Tag Archives: make up

MAKE UP MONDAY: Red Lipstick!

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As a general rule, I do not wear red lipstick.DSC_0139

I would never have picked this color out myself, and this is why I am always preaching for women to go visit their local make up counters! I was at the Armani counter in Neiman Marcus at the Domain in Austin, and my fab friend and neighbor Lindy was helping me out.

She put this red lipstick on me, and right away we could tell it was perfect!
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The reason this red works so well is that it is a sheer formula. I know a lot of younger ladies want super vibrant matte shades, but for me and others not 21 anymore, a sheer lipstick is a beautiful thing. I wore this on New Year’s with a little frosty off-white gloss, and it came out very festive.

This red Armani lipstick goes really well with my pink clothing, or anything brick colored (my favorite shade for these cold months). This is the sort of lip product that you can bring anywhere, wear anytime- and it was the ONLY lipstick I packed with me on my last trip! It’s that versatile and wearable.

I love the sheerness, and the lightness. It was a surprising find.

So! My two words of advice-

Get yourself to a make up counter and try, try try!

And invest in the good stuff. Even totally lipstick adverse women should check out how a sheer pop of color like this can transform your whole face.

Have a great week!

-Rose

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MAKE UP MONDAY: Brazilian Blow Out

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Here they are- the newest products that I am trying out!

I am always open for suggestions, from you guys, friends, and the lovely women who work in the shops that I frequent. These Brazilian Blow Out products are a personal favorite of the sales girl in the Beauty Shop in Austin. These two are also a big seller, and although they weren’t cheap, I already see why!

These products are for non-washing days. And although I hate when I have dirty hair, I have a few non-washing days a week.

The Instant Volume Body Booster (whew, what a name) has a bit of grit that really helps give body to my super straight hair. On days that I work out but don’t wash my hair, my locks can fall rather flat. And if dry shampoo isn’t cutting it for giving my hair a boost, this new powder is my friend. However, I’m not sure I’ll buy it again, since it was $20 and makes it so I have to wash my hair the night I use it, since it’s just way too much grit for me to sleep in.

I only need a little of the Volume Boost spray on the left, and this lifts my hair up while I blow dry. I recently learned that you are not supposed to touch your hair with a brush while you blow dry, especially if you blow dry hair wet from the shower. It can damage the cuticle. So I have to figure out how to get a nice lift without constant brushing and touching my fragile wet hair, and this shining & lifting product is great.

What hair products have you tried lately? Let me know!

Have a great day,

-Rose

Weekly Favorite: LA MER

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This is what you should put at the top of your Christmas List.

In case you were wondering what item will really change your life, and would make the perfect $285 stocking stuffer, this is it.

Creme De La Mer.

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This is more than a weekly favorite! It is one of my all time favorite products that I have gone back for again and again. I love the smell, the feel, and how it works. I use it as a moisturizing base under make up, since it’s smoothing and helps my make up go on smoother.

This cream is worth the money because it works so well. It is so rich that I don’t even like to use it in the summertime! The ingredients are great- natural and strong. A little bit goes a LONG way with La Mer.

I definitely think anyone who can afford this should buy this moisturizer. I also use the eye cream. I also think you should just stop by the La Mer counter and talk to the women working there. I do this all the time! I don’t think you should feel nervous or afraid approaching these cosmetic counters, since the people working there know a lot about their product and want to help! Sample some Creme De La Mer and see how you feel.

I have a feeling you’ll love it.

What are your favorites this week? Do share!

-Rose

Make Up Monday: Bobbi Brown Favorites!

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Ah, Bobbi Brown.

I am a huge Bobbi Brown fan, as you have probably figured out if you’ve spent any time on This Day Right Now!

I wanted to share my top five favorite Bobbi Brown items with you.

1. Concealer with Powder

This is still the best product out there for dark circles. This famous correcting concealer can cover anything, and what else can you ask for from a concealer?! It doesn’t crease, and it is gentle on my skin.

2. Long Wear Cream Shadow

Oh, a cream shadow! Love this stuff. It is a great base for other shadows, or to wear by itself.

3. Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks

I love the texture of this product. It’s creamy and stays on for hours. It’s my perfect PURSE PRODUCT, since it perks me up and is amazing for the on-the-run life. It’s a little splash of color and a definite recommendation if you’re new to Bobbi Brown.

4. Shimmer Brick

Great summer or spring colors, really. This blush is very forgiving when applied with a brush, and is a nice pick me up. It’s easy to use and it always makes me happy to open this up, since it’s so beautiful.

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5. Face & Body Bronzing Duo

I use this every  day. The bronzer is light for a bronzer, and the blush is warm, so it’s great for all over your face.

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I am a devotee to Bobbi Brown brushes, and lipsticks, but these five are my make up bag essentials.

What products are you most loyal to?

Please share!

-Rose

Make Up Monday: Perfume Collection & Advice

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I have a carefully curated perfume collection that I just love. Scents can boost your mood, and choosing a fragrance for the day can have a hand in your confidence, your style, and the way you feel. I am not married to any one scent, and cycle through a few favorites. I feel that certain scents are better for certain people, and it’s important to know how your body chemistry reacts to perfumes.

I have three favorites that I reach for the most, for good reason.

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Creed Spring Flower:

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First, look at how beautiful this bottle is! Creed is a classic brand, albeit an expensive way to go with perfume, that makes me feel sophisticated and feminine. Spring Flowers is a rich, elegant scent. It isn’t a girly perfume, despite the hot pink bottle, and I would recommend this to women aged 35 and older.

J’Adore Dior:

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This is a best seller for a reason! This is a great gift if you don’t know what to get your sister or best friend for the holidays, because the bottle is a real stunner in person. J’Adore is a beautiful scent, and it looks great on your dresser. It’s feminine and ageless, and it doesn’t go flowery on me like many scents tend to with my body chemistry. I feel so pretty when I put J’Adore on- maybe it goes back to those commercials with Charlize Theron dripping in jewels!

Jo Malone Blue Agave & Cacao Cologne:

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I am such a sucker for good marketing, and I love everything Jo Malone does. The bottles are beautiful, and this is a great brand to support. The scents are rich and long lasting, made with great ingredients. You can also blend and combine different Jo Malone scents for a personal fragrance that works on you. My friend is blending the Grapefruit and Lime Basil one lately, as scents go sweet on her, and these colognes react differently with everyone. This is a definite recommendation from me- pick whatever Jo Malone appeals to you, and find your own signature!

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As you can see, a lot of my bottles are pretty empty! Time to find some all new favorites. When I head out to sample all of the bottles on display at Nordstrom’s this month, I will always keep in mind that classic scents work on me, perfumes with heavy floral notes are too much for me, and a few cheaper bottles are better for my frequent travel lifestyle.

What is your go-to scent? Share with me! Any recommendations?

Have a great day,

Rose

Dior Airflash: My Latest Favorite Foundation

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I am a recent Dior Airflash convert.

I had been hearing rumblings …. Then while on a trip this summer, I met a lovely woman, Sue from Dallas whose soft look belied her 60 years.  She had just gotten off the phone with her beautiful 26 year old daughter who had run out of Airflash and was desperately seeking her mother’s help to get some more!  I was sold.

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So…I headed to the Dior counter at my neighborhood Nordstrom’s and asked if I could give Airflash a try.  By the way, never be shy about sidling up to the make-up counter.  The staffs there are more than happy to help and show off all their good product.  Generally, I find this to be a low pressure sales situation and a great way to test out what is new and might be helpful and fun to start using.

Irene at the Nordstrom’s counter in Austin suggested applying Airflash lightly using a kabuki brush, and showed me how best to do this.

First spray on the side of your hand.

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Then dab the kabuki brush and begin spreading evenly over your face.

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For a bit of a heavier application, you can spray Airflash directly onto your face… in a “Z” motion.  Then spread with your hands or a brush if you prefer.

Airflash gives a really smooth look.  I find that it brightens my skin.  And it passes my critical ‘not heavy looking’ test.  NOTE! Be sure to use a face cream with a good SPF before applying Airflash since it doesn’t have its own SPF.  For me, it’s been a small price to pay for the look it gives!

What are your favorite foundations?  Application techniques?  Share Please!!

Six Favorite Make Up Brushes

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Rule number one- Don’t apply make up without brushes unless you have skin that is under 25! 

Brushes soften everything, allowing for lots of smudging and blending.  I love the forgiveness they lend.  An added bonus is how easy they are to use.  You will never over apply – the cardinal make up offense!

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So, over the years I have accumulated a collection of makeup brushes.  My hands down favorites are Bobbi Brown’s brushes.  They are pricey but worth it.  They last and last and last and are simple to clean.  I have recently purchased my first Armani brush and so far, so good….  though it would take a lot for me to abandon my Bobbi brush loyalty.

So, start collecting now!

If I were running from the house due to flood or fire I would grab these six:

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Foundation  – Perfectly shaped and lets you apply foundation LIGHTLY.  That is especially important for us ladies of a certain age.  No heavy hands here.

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Eyes shader – The size and shape of this brush are perfect for applying an eye shadow sweep — on whatever part of the lid you choose.  It is a particularly good brush for applying to the bottom half or your lid – though I find I use it to highlight just below my eyebrows as well.

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Eyeshadow applied with this brush is the perfect compliment for accenting or changing the base color applied with my next favorite brush… the

Cream Shadow – I am a big fan of creamy eye shadow. This brush is a must for applying and blending.  Mistake proof, too.

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Eye Liner – I save the Amy Winehouse (may she rest in peace) look for evenings. Most of the daytime, eye liner looks best when applying darker eye shadow with this eye liner brush, which allows you to go heavy or light.  Smudge for a smoky softer look.  Also great for lining your bottom lashes.  Same heavy or light idea applies.

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Armani (small foundation brush) – This is my first foray into Armani brushes.  This particular model (a bit smaller than a foundation brush) is perfect for applying concealer or highlighter, another Armani product I recommend trying.  Small enough for blending on your cheek bones and the sides of your face – subtle spots that brighten us all up.

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Bronzer – This big fluffy brush allows for blending color all over your face – and allows you to avoid looking like a clown (or Tammy Faye…. though I know that dates me!).  Get one now.  By the way – it feels great to have this many bristles softly brushing across your face.

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Which are your most essential brushes? Do you have a brand you’re most loyal too?

-Rose