Still researching and thinking on the five year plan. Since I have never done anything like this before, it is turning out to be harder than I thought.
It is actually hot here today. In the 90's. That so sucks. Dinner will be a cool one. Cesaer Shrimp Salad with Garlic Bread. The Rock likes this - he likes hearty chef type salads. For dessert, fresh fruit. Easy and healthy.
The Wild Child has friends over today. The battle is over playing inside or outside. Yes, I know it is hot. But we don't have the air on yet so it isn't like it is icey inside. Our back yard is very cool and shady. I need to get my wireless router installed and then I will be outside all the time. Our back yard is a higher elevation than the street and is at least 5 - 10 degrees cooler than out front. Plus we have lots of shade and it picks up a nice breeze. I will be stationing myself out there soon.
We don't have the air on yet cause I have a thing about holding off as long as possible. As long as it isn't too hot for the computer and satellite dish, I think it is okay. And it is pleasant to sleep. So far, all of those things are true. The price of electric is horrid now here in Illinois. And our house is old. Our air isn't central anyway which means it is far more expensive and hard to cool. It is hard to keep the whole house cool, so when it has to come on, we have two rooms that we keep really cool and then use fans in the rest. That and things like keep the shades down adn all. And not running the oven. It works out okay.
I guess I should get the girls in soon and let them do crafts. They like to do this every day and I might as well get it over with.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Philosophy Microdelivery Face Wash
I just love this cleanser! At first whiff, I have to confess to being slightly put off - I have never had an issue with the scent of any of the Philosophy Skincare products, although I know some do - and at first whiff, this has a weird smell.
So, I just thought of all the good results I have had and carried on. Although I will be frank and say that if this was someone's first Philosophy Skincare item, I could see where they might be totally put off the product and the line. Which would be a shame, cause this ROCKS!
I have used it with and without the Microdelivery Cleansing Cloths. Without - it is a wonderful exfolitating cleanser. It does lather slightly, and really leaves the skin feeling very clean, very toned and very exfoliated. This has become my daily, in the shower facial cleanser. I apply it when I turn the shower on, (we have to let it warm up a bit) and massage into my skin. Then I hit the shower and while I wet my hair, I continue to massage. Then rinse. Then wow - I can't believe how great my skin feels!
With the Microdelivery Cleansing Cloths - Just WOW! What a wonderful feeling. Using the cloths with this cleanser, you can definitely feel the exfoliating action while you cleanse (see my other review of the cloths with Purity Cleanser). I am very impressed with this. It isn't quite the exfoliation one gets with the Microdelivery 2 step Peel, but damn is it good.
For many people the cleanser with or without the cloths might be all the exfoliation you need.
I really don't understand how Philosophy keeps coming up with such great products, but I hope they keep at it.
So, I just thought of all the good results I have had and carried on. Although I will be frank and say that if this was someone's first Philosophy Skincare item, I could see where they might be totally put off the product and the line. Which would be a shame, cause this ROCKS!
I have used it with and without the Microdelivery Cleansing Cloths. Without - it is a wonderful exfolitating cleanser. It does lather slightly, and really leaves the skin feeling very clean, very toned and very exfoliated. This has become my daily, in the shower facial cleanser. I apply it when I turn the shower on, (we have to let it warm up a bit) and massage into my skin. Then I hit the shower and while I wet my hair, I continue to massage. Then rinse. Then wow - I can't believe how great my skin feels!
With the Microdelivery Cleansing Cloths - Just WOW! What a wonderful feeling. Using the cloths with this cleanser, you can definitely feel the exfoliating action while you cleanse (see my other review of the cloths with Purity Cleanser). I am very impressed with this. It isn't quite the exfoliation one gets with the Microdelivery 2 step Peel, but damn is it good.
For many people the cleanser with or without the cloths might be all the exfoliation you need.
I really don't understand how Philosophy keeps coming up with such great products, but I hope they keep at it.
Philosophy The Present Clear Powder
My review of Philosophy The Present Clear Powder.
From the website -
"The present
clear powder
the present clear powder is a topical liquid shine reducer formulated for men and women who suffer from oily skin. philosophy do not believe in using powder to absorb oil - it's "cakey" and ultimately clogs pores. we believe in using a special technology that lifts the oil off your skin holding it away from your pores that provides a matte, shine-free finish.
you need this product if...
# you have oily skin shine mid-day
# you want a product that can be applied under or over makeup
# you are tired of using powder over oil which causes a cakey look
# you want something super simple, super portable that can go wherever you go
# you are pregnant and need something safe and effective to minimize breakout"
My opinion - this is a great product. Unlike a lot of other powders in that it isn't actually powder - it is liquid. A very fine fluid, no oil at all. It is a very small bottle but I think it will last a long time, as one uses so little.
Now, I have normal skin - generally. Get a bit dryer in winter, get a little oilier in the summer, in hot weather. I was looking for something to minimize oiliness/shine and this does. I use Philosophy's Pigment of Your Imagination which has SPF 18. I have now tried this two ways. Once just over moisturizer, and I then applied a bit of concealer (Boi-ing by Benefit) on cheeks and under eyes and on lids, creme blush (DuWop's stick in Elixer which is a wonderful beigey pink shade) with brow makeup (Stila) and eyeliner (cheapo from Walgreens, can't recall the name) mascara (Estee Lauder More than Mascara) and lips (CoverGirl Naturalast as a base, and DuWop Venom Gloss in Wisteria). Great look. My skin looked great and I had a lovely finish - not shiny but not dry. It did minimize tiny lines - maybe not as much as other primers do, but looked good.
Then I tried it over makeup. I used on a moisturized face, Estee Lauder's Double Wear Makeup applied lightly. Then the same basic makeup as above, minus concealer and with the addition of more eye makeup. I then applied The Present Powder over all my face makeup. I held my breath as I thought it might take the makeup off or smear it. It did neither. I think the key is doing it lightly with gentle strokes. Result - it looked nice. It really did serve the function of powder - no shine. My makeup lasted all day - but then again, Double Wear does last and is itself a little matte. However, normally with Double Wear in warm situations, I need a little shine control in the T-Zone and I needed nothing else with this. It really did add a nice finish to my makeup. I needed no touchups - but, this was on a warm, somewhat humid day (not too humid) so maybe on a hot day I would.
The Present Clear Makeup definitely does more in the way of filling in fine lines, but, The Present Powder might be a good choice for those who only need a little help.
From the website -
"The present
clear powder
the present clear powder is a topical liquid shine reducer formulated for men and women who suffer from oily skin. philosophy do not believe in using powder to absorb oil - it's "cakey" and ultimately clogs pores. we believe in using a special technology that lifts the oil off your skin holding it away from your pores that provides a matte, shine-free finish.
you need this product if...
# you have oily skin shine mid-day
# you want a product that can be applied under or over makeup
# you are tired of using powder over oil which causes a cakey look
# you want something super simple, super portable that can go wherever you go
# you are pregnant and need something safe and effective to minimize breakout"
My opinion - this is a great product. Unlike a lot of other powders in that it isn't actually powder - it is liquid. A very fine fluid, no oil at all. It is a very small bottle but I think it will last a long time, as one uses so little.
Now, I have normal skin - generally. Get a bit dryer in winter, get a little oilier in the summer, in hot weather. I was looking for something to minimize oiliness/shine and this does. I use Philosophy's Pigment of Your Imagination which has SPF 18. I have now tried this two ways. Once just over moisturizer, and I then applied a bit of concealer (Boi-ing by Benefit) on cheeks and under eyes and on lids, creme blush (DuWop's stick in Elixer which is a wonderful beigey pink shade) with brow makeup (Stila) and eyeliner (cheapo from Walgreens, can't recall the name) mascara (Estee Lauder More than Mascara) and lips (CoverGirl Naturalast as a base, and DuWop Venom Gloss in Wisteria). Great look. My skin looked great and I had a lovely finish - not shiny but not dry. It did minimize tiny lines - maybe not as much as other primers do, but looked good.
Then I tried it over makeup. I used on a moisturized face, Estee Lauder's Double Wear Makeup applied lightly. Then the same basic makeup as above, minus concealer and with the addition of more eye makeup. I then applied The Present Powder over all my face makeup. I held my breath as I thought it might take the makeup off or smear it. It did neither. I think the key is doing it lightly with gentle strokes. Result - it looked nice. It really did serve the function of powder - no shine. My makeup lasted all day - but then again, Double Wear does last and is itself a little matte. However, normally with Double Wear in warm situations, I need a little shine control in the T-Zone and I needed nothing else with this. It really did add a nice finish to my makeup. I needed no touchups - but, this was on a warm, somewhat humid day (not too humid) so maybe on a hot day I would.
The Present Clear Makeup definitely does more in the way of filling in fine lines, but, The Present Powder might be a good choice for those who only need a little help.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Five Year Plan
This is from my horoscope today:
"Solitude appeals, in part because of asinine behavior by some of your colleagues. Put things into perspective by creating or re-creating a five-year plan, and doing at least one thing to make it happen today."
I have been thinking about this a lot since I read it this morning. I don't have a five year plan. So I suppose that the first step would be to make one. So, I have been researching that a bit today. I found this website -
http://www.boxesandarrows.com/view/planning_your_future
which has some useful information, including this guide:
"
"Solitude appeals, in part because of asinine behavior by some of your colleagues. Put things into perspective by creating or re-creating a five-year plan, and doing at least one thing to make it happen today."
I have been thinking about this a lot since I read it this morning. I don't have a five year plan. So I suppose that the first step would be to make one. So, I have been researching that a bit today. I found this website -
http://www.boxesandarrows.com/view/planning_your_future
which has some useful information, including this guide:
"
he Template:
- Your Name
- Today’s Date
This is important as you reflect back on this document. This will become a touchstone for your growth and a reminder of who you were as you look back at what was important to you in this point in time. - 3–6 Months
- Start small.
- Think about short-term goals that are easily achieved but will also help move you towards the longer-term goals.
- Include some tangible goals (i.e., ship a product that I acted as lead designer for).
- 6–12 Months
- Start thinking bigger here—this is planning for a year out.
- What new skills do you want to learn?
- What new ideas do you want to share with others?
- What changes do you want to make? Put them down here along with the steps needed to take to make them happen.
- Beyond 12 Months
- Capture specific plans that you know may take more than a year to get to or accomplish. For me, it was to work on my Dr. Leslie book. I discussed the idea with a writing partner 3 years ago, but it is only now coming to fruition with an actual proposal in hand and a potential publisher.
- Be realistic but not afraid to reach. Visualize success in areas you may have little control over. Don’t be afraid to write down a desired goal that may be a stretch.
- Longer-term Goals
- This is the area to think out for the next 3–5 years, including life beyond the company or situation you are currently in. For me, I listed “teaching again” as a goal. This reminds me that I want to do this and I need to make certain decisions and changes in order to make it happen.
If I decide at a later time, that I don’t really want to do this, I should remove it off the plan.
- This is the area to think out for the next 3–5 years, including life beyond the company or situation you are currently in. For me, I listed “teaching again” as a goal. This reminds me that I want to do this and I need to make certain decisions and changes in order to make it happen.
- Opportunities to Explore at Your Company
- List all the training and coaching opportunities relevant and currently available at your company.
- Note relationships that need to be cultivated at your company in order to meet success.
Note: This obviously may not apply if you are an independent consultant. Think about other opportunities that might be available through professional associations and networking instead.
- Skills to Develop
- Project what skills you need to develop to reach the goals you listed in the first part of this exercise.
- What other skills do you need, besides the ones you have now, to attain your goal?
Since I am a manager and this is the area in which I have been growing, I listed things such as Confidence and Effectiveness—along with ideas on how to master these more intangible skills.
Over the last couple of years, I have purposely put myself into situations to gain confidence—especially when giving presentations. Think about starting slow and building on your successes.
In addition, I also listed skills of associated/allied roles that I would like to learn in order to make myself a more well-rounded and effective manager in my company.
- What I Care About in a Work Environment
- This may seem frivolous or not important to the task at hand, but it serves to remind you of the values you need to share with the company you work for. As you grow or the company changes this can help guide you when you need to make a change.
- Personal Goals
Don’t forget the personal goals that you need to weave into your life. It never hurts to write these down as a reminder of work/life balance and of the things that are really important to you as a person. "
I love Summer!
Yes, I really do. It is warm here, but, not really hot yet. I love it.
The Wild Child is playing with friends here and I am almost worried they are too quiet. Nah, I guess I will not worry and just enjoy the silence. It will end soon enough.
Lately, I have been really inspired to write. The novel I am working on is coming along well. I feel like I have actually been getting guidance in my dreams, and hey, I will take it anywhere I can get it.
Tonight's dinner is going to be easy - grilled chicken breasts, rice, some kind of veggies and salad. Good, tasty and simple.
I have also been working a lot on making my own bath products and will be posting more about that in the near future. This is probably one of my biggest hobbies right now.
I need to clean off my desk and update my home control journal. I also need to get back on track with decluttering - it really doesn't seem to ever end.
The Wild Child is playing with friends here and I am almost worried they are too quiet. Nah, I guess I will not worry and just enjoy the silence. It will end soon enough.
Lately, I have been really inspired to write. The novel I am working on is coming along well. I feel like I have actually been getting guidance in my dreams, and hey, I will take it anywhere I can get it.
Tonight's dinner is going to be easy - grilled chicken breasts, rice, some kind of veggies and salad. Good, tasty and simple.
I have also been working a lot on making my own bath products and will be posting more about that in the near future. This is probably one of my biggest hobbies right now.
I need to clean off my desk and update my home control journal. I also need to get back on track with decluttering - it really doesn't seem to ever end.
Philosophy Microdelivery Cloths
First, - I love Philosophy and confess that I was so excited about this that I apparently didn't fully read the description. I thought these were cleanings cloths that had cleanser in them, (like Olay's, etc). Teach me to read the descriptions better! They don't have cleanser. I had actually realized that after ordering but before receiving. And I suppose I thought they would be large cloths. They are actually a smaller rectangular doubled cloth of very soft material.
So, I had kind of mixed feelings going into it. I used one with Purity is Simple cleanser. The package says use with Purity Made Simple for a light exfoliation, for the ultimate exfoliation, use the Microdelivery Exfoliating Treatment Wash. The directions then say apply a generous amount of cleanser (did) and then and with gentle pressure, massage one area of the face at a time, using no more than 10 gentle strokes per area.
So, while using I was very unimpressed - it really didn't feel like I was doing anything more than massaging my face with a very soft cloth. Then I got tired of it and rinsed. WOW - I couldn't believe how great my skin felt! Really felt like a decent exfoliation! And I am a regular (once or twice a week) user of The Microdelivery Peel. My skin felt very fresh and soft afterward. I glowed. I glowed this am.
I would imagine one could use these with whatever cleanser you wish. I would personally recommend a Philosophy one as I love Philosophy. But, I think any would work.
At 15.00 for 20 pads, and they recommend you use it once or twice a week, this is actually a bargain on a very fine exfoliating treatment. This could well be enough of an exfoliator for many people.
So, I had kind of mixed feelings going into it. I used one with Purity is Simple cleanser. The package says use with Purity Made Simple for a light exfoliation, for the ultimate exfoliation, use the Microdelivery Exfoliating Treatment Wash. The directions then say apply a generous amount of cleanser (did) and then and with gentle pressure, massage one area of the face at a time, using no more than 10 gentle strokes per area.
So, while using I was very unimpressed - it really didn't feel like I was doing anything more than massaging my face with a very soft cloth. Then I got tired of it and rinsed. WOW - I couldn't believe how great my skin felt! Really felt like a decent exfoliation! And I am a regular (once or twice a week) user of The Microdelivery Peel. My skin felt very fresh and soft afterward. I glowed. I glowed this am.
I would imagine one could use these with whatever cleanser you wish. I would personally recommend a Philosophy one as I love Philosophy. But, I think any would work.
At 15.00 for 20 pads, and they recommend you use it once or twice a week, this is actually a bargain on a very fine exfoliating treatment. This could well be enough of an exfoliator for many people.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Still Around
Has been awhile, hasn't it. Have had some health issues and persistent bouts of perfectionism preventing me from blogging.
A couple of updates. Advanced Night Repair. After two months of daily use - folks, this is worth it. This is simply outstanding. I like products where one can see results and Advanced Night Repair delivers. After two months, along with my regular Philosophy Makeup is Optional Skincare regime, my skin has never looked better. The fine lines I had around my eyes have been so diminished they are almost gone! I can wear eyeliner without worry. Try this - you will be so impressed. Get a sample bottle from your local Estee Lauder counter or track some down on eBay. This works!
Also impressed with a couple of other new (or at least new to me items) that I will blog about all this week. The first is Lip Venom by DuWop. I have loved the regular Lip Venom (clear for sometime) . It doesn't really change your lips, but does slightly alter their appearance for a while - makes them look plumper. I am crazy about the Lip Venom Gloss in a tube in Wisteria. I got a sample of this one a while back when I bought some other DuWop items from Drugstore.com and love it. It is the perfect lip gloss color - it is a pinky color in the tube, but is extremely light on the lips - it just enhances natural lip color in a way that is magical. Really wonderful. Lasts a long time and doesn't feel sticky. And gives you plumper lips. What more can one ask of a lip gloss?
Got a free pedometer in the mail Saturday from signing up from something online ages ago. Today it clipped to the waistband of my pants as I want to see how much I walk in an average day. I read somewhere that 10,000 steps a day is a good goal for general fitness. I wonder how I measure up?
Fragrance of the Day - Clinique's Aromatics Elixir - a longtime favorite
A couple of updates. Advanced Night Repair. After two months of daily use - folks, this is worth it. This is simply outstanding. I like products where one can see results and Advanced Night Repair delivers. After two months, along with my regular Philosophy Makeup is Optional Skincare regime, my skin has never looked better. The fine lines I had around my eyes have been so diminished they are almost gone! I can wear eyeliner without worry. Try this - you will be so impressed. Get a sample bottle from your local Estee Lauder counter or track some down on eBay. This works!
Also impressed with a couple of other new (or at least new to me items) that I will blog about all this week. The first is Lip Venom by DuWop. I have loved the regular Lip Venom (clear for sometime) . It doesn't really change your lips, but does slightly alter their appearance for a while - makes them look plumper. I am crazy about the Lip Venom Gloss in a tube in Wisteria. I got a sample of this one a while back when I bought some other DuWop items from Drugstore.com and love it. It is the perfect lip gloss color - it is a pinky color in the tube, but is extremely light on the lips - it just enhances natural lip color in a way that is magical. Really wonderful. Lasts a long time and doesn't feel sticky. And gives you plumper lips. What more can one ask of a lip gloss?
Got a free pedometer in the mail Saturday from signing up from something online ages ago. Today it clipped to the waistband of my pants as I want to see how much I walk in an average day. I read somewhere that 10,000 steps a day is a good goal for general fitness. I wonder how I measure up?
Fragrance of the Day - Clinique's Aromatics Elixir - a longtime favorite
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
The great Advanced Night Repair Experiment
In the gift I got with my Estee Lauder purchase yesterday, I got a deluxe sample of Advanced Night Repair and Advanced Night Repair Eye. Now, I have had samples of the ANR before and I don't recall ever using it. I found several in the stash of stuff under the bathroom sink yesterday, two had evaporated.
This time I decided to try them. This is because while I am overall pleased with my skin using the Makeup is Optional Skincare by Philosophy, my eyes have been bothering me some recently. I used the Hope in a Tube for eyes and lips regularly, but, I still have a lot of fine lines - and they bug me. My husband says I am nuts, that I am the only one that sees them, but, you know, they are there. I really am bugged when I am putting on eye makeup.
So, for the next ten days I am using the Advanced Night Repair on my face and the Advanced Night Repair Eye over clean skin and under my normal Philosophy regime. (Yes, I think you can mix sometimes, and I am not worried about this being a problem. I am actually curious what might happen.
This information is from EsteeLauder.com:
Advanced Night Repair
For more info
And Advanced Night Repair Eye
More information here
Opinion/Results after one day: Okay, so far I am actually impressed. When you do take care of your skin, it takes something really great to stand out and both of these products are seeming to. My face felt firmer and looked more radiant this morning - which amazes me to no end. My eyes did indeed look better - less puffy and I swear the lines looked better. Hmmmmm.
This time I decided to try them. This is because while I am overall pleased with my skin using the Makeup is Optional Skincare by Philosophy, my eyes have been bothering me some recently. I used the Hope in a Tube for eyes and lips regularly, but, I still have a lot of fine lines - and they bug me. My husband says I am nuts, that I am the only one that sees them, but, you know, they are there. I really am bugged when I am putting on eye makeup.
So, for the next ten days I am using the Advanced Night Repair on my face and the Advanced Night Repair Eye over clean skin and under my normal Philosophy regime. (Yes, I think you can mix sometimes, and I am not worried about this being a problem. I am actually curious what might happen.
This information is from EsteeLauder.com:
Advanced Night Repair
| roduct Details: | |
 | |
| For every woman. Every night. Based on solid, scientific findings and 24 years of proven success, this is the one formula your skin shouldn't live without. Helps visibly repair the appearance of past damage and protect your skin's future. Heightens your skin's natural repair response—critical for its well-being. Soothes daily irritation and builds a rich reserve of anti-oxidants and lipids to help replenish skin's natural protectants. Protects the future by neutralizing up to 90% of environmentally generated free radicals before they can cause your skin to look prematurely aged. Because it is this environmental damage—not time—that can cause 80% of the visible signs of aging. Delivers high levels of long-proven hyaluronic acid—nature's "moisture magnet." Locks in moisture to create the ideal environment for healthy skin. Think of it as your "insurance" for younger, healthier-looking skin, today and tomorrow. Dermatologist-, Ophthalmologist-tested. |
For more info
And Advanced Night Repair Eye
| Product Details: | |
| |
| All the proven repair and protection of original Advanced Night Repair, now for the fragile eye area. Exclusive repair technologies successfully treat the appearance of lines, dryness, puffiness and dark circles. All night, all day it helps repair the appearance of past damage, while dramatically protecting skin from the aging effects of the environment...to give your eyes a younger-looking future. Leaves skin with a wonderful, silky feeling. Even helps eye makeup glide on. Dermatologist-, Ophthalmologist-tested |
More information here
Opinion/Results after one day: Okay, so far I am actually impressed. When you do take care of your skin, it takes something really great to stand out and both of these products are seeming to. My face felt firmer and looked more radiant this morning - which amazes me to no end. My eyes did indeed look better - less puffy and I swear the lines looked better. Hmmmmm.
Why I love Estee Lauder
Happy Tuesday. Yesterday had its moments. I had some computer issues - mainly installing the Yahoo Music Jukebox and getting it to work. This lead to massive issues with Windows Updates, which should be a blog itself I think. I can sum it up in one word - AAAARRRGGGHHH!!! And as a note, I am not listening to music right now, even though I want to be.
Enough about that. While battling that, I decided to head out to the mall. I promised her to go by Wednesday to go to Build a Bear Workshop so she could obtain a couple limited edition Valentine's Day outfits for her menagerie. With a winter storm predicted for us today I thought it might be wise to get out while we could. (So far we have only rain, but, apparently that could change to snow, although we might be far enough South to miss the big snow. We can hope)
First we got some darling new outfits for Fairy Kitty, Fairy Poodle, Katie Koala and Fairy Bunny to share, and having the nice lady revamp Fairy Bunny - the Wild Child won her for selling Girl Scout Cookies - it is a special edition Girl Scout Bunny, and was a little thin looking. WC had been bemoaning her as mostly skin. She got a sound, a heart and more stuffing so now she looks better.
Then I found a great pair of shoes, exactly what I wanted going in, some cloggy slip ons. I found exactly what I wanted, on sale no less at The Shoe Dept.
I also decided to stop by the cosmetic department. Cosmetics at Macy's was really busy - the counter people were all busy talking to each other or doing inventory or something and I didn't see anything that really called out to me, so eventually we made our way to Dillard's where things seemed more inviting. The Estee Lauder Counter is where I ended up. It so often is. I have been thinking about Estee Lauder a lot lately. I have been very close to buying some new foundation online, and even though they have had some interesting gift with purchase online (although never as good as the stores) and I have had my cart loaded, something made me stop. Now, I know why.
My favorite foundation, both favorite in general and by Estee Lauder is Double Wear. I bought my first bottle 11 years ago I think. I know I bought a bottle for my wedding, and I really think that was the first. I bought Fresco. I liked it. I have bought at least two more. I really really like Double Wear. I can't say enough about how great it is. It looks great, wears just like they say - all day, fifteen hours. It looks as good when I take it off as when I put it on.
Now regular readers and those who know me, know I am a major fan of tinted moisturizers and a dab of concealer where I need it. But, I also wear foundation fairly often - when you have the right foundation it really makes your look. It should look natural. Well, yesterday I was by the way wearing tinted moisturize and concealer with a light application of Bare Minerals Mineral Veil over all. When I made myself comfee in the chair, and my lovely beauty adviser began cleaning a bit of my face, she was surprised to see I have mild rosecea - she complemented me on my application. ( I love that).
Anyway, why was I in the chair. I wanted a bottle of Double Wear, in Fresco, the shade I had worn for years, and the shade which was first picked for me by a EL sales woman. I was going to get a bottle, get the gift and leave. When I asked the woman for Fresco, she said, are you sure? I was surprised. I had never had any complaint over this shade, but, I said, why do you think that is wrong. She said, maybe not, but, if I had time, maybe we could compare and see. So, I ended up in the chair. After applying cleanser to my lower cheek and jaw area, she brushed a little Fresco on and blended in. Below it, she applied one shade under Fresco - maybe, it is kind of in a band on the chart with Fresco, but one down, called Dusk - now, this is interesting. This shade is also designed for those with red in their complexion. The Dusk was a perfect match. The then took that all off, and reapplied only the Dusk and it was amazing. A bit lighter, than what I was used to when wearing foundation. I hadn't realized my skin maybe had changed. With all the exfoliation and other things I do and use, maybe I had lightened. Maybe it is the season. At any rate I bought a bottle, and she nicely gave me two tiny vials she made up so I could use it at home before I opened the full sized. Nice of her to do that.
Then I got the gift. Estee Lauder pioneered the cosmetic gift with purchase years ago, so they generally have good ones. The current one at Dillard's is pretty nice. A picture is at the beginning of this post. Here is the description:
Estee Lauder Gift Time - Choose Your Shades
- 02/07/2007 through 02/14/2007
- This fabulous collection with tortoise accents gives you the season's best colors, advanced skincare and more. It's all yours with any Estee Lauder purchase of $22.50 or more. Worth $65, this exciting collection includes your choice of shades:
- All-Day lipstick (full-size)
- Pure Color Eyeshadow
- More Than Mascara (10 day supply)
- Advanced Night Repair (10 day supply)
Advanced Night Repair (7 day supply)
- Batik Print Train Case
- Companion Pebbled Cosmetic Bag
Offer good while supplies last. Quantities limited. One gift to a customer, please.
It says it expires tomorrow, but, call your local Dillard's and check. Or get up there today! This is a great gift. The choices are warm or cool. I took warm and the lipstick, in Caffe Latte is a perfect color for me. A warm golden pinky peach. Which doesn't sound nearly as pretty as this is on me. As EL reps often do, she slipped me a couple other goodies in the bag - a deluxe sample size of MagnaScopic Mascara and another eye shadow in a great base shade of Auburn Light -this is actually more of a champagny color that looks great on me.
After coming home from the mall, I took off all my makeup, used Philosophy's Micro Peel Pads and then redid my makeup. I really like Dusk - it totally covered my tiny area of broken capillaries that will only be cured by laser treatment with no concealer. And it looks pretty and natural. Oh, and the other thing about Double Wear. My skin is a bit on the dry side of normal. Double Wear is the only long wearing that I have ever tried that felt good and didn't seem to be drying or uncomfortable. It doesn't accentuate any fine lines.
I think everyone should check their shade now and then. The right foundation is the most important thing in my opinion. If you wear it. And another thing - the right shade, which Dusk is for me, will blend so well, you can use it only wear you need it. But, I do use all over, applying with a brush then blending with a little latex sponge wedge. I have long felt that it is hard to get a good match on foundation in the drugstore brands. Not impossible, but, hard. I used to use Revlon's Color Stay and to get the right shade I actually bought two and blended in my hand daily. The pricier foundations do have better pigments and all, and do look better. A bottle of Double Wear lasts a long time and besides, you get a lot in the gift that really adds to your total value.
Friday, February 09, 2007
It Never Ends
The quest for organization. I guess the biggest problem is we have a small home and we like stuff. Our house was built in 1832 and they didn't build in closets back then. We have exactly two in the whole house. So, we have to be creative. Right now I am trying to figure out how to store more bathroom stuff. As mentioned in other posts, the Wild Child and I love LUSH products and have a nice little stash of goodies. At the present, they are in a long oval basket - but I don't like this for several reasons. One they are kind of piled on top of each other and I would rather have them all in a single layer. I guess what I need is one of those small stacked drawers sets, but, finding what I want is proving to be a challenge. Most are plastic, and I would rather not have that. Although if it ends up being all I can find, I suppose I can and then put the unit on a shelf in the corner. But, I am crossing my fingers that I find one in wicker or rattan or something. Then I can have it sit on top of a small wooden chest of drawers, where the basket is currently. This makes it handy. If you have any ideas, let me know.
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Thursday, February 08, 2007
Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is fast approaching and if you are looking for a great gift for your Domestic Goddess (barefoot or not) look no further. Flowers are nice, but, the Rock and I came to an agreement years ago. I don't like arranged flowers. He can get me unarranged, and I really prefer them from a wholesale florist (years ago I worked for a florist) and sometimes does. He likes the whole idea of giving them I guess. And this year flower prices are supposed to be high.
What I really prefer is an IOU for some nice rose bushes that I get to pick out later in the spring. I got two beautiful bushes last spring, and I will enjoy them for years to come. So he has promised that again this year. Nice.
But, another gift (and it already came and he gave it to me already - hmmm, this usually means more will come) was some wonderful goodies from LUSH - lush.com - the Handmade Cosmetics people. He gave the Wild Child (a devotee herself) and I a little shopping spree there, which gave us the fun of spending it and the joy of getting it.
One thing I got, was the Your a Sex Bomb gift. WOW - this is nice and would make the nicest gift. It came wrapped in beautiful paper with a pretty bow and had inside nestled in red crinkly paper the following:
Sex Bomb Bath Ballistic
Elixer Luxury Bath Melt
Godiva Shampoo Bar
Joy of Jelly Shower Jelly
You Snap The Whip Body Butter
These are all incredible bath products. Sex Bomb is one of my favorite LUSH bath ballistics and the smell is out of this world. I may have opened it all ready, but, I am saving it all for a special night soon.
LUSH is offering free wrap and a free expedited shipping upgrade to get this (or one of their other lovely gifts to your sweetie in time.
Just go to http://usa.lush.com/cgi-bin/lushdb/val
to make your selection. They also have great advice for making Valentine's Day one to remember. If you live near a LUSH store, they have them in the stores as well.
What I really prefer is an IOU for some nice rose bushes that I get to pick out later in the spring. I got two beautiful bushes last spring, and I will enjoy them for years to come. So he has promised that again this year. Nice.
But, another gift (and it already came and he gave it to me already - hmmm, this usually means more will come) was some wonderful goodies from LUSH - lush.com - the Handmade Cosmetics people. He gave the Wild Child (a devotee herself) and I a little shopping spree there, which gave us the fun of spending it and the joy of getting it.
One thing I got, was the Your a Sex Bomb gift. WOW - this is nice and would make the nicest gift. It came wrapped in beautiful paper with a pretty bow and had inside nestled in red crinkly paper the following:
Sex Bomb Bath Ballistic
Elixer Luxury Bath Melt
Godiva Shampoo Bar
Joy of Jelly Shower Jelly
You Snap The Whip Body Butter
These are all incredible bath products. Sex Bomb is one of my favorite LUSH bath ballistics and the smell is out of this world. I may have opened it all ready, but, I am saving it all for a special night soon.
LUSH is offering free wrap and a free expedited shipping upgrade to get this (or one of their other lovely gifts to your sweetie in time.
Just go to http://usa.lush.com/cgi-bin/lushdb/val
to make your selection. They also have great advice for making Valentine's Day one to remember. If you live near a LUSH store, they have them in the stores as well.
This and That
Thanks for the emails everyone. It looks like people like the cosmetic posts, but, want to see homekeeping stuff as well. Okay, you know what? So do I! So, I will combine them and we will see how that goes. Although some of the makeup (did you know the slang for makeup is slap in the UK? I LOVE that!) posts may be stand alones. I am working on getting an rss feed - those of you on the group will be getting daily (or near daily) posts about when the blog is up.
Today is another cold day here in the Midwest. I am so ready for Spring, which I thought the old groundhog said would be early. We'll see I guess. And since there really is nothing we can do about it anyway, we are trying to make the best of it.
I am working on revamping my Control Journal - Hah! - when am I not working on that. I am close to having some downloads on that for those who have been waiting so patiently.
The Rock is away a couple days on business so the Wild Child and I are muddling through. When it is just us girls a lot of times we have what we call "You Pick Dinner Night". Which means we eat what we want, when we want. Although I do approve hers - no just eating candy or ice cream and calling it dinner here. I am actually thinking of pizza, but, the day is early and I might just hit the freezer and come up with something.
My nails are growing like mad and getting stronger. I bought some Sally Hansen Complete Care 4 - in 1 Treatment a couple weeks ago and have been using it. It really seems to work and I just love it when that is the case. I found it at Walgreens -it is available all over.
Products doing what they are said to is my biggest issue. I will pay more for results. Case in point - I have been using Sebastian's Potion No 9. I used this years back and loved it, I really can't think why I stopped. About a month or so ago, I realized that the winter cold and the indoor central heating was really doing a number on my hair. Dry, frizzy, yuck. Then Potion No 9 popped into my head and I ordered some from Drugstore.com and it was just like falling in love all over again. Magic stuff this is. It is called wearable treatment and that it is. It is so much more than just a leave in conditioner. My hair is so revitalized. It smells incredible and doesn't leave my hair oily or dirty feeling, which is something that seems to happen with other leave ins. It just feels wonderful. No frizz. My natural curl really comes out and looks nice. And a little goes a long way, so a tube lasts a long time. I am not going to let this amazing product leave my routine again!
Today is another cold day here in the Midwest. I am so ready for Spring, which I thought the old groundhog said would be early. We'll see I guess. And since there really is nothing we can do about it anyway, we are trying to make the best of it.
I am working on revamping my Control Journal - Hah! - when am I not working on that. I am close to having some downloads on that for those who have been waiting so patiently.
The Rock is away a couple days on business so the Wild Child and I are muddling through. When it is just us girls a lot of times we have what we call "You Pick Dinner Night". Which means we eat what we want, when we want. Although I do approve hers - no just eating candy or ice cream and calling it dinner here. I am actually thinking of pizza, but, the day is early and I might just hit the freezer and come up with something.
My nails are growing like mad and getting stronger. I bought some Sally Hansen Complete Care 4 - in 1 Treatment a couple weeks ago and have been using it. It really seems to work and I just love it when that is the case. I found it at Walgreens -it is available all over.
Products doing what they are said to is my biggest issue. I will pay more for results. Case in point - I have been using Sebastian's Potion No 9. I used this years back and loved it, I really can't think why I stopped. About a month or so ago, I realized that the winter cold and the indoor central heating was really doing a number on my hair. Dry, frizzy, yuck. Then Potion No 9 popped into my head and I ordered some from Drugstore.com and it was just like falling in love all over again. Magic stuff this is. It is called wearable treatment and that it is. It is so much more than just a leave in conditioner. My hair is so revitalized. It smells incredible and doesn't leave my hair oily or dirty feeling, which is something that seems to happen with other leave ins. It just feels wonderful. No frizz. My natural curl really comes out and looks nice. And a little goes a long way, so a tube lasts a long time. I am not going to let this amazing product leave my routine again!
Friday, February 02, 2007
The Beauty Buyble
The Beauty Buybleby Paula Conway (pictured right) is one of of the greatest books I have encountered in recent memory. This is a wonderfully up to date book, but it is so much more. Here is a synopsis of the book from Powells.com
"
http://www.powells.com/partner/31636/biblio/9780060851637
"
Going to the cosmetic counter can be one of the most abusive experiences in a woman's daily routine. Where else do you pay for the privilege of being told, You need a new look? You're sold $150 worth of makeup and skin care products you don't need or that may irritate your skin, and the salesperson doesn't have a clue about what's right for you. How do you know which mascara truly lengthens, curls, or offers the blackest black? Which lipstick really does stay on all day without drying your lips? The Beauty Buyble gives consumers a one-stop reference to the year's best beauty buys and products. It takes out the guesswork, making it easier for women to find the best hair care, makeup, skin care, and beauty tools available on the market. This helpful, accessible book lists products in the low-, middle-, and high-end ranges so that you can find the product that's right for you and will truly enhance your beauty. The clean, concise format helps women on the go find the products they need, and the authors offer advice from celebrity makeup artists to help readers get the best out of their beauty purchases. Complete with dozens of actual samples and coupons for the products, The Beauty Buyble will be the first book to offer the very best beauty products, describe why they work, quote the experts, and tell the consumer how and where to buy. The book and bag of beauty goodies will come nestled inside a gorgeous box."
Okay, did you read that bit in bold? Bag of beauty goodies? Yes, there is a great bag of goodies - most samples, but, some full size and it all comes in a cute bag inside the nicest box. The box reminds me of an oversize pink cigar box with a ribbon tie and will find some good use. Did I ever tell you all I am nuts about cute boxes? Tis true. And the bag of goodies! Great samples of products you will love trying.
Included are products from MD Skincare, Freeze, Cetaphil, ELF (!!!!) Mentholatum Lip Balm, Biosilk, Nivea, Schwartzkopf, Profoot, Banana Boat, DHC (lots of DHC which has some really great skincare), Borba, Selona, Vitabath, Lipmints, Yu-Be, Jelly Bath, Cat Cosmetics (watch for a separate post on Cat Cosmetics, I love them so much!) NYC, Canyon Ranch, Chupa Chupa and at least one or two other suprises - all names you love or want to know more about. The samples are great, there are pencils and full sized lip products.
This is a great treat, can you imagine, you order it (or you can find it at Target or other fine stores) and you get it home and you can read some really right on reviews of some of the major most talked about companies and products. And you can then play with all your goodies. This just fantastic. I haven't had a pile of samples like this, in, well, maybe never. Go on get one (and this makes a really wonderful gift, especially for teens, but, really for anyone who likes looking great). You deserve it!
Okay, did you read that bit in bold? Bag of beauty goodies? Yes, there is a great bag of goodies - most samples, but, some full size and it all comes in a cute bag inside the nicest box. The box reminds me of an oversize pink cigar box with a ribbon tie and will find some good use. Did I ever tell you all I am nuts about cute boxes? Tis true. And the bag of goodies! Great samples of products you will love trying.
Included are products from MD Skincare, Freeze, Cetaphil, ELF (!!!!) Mentholatum Lip Balm, Biosilk, Nivea, Schwartzkopf, Profoot, Banana Boat, DHC (lots of DHC which has some really great skincare), Borba, Selona, Vitabath, Lipmints, Yu-Be, Jelly Bath, Cat Cosmetics (watch for a separate post on Cat Cosmetics, I love them so much!) NYC, Canyon Ranch, Chupa Chupa and at least one or two other suprises - all names you love or want to know more about. The samples are great, there are pencils and full sized lip products.
This is a great treat, can you imagine, you order it (or you can find it at Target or other fine stores) and you get it home and you can read some really right on reviews of some of the major most talked about companies and products. And you can then play with all your goodies. This just fantastic. I haven't had a pile of samples like this, in, well, maybe never. Go on get one (and this makes a really wonderful gift, especially for teens, but, really for anyone who likes looking great). You deserve it!
http://www.powells.com/partner/31636/biblio/9780060851637
Happy Groundhog's Day!
Or Happy Candlemas, Imbolc or St Bridget's Day - if you celebrate any of those!
What can I say. Computer issues (sigh, again) and the flu kept me down in the past month. Also have been working on how to get some things on my blog and all that I want. More in the near future.
ELF Cosmetics - Eyes Lips Face is having a great sale. For three days, or until Feb 3 everything is 30% off. That means the great little dollar cosmetics are all seventy cents. Wow, you can experience this great line yourself for very little cash. I think everyone will love some stuff, dislike some, but, that is pretty much true for any line. I love the Lip Color in Bark and the Plumping Lip Color in Oasis. Give this a try and let me know what you think!
What can I say. Computer issues (sigh, again) and the flu kept me down in the past month. Also have been working on how to get some things on my blog and all that I want. More in the near future.
ELF Cosmetics - Eyes Lips Face is having a great sale. For three days, or until Feb 3 everything is 30% off. That means the great little dollar cosmetics are all seventy cents. Wow, you can experience this great line yourself for very little cash. I think everyone will love some stuff, dislike some, but, that is pretty much true for any line. I love the Lip Color in Bark and the Plumping Lip Color in Oasis. Give this a try and let me know what you think!
Friday, December 29, 2006
What Price Beauty?
I have had some email from readers (and I love email, or you can comment on the blog and I will respond) curious about if this is all about high end, high priced products. The answer is no, and, yes. I am a beauty junkie. I freely admit that. I use high end products that work and seem worth the price to me. But, I use bargain products as well. I am a big fan of bathing -and, I will also freely confess to being a Lush Lover, I buy all kinds of bath products. I have found some killer bubble baths at the all kinds of places. Including but not limited to Target, Wal-Mart and Dollar Tree. Yes, Dollar Tree -they have all kinds of great beauty stuff - you have to watch what you are buying. Hair thingies and clips, head bands, bath brushes, sponges and stuff as well as some terrific body butter. I am a body lotion/cream/butter fiend. I think the body butter sold at Dollar Tree is good, as good or better than other higher priced products. In fact, I have seen this same body butter (and scrub) sold in a catalogue for 20.00 for 2 scrubs and 2 butters.
The past two years for the holidays, my young daughter has made me "spa baskets" that have a lot of stuff from her favorite store, Dollar Tree. This years included 5 body butters - I really use this stuff folks and will use it all up in a year or less. This years scents included jasmine, passionfruit, aloe vera, tangerine and olive/sage. I was especially happy to get the jasmine as one of my favorite bath ballistics from Lush, which I use mostly as a treat not as a daily thing due to the cost, is the Sex Bomb, which is jasmine/rose/ylang ylang. The one thing about Lush, their stuff smells incredible and is very good, but, they really don't have matching things -ie no body lotion/cream for each ballistic. I took the jasmine body butter, and broke out my essential oil collection, and added some rose and ylang ylang - not exactly the Lush blend, but, it smells pretty close and pretty darn good to me. Also in the basket was some new poofs, (she loves them so much) some bath fizzies, a new headband, some foot buffers, some spa face cloths, a bath brush, some nice fuzzy soft slipper socks and slippers (another thing I love) and then some Lush goodies and a Philosophy 3 in 1 bath gel in Enpowerment. My daughter obviously knows what Mama likes. And she is a bath addict as well.
The past two years for the holidays, my young daughter has made me "spa baskets" that have a lot of stuff from her favorite store, Dollar Tree. This years included 5 body butters - I really use this stuff folks and will use it all up in a year or less. This years scents included jasmine, passionfruit, aloe vera, tangerine and olive/sage. I was especially happy to get the jasmine as one of my favorite bath ballistics from Lush, which I use mostly as a treat not as a daily thing due to the cost, is the Sex Bomb, which is jasmine/rose/ylang ylang. The one thing about Lush, their stuff smells incredible and is very good, but, they really don't have matching things -ie no body lotion/cream for each ballistic. I took the jasmine body butter, and broke out my essential oil collection, and added some rose and ylang ylang - not exactly the Lush blend, but, it smells pretty close and pretty darn good to me. Also in the basket was some new poofs, (she loves them so much) some bath fizzies, a new headband, some foot buffers, some spa face cloths, a bath brush, some nice fuzzy soft slipper socks and slippers (another thing I love) and then some Lush goodies and a Philosophy 3 in 1 bath gel in Enpowerment. My daughter obviously knows what Mama likes. And she is a bath addict as well.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
The Best Beauty Advice I Have Ever Received
The best advice I have ever received, and, therefore, the best advice I pass on is pretty simple. Never go to sleep with makeup on (and make sure your face is really clean), use eye cream, exfoliate, use sunblock, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. I fall down on the sleep one, but the rest I am pretty diligent about following.
I can count on one hand (with fingers to spare) the times I have slept without removing makeup. Many cleansers say they remove makeup, and, I would use cleanser, then toner. But years ago an exotic dancer gave me one of the best tips. At the time, I sold flowers in nightclubs in a southern city. One of the accounts was a gentlemen's club and I would frequently use the ladies room attached to the dancer's dressing room when there. Many times I would basically take a break there and sit in the dressing room a while, chatting with the girls, (they liked to scope out my basket of flowers and gifts and pick what they wanted and then later get one of their customers to buy it for them). One day, one of the dancers, who had incredible skin, was sitting at the dressing table removing her makeup with cold cream. Now, this interested me as one, we used the same foundation - I was in and out of clubs all night and needed makeup with staying power. This was about the time that the long lasting stuff was first hitting the market and I had recently switched from a stage foundation to Revlon's Color Stay (not bad, I had to buy two and mix them to get my perfect color, but, it really did last!). I noticed though that she also had the same cleanser I was then using (and while I remember the cold cream, I can't recall what cleanser it was). After tissuing off the cold cream. She then used the cleanser and washed it off at the sink. I commented that I used that cleanser as well, and it did take off makeup. She shook her head and said "not the kind we wear." I asked her what she meant and she said that the heavier makeup really didn't come off in one washing, and if you didn't remove the makeup, one wasn't cleansing one's skin, one was cleansing the makeup. Hmmm, I thought, maybe she is on to something. She had the most gorgeous complexion and I knew from previous conversations that we were the same age. I had fairly okay skin at the time, I did have regular small breakouts which were a pain. I used a lot of concealor and really didn't have skin that looked nice and even and all without makeup. Later that evening, I stopped at an all night drugstore and bought a jar of Pond's Cold Cream. And when I got home I did what she did. As I mentioned, I was then using toner and when I used it after removing my makeup and cleansing, I was amazed that the first ball of cotton soaked in toner came away clean! That never happened. Anyway, made the separate makeup removal part of my routine and within a couple weeks, I noticed an astounding difference in my complexion. I pretty much stopped having any kind of breakouts or blackheads and my overall skin just looked better. One thing that helped is the double massage I was getting - with the cold cream, and with the cleanser. Massage is one thing that really helps. But getting all the crud off my face is the main thing.
Now I use the Purity Made Simple Cleanser by Philosophy. I love this and it will take off makeup - but, if I have anything more than light tinted moisturizer on my face, I use it twice. Once for makeup, once to cleanse. A couple months back, I started using a different mascara, and realized that while the Purity Made Simple did take off my old mascara and most makeup, I was really having to work to get it to get off the new mascara. It isn't good to have to really rub and all. I do like this mascara (Hard Candy) and I have never cared for the liquid clear eye makeup removers. Even the ones that say non oily seem oily to me, or they just feel like they make my eyes blurry. So I bought a jar of good old Pond's Cold Cream, and I use it to remove eye makeup and then I use a bit to remove the rest of my makeup. On a normal day, I use tinted moisturizer, a dab or two of concealer, blush and maybe some loose powder. It all adds up. Then I cleanse with the Purity. My skin was already looking good, but, it started looking even better.
I can count on one hand (with fingers to spare) the times I have slept without removing makeup. Many cleansers say they remove makeup, and, I would use cleanser, then toner. But years ago an exotic dancer gave me one of the best tips. At the time, I sold flowers in nightclubs in a southern city. One of the accounts was a gentlemen's club and I would frequently use the ladies room attached to the dancer's dressing room when there. Many times I would basically take a break there and sit in the dressing room a while, chatting with the girls, (they liked to scope out my basket of flowers and gifts and pick what they wanted and then later get one of their customers to buy it for them). One day, one of the dancers, who had incredible skin, was sitting at the dressing table removing her makeup with cold cream. Now, this interested me as one, we used the same foundation - I was in and out of clubs all night and needed makeup with staying power. This was about the time that the long lasting stuff was first hitting the market and I had recently switched from a stage foundation to Revlon's Color Stay (not bad, I had to buy two and mix them to get my perfect color, but, it really did last!). I noticed though that she also had the same cleanser I was then using (and while I remember the cold cream, I can't recall what cleanser it was). After tissuing off the cold cream. She then used the cleanser and washed it off at the sink. I commented that I used that cleanser as well, and it did take off makeup. She shook her head and said "not the kind we wear." I asked her what she meant and she said that the heavier makeup really didn't come off in one washing, and if you didn't remove the makeup, one wasn't cleansing one's skin, one was cleansing the makeup. Hmmm, I thought, maybe she is on to something. She had the most gorgeous complexion and I knew from previous conversations that we were the same age. I had fairly okay skin at the time, I did have regular small breakouts which were a pain. I used a lot of concealor and really didn't have skin that looked nice and even and all without makeup. Later that evening, I stopped at an all night drugstore and bought a jar of Pond's Cold Cream. And when I got home I did what she did. As I mentioned, I was then using toner and when I used it after removing my makeup and cleansing, I was amazed that the first ball of cotton soaked in toner came away clean! That never happened. Anyway, made the separate makeup removal part of my routine and within a couple weeks, I noticed an astounding difference in my complexion. I pretty much stopped having any kind of breakouts or blackheads and my overall skin just looked better. One thing that helped is the double massage I was getting - with the cold cream, and with the cleanser. Massage is one thing that really helps. But getting all the crud off my face is the main thing.
Now I use the Purity Made Simple Cleanser by Philosophy. I love this and it will take off makeup - but, if I have anything more than light tinted moisturizer on my face, I use it twice. Once for makeup, once to cleanse. A couple months back, I started using a different mascara, and realized that while the Purity Made Simple did take off my old mascara and most makeup, I was really having to work to get it to get off the new mascara. It isn't good to have to really rub and all. I do like this mascara (Hard Candy) and I have never cared for the liquid clear eye makeup removers. Even the ones that say non oily seem oily to me, or they just feel like they make my eyes blurry. So I bought a jar of good old Pond's Cold Cream, and I use it to remove eye makeup and then I use a bit to remove the rest of my makeup. On a normal day, I use tinted moisturizer, a dab or two of concealer, blush and maybe some loose powder. It all adds up. Then I cleanse with the Purity. My skin was already looking good, but, it started looking even better.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
I love Philosophy
As I mentioned in my earlier post, I love cosmetics and beauty products of all kinds. What I love most right now are Philosophy skincare and Benefit Cosmetics. I have been using Philosophy skincare for a little over a year now - I use the Makeup is Optional Skincare line and I absolutely love the results!!! Go to Philosophy Girl and you can get this line at a great savings. They send you the kit, which includes Purity Cleanser, Hope in a Jar, Hope in a Tube, When Hope is Not Enough Serum and the Microdelivery Peel. They bill you monthly in three payments and they say that this is a 90 day supply. (I disagree, it lasts me 5 - 6 months, overuse of product is the major thing I learned in beauty school, more doesn't do anymore for your skin, it just wastes product) They will autoship you a new kit every three months, (oh, and did I mention they include a great free gift and samples with every kit?) or you can call them and have them change the dates. The customer service is first rate. They also sell their products online at the regular Philosophy site and at various retailers on and off line, but, the kit I linked to is the best deal.
Except for makeup remover ( the Purity Cleanser will take off light makeup, and while I don't wear heavy base, I find it isn't the best at removing mascara, so I use plain old Pond's Cold Cream) the Philosophy products are all I use. Oprah has plugged Hope in a Jar and I got a sample that convinced me in three days that it was good stuff. I love the smell of the products, kind of herby, but a very light herby scent. And I like Philosophy's various 3 in one body cleansers (shampoos, shower gel and bubble bath) and hair care. More about various products in the future.
But, I can't end without mentioning how much I love the new Philosophy the Fragrance and another fragrance, Amazing Grace. I was a really good girl this year and Santa brought me an Amazing Grace set and a bottle of Philosophy the Fragrance. Both smell so great. And so do I!
Except for makeup remover ( the Purity Cleanser will take off light makeup, and while I don't wear heavy base, I find it isn't the best at removing mascara, so I use plain old Pond's Cold Cream) the Philosophy products are all I use. Oprah has plugged Hope in a Jar and I got a sample that convinced me in three days that it was good stuff. I love the smell of the products, kind of herby, but a very light herby scent. And I like Philosophy's various 3 in one body cleansers (shampoos, shower gel and bubble bath) and hair care. More about various products in the future.
But, I can't end without mentioning how much I love the new Philosophy the Fragrance and another fragrance, Amazing Grace. I was a really good girl this year and Santa brought me an Amazing Grace set and a bottle of Philosophy the Fragrance. Both smell so great. And so do I!
Turning over another new leaf!
I ponder why I don't blog daily, well, daily. And I really don't know the answer. Part of the problem has been this whole year has just been, well nuts. I was sick this summer, actually I was sick all year and didn't know it and that really screwed things up. Then I have also had a lot of computer issues. The most recent has been the motherboard dying in my desktop. I just got it back running yesterday, and in the meantime was using my laptop, which I find fine for surfing and light email but I have major trouble typing for any period of time on it. It just really kills my hands.
So here I am. I have been thinking for about the past month that what the problem is, is that I kind of limited myself to homekeeping, which on one hand is fine, I love that. But, what I really love is makeup and beauty. All kinds of girly things. Besides having a near lifelong obsession with makeup and skincare, I have actually been to beauty school. (I will tell all about that in the days and weeks to come. I have great skin for my age (which I will tell sometime, I promise) and am the person that everyone I know asks for advice. I love to read the beauty blogs of others and one day it just hit me. Blog about this. So, while I am not abandoning homekeeping, I will be blogging a great deal about all things beautful. I am a makeup junkie and have opinions about everything! I use all kinds of product from high end to drugstore items. I can only give my honest view of things, and I will. I love love love perfume and bath products.
Maybe I never told you this, but, even when I am barefoot, or in slippers, I wear makeup. That part of Flylady, getting up and getting made up I never had a problem with. Unless I am ill, I am madeup and pretty close to being ready to run out anytime. I am one of those women that really look better with a little help. I think that. My husband says that is bull, I look great au natural, and I suppose he is correct. I don't look bad, I just look better when I enhance what I have. And honestly, who doesn't?
So, I will just jump in on this. There will be some various affiliate things, as I hope to make a little off this. I am stating that right out in the open, although, that is a secondary thing.
I will also blog about homemaking as the mood strikes me. LOL. Which is pretty much how I keep house, as the mood strikes me. Maybe with the New Year upon us, it will be good to blog about my routines as I always revamp and all at this time of year.
I am thankful beyond expression for those of you have stuck with me, those of you who email me and keep in touch. I really appreciate it.
Hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday, whatever you celebrate!
Maybe I never told you this, but, even when I am barefoot, or in slippers, I wear makeup. That part of Flylady, getting up and getting made up I never had a problem with. Unless I am ill, I am madeup and pretty close to being ready to run out anytime. I am one of those women that really look better with a little help. I think that. My husband says that is bull, I look great au natural, and I suppose he is correct. I don't look bad, I just look better when I enhance what I have. And honestly, who doesn't?
So, I will just jump in on this. There will be some various affiliate things, as I hope to make a little off this. I am stating that right out in the open, although, that is a secondary thing.
I will also blog about homemaking as the mood strikes me. LOL. Which is pretty much how I keep house, as the mood strikes me. Maybe with the New Year upon us, it will be good to blog about my routines as I always revamp and all at this time of year.
I am thankful beyond expression for those of you have stuck with me, those of you who email me and keep in touch. I really appreciate it.
Hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday, whatever you celebrate!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
The Day After Yesterday
Was quite busy yesterday with the election and didn't get a chance to blog. But, it was very worth it as I won my precinct for my party. So it is all good. All though I have been recuperating today. Didn't party hearty, just stayed up too late watching the returns. We went to our party's party for a bit and then I just couched out with the tube.
Even the Wild Child helped out yesterday - we hung door tags reminding folks to vote on a bunch houses in our precinct. She is such the little politician, I like hearing her talk to people at the party about how she got her vote out. LOL
Today's dinner is broiled chicken breast, rice, broccoli, rolls and fruit salad. It is actually warm hear after a couple chilly days. And after eating the hearty buffet last night a lighter meal is a good thing.
I cleaned my desk off today and am happy with the results. I got a bunch of coordinated things, folders, postits, memo pads, blank notes and a new desk basket (not a big splurge, found them at Dollar Tree, and they were just the tonic to spruce things up and give me a some new color on the desk. And now I have much more room to work, since I took my inbasket and have it up on a shelf over the desk.
Am still excited about the Martha Homekeeping book. She has a bunch of routines, and, I really like the basic plans. and I am copying them and personalizing them for my Control Journal. Will figure out how I can post my Control Journal contents soon. It isn't that I change every time I read something new; I really don't, but, I like to be quick to change when the change is good.
Even the Wild Child helped out yesterday - we hung door tags reminding folks to vote on a bunch houses in our precinct. She is such the little politician, I like hearing her talk to people at the party about how she got her vote out. LOL
Today's dinner is broiled chicken breast, rice, broccoli, rolls and fruit salad. It is actually warm hear after a couple chilly days. And after eating the hearty buffet last night a lighter meal is a good thing.
I cleaned my desk off today and am happy with the results. I got a bunch of coordinated things, folders, postits, memo pads, blank notes and a new desk basket (not a big splurge, found them at Dollar Tree, and they were just the tonic to spruce things up and give me a some new color on the desk. And now I have much more room to work, since I took my inbasket and have it up on a shelf over the desk.
Am still excited about the Martha Homekeeping book. She has a bunch of routines, and, I really like the basic plans. and I am copying them and personalizing them for my Control Journal. Will figure out how I can post my Control Journal contents soon. It isn't that I change every time I read something new; I really don't, but, I like to be quick to change when the change is good.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Chilly and Raining
What a cold dreary day. Had to run out to the bank and the supermarket to get stuff for a breakfast/goodie basket for my election judges tomorrow. Worth the effort as I have good judges and being an election judge is hard work. Hope the rain clears so more people will get out and vote tomorrow.
Had computer issues starting Friday afternoon. My daughter plays on NeoPets. Heck I used to, but, I don't think any of us had since last Spring, maybe late Winter. About 2 weeks ago, she decided to start again, and Friday afternoon the computer shut down for no reason, okay, on Thursday for no reason my network connections where gone and I had to reinstall the DSL. So when the computer came back up my antivirus went nuts and I had over 200!!!! According to a geeky friend who knows, he says it is from Neopets (we have/had a firewall and all) and that meant I had to restore everything, which sucks. I actually had to do it twice cause for some reason after the first time, it wouldn't boot so I had to do it again. Everytime I set it to do automatic updates for Windows it won't reboot - this has been an ongoing problem since last summer when I put on a new hard drive. If anyone has any ideas, send them my way.
Have been reading Martha's Homekeeping book and I really do love, love, love it. It has so much great info! I know I will use it all the time. Have to give a thought to doing some desk top reorganization though. It is a big book. LOL
Taking a break from calling my voters, will start again about 6. Dinner tonight is cheating and using a Banquet Frozen Salisbury Steak. I know - but both DH and DD think this is the best entree ever and we have it once in a while. DD had it at a friends and when I was in the hospital this summer, she pretty much stayed with my parents during the week and came home to stay with him on weekends. One day he took to the grocery store to shop and she picked it out. It was fine by him and then she was telling me later that evening at the hospital how good it was and wanted it again at the store. I keep a couple of those and some Stouffer's frozen lasagna in the freezer for those certain days. Seemed like a good thing to have on a cold day when I really didn't feel like cooking as I have too much to do. - I bake it in the regular oven and am serving it with mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, and green salad.
DH will probably go to bed way early tonight as he worked all weekend and he is an election judge tomorrow, has to be there by 5. I am planning on catching up on Desperate Housewives. I recorded every episode this season but haven't watched any yet.
We had company yesterday and I cleaned Saturday so the house still looked great today. Just a little once over. Got several loads of laundry done and folded, but, never took them upstairs to put away. Will do that here in a bit.
Take a minute and vote tomorrow - it is an important election!
Had computer issues starting Friday afternoon. My daughter plays on NeoPets. Heck I used to, but, I don't think any of us had since last Spring, maybe late Winter. About 2 weeks ago, she decided to start again, and Friday afternoon the computer shut down for no reason, okay, on Thursday for no reason my network connections where gone and I had to reinstall the DSL. So when the computer came back up my antivirus went nuts and I had over 200!!!! According to a geeky friend who knows, he says it is from Neopets (we have/had a firewall and all) and that meant I had to restore everything, which sucks. I actually had to do it twice cause for some reason after the first time, it wouldn't boot so I had to do it again. Everytime I set it to do automatic updates for Windows it won't reboot - this has been an ongoing problem since last summer when I put on a new hard drive. If anyone has any ideas, send them my way.
Have been reading Martha's Homekeeping book and I really do love, love, love it. It has so much great info! I know I will use it all the time. Have to give a thought to doing some desk top reorganization though. It is a big book. LOL
Taking a break from calling my voters, will start again about 6. Dinner tonight is cheating and using a Banquet Frozen Salisbury Steak. I know - but both DH and DD think this is the best entree ever and we have it once in a while. DD had it at a friends and when I was in the hospital this summer, she pretty much stayed with my parents during the week and came home to stay with him on weekends. One day he took to the grocery store to shop and she picked it out. It was fine by him and then she was telling me later that evening at the hospital how good it was and wanted it again at the store. I keep a couple of those and some Stouffer's frozen lasagna in the freezer for those certain days. Seemed like a good thing to have on a cold day when I really didn't feel like cooking as I have too much to do. - I bake it in the regular oven and am serving it with mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, and green salad.
DH will probably go to bed way early tonight as he worked all weekend and he is an election judge tomorrow, has to be there by 5. I am planning on catching up on Desperate Housewives. I recorded every episode this season but haven't watched any yet.
We had company yesterday and I cleaned Saturday so the house still looked great today. Just a little once over. Got several loads of laundry done and folded, but, never took them upstairs to put away. Will do that here in a bit.
Take a minute and vote tomorrow - it is an important election!
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