge assortment of colors.

Yoga-Ta Get This Blue

I love the OPI nail collections. I very rarely stray from matte or sheer nail colors and love all classic colors, but once a year, like to branch out and go shimmery/trendy. This season, it is Yoga-ta Get This Blue from the India Collection. It is kind of a rip off of the $17 Dior color that was the all the rage a few months back. (Complete side note, but I have to laugh at myself every time I punctuate my thoughts with phrases like "all the rage." I sound completely ridiculous, but it's MY shallow blog and I can fill it with as much shallowness as I want!)

And I can use my phone to take a picture of my foot while sitting outside reading, and put it up on my blog.



OPI India Collection

Summer Feet

The first time I saw a late-night infomercial for this thing, I was mildly disgusted. However, I have since read and heard that it is truly a remarkable product. When my in-shower pumice stone reaches a replacement age, I will be purchasing this As-Seen-On-TV product. Especially since Linens'n'Things has 20% off coupons, so it will only be $8.

On another note, I have some sort of stomach bug. Now, I am forced to waste the gorgeous summer day outside and stay in...drinking 7-UP and eating soup. At least I squeezed in some fun the last few days so that I don't feel persecuted!

Only Gwyneth

I think she always looks stunning. But, she wears quite a few things that I simply cannot imagine looking halfway decent on any other humans. I love her understated sexiness mixed with a willingness to take risks.