Favorites

Yesterday, before I went to the movies, I also went to the mall. Yes, it was a self-indulgent day. I had to stop by one of my very favorite places in all of the world, L'occitane. Oh, how I adore that little place. Seriously, every person who reads this must get at least one thing from there.

I bought the Lavender Vinegar (a natural treatment for acne and blemishes) and the Ultra Comforting Serum (minimizes and reduces redness and itching of sensitive skin). These products are natural and hypoallergenic which I need for my very sensitive skin. I also had to pick up one of the 20th Anniversary Ultra Rich Body Creams with Shea Butter. I LOVE the regular URBCs with Shea Butter- it's not like anything else. I got the Rosebud one and plan to get all of them. Acacia is the next on my list. I smelled them all and loved them.

If you want to try L'occitane, try some shea butter products. The 20th anniversary URBCs are now 2 for $38 (one is $21) online. I don't know if this is in stores too because she (the checkout lady) didn't tell me about it. I recommend this set but I cannot find it anywhere online in stock. They had some in the store that I went to yesterday.

The products are more expensive than Bath and Body Works or drugstores but they are so worth it. There are no preservatives or harsh chemicals and so you only need a little bit. I promise that if you try it, you will love it.

Labels: beauty products, link to beauty products

Sunny Stila Shadow

I've talked before about my deep love for Stila eye shadow. I've been using all the ones I've talked about in that post and just loving them. My mom has all the talking smokey eye quads. I should get commission from them. Well, anyway, I was reading (excitedly) about the new colors for the season and then later looking at the new makeup online when I found this gem.

Stila Summer Eye Shadow Palette is a Limited Edition at Sephora. It includes 6 fantastic colors and a mirror in a cute, sleek gold compact. I got it today and I LOVE it. I've been playing with it all day long. The colors are (from R to L):

• Ray- A shimmering copper gold that you can use alone on lids for a great summer look.
• Mystic- shimmering aqua blue "bold shade for summer soirees" from the description of the palette
• Kitten- shimmering nude pink that I have in the Stila pot. I love it. It can be used as a highlighter or a base tone color. The best color and shadow.
• Wheat- pearlescent beige "perfect base for a bronzed eye" (which I will be sporting tomorrow!)
• Prize- soft gold shimmer (I've already put this color on and love it. I put it on over what I had and like it. I was wearing this too which doesn't really match.)
• Sun- shimmering golden peach "sunny sparkle for day or night"

I'm super excited to wear this all out. I'll wear it soft and pretty during the day this week, but I can't wait to see what I can do with it for night!! How I can "tart" it up.

Labels: favorite stuff, link to beauty products, love, make up, new stuff, product review

Shoe's Star Shadow

Let me tell y'all- I am the eye shadow QUEEN. I love, love, love it! I'm really into experimenting with colors and techniques. I get compliments on my eye makeup all the time. It's so much fun for me to do and as I said, I love it. My very favorite eye shadow in all the world (and I have LOTS) is STILA. I have used drugstore brands, department store brands and specialty store brands... nothing is as good as my Stila!
Drugstore brands don't have the pigment that is needed for a good eye shadow. I used to buy them just to try out colors but, it's a waste of money for me. Then, I found my lovely, gorgeous Stila and fell in love.
It all happened on QVC! I ordered some kind of "kit" that featured two eye shadow pots in Diamond Lil (a shimmery platinum) and Kitten (a shimmery nude- the perfect nude). I was hooked. These colors are so great. They are silky, blendable (which is KEY), pigment is perfect and just love!
Sooooo, I just got some shiny new shadows (not really shiny) that are so incredible I cannot stop playing with them. They are so very gorgeous and the first one has a concept that is genius! Stila's Smokey Eye Palette comes with the three colors you need for the base shade, lid shade and contour shade. The last color is for eye liner. It comes in The Bronzes (which I got *shown below), The Emeralds, The Greys. The genius part- it tells you how to create the perfect, easy smoky eye with the push of a button! See the compact below? You push the button and a peppy little voice gives you step-by-step instructions on how to do it! Fabulous.

The other palette I bought that just tickles me is the Fall Fantasy- A Tale of Enchantment Palette in Moss. These are beautiful eye colors that can be applied wet or dry (wet is more dramatic) and a cheek color. They come in a slender velvet case wrapped in a chord with an agate. It's so very pretty, I just hate to keep it in my cosmetics case!
I believe in two very important rules when it comes to makeup- 1) You must use a good facial cleanser and moisturizer because makeup is not pretty on ugly skin and 2) the right brushes are essential! I bought this double-sided brush from Stila that is perfect for blending shadow and applying shadow as liner with ease. It's brush #15.

I hope you get some ideas and maybe go out and buy something pretty. Let me know! *I'm not getting paid to write this- I wish.

Labels: beauty, link to beauty products, make up, product review, shopping

Nail It Down

Honey, I believe in pretty hands. My mom has gorgeous hands. She has beautiful feet. Her natural nails are so pretty and strong. Me, not so much. I have narrow nail beds and weak brittle nails.

I was a nail biter and bit my cuticles when I was younger. I always had ugly, bloody, painful hands. As I got older, my mom would allow me to get manicures if I'd allow my nails to grow so, I'd try. I loved having my nails done. I loved having pretty hands and nails. I still do.

I know how to give a kickin manicure. I'm fanatic about giving myself manicures all the time. My toenails are ALWAYS painted. All. The. Time. But, I've still got the weak, brittle hard to grow fingernails. Until I discovered NAILTIQUES. The Nailtiques- Protein Formula 2 Treatment for soft, peeling, weak, bitten or thin nails. I got it about 2 weeks ago and I LOVE it. It is very easy and it works! My nails are so long and very strong.

You just put one coat on your nails every 24 hours. Then, every 3-4 days you take it off. Use it alone, no polish, for the first few days, then as a base coat with color. I did a week with no color and then I had color for a little while and now no color. But, every day, I faithfully put the protein on my nails.

I have cuticle oil and I use it liberally. Put it on after the Nailtiques. Then I push my cuticles back (I have a great mani set) and put a thick hand cream by Bliss. I also have the little gloves to sleep with my hand cream when my nails or hands are really bad. Those are great. Highly recommended.

My favorite nail polish is OPI. I just bought 4 new colors, one of them being a "Classic" called Cajun Shrimp. I don't think the picture really looks like the actual polish. It's kinda orange-y/reddish and I'm really digging orange. When I told Luke that it was called "Cajun Shrimp", he said, "It looks like crawfish." He's right.





My very favorite OPI color is I'm Not Really A Waitress. Once again, this picture doesn't really do it justice. It's red with a bit of a shimmer. Not exactly glitter but, shimmer. It's so awesome!

I like to buy all my nail stuffs at Beautysak. It's a great site. They have nail care, hair care and cosmetics. You can get free ground shipping on orders for $75 or more. They also send you THE BEST free samples. These amazing emery boards and travel sizes of great products. You'll really love it!! Go on over and look around.

*Ask the Answer Queen any questions you may have about manicures/pedicures, nail colors, Beautysak or Sephora.*

Labels: beauty, favorite stuff, link to beauty products, nail polish, product review

I'm So Excited!!

Big Thank You to Shannon at Rocks in my dryer for hosting the DOG DAYS OF SUMMER GIVEAWAY CARNIVAL. I've had soooooo much fun visiting new blogs and having people visit mine. I hope that i got some new readers and not just people here for my AWESOME Philosophy prizes. But, eh, I'm realistic. I know that most people will never be back. Greedy bloggers! Whatever... Just kidding because, I visited LOTS of blogs and entered LOTS of drawings (please let me win something!) and I found some that were for me and some that were not.

So, yes, I picked 2 winners. I am waiting for responses from the first winner drawn. She has first choice as to which prize she wants. I've emailed her and as soon as I hear from her, I will contact the second winner via email. Then I will do a great big "LOOK WHO WON" post!!!

Wanna know how I chose the winners? I will tell you. I cut up 207 pieces of paper (well 205 because I posted a comment and so did "Monique" and she didn't qualify) and wrote each name down. I even wrote down the few names that I knew I couldn't get in touch with just to see if they would have been winners. Then I put them all in my black Sephora bag (you know the one you get your goodies in when you order), cinched it up and shook it up. Then I pulled the first name and emailed her. Then I pulled the second name.

I've been to both of their blogs. I really like both of them. The second winner is very, ummmm, ironic. And as of right now, 12:56 am CST she has no clue she has won.

These a hint for anyone interested- 1) I don't know the winners. Not in person or in my blog friend life. (So, it's not Lin, Sarah, Kelli, Kate, Katie, Jamie, Jillie, Amy, Naomi, Laura, etc...)

On a different note, Lin reminded me (THANKS!) that I owe KELLI, SARAH, KATE, & LIN prizes from the relationship post. That's everybody, right? And MOM, I know. So, my question for you guys-
(a) Bath & Body Works Magnolia Shower Gel
(b) The Body Shop peppermint foot lotion
(c) Bath & Body Works anti-bacterial foaming hand soap
(d) Bath & Body Works anti-bacterial deep cleaning hand soap- pick a scent and I'll tell you if I have it.

Now, don't be shy. Let me know which ones y'all want.

I'll be having another "Reader Participation" soon. It's going to be about Summer Fashion. Get ready....

Labels: fun, giveaway, link to beauty products

Remember How I Hated My Hair?

Labels: Aveda, beauty products, hair, link to beauty products, product review

AVEDA Love

Labels: Aveda, beauty products, link to beauty products, product review

My Hair. My Soul.

So, today I got my hair cut. Not a trim. I got a CUT. I was sick of the loooooong hair but, I had some requirements such as: I still had to be able to put it up (love my ponytail!!) & I could not have "fat face". I don't know if you are familiar with fat face but, it's not pretty. I'm sure you are aware that I'm not skinny but, I don't have a round face. My face is an oval shape (with the extra chins. :) ). But, when you are bigger, and have curls, short hair can sometimes equal fat face.

That was another thing- the curls. I got rid of the flat iron a long time ago. Stick straight hair is not for me. I need some "ummph"! Trying to blow dry the hair straight and then flat iron it also, takes waaaaaay more time than I'm willing to put into doing the hair. So, I wear it curly or wavy. Works for me.
I'm keeping the "hair" theme going by talking about hair products. Do you know what you are putting on your hair? Do you care? Maybe you should care more... Shampoos like Pantene, Suave, Pert Plus, etc, all are made with things like sulfer which is HORRIBLE for both your hair and your skin. It touches your scalp and gets into your bloodstream. These shampoos are like detergents with strong chemicals in them. Go to this link to learn more. http://www.aubrey-organics.com/about/articles/shampoo_chart.cfm#top

I use Aveda hair products and love them.

As for make-up, I don't use Aveda and I haven't done the "mineral make-up" thing. Maybe I should???? Having health problems, I really have started (lately) thinking about what I have been putting in my body and breathing in and putting on my body. We know that all processed and trans-fatty foods are terrible for us, making us feel sluggish and yuck. The more organic the food, the better for you. I know that can make you feel better.
I do not know very much about "healthy" products but, it's something I'm intreged by, for sure. I will be reading more about what I'm eating, what I'm bathing with, and what I'm lathering on my body. It could be making me sick!
I will report on what I've found out. I do know for sure that Pantene shampoo made my hair fall out. You can read about why at the link. It's all about sodium lauryl sulfate and it's derivatives. That stuff causes eye problems, hair loss, even cancer! Yes, it's cheaper but, at what COST??
Are you at all concerned about things like this?

"Gentelemen prefer blondes... but gentlemen marry brunettes" ~Anita Loos

"Hair brings ones self-image into focus; it is vanity proving ground. Hair is terribly personal, a tangle of mysterious prejudices." ~Shana Alexander

Labels: Aveda, beauty products, hair, link to beauty products, organic

I Heart Diet Coke, Lavender Oil, Paternity Tests & Big Bird

Guilty Pleasures~ that's what I want to discuss. That's what's on my mind. What exactly is a guiltly pleasure? To me it's something you indulge in, something you take pleasure in and feel guilty/are embarrassed about, right? Everyone agree?? Since this is where I pour my heart out (more or less), I don't mind revealing some of my favorite indulgences- some more embarrassing and guilty than others!!

• Obviously, shoes!
• Obviously, shopping! My FAV-O-RITE thing to shop for (besides shoes) is makeup and other beauty products. I love products! I'm a junkie... Just in case you're interested, my favorite places to buy (online)- http://www.sephora.com/ {Free Shipping on orders $75 & up, you get 3 free samples, they sell tons of brands, the packaging is adorable!} http://www.thebodyshop.com/ {I get oils to burn in the house, such as lavender for my headaches & they have some of THE best body scrubs ever} http://www.smartbargains.com/ {awesome deals on shoes!! I've bought at least 4 pairs and they all didn't disappoint!} http://www.amazon.com/ {I buy books here because you can get them used for ridiculously low prices. You can buy CDs, beauty products, electronics, toys, etc...}
• DIET COKE!!! I have recently decided that I believe diet Coke has crack in it. Seriously. Not that I gotta have my crack but, I hear that if you're on crack you gotta have it like you've never had to have anything else. When I wake up, gotta have my diet crack, umm, Coke. And a fountain diet Coke is on an entirely different level. Many people will understand this (fountain vs can/bottle) sadly, some of you do not. Like Luke... he has no clue. Anyway, I inherit the d.c. addiction from my mother.
• French fries. OH MY GOD!!! I freakin L-O-V-E french fries. This is a pleasure that is way heavy on the guilt.
• Soap Operas. Totally cliche'. Whatever. I watched Days of Our Lives, Another World & Santa Barbara as a child, very young child. My mom watched All My Children but, I barely remember that. I still occasionally watch Days, if the plot isn't too "out there" but, my show is General Hospital. I'm in love with Sonny the mob boss. HOT!!
• Tabloid magazines & Tabloid magazine-like shows- E! News, Extra, etc...
• pistachios
• purses
• cigarettes at night, on occasion, along with a long chat on the phone with my biotch Lindsey. Really, we have the best conversations! Hours of serious talks about our marriages (how much our husbands suck/are great), children(Cooper's so cute, Isabella is gonna be so spoiled), childhoods, political and religious views (we rely heavily on each other for spiritual support.) We also laugh till it hurts. "Cause he don't make me laugh"
• lip glosses, sticks, liners, & balms... I really have a ton
• Lifetime movies- so yeah, I know they all have the abused woman or whatever but, I'm a sucker
• Maury Povich's "You ARE the father/are NOT the father shows". Really never ceases to amaze me at 1) the number of men some of these women have tested. Don't they know how old their baby is and when that child was conceived? Did they really have sex with that many men in those 2 days (or so)? 2) the excuses the men give for the children not being theirs- "the child doesn't look like me"- ever hear of a baby looking like the mom? "he doesn't have my teeth? my hat? my head?" I love it!
• hot dogs- with chili and mustard and cheese
• Cinderella and Snow White
• Sesame Street
• Reruns of: I Love Lucy, Will & Grace, Friends, Everybody Loves Raymond, Will & Grace, Mad About You and MY FAVORITE Will & Grace
• Will & Grace (and Karen & Jack)
• Jelly Belly jelly beans- NOT the black ones!
• books
• perfume- really, I have 10 or 15 perfumes but, I love them...
• doodling my name and the names of my future children
• very long bubble baths
• watching biographies of old Hollywood movie stars
• old cheesy 80s love songs
• cheesy 90s rap/hip hop
• watching Molly Ringwald or Julia Roberts movies
• watching Little House on the Prairie

That's my list for now. Oh, and stand up comedy and funny videos from YouTube and now FunnyorDie.com- I love to laugh.... So, what do you think? Have you lost all respect for me? Oh well... I really don't think I revealed any secrets.

*HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! I LOVE YOU!!

go on and induldge in something... you're worth it

Labels: favorite stuff, link to beauty products

Summer Beauty '07

Beaches. Sun. Sand. Oceans. Swimming. Tank tops. Ponytails. Flip flops. The smell of coconuts & whatever it is that makes that "beachy" smell.... Ahhhh,some of my fav summer stuff. What do you love about summer?

MAKEUP
There is really something for everyone when it comes to your face this spring/summer. From what I have seen and heard, CORAL is the color to try this month. I don't know about you but, I've never tried coral and always seemed a little scared of it. The tips I got- for pale skin go with a light peachy shade; medium/olive toned skin try a pinker coral and for dark skin a full on reddish orange coral. Another very big trend in lips for summmer is RED. Not matte lipstick red but, more of a glossy stain. DIOR ADDICT ULTRA GLOSS REFLECT IN RED STOCKING (Sephora.com, $25) flatters everyone. Also, try NEUTROGENA'S MOISTURESHINE SOOTHING LIPSHEERS. It's a lipgloss, lipstick and lipbalm all in one with an SPF 20,10 sheer colors. That's the thing- sheer color- not lipgloss or lipstick.
For your eyes- go with pastels and shimmers! PINK is a big deal. Check out BARBIE LOVES M.A.C (maccosmetics.com), a collection of shadows, blush, lipsticks and nail polish all in colors that Barbie would Loooove!! This is what I'm talking about. Also, try soft shades of blue or green- use the shimmery/sheer or cream types to avoid a harsh look. BOBBI BROWN'S SURF N SAND EYE PALETTE has the most gorgeous greens, blues and browns. They are kinda pearl-y looking so your eyes will pop if you blend them well on your eyelids. It's $42 at Dillards or on Sephora.com so, a bit expensive. For a more economical choice, MAYBELLINE EXPERTWEAR EYESHADOW QUADS!! These are great because they have the 4 shades that go well together AND where to put each shade. For example, it says LID, CREASE, BROW BONE, & OUTER CORNER over the corresponding shade. I also like to buy drugstore brands when trying colors I've never done before. This may be what you want to do if you've always worn brown and beige. If that's you I am BEGGING you to try some color. Also, non-black mascara is cool for now. Try navy blue. I've never done this but, I really think I will. I also saw a great blurb about silver eyeliner being very hot. Metallics are everywhere. But, big tip (a rule, actually) keep lips nude if you are rockin the eyes and cheeks!!! Don't try ALL the trends: green shadow, teal liner, red lips!! I will feel so bad if I see you ( because I will have to pretend I don't know you). Always remember, when you want to play the "red lip" look- keep the rest of your gorgeous mug simple. Take that oppertunity to try a shimmery champagne colored eyeshadow, lots of mascara, some bronzer and that red lip! HOT...

Remember to wear your sunscreen!! Fresh faces are always beautiful... tanning beds are a no-no!!!!! Skin cancer is not pretty. There are beautiful bronzers in every price range and color you can imagine. And there are very pretty, very natural self-tanners. They have the spray tans (you can buy your own gun!) and the lotions and gels. Protect your skin and your health.

HAIR
Whether you consider it your "crowning glory" or the biggest pain, every girl has to do something with their hair. Most gals have a love/hate relationship with this head topper- curly or straight? Up or down? Blonde or brunette (or red or green or pink or purple...)? I am a curly headed lady and when stick straight hair has been "the thing" in the past- I tried it. It really never worked for me. Most people hated it on me and, quite frankly, it's too much of a pain. So, I hate to report that stick straight hair is in fact "in" again. It's beautiful and wonderful for many,though,so go for it. Center parts are making a comeback, too, for straight or tousled hair. Another option is "ladylike waves"- the old Hollywood glamour kinda waves. Think big velcro rollers, texturizing(or volumizing) serum and a little heat. My favorite hair look for summer is the "beachy wave". You know the wet, scrunchy, highlighted, salt water hair. The Drew Barrymore in "50 First Dates" hair. That's what I love for summer... and "the pull up". Which brings me to-messy & quick buns, ponytails & other up-dos- allover the place for summer. A skinny headband or 2 completes that look.

Summer hair shouldn't be fussy or weighed down with products. Go natural! See what your hair will do for you.


Got questions? What have you seen that you love in makeup and hair for summer '07? Let me know. Stay tuned for whats big in fashion (polka dots & other big prints) and shoes & other accessories. Then later, whats coming this summer at the movies! Let me know what you want to read about. What do you have on your mind?
Try something new in beauty this summer, doll- you won't regret it. It's not permanet, just makeup! Try a gorgeous shimmering shade of green on your eyelids and let your peepers POP. Do something different with your hair one Saturday. Have fun!!!! Then, please, let me know all about it.

makeup... it's cheaper than therapy

Labels: beauty, link to beauty products, product review

The Skin You're In

Hello diary readers! Lets talk about skin care and products that I love: old and new. Let me start at the face. I mentioned before that PHILOSOPHY skin care is what changed my skin; saved my skin. I use their MAKEUP OPTIONAL SKINCARE. It's a package. Now, they have a new "for dry, sensitive skin" package. Check it out at http://www.philosophygirl.com/ Philosophy also has great products for moisturizing and exfoiliating. This is the key for better skin, ladies! If you have adult acne (I had it sooo bad) you need a gentle exfoliator and cleanser. Your skin doesn't need to burn or smell "medicine-y" to get rid of acne. There is no need for toner.

It's also very important to exfoliate your body. Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells and helps even things out. I always exfoliate before shaving my legs. It reduces the bumps and helps gets a closer shave. Body scrubs that I have and have used are: PHILOSOPHY Amazing Grace warming scrub; THE BODY SHOP mango body scrub (they have lots of different scents) and BRAZIL NUT body scrub. Also, I've used exfoliating body washes from Wal-Mart that are very effective and have a duel purpose- clean & exfoliate- gotta love that! I have the EQUATE brand and it works just fine.

Next very important thing is moisturizing your skin. I've said it before but, it's that important! Use a moisurizer on your face before makeup or before you leave the house. The best is a moisturizer with a sunscreen of at least an spf of 15- all year long, everyday. I use the one by- you got it honey, PHILOSOPHY! Hey, stick with what works. And you know that there is always a new body lotion/butter/cream coming out everyday.
Once again, because my skin is SUPER dry, I have baskets full of all of these. My favorites are from THE BODY SHOP. Their body butter is amazing. They contain real shea butter and have a very thick consistancy so my skin soaks it up and doesn't feel greasy. There are lots of fragrances but, I prefer the brazil nut. I am also a big huge fan of JOHNSON & JOHNSON'S BEDTIME LOTION. I buy the big ole bottle with the pump and put it next to the bed 'cause it says " Helps Soothe Fussy Babies Lavender & Camomile" It really helps to soothe me, I know that. Lavender is perfect for relaxation. I use all types to help with my migraines.... just a little extra tip. One of THE coolest products I've ever found and used is by OLAY. MOISTURINSE IN THE SHOWER BODY LOTION. This stuff is crazy cool.... after you cleanse, put it on, rinse it off your body like a conditioner. Viola!

Taking care of your skin- the body's largest organ- is so important. Drinking lots of water, keeping hydrated, also keeps your skin glowing and healthy. This keeps you wrinkle and line free. Those cracked, dry, heels can be gone forever. Your face can look young and healthy and beautiful.

It's true that you should never go to sleep without taking off your makeup. Your skin needs to breathe. Always wear sunscreen. And moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize! That's what I've got for you today.

Let me know what your skin regeme is. What is your must-have skin care product? What are your favorite lotions/butters and creams?


Go lather on the body butter....

Labels: favorite stuff, link to beauty products, product review, skincare