12 Days of Christmas.....

Oh how I love the Holidays! From Thanksgiving, to New Year's I'm a busy little bee! Although they can be hectic, nothing warms me more than a cup of egg nog and spending it with family and friends.
I was inspired by the Christmas Carol classic "Twelve Days of Christmas" to write my very last post of 2008 and to ring in 2009.
So below, you will see a list of some things (12 exactly) that CCW has discovered in '08 and cannot live without.

1) Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in "Just Enough Buff". This is by far the prettiest nude color I have ever worn. I can put a bright bold lip gloss on top and it mutes it just enough so that you don't see my lips arriving before the rest of my face. Buy it here for a 2 pack of $13.31

2) Sunsilk Hydra TLC Shampoo & Conditioner. Definitely worth every penny you spend. It makes my hair super soft and ask my friend Momto2, I have very coarse hair. This makes it manageable. Buy it here for only $4.49

3) Nars duo Eyeshadow in Portobello. My hatred of mushrooms did not even deter me from buying this. It's so so pretty! Very neutral, you can wear this every day and it doesn't look like you're wearing makeup at all. Nars products have great staying power. It lasts me all day! Buy it here for $32

4) Anastasia Brow Wiz in Brunette. What I love about this pencil is, it is so thin, my eyebrows don't look drawn in. What I love even more is there is the spooley brush on the end to even the color out. Being Asian, I'm a bit limited in the eyebrow department so I need as much help as I can get. This makes my eyebrows look totally natural. Buy it here for $18.

5) Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream. The most wonderful thing about this product is a little goes a long long way! Just a pearl size amount is fine for my hair. It takes away all the fly-aways and makes my hair shiny to boot! Worth the money. Buy it here for $27.

6) Loreal True Match Foundation in Natural Beige. Who knew that such a wonderful foundation could be found in my local drugstore? They were not kidding when they said "true match". I really did find a color that matched my color tone exactly. Sometimes I like working with liquid foundation, I can put on as little or as much as I want for my own coverage. I like to dot a bit on my foundation brush and just put it on my T-Zone for work. I look like I was born with perfect skin. Buy it here for only $10.95, can you believe the price?

7) Avon Pore-fection Skin Refining Toner. As of late, I've added toner to my skin care regimen. I like my skin to be as clean as it can be before I put on moisturizer. You'll be surprised how much extra makeup comes off on the cotton ball. I bought it from my local Avon Lady for only $6

8) L'Occitane Verbena Soap. Momt2two had a luxurious stay at the Four Seasons and brought me back a couple of bars. While using it, I convinced the Mooch to try it and we've been hooked ever since. The smell is so clean and fresh and it makes your skin so soft! Buy it here for $10/bar.

9) Jonathan Dirt Texturizing Paste. I admit. The Mooch tried this product first and I've been dipping into it every now and then. This wax does amazing things for my hair. First, it makes my side-swept bangs look like they've just been styled, I rarely have to push them out of my face. And second, when I don't blow dry my hair, which is often, I just run a dab through my hair and it has that nice "slept in" look. Buy it here for $26, and use sparingly.

10) Chapstick. Now, this was not discovered in '08, I've been using this stuff since maybe I was 12 years old, but it is something I cannot live without. I replenish every few months and buy about 5-10 tubes at a time. I often find old coats with 2 tubes in a pocket. Every so often when I change purses, I will find one in there, but I cannot live without this. I have one at my desk at work, one in my purse, one at the side table in front of the TV, one at my computer desk and one at my side table next to my bed. Like I said, I cannot live without this. Buy whatever flavor you like, I like medicated. Buy it here for only $1.99

11) Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Beige. This product makes my skin look like I drink 10 glasses of water every day! I love to use this at night over a candlelit dinner while gazing longingly into Mooch's eyes. I put this on my cheekbones, the bridge of my nose, my Cupid's bow and my chin and I look lit from within. One bit of advice, go light on this product, you don't want to look greasy! Buy it here for $38.

12) Nars Blush/Bronzer Duo in Orgasm/Laguna. This product is the end all-be all of products. The blush (Orgasm) literally looks like, well, you know. Hence the name. The bronzer side is perfect to sweep on my forehead, my cheeks and my nose. I look ready to go. Don't go too heavy on the bronzer though, you don't want to end up looking like Lilo! Buy it here for $37.

And that my beauties, is the last must have list of '08.

I wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Festivis, whatever you may celebrate and a very Safe, Happy & Healthy New Year.

Thank you to the 3 people who read my blog, I love writing this and I hope to continue many more posts in '09!

I remain yours,
The CCW

Pathetic

Just pathetic. My beauties. I'm so sorry I have not posted in like, FOREVER! I have been SUPER SUPER busy with stuff and I got a little sidetracked.

Enough about me though, seriously, let's talk beauty. YAY!
So, coming up in January will be the big 3-3 for me. Yes. 33! I just can't believe it. I feel like high school was yesterday and I cannot believe I'm in my early thirties (Thank goodness I can still say that).
I know you're wondering where I'm going with this. I do have a point. See, in High School, from what I remember, my skin was beautiful. Maybe the monthly pimple, but it was glowing! I don't really remember having to deal with Clearasil or anything like that. I would really just wash my face, put on some moisturizer and be gone.
Now? It's so sad. My skin regime in the morning and night takes a good 20 minutes. I wash my face, tone, serum, and then the proper moisturizer, then....yes...EYE CREAM! YIKES!
So the real reason why I'm posting? In my teens, I've never had to deal with acne, but as soon as I entered my mid twenties, it's a constant battle. Ugh. Adult acne of all things.
My main concern? Blackheads. Gross. Yuck. Something I've never really had to deal with.
I've tried so many products, I would not even want to go into that right now.
But I found something.
In these hard recession times (Thanks GW!), I'm finding that my weekly trips to the Bergdorf Beauty level are few and far between. I can barely go to Lord & Taylor. $35 for face wash? You must be joking, I have bills to pay.
The product I'm talking about is so much more inexpensive and it just requires a quick visit to your local drugstore.
It's called the Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser. This product has literally done wonders for my skin. Particulary the blackheads I tend to get on my nose.
Remember my earlier post on the Neutrogena Wave? Forget that.
This product is really really great! I use once a day with the little pad they include and my skin feels baby soft! In addition, my blackheads have really cleared and my skin glows.
Buy it here for only $19.99 for starter pack with 20 cleansing pads included.

Until next time, I remain yours,
The CCW

Squeaky Clean.

Hi All!!!!

Since early summer I've really wanted to post about this subject but have been testing out a few more products before I go do that.

Well, I think I've had plenty of time to make a recommendation, right?

Ok. So the topic this time? Clarifying shampoos. You may not think of shampoos in that sense...I know, they're ultimately supposed to clean your hair, but I promise, the 2 products I am about to mention will do so much more that just clean your hair. Before I started using it, I really didn't think about it.

However, do you really think about product build-up? No, of course not. I never did either. But then I read in Allure Mag (hello ?????) that it's good to use a clarifier ONCE A WEEK to really get out the product buildup and make you hair super clean, and super shiny.

So, CCW, she did some research. For a year and a half I have used Aveda "Detoxifier". This stuff has been absolutely amazing. My hair feels, CLEAN. I know, shampoo is supposed to make your hair feel clean, but this shampoo, really makes me feel like NOTHING is in my hair. I love it. It's important that I mention that you should really use this product once a week. Esp, for those people with color treated hair. You don't want your gorgeous highlighs stripped of their color, do you? If you love Aveda Hair Products like I do you can buy it here for only $9.50.

But, due to the recent financial crisis that this country is in, I figured, not everyone could afford the $10 asking price for the Aveda Shampoo. Therfore, CCW has tested out yet another clarifying shampoos for everyone. And I must admit, this does deliver "almost" the same outcome as the Aveda. It's called "Degunkify" by Herbal Essences. And at $3.99, seriously it's totally worth a shot.
This shampoo has pineapple and cotton leaf that really "tingles". I mean it, it really tingles. And I feel like it really gets the crap out of my hair. Even the Mooch likes it. Just like the Aveda, really just use it once a week because the ingredients are stronger than regular shampoo. Buy it here for only $3.99

On a final note...........If you certainly cannot afford anything right now, I can give you a little "homeopathic" clarifying shampoo you can use.
Beer. Yes. I said it. Beer. Good ole' fashioned beer. This actually cleans out the hair. I'm no chemist, I don't know what ingredient in beer makes this work but it really does. Again, only once a week girls.
Wash your hair with your favorite shampoo as usual. Before you condition, take a beer and pour it over your hair. Doesn't matter what kind. Once you pour it over your head, wash it out, then apply conditioner. Then wash out. I promise your hair will not smell like beer. I promise!!!
Last night, the Mooch could NOT believe I was actually washing my hair out with beer, but all the same, my hair was as shiny as glass. Believe me when I tell you, this stuff works!!!!

I remain yours,

The CCW

Picture Perfect

Hello Beautiful!

So summer is coming to a close and the cold weather is soon upon us.

Recently before winter '08 was over I discovered one of my miracle products.

I've read about Makeup Primer and what it does for skin. Mostly, I thought it was really just a crock to get me to spend more money on something that "says it works, but really doesn't". After all, that's what this whole business is really for, right? Trying to sell something by telling the consumer that they would be absolutely ugly if they don't buy it? I admit, I fall prey to that almost every time, but please take my word for it. This product really works.

I've tried just 2 primers, and I can honestly and objectively say which one really works. I tried Laura Mercier Foundation Primer. The only thing that really happened was it was a really offensive smell and I just felt like I had an extra layer of makeup on. Then I read in "Allure" about "Smasbox Photo Finish Primer". This primer has won countless awards from Editors and Readers of Allure Magazine.
** On a side note, I have mentioned Allure Mag so much on my blog, I really do hope you have a subscription by now**.

So my "Official" review of this Primer? It's amazing. It really is this extra layer of "protection" for makeup. Let's face it, I'll totally admit it. I'm a 30 something (ugh) and as my mom "Marge Simpson" says it, I'm really not getting any younger. I admit, I have fine lines under my eyes. Fine...VERY FINE. I use this OVER my moisturizer. One pump and I quickly swipe it over my whole face, and nothing, NOTHING sinks into those tiny fine lines I have. It's great.
One of my good friends, Mom to 2, says she doesn't have time for primer, but it really is 2 seconds out of her morning routine to just DO IT!!!

In conclusion, just buy it. It really is worth every penny. Really. For only $36, buy it here.

Am I crazy to say I am totally OVER summer already? I'm ready to break out the cashmere and feel all warm and cozy, instead of overheated and sweaty.......

I remain yours,

The CCW

P.S. I wish a big congrats to my friend Jen, who is expecting her 2nd baby. I think it's a girl. So to Jen, I say, "I can't wait to meet lil' Darcy" LOVE YOU!!!!

Long Time, No Post

I know.
I know.
It's been ages. I feel like a loser not posting ANYTHING since I got back from the beach. Truth? I'm still sort of in "Vacation" mode. Yes, I came back from vacation in the middle of July but you can't expect a girl just to jump back into life that quickly?
I took off from the gym when I went on vacation and I rarely go anymore. The Mooch goes in the mornings without me now.

I do hope you will all forgive me.....To my 2 faithful readers, I apologize.

But, no more excuses, I'm back to posting. I really do have loads to talk about but I'll start off slow

I've been hearing such wonderful things about Natural Boar Bristle hair brushes. How they're better for your hair than plastic, they make it shiny, blah blah blah. In reality, because I have such thick coarse hair, those bristles run over my hair, they don't actually make it through.
All the celebrities rave about the "Mason Pearson Hairbrush"line saying it's the best and only brush they will ever use. While they are probably right, sometimes I think that celebrities have just way too much money. I for one, cannot spend $126 on a FRIGGIN HAIRBRUSH!!!!!! So CCW needed to find some less expensive alternatives.

While I was Target, I noticed the Sonia Kashuk Bristle Hair Brush. I don't actually think it's Boar Bristles, but it was totally worth a try at only $14.99. Do we see the major price difference here?
My official review? This brush is pretty good. It actually goes through my hair and maybe I'm just imagining but my hair has been extra shiny since I've started using it. It's a pretty good brush that will not break the bank. Buy it here.

So my dears, I know I have said it before, but I will try to post on a regular basis. I'm starting to sink into reality that I cannot spend my life on the beach sipping Mojito's all day! Fall is right around the corner!

I remain yours,
The CCW

Beach Bum

I'm getting so excited for my beach vacation next week and getting my toes ready.
I love love love Essie Nail polish, I feel like they always have the cutest colors.

For some reason, I'm all about Reds and Bright Pinks and Oranges this season. Just recently I found the color "Clambake", can you get any more summer than that color?

It's a coral color, sometimes it looks red, at other times, orange. I love it!

Anyway, judge for yourself, I'm sorry I didn't have my regular camera, it's at the In-laws, I had to take this picture with my Iphone!

Buy it here for $4.95

I remain yours,
The CCW

Ole' Reliable

I've tried many many different types of makeup remover especially for the eyes because of the stubborn waterproof eye makeup.
The trouble is, I'm always finding water-based liquid ones.
For some reason about 5 years ago, I discovered cold cream. Yes, I know what you're thinking, it's so ancient, but it's been around for ages. So the fact that it stood it's test of time was reason enough for me to try it.

When I think of cold cream, I think of looking like Flo on that tv show Alice. All the white stuff caked onto her face, not pretty.

Obviously that's not how I use it.
I take a cotton ball, dip it into the cold cream and gently rub on my eye. I let it sit there for 5-10 seconds before I swipe it away. No tugging, no rubbing, I swear. And your eyes will thank you for it. I've only just started to see the fine lines under my eyes, I certainly don't want to speed up that process.

The directions say to smooth over your whole face, but to be honest, it's a bit oily, I skip the face part and just work with my eyes.

If you're interested, you can buy it here for only $8.29

Hope you try it, it really is a great product!

I remain yours,
The CCW

Soap & Glory

I know, you're thinking, CCW came up with ANOTHER witty title for her blog.
Alas, no, I'm not as clever as you think.

Soap & Glory is actually the name of a new skincare/cosmetics line that I love!
It was founded by Marcia Kilgore who founded Bliss Spa, and recently they released a bath and body line at Target.
I love Target because I never feel like I'm buying "drugstore" skincare. In fact, they carry the Boots line which I love.

Aside from the really cute packaging, the products have really witty names, obviously from the brand title, I'm sure you figured it out.

On a recent outing to Target, I decided to try their face scrub "Scrub Your Nose In It". It's a gentle scrub that is supposed to target oiliness, large pores and prevent blemishes.
What more can I say? I love this product, it's great for everyday use, and there's a bonus. The scrub has clay in it so if you leave it on for an extra 3-5 minutes before washing it off, it's a mask! How genius! I wish I thought of it.

I'm very anxious to try out the rest of the line, the scrub did not disappoint. At $12.99, it's worth a try for sure. And if you're allergic or don't like the product, you can return to Target stores.

I say give it a try, what do you have to lose except large pores and blemishes??

I remain yours,
The CCW

Pssst...............

No silly I'm not telling you I have a secret, it's the fabu new product I found.

I've read some recent write-ups, probably in either In Style or Allure, but regardless of where I read it, it's cheap and sold in drugstores.

The product is called "PSSSST" and it's basically Instant Spray Shampoo for when you are on the go and cannot wash your hair.

At only $5.99 I figured it was worth a shot. The can looks like it fell out of an episode of the Brady Bunch.

Here are the directions, straight from the can:

Shake can well. Hold can 6" to 8" from hair. Lift sections of hair and lightly spray scalp and roots of each section. Fluff. Wait a few minutes, then brush hair well. Style hair as desired.

Don't you love that it says "Fluff". Who fluffs their hair? HA.

It says it is unscented but remember one of my old posts that said there is a difference between Unscented and Fragrance Free.

I sprayed some on my hand and it's basically liquid powder. I know, it's an oxymoron but there is no other way to describe it.

I think this product is great to keep by your desk at work if you have a dinner date to run to and you are looking a tad less than gorgeous. It does suck up the oil and "refresh" the hair a bit.
It does have a tendency to color your hair a bit of a white color (it's the liquid powder) so use carefully.
And don't forget to shake, it's important to shake well!

I hope everyone enjoys their 4th of July weekend! Hopefully the Mooch and I will get to see some kick ass fireworks!

I remain yours,
The CCW

Lil' Pear!

Totally going off subject on the whole "Cosmetics" front.

I wanted to give a shout out to my girl "momto2" and her two adorable twin girls "Lil' Pear"

She inspired me to start the blog as she is always coming to me for advice on the best lip-gloss, moisturizer, anything skincare/cosmetics related, I am her adviser.

I have to admit I'm a little biased, but I must say that these girls are the most adorable 19 month old twins I have ever met! And smart too! And another thing? They adore Mooch to no end. When we go over to play which is about once a week, I am non-existent when the Mooch is around.
We love when Momto2 posts recent pictures/videos, you name it. Anything that has to do with Lil' Pear, we're on board.

That being said, I put on a side bar on my blog the link to the page titled "Lil' Pear" but I wanted you to really check it out, so I'm posting about it!

Be careful when you see them, you'll fall in love!

I remain yours,
The CCW

Eyescream, Youscream

I hate my eye cream. LOL
That was a little contribution from Mooch!
As witty as that sounds, it's totally true.

I've been on a hunt for a new eye cream because let's face it, I'm not getting any younger.
I usually use Bobbi Brown but needed to try something new.

I went on to Sephora to search and came up to Cosemedicine "Optimologist". Supposedly it has light diffusers that de-puff your eyes in a few hours and over time, lighten the circles. Why CCW, why won't you learn that you cannot believe everything you read??? Still, I fell for it. No samples offered, so I dropped $45 on this puppy.

Well. It stinks. Even though I've been hearing great things about this brand, it stinks. First off, it's not a "cream" consistency, it's more of a pomade. Now think about it, you know how thick pomade is when you put it in your hair, imagine that type of consistency under your eyes. I really wanted to "rub" it under my eye area, but I'm a good girl, I know to pat lightly. It doesn't work.
It also doesn't moisturize under my eye area, in fact, I felt like the concealer didn't look right after I put on the eye cream.

So, now I'm out $45 and an eye cream. Money. Wasted. But, it's all for the sake of the blog!
Bottom line, don't waste your money on this stuff, totally not worth it.

I remain yours,
The CCW

A little off subject...

Not just a little, a lot off subject.
I need to mention this because as of last it has been the main thing consuming my life.

On early Wednesday morning, my cousin was involved in a car accident that unfortunately killed her best friend and left her with various injuries.

My cousin physically will be okay in time, but I do not say the same emotionally.

She is one of the most selfless human beings you could ever meet. She was an accomplished athlete and student, but most of all, she loved life. She loved her family, she loved her friends.
No one, I mean no one, deserves this sort of pain. The moment I found out what happened my heart immediately broke for her and it has been broken since.

After seeing her this morning at her friend's funeral my heart ached even more. My poor uncle and aunt have been a wreck just worrying for her emotional state. My aunt turned to my sister this morning and said "It could have been her". Upon hearing those words, I broke down completely. She's right. It could have been.
And how fortunate and lucky are we that she is still with us today. I can't begin to tell you how lucky my family is.

I was able to say three words to her today and they were "I love you".
But if she was here in front of me, this is what I would say
"It was an accident, no one is to blame. It is the reason why they call it an accident"

I don't mean to change the whole tune of this blog, but I want you all to realize what I realized on Wednesday.
Life is too precious to get aggravated over the little things. Appreciate your family, your friends, because in an instant, it could all be gone. Don't worry about being overcharged for the shirt you thought was on sale. You have your health, be happy.

Megs, I love you so much, I am praying for you and please know if you need anything, I am always here for you!

Argh..........

Hello gorgeous,

It's been a while. I haven't really had anything to post about until now. It's been nagging at me for the past few days and I debated whether or not I should even write about it, but then I figured, Heck it's my blog, of course I SHOULD write about it.
So basically, as you can tell from my title, I'm annoyed, and I'm going to b*tch about it.

A month ago, I went onto the ELF Cosmetics website to get my tried and true "Tone Correcting Concealer". This time I was going to stock up. I wasn't just going to order 1, I knew I liked it, I was going to get 5 this time. It should hold me over for a while.
So, I go online, order the 5 and when it comes time for checkout, I notice the shipping.......$6.95. Wait....what???? $7 to ship my $5 product? Hmmm, that doesn't make sense. A little miffed I decided to "beat the system". Well, when I say that, I don't really mean pull the wool over their eyes. What I mean is, I will just buy more things so it will cancel out the $7 shipping charges. I decide to order 5 "Shine Eraser" blotting sheets. I needed them. I don't like to use pressed powder because I feel like it just cakes on.
So now I have $10 worth of products so I can pay the extra $6.95, YAY! Ordered.
10 days goes by and I don't even receive 1 email that my product has shipped.
I send an email. The next day I received a response stating that orders can take 14-19 days to process. 2-3 weeks? No way.
I was patient because I had ordered from them before and I received the package within 5 days. So I waited. On June 9th I received ANOTHER email from them saying they're sorry for the delays, thanks for being patient, yadda, yadda, yadda. Ok, at least they acknowledged that they dropped the ball on this one. Still, I wait.
On June 10th I finally get the email I've been waiting for....."Your order has shipped" FINALLY. I mean seriously, I completely ran out of the concealer and I was in desperate need.
June 12th, the package arrives. I run into my apartment and tear open the package. Out comes the blotting papers........and that's it. No concealer. I look at my invoice. They're on there, so why aren't they in my package.
Now severely annoyed, I write yet another email but I try to remain calm. I play dumb "Are they coming in another shipment" I ask? I wait for a response.
June 13th, no email.
So I call. I get Patty on the phone. I explain to her what happened and this is how the conversation went:
P: So, I'll send a request to refund your $5
CCW: Well why don't you just send me the products I didn't receive?
P: I'll try, but sometimes they don't do that, they'll just refund
C: So, basically you're telling me that if you refund my $5, I have to go online, RE-ORDER, and pay another $7 in shipping?
P: Yes
C: Well, you should refund me the $7, since I already PAID for the product and didn't get it
P: I understand
C: No, I don't think you do. You're "double-charging" me for 1 order that I placed.
P: Again, I'll put through the request to have the extra product shipped.
C: Your name again?
P: Patty
C: "Click"

Now, I try to have the utmost patience for people who are in the customer service field, because I know what it's like to be on the other line with frustrated client. I work with them all the time.
What annoys me most about Patty is she never even said "Sorry". It was all cut and dry for her, and while I don't expect her to cry for me that I didn't get my product, I did expect a little bit of sympathy. Surely she had been in that sort of position before right?
I debated whether or not I should call again and ask for a manager and complain about Patty, but in the end, I decided to leave it. But it's not stopping me from writing about it.

This Monday, I received an email from ELF saying they were sorry about the mix up and my concealers would be shipped. I got them yesterday. Exactly one month from ordering.

Was it worth it? Well, I do love the concealer very much so I most likely will be back to order again. And as I said before, I had a good experience previously with this company.
I just hope someone from E.L.F Cosmetics sees this and talks to Patty.

My review on the Shine Erasers? They stink. I feel like I use 4 of them before my face felt free of oil, and my face is NOT that oily.

If you do order from E.L.F, make sure you give yourself extra time for processing and shipping! You've been warned.

I remain yours,
The CCW

Don't judge a book by it's cover....

Or should I say, don't judge an egg by it's shell.

Suh-weet Jaysus I found it!!!!!

The one product that will make me look gorgeous ALL summer!!! The greatest part? It only costs $10. It's the Ped-Egg foot file.

I admit, when I first saw the commercial for it, I laughed out loud. Seriously, who's feet are so calloused they rip pantyhose? I always laugh at the over-exaggerated actors on commercials to sell a product.

The Ped-Egg gets the name from the unique "egg" shape, that fits easily into your hand, and they have these files that wipe away rough feet and callouses in minutes. So, I bought it. I wasn't dropping $115 on this (see "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend"), it was $10, that's a sandwich and a bag of chips in NYC.

The files look like a cheese grater, but don't be scared, they are safe to the touch, and they have a compartment that holds the skin shavings. I know, it sounds gross, and when I opened the ped egg compartment to throw out the shavings the Mooch actually said "Oh, wow, that's just not right", however there is no mess, just wonderful looking feet!

I won't name names, but I tried it out on someone who has heavy callouses on their feet, and VOILA! Gone within 5 minutes.

I don't know if I will ever get Bliss products sent to me after saying this but, The Ped-Egg blows the Diamancel files out of the water, (Sorry Bliss)

I think everyone should who wants smooth feet should buy this product. I bought it at CVS, but you can buy it here.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

I remain yours,

The CCW

Falsies

Ok Ok! So CCW received yet another delivery from the Makeup Fairy. We call this fairy Sephora. I had a $40 credit, plus some extra holiday (Yes, the Christmas Holiday) money floating around so I thought I would burn through it as a CCW should.

I got more than a few things, but the one thing I was anxious to try was "Imju Fiberwig"(pronounced ee-myoo) Supposedly, they are paint on false eyelashes. Since I am too scared to try out false eyelashes and be seen in public, I thought this would be a great start.
Apparently, it's all the rage in Japan, and has finally made it's way over to the States. Basically it's a kind of mascara that contains fibers that attach on to your natural lashes and make them longer.
Upon opening the package yesterday it was the first thing I grabbed. Holy Moly, my eyelashes look a mile long. As most of you know, I have been obsessed with perfecting eye makeup and trying to find the right mascara is included in that obsession.

First things first, they only sell black, but that's okay because usually when you're going for the "dramatic" eyelash look, you want the blackest of black mascara.
I can actually see the fibers on the mascara brush. No lying. I really feel like applying this makes my lashes longer.
Feel free to read all about Imju Fiberwig Here
At only $22, it might be worth a shot, buy it here.
Would I recommend it? You bet your bottom dollar I would, but only for the girl who wants dramatic lashes. This isn't a "Running Errands" kind of mascara. It's a "I'm going to get him to notice me" kind of mascara.
In fact, the Mooch said that I looked different, my eye makeup looked different. I definitely know this works now!

I remain yours,
The CCW

Here Comes the Sun

Do do do do.............
Usually in the summer, I like to keep everything in my life light. The humidity down in the New York City Subway system will do that to you. Makeup is the first thing I like to keep light, in every sense. Heavy creams from the winter are stored away, and I switch to lighter lotions in a pump. I don't wear nearly as much makeup during the day as I would in the winter. I want to let my skin breathe.
I've never really been a huge fan of Tinted Moisturizer because, although it's light and has some tint in it, it's not "my" moisturizer and I get very attached to my moisturizer. I opt for the liquid foundation blended in with the moisturizer in the morning. I use 1 part liquid foundation, 2 parts moisturizer. It gives my skin that extra boost of color, the extra boost of life I so desperately need in the morning.
I do put concealer where needed, (Elf Tone Correcting Concealer) around the nose, on top of any ginormous zits, etc.
Usually I brush on a bit of bronzer, under the cheekbone, and the blush tapped ever so lightly on the apples of my cheeks(Nars Blush/Bronzer Duo), then I go over the blush with some powder so it mulls out the color a bit. It's okay in the winter for your cheeks to pop, like you've been standing outside waiting for the bus, but there is no reason for that in the summer. You want to look like you are glowing from within.
I take a big eyeshadow brush and apply Nars Duo Eyeshadow in All About Eve, very natural looking.
I line my eyes with Clinique Quickliner for eyes in Grape, curl my lashes, and apply 2 coats of Clinique Lash Power Mascara.
Finally, before I give Mooch a big fat smooch and run out the door, I swipe Nars LipGloss in Turkish Delight on my smacker. This color is so baby pink, it goes on almost white, but once it settles it's the most natural color you could ever imagine.

On a side note, I must note that Nars Cosmetics has become one of my most FAVORITE makeup brands out there. I used to be a big Bobbi Brown fan, and while no foundation will match like Bobbi Brown, Nars is quickly becoming the staple in my Makeup Bag. I can't tell you how many lip glosses, lip sticks, blushes, bronzers and eyeshadows don the Nars label. I absolutely love it [To the Nars Associate who sees this, please feel free to send me some samples so I can test, I'll be more than happy to report on the blog, and I'm sure I'll love anything you send]

It's also essential to make sure you keep blotting your face in this humid weather. Don't bother putting pressed powder on your face, it just cakes on, use blotting paper or a tissue, and blot, don't rub or swipe!

See the pic above? I took it especially for the blog

I remain yours,
The CCW

A peek inside

This evening on the subway, I sat next to a woman who decided to give herself a makeover from 42nd Street to 59th street. I'm always compelled to take a quick peek inside people's makeup bags just to see what they're carrying. It's like I can tell a lot about personalities just by seeing what they carry around. And I'm equally as fascinated watching people put makeup on. What's their regime to help them get beautiful, that sort of thing. Believe it or not, I'm not the kind of gal who's going to whip out her makeup bag and start to do her makeup during her morning commute, however I thought it would be fun to tell you what I carry around on a day to day basis. I used to have the mentality that more is better when it comes to the amount of makeup you tote around. Not true.
One of my best girlfriends one year bought me this great makeup bag from the GAP. Big and roomy, it eventually got very dangerous. I was able to fit anything and everything into this bag short of my refrigerator. I kid.
I think you should know that you don't have to carry around your Kaboodles (yes, I still have one) to keep your makeup in.
So here's a list of what I bring with me on a daily basis, and why. **note, the picture above is the actual makeup bag I carry**.

• NARS Dual Blush/Bronzer in Orgasm/Laguna. This couldn't be any more perfect than you think. Blush/Bronzer and in the most absolute perfect shades for any girl. I have the perfect "sun-kissed" look as well as looking like, well, you know. The name speaks for itself. Buy it here for only $37, I promise you, it's worth it.
• Clinique Quickliner for Eyes in Grape. Just great for a touch-up, (see previous post).
• Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Onyx. Perfect for Day to Night makeup, I just put a swipe on my inner eyelids, and line the tops of my eyes and smudge, and I'm totally date-worthy. Buy it here for only $6.79, I promise you, it will become a staple.
• Maybelline Ultra Brow Brush on color in Dark Brown. I think it is so important to accentuate your eyebrows, it really brightens up your whole face. Buy it here for $5.79, and don't forget to go one shade lighter than your hair color (except for blondes)
• MAC Cosmetics 266E small angle brush. This works in conjunction with the Ultra Brow color. Although Maybelline has a brush, I feel I can get more precise with this one. Buy it here for $19.
• MAC Cosmetics 129 SH Powder/Blush Brush. I love love love MAC's brushes. They just grab onto the color perfectly and don't leave much behind. Buy it here, for $34.
• ELF Cosmetics Tone Correcting Concealer in Light. Ok for real, the ONLY concealer that actually does even out my skin tone. And on top of that, I'm going to make your day so much happier.....it's $1............yes ONE DOLLAR! Unbelievable. I like to stock up on 4 or 5 because the tube is small and I go through it quickly. Buy it here for only $1.
• Avon Wrapped In Cashmere Eyeshadow Pencil in Camel. I work with a guy who's wife sells Avon, so sometimes, well every time, I feel totally obligated to buy stuff. You can really find some good stuff in that catalog sometimes. This is perfect because if I need a bit of Nude color eyeshadow at night, I'll just give my eyes one swipe and I'm ready to go. Buy it on sale for only $2.99.
• Clinique Lash Power Mascara in Black Onyx. ( See CCW's first post)
• Shiseido Eye Lash Curler. EVERY girl should have one. It really opens up your eyes and makes you look "awake". Did you know, that I own two? One for the bag and one for the nightstand? Why? Ok, I'm crazy, totally crazy, but just in case my makeup bag gets lost or stolen, I'll always have one on hand. Once you use it, you'll understand the cult obsession. Buy it here for $17.50.
• Clinique Almost Makeup in Babyskin (see "Summer Boot Camp")
  

So that's it! 11 items. I'm not kidding. Nothing crazy, no refrigerator.
I have to say, these are absolute Staples to me, things I know I cannot live without.
But I'm curious, what do you have in your makeup bag?

Stay cool, it's starting to get hot!

I remain yours,
The CCW

Faking It

Well? Have you ever, ya know, faked it?

Faked what you ask? Your tan, you weren't thinking........hey, this isn't that kind of blog.
Yes, that's what this post is about, self-tanning.

I must tell you, I have never really been a huge fan of self-tanning. You either look like and Oompa Loompa or you have streaks running up and down your arms. Not a pretty sight.
For the past few years I've been an advocate of SPF at all times. I work in NYC, during the work week, I am rarely outside trying to catch some rays. I'm usually out for a total of 30 minutes, and that includes the commute time. This means, no more laying out on the beach for me, this year I decided to "fake bake", but I wanted to do it right.

First, I was not going to buy a self tanner for the body because I always manage to fudge it up, and in my opinion, it takes forever to dry, I don't care if the label says "Quick Dry", I'm not buying it. I wanted gradual, healthy color and I didn't want to hear "Did you go away, you got so tan" from ANYONE. I read some reviews on "Jergens Natural Glow" and it got great reviews, so I decided to buy it.

Secondly, for my face, I wanted something that would instantly absorb into my skin and again, not make me look like George Hamilton. I also read some positive reviews about Clarins products and settled on "Liquid Bronze"

The Jergens really did make my body a nice "healthy" color, not too orange, I bought their new "express" formula that shows within 3 days. They weren't kidding. So that's the up-side, the downside? It smells too "self-tanner", and it doesn't moisturize as well as I thought it would. I'm actually combining this lotion with my regular body moisturizer because there is nothing worse than ashy skin.

The Clarins is amazing. First off, it's a lotion, you apply it to your face with a cotton ball so I don't get any of the tanner on my fingers. It's very very light, and it smells really really good! No funky "self-tanner" smell. A woman at work today said "Oh wow, your face is glowing, what did you do"
I faked it. That's what I did. The saleslady at Clarins also gave me a few samples of their tried and true "Self Tanning Instant Gel", so I thought I would try it out. This absorbs right away and doesn't feel like anything against my skin. No smell either. Great product! And the key?? I look healthy, not like I spent a weekend in South Beach which was my goal to begin with.
At the end of the day, I do recommend all 3 products, they are all really great!
If you don't want quick color on your body, I recommend the regular "Jergens Natural Glow". Buy it here. (p.s. Did you notice it won a "Best of Allure" award?)

Although I loved the Clarins Lotion, I have to say the gel is so much better! It was odorless and really sank into my skin right away, although both did dry very quickly.
Buy the lotion and the gel here.

I remain yours,
The CCW

Summer Boot Camp-Revised

Update ladies, click here:

Revision

Rescue Your Nails

Hi beauties! I hope everyone enjoyed the long Memorial Day Weekend. It was gorgeous out, wasn't it?
So I am totally excited to talk about this new book I just bought the other day. The title is called "Rescue Your Nails" and it was written by Ji Baek from Rescue Beauty Lounge.
I've been waiting a couple of months for this book to come out, hoping Ms. Baek will be able to guide me to perfect looking nails (see post in March)
Well, she knows her stuff. After all, she founded Rescue Beauty Lounge in NYC, I would hope I'm getting what I paid for!
Without giving too much away, I learned to give myself the perfect manicure and pedicure at home so I'll be saving MUCHO DINERO!
I really think it's worth buying the book, For only $12.95 you can buy it here.
Here's a sample of what I learned:

• Don't ever "shake" the bottle of nail polish, you should roll it in between your hands so the nail polish doesn't "bubble"

• Oil on the nail can cause your nail polish to peel, so before you put on your base coat, you should always swipe it down with nail polish remover.

So that's it ladies! I'm curious to see if anyone has the book or planning to buy it! Tell me your thoughts!

I remain yours,
The CCW

Wave Goodbye!

I think in the past few months I have given very few negative reviews when it comes to the products that I try out. I try to give new products a fair shot, but I just can't help myself.
As many of you see, I am dying for the Clarisonic Face Brush. The fact that it's $195 means I am not getting it unless Santa brings it.

I decided to go on the cheap. I read about a new "Power Cleaner" by Neutrogena. Now, most of my friends already know that there are some products by Neutrogena that I cannot use as my face will break out in hives. CCW has very sensitive skin so I must be careful about what I use to clean or moisturize my face with. But I thought I would give it a try. It was $10, a far cry from $195.

This new Deep Cleanser is waterproof so I can use it in the shower. They also come with 14 disposable cleansing pads.
Two days ago, I decided to give it a try. What I failed to realize that the cleansing pads have cleanser already in them. Oh well, I was going to use my Shieseido but I'll give it a shot.
Turn on the Wave and start massaging over my face.
BURNING, BURNING, BURNING. NOT Tingling, BURNING, I thought my face was on fire. Now a nice lady at the Prescriptives counter once said, if product burns, you are allergic and remove immediately. So, I removed and RE-WASHED my face with my Ole' Reliable.

Because I was able to realize quickly that I was allergic I didn't get hives all over my face. I just got them on my forehead.

And to top it off, it didn't really "deep clean" my face as it claims. The cleansing pads felt like cotton, I would have been better off lightly scrubbing with a washcloth. Which is what I will do, because after the fiasco that has ensued, the Wave went straight into the garbage can.

In the end, would I recommend this product? Obviously you know my answer will be NO WAY IN HELL.

Oh well, tomorrow is another day.

I remain yours,

The CCW

Starlight, Starbright

First star I see tonight.......you know the rest.
Wanna know what the CCW is lusting after this spring?
It's only the most rawsome face brush on the planet. It's the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush and it should be in my bathroom right now waiting for me to use it.
Only it's $195, not to be confused with "It's Only $195". I mean, OMG it's $200 for a face brush.
Now I know I've made some extreme purchases before (see post in April "Diamonds Are A Girls' Best Friend")
but, this is supposedly the most innovative face brush.
But, all I can do is wish upon that first star because I am never getting it. I don't even have a big occasion coming up for me to even ask for it. I'm stuck.
UNLESS......Clarisonic gives one to me to review for sake of my blog. Yeah, whatever, I think 3 people in total read my blog and that includes the Mooch.
But if the nice people at Clarisonic see this post, it would be awful nice if they "donated" one to me. After all, I would be putting it to good use.

If anyone has it, talk to me, tell me how it is, and maybe, just maybe, this Christmas, if I'm good, Santa will reward me.

I remain yours,
The CCW

Summer Boot Camp-Revised

Without completely starting a new post, I wanted to "EDIT" this previous post about workout makeup. I know I said I love the Clinique and I really really do. I did find a "drugstore" brand alternative for those of you who don't have a Clinique by you.
It's by Revlon and it's called "ColorStay Active Light Makeup". It claims to be completely sweat-proof and last 16 hours to boot. Last week, I tested it out on the treadmill, I have now hit a a 10 minute mile so figure how much I'm sweating already. The upside- This stuff really is sweat-proof. One wipe of my face towel and NOTHING came off. Nothing I tell you. Totally worth every penny. The down-side? I need 2 different colors to match my skin tone. So at the end of the day, the Clinique is cheaper for me.
If you sweat a lot, the Revlon is for you!


Oh my beauties,

It's been so long and I really do apologize, there is really no excuse for my lack of posts.
Well, I do have one excuse. Lately, the Mooch and I have been Gymmin' it pretty hard core so that we can look decent in bathing suits this summer so that has been taking up so much of my time. I think I just made up that word "gymmin". Sounds catchy huh?
Ok back to my post.......speaking of working out, when the Mooch and I joined the gym I literally could care less about how I looked. Until one day I looked at myself in the mirror after my workout and I nearly scared myself.
What I saw looking back was not me. This girl looking back at me looked tired and pale. Now I'm not one of those girls who walk on the treadmill while sipping a Starbucks Frappuccino (TRUE STORY, there is a girl at my gym that does this), I'm the girl that is running her ass off sweating like a pig. But that tired and beaten girl was about to change.
I realized while, I don't have to put on the false eyelashes and lip gloss I can try to look presentable at the gym.
My normal foundation was not working as most of it was wiped off the towel at the end of my workout, so I did a little searching.
I read up that Clinique has a foundation that is water-resistant so I thought I would give it a try.
What it is called is "Work-Out Makeup All Day Wear". Wow, Foundation with the word "work-out" in it, it's for me.
First off, it feels very light, like I have nothing on at all, which is good because with summer around the corner, I need something that feels like nothing. That didn't really make sense, but whatever.
Today was officially my first day using this while running. Obviously I didn't think it was going to stay on my face throughout my run, but there was noticeably MUCH LESS makeup on the towel today than other days.
I think Clinique has turned me on to something new and great!
If you're interested, you can buy it here, only $20.50
If you do buy it and try it, I'll be curious to see how it works for you!

That's all for now, I'll try to post on a daily

I remain yours,
CCW

Spring Cleaning

I know ladies, it has been quite a while since I have posted. But I had recently bought some new products and wanted enough time to review before I write it in stone.
I've actually have been using this cleanser for a while but am only writing about it now.
For spring/summer since your skin changes so much, I've been using "lighter" moisturizers. I absolutely adore Shiseido products. Particularly their "Skincare" line. I recently received a free sample upon purchasing their day moisturizer and I have been hooked ever since.
Since I have such sensitive skin this works perfectly. The Skincare Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam has worked wonders for my face. First off, this actually makes your skin feel clean. I feel like every trace of makeup, dirt and oil is taken off with this cleanser. Secondly, it is so so gentle, I can't believe I only JUST discovered it.
Big tip: A little goes a long way. You don't need to squeeze a lot out of this tube. This cleanser packs a punch!
At $28 it's not cheap, but I can honestly say I bought one tube in December and I am only just replenishing so it is totally worth it

I remain yours,
The CCW

Some Kind of Wonderful

Girls!
Spring is in the Air and Summer is right around the corner.
For those winter skin blues, I highly recommend "Benefit Wonder-Mitt"
I used to use exfoliating scrubs in the shower, but that was before I discovered The Wonder-Mitt. This mitt is only $14 and can be used with your $3 bodywash.
One side is terrycloth to clean your body, the other side is an exfoliator.
This mitt was designed to stimulate circulation in your body, but all I know is it makes my skin baby soft!
I recommend using at least 3 times a week so that your skin absolutely glows!!!
At $14, I think it's worth the risk.
I love love love Benefit products. Everything I've tried I've loved, so I recommend it. Highly.

I remain yours,
The CCW

Fools Gold

Ok, so my girlfriend Angela has been asking me to post the "negatives", the stuff I don't like. I told her "In due time my dear, but, so far, I've liked everything".
Well........I've been duped ladies. I read online the other day about "John Frieda" products. Now, I wasn't a "huge" fan of the Brilliant Brunette products that he put out, but I was reading online about his "Luminous Color Glaze". I have a client, who is the model for this line and she raved about it. I thought I would give it a try.
I read the bottle carefully before I even bought it. You are supposed to shampoo and condition as normal and use this after. This is the line that totally confused me "Wash hands thoroughly". WHAT? But I'm in the shower, "What"?????? So tonight as I showered, I FINALLY understood what the directions meant.
First of all, the product is dark brown. Fine, ok, dark brown. The instructions say to just put enough to cover from root to end. After I put the product in, I got it. Wash Hands Thoroughly. OMG, This Effin product dyed my hands brown. I actually had to scrub. And when I say scrub, I mean, I had to take my loofah and SCRUB the crap out of my hands to get the brown off.
After I got out of the shower, I noticed my scalp............there were red/brownish "spots" along the hairline. I had to use toner to remove them.
In conclusion, is my hair as luminous as I thought it would be?? HECK NO! It doesn't look any different!!!!! I expected to look like a movie star... Instead, I came out looking just like me :(
Not cool John Frieda, Not Cool!!!!!!!

Please please please, do not waste the $10 on this product! You're better off buying Frederic Fekkai's "glossing cream"

I remain yours,
The CCW

Technical Difficulties

Sorry my beauties!!!!
I had some difficulties, but I'm back on track. I'm sorting through my delivery from Sephora and will report back on some new products shortly.

I remain yours,
CCW

Beauty Insider

Okay my gorgeous ladies (and gents)

I think I need to give you a little "insider" tip on what's going on in the beauty world. If you ask Mooch and any of my girlfriends my one store I would max out my credit card to, the answer is simply one word..... "Sephora". I won't lie. I would literally spend my whole paycheck in that store. It is a complete beauty mecca catering to makeup and skincare junkies like myself.
About a year ago, I was online and saw something about becoming a "Beauty Insider" , so I joined.

Girls, the great thing is it is completely free, no obligations...... nothing. And wait until I tell you the perks, yowza! Once your "Beauty Bank" reaches 100 points ($100) you will receive a Deluxe free sample. That doesn't count the 3 free samples you receive just from buying online. Totally worth it. The first time I hit 100 points, I got a sample of Benefit's "Benetint". I also received a sample of Smashbox's "Afterglow" lipgloss. PLUS, for my birthday I got a trial size of Bliss' "Body Butter", my ultimate, most favorite body moisturizer.
They also have once in a lifetime sales just for beauty insiders. Sephora just offered me Clinique's whole line of "Black Honey" for $20. It was worth $75. That's just the first thing they offered me. They just sent me an email to buy the wonderful French Line "Caudalie" for only $56, and it's worth $87

So my point is, sign up, it's totally free and you can really benefit from joining. Each time you go to the counter, if you don't have your insider card, give your email address you used when you signed up. Trust me, it's worth the 2 extra minutes.


I remain yours,
CCW

Got Any Grrrrapes!

It's been difficult for me to find an eyeliner that looks natural. Black is way too dramatic, and brown, well, even brown can look too "done up".
I needed something for ever day where people looked at me and think "Wow, she doesn't have any makeup on and she looks FABULOUS" Ok, well, no one would really be thinking that, but hey, a girl can dream.
I have come to find that the plum colors looks more natural on me than brown.
So on a recent outing to Lord & Taylor I stopped by Clinique and looked at eyeliners. I'm partial to eyeliners that you do not have to sharpen because convenience is key to me. I don't want to waste time sharpening an eyeliner, I want it ready when I need it. The saleslady showed me
Quickliner for Eyes
First she brought out Violet, too dark, WAY TOO DARK.
Then she brought out Grape! PERFECT! PERFECT! It looks totally natural on me. It's a great pencil because it is a twist up pencil PLUS it has a smudger on the other end.
I am a huge fan of this color, it's just grape enough so I don't look overdone when I'm running into my 9 AM meeting!

They have several different shades, so pick out the right one for you!

I remain yours,

CCW

Take 2 and Call me in the Morning......

Okay ladies!
Ever feel like your skin is just blotchy and dull? I have a great homeopathic recipe for you.
Take 7-8 aspirin (not 2 like the title states), mix with warm water, enough to make a paste. Once the aspirin dissolves, spread over your face. Yes, I said your face. Wait until it dries, and wash off with cool water. VOILA! Gorgeous glowing skin!
The best part about this is it's extremely cheap. Drugstore.com has it for $10.99
No point in spending hundreds of dollars on those fancy serums or masks. This one can be done up to twice a week!
Another trick to do instead of leaving it on until it dries, use it as an exfoliator, works wonders as well!
Try it out and let me know what you think!

I remain yours,
The Certified Cosmetics Whore (CCW)

Super Mario!

I consider myself pretty lucky when it comes to the acne department. Occasionally at that time of the month, I will get a few here and there.
I've tried alot of homeopathic treatments but nothing really worked. I tried the 'ole "toothpaste overnight thing". Nothing. I tried Retin-A but all it did was dry out my face along with the zit, then I looked worse.
A few years back I think I was reading my Lucky Magazine and Anne Hathaway swore by
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. I think she had said they dried up overnight and were gone by morning.
Heck, it was worth a shot, right?
The other day, a tiny pimple popped up on my chin overnight. Nothing to worry about. Tiny, noone will see. During the day, it had showed it's true self and by the end of the day, it was Mt. Everest. "OMFG", I cried as I looked at myself in the gym........it was time for the big guns. I was breaking out Super Mario.

Now, I think we should all know that nothing ever makes a pimple disappear just like that. It did not make my pimple go away overnight at all. I've been using it for 2 days now and my pimple is dried out but here's the real beaut......it doesn't dry out my skin at all! This is why I love this stuff. I wouldn't rave about it normally, because I'll admit, I believed Anne Hathaway when she said they dry up overnight. Silly me.
Definitely use this stuff at night, as the color is bubble gum pink! I accidentally forgot I had put it on and went to walk my dog early the next morning, and didn't realize why my neighbor was looking at me with her head tilted and her brow furrowed, until I came back in and looked at myself in the mirror. OOPS!
It's $17 if you do decide to take the plunge. Try it out, let me know what you think.

I remain yours,
The Certified Cosmetics Whore

Feeling H-I-P

I've been hearing really great things about the new line of Loreal eyeshadows.
The line is called H-I-P (High Intensity Pigments).
Last Saturday, the Mooch and I decided to go out on a date, so I wanted to wear the flirtiest eye-shadow I could. For some reason, I've been really into Purple eyshadow lately. And not Plum color purple, Violet Electric Purple (it's a good thing my job isn't actually "naming" the eyshadow colors, I would be fired in 2 seconds flat).
Anyway, HIP eye-shadow is sold as a duo, I bought Flamboyant. Exactly the purple I was looking for plus a great, yellow/gold color.
Loreal was not kidding. These colors are truly High Intensity. The good thing about these eye-shadows is they look exactly the same on my eyes as they do in the packaging. No guessing game there. The great thing is, they stay put. As I get older and I get deeper creases in my eyelids, I need to concentrate on eye-shadows that won't fall into the creases.
I used the violet color on the top lids, put the yellow/gold in the middle of the lid, to tone down the violet a bit. Then dabbed a bit of the gold in the corner of my eyes on the bottom.
Play around with them, the colors are so so pretty and at only $7 a pop, it's worth a try.

Let me know what you think!

I remain yours,
The Certified Cosmetics Whore

Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

Some of my girlfriends know a little over 2 years ago, while giving myself a pedicure and using that awful callus cutter, I cut myself. BAD. I won't go into detail, but let's just say a whole layer of skin on the back of my foot.... GONE.
That being said, obviously that awful foot razor was thrown out as soon as I could walk to the garbage can. I needed a new tool that would make my feet as smooth as a baby's bottom but wouldn't put me in the hospital.
I was certainly not going to give up wearing heels, toting around the city in slippers is not an option. I started my search on finding the best foot buffer out there. I bought pumice stones, files, callus stones, but nothing seemed to make my feet as soft as I wanted to.
I started to read some reviews in my Allure Magazine (P.S. I believe every woman should have a lifetime subscription to this magazine) and they had mentioned Diamancel Foot Files from Bliss.
I quickly went online to see what it was going to cost me. OMG, $50 for one foot file? NO WAY. NO WAY. There was no way I was spending that much money on a foot file. This thing must be made of Diamonds or something. Touche! But they are! They actually use diamond chips in these foot files. Well, that explains the steep price.
So, one day, after a few glasses of wine, I went online, took a deep breath, and ordering the file, BUT, I didn't just order 1, no, that would be too practical. I ordered 3. I went all the way. The total price for all 3 was $115, but I actually saved $20 by ordering them together in a pack. Great! $20, that's almost a weekly metrocard purchase.
Now I know alot of people think I'm crazy for spending $115 on foot files???? Hear me out.
The pack comes with #11, The Tough Buffer (MY FAVE), #20 The Conquerer, and #10, The Classic Big Buffer. Talk about a baby's bottom, my feet look so purdy!

In the end, I will have to admit, it was the best $115 I have ever spent. These files truly live up to their reputation. They are amazing. My feet have never looked better.
I'm saving money in the end because I am not going out for as many pedicures. I can do it right at home!
I recommend all 3 files, but I must warn you. If you use them, you will NEVER be able to go back to other foot files.

I remain yours,
The Certified Cosmetics Whore

Miracles Do Happen

For all those girls out there with dry, cracked cuticles, I found the cure.
Usually every winter, my cuticles get so dry and so cracked, I wind up cutting them. Yes, I know, that is a big beauty faux pas, but I can't help it. My hands looked like "hobo hands"
I tried countless creams, oils, lotions etc but nothing seemed to have worked. I even tried putting vaseline on them with gloves, but honestly, sitting there for the 15 minutes with vaseline slathered on my hands was gross, and it got really messy!
In my latest drugstore beauty aisle binge I fell upon Sally Hansen Radiant Hands, Nails & Cuticles Cream. It's only $5.99 so it was worth a shot.
First off, it smells so pretty I actually liked putting it on. No overpowering flowery smell. It has Vitamins A, C, & E in it along with Grape seed Oil and Chamomile.
It instantly absorbed into my skin and I noticed a difference in my cuticles immediately.

So gone are my hobo hand days.......Maybe I'll try hand modeling.

I remain yours,
The Certified Cosmetics Whore

Change is Good

For the past two years, I have been a faithful user of Bare Escentuals. In fact, when I first joined the Mineral Makeup club I had bought everything. Concealer, Foundation, Bronzer, etc.
I still love it and would recommend to anyone, however, it's tough for me to tote around a foundation brush and a pot of foundation with me when I'm on the go. I need something quick and totally easy.
I was at the Prescriptives counter about a month back looking for a great nude lipstick. The saleswoman had mentioned they just came out with a new foundation. I love Prescriptives foundation because I really feel any woman of any race can wear this. They make so many colors, you can find your shade.
I told her that convenience was key to me. If I am at work and at the last minute decide I'm going out for Happy Hour, I need something quick. The answer was right in front of me.
Any Wear Multi-Purpose Stick is certainly quick and convenient.
It literally melts into my skin but gives great coverage at the same time. I haven't even told you the best part. You get 2 sticks. Yes, you read that right. 2. "You can keep one at home and one at the office" the sales lady said, which is exactly what I do.
This foundation is so great because you can use it all over your face or just spot coverage.
Recommended for any one on the go who doesn't have time to drag out a brush and a pot of powder.

I remain yours,
The certified Cosmetics Whore

Feeling Blue

Never have I ever lusted after a nail polish color as much as this .
Way back in the fall, I saw Sarah Michele Gellar wearing Navy Blue nail polish to a red carpet event. I was instantly intrigued. It looked so pretty. I had a mission. I was going to find navy blue nail polish by the beginning of spring season.
Naturally, I looked everywhere and could not find it. Electric Blue, Baby Blue, none of these colors were good enough. I wanted Navy.
Finally, the wonderful people at Chanel came out with their new color for Spring. Blue Satin. I ran out to the nearest Chanel counter and bought it (Look at the pic above, how pretty). At $19, it is certainly not cheap and way over my budget for nail polish. I'm used to spending $4.99 at my local beauty shop for Essie. But, this was navy blue. THE navy blue color I have been looking for since the fall. Allure magazine said it was going to be the "IT" nail color of the season.
Unfortunately, Chanel counters are selling out of this color, and quick.
BUT! I have found some other options for you beauty addicts.
Dior makes a navy nail color "Poison Blue"
This is also $19, so be prepared .......................
OPI also makes a navy blue/indigo color called Russian Blue.
Good news girls, this one is only $6. I have not tried it yet, but definitely plan to buy it once I run out of my Chanel.
My recommendation is to RUN, not walk to your nearest beauty supply shop and buy the OPI color because I really think this will sell out once people find out it's only $6.
Has anyone tried the OPI? Reviews?

I remain yours,
The Certified Cosmetics Whore