Review: BOOM! By Cindy Joseph Makeup

Cindy Joseph Puts the Boom! in Boomer Makeup

Four weeks ago, I was packing for a business trip to New York.  I was trying to get 3 days of winter clothes, shoes and toiletries into a carry-on.   As I was packing I noticed my cosmetics & skin care bag was completely overstuffed.  The craziest part is, when it comes to makeup and my skin care I’ve always had a mantra that it’s gotta be easy, simple and not a lot of products. I sat there and thought, “what is going on?  Why am I traveling with so many products?  You have got to streamline this” but I couldn’t.   LOL

The next morning, while waiting to board the plane I was skimming through my FB feed and stopped on a sponsored video post by Cindy Joseph, the founder of Boom.  I see many video posts in my feed, normally I just move on, but I stopped to watch.

Cindy Joseph talks in the video about her career as makeup artist and was a proponent of the natural look.  She developed a simple line of cosmetics designed not to mask, hide or correct but simply to enhance a woman’s natural beauty.  Her BOOM! products mark her attempt to package that glow you get from a light workout.

BOOM!

BOOM!  is a set of three multi-use products that should be able to replace a drawer full of cosmetics. I love that!  In Joseph’s eyes, these are all any woman needs to head out the door looking naturally beautiful. There’s BOOMSTICK COLOR for rosiness, BOOMSTICK GLIMMER to highlight with a pearly sheen, and BOOMSTICK GLO to add moisture and a dewiness wherever it’s needed.

After watching the video, I was very intrigued and ordered the product before I got on the plane.

The Review

This handy little trio of sticks are WONDERFUL!  I can put on makeup in less than 5 minutes.  It looks natural, fresh and all three sticks fit in my hand! Good Bye overstuffed makeup bag!   I’ve been using the products for about 4 weeks now and love them!  I feel like I have a “fresh-face” look and its light and translucent.

Glo

gives your skin a slight dewiness while moisturizing.  I love the texture of it.  It’s all natural made by a bee keeper in Hawaii. The ingredients are bees wax, olive oil, and honey, it is really moisturizing.  I even put it on my cuticles and feet!

The Color Stick

can be applied to cheeks, eyes, lips, forehead… anywhere you need a little color.   I was really anxious to try this one because I’ve recently started noticing that when I put on a power blush it was dulling my skin.   She says that the color is specially formulated to customize to EVERY skin tone.  While listed as blush, it is meant to be treated more like a bronzer. This is my favorite of the 3.  The color is sheer and for me, it does look like I just got back from a light workout.  So, I carry it with me and can touch up at any time.

When I’m in a real hurry, I swipe it on upper cheek bones (yes, it goes on darker than I would want anyone to see me…but it fades to a natural look in just a few minutes) I put excess from fingers across upper forehead (thought this was silly when I first saw her directions), but it works! It makes a nice glow up there.

I also add to my lips.  Love a red lip, but most colors are too dark for me at this age and this is perfect.  I must admit it doesn’t last that long, but neither do most regular lipsticks I’ve used.  Finally, I will swipe on my eyelids.  This is not a full-fledged makeup routine.  It’s the “Ugh… I need to run out to the store and I don’t want to take the time to do my makeup” – this makes me look pretty good.   When I’m working from home I keep it on my desk and do a quick touch up right before a WebEx or google hangout call.   It’s the best.

Glimmer

is a very pretty dark champagne shimmer. I use it on my eyelids, on my brow bones, cheek bones.  Basically, you can wear it anywhere you want to catch just a little light without looking glittery.

Video About The Products

You can check out her video tutorial in which Joseph shows you how easy it is to apply and gives some helpful tips for when you (inevitably) buy them.  LOL

I tried to take a picture for you, but the while the look is great in person, it doesn’t show up that well in pictures. It’s subtle but a definite improvement in a couple of minutes!  All I have on is Boom products and mascara.

The best part? This let me ditch the jam-packed makeup bag to travel with essentials only (and it doesn’t even need to go in your 3-1-1 bag since it is solid)

Moisturized skin that adds a natural glow with just three products? Doesn’t get more essential than that!  Now if I could just figure out how to get my hair products down to 3!

NOTE:  Right now there is a 10% off your order coupon code.   Use BOOM10 during check out.

All opinions are completely my own.  I was not asked by anyone to do a BOOM review, and did not receive any compensation for it.

FTF’s First Product Review in 2018!

Rhoto Eye Drops

I discovered this product through my son, Matt.  Matt is a blue eyed white boy whose eyes are often red.  My eyes are red from time to time mostly due to allergies.  In any case I think Rhoto Eye Drops are amazing.  Truly one of the best products I’ve ever tried!

 

 

Have you used Rhoto eye drops?  Do you share my enthusiasm?  Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment!

The opinions in this post are my own.  I was not asked to review this product or compensated in any way.  

Do You Wish for Whiter Teeth?

AP 24 Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste by Nu Skin Review

My interest was peaked after seeing several posts on Facebook regarding the amazing results of the AP24 Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste.  In my opinion, my teeth aren’t bad and my dentist always confirms that but if I could make them whiter by simply brushing me teeth, I’m all for it!  It’s important to note that I have sensitive teeth and have previously used whitening strips.  The strips while making my teeth whiter always cause me to have EXTRA sensitivity for several days.  My teeth do get stained in between my six month dentist visits from drinking iced coffee.

I reached out to Kristi Lynn Hartman Cole to inquire.  Kristi informed me of the great benefits of the toothpaste.  She graciously sent me a tube to try and to share my results with you.

 

GETTING STARTED:

Don’t mind my funny faces and the emphasizing of my teeth in my video…LOL

FACTS:

AP-24® Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste lightens teeth without peroxide while preventing cavities and plaque formation. The gentle, vanilla mint formula freshens breath and provides a clean, just-brushed feeling.

BENEFITS

  • Brightens and whitens teeth.
  • Helps remove stains.
  • Helps remove and prevent plaque buildup.
  • Helps the prevention of dental cavities.
  • Provides a long-lasting smooth, clean, and fresh feel.
  • Features AP-24, an exclusive ingredient.
  • Refreshing, trademark vanilla mint flavor.
  • Thick, creamy, rich formula.
  • No harmful peroxides.

RESOURCES

Product Information Page

AP-24 Ingredient Safety

MY RESULTS:

These photos have not been altered or filtered in any way.  In my opinion, my teeth are whiter and aren’t getting stained as they typically do in between cleanings.  For me, the fact that I don’t experience sensitivity and pain is worth using AP24 over whitening strips!

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I intend to continuing using AP24.   A tube costs $20.00; and I’m still using the first tube sent to me back in October.  If you consider the cost of whitening stripes and toothpaste, it’s a pretty good deal!  To purchase click here:  http://bit.ly/2Bvelvr ti or email Kristi Cole at:  klynncole@gmail.com

Kristi Cole will be ordering more whitening toothpaste this week! The SALE below is  effective until Thursday at midnight.

This post is not endorsed by Nu Skin.  This post is my own and represents 100% of my honest opinions.

How To Wear Red

How to wear winters “it” color – Red!

There are lots of winter trends, but the one I was most excited about is red! It was all over the  runways, and Pantone even declared the shade Aurora Red as one of the top ten colors of the season. Think you can’t wear red because of your skin tone? Don’t worry—the “experts” say the right shade of red can actually brighten your complexion.  That along is reason to try red!

Still on the fence?  Here are 5 examples of how to wear red that might inspire you.

  • Find the red that works best for you. Not everyone feels like they can pull off every shade of red. Try maroon, muted red, and bright red.

  • Maybe try pops of red. Wearing red accessories, a patterned scarf or vest are good ways to do this.

  • Try a red lip. You’ll have to find the shade that works best for you and your routine. Be willing to try a variety.

  • Wear a red or maroon bottom. It may be easier for you to wear red jeans or a red skirt.

  • If all else fails, red shoes might be a good option. Again, you aren’t limited to the traditional cherry red you might be thinking of. Maroon is always good too.

My Outfits

My style is pretty casual.  Everything I buy these days has to past the “can I pack it in a carry-on” test.  All of these pieces are easy to pack & don’t wrinkle.    My shades of red vary from a bright red to maroon.   I wear the boots pictured below often!  It’s just enough to add a pop of color to an outfit.   I find one of the easiest ways to wear red is to combine with 1 other color.

Are you wearing red this season?  Tell us about your best red looks.

 

The Best of 2017 Product Reviews

A look back at the products I fell in love with this past year!

Of all the products I tested in 2017 these are the ones I truly love and now use all the time.  The opinions in this post are my own.  I was not asked to review any of these products or compensated in any way.  Did you use any of these products?  Which are your favorites?

 

 

What Are You Wearing for the Holidays?

Here’s What I’m Wearing for the Holidays…

Do you like to be dressed up and fancy for the holidays?  Or do you prefer a more casual and relaxed look for the holidays?  Those of you that know me well know that I’m pretty much always fancy and it doesn’t require a holiday or special occasion!  At work this past week, I was asked if I was going somewhere afterwards…No!  Being overly dressed for any event I attend is almost always a given; but I don’t mind as that is how I feel most comfortable!

SUPER CASUAL HOLIDAY LOOK:

Think pjs!  I actually convinced my entire family to wear matching family pjs last year!  My son-in-law was a trooper and at least put them on long enough for a photo!  Of course it became necessary to add silly headwear and a flashing Christmas Bulb Necklace!

Our matching pajamas came from Pajama Gram!  Don’t forget your fury loves!  Pajama Gram carries pjs for your pooch and for your cat!

SHOP THE LOOK:

 

CASUAL HOLIDAY LOOKS:

Think sweaters, embellished jeans (is that considered fancy? – not for me!), leggings and booties!  Stars seem to be a current trend as I’ve seen them on almost everything!  Both sweaters have sparkly stars!  I think this look will also transition well into the winter!

The gray star sweater is from Macy’s!  The pearl embellished jeans are from Chico’s.  The white metallic booties are from Target.

The black star sweater and necklace/earrings are from Stein Mart.  The polka dot leggings are from Chico’s.  The gold booties are from Amazon – Lucky Brand.

SHOP THE LOOK:

 

CONSERVATIVE HOLIDAY LOOK:

Perhaps you’re not into sparkle and glitz!  Maybe plaid, button downs and puff vests are more your thing!  I used to have a different Christmas sweater for every day in December when I was still in the classroom teaching.  I kept some of my favorites and have purchased some not so “classroom” looking sweaters!

How cute is this French Bulldog Sweater from Dress Barn?  The snowflake has rhinestones!  It spoke to me and I had to have it!  The red pants are from Chico’s.  The puffy vest is Michael Kors (similar here) from Carson’s.  The buffalo plaid button down is also from Carson’s. Check out our previous blog post on how to style puffy vests!

The black patent lace up shoes are from DSW.  This look wouldn’t be complete without some holiday socks!

The back of the cardigan is braided, which is such a fun detail and allows the plaid to peek through!

High low plaid top from Torrid.  Black cardi from Dress Barn.  Black faux leather leggings from Chico’s.

Red patten booties from Asos.

SHOP THE LOOK:

 

FANCIER HOLIDAY LOOKS:

What’s trending for winter you ask? FAUX FUR! I’ve seen faux fur jackets, scarfs, vests and in a multitude of colors! I’m a big fan of this trend!

Recently, I went out to dinner with my Auntie. She surprised me with a gift that’s beyond priceless! She gave me what was once my great-grandma’s fur shrug/wrap. My aunt believes that it was once a coat and cut down. Initially, I thought where would I wear it and how would I style it. Then I decided I could wear it where ever and when ever I wanted especially since it’s so trendy right now. Plus I think it’s perfect for the holidays!

Do you have a special vintage piece of clothing that holds fond memories? Are you a fan of the faux fur trend?

Leopard print top and red pants from Chico’s.

I have the fondest memories of my Great-Grandma Benesky! (We are pictured below.)  She used to call me draga, which is Romanian for dear! She also called me scumpa (not sure if I’m spelling it right), which we think means sweatheart in Romanian! When I put on her shrug, I feel as though she is giving me a big hug!

How about a faux fur leopard jacket with an embellished top?!  Shopped my closet for this look.  I actually bought the jacket at an outlet center and the top at JCP last Christmas.  Paired with black pants, leopard pumps, red lips and you’re holiday ready!  Super simple to put together!

Is it wrong to match your home decor? LOL  Speaking of which, my Christmas decorations were looking old and tired.  Some are sentimental and I’ll always keep them.  However, it was time to go for the others.  I had sooooo much fun shopping at At Home!  They have such a great selection and such great prices!  All their Christmas decorations are now 50% off.  I love to decorate my house as much as I like to decorate myself – no surprise I’m sure! LOL

Our neighbors host a Christmas party every year!  It’s sooooo much fun!  We are blessed to have amazing neighbors so I look forward to this yearly event!  Wondering what to wear to a house party?  How about a sequin lace top, cute jeans, chandelier earrings and pumps?!

This Karen Kane top is from Macy’s.  It was a bit of a splurge (this coupon queen got the Cyber Monday sale and used a coupon!)  but it’s so lacey, blingy, and the cut is perfect – so swingy!  The jeans are embellished at the cuff and are from Chico’s.  My sparkley black pumps are Bandolino from Shoe Carnival.  I got them on sale for $14.00!  Did you see my Facebook Post on Monday?  I talked about my current obsession with tulle socks!  Can’t wait to get them to style them with this outfit!  Tulle socks from Etsy.

Velvet at Christmas is a no brainer!  I’m loving that you can get velvet is almost every color!  This embroidered velvet jacket and the velvet tank are from Chico’s.  The jacket is nice and warm!  The long length hides my flaws and creates a longer leaner appearance!  That’s a win in my book!  Here I’ve paired the jacket with the same jeans and pumps as my outfit above.  You could easily wear black dress pants or leggings.

SHOP THE LOOK:

 

Which look is your favorite?  What will you be wearing for the holiday?  Leave us a comment!

MERRY CHRISTMAS:

As the year comes to an end, I reflect on all my good fortunate!  I’m blessed to be with the love of my life for 30 plus years and that we are able to celebrate him as a cancer survivor!  I’m surrounded by wonderful family and friends and you our followers!  These are the most important things to me…gifts of the heart to be opened up daily and appreciated!  I have a job I truly love; and I get to blog and talk fashion (my passion) with my gal pals Cindy and Lori!  These are truly my gifts of the season and all year long!

FASHION TRENDS AND FRIENDS wish you and yours a

very Merry Christmas! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Traditions Blog Loop

Christmas Traditions Blog Loop

Fashion Trends and Friends has collaborated with some of our Fierce 50 Sisters to share with you our various Holiday Traditions!  Enjoy!

Wintherhaven Festival of Lights

Living in Tucson during Christmas is always a bit difficult for me.  Being from Chicago, its sometimes hard to get into the Christmas spirit when it’s 70 – 80 degree’s outside.   For me, I need snow and cold.   Mind you, I only want it in the month of December.   Once Christmas is over, I’m very happy with our 70 degree weather!

One of our yearly traditions to get us into the holiday spirit is a visit to little neighborhood known as Winterhaven for its Festival of Lights.  It is a celebration of the season and honors all winter holidays regardless of religion and beliefs.

This season it will be the 68th time that Tucson has enjoyed Winterhaven’s neighborhood decorations. This community decorates for the holidays every year with elaborate light displays and decorations. All the streets close to traffic and this allows for people to enjoy an old time nostalgic Christmas experience.

Each year there are new displays and decorations along with some houses that feature the same display every year.   While I love seeing the new displays, one of my favorite houses has a Wishing Tree, where you can write a wish on a small sheet of paper and attach it to paper chains ornamenting an enormous tree.

Our tradition ends with coming back to the house for homemade chili and cornbread.

There are various ways of seeing the neighborhood.   People walk, take a trolley or hayride.   My favorite is the hayride.   You do have to make reservations for the trolley and hayride.   The waiting area offers kettle corn, hot chocolate, Christmas carolers and a fire to sit around.   It’s so quaint.

There are many myths about Winterhaven here in Tucson. Probably the most known Myth is that if you live in Winterhaven you are required to decorate with lights for the Holiday season. The fact is that it is completely voluntary. Most residents participate because they love the Festival and see it as their gift to the community.  If you ever happen to be in Tucson during Christmas, I highly recommend you see Winterhaven’s Festival of lights.  Spending time with family and getting into the spirit of the Holiday is what it is all about!

Now please enjoy our fellow Fierce 50 Sister’s Christmas Traditions Blogs!

Ask Suzanne Bell  

Hello I’m 50ish

Over the Hilda

Sharing a Journey

Do you have a Christmas tradition?  Please share!

Rodan + Fields

Rodan + Fields – A Two Month Trial – Part 2

Several months ago I did a vlog review of Olay Regenerist Anti Aging Cream.  As a result of that video, Joanna Pritchard, a Rodan + Fields Representative, reached out to my partner Julie and asked if we would be interested in trying Rodan + Fields skin care products.  As Julie  says, “we are always looking for a face lift in a bottle,” so we were more than game to try the product for 60 days and vlog about our results.  Julie gave her review last month which can be found here.   Watch the video below for my feedback!

 

Do you have a skin care routine you swear by or have you found a “face lift” in a bottle?  Please share!

This post is not endorsed by Rodan and Fields.  This post is my own and represents 100% of my honest opinions.

A Special Thank You:

If you’re interested in any of the Rodan and Fields products, please reach out to Joanna Pritchard at: JoannaPritchard.myrandf.com or joanna@poppys-style.com.

 

Fashion Show Fun with Chico’s

Fashion Show F-U-N with Chico’s

A long time friend, Heidi, asked that I assist her by going shopping with her to pick out some new fall and winter outfits!  Of course, it was and always is my pleasure to go on a shopping adventure with a girlfriend/s!  Our first stop – CHICO’S and shopping SUCCESS!

I was drawn to this Shine Anorak Jacket! Take a sporty style, add a little shimmer and you’ve got this fabulous jacket. This wear-anywhere design is finished with zipper pockets, an adjustable cinch waist and a drawstring hood to keep you comfy on the go.

The Anorak Jacket pairs great with these Knit Foiled Dot Pull-On Leggings! They are so cute and so comfy!

While there I met the most wonderful sales associates and the store manage, Valerie Bongiovanni.  Isn’t she a doll?!

 

Valerie was so helpful and eager to assist us.  We hit it off right away!  I was thrilled when Valerie asked if I’d be interested in being in the upcoming fashion show.  Let me think about it, “YES!”

THE OUTFITS:

The Saturday before the Fashion Show my mom and I went to pick out my three outfits.  Here is what I choose and why I choose them:

The Sequin Lace-Cuff Girlfriend Ankle Jeans – Styled with sparkly lace cuffs, which is a current trend!  These jeans elevate your daytime look and stand at the ready for a night on the town. (Oh, and they’re super-slimming and comfy, too.) Exclusive Hidden Fit technology slims and smoothes at the tummy.  I like that they are higher waisted to hold me in!

All three outfits revolved around these jeans!  They were a big hit at the Fashion Show!

LOOK ONE:

The Velvet Embroidered Jacket has amazing details and incorporates both the velvet and embroidery trend!

The Haylee Bib Necklace elevated the look and is perfect for the holidays!  However, I don’t need much excuse to be bedazzled!

My fan club included my mom’s friend Helen (pictured above), her friend Ginger, my mom and my high school friend Cindy! Grateful for their support!

LOOK TWO:

Who doesn’t love some leopard print?  It’s always fashionable and in style.  This Piped Animal Top has slits on the sleeves for some added visual interest.  The length is great and covers my booty!  It looks really cute with the jeans; and I do intend to wear it with red pants!

The Faux-Fur Trim Wrap paired great with look two and can be styled so many ways!  Did you see Cindy’s blog last week about the continued poncho and wrap trend?

LOOK THREE:

This Faux-Fur Vest makes a chic layer, whether you’re pairing it with office attire or glamming it up for a night on the town!

This Lace-Trim Pleat Top is part of Chico’s Black Label collection. Gorgeous pleat details paired with wide bracelet sleeves grace this with top with a lovely flowiness, enhanced by a delicate lace detail at the neckline.

Sadly, I never got into my third outfit!  Valerie said this might happen as the restaurant was full (3 rooms).  I was busy having so much fun, talking with all of the woman, recommending various ways to style the outfits and sharing why I loved them.  Here’s the look when I tried it on the Saturday before.

All of the models were so nice and super friendly!  Here are some of the (20) beauties that I had the joy of spending the day with…

 

GRAND FINALE:

MY PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER:

Kudos to my friend since high school, Cindy!  She was nice enough to come and take pictures and video of the day.  We’ve also been long time fashion/shopping buddies!

For me, this was way out of my comfort zone!  In my younger years, I would never have done this alone if at all.  I would have doubted that I should be doing this at all.  Part of getting older, wiser and more confident in who I am is being able to do these things that I love and am passionate about!  Being a mid-lifer has it’s advantages for sure!  I LOVED this experience so much and was so at ease talking to the woman.  I was thrilled that Valerie asked if I’d be interested in doing another fashion show.  Let me think about it, “YES!”  Mark your calendar for January 24th!

Happy Thanksgiving from FTF to YOU!  We appreciate and are grateful for your support and encouragement! Enjoy the holiday with your family and friends!

 

Poncho Perfection For Fall

Alternative For Your Jacket – A Poncho Or Cape

Ponchos & Capes are back this fall and they’re hotter than ever.  Of course, it’s hard to fit a coat on over a poncho, so you can only really wear them when the weather is chilly enough for layers and warm enough to run around without a heavy winter coat. But still, I think its a great transitional piece.  Everyone should have at least one in there closet.

So, skip the jacket and make a poncho or cape your go-to layering piece this fall.  Where them with jeans and turtleneck as an alternative to a jacket or coat.  The best part is, unlike a jacket that can feel confining with too many layers underneath, a poncho or cape eliminates that problem.  I also love that it disguises whatever trouble spot or bulge you’d rather not want anyone to see. 

This trend isn’t just for coats and sweaters.  Lightweight tops with dolman sleeves that are wide at the armhole and slim at the wrist are a version of the poncho as well.  I have several dolman sleeve tops.   They are great to just throw on with jeans or leggings for running errands around town.   In fact I did a post about my love for them last year at this time.  You can read about it here.

My love affair has continued into 2017. What’s great is the trend has only improved with more variety in cut, fabric, and pattern.

I have a variety in both cotton and cashmere. The cashmere is so soft and warm you just want to wear it all the time, just to have that soft feeling around you.

They are a staple for me and great for all of the traveling I do. These are from my favorite stores Oz and Diesel and Lulu on Cape Cod. They are all lightweight and has a nice drape to them so they are not overwhelming.   Added bonus they are easy to pack or throw in a tote.

Solid knit ponchos are by far the most popular and the most versatile versions of this season’s poncho trend.

No matter what your body type, a knit poncho will be more flattering as it doesn’t tent out from your shoulders and it falls below your waistband.

Capes are another favorite of mine.   The fall weather here in Tucson does get chilly in the morning and at night.   A cape is the perfect piece to throw over a dress, work outfit or just with jeans and a tee.

My current favorite is this crochet eyelet sweater poncho from sole society.    It’s is a great layering piece.  Plus I’m able to wear my back brace underneath without it showing.  So it will be a go to piece for awhile.   This poncho is also long enough to wear with leggings.

Turtlenecks are a nice way to spruce up a pair of jeans or leggings.   Plus they keep your neck warm.  This longer poncho is great for anyone with a tall frame.

Poncho Outfit Ideas 

I found these Poncho outfit ideas on Polyvore and thought I would share with you.  Do you have a favorite?

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