Beauty on the Cheap-Milani Lip Treatment--get picture still

I love the lip treatment from Milani.  It comes in a little pot...which isn't my favorite because I know its not that sanitary...but it smells SO good (like SWEET SUGAR) and its super moisturizing on my lips.  Plus it is only $10 at almost all local drug stores and with my CVS bucks or my Walgreens cash I always get it cheaper.  I have a pot next to my bed, in my car, and at work.  This is bang for your buck!! 

Watercolor

This is another one of my HOLY GRAIL products.  The ultra lightweight blushes from Daniel Sandler are amazing for older skin like mine because they are not shiny or frosty and don't accentuate my fine lines!  However, because they are so lightweight...I would recommend them for teenagers so they don't look overly made up!  

I discovered this product from Katie from Beauty and the Boutique.  They are available in 6 ultra sheer and buildable shades and can be purchased HERE for $22.48 each.  Super easy to use: On my "no-makeup" makeup days...I use the VEIL (see my previous post HERE) and then use just a dab of this on my cheeks, eyelids and lips.  YES...just one little dab will cover ALL those areas for a slightly flushed look.  It is super easy to add on more if you want some more color.  (Katie also has a great video tutorial HERE on how to use the product to look naturally glowing and beautiful.)

I got all the colors (I just couldn't decide!) but the GLOW is the one I use every day to add a little bronze color to my face.  I then pick between the other colors to add a pop of color to the apples of my cheeks, eyes and lips.  LOVE this product!! 

My breakfast is better than your breakfast!

My parents are Dutch and immigrated to the States over 50 years ago.  I grew up on a breakfast (sometimes lunch or dinner) where we got CHOCOLATE on our bread!  We call them sprinkles here but it is called Hagelslag (the small sprinkles) or Vlokken (chocolate shavings) in Holland!  White bread with a little bit of boter (butter) to keep the chocolate attached!  Delicious!  My friends loved sleeping over because they knew they would get this for breakfast in the am!  My kids love this typical dutch food too and hopefully they will pass the tradition down to their kids!  You can buy it HERE if you want to try it! 

Better than a Tummy Tuck

The "tummy tuck" leggings by M.Rena are AMAZING.  They are made from a heavy duty viscose, nylon and spandex blend that are highly opaque and super comfortable.  They sit up high on the waist...so they are shapewear...without being suffocating like Spanx.   I wear them with EVERYTHING.  They do not fall or sag and if you hand wash them...they will last forever!  They are available in many colors...burgundy, wine, olive, teal, camel, grey, ink, heathered navy, black and brown.  They are $36 HERE.   There are matching long sleeve tees in most colors which is great if you need a whole layering outfit!

Honey Bee

I have had a horrible cough over the past few days and these candies...which I have always loved...have been a godsend!  The honey is soothing my throat from all the coughing,  Great to suck on.  I found them about 2 years ago at TJ Maxx (in front with the other candies!) and since they are not always in stock...I will buy them all now when I see them.  However, they are available on Amazon (on occasion) so if I can't find them at TJ Maxx...I will buy them there.  They really taste like honey!!  

Window to the Soul

I do not use all the Rodan & Fields products.  And, I was skeptical, to say the least, about a product that claims to increase your lash length.  Especially for $150 dollars!  But...the eyes are the window to the soul (or so they say)...and as a blonde....I have never been blessed with long lashes.  So...I figured I would give it a go.  I ordered one from my friend Liz who sells the line and started using it.  Pretty easy...just use the eye-liner-like brush to apply the product at your upper lash line before you go to bed.  I have applied it with and without my contacts in and it does NOT irritate my eyes at all.  So, after about a month...Liz asked if I noticed a change.  "Nope," I told her.  But, a couple weeks later, another friend asks "are you wearing fake eye lashes?"  I gave her the same answer that I had given Liz a few weeks earlier...NOPE!  Those are mine!!  I still have light blonde eyelashes...but on days that I don't feel like wearing makeup...I just throw ONE coat of mascara on now and my eyes look amazing.  A tube will last you about 5-6 months...so it is costing me about $20 a month to have beautiful longer eyelashes.  I will definitely keep buying this product!  Let me know if you want to get in touch with my friend Liz who sells it.  I will stress here....I AM NOT being paid for this post.  I just really think this product works and if you want to see real results...it does work.  

Unfortunately...I did not take before and after pics...but here is a decent close up of my eyes with just mascara on! 

Kissable Lips

My lips are always so dry during the winter.  I found these lip scrubs by Beauty by Earth and bought some for me and my daughters for Christmas.  I liked them so much that I ended up placing a wholesale order for Blush!  The pots are small...but a little goes a long way.  I like all 3 scents but my favorite is the mint.  It is so refreshing!  I put a small dab on before I get into the shower...I lightly scrub my lips for about 45 seconds, then I rinse off.  It is completely edible as well so I will admit that I have tasted a bit before I was it off!!! We have them at Blush for $10 each.  

Illumanti!

I am a huge fan of the no-makeup makeup look...but as I am getting older I need to cover my age spots etc.  I discovered the Veil from Katie from Beauty and the Boutique.  It is literally my HOLY GRAIL product.  It is not quite a concealer or a foundation...but on my light make up days...it is what I wear!  One click of the product in five spots:  under my eyes, under my lips, the sides of my nose, down the center of my nose and in-between my eyebrows.  A little of the product goes a long way!  You just PAT the product in and it is never cake-y and never settles in my fine lines.  Click HERE to see how Katie applies the product...that is where I learned to use it.  I LOVE it.  It just makes my face look good without a heavy makeup look.  I use it EVERY day.  On days where I am going out or want a more "make-up' look I will apply foundation on top of it.  But, for an every day look it is perfect.  It would be great for teenagers just starting to wear makeup too because it looks so natural!  It is $40 on the Veil site but Katie sells it for $35.53 and free shipping.   

TAKE THE DAY OFF

I do not use Clinique Take the Day Off cleansing balm daily...but I find that if I have done a heavy coating of mascara...this is the best product to effectively take it all off!  It is a solid balm that transforms from a solid into a silky oil upon application.  I put a small scoop in my hands and gently massage it over my face and eyes for about a minute.  I then rinse with water.  Although it says opthalmologist tested...I always take my contacts off first so I don't know if it would irritate my contacts or not.  It is NOT a face cleanser...so I follow with my usual skin care regime after.  I have read some reviews which said it gave them acne...I have NOT had this problem with this product....but again...I do not use it daily and I follow with my usual cleanser and moisturizers after.  It is available at Sephora and Ulta as well as Clinique counters.  $29.50.

DAILY SKIN CARE

I have been a huge fan of the Paula's Choice and goPure products for about 4 years now.  I use the entire system night and day and it has made such a difference in my skin.  I am 47 years old, so I have the issues most people my age do...fine lines and wrinkles and dryness.  I am pretty lucky that I don't have any issues with acne.  My routine involves a lot of products.  I get that...but the whole procedure takes less than 3 minutes and it works for me!!

A.M. ROUTINE:  I start with the PC HYDRATING CLEANSER. It is non-foaming and very gentle on my skin.  I follow with the PC TONER.  I don't use cotton pads...I just put a small amount in my hands and splash it all over my face.  Once that dries, I apply a dab of the goPURE EYE GEL under both eyes.  Next, I apply the PC DAILY SMOOTHING TREATMENT.  This is probably my favorite product.  It says fragrance free...but it has this lightweight scent, almost like bananas...that I just LOVE.  I put one pump in my hands and gently pat over my whole face.  I then use goPure VITAMIN C SERUM.  I use three drops of the serum and gently pat over my face.  Then I follow with 3 drops of goPure HYALURONIC ACID.  Same thing....lightly pat over my face.  I then use the PC RESTORING MOISTURIZER with an spf of 50 as my last step.  My skin is super soft and ready for the day!

P.M. ROUTINE:   I use the PC HYDRATING CLEANSER. I find that it removes my makeup just fine.  I follow with a splash of the PC TONER.  When it is dry, I apply a dab of the goPURE EYE GEL under both eyes.  I apply the PC DAILY SMOOTHING TREATMENT again.  Then I follow with 3 drops of goPure RETINOL SERUM which I lightly pat over my whole face.  I then use the PC SUPER ANTIOXIDENT SERUM.  Just a small pea size amount for my whole face.  I finish with one pump of the PC BARRIER REPAIR MOISTURIZER.  My skin is super soft and ready for bed!

I'm BACK!!
New Year, New Me!
Going to start talking about my favorite products...things that work, things that don't...things I love and things I hate!
Check back often to see what is going on!!

Glo

Make your day little brighter with these multi strand neon yellow chain bracelets by Studio HX3!  Super bright enameled neon yellow, orange, pink and green chains are mixed with oxidized silver (or choose copper, enameled black or matte gold metal) chain for chic and unique chunky bracelets.  Perfect to wear with jeans and simple tee or to funk up a simple black dress! Only $46.   Also available as necklaces!  

Minty

This gorgeous mint green shrug by For You Designs would be a perfect topper to a white tee and jeans or to throw on with a strapless dress.  And that color is to die for!!  (but also available in lots of other colors!)  Only $55.

Neon

These hand bags by Pirifoolery are so funky!  Hand crafted from vintage lace that is hand painted in bright neon tones, each bag is reinforced with a sturdy cotton so that the bags have some rigidity.  Awesome!  Prices start at $45!

Otto

I really like this Messenger bag by Otto Bags.   Hand made from green waxed canvas, it has an adjustable leather strap and an easy stylish leather snap front closure.  It would be great as an everyday bag, and I just love the bright color!  Only $52!! 

Geometric

These gorgeous silk dresses by Italian designer Nivule are stunning.  Geometric in form and vintage in inspiration...the textiles and colors are elegant and subtle.  Each piece is handmade in Italy and the silk is prewashed for an ultra soft look and feel.  Most items are under $200!  Stunning!  See more designs HERE.

Dare to Wear

These hand printed tights and leggings by Gal Stern are amazing!  I have been wearing a lot of dresses lately and I love to add funky tights underneath!  These come in a range of amazing colors and patterns and prices start at only $39!!

Unicorn Farts

Finally...someone has captured this magical scent.  And...now...you can get your very own Unicorn Farts Lip Balm for only $3.50.  Tastes and Smells like spearmint and pink cotton candy...of course...everybody knows that. 

Light it Up

These handmade shadow light box frames by La Boom are exquisite.  Painstakingly handcrafted, and made to order, they feature whimsical scenes such as a zebra getting ready for a party and a carnival.  Truly, a treasured gift to give to someone special. Prices start at only $13 for a small one (not pictured here) to $55 for the larger ones!!!

Accent your Neck

OOOOHHH.  This necklace L'Accent Nou is amazing!  It features uneven, faceted gray terracotta beads that have been made and textured one by one, by hand.  A big amazonite stone contrasts beautifully with the raw clay surface and makes a great combination of color and texture. A gorgeous statement piece that would look amazing with a strapless dress (as shown here) or to dress up a pair of jeans!  $140.