My Rediscovered Blushes in February

Happy Leap Day!!

These are the blushes I've pulled out of my stash and have been using this month and loving all over again:

Top Row: MAC Dainty,  Tarina Tarantino Parasol, Chantecaille Wind
Bottom Row: MUFE Sculpting Blush #12, MAC Salsa Rose

MAC Dainty- I used to kind of hate MAC Dainty as it's rather sparkly. But if I tap my brush off and buff it in, I see no offending sparkles on my cheeks and just a luminous peachy pink glow. Now I understand why my daughter likes it so much!

Tarina Tarantino Dollskin Cheek Parasol- If you haven't tried out anything from Tarina Tarantino, you are seriously missing out! Parasol is my favourite blush in the line and it's a pretty, coral pink with a beautiful glow. Highly pigmented with awesome staying power, this is one of the best blushes I own.

Chantecaille Wind- I ADORE Chantecaille blushes and this neutral pink with peach tones gives the most natural blush on me-just like being outside in the wind! It's matte, but somehow Chantecaille blushes make you glow and brighten up your face.

Make Up Forever Sculpting Blush #12- Sometimes this is called Matte Rosewood which describes the shade perfectly. I used to sell this shade every shift I worked at Sephora because after I'd put it on someone, the transformation was amazing. It magically sculpts your cheekbones and gives you a gorgeous natural glow even though it's matte. This blush lasts and lasts too and I'd love to get more of them.

MAC Salsa Rose- This is a MAC Pro colour, and one of the most pigmented and pretty blushes I have. It's a bright coral rose with a satin finish. You need a light hand with it, but it gives such a gorgeous flush when paired with bronzer-just like you've spent the day at the beach. And, who doesn't want to look like that in February?

That's it!!

Good news! I bought a treadmill! As you may remember, I used an iPhone App to learn how to run 30 minutes straight over the summer and loved it. And then winter happened here. It's just so hard to keep running outside where I live, so we bit the bullet and bought a treadmill! Yay! So I'm starting to re-learn to run again. I don't have to start from scratch again, but I'm no where near being able to run 30 minutes straight anymore. But I'll get there again!

So is anybody doing something special for Leap Day? I wish I was at Disneyland today because the park is open for 24 hours straight! I'd love to be riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at 3 AM!!

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Monthly Misses February 2012

I didn't actually have a lot of misses this past month, as I didn't really buy a lot of things. And, February just drags on for me in more ways than one. Apologies if you love February, but I just want it to be over with so that Spring can start!


Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Trio






I have a weakness for anything that resembles a kajal eyeliner, so when I saw these at the drugstore I decided to give them a shot. They seem highly pigmented when you swatch them and I thought they'd be great for the waterline since they are supposed to be waterproof. Well, on the waterline they aren't so pigmented. It takes several swipes to get the green and purple to a good intensity, and they are just a little too soft so they break really easily. The black one broke before I even got it to my eye! Plus, they get all smudgey and wear away-not so waterproof at all. These went straight back to the drugstore.




Lancome Aquatique Waterproof Eyecolour Base



My eyelids are oily. I usually have to use a primer, plus another base(usually a Mac Paintpot) to make my eyeshadows stay put. One of the Sephora SAs recommended I give this a try. It's harder than a MAC Paintpot and difficult to spread on the eyelid. It didn't work any better than my painpots, and it doesn't work on it's own either. Plus the colour is too peachy for my liking. I returned this one too.

That's about it for this month! Nothing else to report!

Are you glad February is over too?

Yet Another Way To Wear Stila Kitten!

Since rediscovering my love for Stila Kitten when I got the Stila In The Light Palette, I can't get enough of the shade. It's become my quick go to eyeshadow, especially on the days when I'm looking like I only got about 3 hours of sleep the night before. No other eye shadow has the power to make me look so wide awake like Stila Kitten does!

So when I saw that Stila Smudge Crayon Waterproof Eye Primer + Shadow + Liner at Shopper's Drug Mart on the last redemption day I almost did a happy dance in the store.



                                         Stila Kitten in a pencil form? YES PLEASE. Gimme ten!

Stila Smudge Crayon in Kitten is a large twist-up pencil with a sharpener at the bottom end. It's a gel-based, multi-pearl formula that's made with vitamin E and aloe to ensure smoothness. You can use Stila Smudge Crayons as a primer for other shades, as an all over shadow, and of course as a liner.

The formula reminds me of the Urban Decay Shadow Sticks actually. It's creamy and easy to blend-until it sets. You have to work fast, because once this baby sets, it's set. Stila says they will last at least 6 hours, but for me they last longer than that-a good 8 hours or so. I like using this without a primer first, as I find it easier to blend with my finger that way.

I like wearing Stila Smudge Crayon all over my lid all by itself when I'm in a hurry as you can see in the look below. 

If I have an extra 30 seconds and feel like using brushes, then I'll pull out my Stila In The Light Palette
and put Stila Kitten eyeshadow over the Stila Smudge Crayon, and then blend a little bit of the shade
Bliss into the crease.




To say that I'm really happy with my Stila Smudge Crayon in Kitten is an understatement! It's so easy to create a natural, eye-opening look with it and I love it. This is one Eye Shadow pencil that I use all the time and love. AND it works exactly like it's supposed to.

I think I wear this eye shadow even more than my beloved taupes lately. * collective gasp* I know! It's just so easy to wear though, because I can wear any blush and any lipstick when I wear this nice clean eye look and I like that a lot! I want to get every Stila Kitten product by Stila now!

Thank you Stila Kitten for all that you do for me. :)

What's YOUR favourite go with everything eyeshadow?

Life & Beauty Weekly: Healthy Comfort Foods (Really!)

Life & Beauty Weekly: Healthy You

Healthy Comfort Foods (Really!)

By Dominique Andrews for Life & Beauty Weekly


Has the long winter got you feeling down in the dumps? It’s tempting to head for the fridge when you’re feeling blue.
“The urge to splurge when we feel sad or stressed is fuelled by feel-good brain chemicals that are released when you eat comfort foods such as ice cream, brownies and chips,” says Janet Podleski, coauthor (with her sister) of bestselling cookbooks Looneyspoons and Crazy Plates, as well as co-host of the Food Network's Eat, Shrink & Be Merry.
“Plus, when you’re stressed or upset, your body releases the hormone cortisol, which tells your brain to seek out rewards.” Podleski says. These rewards may be feel-good foods, because of the chemicals released when we eat them. However, Podleski points out that when we give into high-calorie, “taboo” foods, we feel like we’ve failed. We feel guilty, a mentality which usually leads to bingeing.
Fortunately, this doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself when you need a lift! Instead, choose true comfort foods -- ones that increase levels of serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter in the brain), keep your blood sugar steady and your gastrointestinal tract running smoothly, all of which contribute to good mental health. Here, we serve up a day’s worth of smart choices to help you eat your way to happiness.
7:00 a.m.: Wake up With Water
Head for the tap after you wake up to rehydrate and replenish your energy. According to Podleski, the human body consists of over 80 percent water. “Dehydration slows your metabolism by two to three percent and can make arthritis symptoms worse, impair memory and brain function, and even cause premature aging,” says Podleski. She recommends drinking at least six to eight glasses of pure, filtered water per day. Bonus tip: Add a squirt of lemon juice to make the water’s PH more alkaline, which is good for burning fat!
7:30 a.m.: Grab Some Oats
Don’t skip breakfast! The right balance of protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber can lessen mood swings by keeping your blood sugar stable. With oatmeal, you’ll hit the jackpot. Unlike refined carbohydrates that cause a quick spike in blood sugar followed by a sharp crash, oatmeal maintains energy levels for up to four hours and can trigger the release of calming serotonin. Cook yours in low-fat milk -- its whey protein will also boost your serotonin levels. For an extra dose of fiber, stir in some blueberries.
12:30 p.m.: Mix It up With Salad
For lunch, pile your salad plate high with foods rich in folic acid, like baby spinach, hard-boiled eggs and avocado. Folic acid, a B vitamin, is another building block for maintaining high levels of serotonin, and studies have shown a link between depression and low levels of folic acid. You can also try putting lean turkey and walnuts on your greens: They’re high in selenium, a mineral with antioxidant properties that reduce stress and decrease depressive symptoms.
4:00 p.m.: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
When the midafternoon slump hits, reach for a little chocolate. The sweet indulgence stimulates a release of pleasure-boosting endorphins in your brain -- plus it’s also been linked to better heart health. Opt for a moderate 1-ounce serving of dark chocolate, which contains more antioxidant-heavy flavonoids than milk or white chocolate.
6:00 p.m.: Go Fish
Podleski suggests having one to two servings of salmon or another fatty fish per week, and dinner is the perfect time to fit this in. Salmon contains vital omega-3 fatty acids, which research has linked to a lower incidence of depression. Pair your fish dish with folate-rich mustard greens, collard greens, Swiss chard or kale.
10:30 p.m.: Make Bedtime Tea Time
A good night’s sleep has a huge effect on your mood. Without it, you’re more likely to crave the refined carbs and sweets that produce that awful crash-and-burn effect on your blood sugar and temper. Before you go to bed, sip on a cup of decaffeinated herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, to help you mellow out, get a better night’s sleep and feel great in the morning.

Beauty Blog Link Love 02/25/2012

The Best Black Liquid Eyeliner is awarded to Clio Professional Waterproof Brush Liner Kill Black by Bun Bun Makeup Tips!

 Beauty's Bad Habit shows you how to totally reinvent and freshen up hair extensions with a bright, beautiful dye.

 Beauty In The Mirror gets creative this week reviewing Violent Lip Tattoos.

 Love Sparkle & Shimmer? Check out Kim Porter's review of the LUSH Shimmy Shimmy Sparkle Bar.

 Madame B Fatale shows you how to create a REALLY colourful makeup look!

 We all enjoyed watching Adele sweep up the Grammy's a couple weeks ago, but the beauty blogosphere was eyeing particularly on Adele's Louboutin-inspired manicure! Aren't they oh-so-glam?

 Smashinbeauty shows you a few makeup tricks on how to make your lipstick last longer.

 Gouldylox dishes on the five spring trends you should be thinking about now.

 Jenn over at Spiced Beauty has the details on the Spring 2012 collection from Sally Hansen, NYC Color and Rimmel London.

 polish insomniac shows us a subltle gradient mani using Nars Midnight Express.

 My Lips But Better uncovers a drugstore gem in Cover Girl Natureluxe Silk Foundation.

 Jellyminx shares a super dramatic Sunday smoky eye.

 At Lipstick Musings, Shannon takes a look at the new Roses Ultimes de Chanel Glossimers, with special love going to #169, Jalousie. Come see the swatches and pictures, plus a Lip of the Day!

 If you love bath and body products, then Beauty Info Zone has a brand you need to check out. Make Me Smooth has over 300 scents to choose from in an intensity you pick. Beauty Info Zone invites you to learn about this amazing line.

 Love nude lips? Claire has swatched her entire collection over at Eyelining Obsessions.

 It's not even spring yet and Anita is already getting excited about Guerlain's summer collection, another collaboration with Emilio Pucci! For more details, click here!

Diane Lai Moist Lip Balm

Diane Lai is a Canadian Company that focuses on using all natural organic quality products. Their products are non-irritating and do exactly what they are supposed to do. Refreshing, right?

There's a new lip balm by Diane Lai, called the Moist Lip Balm. It comes in unflavoured and Sweet Orange which is my favourite! The moist lip balms are free of parabens, artificial colorants and fragrance, and petro chemicals.


 Ingredients: ButyrospermumParkii (Shea Butter) Fruit Organic Beeswax CocosNucifera (Coconut) Oil OleaEuropaea (Olive) Fruit Oil ElaeisGuineensis (Palm) Butter Honey Citrussinensis (Sweet Orange) Oil 

They are a harder textured lip balm, but as you apply them onto your lip they melt right in. I think that makes them a great purse lip balm actually-they won't get all melty-messy on you.

I like using this before applying lipstick. It works well for that, as they're not overly-wet for lack of a better word. At $4.85 CAN, you can't go wrong really, especially if you are looking for an organic, natural product for your lips.






Disclamer: I was sent this product to review by PR/Company. Love it or leave it, but my review and opinions are my own thoughts and words, thank you very much. 

Boxx Cosmetics Thinks Outside Of The Box

I was contacted by an innovative Canadian company called Boxx Cosmetics recently.

Boxx Cosmetics is the brainchild of industry veteran Sandra Milligan. This is a born in Canada, made in Canada cosmetic company that wants to streamline our beauty habits with innovative storage and packaging ideas.

Boxx Cosmetics wants to eliminate unnecessary packaging and give you the flexibility in creating your own customized palettes that you can easily store, use every day, and easily take with you when you go on holidays. Create your perfect palette (or palettes!) and never have to worry about storing so much makeup anymore.

There are 2 compacts to chose from. The compacts have a magnetic inside base and can house powders and creams because they have a unique plastic cover that protects the powders and creams from mixing when being used. Once you choose your compact, you just fill it with the lovely products you want. Boxx Cosmetics has everything-corrector/concealers, eyeshadows, blush, bronzers, lip colour and lipshine-even eyebrow shadow and pressed powders too! I mean it when I say you can build your perfect palette with this line!

I was sent a Cream Corrector in the shade Melina, which is a yellow shade to try out.

 






Melina is not only a corrector, but you can use it as a face smoothing primer too. It works as an eye-brightener, helping to lift and firm the skin around the eyes. Boy, does this ever brighten! Pigmented and creamy, it blends really nicely into the skin and helps conceal redness, broken capillaries, and sun damage. Filled with anti-ageing ingredients, it also helps reduce wrinkles too.

I've been Melina under my foundation to help cover redness and it works well, but I really love using this under my eyes after I've applied my foundation. It just brightens up the whole area! It's very moisturizing too, and doesn't settle into any fine lines.

Oh, and just so you know, all of Boxx Cosmetics are made without parabens, phtalates, gluten, oils, animal derived ingredients and formeldehyde Donors. Only good for you ingredients in their products and I love that.

Since I've been streamlining my makeup routine, Boxx cosmetics sounds exactly like something I need in my life. Wouldn't it be just amazing to have everything you need in just one amazing palette?

             The One Palette To Rule Them All! 

Sigh.... sorry. The LOTR puns just come way too easily for me. WAY too easily.

Visit Boxx Cosmetics  and have fun designing your perfect palette!




Disclamer: I was sent this product to review by PR/Company. Love it or leave it, but my review and opinions are my own thoughts, thank you very much. 

Getting Over My Fear of Purples With Stila In The Moment Palette

I like purple. Really, I do. My bridesmaids dresses were royal purple. When I moved into this house that we built, my accent colour was purple. Drove my family nuts actually, because at the time you couldn't find a lot of purple house chotchkies to give as housewarming gifts. Go figure. Which in all truth, was ok with me because I'm not a big fan of things I have to dust. LOATHE dusting.

But purple eyeshadow? I just don't wear it, unless it's more of a taupey purple. I don't really care for purple eyeshadows mainly because I think they make my under eye circles look bluer and redder, so I tend to shy away.

But then I saw this: Stila In The Moment Palette.



After waiting so long to get the Stila In The Light Palette that I love so much, I was still a little hesitant to get this one because of my fear of purple eyeshadow. But this mix of purples and neutrals looked so good together that I couldn't resist!

Stila In The Moment has Ten Eye Shadows in the shades Instinct, Impulse, Glance, Improvise, Catalyst, Desire, Wonder, Spontaneous, Whim, Captivate and also contains a Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Tetra (shimmering purple).

Tetra Eye liner

 Instinct, Impulse, Glance, Improvise, Catalyst

Desire, Wonder, Spontaneous, Whim, Captivate

This palette has a great mix of neutrals and purples that will suit a lot of skintones I think. It's a great palette for beauty junkies like me who normally shy away from purple. Like I've said, I think purples can accentuate my dark circles, but when I mix them with browns I can actually wear purples without that fear. Stila eyeshadows are smooth and blend easily and can be used wet or dry.

My only complaint is that the bright purple shade Glance could be a tad more pigmented. It's a bit on the sheer side, but I guess that is probably a good thing for someone like me who is afraid of purple!

The shade Captivate makes a GORGEOUS liner I have to say. And the Tetra Smudge Stick Eye Liner is really great too! It stays put all day with no smudging.

Stila In The Moment Palette has made me more comfortable in wearing purple shadow. It's still not my favourite shade, but it's growing on me! I think these Stila palettes are a great value and I see that they have another one out now. Sigh.

Too many palettes, so little time...

What colour of eyeshadow do you shy away from?

Ilia Conditioning Lip Balm

Ilia Conditioning Lip Balm is a Canadian made organic lip product I recently stumbled across.


























Meet Ilia Conditioning Lip Balm in the shade Arabian Nights. I had to get it just for that awesome name, and also because it was such a pretty berry red shade!

I love lipstick as you all know, but truthfully I'd rather be wearing a lip balm most days. I live in probably the driest place in Canada. It's so dry here in Alberta, and it's a struggle to stay well hydrated. So, I love when a lip balm has colour. But, most lip balms colours don't really last all that long.

This one does!

First of it smells good-like a flowering chocolate orange if that makes any sense! Yeah, those scent describing skills of mine are not getting any better! It has LOADS of good for your lips stuff in it like cocoa butter, castor seed oil, organic beeswax, jojoba oil, natural vitamin E, grape and pomegranate seed extracts, orange, vanilla and jasmine essential oils.


 

Ilia Conditioning Lip Balm is a bit thinner in texture compared to the Fresh Lip Balms, but I like that. It's just as moisturizing and the colour lasts a really long time because it stains your lips without leaving them feeling parched. Plus it comes in 6 shades!

I paid $24.99 for Arabian Nights, which is a bit cheaper than it costs for a Fresh Lip Balm here in Canada. A bit. I know that still sounds like a lot, but this tube will last a long time.

Click here for  a list of stores where Ilia Conditioning Lips Balms are sold. You can also buy them online and they ship worldwide too!

What's your favourite tinted lip balm?

Beauty Confessions #11: Secret Beauty Habits

I have never used night creams all that religiously. Never really thought I needed them to tell you the truth.

Boy, times they do a change!

I've found a few night creams that make a difference in my skin come morning, like the Korres Quercitin & Oak and the Prevage one I reviewed last week.

But I've discovered another kind of night cream that works really well too.

It kind of surprised me.

I wear one of my masks to bed. No, not my Lipstick Bandit mask sillies, a beauty mask. One of the many that I own and love which I will show you!





The first one I really like is the Dr. Weil For Origins Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Skin Calming Face Mask. I use this mask all the time and it's been a godsend. If you have sensitive and easily irritated skin like me, then you will love it. It helps reduce redness and I really notice a difference when I don't use it. LOVE it. As you can see, I'm almost out and will need to pick up some more soon!


The next one is L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Moisture Mask. If you have dry, ageing skin then run out to get this baby. It smells DIVINE-like freshly cut flowers. When I use this at night, I wake up with firmer, brighter and moisturized skin. It never irritates or breaks me out. LOVE.

The last one is pricey, but one that really helped get my skin back in shape after glycolic peels. My skin can tolerate 30% peels, but 40% was too much. While I was in California, the Chantecaille counter came to my red, flakey, irritated skin's rescue with Chantecaille Jasmine And Lily Healing Mask. It helped heal my skin then, and helps my skin no matter what. If I seem to be irritated and breaking out and I can't figure out why, then I put this on at night and in the morning my face is desensitized and feels so much better. Kind of like a detox for my skin I'd say. My daughter swears that this really helps prevent her acne from getting worse, and heals any blemishes she does have quickly.

There's my Secret Beauty Habit! So what's yours? Please share! I'd love to hear what are yours!

Lipstick Bandits The One That Got Me

WE'RE BAAAAAAACK!

This time The Lipstick Bandits band together to show you either our first lipstick, or the lipstick we think would make a good "intro to lipstick" for lipstick newbies.

Now, I am the oldest Lipstick Bandit. OLD. So for me to be able to remember my first lipstick would mean I'd have to sift through about 30 years of storage compartments in my little brain because I probably got my first lipstick in high school. And I pretty much Total Recalled most of my high school memories as soon as I left. Hated high school! Honestly, I can barely remember my name lately, so yeah-not gonna happen! 

But as you all know, I've had an off-again-on-again relationship with makeup, which also applies to lipstick. When I went back to work and started wearing mineral makeup, lipstick was just not something I enjoyed. I just never bothered with it. Then one day, one of my friends at work came into the lunch room wearing the most gorgeous lipstick. I couldn't take my eyes off her lips! Finally, I asked her what lipstick she was wearing and she told me: MAC Lollipop Loving from the Heatherette Collection. It was like she was speaking another language I didn't understand! I hadn't bought anything from MAC for a long time since I was heavily into mineral makeup, and I had no idea that they now did collections. No idea.

I went off to MAC, and bought Lollipop Loving that afternoon.


 

MAC Lollipop Loving is a baby pinky coral with some soft green and gold shimmer in it. Really unique and it's very different.

                                    It's a horrible lipstick. 

Honestly, it's not an easy lipstick to wear as the shimmers make it rather frosty and since it's a glaze, there's not much pigment to it. I have to really layer it on my lips and I make sure my lips are exfoliated and wear a a lip primer first to ensure it looks half decent. It does make a great layering lipstick though, and looks really pretty over another peachy lipstick. And, it was a cool enough lipstick that made me interested in getting more, so I have to thank it for that I guess! Or is it blame? Hmmm...

There you have it! The lipstick that got me.

What's your first lipstick if you can remember?

Oh, and my fellow Lipstick Bandit Rae@The Notice? This mohawk is for YOU. Although, I've renamed it The Shark. I think that's a better name, right?

Here's the links to check out my fellow Lipstick Bandits and their lipsticks!

Arianne (Glitter Geek)

Dani (Call It Beauty)

Danielle (Bloomin’ Beauty Blog)

Larie (Eye Heart It)

Makeup Morsels

Mariella (Musing On Beauty)

Monika (Rocaille Writes)

Paris (My Women Stuff)

Rae (theNotice: a beauty blog)

Xiao (Messy Wands)

Jenny (My Funny Valentine)

Life & Beauty Weekly: Why Does the Scale Say That?

Life & Beauty Weekly: Healthy You

Why Does the Scale Say That?

By Jennifer Nelson for Life & Beauty Weekly

Have you ever stepped on the scale in the morning and smiled because you’d dropped a pound or two? Or, upon seeing higher-than-usual numbers, blamed your unexpected weight gain on heavy shoes or the lunch you just had?
Most women play some version of the scale game whenever they weigh themselves, but the truth is there are at least eight reasons why the numbers can fluctuate so much. Remember these, and the next time the scale doesn’t co-operate, you’ll know why:
You’re wearing clothes. On average, clothes add up to 2 pounds to your actual weight. “To keep your weigh-ins consistent, weigh yourself naked,” says Gillian B, BASc RYT, spokesperson and wellness consultant for Truestar Health. “Jeans, a belt and a sweater can really add up!” At home, weigh yourself in the nude first thing in the morning. At the doctor’s office, take off your shoes and jacket for a more accurate reading.
You've just finished working out. When you exercise at a high intensity, you burn glycogen calories (carbs), which hold water weight. You might see a 5-pound dip on the scale after a high-energy spinning or Zumba class, but don’t do a happy dance just yet. “During an intense workout, our body expels a lot of moisture in the form of sweat,” says Gillian. “Weighing yourself after a workout can be deceiving and can lead to disappointment when you step on the scale next time.” The drop isn’t a true weight loss; it’s a loss of water weight, which will quickly go back on once you rehydrate. In fact, to recoup the water you lost during your workout, Gillian recommends drinking 20 ounces of water per pound lost during a workout.
You've just had a big salad or vegetable soup. Eating fibre-filled foods like veggies can make the scale numbers go up temporarily, but don’t despair. Fibre is not digested or absorbed by the body. It’s considered a non-nutrient, which helps to move food through the body and aid digestion by attracting water to the small and large intestines. Later, once the fibre has done its job, you should see the scale go down again.
You attended happy hour last night. A night of drinking can add a lot of unexpected calories -- and weight. “A shot of vodka is approximately 70 calories a pop…they add up quickly!” says Gillian. Keep that in mind before you order another cosmo or dirty martini. Plus, alcohol impairs judgment and stimulates appetite, which may tempt you to reach for those diet-busting sliders and nachos. “Even with the calories aside, alcohol is extremely dehydrating and can leave you thirsty for days after,” says Gillian. “It is said that it takes at least three days after a night out for your body to return to its ideal hydration level.”
You had a Chinese takeout for dinner last night. Consuming high-sodium foods like canned soup and frozen meals can push the scale upward, and so can the consumption of soy sauce and MSG in Chinese food. Water helps the body absorb excess sodium so that it can eventually be flushed out. As a result, high-sodium intake can equal temporary water-weight gain.
It’s that time of the month. Water weight adds extra pounds right before you start your period. Researchers think hormones are the culprit: A shift in estrogen and progesterone right before menstruation can cause water retention and swelling. “Weight gain due to water retention is the worst in the days just before the actual period begins,” says Gillian. “How long it stays varies for individuals, but it should taper off as you get towards the end of your period.”
You haven’t, um, gone in a while. The numbers on the scale may rise if you’re constipated. Gillian recommends lots of fibre -- at least 25 grams a day from fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans and nuts -- plus plenty of water and exercise to move things along. Once you’re regular again, the added weight will fall away.
You’re under the weather. If you have a cold or the flu, you may not eat as much as usual, which can slow down your metabolism and add a pound or two. On the other hand, if you can’t keep any food down because of a stomach bug, you may see a drop in the numbers on the scale. In either case, your weight will stabilize once you’re healthy.

Cartoon Saturdays: Princess Tiana Of Disney's Princess And The Frog

My daughter was SUPER EXCITED when Disney announced they'd be making The Princess and The Frog. I believe she did a happy dance as I recall.

Why?

 Princess and The Frog marked Disney's return to traditional animation since 2004, which they stupidly abandoned under the direction of F#@!! Michael Eisner. When John Lasseter became Chief Creative Officer of Disney(as well as Pixar), the genius wanted Disney to get back to it's animation roots of 2D hand drawn animation. My daughter has dreams of becoming an animator, and if she has the choice-she'd rather animate in 2D not 3D. So, you can see why she was so happy when this movie was announced! The film had a few early troubles which I won't bore you with, but the end result is a glorious cartoon with an amazing soundtrack, not to mention one of the BEST Disney Princesses ever, Tiana.

disney wiki

Tiana is the first African-American princess in the Disney Princess franchise. About time, right? Tiana is motivated, determined, and an independent young woman who finds pride in doing things her own way, without help from anyone. A lot of singers/actresses wanted to voice Tiana including Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys and even Tyra Banks, but in the end Anika Noni Rose won the role. Tiana is left handed, just like Anika Noni Rose.

 

I used colours based off of Tiana's gorgeous water lily inspired dress in my inspired EOTD.  Some light green and yellow eyeshadows, some green double eye liner, some sparkles and you get a Princess Tiana eye look!

Don't forget to check out my cartoon buddy Larie@Eye Heart It to see her cartoon look!

Have a great Saturday everyone!!

Prevage Night Anti-Aging Resotorative Cream

 I didn't really use night creams until about last year. I didn't think I needed them. But this beauty junkie has learned that night time is when skin recovers from all the environmental damage that hits us every day. Those hits keep battering your skin and eventually your skin gets so dehydrated that it can't fight off oxidation of the skin, which leads to fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and other signs of damage.

Prevage Night Anti-Aging Resotorative Cream with Idebenone is an intensive night treatment that was made to work at night when your skin is the most receptive to treatment.

This cream has a really neat airless delivery system. You just push down on the little bubble and it magically releases what you need. And you don't need a lot!

It's a cool delivery system that keeps air from getting into your cream, but it can be a little hard to scoop it out. I'd rather they have put it into the same bottle that the Prevage SPF 30 Day Lotion comes in, but I'll forgive Elizabeth Arden because I love this cream a lot! 

Prevage Night Anti-Aging Resotorative Cream ingredients include:
 - Advanced Idebenone Technology, the most powerful antioxidant, and colorless carotenoids that work synergistically with Idebenone.
-  Restorative lemon peel extract to help reduce the appearance of age spots and discolorations and brighten the look of skin.
- Retinol derivative to help maintain natural collagen, smooth and retexture the skin's surface.
- Vitamin E derivative to help restore and condition the surface of skin.
-An advanced moisture complex of shea butter, cocoa butter and glycerin.

This is not too thick of a cream, yet really velvety feeling once you put it on.  It has that amazing Prevage fragrance that I am addicted to, which dissipates after application. It easily absorbs into the skin without a greasy feeling. I wake up with really soft, glowy skin when I use Prevage Night Anti-Aging Resotorative Cream. LOVE!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again-my skin looks so much better when I use Prevage products. I find when I use Prevage, I do not notice any new damage popping up to greet me in the mirror. And if you are around my age, you know what I'm talking about! I swear spots appear DAILY if I don't use Prevage. Have you ever tried anything from the Prevage family? There's even a sunscreen now and I am dying to try it out! But boy, I wish they'd bottle that Prevage scent!

Disclamer: I was sent this product to review by PR/Company. Love it or leave it, but my review and opinions are my own thoughts and words, thank you very much. 

For My Peachy Days, I Reach For Chanel Tigerlily

I was not going to get anything from the Chanel Spring 2012 Collection. I guess I was wrong. Again!

Is it just me, or am I the only one who keeps trying to open Chanel single shadows on the wrong side? My makeup junkie mind just can't get it straight which side to open, so a fight ensues that usually includes a few choice words. Hey, I'm originally from the North End of Winnipeg. If you've ever been there, then you'll understand what I mean by that.
One day Chanel shadow single, one day-I WILL BE THE VICTOR. I SHALL BE VICTORIOUS. AND I WILL LAUGH A HEARTY LAUGH. It's the small victories I rejoice in, ok?

After I swatched Chanel Tigerlily Eyeshadow, I knew I had to take it home. I know, you are all thinking I'm nuts, right? I thought I was too at first. I mean, look at it-it's very orange!

 


The golden orange colour with orange shimmer was so unique and I knew I had nothing like it in my collection.

I don't own a lot of Chanel eyeshadows. Honestly, I don't particularly like the texture of them. The three single shades that I do own though( Tigerlily being the third), are really great though-they have a smooth texture, great pigmentation and blend really easily.

I know, you are all still thinking: But it's ORANGE. It will look WEIRD on you and on me Tracy.





Hey? Hey? It's rather an eye-opening shade I think! It's so pretty and fresh and just brightens up my whole eye. I really like it and since I've been into a tonal look, this is perfect for my peachy days. Yeah, I've been rather lazy with my makeup lately as I've told you. The less I need to think about what colours go with what tones, the better I say. So tonal looks are what I've been favouring and enjoying. And this eye look is just a cream shadow pencil all over my eye, and Tigerlily in the crease. Pretty easy even for this lazy chick.

I was one of FIVE lucky girls to purchase Chanel Tigerlily from my Chanel counter. FIVE?? WHAT is up with that? The counter manager said a lot of customers were quite angry, but that's all they were sent. Why Chanel headquarters thinks five is enough is beyond me-it's a little ludicrous imo.

Do you like wearing tonal makeup looks? More importantly, would you wear Chanel Tigerlily? Or do you think the five shadows that the counter was sent to sell is enough orange?

Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Ebloui-The Perfect Every Day Brown

I've tried to ignore Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Ebloui, but I finally caved in. I had a $10 off coupon at the Bay and it was just begging to come home with me.

I'm starting to wonder if I'm a makeup whisperer of some kind, because I swear I hear these things speak. That,  or I am becoming a certifiable makeup junkie.






I'm not sure why I didn't get this at first, because it's totally a Tracy colour-a colour that I will get loads of use from.

Look at how it sparkles in the sun! It makes me happy. :)

Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Ebloui is a reddish, plummy brown with green and red, and maybe even some violet sparkles in it.

The real reason that this is a Tracy colour is that frankly, I have been extremely lazy and have been rather meh about makeup in general, especially when it comes to eyeshadow. And all it takes for Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Ebloui to look good is just a swipe of my finger. And ok, maybe one brush to blend the edges out a bit. 

But that's it. I swear.

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Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Ebloui is just so pretty and so easy to use, plus it stays put which I love. I've heard that some people find that these crease a bit on them. I find if I put a primer on, and then swipe an eyeshadow that matches my skin tone over top, and THEN my Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Ebloui on top of that, I have no problems with creasing.



Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Ebloui is such an easy every day look for me and I am loving it at the moment.

What's YOUR perfect every day brown eyeshadow look?

Beauty Confessions #10: What's YOUR Makeup Love Story?

                                    Happy Valentine's Day!! 

I thought today would be a good day to talk about the longest relationship I've had in my life: Makeup.

                                   My Makeup Love Story!

Believe it or not, I've had an on-again-off-again-on-again relationship with makeup.

There were times in my life that I just didn't really wear it. I wore makeup in high school and University, and loved my cobalt blue eyeliner and mascara! I still have a soft spot for blues as you know. The 80s never really leave you I say. :)

I discovered MAC when I started working in a lab, and I loved it. Mind you, I only really used 4 products: MAC Studio Fix Powder, MAC Prism Blush, an eyeliner which I can't remember and mascara. I even hit pan on Prism a few times! PAN.

Then, I had my daughter and that's when I broke up with makeup. I was just too darn busy for it, plus other things occupied my time that were loads of fun like dinosaurs, and sharks, and dragons(yeah, my daughter wasn't into Barbies lol) and  PLAYDOUGH. I love playdough! And if anybody out there has young 'uns, I am SO willing to come over and make playdough animals and stuff. I can make a unicorn. :)

wikipedia

I rediscovered makeup when we were on a family trip to Disneyland one year. It was the first time I had encountered a Sephora and I was MESMORIZED. I had no idea all this existed! Almost instantly, I fell back in love with makeup. And what made me fall back in love with makeup was Bare Minerals, or Bare Escentuals as it's called now. The whole idea of mineral makeup blew me away. It was just so beautiful!! For quite a few years I exclusively used Bare Escentual eyeshadows, blushes, makeup-I loved it all! But then I started getting these weird breakouts. I found out it was because I was sensitive to bismyth oxychloride and had to stop using their mineral foundation. I find I can wear mineral foundation now(6 years later) with that ingredient if  I don't wear it when it's warm outside and limit how often I wear it.

Because of the reaction, I had to find some other foundation to use and that's pretty much when I started discovering other makeup lines and products. And since then I haven't looked back!

Although truthfully, lately for some reason again, my interest seems to be waning a bit. I seem to be rather meh and not so excited about makeup at the moment. Maybe it's because of my blush ban? Not being able to buy my favourite product? Hmmmm.  Or is it just because that I think I've discovered my all time favourite nothing beats them products and don't feel the need to explore so much anymore? Hmmmm. That's two hmmmms- not sure what happens when I reach three.

Ok, since it's Valentine's Day, I'd love to hear your Makeup Love Story! What made you fall in love with makeup?

Barry M Dazzle Dust #51-The Perfect Taupe For This Taupeaholic

The darling Claire@Eyelining Obsessions sent me another little gift when she sent the amazing Collection2000 Perfection Concealer: My First Barry M Dazzle Dust!

AND IT'S TAUPE.          Claire, you get me.

 

She sent me #51, probably one of the most GORGEOUS taupes ever made!

swatched on bare skin, swatched over Fyrinnae Pixy Epoxy

Barry M Dazzle Dust is the perfect taupe for this taupeaholic I say! Sure, it's pretty on its own, but over the Epoxy Base it's the perfect purpley brown, which is how I like my taupes to be. With the Epoxy I experienced no fall out either, and it lasted all day!

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Taupe-aholics Anonymous members-you guys NEED this one.

More importantly, what we need is Barry M Cosmetics here in Canada!! What happened with that campaign? Anybody heard whether they are coming here? Or not?

Because if not, I think I'm going to have to book a flight back to London and load up on a few things.

Who's with me?

Only thing is that you will NEVER get me to ride on the London Eye. NEVER. People aren't meant to be up that high I say. If we were, we'd have wings, no? Gravity is a harsh mistress!

Have you tried anything from Barry M? What's your favourites?

Deep Thoughs By Tracy: Is Less More?

Lately, I've been using less makeup. Yes you read that right LESS makeup. As a beauty blogger, those words are almost blasphemous, right?

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wearing: MAC Mineralize Satin Finish Foundation,
YSL Voile De Blush, lip balm, and see the
bit of purple dark circles under my eyes there? I don't
seem to care about them so much today.

There are many reasons why I've been using less makeup. I'm not working at the moment, so I don't feel the need to look "perfect" when I leave the house. Don't get me wrong, I like to look my best always, but the whole idea of using three or four eyeshadows and blending them all and using eyeliner and contour and yadda yadda yadda is slighltly less appealing when you're just going to Superstore to get some milk, ya' know?

Another reason? I think I look younger and better with less makeup. I can tell from the comments I get when I post a FOTD. When I am wearing less makeup, I get more wows (btw, I LOVE YOU ALL!). There's something to be said for that. I think as I get older, (and remember I am 45!) I look better and younger with less makeup. More carefully thought out, yet simple makeup if you will. It's all about playing with light I've discovered and GLOWY is a big part of that equation. I think when I have a bit of a glow to my face, I look healthier and younger.
Case in point: I actually let the Chanel counter talk me into letting their makeup artist do my makeup the other day when I went to pick up my Spring 2012 selections they had on hold for me. You all know how I feel about letting people do my makeup, but I thought this was a good chance to see if my recent thoughts were true. She put on every product she could on my face. Granted, they do that to try to get you to buy more things, but that ploy failed on this chickerooni. I left there looking older than my 45 years. It's a good thing I didn't have to go any place after that, and I couldn't wait to get home to wash off all that excess.

So you know what? I think I'll be buying less makeup. Well, not so much as less, but not wasting money on things I'm realizing now that just don't work on me and age me. Being more careful when I purchase something. Those are my more recent conclusions, and I do realize that the same won't apply for everyone. It's what works for me. I think.

Is less more? What are your thoughts?

Loving GIORGIO ARMANI PRIVÉ’ Make-Up Spring/Summer 2012

I don't really look at runway makeup looks, as I think that they are usually not very wearable.

 But this eye makeup from The GIORGIO ARMANI PRIVÉ’ Make-Up Spring/Summer 2012 is something that I can't stop staring at!

Linda Cantello, International Make Up Artist for Giorgio Armani Cosmetics, used a blend of the light green eyeshadow from the Spring 2012 make up palette #1, and then applied Gloss d’Armani #100 on the eyes for a shiny veil of colour, finishing off with the Eyes To Kill Lash Stretching mascara on the upper lashes. It looks like there's a bit of liner on the upper lashes as well.

The word ethereal comes to mind. It looks like something a woodland fairy would be wearing. Or maybe even a female hobbit? Or an elf? I think Galadriel would totally rock this eye. I really like this glossy spring eye!

I think I'm going to like the Giorgio Armani Spring/Summer 2012 Makeup Collection.

What do you guys think?

Beauty BLog Link Love 11/02/2012

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed checks out a new lipstick line - Lancôme Rouge in Love. Check out her swatches and see if it could be love for you, too!

 Did polish insomniac find a new HG nail product? Find out in her Sally Hansen Cuticle Eraser + Balm Review.

 FabDiva20 attended the MAC Shop/Cook Collection preview event last Tuesday. Check out the goodies she picked up!

 Ever been a victim of internet trolling? Bun Bun Makeup Tips shares why people leave negative comments on beauty blogs!

 Love is in the air! Musicalhouses shows you her Valentine's Day nails (that aren't pink!), her Valentine's Day eye look inspired by candy hearts, and for those that don't like V-Day, her ANTI-Valentine's Day nail look!

 Do you want healthy, radiant skin? Amy Antoinette reviews Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation which gives just that!

 If the color works for you, then Gouldylox thinks this might be the B.B. Cream you are looking for.

 Anime Lady Gaga eye - the easy way to try the trend from Addicted to Beauty.

 At Eyelining Obsessions, Claire tries out a skin clearing primer from Witch.

 Makeup Morsels falls hard for the L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Sahara Treasure. If taupe-y, golden champagnes sound like your thing, head over to her blog to see it for yourself!

 With an army of blemishes to battle Hellcandy reveal's some of her hero products that help reduce, heal and disguise them. Click here to find out more.

 It’s almost Valentine’s Day and a gift is in order. Beauty Info Zone shows you a terrific Baby Love set from Votre Vu that your valentine will flip over. Of course, you’ll flip over it, too!

 Makeup, Beauty and More shares a great pick from Stila's Spring 2012 collection that helps create a super quick smokey eye effortlessly!

 Got brown eyes? Want to make them look their best? Check out Midnight Violets' latest look!

 Are you suffering with the winter blues? Check out Anita's haul from the Dior Spring collection for gorgeous blooms and pretty spring colours to cheer you up and remind you that spring is coming!

 Its time for monthly favorites! Pammy Blogs Beauty reveals her star products for the month of January.

 Kajal Couture shares her cheap and quick drugstore brow solution.
--- Confessions of a Glitterholic celebrates its one year anniversary with a huge giveaway! Five lucky followers will win fabulous prize packs including products by Physician's Formula, Mineral Maven and more!!

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer Makes It Into My Zombie Apocalypse Makeup Bag

I have reddish purple circles under my eyes due to being severely anemic and not taking my iron pills all the time to get un-anemic. Haha I made up a word!  It will probably take me years to build up my iron levels since it takes 90 days to make new red blood cells. Sigh.
So you can understand why I have a BOAT LOAD of concealers and am always looking for ones that will help correct, cover and lighten up my under eye area.

The lovely Claire@Eyelining Obsessions had written a post about how the Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer lives up to the hype and how much she adores it. She so kindly offered to send me one to try out! I like her lots!



Claire sent me the Collections 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in the Shade Fair.

I like this too! Lots!!




This is definitely going onto my Zombie Apocalypse Makeup Bag!
Man, does this stuff STAY PUT. As you can see on the tube, it  apparently lasts 16 hours. I say longer! I swatched and took a pic at about 2:00 pm, and then decided to just leave it there. For fun, ya' know?

IT WAS STILL THERE AT 11:00 AM THE NEXT DAY.

You know what this reminds me of? A bit thicker version of MAC Select Moisture Cover Concealer. Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer is super pigmented. It covers my dark circles well. The tip with using it is to use VERY LITTLE. Use a good brush and dab the tiniest bit where you need it and blend. My under eye area is dry so I have to make sure it's well hydrated otherwise, this can be a tad drying and crease on me. If you are younger than me, and let's face it-WHO ISN'T? and have oilier skin, it would probably work well under your eyes.



See? Pretty decent, hey?

But wow, it does a fantastic job at covering redness and blemishes though! I'm not quite brave enough to show you that yet. Plus you'd just get all grossed out and never look at me the same way again, and we wouldn't want that!

Thanks again Claire for your kindness and sharing this little gem with me.

Another item for the Zombie Apocalypse Makeup Bag!

Anybody else have a chance to try this out?