Bio-Oil

Ok, this is for my friend The Pretty Kitty!

I first read about Bio-Oil in the People magazine Style Watch a couple of years ago. Now, you should know that I love experimenting with tried and true products when I can. I read that it was a huge seller in Australia and New Zealand. AND it's multi-use...for scars, stretch marks, aging and any uneven skin. Because it wasn't available in the US yet, I ordered it. Now, however, it is readily available in drug stores...and even on sale sometimes (like now at drugstore.com for $8.99.)

I don't think that I can vouch for every single one of its claims' effectiveness. However, for scars...I love it!! I use it on my legs for any blotchiness or scars, and can definitely see a difference. I don't recommend it for use on the face because it has mineral oil in it and I know, for me at least, it clogs pores.

I also use it on my stomach and around my hips, where my skin can get kind of dry. I'm sure lotion would work just as well, but I love the feel of this. It is a great hydrater. I wouldn't say that it fades scars like a glycolic product, but smooths and hydrates...and over time that speeds up healing. Same thing with stretch marks. I have read quite a bit about stretch mark creams, as some pregnant friends have sent me on searches, and the consensus seems to be that no cream/oil/serum actually erases them. The best tactic is to keep those areas of skin very well hydrated and supple.

If you have any ingrown hair scars, or dry/uneven skin...this is your product!

Beauty Crunch

I have been meaning to post about this wonderful website, Beauty Crunch. It has Stila, Du Wop, Lola and Too Faced cosmetics for SO cheap. Apparently, they are from the Asian markets...possibly overstock. Check it out.

I love America Ferrera in this picture. I love the cut and fit of the dress. I love the color, the way the swirls appear to be a reflection on the fabric.

But I also LOVE her hair. So silky. I will definitely try the half up-half down look she has going on, with alot of layers around the face.

I have been loving my new hair product. Laura let me try hers in Colorado, and it gives my hair the perfect amount of texture, without crunch or mattifying it too much. I find that my hair has more than enough volume, and I like it to be semi shiny. This is great for me. Sunsilk Waves of Envy Sea Mist. I use Biosilk Silk Therapy, a little bit of Frederik Fekkai Glossing Cream...and finish off with this sprayed on my top layers. It reminds me of my beloved John Frieda Wave Spray that was discontinued a few years ago!

Can't get enough of Kelly

If you know me well, you've probably heard me say over the years that I would love to be a morning talk show host like Kelly Ripa. Let it be known that I also would like to dress like her.

I don't care how many people much more fashion forward than me continue to talk about their love of the skinny jean...I still like 'em boot cut or even wide-legged. I am relieved to continue seeing more wearable wide legs.

Fish Pedicures

This story is making huge waves all over blogs this week. Check out the new rage of fish pedicures over at the Allure Beauty Reporter Blog. She even includes a video! That's right...fish nibble off your callouses and dead skin.

Those of you with severe feet phobias, what say you?

"I Put a Bird On My Head"

Some of us were laughing about in the "Sex and the City" movie, Carrie says, "I got out of the car. And I put a bird on my head." I saw this headband and it so reminded me of a more subtle version of the bird-on-the-head look. For $48, you too could get out of the car with a bird on your head.

PR Week Two

My favorites from tonight's show:

Oh My!

I am SO exhausted. I have had a very long few days. My health took yet another little dip over the weekend...a response most likely to vigorous activity. Last night, I got about four hours of sleep (long story, involving a smoke detector) and then had to get to work two hours early for a meeting. Also, I am acting as pool/watering girl this week...and am not used to having to water and monitor the pool after a long day of work.

All that to say, I'm tired!!

A few things I've been thinking about...

I am graying more everyday. It seems like overnight, more have sprung up around my part and crown! I already dye my hair every few months to darken it, but it looks like I'm going to be doing it much more frequently in the next year or so!

I love the dye I use. L'Oreal Color Gems. It is demi permanent, lasting 28 shampoos or so. It adds shine and I find it very multi-dimensional on my hair...since my natural highlights can still shine through.

I have so much I want to say about the new Project Runway, but all I can muster up right now is how inspired I am by Heidi Klum's makeup. I love that she mixes a golden, bronzy look with cool eye makeup and lips. I have been falling in love again with bronzer...and a icy pink lip.

These Colors Don't Run

Again, another outfit that I love--the color combination, hair, headband. So beautiful, Elle. I love olive green and purple together. Some who have known me for some time remember my aborted AmeriKin girls dream...and all of the time spent choosing green/purple for the logo.

HOLY GRAIL MASCARA

I don't know how I have owned my new Holy Grail mascara for over two months, and neglected to rave about it on here. Imju Fiberwig...everything it is cracked up to be, in my opinion. I bought it in a kit from Sephora that came with an instructional DVD and a mini curler. The curler was a piece of crap, and I'm perfectly content with my Shu Uemura one anyways. The DVD was very helpful to get started with it.

Basically, I have short, stubby Asian lashes that have trouble holding curl. Waterproof mascara works much better at holding curl, but I just can't be bothered to have to remove it every night. In short, I am looking for something to add length, hold curl and stay on...all of which Fiberwig does. If you already have curl and length, but want tons of volume...this is NOT the mascara for you.

My routine: curl my eyelashes and immediately apply mascara. I smudge it into the lash base and then extend up, curling as I go. The black fibers stick onto the ends of the lashes, adding much-needed length. I find one coat to be dramatic enough for me, but can also add another coat to only the lash ends for more length. This mascara dries quickly and, on my way out the door, I curl the dried lashes again for a super upright curl that lasts all day. At night, it washes off easily with warm water...the tubes come sliding off my eyelashes. I just have to be careful not to tug too hard and pull out my already sparse lashes. I have cried a few times in this mascara, and it does not come off...but does get slightly spidery (only with many tears!)

Holy Grail, I'd say. The search ends for now. It's very pricey at $22, but I will pay it on something that I wear everyday and is an essential for me. There's a reason this is the number one selling mascara in Japan.

Saturday Rituals

I love my long, leisurely Saturday morning showers. I usually take showers at night during the week, but like lounging in the morning on Saturdays. I do an extra long pumice on my feet, even though I already pumice every other day. I actually use shave gel on my legs. Today, I did my Ahava Liquid Salt and left it on for a few minutes, all the while imagining my skin releasing toxins. I exfoliate my whole body, and rinse my hair off with cool water (to make it shinier, I imagine.)

One product I have contemplated adding to this routine is Clean & Clear Soft In-Shower Facial. I have read some good reviews on it, but haven't been able to decide if I should add it to my already fairly aggressive AHA treatments (my glycolic/salicylic acid peel, toner and primer.) I already try to steam my face every couple of weeks to help clean out the ol' pores. But I have been wanting to try this for a few months, so may break down and do so!

New Schedule

I feel like I've been neglecting my blog this past week. It's probably my neurotic guilt issues! But, seriously, I started a new job and am getting used to it and to the new schedule. So, in lieu of any writing tonight, I will post some sweet pictures. Then, I'll get around to some beauty ideas that are inspiring me right now...another day!

If I Could Have Anything...

If I had $200 of extra money...no, wait...If I had $200 extra money and I HAD to spend it in a frivolous manner. Ok, if this was given to me.

Oh, I give up. Let's face it, I probably wouldn't spend $200 on the Clarisonic skin brush...but I lust after it all the time. Everyone has been raving about this for the last couple of years. It is made by the same people who developed the Sonicare toothbrush. It deeply cleanses and smoothes the skin, without harsh scrubbing. It is supposed to help with wrinkles, acne, blotchiness, oiliness, etc! How can such perfection be possible? I don't know, but I think about it quite a bit.

Until someone gives me this (even in that case, it would still pain me to have spent $195 on a skin brush), I may have to make do with the Neutrogena Wave. I have read some great reviews on it. I guess it is a similar gentle, yet deeply cleansing technique. But, you do have to buy the replacement pads for it.

Lake Bell

So, our weather has cooled off slightly, meaning I can once again care about appearances.

Check out the perfection of this outfit. I love the contrast of earthy and bright colors.

Clip On Bangs

My latest lust is for clip on bangs. Obviously, I have been a little obsessed with Helena Christensen's bangs, and longing to have them. However, since I've moved to the Central Valley's dry climate, my bangs have gotten greasier. So, that coupled with the heat, seem to persuade me NOT to chop mine off again.

Has anyone tried these? I am seriously thinking of doing it, as long as there was a satisfaction guarantee.

Two sites I've heard of are this and this.

Benefit Sale!!

So, I just wrote about my love for Benefit Speed Brow. Well, I got an email today saying that they just put a bunch of stuff on sale on the Benefit website...including the wonderful Speed Brow and Brow Zings (a great addition to your arsenal if you have sparse eyebrows.) Also, a great product of theirs, High Brow...also on sale. It is a linen-y pink color to swipe/blend under your brow arch. Just makes your whole eye lift.

Doing My Part

I have been seeing pictures of wearing headbands hippie style lately, so decided to bring Amelia, my niece, up to speed. 17 months and already blazing ahead...

The Essentials of Life

Sometimes I will title a post and giggle to myself...always aware of my tongue-in-cheekedness. However, I realize that I truly may come across as just THAT shallow. Oh well, I know the truth and how much I love to make fun of myself. Much like my hero, Kelly Ripa.

On a completely serious note, though, an essential of mine is brow gel. I think it brightens anyone's face to comb the brows slightly upwards and then smooth them toward the ears. I really love Benefit's colored gel to fill in the outer, thinner eyebrows. I have also used Anastasia's famed clear gel. I'm sure any cheaper brand would do as well, as long as you don't apply too much gel and then have flaky, crispy brows.

And, someday, I will describe in great detail all of the products and tricks that made Lindsy's bridal look possible. I just keep getting distracted by the essentials of life.

For now, comb those brows with brow gel...and apply white or nude eyeliner to the inside of your bottom lash line for brighter eyes.

In Style Celebrity Makeup Match

Have a little extra time on your hands? Try out the In Style Celebrity Makeup Match. Either pick a celebrity with similar coloring to yours or have one recommended based on questions.

I did it, and it matched me with Jennifer Aniston. Hmmm, I do enjoy the warm colors Jen favors, but I don't really think we have the same coloring. I did get some good tips, though.

I heart Kelly Ripa

Beautiful, funny, self-deprecating, loves her kids...and wears killer, flattering clothes.

At-home threading

I am postponing giving a run-down on the CO beauty details to share with everyone my new favorite purchase.

Lindsy and I used to go get threaded together (like waxing, but without tearing off delicate face skin, for those of you who have never heard of it.) She would get her eyebrows done, and I my upper lip (better than saying mustache.) A few weeks ago, I was reading a beauty blog and discovered Epicare...an at-home threader!! This still doesn't take off my skin, and is much faster than tweezing. And I don't have to drive to a salon, and drive home in the shame of one with a very red upper lip.

You can buy it here, or I got mine on eBay for $10.

Wedding Extravaganza

Well, I am back from Colorado...as well as almost the entirety of my readers! We had an absolute blast. Here are some pictures of all of us California girls, and the best that I have of her hair. I'll try to get my hands on a better one of the back of her hair, with details of how Tiffany and I did it!

Out

Well, I'm off to Colorado for Lindsy's wedding. Off to wear my great Little Black Dress, spend time with about 10 amazing girls, cry off all the makeup I put on and generally have a great time. I may get a chance to post while I'm there, since I will not be able to participate in the hike everyone else is going on.

I'll leave you with a stunning picture of Courtney Cox, and the makeup I may endeavor to copy!

New Cleanser

Well, this is new to me, at least. Clean and Clear Sensitive Skin Foaming Cleanser. I tend to be very faithful to my trusty, proven products. (I will qualify that...faithful to SOME of my proven products. Others, I will temporarily feel dissatisfied with until I have ruled out all other, newer products and discover once again that I am still pleased with what I had to begin with.) I have never strayed from my trusty Cetaphil cleanser...so mild, takes off all of my eye makeup, doesn't dry out my skin. I love it. Lately, though, I find that it doesn't take off all of my other makeup as well...and suddenly found myself wondering if I should branch out.

After some research, I did. And I am loving this. It removes ALL makeup, foams up so well and also doesn't dry out my skin. I'm going to try this bottle, and then reevaluate at the end of it.