Tag Archives: Sephora

Once, Twice, Three Times with Sassy…

17 Feb

3+
Without researching, I would be willing to say that there are over a million different makeup, skin care, hair and nail products on the market. That doesn’t even include the various colors and formulas of many of them. It is not easy for a company to get a consumer to buy a product once. The money they put into television and print advertising is beyond comprehension. Now, to hold the customer’s interest with eye-catching displays, money-saving deals, and quality results in order to get them to be a repeat customer is pretty amazing. After that, it’s a crap shoot. The cosmetic company now hopes they have gained your loyalty and business. They hope you love it so much that you would not even consider shopping out the product and buy it a third time—THAT is a cosmetic company’s dream come true, and an accomplishment beyond words.

I can totally relate to this as a glamour junkie. Commercials, displays, magazine ads and samples could literally get me to jump the fence on almost anything I use with the right tactics. Even if I’m thrilled with the product I am currently using, I can justify in my head and heart to try something else, even if it’s just once. But really… isn’t that what the cosmetic companies want? Just a chance? They know I’ll either say, “Wow, this is the best xxx I have ever used! Why haven’t I been using this before? I’ll never use anything else ever again!” Or I will give it an immediate thumbs down, kick myself for being a traitor to the product I had been using before, beg for glamour forgiveness and go back to using the one I had loved all along. Not to mention, with me winning contest prizes, getting products to try or review, or sending away for samples for me to try on my own, I’m always getting “teased” with things that are new, improved or could be better. That’s what the companies are hoping for. Some times, I admit, it works. But for a few products, I won’t even bother to deviate. I stick with what I love. Not just once, or even twice…. but have bought them three times or more because to me, they far exceed anything else I have tried or tested. I have found they truly are my favorites at what they do.

So what are these heart stealers that have shown me that “third time’s a charm”? Here are my ultimate favorite products that you will always find somewhere in my beauty ensemble, either in my drawers or on my vanity:

OleFoam**Ole Henriksen’s African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser** – Having sensitive skin has made finding the perfect cleanser difficult for me. I want something that washes my face, fights aging and doesn’t strip it of its natural oils, drying out my skin. I have tried a LOT of cleansers, I fell in love with Ole’s African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser after their customer service department sent me a sample because I thanked them for their “Three Little Wonders” box set I got for a holiday gift one year, which stole my heart. The cleanser immediately became my favorite face wash. My skin felt and looked noticeably healthier, it didn’t irritate or make my skin burn, and the foaming formula really made it so you didn’t need a ton. Plus, in combination with Ole’s other products I had, I really noticed an overall improvement in my face’s skin. I have been using the African Red Tea cleanser pretty consistently for over two years now. Even though I have tried a sample of other cleansers here and there, I always use Ole’s at least once a day. Happy to say, I’m on my fourth bottle! (Available at Sephora, $30)

BurtsBeesHandCream**Burt’s Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Cream** – I never used to be a hand cream kind of girl. I never had to be. My hands never got dry, cuticles were healthy and I had no problems. Then came this year. I don’t what changed but my cuticles turned into corn flakes, my hands felt dry and the tops of my hands looked…old !!(*GASP!*). Oh no, no, no. My years in the cosmetic and skin care industry taught me that your eyes and your hands can tell people your age better than your driver’s license can. The minute I felt my hands drying out, I went looking for something good. I tried several simple “squeeze” lotions for my hands, but they didn’t seem to keep them moist for too long. Burt’s Bees caught my eye because of the Almond Milk in the name. I love the scent of almonds and know that almond oil is fabulous for moisturizing skin naturally. The beeswax is perfect to lock it into the skin and really keeps the hands, nails and cuticles soft. And the scent is to die for! I just dove into my third jar last night—and I’ve only been using it since November! (Available at most drugstores, $9)

TreeHut**Tree Hut Brazillian Nut Shea Body Butter** – The more natural you can keep your health and beauty products, the better they are for your body. I have always turned to almond or coconut oil to keep my body soft after a bath. In the colder months, however, I need something a bit more rich when my skin begins to get dry and itchy. I saw a review for Tree Hut’s Body Butter on a review site once, and remembered seeing the product at my regular retail store, so I thought I would look into it a bit more. It had my two favorite natural moisturizers that I love in it: shea butter and cocoa butter. In addition, it also contained Brazil nut and safflower seed oil, both rich in vitamins and antioxidants which help to keep the skin healthy. The smell is divine… like a yummy latte from your favorite coffee shop! I like the fact that it is not a liquid or a lotion—it is a solid “butter” which goes on thick and melts into the skin. This leaves the skin soft and moisturized for a long time. Since I first discovered this about four years ago, I have purchased at least six jars of this gem. Currently I have one in my bathroom AND bedroom! (Available at some local retailers or drugstore.com, $7.49)

NYCliner**New York Color Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil** – Eyeliners are a dime a dozen. I’ve seen some liners as cheap as 99 cents and some as expensive as $30. It is not too difficult for me to describe what I want in an eyeliner. The problem is… finding it. I want a DARK black pencil that I can sharpen myself so I can get a crisp, tight line. It has to be soft enough to go on with ease but tough enough to not smudge or run. And it has to last—I mean LAST ALL DAY last. Shouldn’t be too hard to find, right? Ha, that’s you think. I have tried so many liners over the years, it’s crazy. The fact is I’ll probably continue to try different liners, depending on the look I am going for. But if someone said I had to grab ONE liner to use for the rest of my life? I’d take NYC’s Waterproof Eyeliner. It can sharpened to a good point, soft enough not to tug at my eyes, cry-proof, rain-proof, sweat-proof and even swim-proof. It. Stays. Put. No smudging, no running. Even though I have tried gels, liquids, minerals and kohl liners for different looks, my go-to everyday no-fail eyeliner will always be NYC’s. Oh, and by the way? It won’t drain your wallet. And that is always a plus! (Available at Walmart & other retailers, $3.99)

I can’t deny that I don’t like to try new things. I’m a girl. It’s not just my nature but it’s also my job! There is nothing wrong with seeing what is out there. What is good for me may not be good for you. And what is good for you might just be what I am looking for! Times and styles are constantly changing so it is expected that cosmetics are going to change right along with it. These items I mentioned might be my go-to products for what I am looking for right now, but who knows if they will even be available in a year! I’d like to hope so, but in case they aren’t, I need to keep track of what other options are out there in case I need to switch. But today?…I am pretty content with these products for their specific purpose and will love ‘em till they are gone!

How about you? I am sure you have a couple of “must have” items of your own. No matter what else is out there, you will use them regardless of the competition. Are they makeup items—a favorite lipstick color? A blush? What about skin care—an eye cream? A moisturizer? Maybe it’s a nail polish remover. Or a can’t-live-without hairspray. Let me know what items are staples in your routine and I’ll let you know if I agree!

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Sampling Some Samples – January…

6 Feb

Samples
Companies know us women are suckers for samples. When it comes to playing makeup, we are never too old! Just about every month, I consider myself to be blessed that I am on so many “try before you buy” sample lists. Some are ones I request from advertised offers, others are new products I won, some are gifts with purchases, and others are trial offers. Doesn’t matter to me… I LOVE to play with new products. I think a good number of my favorite skin care and glamour products came to me through a trial or sample somehow. What is nice is I get to see if I like a product enough to buy it in a full size without worrying about the monetary commitment. This is especially helpful with high end makeup and skin care items as well as expensive fragrances.

January was no different. Trials and samples came rolling in, just like it was Christmas still. Every trip to the mailbox was like a trip to the mall of freebies! Here are just a few of the samples I got last month that caught my eye (and nose and skin) as well as my thoughts on if I’d consider them for a future purchase or not:

YSLMascYves-Saint-Laurent Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils Shocking – I am pretty lucky. I have good lashes. My only problem? They are pretty straight and light in color. Curling is a necessity no matter what. But if I can find a mascara to give them some extra pop with a little extra length, volume and color, I’m pretty happy. YSL’s Shocking mascara gave me just that. After two coats with its easy to control brush and then a tight curl with my lash curler, it really gave my eyes the look of wearing false lashes! The mascara wore true all day and didn’t smudge, clump or flake. Something I noticed with this mascara that I hadn’t seen in others? The black color was shiny, almost patent-leather shiny! It really gave my eyes a more dramatic look. Although I was a fan of the sample, I would have to seriously fall in love with it to pay the high end price. Still… I liked this mascara A LOT!
Available at Sephora for $30

BillBoyfriendKate Walsh’s “Billionaire Boyfriend” Perfume – If thoughts of diamonds, yachts, and dreams of wealth and glamour consume your mind throughout the day, this might be a scent for you to try. This high-floral scent with oriental influences has notes black jasmine, velvet orchid, gardenia and patchouli flower. Even as the scent dries down, its back notes of sandalwood and golden amber keep it rich. It is a forward, bold yet pretty scent and it does last. Personally, however I have never been a high floral-scented perfume person. I lean more towards citrus-based fragrances. If you are a fan of strong-scented, sophisticated, warm scents, you might really like this. Me?.. I have to pass.
Available at Sephora for $65

BFTEBeauty From The Earth Mineral Eye Shadow in “Suede” – Last month, BFTE had a special on their sample jars for only one dollar each. It was a new year and I thought I needed to try some new colors to spice up my makeup look. I went outside my comfort zone and grabbed some colors that were going to be hot this year and that were very new to me. When my order came, I was so loving the new colors I had selected. I was also delighted to see that BFTE sent me a sample of one of their other colors. “Suede” is a high shimmer light grey with a touch of taupe that makes it a great highlighter with any color shadow. For a real wow look, wear it alone with a bold liner like a purple or bronze. Here I had ten great uber chic colors that just arrived and I couldn’t stop playing with the speck of shadow in the little plastic baggie!! We will have to see how much I like the colors I did get as the days go by, but right now it’s the freebie that has my interest for a future buy!
Available at BFTECosmetics.com for $6.50

ChanelChanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner – I’ve been wearing eyeliner since I was 16. It is a must have in my makeup routine. Always black, always waterproof and always a pencil that I can sharpen to a crisp point. When I got this pencil to try, it was pretty much a fail on every thing I wanted in a liner. It >was waterproof. But that was about it. Sure, it had a high-ticket name brand, but if it wasn’t what I liked, it wasn’t going to matter. Since the pencil came in a purple-ish bronze color called “Grenat”, I thought it might be nice to try it with BFTE’s sample! Wow… what a stunning look! The liner went on very smooth with a crisp line (even with the self-sharpening pencil.) The color was bold and classy and it gave me a very unique look that was new to me. As to its wear power? All day is an understatement! The liner stayed true, did not smudge, and looked as good when I took it off as it did when I put it on even after all day wear. The good points are it is easy to use, stays put, didn’t irritate my eyes with my lenses and comes in a LARGE array of colors. Its downside? The price. Since I have been wearing liner since 16, I am guilty of saying I don’t think I have paid more than $10 for a liner. However, with the Chanel liner’s stay power, ease of application, and a variety of colors for different looks? I’d seriously consider purchasing another one in the future.
Available at Macy’s for $30

A new month is here and samples, trials and winnings are already rolling in at my house. This is going to be a fun month for testing out new things in my beauty routine. I should have lots of reviews and opinions for you next month. How about you? Did you try or sample anything new recently? Did you like it? Would you buy it in the future? Let me and my other Sass-inistas know! We always want to hear about what our friends have tried recently and what we think! Seriously… don’t we just love to give our opinions whenever possible? So share away!!

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First Aid Glamour…

9 Jan

RedHeadCrutches
It wouldn’t be a fun-filled sassy winter if I didn’t hurt myself somehow. Since 2000, I have had a hernia, two shoulder surgeries and three foot repairs—just in the cold weather months. And not because of injury either. Just due to the fact that my body is just abnormally cute. Over the past 12 years, I have gone under the knife 13 times to correct funky, strange problems that give me fits. Last year–2012–I made it through without having to pay out my entire medical insurance deductible. That was until the day before Christmas eve.

“Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse” so the famous Christmas story goes. Well, nothing except this sassy redhead falling ass-over-teakettle down the basement stairs thanks to a cheap pair of slippers and a Snuggle dryer sheet. (Don’t ask.) Three ice packs, two hours of x-rays and one fist full of Tylenol later, I was hobbling out of the local ER with two shiny new crutches and one ugly broken bone in my foot. The good news?… no surgery! The bad news?… crutches and a walking boot for 6-8 weeks. The first word in my 2013 vocabulary? Immobility.

Now that I have found that my days AND nights consist mainly of pain meds, foot elevation and rest, I have also found that there are some beauty necessities that need to be stashed away in the night stand so I can avoid skin care and makeup emergencies and little trips to the bathroom for petty things. Recently I have managed to put together a glamour first aid kit which never leaves my bedside. It gives me the items I need to keep myself looking fresh and young (and not so stressed? Maybe?) without the hassle of hauling my broken foot–crutches and all–to the downstairs bathroom. Only when biologically necessary.

So what’s in my glamour “first aid kit”? Takes notes, you may need one some day:

PocketpackHand Sanitizer – You are already on the mend, so the last thing you need is to let germies get at you too. Keep those viruses and infections away! Pick a scent and use it every now and again, especially if you are getting help handed to you from family and friends. Those nasties will stick to anything! SASSY LIKES: Bath and Body Works’ Anti-Bacterial PocketBac Sanitizing Hand Gels in various delicious scents. Bath & Body Works, $1.50

KorresLip Balm – As you “lounge” around the house all day (and I say that with the utmost satire) your lips are going to get drier than dry. Between the 100 phone calls you will be chatting up, the lack of moisture in the house and you not drinking enough (Ah, admit it!…. You know you won’t!), your lips will be borderline cornflakes in no time. Keeping them moist. Apply a balm or butter after every refreshing beverage, phone call or nail-biting soap opera. SASSY LIKES: Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine (neutral pink). Sephora, $12.00 each

TowelettesNo-Rinse Facial Towelettes – Here is the setting: you spent the day reorganizing your sock drawer for the third time this week. BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO!! You are tired, frazzled, and just want to go to bed. But wait!….you still have the lipstick and eyeliner on that you tested out this morning. You’re too exhausted to crawl downstairs. What do you do? Pre-moistened cleansing towelettes are THE perfect thing to keep by the bedside. They stay fresh, moist and are easy to use and dispose of, leaving your face clean without over stripping it. A real foot saver—for your face! SASSY LIKES: Say Yes To… Facial Towelettes, in an array of formulas specific for your skin type. (I like Say Yes To Cucumbers because they are great for sensitive skin). Walmart, $5.59

revitalA Good but EASY Skin Care Routine – This is where a little research comes into play. You are going to have to keep your skin on track with a regular routine, but you may have to resort to just the basics till you can camp out again at the sink for unlimited (ha!) amounts of time to tend to your specific issues. You will need to have multi-function products so that one can do the job of several. Multitasking when your down a glamourista foot is VERY important. Try to keep your routine light, use only 3 maybe 4 necessary products, and make sure they include ingredients that target your problem areas: aging skin, large pores, fine likes, uneven tone, rough texture, etc. Wash your face (use your wipes!) then three steps–bam, bam, bam! Younger, healthier skin from bed. SASSY LIKES: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift routine (Concentrated Serum, Eye Cream and Triple Power Day/Night Cream). CVS, $19.99 each

CottonCandyDeodorant Body Spray – Umm…hello? Stinky? Yeah, sorry, I’m talking to you. You might not be doing a lot but it doesn’t mean your scent is still pristine. Plus showers might not be too easy right now so keep yourself feeling… and smelling… fresh as a daisy. Use a nice deodorant body spray that is light, fresh and fun plus protect yourself from the stagnant stinkies. Plus a fun body spray will lighten your mood and brighten the blahs. SASSY LIKES: Cotton Candy Body Spray & light deodorant. CVS, $3.99

NailErgoNail File – Simple, straight, and right to the point: your nails will become brittle, and you will quickly find that you will be using them a lot more as tools, being stuck in bed. Keep them neutrally polished with a strong top coat on them. And the second you feel a rough edge start, catch it early by filing it down right away. (Totally bored? This is a good time to grab your nail caddy and try new looks with decals, nail paint and crackle polishes.) SASSY LIKES: Sephora’s 3-Step Ergo Buffer, $6.00

BurtsBeesHandCreamHand Cream – Yeah, back to that dry skin thing again. Picking up and carrying odd things, dry air, antibacterial gels and sweating out any moisture on my hands while gripping my crutches has made the need for a hand cream a necessity. I’ve never been a big hand cream girl (I’ve never needed it!) but when I learned your hands can tell your age better than your driver’s license, I began sloughing some on every chance I got. Importantly, make sure you put on a good layer right before bed and let it soak in. (It is not a bad idea to treat your feet either!) SASSY LIKES: Burt’s Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Handcream; CVS, $8.99

So, now you’ve got it: Sassy’s bedside glamour. My favorite items to work on keeping you at your best when you are feeling your worst. Do not forget, though… don’t be an indoor hermit all the time. Even if it is just getting the mail, get out for some fresh air and a dose of sunshine’s Vitamin D. If you are on the mend, you need to as well! It won’t just refresh your mind and body, but it will also give you the energy you need to make a sassy-fast recovery. I’ll keep you posted on my recovery. If you are down for the count for a while, let me know what’s keeping you busy and how my first aid glamour tips are working for you!

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Do You Prepare For Your Mani?

15 Jul

Tonight, my family and I decided to go out to a nice dinner. Mr. Sassy selected a nice restaurant which wasn’t too fancy but still very classy. I chose to wear nice capri jeans, a patterned “cut out” shoulder top, and strappy sexy sandals. I added a nice smoky eye look with some bright wine-colored lips and I was working it in a good way. Err, well almost. I realized my latest manicure was chipped and splotched, and I had no time for a touch up. When faced with this situation, a fashionista knows it is better to go with NO polish then a sloppy manicure. So I took off all my neon pink polish and thought I was good to go….

…till I got outside in natural sunlight.

My nails were yellow–almost orange!–from dark polish stains. In addition, they had ridges & rough edges and my cuticles felt like bunions. Ewww….. not good. Thank goodness the restaurant was dimly lit so you couldn’t really tell my “clean” nails were stained and uneven. But I knew they were. And I couldn’t wait to get home and get them cleaned up.

Having a perfect home manicure needs to start BEFORE the colored polish even comes out. And I have learned this from experience. So what do I do to prep my nails before the mani begins? Here are some tips you can follow to keep your nails looking just as good bare as they would with color:

  • Have yellow staining from dark polishes? Base coats can help but not completely. If you have some yellowing, brush on a light coat of Clorox Bleach. The Bleach Pen works awesome! Leave a light coat on for about 5 minutes. Then give your nails a good brushing with some whitening toothpaste and an old toothbrush. Bleaching your nails often can make them soft and irritate your cuticles if you do it often so try to only do it every few weeks. Brushing them with the toothpaste, however, will help keep them clean and also stimulate growth.

  • File and buff! When your nails are at their cleanest, that is the best time to shape them and shine them up. File them so the tips are even, cutting down any super long ones and smoothing out any jagged edges that can get caught and tear. Use a buffer to even the tops out getting rid of any uneven ridges or rough spots (this includes any rough spots on the skin around the nails too.) Finally, use a polisher to give your nails a nice, healthy shine. Want a great tool that does all three? Sephora’s 3-Step Ergo Buffer is the perfect tool to get the job done!

  • Use a moisturizer made especially for hands and nails. I’m absolutely loving Sally Hansen’s Nails and Cuticle Hand Cream. It is infused with shea butter to help keep the delicate skin around your nails soft and your cuticles pliable. If your hands are super, super dry, coat them with the Hand Cream then soak them in warm olive oil for 10-15 minutes. Once a week, exfoliate them by adding a teaspoon of white sugar to the olive oil and rub it in on the backs and palms of your hands, and in between the fingers. Then rinse with warm water. This will help removed the dead skin cells that keep your hands from looking young.

  • Keeping your manicure fresh longer will allow you to change and/or remove polish less. That, in turn, will keep you from having to paint your nails more often which can cause staining. Wear gloves when doing dishes and housework, moisturize every morning and night, and protect them if you plan on working outside or with harsh chemicals. If you can keep your mani looking fab for a week? That will keep your nails from staining as much and also keep them strong!

Now I’m relaxing watching TV and taking care of my nails before I put on my next coat of polish. I have removed the yellowing from old colors, brushed under and over the nails to remove any dirt and chemicals, and softened the cuticles and ridges by deep moisturizing my hands–coating them with hand cream and putting them into warm socks for several minutes. Now, I don’t have to be ashamed to go without polish. If my fingers want to take a vaca from polish for a while (which is a good thing now and then), I can make sure they look their best when they are “naked”!!

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And My Scent Is….

27 Jun


Man, I am a writing slug. I will write blog posts every day for a week, and then disappear for a month. Of course, life has been ruling everything lately. I’ve had birthdays, holidays, my baby girl’s high school graduation, doctor appointments, car repairs, you name it. Right now, I’m watching an episode of “America’s Next Top Model” and Mr. Sassy is napping next to me. That is actually the best time to watch shows like that because Mr. Sassy says that engaging in the viewing of senseless reality shows just eats your brain. I’m not sure if he is right or not, but it gives me writing ideas and that in turn gives me blog ideas, which helps me on my dream of being a big-time writer someday. So we’ll just call this reality college. Nice.

Today on ANTM, the contestants had to choose a fragrance with notes that represented them and their personality. And that got me to thinking: If I had to create a perfume that represented me, what would it be like? What notes would it contain? What would the bottle look like? And WHAT would I name it??

So let’s go through these questions. First, what would it smell like? Well, I probably own over 25 different perfume scents right now. I wear something different every day. Depends on my mood. But there are some things I know I don’t like in my fragrances. I don’t like heavy notes of musk, and I don’t like heavy notes of rose. I like things that smell light and fresh. With that being said, my perfume would most likely have floral notes of magnolia, peony, jasmine, apple blossom and/or gardenia. To keep it fresh, I would add hints of things like berries, pear, peach, mandarin or other citrus notes. Of course, I would want some under notes of vanilla or caramel for a bit of warmth. I’m sure if you checked, all the fragrances in my collection would have one, two or more of the aromas I like. Now even I know that all of those scents I like, mixed together, would probably smell like muck, but with the right guidance and noses, I’m sure I could blend up something that would be to my liking.

Now, the packaging. I vowed if I ever made it famous, the color pink would NOT be on anything with my name. I’m sticking to that. It’s hardly in my wardrobe, and almost never on my lips. I think I would want something that catches the light… a narrow bottle that is made from yellow glass that lightens as it tapers down. And the cap? Hmmm. I’m a fan of silver and I love disco music, so I think I would want to top to be in the shape of a mirrored disco ball. Bright fading yellow bottle with a disco ball cap. I’m liking this so far.

Oh, onto the name. I thought that would be the hardest. I could call it “814” which is my anniversary. Hubby would like that. I think. With the disco ball cap, I could go 70’s and call it “Le Chic”, “Stayin’ Alive” or “Superstition” but young kids wouldn’t have a clue to the references. I could be a wiseass and call it “Stink Pretty” showing my humorous side, but I could see me having difficulty getting stores like Saks or Macys to carry it.

Then it hit me. Duh! I’d call it “Sassy”. I mean, that IS me! It would be exactly like its name… fun, light, and sassy for daytime wear and also warm, sexy and sensual for evening. Versatile-just like me. I mean I am the girl who can wear a pair of $700 shoes with a pair of thrift store jeans and consignment shop sweater and you’d never know! I would have a fine, silver chain that hung off the bottle with a tag that said “Sassy” so you’d know the name of the perfume, and have an interactive bottle to play with. So unique. Damn I’m good.

I think I will go play around with my picture programs and design my bottle right now. Who knows, maybe someday you’ll be able to buy “Sassy” at a store near you. Until then, though, I suggest you pick up and try one of my favorite scents that I really like. Out of all the perfumes/scents that I own, these are definitely some of my faves:


  • Viva la Juicy by Juicy Couture
  • Dior J’Adore by Dior
  • Stella by Stella McCartney
  • Coach Poppy by Coach
  • Daisy by Marc Jacobs
  • Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift
  • Michael Kors by Michael Kors
  • Pink Chiffon by Bath & Body Works
  • Ibiza Sol by mark
  • Someday by Justin Bieber
  • BCBGMAXAZRIA by BCBGMAXAZRIA



So share with me….. what are your favorite scents? Do you have a “signature scent” or do you have many that you coordinate with your style of the day or the occasion of the night? Have YOU ever thought about making your own perfume? And what would you call it?

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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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Sassy’s Outfit Of The Day

29 Mar

A lot of bloggers do this every day. They write what they’ve worn, the makeup they put on, the skin care routine they did. I’m an okay fan of that. I like to see what people are wearing. Just not every day. So sometimes, like today, I’ll write up my blog post with my “Sassy Outfit”. I’ll tell you right now, you most likely won’t see anything show stopping. I am a stay at home mom of thee kids (two teens, one husband…LOL) and dolling up isn’t all that for me when I’m just going to the pharmacy to pick up a new bottle of Pepto and an Easter card for my mom. But I think it is nice to know that you can look decent–stunning if you want–even in everyday life while doing everyday things. It doesn’t have to be about sweats and tees all the time. Really…. step away from the fleece. Come here… step away.

So here was today’s routine:

SKIN CARE:
Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser
Ole Henriksen Total Truth Eye Creme SPF 15
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collegen Booster
Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Creme SPF 15
……. all available at OleHenriksen.com

MAKE UP:
L’Oreal Paris Magic Smooth Souffle Foundation (CVS)
LA Minerals Blush in Cheerleader (LAMinerals.com)
Jesse’s Girl Highlighter Eye Shadow in Starshine (Rite Aid)
Mineral Elegance Mineral Eye Shadow in Steel (MineralElegance.com)
Maybelline Eye Studio Master Drama Creme Eye Liner in Coal Commander (CVS)
Covergirl Lastblast 24 Hour Mascara in Very Black (Walmart)
Maybelline Super Stay 24 Lipcolor in On and On Orchid (Walmart)
Kim Kardashian Rollerball Perfume (Sephora)

FASHIONS AND ACCESSORIES:
Grey Belted Tunic Sweater (TJ Maxx)
dELiAs Mogan Dark Wash Skinny Jeans (Peter Harris Clothing Outlet)
Groove Grey/Black Lace-Up Boots (Marshalls)
Sterling Silver Large Hoops (TJ Maxx)
Bongo Silver Charm Watch Bracelet (Sears)
Kathy Van Zeeland Animal Print Denim Bag (TJ Maxx)

Nothing too fancy, nothing too chic, but it was an outfit to make me feel good from head to toe and turned heads with its current style. And expensive?… not at all. The most expensive thing I bought for this outfit was the purse. And it’s price? $30… last year. See?… you don’t need to win the Mega-Millions to look and feel fab-tabulous. (But hellz to the yeah, it would help!)

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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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Sassy’s “Fab Five” Hot Finds in February….

1 Mar

What did I stumbled upon that I am loving big time this past month? Here’s my list of the five items that have made their way into my cosmetic drawer or fashion closet and have become new favorites of mine:
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1. Aveeno’s Ultra Calming Moisturizing Cream Cleanser – I have been a fan of Aveeno products ever since my skin got thrown into turmoil over a year ago and everything I owned made my face itch, burn and turn red. My dermatologist raved about Aveeno products to calm my skin and after trying a few free samples, I was hooked. In the winter, the cold air outside and the dry air inside sucks out any extra moisture that my combination skin might have. This soap-free creamy cleanser not only washes away all of my face’s dirt and makeup but also soothes and moisturizes my dry skin. It comes in a good sized tube and a little goes a long way. Available at most retail stores, approx. $8

2. Viva La Juicy Eau de Parfum Roll-On – Can’t get enough couture in your life? Well this is a way to have just enough to make you feel juicy all over! Juicy Couture has this neat little roll-on perfume in its second generation of scents that is the right size to fit into your purse, clutch, backpack or even pocket. With notes of wild berries, honeysuckle, gardenia, and jasmine finished off with a sweet touch of vanilla, caramel and praline, this scent is sure to make you feel fun, flirty and sexy day or night! And at the great try-me price, you can’t go wrong! Available at Sephora, $16

3. Avon’s SuperExtend Mascara – Want your lashes to look uber-long without being clumpy? Then this mascara is for you. It lengthens lashes longer than any other mascara I’ve ever used. It thickens as well, but without the fuzzy tarantula look. It is a waterproof formula and I find it wears all day without a smudge or a flake, yet it still comes off with regular cleanser (although I do use an eye makeup remover anyways, by habit.) The combo brush/comb separates each and every lash perfectly, and the long applicator makes it easy to get to every little lash—inside and out. Plus it comes in all shades, including blue. Available from local Avon reps and avon.com, introductory price of $4

4. Bath and Body Works’ Liplicious Lip Gloss in “Saltwater Taffy” – How can you enjoy the sweet, creamy flavor of a favorite boardwalk treat while moisturizing your lips with a high-shine gloss? Just pick up one of these little babies, especially while they are on sale! I love a flavored gloss and this yummy find just tickles my taste buds. I have always been a fan of B&BW’s Liplicious glosses and own a few already. But their introduction to a few new flavors made me go running back for more. The shade is a sheer lilac and doesn’t do too much alone for color, but is awesome for a natural look. It’s even better over your favorite liners or lipstick for extra shine and flavor. I loved it so much I grabbed one for the purse and one for home! Available at local Bath and Body Works stores or online at bathandbodyworks.com, $7. (Currently on sale, buy two get one free)

5. Any glamour item that is purple – From the deep rich plums of winter to the light bright lilacs of spring, there is nothing hotter in fashion right now than the color purple. From the fairest blondes to the darkest brunettes and everyone in between (including the auburn redheads like myself!) there is a shade to be found for everyone. And when I say glamour, I don’t just mean makeup. Purple is making a strong stand in every fashion area as well, especially shoes, handbags, and jackets. And of course, we can’t forget the always stunning eye and lip colors too. My jazzy finds include Madden Girl’s Woven Platform Sandals in purple, Victoria’s Secret, $49; Mossimo’s Satin Wrap Trench Coat in purple, Target, $40; GUESS Glamour Shine Top Zip handbag in purple, Zappos, $72; and Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in “Crash” (deep eggplant with silver glitter), Sephora, $17.
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As always, I hope you dare to be different, dynamic and dazzling! Let me know if you have any hot finds this month and until next time… have a mind-blowing March!!

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Cosmetic Review: Sephora’s Atomic Volume Mascara

15 Jul

ATOMIC VOLUME MASCARA

By Sephora Brand

Price: $16 at Sephora.com and Sephora retail stores

Item Description:

What it is: mega-volume mascara.

What it does: Sephora Brand Atomic Volume Mascara blows all other mascaras away. An innovative tubular brush applicator with a lash-lengthening comb perfectly separates lashes for a full, sexy flutter. The advanced color formula conditions lashes, keeping them pretty, healthy, and capable of causing an explosion.

Things I like: Lasts ALL day; no smudging, smearing, running or flaking; very lengthening; thickening but not clumping; blackest of black color; one coat coverage; fabu-licious applicator!

Things I don’t like: Hmmmm, let me think. Ah, none.

Rankings:

Packaging Design: 5 out of 5

Portability/Convenience: 5 out of 5

Wearability: 5 out of 5

Shade/Color Variety: 5 out of 5

Value: 5 out of 5

Overall Ranking (on a scale from 1 – 10): 10

Likely To Buy It Again? Absolutely!

Why?

Let me start by saying I am a mascara fuss pot. I don’t try a lot of different mascaras, and I like even less. With the weather where I live changing from wet to dry in an instant, and temperatures fluctuating from freezer to oven within a month, my skin can definitely lose all control. My eyes are a true show of these rapid changes. With the wrong makeup, it’s easy to tell that the “hazy hot & humid” alert has gone off as you slowly see my eyes sliding down into an oil slick on my cheeks. Ugh.

Rewind to a few weeks ago when I made a stop to my local retail Sephora heaven and picked up a few things that I probably didn’t need. When I checked out, I had qualified for a deluxe sample and I had my choice of three things. Two of them I had already (you can see the pattern already, can’t you?) but the third was a new mascara from Sephora called Atomic Volume. I knew nothing about it—didn’t know the shade or the formula—but I’m always willing to try new glamour. Like I do with all of my new buys and latest samples, I tried it out as soon as I got home.

The first thing I notice when I applied the mascara was how long it made my lashes. Not just fluttery long… killer-looking, curly long!! This is a big selling point for me as my lashes are very straight and short. Next I realized how awesome the unique applicator was. It’s tubular with lots of little combs. It doesn’t have one of those poofy mushy brushes. It’s precise. It gets even the smallest of lashes in the corners and crannies. This applicator made each lash thick, but not clumpy or sticky at all. Ok, so I must love it 100%, right? I mean it did pass every test, didn’t it? Not yet. Now comes the test of time…. And this will decide if it is a mascara that can run with the big boys.

I took the mascara off at bedtime that night with my usual waterproof eye makeup remover. It took two cotton balls to get all the mascara off, but that’s why a mascara is good…stay-power. The next morning I curled my skimpy lashes, applied my new Atomic sample of mascara, and left the house to go about my daily routine of this and that. Other than touching up my lip gloss here and there during the day, I barely check my makeup. I don’t have time to be a mirror monger. So at the end of my hectic craziness, I headed home to put on my super lounge clothes and take my face off. When I peeked in the mirror to see how my mascara held up, I was more than pleasantly surprised: I was flat out amazingly shocked! My lashes… my ubersexy lashes… looked as perfecto as they did when I put the mascara on first thing that morning. Not one flake of black. Not one smudge of creamy soot. Long, luscious lashes after ten strenuous hours, and they were still going strong!

That’s it. I was in love. And it was with a black, teardrop shaped tube.

Until they either stop making it or I need falsies (lashes that is), I have found my one and only mascara. Sephora’s Atomic Volume is the answer to my lash prayers. It is my new number one fave glamour item, and I have already started spreading the word. This is one item that you just cannot miss with all year ‘round!

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