Well, its that time of year again. I feel fat, my skin is dry, my hair has stopped looking pretty, and I’m consuming way too much eggnog for a “mostly vegan” person. And to the evil person who keeps buying me Trader Joe’s cocoa truffles (yes, I’m talking to you Mom), just stop. I have no self control when those little pieces of chocolately deliciousness are tempting me from my kitchen counter.
All right, pity-party is over. Here’s what’s actually going on in my life. I’m not fat…not at all. In fact, I’m feeling pretty svelte from my Jillian Michael’s DVD’s that I’ve been pretty religious about doing. More on that later. My house looks like a winter wonderland (thanks to previously mentioned Mom, who is way more Martha Stewartie that I am), I just got a pretty sweet promotion at work, my kids have been somehow getting even cuter, and I’m in love with my husband. All pretty awesome in Shimmerfairyland, right? Oh, it gets even better…I’ve found some awesomely awesome new beauty products to talk about. And since I’m sitting here on a cross country flight listening to David Bowie on my iPod with nothing else to do, I’m gonna tell you about all of them. Something about 1970’s glam, particularly when being lovingly belted out by my beloved Mr. Bowie, just makes me want to talk about lipstick, you know?
First off, what I like to call the DEAL OF THE CENTURY: Tarte Lipsurgence Lip Service Limited Edition Collection. This set, sold at Sephora for $29, is a $120 value! Run to Sephora now and get this. Go on. I said RUN! Oh, wait…they’ve been out of stock on these for a while, but I’ve been assured they will have them back soon, so keep checking. Their website and many stores sold out very quickly, but I found a set after scouring nearly every Sephora in Southern California, so they are out there, you just have to look carefully. Once they are back in stock, get it. It’s a set of 5 full sized Lipsurgence sticks, which have become pretty much my favorite lip product for both it’s moisturizing qualities and it’s gorgeous rich colors. Bought separately, these little gems cost $24 each, so this set of 5 is a huge deal. All of the colors are pretty…not a dud in the bunch. Of course my favorites are the luster ones for their shimmery finish, but the regular ones are lovely too. My favorite is Glitzy, which is described as antique pink…it is soft and neutral, yet eye catching and very flattering on most skin tones. This is my pick of the season!
Next, another great deal I came across (and which subsequently sold out quickly) is the Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes set. It comes with a full sized Hypnose Doll Lashes mascara, small size cils primer/booster and an artliner liquid eyeliner pen. I’m generally not a huge fan of liquid eyeliners, mainly due to the fact that my hands tend to be as shaky as a crack head on coffee, but I’m learning how to do a less wiggly line with some practice. I’m getting there. Here’s a picture of me after using the primer, mascara, and eyeliner. The smug look on my face is because I got such a good deal on this stuff. 
I like it…the eyeliner has great staying power, and the mascara and primer work well to fatten up and lengthen out my lashes. For $29, this is another steal. For the record, I’m not a fan of crack OR coffee. I just have shaky hands. I meditate every night and I think it’s helping. Maybe.
Right now, my hair is driving me crazy. I dyed it too dark, my extensions are getting all tangled…it’s a train wreck. But to fix it, I need professional color, a brazilian blowout, and fresh extensions. These all together will cost me approximately 8 zillion dollars, and with the holidays upon us, it’s just not gonna happen right away. So I’m making the most of this hot mess on my head, and just keeping it as healthy as possible. One way I’m doing that is by using Living Proof’s new line called Restore. I bought the Restore Discovery Kit that includes small sizes of the shampoo, conditioner, and deep conditioning mask treatment. All are excellent…really moisturizing and softening. My hair looks shiny and smells nice when I use these. I highly recommend the (fairly expensive) deep conditioning mask ($42 at Sephora) I know it’s $42, but it’s one of the best deep treatments out there, so if your hair is really jacked up, try this out and see if it can help.
Finally, I mentioned how even though I’m drinking copious amounts of holiday themed beverages and cocktails, and stuffing my mouth with cocoa truffles, my stomach seems to me in the best shape it’s been since I popped those kids out. How is this possible? Partially, because I’m lying. All of you know I eat super healthy, organic vegetarian food most of the time, so I can afford a splurge or five around the holidays. But also because I’ve been diligently doing Jillian Michael’s DVDs. I love Jillian’s tough but short workouts. Most are around 30-35 minutes and they get the job done. My #1 favorite is Six Week Six Pack, especially the level 2 workout. It is highly aerobic, works your whole body, and gets your tummy tight and smaller. It’s super hard…not for the timid “I like to take it easy and just walk around the block” crowd. If you’re not already in decent shape, this may kill you. So do the beginner modifications and quit your whining. My arms are in awesome shape from all the plank work. I HATE planks, but they really work your body, so I’m doing them. I’m also enjoying Get Ripped in 30 and Killer Buns and Thighs, both by Jillian. Man, I can only get to level 2 on her buns and thighs workout (there are 3 levels) and that one makes me feel like I am going to die, which is awesome. OK, I’m a bit of a masochist when it comes to workouts, but hey…I like to be in shape! Anyway, these workouts are super tough, super effective, and you’ll be super hot if you keep at it. Just watch the eggnog intake. And the gingerbread cookies. And the pie. And the apple cider. And the…oh screw it, just work out hard so you can eat everything you want!
With that said, Happy Holidays my friends! Enjoy yourselves and don’t forget to treat yourself to something sparkly this time of year. I’m gonna go ahead and assume you deserve it!
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