Our recent trip, half of which was without our luggage, showed that it is possible to be a minimalist, which those of you who know me, know that I am not.

I do, however, pack light. I traveled to China 3 times with one suitcase — and a second one for my daughters.

I could pack considerably lighter if I wore no makeup and used no moisturizer. (I can hear you laughing!) And if I didn’t need clothes or jackets for cold weather.

It used to be that my carry on had my makeup and hair products, because I felt that I could wear just about anything, if the rest of me looked good. Now, with the regulations about what can be carried on, it is impossible. (I believe I will try to do it next time, however, taking small portions of some of the products that can be repackaged.)

I am very picky about the products I use, as those of you who read my blog know. I’ve found products that work for me, and I prefer to use them.

I know David will understand this, as he was without the moisturizer that works for him. I hope he comments and tells us what it is.

I mean seriously, who gets up in the morning and thinks I will use products that I like the least: I think I will look my second best today!

My firm belief is that anyone can enhance his or her appearance with the right skin products and color — even men!

Here’s what I did: I used the hair products in our cabin, and bought two things to use along with (a shine product and a curl enhancer) (which were more expensive and less effective than what I had in my lost luggage.) Limited to what was available on the boat: I used a sample of moisturizer from Estee Lauder (whereas I usually layer up), borrowed eye makeup remover and a sample of Lancome makeup, and bought a Lancome travel set of eye and face makeup. (By contrast our last cruise on Royal Caribbean offered more upscale indie products and much more perfumes.)

I traveled with my own brushes and samples of Aromaleigh shadows. So at least I had those!

Most days I wore makeup from the night before until after I swam, then I redid for the evening (and next day.) Yiyiyi.

And I had a great time! No one knew what my best is anyway. Ha!

It was more important to make the boat, though I think my luggage is more well traveled than I am and likely has a story to tell!

One of the young women also lost her luggage and received it the same day we did. She looked radiant in her own clothes, fixing her hair the way she is used to, and having her own makeup. She said to me, “Do you see why I was so upset not to have my own things?”

By contrast Book Girl was loaned both beautiful and functional clothes. She looked fab the whole time.

I was able to make do with the clothes on my back and a couple of T’s from Delta and the cruise. I had a couple of necklaces and a scarf. I wore a denim skirt — and thankfully I had worn tennis shoes, not the sandals I had packed, so my feet weren’t cold in Antarctica.

I threatened to wear a toga, as I had in college! But I didn’t. It might have been fun!

On cold days, I layered blankets under my skirt — and wrapped a heavy plaid blanket over me to go out on deck.

And I had a blast.

I think I will try to pack even lighter next trip. Take half out again. I am tired of schlepping luggage! The hardest thing was my hair, but it is possible to do with a whole lot less than what we are used to.

You can see an iceberg behind me.

What I think:
Having my own moisturizers is a definite plus. My skin looks better each day. Someone asked me after I got home if I was rested, because I looked so good. Ha! we lost more sleep than I care to count — and got up early and hit the road running. But I was happy, and it shows.

My hair definitely did better with my own products, and I wouldn’t want to go much longer than I did (a week.) But it was still in good condition.

Now that I’m a bit more rested, I’d even consider another trip — in the future!

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

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Here are several Vitamin C products that I like a lot:
My faves
Awake

I like the fact that you use only as much as you wish, and it liquifies in your hand as the warm of your fingers touches it.

Lancome
Sensation Totale, which has been discontinued. I love the feel of this. It makes your skin silky. I don’t know anything about the product they say is replacing it — and it makes no mention of vitamin C.

Estee Lauder
Perfectionist Cp+ is a great product and feels terrific on the skin. It is supposed to build collagen within two hours. I don’t know that it contains vitamin C but the “C” is in the name. Every time you walk through a store, put some from their tester on the back of your hands. If it works that fast on your hands, it must work on your face.

Beauticontrol has three C products. I have not tried these because I have the others, but I have several beauticontrol products that I love, and I would think these would be excellent.

Aromaleigh
I have tried 25% Vitamin C Serum- I like it a lot. I will likely begin to try the other products too.

Signature Club A
Super Strength High Potent-C Anti-Wrinkle Capsules $29.50
I like this a lot. It’s in my rotation of C products.

My second choice category

Olay
Olay Regenerist and Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging UV Moisturizer plus Touch of Foundation both have Vitamin C. In general, I like Olay products. I’m not sure they are as heavy duty as the Awake one.

Mary Kay TimeWise® Replenishing Serum+C
Mary Kay has come out with a C serum product in 2009. They were late to the party.

Give collagen a boost.* Help skin bounce back.

With TimeWise® Replenishing Serum+C, skin will appear lifted and firmed. This antioxidant-rich serum is formulated with ingredients that enhance the production of new collagen and help keep existing collagen from breaking down. It also contains ingredients known to support elastin. The formula is enriched with a potent blend of multiple botanical sources, known for their high levels of vitamin C.

The four weekly vials help maximize product freshness and provide an effective weekly application measurement to help you get the best results for your money. MaryKay.com

I don’t see or feel as much difference when I use this as I do with the Estee Lauder. However, you can see how dramatic the above picture makes it look. This is a customer’s unretouched photo, not the company’s. I continue to use the product on my neck — truthfully, I had not used a serum C on my neck before. I see a difference. I wish it were as dramatic, but then again, my before look is more youthful.

Avon
I did not care for the Avon one I tried a number of years ago. It was gold colored and sort of sticky. I don’t know if they still make it. It’s possible they have reformulated it. You can’t go wrong with their product guarantee.

I have not tried these
Lumene, which is available from CVS, also has a C line, day and night creams, eye cream and serum. I’ve not tried that line either.

Prescriptives also has a line of C products, but I have not tried them.

Do you use a C serum?
What is your favorite?

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

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Here are some thoughts on various types of serums and the links to posts where I have written more specifically. Some of the serums are pricing their way out of my price point. There are actually some that are over $1000 being marketed in Japan. I suspect some are worth it; others are not.

Whenever possible, let a beauty advisor put some on your skin. See if it is possible to get a small amount to try at home before you commit to a big purchase.

This is only a partial list, as I have thought of them. I will continue to update, as I think of it.

Body Serum
Arbonne has a wonderful body serum and body lotion. You can find my review at the above link.

Facial Serums
There are also serums targeted for eyes.
Anti-Wrinkle
La Prairie CELLULAR Retexturizing Booster
This just might be a miracle product. Whenever I apply it, I see immediate results. I generally use it for several days at a time, then I give it a rest and use it again when I see the need. It is expensive, but it really works. I think it works better than Renova. Price: $185.00 | 30 ml / 1.0 oz. (Unfortunately, it’s possible this is no longer available. I have not tried any of the comparible LP serums to see if a newer one is as good.)

Serums with Vitamin C
Many companies have C-serums because they work. I have used C products for years. Mary Kay is one of the companies that has just added a C formula. If you can’t beat them, join them. The important thing is to find a C serum that works for you, then use it.

Here’s a partial list of companies that have C-serums: Awake, MK, Aromaleigh (generic), Lancome, Estee Lauder, Prescriptives, Avon, Lumene. Choose the link above to see my thoughts on each.

Arbonne has a number of excellent serums, including lifting, RE9 (with C), and Revelage (whitening) I won’t be without the lifting or the whitening.

Avon has been a leader in skin care, very innovative. They were the first line to come out with an alpha-hydroxy — and it made a big difference in my skin. Their anew products are excellent. I do not care for either of their pump serums that they had a couple of years ago, because they smelled so bad. I recommend smelling them before buying to see if they still smell. I didn’t notice a huge difference like I did with their alpha-hydroxy products. Some of their products are targeted by age.

Beauticontrol
Beauticontrol makes several serums that I like. Some are targeted for 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s skin. I’ve liked Regeneration Gold for years. It’s a two step process that mixes when you pump it. It used to be that one was red, the other white. Now one is green, the other white. I do not know if it is the same product. Regeneration Platinum Plus is supposed to be the next step up, but it rolls on my skin, so I use it only on my neck and chest and bought more of the Regeneration Gold. They make C products, but I’ve not tried them as I have others that I am using at the moment.

Chanel Serums
Chanel makes a number of serums, and they are all excellent. It depends on your price point and your skin concerns. Sublimage products kept me moist even in the dryness of Las Vegas, using no other moisturizers layered in. The Radiance line has an excellent hydrating serum. As an aside, I did not care for Sublimage eye cream.

Clarins
I have used Super Restorative Serum. I likely might buy it again. I like what it says it does; I’m not sure I saw it doing it. I tended to use it more for hydrating than anything else. When I opened the container, when it seemed empty, there were still several days worth of product left. I put it in a small jar and used it to the last drop.

On the whole I like Clarins products, so I suspect their other serums would be good too. Their beauty advisers are generally knowledgeable and happy to help you. They are good about giving small samples to try.

Cle de Peau serums
Cle de Peau is the high end Shiseido line. CdP makes a number of serums, and they all feel good. I’m not sure how to choose one over the other. I have one. I’m not convinced it does anything particularly, but that might be because I tend to use others that I have.

Dior Serums
Dior makes some excellent serums. Capture Totale and HydrAction are two that I have tried. Capture Totale came highly recommended by a woman in NYC who swears by it.

Guerlain serums
Orchidee Imperiale is their highest, newest line. It is excellent. Super Aqua-Serum came highly recommended on the strength of one older woman who works for Guerlain whose skin is exceptionally beautiful. It’s a toss up which is better. Take your pick. They also have Success Future and Substantific serums. I get my Guerlain from Claire at the Palazzo in Las Vegas. Call 702) 732-7008 or email GuerlainPalazzo.STORE@lvmhuspc.com

Hydrating serums
La Prairie CELLULAR HYDRATING SERUM is an excellent hydrator, one of the very best. It is lightweight. It works by binding moisture to the skin and restoring the skin’s natural moisture barrier. A little goes a long ways and it stays fresh in the bottle. I use it generally on very cold days or whenever my face feels like it needs more moisture from the inside out. Price: $185.00

La Prairie Serums
Like Chanel, these are excellent, and it depends on your price point. I have not tried the latest lines.

Shiseido serums
Shiseido has a number of serums that are all excellent. Again, it depends on your price point and what you are hoping to accomplish.

Signature Club A
Super Strength High Potent-C Anti-Wrinkle Capsules $29.50
I like this a lot. It’s in my rotation of C products.

Retinol Wrinkle Penetrating Capsules 12 Hour Release $32.50
This is in my rotation. I like it a lot.

Viviane Woodard
I’ve used these products since I was 18. They have a number of serums, including specialized ones to use at night. Their day time serums are very good and moderately priced. The evening ones really give your skin a boost. They are used only periodically. Unlike ones by La Prairie that are also used only occasionally, these will not break the bank. Likely they perform different functions, but they help the skin.

Whitening serums
Many companies offer whitening serums. They started first in Asian countries. It’s not surprising that Shiseido has one. If you want to break up an age spot the fastest possible way, then your best bet is laser. Be sure to use SPF every day along with these.
Arbonne Revelage is an excellent whitener, which works by breaking up dark spots from below and keeping them from forming from the top.

Mary Kay TimeWise® Even Complexion Essence
I consider this more of a preventative, than a curative. I want to see faster results. I have no patience.

What serums do you know, use and love?
As I think of more, I will update.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

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Estee Lauder
Re-Nutriv
These might be excellent serums, but you couldn’t prove it by me. I prefer EL Perfectionist [CP+]. I have been told at least one of these serums is made to replace and include Perfectionist and Idealist (and possibly Night Repair.) For myself, I prefer to use individual serums depending on what my skin seems to need. Plus often gwp include small sample sizes of these individual serums so you can get a pretty good feel for how one of them works for you.

Intensive Lifting Serum $180

…continuous repair linked to continuous protection…a visible smoothing of lines…skin becomes silky-young to the touch…helps skin increase its own collagen production.

Ultimate Lifting Serum $200

Immediately creates a more lifted feeling. With continued use, exclusive OGG1 technology helps skin reduce the look of past UVA damage. Powerful boosters help skin increase
its own natural collagen production.

Use it faithfully for skin that looks more lifted, firmer, more defined and younger.

Perfectionist [CP+] Wrinkle Lifting Serum $125 for 3.4 oz or $80 for 1.7 oz or $55 for 1 oz.
This one seems to do it all — it lifts and fills in. Peptides™ begin to amplify collagen production in just 2 hours based on in vitro testing. When I apply it to the back of my hand, I see and feel immediate results. I figure it is doing the same on my face. I never go past an EL counter without putting some on the back of my hands.

Here’s what EL says:

It’s our most effective wrinkle fighter ever.
Wrinkles appear significantly reduced instantly and all day long.

See a dramatic 61% reduction in the look of deep, prominent wrinkles in as fast as 4 weeks.

[It] reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles and age spots…Instantly skin looks less lined.

* See a 36% reduction in the apparent length, depth and number of lines and wrinkles.
* Fills in and visibly immobilizes wrinkles with a flexible elastomer.
* Skin looks brighter, fresher, more lineless.

Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher
Estee Lauder says:

Virtually poreless.
* Pores appear 1/3 smaller—instantly.
* See a 69% reduction in the look of pores in just 4 weeks.
* Repairs the look of uneven skin texture,flakiness and roughness.
* See more clarity and luminosity.

Advanced Night Repair
Synchronized Recovery Complex
This won ‘Best Serum’ Beauty Awards 2009 Fitness Magazine, October 2009. It contains Hyaluronic Acid. I use this when I need a moisture boost. I also use it in the daytime.

This comprehensive, high-performance anti-aging serum-inspired by groundbreaking DNA research-brings your skin a dramatic reduction in the visible signs of aging.

This advanced formula-with 20 patents worldwide-includes all the benefits you love about the original, plus more to help your skin repair itself like never before:

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

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It pays to wander around CVS because you have some of their coupons.

If you don’t have one of their little cards/numbers that track your purchases, you are missing out on a lot of freebies. And meantime, you shop the store because the coupons expire (I’ve been known to not use one and find it when it is out of date.)

I had some coupons burning a hole in my pocket, so I decided to buy more of the Revlon gloss that I liked so well. While wondering around, I noticed they had several coupons out: buying $20 of certain Revlon products gave you a $10 coupon. Ditto for something similar with Milani products, buying $10, gave you a coupon — might have been for $10, can’t remember now.

I used my free coupon on the Revlon gloss (I bought 3) which gave me $10 and I turned around and used it for another one.

In Milani, I bought two eyeshadows. They come in round packaging. One was Royalty; the other was Coffee Shop. Royalty is a beautiful orchid color, shot with irridescent, blue-purple glitter. CS is a gorgeous cross between brown and copper, shot with copper gloss. Unfortunately, the glitter is only on the top and not through them. I’m using the color only in one spot so I can see the glitter they used with it.

It almost seems like deceptive packaging. This has happened to me with other brands.

There is one, though, that is shot clear through, made by Vincent Longo. I have it in several colors: flesh, black, and a copper shade.

I have plenty of glitter from Aromaleigh that I love and can top the Milani ones with — that’s not the point. It just seems too bad that they didn’t put it all through the product. I’m going to tell the SA next time I see her.

Lid: light neutral beige with glitter
Crease: Royalty
Outer corners: CS
Topped with: AL Rocks Glitter, Shake it up
Lined bottom with Mac Black on waterline and MAC brown just below it
Mascara: Maybelline Stiletto on top; Lancome mini on bottom

Now what lipgloss do you think this is? I have no idea, and I thought I’d remember, so I didn’t list it above. I think it is gorgeous! Perhaps it is the Rimmel? I’ll try that again tomorrow.

It is Revlon Lipgloss 020 Pink Afterglow. It has subtle sparkles in it.

Karin

Royalty and CS 5 for color
-3 that glitter was only on top of the product
2 overall rating because I really hate that!

Originally posted 2009-02-28 12:05:03.

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If you like any of the beachy smelling perfumes, such as Estee Lauder’s or Tom Ford’s, then check out Avon’s Tahitian Holiday for a fraction of the cost — while it is being introduced it is only $9.99, later it will be $15, still a bargain.

This scent smells a whole lot richer than the price! One of my daughter’s loves it and would like some of her own.

First, I have to say I’m not a fan of either Estee Lauder’s from last year or this year, but I like Tahitian Holiday. (Not to mention I’d like to go on a real Tahitian holiday!) To me, and on me, Estee Lauder’s grabbed the oiliness of the scents, and I was afraid over time it would smell rancid. Second, when it smells so much like suntan oil, why bother paying for a perfume, just use suntan oil…

The notes of Tahitian Holiday are:
Ginger, tiare, coconut oil, musk, monoi oil (evidently monoi oil is tiare flower and coconut oil.)

There is enough coconut to balance the tiare, and while there is a beachy/oily/coconut smell, it smells like fragrance, not suntan lotion.

I bought the edt spray. I have not tried the body spritz (now $6.99, will be $9) which is dual-phase (it includes moisturizing oil.) They say it cools, moisturizes and refreshes (that’s 3-phase.) (I didn’t notice that it separated in the bottle, so I’m assuming it didn’t and is thus blended well.)

There is also a shimmering body lotion ($5.99, will be $7) and a hair mist ($5.99, will be $7) that is a leave-in treatment with moisturizers and UV filters.

I’ve also ordered Meet Mark’s Instant Vacation Greek Isles. I’ll let you know more about that one when I try it in quantity vs. a small sample. I loved my time in Greece, so this will give me some memories.

Karin

Originally posted 2008-06-25 12:46:15.

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One of the most interesting stories from Yuri Gutsatz’ life is his meeting with Estee Lauder detailed here in both French and English.

It was a little confusing for me to follow but suffice it to say that Estee Lauder had a mind of her own and threw it around with abandon!

…the gist of it was that being the creator of YOUTH [Dew], ARAMIS and SUPER ESTEE which she made herself and having earned millions of dollars she knows best what a successful perfume should be… YG

Imagine the hubris:

Mrs. LAUDER was present during the second performance she gave to approximately the same assistance. She was very flamboyant, lecturing us again about how a perfume of success has to be made, about the non importance of the European market, about French women not knowing what perfumes to use and how to use them, insisting briefly that GUERLAIN’s latest CHAMADE perfume would be a flop… YG

You have to laugh at the idea of lecturing French women on the art of fragrance. Excuse me, France is a major seat of the fragrance industry. BTW, Chamade was not a flop. It’s one I continue to like to wear — more now than then. It is still available. OTOH, you can’t argue that Estee Lauder has made millions and millions.

The story goes that she was in development with Ungaro to come up with a fragrance, and Gutsatz was the nose. December 8, 1969 (do you know where you were that year?) he brought with him 4 finished perfumes at 20% concentration (with infusions) and about a dozen of concentrated oils such as:

- Concentrates of D/17 complete
- Concentrates of n° 2135 (HEURE BLEUE type)
- Concentrate of Berilium (HEURE BLEUE type)
- Concentrate of Base GRG 1762 (BAL DE VERSAILLES type) made in consultation with Mr. Guy ROBERT and various bases entering into formula D/17.

You have to appreciate that at this point in time, 1969, L’Heure Bleue and Bal de Versailles were very popular. Both were considered sophisticated and sensual. But BdV was the more aggressive of the two, a fragrance for the night. BdV was the precursor to those later blasts from Giorgio Beverly Hills, which didn’t smell the same, but knocked you off your feet in a similar fashion, though it was ubiquitous in the daytime.

Just like women who wore Youth Dew seemed to have no concept of how strong it was, women who wore GBH would asphyxiate you with the fumes. Seriously. You know I’m telling the truth. One woman wearing a few spritzes of YD would scent an entire theater. And if you didn’t like it, you were doomed.

Interestingly enough Estee Lauder claimed that everyone liked Youth Dew.

Mrs. LAUDER said the very day she had launched at MAXIM’s and put on her perfume D/17-U-IV and nobody has even asked her what perfume she was wearing which was naturally extremely disappointing for her whereas when she wears YOUTH or SUPER ESTEE everybody is saying “Oh dear what a beautiful perfume you have today !”.

By the way upon my remark that I did not know of a perfume in the world which has a unanimous approval of everybody, she looked at me with surprise and indignation saying that her YOUTH is approved of everybody without a single exception which proves that such kind of perfume can be made. YG

Have you ever wondered why some Lauder fragrances are so strong they will knock you over?
Never fear. The answer is here:

As a matter of fact, Mrs. LAUDER’s skin is an absolutely extraordinary phenomenon which in my 35 years of practice I have never encountered. A perfume lavishly spread on the back of her hand or forearms loses its smell within less than 5 minutes, leaving after 10 minutes a faint and blurred odor! (This explains so far I am concerned her 70% concentration YOUTH bath oil and non alcoholic SUPER ESTEE Perfume). YG

For myself, I find that either a fragrance disappears on me or it becomes extremely large, so I always go gently with application until I know which is which.

And the end of the story?
Well, evidently the fragrance was never made. Or maybe it was. After all, Ungaro has a couple of fragrances.

You just have to appreciate the flamboyant Lauder mixing the various vials with abandon, without measuring — how would they know the concentrations to replicate it!

I wish to report also a few words said by Mrs. LAUDER which depict her attitude during all my meetings with her. Concerning one of the mixtures she made herself and which she has discarded later on herself, she said: “I like it when I say I like it, it means it’s good”.

In one sense, you can’t argue with success. Lauder has produced some fine fragrances, world renowned, made a heap of money, worn by millions of women. There are some I like; some I don’t. My mother-in-law wore Estee to great effect. It was gorgeous on her. My sister has worn Beautiful. Another relative wore Private Collection to the extent that it permeated everything and everybody, and while it was nice on her, even today I can’t bear it.

I can’t help but think how marvelous any one of Gutsatz’ representions would have been if they had only been chosen. He had a true gift.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

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Something simple for summer:

Eyes: using pencils and creams
Crease: Lancome Ice Princess
Outer corners: Estee Lauder Go Wink a grey-brown
Crease: Ultima II Hot Cocoa EyeSexxy (like a lipstick)
Tightlined top: MK Melodramatic eye crayon (charcoal)
Brows: La Prairie pencil
Mascara: Arbonne 2 step

Chanel Fdn; my sparkly mix of powder, followed by SCA hyaluronic; BE Vintage Peach blush

Lips: Arbonne Bikini
I like the look and feel of Arbonne lippies. It is soft, but it has some life to it.

Hope you enjoyed!

To buy Arbonne from Bookgirl, if you don’t have a representative, go here.

Karin

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Today I was busy sorting and organizing. I only did my makeup about 5 mins ago. The theme makeup this week at AL is to use Snapdragon (beautiful blue pink)(I’m not sure I’ve ever used this before) with Aqua Nightmare (one of my favorite colors.)

If you can’t have fun with makeup, when can you?! I got the idea to reverse my eyes, sort of like combining all my posts from last week. It looked strange at first, but I figured my liner would tie it all together. I am really happy with it now.

Eyes: all Aromaleigh unless noted, in order of application
Base: Nude Frost
Crease: Lagoon matte
Outer corner of one eye and inner corner of the other (and reverse drylined on bottom): Snapdragon, then vice versa for Aqua Nightmare
Tight lined top and wet lined lower: Peacock gel liner — using back end of brush only.
Inner corners: Snapdragon
Drylined top only: Moonagedaydream
Brows: Merle Norman powder
Mascara, top: Guerlain; lower: Tarte
Concealer: Mary Kay

Sunscreen: La Prairie
Primer: Avon Magix
Foundation: Chanel, discontinued
Rouge under powder: Revlon , cream
Powder: My sparkly mix, then SCA Hyaluronic with stiff Guerlain brush
Blush over powder: EL Pinkshimmer, then NARS Riviera as it didn’t have enough color

Lips: AL Karma on one lip; Gala on the other; smooshed; rimmed with Beauté Allure

What do you think?

Karin

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Sometimes for me, thinking about what colors I want to go toward takes more time than the execution. I knew I wanted to coordinate with the new pendants my artist daughter made for me for Mother’s Day, so I knew I was aiming toward purples and gray.

But I started out thinking Aromaleigh — then I thought, wait a minute, I’ve got Meow that I haven’t worn for a while. So I started with Meow. I bought a lot of samples from Meow, but I don’t think I bought a gray. It’s hard to tell sometimes in the ziplock what color it will pull on the eye, so I need to mark the darker shades so I know, but I haven’t done that yet.

I don’t know the differences in the formula of Meow shadows (which is more frosty/glittery) so if someone knows, pls comment. I am going to put them in larger ziplocks by colors, as I have done with the AL, rather than keeping them by formula. I think I can just mix and match.

Eyes:
Base: Nude Frost
Lids: Meow Lazy Purrl IdealEyes (this pulled bluer than I expected)
Crease: Meow Prowl ModernEyes
Dry lined top and lower: Jessica R ScandalEyes
Crease: AL Avalon Rocks! Sonic Eyes (soft, medium gray) to pop the crease more
Lids: Debbie L ScandalEyes — to bring it more into the purples again
Tight lined top and wet lined lower: Venomous gel liner — using back end of brush only — BookGirl exclaimed that she just loved this color on me, that it really popped my eyes. It may look black in the photo (as it looked in the bathroom mirror) but in RL it is a sort of Periwinkle color.
Inner corners: Tanzanite gel liner — this looks like a lighter version of Black Cherry.

Brows: Merle Norman powder
Mascara, top: Guerlain; lower: Tarte.
Concealer: Dior Skinflash

Sunscreen: La Prairie
Primer: Avon Magix
Foundation: Chanel, discontinued
Rouge under and over powder: EL Pink Shimmer, cream
Powder: My sparkly mix, then SCA Hyaluronic with stiff Guerlain brush

Lips: NYX Lips Iced Lavender
As soon as I had it on one lip, I could tell Iced Lavender would be too dark for the rest of my face, if I had put it on alone, but I wanted to keep to the same color family. So…
+ Lancome Prodige (one on each lip, then smooshed)
rimmed with NYX Purple Rain Lipgloss with mega shine — in RL this is more subtle than the photo would make it.

What do you think? I was happy with it.
I always like it when I get a spontaneous expression that something looks great, as BookGirl did today.

Karin

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Face:
Primer: none
Foundation: Lancome minerals — I’m getting more used to applying it. I preferred what I added today.
Powder: Lancome minerals, then Mary Kay mineral pressed powder
Radiance Highlighting: L’Oreal Bare Natural Pink Glow, then Mary Kay up the center
Over primer: Clarins Instant smooth — love this product!
Concealer: Mary Kay

Eyes: Mary Kay minerals
Outer corner and crease: Lemongrass; this didn’t show up well so…
Crease: added Denim frost
Inner corners: Amber blaze — normally I wouldn’t choose this for the inner corners, but in the 2009 summer colors, they showed the brown not in the crease, but in the inner corners and it looked great!
Under brow: lemongrass, lightly
Lined lower: Denim Frost
Tightlined top and lower + wet lined lower: Tidal Wave Gel liner — this is such a pretty blue
Brows: Prescriptive pencil
Mascara top: EL Blue; lower: Tarte

What I think of Mary Kay pressed mineral eye shadows
I like Mary Kay shadows very much. They go on like silk. There is a wide array of beautiful colors, but they do not have the indie colors that Aromaleigh or Fyrinnae have.

I give them a 5.

What do you think?
I like the look of my face today.

Addendum: I’m obviously not an expert at applying mineral makeup. It looked great here and in the bathroom, but when I saw it in sunlight I had to wipe it down on one side of my face as it was very weird looking. I would say it looked as if it had settled in my pores, but I don’t have any for it to settle into in that area of my face. Once I wiped it twice (in the same area) it was fine. I’ll definitely have to check this when I use minerals. Do you ever have this issue?

Karin

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Sorry that I’m late getting this posted! Yesterday was a busy day!

Eyes: Fyrinnae Fujiro in crease; Optimism on lid Gorgeous colors!
I wanted to try Fyrinnae again before I forgot how to apply it (pat, not swipe.) (Make sure brush has no black left in it, which I remembered to check.) (I have brushes dedicated to light or dark colors, so I don’t have to worry about getting a dark shade mixed in with a light one.) You can see they are not exact matches. It drives me nuts trying to get them even. I finally gave up. I figured, no one looks at my eyes that closely, as I am blinking vs. letting someone really look at them. LOL!

Lined top and lower: Jordana waterproof Luna Lavender
Mascara: EL MagnaScopic Blue on top; Tarte on lower lashes (black)
Brows: La Prairie pencil
Concealer: Dior Skinflash

Foundation: Chanel, discontinued
Rouge, under powder: NARS Riviera stick
Powder: my sparkly mix, topped with BE Mineral Veil as bronzer
Blush: MAC Dollymix
Lips: MAC Funtabulous, rimmed with Milani Crystal gloss

What do you think?

Karin

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I was wandering through the cosmetic area and stopped to talk to the SA at Estee Lauder. She had sprayed several things in the air for a customer, and I was curious what they were.

I told her about the layering that I used to wear, and every time I wore it, someone would compliment me:

White Linen and Cinnabar

So, I sprayed White Linen on my arm and let her see how pungent it is, then I topped it with Cinnabar. She liked it.

From across the aisle another SA said, what did you spray, I love it!

I had to laugh. That was possibly the fastest compliment for me on record. Somehow these two together are better than they are alone. One softens the other. I still smell good! (As all Estee Lauder’s, this mix is long lasting.)

I think I need to start wearing it again!

What perfume(s) do you wear that you receive compliments on?

Karin

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Yes, Chanel lippies are expensive — but in this case I think you get what you pay for. At one time they had them coded for color families, but I don’t think they do that any more.

The plus side
Chanel colors are fab.
They have an inward glow that most lines do not have. Occasionally a Lancome or an Estee Lauder color will approach Chanel’s look, but the colors are never so fashion forward.

Vamp, a deep almost black burgundy, was probably their all time fave color in both lippie and nail polish. They were the first to have a color like this. Did they sell more of this than any other?

Moisturizing They are nicely emollient.

~~~~~~~~~~

The negative Many of the lippies do not hold up over time.
They tend to get dry and sticky.

For the price, they should hold up forever — other lines do.

Soft Mink especially has changed texture, scent, and taste more than once. But it is a fab, fab color, featured in Allure a number of years ago, when Kevyn Aucoin did the makeup. (Bloomies still has it.)

New Replacement Tube
In RL without the flash, it’s a little deeper, but it feels dry. Maybe because I usually wear some gloss.

Do you wear it?

To be fair, I was able to exchange it for a fresh one at no cost. Because it is such an interesting color, it is one I only use occasionally during one season, so it was easy to see it should be a fresh tube.

~~~~~~~~~~

How to fix the negative
The MUA at Bloomies told me the lippies change because of the rose scent. (However, I don’t notice this with perfumes that have rose in them.) And I only notice a few colors do this. I wish I understood what ingredient because I would not buy that particular color again.

She showed me how to take a sharp blade and cut off just the teensiest part of the lippie. Underneath the dried out part is fresh lipstick that applies easily.

It might not work for all of them, but if it works, it is a good solution.

Update: I needed to replace the Soft Mink. While the feel was softer, it had a dreadful taste and smell. The new one has no distinctive taste or smell, just soft rose lippie.

~~~~~~~~~~

Here are some colors:
Lumiere Naturelle Palette
Right side of palette
Sally Hansen invisible liner on the outside. Works good!

I notice the longer this is on, the better it looks. It needs to meld, evidently.
Mostly from right side of the palette, with some of the left gloss which is shimmery over the right gloss, which is not.

Left side of the palette
I like this color better than the color on the right for me.

~~~~~~~~~~

Lumiere Tendresse Palette
Right side of the palette using Beauté technique (in reverse).
Entire lip with the plain apricot first (this looks pink-apricot),
Rimmed with the sparkly gloss on the right.
It was very pretty.

Go here to see the technique in detail.

Left side of palette
Entire lip with the plain salmon first (this is brownish),
Rimmed and in middle with the sparkly gloss (light white-beige).
This might have vamped up the color, because by the time I added this, I really liked it.

I will update this post as I wear more lippies. Keep checking back.

What do you think?
Do you have any Chanel lippies? Do you like them? What is your favorite color(s)?

Karin
5 ++ for color
3 for $$$
2 because the texture, taste and scent changes on many of them and you don’t know which until it happens

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I was happy with the way this turned out.

I spread out my Meow samples and thought what did I want to try:

Eyes:
Base: Nude Frost (there is some question as to whether this irritates me, but so far, so good today — I gave it a rest, then tried again today) then my sparkly eye mix
Lid and Crease: Meow VandalEyes Misdemeanor (lime)
Crease and drylined top and lower: Meow VandalEyes Shoplifting (deep vibrant purple)

The lime is a little lighter and brighter than it photographed. You can see the glitter liner on the eye to your right.

Lined: Estee Lauder Plum Grey pencil (which turned out to be more grey than I remembered, so I went over the line and past the line with Meow)
Glitter lined over the top of liners: GirlActik Lavender — gorgeous color, this line was my first foray into glitters, before AL Rocks! glitter
Mascara: (top, to your left) Mark Scandalash Indigo (purple)
Mascara : (top, to your right and lower lashes) Estee Lauder MagnaScopic purple
The EL is a tad darker.
Brows: La Prairie pencil

Finished look:

Primer: Smashbox Purple Primer
I like the color lift that this gives.

Foundation: Revlon Age Defying Liquid Color 04
I like this foundation and use it often.
Rouge: Mary Kay stick from a limited line
Powder: Lustre Aromaleigh Twilight supernatural powder
Nice gleam. Used my normal powder brush, not a FO.
Blush: Meow Masterpiece Water Lilies Love this color!
Lips: NYX Round Gloss Apricot 19
This is gorgeous and vibrant when applied heavily. Later it softens to a delicious stain-y look, but it is still moist with product on the lip. You can see how it looks here.

I quite like Meow mineral shadows. I am sampling several types, but they all seem to be equally pigmented and equally easy to use.

VandalEyes are our newest, most highly pigmented collection of multi-purpose eye shadows. Silky smooth and designed to be extra long wearing, they’re intense and powerful but they are *not* for the faint of heart…Can be applied dry for a bold look, or foiled (applied wet) for the most intense color and sheen.

I’d love to try more of their Masterpiece blush line.

Masterpiece Blush Gallery: Our newest blush collection, uniquely formulated and unlike any other blush you’ve ever tried. They’re sumptuously sheer, and sweep on your cheeks invisibly, leaving only a pure wash of gorgeous colors behind!

Karin

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