The Ten Day “You” Challenge – Day 7

22 Jan

Oh I really am a slug aren’t I. I mean over ONE MONTH since I last posted? I’m thinking I have to stop thinking of this as a project and keep it light like I’m writing in a diary. Hmmm. Now that I think of it, my diary entries weren’t great when I was a teen. Someone stole someone’s boyfriend, fire alarm in the middle of 2nd period during the pouring rain, pop quiz in trig. Maybe my adult diary of fashionista me can be a little jazzier, less boring, and not Midol necessary. I think I can do that.

Let’s get this finished up first: My Ten Day “You” Challenge. Day seven is seven wants. This could be easy…. This could be hard. I don’t want it to seem like a bucket list, so I think I will focus on the things I want in 2012. This year. Immediate or short-term wants. I can also think of some as goals too. Okay. Here we go.

Seven Wants

    1. To have my skinny jeans fit me the way they used to.

    2. More laughter, less pain.

    3. A pair of Christian Louboutin pumps.

    4. To write an article, a review, or ANYTHING that will put my name in print in one of my favorite fashion magazines

    5. An interview with a “star” that I can write about with passion!

    6. To find a way to re-organize my closet in a way that would make even Carrie Bradshaw say, “Good job, girl!”

    7. Stay grounded.

It’s here. The time has come. It’s time I start preparing myself for some big things this year. Big things. Things that I can call my own. Things I can get the credit for. Things that will make me a household name! Okay… I might be thinking crazy big here. But you know what they say…. especially in the fashion and glamour industry??

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The Ten Day “You” Challenge – Day 8

10 Dec


Okay, I’m a slug. I’ve been feeling tired and drained, I’ve been busier than busy, and I probably have more excuses than shoes for not finishing this challenge by now. That’s saying a lot. But finally, I’m on Day 8. Fears. Better delayed than never

I think if you had asked me about 15 years ago what my fears are, I would have a list longer than a five year old’s wish list for Christmas. Before my husband now, I was afraid of a lot. But I’ve come far since then. I’ve faced many obstacles, challenges and uneasiness… and have conquered several! Finding yourself helps you do that. There are still a few things that scare me… some beyond words. So lets explore and see if I can find eight.

Eight Fears

    1. Snakes.

    2. That my kids will find true happiness in their lives as they get older.

    3. Someday I’ll actually look as old as I am.

    4. Skiing.

    5. Spiders bigger than a nickel.

    6. That my health will take a turn for the worse.

    7. Driving on ice.

    8. Living one day longer than my husband.

A while back I could have added other fears. Things like mice, eating raw clams, speaking in public, and dealing with my ex-husband face to face. Not anymore. I’ve faced those things and, while discovering strength within myself, I have learned to conquer them. Well, I haven’t really conquered mice. I just don’t stand on tables when I see them anymore. Then again… I don’t pet them and invite them to dinner. Same with my ex.

Go ahead. Make a list of your fears. And see if, by this time next year, maybe–just maybe–you can cross at least one of them off the list. Find it within yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and overcome one of your fears! I can’t tell you how invincible you will feel!

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The Ten Day “You” Challenge – Day 9

19 Nov


I never said that my Ten Day “You” Challenge would be done in exactly 10 days., now did I? Okay, so I’m a tad inconsistent (and noticeably lazy) lately. Work with me people….

Where were we? Oh, yeah, so today is Day 9–Nine Loves. This will certainly be easier than the ten secrets. I could put my husband down nine times but I’m sure that’s would not be very soul-searching of me. So, let’s dig a little deeper….

Nine Loves

    1. My fabulous husband

    2. My two great kids

    3. My kittie cats (all five–yes I said five–of them)

    4. Pistachio ice cream

    5. Fall

    6. Jeans (All brands, all styles, all prices!)

    7. Writing about makeup and fashion

    8. Designer handbags

    9. A fabulous steak dinner, complete with baked potato & sour cream

I probably could change the list each week — adding things some days, taking things off on others. The above nine, however, will always stay the same. Of course there is one thing I didn’t put down but I don’t think I should have to. In fact, it should be so much of a given that is should be everyone’s number one. And what is that great love?

Yourself.

That doesn’t mean you have to be a narcissist or egotistical. It just means you have to love who you are, what you are, where you’re at, and where you’re going. Getting to that point doesn’t happen in days, months or even years. In fact, many aren’t at that point yet at all. And that’s okay. For some it’s a work in progress, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Because the key word there to remember is this: progress.

I challenge all of you to enjoy your loves…. if possible, every day of your life!!

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The Ten Day “You” Challenge

12 Nov


Earlier today, the above photo came across my Tumblr feed.
I liked it. It got me thinking. Usually, I like things that get me thinking. Without hesitation, I re-Tumbl’d it and committed myself to doing it. I figured I would write about it on my own personal blog because a) I am usually too busy blogging elsewhere to be here that much; b) it would give my followers some information about me; and c) it’s kind of like one of those online surveys which I am totally addicted to.

The first item on the list, of course, is ten secrets. Wow. Why couldn’t that be around two or three? TEN? I don’t even know if I have 10 secrets! I’m pretty much an open book and if you asked me a question, I’d probably answer you not just honestly but with more details than you’d ever want to know. Okay, so let’s get this thing rolling….

Ten Secrets

    1. I have an addiction to makeup. (Buying it, I mean)

    2. I ate frog’s legs once and did NOT think it tasted like chicken.

    3. I stole the back of an earring at my local discount store when I was 10 because I had lost one of mine. (See? I still feel guilty.)

    4. I dressed up in a school girl costume to get a job once. (Great story!)

    5. I lost my father in a boating accident when I was only 7… and I miss him every day.

    6. I have been diagnosed with not one but two auto-immune diseases, but still never hesitate to face each day with a smile.

    7. I have some pieces of clothing in my closet that are my daughter’s that she thinks just went “missing”.

    8. I lived three months in shelter for victims of domestic violence about 16 years ago, then became an advocate against violence towards women in my community.

    9. I had to buy a new pair of shoes once because I realized I left the house with two different ones on.

    10. I did not meet my husband at a horse race track like we used to tell everyone. I actually met him online in an AOL chat room.

Some of my “secrets” aren’t hidden to everyone–a few of my closest friends know about them. Many of my secrets, however, are probably a surprise to many. Did I disclose them to enlighten you or me? Nah. I just want people to know that in regards to some things?… I’m no different than anyone else. I’m just your average sassy fashion and glamour blogger–with a few challenges–chasing her dream…

… and I dare you to do the same!!

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Have You Missed Me?

21 Oct

Oh my loyal fans….

I hang my head in shame for abandoning you as long as I did. I didn’t run away with another man. I wasn’t giving birth. I didn’t get kidnapped by aliens. I wasn’t the only victim of the rapture. I DID get caught in Hurricane Irene for two weeks, but we thankfully came through that with only a few minor scratches. The fact is, I’ve just been busy. I know, I know… no excuse for the tweeking fashionistas of the blogging world. But, you see, I didn’t really run away or even decided to just stand still. I’ve been moving ahead. One step and blog post at a time.

In late May, an opportunity was presented to me to do some writing for a fabulous website that I frequent several times a day. They had seen my work on here, plus I had already written a few odds and ends things for them and they were pleased with what they saw. You could say this is a stepping stone for me. My wish is that it will lead to eventually writing for a magazine! But for now…. I’ll keep doing what I’m doing and loving every word I write.

So when I’m NOT here, where can you find me? You can look me up, 24/7 right here or at:

http://www.makeuptalk.com/beautyblog/

If you are wondering which articles are mine, they aren’t too hard to find… they are the ones written by SassyAuburn!!

But, just so I don’t feel like I have left you hanging, I’ll let you know what are some things I just can’t live without right now:

ELF Angled Eyeliner Brush – I unfortunately lost the angled eyeliner brush I got from Sephora several months ago. No clue where it went. A friend of mine told me she had been shopping at Target recently and discovered ELF cosmetics. They were awesomely good and ridiculously cheap! Although I was not in need of any cosmetics, I could not pass up on a couple of their brushes, especially this one since I needed a new one. Target carries several ELF items, but their website is full of even more inexpensive goodies. It might be a brand I’ll have to investigate further. Target, $3.00

Make Up For Ever Diamond Collection Lip Gloss in Shimmering Baby Pink – I’m the first to admit I have a lip gloss addiction. This is easy to recognize if you go into my makeup drawer and start counting. The problem is that I get easily bored with my glosses and very seldom use them up… then buy more. MUFE’s gloss was something I picked up on a whim with a gift card I had and I must have liked that whim very much because it is almost gone. It honestly might be one of the first lip glosses I have ever (almost) used up in years.. if ever. Good color, great glitter and moisturizing too. Sephora, $18.00

BareTraps’ Lace-Up, Side Zip Bootie – The flat, combat-style boot is ALL the style this season and I’m right on board. These boots are so comfortable and go with just about anything. I love tucking my skinny jeans in them and wearing them with my edgy leather jacket. Rocking chic! Next week, I’m going to try them out with a frayed, denim skirt and a graphic tee. I think everyone should have at least a pair of these in black, and if you can, get a pair in brown too. (I did!) TJ Maxx, $39.99

Playboy’s Play It Lovely Perfume – Talk about prejudging. I really didn’t think I would like a perfume by Playboy. I don’t even know why either. Maybe because I thought it would be too strong, or too cheesy smelling, or maybe it wouldn’t last on me. I spritzed a bit of Play It Lovely on while waiting at my pharmacy one day, and I have to say I liked it right away. Hours later, Mr. Sassy even said I smelled good so I realized it had stay power. With notes of citrus, blackberries and juicy peaches, orchid, amber and patchouli, it comes across very fresh immediately, but its deeper sensual side comes through after a just a little while. It’s definitely not as expensive as many of the other designer fragrances on the market, but certainly ranks right up there with them. A nice addition to my scent collection. CVS, $14.99

I hope you get a chance to check out a few of the things that I’m loving right now and please stop into the MakeupTalk blog to read all of the articles I’ve written since June! Okay… well, maybe not all (there is a lot of them!) but certainly take a peek around. With the leaves changing and temperatures falling, I’m sure you’ll be hearing more about fall and all the beauty and fashion items that will be going along with it so stay tuned. Although you may only hear from me once a month or so from now on, I guarantee… it will still be the fun, sassy stuff I’ve always had in the past!!

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Marvelous Finds In March

14 Apr

My husband just asked me what today’s date was. I honestly had to pull up the calendar app on my iPhone because, frankly, I had no clue. Time seems to have stood still for me because no matter what I am writing—a check, a bill, a letter, a gym excuse my for my kids—I have been putting down “March” on everything. Then it dawned on me when my husband had me check today’s date that I had been writing the wrong date for several weeks. Maybe it is because it just doesn’t feel like spring too much here in Upstate New York yet. Maybe it’s because all of the days feel the same to me lately. My guess? If I refuse to write the real date, life will slow down. Yeah, well, not so much.

So since I am already two weeks behind for all of my April writings, I figured I better chime in quick with my awesome March discoveries before I get them confused with April’s. If I don’t watch myself, I will be writing that my latest fashion find in July was a pair of cashmere gloves. Without further adieu, here are a couple of things that I added to my glamour and fashion collection during March that you may want to look into as well:

1. Grape Seed Oil— I have never hid the fact that I think that several natural oils are fabulous for medicinal, nutritive and moisturizing purposes. Grape seed oil is derived when the light oil is extracted from the seeds of several different kinds of grapes. Mainly, the seeds left over from making wine are used for this purpose. It is wonderful when the oil is used for cosmetics and skin care because the natural anti-oxidants and age-fighting properties found in grapes then get transferred directly onto the skin. Grape seed oil has a built-in astringent quality so it is great for naturally tightening the skin. It also contains linoleic acid which is known for cell repair and renewal, keeping skin at its most youthful state. And finally, because it is a lightweight oil, it is easily and quickly absorbed into the skin providing excellent moisturization—even around the delicate eye area—without clogging pores. I now use grape seed oil every night before bed to moisturize my face and neck, with a little shot on my cuticles as well. My skin has never been so soft and smooth! Available at most supermarkets in the organic oils section

2. NYC (New York Color) Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil— A while back, I had found a great sharpen yourself eyeliner that I insisted would be the pencil I would use for the rest of my life. It wasn’t a big, well-known brand and I could only get it at one store locally. Yeah, well, that changed when I saw the display with my eyeliners in it wearing a big “Clearance” sign on it last month. Damn. Time to start hunting once again. While shopping at my local Wal-Mart one day, I saw a big display for the NYC brand. They had an extensive variety of products and colors at a price that was more than reasonable. I liked the fact they had a waterproof eyeliner that was the kind you sharpen yourself, which is the only kind I will use. After using it only once, I knew it was my new favorite liner. It was soft, easy to apply, and had superb stay power. The color was true and still sharp and strong even when it was time to take it off at night! For those who like these kind of liners, this is a must try. Available at many local retails for less than $4

3. mark Save The Day Anti-Acne Concealer Stick— I wish I could take the credit for discovering this item, but all the love has to go to my daughter. She has often asked me if I knew of any acne-treatment companies that also made a concealer that would hide a stubborn pimple while treating it as well. To be honest, it really wasn’t my department. I am the queen of the dry skin, not really a breakout princess. But after doing a bit of research, I saw that mark. had a product that was just what she was looking for. Not only does the concealer stick contains 2% salicylic acid to treat the culprit, but it also comes in four medium-coverage, buildable shades. This little item has become a cult favorite with her friends as all of them love how it hides and treats little flare ups at the same time. Available at Avon.com and through local Avon representatives for $6.

4. Steve Madden’s Shelbi Wedge Sandal— Okay, here’s the story behind this purchase: I had won a gift card from DSW during the holidays. I thought it would be fun to buy a pair of peep-toed boots when they went on sale after the holidays. When the pair I liked arrived at my house, I realized I didn’t like them at all. By this point, it was March and the thought of buying boots was silly and I knew I really should look for a pair of sandals instead. So I went to my local DSW store, returned the boots, and tried on anything and everything that caught my eye. Originally I shied away from wedges because… well…. they just didn’t jazz me. HA! That was until I tried on these little cuties! The heel isn’t too high (2” stacked wedge), they were comfortable as heck and they looked chic and stylish! I grabbed a pair in black. The weather around here finally allowed me to wear them for a full day this week. My feet loved them as much as my eyes. A perfect shoe to wear with jeans, capris or shorts! I love them so much, I think I’ll grab them in the color taupe sometime in the near future. Available at DSW retail stores and DSW.com for $49.95



I think I can finally say that spring is beginning to show itself after a long, hard winter. People are breaking out their bright colors, packing up the heavy sweaters and coats, and everyone is sporting the fashions and glamour of the new season. But as April evolves, are we serious when we say that the dark, cold gloom that hung its head over us for so long must surely gone? Well, if we listen to the gospel of the late Leslie Nielsen from the ever-popular movie Airplane, we would believe it one hundred percent:

“I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley.”

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Great Finds In February…

6 Mar

Let’s face it—people are sick and tired of winter. Living in Upstate NY myself, I am so done with the cold air and the snow. Not that long ago, we actually saw temps in the 50’s which felt like a heat wave to us. The only bad thing about that is it melts only SOME of the snow, which runs into the roads, which splashes against the cars, which turns everything outside into a grey, dingy, dirty landscape. If the sun isn’t shining, it is “blah” at its best.

This starts to become the time during the season where we know spring is around the corner and we are getting antsy. Spring fashions are dribbling into stores, fresh fragrances are being introduced, and makeup colors are becoming brighter and fresher. Even though it is still way too early to break out the sandals and sundresses, it doesn’t mean we can’t add a few springtime teases to our lives. Here are a few things I picked up to get me in the mood:

“Carried Away” Select-A-Shimmer Body Lotion – Time to stimulate the senses! I have always been a big fan of body lotions. Not only do I get a light scent that isn’t too overpowering, but I also moisturize my skin at the same time. With key fragrance notes of red raspberries, white jasmine and whipped vanilla, Carried Away is a romantic fragrance with a playful side. Plus, the Select-A-Shimmer lotion allows me to add a little or a lot of sparkle to my skin when I get out of the shower just by a click of the cap. Add more glitz to your arms when wearing a cami, or maybe a little glow on your legs if you’re wearing a skirt. Nothing says fun more than a sweet scent with a little bit of shimmer! (Bath and Body Works retail stores & bathandbodyworks.com, $14)

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in “Tickled Pink” – When people think about spring, they usually think about the colors of the flowers that fight their way up towards the sun as the weather begins to warm. Tulips, lilacs and roses do not just put beautiful scents into the air, but also show us new colors to delight our eyes. Putting those colors into your makeup pallet can really give your look a lift and break you out of the winter blahs. “Tickled Pink” is a soft, elegant baby pink that works on almost everyone. Plus, the L’Oreal’s Colour Riche formula goes on smooth and creamy, keeping lips moist with conditioners like Vitamin E. A nice, long-wearing lip color that doesn’t just look luxurious but also won’t break the bank! (local retail stores, $9)

Katy Perry Nail Colours by OPI – Okay, fact is fact: advertising sells. When I first saw the ad for Katy’s new nail colors in my daughter’s teen magazine, I fell in love with them. They were bright, fun, whimsical and… well… oh, so Katy! And if you think this “29+” mom wanted to wear them, you should hear the teen girls talk about them. Especially my daughter! Twice when we went to the retail store that carried them, they were sold out. But then finally… we struck gold! My daughter purchased the “Teenage Dream” which is a true pink glitter polish with all the glitz and glimmer that a girl will love. I myself got “The One That Got Away” which is a deep, dark berry with lots of shimmer. There is also “Not Like The Movies” which is a rich silver with an edge, “Last Friday Night” is a bright blue with fierce glitter, and of course the uber-popular “Black Shatter”–a black top coat with a broken-glass effect which is so chic! Katy’s colors are hot, fresh and in demand by ladies of all ages! (select retail stores, from $5)

Ruched Sublimation Top by Body Central – An airy top with cool shades of mauves and pinks make this pullover easy to wear and a must-have in your closet. A deep v-necked front keeps it sexy, the long-waisted length keeps is practical. Finally, imagine the top being immersed in shimmery silver dots and you have this top that is great for day or nighttime wear. Still a little too cold outside to wear this short-sleeved top alone? Just throw on a lightweight cardigan without it losing its jazzy appeal! (bodyc.com, $19.80)

Believe it or not, the weatherman has predicted I will be getting 6-10” of snow for this evening. No… really. This is not going to deter me from thinking about the brighter days of spring on their way, however. My new scents, shades and fashions will look great when the pastel tulips and the green grass begin to show their weary heads. But until then… *sigh*… I will see what I can do to match up my new February finds with some winter-friendly boots and some warm and cozy gloves. Who knows–maybe I’ll even paint my snow shovel pink. With flowers.

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I “heart” Red?……

12 Feb

It’s that time of the year that people in love simply adore and people that are single and/or on their own curse till the end of the month. It is the season of St. Valentine. It begins approximately one week after Christmas, choking you with endless teddy bears, flowers, hearts, chocolates, perfume, jewelry, lace and candies right up till the middle of February.  You begin to see the world through rose-colored glasses, and that’s only because you only see things that are the colors red, white and pink for almost two months straight.  Even as a happily married woman, totally in love with her soul mate, I happen to think this holiday can get a little overwhelming.

Not that all the hype and merchandising isn’t enough to process, but now you have to throw in three colors that are not fashion- and glamour-friendly in my wardrobe ensemble… AT ALL! As a flaming, auburn-haired girl with pale ivory skin, some colors do not look good on me. Cupid’s colors embrace almost all of them. My hair should be enough to speak to the masses that I am Valentine’s Day friendly. But no… they want more from me. They want me to embrace the red-hot color of love. Bah.

Because I promised myself this year to add new hues to my closet and makeup drawer, I thought there was no better time like this huggy-kissy holiday to do a little color infusion. “Bring on the red,” I said! So what did I find to kindle a little fire in my color scheme during this season of amore? Take a looksie…


**L’Oreal HIP Shine Struck Liquid Lipcolor in Turbulent**
In my quest to find a neutral red lip color that didn’t look too over-powering, I stumbled upon a brand of lip color that I have had good luck with in the past. L’Oreal’s HiP Shine Struck Liquid Lipcolor goes on smooth with its sponge tip applicator, with highly pigmented color that will WOW most. Although the color was a bit too bright for me at first, I found a way to apply it with my own lip brush and blend it in a bit more. I then topped it with a light beige frosted gloss which subdued it slightly. I think this specific shade is being discontinued where I bought it because I found it for 75% off. A sexy steal for only $3.75 at CVS, but it will surely be missed.


**Milani Nail Lacquer in Ruby Jewels**
One thing I have never been afraid of is red nail color. I think it is the one shade that goes with anything and everything, and never goes out of style. There is only one problem with my red nail polish: I wear the same shade all the time. Flat, matte, hooker red. Traditionally stylish, but nothing out of the ordinary. This Valentine’s Day, however, I decided to pick out a red that had a bit of pizazz. This specific Milani nail color caught my eye from a distance, even on the shelf amongst all the other polishes. The deep red glitter polish reminds me of Dorothy’s famous ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz. Hmmm. Maybe this would be the perfect nail polish to wear on a blind date! Then if it doesn’t go so well, you could tap your nails on the bar and say, “There’s no place like home….?” Or not. This magical nail lacquer was found at CVS for just $4.50.


**bebe for 90210’s Silk Voile Ruffle Top**
I wish I could take the credit for daring to step out of my comfort zone when I bought this top, but I can’t. The fact is, I won it! bebe ran a contest where pieces of their newest collection were shown on the television show 90210 (for which the collection is named.) The first Twitter follower to Tweet about the pieces won one of them. I’m a sucker for a contest so I chimed in right away. And voila… the winner was me! The spring top is gorgeous. A very feminine silk top with rouched sleeves and an asymmetrical ruffled neckline. And the color? Bright true red! The top is so versatile that it can be worn dressed up with a black pencil skirt and pumps, dressed down with capris and flip flops, or worn casual chic with skinny jeans and peep-toe shoe booties. Now available at select bebe stores or online at bebe.com for $79.

American designer Bill Blass was once quoted as saying, “When in doubt, wear red.” I doubt he had a redhead in mind when he said those words. Regardless, I have elected to ease into my new-found red fashions and accents. A lipcolor here, a nail polish there, a splattering of crimson in my closet. And although I’m not ready to completely dive head-first into a glamour routine with endless scarlet treasures, I will stick with a few things that I know suit me quite nicely: red roses, Red Hot candies, and red strawberries… dipped in chocolate of course!

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Great Makeup Finds In January…

26 Jan

As the month of January comes to a close, some things are obvious to me. First, it was one of the snowiest months that I can remember. In fact, it’s the 6th highest of all time… and we still have a few days left to go with a storm on the horizon! It also has been cold. DAMN cold! And finally, this has been a month where my energy and motivation has been slim to none. Could be a vitamin D deficiency. Could be because my iron level is low. Duh… could also be because of the first two things I listed above!!

Even though I spent most of the month inside where it is warm and cozy, I did manage to venture out into the icy blue yonder where I discovered a few awesome things that I have added to my daily makeup routine. What’s even better? They can easily be found in your local drug or chain store at a very reasonable price. If you search around online, you might find a coupon for them as well. They are:

Maybelline’s Volum’ Express One By One Mascara – Maybelline promotes it as a mascara with “bold volume without any of the bulk.” It’s patented Lash Catcher™ brush “catches, coats and de-clumps each lash to make them all fatter and flirtier.” Sounds like what all mascara fanatics are lusting for, right? But the real question is… does it deliver? In my opinion, it does! I love how the brush keeps the mascara from clumping on my lashes and seems to individually coat each one. I think it could be a bit more plumping, but I usually only use one coat. With two coats, the look was more than stunning. After all day wear not one smudge or flake either. My lashes looked so voluptuous that my husband even noticed. Now THAT’S saying something! I purchased it in the waterproof formula in the shade Very Black. Uber sexy! (Priced around $6.)

L’Oreal Paris’ Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base – Kudos to L’Oreal and Allure Magazine for the fabulous idea of putting makeup samples in the latest issue of the magazine! I have used foundation primers in the past, and have just found them to be just so-so. That is not a good grade especially when the price of some of these high-end items can go as high as $50! Not to mention, many primers and bases have a tendency to clog my pores as well as cause my face to burn because of my sensitive skin. Being able to try the new L’Oreal Perfecting Base before buying it was a huge plus. I immediately noticed that it evened out my skin tone and minimized the appearance of my pores and fine lines. Its texture was very light and silky. And after wearing it all day, my skin had no reactions to it. I put it on right after moisturizing and right before I use my NEW foundation. (Priced around $10.)

L’Oreal Paris’ Magic Smooth™ Soufflé Makeup – Speaking of my new foundation, this little gem was stumbled upon when I tried L’Oreal’s Perfecting Base. Kudos to them for putting these two samples together in Allure Magazine for people to try. Alone, each item is great. Together, they are simply fabulous! My concerns with the foundation were the same as with the Perfecting Base—I worried about breaking out, burning and irritation to my face. I was happy to be able to try it for a day to make sure my skin did not react to it. It didn’t, thank goodness… because I loved how it made my skin look and feel! As light as it was, it took very little of the Soufflé Makeup to get a nice even coverage. It didn’t feel greasy but it wasn’t drying either. It went on smooth, especially over the Perfecting Base. And the coverage lasted all day without streaking or fading. Although the shade selections weren’t very extensive, I did find one that matched my skin tone perfectly. Something to keep in mind, though—the shade I selected looks totally different on my skin than it does in the jar! (Priced around $14)

eos Lemon Drop Lip Balm with SPF 15 – We all know that the checkout counter at the market or drug store is cluttered with things from candy to cookies, makeup to magazines, asprin to ankle socks. If we linger in line longer than a minute, we know for a fact we are going to start picking through the array of goodies around us. (And the store couldn’t be happier about that.) I had been eyeing this out-of-the-ordinary balm near the register for some time now for two main reasons: 1) its odd shape; and 2) its unique flavor. First, it’s not a tube lip balm at all. It is actually in the shape of an egg, and about the size of a ping pong ball. You twist the cap off and inside is the dome-shaped lip moisturizer, enriched with shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. It goes on smooth, with no tugging or pulling of the lips. Plus its natural lemon flavor is refreshing and not fake at all. It’s sweet, so it doesn’t burn your lips. Although the shape of the product is definitely unusual, I find that this makes it easier to keep track of! Its bright yellow color stands out in my nightstand, makeup drawer or purse, and the shape makes it easy to find just by feeling around for it! Granted, you can’t just “pop” it into your pocket comfortably, but this great organic, non-animal tested product does keep your lips super soft and protected for many, many hours. (Priced around $3.50)

It is nice to have found some great new makeup items to add lift my spirits this month, especially ones that won’t break my wallet! How about you? Have you fell in love with any new products, shades, formulas or colors recently? Found something to lift your spirits during these cold, grey, winter days? If so, I want to hear about them! On my homepage is my new contact link! Just hit me up at *Click Here To Contact Sassy* by clicking on the words! Send me your questions, hot new finds, or opinions on something you’ve tried—from the worlds of fashion, makeup, skin care of glamour! Can’t wait to hear from you!!!

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Letter From “The Editor” – New Year, New Me?

5 Jan

It’s that time of the year. The ball drops, the champagne pops, last year fades, and new goals and resolutions get made. I have to laugh a bit about one of my goals I had in 2010 and how life can be very unpredictable. Since I began “Tweeting” towards the end of 2010, I had told my husband I wanted to end the year with 100 followers on Twitter. Well, at 11:59pm on December 31st, I had 97 followers. I was more than pleased with that number and content with what I had achieved. I mean, they were Tweeps that I loved and was happy to have on board with me. However, when I woke up the next morning and checked my Twitter account, I was thrilled to find out I had gained ten new fans while I slept and awoke to 107 followers! Hmmm, funny how life works that way, isn’t it?

Now, with the New Year upon us, there are definitely things I’d like to change about myself and my life in 2011. I would like to be healthier… but, sadly, most of that is out of my hands. I would like to win the lottery… but that is kind of out of my control and more of a luck thing. I would like every day to be sunny, low humidity, and any where from 60-75 degrees…. but in New York, that’s almost a flat out joke.  And I’d like my husband to come home every day from work relaxed, happy and worry-free… but I think the other three things would need to happen first before that could ever be an option.

For the most part, I am pretty happy about where I am in my life. I think if I could share one piece of advice for the New Year, I would tell you to make your first resolution in 2011 be the following: be happy about where you are, in your life, right now! Even if your ultimate goal is to be someplace else—in destination, finances, personal achievements, career or love—it is important to be content about who and where you are as a person before you move upward and onward. You don’t have to like where you are, but you need to be accepting that this is where life has taken you. Ask yourself some questions:  How did you get there? Was it by choice? Could you be someplace else—better or worse? What accomplishments are you proud of? Who has made a difference in your life up until now? It is only when you have become accepting of where you are starting from, can you set a goal to be someplace else.

The year 2010 didn’t always bring good things my way. I didn’t change everything I wanted to. I didn’t achieve every goal I had set. But the fact is I was happy with where I was in my life as I ended the year. And with a clean slate of 365 days ahead of me this year, I ask myself:  What is next?  Here are a few things I will begin and continue to work on in the year 2011:

    1) Setting and achieving short term goals for a long-term gain
    2) Getting the proper rest and nutrition that will give me the energy I need to accomplish my daily tasks
    3) Refuse to settle into a comfort zone—take chances, put myself out there, and try new things that may not seem possible for me
    4) Share my thoughts and experiences with others, so they can be inspired or enlightened to continue to reach their own goals.
    5) Add more color into my closet and think outside of the black-n-white fashion box! (The fashionista in me had to throw that in.)
    6) Be more diligent and consistent in my blog posts.

I think it is important to assess your progress and dedication each month to the resolutions you have made and the goals you have set. Sometimes things change that make it necessary to adjust your list… especially if you have achieved some of your objectives.  If that is the case, you need to celebrate your victory and then raise the bar!

Wishing all of my blog followers and fashion friends a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2011!!

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