Benefit Blush

I was trying to figure out what my "go to" blush is.  And I don't really have one.  I like to use lots of different ones, but I do seem to use these Benefit blushes more than others.  The colors are so pretty, long lasting, compliment my skin, and don't change color once they are on for a while.  They also smell really good!  Kind of fruity....

Coralista, Thrrrob, Dallas, Bella Bamba

 Coralista, Thrrrob, Dallas, Bella Bamba

My favorite right now is Dallas.  It's pretty as a bronzer, but it actually works well on my skin as a blush too.  I put it over Mac's Brit Wit.  It is a nice winter combination on my pale skin.  Just use a light hand!  They can be a bit chalky if you apply too much (IMO).  I'm not a huge fan of the box packaging....although now with their newer ones they have a mirror and the lid is attached (Bella Bamba).  You get a decent amount for the money, 120 g for $28.  I don't think I will hit pan (or box lol) on any of them for a long time.  They have several shades, with Hervana being the newest one.  You can see that one here.  For those of you who may feel they are a little too pricey, there are some great dupes by Hard Candy called "Fox in a Box" for a more affordable $6.  I don't have any of these myself, they are available at Walmart and are always sold out when I go, but I plan on trying them, and if you check out YouTube, you can see some comparisons. 

MAC Naked Honey Skin Salve



sorry, a little blurry...

It may not be fair to review this particular product, since you can't purchase it at a MAC counter or on the website.  But....you can buy it at CCOs (cosmetic company outlets) that most outlet malls have.  I got mine at the Cincinnati Premium Outlet Mall.  It was $15 and worth every penny.  I went to the mall a couple of months ago, and bought a few things at the CCO, and didn't notice the Naked Honey Skin Salve until I was walking out.  I tested it on my cuticles (which are a dried up raggedy mess) and went home.  On my way, I kept thinking how well it moisturized them, better then any cuticle cream or oil I've tried.  So....next time we hit the flea markets, which just happen to be across the street from the mall, I went and got one.  And I have to say it's one of the best beauty purchases I've made!  You got a huge amount, 1.41 oz.  I use it every night on my cuticles (and sometimes during the day when I think of it) and slather some on my lips.  Often during the day, I'll grab this instead of a lipstick or gloss, especially now that the weather has turned frigid cooler.  It is a honey color, the consistency is a bit like Vaseline, but not in a slimy way.  It has a pleasant taste, slightly sweet, although I don't recommend doing a lot of lip licking.  Another nice point for me is, it's in a large enough container with a screw on lid.  Those little tiny pots of cream and lip balms that are flat, (like Nivia, and Burt's Bees) are so hard to open......ok, I just realized I've gone on an awful lot over some lip salve-balm-moisturizer.....but those who know me won't think it's odd at all :-).  Anyway, if you have the chance to grab this stuff........do it!

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter

Two word sum these new lip butters up........moisturizingly creamy.  I don't think moisturizingly is a word, but it fits.  These are sooooo nice.   They are like a lip balm, but more creamy, and with color.  I only own two of them (as of now, I plan to purchase many more), I have gumdrop and pink truffle.  These are not in all drug stores yet, in fact I went to Walgreens, CVS and K-Mart before I found them at Rite Aid.  They run about $7.50 and I believe come in 20 different shades.  They are more sheer and softer then a lipstick, but still have pigment.  Not like a lip gloss at all.  Just creamy.  They are exactly what you would imagine a lip butter would be.  They feel great on the lips, and you can get away with just using these (and can put them on without a mirror which is a plus for those of us on the go).  They wear relatively well, but they feel so good, I'm constantly reapplying them anyway.  The packaging is just like the Colorburst lipsticks, but the lid is transparent.  The tubes are slanted (like the Clinique Black Honey for example).  I love these and have heard nothing but good things from other people that own them.  They are perfect for a spring/summer color, but great for moisturizing in fall/winter.  I highly recommend!

Gumdrop, Pink Truffle

Gumdrop, Pink Truffle

Tarte LipSurgence

These were a bit of an impulse buy.  Sephora and Ulta had a set of them (5) for $29.99, but I heard they were sold out.  I was in Ulta a couple of weeks ago, and they had them so I snagged one.  They are a limited edition set (the ones I bought), however you can order them in other colors for $24.00 a piece.  They are actually referred to as "lip treatments", and come in lusters and tints.  The colors in the box set are 3 lusters in Dazzled (pearly coral pink luster), Flashy (bright iridescent fuchsia luster), Glitzy (antique pink luster) and 2 tints in Perky (soft carnation pink tint) and Swank (light cherry tint).  They glide on really smoothly and are fairly shiney, but not a ton of pigment (IMO).  They are not sticky, so that's a plus for those of you who don't like that feeling.  They have a hint of peppermint and contain no parabens, synthetic fragrances or phthalates.  Basically they feel like a lip balm with some color and shine.  A couple of them are a tad on the glittery side.  They don't need sharpening, they twist up from the bottom.   I'm really glad I purchased this set, but I don't think I would buy them separately.  I gave 2 of them to my daughter so I only have 3 to show.

Swank, Perky, Dazzled

Dazzled (bottom), Perky (middle) Swank (top)

Review: L'Oreal Le Gloss

 I am in love with these lip glosses!  They are very pigmented, and taste and smell like cupcakes, or cake batter......or butter cream frosting........I haven't quite put my finger on it, but it's yummy!  The first one I purchased was Really Rose (I can't tell the number on it, it got "erased" while in my makeup bag).  It's a very pretty "earthy rose" color, that's the best way I can describe it.  It is very pigmented and opaque, a very nice fall color.  The second one I got was Nude Touch (152).  This one is also pigmented, not quite as opaque, and a little shimmery, very versatile.  Next was Baby Blossom (151).  This is my least favorite, as it's not as opaque, it's a little like a streaky nail polish.  It's a milky pink.....once you work with it and get it on right, it's pretty also, very light.  And lastly, Watermelon Crush (154).  This one is less pigmented, a little more "see through" but still plenty of color....maybe a light fuchsia.  They are not sticky at all (and I love mine sticky lol) but stay on 2-3 hrs without reapplying (or eating, drinking, etc).  Like I said the smell and taste is yummy.  The price averages about $7.99, and you can pick it up at most drug stores or department stores.   I recommend!                                                                                                                                                                                                  

         

Really Rose, Nude Touch, Baby Blossom, Watermelon Crush



Really Rose, Nude Touch, Baby Blossom, Watermelon Crush



Somewhere in Time.......

We just recently returned from our yearly vacation to the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) of Michigan (Mackinaw City, St Ignace, and Mackinac Island to be exact).  This is either our 7th or 8th trip there.  The first time I went is when my boyfriend (who now lives here) came up from Texas to visit me.  It was February and he took me there to visit some of his old friends, and show me where he lived.  Although it was in mid February, and absolutely FREEZING (and I've lived in Alaska....I've never been so cold as when we went to Michigan), and the lakes were frozen solid, it was the most beautiful place I've ever been to.  I just fell completely in love with it.  We went again in the fall, and all I can say is........go there in the fall!  It's so beautiful.  All the trees are so colorful, the lakes are sparkling and because it's past tourist season, it's not crowded at all.  We were gone 7 days and I've never been more relaxed in my life.  We always stay at The Driftwood (which is in St Ignace) and then just travel across the Mackinac Bridge when we want to go to the lower peninsula.  This time, we stayed at The Lamplighter Inn in Mackinaw City for 3 days, did all our exploring below the bridge, then went north and stayed at the Bay View Hotel and did all the U.P. stuff.  More economical that way since one way across the bridge is $3.50.  Both motels were great, for different reasons.  The Lamplighter Motel was so quaint, a lovely room, designed to resemble the movie "Somewhere in Time" with Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeves.  The bed was a four poster and huge!  Not much room to walk around in the room, but the decor made it all worth it.  They even have nightly bonfires for the guests, what a great idea!  Unfortunately they didn't have them while we were there, it may be more of a tourist seasonal thing.  The Bay View Motel we stayed in when we went up to the U.P. was quite large, and on the water!  We opened our two HUGE windows, and could see and hear the water lapping up on the shore.  I could actually sit on our bed and watch the waves, it was gorgeous.  There was a nice sized table with two chairs in the room, and lots more room to walk around.  The decor was more like a standard motel room, but beautiful none the less, largely because of the view.  The only downside to this room was cell phone reception.  It was sketchy and there was no phone in the room.  Which was ok, because, after all........we were trying to get away from all that.  I'll post some pictures below of some of the highlights.  If you get a chance to go.....I HIGHLY recommend both motels, and Michigan in general.  Quiet, calm, lots to do and see, and fantastic food.  What more could you ask for?

Here are a few pictures of some places we visited.

"Screams" Ice Cream Shop, in Hell, Michigan.  A stop on the way.  We ate the "Gravedigger", a three scoop concoction that was gooey and delicious.  We received a "death certificate" for finishing it lol

Pretty flower bed behind the shop, with picnic tables and mini golf

A beautiful inn on Mackinac Island.  You get there by boat only, no motorized vehicles are allowed on the Island, including cars.  We had a lovely horse (thank you Rex and Dobbin!) and carriage tour around the Island.

Some scenery while we toured the Island (notice the bike rack?  Lots of bikes on the Island, pretty much the only way to get around.....snowmobiles in the winter!)

Never seen a see through butterfly before!  This was at one of the Butterfly Houses on the Island

The Legs Inn in Cross Village, Michigan.  Awesome Polish food and an even better view!

Yummy Polish food and I order a burger lol.  It was delicious!  A pretzel bun!

The "backyard" of the Legs Inn.  So pretty!  When you turn around, you face the lake.  :-)

Taquamenon Falls, the water is tea colored because it gets its color from the Cedar Swamps

Those are just a few of the places we went to.  We also visited the Garlyn Zoo, the Deer Ranch, and Oswald's Bear Ranch.  Wonderful time :-)

Essie Polish

I don't have a huge collection of Essie polishes.  Some of them are a little hard to apply without looking streaky on me.  I still buy them here and there.....and some of them I love, (one is my last purchase, I'll add a pic of how it looks on).  I find the darker the color, the better it looks, (meaning less streaky), at least on me.  I seem to stick to the same color families.....either pink or neutral.  I usually apply a ridge filler, and then a primer from Deborah Lippmann, the color, then a topcoat from Seche Vite.  I don't keep up with the collections, I just grab them when I see a color I like, or when they are on sale lol.  You can get them at Target, some CVS's, and Ulta ($7.99)

 

Island Hopping, St Lucia Lilac, Luscious Lips

Don't have the name of the first one, Sugar Daddy, Lady Like

Mink Muffs, Best Boyfriend, Demure Vixen

                                                                                                                                       

Lady Like



My Mom

Donna

Today is my mom's birthday........well, it would have been her birthday, but she passed away a few years ago.  I remember that day clearly as if it were yesterday.  My family lives in Florida, I'm here in Ohio.  It was February 14, and we had a terrible snow storm.  She had been in the hospital for a few days and wasn't expected to get out.  My brother and sister were there with her (which I am so grateful for), but I wasn't.  I wanted to be, but the snow had me captive in my apartment complex, and the airport was practically shut down.  The whole day felt surreal to me.......I knew it was happening, but because I wasn't there, it was like I was watching from the outside, where it was safe.  I kept in touch with my brother and sister on cellphones, and they kept me up to date on how she was doing.  I've been away from home since I was 18, yet I always felt like the big sister, ready to dispense advice where ever needed, trying to search for a way to solve problems or make things better.  But this time, I couldn't do anything.  Nothing.  And it is the worst feeling in the world.  I couldn't even try and make them feel better, because I was all consumed with my own grief.  And guilt.  The guilt.  I live with it every day.  Some days are worse then others.  When I see an older lady, one that may resemble my mom in the way they dressed, or the lines on their face........especially if it's in a Kmart, or a Dollar Store.....I can actually feel my heart splinter a little bit.  Not so much guilt because I wasn't there when she died, but at times, I wasn't there when she was alive.  She lived here in Ohio with me for a couple of years.  At first, she lived with me, then eventually got her own apartment.  In the beginning, we did lots together, shopping, cooking, watching TV, (actually, me watching TV, her falling asleep with her head rested on her hand sitting up.  I don't know how she did it lol).   When she moved into her own place, I went over a few times a week.  But now I know it wasn't enough.  I know now that she must have been lonely.  And my excuse for not going over was always the same.  I'm tired.  I do have some legitimate reasons for being tired (a couple of pain in the ass diseases) but honestly.......I took it for granted that she would always be there.  I could always go over "tomorrow".   I could give her a call "later".  And now, there is no tomorrow....and no later.  And I can never have a chance to tell her how sorry I am for not being there for her more.  Sure, I took her to the grocery, and to the Dr, and we did spend time together, but people......I can tell you....it's not enough.  If you have the chance to spend time with your mom, or even if you don't.  Find it and do it.  Don't put it off.  Don't wait till another day.  Call her everyday and tell her you love her.  Send her a note in the mail.  Drop off flowers for no reason.  Tell her thank you for everything she has done for you.  Hold her face in your hand, and drink it in..........because one day she won't answer the phone, or the door, and you have to search your memory for the gentle lines in her face, and the little birthmark like yours on her arm.  Don't have any regrets......don't have any regrets..........I miss you mom.  Everyday.

Get Your Freak On - 15 Weird Facts About Me

So this is a tag that's been going around Youtube for a while now.  And since I've been feeling like crap for the past few weeks, and I haven't done a blog post, I figured this would be easy and fun and give me some time to think of something better haha.


What's a nickname only your family calls you?
- hmmm, I don't have any that I know of......if they call me something, it's behind my back lol

What's a weird habit of yours?
- I only like to drink diet coke/pepsi out of a cup (preferably fountain) with lots of ice and a straw.  I'm really picky about it.

Do you have any weird phobias?
-  I'm afraid of bees........and green beans.  I don't want to look at them, smell them, or hear about them

What's a song you secretly LOVE to blast & belt out when you're alone?
- California Love by Tupac

What's one of your biggest pet peeves?
- I HATE when people don't use their turn signal.  Especially if they put it on AS they are turning instead of BEFORE they slow down to turn.  I also hate it when I go into a fast food restaurant and before I even get up to the counter they ask me what I want......I need to read the menu first geez!

What's one of your nervous habits?
- I pick at my cuticles.  I'm not sure if this is because I'm nervous or not, but I do it......

What side of the bed do you sleep on?
- Whatever side is closest to the bathroom

What was your first stuffed animal & it's name?
- I don't remember

What's the drink you ALWAYS order at Starbucks?
- Venti Chocolately Chocolate Chip Frapp

What's the beauty rule you preach.. but never ACTUALLY practice?
- hmmm, maybe wash your brushes often.....I don't really preach any that I don't practice

Which way do you face in the shower?
- Away from the water

Do you have any weird body skills?
- I can cross one eye.  And one of my thumbs is stuck in a hitchhiker pose.  (That one isn't by choice lol)

What's your favorite comfort food that's 'bad' but you love to eat it anyways?
- Anything chocolate

What's a phrase or exclamation you always say?
- I say "whatever dude" alot, mmmmkay, and alrighty

Time to sleep- what are you ACTUALLY wearing?
- Pajama pants and a tshirt

So yeah, this was pretty boring to write, and probably even more boring to read.......maybe I should come up with my own questions......now that could be fun ;-)

Flower Power

Ugh, it's so hot!!  We've had 90+ degree weather for weeks now.....even the flowers are wilting (not to mention weeks of bad hair).  Here is a pretty lip gloss flower to look at..........hey, at least it will never die :-)  Anyone else looking forward to the weekend already???

My True Love

I found it..........the one....  After years of searching for my true love, I found it.  I tried so many, giving them the benefit of the doubt because I thought they were the one for me, the one I was looking for.  I discarded them, one by one, thinking my attempts were futile and just wanting to throw in the towel.  But I found it!!!

Yes...........it's a lipstick (come on, you're surprised??).  Number 814, Forever Frappe by L'Oreal (Infallible).  I believe it was around $8, and I'm sure you can find it anywhere lipsticks are sold (I believe I got it at Walgreens).  It's the perfect color for me.....almost the color of my lips, but a shade better.  I'm in love!!!  It's creamy and long lasting and it has my name all over it.  *sigh*........love......it's a wonderful thing isn't it?



Add caption



Pretty huh?

Birchbox!

For those of you that have never heard of Birchbox....It's a box of "luxury" sized samples that are sent each month, usually 4-5 samples, for $10.  It's an auto delivery type thing, if you decide you don't want it anymore, just log on and cancel......pretty easy!  They send a wide variety of product lines, like Stila, Benefit, Laura Mercier, and Bare Minerals to name a few.  Each month you receive one full size item, which almost always retails for more then $10, along with 3-4 luxe samples, so it's a win win situation!  It's a great way to try a product you might not want to spend money on, either because it's a little pricey or you've never tried the brand before.  I've been a member for about 4 months, and I've received some great things, like a full size Laura Geller blush, a Stila eyeshadow, and a Zoya nail polish.  You also rack up points that you can use to purchase full sizes of the sample products they send and they have helpful tips and tutorials on the website.  I thought I'd share what I received for July so you can see what they have to offer....

Birchbox!

Card explaining the products

Packaged.....



Redken Shine Brilliance Shine Flash, Nuxe Dry Oil, Zoya polish in Pandora, and Purity cleanser by Philosophy and a fruit and nut bar (can't remember the name of it)

So that's what my box of goodies held for July........I love this because there is always something in there I end of liking, and who doesn't like to get a box of beauty products in the mail?  It's like someone loves you and sends you a present each month........and I love presents!  Get your Birchbox here........... Birchbox

Deborah Lippmann Nails Runway Collection

I was watching HSN a couple of weeks ago and saw this collection.....sometimes I like to watch make up and nail stuff on home shopping channels because it relaxes me.  I also watch when they sell pillows, because when they fluff them up over and over and rub on the pillows, it makes me really relaxed.  Yes, we've established already that I'm weird :-P.  Anyway..........when they were talking about this collection of nail polishes and nail products, it peaked my interest because they said the consistency on the nails was kind of "spongy" or like "jello".  I had heard about this new consistency of nail polishes but didn't know where I could get them.  I also thought the model's nails looked really nice so I got my phone out, (because yes, I was too lazy to walk the 10 feet to my computer) got on my handy dandy HSN app and ordered it.  The easy pay option always sucks me in.  It was $44.50 which is a little steep (although for 6 bottles and a nice case, not unreasonable).  BUT when you see $22.50 for 2 easy pays........I mean come on, how can you pass that up????  I was home sick this past Monday and what a co-inkidink, it came Monday.  My daughter came over that night and we gave ourselves a Deborah Lippmann manicure.  We used all 6 products.  Which is alot for me.  I usually slap on a couple of coats of polish and a top coat and I'm done.  After doing the cuticle removing, cuticle oiling, primer, polish and top coat, we both sat back and admired our handiwork.  And we were both impressed.  The color I used (Supermodel) is a very vibrant shade of red in the bottle, but sheer at the same time.  Lara's Theme is definitely more orangey.  It's hard to explain the consistency.  It's full coverage, but sheer at the same time.  With one coat it is kind of like that plastic wrap they came out with to wrap up your food....you know, the hot pink, and green ones?  But if you were to wrap the food a few times, that's what it would look like.  No idea what I'm talking about??  Well I suggest you just buy it because I'm pretty sure you would love it.  Each product does exactly what it says it will do.  My cuticles came off with hardly any elbow grease, and the polish applied like a dream.  Usually sheerer polishes are streaky.........even with one coat there was not a streak in sight.  I used two coats so the color wasn't quite as red as in the bottle, but still very pretty.  And really shiny, even without the top coat (which I used anyway, I mean, let's go all the way right?).  I really enjoy the bag too, it's got 4 zippered plastic pockets (which when rolled up, you get the handy dandy carrying case).  This is where I got mine... "HSN Website but unfortunately they are sold out.  I tried to google and find it some place else, but no luck.  On the website however they do have other kits, and lots of other colors (even more then the actual Deborah Lippmann website which is sold out of several shades) so I'm sure you could find another color you liked.  They are a little more pricey at $18, but I'm telling you, if you like nail polish, it's worth it.  I have Essie, OPI, China Glaze, Revlon, etc polishes in my collection and these put them to shame.  At least IMO.  If you don't want to spend the money yourself, you could always ask for them as a birthday or Christmas gift :-).  Oh and one more thing.  The pictures of my nails below are after 4 days of typing, showering, and washing dishes.  And not a chip in sight.  NICE!

Bag rolled up



Cuticle Remover, Cuticle Oil, 2 Second Nail Primer
Supermodel, Lara's Theme, and Hard Rock

Two coats (with flash)

I realize I need to work on the picture quality and background.  My lighting is terrible....maybe I should take them outside?





What's in my make-up bag?

I like to read blogs about what people keep in their purses or make up bags (yes, I said people, lots of guys carry purses too), or watch youtube videos where they show you.....I like to see if there is anyone else that keeps a book in their purse (in case I get stuck somewhere) or a bag of peanuts (in case I get stuck somewhere and get hungry), etc.  Rather then show you the mess that is my purse, I'll show you what I keep in my make up bag.  I just pulled it out, no cleaning it out first, so this is a true depiction of what is usually in there. 

First my make up bag.........It's from a company called Thirtyone, they sell purses, make up bags, lunch bags, and other items.  They are mostly made of cloth, and have designs on them, and as you can see, you can get them monogrammed.  This is not usually my style (I hate that Vera Bradley junk) but I love the make up bags because they are padded.  And as you all know, I gotta protect my lip glosses!

Next up, the contents:

Top row, Revlon Colorburst lipstick in "Rosy Nude", L'Oreal Endless lipstick in "In the Buff" (which I believe is discontinued), Mac lipstick in "Syrup", Mac lipstick in "Viva Glam V" and Essence Stay with Me Longlasting lipgloss in "I Like Cotton Candy"   Second Row,  Beauty Rush Soothing Lip Balm (no color name but it's a bright pink), Soft Corp Soft Kiss lip balm and DuWop Lip Venom.  Bottom row:  Clean "Simply Soap" roll on perfume, Mac Blot Powder, and Neutrogena Shine Control Blotting Sheets.

I'm actually surprised that is all that's in there.....although I did clean it out a few days ago when I switched purses, I probably had 10 more lip products in there, and I also had some chewed up gum in a wrapper...a receipt from Ulta.......and an M&M.   Oh, and I recently found out you can apply a thin film of Milk of Magnesia on your face before you apply your foundation and that helps keep the oil away.....I'm gonna try it, maybe I can reduce the amount of blotting papers I use each day.  Plus...... if I eat something that upsets my tummy, I got it covered ;-).  Now..........what do you keep in your bag???

EOS Lip Balms

From the top:  Passion Fruit, Strawberry Smoothie, Lemon Drop, Honeysuckle Honeydew, Medicated Tangerine, and Sweet Mint

These look like Easter eggs don't they?  I love these little lip balms.  The first thing you notice obviously is the shape....little ovaly circley round thingies (I'm very eloquent aren't I?).  They are very moisturizing, some flavors more then others.  I think the sweet mint one if my favorite, followed by strawberry and melon.  The lemondrop one is nice too, it's a little more glossy then the other ones.   The only one I don't have was the first one I bought (then threw away) which I believe is called Summer Fruit.  I was so excited to try it because when they first came out they were hard to find.  I really didn't like the smell.....but I'm thinking of repurchasing it and giving it another try because it's the only one I don't have in my collection, and I'm weird like that.  These lip balms are 100% natural, 95% organic, which is nice considering all the crap they put into stuff, (parabens, phthalates, etc).  They do have Shea butter, vitamin E, and jojoba oil.  I even have several of a few of them (4 lemondrops and 2 of the medicated orange ones) cuz you never know where you might be when you need one (in the car, one in a little box on the coffee table, bedside table, and where I apply my makeup.  Oh and one in the bathroom........in case I feel chappy while I'm errr....brushing my teeth!  EOS (Evolution of Smooth) lip balms are inexpensive, around $3 each, they sell them at most drug stores, or you can find them here:  EOS The website also sells hand lotion, shaving cream and body lotions.  Give them a try :-)

Review: Clarisonic Mia

This is probably the one of the few products I've purchased and was immediately impressed with.  I got it for myself as a late Christmas present, so I've been using it for about 5 months now.  And my skin has never looked better.  I've always been meticulous about my skin.  I had the "required" acne prone skin in jr high and high school (mostly jr high) and then occasional breakouts throughout my 20s and 30s.  When I hit 40, I noticed the texture started changing.  I've always had oily skin, and even now, I have to use blotting papers a couple of times a day.  But I noticed lines that seemed to pop up overnight.  And my skin just looked dull.  I've always used a cleanser and a washcloth to wash my face.  I had been eyeing the Clarisonic Mia for about a year, but just didn't want to spend the money on it ($149).  Finally, in a moment of weakness (and 4 easy pays on QVC) I splurged.  And boy am I glad I did.  My skin feels so "clean".  I take my make up off with a cosmetic wipe (I buy the cheap ones at Big Lots for $2!) and then use the Clarisonic to clean off anything I missed.  It also exfoliates, which is a time saver (and no need for the gritty apricot scrubs lol).  It runs off a rechargeable battery, for about 2 mins, I charge mine about every 20 days.  It comes in a variety of colors, white, yellow, lavender, pink (my choice) and limited time colors also.  It's definitely one of the best purchases I've made.  Except for my lip glosses ;-)

April Favorites (Make up version)

I haven't ventured into the world of YouTube yet, so I can't post my "April Favorites" out there like hundreds of other make up gurus do, so photos and a quick review of the products will have to do......These are the products I tended to gravitate towards during April:

I sometimes use a primer before I put on my foundation, but usually I just use this Clean & Clear Finishes Pore Perfecting Moisturizer.  It says it "softens the appearance of pores with light diffusing minerals".  I don't know if it does that or not, but I like the way it feels and my foundation goes on smoothly so it's a keeper.

YSL Multi-Action Concealer in the color "3".  What you see in the picture is all I have left, which is unfortunate, because it's expensive ($35 on Amazon) so I probably won't be repurchasing any time soon.  Although I did just buy Benefit Boiing which is $18.  I apparently have a lot to conceal....

Clinique "Even Better" Foundation, 03 Ivory.  This stuff works great, it is a full coverage foundation, and doesn't turn to that ugly orangy color some foundations do by the end of the day.  I'm about out of this one too, I purchased a matte foundation from Rimmel....we'll see how that one does.

Bella Bamba blush by Benefit.  Very pretty coral color, with a little bit of shimmer.  Very much like the famous Nars Orgasm (which I also have....go figure).  Nice color for spring.

Lorac eyeshadows in Enlighten, Bronze, and Dark Brown.  I've been using these almost every day.  Love them, they are easy to blend, great texture, and have good color payoff. 

Palladio Rice Powder in Translucent.  I absolutely LOVE this stuff.  It makes the texture of my face seem flawless.  I only put it on in the morning, (I touch up during the day with MAC Blot Powder).  It's finely milled and doesn't look "powder-ry".  Definitely will repurchase this one. 

Maybelline Ultra-Brow Brush on color in Light Brown.  This has probably been around since my mom first started using makeup, but it works well and it's cheap so it's a keeper.

NYX Goddess of the Night lipgloss in Sunshine; Hard Candy Plumping Serum in Girl Next Door.  As most of you know, I love my lip products, I think I have about 18 of them in my purse right now, but I've been using these almost every day.  My lips are pretty pigmented so just a quick swipe of one of these and I'm good to go.  Both are under $8 so that's a plus!

 

Cover Girl Volume Exact in Black.  I am extremely picky when it comes to mascara.  As I get older, my lashes get skimpier, so when I find something I like, I stick with it.  This mascara is great for adding volume, not so much for length.  My next big purchase is RapidLash (to help my lashes grow), but it costs $59 so let's keep that one a secret from my bf...shhhhhsh!  (on a side note, I use Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in Whiskey, or Bourbon (something alcoholic lol) but forgot to photograph that...)

So there you have it, my favorites for April.  I would love it if you would leave me a comment with your favorites, I love to try new things :-)  I think my favorites for May will be of the food/snack variety....shake things up a bit (I know, I'm all kinds of wild and crazy :-). 

The Best Television Series EVER

Yes, I realize not everyone feels this way, and many of my friends think I'm crazy, but I say Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the best. show. ever.  Yes....ever.  Seven glorious seasons of Buffyverse by the great Joss Whedon.  With Season 8 continuing in comic book form.  (Season 9 is in the works.)  I remember my first time watching, it was Season 3 (I some how missed the first two seasons).  I watched one episode and was hooked.  Every Tuesday night, my friends and family knew not to call me because my phone went straight to voicemail.  And I've never done that before this show, or since.  I waited impatiently for the next episode, reading all the "spoilers" I could find.  I didn't care if it ruined it for me, I was HUNGRY for more Buffy.  And I have to admit to collecting the trader cards (I even put together a binder with all the cards...no making fun of me please.  I had a nice cover page for it, listing the cards I had.)  I even thought about buying some of the action figures, but I didn't want to appear too nerdish (which I know....I failed haha).  The quick wit of Joss combined with the other writers, and the perfect cast portraying a slayer (Buffy), a witch (Willow), a watcher (Giles), and the normal guy (Xander) (and of course we can't leave out Angel, (the brooding vampire with a soul, who got his own spin-off) was a hit, and soon developed a cult following.  Go ahead....google "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and see how many sites there are.  Literally thousands.  Show overviews, forums, fan fiction, etc.  Soon I was collecting the DVD box sets until I had all 7 seasons.  Which I must say, I have watched probably at least 10 times.  In fact I'm on season 4 again right now, right before little sister Dawn arrives.  We have two wii's so we hooked one up in the bedroom so I can watch Buffy Netflix in there.  And all 7 seasons are available for instant viewing.....yayyyyy.  My favorite seasons are 5 and 6....5 because I love the character Glory (who is a God and kicks major ass while wearing some killer pumps and worrying if her butt is lumpy).  And season 6 because of all the Buffy/Spike sex.  *sigh*.....Spike.  The bleached blonde Billy Idol look alike (who Spike says stold his look) vampire who underwent horrible trials to get his soul restored for Buffy, the love of his life.  (and for those of you who've watched it, don't argue with me, Drucilla was NOT the love of his life......Buffy was.  At least in my book).  So there you go.....my explanation of the title........and if you haven't seen it.......I highly recommend giving it a looksee.  Wait until you are snowed in, or rained in, or sick, pop it up on Netflix (or you can watch it online here:  WATCH BUFFY).  Give it a couple of episodes and get to know the characters a little....then come back and thank me :-)