Bare Minerals Eyeshadow - Moss

Moss eyeshadow from Bare Minerals.  This is a loose eyeshadow that can be worn over your whole eye.  Pat it on your lid with your brush and use a painting stroke above your lid for a subtle contrasting color.

This is my go-to shadow most everyday.  And everyday, I think how handy Moss is and how much I love it.

Fashion Documentary - "The September Issue"

"The September Issue" -- We just rented this movie documentary and I LOVED it! It is about the magazine Vogue and working on their biggest issue of the year, the September issue.

Anna Wintour is the editor of Vogue and has had a long standing reputation for being no nonsense. It was so interesting to watch in action. But, my favorite person was Grace Coddington, the creative director at Vogue. So interesting! If you don't even like fashion, but do like documentaries, watch this. Fascinating!

Nail Strengthener - Sally Hansen

Sally Hansen Triple Strong Advanced Gel Nail Fortifier If you can't grow a nail (like me), try this product! My manicurist recommended it and it works. It makes your nails very strong.

I found mine at Walgreens.

Eye Concealer and Brightener - Erase Paste by Benefit

Erase Paste by Benefit conceals and brightens all at once. Comes in light, medium or dark shades. Expensive ($26) but worth it! My one little tub will probably outlive me and be put in my will!

I don't just use it under my eyes. It quickly and easily covers any red spots around the nose, mouth etc. Will do a pretty good job covering brown spots, too.

I bought mine at the Ulta boutique. Also can be found at Sephora or online at Benefit, Ulta, Amazon or Ebay.

Bare Escentuals Order Arrived! - January 6, 2010

I love Bare Escentuals/Bare Minerals products. I am hooked! They had a big clearance sale on their website starting on Christmas morning. I was quickly ordering before my kids woke up to open their presents! :) I was able to get great items for me and my friends for Christmases and birthdays to come.

Leslie Blodgett is the CEO and face of Bare Escentuals. She is a master marketer because of her eye and hand for details. Exhibit A when I opened my box. A little note from Leslie...genius.

SUNBLOCK

Natural Powder Sunblock - Bare Minerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen This is the craziest, coolest stuff. It is a mineral sunblock in powder form. (Click on the above link to see a picture.) Just brush it on to go into the sun.

I have quite a few and use them all of the time. I brush my kids with them when they go out to play. No more fighting to get on the sticky, stinky sunblock (especially on their faces) just to go in the backyard. I also carry one in the car drink holder, so I remember to put it on my hands, arms and face when I am driving in the car. My son has really short hair and plays lots of tennis. He can even brush this into his hair and you can't even see it. Fantastic.

It is not waterproof so if you are going to swim or do a sweaty sport, use regular sunscreen. The container lasts a really long time. LOVE IT!

I found mine on Ebay for a bit cheaper than the retail price. Comes in 3 shades to match your skin tone. Be sure that you hear the click when you turn it to on. When it clicks, it is ready to be used.

What sunscreens do you like?

EYEBROWS

Plucking - Don't forget to shape above your eyebrows. We mostly think to pluck below or between our eyebrows, but sometimes a few hairs need to go above the brow to achieve the right shape.

When eyebrows stop growing - Use Rapidlash. These regrowth products are really expensive! Rapidlash is one of the more inexpensive of these products, but it is still $49! But, if you need to add some brows back in the sparse spots, it works. Type in Rapidlash in Google to order online.

Finish your brows with a little color - If you really want a finished look to your makeup, add a little color to your brows. You can even use a shadow that matches your brows and brush a little on. It will make a big difference to your look.

Carmex - Good old fashioned Carmex (in the little tub) works well to tame your eyebrows. Take a tiny bit out of the tub and put on your brows. It will help to darken them and have them stay in place. Products are also readily available to tame brows.

What tricks do you use for your eyebrows?

LIPS

Google these products to find them in your area:

Bourjois Night Lip Balm - Best lip balm I have ever used from Paris, France. I am hooked and now can't find it anymore. :( Expensive, but worth it if you can track it down. (About $10 per small tub.)

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Lipcolor - This really does work. The color stays on for 12 hours. No topcoat needed. Fine texture; not sticky and not too drying to the lips. Sometimes I put a different lip gloss over it, but still have the lasting color underneath. It doesn't stay on as long when I do this, but it still lasts for hours, even through meals. (I found a large color assortment at Target for about $10.50 per tube.)

Bare Minerals Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish - Fantastic lip plumper. It is a glossy polish that really does plump and hydrate your lips and they stay plumped after the product is long gone. It has a fun tingle while you wear it, so if you don't like a little tingle, beware. Their most popular color is Dolly. (It is usually about $18 per tube at the Macy's counter or at Ulta. QVC usually has good deals on Bare Minerals products, so you might look there, too. ) http://www.qvc.com/

Bare Minerals 100% Natural Lipgloss: If you don't want a plumped lip, you might try this product. It is all natural. Because of all of the butters that are in this product, it really does smell like the treat of a glazed doughnut. :) (About $15 a tube or check http://www.qvc.com/ for their package pricing.)

The perfect red lipstick is: MAC's Viva Glam 1 (Matte). I learned of this from Marlena from http://www.makeupgeek.com/ and she is so right. This really is the perfect shade of red. You can find it where MAC cosmetics are sold or search online.

What lip products do you like?

TEETH

Teeth Whitening - Luster 1 Hour White Kit - I picked up this kit at Walgreens after reading about it in Allure. It is an inexpensive kit that comes with a tooth whitening light and products. I did work to lighten my teeth. I had no tooth sensitivity either. You can buy refills to use the kit again and again. Pretty cool.

Teeth Whitening Strips - I found that if I use any kind of teeth whitening strips, I need to do it everyday. After I take the strips off, I don't brush my teeth right after. I let the hydrogen peroxide sit on my teeth for a while and then brush it off.

How do you keep your teeth white?

CLOTHING HELPS

Tape for Clothes - Braza Flash Tape - If you are tired of showing your bra strap, or in some cases, your religion you might want to give this product a try. It is only $5.50 plus shipping from the link above for a large roll of double sided tape for clothes. Sticks all day and doesn't ruin your clothes. Great product!

PERFUME

Sample Sizes - Want to try a perfume before you invest in a big size? http://www.fragrancenet.com/ sells sample sizes at inexpensive prices.

What perfumes do you like?

HAIR TOOLS

Flat Iron - I purchased an inexpensive flat iron from Walmart and have really enjoyed the results. I have very straight hair and this still works for me. I use it to dry and style my hair after washing. It gives me body and shine. I am thrilled to not have to use the hot blow dryer in this hot Las Vegas desert heat.

Ratting/Teasing Comb - TruLift TEASEase Comb - This comb has really close together teeth which works well on my hair. It is quick and efficient. There is a video on the above link showing you how to use the comb. (Available on hsn.com)


Hair Lift - Big Happie Hair Bumpits - These do work (with a bit of practice) to add lift to the crown on your hair. You can watch a video of how to use them on the above link. They are now sold at Walmart and Sally's Beauty Supply for $10. Much cheaper than the HSN price.

Hot Rollers - Caruso Professional ProSet Steam Hairsetter - Again, I have extremely straight, hard to curl hair. I have owned a set of these steam rollers for years and it is the only thing that will really curl my hair. The curls last for a long time. (Available at Sally's Beauty Supply or check online.)

Velcro Rollers - Michael diCesare Style Builders Kit for Short Hair or Long Hair - This set works well to add body to my hair. I also like liquid setting mousse that comes with the kit. (Available on hsn.com)

HAIR CARE

Hair Care Line - Giovanni Hair Care Line - This is an all organic hair line. It has made a big difference in my hair. A lot more body and shine. I found it at Whole Foods and they had a great selection. (Check availability online.)

Shine - Proclaim Glossing Polish - This adds a lot of shine to your hair. It is also for color and heat protection. (Available from Sally's Beauty Supply)

Texturizer - Calista Tools Embellish Texturizing Definer with ProElement A little amount works well to give a tousled look. Watch the video on QVC to see how to use.

Styling Creme - Bumble and Bumble Styling Creme - This product was recommended to me by my SIL, Jenny and I really like it. It doesn't way your hair down and works well to give body to your style. I found a small bottle to try at Target.

Dry Shampoo - I haven't found a dry shampoo that I really love to recommend, but I do like the concept. Spray on shampoo to clean your hair between washings. Also good if you have been somewhere where there has been smoking. Here is a link for some to look at on QVC. http://www.qvc.com/qsearch/search.aspx

Sleep - Silk pillowcase - I had heard from Kelly Ripa on Live that it is good for your hair if you sleep on a silk pillowcase. It doesn't mess your hair up that much and you wake up with less tangles. I like it. I found mine at Sally's Beauty Supply.

Vitamins - Cutica Hair, Skin and Nails Benefits - (Sold on HSN as Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails) These are vitamins from Pro Caps Laboratories (Andrew Lessman). They are sold on his website and on http://www.hsn.com/ These work really well to strenghen your hair, skin and nails. This products has excellent customer reviews and a huge following. It is the number 1 reorder product on HSN. That says a lot!

What products do you like for your hair?

MAKEUP LINE - BARE MINERALS/BARE ESCENTUALS

The best makeup line that I have ever used is Bare Minerals (Bare Escentuals). So easy to use, good for your skin, all natural and great coverage.

MAKEUP LINE - NYX

This is a really good makeup line that is very inexpensive. I have tried several of their eye and lip products and they work so well. It was recommended by Marlena from http://www.makeupgeek.com/. She uses NYX in a lot of her tutorials mixed with her higher end makeup such as MAC. Love it!

(Available at Ulta, http://www.makeupgeek.com/, Ebay)

SKIN CARE - FACE

Good skin care is the basis for all beauty regimens. I have found some lines that I really enjoy and trust

Serious Skin Care - I have had very good luck with most all of their products. I have tried them on http://www.hsn.com/ first so I can return them in 30 days if I don't like them. Then, I have been able to find my favorite products on Ebay for a much cheaper price after that. SSC is usually on once a month on HSN and that is when you can learn about their products and get good specials.

Wei East - Same thing. Great products. Tried on http://www.hsn.com/ first, then found favorites again on Ebay. Best to shop for products when Wei East is on air. They run good specials at that time.

Egyptian Magic - This is great cream (more like a salve texture) for face care as well as any other skin ailments. I found mine for a bit cheaper on Ebay.

Sleep - Silk Pillowcase - Helps to prevent wrinkles on your face while sleeping. I found mine at Sally's Beauty Supply.

COSTUME JEWELRY

Burlington Coat Factory - I can't believe the GREAT prices that they have on costume jewelry. I have a whole wardrobe to choose from thanks to their really inexpensive prices. They have very trendy styles to choose from and a lot of inventory. I also picked up a designer pair of sunglass there, too.

TJ Maxx - Very pretty jewelry at their jewelry counter at discount prices. Great purses there, as well.

Sassytoe - If you are looking for some fun rings, this is the online store for you. Only $2.99 to ship your whole order and their prices are reasonable. They also ship very fast. If you are looking for the trendy big flower rings right now, they have a huge selection. Their address is http://www.sassytoe.com/ They happen to be located in St. George, UT.

Tori Spelling Jewelry - A fun, vintage inspired jewelry line. This is not an inexpensive line, but items do go on clearance regularly. So check this link periodically if you are interested. http://jewelry.hsn.com/tori-spelling_c-j_a-4551_xc.aspx?rid=1121&prev=hp

Ring Sizing Gel - I have not tried this yet, but it looks interesting. Ring sizing gel to make your oversized rings fit. There is a video tab that you can watch on this page to see what it is all about. http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.tpl.csweb.cm_scid.cswb.item.V27930
Where have you found good costume jewelry?

SELF TANNERS

I am the WORST fake tanner in the world, so I can't really recommend anything! The best thing that I have found is Tantowel. (Available at Ulta, HSN and online.)

I hear the key to a good faux tan is exfloliation.

What tips do you have for a good faux tan?

NAILS

Keep Manicures for a Week - Perfect Formula Gel Coat - This really works. Worth every penny! Also comes in a pink tint. Both on QVC. Make sure your nails are clean before using this and polish. Otherwise, it takes a while to cure.

Fast Drying Nail Polish - Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color . I have always been an OPI nail polish girl, but I have now switched over to this cheaper polish. It really does dry in 60 seconds! Great color selection. Readily available at Wal-Mart or Target.

Nail Polish Remover - Pro Strong Nail Polish Remover. Best polish remover I have ever used. Wipes away the polish so quickly. Also worth every penny.

Hand Lotion - Wei East China Herbal Hand & Body Perfection. This lotion makes your hands moisturized and decreases the signs of aging. Not greasy and great smelling. Sold on http://www.hsn.com/ or can be found for the best price on Ebay. If you want a free sample go to http://www.weieast.com/ while supplies last. Click here for the free sample link.


Vitamins - Cutica Hair, Skin and Nails Benefits - (Sold on HSN as Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails) These are vitamins from Pro Caps Laboratories (Andrew Lessman). They are sold on his website and on http://www.hsn.com/ These work really well to strenghen your hair, skin and nails. This products has excellent customer reviews and a huge following. It is the number 1 reorder product on HSN. That says a lot!

What tips do you have for nail care?

SKIN - BODY

Creme Wash for the Shower - AHAVA Velvet Cream Wash. This product is all natural. Use a little on a scrubbie and it will leave your skin feeling as if you have put on lotion after your shower. HSN has been running a special 2 for 1 during the recession, so you get two bottles for $19.50! Hibiscus and Fig is my favorite, but Orange and Fragipani is a close second. It has softened my dry skin so much that I now have a bottle by each sink to wash my hands with. My hands look younger with this product. Here is the link to check for the special page on HSN.

Bath Salts to Soak In - AHAVA Dead Sea Experience - Also found these for the best price on HSN. These leave your skin incredibly soft. Also great for soaking in for a foot bath. They really remove the dead skin. Sometimes HSN runs a sale; two bottles for $19.60! Here is the link for the sale page.

Chafing - Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel. If you ever have any chafing issues this product works well. Believe it or not, it has also been recommended as a great face primer before you put on your makeup. A cheaper alternative to other primers.

What are your skin secrets?

EYES

So much to talk about for the eyes!

Bags Under the Eyes - Garnier Anti-Puff Eye Roller Gel - This has caffeine in it, so it shrinks the bags. It is also very cooling. You can also try the trick that many Hollywood makeup artists use, hemorrhoid creme. Not kidding. It is made to shrink swelling!

Primer - Two Faced Shadow Insurance Primer - Primer is so important to good eye makeup application and staying power. Use just a tiny bit on your lid and under your bottom lashes (to make eyeliner stay all day and not run) This makes such a difference! This tube will last a long time if you sparingly like is recommended. (Available at Ulta or check online)

Base for Eyeshadow to Adhere To - NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil - NYX cosmetics is a really good cosmetic line that is so affordable. (Dare I say, cheap?!) I put this color on my eyelid over my primer. Then, my Bare Escentuals Powdered Eyeshadows last all day until I take them off at night. The color of the lid is also intensified with the NYX color as a base. These work well as liners, too. (Available at Ulta or check online.)

Eyeshadow - Bare Escentuals (Bare Minerals) Loose Eyeshadows - These eyeshadows are fantastic. Easy to work with, intense colors, blendable and hypoallergenic. I have very sensitive eyes and my skin has troubles with most other brands that I try. No problems with these for me. (Available at Ulta, QVC, Ebay or check online.)

Eye Makeup Brushes - MAC brushes - I had heard that the trick to good eye makeup is in the brushes you use. I am now a believer. I bit the expensive bullet and got the most used MAC brushes for eyes. They are fantastic.

MAC 239 brush- stiff flat brush for shading and packing color on the eyelid
MAC 217 brush- stiff dome brush for adding color into the crease
MAC 224 brush- fluffy dome brush for blending
MAC 219 brush- pencil brush for add color in smaller more defined places

MAC also makes a good brush cleaner. Bare Escentuals makes a good quick brush cleaner that you just spray on.

Eyeliners - Urban Decay 24/7 Liners - These stay put until you wash them off. I really like them to line the waterline (the rim above your bottom lashes) because the color stays (TIP: line the waterline with a light color. It will make your eyes look bigger and your eye whites brighter.) (Available at Ulta, Ebay or check online.)

Mascara - Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express - I have been trying a lot of mascaras lately and this one is my favorite as of now. I have more to try, so I will let you know if there are any others that are really good, too. I like that you can put a few coats of this mascara on and your lashes really look long and thick.

Eyelash Extension - Ready to Wear Lash Extension - This product makes it look like you are wearing false eyelashes. It is made of microfibers. You put mascara on your lashes first. Then, while it is still wet you add this product. Then, seal it with another coat of mascara.

I had problems with the fibers getting in my eyes, so I use it differently. I pour a tiny bit of the product on the bottom of a Dixie cup (any flat surface would work), then I start the process. I put a coat of mascara on. Then, I redip the wand back in the mascara and then into the Ready To Wear. The fibers stick to the mascara and don't go into my eyes. I put the Ready to Wear on, then finish with a 3rd coat of mascara.

This product works. I can't really tell the difference between the Ready to Wear or when I apply false eyelashes. (Available on HSN.com)

Add Length and Thickness to Eyelashes - Rapidlash - This product is expensive, but not nearly as expensive as it's similar competitors. It does work. Once you achieve the length and thickness that you want, you still have to use the product, just not as often. (Readily available online.)

What tips do you have for eyes?

FEET UPDATED - July 12, 2009

Well, since my glowing review of Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Foot Cream, they have changed the formula.  :(  It is not nearly as good as the original.  So, if you can find the foot cream still in the white box, that is the one that you want.  The product in the red box is new and it doesn't say 17 hours of moisturization on the box.  It is more greasy and more topical.  It doesn't soak into your skin like the original formula.  Boo hoo.  I hate change.

GREAT OVERNIGHT FOOT LOTION: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Foot Cream

I used to have the driest heels that would crack and bleed and even tear up sheets. They were so painful. My husband told me about this cream years ago and I have never had a problem since then. I put it on before I go to bed, just like I would hand cream. I don't like to sleep in socks, so I don't and I works just fine. I purchase mine at Walmart, but it is readily available elsewhere.

Product Description: Concentrated relief for dry rough feet. Dermatologist tested. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Foot Cream provides prompt relief for even seriously dry, rough feet. Especially recommended for dry heels and calluses, this concentrated formula delivers over 17 hours of moisturization with every use. Used daily, it restores skin softness and helps keep the dry patches from coming back. Just a small amount leaves feet feeling noticeably softer and smoother. Dermatologist tested. Made in USA.

PEDICURES: I swear by them. I can get a good month out of my pedicure polish. When I do my toes at home that is never the result!

Good pedicure tips: Bring your own polish to your pedicure. Then, you can touch up your pedicure at home and make it last longer. If you don't bring your own polish, be sure to refresh your toenails after the second week with a good topcoat. If you are in the Henderson / LV, NV area, you can get a great pedicure from Nail Flex. Their phone number is 702-565-1117.