summer scent

My favorite scent in the world is that of freshly-cut grass.  Whether I'm driving down Lakeshore Drive and they are mowing in the park or I am driving to the lake, I always stop to take it all in and let the freshness hover and take down my blood pressure a beat or two.  It takes me back to the long lost days of summer...all my summers: as a child slurping popsicles in the backyard, studying on the campus lawn in college, reading books in Battery Park, playing with the kids in the baby pool on our small patch of city grass.  It's a universal, constant scent that never changes with time..

My second favorite scent in the world is Kai.  The scent comes in many forms, but I prefer it in the Body Glow spray.  Described as "a light and intoxicating blend of gardenia wrapped in white exotics..." it's as good as grass at exuding the the air of summer.

 

Pretty Edgy

It's been a while since my last product review and I realized that I never shared with you my latest eyeliner obsession.  Real Simple magazine had me at "it's natural so you can use on the inner eyelid."  The Amazon order was made within minutes of reading that blurb and my Daliia was in hand and on my inner lids within a week.  This eyeliner is quite magical in that is self sharpens (because who can ever find the right size sharpener), comes in a perfect little case with hidden mirror (yeah, i broke mine, hello 7 years), and is easy to apply.  It's considered an Ayurvedic product in that it's made with herbs and is all natural.  I love the pop that inner lid liner brings to the eye.  It's stunning and perfect with mascara; no other makeup necessary.  

Note:  If using with a cream shadow, make sure to add a top layer of powdered shadow to prevent smudging.  

Happy lining!

It's a double review.  Lucky you.  

With all the lovely lavendered and blue hued toes walking around out there, I decided to go green with this Essie shade from the 2010 collection. Because that's pretty much how I roll, about two years behind.  Plus, I'm pretty edgy, just ask me.

Happy painting!

 

pretty edgy 

only $6.99 @ eNail Supply

Beauty Beauty on the Shelf

I am just beside myself when I find new beauty products that:  A.  may actually work and B. are completely natural.  Now, I am not sure if the placebo effect is taking over in my mind's attempt see a glow or these products are actually showing promise, but either way, I must share.

Product #1 (which is not even a beauty product at all):  Grape Seed Oil
After meeting a woman at a new year's eve party and listening to her rave about the benefits and improvements she had seen after daily use, I was sold.  Until January 1st, when I had forgotten about the entire conversation.  Luckily, my mother n law hadn't and she brought me some of this oil just last week.  Five days and counting, and I've experienced no breakouts from twice daily use of this oil on my face and neck.  It's simply light and moisturizing.  I rub a little on the cuticles at night too.  I know,  I know, it's for cooking, but if it's good enough to eat, it's gotta be good for the skin.  Don't think olive oil consistency here, it's a much lighter oil.  Think gorgeous skin (thinking, focusing, thinking).

Product #2 (purchased simply because it came with a free lip butter - that's kinda how I roll- oh, and it's 99% natural, not "completely" so i take that comment back).   Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Facial Towelettes.  No wonder they have so many awards.  Yes, these are for their "mature skin" customers so fitting that I am using them.  This little towel cleanses, moisturizes and brightens the skins.  I am already half way through the pack and it was only purchased Sunday.  I say YES to YES to products!

Come back Friday for a fun giveaway!  I'll be doing one a month for the next three months!

Out with the nude, in with the bold

You know when you see a photo of a friend and it just makes you smile to see their happy beautiful face?  

And then you do a double take and think, for sure she's changed something.  

In this case, with a photo of my fellow blog contributor, fwb, AND one of my dear besties, I thought both.

She definitely looks happy and she definitely changed her make-up, specifically her gorgeous pop of lip color.

If there is anyone who can pull off a bold red, it's her.

Going bold?  Go red!

Nars in Jungle Red

shade reco via thedaybook

She has also been spotted sporting this perky pink!

Revlon Persian Melon

Still need more votes to get into the Top 25 Mom Beauty and Fasion blog list!  

If you like G&B, head on over and vote via the button to the upper right.

Illuminating

About ten years ago, I worked on a commercial launching a new line for Revlon called Skinlights.  

The line had an amazing illuminating moisturizer that created a smooth dewy glow that became the beauty trend of the early millennium.  And ten years ago, I was flying free and hadn't a care in the world, and especially wasn't going to look at the ingredients in a product.  Fast forward a decade, two kids, and not so dewy skin later, I'm still trying to recreate this discontinued product in a natural way.  And I finally found this:  Kiss My Face lotion combined with La Mer foundation.  I actually think you could combine this lotion with any foundation/concealer and get the same outcome.  The combination is light, feels great on this skin, and contains SPF.  Sold, sold and sold.

 + 

Last Call

Last call for Keihl's mineral mascara.  Apparently, Kiehl's is taking it off the market to focus on their facial products.  Hoping this is true and not a rumor spread by the man behind the Kiehl's counter at Saks in a strategical ploy to get me to stock up, because I did.   I'm going to have to purchase a few more though to refresh my stock until I find its replacement.  I've posted about my other favorite mascara but I like to use a mineral base for everyday use!  Any suggestions?

Ok, I did not mean to post this...misfire.  But since it's already out there...

I packed my make-up bag for a getaway weekend recently and apparently, these are my must haves.  

I've already gushed about the healing powers of Egyptian Magic here, here and here, so I'll give a quick review of a couple of my other staples featured here.

Duo Cream Shadow in Madagascar

I've been using this for several years now.  The shade on the right has a subtle sparkle and overall neutral hue; can be mixed with very neutral base on the left.  If I don't want it to look like i am wearing any eyeshadow, but i just want some coverage (c'mon, we all love coverage) I just put a small coat of the left shade.

The Multiple in LUXOR


I'm a sucker for anything marketed for multiple purposes!  This is a subtle highlighting stick that I use under the brow, on the cheeks and mostly importantly to create the "C".  The Nars specialist pointed out this technique of creating a "C" starting on TOP (above) of the brow, moving around the outer eye and finishing at the inner lower eye corner.  This gives your eye cream an extra boost.  Hey, I cannot even put a price on anything that helps me create illusion that I am well rested, together, and am not up with children at odd hours of the night!

ROSEBUD SALVE IN A TUBE

My favorite lip balm, cuticle cream, everything salve.
Also mentioned here and here!


I'll finish up my go to reviews next week.
 In the meantime, care to share any products you are currently LOVING?

loving lately

Thought I would change the subject to one of my faves....products, also a good distraction from the back to school chaos!  A few I have been loving lately:

BUTTER Nail pain in shade Yummy Mummy!

Love this line of nail polish for it's "3 Free" push...meaning that it's free of three terrible ingredients that I can't pronounce and definitely don't want penetrating my nails...I'd rather take my chemicals in the form of Diet Cokes, wrinkles reducers, and teeth whitening products, thank you very much.


Yummy Mummy is Butter's best neutral shade...they have yet to come out with the ballet slippers or east hampton cottage equivalent.

BENEFIT'S Bathina! 

I can't believe that I haven't shared my love of this product with you all yet.  Going on three years of a total love affair with Bathina.  For all you pasty white girls, this one's for you and me (remember, I don't go in the sun).  I use this product on my arms, legs, and neck to give them an overall smooth, even toned appearance.  Bathina creates subtle highlights and an illuminance that creates the illusion that you are not completely and totally the color of a marshmallow.  Side note:  I was with the kids at swim lessons the other day and this little girl pointed to my son and said, "Mommy, why is that boy so white?  He's the whitest boy I have ever seen."  Her mother's response:  "Maybe he doesn't get to play outside very much."  Yes, or maybe his mommy is smart and is not going to let her five year old get a tan....B#*&%!

Promises, Promising!

Several people have asked me about SKII and I figure it's about time I get back to you with some product feedback.  Apparently it's street name is "Miracle Water" but that's a little generous if you ask me.

I've been applying SKII Essence after cleansing and before moisturizing twice daily.  It's the consistency of water and I apply with a cotton pad to my forehead, cheeks, and neck.  Biggest change for me is in my skin tone.  It evens it out resulting in a natural glow and an iridescent clarity.  I have not seen a decrease in wrinkles (boo) and I do have some dryness that may be a result of this miracle water.

Final Verdict:  If you were handed a free bottle like I was, it's definitely worth remembering to apply every morning and nightly.  At this point I don't know if I'd buy another bottle, but won't know this until I'm dry.  Personally, I'm more concerned about decreasing wrinkles than I am about my skin tone and $200 may be better if put towards my EBF (emergency botox fund).

 I finally picked up a jar of another self-proclaimed wonder product, Egyptian Magic (found it at Whole Foods, by the way).  After reading some many stellar reviews, including that Madge is a huge fan, I couldn't resist trying it for myself (check out all these celebrity endorsements).  The Egyptian Magic website even lists all it's possible uses, including moisturizer, scar reducer, hair balm (reduces fly aways), heels cuts, scrapes, even bruises.  The list goes on and on...  But, frankly, I just haven't fallen in love with this product yet.  It's not performing any magic on my face and I don't see any immediate results on dry patches either.  I am however, optimistic and will continue testing all it uses and will hope for the magic to appear in all its glory!  And did I mention that it's 100% natural?

Final Verdict:  Aquaphor is cheaper and does the same thing.  But if you are a product junkie, it's probably a good jar to have in the cabinet.

Loving these 100% natural Simply Shine Lip Shimmers that I found at Target over the weekend.  I went to the Simply site and found their mission statement:  Make products with Premium Organic Ingredients & Offer them Affordably. And at $1.49, I'm impressed.  The color is subtle, the scent is pepperminty (similar to Burt's Bee's) and the shine is shiny!  Shinier than other similar sticks.  Go treat yourself to a guiltless beauty bag purchase!

xo

-bestie

Shampoo Bar and a Mom shout out!

I've been wanting to try out this shampoo bar for quite awhile. It's all natural, lasts foreva, and is only $5.99. It gets rave reviews and it doesn't require conditioner because there is nothing in it to strip your hair. I'll let you know how it works!

That's all I got for today! Still recovering from that evil, wicked, stomach bug. Hope you are all well. Happy Friday!

Oh, and I can't resist - another shot out to my mother and all moms out there! I woke up this morning, walked down the hallway and my foot slid into something a little slimy on the rug. After thoughts that it was remnants of a chocolate cookie were crushed, I realized that it was indeed poo. My two yr old tried really hard to blame it on her older brother, but mommy knows best. After three weeks of flu symptoms around here, I have just about had it with cleaning up bodily function stuff (for lack of a better term). I really don't know how my mom did it. AND she's here today to offer her help, once again. xoxo

Moroccan LOVE

I've never had a favorite shampoo. Ever. Ok, I take that back. There was a time when I ONLY used Salon Selectives...back in the early 90's for my high school hair. Once in awhile, I'll catch something in the air (usually in a candle store) that brings me back to that good old salmon colored bottle of clean and getting ready for a date. Getting picked up in a mustang convertible, listening to Fine Young Cannibals, and going miniature golfing. Ahhh, the days.
But, since then, I haven't had a go to shampoo OR conditioner. I go in phases and keep several brands in my shower, incuding Pantene 2 in 1, for those days when showering is a luxury and I have limited time. But now, I am in love and will never stray from my new found love. MOROCCAN OIL Shampoo, Conditioner and the OIL itself. The girls at works were talking about these products over the summer and I was shocked slashed appauled - being the product junkie that i am - that I hadn't heard of them and coudn't get in on the convo.

My hair is naturally fine, thin, and pretty much lifeless. This shampoo gives it an amazing sheen, withouth weighing it down. It blow dries perfecty straight after using the shampoo/conditioner combo. I have also learned (since leaving my precious bottles of wonder at my parents house over Thanksgiving) that using the oil alone - applying to wet hair - gives the same sleek shine. There is also a light version of the oil - for fine hair - but the regular oil works just fine if used in minimal amounts - i mean just a drop, rub on both hands and smooth through hair. Because you don't need a lot, I have had the same bottles of all three products since July 31 (I only know the date because I purchased this stuff the day I left for my girls weekend and I don't forget girls weekends)!

I thought it would be nice to take a break from all the holiday posts for a day. Is it just me or does it seem like the holiday season is really long this year? Not that I am complaining, I love this time of year, it just seems (even though I still have a million things to do) that Christmas should be here by now!

Another point for Aquaphor

Lilly Van Der Woodsen says she slathers Aquaphor over her face nightly. She says that it plumps her face naturally and smooths wrinkles. Well, if it's good enough for Lilly, it's good enough for me. I can't remember where I read this but upon googling it, I came across this interview.

I posted about Aquaphor in 07 (when I thought that I was actually going to work on this blog)! But Lilly Van Der Woodsen...that seals the deal on this product. PERMANENT medicine cabinet staple!

Ok, I know we are not really talking about Lilly...are we?

99cents

I go through phases with different products. They can be staples and "must haves" for awhile, then I run out or move on to the next goodie and forget about the once treasured item. This is what happened with my tin of Nivea until the pretty blue container caught my eye in a bin by the checkout at Ulta. Best rescue creme to keep in your bag. This little 99 cent tin of happiness can be used as an eye brightener (mix with a little tinted moisturizer for the utimate brightness), cuticle creme, hand moisturizer...you name it.

Aquaphor to the rescue!

Aquaphor is pretty much my new favorite beauty product. I use it: under the eyes, on the heels, as lip gloss, on brows, and under eye shadow. Could this product be more versatile? Seriously, I can't live without it!

“Natural" Highlights

Okay, so I’m paranoid. But I haven’t been able to bring myself to get highlights since I have been pregnant. Despite everything I have read that says it safe, friends’ testimonies, hair dressers confirmation, even the DOCTOR’S assurance, I still can’t do it. So naturally, on my recent trip to Arizona, I made sure that I had a full tube of my rusty Beach Blonde Lemon Lights in my bag. I have been using this product since it hit the shelves several years ago and I bring it with me on every trip to the lake, beach, or warm climate. It’s crazy, but I feel like I just returned from the salon ( okay, I may be exaggerating a bit, I didn’t get that tingling feeling from a scalp massage and I didn’t get a blow-out and style, but who cares, my hair definitely has some highlights! I feel like my old “natural” self again! Plus, I don’t have the false sense of “this is the best haircut ever” when you know that the feeling will go down the drain with the first wash. Unfortunately, they are discontinuing this product but you can still find it on medichest.com.