Tag Archives: makeup

Sparkle On…. Sparkle Off….

30 Dec

glitter-kiss4‘Tis the season for all things that sparkle. Trees, windows, fresh fallen snow. Oh and let’s not forget the glamour industry too. Tops, bottoms, dresses, eye shadow, lip colors, and of course the ever popular manicure. Glittery, sparkly makeup is a major “YES!” this time of year, and glamour department is exploding with all kinds of dazzling products to give your fab look an extra bit of pop. Just recently I won a contest on Twitter, thanks to Cosmopolitan magazine and their beauty editor, Leah Wyar Romito. Leah was great enough to answer questions from readers about holiday glitz and I was lucky enough to have mine answered:

Cosmo Photo(picture screenshot from Cosmopolitan’s article “Cool Trends for 2013” from their online edition, found here.)

Just what I needed to know. I actually went out and found myself a great eye primer for my glitter shadows as well as a good base for my makeup and blushes. For my eyes? I fell in love with LA Minerals “Eye Fix” which is available in two skin tones. Not only does it hold on my lid shadows, but it is great to dot under the eyes to hold any sparkles against the lower lash line. FAB! It is only available online, so check it out here. FairEyeFixFor my face? I absolutely love L’Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base. The Perfecting Base gives your skin a smooth, flawless finish with a silky, lightweight formula that is matted and holds your glamour look all day. L’Oreal’s Magic Perfecting Base is available in most drug and retail stores. More information on the product can be found here at their website.PerfectingBase

When going with glitter, it is best not to overdo it on your face. Pick one feature and do it up good. Whether it be eyes and lashes, lips or cheeks, find one feature then dazzle it up big! But no matter what feature you choose, you can add an extra bit of sparkle to your look with some glitzy nails. There are all kinds of sparkle/glitter polishes available. I am a big fan of essie’s “leading lady” (a supreme deep red with glitter), Sally Hansen’s Gem Crush Nail Color in “Big Money” (gold and silver sparkles) or my latest win in my Cosmo Swag Bag, OPI’s “Pink Yet Lavender” (pink glitter with lavender shimmer). Although it looks its best over a coat of white polish, I decided to go it alone for more bling. Nice, fun look on my fingers!
OPINails

One of the most difficult things about a sparkly look on my nails is getting it off to put on a new look. Isn’t removal of glitter polish a pain? UGH, the fuzzies get caught in the sparkles, the glitters won’t come off the nails or they just move and get stuck on the fingers. OH, it is such a PAIN! How do these beauty professionals do it? How do they take off the most dazzling finger designs without losing their minds? I decided to ask a professional…. a REAL professional—Leah Wyar Romito, Beauty Editor for Cosmopolitan Magazine—to see how she suggests to remove the most stubborn shimmers on the nails. Leah answered me right away with a super easy way to get the job done right:

“Remover-soaked cotton balls on each finger, cover each in foil for 5 mins!”

That’s it? That’s IT? Easy peasy! I can do THAT! No more sparkle nail polish removing headaches. In just 5 minutes I can transfer from one holiday glimmer look to another on my nails—fingers and toes! Thank you, Leah!

So now that you have the edge on a glittery new year, what do YOU plan on doing in your glamour routine to give your look a little edge? Sparkly red lips? Glitter gold nails? A sequined party dress? I want to know…. and see! Share your pictures with Sassy so I can see how you SHINED this new year!

Here’s wishing all of my fellow Sass-inistas a fierce and fabulous 2013!! happy-new-year-animated

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My October Fab Finds…..

12 Nov

It is mid November and we are officially in to the full Fall effect. Temperatures are getting cooler, colors are getting warmer, and Old Man Winter is knocking on the door. Before you know it, there will be Christmas and holiday ads on TV and decorations in the stores. Oh wait… that’s already happening. Did I sleep through Halloween or just totally missed it?

October was a good month for me. The cooler weather allowed me to swap out my wardrobe with sweaters and shrugs for tanks and tees. Sandals got packed up and boots were freed from storage. It also meant I had to bump up the moisture in my skin—head to toe—and fight off the dry skin before it was able to sneak in and cause a wrinkle or two. I even picked up a couple of new lipsticks and eye shadows to give my makeup look a seasonal boost.

So what things did I discover in October that added a bit of flash into my Fall fashion and glamour routine? Check out my newest “can’t live without them” items that have made a home in my fashionista ensemble:

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Concentrated Serum – I will say right now: I am a loyal fan of my skin care brand and have been faithful to their products for over a year. I have never had a regimen that really made such a noticeable difference in my skin’s look and texture. Plus the supplements really target what they say they will. BUT, with that being said, there are nights when I am so exhausted that I fall into bed totally forgetting to “take my face off”. It’s because of those times that I have disposable, no-rinse facial wipes to take off my makeup without leaving the comfort of my bed. But what about an age-fighting product I can keep bedside too? That’s where the Revitalift Serum comes into play. This is the first retail anti-aging product that, available at a more than reasonable price, that I have been able to use without any skin irritations or issues. Not to mention?… It works! It’s a do-everything product that can be used after a quick cleansing to keep my skin fresh, hydrated and radiant without having to leave my bed! And the fact that it is under $20 isn’t bad either! Definitely a great fill-in product when I’m too exhausted to do my entire nighttime routine.

No Miss Lip Gloss in “Ferndale Fawn” – I love No Miss cosmetics! They have high quality products, using natural resources to develop non-chemical, non-cancerous products without harming the environment. They do NO animal testing and use healthy ingredients, offering truly NATURAL products that everyone can afford. Their lip glosses feature coconut oil, grape seed oil, and vitamin E to keep your lips soft and moisturized all day with long lasting color. “Ferndale Fawn” is a great goldish nude color which looks great on a fall day either alone or topping your favorite deep lipstick. I love using it when I go with a bold eye look that pops! but want a more low-keyed pucker that still conditions my often dry lips. Although No Miss products are currently available online, keep an eye out for them in your favorite health food stores very soon! Find them at nomiss.com

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Power Volume 24H Mascara – I know, I know, how many mascaras am I going to find that will make me say, “Oh THIS is the one.” I’ll be honest, I’m not sure if this is THE one, but I will say it is darn good! The formula is the longest-lasting mascara that I have ever used without smudging, smearing or flaking. It stays put. ALL DAY…ALL NIGHT! Plus the brush is large, full and lush, coating every lash to give you dramatic looking lashes. The closest mascara I have ever used that is similar to this cost me over $30. This one is on a retail/drugstore level for under $10. A great find and a better steal!!

Canyon River Blues Moxy Slippers – Okay, I know what you are thinking: “How can the fashionista shoe lover rave about a pair of slippers?” Because I’m a fashionista shoe lover and I know footwear. As Carrie once said in an episode of Sex and the City: “Men I may not know, but shoes?….Shoes I know!” When I have a day of writing planned at home in the comfort of my own home, I’ll be honest—you won’t find me wearing anything runway worthy. I might wear a nice top, maybe even a pair of designer jeans, but that would be dressing up. I like casual workout pants and funny graphic tees for the most part, but in the colder weather I definitely need something warm and fuzzy on my feet. The thing I like best about these slippers is that they have a really solid sole on them so if I need to go outside to get the mail, pick up a delivery or get something from my car, I don’t have to worry about my feet getting cold or wet, or slipping on the grass or ground. EVERYONE needs an “Oh heavens, I am NOT dressing up today” footwear that you can put on and just aaaaaah! in. For me?…these are them. These slippers are available at Sears for a retail price of $29.99…but watch the sales. I actually got TWO pair of these on a Buy One Get One FREE sale! WOOT for a BOGO!

Better Homes & Gardens Scented Wax Cubes in “Tropical Beach Holiday” – I know it might be a little early for Christmas scents, but BH&G gives you some great choices to ease you into the transition. I love their autumn scents, like Spiced Pumpkin Pie and Crisp Fall Leaves. Those rich warm spices just get you in the mood. But I found this “Tropical Beach Holiday” scent a nice surprise! It is like a fresh, ocean-like fragrance with strong background notes of rich pine and holiday cookies. It’s not an overpowering scent but actually throws off a light, calming, holiday smell that fills the room and your senses with the delicate essence of the approaching season. It helps motivate me for the day ahead by putting me in laid-back, holiday mood. Available at Walmart, $2.00 for six cubes.

There you go fashionistas…my fab finds in October. Remember it’s not always about the makeup you wear, the skincare you use, the styles you flash. It’s sometimes—cancel that—it’s ALWAYS about how you feel inside, the poise you wear in a smile. So embrace the things on you and around you to keep yourself feeling your absolute best. Make sure you keep your self-confidence rising even as the leaves and temperatures fall!

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Fall Things I DON’T Need…….

14 Oct

The time has come to start swapping out a few of my summer dresses, sleeveless tops, lightweight tees and sandals for some longer sleeves, warmer tops, funky shoes and chic sweaters. I love fall. I’d rather layer it on than sweat it off. Move the shorts and capris over for some darker pants and jeans. As I pack things away, label storage bins and starting bringing out the fall fashions and accessories, I’m realizing I’m pretty stocked. My ensemble from last year is still in good shape and pretty current with the fashion trends. In fact, some things I have in abundance. Almost to the point of too many. As I check out the things I have for the change in seasons, I’m not quite sure what I do need but it is pretty obvious what I don’t!

These items that are overflowing my closet and drawers I have decided to put down in print, so I can share them and look back once in a while to remind myself, “Sassy, good heavens, do NOT buy another one of those.” I hope that works. Sometimes a good deal makes it difficult to say no. Here are a few of my “you don’t need anymore of these” items this season:

1) Boots — Holy smokes, I went boot crazy last year! When the new season came this year, I quickly picked up a pair of dressy beige boots which were the only ones I thought were a true necessity. I wanted to get them early before the good styles sold out. Then I decided to also get myself a pair of killer black leather riding boots that would go with everything. Now I am set. I have all colors needed for my ensemble, all fashionable styles, and all heel heights are represented as well. It is time to step away from the boots….. step away, step away. Sassy grabbed: Guess Black Riding Boots, $79.99, TJMaxx



2) Eye Shadows — I decided to reorganize my makeup drawer recently, sorting out all of my glamour items that I have collected over the years. Even after throwing out old items that probably weren’t “healthy” anymore, I realized the amount of eye shadows I still have is flat out embarrassing. Granted, I probably didn’t buy many of them (I sample a lot for various companies) but still… I have them. I have them divided up between creams and mineral shadows, then sorted by highlighters, lid colors and accent shades. In addition to all of those, I probably still have 15 color pallets from different brands with all combinations imaginable. It’s shameful. Even if I didn’t have a color I wanted (which I can’t see happening), I probably could create it with a multitude of my mineral shades. Just a little mixing of this and that and whala!!… A color is born. It’s time to stay away from ALL shadows. No more. However, if you’d like me to test or try a sample or brand…. send it over! I’ll never turn down a sample! The only thing I realized that I did need was a good shadow base to help even out my lids and hold all these colors I have… so THAT I got! Sassy grabbed: LA Minerals Eye Fix in Fair, $12.99, laminerals.com



3) Jeans — It’s obvious I love my denims. Up until about 15 years ago, I never wore nice jeans. They never fit well. Now, between changing styles and adding a few pounds in the right places, I love-love-love my jeans. Boot cut, skinnies, jeggings… doesn’t matter. I’ve got them all. I may find a pair or two at the store that is a brand that yells “Deal! Deal!” and I have to buy them. They speak to me! But for the most part, with the new season upon us, I’m good on denims. Now granted… if any nice colored jeans come out for fall, or patterned jeggings (animal print! cough..cough..), I may have to reconsider a small purchase. Which I already did. Sassy grabbed: Princess Vera Wang Feather Printed Skinny Stretch Jeans, $28.99, Kohl’s



4) Anything on summer clearance — Holy smokes, put a red markdown tag on something fashionable and I am drawn to it like steel to a magnet. Sure, a $5 cami or a $7 graphic tee is definitely a scream of a deal, but the fact remains I have MORE than enough to wear something different every day for three months and still have a few left over without doubling up. And NO I can’t say that I can just jazz it up with a cute cardi for winter because I have enough of those too! I’m such a sucker for a red tag. For all that is good for my well being (and the well being of my checking account), I have to steer clear of the clearance department. Period. (But before I did…) Sassy grabbed: Apt. 9 Gold Sequined Tank Top, $20.00, Kohls



Now that I know what I DON’T need, it’s obvious with changing styles and hot colors that there will be a couple of things that I will need to add to keep my look current. Not much and not a lot cost wise, just enough to keep things fresh and edgy. It really doesn’t take an entire credit card and a van to turn last year’s blahs into this year’s wows. So I will stay away from the big items I don’t need and just keep my eyes open for a few little accessories and add-ons to give last year’s fashions a splash of pop for today!!

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When The Student Becomes The Teacher….

11 Jul

A while ago my husband found that writing relaxed him after a rough, stressful day. Then he realized that he couldn’t get the right words from his mind to the paper and instead of easing his soul, it caused him more anquish. That is not a good thing.

So, for Father’s Day last year me and the family gave Mr. Sassy a camera to take nice photos with. It took him a while to get into it, but now he ventures out into the unknown taking photos of anything and everything that jazzes him. He’s very fussy and very self-critical about his pictures but I think his work is fabulous! Plus it is still a way to channel his “down time” so he doesn’t go insane from boredom. Although what he calls boredom, I call relaxation. C’est la vie.

I think when I first started writing, I too did it to relax me and keep me focused on things other than the ones that stress me out. I didn’t think about family issues, I didn’t worry about money, I didn’t concern myself about my health, I didn’t get anxious about my mother. I could submerge myself completely in my writing and get lost in the world of fashion, glamour and makeup. It was a dream world for me and I was loving every second of it. Every day, I’d walk the red carpet…. even if it was in my own mind.

Today, while at CVS getting a new top coat for my nails (I am no longer using my previous fave due to certain reasons). While there, I found a mom and her daughter in a dilemma about which mascara they should get since they were going to a water park tomorrow. I couldn’t help but chime in with my two cents. I told them that currently, my favorite waterproof mascara was Covergirl Lashblast 24 Hour Mascara. Lasts all day with no smudging or flaking. The mom said she had used that before, but didn’t like the brush too much. She was also hoping to take advantage of the Maybelline sale that was going one—Buy One Get One Half Off. Okay I can work that. I said that my favorite Maybelline mascara, by far, was their Illegal Length Waterproof Mascara in Blackest Black. It stayed put no matter what you put it though. She asked if it would withhold the torments of a waterslide park and I said no problem! With the BOGO sale, she wanted to take advantage of another waterproof eye product but didn’t know what to choose. I told her that I absolutely loved Maybelline Master Drama Eye Studio Cream Eyepencils. I said they were smudgeproof for up to 16 hours and I found them to be very waterproof myself–so much so, that I had one in every color! I loved the way it went on easy, had the intensity of a cream, but was convenient in a pencil. She decided that she would give that a try in Bold Brown. She seemed happy with her selections and even continued to browse at a few of the other products I had pointed out earlier that I had liked and why.

After I helped her with her choices I decided to take advantage of the BOGO sale as well and picked up two of Maybelline Color Tattoo by Eyestudio Eyeshadows since I am totally loving long-wear cream shadows lately. With coral being my new hot color in my wardrobe, I got two shadows that would match this color perfectly: Fierce and Tangy and Bad To The Bronze. With my auburn hair, these colors should look ultra fab! Plus… hello?…. we all know this year’s color of the year is Tangerine Tango and these eye colors should enhance any outfit with that shade! With those shadows plus my new top polish, Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat, my beauty shopping was done for the day.

Just as I was about to leave, the mom and daughter came running after me as I headed to the door. She once again thanked me over and over again. She didn’t just thank me for giving her my opinions but also educating her on a few different products and brands. I just smiled and said no problem–the honor was mine. And truly it was.

I realized something while helping the mom and her daughter out in the drug store today. My love and knowledge of the fashion, glamour, and makeup industry is not just something I do when I’m bored or when I need to do something to ease my stress. It now has become a part of me. I’m trained, educated and informed and can actually help people when it comes to these loves. It’s not just a case of “This is a jazzy color!” anymore. It’s become a “I really like this product because…” which gives me a good feeling inside.

I know I don’t know everything there is to know in this industry, and that what makes it so interesting. It is always changing and that means I am always learning. I challenge you to find something you’d like to know more about, then start learning. Ask questions, read books, talk to experts. Anything. And keep learning, keep asking, keep reading. Become an expert on something, and just when you think you know it all…. go learn more. Like the great Eartha Kitt once said:

“I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma.”

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Coral Me Pretty!

6 Jun

It’s no surprise that this season’s hot color is coral. In the past, it has been very muted and quiet, but not anymore. Pantone’s 2012 Color of the Year is a vibrantly warm “Tangerine Tango” and designers everywhere are loving it. It is SOOOO out of the box. Bold, empowering, daring, and drastic. There are no maybes with this color. You are either going to wear it, or you aren’t. You’re in or you’re out. Nothing in between. Go bold or go home.

Me?… the leader of the most elaborate closet filled with blacks and whites, was deathly afraid of any color in the orange family. I have red hair. That was enough for me. Or so I thought. On a trip to the mall with my daughter one day last week, I found I couldn’t go anywhere in any store without finding this tangerine color being integrated into fashion, glamour, makeup or accessories in one way or another. So, without trying it on, I bought a top in this hot color and it totally changed my outlook for summer. It looked fab, gave me a kicked-up attitude, and it WAS bold! How much did I like it? So much that I went out the day after and bought three other shirts in the same color family.

So I’m dancing the Tangerine Tango this summer. Very, very far outside of my comfort zone. It might not be your color but if you do decide to give it a try, don’t forget to wear it right and accessorize it well. Here are a few suggestions to get you headed in the right direction:

Clothes: If you are wearing an orange top or prefer to dare some tangerine denims, don’t OVERDO the color–break it up by wearing coral on the top OR bottom and a neutral for the other. Orange top and orange pants are going to make you look like the citrus section of your local market. A nice glistening or funky tank with a pair of denim boyfriend jeans is a great casual day look to give you a pop of color that will turn heads. Sassy’s Picks: Juniors Say What? Sequin Tank in coral, $9.99; Grace Elements Top with cascading ruffle in coral essence, $19.99 (Available at Boscov’s stores and Boscovs.com)

Jewels & Accessories: Even if you are going to go the “black and white” route for the day, there is no reason why you can’t give the Tangerine Tango the respect it deserves in the accessories you wear. So many different things ranging from earrings to headbands to purses to even shoes can bring an ordinary outfit to another level. A great store to do this with is Charming Charlie. It is strictly an accessory store, but what is nice is it is laid out according to color. So if you are looking for orange-hued items to spice up your get up, there is a section for that! Sassy’s Picks: Classic Cluster Stretch Bracelet in orange, $6.00; Rhinestone Corners Handbag in light coral, $39.97; Sunny Days Shell Earrings in coral, $4.00; Powerful Patent Peep Toe Wedges in tangerine, $24.97. (All available at Charming Charlie stores and CharmingCharlie.com)

Makeup: You don’t want your skin to look coral with a “fake bake” tan so keep your natural skin tone and emphasize your eyes and lips to catch the wave of the hot tangerine color. Remember, BRIGHT orange on your eyes or lips can yellow out your skin tone so make sure you use a light hand when applying your colors. Also, don’t hesitate to calm down the brightness of the orange hues by muting them with white, beige, or sand shades underneath so they aren’t so overpowering. Sassy’s Picks: Maybelline Super Stay 14 hr. Lipstick in Keep Me Coral, $ 6.99 (most retail locations); LA Minerals Mineral Eye Makeup in Sunset Inferno, $8.95. (LAMinerals.com); L’Oreal Paris Infallible 8 Hr. Plumping Gloss in Plumping Coral, $8.99 (most retail locations).


So you ready to go bold? Go bright? Be daring? Be dazzling? Then hunt down this year’s hottest color, “Tangerine Tango” and make your summer look POP! Take some time to try on some clothes, some shoes, grab a handbag, or test some flashy makeup shades and make this HOT season’s color work for you!

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Celebrations Galore!

25 May

This week in May is usually quite beneficial to my closets and makeup drawer. You see, within ten days of each other, I have the priviledge of celebrating Mother’s Day AND my birthday! It’s nice having these holidays in the middle of the year. I have a chance to look over my closet and makeup to see if there is anything I need or if I need to add any new styles to my existing ensemble. This year, I was pretty set. Skin was in good shape, cosmetics were in high supply, fashions were clean and current. I was ready to roll for summer. But oh heck…. we know if you give us women gift cards, we’ll find more than one way to put them to use. And I did!!

My wonderful family indulged me in gift cards to two of my favorite stores—TJ Maxx and Sephora. Trust me, even if there isn’t anything I need, there are things I will find. I even went beyond the gift cards and found a couple of items in my local drug store that I fell in love with! So what did I treat myself to during this glorious week of May? In addition to a few days of tasty cheeses to go with my endless whine about getting old, I picked up the following:

Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara (Waterproof) – Every time I get a new mascara, I rave about it, drop to my knees, thank the makeup Gods for such a good product, and tell everyone there is nothing better. Then, one of two things happens: a) something else comes out on the market, I try that and kick the other item to the curb; or b) it loses its initial pizzazz and doesn’t live up to what I expected a month or so after I had bought it. Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara is being advertised EVERYWHERE. Magazines, TV, internet, you name it. Its claim that it lengthens your lashes by 4 mm doesn’t really jazz me. I already have long lashes. Stay on my eyes all day, don’t flake or smudge, lengthen and thicken, and don’t run when you get wet? THAT’s what makes me love a mascara. So far… and I say that with a grin… it does all of those. I love the wide-tooth plastic brush which really combs and coats each lash for extra attention. The only fault I can find so far is that it takes each coat a very long time to dry. So I suggest curling your lashes FIRST, then waiting till you are completely finished with everything else to give them another squeeze. Be careful you don’t pull any lashes out, curling while the mascara is still wet. It’s not worth it. (Most drug stores, $6.99)

Pure Ice Nail Polish in “Strip Tease” – ‘Tis the season of neon and nothing looks better on your fingers and toes than a bright neon pink polish. It’s bright enough to give your look a bit of pop without having a color that looks totally over the top. “Strip Tease” has a slight frost to it as well to give your nails a bit of shine. This long-lasting, go with anything color is great for the warmer temps. Let your fingers and toes show with this awesome color that will definitely draw attention to your sense of style! (Walmart, $2.99)

Adrienne Vittadini Denim Rhinestone Wedges – There are three words right that that scream “chic” this season: denim, rhinestone and wedges. You can find denim everywhere this summer from shorts to skirts, including vests and hats. Rhinestones are on just about everything and it seems the more bling, the better. And wedges were hot last year and are not going away anytime soon. These wedges are super comfortable, extremely casual yet stunningly gorgeous. I am finding that it is the perfect shoe for both daytime and nighttime wear. The dark dye goes with most denims that are in style, the wood-look wedge keeps it classy, and all those gemstones will give you a “wow” factor like never before. I’ve only worn these twice since I’ve bought them and got more compliments than I could count. Definitely a great find for someone who likes that unique “sassy” edge. (TJ Maxx, $34.99)


So, with a couple other small items (Nine West Sunglasses and an off-the-shoulder tie-dyed top) I managed to use my TJ Maxx gift card all up in one outing. My Sephora card, however, has yet to be used. Although I have an idea what I’ll be spending some of it on, I’ll wait till I get my loot home. Who knows…. I could change my mind when I get to the store. I am a female, correct? Changing my mind is my given right! So stay tuned for for gift card goodie reports soon!!

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The “Eyes” Have It!

19 Apr

Today, I got the glorious experience (said with sheer cynicism) to visit my eye doctor for my bi-yearly checkup. Because of meds I’m on and health conditions, it’s important for me to go every 6-9 months. I feel bad. You see, my eye doctor is my favorite doctor of them all (and I have quite a few). I’ve known him for over 23 years and he’s seen me through my marriages, babies, radio talk shows, sports, and now my blogging. He makes me smile, and I like to make him laugh. It’s good to have that kind of rapport with your doctor.

When he asked about my blogging today, I was excited to tell him I had my own domain name now. I’m my own “dot com” I boasted. Oh, he thought that was the cat’s meow. He wrote down the website to check it out and everything. I don’t what learning about Springtime accessorizing or the which all-day lip color would be best for him on rainy days, but I’m not one to turn away any of my fans. So, in honor of my favorite eye doctor, I will tell my Fashionistas fans the best way to wear your eye makeup when going to the eye doctor for a full appointment.

Most doctors will tell you not to wear any eye makeup at all, and in all honesty, they are right. But you see there are a few of us who can’t leave the house without our “face” on. So certain things you need to be aware of.


Let’s start with mascara. Waterproof, waterproof, waterproof. Don’t wear anything that is going to make your lashes too thick or will make it difficult to look comfortably in the little eye testie things. Plus after all the air poofing, dying your whites orange then jamming the blue rod into your eye, I guarantee you’ll be tearing. (Excited yet?) So you’ll want them to look great, natural and not smudge or run. Sassy’s Suggestion: Maybelline Volum’ Express One-By-One coats each lash without clumping, running or blotching. It keeps them looking nice and natural–for a long time!

Want some line to define? This is actually the product that can cause the most damage to your look–it gets wet, smudged and runny. Find a good eyeliner that claims to either be 24 hour or waterproof. My recommendation? I would use a liner that you sharpen yourself. There tends to be a bit more wax in them, keeping them on longer, and more resistant to water, drops or tears. Try avoiding lining the waterlines on your eyes too. It won’t last while everyone is poking around there. Make a nice crisp line along your bottom and top lashes, feathering the liner in between the lashes for a slightly bolder color. Sassy’s Suggestion: NYC New York Color Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil. It’s soft enough to go on without tugging the delicate area, but stays put while giving you that deep smooth color you want to outline your eyes!

Now, how about just a LITTLE color? Your eye doctor really doesn’t want to see your eye makeup looking like you want to leave his office and tear up the dance floor at Studio 54. Since everyone will have their hands on and in your eyes, you want to put on ONE neutral color so it won’t look a paint swatch mess when they are done, with maybe just a thin line of a darker color in the same family across the top lid and along the bottom lashes. Don’t use any eye shadow primer… the fewer the chemicals near your eyes, the better. And leave the glitter and sparkle for the after 5pm dinners. Plus you don’t want your eye techie digging out flecks the whole time. Sassy’s Suggestion: Maybelline Eye Studio Color Explosion in Caffeine. A nice neutral shade that will still give your eyes a bit of “wow”.

So there you have it…. 20/20 vision with no problems (except your pupils will be the size of dinner plates for a while) and eye makeup that stood up through it all. It will probably be the hardest makeup to keep on under the most extreme conditions so if you can still leave the office looking fabulous, you, my Fashionista friend, have done YOUR job and done it well. Congrats!

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Here Comes The Rain Again…

8 Apr

The weather forecast for the next several days is not good: rain, rain and more rain. The fact is, we need it! The ground is dry and the rivers are low, so a good soaking spring rain is exactly what Mother Nature ordered. It’s not, however, what anyone who is a fashion and makeup fanatic wants to hear. Rain can ruin a fashionista’s look in an instant. That is why you have to have the right things on hand for not just the bright, sunny days but the rainy, yucky ones too.

When I hear that rain is on the way, the first thing I think of is my makeup. Visions of 70’s soap opera stars crying with streams of black eyeliner running down their cheeks flies through my mind. Makeup has come far since then, but not all of it. One damp day can cause your eye glam to smudge and smear, can cause your foundation to blotch up bad, and can make your lips dry and chapped. I think it’s important to chose your makeup based not just on your preferences but also on your skin type, where you live, and what your day will consist of.

For example, with rain on the agenda the next few days, these are a few things that will be MUST WEARS when it comes to my makeup:

Covergirl Lashblast 24 Hour Mascara – Rain or cry, this mascara will stay put ALL DAY without any smudging or flaking.
L’Oreal Infallible 24 Hour Eye Shadow – A creamy eye shadow that glides on and STAYS on through anything and everything.
Maybelline Eye Studio Master Drama Eyeliner – A bold, smooth line with a soft, oil-free formula that holds its own for hours and hours.
Lancome Color Design Sensational Effects Lipcolor – Long, fade-free colors that keeps lips soft and protected from all elements.

Also, we can’t forget the hair! Humidity and rain will weigh down any style that you could have put in minutes before. Even before you begin styling you will want to use some products to help hold the style, then top it off with a secure spray. When I hear the weather isn’t going to be favorable for man nor beast, I break out the heavy hitters:

Garnier Fructis Curl Shaping Spray Gel (Strong) – Just a few spritzes of this while my hair is damp will hold my style all day!
Samy Fat Hair “0” Calories Amplifying Hair Spray – This hair spray holds better than 100 paperclips on two pieces of paper. STRONG is an understatement!

With my glamour selected, I’ll be ready to face the elements! OH WAIT!…. I can’t forget about fashion! Doesn’t matter, really. My family gave me my favorite rainy day fashion statement for my birthday last year, and I actually smile a bit when I hear that rain is coming. Why?…because I know I will be able to wear my uber-chic, fashion fab rainboots by Coach:


When you have a jazzy pair of rainboots like these, nothing can stop you. Not even the weather. Bring it on, Mother Nature… I’m confident that the beauty and fashion products I will be wearing will keep me look sharp and sassy all day long!!

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Make Your Statement With Shoes!

30 Mar

Okay, today was not a good day for me. It was not a sassy day at all. It was a day that started with an “s”, that’s for sure, but we’ll keep this blog PG. Just before I went to bed last night I noticed my right eye was getting itchy. Because my immune system is not as great as your average healthy person’s, I figured I would try and stop any type of infection the second I felt something unusual. I removed my contact lenses, removed all my eye makeup (nothing new worn, nothing out of the ordinary), and then washed my face by removing my makeup with organic coconut oil and giving it a light cleansing with Aveeno Foaming Cleanser for sensitive skin. Then I flushed my eye out with saline solution, and went to bed with the hopes that all would be good in the morning. Right?

Wrong.

When I woke up today, my eye was stuck shut with yuck and when it was open, it was as red as a beet. I’ve worked in doctors’ offices before. Eye doctors in fact. I know a case of pink eye when I see it. And as blurry as my vision was, I could see I had a classic case of conjunctivitis. One phone call later, I was going to be heading out to the doctor. Oh yay, just how I want to spend my weekend. The nurse on the phone was strict with her instructions–she said keep my hands clean, wear my glasses, wear no makeup, and be there in 3 hours. Fun, fun, fun.

Well, it wouldn’t take me long to get ready. Without makeup or hairspray, that shaves 30 minutes off my getting ready routine. So for me to feel even remotely sassy today, it was going to all be up to the clothes. And honestly?… all I wanted to do was wear a pair of comfy jeans and a cozy shirt. Nothing runway gasping. Oh but wait! I was wearing skinny jeans, so I could REALLY make a statement with my footwear. I had the options of boots, heels, or flats. What to do, what to do.

I figured that I would be comfortable and wear my flats. Oh but not just any flats. I decided I was going to wear my pewter-studded Calvin Klein “Morgan” flats that I found on a killer sale at Macy’s two months ago. They were a one-of-a-kind design and only a limited number of pairs were released. (I did my research with my iPhone!) They were originally $80, on sale recently as low as $60. But these little beauties had made it to the 50% off rack. So I asked… yup, they were only $29.99. And… AND… I had a $5 coupon! BEE-YOU-TEE-FULL!! There was only one pair in the entire store (records showed they only had five to begin with) and this pair was in my size. They fit like they were made for me. Had to buy them. Just had to.

So I wore them today to the doctor’s office with my skinny jeans and a teal rouched tunic from Body Central, one of my favorite online clothing stores. The minute I walked into the reception area, the assistant told me she absolutely loved my shoes. Oh cool! She didn’t realize my eye was swollen shut and I had no makeup on. I made my statement with my shoes! Oh it didn’t end there either. When I went to pick up the prescription for my pink eye, the pharmacy assistant said in the cutest voice, “Oh my, I just love your footwear!” She sounded so sweet! I thanked her, bragged a bit that it was a fab fashion find, and then got my meds and went home. Even feeling like crud with a sticky eye, blaring headache, and tired body, it was nice to know I could still put myself together enough to attract a fashion conversation! One pair of shoes changed how I felt for the day. Not bad. Not bad at all.

(Of course, I had to go home and disinfect everything I had worn or touched in the past day. This included cleaning all of my makeup brushes and taking care of my liners and mascara. We’ll have to talk about this very soon because taking care of your makeup and accessories is very important since it is a bacteria breed ground! ICK!)

Do you have anything fashionable that is a must when you need to lift your mood when you’re not feeling your best? We talked about how doing something simple like changing handbags can make you smile, but what about a favorite piece of clothing? Something that always brings a smile to your face or lifts your sad or sick spirits? Tell me about them or send a photo! I’d love to know and would really love to see it!!

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A Funny Thing Happened On My Way To The Email Box….

17 Mar


First, let me start off by saying Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all of my readers and followers, near and far. I hope your day was filled with tasty meals of corned beef, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, Irish soda bread, shots of Irish whiskey and more Guinness than you can imagine. Okay, well I don’t wish EVERYONE that, but if it’s your thing then more power to you. If it’s not, like the French Sassy Auburn girl, then just put on a nice green shirt like I did and call it a day. Erin Go Bra-less…. or something like that.

Second…. WTF? Okay, here’s my deal when it comes to my blog. I review things, and I admit I tend to review the things I really like more than things that I don’t. Just because something doesn’t jazz me 100% doesn’t mean someone else isn’t going to like it. But if someone comes right out and ASKS ME what I thought about a product? Oh I’m gonna tell them. You are going to get the redhead, sassy review–and probably not in 100 words or less either. You get my drift.

So yesterday, a company that I had recently purchased some makeup products from (and have many times in the past) sent me an email because of my blogging reputation and purchasing frequency with them. They wanted me to review the latest products I had gotten from them for their website. Okay, cool. I think customer reviews are a fabulous thing. Not everyone knows they can come to a website like mine or other bloggers to get information on what is good, what is better, what is great… and what is not! Sometimes you have to take the reviews that are on the company’s website with a grain of salt because they can be slightly tainted. I mean, if you are there making a purchase, there is a good chance you already like the item and aren’t going to dish any dirt on it. Sites such as totalbeauty.com and makeuptalk.com are good to get true, honest opinions on just about anything. I respect them for that.

This company asked for my opinion on six products: a new necklace, a new lipstick formula they recently released, a bath product, a perfume, a sensitive skin face wash, and a anti-aging facial moisturizer. Sounds easy enough, right? I wrote a “blurb” saying I loved the necklace (so gorgeous and versatile); the lipstick which is excellent for moisture, gloss and a hint of color; the bath product which smells like yummy fresh baked goods; the perfume which was just meh–kinda so-so as it was really strong and just not my style; the face wash was hellacious as it burned my face and eyes terrible and honestly could NOT believe it could be for sensitive skin with that much chemical fragrance in it; and the facial moisturizer that made my face itch, burn and actually caused it to break out and get flaming red. I handed out three 5-star ratings, one 3-star rating and two 1-star ratings. I submitted them to their online product review “committee” and went about my business.

Today, a funny thing happened on my way to the email box. As I checked the emails for Sassy, I saw six responses regarding the reviews I had done yesterday for those products. They were happy, thrilled, couldn’t be more excited with the reviews I gave 5-stars to. They were so happy to tell me they would be putting them up on their website immediately and were ecstatic to put my name and opinion with their product. Yeay Sassy! Love you Sassy! Then…. the 3-star product’s rating , however, was still being “reviewed” and they informed me they would get back to me with a decision as to when (and if) the review would be used. Hmmmm. Kind of made me scrunch up my face and tap my toe a little bit. Just a tad suspicious if you ask me.

Then, the corker. The shock of all shockers. The “You’ve got to be %#@&’ing kidding me!” of all “You’ve got to be…” You get my drift. This company–a company whom I have done business with on and off with over several years–sent me an email saying they would not be using my 1-star reviews on their product review site because they “didn’t meet their expectations.” EXCUSE ME? Didn’t meet your expectations? Oh, so let me get this straight: if I love your stuff, you’ll whistle Dixie, shower me with kindness, and praise the ground I walk on. But if I tell you how I REALLY feel which doesn’t float your boat, you’ll take my honest review and toss it out with yesterday’s bad lettuce. Keep what works for you, ditch what doesn’t. You know there, dillweed, if you didn’t want HONESTY about your products, why did you give me the option of either a 1-2-3-4-or 5 star rating? Hmmmmmmm?.

Yeah–well–that don’t fly with me. If THEY aren’t going to let the public know the facts, I will. So take notice people. Here’s a quicker than quick review about the latest items I just purchased from this company….. AVON:

SHINE ATTRACT LIPSTICK (in Nude Love and Passionate Red): Nice sheer colors, not bold, tons of shine, very moisturizing. Somewhat long lasting. Love ’em.

STYLISTA “Y” NECKLACE GIFT SET: Gorgeous “Y” styled necklace with black crystal gemstones. Comes with matching earrings. Looks great with everything–day and night!

BUBBLE DELIGHT BUBBLE BATH: I actually bought this to use in my hand soap dispenser in my bathroom and it works great. The Vanilla Cream scent smells just like a cupcake, lathers nice, and keeps hands soft!

FAR AWAY EAU de PARFUM PURSE SPRAY: The scent is “nice” but really isn’t my style. A little too heavy on the amber and musk for my liking. It does last and lightens up after wearing it for a while. All in all, not completely for me though.

 

mark CALMING EFFECT COMFORTING MILK CLEANSER: Holy smokes, this was a product from hell for me. It might be for sensitive skin but its scent and formula burned my eyes terrible, even when I didn’t get it NEAR my eyes. Very drying on my face, made my skin feel way too tight. Just not all it was cracked up to be. Won’t use it again, and won’t recommend it either.

 

mark FOR GOODNESS FACE ANTIOXIDANT SKIN MOISTURIZING LOTION SPF 30: All the hype behind the product sounded great–oil free, natural ingredients, high SPF. Good stuff, yes? NO! It burned my face, causing me to get red and break out! Way too irritating for my skin… and it didn’t smell all the great either. No way, no how. Buh-bye!


 

There ya go Fashionistas… you want REAL reviews? Ask me. I’ll give it to you straight up. And if a company only wants you to see the good stuff, I seriously suggest asking your friends, checking blogs like mine, and looking into those great makeup sites for reviews–both good and bad–before you decide on a product. You want REAL opinions from REAL people when looking for something, right? I mean….I would want my friends to tell me honestly if I looked like a ruffled banana in a tiered yellow tank top (yeah, been there–almost did that). Sorry…. that was kind of a random flashback.

So, I’m sorry to have to give you a little dig today Avon but it’s the consumer’s decision to choose to buy a product with ALL the facts… not just the ones you see fit. You don’t want that kind of rep, do you? Hopefully you’ll reconsider how you “choose” you reviews in the future. It might just be better for your business than you think.

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