Manolo for the Beauty

Coming to a Sephora near you in August and department stores in September.  This collection is an homage to Dior muse and creative director Mitzah Bricard, who was known for her penchant for leopard patterns.  There is also an eyeshadow palette and a brown DiorShow mascara which completes the collection.

I’m kind of loving the dark nail polish, but I think the lighter one would look quite hideous on me.  As for the palette pictured, I’m not sold.  I think it is lovely to look at, but I wouldn’t want to own one as a collector’s item.

If this picture is supposed to entice me into buying some Tom Ford makeup, which I’m pretty sure it is, it isn’t doing the job.

All I can do is stare at that horrible green eyeshadow and note how it clashes not only with her lips, but her cheeks and nails as well. On the other hand, you can’t help but look at it.

And the makeup line itself? I hear that this will be a true luxury line with prices to match. Too bad the packaging looks like the ugly stepchild of Chanel and YSL.

Seriously?

The people selling this product claim that by using this attractive gadget, also known as Nose Up Lifting Shaping Beauty Clip, for fifteen minutes a day can actually change the shape of your nose.  Just think of all those people who have paid a plastic surgeon. Fools! All they needed was this sixty-four cent piece of plastic that does not at all resemble a torture device.
What gets me are the semi-intelligible reviews on Amazon:

The clip is really working . i can feel the difference , its been around a week using this clip the change may not be visible but i can feel from within my nose has tightened a bit which was sagging earlier. This clip rocks !!!!

The change might not be visible but they can feel it! From the inside!

I wanted to order the nose huggie for so long but I was doubtful that such a little item could really change the shape of your nose and to my surprise the first week I saw a difference my nose started to take shape and looked thinner I am so pleased I love it and I would recommened it to anyone who has a wide or puggy nose and what is even more surprising is the price for the appearance you spend more on a value meal than what I purchased it for at amazon.com It’s awesome!!!!

You’re kidding me, right? The nose huggie!? And hey, everyone knows the best way to get people to buy a product is to insult them. Also, this person needs to get acquainted with periods.

I’ve been using this for a week, about an hour at a time. I have a very bulbous nose and this has made a small difference; my nose is more pointy. It don’t work on bone, just areas of the nose with cartilage. I have even in the past had a hard time drinking from soda cans because my nose gets in the way. But I’m finding it easier to drink from a can. That’s how I know it HAS worked. My nose isn’t as droopy. I’m wondering how permanent it is, though. Not sure if I done use it for a few days if it will go back?

Buddy, that is definitely one droopy nose. Maybe you do need this thing!

This makes about as much sense as buying it.

It would seem that 48% of you do not make any of your own beauty products, and I am right there with you.  Although I do have to say that I would probably join the 31% who would if they had more time.  Most days,  I am lucky to take a shower of any decent length, much less concoct my own lip balm.  19% of you DO in fact, make your own stuff, and just know that I’m sort of jealous.

Today I want to go beyond your normal creams and lotions and go into an entirely new direction.  Look eastward, my friends.

I’d been using Alpha Hydrox Foaming Face Cleanser for at least five years. Maybe even more.  Then the store I bought it from stopped stocking it, and fickle consumer that I am, I decided it was a sign from the Big Guy that I look for something new.  That’s when I bought the DDF Glycolic Face Wash, and was happy with the results.

But, in a mano y mano beauty match, who will win?

I’m going to base my reviews on the following criteria: Anti-aging properties, effectiveness at cleansing (i.e. dirt and makeup), breakout prevention, and finally, price.

Anti-aging properties

DDF: Very good at overall decrease in fine lines.  Very good at making skin look smoother and more refined.

Alpha Hydrox: Also very good at overall decrease in fine lines and smoothing out skin.  Perhaps maybe a tad bit better than the DDF, but just a skosh.

Cleansing Effectiveness:

DDF: Very, very good.  Had a problem only one time getting some waterproof mascara off, but it was probably my fault somehow. 

Alpha Hydrox: Gets anything and everything, no problem.

Breakout Prevention:

DDF: For me, this product was very good, but I still have occasional issues.  Mostly hormonally related though, so it may not be fair to blame it on the wash.

Alpha Hydrox: Excellent at preventing breakouts on me. 

Price:

DDF: Mmm, yeah.  Pricey at about $35 a bottle.  But one bottle lasted about eight months.

Alpha Hydrox: Try about seven bucks a bottle.  One bottle will usually last about six months.

Winner:

You knew it was going to be the Alpha Hydrox, didn’t you?

There is no way I could recommend paying so much more for a product that does not outperform the inexpensive one by leaps and bounds.

My only caveat being that as with any cleanser containing an amino acid, it can be a bit harsh for sensitive-skin types.

But for all others, go out and get the Alpha Hydrox.  Now!

For the sake of this post, we’re going to go with “cat eye” makeup being any look in which the eyeliner on the upper lid extends past the lid. 

Some people, they’ve got the dramatic life in which to carry this look off. 

Me? Not so much.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got drama.  It’s just the kind that doesn’t require me to look glamorous.

Even when I was young and fancy-free, I didn’t really use this look much.  I’m more of a natural California-type girl when it comes to makeup.  Which sort of makes sense, as I am a native Californian.  I’m more prone to do a really dramatic lip color than a really dramatic eye.

You’ve really got to have a steady hand in which to execute this look, and I’ve already stated that liquid liner and I don’t really get along.

But yet, I can certainly appreciate the artistry that goes into this look.  When done well, I think it is stunning.

Because nothing makes me want to whip out my credit card and buy an expensive dress like a model who looks like she lost her job, her boyfriend, and her puppy on the same day.

This list of current Hollywood commodities is purely subjective.  Feel free to add in the comments anyone I missed.  I’m sure I missed quite a few!

Emma Watson

Blake Lively

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Perfume is what 57% of you use when you want some scent. 17% of you like to layer various products, and I would throw myself in that category. Not only will I use perfume, but I will definitely use a complimentary lotion. 9% of you prefer to be without an artificial scent, and only small percentages use soap, lotions, and body sprays to achieve your desired smell.

Buying beauty products can be an expensive endeavor. However, it is possible to create anything from lip balm to exfoliators to shampoo in the comfort of your own home. And for a fraction of the price.  How DIY are you when it comes to beauty?

Born Lesley Hornsby, British model Twiggy took the beauty and fashion worlds by storm in 1966.  

Her career began as somewhat of a fluke, being a test model for a new type of crop haircut, and a fashion journalist  just happened to see the pictures at the salon where her hair was cut. And just like that, Twiggy was christened “The Face of ’66.”

Known for her slim, androgynous build, long lashes, and short hair, I found it interesting that she admitted the lashes were always fake. She was quoted as saying “Back then I was layering three pairs of false eyelashes over my own and would paint extra ‘twigs’ on my skin underneath.” 

Agree or disagree with her renown or the “waif” look she supposedly promoted, it is impossible to ignore her as a figure who looms large in the modeling world.

As for her photos, I actually like her look better and better as she ages.  Go figure.