Makeup Love Affair

For this hair powder by Lulu Organics. It’s a powder that you sprinkle on the roots of your hair on days you don’t wash. It sops up the excess oil and according to their website I’ll be amazed at the results. For a chronic hair washer like me, this could be a great item. I’m well aware that I shouldn’t be washing my hair everyday but it gets so greasy I feel I absolutely have to. I can’t walk around like that! I just ordered a bottle of the tuberose and rose scented one from their website www.luluorganicsnyc.com Will follow up with a review soon.

It’s been awhile, and for that I apologize. Moment of silence to reflect on my laziness and short attention span. Okay.

Even though the weather isn’t cooperating, I am ready for fall. (hello, it’s 75 today) With fall comes yummy new things such as eyeshadows. I’m dreaming of dramatic, rich jewel tones which seem to be big this season. Here are some thoughts…

From Nars, Night Porter and Santorini.

Midnight Metallics from Bobbi Brown.

And for the ballsy ones; this Chrome Yellow from MAC.

Last week on a particularly dreary and rainy day I was stopped by a woman on the street on my way to work. She asked if I’d like a FREE gift from Glamour magazine. I obviously acceptted, I’m always excited by something free given to me on the streets of New York City. Upon closer examination, after my arrival at work, I realized this was no regular lame free gift. No, this was a treasure trove of treats and delights. In a fairly cute white makeup bag with “Glammies” printed on it, I found a full size Bath and Body Works lotion (in the scent that smells like cookies), some Clinique 3 Part Skin Care samplers, Brilliant Brunette Shampoo, Britney Spears perfume sample (guess they can’t rid of that stuff), and a few other items. All in all, a wondrous way to start my week. My loot is pictured below.

You know what I mean, when some people’s skin just glows. It’s not shiny, it’s not sparkly or glittery, it’s dewy and glowing. Here’s some products to think about…

As a Mark sales rep I have to make a shameless plug for this one. I actually really like it, it’s skin colored so it blends nicely and it has just the right amount of subtle glow that I’m looking for. I think it works more for night time.

I haven’t tried this one but Benefit rarely disappoints. It claims to be “a silky pink primer that makes skin appear smoother and brighter.” I may have to check this one out.

I have often eyed, but never tried, this little Smashbox cutie at Sephora. It claims to luminize (ohhh I like the sound of that!) your face and give it a natural glow. One cool thing I noticed it comes in three different colors; a glistening pearl, a warm golden bronze, and an irridescent peach. That way you could customize with your complexion. Uh-oh I may just have to try all three!

I don’t love my feet. I like the size, the shape, the arch, even my toes don’t bug me that much (besides the constant ingrown toenails). But me heels are so dry and cracked (thanks mom) that it is really tragic. Especially in the summer months, when all I wear is flip flops, my heels get even worse. During the winter, when they are nestled in a sock every day, they seem to be tolerable. But, these days, I don’t know. I am constantly searching for a good foot cream, one that will miraculously turn my rough, sickie heels into silken wonders. Perhaps this is it. Neutrogena is a fairly trustworthy brand in my book - I have used their face cleansers for forever. So why not try the Cracked Heel Treatment and it’s “Norwegian Formula” (see flag on bottle). And you know how those Norwegians are when it comes to feet, they mean business. The lotion is not oily or greasy and although it didn’t instantly transform my heels, it did make them smoother and less crackly, so with time I think it can only get better. So if you too suffer from cracked-feel-itis, why not take some help from our Scandinavian friends.

I don’t know if I’m much of an eyelash batter, but if I were ever going to be one, it would be while wearing this mascara. Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara is, simply put, wonderful. The tip of the wand is rubbery instead of bristley so no clumps. Seriously, it goes on smoother than any mascara I’ve ever worn. I adore it. And the bright green package makes it impossible to miss. Plus, it’s a Duane Reade purchase so it won’t hurt the budget.

So I got a cheapie manicure on Saturday with Lynn (Ant’s mom) for her birthday. I decided to try for the short, bright summery nails I have been longing for. After getting over the intial shock of the color (for some reason it was an atrocious neon pink in the nail salon), it has really grown on me and I keep admiring my beautiful nails. I think it is the just right pink-coral-orange combo that I was hoping for. And the length is just right as well, any longer and it would be tacky-overkill, not to mention that I’d be breaking ‘em if they much longer. Take a look below…

That’s what I’ll be saying soon, if Sally Hansen’s new double-duty lotion; Smooth Glow actually does what it says it will. It promises that you’ll have to shave less AND that it will give you a bronzed glow. Wow, what more could I ask for with summer-skirt weather approaching? And with my thick hair, anything that will allow me to shave less is worth looking into. Plus it was a Duane Reade find, so for 8 bucks I figured it was worth a shot. I’ll keep you posted on the alleged “having to shave half as often” and the subtle bronzing effects. So far so good, but it’s only been a week. Before you know it I’ll be a hairless, bronzed beauty.

Stila has long been one of favorite makeup brands. The packaging is absolutely adorable and I think they have a corner on the lip gloss and eye shadow markets. Plus, they are always coming out with must have limited edition seasonal stunners. And this Summer is no different. They have just introduced three limited edition Summer eye shadow trios. Each palette comes with base, crease and liner shadows. Shown above is Acapulco a shimmering light gold with vibrant golden green shimmer and deep bronze. Perfect for all my vactions to the Mexican Riviera. And the little sundial imprint makes them almost too pretty to use. Almost.

The makeup gods have smiled down on us. Should you find yourself in the holy-schnikeys-my-favorite-lipstick-is-getting-discontinued conundrum, fret not. The fine folks at Giella Custom Blend cosmetics will recreate it just for you (at $27 a tube, I think it’s worth every penny). Just send them what’s left of your last tube and before you know it, a new lipstick will arrive in the mail, one that perfectly matches your old favorite. And then, apply liberally, and know you’ll never have to run out and buy 16 tubes of an about to be discontinued lipstick again. I have yet to endure this trauma, but I feel at ease just knowing this service is available. If you’re feeling apprehensive, here’s a glowing review of Giella’s service. Oh and they’ll also match a nail polish if that’s what you need.