Tag Archive | aging

Tarte Review

Jun25

Hello!  I had a fun day off yesterday,  visiting my local Ulta for a haircut and style.  My awesome stylist Taleah asked me if I wanted a Tarte make over after my hair appointment.  I’m like heck yeah!  We were going out with friends later, and I had not done my make up yet.

I’ve used a few products from the Tarte line, but never any make up.  The Tarte make up artist Shannon, did an awesome job, and I ended up buying two items.

Tarte Make over Freebies 6-24-16

Freebies!

Tarte Make over Lip Sculptor VIP 6-24-16

VIP Lip Sculptor

Tarte Make over Swatch Lip color 6-24-16

Lip Color swatches

Tarte Make over Tarteist Contour Palette 6-24-16

Contour Palette

Tarte Make over Tarteist Contour Palette 6-24-16.jpg-1

Haircut 6-24-16

Great coverage make up!

Shannon used all of the colors from the contour palette, taking me through each step.  I’ve been a make up artist in the past, and she really knew her products.  My eyelids have practically vanished due to gravity, so I was glad to be able to see my eyes better. It’s $45 at Tarte Contour Palette

The Lip Sculptor in VIP is awesome!  Super creamy lipstick with a matching gloss that wasn’t sticky at all.   It’s $24 at VIP Lip Sculptor

Not only did I get these two great products, but I got two freebies as well.  A deluxe sample of the Maracuja Oil and Maracuja C-brighter eye treatment. I’ve used both products before and they are great.

The best part, not only did I get some amazing products, but as a Ulta rewards member I got 20% off my purchase.  It’s a once a year promotion where you can get 20% off your entire purchase including premium brands.

Ulta knocks it out of the park again!

 

 

 

Menopause: We need to talk

Mar20

Christie BrinkleyWe’ve been seeing each other for seven years now.  I think it’s time for you to go, I mean really, get the hell out of my life.  I could have easily dealt with having a period for the rest of my life.  It only would be for a few days a month anyway.  All of the changes you have put me through, just drop freaking dead!

The changes you have made to my body are unforgiveable.  I use to have the wonderful ten inch waist to hip ratio. That is where your hips are ten inches larger than your waist.  I use to have an hour glass figure.  Now it’s more like an apple.

I exercise five days a week, for almost an hour each time.  Do you think it makes much of a difference?  Um no.  I use to have some muscle tone, now I have the dreaded old person wrinkly skin. Thank god, I live in a cold climate and I can be covered up most of the time.

Forget about doing hormone replacement, too dangerous given my family history.  I don’t have hot flashes anymore, but sleeping without taking meds, ain’t happening.  The meds I take to sleep will probably make me lose my mind. Great!

People say, but you don’t have to worry about getting pregnant now.  I didn’t worry before, because I was on birth control for years.  I only went off of it because my doctor made me.

The good thing about puberty is you know when it’s over.  So far I haven’t gotten an end date for this menopause crap.   Nobody likes to talk about it.  You men don’t know how easy you have it.  You might have to deal with a little erectile dysfunction or baldness.  Hell, you just take a little pill and shave your head. Oh, then get yourself a much younger woman.

As I sit here looking at a 62 year old Christie Brinkley on the cover of the magazine telling me about her “young-forever diet”, I pretty much want to puke.  She looks amazing at 62, but she was also a former super model.  She has amazing hair, which she admits to using hair extensions.  Yeah, I tried hair extensions, unfortunately you could tell.  Lucky for me I have a great collection of baseball caps.

The good thing about menopause?? I don’t have a flipping clue, but if you know please clue me in.

 

Wet n Wild Megaglo Illuminating Palette Review

Jan19

Can I just say it’s freezing ass cold here in Wisconsin.  This past Sunday, after my visit with Marv (the elderly gentleman I visit every Sunday), I stopped at my local Walgreens.  Coupons in hand from the Sunday paper, and the Walgreens store ad, I headed for the Wet n Wild section.  I’ve used Wet N Wild products many times over the years, but lately they have really upped their game.

I bought the new Megaglo Illuminating Palette in Catwalk Pink. It has four colors, two shades of gold, a rosy peach, and a pinky ivory color.  All shimmery, all wonderful.  I couldn’t wait until I got home to try it, so I slapped some on in the car.  Wow! I love it!  This was my third stop of the day, and the temperature was a whopping -4 below with a  wicked wind chill.  I needed something to make me think that it might be warm someday.  I never put blush on with my fingers, but thought, what the hell???

This lovely palette was $4.99, but I had $2 in coupons. What a deal!  Once I put it on with a brush for work yesterday, it looked even better.

You will have to excuse this photo, as I barely have any makeup on.  But I like photos in natural light.  Being in the car outside Walgreens is about as natural as you can get.

If you are feeling the bite of winter, this palette by Wet N Wild will warm you right up!

P.S. Sorry the photos are sideways, I don’t know what happened.

P.P.S. My lip color is my own tinted lip balm I made.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

Jan8

I have to say Garnier is really stepping up their game in skin care.  I’ve used various Garnier products over the years, and have always been satisfied.

I am totally loving this new cleansing water.  I had tried Simple Micellar Water in the past, and was not impressed.  I’m pretty lazy when it comes to washing (or worshing if you are from the Midwest) my face.  My mom the local Avon lady did teach me at a young age to always wash my face before bed.

Now I wash my face as soon as I get home from work. I’m pretty frightening looking without make-up, and am sure I’ve scared a few of my neighbors when the dogs take off, and I have to go chasing after them. All no make-uppy,  frizzy hair everywhere.  Generally quite a sight to see, but I digress.  I want the easiest way to take my make up off.  I was using wet towelettes for awhile, but them seem to dry out too fast.

This cleansing water not only cleans all make up off, but takes off eye make-up as well.  It left my skin feeling very clean, with no residue.  Winner winner, chicken dinner!

I bought it at now wait for it- you guessed it Ulta! Here’s the link  http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod13531031# I paid a whopping $6.46 for 13.5 ounces.  The regular price is $8.99, but it was on sale, and I had a coupon.

It’s really gentle on your skin, containing no oil, alcohol or fragrance. One cotton square was all it took to remove both my eye make-up and foundation.  They also have a formula for water proof eye make.  I highly recommend this if you want to clean your face in no time.Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 1-8-16

 

 

 

Evolution of Make Up-At least for me!

Jan7

Blue Eyeshadow 1970'sWow! I can’t believe I’ve been wearing make up for over 40 years. Man, that’s a long time.  I’ve seen so many trends come and go.  I sold make up and was a make-up artist for a number of years part time. I had a flash back this morning when I was applying some olive green eyeshadow.  When I was a sophomore in high back in 1974, my then boyfriends’ older sister rocked a pale green eyeshadow with bright blue mascara that I loved. I adopted that look for the next few years.  My senior photo had that same look. I have blue eyes and thought for some strange reason that this would enhance the color. Not really, at least according to my friend Susie Lin.  I met Susie in my senior year; I really admired her fashion sense.  She was kind of enough to tell me that my green/blue eyeshadow just wasn’t cutting it.  She had a plethora of Clinique products she turned me on to.  She said I really should be wearing brown eye shadow to enhance my eyes.  I looked at her like she had two heads! But she did a makeover on me, and OMG! What a difference!

While I would like to think I’m up on the latest trends, I don’t necessarily follow them. Except for maybe in the 1980’s.  Everyone wore a ton of make-up, me included.  I see pictures of myself back then and cringe at the amount of eyeshadow I was wearing. Yikes! I was certainly in style.  When I sold make up, I could always tell how old a woman was by the color of her eyeshadow. I’ve read studies where when a woman finds a make-up look she feels that she looks her best; she will stay with the look forever.  I still laugh when I see someone wearing sky blue eyeshadow. Hello the 1970’s called and they want their look back!

I have several beauty magazine subscriptions, so I’m always up on the latest looks. As I’ve gotten older, I may not be wearing the latest style with my make-up, but I look pretty darn good for my age.  One trend that I wish would go away is the need for young women to have to feel that they have to wear a ton a make up to look good.  My eighteen year old niece was visiting and I couldn’t believe the make-up ritual she went through to go out.  The contouring was out of control.  If you need contouring, great.  My niece didn’t need contouring; it did nothing for her other than make her look a lot older.  I’m all about looking your best, please don’t get me wrong. If you have great skin, you don’t need to wear a crap load of make-up.

Good skin care is critical.  Applying a SPF of at least 30 is crucial to long term skin care. I’ve been using a daily SPF for the last thirty years. I stopped tanning years ago.  I know some ladies are getting Botox in their 20’s.  To me, that is beyond messed up. Again, I’m all about looking your best, so please don’t take offense.  The point I’m making is good skin care is the key to long term beauty.  My mother always took really care of her skin, and she looked great up until her death at 84.

As we get older, and skin care becomes more advanced, we have an arsenal of tools to keep us looking our best.  I would rather spend my money on traveling than having a cosmetic procedure done.  Be kind to your skin, don’t smoke, eat right and don’t forget the sunblock! Every single day.

2015-My Favorites Make up Round Up

Dec28

Hello! And welcome to my highlights for 2015.  I’m an admitted make up junkie.  I love trying new products and sharing my results with the world.  A little about me, I’m a middle aged accountant who loves all things make up.  I’ve been wearing make up for over 40 years.  My mom was the neighborhood Avon lady, so I learned about skin care at a young age. I believe in aging well.  I’m not trying to look like I’m twenty, but I do want to look good for my age. So without further ado, here are my top make up and skin care finds for 2015.  They are not in any particular order, and I have reviewed some on previous blog posts.

Women’s Rogaine 5% foam-If you are losing your hair, this is the product for you.  I’ve been using Rogaine for fifteen years and it really works. It does make your hair dry, so extra moisturizing is a must.  $30 for a two month supply. http://www.rogaine.com/product/women%E2%80%99s+rogaine-+foam+2-month+supply+auto+delivery+.do?sortby=ourPicks#.VoGuQPkrLrc

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Skin Therapy oil $10 at https://www.palmers.com/en/cocoa-butter-formula/55-skin-therapy-oil-face.html  Has all the great ingredients you look for, but not the price.  I use four drops on my face every night.  I’ve been using it for months and have seen a great improvement in my skin.  Lines softened, smoother texture, more money in my pocket, what’s not to love?

Estee Lauder Advanced Time Zone Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle eye cream-$9 for a deluxe sample on EBay.  I am so digging this eye cream.  I’ve been using it for two months, and have seen a definite decrease in the lines under my eyes. I’ll be buying a full size soon.

OMG! Where have Frownies been all my life???  https://www.frownies.com/  These babies have been around for over a hundred years! They are about as low tech for wrinkle reduction as one could ever imagine.  They are basically brown kraft tape with a special adhesive that you get wet and put on your wrinkles. I found them at Bed Bath and Beyond for $16.  A package will last you 6-8 weeks. They totally work, and I love them.  No Botox for me!

Wet N Wild Fergie Center Stage Collection Rose Champagne Glow highlighter- $10 http://www.amazon.com/Wet-Wild-Centerstage-Collection-A045/dp/B00AXYFKZI/ref=sr_1_3?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1451340660&sr=1-3&keywords=wet+n+wild+centerstage+collection  You can’t find this in stores anymore, but it’s flipping awesome! I bought mine at Walgreens earlier this year.  It’s baked and has a pale rose glow, great for my 56 year old face! Not too shimmery, just right and very natural looking.

YBBB Brow Power Skinny Pencil in Universal Transforming Taupe by IT Cosmetics. $24 at Ulta.  I discovered IT cosmetics late in the year, and I really like all of the products I’ve tried.  This ultra-thin eye pencil is no exception.  My brows are blonde and this pencil really makes them pop.  It also has a spooly brush to finish off your look. The color stays on until you take it off. No crazy brows for me, I’m over 50, and just want a natural look.   http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5770243

IT Your Skin but Better CC + Airbrush Perfecting Powder SPF 50- $35 at Ulta.  This is a game changer for me. I just throw on some 30 SPF moisturizer and buff this stuff on, and I’m out the door.  It has buildable coverage, but does look airbrushed.  I love the fact that it has an SPF of 50. Always a plus. http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod12251077

Maybelline Master Prime By Face Studio Primer SPF 30 in Blur & Illuminate $8 at Bed, Bath and Beyond.  My local BBB recently started carrying cosmetics.  I have to say, they have quite the selection, and awesome prices. BBB always has 20% off coupons. This is a great rose colored primer.  I mix it with any liquid foundation I might be using and it really blurs imperfections out, and adds a nice glow.

elf High Definition Under eye Setting Powder- $3 at Target. This is by far the best discovery for me for 2015. http://www.target.com/p/e-l-f-high-definition-undereye-setting-powder/-/A-14795896#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=ELF+high+definition+undereye  Where can you find any kick ass product for $3??? The brush that comes with it is junk, but the powder is flipping wonderful.  It’s a white powder that you brush on after you put your concealer on.  Lines are decreased, and it lasts all day.

Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector-$29 at Ulta http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod11881009  Another under eye cover up game changer.  I got a BECCA gift set at Ulta to try out.  This was by far my favorite item.  It covers well, and a little goes a long way.

I hope you enjoyed my year in review.  Thanks for stopping by, and Happy New Year!

 

Middle age and frizzy hair WTF!?!?!?!??!

Oct7

Why is it when you get older as a woman your hair gets frizzy? I’ve been in menopause for six years, and my hair just keeps going down hill. I mean I have naturally curly, fine hair, which blows in of itself, but this frizzy crap has got to go. I try to straighten it the best I can, which is ok, until I go outside.  I use to have pretty decent hair, now I feel like I should be staying up all night buying tons of crap I don’t need from QVC.

It’s depressing. Why just on Monday of this week, my hair was so smooth that the hair combs I had in were almost falling out. When I woke up on Tuesday morning, I looked like Albert Einstein! I swear it looked like a rat had crawled in bed with me and made a nest on my head! I’m trying everything I can short of shaving my head (which ain’t happening) to control this wiry mess. I recently bought some extensions, both curly and straight. The color was perfect, but my hair just doesn’t blend with them because of the frizz. I have a bathroom closet full of so many failed styling products. I was using John Frieda’s 3 Day Straight, which use to work really well, now not so much. I’ve done research up the ying yang trying to get some relief.  I guess I’m lucky my hair looks good up.

I swear my hair looks like three squirrels are having a menage a trois on my head.  If anyone can recommend any good products, I would be eternally grateful.Frizzy hair 10-7-15

On the upside, it’s a good thing I don’t smoke, as my hair is truly a fire hazard, and it lookAlbert Einstein 10-7-15s better than Donald Trump’s!

The Eyes Have it.

Jul11

My best feature are my blue eyes.  I tried wearing contacts full time a few years ago, it was just too much trouble.  If you find the right shadow combination,  you can really make your eyes pop.    I do think bronze shadow works the best for me. Not too bad for a old lady of 56!Eyeshadow 7-11-15