only backgroundI'm a wife, mother and grandmother. I'm opinionated. I contradict myself frequently. Most of all, I love my kids. I believe in them. I fight for them. They're weird and wonderful. If you want to know more, here's a bunch of other stuff from my old site.
Archive for the ‘Cosmetics’ Category
I have a confession to make. No, I am not bald. But I am having trouble growing my hair the way I want it. I’m at the point where I think I may have to just admit that my hair will never get any longer than it is now. Those days of being able to grow my hair so long are past. The only way I’ll ever have long flowing hair to my waist is to invest in a Hair Transplant or some other new scientific fix.
The problem now is what to do with the hair I have. Do I give up and just get it all cut off? Do I go for a slight trim and hope that shocks it into growing? Or do I start saving my money for hair extensions?
Maybe this is nature’s way of telling me I’m too old for long hair.
- Posted in:
-
- Comments Off
I suppose it stands to reason that someone who makes soap (me) would also enjoy making creams, lotions, serums and other skin treats. It’s been entirely too long since I made anything, though, and I really need to get back into my mad scientist mode to create something new and soothing and yummy to the nose.
I’m almost out of my daily serum so that’s one thing I’ll have to make first. I’ve thought about selling it since it contains many of the same fantastic ingredients as you find in the high priced skinceuticals online and in department stores. But I’m not sure everyone would like my stuff as much as I do.
Before I embark on a weekend of potion creation, I do want to head into the woods down the road to pick some jewelweed. I’m planning on making itch salve and there is nothing that works as well as jewelweed!
Oh. And of course I’m going to make soap, too. 
- Posted in:
Hidden somewhere on my site are some pictures of me with different makeup “looks.” You see, I love makeup and experimenting with color. If there’s no one here to volunteer a face, I just use my own. How much do I get into it? Well, I’ve gone so far as to buy different colored contact lenses to alter my look even more. Kevyn Aucoin is my inspiration.
Naturally, any time I find a site about makeup, I’m all over it. I’ve found my holy grail foundation but I’m always looking for new ideas for contouring, liplining and especially applying Eye Makeup. I’ve found that you can change your whole look by changing your eye shadow and adding a bit more liner.
The tips at Makeuptip.com are very basic but right on the money. This site seems to be in its early stages but looks to be off to a good start. The tip to never pump the eyelash brush into the mascara tube is an excellent one. I don’t know why instinct leads almost all women to pump the brush but I’m as guilty of it as anyone else.
I really liked the eyeliner tips. I stipple my eyeliner along my top lash line just as it shows it the drawing. That really does work to make the lashes look fuller. Whoever is writing that site knows what they’re talking about.
I’m going to keep my eye on this site. As I mentioned, it looks to be just beginning. I hope that as time goes on, they start showing their tips on real eyes. Perhaps a photo-by-photo how-to lesson on doing one of the looks they mention could be added. That would be awesome. I’d like to see a forum here, too, so women could talk about beauty and cosmetics and things.
I have a feeling this site is going to grow and get better. I can’t wait!
- Posted in:
I spent a little time this afternoon cleaning up my crafting supplies. Specifically, I went through my herbs an made sure that they were all still good. I keep them in my cool basement, in airtight containers but I still like to check them occassionally and toss out the ones that may not be at their peak.
I do love my herbs but I haven’t really worked with them for a while. I can barely remember which are best for skin disorders, what herbs are used in hangover cures and which are best for an upset stomach. Gee, I think I need to get back to my crafting. Maybe I’ll whip up a nice salve next week. Summer and poison ivy is just around the corner, you know.
- Posted in:
-
- Comments Off
Some would say I’m a pack rat. I’d prefer to call it “collecting.” Yeah, that’s right. I’m a collector.
I collect anything with a dandelion on it. I collect Little Friends of Kelly Marisa dolls. I collect vintage clothing and purses.
And I collect Stratton Compacts.
I tried taking some pictures of my compacts but truly, it’s so hard to do them justice. They are just so beautiful. Stratton is such a high quality compact, too. Well, the vintage ones are. Stratton compacts are no longer made by the same company. Someone else bought the name and from what I’ve been told, there is a very obvious difference in quality. Anyway.
This picture did come out okay. It is my collection of the “persian rug” design. That’s what I call it but if anyone knows the official name, please let me know. I first bought the princess compact in the lower right of the pic with the folding comb above it. I then added piece by piece, the Empress compact to the left of the princess, the cigarette case above that and the lighter at the top. Next to the lighter is the pill box and below that is the lipstick holder with the fan that swings out to show the mirror.
For as far back as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by cosmetics. I love makeup and skin care. I’ve spent more on lotions, potions, serums and salves than I have on clothes. Seriously. I love toiletries that much!
I know there are some fine products in drug stores and such but I really get excited about the high end stuff. I used it all and usually lay down my cash for the things I need to travel to the city to buy. Or buy online
An online store I just found has some excellent brand names like SkinCeuticals. I’ve used a few of their products, in sample form, and have been looking for the best place to purchase. SkinAct seems like a great source since it allows me to shop for various brands.
For example, SkinAct carries MD Formulations, one of the top skin care lines around. I’ve been wanting to try their entire Anti-Aging kit and SkinAct has it at a great price.
I was surprised to see that SkinAct also carries Guinot because it is a very exclusive line. I love pampering myself with skin care but I also love to pamper the men in my life. Guinot makes an excellent Men’s Balm for after-shaving comfort.
With such great products, I was curious about the other lines that SkinAct carries. I’d never heard of Eminence Organic Skin Care before so I had to check that one out, especially since I love anything organic. I was impressed with many of the active ingredients in this line, especially the Bearberry Extract in their skin lightening serum. I love serums and sometimes make my own. Bearberry Extract is one of my favorites! How nice to find a line that offers the naturally wonderful ingredients I’ve come to love, already prepared in luscious serums.
I’m making my list right now for SkinAct. I feel a night of pampering just around the corner.
- Posted in:
-
- Comments Off
My daughter knows how to make me happy.
Yesterday on the way home from school, she and my mom stopped at Dollar General Market. Maggie showed her gramma a Conair Foot Spa and begged and begged and begged to get it. Finally, my mom relented and bought it. I’m not sure my mom realized it but that Foot Spa was for me!
Maggie brought it in and I was as giddy as a schoolgirl. A FOOT SPA!!! I love pedicures and foot massages. Unfortunately, those can get expensive so a portable foot spa is a great in-between treat.
My girl knows just what her mamma loves. I think this weekend we’ll have a “girl’s night” with manicures, pedicures and hair styles. Wonder if Britanie is up for it, too?
- Posted in:
-
- Comments Off
Living in a small town in West Virginia means many desirable products just aren’t available. Yes, i can travel to Pittsburgh but so many times that just seems like too much of a hassle. I’m a busy woman, you know.
With the internet, though, I can shop anywhere in the world and compare prices for the best deal, too. Case in point: fragrance. There are so many great scents but too many of them just aren’t offered in any of the stores around here. When I make it to Pittsburgh I’ll pick up a new fragrance and make notes (really, I literally write this down!) of the fragrance I still want to buy. I do the same with makeup and purses and shoes.
Until now, I’d have to wait for my next trip into the city. Now I just get online and buy. I’ve been comparing prices at brick & mortar stores with those online at SparklingScents. I think I’ll make Sparkling Scents my online source for fragrances.
Just look at the prices for the Jessica McClintock Perfume and Fragrance. I don’t think I could beat that locally, even during a sale. And Sparkling Scents carries other quality fragrances, too, like Michale Kors and Kenneth Cole. What a great selection! Oh, my! I just found Angel by Thierry Mugler at a huge savings!
Whether you’re wanting to treat yourself or you’re a guy with a wife or girlfriend to buy for, Sparkling Scents is definitely worth a look. And a sniff.
- Posted in:
-
- Comments Off
I’m always on the lookout for new skincare. I’m fighting these darn wrinkles, especially the “11″ between my eyes. I know, I could just go the botox route. But I’m still searching for something I can do at home.
Like this CoffeeBerry extract. Deb fom Money Smart Moms Blog says it’s an antioxidant that will be released to a group of dermatologists soon. I can’t wait to read more about it! We middle-age moms need to keep up on these things, you know.
Oh, and since we’re on the subject of beauty and such, Deb also has a few books out that are very reasonably priced including one on skincare. She really knows her stuff so if you’re looking for a great reference book be sure to check her out.
- Posted in:
