I want to feel Wicked Lovely

So, those of you who have read previous blogs know that although I am a CHEAPSKATE with a capital C, I have a soft spot in my cheapskate soul for all things Smashbox. Yes, they are a bit pricier than the products I normally indulge in, but they are consistently SO worth it. And their latest collection, entitled "Wicked Lovely", looks fantastic!

What first caught my eye was the lip gloss ($18)
which comes in three excellent shades: coy (sheer nude), sweet (sheer apricot) and sultry (black cherry). These look SO SEXY! And really, isn't that exactly how you want lip gloss to make you feel?

There is also the Cream Liner and Liquid Shimmer combo ($32)
This little wonder contains 3 liners and 1 loose shimmer in a single pot, great for on the go (or just those of us with shelves already brimming with products) The liner colors include metallics in taupe, bronze and charcoal, and the shimmer is what looks like a great semi-neutral called Sparking Pewter.

The blush, called Charm, looks like the PERFECT shade of sweet/sinful pink ($24)

More nude lip fun with the Double Take Lip Color ($22)
This double ended lip pencil and creamy lip color comes in Gossemer, with a peachy pink pencil and a soft pink color and contains caffeine and wheat glycerides to moisturize and protect your pout.

Lastly, the Wicked Lovely take on their classic eye shadow duo comes in two color combos ($24)
One is a shimmery peach paired with a shimmery deep brown, and the other pairs shimmery ivory with shimmery inky charcoal.

I love the packaging/artwork associated with this line too, it totally captures that mix of sweet and seductive that a good nude/pink can accomplish like no other. And the nudes and pinks in this line look like they will do just that. Luxurious without screaming "Look! Color!". Vintage beyond just red. Yes please.

Also, on a related note, I recently was able to get my hands on some of the other Smashbox goodies I had been coveting in a previous blog. I have already tried the Photo Finish Primer with Dermaxyl (I never though they could improve on the original Photo Finish but they have, it made my skin feel and look amazing) and the O-glow cheek color, which is my new favorite blush ever for a natural looking, "I just hiked through the mountains and I feel fabulous" sort of flush. I will report on the rest of the test drives soon :-)

FOREVER 21 FRIDAY

Happy (almost) weekend. :-) This week chugged along like a drunk snail. But now, as it comes to a close, I have finally had a moment to check out what new items are luring me in with their siren song on Forever21.com. And I will tell you there are quite a few today.

STRIPED ZOOT BLAZER $27.80
how AWESOME is this jacket?? So sassy. I love love love it. With a pencil skirt, jeans, whatever.

MIDNIGHT SAFARI CARDIGAN $24.80
I'm so hot and cold with animal prints depending on the time of day, I swear... but today I'm liking this.

FLORAL KIMONO TOP $17.80
So bright! So crisp! With a simple bottom and bright red lips....

DINA CHIFFON HALTER $27.80
This dress is SO LOVELY!!! For all of those summer garden parties left on your to attend list.... or just for running errands. Why not, I ask? Ok, maybe FANCY errands. Hey, there could be fancy errands!

DENIM DRESS $27.80
LOVELY! A good transitional/all season piece, I think.

And the sale page had these 2 pairs of AWESOME shoes for next to nothing ($8.99 to be exact)

CARNIVAL MARY JANE

ASHLEY PUMP

Both pairs for under $20!!! YIPEEEE!!!

FREEMAN - AN OLD STANDARD FOR A REASON

I have fond childhood sensory memories of Freeman products. I can still recall the scent of their "Sea Mist" haircare line. I LOVED that line, and was oh so sad when they discontinued it. Now, let's call a spade a spade. Freeman has never been a top of the line choice. They have, however, stood consistently over the years for naturally based, cruelty-free, CHEAP, yummy smelling and fun products. I love Freeman.

So, because I am especially money-crunched at the present moment, I happened on to Freeman's website to check out what they are offering today. These are some promising finds:

SEA KELP SHAMPOO $3.99

I love anything with stuff from the ocean in it. I admit it. I'm a sucker. But sea kelp is supposedly so great and healing for your hair, YOU should love it too!

GUAVA SEA SALT BODY SCRUB $3.99


AVOCADO & OATMEAL FACIAL CLAY MASQUE $3.99

2 classic facial mask ingredients rolled into one blissful sounding application. Yes, please.

So, if you are short on pennies but want to pamper yourself, check out Freeman's stuff. They make me feel pampered and bring back 'tween primping memories (pre-dance masks, weekend deep conditioners, carefree times all).

Look Fashionable At The Beach!



Look Fashionable At The Beach!
by: Sher Matsen


It’s that time of year when we pack up our bags and head to the beach for the day to enjoy those warm sunrays and the refreshing sound of the lapping water.So what constitutes a good beach wardrobe. Well there are certain essentials that none of us forget. On goes the swimsuit and bathing suit cover, flip flops on our feet. Beach bag has been packed with the essentials – sunglasses, floppy hat, towel and a good book. Great – got the basics covered but what about the rest.So if we are so prepared for a day at the beach, why is it by the time we get home we look pretty worn. Here are some helpful tips to make your day at the beach fun and keep you looking fashion fresh all day and all the way home.First before you leave home, if you’ve got long hair pull it into a high pony tail or fun knot. Use some funky hair accessories that will stay in place when you’re swimming. Try a fun colored bobble or some firm fastening clips in bright summer colors. If you pull your hair up your neck will stay cool and you’ll look fresh all day with your neat hairdo. Second slather yourself in sunscreen before leaving the house, then toss the sunscreen in your bag so you can reapply after a swim or every few hours. A sunburn is not only unhealthy and painful, it’s unattractive, so don’t let yourself turn into the lobster of the day. Your sunscreen should be a SPF of 15. It doesn’t hurt to use a strong SPF on your face or your entire body if you burn easily.Your beach bag should be large enough to hold your supplies for the day. Why not get something fun and fashionable to keep you looking fashion fresh. Make sure you’ve got all the daily essentials in your bag – sunglasses, sunscreen, a good book, a floppy hat, some lip gloss, and any other makeup touch ups you’ll want. If you plan to wear eye makeup make sure it’s waterproof. Stay away from heavy foundations. If you must apply something use a bronzer moisturizer. It’s also a good idea to bring lip balm with an SPF15 to protect your lips. It never hurts to put some moisturizer in the bag. Include a snack and plenty of fluids. It’s important not to get dehydrated.Okay great we’ve got the basics covered now what about the wardrobe basics? If you’re planning to wear a swimsuit it’s usually easiest to put it on at home, that way you’re not chasing down change rooms. So great – first on goes the swimsuit. Now what to wear for a cover? Well you’ve got plenty of choices. A tank top and shorts, tank and skort, or a nice light cotton dress all work well over top. Choose something that’s easy to put on and take off, and choose fabrics that breathe to keep you cool. I also suggest including a long sleeved cotton blouse just incase you start to burn you can protect your shoulders and arms.If you’re planning on heading out later in the day without returning home you might want to toss a pair of jeans or long skirt into your bag. If your outing is going to extend into the evening you’ll want to include a sweater for the cooler evening air. If you’re worried about your evening wear getting sandy or wet at the beach, then place them in a separate bag and leave them in the trunk of your car. That way you are guaranteed they’ll remain fresh. My favorite beach look is this. And what’s perfect is it keeps me looking fashion fresh throughout the day and takes me right into the evening. First I like a swimsuit that’s got lots of support and is bright and cheerful. I throw a fitted tank on top and throw on a loose flouncy long skirt. The long skirt serves me through the evening and also works great to cover up if I’m starting to burn. I choose a lightweight material in a darker color with a pattern that accents the colors in my swimsuit. Flip flops are my footwear. Depending on where I’m heading after the beach I choose either a basic pair or one of my funky pair with rhinestones or crystals. Easy to walk in, feet breath, and terrific for an evening out. I keep a fitted light weight sweater in my car, and take a long sleeved cotton blouse down to the beach. I usually choose a long sleeved and long length blouse because it’s versatile. I can knot it to create a short blouse, wear it long as a beach cover, and put it on if I start to burn on my upper body. I usually choose white or a soft pastel depending on my other colors. I like white because it’s cool to wear and refreshing to look at. Every year I buy a fun new beach tote that’s big enough for the beach but not too big as to take it with me for an evening out. I like a fun bag that’s full of character. Since I always feel naked without my jewelry I wear fashion jewelry to the beach. That way should I loose something I won’t be out a lot of money and I won’t feel so bad. I like to keep the earrings simple and elegant. I may or may not wear a necklace. Often I’ll toss a funky wood necklace in the bag to add to the evening outfit. I like to wear a couple of fashion rings just to add the finishing touches. Now if you’re fussy about tan lines you’ll probably want to forgo the rings. I toss my watch in the bottom of my bag so I can put it on later.That’s it – simple is the key. Keep your beach wardrobe choices simple but fashionable. Think ahead so you can go from beach to an evening out without hassle. Remember to always make your fashion statement!


About the author: Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.

THE GREAT ACNEFREE vs. PROACTIV SMACKDOWN CONTINUES


(I have chosen to artistically interpret the present struggle through the age old tale of "Alien vs Cliched Moustache Villian")

This post is for all of you, but especially for reader Cindy who was very curious as to the results of my AcneFree experiment. WELL..... drumroll please.....

I HAVE CANCELLED MY PROACTIV MEMBERSHIP. If actions speak louder than words, this is the most I can scream "YES!!!! FINALLY! A DRUGSTORE ALTERNATIVE TO PROACTIV THAT WORKS!!!" :-) :-) :-) I'm a happy happy girl.

So far I have tried the regular cleanser (the scrubby kind, it feels a bit less scrubby than Proactiv so you might want to use an occassional scrub or a washcloth if you are like me and scrub addicted) which works GREAT. This is the bottom line for me, even if I only use one of these cleansers (from Proactiv or AcneFree) and don't always follow up with the other products, I will NOT break out. YES! SWEET!

I have actually NOT purchased the toner or "repairing lotion" (I don't know what AcneFree calls them but that is what Proactiv called them - basically they are steps 2 and 3 of the system) because I am still working my way through extra proactiv I didn't use up yet, but I am SO SURE it will work after having tried the cleanser for some time that I really did cancel my Proactiv membership. Oh, and I also tried the 24 hour severe acne wash (a foam wash) because I was staying out of town and ran out of the cleanser and it was all I could find at the drug store, and it is a SERIOUS wash. Works well, really gets rid of any oil, I'm thinking I might use this as my emergency "there is an oil spill and its on my face oh why did I have to eat all those Doritos" face wash, as it is almost too strong for use 2 times a day for me.

Anyway, there is still further investigation to be done, but so far, ACNEFREE, I HEART you, I HEART you very much.

I have NOT been kidnapped by goblins or gotten lost in a labrynth

I've just been STUPID busy with work lately. GUH. But I promise my renewed efforts to post frequently will not wain. I haven't stopped THINKING about all things beauty and such, just been a bit of a lazy girl when it comes to postings. Anyway, full steam ahead!

One company that I recently came across that I know nothing about but looks fantastic is APIVITA, a Greek skincare company. Does it make it seem a bit more exotic and enticing that it is from Greece? Yes. Am I a complete tool for thinking so? Say what you will, but I bet deep down the following products sound sooooooooooooo good to you too:


First, a multitude of face masks to choose from, each box containing 6 mask applications for roughly $6 American I believe, THAT I can do. The ones that popped out at me most were the Calming mask with Dittany of Crete, the Deep Cleansing mask with Argile (green clay), Revitilizing mask with Orange, and the Skin Food mask with Honey. I also found the Deep Face scrub with Olive captured my fancy a bit.

APIVITA's website is actually www.greekskincare.com , and on it you can find any type of skin product your heart desires, some pricier than others, but all intriguing. And I'm DEFINITELY going to have to try one of those masks....

Plus Size Fashion Trend: Feminine Chic



Plus Size Fashion Trend: Feminine Chic
by: Donna Monday


A new fashion year is here and so are the latest styles for women looking to freshen up their wardrobes. Ladies, good news. Femininity is back!From the office to casual wear, you can show off the power of your femininity while still taking care of business. Jackets are a great way to add flair and style to your pants and skirts. Boucle jackets are hot. Also, pairing a colorful denim jacket with a flouncy skirt gives you a variety options for a more dressed up casual look.You should have at least one boucle jacket in your closet. Boucle is very chic and can dress up a pair of black pants or a black skirt very easily. Boucle jackets come in a variety of colors. Some have removable flower pins, some have ruffles, etc. In celebrity circles it’s popular to pair a boucle jacket with jeans and high heels or boots. Very chic.Skirts are longer, falling either just above the knee or just below the knee. You’ll find skirts with asymmetric cuts, ruffles at the bottom, or with a free flowing feel. Why not add a flowery or ethnic print skirt to your collection. Pair it with a jean jacket in blue, pink or white for extra pizzazz.Colorful ponchos and shrug wraps (wraps that are fitted and tie in the middle) are great accent pieces to wear over plain black or white tops. Speaking of tops, try a shirt or blouse in a bold funky print to spice things up a bit. Plus size women are no longer bound by arcane rules that say they can’t wear prints. Dress for your personality.Shopping for new clothes is a fun experience and the options for plus size women are better than ever. You’ll find all the new trends and plus size fashion styles to create your own feminine chic look at great online shops like: Lane Bryant, Catherines, Avenue, Just My Size, Making It Big, Ulla Popken, Size Appeal, Kiyonna and more.