Current Favorites: 10-25-2011

Rosie being Rosie!

Currently Watching....
The Rosie Show
Weekdays, OWN: 7 PM EST
I have always loved Rosie O'Donnell. Say what you
will about her, but she has always, always been true
to herself, something a lot of people need to take a
lesson from. I am happy to see her back, since she was
part of my pre-teen, teen years, and we both share a very
common love for Barbra Streisand!
Visit Rosie's website here: rosie.com

Kelly lookin' good!

Currently Listening To....

Stronger, Kelly Clarkson

Where to Purchase: amazon.com, iTunes

Kelly, Kelly, Kelly! I've loved her since she won American Idol

in 2002. I have all of her albums and while this one took a few

listens to grow on me, it definitely has. One thing I learned is to

listen to this album turned ALL the way up! The title is appropriate

because the album is very "anthem-ish".  Lots of songs for the 

single ladies here!

Favorite Tracks: You Love Me, The Sun Will Rise, What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)

Kelly's website: kellyclarkson.com

MAC's Springsheen Blush

Currently Using....

Springsheen Blush, M-A-C Cosmetics

Where to Purchase: maccosmetics.com, select Macy's & Nordstrom locations

This blush is very close to NARS Orgasm blush, however it is a little cheaper and I just like the overall pigmentation that this gives. They give a lot of product and it will definitely last forever. If you use a little, it just gives a little "sheen" but then you can build it up to a very dramatic look. 

I want a coffee...NOW!

Currently Drinking....

International Delight Creamers

Almond Joy & Cinnabon flavors

Where to Purchase: Supermarkets

I just love these. I switch flavors all the time, but right now this is what I am drinking. I love that you don't have to add sugar to your coffee, and it's a lot cheaper than buying so many K-Cup flavors instead! This stuff literally puts a smile on my face in the morning, which is sometimes not an easy thing to do!

Screenshot - AWESOME game!

Currently Playing....

Fruit Ninja Puss 'N Boots for iPhone

Where to Purchase: iTunes

I have been obsessed with the original Fruit Ninja since day one,

so when I saw this I freaked out. New levels, new challenges,

new fun! This game makes the boring minutes of a day tick by

A LOT quicker!

Makeup Hall of Fame: Foundations & Powders

Today in the Makeup Hall of Fame (and shame): Foundations and Powders. I prefer using a liquid or cream foundation, and set it with a finishing powder. I have tried almost every single foundation that exists, so I've definitely found some that I loooove! Most of these products are from Department stores but there are a couple from the drugstore too!

Here's my list, in no particular order:

Foundations: Department Store

Silk Creme Foundation

Laura Mercier

Price: $42.00

Okay, I know a $42 price tag for a foundation sounds extreme, but a little goes a LONG way with this foundation. My suggestion is to get yourself color matched at Sephora or a Laura Mercier counter. The consistency is very creamy and smooth, and the coverage it gives is amazing. A pea-sized amount is really all you need, and on good days you could definitely forget about the concealer with this.

Where to purchase: sephora.com, lauramercier.com, select Nordstrom & Macy's locations.

Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15

M-A-C Cosmetics

Price: $26.50

This is an old standard for me. No matter how many foundations I may have or try, I always end up going back to this one at some point. I do recommend purchasing the pump for it (it's $9.00 but it's only a one-time purchase since you can use it on your refill bottles) so you can control how much you are using. I find putting this on with your fingers and then blending into the skin with a foundation brush works best. The finish leaves you feeling very matte, which is a look I go for sine I have oily skin.

Where to purchase: maccosmetics.com, M-A-C store locations, select Macy's & Nordstrom locations.

Foundations: Drugstore

Magic Smooth Souffle

L'oreal Paris

Price: Varies by location ($12.99-$16.99)

The texture of this foundation is interesting. It is a lot smoother and creamier than Maybelline's cheaper version of the same thing. It blends instantly and you can barely feel it once it's on, but it covers well. Also, chances are you will end up a shade or two darker in the shade selection, so don't be afraid of that. It blends so well into the skin that getting a shade or two darker for yourself is actually a GOOD thing.

Where to purchase: ulta.com, drugstores

Revlon Colorstay

Revlon

Price: Varies by location ($9.99 - $13.99)

I have probably used this foundation a billion times since I first got into makeup when I was 12 years old. It's probably a good idea to wet a sponge and use that for application on this, because it is very heavy and you have to blend quickly since it has "color staying" power. It does last awhile, and there are tons of shades to choose from, AND two formulas: One for Normal/Dry and one for Combination/Oily.

Where to purchase: ulta.com, drugstores

Powders (Department Store Only)

The Amazing Face Powder Foundation

Too Faced Cosmetics

Price: $32.00

I hit pan forever ago on this, and I can't part with it yet. This stuff is amazing. I honestly could only use this on its own or over a tinted moisturizer, because using it over a heavy foundation would just be too much. It gives THAT much coverage, and for a powder, that's saying a lot.

Where to purchase: toofaced.com, sephora.com, ulta.com

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

M-A-C Cosmetics

Price: $27.00

A few months ago I got my makeup done at a MAC counter and loved the way this felt on my skin over the Studio Fix fluid. It isn't too "powdery" and isn't too heavy. It also doesn't "wash you out". It's the perfect consistency to set your foundation and concealer.

Where to purchase: maccosmetics.com, M-A-C store locations, select Macy's & Nordstrom locations.

HALL OF SHAME - FOUNDATION

Some Kind-a Gorgeous

Benefit Cosmetics

Price: $29.00

If you want to feel like you have a huge oil slick on your face, and want to break out within 24 hours, I suggest putting this on. If you DON'T want to feel that way, then I suggest staying away from it.

Where to purchase: Google it, but don't say I didn't warn you.

HALL OF SHAME - POWDER

Clean Pressed Powder, Normal Skin

Covergirl Cosmetics

Price: Varies by location ($5.99-$8.99)

This stuff does absolutely nothing. It gives zero coverage, washes you out, and smells like perfume. If that isn't enough to convince you not to purchase it, then I don't know what else to say.

Where to purchase: Obviously the drugstore, but ew.

Car is paid off!!!

This isn't a picture of my exact car but it's the same color, year and style:

I paid it off today!!! WOOHOO!! It's mine, all mine! I just have to wait for the title to come in and then it will REALLY be mine! Took a little over 5 years to pay off, not so bad. I am broke for the next week but...it's worth it!

*Rant* - Today's Broadway Shows

Remember when broadway was all about this:

Yes, me too. And I miss it. Okay, so Chicago & Wicked are still currently playing on Broadway but the point I'm trying to make is...everything on broadway now is based off of a film. It's strange. Back in the day musical films were based off of the original broadway show. Now we've got it backwards. Legally Blonde, Bring It On, Sister Act, TONS of Disney movies, etc. 

Broadway is all about that now and with some major film star as a featured actor in the shows. It isn't fair. Lots of people are on Broadway because THAT was their ultimate goal in life, to be on Broadway. Not just to be on Broadway then go into TV and movies later. Why should these talented triple-threats have to worry about not getting their chance because Catherine Zeta Jones gets it instead??

I would just like some originality back on broadway, not something I've already seen before on the big screen. And I'd love to see a broadway show completely made out of actors that have NOT won Academy Awards for once.

That is all.

Best Shaving Products

Recently, Walmart.com had a special "Beauty Days" event on their website, lots of things you could get buy one get one free, etc, or little bundles at very discounted prices.

One of the budges I got included the following:

Now, I had already been using the Venus Embrace disposables, I find they give the closest shave and using the disposables are easier and cheaper than using the cartridges. The trick is to NOT leave the razor in the shower between uses, it will minimize the chances of the blades getting dull.

Today I tried the shaving cream. I had been a Skintimate shaving gel user for YEARS, I don't think I ever bothered to try Gillette's Satin Care. Anyway, the Sensitive skin formula is what came in my bundle and let me tell you: I AM NEVER going back to Skintimate again! The scent was so lovely, and the lather was much thicker than Skintimate's, not to mention it left me with such smooth legs afterwards.

So my advice to you all: Switch to Satin Care ASAP - it's wonderful!

Where to purchase: Drugstores & Supermarkets

iPhone 4S!!!

Well, it's here, was delivered to my doorstep at 9:30 AM this morning in all its glory.

I am LOVING it so far. The camera is amazing, Siri is amazing, and having a Retina display is awesome. I used to have the 3Gs so I have never experienced a Retina display before and I AM NEVER going back!

I've been playing with it all day, but Apple makes it so easy to bring over all your stuff that it was totally painless and simple.

Here is a pic of what my iPhone actually looks like:

You like? I LOVE. So you'll have to excuse me while I continue to play....hehe.

*Rant* - Adults & Responsibility

Did you ever notice that adults tend to finger point and complain about their own life circumstances more than children or teenagers do?

Here's the deal people. If you pay a bill late because you claim to "never have received that bill"...give me a break. If you always paid a bill every month at the same time, and suddenly you didn't get that bill, wouldn't you call to see what's up instead of just assume you no longer owe money on something you know you haven't yet paid the balance on? COMMON SENSE.

If you are unemployed and expect the world to give you a job and feel bad for you because you got laid off or fired, WAKE UP. Don't walk into an interview with your pants falling down or in sweatpants, or body odor, or your baseball cap on sideways (or at all!). Pay attention to instructions, fix your resume, STOP TEXTING when you are being spoken to. The world isn't going to give you a job until you act like you care about your own personal and financial situation.

The world doesn't owe you a favor, and neither do the people who work their asses off taking responsibility, paying their own bills and actually take a shower and dress nicely for a job interview.

*END RANT*

*Rave* - Magazines - Pay - Free?

Magazines. Here's the deal with them - I try to only subscribe to THREE at a time but of course with the invention of the iPad, that will soon change. I just love magazines. Celebrity gossip. New toys. New beauty products. Fun facts. The content is endless.

I currently subscribe to three magazines, and one electronically on my iPad. Not bad, right? Right. HOWEVER, someone has seen fit to send me free subscriptions of a bunch of magazines over the years. I swear. Free. I never signed up for these subscriptions and never get charged for them (believe me, I watch my bank account like a hawk!) If anyone knows why I get free magazine subscriptions, please let me know. It's strange and has been happening to me for years.

Magazines I currently subscribe to and pay for:

 

My Electronic Subscription

Magazines I currently have a subscription to but never paid a dime for:

 

Magazines I used to get free subscriptions for but no longer do:

 

So what do you guys think? I haven't been able to find out why anywhere on google or anything. And no, these were not subscriptions leftover from magazines that were "discontinued". Some of these magazines I used to get for free for YEARS, or am still getting them for free. 

Very strange, but it definitely falls into the "rave" category, because who doesn't love free stuff?

Closer and closer I get....

....to becoming a Professional Makeup Artist/Nail Technician! Total career change. I did personal insurance for 7 years (I lost my 20s to that horrible profession) and am ready to switch to a profession that I know I love! <3

Headed on over to meet with my Career Counselor today. I got laid off from my job just about 2 months ago, and in order to get the Education Grant through the WIA Act, there are a LOT of steps to do so. So far I've completed steps 1-2-3, and I'm going to start steps 4-5-6 within the next couple of weeks.

I am very excited to get started. Luckily in RI you only need a license to be a Nail Tech, but not one to be a Makeup Artist. HOWEVER, I plan on going to the Newport Hairdressing School (www.newportschoolofhairdressing.com) and then taking the online Makeup Artist course I found the other day at QC Makeup Academy (www.qcmakeupacademy.com) to obtain the Certified International Makeup Professional (CIMP) designation, and get a portfolio set up.

I am very, very excited about this. I wish I could start now but as they say...patience is a virtue! I really should repeat that to myself more often...

Makeup Hall of Fame: Face Primers!

As everyone knows, I'm a huge makeup fan. Love everything about it, have tons of it and have used tons of different products (both Department store AND Drugstore brands). So I'm going to start giving you guys the best of the best, and the worst of the worst, in my makeup hall of fame (and shame!) listings.

Today the products I'll be talking about are...FACE PRIMERS. Ah yes, primers. When they first started to become popular we all laughed and thought that it sounded more like painting walls than preparing ourselves for the all important foundation application. I've been using primers for years now, and since I have oily skin, I am not a fan of silicone based primers since they tend to make my skin look oilier. So, these are "creamy" primers and they are all wonderful. Depending on your budget, I've compiled a list:

Department Store Primers:

That Gal Brightening Face Primer

Benefit Cosmetics

Price: $29.00

This primer is a creamy, salmon colored primer. It goes on smooth and brightens up your complexion instantly. The twist up tube makes for easy application of the right amount of product. As we all know with primers, less is more and this helps with that fact. It dries on the face very quickly but doesn't dry your face out. It leaves a smooth finish and definitely helps to keep my foundation last longer throughout the day.

Where to purchase: sephora.com, benefitcosmetics.com, ulta.com, select Nordstrom & Macy's locations.

Oil Free Foundation Primer

Laura Mercier

Price: $30.00

This primer has a very "liquid-like" consistency. It goes on wetter than most primers I've tried but it dries up almost instantly. It almost feels like a silicone based primer once it's on your face, but it's definitely mattifying and gives an even look to your skin. The best part about this primer is that there is A LOT of product in it, more than you usually get in a primer - 1.7 oz. It's a little pricy but I never had any problems with it.

Where to purchase: sephora.com, lauramercier.com, select Nordstrom & Macy's locations.

Drugstore Primers:

Sheer Envy Face Primer

Hard Candy

Price: Varies by Location ($6.99-$8.99)

This primer is wonderful and will last you forever. It's got a thick, white creamy consistency and a little goes a LONG way. There is 1.6 oz of product in here and because it is thicker, it will last a long time. I like the way it makes my face feel prior to putting on my foundation, and Hard Candy, unlike lots of other drugstore brands, never tests on animals! 

Where to purchase: hardcandy.com, makeupalley.com, Walmart stores.

Studio Secrets Professional: Magic Perfecting Base

L'Oreal Paris

Price: Varies by location ($9.99 - $14.99)

Ah yes, probably my favorite primer of ALL time. This primer is amazing. It has a pretty pink color to it which instantly brightens you up, and the primer feels like SILK on your face. My ONLY complaint is that it comes in a jar, because I hate having to get the stuff under my nails, and it IS a bit more pricey than most drugstore makeup wearers are used to, but it's worth it - believe me. If you haven't tried this yet, leave this blog and head on over to your local drugstore NOW.

Where to purchase: ulta.com, Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid locations.

HALL OF SHAME - FACE PRIMER:

"Tricks of the Trade" Anti-Shine Primer

Sephora Brand

Price: $18.00

As a makeup guru, I love Sephora. WE ALL LOVE SEPHORA however, sometimes their own line of products are a hit or miss and this my friends, is a definite MISS. I purchased it because it wasn't too pricey and was "anti-shine" - PERFECT right? WRONG. I tried to give this a chance, but I almost felt like I was putting a gritty exfoliator on my skin instead of a nice, smooth face primer. It was watery and gooey at the same time (does that even make sense?) and I was just extremely disappointed with it. Ugh....

Where to purchase: You obviously know where to purchase it, but please take my advice and DON'T.

Top 5 iPhone Apps

I've been using the iPhone since 2008 and the one thing I have learned is what the best apps out there are. I've narrowed it down to five and tried to pick things people don't usually mention, so hopefully this is helpful to you!

Top 5 iPhone Apps, in no particular order:

Starbucks Card Mobile (FREE): I am a Starbucks freak, so walking into a Starbucks without having to bring anything but my phone to pay for my coffee is great, not to mention everyone thinks it's "so cool" when you use it in front of them. Check balance, reload & pay for your drinks with this app! I think all credit cards should adopt this format!

MapQuest (FREE): If you currently pay for a GPS system....I feel bad for you. This app is wonderful, it talks to you in a nice, clear woman's voice to give you directions with ease. At this point, GPS can almost be obsolete because of this App. If you don't have it yet...get it - you won't be sorry!

Accounts - Checkbook ($1.99): What is better than being able to balance your checkbook and savings account, and more accounts if you have them? The app is password protected to the point where if you are interrupted by a text message while working in the app, you gotta put in your password again. This is my lifeline. For real.

Wikipanion (FREE): Wikipedia in your pocket! Who could ask for more? It's so much easier to just whip out this app instead of using Safari or Google search to find a quick birthdate of a celeb or someone's name in that movie you love. If you don't have this on your iPhone, where have you been??

Skee-Ball ($0.99): This app is the ultimate time-killer. Once you get the hang of it you feel like some sort of a skee-ball master. There are in-app purchases so you can add more balls and ramps to purchase with all the tickets you'll win. It's tons of fun, my favorite game on the iPhone...hands down!

BONUS MENTION: eWallet ($9.99): This is a lifesaver. If you have a lot of passwords, can't memorize your credit card numbers or accounts, and have links to "questionable" websites, this app is for you. I know it sounds expensive but believe me, it's worth it. What's great is you can easily sync between your computer, iPhone & iPad (which is what I do). The app is totally secure and password protected!

*Rant* - Old Sitcoms on The Hallmark Channel

Dorothy Zbornak is not amused!

Okay. Here is a HUGE pet peeve of mine: The Hallmark Channel has a tendency to not only cut out funny and/or important lines, or entire SCENES from my two favorite sitcoms "I Love Lucy" & "The Golden Girls", but they speed up their SPEAKING as well!!!

Seriously...most of the time I feel like I'm watching them in fast-forward, all for the SAKE OF THE SPONSORS???

Lucy is SHOCKED!

Okay, I realize that I have both of these shows (the entire series) on DVD...but that isn't the point. I don't understand at what point did the commercials become more important than the show, ESPECIALLY a show that isn't even on the air and 99% of the actors in this shows are now dead (sans Betty White, who is still going strong!).

Seriously...the next time to catch either of these shows on The Hallmark Channel, really pay attention to how their speaking...it's almost like watching the Chipmunks instead!

Current Favorites: 10-10-2011

Currently Watching....

The Ladies of PAN AM looking' good!

PAN AM
Sundays, ABC: check local listings
Loving this show! The nostalgia is great, and it isn't just about prancing around four pretty girls for all to see. I have always been fascinated by the pre-Kennedy assassination era, and this definitely represents it in a beautiful way. There are plot twists and a couple of sexy men in it too! I also pretty much grew up watching Christina Ricci, starting with Mermaids back in 1990. If you haven't checked it out yet, you are missing out!
To check out their official site, click here.

She really IS kidding most of the time!

Currently Reading....

Seriously...I'm Kidding

by Ellen DeGeneres

If you read the back cover of this you will be in stitches! I figured if the back cover was this good, the book was gonna be amazing and so far, it hasn't disappointed. The book makes you think about things, but not too seriously. It makes you laugh at life, something I think we all forget to do most of the time. The chapters are short and it's a very easy read. Basically life lessons the Ellen DeGeneres way. Please pick it up even if you aren't a big reader. I'm not a big book reader and I just love this!

You will thank me for years to come!
Smells like a bakery when lit!

Where to purchase: Amazon.com, Bookstores, The Ellen Shop

Currently Smelling....

Cinnamon Sugared Donut Candle

From Bath & Body Works

I don't even know what to say about this candle except drop everything NOW and go out and buy it! Seriously, it smells like snicker doodles, like an old fashioned bakery, like a donut, like cinnamon and sugar! I actually wish I bought two because I am already almost done burning this thing, since I've been burning it continuously for the last 5 days. Head on over to your local B&BW to smell it for yourself or take my word for it and get it on their site (link is above)! ENJOY!

Mally being Mally!

Currently using....

Mally Beauty Products

I am loving Mally's innovative look into beauty! Her "face defender" line is amazing, and so original and unique! I also love her mascara and her lip glosses. She is a lot of fun and demonstrates a lot of her products on her website or on QVC. She's a celebrity makeup artist and REALLY knows her stuff! 

Where to purchase: mallybeauty.com & qvc.com.

Currently drinking....

Arizona Green Tea with Ginseng & Honey

I have loved this stuff for as long as I can remember. It's best when served chilled over ice. It's refreshing with just the right amount of sweetness, and I find that it is REALLY hard to find any kind of iced tea that isn't overly sweet but this one is just right! When I'm not drinking my usual (H20), I reach for this and always have it in the house!

Where to purchase: Supermarkets & Drugstores