DERMALOGICA NIGHTLY LIP TREATMENT REVIEW

When I got a sample of this Dermalogica product, in our gift bag from our Fierce 50 Revolution weekend in CA, I was anxious to use it. I have used lip treatments before, and most were overpriced chap stick.

My lips are almost always dry and flaky, due to all the flying I do and the constant air conditioning.  So, I was anxious to give it a try.

I wasn’t expecting much.  I read the packaging and realized that it’s meant to be used on your lips and all around your lip area – to keep those fine lip lines away.

Dermalogica calls this product an “antiaging and perioral treatment that smoothes the appearance of laugh and feather lines while you sleep.  It’s meant to reduce and prevent fine lines around the lips, add some volume (over time), and hydrate.

This product is amazing!  It somehow got rid of all the dead chapped skin on my lips and made them soft and ready for lipstick!  Plus, I wasn’t expecting the added benefit of reducing those fine lines around your mouth.

I wish I would have taken a pic before I started using it.  Here are my lips only 1 week  later  (no photo editing done!  LOL)

I will gladly pay $49 to restock this one! It’s a large tube, and will last me a long time.  You can find the Nightly Lip Treatment at Ulta (in store or online on their website)  Just click on the below image and you will be taken to the Ulta site.

**all opinions are my own.  This is not a sponsored post

A Beauty Product I Can’t Live Without!

A spray that creates volume and texture that’s almost as light as air and gives big, lasting results on dry hair.

It’s powered by Volumizing and Texturizing Molecule (ETAS) which is lighter and bigger than industry standard ingredients, so it delivers big volume and texture on your hair without weighing it down. Full Dry Volume Blast:

• delivers instant volume and texture that lasts
• transforms fine, flat hair into voluminous styles. No crunchiness or stiffness
• use anytime, anywhere for instant results

Application tip: Shake to activate the formula. ETAS are so lightweight that they float in the can, so it’s important to shake before each spray. Then, apply on dry hair from root to ends for all-over volume and texture.

Full Dry Volume Blast is ideal for fine, flat hair and anyone seeking volume and texture. It is silicone-free. Safe and formulated for color and chemically treated hair.

I was so excited the first time I tried Full Dry Volume as it gave my hair great lift, isn’t sticky or stiff and easily re-fluffs throughout the day.  Obviously, my hair is colored but not obvious is that I have thin hair and it continues to thin as I age.  Full Dry Volume gives my hair the boost I like and still enables me to attempt to create the piecie look I try to accomplish!

*No eye-make in these pics as I was about to go for my eyelash fill.  Check out our previous blog on eyelash extensions!

Easter Manicure Inspiration!

These manicures use no chip polish which by the way we LOVE!    The pink manicure with the blue accent nail uses OPI polish.  The pink color is from the Hello Kitty line and is called “Look at my Bow”.  The blue is named “Its a Boy”.

The manicure below is a combination of colors.  The effect is created by putting a base of pink on all nails.  Then add a coat of glitter over the pink polish on the middle finger and a coat of chrome over the pink polish on the ring finger.   Exact name of the polishes are unknown but all are by OPI.

FTF’s Review of Natural Luxe Lash MD

Review of Cover Girl’s Lash Blast Length Mascara

 

FTF’s Review of Olay Regenerist Cream

FTF’s Review of Clinque’s Chubby Stick Lip Balm

Lip Plumping Gloss – Sexy Mother Pucker

Negative Space – The Hottest Trend in Nail Art!

The concept is so simple.  You just leave blank or negative space on your nails and create a design around that space.    You can go for something simple and basic or something very intricate and artsy.  The possibilities are endless.  Check out the below video for inspiration!

 

 

Tips to Creating Amazing Red Lips

I always have issues with lipstick bleeding into the small lines around my mouth!  However, I was determined to figure out a solution so that I could have red lips for the Holidays and special occasions.  Watch my video for the details:

 

 

Eyelash Extension What You Need To Know

Earlier this week we asked followers on FB if anyone has tried eyelash extensions or know someone who as tried them. While I was in Cape Cod this week, I met a great gal Linda at Diesel & Lulu’s who has them and loves them! Listen to her thoughts/tips. I wish I was up here longer. I would have them done by her gal Katrina at The Lash Boutique in Hyannis MA. Thanks for the great tips Linda!

 

Temporary Root Touch Up Cream!

Do cream based temporary root touch up products work well?  I tried a product by Salon on 5th Ave/NYC.   Is it better than the spray on product I tested earlier? Check out my video and you decide!  Post a comment and let me know what you think.

 

 

#salonon5thave/nyc

#temporaryrootcoverup

#covergreys

Temporary Root Touch Up Spray!

Can’t get to the salon but are in desperate need of a touch up?  Due to my busy schedule I find myself in this situation frequently.  In fact my dark roots are currently out of control so I thought I would try a temporary root cover up spray.  I used EVERPRO BACK2BLONDE.  My husband thinks it looks marvelous.  Check out the results and then post a comment and let me know what you think. Next week I am going to try a root touch up cream so stay tuned!

http://bit.ly/2e29tDJ

#everproback2blonde

#temporaryrootcoverup

#covergreys

Having Trouble Managing Unruly Grey Hairs?

The texture of my hair is changing.  I am getting more grey hair and with that grey hair has come a bevy of unruly hair that sticks straight up from my part.  It absolutely drives me crazy!  I’ve tried a bunch of different things but it is this quick and easy trick that solved the problem.  Check it out!

 

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE REVIEW:  September 2016

I’m so excited!  POPSUGAR sent this Must Have Box to try.   If you aren’t familiar with POPSUGAR, each month you receive a box filled with amazing, full sized curated products to try.

 

To receive a fun box of goodies each month, click here

Sept Box Contents:

• Jack & Lucy – Bicoastal Wide Brim Hat
• NCLA – MANI-ER Tool Kit
• Briogeo – Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
• Flint – Lint Roller
• Smith & Cult – Lip Lacquer in The Warning
• The Gluten Free Bites – Dark Chocolate Coconut Bliss

Jack & Lucy – Bicoastal Wide Brim Hat – Retail Value $58

I love hats! Living in AZ you can often see me in a baseball hat especially during those “bad hair days”.   When I lived back in the Midwest I wore fall and winter hats often.  Unfortunately, the weather doesn’t lend itself to fall/winter hats.  But, every now and then I can wear them and I will definitely be sporting this one.

NCLA – MANI-ER Tool Kit – Retail Value $16

I love little nail kits like this.  I have a similar one that’s seen its better days! It permanently stays in my suitcase for all the traveling I do for work.   Now I can replace it.

Briogeo – Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask – Retail Value $36

This hair mask is what I was most excited about in this box.   I’m find my hair is getting dryer and damaged due to coloring it more often.  I’ve been trying many different deep conditioning products lately.   I tried this one and the results were great!   This is a new “must have” on my beauty list.

 

Flint – Lint Roller – Retail Value $9.99

I have 4 dogs, so this product is perfect for me.   One thing I hate about lint rollers, is that they stick to EVERYTHING!

What makes this lint roller so great is that it is retractable.  Simply twist the bottom and the sticky lint roller appears.  This is already packed in my suitcase for my business travel.

Smith & Cult – Lip Lacquer in The Warning – Retail Value $22

When I first saw this in the container I thought “boy is that red”! It isn’t nearly as red when applied.   It’s actually a very natural pinky red color.   I really like it and will be adding to my lineup!

The Gluten Free Bites – Dark Chocolate Coconut Bliss – Retail Value $4.99

I’m not a gluten-free person.  I eat lots of it and don’t feel at all guilty about it!  So I was a bit skeptical when I saw this gluten-free snack in the box.  But they are chocolate and I’ll try anything with chocolate! These chocolate, coconut balls are AMAZING!!  They were so good that the package was gone in one evening.

I loved everything in this box!

POPSUGAR is offering a promo code SHOP5 to get $5 off your first order!  (no expiration) Thanks POPSUGAR!

#MustHaveBox, #Ad, #POPSUGAR

My New Favorite Thing – Spackle Primer by Laura Geller!

A friend gave me Spackle Primer as a gift several months ago and now I can’t live without it!  Spackle is an under makeup primer.  I apply a thin layer to my entire face before putting on makeup.  It smooths out my skin and gives it the extra moisture it needs especially under my eyes.  My foundation, concealer and blush glide on and set perfectly.  I don’t use Spackle as a replacement of my daily moisturizer.  I use it in addition to my after shower head to toe application of Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion.  I didn’t realize I couldn’t live without Spackle until I ran out.  I noticed that my skin looked drier than normal and that my makeup didn’t look as good as it usually did toward the end of the day.  It sounds kind of crazy but it really makes a difference!

Spackle comes in different formulas.  There is a guide on Laura Geller’s website that will help you determine which is right for your skin.    I use the hydrating formula.

You can find Spackle at Ulta, major department stores or at www.laurageller.com .   If you order $50 or more on Laura Geller’s website you will receive a free Spackle sample.  Otherwise look for coupons and discounts because it is a bit pricey at $32 for two ounces.   I used it daily and it lasted for about five months.  I love it and think you may too!

#spackleprimer

#laurageller

#spackle

 

Manicure ~ Pedicure

 

Nail and toe art are part of my regular beauty routine!   Jenny, nail technician/artist, can create/duplicate any design shown to her.  Some day when FTF is rich and famous, Jenny will be our personal manicurist!   Additionally, Jenny is a friend and fellow fashionista!  I typically get a “no chip” or “shellac” manicure and regular pedicure although I do like to splurge occasionally on the hot rocks pedicure.  Do you wonder what the differences are between the various manicure options?  Here you go:

No-Chip

No-chip manicures involve a gel-based nail polish. The process includes a base coat, two coats of polish and a sealer, which is applied and then cured to the nail under ultraviolet (UV) lights.  Your nails are dry immediately requiring no down time for drying.

Gel Nails

Unlike thick gel products of the past, today’s gels have a similar consistency to nail polish.

They are brushed onto your nails, nail tips, or nail appliqués to extend length. After your nail technician applies each coat, you must put your nails under ultraviolet (UV) light to “cure” or harden the product. There is no odor during the application process.

Gels are more expensive than acrylics, but they may hold their color longer without chipping, so you may not mind the steeper price.

Maintenance: Like acrylics, gels grow out with your nails and need to be filled in every two to three weeks.

Removal: You can remove most gel nails by soaking them in nail polish remover. Some nail-sized wraps are filled with nail polish remover, which can loosen the artificial nails enough for removal, without drying out your hands.

Acrylic Nails

Your nail technician will mix a liquid with a powder and brush the mixture onto your nails. They’ll usually cover your entire nail, though sometimes they’ll just add tips or a flexible form that they can sculpt to extend your nails.

The product hardens as it is exposed to the air.

Upkeep: Over time, acrylics grow out with your nails. Every two to three weeks, you should return to the salon to have your nails filled in. Your technician will gently file down the acrylic edge closest to your nail bed, then fill in the empty area between your nail bed and the existing acrylic nail.

Removal: When you decide to have your acrylics removed, your nail technician will remove them quite easily, with no forcing or prying, after soaking your hands in nail polish remover for 15 minutes.

Silk Nails

These fabric wraps are glued in place to strengthen weak nails or help a cracked nail grow out. Some wraps are made of silk, but others are made of linen, paper, or fiberglass.

Your nail technician will fit the material to your nail’s shape, hold it in place, then brush on glue.

Silks are intended to be temporary, and the adhesives will loosen within two or three weeks, or sooner if you wash dishes by hand without gloves. Your nail technician can remove or reapply them at your follow-up visit.

Pedicure

A traditional pedicure begins with a therapeutic foot bath or spa. Your feet are soaked and cleansed in warm, scented water to soften the skin — like a mini-Jacuzzi for your feet.

An exfoliating rub will slough off dead skin with salts or minerals. Your pedicurist will also remove your cuticles and cut and shape your toenails.

Creams and aromatherapy oils are massaged into your feet to refresh and soften your skin. Many pedicurists will also massage your lower legs and maybe give an acupressure or reflexology-based foot massage to help relax you. Some pedicures will include the use of hot stones. Others use mud, wraps and even algae. High quality toenail polish will be applied at the end of your pedicure.

A pedicure will usually last between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the techniques involved. I always get my pedicure before my manicure so that my toes dry fully!

 

 

 

Must Haves for the Road

The 5 Things I Cannot go on a Trip Without!

1. Advil – It is my pain reliever of choice and I seriously never leave home without it.  Whether it is a headache, a sprain, a fever or a cocktail flu you’ll have relief quickly!

2. Band-Aid Blister Gel Guard For Heals – I first discovered these Band-Aids when I was at a convention wearing a newer pair of shoes. I had a horrible blister and asked a friend if he had a Band-Aid. He not only had a Band-Aid, he had a blister Band-Aid.  I fell in love with this product within minutes!  These Band-Aids stay in place for multiple days, shield against further rubbing and are 100% waterproof!  They are amazing!

3. Tweezers – About 5 years ago I was riding in the passenger seat of a car with a colleague. When I pulled the visor down to check my makeup I discovered a single black hair growing under my chin.  To say I was horrified is an understatement!  Thoughts were racing through my head.  How long has it been there?  Has everyone noticed and wondered why I hadn’t plucked it?   To make matters worse I didn’t have a pair of tweezers with me.  I had to live with that black hair under my chin for all the world to see until I got home that evening.  Another time when I was applying makeup using my 7X magnifying mirror I found a wispy grey hair growing out of my cheek. I swear it was at least 1-2 inches long!  What the hell!  How can it be that I hadn’t seen it before?  Once again I was horrified!  No surprise I never leave the house without a pair of tweezers.

4. Travel Size Magnifying Mirror – I love this mirror because it has suction cups on the back which allow you to attach it to any bathroom mirror. It is great for applying makeup and for finding the offending black and grey hairs mentioned above.

5. Nail Clipper and File – I am a little compulsive about a jagged edge nail. I am not sure why but it drives me absolutely crazy and I must address it immediately. The type of break will determine if you need a file or a clipper.  A clipper also comes in handy for a multitude of other uses so it is always handy to have!

#travelkit
#musthavesfortheroad
#emergencytravelkit
#emergencyfashiontravelkit