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!

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Tumblr
  • StumbleUpon
  • Digg
  • Google Gmail
  • Google Reader
  • Share/Bookmark

{ 0 comments }

I was going to call this post “Potpourri,” but I really hate the word potpourri. It’s not that I’m anti-potpourri or anything, because let’s face it…that stuff can make your bathroom and lingerie drawer smell pretty fancy. I just don’t like the word. There are a lot of other words I don’t like, such as turmeric, which is a very healthy and delicious spice. Turmeric. It’s an awful word. In any case, I have a plethora of various and sundry items to talk about, most of which make you pretty, so let’s get to it!

OK, number one on my list: If you are a Sephora VIB (that’s very important beauty insider to you) then you’ve probably already used your 20% off coupon. But if you haven’t used it, you better get over there and use that sucker because tomorrow is the last day. I used it a couple days ago to buy a few items, but I’m heading back over tomorrow because I have a few more purchases to make. On my list: Dermadoctor’s MED-e-TATE, which are awesome antiperspirant wipes for those of us with highly evolved cooling systems (ie sweaty bettys), Living Proof thickening cream, Living Proof Restore conditioner, and a new mascara. I’m still loving Benefit’s They’re Real, but I may branch out and try a little Lancome set I saw in the Sephora catalog that has a new version of Hypnose called Doll Lashes. It’s $29.50 and includes an eyeliner and primer. Such a deal!

Now, for the stuff I’ve been loving:

Peter Thomas Roth products. You know how I’m always going on about how I’m addicted to benzoil peroxide and I can’t use anything but ProActive and while I like having clear skin, I’m not happy with the dullness that benzoil peroxide products produce and how I really want anti-aging stuff that also clears my skin and gives me more of a glowy look? You know? Ok, so I’ve found something that seems to really be working for me! Yay! I’ve been using Peter Thomas Roth (let’s just call it PTR from now on) Anti-Aging cleansing gel, and PTR AHA/BHA acne clearing gel and they are really working well to keep my skin clear, soft, and smooth. After the first week, I have a little breakout and I thought, “Oh no! it’s not working!” but I stuck with it, the breakout cleared quickly, and I’ve been really clear ever since. I love the cleanser because it smells nice, foams up into a rich lather, and really efficiently takes off my makeup while leaving my skin soft and not dried out. The clearing gel is nice and light, and I’ve been using it every other night (still using ProActive lotion on alternate days) and the result has been softer, clearer skin with less noticeable pores. PTR is a bit on the pricey side, but well worth it. And a little goes a long way with these two products.

Though I’m happy with PTR, I still like to dabble and try new things, just for fun. I’ve been hearing a lot about Nude skincare products and contacted the company for some samples. They sent me a few samples and I did a nice little facial last night, first cleansing with the Facial Oil, then using the Miracle Mask (amazing stuff, really makes your skin soft and pretty), then I used the Advanced Cellular Renewal Serum and Advanced Eye Complex. I woke up with really soft skin and a fresh, glowy look, which could also have been caused from two nights in a row of good, solid sleep (very rare for me). Either way, it was a nice little pampering session and though the products are very expensive, I may be purchasing the Miracle Mask and Eye Complex. The product I really wanted to try is their new Advance Cellular moisturizer because it has something in it called Chinese Immortal Grass, and that just sounded cool, but they didn’t send a sample. I’ll have to get a sample from Sephora. Anyway, not giving up my PTR because it’s really working, but just wanted to mention these products because it seems like a great brand. Also, they don’t put yucky stuff like mineral oil, parabens, and other nasty chemicals in their stuff, which is nice.

OK, I want to finish this off with a couple of cheap hair finds that I’m loving. These can both be purchased at your local grocery or drug store. Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Conditioner…feels really luxurious and makes my hair softer, shinier, and healthier feeling and it’s around $6. And the hair product I’ve fallen in love with is L’Oreal Eversleek (this whole line is great) Humidity Defying Leave In Creme. It really takes the frizz out and just a pump or two is all you need for very sleek, shiny locks. It’s around $8.

Alright, get yourself over to Sephora and do a little early Christmas/Chanukkah/Kwaanza shopping for yourself and have a beautiful week, you lovely doll!

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Tumblr
  • StumbleUpon
  • Digg
  • Google Gmail
  • Google Reader
  • Share/Bookmark

{ 0 comments }

Shiny face? Maybe not such a bad thing.

October 1, 2011

Oh good morning my friends! How I love the weekends, when I don’t have to work, that is. This is one of the only weekends I will have off for a while, so I’m going to make the most of it.
First, I’m starting off in a good mood. We had our 1970’s lights redone in [...]

Read the full article →

I miss you, hair extensions.

September 3, 2011

Ugh. I feel so naked and alone. OK, perhaps I am being a bit dramatic, but I really miss my hair extensions. I got them taken out yesterday. I wasn’t really ready to part with them, but it had to be done. For one thing, I had lost quite a few and my hair was [...]

Read the full article →

Wen is this party starting?

August 27, 2011

Woo hoo! It’s Saturday morning. My morning with the boys! Hubby is out looking for stuff to sell on ebay and I am having fun, fun, fun! Just a few things on this morning’s agenda: making an awesome vegan breakfast, hosting a tea party for 3 people and several stuffed animals, and making a big [...]

Read the full article →

I’m sooooo tired of…

July 9, 2011

That’s it. I’m done. I’m tired of the person I’m becoming. Tired of yelling at my kids. Tired of worrying about how my house looks. Tired of worrying about bills, my 401K, the government, cancer, my eyebrows. I’m not having any fun. And you know who’s fault that is? MINE! And who can change that? [...]

Read the full article →

Hair extensions, hemp, fake tans, and leotards.

June 22, 2011

I’m sitting on a cross country flight, feeling the moisture being sucked out of my skin, all while sweating, sneezing, and coughing from the awful cold I woke up to. My nose is red, eyes puffy, and I’m feeling pretty awful right about now. But in actuality, I’ve never looked better! OK, I have looked [...]

Read the full article →

Kelly Van Gogh

May 15, 2011

This is Kelly Van Gogh.

She’s a gorgeous blond, with a degree in chemistry, a successful career as a celebrity hair stylist, AND she has her own company that makes amazing products. I know…I want to hate her too. But I can’t. For one thing, her products are REALLY good (more on that later) and for [...]

Read the full article →

Royal Wedding Fever

April 29, 2011

OK, I’ll admit it. I was totally glued to the tv this morning and even had tears in my eyes watching the beautiful and lovely Kate Middleton arrive at Westminster Abbey in that gorgeous gown. For weeks I’ve been saying, “Enough already! I’m sick of hearing about Kate! I don’t care about this stupid wedding!” [...]

Read the full article →

Shu Uemura Shusu Sleek

April 24, 2011

Happy Weekend everyone! And if you celebrate Easter, hope you are enjoying your chocolate bunnies!
Well, I’ve been using the Shu Uemura Shusu Sleek line for about a week now, and it really is a great conditioner. Whenever I use it, my hair is so much more manageable and easy to style. It feels way healthier [...]

Read the full article →