Some Current Favorites - Beauty products

Okay, so I have had this post in my drafts for maybe a year.  No lie, I totally forgot about it. However, even though it's an old post, these are still the items I reach for time and time again. So maybe this post is more relevant since I've had almost a year of using and loving these products! So (finally) here are the beauty products I've been reaching for over and over the past few months year.

Clockwise from top:

L'Oreal Visible Lift Blur concealer - it just blends so well and gives good coverage without caking. I have used this as a foundation substitute in a pinch when I was travelling.

Tony & Guy Wave Memorising balm - I like the way this worked.  They've discontinued it or changed it or something and I can't find it anymore (the link is to the only version I can find). I'm still partial to this one (which is also becoming impossible to find - of course).

Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum - this is a "holy grail" item for me, it's by far the easiest felt tip pen-type liquid eyeliner I've tried and it's long-lasting!  I've got it in the Black and Ultra-Black.  Not sure about the "lash boosting" aspect of this but that's not why I buy or use it.  The tip keeps it's shape too.

Here's an up close look at the tip.

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil - I'm so bad at doing my brows, but I don't feel like such a brow idiot when I use this.  The shape and formula make it so easy and natural looking.

Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray - This stuff has changed my life.  Okay that's a bit dramatic, but it has totally helped with keeping my makeup in place throughout the day.  I've already used up the bottle in this picture and re-purchased. And to show how old this photo is, they've redesigned the packaging - lol!

ColourPop Super Shock Eyeshadow in "Bill" - The most beautiful matte mauve.  I've already hit pan on this and will repurchase for sure!

Here it is swatched on my hand.  It's a really lovely mauve.

Small Jewelry Tray (different patterns)

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Review - Columbia SkinCare Probiotics Complex and Concentrate

Disclosure: I received these for review via Massive Sway Group. I only accept products for review that look like something I would normally buy or be interested in.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Seems like probiotics are everywhere right now.  What are probiotics?  Probiotics, also known as "good bacteria", found in yogurt and other indigestibles, have been keeping people healthier longer for years.  I jumped at the chance to review Columbia SkinCare's Probiotic Complex and Concentrate.  Why?  Because I take probiotics every day and that once-a-day pill has completely changed my gut/bloat/upset tummy.  And since I swear by them internally, I was curious about what they could do externally.  These are topical-specific probiotics, clinically proven effective and safe, these products enhance and fortify the skin's ability to do what it does naturally: renew and rejuvenate itself.  I've been using both morning and night for a month now.

The Probiotic Concentrate is the top and the Probitotic Complex is on the bottom.

First up the Probiotic Concentrate - $190:

This contains a unique blend of probiotcs, plant stem cells and peptides which intensify and enhance the skin's renewal process.  I applied a small amount to my skin and it is very light and absorbs quickly.

Followed by the Probiotic Complex - $165:

This is the world's first probiotic formulation created specifically for topical use.  It's formulation effectively enhances the most important biological feature in aging skin" it's ability to renew itself.  This cream is so silky and luxurious.  Like the Concentrate, it absorbs quickly and seems to leave sort of a semi-matte finish without feeling tight or uncomfortable.

One thing the company cautioned was that if you are using medications or treatments with retinoids there might be a slight interaction, usually a tiny blemish or pimple.  This is actually the effort of the probiotics to rid the cells of the impurities in the retinal products which often result in the drying of the skin.  I will say this happened to me after 2 days of use.  Nothing awful or major but a couple of breakouts.  They went away quickly.

Now for my thoughts after a month.  First of all there is not fragrance, but it does smell like probiotics.  If you've ever smelled one of the pills then you know what I'm talking about.  It's not unpleasant or bad, it's just not flowery, etc, it's very earthy I guess.  Not a big deal.  I honestly didn't have too many expectations, but I will say I have noticed a difference in the texture of my skin.  I didn't take pictures because honestly I'm not sure you could tell from them, but I really noticed how much better my skin looked overall.  Not plumper, not "no more wrinkles" but just overall better.  The texture was nicer, it looked very hydrated, I was pleasantly surprised to be honest.

Now these are a bit pricey, yes.  But they do seem to work and deliver, so (especially if you have issues with retinol products) these might be a good alternative.   

Here is a special offer from Columbia SkinCare just for my readers.  Purchase either probiotic product above and receive a FREE moisturizing cream, a $38 value.  Use code: ProbioticGift at checkout.

Book Review - "Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style, and Success Online and Off" by Michelle Phan (#12 - 2015)

Make Up:  Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style, and Success Online and Off by Michelle Phan

Yet another spur-of-the-moment grab at the second hand bookstore.  I've never heard of Michelle Phan (so old, so out of the loop).  I breezed through it, not because of lack of good information, but mostly because I am not the target age for this book and the information in it.  It would be an awesome book for High School/college girls (graduation gift alert).  The advice she gives is solid, her story is inspiring, but I was hoping for a little more beauty coverage (considering she's a beauty Internet sensation/guru).  Besides beauty, hair and nails, she touches on style, getting a job, and other career advice.  I would have loved this book when I was in my teens/early 20s!  

Book Review - "Crazy Busy Beautiful" by Carmindy (#7 - 2015)

Crazy Busy Beautiful: Beauty Secrets for Getting Gorgeous Fast by Carmindy

Picked this one up on a whim at the second hand bookstore.  I like Carmindy so I was hoping for some great tips.  I was disappointed, really basic stuff here, nothing that you can't get reading magazines and/or blogs, or just from experience.  And it's not a typical makeup book, it's just bullet points with tips and each chapter is a different part of the face.  No pictures, just illustrations.  I would skip this one.

Review - Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Collection

Disclaimer:  As a member of the Vogue Influencer Network, these products were provided to me by Neutrogena. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was so happy I was chosen to give the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair products a try because let's face it, when you are my age (ahem - 40) wrinkles really start to become an issue.  As does dullness, discoloration/dark spots, and just overall "glow".  I have used these products (and only these products) for a solid week, because the products say that they will "help fade the look of wrinkles, brighten skin's tone, and smooth fine lines and texture in just one week".  I was a little skeptical, but am pleased to report that they aren't exaggerating.  After about three days in, my skin was glowing, so soft and radiant.  Side note, I must say (and I preach this to everyone) ALWAYS apply serums/moisturizers/sunscreen, etc to your face AND neck.  Always.  I have done this since I was 16 years old and my neck shows almost zero signs of aging, it's why people, when they meet me, think I'm younger than I am.  Start now, it's never too late!  Face and neck always!  Getting off my soapbox now...

The standout product is the serum:


Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair serum

I used it once a day (at night) before applying my moisturizer and it just soaks in, sometimes serums can feel watery or like they sit on your skin.  This one did not.  I LOVE this product.  I've always been so-so on the  serum front, but this one changed my tune!

I followed with this:


Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night moisturizer

I LOVED this nighttime moisturizer, my skin drank it up.  Now I have mostly oily skin and I was okay with this, it didn't break me out.  Sometimes when you have oily skin you have to worry about a serum then moisturizer just making a greasy, zit-filled mess.  So far, so good.

A little side note for people who have never used Retinols before, they can feel uncomfortable at first (warmth, itchy), if it feels that way then scale back to every other day and/or use the serum or moisturizer for a while before combining. Also make sure you use sunscreen every day because Retinols can make your skin more susceptible to sunburn - trust me on this one.

Every morning I applied this:


Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Broad Spectrum SPF30 moisturizer

Another really great product that gives you SPF (which you need with the retinols) and does very well under makeup.  My only complaint is I didn't like the smell, but it's not overpowering and doesn't last long, but you can smell the sunscreen.

And lastly, probably the product that didn't do as much for me as the others, though still a great product.


Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair eye cream

I didn't see as many results with this product as the others, because I have used similar eye creams for a while.  I've been a religious eye cream user for two decades, so while I do have crows feet, they aren't as pronounced as they could be had I not been using products like this for as long as I have.  This is a perfect eye cream if you are starting to see those nagging crows feet.  It's great because the retinols will help lessen the look of those suckers.

Like I said, three days in my skin was so glowy and radiant.  This was the most exciting development, my skin seemed vibrant again.  The "parentheses" around my mouth didn't seem as pronounced as they did before.  My hyper pigmentation in my temple area seemed a little lighter (I think I'm stuck with it though post-baby).

Final thoughts:  This is a great retinol system, if you are new to retinols and are confused figuring out what should be used with what for maximum anti-aging power, then this is a great way to start!  It's easy and it works!  If you just want to cherry pick one or two items then I would say the serum #1 and the night cream #2.  Those are the two I will be purchasing when I run out.  I liked everything, but those were my favorites from the system.

Book Review - "The New Braiding Handbook: 60 Modern Twists on The Classic Hairstyles" by Abby Smith

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of the book for purposes of review. All opinions are my own.

A few weeks ago I was approached to do a review of "The New Braiding Handbook: 60 Modern Twists on The Classic Hairstyles".  I actually jumped at the chance because truth be told, I'm crap at hairstyles, braids in particular.  This fact was causing a major issue in my house because my 6 year old daughter is demanding braids and such.  I thought hey, I may learn a few things!

"The New Braiding Handbook: 60 Modern Twists on The Classic Hairstyles" by Abby Smith available at Amazon in Kindle or Paperback editions

When I received the book, I was pleasantly surprised to see it was by Abby from the blog Twist Me Pretty!  I've been following her on YouTube for a while now, so I knew I was in good hands, and I was right.  I flipped through and marked the ones I wanted to try out on my girl.

The one that was the biggest hit and was much easier than I thought it would be, was the Hair Bow:

 This was so easy, it literally took minutes and here's what the first try looked like:

Seriously, it took maybe 3 minutes.  It's not perfection but darn good for me!!  My girl LOVED this one, she asks for it all. the. time!

Here are the step by step instructions: 

Hair Bow

What girl doesn’t love bows? Seriously this hairstyle just makes me happy!

1–2. Brush your hair up into
a nice high bun. Make sure to leave out about 3 to 4 inches of the ends on the last pass.

3. Split the bun in half.

4. Clip one side of the bun to your head with a duckbill clip.

5. Get your large bobby pins ready.

6. Attach the bun to your head by sliding the bobby pins in vertically. Repeat on other the side.

7. Bring the tail up and forward.

8. Bobby pin the tail near the base of the bun. Spray any flyaways down and pull out some fringe in the front to complete the look!

Excerpted from The New Braiding Handbook (Ulysses Press) by Abby Smith

Here are a couple more styles that were so easy and took minutes:

She was such a happy girl!

Now a few of the styles take a bit more time and practice (I seriously may never master a French braid - but I will say her instructions got me closer than I have ever gotten before), but for the most part the pictures and instructions make attempting these seemingly complicated styles so much less intimidating.  I'm super impressed.  There is a lot of information in this book, it's a great reference (secret - it stays in my bathroom now).  I highly recommend it for those of us who need the step-by-step guide or feel intimidated by all this stuff.  Abby really makes you feel like a friend, cheering you on until you get the hang of it!

What I Bought - March 2014

It's time again to round up what I bought this month (no clothing, just lots of beauty products), here you go:

1. LORAC PRO Palette - $42 - $10 (coupon) = $32 - Elle over at ElleSees convinced me I needed this in my life and she was right!
2. Garnier Beach Chic texturizing spray - $3.49 This stuff is good!
3. Kate Spade nylon crossbody - $78 (on sale) - $50 gift card = $28  This style is sold out but here for similar.
4. CoverGirl LiquilineBlast Eyeliner - $6.99
5. CoverGirl nail polish - $3 (on sale)
6. Essie nail polish - $8
7. Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights - $10.99
8. Maybelline Master Glaze - $7.99 - $3 (coupon) = $4.99
9. LUSH Caca Rouge henna - $25.95
10. Nike Studio Wrap - $36.99

Total spent out of pocket = $160.40

Go forth and shop responsibly!

I'm linking up with Budgeting Bloggers over at Franish!

One of my beauty staples - Nars Schiap

Tragedy struck the house over the weekend.  A beauty tragedy.  I went to paint my toenails with one of my all time favorite nail colors ever.  EVER.  Nars Schiap. And it had dried up to a gloopy, glob of yuck.  Of course I had had it for a long time so it wasn't a total shock, but I was so sad.

What's so special about this Schiap color? It's a lovely, bright, blue-based pink - his homage to the great fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli's signature color. It's such a happy, perfect pink. Great for these gloomy days of Winter.  And I wanted it on my tootsies NOW!  I immediately went online and placed and order for some (along with Amlactin which is another one of my "must haves" but we'll save that for another post).  It should be here by the end of the week.  Whew, beauty tragedy turned into triumph!

What I Bought - September 2013

A little change to the list, I decided to include my beauty purchases every month from here on out.  That's what made me go nuts this month - the beauty purchases.  As I'm getting older, my skin is changing and I'm trying to tweak what I'm using to find the right mix.  So I'm trying out a few new items to see what works for my soon-to-be-40-year-old-skin.

1. Coldwater Creek top - $44.45 (on sale, includes tax and shipping. Also backordered until late October - boo)

2.  Johnny Cupcakes tee (limited edition, no longer available) - $33.81 (including discount and shipping)

3. Coldwater Creek top - $12.86 (on sale, includes tax and shipping)

4.  L'Oreal True Match foundation - $7.49 (had -$1.50 coupon)

5.  Shamanuti Activated Charcoal Cleanser - $14.00 (includes shipping)

6.  Benefit Fakeup - $24

7.  Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge - $18 (review here)

8.  Living Proof No Frizz trial pack - $29

9.  Gap button down - $10 (Uptown Cheapskate)

10.  Gap trouser jeans - $8 (Uptown Cheapskate)

Total = $201.61

- $18 (Uptown Cheapskate credit from selling)

- $57.31 (Coldwater Creek giftcard)

Total spent out of pocket - $126.30

Go forth and shop responsibly!

I'm linking up with Budgeting Bloggers over at Franish!

Since I've been doing some major closet cleaning, I've listed a ton of stuff on Poshmark (good stuff too, like Tory Burch, Ray-Ban, L.A.M.B., Michael Kors, etc).  Check it out!

Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge Review

At the beginning of this month I wandered into Sephora and picked up some new things (stay tuned to what I got on Monday's "What I Bought" September post).  I've been hearing a lot about Konjac sponges lately and I wanted to give one a try.  I mean, who couldn't use a little all natural, gentle exfoliation?  So I snapped up Boscia's version for $18.

Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge - $18

Okay, first when you get it out of the box, it's hard as a rock.  But once you run it under water it gets bigger (about the size of your palm) and much softer.  Once you get it softened up, squeeze a little of your cleanser on (this version does come with a small packet of Boscia's cleanser to try too).  Then just rub on your face to cleanse and gently exfoliate.  When you are finished, rinse it out and hang it up - it comes with a handy built-in string to hang up so it can air dry between uses.  It's super soft and very gentle, so I was a little skeptical that it was doing anything.  But I was pleasantly surprised at how clean my face was.  I use Retin-A every other day and sometimes I get pesky peeling skin in spots and this takes care of exfoliating that without irritating.  I've been using it nightly for almost a month and I must say I love it!  I was sort of hoping this would drive the thought of my "needing" a Clarisonic out of my mind, but sadly (for my pocketbook) I still would like one for once or twice a week deep cleaning.

Overall, I would highly recommend this!  Has anyone else tried this or any of the other Konjac sponges?  Here's Kimberlee's review of the Julep version.

Also, I've been doing a MEGA closet clean out and have listed a bunch of stuff on Poshmark (spryonthewall).  Click on the box below to check out all the goodies!

Have a great weekend!!

This isn't a sponsored post or anything, I just really love this product and wanted to share!

Love This! - May's Sample Society Box

Here's what this month's box contained:

Stila Forever Your Curl mascara //  Alterna UV+ Color Protection Fade-Proof Fluide //  Bond No. 9 New York Chinatown //  Strivectin-SD Intensive concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles //  Colorescience pro Loose Mineral travel puff

The Bond perfume smells amazing - yum!  Love the colorescience travel puff - that's a $10 product and is really nice!  I haven't dug into the other stuff yet, but I will be busting out the UV hair spray when we head to the beach later this Summer.

If you want more information about BeautyBar.com and Allure's Sample Society go here.

Check out what was in last month's box go here.

Love This! - April's Sample Society Box

Here are the goodies in this month's box:

Murad Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer Acne and Shine Control //  DDF Amplifying Elixir //  Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel //  By Terry Creme De Rose Soin Nutri-Lift //  Oscar Blandi Jasmine Oil

I've already almost used up the By Terry Creme De Rose - it's such a luxurious cream and smells wonderful!

If you want more information about BeautyBar.com and Allure's Sample Society go here.

Check out what was in last month's box go here.

Love This! - March's Sample Society Box

I have resisted all of the monthly beauty sample boxes thus far (you know along the lines of My Glam, Birchbox and the like), but when I got an invitation for BeautyBar.com and Allure's Sample Society I just couldn't turn it down.  Well, my first box arrived and I must say I'm quite impressed with the generous samples, check 'em out:

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant // Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing Cream // Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Pen // Ren Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask // Oscar de la Renta Esprit d'Oscar eau de perfum

I can't wait to dig in!  Go here for more information about the Sample Society.

Temporary Skin Art - As Seen on Spring 2010 Chanel Runway - Available Now!

Remember all those delicate temporary tattoos shown on Chanel's Spring 2010 RTW runway?  (see my review of the collection here)  Now you can get your hands on some.  Chanel has made these available in a set of 55 for $75  (limited edition) - here is the description via Chanel.com:

"Fifty-five exclusive temporary tattoos in all, originally hand-drawn by Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, for the Spring-Summer 2010 Fashion Show in Paris. Artful images of CHANEL symbols and icons, including Oriental cherry blossoms and birds, can be mixed and matched for unlimited effects."

Here's how they looked on the runway:

Images via Chanel and Style.com

I want this! - MAC Nail Lacquer "Light Affair" - Another Update!

I've been flirting with the idea of greyish nails, why?  I don't know.  I ran across this color (Light Affair) from MAC and it's a lovely pale grey/taupe/mauve.  It appeals to me.  Nails are a great way to change things up, so this might be worth a shot!  Anyone tried this trend?  Any opinions?

*UPDATE*  I purchased this and it's such a nice warm grey.  I almost want to say it comes off as the palest lavender with more red than blue.  Does that make sense?  I painted my toenails with it and I love it!  I will not subject you to my icky, dry feet right now, so I haven't posted a picture.  I say YES to this trend!

*Another Update*  I painted my fingernails and here's a (blurry) picture, just so you get an idea.  I'm loving the color!

Image via Nordstrom(top) and me (bottom)