Red or Not?

This is probably the second time in my life I've actually worn red lipstick.  Truthfully, it's a red lip crayon and some lighter red gloss. 

I've always viewed red lipstick as uber glamorous and for only those who are as glamorous as their lips.  It never occurred to me that I might actually be able to pull off red lips.  I don't know if it's a daily look for me, but certainly there are times when you just need red lips.  Red lips exhibit attitude in my beauty book, and I think that's a good thing.

This could possibly be a trend for me.  Getting out of my "I only wear pink or nude lip colors," box!! 

Products used:

The Big Lip Pencil by J.Cat Beauty in Red Rose
Avon Extra Lasting Shimmer Lip Gloss in Always On Pink Rose

My red lips make me want to MMAAAWWWAAHHH everyone!!!

Stay beautiful on the inside and your gorgeous self will emerge!!
Becky

KISS So Natural Lashes

 

 

As you can see in my Voxbox, I received a pair of KISS false eyelashes to test.


They were easy to apply and lasted all day.  I was impressed.  I tried to clean them for reuse, so we'll see if it works the next time I want to wear these lashes.  I tried to take a picture of the packaging up close and of them on, but my camera didn't do them justice. Pictures were to bright.  I'll try again and post an update.

Over all review, B+

Influenster VoxBox

I received this amazing box yesterday and can't wait to try everything out.  We're saving the "kisses" for the girls but we're going to use all the products!!

I'll review the items as I sample everything!!!  This isn't the coolest thing!!

Voxbox'in it!!

Weight Loss Journey - the first month

 (12.31.13)

 

 

 

On January 25th, I joined Weight Watchers.  It wasn't a New Year's resolution.  One morning I woke up and told myself that I felt unhealthy and that the extra weight didn't help me feel very good about myself or my beauty.  On top of it all, 50 is staring me down!!  It's just months away.

 

So I joined a program that I felt (Husband also joined) I could follow easily, taught life long eating changes that would stick with me and get rid of the extra pounds. 

 

I'll be honest, it hasn't been easy.  The weight isn't exactly falling off, but I am eating a whole lot better and I can feel it.  They say that the slower the weight comes off the more likely it is to stay off.  I'm praying whoever "they" are that they're right about that.

 

Having someone in the house following the same food program definitely helps.  Our point allowances are very different, and I find myself secretly resenting him because he gets about double the daily points I do.  Why?  That's insane to resent him for it.  That's like resenting him for being thinner or smarter.  It is what is is, after all.

 

He's very supportive and allows me to "joke" about how many points he has left at the end of a day versus I've used all mine.  It's in my choices.  Period.  I could forgo the avocado and eat something different, but I love avocado and compared to past choices I've made, avocado is a whole lot better for me. 

 

And then there's the wine.  Yes, I love wine.  Not for any other reason that it just simply tastes wonderful.  We've learned so much over the last couple of years about wine, how it's processed and where the grapes are grown, it's my guilty pleasure to enjoy a glass in the evening.  Again, I count these glasses into my point allowances and unfortunately, they go pretty quickly.  Ouch!! 

 

But in the big picture, all my food choices are a zillion times wiser and thoughtful than before I joined WW and started my journey.  I've even inspired a co-worker to join who is having great success!!  (yes, she gets the same "I don't care how many points you have left" glare LOL) 

 

My weight has always been an issues throughout my adult life.  It sucks, but figuring out what my food triggers are and finding ways to divert my thoughts to something different is challenging but will help me be so much more healthy on the in and outside.  It's not going to be a quick fix by no means, but a journey. 

 

So far here are the changes I've already seen in my first month on WW:

 

Food costs have gone considerably down

No eating out, a lot less processed food

Planning meals and cooking them at home

Lost a few pounds

Think of food in a completely different way

Water intake has doubled - which helps my skin

 

Pretty good progress for just a month.  I'm excited to see how things are this time next month.

 

Here's to getting healthy and bringing out all the beauty I know is there.....

 

See you again soon!!

 

 

 

 



January Favorites

 

One of my current go to products is the Julep Luxe Repair serum.  I received it in a monthly makeup box and have used it almost every night for my under-eyes.  I don't have any dark circles and it has helped with the fine lines.  A+ 

 

 

 

Marlene (aka Makeup Geek) had the greatest tip on her YouTube a few weeks ago, and I decided that I'd try it.  Jacklyn has me hooked on gel eyeliners, so these two tips combined have given me THE MOST AMAZING winged and cat-eye looks.  I've been using an ELF liner brush (shown) with the gel liner.  (**Tip with the tape is you place it on your under eye area where you want the wing or cat eyes to be and follow the straight line**)



 These $8 nails have been saving my nail-beds and my pocketbook at the same time.  I can usually get two sets our of each package.  There are so many different designs, that it's hard to choose which one to go with.  I usually end up getting three, then decide later which one to put on.  The glue adheres the nails well, and I haven't had too many accidents of popping off or lifting.  (the pocket glue is great for touch-ups)  I've found they last me about a week.

 

 

My go to eye shadow palette for January was Too Faced The Return of Sexy.  I've had this palette for some time, but the shimmery colors go so well together in creating a purply eye with gold tones, or a smokey gray eye with purple highlights.  I just love this versatile palette.

 

 

I do have some honorable mentions: 

 

Victoria Secret Dream Angel KISS body spray - love it!!

Este Lauder Lash Primer Plus - a must have for those of us with scant eyelashes!!

Makeup Geek Lipstick in Shy - my favorite nude lipstick right now!!

 

With "Use It Up February" I'm digging out some oldies but goodies, and can't wait to share them next month!!!

 

Have a beautiful day!!

Becky

 



Update Use it Up February - Water

This challenge has proved to be much harder than I expected it to be.  There are three major "trends" I've noticed while I've been trying to use products I already have and not bring more home.

1)  I unconsciously head to the makeup and accessories aisle without even realizing it. 

2)  I am not watching as many of the beauty videos as I normally do, as this is where I get inspiration for new products etc.  (And I am not the most patient person when it comes to saying "I'll get it later.")

3)  I'm finding products that I've had for some time that have been neglected or put in the back of drawers and forgotten.  (not to mention the duplicates of some products that I purchased thinking that I'd used them up or simply hadn't purchased them.

Who knew?

This has been such an eye-opening experience.  One product I've struggled with is foundation.  I have several that I only use a certain times of the year.  (Summer when my face is tan and I don't need as much coverage, Fall when I'm not so tan and need a bit more coverage, and the full coverage, moisturizing foundation for Winter.)  I know I'm going to need to repurchase full coverage foundation March 1st.  I've been combining a couple of the foundations to create a more full coverage and to make the one bottle I have stretch until the end of the month, but I am not as satisfied with the outcome or the lasting power.

Another epiphany is that I am a makeup hoader.  Yes, I'll admit it.  I have the "I gotta haves" a lot, and run right out and purchase items, only to have so many, it's hard to find an adequate rotation.  I need to work on this.  I have enough eye shadow to last me throughout the year, seriously.  My collection also includes pencil eye shadows, eye liners, gel liners, gel eye shadow in about every color imaginable.  This seems ridiculous, yet what if I need "that" color at some point?  I'm not sure how many colors of purple one needs in any type of eye makeup, but I have A LOT.  Full spectrum of purple, I need help. 

Hubby has even had to remind me while wandering through Target or elsewhere "Hey, it's use it up February, right?"  I want to smack him.  What am I?  Three?  And then I quickly remember I asked him to remind me and he has in such a nice way.  I gravitate to those departments without even thinking about it.

So YouTube video girls, I'm sorry I've neglected to watch you always awesome videos.  I promise the first of March I will set aside a whole Saturday to watch nothing but you, and make my ever lengthening list of "I've gotta haves."  Until then, I'm on the wagon and plan to stay there.  Okay, so it's only the 5th of the month, but I'm staying positive.

Regarding my trying to up my water intake, it's going very well.  Some days, I think I go over the amount of water required per day in my attempt to avoid soda and other "non-program" beverages.  Nothing wrong with that.  I've used lemon juice a lot in my water, which not only flavors the water, but I'm not helps with digestion.  Whatever works, right?

So hang in there.....you can use it up and get your daily water requirement!!!  I'm living proof!!!

See you soon!!!
Becky

Water and Beauty Care

I've always consumed a lot of water.  It may be an acquired taste or simply a habit, but I drink at least 64oz of water a day.

It started years ago when I had some abdominal issues and the doctors suggested "more water."  I have a variety of ways to get my water in, but I'm diligent in drinking it every day.

What I call "spa" water has cucumber slices in it.  It's refreshing and adds a bit of veggie to the water taste.  I first had "spa" water at my local spa and I was hooked.  Another additive is lemon juice.  You can use fresh squeezed or the lemon juice you can buy in the plastic lemon containers found in the fresh vegetable isle. 

It's important to mention, since this is a beauty blog, that water is amazing for your skin.  Your face and the rest of the skin covering your body.  It's nourishing and helps regenerate new and healthy cells.  I've always wondered by people who live in humid climates have the most amazing skin, and I can't help but believe this has to do with the nourishing of the skin.

Here are 15 reasons to drink more water.  Not only does it do the body good with helping to flush toxins, it helps nourish the skin and keep it hydrated.  Bottoms up!!

1.  Conventional wisdom tells us that drinking more water will have a positive impact on skin, providing a younger-looking, radiant complexion. However, definitive research on any positive effects water consumption has on the skin is scarce. Experts at University of Wisconsin Hospitals do note that the skin is an organ, and, as with other organs, its cells are predominantly made up of water. When these cells do not get adequate amounts of water, skin is likely to become dry, flaky and be more prone to wrinkles. Though drinking recommended amounts of water may not be a magic cure for skin, it certainly will not cause harm.

2.  Drinking water may also have particular benefits for those looking to shed a few pounds. Not only does guzzling the zero-calorie beverage help you feel full faster, but a study in the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism" indicated that drinking cold water may increase your calorie expenditure for the next hour. Replacing calorie-laden juices and soft drinks with water may also reduce your overall calorie consumption for the day.

3. The adage about drinking eight glasses per day is not entirely accurate, but it is an easy way to remember to drink more water. In actuality, the Institutes of Medicine recommend that men drink about 3 liters per day -- roughly 13 cups -- and women drink 2.2 liters -- approximately 9 cups. However, all types of fluid can be included in those totals, such as milk and juice. Your fluid needs may increase due to a variety of factors, including physical activity, a warm environment, illness, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Generally, if you drink enough that you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is colorless or pale yellow, you are adequately hydrated.

4.   A recent Gallup poll suggested that nearly one-half of Americans are concerned about pollution of drinking water. Bottled water may seem a good solution, though the habit can get costly and generate large amounts of waste. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates public water systems to ensure safety, though it does not have the authority to regulate private wells, which is the main water source for 15 percent of the U.S. population. If you are concerned about the safety of tap water in your home, consider purchasing a filter. Look for the "NSF" certification on the label, which indicates the filter has been tested at an independent lab for effectiveness.
**information gathered from www.healthyeating.com

Nourishing your skin both inside and out is very important.  It's why we use moisturizer and why we take vitamins.  It helps us process and retain the healthy aspects of our food.

Drink up!!