Some Product Disappointments

I'm sitting here listening to very nearby neighbors singing karaoke.  Not pleasant when you aren't singing too, and don't know the people.  They just finished Beatles "Yesterday."

Anyways, here are some products that I have been disappointed with.

This was very disappointing.  I can't figure out if it was this or a new sunscreen I've been trying, but my face broke out into tiny bumps all over it.  Also, it felt like pure silicone, and my pores felt suffocated.  I have read so many rave reviews, but wasn't sold.

Wow, this was so chalky white and greasy.  I have been wanting a waterproof, physical sunscreen.  I thought the newer technologies prevented it from looking like the Zinc of older days.  I got some samples of Dermalogica super sensitive suncreen, and loved it.  All physical sunscreen with no chalkiness.  Then again, it's $45.  I read that they used microionized particles to avoid that chalkiness.  I guess I'll stick with my Shiseido--with its super waterproof, chemical/physical SPF blend.  I just have to be sure to remove it fully with a cleansing oil or wipe.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
It seems like every blog I read, someone raves about it.  I was thinking it would be sheer.  Nope.  I like a very sheer coverage.  I don't like looking like I have makeup on, I guess.  This looked very makeup-y on me.  Very matte on me.  No likey.

Sephora Musings

I popped into Sephora over the weekend, completely bare-faced. I wanted to play with Benefit Erase Paste in the #1 shade, and some tinted moisturizers. I put the Erase Paste on one side and was amazed. The fair shade is so much better on me. I can use it under my eyes and on blemishes, and around my nose where I get red creases. I used my store credit from returning Coralista (which looked super bright and fake on me) and went home with this wonderful (but not perfect, see here) product.

I also played with NARS The Multiple in Malibu. Wonderful. It was the perfect pinky brown shimmer, looked great on both my lips and cheeks. How I long for it...but at $37, so not going to happen.

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!