Going to the Chapel

Today will be a quickie!

This morning, I received my sister Wubba's "Save The Date" card in the mail today and it sparked a memory of me testing out her "wedding" make-up while I was down South for the holidays.


We were looking through all her bridal magazines and at around midnight, I decided to test out some makeup looks on her. I'm proud to say she has "hired" me to do the job.

I think the key to wedding makeup is to look natural with a little kick. I've seen many brides that try for the smokey eye, and they wind up looking awful in the pictures.

I am attaching a picture of my job done, keep in mind, it was very late at night!

Cosmetics Stimulus Plan

Hi Beauties,

A lot has happened since I last posted!
Since the US is in such financial turmoil, CCW has been trying to cut down on the high-end cosmetics and trying to shop "smarter".
I used to be able to walk into Sephora or Bergdorf's and easily spend $150 without batting an eye. Now, I need to seriously think about what I should spend my hard earned moola on.
I have decided to be more "savvy" about my cosmetics shopping and I've discovered some great "Drugstore buys".

Here's a list that will help you get started.

1) Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume Blasting Waterproof Mascara in "Very Black". At only $7.65, only 2 coats of this make my lashes pop where Dior would charge you $26 to look this good. Buy it here.

2) Maybelline Expert Wear Eye Shadow Quads in "Designer Chocolates". With 4 shades all marked where you need to apply them, there's no messing this up. Sometimes, I only go with the one base shade for day and since I carry this in my makeup bag, I can easily add the other colors for a more dramatic look. Looks great, stays on all day, how can you now want this? Um, and can you believe the price? $4.99, if you buy it here.

3) Styli-Style Eye-Line & Seal in Bluestone 109. I can be honest here and tell you I fell asleep with this stuff on. I know, I commited the one cardinal sin. I slept in makeup. BUT, maybe it was a good thing because I truly tested out the product. I woke up, and this stuff did not budge an inch. It is truly waterproof. I have a HUGE problem with eyeliner sliding down my face during the day, this is not the case. I went out and bought one in brown and for the price I paid, I can afford the black. This is a good alternative to the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner that you will pay $21. Buy it here for only $6

4) Loreal True Match Foundation in Natural Beige. I know I said it before in my last post of '08, this stuff really matches your skin tone and I look like I have nothing on. I can dot it on problem spots or when I got out, put it on my whole face to even out my skin tone. This price is well worth the money $10.95 to buy it here.

5) Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Peach Satin. This feels like nothing and gives my skin a nice pinched look. It is a great alternative to the Nars Orgasm Blush that you will drop $25 on. Buy it here for only $5.99

6) Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser. My grandmother used to use this so I always think of her when I use it, but she did know a little something about skincare. Since I wear waterproof mascara, this is the only thing that will take it off and I don't have to worry about wrinkles under the eye. It is extremely gentle. I used to use Lancome Bi-Facial makeup remover but at $26........this girl's gotta eat you know! Buy Pond's here for only $8.29, and it lasts a looooong time.

7) ELF Tone Correcting Concealer. This unfortunately you cannot get at a drugstore, but you can buy it online and it's only $1. So ladies, come on, gorgeous glowing skin is only $1 and a click away. Since it's so cheap, I stock up when I can. Buy it here for $1

8)Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lip Color in Just Enough Buff. Wonderful nude color that I grab for every time! It feels really nice on my lips, sometimes I don't need any chapstick underneath.
Buy it here for only $7.99

9) Olay Quench Body Wash. I'll admit, those Philsophy body washes in Pomegranete and Tangerine smell sooooooo pretty, but this is just as pretty and only $8.79. You'll drop at least $20 on the Philosophy brand. I love Olay products because I feel like I don't even need body lotion afterwards. Buy it here for $8.79.

10) Wet 'n' Wild Bronzer in Acapulco Glow. Especially for the winter season, I think we all need some color back in our faces. I'm not going to spend $25 on an expensive brand when this is just as good. Get the price. $2.99 and you look absolutely stunning. Not orange, not like you've been away for 2 weeks baking in the hot sun. Just glowing. Perfect! Buy it here.

So, I think that's a great list to start yourself off with. Does anyone else out there have some great drugstore buys to share with us here? Post away, let me know.

On another note, I think I need to address my title: Certified Cosmetics Whore. Um, I'm thinking of changing it slightly. The word "whore" never really felt right. I think it's a bit too crude, so to speak. So I'm going to be going by "Certified Cosmetics Junkie" CCJ, Better, sounds better to me, does it sound a little less gruff to you?

I'm super excited about this post, I hope to hear from anyone who has some great buys!

I remain yours,
The CCJ.

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