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

The Ting Ting Thing

This is what it is.

Labels: funny, product review

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

Weekend Stuff

This weekend was good. My Luke came home, looking all cute and being all sweet and Luke-ish. I knew he was coming home and we've been together for a long time but, when I heard the door open on Friday evening at 7:30, my heart sped up. I got so excited and I rushed to great him. He was wearing a white t-shirt and khaki shorts and sporting a full beard. He can grow such a pretty beard. And it looks so good now because his hair is cut. Anyway, when I saw him and hugged him and buried my face into his neck it was like, "Ahhh, this is it." I know that all of this sounds trite and cliche' but, it's true. In those moments the world stopped and everything was good, safe, perfect.
Then he started bitching because the garbage men threw our trash can in the ditch!! :) Oh well, I didn't say life (or my husband) was perfect.

Saturday we went to Holly's graduation crawfish boil. Thanks for having us, Holly!! It was fun, the crawfish were good and you looked beautiful. Our Miss Holly graduated on Friday from LSU with a bachelor in English and already has a job in Houston, TX. She will be teaching 10th grade English. Love you and am so proud of you, Gawdsista!!

So, I am officially 100% sick of being a huge fat cow. I really am not having it anymore. I'm just over it. I really love to eat. I don't just love bad, fatty foods, though. I love fish- grilled, and veggies, salads, etc... I love french fries, yes but, the REAL thing is that I need to get my butt in motion. So, that's what is going to happen. Starting this week, I am slowly going to get it going. I'm going to walk. Then, when that's not so hard I'll join something or hire everybody's favorite trainer, Betsy. So, I may not look good on the beach next weekend (that really sucks but, I'm so excited to go!) but, I will next year.

I always have to scratch my back and I can never get to the itch so I went on my favorite- www.amazon.com and looked at the backscratchers. If you are familiar with Amazon, you know that lots of times they have "buy this with this for this price". Well, with my backscratcher was the "Ting Ting Head Tuner (The Ultimate "Vibrating Massager"). I read the customer reviews and they ranged from "Oh Good Lord, it changed my life, I never wanted to take it off my head..." to "It was ok". So, I figured, why not? The point to this little story is that I got them both in the mail yesterday but, I have not opened the "Ting Ting" yet. I'm going to be breaking that out soon. I'll be letting you know all about it

And finally, USA is featuring a new show soon called The Starter Wife starring Debra Messing (my girl Grace from Will & Grace). I found out that it was based on a book and had mixed feelings on whether I should read it or not. I have been so upset watching the movie after reading the book (The Devil Wears Prada, Memoirs of a Geisha, etc...), the book is always sosososo much better and the movie is such a let down. I love Debra Messing so I don't want to jinx it but, I saw the book at Wal-Mart and had to get it. I'm just starting to read it and just picture Debra is Gracie's character. I think this will probably help. So, I'm telling you this so you know what I'm reading. I would LOVE for someone to read it with me. If you don't want to read that with me, I have another book that is of more "substance" that might be more of interest. I will give out the details if anyone is interested. Also, over on the "READ THIS" section- I have set it up where you can click on the book and get to the link on Amazon. Cool, huh?

What are you reading? What new things have you tried that you want to share? Leave a comment...

***UPDATE--- The "Ting Ting Vibrating Head Massager" is very weird but very cool. I really like it. The package says the funniest stuff such as: " This handheld device is specially designed to stimulate your nerve endings and massage acupressure points on your scalp, temles, and neck. It has amazing theraputic and pleasure properties. (Ha Ha, sounds dirrrty,but this is my favorite part-) The effect could spread through your entire body and you may shiver with pleasure. Isn't that hilarious!!!! Is it a warning? It's not necessary, take it from me. The "Ting Ting" is nice but, I'm not passed out in pleasure. It was cheap. It is cool for what I paid for it. Advertising is funny.



"like i could tip a cow by myself..." melanie carmichael/smooty (reese witherspoon) sweet home alabama {luke laughs at me everytime i say this. yes, i say this to him a lot.}

Labels: books, Luke, product review, TV

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