Posts for December 2008

Feed a cold, starve...

December 31, 2008 11:52 am · Posted by oldergirlbeauty

...the jerk that gave me this crappy sick bug.

Holy smokes, have I been knocked down by this whatever mess is spreading around right now. It started before Christmas, and only got worse from there. (Nothing like spending Christmas with a house full of family, a hacking cough and 102.3 fever, eh?).

So, yeah, most of it is over, save for the remnants of the cough and NO VOICE. That's right - I can only whisper - which, if you knew me IRL is like hell on earth for me. But, hopefully that will get better this weekend, when I pull myself together and back to my everyday awesome self.

Everyone better enjoy themselves tonight, as I will be living vicariously thru you all!

Be safe and I'll talk to you next year! xoxo

Tagged with: Sick

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A time for yourself

December 22, 2008 8:37 am · Posted by oldergirlbeauty

I am sure in all of the hustle and bustle of this season, you have made time for yourself and scheduled your mani/pedi's, relaxed with a glass of wine and just made sure you were taken care of nicely. You haven't? Join the club. The only pedi I have had was because I got an early xmas present, and it was at the mall so we combined it with gift shopping, not an all day enjoyable thing. (Not that I begrudge a prezzy of pretty, ya know?). I also know that in the season of giving, I don't have many extra pennies to rub together, let alone spend it outside the house. But I still want/need to have pretty hands and feet. Luckily, Kiss Products understands my pain.

They have made manicure and pedicure kits that have every thing that I need

treat myself to mani/pedi's at the house, and save myself money and the time it takes to go to the salon and make small talk with the technician, because, face it, by this time, christmas shopping has made us not want to be around people ever again. Or is that just me..... Anyway, these kits come with buffers, clippers, files and extras in a zippered pouch to keep it all together and easily grab them when you see you have a few minutes to yourself. And they are cheap - $9.99 at Walgreens. That is so much less than going to the salon. (And I know I said that I wouldn't push xmas gifts, but really, if you are stuck for that last last minute gift, these would really be great to pick up.)

Kiss also has a fun kit of press-on toenails for that last minute get together where you need to look fab in your peeptoes, and no time for that last minute pedi. These kits look like you have a french pedicure with out the time and trouble to get one. They are temporary, last only up to 3 days, but can be soaked off after your fun night out.

They really are just a fun addition of something different, and are only $5.99 at the drugstores, too.

Tagged with: kits, Manicure Kit, Pedicure Kit, Kiss Products, toenails, press-on

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I must have been a very good girl this year...

December 19, 2008 1:49 pm · Posted by oldergirlbeauty

...because guess who won Three Custom Color Specialists "Make a List and Check it Twice" contest.

I was so surprised when I heard I won this, and am super excited to get to try out what will be a great haul from them. This will be my first time to try their products, which get such great raves. The list was so hard to narrow down, but thanks to you lovelies input and reviews, I think I got some great things. I can't wait to let you guys know what I think, too.

Thanks so much to Three Custom Color Specialists (and the very nice Tess) for this great contest!

Tagged with: Giveaway, contest, winner, Three Custom Color

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I am not a psychic....

December 17, 2008 10:07 pm · Posted by oldergirlbeauty

...but I do love me some predictions and forecasts. I just really want to know what's going to be coming up. Sue me, I'm nosy..uhm...inquisitive.

I have learned so much this year of getting to know products again. But the main thing I learned is that I *don't* know everything about anything. And that there are always people working with new and old ingredients to bring us the latest and greatest to enhance our lives. Luckily, I read a great forecast put out by Shannon Nelson for Pierce Mattie PR that gives me a heads up of what the top ingredients are that we'll be seeing in 2009. Take a look for yourself:

2009 Beauty Forecast: Pierce Mattie PR Names the Top 10 Ingredient Trends

In previous years the beauty industry transitioned into the importance of being all natural with products ranging from skin care to spa treatments to hair care to cosmetics. In 2009 the focus will no longer just being about who is green or all natural, but about specific ingredients and their benefits. Pierce Mattie is known for forecasting trends in the beauty industry, so without missing a beat, the Beauty PR firm names the top 10 ingredients that consumers will hear more about in 2009.

Argan Oil: This incredible skin care miracle, known for being one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin E with 80% essential fatty acids, has been a beauty secret of Moroccan women for centuries. It can be dually used on skin and in hair for its high level of antioxidants and ability to replenish hair and skin’s natural moisture.
Acai: Sometimes referred to as “The Fountain of Youth,” this Brazilian berry contains antioxidants, amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and protein that positions itself as a formidable fighter in anti-aging products. Acai can be found across the board in skin care, cosmetics and hair care products.
Goji Berries: This nutrient-rich berry, well known as Wolfberries in the Himalayas, has often been called a “super food” due to its abilities to fight free radicals and boost the immune system. While there are no inherent benefits of Goji in fragrance, that hasn’t stopped perfumers from including this sweet yet tart scent into their perfumes.
Baobab: Rich in riboflavin, niacin and vitamins C, A, D and E, baobab has incredible anti-aging properties although you won’t just find it in creams and moisturizers, but also in exfoliating scrubs and hair care.
Acerola: Ingredients high in Vitamin C, like acerola, are being used more often due to their ability to even out skin tone and brighten complexion. Skin care brands will be using acerola more to target those who have issues with skin redness and inflammation.
Blueberry: Chock full of amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, blueberries are another super food that will be used to fight aging in beauty products. Also known as a “super fruit,” blueberries have long been known for its ability to revitalize the skin; it was just a matter of time before beauty brands began to incorporate it more into their skin care products.
Probiotics: Last year Pierce Mattie PR termed probiotics a “buzzword” among beauty brands, but now those brands are delivering more than just buzz with this sister category to Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals. Probiotic skin care will be branded as another “clinical-like” line of products, which beauty consumers tend to lean towards as science-based.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3: This Cosmeceutical that is becoming found more often in anti-aging products to fight fine lines and wrinkles will be even more prevalent in 2009. Products that contain Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3 will be branded as a temporary alternative to cosmetic procedures.
Myrrh: With the increasing popularity of Ayurveda in the Unites States, this ancient ingredient is also resurging in perfumes and skin care products. The rich royal resin with the slight vanilla fragrance so popular in incense also stimulates circulation and has lifting effects.
Turmeric: A highly regarded ingredient in India, Turmeric is widely known for its medicinal properties. Turmeric will be found in acne-related creams and lotions, as it is an antiseptic and can aid in preventing and removing blemishes. It will also be found in hair removal products as well as in the formulation of sunscreen in more natural products as well.

I can already imagine what products several of these could be in, so I will be interested to see when and where they start showing up, but at least now I can be ahead of the curve when I do see them.

Tagged with: ingredients, top 10, Pierce Mattie PR

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Ignorance is not always bliss...

December 15, 2008 8:35 am · Posted by oldergirlbeauty

So, there was a time when I would get to go to New Orleans on a regular basis (alas, no more). On one of my trips, we found this great little place called Earthsavers that was part beauty/health products and part day spa. (I had one of my best back massages there after driving down to NOLA on year.) Well, this was before I had a clue what I was even looking for in a beauty/health product - not that I am an expert now, by any means. I just knew I liked looking at all the neat products and would get a pimple now and then. So, one of the ladies there suggested that I get some stuff called "Drying Lotion".

It looked like calamine lotion and oil in an expensive little bottle, but, she said it would work and I was on vacay - so, of course money gets blown like it just doesn't matter. I took it back with me and put some on that night. And my pimple was inflamed and worse the next morning! I was all, "uhm, this stuff sucks". But, I said, maybe its the "get worse before it gets better" thing. So, I tried it again the next night. And it wasn't any better. One of the other girls on the trip made out like a bandit when she offered to take this off my hands.

Fast forward 6 years. I rarely get whitehead pimples and I have learned that I do not react well to salicylic acid in products. Hey, guess what the main ingredient is in Drying Lotion? Yep. So, its not that the product was bad at all, I just didn't know what I needed back then. Luckily, I was able to try some more Mario Badescu products thru their generous customized sample program, and a great local store called The Makeup Bar.

After talking to the MUA/SA at the store, we decided that since I mostly only got those damn deep cystic pimples, that just begged to be eff'd with, the sulphur based Buffering Lotion would be great for me. And damn if she wasn't right. This stuff is great and works wonders, if you want my opinion (which I guess you do if you are hanging out here with me, eh?). Seriously, this stuff can make even the most stubborn deep pimples go away without surfacing or even coming too close. I usually start to put it on when I get the hint one is starting and it doesn't even become painful since this stuff works so well and fast. Yes, this bottle is also $17, but it is lasting me a long time, as I usually put it on with a cotton swab - its too runny to put on with a finger, it goes everywhere. But it works so much better than any OTC stuff you can find out there, to me, that it is worth the extra dollars to save the time and energy to get pissed off that the other stuff isn't working and you end up with a big red hurty deep pimple anyway. This is so worth it to avoid all that to me.

Tagged with: Acne, pimples, Mario Badescu, nola, Drying lotion, Buffering Lotion, Earthsavers

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Good on you and your face...

December 11, 2008 8:59 am · Posted by oldergirlbeauty

I fell for Napoleon Perdis when I saw him on the first "cycle" of "Australia's Next Top Model", that VH-1 was airing, until they cruelly pulled it after airing the first six episodes (leading a girl to scour online to see if she can find eppys to see who won). I adored the way he smacked down one of the girls who didn't listen to him about taking off her false eyelashes. He just dismissed her. Love!

So, you know when I heard that TLC was going to be airing a reality show of him leading a master class to find a protege to rep him in the US called "Get Your Face On", you know my DVR was set immediately. This is because it is scheduled fun-ky! Like 6am CST Monday thru Friday for two weeks, only. No repeats. So, if you snooze, literally, you lose. Today was the 4th day, and I actually woke up early to see what was going on today. Yes, I know I should be watching "Blush: The Search for the Next Great Makeup Artist, (don't worry, lovelies, I have all eppys on my dvr), but Napoleon's aussie accent trumps Maxi's OTT drama right now.

But I see a mini-marathon in my future, no worries.

Tagged with: TV, Blush, tlc, Napoleon Perdis

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...ding dong, m'kay

December 8, 2008 8:34 am · Posted by oldergirlbeauty

Okay, lovelies, you are *not* going to get a "Holiday Gift Guide" from me. The reason is simple. I am just too damn lazy - not to just make a guide, but to go out and get the presents I need to get myself. I am a far too close to the last minute gift buyer, so I think it might be a wee bit hypocritical to give you a guide that I can't even pay attention to myself. Not that I haven't read some great ones, mind you. In fact, just click on just about any link in my sidebar over there, or head over to the beauty page at alltop.com and you will find many great gift guides that several of the other lovely beauty bloggers have put together for your shopping convenience.

Now, that's not to say that I haven't found a little something for the girls Secret Santa drawing at work.

It is a kit of the new Max Factor spokeswoman, Gisele's, favorite products. It includes:

Lipfinity 3D Lipcolor in 80's Pink (I am such an 80's freak)
MAXeye Liner in Fresh Coffee
Vivid Impact Eye Shadow in Domino Effect (I have got to tell you about these things)
Volume Couture in Black Brown

All of these come in a little makeup bag, too. All of this is only $20 + tax, with *free shipping*.

So, yeah, this will be a great gift for the swap, or a stocking stuffer if you have a girl you need to buy for. Of course, now looking at this again, I am seriously considering keeping this and throwing a Starbucks card in the pile. What? It's not like they know what they would be missing out on, and man, wouldn't I look as fab as Gisele while they sip their coffee?

Tagged with: mascara, Max Factor, Eye shadow, Vivid Impact, eye liner, stocking stuffer

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It puts the lotion on the skin....

December 4, 2008 2:26 pm · Posted by oldergirlbeauty

(...yeah, I am sure I will use that reference *waaay* too much). Anyway...

I ordered a coat from QVC, (double breasted wool peacoat, btw), and in the box was a 4oz bottle of Philosophy's Amazing Grace Perfumed Firming Body Emulsion, (hell of a name, eh?), which I *didn't* order. I looked on the site, and I can't even find any kit, etc., that even has this size bottle in it. So, I am going to consider this a deluxe sample GWP. Thanks, QVC.

Now, my problem is that I don't really care for the scent of Amazing Grace. Just too powdery for me. However, as it is winter and I do get the itchies, I am always on the lookout for a good lotion. If the scent goes away quickly, then I wouldn't mind using it, but if it lingers, then, meh.

But, I am also curious about this "firming" it claims. This size doesn't seem like I would really see any results from it in this amount of time to encourage me to purchase this again. So, I ask you - have any of you tried this and is it worth my time to use it, ignoring the smell? Tell me true...

Tagged with: Lotion, Philosophy, GWP, firming, QVC

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A shave and a haircut...two bits

December 4, 2008 8:36 am · Posted by oldergirlbeauty

Okay, this isn't about the fact that I don't get my hair cut nearly often enough (that's a story for another day), but the fact that in the winter I don't shave my legs enough. What? Don't look at me like that. You know you go longer between shaves now that you aren't wearing shorts and skirts like you were 2 months ago. It's true and don't try pretending that it's not. Mine problem just comes down to laziness. I mean, really - I wear jeans every day, there's nothing to see here.And, what with all the steps and all. However, I *do* get the winter itchies and that gets pretty annoying.

So, maybe this year will be different. I recently heard of a company called Whish that has one of these:

Yes, it's a shaving brush. Just like men have been using for, man, I really have no idea, but it's a really long time. Only they have brushes made for ladies hands (and even comes in polka dot, flowers and even crystals). Now, these are a little bit pricey for me at the moment ($65-$170), but, like any good brush you buy, you pay more at the outset and, with care, will last you many years. This is supposed to be used with their Shave Crave shaving cream (I'm a sucker for Almond scent). By using these two things together, you are able to apply the cream, while exfoliating at the same time. Look - one step eliminated! Also, since you are using the brush to apply, you use less product and waste less by washing off your hands between applications. So, even tho this stuff is more expensive ($24-$32) than what you would usually pay for shaving cream, it is supposed to last longer and a little go a long way.

This looks like something that I could get in to using in a nice relaxing tub kind of way. So I am going to try to wander up to the *1* store in town that is supposed to have it and give it smell test and decide then if I want to save up my pennies for it. What do you think? Have you ever tried this brand/brush?

Tagged with: whish, Shaving Cream, Shave Crave, shaving brush

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"This place is a link to Sanctuary, isn't it?"*

December 3, 2008 12:29 pm · Posted by oldergirlbeauty

So I went to the dr. yesterday because I have been feeling kinda lousy. Luckily we narrowed down what it is and she gave me meds to get me started on the path back to normalcy. Now, when I got home all I wanted to do was relax while waiting for the meds to kick in, so I drew a really really hot bath with some Sanctuary Bath Relaxer in it.

I can't begin to properly explain this scent to you, but I will give you my impression: it is just a warm, rich scent that smells just like a high end spa would smell (which is where it originates from) and just breathing it in deeply relaxes you immediately. This oil leaves you with an silky oily feel, but not overly dripping, just soft.

I know that after my bath, I felt much better (I am sure the meds kicking in didn't hurt with that) and more relaxed. I can def reccommend this to anyone wanting to feel like they are being super pampered in a super spa, but for much less money. You can pick this up at Target, either online or in store for under $10. Enjoy.

*(That's right - a quote from "Logan's Run". I'm a runner that didn't get renewed and made it past 30 - ha!)

Tagged with: Target, bath, relax, Sanctuary

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