Saturday, August 1, 2020

Three Beauty Products I Find Indispensable: Then & Now (11 Years Later!)

Eleven years ago, I thought I was having allergies to my body care and makeup etc.  Turns out it was an allergy to shrimp, crab, lobster etc.  LOL
 Today the products I find indispensable are inexpensive face serums and masks from The Ordinary.  I find that in addition to the wallet friendly price tag, they work very well.  I've been using the Niacinamide serum for, at least, three or four years, now.  It helps keeps breakouts at bay and helps shrink pores.  Because I'm breakout prone, I need a LOT of exfoliation, so I use the Lactic Acid serum.  The peeling solution is interesting and works great!  It looks like blood in the bottle.  (But that doesn't bother me one bit.)  If you've been breaking out, this will help them go away.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!
It's Sophie!!!

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Three Beauty Products I'd Like To Try: Then & Now (11 Years Later!)

For the "Now" category, I picked items that matched the category of items I wanted 11 years ago:  Face, Lips and Skincare. None of the brands from 11 years ago are Cruelty Free (not sure if they ever were).  The items for 2020 are all cruelty free.

I picked IT Cosmetics Oil-Free Matte CC+ Cream for traveling.  I hate the feel of putting sunscreen on my face, under my foundation.  This is an all-in-one solution.  Plus it's matte which works well for me in warmer and humid climates.  

I saw Emily Noel (YouTube) demonstrating e.l.f.'s Sheer Slick Lipstick in Black Cherry.  As she said -- it's pretty much a dupe for Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey.  Not only is the e.l.f. version much more inexpensive; but, e.l.f.'s version is cruelty-free.  Clinique's isn't cruelty free.  

For Edible Beauty's cleansing milk -- not only do I love the packaging, but the description sounds scrumptious: 
This soothing, milky emulsion feels like a breath of fresh air on the skin. Coconut oil gently washes away makeup, surface impurities, and acne-causing bacteria, while balancing moisture levels. Salicylic acid unclogs pores and addresses acne-prone skin. Apple and strawberry extracts reduce the look of discoloration for a more radiant, even-toned complexion. Australian Wattle Seed supports skin elasticity and firmness. Melon and the essential oils of orange and lime infuse the cleanser with an uplifting and refreshing aroma.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!
This is my friend's cat, Billy.  He's Luna's brother!

Friday, July 24, 2020

Three Favorite Single Shadows: Then & Now (11 Years Later!)

Looking at my favorite single shadows from 2009, I'm quite surprised at how boring they are.  LOL
The picture that I used for NARS Bombshell is actually a shadow called Euphrate.  It was the closest approximation to Bombshell that I could find.

As you can see, 11 years later, I love more color, particularly red tones.  

I was really into red and orange tones 30 years ago, when I worked in a department store.  You couldn't really find shades like that at the time.  A friend and I loved the orangey eyeshadow looks that were seen on the runway (remember Style with Elsa Klensch on CNN back then?)   We each found a carrot orange blush that a French company named Orlane made and bought one.  I loved it until I would start getting a stye every time I wore it.  Then, I saw Demi Moore with red eyeshadow on the Arsenio Hall show (remember that?) and I had to have some red shadow.  There was a cosmetic company at the time that was part of the Estee Lauder umbrella of brands -- I can't remember to save my life -- but they made custom makeup.  When I visited Boston in '91 or '92, I had them make me a trio of shadows -- one of which was reddish. The point of this story is that I'm glad the colors I love are readily available now!!!
Ta-Ta-For-Now!                 
I think I got these guys in Atlantic City.

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Three Perfumes I still want: Then & Now (11 Years Later!)

Have I said, lately, that I'm a perfume addict as well as a makeup addict?

Eleven years later, the types of perfumes that I like are quite different.  I found about Atelier Cologne from watching an Emily Noel video at least five years ago.  Her husband, reviewed Orange Sanguine.  I got myself two different Mini Wardrobe collections that came in tins.  I discovered that the fragrances in the wardrobes were well suited to the hotter and often humid climates that I often traveled to with my husband. 

I'm not very familiar with the Juliette Has a Gun perfume house.  I've been very curious to try them.  Getting the Mini Discovery set would be the perfect way to do that. 

 Ta-Ta-For-Now!
Luna taking advantage of the little step ladder by the sliding-glass-door.

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Favorite Foundation, Concealer, Finishing Powder (& Primer): Then & Now (11 Years Later!)

What a long way foundation and concealer etc. has come since 2009!  It used to be that finding a nice, non-cakey full coverage concealer was only a high end cosmetic option.  Nowadays you can get great drugstore options.  Back in 2009, not a whole lot of people were using face primer.  The face primers that were available were usually silicone primers.  (Remember when Monistat Anti-Chaffing Gel was all the rage as an inexpensive option for a face primer?)

In 2009, I was using Clinique because I thought I was having allergies to my makeup and my makeup sponges.  It turns out I was allergic to shrimp & crustaceans in general.  I do not use Clinique anymore because they test on animals.

The KVD Lock-It Foundation has a learning curve as do most high coverage foundations.  Less is more with a foundation like this.  When people complain about cakiness with this and other high coverage foundations, it's usually because they are using WAY too much.  At the very most -- you only need ONE pump.  Use a non-silicone primer and some face mist to help the foundation spread better. You can even mix some of the primer with half a pump of foundation if you would like sheerer coverage (no need to get a separate foundation for that).  I use a nice dense brush with all of my foundations.

The same principle goes for high coverage concealer.  Slathering on high coverage concealer leads to cakiness and creasing.  Less is more.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!
Baby Luna!


Monday, July 20, 2020

3 Favorite Blushes: Then & Now (11 Years Later!)

The older I get, the more I love blushes.  I think as one ages, blushes help put some glow back into the face.  I particularly love glowy blushes like Milani Baked Blushes or even Beauty Bakerie's Cotton Candy Champagne palette.  Today, I have a LOT of blushes and blush palettes.  I chose a favorite single blush from each color grouping - nude, warm and cool.  

I still think the blushes by MAC & NARS I chose 11 years ago are beautiful.  But as I said in my last post, I stopped using MAC when they decided to start testing on animals so they could sell their cosmetics in China.  Same with NARS.
Ta-Ta-For-Now!
I named this stuffed animal after one of my friend's kitties (Goblin) before my hubby and I got Luna.  I call him Gobbie-Doll.



Saturday, July 18, 2020

3 Favorite Lipsticks: Then & Now (11 Years Later!)

 There was a time when I rarely diverged from red lipstick.  If I did, it was MAC Lipglass.
When MAC decided to start testing on animals in order to sell to China, I stopped buying their cosmetics.  Same with Revlon. I also realized that I did not like the feel of lipglosses and my hair sticking to them when the wind blew.
I have Emily Noel and Jessica Haze to thank for getting me to branch out from my red lipstick addiction.  I have lots of different rusty shades whether they be more on the brown or orange side.  I also have a bunch of nude type shades.  I still love my reds too -- even metallic versions.  The nice thing about the passage of time is the widespread popularity of liquid matte lipsticks.  I don't have a big problem with dry lips etc. -- so I love them!  


Ta-Ta-For-Now!
 The closest thing I have to a sphynx cat doll!


Friday, July 17, 2020

Favorite Brow Products: Then & Now-- Plus, Microbrow pencils vs. Pomade & Powder

I was adjusting my settings and cleaning up my Facebook account.  In doing so, I ran into a survey/list that I did in 2009!  Neat to see how preferences change.  These are my favorite brow products -- Then and Now.


I'm actually kind of sad that KVD discontinued the #75 brow brush.  It was an excellent brow brush.  I love the brow powder and that it has just a tad bit of shimmer to it.  As someone with sparse brows, I did not think it lasted all day without a wax.  Maybe they're planning on reformulating it.

I used to use microbrow pencils for their ease and their ability to draw a very thin line (a must for sparse brows). My issue with them is, they run out so quickly.  Plus think about it, at the rate they run out, that's a lot of money for a year's worth of brows (and a lot of plastic to throw away every year):
  • Lowest price: $2.99
  • Average Drugstore Price: $6 
  • Average High-end Price: $20
  • Highest High-end Price: $45   

With everyday use - you could easily be going through one pencil a month -- depending on the brand sometimes it's less than a month.  Let's just assume that the pencil lasts, on average, a month with everyday use:
  • $2.99 x 12 =  $35.88
  • $6.00 x 12 = $72.00
  • $20.00 x 12 = $240.00
  • $45.00 x 12 = $540.00

You can see why just about all cosmetic companies got into the act with the microbrow pencil. (That's right!  Ch-ching!)

The cost of my brow routines
     KVD Pomade = $20.00
     #70 brush = $18.00
     Duraline = $16.00
     Total $54.00  

     KVD Brow Powder = $20.00 
     #75 brush = $18.00  
     e.l.f wax pencil = $2.00
     Total = $40.00

I will have the brushes forever -- they don't really need to be replaced unless they break.  My pomade has lasted me over 2 years with the Duraline. I've had the powder for a few years, also, and it has not even hit pan. 

Between all of the products, we're talking, conservatively, at least 4 years of everyday use.
     __________________
     Total for both = $94.00 + add $2 for another wax pencil = $96.00

Over 4 years:
  • Mine = $96.00 = 5 containers to dispose of 
  • $2.99 x 48  = $143.52  = 48 containers to dispose of
  • $6.00 x 48 = $288.00 = 48 containers to dispose of
  • $20.00 x 48 = $960.00 = 48 containers to dispose of
  • $45.00 x 48 = $2160.00 = 48 containers to dispose of

When I replace them for another 4 years (assuming my brow powder in the future is also $20):
     $96.00 - $36.00 (don't need to buy brushes again)
     Total $60.00

Over 8 years:
  • Mine = $156.00 = 10 containers to dispose of
  • 2.99 x 96  = $287.04  = 96 containers to dispose of
  • $6.00 x 96 = $576.00 = 96 containers to dispose of
  • $20.00 x 96 = $1920.00 = 96 containers to dispose of
  • $45.00 x 96 = $4320.00 = 96 containers to dispose of

So, as you can see, not only is Pomade/Powder more economical, it also creates less waste.  Yay!!!
There is a learning curve to using both -- but, that is not unlike learning how to use a brow pencil properly or shaping your brows.  It all has a learning curve.

Ta-Ta-For-Now

Luna grooming Sophie.



Thursday, July 16, 2020

3 Favorite Perfumes: Then & Now (11 Years Later!)

I was adjusting my settings and cleaning up my Facebook account.  In doing so, I ran into a survey/list that I did in 2009!  Neat to see how preferences change.  These are three of my favorite perfumes -- Then and Now.

Ta-Ta-For-Now
My buddy, Coco, about 5 years ago.

Friday, May 1, 2020

Current Music Faves -- April 2020-- 30 Day Song Challenge

I did the 30 Day Song Challenge on Facebook for the month of April. I thought I'd make those songs my Current Music Faves, this month.  These faves come complete with links to songs if you want to hear them.
I was having a bit of trouble with spacing.  I tried running the text through Notepad to try to fix it, which it did, quite a bit; but, there's still some spacing issues.  I don't feel like spending days trying to figure out what's up with that. (LOL)

So, starting from Day 1 -- here it is!

Day 1
A song you like with a color in the title
Day 2
A song you like with a number in the title
Day 3
A song that reminds you of Summer time
Day 4
A song that reminds you of someone you'd rather forget LOLOL I need to clarify this by saying I had to think for a long time if there was even a song. I love this song and it only mildly reminds me of that person.
Day 5
A song that needs to be played loud (I think all songs I like need to be played loud; but, here's one of them.)
Day 6
Valkyrie by Battle Tapes
A song that makes you want to dance
Day 7
A song to drive to
Day 8
Superhuman by Velvet Revolver
A song about drugs or alcohol
How about one about both?
"Cocaine
Alcohol
Lady-lay
withdrawal"
 Day 9
Detachable Penis by King Missile
A song that makes you happy
(This was a difficult category for me.  What makes me happy kind of depends on what mood I'm in and what I'm really into at the moment.  This song definitely makes me laugh & puts a smile on my face, every time.)
Day 10
A song that makes you sad When Scott Weiland died, the radio stations played this a lot even though it's not a Stone Temple Pilots song. It seemed very fitting. This song reminds me of his death.
Day 11
A song you never get tired of
Day 12
Name a song from your preteen years.
Day 13
The Boys Are Back In Town by Thin Lizzy
A song you like from the 70's
One of those brilliant songs from an era when songwriting was like telling a story to your friend.
Day 14
A song you'd love to be played at your wedding Since I'm already married (for the 2nd time) and am still married.. I almost didn't do this one. BUT, I figured if we ever renew our vows -- this is the song I'd want to play -- I guess.

Day 15
Day 16
A song that's a classic favorite

Day 17
Black Wedding by In This Moment featuring Rob Halford
A song you'd sing a duet with someone on karaoke
Day 18
A song from the year you were born: 1969
I love this song!!!
Day 19
A song that makes you think of life
Day 20
A song that has many meanings to you I've posted this song at least two times before in my Facebook feed and blog. (Not during the 30 Day Song Challenge.) There are religious overtones, overtones about life, and overtones that even seem to fit this pandemic we are going through, now.
Day 21
A song you like with a person's name in the title

Day 22
Here Comes Success covered by Duran Duran -- originally recorded by Iggy Pop -- Songwriters: David Bowie / Ricky Gardiner / Iggy Pop
A song that moves you forward
Day 23
A song you think everyone should listen to I'm not one to say someone HAS to listen to a song. Music is subjective. I picked a song that seems to have made a comeback as to its relevance, in the last few years.
Day 24
A song by a band you wish were still together The song that marked the collapse of the glam metal era. I'd never heard anything like it before. Grunge wasn't my favorite genre when it was in the forefront. It is one of my favorites, now, however.
A song you like by an artist no longer living A beautiful jazz song that reminds me of walking through an art museum.
A song that makes you want to fall in love My response for a while was "I don't knooooooow!" As I'm not really one that's into "love songs". I thought about it and I think falling in love initially -- (given that there's compatibility) is that anticipation, newness and longing. So Rain it is.
A song that breaks your heart It's not the song itself that breaks my heart -- it's what I associate the song with. Some years ago, I used to watch a YouTube channel called foxalbiazul. A guy in Arkansas had a pet red fox named Ron Ron. In April of 2016, Ron Ron died in his sleep. Just like that, he was gone. For some reason, it was almost as if my own pet had died. This song was in one of Ron Ron's early videos -- a montage of when he was a kit. It will forever remind me of that silly-sweet fox. 💔
 
Day 28
Mountain of The Sun by Greta Van Fleet (singer Josh Kiszka)
A song by an artist whose voice you love Josh Kiszka is one of many singers whose voice I love. I decided to feature him for this because this band gets a lot of flack for sounding like Led Zeppelin. I love Led Zeppelin; but, I'm not a stubborn die-hard fan who can't see the torch passed on to a younger generation of great musicians. I just think of it as: They continued where Led Zeppelin left off. Hopefully they will be around for a very long time.
A song you remember from your childhood I remember this song being on the radio a lot and my parents had this as a single. I have not ever heard this song after that, until now.
A song that reminds you of yourself
This song will forever remind me of going back on anti-depressants -- feeling like I was me again & feeling like I was alive again. 💜

Friday, April 10, 2020

Current Music Favorites -- March 2020

The month of March was about finding some "new music" (for me) and rediscovering some old favorites.


White Zombie – Astro Creep 2000 – More Human Than Human:
I actually heard a cover of this song on the first season of Altered Carbon (on Netflix).  When I found out it was a White Zombie song, it made me realize that I don't have any White Zombie in my music library. I do now!  I actually got the Astro Creep 2000 album.

KMFDM – Naïve – Go To Hell:
I thought this was a White Zombie song, for some reason.  There was a Dean Koontz book that was made into a movie with Jeff Goldblum quite a while ago.  I liked this song, from the movie, and I finally remembered to go look for it.  LOL

Ozzy Osbourne – No More Tears – Mr. Tinkertrain:
Love Ozzy's wail & love the scary imagery of this song.

Volbeat – Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies – Lola Montez:
Michael Poulsen has a unique voice in Rock.  Volbeat is also unique in that they cross over into a few Rock genres -- Metal, Power Ballads, Rockabilly.  His voice really gets to me when he sings songs that show the range of his vocals like Lola Montez.

KMFDM – Nihil (Whole album):
I hadn't listened to these guys in so long!  And like White Zombie, I realized that I don't have them in my music library.  Now I do!  Yay!

Queensryche – Queensryche (EP) – Queen of The Reich:
Geoff Tates voice!!!   This song came out in 1983 and I still love it!

Black Veil Brides -- The Night – Saints Of The Blood:
I find this song energizing!  I'm so glad they released some new music when they did.  I am anxiously awaiting them to release more!

The Raven Age – Conspiracy – The Day The World Stood Still:
I love this song!!!  The vocals and guitars in this song just resonate with me.  It sadly reminds me of what our world is currently going through.


Ta-Ta-For-Now!
My friend's cat, Goblin.

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