Sunday, August 30, 2015

Weekly Beauty Edit 8.30.2015

I readily admit I love packaging. I feel the same way about restaurants. My husband cares about the food, I care about the ambience. If I like the look of the place, I'll eat instant oatmeal and be thrilled. Many times we've walked into a restaurant and I've looked at my husband and said, "I'm not eating here" and walked out. I feel that way about makeup and to some degree, skin care. I like pretty packaging. I've always known this about myself, not as though I had an epiphany this week. I received a piece of Tom Ford's Fall 2015 Color Collection in the mail and talk about packaging. I have absolutely no idea why, but it arrived via FedEx had to be signed for. I'm thinking the Distribution Center clerk who keyed in the shipping label had to have made a mistake by requiring a signature. Then I opened the box and wow. It was wrapped in very heavyweight dark brown wrapping paper, tied with a leather like cord and then stamped with a monogrammed wax seal. I was absolutely giddy. If you didn't know, Madonna wrote "Material Girl" about me.

It was just me, myself and I opening that box. Not as though I had a chance to flash the TF to an audience, although I sure as heck posted a pic on Facebook. It's a quick burst of feel-good, of feeling accomplished, of feeling rewarded, of saying, "You had better believe I love me!" This is a beauty blog so let's be clear, it's about lipstick not world peace or starving children.

This was my second piece of Tom Ford makeup. The first was a lipstick but I returned it, the color was not perfection. I think lipstick and foundation colors have to be absolutely spot on regarding color. You can fudge with shadow or blush, even bronzer, but wear a shade of lipstick that clashes with your coloring and you look like you have liver disease. I'm not spending $50 on a lipstick that makes me look like I have jaundice.
Tom Ford Fall 2015 Limited Edition Illuminating Powder Duo in Moodlight
EMPTIES
Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Cleansing  Cloths. More than a few months ago, Hautelook had these ate an insanely great price and I stock up. Each is a pack of 30. I mostly use cleansing cloths for my neck before applying my night time skin care. I tend to bring my foundation down onto my neck as well as bronzer. Once I'm out of Koh Gen Do, I will go back to buying the bulk package of Kirkland makeup remover cloths from Costco.
Koh Gen Do Makeup Remover Wipes
Zoya Polish Remover
Zoya Nail Polish Remover. This was the 2 oz size which often comes with your Zoya order. I like to use 100% pure acetone but if my polish is a light color, I'll use the Zoya since I have it. This remover is excellent, a step above Cutex or store brands.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara. One of my favorites. It's an all around great mascara that does all the things I need. It adds length, volume, separation and hold my curl. Perfect mascara for the office. Mascara does not smudge, flake or transfer on me.

Philosophy Soul Owner Foot Cream. I'm rarely loyal to any one product, let alone loyal for over 10 years. However, this is one of those very rare products that has my heart. I've tried newcomers but nothing has ever compared to Soul Owner.

FOUNDATION FUNDAMENTALS
If you are new to my blog, foundation and lipstick are my things.

This week I wore Make Up For Ever HD Ultra, Dior Nude Air, Kat Von D Lock It Powder Foundation, and Maybelline Dream Wonder Fluid-Touch.

The clear winners were the MUFE and Maybelline. The more I use the MUFE, the more I like it. I think I wore it three times this past week. Each night when I stood at my vanity ready to cleanse, I noticed my skin looked great on the days I wore MUFE. Not flawless, let's be serious, but better than my face typically looks at the end of the day. Maybelline Fluid-Touch has been a winner from the very first time I wore it. It's is a serum style foundation, of which I am a huge fan.

I have a deluxe sample size of the Kat Von D Lock It Powder Foundation. It applied very smoothly, buffed out beautifully and wore a good 6 hours. I expected it to wear longer but by the 8 hour mark it was mostly gone. The color was not right which also threw me off.  For some reason, I thought this was a very matte finish, similar to the liquid version. Instead, it's more of a demi-matte, natural finish. I could see using this as a finishing or setting powder.

Dior Nude Air took last place this week. For me, this is a great short-term foundation, something that is good for a few hours of running errands or out to dinner.  It's a light coverage, buildable to medium, and decent wear time for me is about 4 or 5 hours. If I had the Kat Von D in the right color, it would be great as a finishing powder which would increase coverage and wear time. I always use a slightly illuminating finishing powder with Dior Nude Air because to me, the finish is flat. Typically, I reach for Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light or Laura Mercier Loose Mineral which also adds coverage.

Cheers,
Lulu

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Sunday, August 16, 2015

Weekly Beauty Edit 8.16.2015

I think that I have found myself a cheerleader...  Isn't that the cutest darn song? Hard to sit still when listening to it. What's the other song I'm liking? Give me a sec.... Blank Space by Taylor Swift. The lyrics are hysterical.... you look like my next mistake.... I have to love that chic, Taylor Swift, she always wears great bright lipstick.

Speaking of lipstick, I'm on a lipstick bender. Oh boy. You often hear about retail therapy. For me it is the opposite. I shop when I'm in a good mood. Let's just say I've been in a very good mood lately.

Lipstick Acquisitions
Clinique Bare Pop (top), Plum Pop (bottom)
Clinique Bare Pop - This is my least favorite of the new lipsticks in my collection. I believe in the bold lip or at least a lip with some color other than that which Mother Nature gave you. This is too much like my natural lip color. I thought it had more depth or maybe even pinkiness to it but no and no. It's a nice frosty finish and it does have a wee bit of rosy pink to it. I will learn to tolerate it. Or I will return it. Could make for a good 'trip to the grocery store' color.

Clinique Plum Pop - A color I can love. A color I do love. A deeper raspberry with a satin finish. Plum makes it sound as though it leans into the purple sphere but I don't think so. It stays in the wold of berries but not at super deep. Very smooth, stays in the lines, and wears about the average time. I don't judge lipstick by wear time, though. For me, one of the best parts of wearing lipstick is reapplying it.

YSL Pop Water Glossy Stain in 206 Misty Pink - Such a gorgeous pink! The trick with YSL Glossy Stains is that you apply two layers. Apply the first, let it dry, then apply the second. I believe YSL actually encourages a third layer. Seriously? Voulez vous crazy? Two layers will help maintain not only the color but also the shine. This is long wearing, indeed. It will make it through a meal and a couple cups of coffee. The "water" line is the newest addition to YSL Glossy Stains and is set apart with more hydration than the originals and a more sheer finish. This still packs color! If you want sheer, stick to your Fresh sugar balms.
YSL Water Pop Glossy Stain in Misty Pink
Sephora Rouge Infusion in 19 Peony - I can't decide if this is a more stunning pink or if the YSL Misty Pink is. What's a girl to do? Maybe this one is. Peony is a tad brighter, a bit more lively but the YSL is beautifully glossy. This stains the lips, wears longer than most and is simply pretty. This is a liquid lipstick which is usually not my thing. Sephora Lip Infusion applies neatly, stays wear you put it, and the doe foot applicator is compact enough for my smaller lips.
Sephora Rouge Infusion liquid lipstick
Kat Von D Studded Lipstick in Lovecraft - This was a 100 point perk and not at all the color I thought it would be. This is a rosy brown with too much brown in it for my liking. I find Kat Von D lipsticks drying but thought it was worth using a 100 point perk to see if my memory was correct. I didn't even swatch it since I knew this was not a color for me. Plan to give it away to someone who envies Kylie Jenner.

Givenchy Le Rouge in 201 Rose Taffetas - The star of the show this week! I do not own a lipstick in quite this color or finish. The finish is an almost shiny satin and the color is a warm pink with zero brown in it. It's a tad lighter than usual for me and it hits the sweet spot. It glides on but after a
Givenchy Le Rouge
couple of hours, my lips felt a little dry. I reapplied and my lips felt fine until a couple hours later. It is not uncomfortable but it was surprising since it started with such a luxurious feel. Givenchy lipstick packaging is substantial, you know you are holding a high end lipstick in your hand. Yet, I'm not a fan of the packaging. It's not something I will enjoy pulling out of my purse as I do Dior Addict. Now that is luxe packaging!

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy in 310 Potent - Such a pretty peachy pink or maybe a pinky peach. It is a gorgeous summer color that compliments bronzed skin. Hard to describe how it somehow brings out the bronze tones of a tan. I felt like a magazine ad, fresh, healthy, finished. This is just enough color for me and would be a great toe in the water for those that love their nudes. I wanted to go on vacation!
Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy in Potent

From left to right is Sephora Rouge Infusion in Peony, Clinique Bare Pop
Angled color is YSL Water Pop Glossy Stain in Misty Pink
From top to bottom is Givenchy Le Rouge in Rose Taffetas, Clinique Plum Pop and Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy in Potent
See above for color names

I have a few more coming next week. Yes, indeed, I was in a very good mood!

Cheers,
Lulu

Let's connect on Instagram
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Sunday, August 2, 2015

Weekly Beauty Edit 8.02.2015

Finally, it's August! Thank goodness, because that means snow is that much  closer. I love snow and cold and frigid temps. This lady is miserable all summer long. Sometimes, once every few years, we might see our first few minutes of a flurry in late October or early November. Three more months. Hurry up!!!!

This was a busy week in beauty for me. UPS just kept on giving and giving and giving. And Wednesday was National Lipstick Day. You all knew that, right?  I wore Lipstick Queen's Play It from her Silver Screen collection. I would post an actual pic of mine but it's still on my desk at the office. It's a beautiful pinky red in even more beautiful packaging.  Here's stock photo of it...
Lipstick Queen Play It from the Silver Screen Collection
Haul-A-Lulu
Julep Maven Box - I enjoy this subscription by the nail polish brand, Julep. The monthly subscription started out a few years ago as only nail products, primarily color polishes. They moved into nail treatments and then into cosmetics. Their cosmetics are very good! This month was a cream blush stick in Golden Guava, a gel pencil liner in Raisin and, or course, a nail polish, Caly, a very sparkly royal purple. I won't wear this color but sure is pretty to look at. I'm starting to make a bit of a stockpile for a giveaway on my YouTube channel and this will go into that loot bag.  Here's a link to my channel  Lulu On Beauty.
Julep Maven July 2015 Subscription Box
Pura D'Oro Shampoo, Conditioner and Argan Oil - I debated back and forth with myself about even posting this. As you may know (if not, you will now) I don't accept sponsored products, product placements, points, gift card, paid reviews, etc. I was very excited more than a few months ago when a skincare company contacted me to provide me with products. There was no obligation to do a review, blah blah blah. They had no idea but it was a product I already used and loved so I felt good about accepting it because I knew it would be an honest review on my part. But then I decided not to do it. I've mentioned the product in passing, it's the least I could do (Joy and Karma). Pura D'Oro contacted me a few weeks ago. If you are a woman who has thinning hair, you can probably understand the desperation to find something, anything that will help your hair grow back. That's me. This brand makes a shampoo and conditioner that kind of sort of in a round about way make that claim. It will take months and months of continuous use to perhaps see results. I already use Rogaine and the laser HairMax device. Not sure how I would know if it was the shampoo. I was caught up in my thinning hair loss state of desperation and gave them my address. I'm mentioning them because I got this for free and now feel guilty. Have not used it yet, no idea if it works, if someday I think I have new hair sprouts because of this system, I will scream it from the roof tops.

Catrice All Matt Plus Foundation - Have you heard? Ulta is now carrying Catrice, although only online. Catrice is a brand near and dear to many beauty bloggers/vloggers/YTers hearts. It's available in Europe but not in the US. As all things in life, we want what we can't have! It's a high quality drugstore priced line and is owned by the same company that makes Essence. Haven't used it yet, it's up on my rotation for testing this week.
Catrice All Matt Plus foundation and Ulta Lip Primer
Ulta Lip Primer - This may have some chops! I need a lip primer to fill in my lip lines. I have tried umpteen brands of lip primer. Most of them deposit too much color and ruin the shade of my actual lipstick. Or they are meant to plump with tons of conditioning and moisturizing ingredients which makes them too slick. This Ulta lip primer is matte yet conditioning and waxy enough that it does slightly fill in my lip lines. It has no color. I'm going to try it a bit more this week with some of my matte lipsticks which I have given up on because my lines look even worse with matte lipstick. 

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Water - I believe this launched in stores today but was available to order on line last week, which I did. I'll do my best to post a review, I'm sure I'll do a YT review. First and most important message is the shades run dark. I bought medium which is almost too dark for my self tan. Second, it feels like the new serum foundations. I would say this is light coverage and slightly buildable. I imagine some might say this is sheer, and some will say it's medium. Depends on your skin! I like medium coverage, medium plus is my sweet spot. Between the color and the coverage, this is probably going to be a return. It wears well.
Smashbox Camera Ready BB Water, Medium
Philosophy 12 piece 3 in 1 Shower Gel Collection - Yes, I've fallen off the wagon again with my 2015 Beauty Resolution to not buy shower gels.  Darn QVC.  12 scents in 6 oz bottles. So stinking cute and what a great way to try out a ton of scents. Even mix and match and create little scent recipes.  I have no guilt. I'm quite thrilled. I always like to mention that Philosophy shower gels are meant to be an in-shower scent experience which is one of the reasons I love them. The scent goes down the drain and does not linger on your body. I like that! I have no desire to smell like a Melon Daiquiri once I get out of the shower. However, the shower gels from their fragrance line do last beyond the shower, ie, Amazing Grace, Unconditional Love, etc.
Dozen Philosophy Shower Gels 
Philosophy Shear Splendor Shampoo and Conditioner - This is being returned. Years ago, this duo had rave rave rave reviews. But technology has come a long way in everything, not just cars and website. That includes hair care. Lots of great options out there now as compared to years ago. Philosophy discontinued Shear Splendor but recently brought it back out of the vault. I bought it this time around. Not good, particularly at the price. The shampoo is almost like a clarifying shampoo, my hair was that squeaky clean feeling when I was rinsing it. Kind of concerned me. Once I put the conditioner in, though, all was fine so I was back to being hopeful. After drying, my hair felt ok, nothing to right home about, but the frizz was out of control, I think because the shampoo just about stripped the heck out of it. 
Philosophy Shear Splendor Shampoo and Conditioner

Retin A, Careprost/Latisse, Skin Lightener/Tri-Luma - I order these from an off shore pharmacy. 

Fall clothes and shoes started arriving this week, too, but this blog is about beauty, not fashion. 

EDITORIAL
Learned something new this week and thought I would share it. I'm a huge proponent of "invasive procedures" to bring about a more youthful appearance. I've only had Botox and fillers but have no issue when the day comes to take the next step. Trust me, these hooded eyes of  mine are on the chopping block in the next year or two!

Be aware of your surgeon's credentials. I always thought that the term Cosmetic Surgeon was a true medical distinction or physician category. NOPE! That is a self-proclaimed title. Any doctor from an OB-GYN to a urologist to a pediatrician can make the claim they are a Cosmetic Surgeon. A doctor who displays a Cosmetic Surgeon title is self-taught or has taken quick courses. 

The real deal is a doctor who is a Plastic Surgeon, Facial Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist. These doctors are medically trained or board certified to touch your face!!!  

If you see something like American Board of Cosmetic Surgery that is not the same as a medical board certified membership. I don't know that I would care about the distinction for Botox or fillers but I'm pretty sure I will want a board certified plastic surgeon when  the day comes for my hooded eyes to take a hike.

I found this interesting and wanted to pass it along. For more detailed information see New Beauty Magazine, Summer Fall 2015 edition, page 194. 

If you are looking for Mature Beauty YT Channels, here's a list I've compiled and will be adding to as I learn of new channels.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1URpJ80SK27xdqrfkTSLtxsV4k6N54ZlO4-Rb9FWAR8o/edit#gid=0


Cheers,
Lulu

Let's connect on Instagram
Let’s connect by email at ladyluluonbeauty@gmail.com
Let's connect on Facebook
Here's my YT channel 
YouTube