I think I look somewhat like my paternal grandmother, Sarah aka Sally. Sadly, I didn’t know her very well. When I was a kid, she already seemed old (but she was probably younger than I am now) and she had heart disease that limited what she could do. Nevertheless, she was a nice woman, and …
Pat McGrath Labs BlitzTrance Lipstick: Love It or Leave It?
Ah, advertising: I’m taken in by it almost all the time! No wonder I enjoyed working in the industry so much. I had been seeing ads for Pat McGrath Labs line of BlitzTrance lipsticks repeatedly. Closeups of full lips wearing rich lipstick with glittery, multidimensional shine. I looked up the price of the luxury lipstick, …
Smith & Cult Veiled Threat Foundation
I was introduced to Smith & Cult Cosmetics when I received a gorgeous eyeshadow quad in my Ipsy Plus box about a year ago. The packaging was a knockout (silver tone metal with the characteristic “pinch”, and the eyeshadow shades were buttery, easy to apply and blend and long lasting. (The lipstick above is Estee …
Bright Eyes with Kat Von D White Cake Pencil Eyeliner
Maybe 15 years ago, something really stood out one day about my former next door neighbor who was very glam. She always wore quite a lot of makeup for our conservative neighborhood, but on this particular day, something about her eyes stood out even more than usual. I asked her what was different. She told …
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
When it comes to mascara, I usually choose mascaras that are more lengthening than volumizing. And I usually avoid fiber mascaras. My favorites for the last few years are three Benefit mascaras – They’re Real, Roller Lash and BadGal Bang, and the now discontinued MAC Upward Lash. Lately I’ve had a chance to try some …
The Weirdest Eye Primer Ever from Anastasia Beverly Hills
Since Urban Decay changed my former favorite Anti-aging Primer Potion a few years ago, I have been lost. I’m using the “new” one, but I don’t love it. The formula is sheerer than it was, and I dislike that it comes in a tube with a doe-foot applicator. I preferred the old rather opaque “flesh …
Kaja Beauty Bento Eyeshadow Trio
I am always drawn to cute little things. And I’m even happier if the cute little thing is of high quality. Such is the case with Kaja Beauty Bento Eyeshadow Trio. Several weeks ago, I saw this bite-size stacked shadow trio on another blog, and I had been lusting after it ever since. I finally …
Giveaway: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – Let’s Do It Again!
In April, Paula’s Choice generously sent me a bottle of their iconic exfoliator 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant along with a couple of other fabulous skincare products. Because 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant would suit other skin types more than mine (dry, mature skin), I held a giveaway on the blog, and there were lots of entries! …
Could This Be the Perfect BB Cream? Derma E Tinted Moisturizing BB Cream SPF 30
Last week in one of the Facebook makeup groups I joined, everyone was buzzing about the new Derma E Essentials Tinted Moisturizing BB Cream SPF 30. I might have missed the beginning of the thread because what everyone was discussing was the shades and who they would suit. Since I had the complete set of …
Hanhoo Argan Oil Makeup Removing Wipes w Vitamin C
While I usually use makeup removing wipes when I’ve been traveling, lately I’ve been more than tempted to use them every night. Recently, I was introduced to Hanhoo Argan Oil Makeup Removing Wipes with Vitamin C. I had never heard of the Korean brand, Hanhoo. Their mission is to help inspire confidence through skincare products …
The Antioxidant Power of Berries with Paula’s Choice Power Berry Serum
I love berries! They are one of my favorite parts of summer. Not only do they taste fresh and delicious, they are packed with antioxidants and they don’t have a lot of calories. Yum! So, I try to eat them as often as I can to get their benefits for my skin and overall health. …
On the Fence about Fresh Rose Hydrating Eye Gel Cream
During Sephora’s sale in early May, I was browsing the store – always a dangerous thing for me to do. The 15% off for VIB isn’t that big a discount, but the siren song of skincare products and makeup gets me every time. One of the new products I came home with is Rose Hydrating …
TonyMoly The Green Tea Watery Essence: Affordable & Effective
Essences are my jam. They are so lightweight that you don’t know you’re wearing them, and they add more hydration. How can you argue with that? I just finished a hydrating essence that I liked a lot, Airelle Age-Defying Facial Serum (reviewed here), but it’s a splurge and I can’t do it right now. I …
BECCA Glow Gloss, shade Snapdragon
You probably know that I’m a big fan of lipgloss. I love the shine. And I especially love how it helps keep my dry lips hydrated. When it comes to lipgloss, I strongly prefer the opaque glosses. My favorite glosses are from Anastasia Beverly Hills and Mirabella. I love them because I don’t have to …
Alavina Nourishing Face Oil: Velvety Skin with My Favorite Ingredients
Supporting women entrepreneurs is important to me, so I was eager to try a new organic face oil developed by Cassandra, a long time health and fitness professional. She created Alavina Nourishing Face Oil initially to help address her own skin issues. In fact, she researched cold-pressed natural oils and tested different groups of ingredients …