Lip Inflation

It is sinful how many lip glosses/balms I own. I am ashamed of myself.

Anyway, decided I needed more this weekend and picked up the Sally Hansen Lip Inflation BOGO at CVS.

:: Sally Hansen Lip Inflation ::

Good things:

1. Okay, one thing straight, I am not looking for puffy lips. Anyone who *thinks* they can get puffy lips from a plumping gloss is out of their noggin. That being said, on this day, at this moment, I decided I wanted to know how it feels to have cinnamon tingling on your lips. And I don't regret that one bit.
2. This is a really nice gloss and does give your lips a hint of plumpness. Not so much making them bigger, but maybe making the lines on your lips fill in a bit. It stimulates with peppermint/cinnamon so it doesn't last long and it's not that intense. It's more like the feeling that maybe someone was just nibbling on your lips and that is quite nice, thankyouverymuch.
3. Hydrates lips. Cleared up a small case of chapped lips that I had.
   
4. Never feels sticky.
   
5. Colors are nude/natural. Works for me.
6. Packaging is nice...square shape doesn't roll off of tables/desks/sinks. Brush is great versus the sponge tip...it stays where you put it.
7. Cheap.

Bad things:

1. Doesn't *exactly* do what it promises to do, but it's not like anyone is stupid enough to buy that line anyway.
2. Some gals may prefer darker shades.

Easy Breezy

I had a coupon for the new Venus Breeze razor, but was hesitant to try it out. When I saw it on sale, I figured it was worth the plunge.

:: Gilette Venus Breeze 2 in 1 Razor Plus Shave Gel Bars ::

Good things:

1. The best part of this razor is that you don't have to use shaving cream with the razor, you just zip it over your legs after wetting it. The Shick Intuition razor was sort of the same idea, but I always found the bar around the razor to go down quickly and the razor itself would cut the shit out of my legs. Good concept, poor design. But I've always loved the triple blade action of the Mach 3 and Venus razors, so the fact that they're combining two great ideas is good news for us.
2. It really does glide over the leg and leave it semi-moisturized (not that you could skip lotion, mind you). It also bends so well that I didn't get any nicks or cuts. Yay.
   

Bad things:

1. This is really best for lazy days or travelling. It doesn't give you the close shave of a traditional razor and good cream/lotion, but you can be damn sure I'll be using this and buying refill packs.
2. A little on the expensive side, but worth every penny if it makes the heady task of shaving easier. God I hate shaving.

Tinted Moisturizer

Today is the vernal equinox, and with the changing of the seasons I usually change my foundation. In warm weather, I prefer tinted moisturizer over foundation. It's light and natural and just feels right.

This one is by far my holy grail.

:: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer ::

Good things:

1. Covers up problem spots without being too cakey or fake.
2. Evens out skin tone.
3. Has ingredients that improve the look of your skin.
4. Nice consistency and even application.
5. SPF formula is great.
6. Has natural, yellow undertones (hard to find in drugstore products...many are far too pink).
7. Love the pump bottle. Very sanitary and clean.
8. Great price.

Bad things:

1. Only bad thing I can think about is that it looks darker than it should in the container, but that's just an annoying thing and it goes on the color it should.

Anti-Aging, Anti-Wrinkles, DISCUSS!

Okay, I got a comment from Becky that goes like this:

I don't think you've covered anti-wrinkle creams yet. I just discovered that a bunch of my 25-30 year-old friends use anti-aging creams reguarly. Personally, I thought these kinds of things were for when you got old and actually had wrinkles...not as a preventative measure. Also, I am doubting the science of anything that promises to take away (or prevent) wrinkles. Please discuss oh-holy-maven-of-beauty-products.

Here are my thoughts on anti-aging/wrinkle creams and products: THEY ARE A HUGE WASTE OF MONEY AND WOMEN FALL FOR IT TIME AND TIME AGAIN. We are so desperate to look young we will pay for anything that promises to tighten, firm, or fill-in those cracks. I personally do not have many wrinkles yet, but I do notice my skin aging a bit and I certainly think my eye area could use some perking up.

There are only two things we know for sure:
1. Sunscreen is a must. Every day. Every single damn day. Get over wanting to look like a golden goddess...pruning your skin in the sun or even worse in a tanning bed. You are aging your skin exponentially. Wear sunblock (I prefer foundation/moisturizer with SPF of at least 15 included), and stay out of the sun when you have a choice.
2. Aging skin usually lacks moisture. Give your skin moisture, and it will look more plump and young.

Beyond that, you should take good care of your skin every day. (I personally recommend using an AHA product to keep your skin looking healthy.) There are no miracle products that are going to make your skin stay forever young. Sometimes the most expensive products are the biggest pieces of bullshit.

My single best resource for skincare science is Paula Begoun. Reading her books changed my life. She knows her shit and relies on FACTS, not hype, to make recommendations. Go to her site, check out the links on the left, particularly "Dear Paula" and "Skin Care Facts"...and sign up for her free email newsletter! She rocks my world. I can't say it enough.

Buff nails

Love, love, love, love, love this stuff.

I am a fan of the nude, buffed nail look. This stuff by Neutrogena is perfect for that "gosh your nails are nice" in that totally natural way.

:: Neutrogena Instant Nail Enhancer ::

The premise of this stuff is that you put it on once a day, it dries instantly, it's not a polish so you don't ever need to take it off with remover, but it builds a healthy nail and prevents peeling (which I personally have a huge problem with...hate peeling nails!)

At $7.99, it's a tad more than I'd want to pay, but it's worth it because it's a unique product and it lasts a long while. It comes in two colors, a clear "buff" and a more white pearlescent.

This is nice under polish too.

Fluckr

You need to check out my friend Grooveburgh's new blog, Fluckr. He finds random photos on Flickr and writes zany stories to narrate the moments.

Go now.

Voluptuous Volume

I have been lax in my blogging. I know. It's not easy to keep this up, people. And I'm starting to feel like I'm alone in an empty room writing shit that nobody reads (save for 3 people who I *make* read this blog).

That's not the point. Today I'm back on it, bringing you a rock star product that you've GOT to try if you have fine/limp hair. Usually styling products give you a trade-off: either something adds volume but makes your hair sticky or crunchy, or it makes your hair sleek and shiny but flat. This one gives you the best of all worlds.

:: Got 2 Be 2 Sexy Voluptuous Volume Mousse ::

Good things:

1. For a cheap drugstore mousse, this product kicks the ASS of all the salon "volumizing" products I've tried! It totally gives you volume and lift without being sticky or greasy at. all. Believe me when I say I've tried *everything* under the sun to give my fine hair a boost, and nothing ever delivers. This is one exceptional exception.
   
2. Lasts throughout the day, doesn't start failing at lunchtime like my caffeine buzz does.
3. You can still run your fingers through your hair. Doesn't feel "coated" at all.
4. A small, liquidy amount on your palm rises to become a massive mountain of mousse, but it sinks in the hair nicely and gives it volume and shine.
5. Tones down frizz when applied to wet hair.
   
6. Smells goooood.

Bad things:

1. The name. Okay, nobody wants to have a bottle of "Got 2 Be 2 Sexy" sitting around in plain view. I hate when companies think they can name their products with IM abbreviations like "2" or "ur". It's insulting. But I still love this product.

Til it Shines Like the Top of the Chrysler Building!!!

I was moseying around the CVS this weekend waiting for my mom to print her digital pictures, which is an hours-long endeavor. Like a badger, I am easily distracted by shiny new things. In the hair-care aisle, this bubble-gum pink bottle had me at hello.

:: L'Oreal Vive Pro Nutri Gloss Shampoo/Conditioner ::

Good things:

1. Claims to leave hair ultra shiny and bouncy, and I must say it mostly delivers on that promise. It contains a fair amount of protein and *does* leave hair with a nice sheen and ample bounce. I don't think you're going to look like Monica Gellar (Courtney Cox) with mirror-shiny hair, but it's sort of akin to using a regular shampoo followed by a nice shine mist.
2. The conditioner is great! Rinses clean and left my hair so soft and manageable, but with lots of volume.
3. Best thing of all...the smell! It's the same scent as the discontinued Fresh Vive. It's great when you can sit on the couch at the end of the day and catch a whiff of your still-delicious hair.

Bad things:

1. Probably causes buildup over time. I always use a clarifying shampoo at least once a week to remedy this.

Apparently this is so new that they don't even have it up on their web site yet. I cannot find a picture of the bottle anywhere. So I am posting a German version that I found. Those damn Europeans get all the good stuff first.

Since this is so new, it may be difficult to find. Make sure you do not confuse this with the "style infusing" Vive Pro which SUCKS ASS and makes your hair flat and greasy looking. The Nutri Gloss has a bright pink bottle and the "ass infuser" has a darker pink bottle.

It rubs the lotion on its skin.

I am an avid hand-washer, and in the winter my hands become so dry they crack and bleed. I need a really good lotion that isn't greasy and this is one I LOVE. Holy grail status.

:: Dove Regenerating Night Lotion ::

Good things:

1. Super emollient but not greasy, absorbs insanely well and quickly.
2. Smells wonderful.
3. With continued use, my skin feels like a babys...put it on at night and in the morning your skin is still silky and smooth.
4. I noticed a more even tone in my skin as well.
5. Has shea butter beads...which absorb superbly well compared to regular shea butter, which is notoriously sticky and lays there on your skin.
6. Cheap

Bad things:

1. Some women don't care for smell...to each her own I guess.

Sensual Amber

I love this fragrance line from Bath and Body Works. It's a very sophisticated yet simple smell that is warm and sexy, sweet and spicy. B&BW doesn't always produce winners, but this has inspired me to try some more of their new lines. I can't wait to get my hands on the Midnight Pomegranate line that just came out...I'm crazy for pomegranates.

:: Bath and Body Works Sensual Amber ::

Here is my stream of consciousness about this: women are raving, can't keep it in stock, smells much more expensive than it is, amber/vanilla/coconut/woods/smokyness, nice to go out in, or to wear to bed, deep, heady, intoxicating, not overpowering, what smells so nice?

I am using the cream and the EDT and it layers nicely. The cream is lovely on it's own and has more complex layers in my opinion.

Red Red Wine You Make My Feet Smell Fine

I loooooooove this shampoo/conditioner combo. I found it at the GreenStar Market in Ithaca, NY.

:: Desert Essence Italian Red Grape Shampoo/Conditioner ::

Good things:

1. Sulfate-free shampoo. WoO! Won't strip hair.
2. Silicone-free conditioner. WoO! Won't coat hair.
   
3. Smells like grape soda and/or wine. Very devine.
4. Unlike most "natural" shampoos, doesn't leave hair feeling greasy or tangly.
   

Bad things:

1. A bit hard to find; check organic sections or health food stores or search online.
2. A tad pricey compared to most drugstore brands, but worth it for the quality ingredients.

Pure Makeup

Stacey turned me on to this foundation and I've been digging it for a while now.

:: Maybelline Pure Foundation ::

Good things:

1. This is more like a tinted moisturizer (with more pigment in it) than it is a real foundation. Feels like lotion going on, covers imperfections but doesn't have what I would consider full coverage.
2. Nice and light, nothing in it that will irritate skin or cause breakouts (it's been said you can even fall asleep in it.)
3. Love the packaging...hygenic squeeze tube.
4. Cheap! ($5.99 at Target)
5. It can be a bit sticky but if you set it with powder, it feels so nice and smooth and face looks flawless.
6. Blends very well and the colors are true, not orangey.

Bad things:

1. Doesn't seem to last all day if you touch your face at all.
2. Some women have said that the color turns on them mid-day, but I think this is if you have truly oily skin.
3. Like I said, coverage isn't full but if you use a concealer on spots that need it, this will be light on your skin and natural.

Skincare 101

I've written before about my skin care routine, but in talking to a few of you folks I realize I wasn't entirely clear about all of the steps, so today I'm gonna break it down for you real sweet and simple. Someone I know (who shall not be named) was using Hydrogen Peroxide instead of Benzoyl Peroxide. :O| Okay if you burn your face off do not hold me responsible.

Night Routine:
1. Wash with gentle cleanser. (Summer: Basis Gel Cleanser; Winter: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser)

On lazy nights, I use CVS Brand Exfoliating Pre-Moistened Face Wipes. (Any face wipe will do, just check to be sure there isn't OIL in the ingredient list. You'd be surprised how many contain castor oil or mineral oil.)

2. Apply 5% Benzoyl Peroxide all over the face in a thin layer. Allow to dry before touching or rubbing with anything, as it will ruin towels and clothes.

There are many different brands of Benzoyl Peroxide products. Check the active ingredient list. Most come in 10% formulas because apparently Americans will only buy things that are Maximum Strength. But 10% is far too drying and irritating for most people, so try to find a 5% formula if you can. Ones to look for: Oxy Standard, Neutrogena On the Spot, Paula's Choice 2.5% BP, Paula's Choice 5% BP, Generic Brands.

3. Moisturize if necessary with an oil-free moisturizer. I usually skip this step unless my face is drying out. Sometimes I'll just do a plain honey mask if I have the time. Other good moisturizers: Wet 'n' Wild Fresh Face Oil-Free Moisturizer, Olay Moisture Therapy Cream for Sensitive Skin, Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer.

Morning Routine:
1. Wash with gentle cleanser. (Summer: Basis Gel Cleanser; Winter: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser)

2. Apply chemical exfoliant like AHA Souffle or another lotion with glycolic acid. Allow to dry completely before applying anything else.

3. Apply moisturizer with sunscreen or foundation with sunscreen.

What is all of this for? This routine is for someone with blemish-prone skin. If you have clear skin, you may not need the benzoyl peroxide but you may wish to use the AHA.

Gentle cleansers are necessary because you don't want to upset the balance of your skin or use harsh detergents that are found in many cleansers. Benzoyl Peroxide penetrates the skin and hair follicle and kills the bacteria that cause acne. It's better to use it all over the face to prevent acne rather than to use it as a spot treatment as often marketed. To get rid of the dead skin that's created it's necessary to use an exfoliant. I prefer the chemical variety because they are gentle and thorough, as opposed to physical exfoliants that are gritty and harsh. AHA is a great chemical exfoliant and it makes you skin look renewed, which is essentially what it's doing. For a gentle physical exfoliant, mix baking soda or brown sugar with your cleanser.

Sometimes using all of this stuff will cause your skin to start reacting by drying out or getting reddish or feeling funny. If this happens, just try to figure out what's causing the irritation and back off on that step for a little while...maybe do it every few days instead of every day. Most of the time, it will be the Benzoyl Peroxide that causes irritation.

It's best to get your routine down and stick to it...it will take a few weeks for your skin to calm down but once you start doing this all the time, your skin will be radiant. Don't stop doing these steps once your skin is clear...keep it up and you won't be sorry. Fuck ProActiv® Solution.

Winnie the Pooh was onto something.

I am here to convince you that honey is the ultimate skin and hair care product you will ever own.

Yes, honey. I prefer raw, unfiltered honey (look in the organic section of food stores) but sometimes I like the kind in the plastic bear just as well.

There are so many things you can do with honey, it ain't even funny. I'll just tell you a few of my faves here.

1. Plain, as a face mask: Honey is a perfect moisturizer for oily skin with dry patches. With a slightly damp face, rub honey on your skin, and leave it on 30-45 minutes before rinsing. If you put it on 15 minutes before showering, you can rinse by the time you are done showering. It's going to feel icky, and maybe stinky, but it is well worth it! It will leave your face glowing and moisturized. It also reduces pore size and helps eliminate black heads. The best part: pimples go down in it's presence!
2. Mixed, as a face mask: Try mixing 1 part honey to 2 parts brown sugar for a wonderful exfoliating mask. Replace the brown sugar with baking soda for another version. Also, mix honey with some crushed aspirin and plain yogurt for a great acne mask. (The honey is a natural antiseptic/antibacterial agent and moisturizer; the aspirin reduces redness and inflammation; the yogurt is a gentle exfoliant.)
3. Mixed with shampoo: Mix 1 part honey to 2 parts shampoo to make even the cheapest shampoo luxurious. Honey will combat dandruff and dry/itchy scalp. It also moisturizes hair and leaves it softer and smoother.
4. Topically, to heal wounds: Apply to burns, cuts, and irritated skin. Honey reacts with skin's fluids to disinfect without harming surrounding skin. Whether, it's wind burn, a bad chemical peel, or just a bad cut, honey will help heal the wound gently and quickly.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. If honey isn't part of your beauty regimen, you need to give it a try. As with any product, if your skin reacts badly, stop using it. Even natural ingredients can cause a reaction in some people.