Tag Archives: makeup

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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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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Then and Now: Fashions For “Old Farts”

10 Jan

Ever since I was a teen, there have been a few things that have been a staple in my wardrobe, closet and makeup drawer. They are probably things that you cannot live without either. But as I move up in age, I notice fundamentals of these items evolving. For example, every woman needs a purse. As a young woman, my purse needed to be able to hold my money, a lip gloss and a license. That was it. When I got married and had children, my purse then had to be able to hold those items plus a travel-sized pack of baby wipes, hand sanitizer and a Ziploc bag of Cheerios. You see where I am going with this.

Even now that my kids are teens and my daily routine is totally different, I am finding that my must-have items are becoming less and less basic. At least the designers are aware of this because no matter what I need, someone seems to make it. Let’s break down my simple fashion necessities and what requirements they must have to fit my more “mature” life now:

  • PURSE

Then: Small shoulder bags in jazzy colors with one compartment were fine. Sometimes it wasn’t even necessary to carry one at all. Carrying a purse meant you could only carry one drink at the bar during 2-for-1 nights.

Now: Shoulder bags are frowned upon due to arthritis bothering the shoulders. Black or brown is fine. It must be able to hold a wallet, checkbook, ATM card, cell phone, pill box, lip balm, bottle of water and the janitor ring of keys. Extra room should be available in case there is a need to carry a small pack of tissues, datebook, two granola bars and a hair clip. Designer name not required but it helps to justify the purchase.

  • SHOES

Then: High, high, high. The more hooker-looking, the better. Brown didn’t exist, red and black patent leather were a necessity. Comfort was not even considered. Kinney’s was your go-to shoe heaven.

Now: Leather shoes work best because they stretch out and allow room for bunions. Square-toed and rounded-toed shoes work best. Pointed-toed shoes make your eyes water just looking at them. Peep toes are the new sexy. Black and brown are a must, grey or silver is now considered daring. Any shoe over 2” must have a comfort, no slip sole and a built-in cushioned arch support. Designer name not required but helps to justify the purchase.

  • JEANSjeans

Then: If your jeans weren’t tight, you returned them. Stretch jeans were best because they enhanced your figure. You lay down on the bed to put them on and you were fine with that. If you wanted them to feel snugger, you wore stockings underneath them. Acid-washed was your favorite color but anything tight would do.

Now: If your jeans are tight, you return them. Jeans must be purchased at the store because they have to be tried on—no two pairs of the same size fit the same. Stretch jeans are best because they stretch for your figure! If you have to lie down on the bed to put them on, you can expect to be there all day. Usually the classic name jeans fit best but if a designer pair fits better, then that will help to justify the purchase.

  • JEWELRY

Then: The gaudier the better. You watched Madonna and Janet Jackson videos for ideas. Your earrings were so heavy that you were told your piercing holes were about to rip through. Getting you ears double pierced was a luxury that made you the envy of your friends. Your bracelets were made of rubber. Your necklaces looked like Mardi Gras beads. If your jewelry turned body parts green, it was no big deal (that’s what clear nail polish was for.) If you didn’t get your jewelry at a “Buy One Get Two Free” sale at your local teen store, you paid too much.

Now: The shinier the better. Golds, silvers and platinums are the jewelry box trend. Styles are simpler and reflect the person wearing the pieces. Studs, hoops and chandelier earrings are most common. Necklaces are all lengths with varied pendants. Bracelets are usually flashy. If you only have your ears double pierced, you are considered white bread. Minimum of three holes in one ear (with diamond studs) is more the norm. A pierced belly button is now a common accessory at PTA meetings and soccer games. Any watch with two hands will work, but ones with diamonds have been said to keep better time so that helps to justify the purchase.

  • MAKEUP & SKINCARE80sgloss

Then: There was no such thing as the “natural look.” Foundation had to be slightly on the orange side and end right before the neck began. Lipsticks came in pink, hot pink and fuschia. Lip gloss rolled on and came in strawberry or cherry flavors. Mascara was in a pink tube made by Maybelline. Eyeliner was a foot-long pencil, was always black and always cheap. Skin care consisted of Sea Breeze pads and Noxzema in the blue jar. Moisturizer was only something you used on your hands in winter. If you went to bed with your makeup on, you knew it could save you time in the morning. Perfume was Love’s Baby Soft or Charlie.

Now: You have two looks—au natural and glam gorgeous. The natural look is earth tones from mineral powders. Chapstick with a shimmer is enough for the lips. Eyeliner is soft and smudged and mascara is minimal. The glam look is more out there. There is glitter on everything from the eyes and lips down into the cleavage. Eyeliner is blackest of blacks and mascara is thick and bold. Focus on skin care is a must. We will try anything…and everything… to avoid crow’s feet, laugh lines, wrinkles, flakes and sun damage. Paying $40 for a good moisturizer is not unusual. We look for words like Retin-A, peptides, SPF, omegas and vitamins. Our bathroom counter looks more like a spice cabinet. We go to retail stores that sell nothing but makeup and skin care, and won’t think twice about dropping a car-payment size amount of money to stay looking young. Washing your face at night takes 10+ minutes. There are perfumes everywhere that suit a person’s personal taste, but if it comes with a body lotion and shower gel sampler, a free tote bag and a pair of sunglasses, it certainly will help to justify the purchase.

  • HAIR

Then: No matter how big your hair was, it wasn’t big enough. Two cans of Aqua Net and a can of mousse per week was normal usage. Finesse shampoos and conditioners were the designer brand for routine care. Home perms were what you had done if you and your mom were bored on the weekend. If you mother refused to give you a home perm, you bought a hair crimper. You were happy with your natural hair color. That is, until June, when your locks drank Sun-In as much as you drank Iced Tea. When you realized that the Sun-In had turned your hair into dried grass, you tried to make it look stylish with either Farrah Fawcett side curl flips or a jazzy banana clip.

Now: Your monthly hair maintenance is as routine as your mortgage payment. And about as expensive. You’ve lost track of what your natural color really is because you can’t tell where the highlights begin, the lowlights end with the blending of the roots in between. Your stylist knows all about you and refers to you by name & hair color shade. (“Oh, hello Tina Redken OC8 Cayanne/Saffron!”) You can’t stand the thought of even a wave in your hair and you don’t hesitate to pay an exorbitant amount of money on a ceramic hair straightener and blow dryer to prevent any type of curl. You have bottles, tubes, cans, sprays, foams, gels, waxes and pomades in every nook and cranny of your bathroom and shower. Because your hair looks so slammin’, you save money by not buying hair clips, and that in turn helps to justify the purchases.

  • TATTOOStat

Then: You hoped the box of Cracker Jack you bought contained a tattoo that because that would have made you sooooooo cool with your friends.

Now: You are wondering where on your body you are going to put your third tattoo because your friends think you are a Cracker Jack for having less than them. You finally tell your husband you are going to get a tramp-stamp of the design on your wedding invitation tattooed on your back because it will make you feel that much closer to him. That surely will justify the purchase with him… Right?

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Organize Your Makeup…On The Cheap!

10 Oct

How would you like to organize all of your glamour goodies and restore sanity to your lavatory?

After being in the skin care and makeup industry for over 10 years, it is fair to say I have collected my fair share of items in my bathroom. Vanity drawers have been jammed with bottles, packets, pencils, tubes, sifters and applicators of all shapes and sizes. My husband, the loving tolerant man that he is, knows that I am a glamour junkie and my products are my haven. He also knows not to touch them or organize them in a way he thinks might be good for me. Even if I had yet to try that MAC.lip gloss trial I got with my last purchase, I’ll know in a heartbeat if it is missing from my drawer. Guess that’s my sample sonar going off!

I honestly tried to keep things under control with all kinds of categorizing. After a while, little dividers became big dividers, which became entire drawers, which became boxes, which invaded the bathroom counter, which became hell to my family. My stuff was everywhere and multiplying by the minute. Some of these things I loved and couldn’t be without, others were just not for me. Some things I used daily, some had never been opened. I think the day I realized I needed help was the day that I saw someone had done the New Yorker crossword puzzle with an Avon black eyeliner. I needed some sort of an organization system and fast.

One day, while shopping online with Staples for some general home office stuff, I noticed a sale going on for desk organizers. Hmmm. This might be a good thing. I had all of my paperclips, rubber bands, pencils, pens, highlighters and other desk-type goodies sorted out in my office. Why couldn’t I implement the same system in my bathroom with my makeup? I placed my regular office supplies order and in addition, I got myself this slammin’ little rotating desk organizer for my bathroom counter that was on sale. It had over 10 little compartments with room for all different sized items, took up very little room, and spun around for easy access. When it came the next day, I swear I heard angels sing as I took it out of the box. It was a methodical makeup miracle.

I held it tight like a caveman would hold onto fire, and rushed into the bathroom to fill it with all my goodies. There was a place for almost everything. Almost. I still have a drawer organizer to keep bigger items under control. And the counter still holds the big things, such as cleanser bottles, moisturizer jars and eye cream pumps. But the drawer consumption was down to just one, and the counter space that is being occupied is a quarter of what it had been. Just knowing where everything was and having it neat, right at my fingertips did not just bring sanity back to my home and family, but also cut my daily routine time down significantly.

A year later, my spinning organizer is still standing strong. The exact item I have is featured in the picture posted above. It is still available at staples.com and comes in a couple of different sizes. I paid approximately $7 for it, on sale. Without a doubt, it was the best glamour investment I ever made. In case you are wondering how I sorted my stash, I filled the compartments with the following:
* Makeup Brushes
* Lip Glosses
* Eye Liners
* Lip Liners
* Eye Creams
* Concealers
* Cotton Balls
* Q-Tips
* Eye Primer
* Samples I Want To Try
* Foundations
* Tweezers & Eye Lash Curlers

A small investment for a bit of bathroom sanity? Absolutely. Go for it, and have fun organizing!

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When Enough Just Isn’t Enough….

23 Aug

Shopping is better than sex.

If you’re not satisfied after shopping

you can make an exchange

for something you really like.

~ Adrienne Gusoff

This past winter was the season from hell for me. I was pretty much sick from February through June with some sort of allergy-induced virus. For four months, my life revolved around Benadryl, nose sprays, vitamin C and boxes of lotioned tissues. In addition to developing a sensitivity to just about everything that grew or pooped in my backyard, I also developed sensitivity to most of the cosmetics in my bathroom. I was afraid to smooth, scrub, lather or line any part of my face or body. The skin care and glamour items that I had used without problem for almost five years were now the on ramp to the irritation highway. I began a new quest for products that would keep my skin illuminating instead of inflamed.

After endless trials and tribulations, samples and specimens, I managed to replace each irritating item in my daily routine with something that didn’t turn me into a spokes model for “Hives R Us”. Of course, to do this wasn’t cheap. Most of the products I found were high-end items designed for sensitive skin. Almost all had to be free of common fillers that were the new enemy to my overactive allergies. I did, however, discover recipes to make my own cleansers, exfoliators and moisturizers out of natural ingredients found in my own kitchen. I was able to save a few coins with my diluted vinegar toner but of course I had to turn around and invest them back into things like finely ground, talc-free mineral foundation. But for the sake of youthful itch-free skin, it was worth it.

Now that I had a skin care routine mastered with products that were perfect, I should be happy. Right? Ummmm, kind of. See, it’s in a woman’s nature not to be satisfied when it comes to shopping. We could save a hundred dollars on a clearance-sale dress for a party and then spend that savings plus fifty more on a new pair of shoes, lip gloss, eyeliner and perfume to accessorize. Heaven knows we all have THE perfect lipstick in our drawer. It matches every outfit, makes our lips feel like satin, stays on for hours, and never goes out of style. So if this precious tube is everything we ever wanted in a lipstick, why do we have 20 others? Some are too dark, too dry, too sparkly or too blah. Some we’ve never even broke the safety seal on! So why do we have them? Because at the time we found them, we justified a need for them. Each and every one of them. All women do this. I admit it, I do this. And I do it often. No jury needed….guilty as charged.

The advertising departments of the major cosmetic companies are trained to target the hard-core makeup shopping junkies such as myself. They know we are way past the gateway drugs of the 99 cent lip glosses and need-to-burn eyeliners and they tease our senses with brightly colored polishes and packages to lure us into their circle. We know what we have on our bathroom counter is good enough. In fact it’s probably better than good enough. But still we yearn for more. We want the rush of discovering something new and fabulous, and being the first to do so amongst our friends. We want to be the one to find the new solve-all, fix-all glam item of the century. This was evident today as I flipped through a copy of my latest fashion magazine and discovered a well-known cosmetic company had come out with a new line of cleansers and foundations. My heart began to beat erratically as I read about the new state-of-the-art ingredients in their fast-paced, anti-aging formulas that were shown to stop the hands of time. Oh heavens. Gimme gimme gimme. I mean, I knew what I had at home was perfectly fine. It worked exactly how I wanted it to. And it didn’t turn me into a piece of red flannel. So why was I planning on rushing out of the dentist’s office where I was reading this article, across the street to the local drug store, and buy stuff I did not need whatsoever? Because I’m a woman!!!!

Ten minutes, two makeup products, one bag, and one credit card receipt later, my latest fix and I were driving for home. It was just like a scene out of “Intervention”. I left my laptop and purse in the car, and rushed into the house with my little baggie of goodies. I spoke to no one, ran directly into the bathroom and locked the door. It was time to “use”. I first grabbed the innovative cleanser and held the bottle in my hands. I inhaled the scent of the new drug, and rubbed it around in my hands. Ahhhhh. This was good. Every wrinkle, every line, every problem would be gone with just a squirt and a scrub. I lathered up my face, stared in the mirror, and enjoyed the rush. I splashed my skin clean and enjoyed the fresh feeling of my newly rejuvenated face. Then I took out the new foundation that I was convinced was going to be so great, it would be nominated for Nobel Prize. I played with the packaging and applied it with sheer precision. I stepped away from the mirror and admired these life-changing products with a smile a mile wide. I was in awe, and I had made it happen. I looked good. Well, I thought I looked good. Because whether it be in life or in the cosmetic aisle…”love is blind.”

I exited the bathroom, feeling like America’s Next Top Model. I was a stunning, wrinkle-free woman. Hear me roar! As I saw my husband standing in front of the microwave, I couldn’t help but toss my hair and give him a sexy grin as I struck a pose. And he immediately responded to my self-proclaimed Cosmopolitan-like look. “Geesh, you look sick. You’re pale. What did you do to your face? You makeup looks like ass. Are you doing something new?” NOOOOOO! This was not the response I was looking for! Where were the flawless-gorgeous-timeless comments I was told I would get in the ad? This isn’t possible!! When I told him what I had done and what I had bought, he told me I had made a mistake. A big mistake. Even before I could tell him that he obviously knew nothing about what was en vogue and high tech, he called for our daughter. Because he knew I was going to tell him he was a fashion-clueless male, and he was right. He knew I would need a female’s opinion to back him up. Now my daughter is a thirteen year-old glamour guru. She is the girl whom I taught to be smart and not to do or buy anything on impulse. Ouch. He asked her “How does mommy’s makeup look?” She got close to my face. REALLY close. For twenty seconds I stood there while she inspected me like Number 14 inspects your underwear. Then, after an uncomfortable silence she gave me the devastating blow. ““Your face is getting red and blotchy. And I see wrinkles. And your pores are huge.” With no expression, she just turned and left me in a daze. My legs got weak and I had to sit down. This can’t be happening. How could this be? Sigh. That’s what I get. I had cheated on my makeup with a (not so) cheap fling. I fell hook, line and sinker for the “new kid on the block”. Why did I stray? Why did I think the skin was softer on the other side of the fence?

I sulked back to the bathroom and collected my thoughts… and my new products. I put them back in their little bag and threw in my receipt so I could return them to the store. I hung my head in shame. And what was worse was I knew deep down this probably wouldn’t be the last time I let my glamour regulars down. Why? Because we are fickle. We are women. And just like it’s a man’s nature to hunt, it’s our nature to shop. At that moment, I looked over at the bathroom counter and saw my regular cleanser and foundation staring at me in a hurtful way. I’m sure they were wondering if they could ever trust me again. I couldn’t even look at them with those other substandard products on my face. I turned on the faucet and began to wipe the slate clean. Literally. As I eliminated all traces of the facial affair, I promised myself to be true and loyal to those who have been there for me… through the good and the brash.

Well, at least until the next supermodel tells me her new lipstick will make me the next Gloria Steinem.

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