Happy Friday and got a buffer?

So, Cheeks is getting a full night's rest, but for some reason I am up at 4 in the morning. Oh well, I might as well be productive. I just took pictures of swatches for the La Femme eyeshadows and blushes. I hope to get this review out before Thanksgiving since we are going to be busy.

Onto beauty!

So, I have to be better about checking the Happyface account because there are some gems to be found in the inbox. For instance a while ago, I received a nice email about the multitasking ability of Ms. Manicure products, and there were two that made me say "ohh, cool," out loud. I would like to pass this along.

First off, I have several Ms. Manicure products that I found at Target a while back, and I really do enjoy them. I have a specific nail clipper for my fingernails from Ms. Manicure, and I panic every time I can't find them (I hide them very well so that the Scholar doesn't use them for his man-toes.). I like the nail clippers because they have a cover around the bottom part of the clippers that makes them more stable when I am holding them, and the size of the clippers work really well for the size of my nails. Plus, I have had them for more than two years, and they have not gone dull, nor rusty, and they haven't lost their spring. In fact, come to think of it, I haven't bought another set of clippers since those. I also have a nail file that I really like for both my fingers and toes. The file is firm for better grip and control, and the grit is perfect for both types of nails. It files without tearing apart my nails.

Also, if you like cute packaging, this is a great inexpensive brand to satisfy that fetish. I, typically, don't get swayed by packaging, but I have to admit that Ms. Manicure's packaging makes me smile. It is very girly, cute, and fun. Several Christmases ago, I bought a cool kit as a stocking stuffer for The Grrl, and I received some matchbook nail files from my MIL. So, really these could make great stocking stuffers for the gift-giving season.

Okay, secondly, and this didn't even occur to me, but I learned that some of these products can be used for things other than nails.

For instance, their "Rock 'n Sole" pumice stone can not only be used to remove calluses, but it can also be used to remove pills from sweaters. You just put the sweater on a flat surface, and gingerly rub the dry stone over the trouble spots on the sweater. Now, remember that the stone is really used to remove calluses, so be gentle. I have yet to try this technique, but I do look forward to testing it because I do have some favorite sweaters that I can't bear to get rid of yet. Really, all they need is a nice refresher. I have bought two sweater shaves before, but they stopped working after several uses, and I am out 14 bucks, whereas, the pumice stone is about 2 bucks.



The other tip that I really intrigued me concerned refreshing suede. So, I went through a phase where I collected nail buffers (weird, I know) and I just used them for my nails. However, buffers can be used to spruce up your suede.
Here is the tip, "Spill something on your new suede boots? You might not have to head for the shoe store for another pair just yet. Grab an emery board, like Ms. Manicure ‘s Call Your Buff ($2.99), and lightly rub the stain. Use the soft, buffer side of this four-sided board to ensure that your boots don’t get damaged in the process. Then, hold the shoe over steam from a boiling pot (or teakettle) on the stove to completely remove it. This works for suede clothing as well! "
Who knew? I used to use my hair brush to buff out any water marks, but the suede would always get rattled.


Just to be clear, I have not yet tried these tips nor these products for the alternative uses. I just thought the tips were curious and helpful. I have, however, tried several Ms. Manicure products, and do not hesitate to purchase more of the products available. I think they are most excellent for the price, plus they are super cute. You can find the Ms. Manicure and Ms. Pedicure at many stores (e.g. Target, K-mart, Ulta, Wal-mart, and so forth).

Much love.

So...what's your sign?

Well, this is just awkward. Here I am vowing to myself and you that I am here to write, write, write, and another week passes. As I sat down to log in and post a new entry, I felt clumsy and shy. It was like I was a goofy kid trying to pursue the most beautiful person who is wayyy out of my league. How the hell do I approach such a radiant person? I will soo be rejected. What's the use? Blah, blah, blah.

In other words, I really didn't know how to go about writing an entry again. I have lost momentum and the inertia has set in. Lame, lame, lame. So as I was driving to my friend's house, I thought about what I could do to get this blog going again after being away so long. I thought about the awkwardness I felt just thinking about how long I had been away, and then I thought about what I have been up to. After all of this contemplation, I decided to just open my mind and stretch my fingers and let both do the work. Instead of plotting a specific review with pictures and stories, I just need to sit down and let out.

So here I am: I am sitting down and letting it out.
OUT, WORDS, OUT!
...uh...hmm...

Oh yeah, so I have been really slowing down on cosmetics buying. Right before my computer gave out, I had hit a saturation point. It reminds me of the time I ate way too many Oreos, the next time I saw them I wanted to throw up. Or another time I only drank cider every time I went to the bar, and then one night I got sick from drinking too much, the next day I would gag just hearing the word "cider." My aversion to Oreos still persists, and I have finally come around to drinking cider again, but it took some retraining. Anyway, my lust for makeup has been temporarily exhausted. I have an urge to use up some of the stuff I have, and that is what I am in the process of doing. I think I have enough colors in my stash to create whatever "perfect" color of the moment, and I am pretty sure I have enough skincare to fill a drugstore. Now, I did make an exception for combating the acne solution, but other than that, I just breeze through the skincare and cosmetics sections at stores unless I really need something.

I must say, it feels really good to look at the new makeup coming out and just shrug. Meh, there is nothing new under the sun. I guess I may be jaded, but I do believe it is only temporary. I won't be unimpressed with the newcomers for the rest of my life. Now, I have realized that I don't need all of the colored eyeshadows under the sun. I am really happy with neutral, right now.

To be clear, however, just because I am not shopping like I used to doesn't mean I don't have reviews coming. Also, just because I hit a temporary saturation point doesn't mean I don't have anything to write about. Don't fret. My shelves and drawers are full of goodies to review, and I still am interested in painting my face.

In fact, as I write this entry, I already feel the warm feelings coming back. I already feel the motivation, the urge, the fire, the...the...the desire to write about my personal thoughts on products.

So on this note, let me share what I have been in love with and what I have not been in love with.

Love:
1) Well, my face has been breaking out, and thank you, lovely ladies, for all of the wonderful recommendations. I got some Neutrogena spot treatment, and I started up the Clean and Clear blackhead remover routine again. So far, I have been having luck. Once I am finished with the spot treatment I am going get the Acne-stress 3-in-1 (it wasn't in store when I went, boo hiss). With this being said, I am really in love with the Clean and Clear blackhead remover. Remember I previously reviewed it? Well, I am loyal to it. I can really tell the difference between using it and not using it. My face looks and feels so much better when I use it. Definitely repurchase.

2) I am also all about mark.'s "For Goodness Face" moisturizer. It doesn't cause breakouts, I have repurchased several times, has SPF 30, doesn't feel sticky, doesn't smell, and just feels great. It is awesome!

3) I have rediscovered L'oreal's Voluminous mascara (waterproof). Oh my goodness! I tried it a long time ago and really hated it. However, this time around I decided to buy it because it was on sale for $4. Well, I love how it separates, lengthens, and voluminizes my lashes. Goodness, it looks like I am wearing natural-looking fake lashes. Now, this mascara is hit or miss on people, and fortunately, it is now a hit for me. Definite repurchase.

4) Palladio Herbal waterproof eyeliner in black brown is excellent. It reminds me of a milder version of Revlon Colorstay at a lower price (about $4.50 at Sally's). By milder I mean it feels a littler softer and is more smudgeable and blendable. I am really liking this eyeliner for my "softer, neutral, come-hither" days. Plus, it doesn't last a good amount of time. I would say definitely more than 5 hours.

5) Since I have been encountering a little bit of acne, I have had to whip out my standby Revlon Colorstay foundation and the Revlon Colorstay blemish concealer in medium/deep. This concealer is nicely pigmented, blends well, doesn't smear, and matches my skin really well. I love it! A little goes a long way too.

6) Cheeks has been giving me a little of a hard time at night so my dark circles are a little more prominent. Therefore, I went to Wal-mart and got NYC's cover stick in yellow to counteract the blue in my dark circles. This coverstick works like a charm. It is easy to blend, doesn't crease, and neutralizes really well. So, I swipe this one first, blend, and then top it off with my Maybelline Mineral Power concealer. Plus, the stick is going to last forever because a little goes a long way.

Meh:
1) After many months of trying out Sally Hansen Natural Beauty inspired by Carmindy foundation in Sandy Beige, I feel kind of meh about it. The foundation feels great going on, and it does offer medium coverage, but for some reason, I am just not feeling the foundation. I love the pump, and the shades does a pretty good job of matching my skintone, but it lacks to longevity that Revlon Colorstay offers. It does an okay job holding up to my oily skin; I still get breakthrough, and I feel apprehensive about touching my face after several hours. This isn't a bad foundation, and I would recommend it to someone with normal skin, but I wouldn't necessarily rave about it after much time to consider if I like it or not. Now, I did rave about it when I first started using it (rave to myself, really), but I grew disenchanted with it. I think I just am supremely satisfied with Revlon Colorstay, and so I am just meh about this foundation. I will continue to use this foundation when I rotate my foundations just for kicks, but I won't repurchase it. In a market of so many foundations, this doesn't really stand out; I guess this is the best way to describe the foundation.

2) Clean and Clear advantage mark treatment is meh. The smell is annoying and somewhat overwhelming, the gel doesn't fully dry so it goops up when I put on moisturizer, and it really hasn't vanished my marks. Soo, next time I will definitely try the Neutrogena 3-in-1.

Alright, I plan on finishing the brush review, and touching on the ION demi hair dye. For now, I shall get some rest.

I hope all of you are having a splendid week, and thank you so much for your support and encouragement. Much love!

Whew! I am back.

I am so glad I married a man who has a computer savvy brother. As a matter of fact, both my brother-in-laws are computer experts. Anyway, good ol' Stel is back with me (the comp). I aim to blog this weekend. I have missed being a part of the community, and I look forward to getting back into the swing of things.

I have chilled out with my purchases, but that doesn't mean I have a lot to write about.

By the way, does anyone have an recs for a good drugstore skincare regimen for acne-prone skin? My face is revolting, and I am always up for trying some new things.

Let's get this party started!

sick

My computer threw a tantrum and then fell sick this weekend, and I have to take it to the doctor to get treated. Therefore, my posts are delayed. Boo Hiss.

I am so sorry, I won't be delivering posts in a timely fashion, but I am hoping the visit to doctor will be a quick one.

Much love

Quick review: Pulse Perfection

So, I believe I mentioned before that I found Maybelline Pulse Perfection on sale at my local Target. I don't think the price point is appealing to the demographic in my area. Well, I seized the opportunity to try this mascara many were raving about.

After applying this mascara several times, I can openly and confidently say that I really do hate this product for many reasons:

1) The push button to turn on the vibration is at the end of the wand, which affects that amount of control I can have when I apply the mascara.

2) The formula is a little of the wetter side,which makes the mascara dry longer. And this seems to clump a little.

3) The brush is flexible like the "Define-A-Lash" brush, which inhibits control, again.

4) Yeah, sure this mascara produces longer lashes, but they look spikey and hard.

5) This is a high maintenance mascara application. I can't just swipe and go.

So far, I have had some great luck with Maybelline, but this was a bust for me. Come to think of it, the mascara being poopy on me is welcome because I would have been in trouble had a loved a $13 drugstore mascara.

Anyway, more reviews will come soon. I plan on swatching the La Femme shadows next. This takes a little time, especially now that Cheeks is teething and wanting to play all the time. Thank you for the patience.

Much love.

Thank God I don't have dogs because they would be licking my mango feet

When I was a kid I really wasn't enthusiastic about mangoes. In fact, they kind of repulsed me. I didn't like the smell, the texture, the fibers getting caught in my teeth. I also didn't like how high maintenance they were to eat. I mean, what a thin layer to peel. Come on, now! The Grrl, on the other hand, was obsessed with them. I never understood it.

Then, more than 15 years later, I got pregnant. When I found out I was pregnant, I anticipated the stereotypical cravings like pickles (I craved olives instead. In fact, one day I drank straight up olive juice. ewww.), marshmallows with potato chips, and ice cream with cheese. Instead, I craved oatmeal, which I loathe, and...MANGOES! Can you believe it?! Out of all the things I could crave, I wanted the fruit that made me gag. Actually, now that I think about it, it could have been worse: I could have craved PAPAYA, ewww. Anyway, ladies and gentlemen, I could not get enough mangoes to satisfy my hankering. I would eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While passing through the kitchen, I would pick a mango up and caress and smell the skin. I would warn the mango of what I plotted to do with it. Seriously, my lust for mangoes was outrageous. Every time Queen Fierce visited me, I would put in an order for a box of mangoes, and she would graciously satisfy my demands. When I succumbed to the temptation to eat one, I would go barbaric on the fruit. I would savagely take a knife to the tender skin, and brutishly peel the thin skin away. When a piece of skin took some mango meat with it, I would stop what I was doing and rip the meat away with my teeth until I got all of the juicy goodness. The juice would drip down my hands, wrists, elbows, and I would lick my entire arm so that nothing went to waste. It was really not attractive, but definitely orgasmic. Mmm, mangoes.

Interestingly, unlike my craving for oatmeal (The minute I had Cheeks, my aversion to oatmeal returned.), my love for mangoes stayed with me. Now, if anything says "mango" I immediately perk up, pay attention, and salivate. So, when I read Vanessa's, from NessasaryMakeup, review on California Mango Mango Mend, my eyes twitched. The next time I was at Sally's beauty supply, I immediately grabbed it and put it in my basket.

California Mango Mango Mend is a "skin, cuticle, and nail treatment balm" (from the jar). It provides immediate moisture, shine, and smoothness. I really do like this balm for my feet. Not so much for my hands. This balm is not heavy, but it is greasy. I would describe it as a solid, gel-like petroleum jelly (petroleum jelly is in the ingredients, but it isn't at the tippy top). When I opened the jar, the consistency immediately reminded me of a water-based, clear hair shine pomade. However, it is much softer in density. A little goes a long way for this balm, and the smell is powerful. Unfortunately for me, the smell reminds me more of papaya (ewww) than of mango, but, again, I do like what it does for my feet so I overlook the misnomer.

So after my showers, I sit down, dip my index finger in the jar and take out a dollop of balm. Then, I smear it all over the sole of my feet and proceed to massage it in. My feet instantly feel a lot softer, and the bothersome dry spots cease to exist until I put my feet in a pair of sandals that causes a lot of friction. When I put this balm on at night, regardless of shower or not, the smoothness and moisture last until the next day, and this is without socks. It is such a relief to not hear my feet rubbing against each other or getting caught on my sheets. Now, my feet aren't super bad. I exfoliate them regularly and I moisturize every day. So I don't know how this would be with severely dry feet. However, this balm is excellent at providing quick moisture and maintaining soft and smooth feet.

As far as cuticles are concerned, it provides the necessary moisture, but I find that the balm is a bit much on the hands simply because it doesn't absorb quickly and the smell is quite strong. What I do is that I just rub in the remaining amount of balm into my cuticle and hands after moisturizing my feet, which doesn't last long because then I wash my hands to handle Cheeks. I do notice that if I use it regularly on my hands, I get less hang nails. However, I just can't get over the greasy feeling.

So, would I recommend this balm? Well, if you are happy with the creams and things that you already have for your cuticles and feet, than stick with that. If you are ready to try something to soothe your light to medium dry feet, then by all means try this product out. Just make sure you put some slippers on after putting this on your feet so that you don't leave greasy footprints all over the floor. Really, this is perfect for the nights when you want to moisturize and sock up your feet. The next morning, your feet will be like butter. In other words, this product is a "fun to have" as opposed to a "have to have" product.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (The smell is overwhelming, and it is greasy. However, it does work excellently well at smoothing, softening, and moisturizing your feet. The price is a little steep for what it is.)
Price: $7.99, 4 oz (a little goes a long, long way)
Where: Sally's beauty

Some people read tea leaves, I read makeup (there is a review somewhere in here too)

Makeup does more than just beautify and correct. With some analysis, the products also tell us what features we are obsessed with, whether for good or bad. For instance, when I open my makeup drawer and look at it, I see an ocean of lipsticks. I mean, seriously, my lipstick collection is like the Pacific Ocean. I have enough lipsticks to wear for the rest of my life, to hand down to Cheeks (unused), for Cheeks to hand down to his children (unused). Really, my collection belongs in a sideshow. In fact, Queen Fierce goes shopping for lipsticks in my stash, and I never miss the ones she picks out because I just have too many. Now, I want to be clear, I am not bragging. This collection is excessive, unnecessary, and kind of shameful. However, it is also very revealing. I have looked at the ridiculous accumulation of lipsticks and evaluated what it says about me. Sure, on a superficial level it says that I love lipsticks, but what else does it say? Hmm *index finger taps chin, indicating brain cogs in action*...Well, on one hand, I think it states that I am obviously obsessed with the mouth. I want people to look at my mouth when I am talking, to pay attention. I want people to listen and evaluate the words that are emitted. Lipstick is a great way to pull the other person's eyes towards the voice piece. I also cherish the power of voice, which is directly associated with the mouth; therefore, I want to celebrate my biggest weapon. I am obsessed with lipstick because I am obsessed with the mouth, because the mouth is powerful: it can be a thruway for souls to exchange, it can distribute poetry, and it can spew vitriol.

Of course, there is a flip side to this love of the mouth. My collection of lipstick also indicates that I am not quite satisfied with what I have. I am constantly searching for the perfect something, whatever the color of choice might be. Is this a bad thing? My instinct says "maybe." In addition to the variation of tones within the same color family, I also have several color families, which also exhibit the different moods and thoughts I had when I hunted the colors: pinks for my flirty moods, reds for my brazen moods, deep berries for my "don't-mess-with-me-or-I'll-bite-you" moods. All of these shades demonstrate the complexity that is human emotion, but there is always the underlying feeling that something just isn't perfect. Really, this realization is eye-opening and humbling. It's like the lipsticks are telling me, "T, look at me. Look at what you have created? You were always in a search to find a perfect lipstick, and you know it doesn't exist, let alone exist in just one tube. Stop trying to bottle up all of you in one tube. Dig deep into what you already have, ahem this collection, and create your own combinations. You will never find perfection, but you will eventually find satisfaction." Food for thought. I do believe I am finally at my saturation point on the lipstick point.

Now, let me transition to another makeup reveal: nails and nail polish. Nail Polish is a lot like lipstick: there are a variety of colors, and there is a lot of room for creativity. A person can always exhibit a little of his or her wild side by just picking the right nail polish color. Like lipsticks, there is a color for every mood and occasion. Like lipsticks, nail polish doesn't really discriminate between sizes and body types, and best of all, it can easily be changed. With this being said, just like there is an essential part to lipstick (moisture on the lips), there is an important step in ensuring the long life of a worn polish: top coat.

It is so very annoying to finish a nail painting job just to get an atrocious smudge or a dreadful chip. Seriously. A good top coat helps avoid this annoyance. Therefore, I shall introduce you to Wet n' Wild's MegaLast Quick Dry Ultra Gloss top coat. This gem of a nail product is only about $2, and it is fan-friggin'-tastic. Before finding this top coat, I was a loyal Seche Vite fan. However, after buying MegaLast, I have not once looked back at my Seche Vite that is sitting sadly in my nail products box. Like Seche Vite, MegaLast dries in a flash, provides a great and longlasting "wet" look, and it does a thorough job of protecting the nail polish. Unlike Seche Vite, MegaLast is less expensive (plus), it isn't thick (nice), it doesn't shrink once dried on the nail (good), and when/if chipping does occur it doesn't come off in horrible sheets.
For the test, I painted my left hand with just nail polish, and I painted my right hand with polish and then the top coat. My left hand started chipping after three days, and my right hand started showing minimal chipping and tip fade six days after initial application. Plus, my left hand looked shabby and dull by the second day, whereas, the right hand maintained its shine. Also, my right hand dried in no time. My left hand did smudge a little when I went to bed.

The MegaLast top coat will enhance many nail polishes. It can hold out on much of the everyday wear and tear we put our hands through. My top-coated mani survived the changing of diapers, the opening of packages, the washing of dishes, and the cleaning of bathrooms. However, I have to state that it does sometimes struggle when too many coats of a nail polish are under the top coat. I did do another test where I wore approximately three layers of a sheer Revlon shade, and my index finger (we will get back to this index finger) did chip after the second day. Oh, and the smell is kind of strong. The rest of the nails were in pretty good shape. This is just a wonderful, inexpensive, and effective product.

So what does all of this mean as far as revelations? Well, the use of nail polish reveals that I definitely use my left index finger a whole lot because that finger is the first to go. I like to point at things, I like to jab things, I use this finger to remove Cheeks hanging boogers (yes, this definitely comes with the parenting territory). Basically, my index finger is my utility knife: always handy, always there. The use of nail polish was also very revealing because it disproved something I thought was true. I use my middle finger a lot less than I thought I did. I mean, I do enjoy dropping the F-bomb when wearing berry lipsticks, but I guess I don't like to stick out my middle finger as much while wearing purple polish. Not a bad thing. And finally, the search for a good top coat has been satisfied. I found one that is willing to commit to its task without asking me to fork over my savings. This top coat provides qualities that I subconsciously search for in my life, commitment (long lasting, about 5-7 days), immediate gratification (dried very quickly), comfort (not heavy nor thick), protection (fights chips), care (isn't harsh on my nails), camaraderie (goes well with pretty much any nail polish). Sometimes I may look like I own the world, but deep down I am just another person seeking the ever-elusive perfection and tender, loving protection.

And people thought makeup was frivolous...
So what does your makeup say about you?

Rating for WnW MegaLast Quick Dry Ultra Gloss top coat: 5 out of 5 happy wallets. Are you kidding me, it's $2 and it works exceptionally well.

Price: around $2

Pics

Day 6 of wearing Color Club polish in "Power Play" with WnW MegaLast top coat on top. Two coats of color polish, and one coat of top coat. Notice, shine still evident, minimal tip fade, a small chip.

Another view of Day 6. See the tip fade. Not bad for the time span.

The hand without the top coat. Note the dullness, the more obvious chips. Beautiful color thought. I got this polish from 8ty8beauty.com a long time ago.