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holiday makeup choices

 
 

I'm just not that comfortable being a bitch.  They say women only go for assholes and respectively men are attracted to bitches, but this theory does not work out well for me.  No, unfortunately I am consumed with guilt when I end up being nasty to my boyfriend even though truthfully there is this teeny tiny part of me that feels it is good for him.  Is that wrong?

I'll tell you what's crazy though, is when I don't speak up for myself and I let the issue fester in a quagmire of resentment.  Oh boy that's bad.  Then I let it build and build and build, saying nothing the whole time, until I end up so upset I feel compelled to break up with him.  All over a little matter that has snowballed in my mind.  Because I didn't just say something in the first place.  This is an old behavior that I somehow learned growing up and it has turned into a very destructive pattern.  I wish speaking my mind just came naturally.  It's why I secretly admire those women who are "bitches" in their relationships because they at least speak their mind.  They let their boyfriends know what's what.  So even though I think this problem of mine may partially be a low self esteem issue, I also think it is a cultural issue as well.  I bet there are plenty of other women out there, at least of my generation, who were raised NOT to speak their minds.  To be people pleasers, not rock the boat, never say no, and make your man happy.  This behavior is just so destructive, not only to the women who keep their mouths shut but to the people they are in relationships with as well.  All because we were taught to be good little girls.  I'm hoping things are different for the generations of women that come after me but in the meantime I am going to have to make a concerted effort to not be a bitch exactly but at least speak up and say "Hey, it's 2 am I need you to come home!".  

Plus it doesn't help that I'm still having my midlife crisis (see last two postings)so I am irritable and restless and discontent and often weepy.  This is so NOT the time for him to be pushing my buttons.  I think I do feel a solution brewing though.  I already determined in the last posting that as much as I would like to, having a baby is not the solution.  Instead I am going to make the big change of moving back to the other coast where the friends and lifestyle suit me better.  I have been homesick for a long time.  And of course this move means a change in career and boyfriend status as well.  I never do things by half it seems, but I am excited, excited as I have not been in a long long time, and normally I am excited at this time of year. But this season I have somehow not been able to get into the Holiday spirit yet.  Thus this posting on Holiday makeup may be coming a little late to those of you who like to keep on top of things.  Hopefully though, there is still enough time for you to get prepared for the Holiday bustle and whirl because there sure are some pretty things out there right now.  For example, you gotta try:

Dior Skinflash Primer.  Wow this stuff is so beautiful!  It is a nice lightweight, slightly pink tinged, luminous foundation primer that will not only fill in all your fine lines and pores, and make your foundation last longer, but it will give a lovely silky glow to your skin.  I would even wear it alone without the foundation - it is that transformative.  So even if you do not normally wear complexion correction makeup you will want to get skinflash just so you can have angelic looking, lustrous skin for those festive Holiday parties.  It is also good all Winter long to beat that dull, dry, fatigued skin we get at this time of year.

Even if you don't normally wear red lipstick you gotta try some for the Holidays.  What better time of year to do so?  There are many many beautiful reds out there, form L'Oreal to Chantacaille, but try to stick to the rule of thumb that if you have pink tones in your skin go with a blue-based red (berry) and if you have olive or yellow toned skin go with a yellow based red (more orangey).  And there is also the very elusive  "true red"  which is a neutral red that is universally flattering.  However if in doubt try Trish McAvoy Gorgeous Red Gorgeous Lip Color.  This shade will look good on many skin tones and is fairly sheer (but buildable) for the faint of heart.  And as with all Trish McAcoy cosmetics, the quality is superb.

I am in love with the Nars 2009 Holiday Makeup Collection!  Their colors this year are dead sexy.  If you are planning to go out on the town this season you gotta invest in some Nars.  There are red lips galore....metallic eye pencils like the champagne color Goddess or the black infused with gold Aigle Noir....eyeshadow duos in frosty neutrals (Taiga) or deep eggplants, pine, or wood (Brousse, Eurydice).  Par-tay!

            

Also if you are going to alot of parties this season you will want to have a heavy duty concealer to hide the fact that you were up all night swinging from the chandeliers.  There is no better concealer for the job than Make Up Forever HD Concealer.  This moist,full coverage concealer gives bright, natural coverage and comes in a wide variety of shades.  Everyone I know who's tried it absolutely loves the high definition look.  It is the perfect hangover weapon for your post-party arsenal, and I actually use it all year long due to my hereditary dark circles.

                                    

More exquisite holiday makeup is the limited edition Tarte Treasure Chest.  This make up palette includes matte eyeshadow, shimmer eyeshadow, face and cheek color, and lip color all for the phenomenal value of $52!  You get loads of color and quality with this natural brand makeup and if you don't snag it for yourself this year at least consider buying it for someone else as it makes the perfect gift.  If you are at all interested don't hesitate because I expect this will sell out fast.  Oh yeah, the packaging is totally glam.

 
 

For Holiday glow go no further than Bare Escentuals Radiance Rocks, exclusive to Sephora.  Not only do these illuminating balls come in pretty, easy to use packaging, but you can use them for anything from a light dusting on cheek to an all over shine that is worthy of a disco diva. To apply, just swirl the brush that comes with them over the trio of shimmery rocks (bronze, champagne, rose)for a blended color that flatters any skintone.  Or for more intense shine pick up a rock and rub it directly on your skin. And for those of you who don't already know, Bare Escentuals is an 100% natural mineral makeup that is good for your skin, so not only can you look pretty but you can feel good about what you are doing for yourself as well. 

 

Even though I may not speak up enough in my relationship, I certainly feel confident giving a shout out for these fantabulous Holiday shimmers, sparkles, colors, and creams.  Follow my links for a little something to bring on the seasonal cheer.

word of mouth

Another reason I know when I'm having a midlife crisis (see last posting save me) is that I start wanting to have babies with inadvisable men.  Not bad men, just men who would make beautiful babies but ultimately are missing something vital.  That may sound crazy but I'm guessing I'm not alone in thinking that a having baby would fix all my problems and make me feel better.  I know that in reality it is not true but it seems almost instinctive (or reactive?) to think that a baby is the panacea for an ailing relationship.  Because my relationship is ailing.  I have tried to break up with my boyfriend three times this month but he keeps talking me out of it, which is weird because normally I am a very decisive person, making quick clean surgical cuts.  But I love him, and that's what it boils down to. I love him but I'm sick of talking about him, so let's talk more about the baby thing.....

The other evening I went out to eat with a group of women friends all of whom had young children.  At first the topic of conversation was about vibrators (do you use them with or without a partner?) but then the conversation veered off into talk of poo.  Namely the tricks and tips they used to keep their young children regular.  It was very educational - apparently pumpkin works wonders as a laxative.  However the point was it made me crave having a little kid whose bowel movements I need to monitor.  A little being.  While the mommies wanted to hear all about my bad dates and live vicariously through me, I wanted to hear all about potty training and diapers to live vicariously through them, because the only man I imagine I want in my life these days is toothless, chubby, balding, and weighs about seven pounds.  But if a having a baby is not the fix for my midlife crisis then what is?  The question remains. 

At least I still like my job though.  I am surrounded and inspired by a young, highly creative gang in which the men often wear as much makeup as the women and no one pays any regard to the "men's" and "women's" signs on the bathroom doors. Plus I am in a position where I have my finger on the pulse of the world of beauty.  I get to hear about all the latest sensations that everyone is talking about.  I hear it from my fellow skincare experts, makeup artists, and fragrance aficionados.  And I also hear about what everyone wants and needs from the clients that cross my path every day.  So I thought I'd share with you what every one is talking about these days.

Mary J Blige sings about having no more drama in her life and even though that may be a sentiment you agree with, when it comes to Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara, you will want to make an exception.   Just one coat will give you full on volume, length, and curl.  Two coats will make you unstoppably sexy and needless to say this is not the mascara for those who want a natural look.  The only thing is that it smells very strongly (of roses? of alcohol?) until it dries but even still it is my new favorite mascara, edging out my former fave Chanel Imitable by just a tad.

                                               

For a drugstore fave Boots No 7 Protect and Perfect Intense Beauty Serum - at only $22.99!!!- is wildly popular.  For those of you who want to fight the signs of aging on a shoestring budget this is the way to go.  You heard me blog about the Boots products before and I stand by my convictions - this is an exceptional drugstore brand, they've been around for ages and ages.  There is a whole "protect" line for mature skin but I especially love the serum which contains antioxidants to protect, peptides to firm, and retinyl palmitate to fight wrinkles.

                                  

Watch out there is a phenomenal new tinted moisturizer on the market!  Natural cosmetics enthusiasts are going nuts for the new Boscia Sheer Tinted Moisturizer spf 15.  It has an absolutely oil-free but creamy consistency which gives light coverage with a nice healthy glow.  It is perfect for those who want to even out skintone without looking like they are wearing makeup. The sunscreen in it is of the physical/all natural variety (zinc oxide & titanium dioxide). Plus Boscia is a major skincare line so it has skin improving ingredients in it to soften, smooth, and brighten your skin. I only wish they had more variety of colors....well maybe one day, it's still all new. Anyway, if you are anything like me, you will love it.

                                     

Everyone at work is buzzing about the latest YSL fragrance Parisienne.  This exquisite fruity floral is winning hands down for new favorite fragrance.  It feels flirty and sassy and independent. It has notes of blackberry, damask rose, and sandalwood, and those who have been there say it actually does remind them of Paris.  Tres romantique!

                                               

Most of you probably already know about the Clairsonic cleansing brush and how fabulous it is but did you know that they came out with a new model called the Mia?  People are loving the Mia! The Mia is a travel size Clairsonic with a much smaller and portable charger but the size of the brushhead is the same as the original model and the one speed (medium) is more than adequate.  Plus you get the usual sonic technology for a deep clean that is 6 times greater than a regular face wash alone.  The Clairsonic is perfect for people who want to keep their pores clean and refined, their skin glowing, and fight the signs of aging.  Not only is the Mia smaller in size but it is smaller in price as well.  You can't beat that!

                 

People keep coming to me asking for the Essie Quick -E nail dry drops.  Apparently when it comes to nail polish quick dry this is the way to go.  I haven't tried it yet but it's definitely on my to-do list, especially because it is formaldehyde and toluene free and good for sensitive nails.  Yay!

                                           

So even though I'm still having my midlife crisis and nothing is resolved at least I feel better by letting everyone know what are the hot products that are being raved about.  Focus on the positive they always say......

save me

I just realized I'm having a mid life crisis and the reason it's taken so long to figure it out is that I've been  busy blaming it all on my boyfriend.  My bad. Now I can see that not everything is his fault, however there is still one particular behavior that I seem to have issue with regardless of my midlife crisis. In a nut shell this is it:  my boyfriend has taken to going out all night and coming home at 4 am all excited about his adventures, waking me up to show me pictures and everything.  I'm not sure what bothers me more - being woken up from a deep comforting sleep or the fact that he is out having fun without me.  Granted he sometimes invites me along but I don't want to stay out all night.  I don't want to dance in a trance to dub step music.  I don't want to run (mostly) naked on the beach at midnight.  And I don't want to party with people twenty years younger than me.  But he sure loves it.  Come to think of it, maybe I am confusing his midlife crisis with my own. 

We have always been into doing our own thing as well as managing to spend alot of time together.  You could say that we are attached at the hip by a long long cord.  And it never bothered me before when he went out to dinner with the guys, or other professional activities with men and women, but for some reason this co-ed all night dancing has me rankled.  And it's not that I don't trust him:  he doesn't drink or chase women, or squander his money.  He's most likely having good clean fun and as a loving friend and partner, that's what I want for him, fun.  But it's a god damn paradox: I'm not happy for me but I'm glad for him.  What I really want is perspective.  Am I being unreasonable to not want a boyfriend that stays out all night without me a couple times a week or am I making too big a deal out of this?  I can't tell.  Do I not trust him as much as I thought I did?  Or maybe I'm just jealous because he's having fun and me, in my midlife crisis, am craving more fun and more variety of life too.  The only thing I know that works in this case is to take my focus off him and turn it on myself.  What is really going on with me?  What instigates a midlife crisis?  Is it spiritual or emotional or hormonal?  Probably it requires a bigger fix than just getting a new boyfriend/job/purse.  I guess I'll be exploring this in the next couple postings but in the meantime leave me a comment and let me know what you think about this boyfriend out until 4 am thing.

Sigh. As we all know there are no instant fixes for life or for relationships.  However I do know a few efficient and relatively quick fixes for your skin.  Here are some of my favorite skin savers that I promise will work wonders for you:

I have a new favorite neck cream and, in the world of neck creams, it really isn't terribly expensive. I was turned on to Nectifirm at my favorite spa, and while it is not like getting plastic surgery, it does do an admirable job of contouring my jaw line.  This advanced technology firms and tightens the skin, helps considerably with lines and wrinkles, and even reduces the fatty tissue a little bit as well. I like that it uses a lot of natural ingredients to accomplish the job and my skin is much happier for it.  I'm a big believer in neck creams and if there's one thing I could impress upon you is don't ignore your neck!  Maybe you won't go for the totally fabulous Nectifirm but I beg of you to at least puts something on your neck (all the way up the sides and behind the ears!).

                                       

Another must have item is Dr. Brandt Laser-a-Peel.  This glycolic acid mask is as terrific as anything you'd get done at your local spa - in other words, strong.  It's easy to use, just spread the gel/cream in desired areas and leave on for 3-5 minutes.  Rinse off and your skin will be glowing like nobody's business.  This is a perfect at home treatment (comes with soothing gel) to be used once a week max, for those of you who have skincare concerns such as aging, acne scarring, sundamage, large pores, or lackluster skin.  Just be sure to use your sun screen diligently for a week after exfoliating.  And a word to the wise - it's gonna tingle - but it's supposed to.  So good luck my friends, you're gonna love it, but you needn't bother sending a thank you note, you're happiness is all the thanks I require.

                                                       

Very exciting news:  DermaDoctor came out with a 1% retinal treatment this year.  For an over-the-counter, retail retinal product the 1% strength is sensational.  It is powerful but even better, their Poetry in Lotion Intensive Retinal cream is formulated to not be as irritating as a lot of retinal products are.  This is the perfect answer for adult acne, as retinal keeps the skin clear and exfoliates to speed up skin cell turnover rate, which in turn slows down the aging process.  Others who would love Poetry in Lotion are anyone with hyperpigmentation, large pores, dry mature skin, or even youthful acneic skin.

                                             

Kill two birds with one stone and use Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Foundation spf 20.  This foundation gives a beautiful, creamy, smooth, long wearing, medium coverage and provides skin treatment ingredients as well.  As with all of the Un-Wrinkle line, the foundation contains a patented anti-wrinkle peptide that mimics botox. Unlike many products of its ilk, Un-Wrinkle Foundation can stand alone as a treatment and it can stand alone as a foundation.  Who could ask for more?  I am dying to buy this stuff as soon as my Laura Mercier foundation runs out.

                                           

Epicuren is a professional line of skincare that only the most serious of spas provide.  It is the secret weapon of celebrities whose livelihood relies on looking young and flawless.  Most all of their skincare and bodycare is all formulated with enzymes which counter attack all the ills of aging as well as other problems.  I'd start out with something basic like the Volcanic Clay Purifying Mask which contains volcanic clay and China clay for purifying, and all kinds of botanicals like rosemary, sandalwood, and licorice for more purifying and revitalizing as well.  Because of the exclusivity of this line you need to purchase it through a spa so I suggest going to their website www.epicuren.com for a spa locator or else follow my link on the mask to a spa that you can place a phone order with.  Don't be intimidated, the results are absolutely worth it!

                                                       

The only product on this list I haven't tried consistently is Kinerase Scar Healing Therapy, but based on their reputation of excellent and effective dermatologist recommended skin care I have no trouble giving this product my seal of approval.  Granted, I don't love the consistency, but it serves a purpose which is to smooth the appearance of raised red scars on contact.  And then after 8-12 weeks your raised red scar will be significantly and permanently improved.  So they say.  I'm willing to try it on an old removed-mole scar on my arm, but it is totally safe to use on your face too.

                                                       

They say looking good is a woman's best revenge, so for now I think I'll stick to my favorite skin savers and forgo all the retaliation fantasies I've had brewing about my boyfriend.  Best to lay low until this is all figured out I think.

Fall in Mountain Crest

Mountain Crest is the city of bad dates.  I have had so many bad dates there it isn't even funny.  This is in comparison to Altos where I have had a relative amount of good dates.  But in Mountain Crest I can barely go anywhere without passing by a restaurant or coffee house that contains an uncomfortable memory of a date gone wrong.  This is especially true of the Red Earth Cafe and Tamarind Thai Restaurant where for some reason the majority of my dates chose to meet.  One guy even took me to dinner at Tamarind for our first  (and only) three dates.  Yeah, I know, not very imaginative.  And worst of all is that their food is totally mediocre but is surrounded by blocks and blocks of fabulously exotic ethnic restaurants where the food is quite savory.  Why would these guys keep choosing such an unimpressive place? My guess would be because it is cheap.  But maybe if they had taken me to someplace a little better they would have gotten a second date out of me.  Maybe.  Because one reason I knew that my current boyfriend was a keeper was that even though we both live in Mountain Crest he didn't take me to The Red Earth Cafe or Tamarind Thai.  No, on our first date he took me down the street to a hip Vietnamese noodle joint that stays open until 2 am.  See, very cool.  But I imagine that even if those other guys had taken me there instead, the dates still wouldn't have been much of a success.  For example:

There was the balding stoner who looked 15 years older than his online photo and who actually wore more jewelry than I did.  Also, just on principal, I feel that if a guy is balding he should not have a ponytail longer than my own.

There was the son of a major Hollywood movie studio exec who turned out to be about 70 pounds heavier than his online photo and he couldn't stop talking about all the people who had done him wrong.  Can you say persecution complex?!

Then there was the orgy guy.  Seriously, he was right up front about it.  He was a big proponent of the the orgy scene and he was constantly and enthusiastically trying to get me to come on board with him.

And just to mention one more of the many hilariously bad dates, there was the hockey player who turned out to be teeny tiny.  Plus he kept slurping on the massive metal braces on his teeth and if it's one thing I can't stand it's a slurper.  Yuck.

In the end though, I guess I'm lucky that those guys didn't ruin for me a restaurant that was actually decent because it's certainly no loss to have to bypass Tamarind or Red Earth these days.  And Mountain Crest is, after all, a lovely city.  My bf and I were strolling down the down town streets the other night wearing only light sweaters.  It was the perfect Indian Summer night but I know it won't last because Fall is definitely here. And I do love Fall. 

Fall is sexy don't you think?  Winter is cozy, Spring is joyful, Summer is carefree, but Fall is sexy.  Although I have to admit that it dries out my skin.  It was like someone threw a switch last week and all of a sudden I have to work overtime just to stay hydrated.  So in honor of this sexy but dry season I came up with a list of sensational products that will enhance your sexiness or heal the dryness.

FOR DRYNESS I adore the Sugar Face Polish by Fresh.  This super hydrating scrub not only exfoliates off all your dry dead skin but if you leave it on for 5-10 minutes longer it will also act as a nourishing treatment mask.  It's a 2 for 1! This scrub/mask (with strawberries!) always leaves my skin looking absolutely radiant so it is the perfect tool to combat the dry cold weather.

                                           

                                       

FOR SEXINESS you gotta run out and buy the new DuWop Twilight Lip Venom.  Lip Venom was one of the first lip plumpers out there and to this day remains one of the best there is.  They have several different formulas and now in honor of the the second Twilight movie, New Moon, that comes out this November, Lip Venom has made a lip plumper that is a crimson (blood-like) lipstain. And when I say stain, I mean STAIN.  This pretty color will not budge once you put it on so regardless of whether you are a fan of vampires or not, the cinnamony lip plumper will make your lips look hot hot hot.

                                           

FOR DRYNESS I recommend carrying around a mineral water mister like Vichy Thermal Spa Water aerosol.  This French brand is made from the very healing waters of the Vichy region of France. It is highly refreshing to spritz on throughout the day as it relieves that tight, parched feeling that comes from indoor heating and outdoor low humidity.  Plus it's trace minerals make it especially soothing for sensitive skin.

                                           

FOR SEXINESS go for anything with Marie Antoinette.  I don't know why this icon is so sexy but that's the way it is.  And Too Faced Cosmetics has a line of makeup kits out for the holidays that feature Marie Antoinette and all the fantastic Frenchness that she embodies.  The packaging here is absolutely irresistible and I ended up buying the French and Fabulous pallet just because it was so amazing.  If this is something that interests you I say buy it now - the really cute makeup sets sell out way before Christmas actually gets here.

                              

                                       

FOR DRYNESS you may find that it's not only your skin that suffers.  At this time of year I need to turn things up a notch with my hair care products as well.  Phyto Phytojoba Mask Intense Hydrating Mask is a wonderfully hydrating conditioner that doesn't weigh your hair down.  Plus it is mostly all natural and smells so refreshing and uplifting it makes washing your hair something to look forward to.

                                       

FOR SEXINESS try the fragrance that Angelina Jolie is reported to use (and who, after all, is hotter than Angelina Jolie?).  D&G's new fragrance No.18 La Lune is a sultry blend of apple, bergamot, lily, tuberose, rose, leather and sandalwood.  It has a faint whiff of white floral which I don't normally like, but here it is present just enought to tease.  In other words, a perfect scent for the sexy Fall season.

                                     

FOR DRYNESS I adore Jurlique Moisture Replensihing Day Cream.  The last spa I worked at used Jurlique products and I love this natural yet extremely effective way to treat your skin.  The company grows their own botanical ingredients thus the moisture cream is comprised of mostly organic components:  olive oil, rose, and camomille just to name a few.  This rich moisturizer is certainly a soothing way to combat dehydration.

                                           

FOR SEXINESS donate to breast cancer awareness.  Nothing is sexier than breast health and because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month there are alot of products out there right now who will donate part of the proceeds of their sales to breast cancer research.  In particular I support the Sephora Brand Perfect Ten Brush Set that contains practically every makeup brush you could possibly need for only $60.  Think about it, $60 for a good cause.  Plus the high quality set is a fun pink color that would appeal to all you girly girls out there.  So think about doing your part......

Now I don't usually review quite so many products in one posting but this time I couldn't help it - I am just so excited for Fall!  So finally with a hydrating misting spray, and decent man beside me, I can feel free to paint the city of Mountain Crest red, enjoying all the Fall flavors it has too offer (but NOT the Tamarind Thai!).

sealed with a kiss

It has come down to this:  a peck on the lips as he heads out the door to go to work.  What happened to real kissing!?  What happened to making out!? I can't figure out why this always happens.  Why does kissing fall by the wayside once you've established your relationship?  And face it, as adults there is not even all that much kissing in the dating process either.  Not like there was as a teenager anyway.  Even though you could never pay me enough to be a teenager again (ick!) I sure do miss those long drawn out makeout sessions.

 I am so not a prude but maybe if there was more kissing and less fucking there would consequently be more love.  Like in the historical romance movie "Bright Star" that just came out. The famous poet John Keats and his love Fanny have so much passion and deep abiding love for each other that despite the social strictures of the time, their love for each other flourishes.  You know why?  Because they don't have sex!  They just kiss and touch and cuddle and their love withstands the test of time.  I think I need to take a page from their book. Not because this is a moral issue but because it seems to be more of a practical measure.  Maybe if I hadn't rushed into sex with my boyfriend, and had taken the time to get to know him and build our love through the true romance of kissing, then I wouldn't have been blinded to all those negative character traits of his that I am only now figuring it out.

For the first few months I was totally blinded by lust, by physical infatuation.  He is after all extremely beautiful and our mutual chemistry just sizzled.  And the experts say that once a woman has sex with a man she is instantly emotionally hooked, so that I guess was my down fall.  However, I wonder.  Is it more intimate to not have sex and focus on the deeply personal act of getting to know each other's true selves or does the sex act really define intimacy for us women?  In my former years as a super slut I would often times find it easier just to jump into bed with a guy and get that over with rather than go through the whole socially awkward phase of dating.  And ashamedly I admit that sometimes it was easier to just have sex than to say "no", or even worse argue back and forth why/why not.  In those cases having sex seemed like the least intimate way to go.  But in the situation with my current boyfriend, I wonder if I hadn't had sex with him so early on it wouldn't have falsely accelerated our whole relationship only to find out now, five months into it, that things are not what they initially seemed to be.  And so I wonder once again, how do successfull couples make the transition from the honeymoon period of the relationship to the real life world of the nitty gritty?  Does my difficulty these days mean I didn't spend enough time just kissing or does it mean I am with the wrong man?

In keeping with my topic of kissing, I thought I'd do my beauty segment on products that are great for your lips.  Here are some of my favorite items that will keep your lips pucker perfect:

You know what would be fun to get?  Bonne Bell Lipsmakers!  Is that a blast from the past or what?  And can you believe they still make them?  Of course the packaging is different nowadays, but talk about high school kissing - this stuff is a fantastic reminder of days gone by.  Lipsmackers still come in those playful candy and soda pop "flavors" but I remain a staunch supporter of the classic strawberry.  And actually, these lip balms do keep your lips sweet and silky and shiny.  So go ahead, loosen up and have some fun!

                                

I think the best lip exfoliator out there is Korres Lemon Lip Scrub.  I'll tell you why I love this stuff so much....the lipstick-style of scrub is easy, sanitary, and not at all messy to apply.  There are conditioning, hydrating oils in this formula, and the rice flour little granules are so fine it does the perfect amount of scrubbing - not too weak, not too strong.  Furthermore, it's all natural, there are no parabens, perfumes, or other artificial ingredients.  Now that I have one, I can't imagine living without it!

                             

Another thing that I can't live without now that I've tried it is Laura Geller Lip Spackle.  Normally I'm not a big fan of Laura Geller cosmetics but her Lip Spackle is the best lip primer that I have ever tried.  Not only does it keep your lipstick color clear and true but it plumps those puckery lines and keeps your lipstick from bleeding.  In addition, my lipstick lasted WAY longer and I was able to draw on the most perfect shape lip imaginable.  There is nothing not to love here but just be sure to only use a teeny tiny teeny bit at a time.

                                     

Another young at heart lip product to try is the Sephora Brand FAME Lip Gloss.  This limited edition lip gloss came out just in time to promote the remake of the original movie Fame (which incidentally I can't wait to see).  For some of us, it's a blast from the past, for others it's new and fresh, but either way I think everyone can enjoy these pretty colors of gloss that will brighten any face.  There are five colors ranging from a neutral to a deep plum and the gloss factor is exceptional.  In a word, they are simply delightful!

 

And finally, for a very sophisticated lip color, look no further than YSL.  I am in love with their Rouge Volupte lipstick as it is the creamiest, most velvety lipstick around.  The moist, thick, gleaming consistency is perfect for people who hate that dried, matte look of traditional lipsticks.  The color is rich and opaque and actually wears quite well, not rubbing off too easily.  It is a lipstick that doesn't feel like a lipstick.  It is exceptional!

                                          

So now that I have all the right stuff to beautify my lips, maybe I'll try attacking my boyfriend in a frenzy of kisses, just to see what he does.  What will you do with your new lips?

sweet escape

You know you may not be doing too well when all your friends start hinting that you should go get a massage.  Or a facial.  Or preferably a whole day at the spa.  Yes, the honeymoon period is definitely over now and I am on the rocky road of relationship drama.  Sigh.  But rather than bore you with the dreary details let's live in denial a while longer and talk about something fun.  My favorite escape besides shopping and chick flicks is chic lit. 

As a young woman I was totally addicted to romance novels (who doesn't enjoy a good love story?) usually of the historical fiction variety.  Fiery-tempered damsels in distress were de rigour.  But then along came Helen Fielding and her Bridget Jones Diaries and thus an exciting new genre of fiction called chic lit was born.  Chic lit, for those of you who are not already in the know, is highly entertaining, humorous, sexy, romantic, descriptive, and the perfect escapist read. And unlike the one dimensional fictional romantic heroines of yore, the chic lit heroine is struggling with other issues besides how to get the man.  Chic lit deals with the very real problems of weight gain/weight loss,family troubles, death, abuse, shopaholism or smoking or other addictions, work/career issues, and yes of course the unfulfilling relationship.  Granted there is always a happy ending but we're not talking pulitzer prize here, just a wonderfully delicious escape.  

Don't just take my word for it, pick up a paperback and check it out for yourself.  If you are into high society, fashion, and NYC you might enjoy the Vogue editor and chic lit author Plum Sykes, The Devil Wears Prada prodigy Lauren Weisberger, or the actually quite edgy Candace Bushnell (she has been called the Jane Austen of the 21st century).

If you can't relate to The Shopaholic series you still may want to check out Brit chic Sophie Kinsella's other books because they are diversely charming, funny, and well written.  As a matter of fact British chic lit is the best around, I think.  For example Wendy Holden is super hilarious and Irish Marian Keyes increasingly writes about controversial topics.  Raffaella Barker writes delectable novels whose heroine is an eccentric single mother that lives in the wilds of the English countryside. She is just so evocative I like to read her books over and over again. 

But that's enough rambling out of me.  If you want to know more about chic lit, click on my link ChicLit.co.uk in the My Faves column.  There is tons of fun stuff out there, and as I can't afford a day at the spa, reading is a good way to relax.  Although being the true beauty maven that I am I also decided to give myself an impromptu "day at the spa" at home.  I raided my local CVS and bought up the best skincare treatments I could get my hands on for cheap cheap cheap.  It all came out beautifully so if you want to try it too, here is what I bought:

First I wanted to treat my feet. I set the scene with some lovely candles and Enya on the stereo, then I soaked my feet in a big pot of very warm water. Even though there were some interesting pre-made foot soaks out there I chose to use Aura Cacia essential oils in my "tub".  Alot of drug stores now carry a small selection of essential oils and I like to use them for their very healing properties.  Besides it just seemed more spa like.  Different oils have different effects, such as lavender for calming, tea tree oil for invigorating anti-bacterial,  ylang ylang for sensual stimulation, or sweet orange for uplifting.  You can even combine them for multi-purpose healing because at $5-15 each it's a bargain.

                                       

 

After soaking my feet I sloughed off all the dead skin and rough callouses by giving them a good scrubbing with Sally Hansen Salon Ultra Smoothing Foot Scrub.  This scrub is quite luxurious and hydrating with its various nut oils. It also has dead sea salts and other marine ingredients in it which are super healing and relaxing.  It's a total drugstore find for only $7.99.                                                                                          

                                                       

The final step of caring for my feeties was to slather on some mega rich moisturizer.  Burt's Bees Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey and Billberry Foot Cream did the trick.  This natural cream not only smoothed away any left over roughness but it made my tired dogs sigh with relief.  For an experience that truly smells like a spa, you can get this cream for only $8.99

                                

Now before I moved on to the really fun part, I gave myself a quick bikini wax.  This is not for the faint of heart but if you can do any of your waxing at home (leg,brow,lip) you can save a bundle.  At CVS I bought Surgiwax because the name sounded promising.  It was actually pretty good so if you want to try it, here are a few good waxing tips.  Trim or grow the hair to 1/4 inch in length - anything longer is just going to hurt too much.  Pull the skin on the area to be waxed taught and apply the wax in the direction of the hair growth.  Then WITHOUT HESITATION yank off the wax horizontally - in other words do not pull upwards.  The second the wax comes off, take your free hand and apply direct pressure to the waxed area - this will help alleviate some of the pain.  So good luck my intrepid waxers, for $6.99 of SurgiWax you can't go wrong.

                                                   

I saved the best part of my spa day for last: the facial.  I just used my own cleanser to wash my face, then I held my head (not too close!) over a pan of gently boiling water to open up my pores and loosen up that difficult sebum that calls itself blackhead.  After steaming for five minutes or so I exfoliated all that dead skin off my face, neck, and decollete with Biore Skin Preservation Collection Even Smoother Microderm Exfoliator.  I chose this awesome scrub because its exfoliating beads are actually the same crystals used in microdermabrasion machines.  And FYI, Dr. Brandt's Microdermabrasion scrub has the same crystals but it costs $75 while Biore was only $14.99. 

                                       

                                   

After rinsing off my scrub I massaged Boots Botanic Vitamin Recovery Mask onto my skin for a minute or two then left it on to do it's thing (which was revitalize, hydrate, firm, and protect).  I love the British chemist Boots, now available at Target and some CVS, because they've been around for a million years and their products are actually quite effective, even at such reasonable prices (the mask was only $ 7.99).  As a matter of fact, their stuff is so great it couldn't hurt to make all your at home spa products Boots.  But anyway, after washing off the mask I just applied my regular moisturizer and my face was glowing. Granted it wasn't as spectacular or even as relaxing as a professional  spa but everything I used felt luxurious and definitely worth while.  Not only that but the total price of my home spa day only came to $52, which includes lots of left over product for many more spa days to come.  You could even have a spa party with a bunch of your girlfriends and if you all split the cost of the products it would be super DUPER cheap! 

                                    

 So for now I'm going to try to not sweat the small stuff - or the big stuff -and just chill out with a good book and a hydrating mask.  Will keep you posted.....

fruit frenzy

If I could magically be granted any super power that I wanted I would choose the ability to walk in heels.  High high heels.  Because I don't just have a shoe fetish, I have a heels fetish.  I'd say I have over fifteen pairs of heels, which may not seem like much but given the fact that I never ever wear them because I can't walk in them, it might actually be a bit excessive.  And every once in a while I consider selling them all on Craig's List but in the end I can never bear to part with them.  Is this a sickness?  Is this what a fetish is all about or is it just an obsession?

Webster's dictionary describes fetish as "an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression." .  Do I get sexual gratification from high heels?  Um....maybe?  Well, if it is a fetish, it certainly is a cool fetish to have don't you think?  And just like with the super powers, if you could magically be given any fetish you wanted, which one would you choose?  Would you go for something gentle like lingerie, or whipped cream, or Scottish Accents (yes!)?  Or would you pick something a little more riske like bondage, or rubber, or spanking?  As part of my fetish research I was browsing through a catalog of porno flicks and discovered some very unusual fetishes.  There was of course midgets, and peeing, and uniforms (see my posting newness on UPS men), but there were also fetishes with knives, hairy men, and smothering.  Hmmmm.  That's not quite up my alley.

But I am seriously into fruit lately, and though it may not be a fetish per se, I can't quite seem to get enough of it.  I eat it, I live it, I breathe it, and I seek out delicious fruit beauty products to slather on my self so that I can wear it too.  Here are some of my favorite products that are either fruit scented or made with actual fruit in them:

My favorite at home peel EVER is Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel.  This mostly organic, totally safe gel exfoliant gives such a great glow. The fruit acids (a natural form of glycolic acid) completely dissolve any and all dead skin cells without being too harsh.  Don't let the term "peel" scare you, it's not like you are going to the dermatologist or anything, because for fantastic results that can be achieved right in your own bathroom, you can't go wrong with the green apple peel.  It also comes in a sensitive skin formula.

                                           

I never used to be a fan of coconut scent, but in my recent fruit frenzy I realize that I actually quite like it.  Comptoir Sud Pacifique makes a totally summery/beachy fragrance called Coco Extreme that has notes of coconut and a smidgen of vanilla as well.  But rather than be too sweet, it reminds you of sexy bodies slathered in suntan lotion, baking in the sun.  I wear it all year round, just to extend the beautiful carefree feelings of Summer even when it is fifty degree out and raining.

                                       

Practically every product in the professional organic skincare line Eminence is made from fruit.  You won't find the line in any retail outlets and it is best to purchase them from a spa or if totally necessary online.  Even though it is entirely organic, the products are fabulously effective, so even if you are not normally a "naturals" kind of gal, you may want to check this out anyway.  Today I'm into the Apricot Masque which hydrates and nourishes with vitamins, nutrients, and anti-oxidants such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C Ester (the best kind), and Coenzyme Q10.

                                       

On the other extreme is Dylan's Candy Bar Strawberry Licorice Candy Butter Cream.  It is as unnatural as you can get but it is fun fun fun.  The rich, soothing body butter has a tangy scent of strawberry candy, as pungent as if you had a piece right in your mouth.  This scent also comes in a body scrub, body lotion, shower gel, and lip balm, but I adore the creamy texture of the body butter so it it my fave.  BTW it smells nothing like licorice but it is definitely for the young at heart.

                                       

Lush is a playful, natural beauty line from Canada, and for something so unique, the prices are affordable.  I suggest you try their Lemon-Lime Margarita Shampoo that comes (surprisingly) in a tub not a tube.  This shampoo gives body and shine to limp hair and contains real fruit as well as other stellar ingredients such as sea water.

                                       

How can you not love Anthroplogie?  Even if the clothes are not quite your style, the knick-knacks, home items, and beauty products are irresistible.  Take for example the Candela Nectar Tins in Plum Mangosteen:  the mangosteen, Japanese plum blossom, apple, and pink grapefruit scent is heavenly and the adorable floral tin will make a statement in whatever room you put it in.  I have mine by my bedside and I burn it while I read in bed and then I love to catch whiffs of the unlit fruity fragrance as I fall asleep.

                                   

I know I've been mentioning Korres, the natural skincare/makeup line from Greece, a lot lately but they just have so many outstanding products you gotta love em.  As far as fruit goes, you must try their Melon Shower Gel or Melon Body Butter.  It may be a tad bit sweet for some, but for me the light fresh smell is to die for.  The packaging is generous and looks cool in your shower and there are no parabens, sulfates, phalates, or other icky ingredients to object to.

                                                                           

Maybe after you try some of these products you'll end up with a fruit fetish too.  But whether it's fruit or feet, when it comes to fetishes, I say to each his own.

disappearing act

I am a flight risk.  Set my bail at two million dollars. 

When it comes to life and any of it's complications I am exceedingly skittish, not to mention I bore easily.  Case in point: since I have been an adult and capable(?) of making my own choices the longest I have lived in any one abode is 3 years.  The longest I  have ever worked for any single employer is 3 years. And the longest I have been married (either time) was 4 years.  So you can see why now that the honeymoon period of my new relationship has worn off, I am poised and ready to flee at the least little provocation.  But I really want to do things differently now.  I want to stick.  I want to last.  I have been told that I need to learn to suit up and show up no matter what, and while for many of you that may be a given, let me tell you that in high school I failed PE for two years running precisely because I refused to suit up and show up.  Reality is not my strong suit.  Ever since I can remember I have spent my life with my head buried in a novel or my eyes glued to some fluffy romance movie.  I have failed spectacularly to face life on life's terms. 

But seriously, I want to be a grown up now.  The people I admire most are the ones that have had the same job for twenty years.  Or even more impressively, been in the same relationship for more than twelve years.  How do they do it?  How do they make those necessary compromises for the relationship without compromising themselves?  How do they make love last?  I think I need to learn to have acceptance in my relationship because there is no perfect guy out there and I should really stop expecting there to be.  I need to know on a gut level that I have it good.  And if I need to reassure myself and remember how many seriously imperfect men there are out there all I need to do is reread some of my older blog postings about the dating nightmares that I went through.  Also there is a terrific article in the September issue of Oprah's magazine called Cups of Men by Heather Sellers.  This well-written, (painfully) amusing account of a woman's quest to go on 100 coffee dates with 100 men, in order to find the most perfect man, really hit home for me and made me realize that I better damn well learn to make it work with the very blessed man that I am with.

And speaking of disappearing acts, let's talk about the best ways to get rid of eye makeup.  Now you see it now you don't....there are hundreds and hundreds of eye makeup removers out there but I have consulted with makeup artists to find the most effective yet gentle removers out there.  Here are the removers that evoked the most enthusiastic responses:

Probably the easiest eye makeup remover to get your hands on is Lancome Bi-Facil.  This dual phase remover is part lipids (oils) and part cleansing water. Shake together and it gently and efficiently whisks away all makeup including anything waterproof without leaving any oily residue.  It has consistently won beauty awards and although it's not terribly cheap, it is certainly worth the expense.

                                               

One of the first spas I worked in carried the professional line Credentials.  Now the general public can find this brand on line and if you are looking for a fantastic makeup remover, look no further.  Their Eye Makeup Remover is a oil free, water-like formula with soothing cucumber  that will quickly and easily remove every trace of eye makeup including waterproof.  No rubbing here!

                            

Alot of people prefer to use the convenient makeup remover pads and the famous natural brand from Denmark, Ole Henriksen, has the best ones I've ever tried.  Women seriously buy these Purifying Eye Make-Up Remover pads in bulk.  Not only do they gently eliminate all traces of makeup including waterproof, but the oil free formulas also rejuvenates and refreshes the eye.

                                       

Perhaps the best eye makeup remover for sensitive eyes is Make Up Forever Sens'eyes.  The cream-gel consistency is a favorite among professional makeup artists everywhere, as it removes even the toughest waterproof makeup without irritating the eyes at all.  When in doubt about your sensitivity go with the very comforting Sens'eyes.

Many of you may be squeamish about using oil to remove your makeup but cleansing really doesn't get any better than the totally luxurious Shu Uemura Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium a/o.  Technically this is a cleanser for the whole face, not just the eyes, but as it removes even waterproof makeup like a dream, you would be remiss if you didn't try it on your eyes.  And listen up:  it will not clog your pores, will not make you  greasy, will not leave behind any unwanted residue - and will fortify you with a load of anti-oxidants as well.  It conveniently comes in little travel size bottles but If you can afford the large $75 bottle I say go for it!  You will fall in love.

   

 The most reasonably priced eye makeup remover on the list today is Philosophy Just Release me.  This oil free remover is emollient and light weight at the same time.  It effortlessly removes all types of eye makeup for a very refreshing, pleasant makeup removing experience.  It is fairly new on the market and needless to say I had to buy it immediately.  I am exceedingly pleased with my purchase, as I'm sure you would be too.

                                   

If only it were as easy to whisk away my character defects as it is to remove my eye makeup, but I'm really going to try and stick around this time.  Yes, I'm certainly going to try.

julie & julia part 2

Some of you may not understand this but today I went to see the movie Julie & Julia for the third time  (didn't I tell you in my last posting that I was obsessed?!!!).  For some reason this movie really spoke to me.  Of course I loved the food and I loved the Paris and NYC locales but mostly I found it to be inspiring - a message of hope.  Not just inspiring that through perseverance the women found a way to make a livelihood from their passion for food, but it was their relationships that inspired me as well. 

Each of the couples in the movie seemed so supportive of each other despite all their ups and downs, and that's what I really really want.  You know how when you are single you make THE LIST where you prioritize all the qualities that you are looking for in a man:  loyal, sense of humor, great ass etc.?  Well, even though I had put "emotionally available" on my list I didn't really specify "supportive" but that's what I seem to be craving these days.  What I don't know is how much support is reasonable to expect from my boyfriend, after all he is a man and we are from different planets. Is it ok to fantasize about financial support?  Is it ok to want him to fetch me chocolate peanut butter ice cream and rub my lower back when I have my period?  Should he be expected to be my own personal cheer leading team when I want to embark on a new project or venture like going back to school?  At the very least he should agree with me that so-and-so is an asshole when they have wronged me.  How do you really know what is enough support?  Am I just looking for the impossible - the father I never had?  I guess as long as there's plenty of love that makes it all ok.  Just like Julia and Paul Child.  My mom actually met them in the early 60s when she was washing dishes for Julia Child's tv show in Cambridge MA.  My mom said it was obvious that they both absolutely adored each other.  Wow.  "Adored" is where it's at alright. 

 I think mutual support is a sign of an equal relationship.  A good friend of mine just put on her LIST that she wanted her and her next boyfriend to be equal, and I can see that: equal income, equal education, equal energy levels, equal hobbies and interests.  But I say be careful what you wish for because what if you end up with equal negative characteristics as well?  My boyfriend and I are very equal - equally horrible with money, equally emotionally sensitive - it can be a recipe for disaster.  I think in some areas you should be unequal as a couple.  I would hope for a man to be better than me in some areas to give me something to learn from and strive for or at the very least just balance things out.

So in honor of all the supportive men out there I'm going to do another posting on "must have" men's products.  Here are some great little items that you could buy for your honey to show him that you care.

Men love to exfoliate.  They like scrubs and they like peels.  Who knows why although for some men it can be a real necessity to help them to prevent ingrown hairs from shaving.  Bliss Ingrown Eliminating Pads are for anyone who wants to prevent ingrown hairs and irritating razor stubble.  They contain salicylic and glycolic acids to exfoliate, they don't smell terrible like Tend Skin does, and they are extremely convenient and easy to use.  And here is something you can share too, as they are great for your bikini zone or elsewhere.

                               

The most sensational men's fragrance is Coach For Men.  It is flat out sexy in a light refreshing way with just a hint of dry woods.  This masculine scent is a real people pleaser being both lively and refined with notes of grapefruit, Darjeeling Tea, moss, patchouli and cedar.  Love it!

                       

For a well groomed head of hair buy your guy some Billy Jealousy Lunatic Fringe Hair Pomade.  Billy Jealousy is a fun line of men's personal care products with everything ranging from moisturizer with sun screen, to hand lotion or body wash.  The pomade in particular gets rave reviews and can be applied to give a piecey/edgy look or on the other hand a more smooth conservative look.  Plus all their packaging has that cool dragon on it.

                       

Most men want to keep their grooming regimen simple.  I hate to use the word lazy but let me put it this way - most men don't even wash their face with soap.  So in comes the highly convenient, ultimately practical, Aveda Men Shampoo Body Bar.  This foaming deoderizing cleansing bar can be used on face, hair, and body alike, and frankly you can't get any more simple than that. Its no frills packaging and spare appearance say it all - convenient, easy, simple - perfect for the lazy man.

                                       

Korres is a fantabulous natural skin care (and makeup) line from Greece.  They started out small here in the US but are growing by leaps and bounds as word gets out how terrific they are.  In addition, they have a specific men's skincare line that is definitely worth checking out.  If you are going to try just one item in the line I say go for the Absinthe Men's Shave Cream.  First of all men will think it's cool that it's made from absinthe, but second of all it really works!  It smooths, soothes, protects and nourishes - all without parabens or other artificial ingredients.  Go green!

                       

So while I try to work out what I actually mean, and what I actually want, when I say "supportive partner", you go out and have a good time shopping for your man, I'm sure one of these products will be right up his alley.

julie & julia part 1

You know how I spent the whole of last year obsessing about James McAvoy in my blog?  Well, now I’m going to start obsessing on the movie Julie & Julia (don’t worry I still love JM).  Sometimes a movie can be pivotal in your life – like how when Grease came out it made me realize that if you want to be popluar and have a cute guy to call your own you need to smoke and drink and dress like a slut ;-)  But I think Julie & Julia sends a much more healthy and positive message- which is good because I am no longer a teenager and any Grease-like behavior would only give me a reputation as a pathetic cougar. 

So one of the things that struck me about J&J was that half of the story was told through the device of letter writing and the other half was partially narrated through a blog.  It’s fascinating how life was documented “back then” and how it is documented these days.  I have always been a writer and have had many a courtship conducted through the medium of the written word. 

 In 1989 I began my relationship with my first ex-husband through letter writing because he was stationed with the Marine Corps in Iraq for Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  We had been acquaintances before hand but our correspondence during the war turned things up a notch.  We totally got to know each other – our hopes and dreams, our likes and dislikes, and even though it was a frustratingly slow way to go, it was deeply intimate and romantic as well.  Needless to say we totally hooked up the second he got home and there was nothing like that first kiss we shared.  I literally almost fainted.

 These days I have been getting to know my “dates” through the written word of email, IM, and texting.  It’s not nearly as romantic as letter writing but it may be quite a bit sexier.  Like my cybersex with the French Canadian (oh Canada) or the dilemas of cyber sex (before the coffee date).  Sexy texting, or “sexting” , is super hot when you are first dating but I find it to also be a great way to keep your sex life going strong when you are into the more staid phase of a relationship.  It’s those sexy one liners that appear at unexpected moments in your day that are just as much of a boost for your sex life as some expensive sex toy.

 But in the movie Julie & Julia I have to say what I related to most was the (modern) blogging and the passion both women displayed for their creative art.  For me of course the creative part is not cooking but the infinite ways and means of using infinite products to beautify your looks.  I am truly committed to and truly obsessed with the world of beauty/skin/cosmetics and now that my blog has been going on for over a year I am going to bring to you my second season of Fall favorites.  Actually, think of this posting as information on Fall transition items, because there will really be lot more Fall products to come – we are only just beginning the Fall/Winter/Holiday barrage!

 So first things first …. You gotta treat that skin that you just abused all summer long (salt water - chlorine - excessive sun exposure - eeek!).  The best way to repair environmental damage – especially sun damage – is with vitamin C.  Murad makes the awesome Vitamin C Home Infusion Kit that is basically a really strong vitamin C mask that you mix together.  Use it not only on your face but on your neck and décolleté as well to restore glow and tone to your skin, rejuvenate with mega antioxidants, and help reduce uneven skin color.

                           

 

A way to treat the dry Summer-damaged skin on your body is to use a super moisturizer that will not only hydrate but also gently exfoliate as well.  I really like Kiehl’s Imperial Body Balm.  This ultimately thick rich cream contains Russian herbal remedies such as shea butter, sea buckhorn berry, honey, and fruit acids to restore dry lackluster skin .  Besides all that, it is perfect for Fall because it smells like Fall – all buttery and spicy – yum.

                                       

 

I quizzed all the cosmetic counter girls and even though not too many Fall colors have reached the market yet, there does seem to be a consensus that dark leafy greens will be “in” (such as the current Bobby Brown Ivy League collection) and of course all the velvety purples and plums that we have started to see, and then there are even some rusts and bronzes as well (check out Smashbox Reign collection).  But one of the prettiest Fall eye shadow palettes I saw was Dior Night Butterfly 5 Colour Eyeshadow Besides loving the name, the elegant colors captivated me.  In the center is a black shadow with micro sparkle.  Also there is a perfect suede gray, a vibrant violet, a soothing lavender, and a deep eggplant.  Yup, this is to die for.

                                  

 

As a perfect accompaniment to the Dior shadow block is MAC Tinted Lipglass in the color On Display.  This easily wearable purple is full of fun and flirtatiousness.  Don’t be scared – it’s not an obnoxious 80’s kind of purple – it is truly pretty and blends well with the natural color of your lips.  While you are at it, check out the other Fall colors in this new MAC collection inspired by the art of the renowned photographer Richard Phillips.  (the color in real life is actually brighter and prettier)

                                  

Next you are most likely going to want to switch your fragrance to something a little more evocative of Fall – opulent and perhaps a little spicy or even cozy.   I like Viva La Juicy byJuicy Couture.  This lavish golden floral fragrance is actually rather complex and features not only wild berry, honeysuckle, gardenia,  and jasmine, but also amber, vanilla, caramel and sandalwood.  It is just lovely for Autumn.

                                    

 Another fragrance to be toted out for Fall is Tocca's Brigitte named after the famous French film siren Brigitte Bardot.  This unique scent is romantically spicy and feminine.  Not at all heavy or overpowering, the eau de parfum contains notes of saffron, ginger, papaya, Morrocan rose, sandlewood and musk.  It is the perfect scent to add to your fragrance wardrobe.

And last but not least are candles.  I think candles are synonymous with Winter and Fall when we literally keep the home fires burning.  I have the perfect candle for this season too.  Belle Fleur makes a candle called Kyara Clove that is all at once a dry woodsy leathery scent that is deeply sensual and sexy.  The Belle Fleur line was created by a florist and actually any of her candle fragrances would be good for Fall.  They all come in an elegant chocolate brown glass container that definitely suits the color theme for this season.

                            

 

This time of year is very exciting –  filled with the thrill of transition and reminiscent of all that is crisp and cozy and comforting.  So start stocking up on your new fall items and while you’re out shopping be sure to send your honey a salacious text message as well.