Neck Neglect

What's the most overlooked part of the body when it comes to slathering on all those creams and forking over major bucks for age-defying magic....THE NECK!  We continue to buy newer and better products for the face, and even for the body.  To tighten, lighten, brighten, tone, clear, etc.  But research shows that rarely, if ever, do most people do anything to protect their neck!

On a side note...I almost titled this post "Neckglected"...but the hubby said that was super lame :(

So why do we need to protect our necks...same reason as our faces and the rest of our body...EVERYTHING SAGS people!!!!  And the neck is quite prone to wrinkles and major sagging.  Most of us just don't pay enough attention to our necks because of the other parts we are usually worried about...eye wrinkles, forehead wrinkles, cellulite, under eye circles, acne, dark spots...And in our 30s...when skincare really becomes a HUGE concern, the neck is still fairly youthful looking.  When you don't really see the problem, you are less likely to try and prevent it from occurring.  I know we are all trying to prevent wrinkles we don't yet have...but do you really want to have gorgeous eyes and a dry, wrinkled neck?

Everyone reading this...if you follow through on even just this one tip...you will absolutely LOVE me at age 50.   USE your favorite face lotion, cream, moisturizer, whatever it is...on your neck too!  That's right, you do not need to buy a separate neck cream (this coming from the girl who would probably be the first to run out and buy many of the neck products available on the market??).  Yes...you can use any of the lotions you love for your face, on your neck too.  The same age-defying properties that are necessary for the face are just as good for your neck.  Actually the neck needs even more moisture, so the heavier the product the better.  For those that use a very light moisturizer because of oily skin or acne...you may actually want to invest in a separate neck cream.  

It's not even an extra step during your night routine, its just adding a little more product down to cover your neck (and why not your decolletage too...while you are there anyway).

If you read one of my earlier posts you know my magic potion is Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion...which I always use on my face and neck.

 








And for those of you who just cant help yourselves and want a separate neck cream...I would try Murad Rejuvenating Lift for Neck and Decollete, Clarins Advanced Neck Firming Cream, and/or Lancome Renergie Lift Volumetry Neck.  All 3 which I have tried in sample form...all 3 have instant moisturizing effects. 

Do you use a separate neck cream?  If so...which one?  And how do you like it?

Your lips will thank you!

I am cursed with super dry, chapped lips no matter what the climate or weather I'm in.  There are about a million lipsticks and glosses out there to choose from...and this is the one area of beauty where I must say I have no mainstays.  However there are several products I love and use every day (and when I say every day...I mean that...I use multiple products on my lips in one day, many times a day.)  There is no one product alone that quite does what I need...or I just haven't found it yet!  Which means....keep shopping :)

Here are some of my favorites (for now)...

Fresh Lip Sugar
http://www.fresh.com/skincare/agedelay/sugar-lip-treatment-SPF-15

This one is probably everyone's favorite!  Highly hydrating and no stickiness at all.  I was at lunch once with my co-workers and 4/5 girls at the table took there's out to touch up after our meals.  Fresh lip sugar also comes in several colors so that you can get that same moisturizing affect and add a little color all in one.  I like it in Honey and Sugar Plum.  And love love love the smell!!!

What I don't like...pricey, wears away fast on me, melts easily in my hot purse, and everytime I close it I think I'm smushing it. 




Nars Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight
http://www.sephora.com/lip-gloss-P2862

Some people have to have that little applicator stick...don't know why, they just do!  For that fix...I love Nars lip glosses.  I typically prefer a very natural lip color look and this shade is perfect for it.  Non-sticky and it actually stays on! These are also quite pigment rich so you get a good depth of color and yet can still have a very clean lip look.

What I don't like...I prefer a balm or SPF on my lips at all times so can't really wear it alone.




Lancome L'Absolu Rouge
http://www.lancome-usa.com/L-Absolu-Rouge/1000206,default,pd.html

For not so everyday occasions a lipstick is SO MUCH BETTER than a gloss.  They are way more rich in color and stay on much longer!  I actually prefer lipsticks to glosses any day!  This one by Lancome has a gorgeous variety of colors.  Best part...has SPF and moisturizing benefits that literally will protect your lips for hours while they look kissably soft!.  This one...I can wear alone.  But I'm lip product happy and will usually add a little balm under for extra protection and maybe even a teensy bit of nude gloss on top for a fuller lip look.  Although, another thing I love about Lancome L'Absolu Rouge is that it's an instant lip plumper without all those weird stingy chemicals.

    

What I don't like...Nothing!

And finally...when you just need a good balm for quick application, no mirror, no mess, all the benefits...

I love Burt's Bees! Use it every day...under, over, alone.

And the best trick to help lipstick stay on longer...lipliner!  No, not the dark liner look from your junior high days...a natural lip color complementing shade that acts as a barrier for your lipstick and also compliments the lipstick color itself.  This really works well for me when out at a place I cant frequently reapply.  And the old powder trick is also good for helping lipstick stay on and not feather out.  Just use the slightest bit and apply with a soft dusting brush...NOT the powder poof/sponge.  My favorite lip pencil brands...

24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil by Urban Decay

http://www.urbandecay.com/24-7-glide-on-lip-pencil/179,default,pd.html

and

Makeup Forever's Aqua Lip Pencil

http://www.makeupforever.com/products/lips/aqua-lip.html

White Eyeshadow...Don't be afraid to try it!

When you think of "white" or light pink eyeshadows you may think it's either 1) too Halloween costumey 2) too gothic looking when used against black eyeliner or 3) too lackluster in terms of adding depth to your eyes.  But I'm gonna challenge you to just try it once...and let me know what you think! 

White hue eyeshadows are actually used quite frequently on movie/TV sets because of the brightnesses they add to the eye area.  They also help to give your eyes a very clean look especially when balanced out with black liner.  The key is to use the right brush to apply it!  Never never use sponge tip brushes and I also would not use the "finger-dabbing" technique.  Any brush brand will do as long as it is very soft and specifically for "all over the eye". Notice...I did not say for the eyeLID, but for the all over eye.  The eyelid brushes pick up lots of color which is NOT what you want with white and pink shadows.  Or you can use your "crease" brush as they are always softer.  Here's my set by Smashbox...

For white shadows I use either the large one which gives a light base to eye which I can balance out with other shades in my crease and under brow bone (blend blend blend).  Or I use the second one from the left which is the crease brush as it is the softest of all of them. The third from the left is the actual lid brush which is too pigment catching.

http://www.smashbox.com/product/6012/23160/Brushes-Tools/Eyes/STUDIO-GROUPIE-BRUSH-SET/New-Limited-Edition/index.tmpl

My usual technique with a white shadow would be to lightly apply on the lid...then apply a darker shade (in the browns/purples family) on the crease and in the corners and maybe a beige shade under the brow bone. Then finish with your black eyeliner.  If you don't overdue the white/pink look it will appear like you have no eyeshadow at all but just wonderfully bright glossy eyes!

Here are my favorites...

                                                       Urban Decay in Zephyr

http://www.urbandecay.com/new-urban-decay-eyeshadows/328,default,pd.html?start=2&cgid=1_502

                                        Sephora Mono Eyeshadow in Pop the Question 64 - matte baby pink

http://www.sephora.com/colorful-mono-eyeshadow-P241801?skuId=1171974

Illamasqua in Sex - matte true white (warning: very rich pigment here)


http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?skuId=1194786&productId=P241711&keyword=ILLAMASQUA%20Powder%20Eye%20Shadow%20-%20P241711&_requestid=85969




And if you prefer a creamy eyeshadow...try Nars cream eyeshadows in Pearl Beach

http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/eyes/eyeshadow/cream-eyeshadow/pearl-beach









I then use Urban Decay in Buck or Tease or Bust on the creases and corners.  I also apply a more beige shadow like MAC eye shadow in Brule under the brown bone. 

They look very different in the pictures above but all give pretty much the same effect. I would also suggest to use a pencil for eyeliner and not liquid as it will appear to harsh against the white. Finally...for a little glow lightly dab a little shimmer shadow or highlighter or cream blush. 

And remember, when I say "white" what I mean is any color in the lighter shadow family. Many pinks and purples fit in here. 

Here's a great picture for this look...

On the Wishlist!

Just got a Sephora VIB exclusive email (they should give me lifetime VIB status) on a new venture by fashion powerhouse Marchesa into the world of fragrance!  The AMAZING red carpet gowns that Marchesa consistently impresses us with is what attracted me to this new perfume!  It's gotta be a winner!  Until its in Sephora stores I cant test it, but I think the bottle alone makes me want it bad!

 http://www.sephora.com/marchesa-P375714

GORGEOUS!

However, my last few perfume purchases have all been in rollerball form.  LOVE rollerballs!  (or travel size pens).  So easy to use, take anywhere, keep it in your purse at all times.  And...the lower cost makes for the larger variety of scents I have!

Dear Marchesa...I have loved you since that Jennifer Lopez black masterpiece of a gown circa 2007 at the Golden Globes!  Please please make a rollerball version of your beautiful new fragrance!  That way...when you make more...I can buy them all!  But please include those amazing faux diamonds all over the little tube as well...thank you!

Quick-tip! Eyeliner

If you've ever flipped through the makeup tips in your favorite style magazines, you may have across the suggestion not to draw eyeliner on both your upper and lower lid. Why?  They will all tell you it ages the face.  For years I've read this tip and tried not to do it but I seem to outline my entire eye every time because I feel like I look naked without that bottom lining.  Do I look older because of it?...I hope not!  But, if literally every makeup pro says it, there must be some truth to it!

So what's my awesome tip for all you liner happy people...

You can still line both your upper and lower lid...just use a different/lighter color on the bottom!   So if you are using black on top, use a brown or subtle purple/blue on the bottom (subtle is key).  This will still give you the eye look you have always preferred but with less aging qualities and more definition contrast on top!  And...you get to go out and buy a new eyeliner...woohoo!!!

My favorite eyeliner is Makeup Forever's Aqua Eyes. It glides on easily, is smudgeable but also can give a clean line, doesn't fade away quickly, and comes in lots of high pigment colors!

http://www.makeupforever.com/products/eyes/eye-liner/aqua-eyes.html



DARK TAUPE



MAT BLACK



SOFT PLUM SHEEN

Say "Oui Oui" to Ouidad

What?!?...It's made in the USA?  Well, for a short while I thought I was using some fancy French product, but oh well...I love my country!  Ouidad touts themselves as the curl experts.  Products to tame those unruly curls and fight frizz!  I myself have wavy hair, no spiral curls, no tight ringlets, no frizzy fizzies! :)  Still...waves can appear messy and frizz can add to an unkempt look.  That's what I get if I don't blow dry and try to go with a wash-and-go style.  I was looking for a new mousse or gel which styled my waves into curls, controlled frizz, and felt like I had absolutely nothing in my hair.  I decided to try Ouidad after reading on their website that it would help create volume without weighing hair down.  Most gels/mousses/sprays I have tried in the past sell the same promise and still make for a sticky icky head of hair :(

Until I picked up this...

http://www.ouidad.com/TressFX-Curl-Styling-Gel

Ouidad Tress Effects Styling Gel.  Here's what the description says...

"Ouidad's Tress Effects Lightweight Styling Gel keeps curls soft, defined, frizz-free and super smooth without weighing them down. Its protein and vitamin B-5 packed formula leaves curls shiny, manageable, and prepared for even the most intricate special occasion style. Botanicals and collagen help smooth uplifted cuticles to prevent frizz and tame flyaways. With Tress Effects, you can achieve beautiful, salon-quality styling every time."

And that's exactly what I get every single time!!! 






There are suggested use instruction on the bottle, but here's how I use it...
- I wash my hair the night before
- I blow dry for only a few minutes the crown of my head and by flipping my hair over for the back
- While my hair is still wet/damp but not dripping...I flip all my hair into a bun at the top of my head.
(Note...I will one day post a picture of this because of the looks I get from my family, but they have all learned it's necessary for the awesomeness that befalls me the next day.  Its a bun at the highest part of your head you can put it and its done with a....SCRUNCHIE!.  Yes people, and indoor only scrunchie.  I own two for this use only.  You will never see me wear them out...Promise!  But they are much more effective on not pulling your hair and creating little kinks like regular hair ties will do.  You WILL get bouncy, natural, even curls from a scrunchie!!!)
- In the morning, I undo my bun and take a nickel size amount of Ouidad in my hands and then scrunch through my hair.  And it doesn't even feel like a scrunching but I use the word to give you the image!  It feels like no product at all!

Try Ouidad if you are in the market for a new hair tamer!  On some occasions however, you may want a stronger hold...for that I recommend a hairspray by Redken (post to come!) 

Contouring...Yes you can do it!

Sounds kinda like a painting you do on your face...and that's kinda exactly what it is!  Learning to contour is basically learning the proper brush strokes and where the color goes.  It's not an exact science but something you can work on and achieve over time based on the "palette" you have.  Contouring helps to amplify your cheek bones and give you that lean super-model like face. 

What you need to to start your own face painting project...
1. A good contouring brush
2. You favorite color blush that gives you a pinkish glow (Matte of course!)
3. A bronzer that is subtle enough to create a shadow on your face but not a sunburn!
4. A highlighter (some of these are marketed as concealer, but you wanna go much lighter than you would normally use under eyes)

What I use to contour...

1. Sephora Pro Contour Brush
http://www.sephora.com/pro-contour-brush-74-P313017

2. MAC Powder Blush in Mocha
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/156/329/Powder-Blush/index.tmpl

3. Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder
http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/hoola

4. YSL Touche Eclat
http://www.yslbeautyus.com/Touche-%C3%89clat/141YSL,default,pd.html

It's hard to explain how to contour without some sort of video tutorial so if you really want a visual...go to MAC's website and watch the contouring tutorial.  It's a great lesson but of course I have made my own adjustments based on day vs. night looks and what works best on me.

How I contour:

1. I highlight with touche eclat with small dabs (use ring finger to dot) just above my cheekbones or just under where I put my under-eye concealer. 
2. I then apply my bronzer with my special contour brush (don't use the benefit brush that comes with bronzer, too streaky)just under my cheek bones and up towards my temples.  I also sometimes put a little on my chin line
2. End with blush just on the apples of your cheeks...do not blend in or up with bronzer.

Basically the only visible color should be your flushed cheeks, amplified by the light on top and the shadow beneath.

Here's a great photo I found showing where exactly all these products should go...along with a little extra highlighting

I also dab my touche eclat where you see the ovals/circles, but I do not brush on my blush anywhere past the apples of my cheeks.
VERY IMPORTANT...make sure the bronzer is blended well so you do not look like you have streaky lines!  Use natural light at all times to do your makeup, especially contouring! Happy Painting!

The History of Dry Shampoo

It really works people!  But how did dry shampoo come to be?  What made it so popular?  Which one do I think knocks out all the others?  What the heck is it?  Here is my dry shampoo tutorial...

Almost 5 years ago I read in a magazine that celebrity hair stylists use baby powder in actress' hair to fluff it up and diminish oil in between takes, shoots, etc.  When there is just no time to shampoo, baby powder would suck out that oil in a jiffy!  The not so good news on baby powder...its quite thick and can leave a white residue if not fully scrunched up in your hair.  Not to mention shoulder dandruff on your black sweater...AHHH!  But it was the only solution out there when you couldn't fit in a shampoo.  (i.e. all day work day followed by date night!) So...of course when I read this, my oily hair thirsted for it.  And for about 6 months I used baby powder in between shampoos.  You know shampooing every day is also no-good for your hair...so this was THE solution that oily haired folks had been waiting for.  I have many a friend who say they just have to shampoo everyday.  Dry shampoo will save your hair from being over-washed!  However...the thick white residue...was always a problem.

Then came my other boyfriend...Oscar Blandi.  (The other one is Mr. Murad and of course there's my hubby :).  I may be wrong but I believe that Oscar Blandi was the first company to bring dry shampoo to the world!  And it worked great!!!  I bought it 5 years ago and still stock up on it today!  Oscar Blandi's Pronto dry shampoo is a white powder...but much lighter than baby powder.

 http://oscarblandi.com/product_detail.php?pid=5

After Oscar Blandi came out with their Pronto Dry Shampoo Powder...several companies began to make dry shampoos in sprays and in non-white or invisible formulas for brunettes.  And yes folks...I tried many!  Oscar Blandi's was the only one that didn't feel like hairspray, wasn't gone in like 2 uses, and wouldn't clog up in the bottle.  Oscar Blandi has also come out with a brunette spray which I also like very much!

There's lots of dry shampoos out there for you to try...give them a chance even though some of you may be scared off by the feeling that this is just an excuse for dirty hair.  It's not!  Your hair will thank you!

On the Wishlist!

Once in a while I plan to post about products I really want to try but have not yet had the chance to.  If you have tried any of them...please feel free to comment and let me know what you think!  Some might be new on the scene, some may be quite old...but new to my face!

Here's what's on the current wish list...

1. Dior Addict Lip Glow

http://www.dior.com/beauty/usa/en/makeup/lips/gloss/the-expert-gloss/color-awakening-lipbalm/py0027010.html

I think I just want it because it's so pretty, and pink and shiny! :)  But, I also love sheer balms that enhance my natural lip color.  And it has a little bit of SPF!


Most reviews on Sephora.com claim that it's best attribute is hydration.  So if your lips are constantly parched, chapped and dry like mine...try it with me!







2. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Creme Compact

Laura Mercier foundations and concealers are my new favorite (posts to come) so when this one came on the scene I definitely wanted to run for my nearest Mercier counter.  Only drawback...I think it's a little pricey for what it is ($45!!).  It provides a light tint for coverage without the heavy feel of a foundation that doesn't always blend well with your neck and decolletage!  And it has SPF 20. (You will quickly learn that those have become my 3 favorite letters!) Not sure if I will ever actually try this one...but if you do...let me know!

 http://www.lauramercier.com/store/shop/Foundations_Tinted-Moisturizer-Cr%E8me-Compact-SPF-20_prod730006

Best thing about trying new makeup...most counters and especially Sephora have great return policies when they just don't work out for you! So wish wish wish, and try try try!

Do I even need to discuss Diorshow?

By now if you are any sort of makeup connoisseur you know that Diroshow mascara by Dior is an absolute best-seller and a celebrity makeup artist staple.  So the fact that I am including a post on it is not to tell you why it is THE BEST but to discuss the Diorshow line of mascaras that continue to develop due to the tremendous success of the original.

But just to say it again...I LOVE this mascara. For me it is the best I have tried, true volume, length, separation, drama, all in one!

http://www.dior.com/beauty/usa/en/makeup/eyes/mascaras/backstage-makeup/py0697020-cmascaras.html

So after Diorshow hit it big...Dior makeup came out with a new version of Diorshow every year...including Diorshow Black Out, Diorshow Extase, Diorshow Iconic and Diorshow New Look.  And of course being the fool in love I am with Dior mascaras I tried them all. Verdict...I did NOT like any of them and each time wished I had just replaced my last tube with the original Diorshow.  And every time I tried a new one wishing I hadn't you would think I would learn my lesson the next time Dior tried to schmooze me with a new eyelash outfitter...but no, I continue to fall for the ''new'' formulas.  Black out was too clumpy, New Look lacks volume, Extase and Iconic lack the drama.  So now...I promise I have learned and will never buy anything again but the original Diorshow!

Take home advice...if you love Diorshow (the first) like me, stick with it!  And if you are looking to try a new mascara...this is the one! 

A Face Changer...Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion

Once in a while that perfect cream comes along that makes you sing love songs, has you walking on clouds, and is so good that you would literally eat it if you could!  For me...it was a discovery about 4 years ago...Murad's Skin Perfecting Lotion. 

http://www.murad.com/acne-lotion.jsp/acne-lotion.jsp

I struggled with random bouts of acne all the way into my late 20s...especially those really annoying stubborn ones on the chin!  I have literally tried EVERYTHING out there, expensive and not, to try to get it under control.  And then...2nd only to my handsome hubby...Mr. Murad walked into my life!  Only after a few days of use and now 4 years later I ALMOST NEVER see acne!  Yes the occasional zits pop up from an unusually oily day or stressful week...but this has absolutely changed my entire face! There was about a year where I didn't use this product (preggo!) and the acne was definitely back...although I'm sure pregnancy hormones contributed to that as well.  I will never stop using or buying this cream...because I can finally say that it is an acne fighting dream come true! WAIT.......it fights wrinkles too!!!???!!!  Yup! 

It's key ingredient is Retinol.  And by now you have probably seen how Retinol products are being touted as THE only product that truly diminishes wrinkles and acne.  Well..I'm a believer now.  However, use Retinol with caution folks!!!  WARNING: DO NOT USE WHEN PREGGO!  It's a no-no for the baby and consult your doctor about it when you are not pregnant but still breastfeeding.  I know prescription strength retinol has some pretty crappy side effects so what sets this apart is that it's a very little amount in there.  But enough to kick my pimples and wrinkles in the behind and send them packing!

Consult your doctor!  Can't stress that enough...because even though it's available to all, it's always best to ask!  Retinol based products are all the rage right now, so I'm sure you will get the go ahead!

Welcome!  I started this blog after years of contemplating sharing my love for all things beauty!  I am an AVID shopper of luxury beauty products and can say I have probably tried 1000s of them. (To my husband's dismay :)  This is just a fun place to share with everyone products I love for my face! ...and hair, body, nails, etc.  You will also find items that didn't work for me or were just okay.  If it saves you some time and money in finding good, quality personal care, my job is done!  It's also just fun to share!

CAVEAT: Not all products work for all people.  I have found and suggested things for my friends that they just didn't care for.  However, this may help some narrow down the millions of beauty products out there to specific areas of concern. 

Hope you enjoy my journey through the magical land of blush, gloss, mascara, eye cream and more!

MY FIRST POST!!!!!
I haven't Matte an eyeshadow I didn't love by Urban Decay

http://www.urbandecay.com/new-urban-decay-eyeshadows/328,default,pd.html?start=2&cgid=1_502












I am on an endless search for the best in Matte eyeshadows. Why matte? Well if you are in the professional working world (not related to on screen time) you know shiny, shimmery color may get you nicknamed "Mimi from the Drew Carey" show.  (I think I just outed my age :( ).  So instead of being the office glitter face, I opt for that amazing bit of color in a matte formula.  Urban Decay makes some great eyeshadows that are rich in pigment but minimal is shimmer.  I especially love ABC Gum, Buck, and Naked.  Of course the color palette available in matte doesn't stretch much beyond your basic browns, beiges, nudes...still the deep pigment makes them a great base for layering with other brands/colors you love. 

Matte shadows by Sephora brand and MAC are also some of my faves.  They have a wider range of colors in matte than Urban decay but I really do find Urban Decay the perfect balance of richness and toned down impact!  You can select a "Matte" finish when visiting the websites to see whats available...

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/154/363/Eye-Shadow/index.tmpl

You may be asking...but what about when I'm gonna go out for a night on the town and need that little bit of extra something on my eyes (every man's answer 2nd or 3rd answer when you ask what they notice on women...haha)!  Well, gals, it's Urban Decay again...their shimmery colors come in every shade your heart desires and are NOT as Mimi-esque as I think MAC colors can sometimes make you look.  I wear Matte no matter what the occasion...it's there, but the fact that you may think it's my natural flush...makes me a happy lady who celebrates getting that "blending" just right! ....BLENDING!  ...A blog post to come!!!