Girls’ Night UP! (Redux)

Hi everyone! I'm still running around like a crazy person this week (singing-related insanity), so I haven't had time to type up my latest reviews. Right now my reviews consist of post-it notes with various impressions scribbled on them attached to the various products that the remarks are about. God help me if those post it notes come unstuck before I have a chance to type them up.

Anyhooo...Today, I'm going to re-publish my "bra" posting from back in June. Since yesterday was about dresses, I thought a little "foundation" refresher wouldn't be such a bad thing. Enjoy!

Girls’ Night UP! (originally posted 6/29/2009)

Hey, guess what? There’s a big long holiday weekend coming up and some of you may be going out. Some of you may be hitting the holiday sales and some of you may be doing both.

And speaking of “both”…

Instead of droning on about sunscreen again, today will be a (demi) frank discussion about beauty for the…ahem…breasts. That’s right, I’m talking about “the girls,” “bazooms,” “cans,” “cha-chas,” “honkers,” “pillows,” or the new term I just learned from my friend, Kristi, “the talent.” (FYI, there’s a pretty decent list of entertaining terms to be found online.)

If someone asks me what my best feature is, I’ll usually say, “my eyes.” But I’m not being entirely honest. Don’t get me wrong – I think my eyes run a close second; but like many red-blooded, modern girls; I think my “girls” are the real shizzle. But my honest response wouldn't be a very ladylike response to that question (or would it?).

I have been loving my lacy, cute bras that I discovered last November. They’re feminine and pretty; but unfortunately the support is only moderate and there isn't much…er…coverage. When summer finally arrived in Philly, I realized I was in trouble. There was no way I could wear a summer t-shirt without broadcasting way too much information about myself (and/or the weather). I felt pretty exposed instead of just pretty.

So this weekend I hung out at the mall with Nancy (previously mentioned friend) and we went into a lingerie store so I could do a little shopping. I was looking for the same style I had (but with heavier fabric) when Nancy marched over to a rack (pun totally intended) of lined, plunging bras and declared that those were what I needed. Well to me they looked enormous and I couldn’t believe one of those things would ever, ever fit under one of my shirts without looking like battle armor. Again, I should just learn to shut up because Nancy was 100% right. I put one of them on and – Oh My Freaking Heaven – the girls were gorgeous! Then I put my shirt on and…wow! Not only were they properly dressed, but they were downright perky. And - dare I say it – buoyant!

Needless to say, my spirits are equally buoyant (especially since I also found some lacy ones).

Of course everything starts with getting the right size! Here's where size really matters, ladies! Get measured. As far as I’m concerned, the best, most accurate measurers are at Victoria’s Secret. (Sadly, they don’t carry my size, so I have to look elsewhere for the actual garments.)

Here are some resources. You have all week. Get busy!

Victoria's Secret – Awesome, gorgeous, girly lingerie. And if you're able to wear petite, super frilly styles, you will hit the jackpot! They also carry clothing, swimwear and beauty. Right now they’re having their semi-annual sale and clearance. Even if you don’t end up shopping there, I strongly recommend getting measured there.

Caçique/Lane Bryant – Yummy lingerie for the full of figure. Great variety of cute, sultry and/or practical lingerie. The stores carry a huge selection in sizes usually only found in catalogues – which is great because you can try on lots of stuff. Right now, there’s a buy 2, get 2 free promotion online and in stores.

One Hanes Place – Great deals and a huge selection of sizes and brands like Bali, Playtex, Wonderbra, etc. Most of the stores carry standard sizes, but you can order special sizes online. And they usually have some kind of BOGO promotion going on.

Bare Necessities - I’ve never bought here, but they seem to have a tremendous (sorry, couldn't help it) range of brands (from Playtex to Wacoal) and an excellent range of sizes. They also have a semi-annual clearance event going on right now.

Department Stores like Macys, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Target, Sears, etc. – They generally carry standard sizes, but often have great sales and the very latest designer styles. And many of the lingerie departments have qualified staff who can take your measurements.
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Notes from Nancy

Hey all, I know I've mentioned my friend Nancy more than a few times here. She's the one that got me started down the road to beauty junkie-dom. She's been an expert on makeup and skincare a lot longer than I have so I pay attention when she likes something. I'm sharing a note she sent me the other day with some "musings." (I added images and links for extra pizzazz.) Nancy, this is exactly why you need to start a blog!

I just bought my Estee Lauder lash primer yesterday at Boscovs (that's all I bought). I also pulled out of my stash my Vincent Longo Water canvas. Gosh both of these products are so wonderful.

I had been using a dried up lash primer and this new one with my Lancome mascara makes my lashes look really fabulous.

The water canvas is such a great Summer makeup. I love his dew finish foundation, but my skin is too oily to use it except when it is cold out.

I told you that I found the scrub at TJ Maxx for $19.99. I really like it. Also, I found this Borghese mask which is a peel off rubbery clay mask and comes in little tubes for really cheap. It's probably like $50 bucks at Bloomies. It is amazing, clarifying, cleaning - yet leaves the skin moist and glowing with the Italian Living Water.

Well enough musing. I hope that your holiday was great.





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ESS-PEA-EFF Part 2: Tinted Moisturizers

So like a dog with a bone, I'm going to repeat: out of all the beauty treatments available, the most guaranteed, sure-fire path to youthful and gorgeous skin is still SUN PROTECTION.

Today I'm going to mention a few tinted moisturizers with SPF. I use tinted moisturizers when I really don't need the full coverage of a foundation. When my skin is behaving, I love the sheer, natural look that I get. Tinted moisturizers also feel lighter (great for hot weather). These three I'm discussing all have an SPF of 15 or higher. (I still start out the day with sunscreen underneath, though - just to make sure I'm covered.)

#1: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer - Oil Free (SPF 20)

Blurb: A sheer, lightweight, buildable foundation that can be worn by all skin types but especially those with acne prone, sensitive or oily skin. Hydrating, oil-free formula softens skin offering a healthy glow. Helps to prevent excess oil from setting on the surface of the skin. Controls oil breakthrough while providing hydration to prevent dryness. Buildable coverage for those hard-to-cover places. Ideal for troubled skin.

This is a little pricier, but I really love it. And it certainly does love me back. (I am an owner of the "troubled skin" referred to in the blurb.) This tinted moisturizer does what it says it does. It hydrates without clogging my pores, controls oil and looks darn amazing all day long.

#2: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 20)

Blurb: Healthy Skin Enhancer combines a vitamin-infused Retinol treatment to smooth fine lines, the protection of SPF 20 moisturizer and sheer, lightweight tint in a single application.

This was highly recommended by my friend, Nancy. It's reasonably priced ($11.49!), oil-free, non-comedogenic, and contains Retinol. According to Nancy, it's great for sensitive, oily and break-out prone skin. Even though I haven't tried this, if Nancy gives it a thumbs up, you can be pretty sure it's fabulous.

#3: Benefit You Rebel Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 15)

Blurb: Our defiantly different tinted moisturizer with SPF 15 leaves your complexion healthy & protected with a hint of color. We've tossed in antioxidants, aloe vera & allantoin for soft, supple skin all year long.

I gave this a try because it had a cool name. Then I ended up being impressed the actual product. The tint seems a little dark at first, but once it's on, it changes to a very sheer, dewy finish. Because of the aloe vera and allantoin, I recommend this mainly for those of you who don't have break-out issues. But the pretty, natural look of this tinted moisturizer is outstanding.

What products will be featured tomorrow? Will Maria remember to use spell check? Come back for another riveting installment of "ESS-PEA-EFF…."
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From the “Nancy” files: Tweeze Appeal (Review)

In my first post, I mentioned my super fashionista friend, Nancy. Nancy knows things. Her skin and hair look amazing…because she knows things. Nancy is an encyclopedia of beauty and skincare information. I really think she should be the one with the blog, but I couldn’t talk her into starting one. Luckily, I still get the benefit of her vast knowledge. And one thing I have learned is that when she suggests a product, I should just shut up and try it. Like I said, she knows things.

One of the best things ever that Nancy suggested was a little contraption called the Tweeze Appeal Precision Hair Remover.

Blurb: Tired of waxing or electrolysis? Eliminate these tedious regimens with our Tweeze Appeal Precision Hair Remover. It attracts hair like magnet, grasps and removes it from the root with pinpoint accuracy. Unlike razors and trimmers that cause stubble, this leaves your skin silky smooth and your hair is slow to grow back.

Here’s my review in a nutshell: It works. Go buy one now.

Okay, a little more detail. In addition to long eyelashes and olive skin; the Italian side of the family also passed along the gene for unsightly facial hair. If I’m not constantly vigilant, I look like a Sicilian widow in about 4 days. Pre-Tweeze Appeal; I was constantly plucking, as well occasionally waxing and using chemical depilatories. On my face. All the freaking time. Post-Tweeze Appeal; I run a little gadget over my chin, jaw line and upper lip on a regular basis and that’s it. Done. No hair. No mess. No stubble. Awesome.

Now to be sure, Tweeze Appeal isn’t perfect. It’s kind of noisy, and it definitely stung a little at first (since it is actually plucking). I’m completely used to it now, though, and I can even use it on my upper lip without any sensitivity. It’s also great for a quick tidying up between the eyebrows. I recommend you start with small areas at first depending on how sensitive you are.

Some day, I will be able to lay out the big bucks and get rid of my facial hair permanently. But until then; I’m pretty happy to follow Nancy’s savvy advice and keep my face smooth for $16.95 plus the price of occasional replacement batteries.
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Eye Feel Pretty

They say the best way to start a blog is to just start a blog. Sooooo…here I go with my very first blog entry/review ever. And it seems only fitting that this post be about the product that started me back on the road to beauty junkie-dom: Estēe Lauder Lash Primer Plus.

My super fashionista friend, Nancy, and I went to a trend show (at Nordstrom) and Estēe Lauder had a fabulous GWP. Super fashionista friend (Nancy) told me that I just HAD to get their lash primer. Now at the time I hardly ever wore makeup and lash primer sounded to me like some fussy, time/money-consuming thing that I didn't need. I may have even scoffed. But Nancy is persuasive and I really wanted the GWP, so I bought a tube.

Woweee! HG would not be the adequate description since I didn't even know I was looking for this. I will just say "Woweeee!" again. This stuff makes any mascara go on more evenly and easily. Even better, my mascara stays put. No more flaking or smudging. But wait, there's more! This primer actually conditions my lashes (even under waterproof mascara). Before primer plus: my long lashes tended to dry out and break (creating a weird multi-length look). Now - no more breakage. And because of that my lashes actually are longer because they grow out fully.

After trying this out I realized: "Hey, I can wear mascara every day!" This led to other things such as: "Hey, some eye shadow would look really great with my long, conditioned lashes!" And, "I wonder if I should get the eyeliner palette?" You get the picture.

I've tried a couple of other primers since and none of them even come CLOSE to Estēe Lauder's. This stuff does what it says it does. Nuff said.