More dresses

Charlize Theron

Helena Christensen

Heidi Klum

More LBD looks to be inspired by. And another picture of Helena's bangs that make me physically restrain my hands from chopping mine off again.

Sephora Sunscreen Face-off

I've been on the hunt for a new mattifying sunscreen for my face. I've posted about my two favorite ones here, but just still have wanted a better go-to one for everyday. In my latest Sephora catalogue, I circled a bunch of new ones I wanted to try. I ended up getting samples of Peter Thomas Roth Uber Dry SPF 30 and Dermadoctor Ain't Misbehavin' Clarifying and Mattifying SPF 30. Now, this test isn't taking into account the UVA stability or anything scientific like that. It is simply which one makes my face feel less greasy. I don't want to use a primer and a sunscreen, so my new goal has been to get one to do double duty.

The winner by a landslide is PTR. It is perfectly matte and smooth. I love it! Definitely my next purchase. The Dermadoctor left my face feeling completely greasy and smelled so strongly of sunscreen. Not at all mattifying in my opinion.

Makeup-full or Makeup-less

I would rather wear no makeup than too much. I almost always am of the less-is-more school of thinking. I don't like anything overdone.

Hayden Panettiere is a pretty, young girl. This picture looks WAY too pageanty. It could be the amount needed to show up in pictures on the red carpet, but too much for everyday. She also just looks so much older.

I prefer this, no makeup look of Gisele Bundchen. Beautiful.

What do you think, would you rather have too much makeup or go totally bare-faced?

Sienna Miller yet again

The last few outfits I've seen her in (in my daily In Style "Look of the Day" or on Frugal Fashionista blog) haven't been my favorite. But this...I LOVE. Perfect.

Photo from Frugal Fashionista. If you haven't already, check out this inspired blog. I love seeing how to put together these looks. Only, if you're me, you look in your own closet to recreate the magic rather than buying a bunch of new things.

Ingenious

I just remembered a post I read on the Allure Beauty Reporter Blog. This is a great invention.

A convert

Up until a few years ago, I was a sun bunny. I had tan lines nearly year round (thanks to the warm southern CA beach weather) and never seemed to be tan enough. How times have changed!! For a few years, my face has been protected by SPF or hats. I definitely get some sun on my arms and upper body sometimes, but mostly rely on self tanner.

Usually I use BareMinerals Faux Tan powder over my makeup (sweeping across my forehead, nose, cheeks and blending down below my jaw.) And yet, today, I experienced a new product.

I have been reading about the Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Spray. This retails at $57 (ouch!) It has silicone in it and dries to a powder finish. I got my new Sephora catalogue the other day, and took myself to the mall to try the items I had circled.

At first, I sprayed the #2 shade in error. I looked like I had just come back from a year on a deserted island, without sunscreen. Luckily, a kind Sephora employee offered her services and showed me how to lightly spray #1 on. And it was amazing. I looked the tan old me, before I started caring for my skin. Maybe I can find this cheaper on Ebay! What a lot of high maintenance it takes to make me look like the truly low maintenance, younger me. But, I'm older and more responsible now.

I feel too lazy to use my normal camera, so snapped one on my phone, but I don't think you can tell how tan I look. Oh well...

I love my Mario

I truly don't think I could function without my Mario Badescu Healing Cream. I use all the MB acne products, and each product is for a specific type of breakout. But, I don't think a day goes by that I don't dab this stuff on.

Here is what the website says:
Sulfur based cream that will speed up the healing process of red, irritated acne skin as it prevents scarring. Balsam Peru helps to protect delicate, healing skin while it soothes and minimizes redness. Oil-free formula.

What I say:
I love putting this stuff on any part of my face that is irritated or red. It soothes, heals AND the sulfur dries up acne. Wow, talk about a multi-tasker. My skin gets red and plotchy/dry easily if I am too aggressive in my treatments. I love knowing that this will calm it down. It's creamy and the tub lasts forever. I have had mine for a year, and have about two-thirds left.

Got it!

Well, I had a rude shock when I tried on both of the Little Black Dresses I owned...hoping that one would work for Lindsy's wedding. Nope, both looked terrible.

So, I went to the mall today, walked into an Express sale and came out with this dress. And it fits perfectly, won't wrinkle in my suitcase and can definitely be worn again and again. (This model's hair even looks like mine. Meant to be, right?)

Heat Wave

It's been so hot. The kind of heat that on Friday slowly sucked away my will to live. I forget that Fresno stays super hot in the afternoon, unlike Orange County--where the afternoon brings relief. Heat like this (107) makes it difficult to even want to get ready. I either want to be indoors or in the pool. When one loses one's will to live, hairstyles other than ponies/buns fall by the wayside and makeup will simply be perspired off.

So, I decided to write about something that has been irking me for some weeks. Anyone who knows me well knows my great love for Chick Fil-A. I remember four years ago, when the first in the OC opened up and my life changed. All my friends probably have memories of me from either the Fil-A or In'n'Out. With my health issues, I can't indulge like I used to...but at least they have wheat buns and a chargrilled sandwich!

Well, McDonald's appears to be trying to rip off the Fil-A. It's infuriating. I saw a commercial a couple of months ago for the Southern Style Chicken sandwich--a fried chicken breast on a simple buttered bun, garnished with nothing but pickles. Sound familiar?! And now, sweet tea. What?!! Next thing you know, they will have waffle fries too.

Well, McDonald's may steal the whole menu, but their customer service will never touch the Fil-A's "my pleasure" and "I'd be happy to help you" of their employees.

I'm still bothered though. Hot and bothered.

Bare Escentuals Friends and Family SALE

Argh, so frustrated. I hope this works finally! I had some technical tribulations posting it on here. Click on the picture to link to the coupon...I think! Anyways, for those of you by the South Coast Plaza store, take advantage!! Otherwise, shipping is free online if you spend over $75 (which I rarely do on one brand.)

Win the War Against Ingrown Hairs

I love smooth skin. Smooth, soft skin.

I hate ingrown hairs; they used to plague my life. My hair removal history: I used to wax and use an epilator. Yes, the kind that yank the hair out at the root. I loved this particular torture device because, unlike waxing, it was cheap (like getting waxed at a spa) and not at all messy (waxing yourself at home.) What I didn't like about this method--the ingrowns. Over the years, I started picking at them and scarring my legs. It got really bad.

I hated shaving so much, so decided to get laser hair removal. I then have had to keep my legs either out of the sun or with at least SPF 50 on them. The lighter the skin, the less chance the laser will burn the skin. The good thing about that is that after two summers of that, my scars have faded and disappeared. I just use a good self tanner on them now...I will tell more about my favorite in a later post.

Now, I shave the remaining hairs (laser removal is NOT permanent removal of all hair, just so you know.) I always use a sharp razor, and rely heavily on this miracle cream. Yes, it is technically a foot cream. I found it a couple of years ago researching ingredients in expensive ingrown hair solutions. This has 12% glycolic acid, an extremely effective exfoliant. This stuff is truly amazing on the feet, for ingrowns, on elbows, on really any bumpy skin. Anytime I see an ingrown declaring war on me again, I slap this stuff on. And win the war yet again. Smooth, soft skin for only $8!!

Glossy Hair

This picture of Helena resurfaced my obsession with glossy hair. I am a very frugal individual, so don't like to pay someone else to do what I can do myself. I have gotten a glossing treatment twice from a salon, and done it at home countless times.

I got a deluxe sample of the newish Frederic Fekkai Salon Glaze from Sephora's Beauty Insider program. My hair is already really healthy, and I use a very rich conditioner on it, so the results weren't incredibly dramatic. However, my hair did get less tangled throughout the day (and night, as I only wash it every other day) and was silkier. I just don't know if it's worth $28 and yet another step in my shower routine.

A cheaper alternative is the John Frieda Color Glaze. I tried the one for brunettes last fall, but it was just too messy and inconvenient for me. I haven't tried the clear one yet to compare it to the Fekkai Glaze, but it is less than half the price (especially since it has the added bonus of drugstore weekly sales.) Again, it is an extra step every time you wash your hair, if you really want to maintain that gloss.

In the meantime, I can't say enough about how amazing Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream is. It is pricey, but SO worth it. That stuff makes my hair so soft and silky as it is...maybe I don't need a glaze after all.

My Armpits Smell Yummy

Being a sucker for any freebies, I signed up via text message to get a free Secret Clinical Strength deodorant about three months ago. Of course, I had completely forgotten about it and was still alternating between Liquid Rock herbal lavender deodorant and a Kiehls unscented cream. But that trial size really has me hooked.

The first day I was wearing it, I couldn't figure out what smelled so good all around me throughout the day. Second day, I was still was sniffing air fresheners, my clothes, my hair. Finally, on the third day, I realized that the amazing smell was coming from under my arms...ALL DAY LONG.

Not only that, but it doesn't get all white and beady as the day goes on. I only use one click between both arms because there is nothing like that gross feeling of wearing too much deodorant.

My one complaint is that this stuff is really sticky to wash off in the shower. I guess it's the staying power of the really strong antiperspirant in it. That may be the one con, but it's annoying enough for me that I may have to give it up in the end. Until then, the powder protection scent continues to wow me. I can't stop smelling my armpits. I'm sick.

I want to keep talking about the scent, but will restrain myself for now.

Melts My Heart

How can I care about beauty products when there is such perfection as this little soul??


Don't worry, I still care...and will continue to post about them.

Thirty, Flirty and Fun

JOY

Remember that scene in "13 Going on 30" when the thirteen year old dreams of being thirty? Well, Joy just hit the big 3-0. She picked up some incredible new eyeliner yesterday, and we decided I should write about it on here. I then took it a step further and decided to overhaul her whole look with inspiration from new makeup and celebrities. I would have just emailed these ideas to her, but figured I might as well post it for everyone's entertainment (my ten dedicated readers!)

I have known her for nine years, and lived with her for four of those. Over the years, I did her makeup for a college senior banquet, for a music video shoot (oh, yes) and attempted to for her 30th party. She is one of those people who can pull off no makeup just as well as red lips. She looks great both in cool and warm tones.

Here goes:

I pulled up a few celebrity pics as inspiration. Her face shape most closely resembles Parker Posey's of these...but with coloring similar to the others. All of these are wearing more makeup than she would everyday, so we're not looking to copy, but simply glean ideas.

It looks like she is wearing NARS Orgasm blush here (or some other gold-flecked coral color) which I think would look great on Joy. I also like the lip color, and rich brown eye makeup.I love the 60's pale pink lips. The bright pink cheek color just pops too (in Bobbi Brown speak.) Same brown eye colors.

I wish I had a closer picture of Parker here. It is a contoured eye in blue and gray. Looks great on Joy.

This same lip color looks great on Joy.

Ok, now that we've seen the inspirations, here are my recommendations:

She already uses Bobbi Brown foundation as needed, finished off with Bobbi Brown powder. Then, Too Faced Bronzer. I know this because I picked them out for her. The only thing I would add to the face makeup is Benefit You're Bluffing Concealer. It is a pure yellow concealer stick that evens redness perfectly...especially around the nose or mouth. It would also be perfect for days she just wants to even out her skin without wearing full face makeup. My only complaint is that it has to be used on well moisturized skin or it can be a little drying.

Some products and tips for her eyes:

• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

• Using at least two different colors of brown eyeshadow on her eyes. One as a base color and one smudged in the crease and around the eye. She already has a quad of colors with light blue, navy, brown and a shimmery highlighter. She needs a mix of browns. I love my Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes because it is so convenient--the included undereye concealer, directions, mirror and a decent brush. BareMinerals has a great set (Ready-to-Wear Collection) that isn't sold in Sephora, but looks perfect.
  

• Just like she has in the picture, a little eyeliner in the lower waterline (only part way from outer eye to mid eye) and smudged into the upper lashes. For a dressier look, an all over brown smoky eye.
  

Lips and Cheeks:

• I think she should bring some blush into the routine. Benefit Dallas would look great on her. Or NARS Orgasm, the blush that looks amazing with all coloring. Or, like Rachel Bilson, I think a pop of pink would look great on just the apples of her cheeks with Bobbi Brown Pale Pink. I love that the website even gives instructions on how to do it.
• A great option would be a multi purpose product, like Benefit Rush Hour (yes, I do love Benefit.) The color would be gorgeous on her, on her cheeks and a little smeared with her finger onto her lips.
• For a different look, a pale pink or nude-ish pink lipstick. I have a discontinued Benefit one I love ("Hollywood Roll"), but nude pink in any brand would do...preferably a moisturizing one since I don't see her reapplying often. She could probably find one from her beloved Aveda.
  

That's it for now!

I'll Pass

I wouldn't call myself a completely trendy girl. I enjoy reading mounds of magazines and beauty blogs, but don't dress or do makeup constantly worried about not being "in style" and of the moment. I like getting new ideas, and gradually introducing new items into my wardrobe and products (i.e., a gladiator-esque sandal, cobalt blue nail polish, chunky yellow gold hoops.)

Two trends I initially am put off by are the comeback of jellies and neon colors. I will happily eat my words a few months from now if the trends become mainstream enough for me (and feel like my style.) But, for now, no thanks. I would rather stay boring and simple. I don't care if the jellies are YSL, Old Navy or Michael Kors. I don't care if every fashion forward beauty editor is rocking neon nails. Not for me...yet.

Lust

I have loved Helena Christensen since I was in 7th grade and she was in Cover Girl ads in my Seventeen magazine. I felt like my face shape was similar to hers, and the dark hair/light eyes combo. It was very inspiring back when every model had an oval face and blonde, straight hair.

She looks amazing as she ages. And, even though I just decided to go without bangs for the summer as I adjust to my first Fresno summer in nine years (as I pine away for the ocean breeze I know and love), I can't help but lust after those bangs.

Dry Shampoo

Now that my bangs are no longer technically bangs, but more face framing layers, I don't rely quite as heavily on my dry shampoo. But, boy, I used to use it every other day. I only wash my hair every other day, so the in between would get pretty greasy sweeping across my forehead everyday...soaking up oil. Ew, gross, I know.

I tried Bumble and Bumble colored hair powder, Oscar Blandi and Sebastian before settling on this no-nonsense Pssssssst. Back when I used to try to schedule workouts and runs around when I absolutely had to wash my hair, I lived for any "hair freshener." Unless you have time to wash and style every single day, consider a little dry shampoo love. And it's only $6. Apparently it was very popular in the seventies, and therefore cooly retro.

Beautiful Weekends

Garance Dore

I love the blog Garance Dore. I don't know what the English translation is, and I don't even remember how I found it about 6 months ago. All I know is that the pictures inspire a natural, beautiful look for me. It makes me want to frolic outside, makeup-free and semi frizzy-haired. While some days, I truly enjoy wearing no makeup, I think I enjoy working for a seemingly makeup-free face even more. I always read magazine beauty editors writing that they all fight to see who can expertly apply makeup the best ,in order to look completely free of makeup--subtle eyeliner, lash tint, sheer face coverage and MLBB (for those not familiar with Makeup Alley, it stands for "my lips but better", a desirable achievement for lip color.)

I had a spectacular weekend. I got to spend time with a few of my closest friends, celebrating one's 30th birthday and having a reunion of our now long distance friendships. We get to talk about our beauty hang ups and achievements, and I find myself looking at each one and appreciating the beauty of each. We all look completely different, and the level of effort we put into our beauty routines is very different.

It made me think about being comfortable in my own skin. The reality is that I will never achieve perfection in my products...however much I try to assemble the perfect combinations. It doesn't stop me from enjoying my pursuit of perfect products, but it's nice to know that my own skin is just fine too.

LBD

With Lindsy's wedding coming up, I am thinking alot about the Little Black Dress--as bridesmaids get to choose our own (in my case, most likely wearing one I already own.) But I have sauntered around the In Style website looking for ideas, just for fun. I will probably end up wearing my high school prom dress...I'm dead serious. I found it at Marshall's back in 1999--a classic BCBG LBD. I have busted that thing back out many a time over the years. Who knew? It is simple, but has small distinctive details, and fits really well.

I seem to really like Cameron Diaz's dresses...

And Ali Larter is stunning, and does her own red carpet hair and makeup sometimes for the Dove Self Esteem campaign. I don't think I need to say how much I LOVE that campaign.

How long is too long

I go too long without having my hair trimmed. It's supposed to be every 8 to 10 weeks, I think. I, however, go between 3-4 months!! I guess because I only use dark, demi-permanent dye and always let it air dry...somehow I think I am exempt from this rule. As a result, as soon as I decide I desperately need a trim and cleaner layers, I freak out and become obsessed with how long my hair has gotten and how some of it needs to go! This Friday, I'm making it happen. At least an inch and a half, and more shattered layers...

Here is the current length:


I have a crazy amount of layers in my hair and they seem to do fine without too much sticky product. If I had shorter hair, though, I would be all over this Sally Hershberger spray that has gathered quite a bit of press. She is known for cutting Meg Ryan's shag back in the 90's. I remember trying to achieve that look, oblivious to the now-obvious fact that I don't have the same type of hair as hers. Therefore, sans flat iron, mine was a large mushroom head.

Anyways, the spray is at Walgreen's. It's a little pricey for drugstore product, $12. But whatever it takes to get that look, probably worth it.

Pretty Kitty Mascara Obsessions

I have just discovered a new beauty blog. She too has a mascara obsession. Stop in and read her tips and reviews for mascara. And she also watches QVC and gets obsessed with products...

As for my life this week, I am exhausted! Not "fatigue", as in my Chronic Fatigue. It is always refreshing to simply be tired from staying out too late here and there, exercising, having fun...namely, starting to have a life again. In other news, Amelia finally let me paint both feet of toenails!! It took some coaxing and cajoling to con her into sitting still, but totally worth it. They look adorable and actually match my toes at the moment. Lastly, I am going to cut about an inch and a half at least off my hair this Friday. I will post some pre-cut pictures as it nears the dreaded Cher length (as in the singer-actress, not character from "Clueless.")

For now, check out these little piggies...

Stunner

This isn't even remotely a current picture, but I happened upon it. I love every detail of her hair, makeup and dress.