February 2020 Favorites - Beauty And Bath

February was mostly about finding makeup that would go with my tan.  The great thing about being a makeup enthusiast is that I had a lot of things that I wasn't using before The Great Bora Bora Sunburn of 2020.  LOL

1.   e.l.f. Hydrating Coconut Mist: 
I found this quite refreshing while traveling.  It actually did feel hydrating on my face, which was parched from the sun.

2.   Kat Von D Lock It Foundation in Deep 66 C - deep nutmeg with cool undertone:
The foundation mini that I had to darken my usual shade of foundation was not dark enough.  I was amazed!  I got a foundation that was a hair too dark for me and did my usual "mixology".  Also be aware that this foundation can oxydize so one that seems slightly too light would be perfect.

3.   Eve Pearl Dual Salmon Concealer and Treatment -- Med/Tan:
There are two shades in the compact.  I started by mixing both together.  Now I just use the lighter shade.  This concealer blends very nicely with a brush.

4.   e.l.f. BEAUTIFULLY BARE SMOOTH MATTE EYESHADOW -- Nude Linen, Soft Beige, Blushing Rose, Brown Cashmere:
I bought this during an e.l.f. sale.  I've had Nude Linen before and liked it for a primer.  These have just the slightest dewy effect which I thought was nice and went well with my tan. Super tan and matte doesn't seem to look good.

5.   e.l.f. BRONZER -- Sunkissed:
I cannot sing the praises of this bronzer enough!  It works as a bronzer and a non-matte powder.  I really love this!

6.   Black Moon Cosmetics Moonlighter -- Shroom:
I've had this for, at least, a couple of years, if not longer.  On tan skin, Shroom is BEAUTIFUL!!!  It imparts a gold reflect.  So pretty!

7.   Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed -- Opal:
I've also had this for a while.  This does not go too well when I'm not tan.  With tan skin, however, it is gorgeous!

8.   Moschino + Sephora Bear Bronzer/Highlighter:
I've had this for a couple of years.  It was a Christmas gift along with the Teddy Bear Palette and Teddy Bear perfume.  ANYWAY - - the Bronzer/Highlighter is great on tanned skin. It can be used on my normal skin-tone as well -- just does not stand out very much.

9.   Nyx Ombre Blush -- Code Breaker:
This blush is also a couple of years old.  It's very bright; and, looks very complimentary on really tanned skin.  This also looks lovely on my usual skin-tone.  I just have to be more careful when dipping my brush into the compact.  LOL  (Tip:  I use a stipple brush to apply powder as well as creme/liquid blush.  That way I feel like I don't end up picking up too much blush and creating a streaky look.)

10.  e.l.f. RADIANT GEL LIP STAIN -- Dewey Berry, Dewey Nude, Rouge Radiance, Red Orange Wash:
These are lip stains.  I felt like I needed something that imparted a more natural look rather than my usual matte liquid lipstick.  They don't last particularly long, would be my caveat -- but, I thought these looked particularly good with the cream eyeshadows.

11.  Les Exclusifs de CHANEL - Eau de Parfum -- Misia:
Per Chanel:

Named for the art patron Misia Sert, Gabrielle Chanels confidante. Evoking the air of a theater backstage, this exquisite scent features a feminine blend of May Rose and Violet, intertwined with a hint of leather. A truly inspired and distinctive creation. An exquisite scent from the LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL collection.

I want to say I've had this for three years.  I love a good violet perfume! The note I haven't been able to put my finger on but makes total sense after I pasted the above description is that hint of leather!  This kind of reminds me of Violet Pastilles in those old fashioned tins/

12.  Prada Candy Sugar Pop - Eau De Parfum:
Per Sephora:

Prada Candy Sugar Pop takes the addictive energy of the Prada Candy family and dips it into smooth, sparkling green citrus. More crisp than sweet, Prada Candy Sugar Pop is soaked in irony. Delicate notes of peach and vanilla mingle with shiny apple and top notes of vert de bergamote and green citrus, comprising an unexpected scent story. A sweet first impression cut with an ironic twist, Prada Candy Sugar Pop leaves the room on a high note.

Prada Candy Sugar Pop has a lightness and freshness to it that works well for warmer weather (good for those tropical vacations).  A really nice bright daytime fragrance that's not too sweet.

13.  APIEU Madecassoside Cream (Amazon Purchase):
From SokoGlam:
This cream is formulated with 40% Centella asiatica leaf water and 0.1% madecassoside to soothe irritated skin and help repair skin damage. Niacinamide also brightens skin while witch hazel extract and panthenol keep skin hydrated and soft. Added to this list are adenosine and lactic acid to smooth and plump skin, making this the perfect nourishing treatment for tired, damaged skin.

I bought this in October or November of 2019.  I read such good things about this that I got one for my friend for one of her stocking stuffers.  When I came back from Bora Bora, sunburned, my skin drank this up.  I wore this under my makeup and my makeup did NOT budge.  Now that my skin has calmed down, I've been saving this for after I use up a primer serum that I've had for quite a while.

14.  Kat Von D Crush On Blush Kitten Mini Blush and Highlighter:
I got this not long after it came out.  I'm not so much enamored with the highlighter portion.  (I've discovered that I prefer to use the highlighter on my eyelid rather than my cheeks.)  The blush looks intimidating with it's darker terracotta pot color;but, it can be worn on lighter skin as well as tan skin.  It's a very pretty neutral color.  (Tip:  I use a stipple brush to apply powder as well as creme/liquid blush.  That way I feel like I don't end up picking up too much blush and creating a streaky look.)

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

Miss Puppy Face -- Sophie Loaf

Current Music Favorites -- February 2020

A hodgepodge of  old and relatively new by comparison.  When you end up spending a lot of time on an airplane all at once -- you find favorites.  LOL

Train -- Drops of Jupiter -- Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me):

I am addicted to this song.  I first heard it months ago at a workshop.  During the month of February, during a plane ride, I became enamored with the song.  Soulful, emotional and picturesque.

Motionless In White -- Reincarnate -- Generation Lost:

Another song that I got into during a plane ride in February.  In a way, this song reminds me of "This Is The New Shit" by Marilyn Manson.  

Rush -- Fly By Night -- Fly By Night:

This song brings back memories, in that abstract way, that the memories are not of any particular thing.  I think of the music book of Rush songs I had -- I was probably 16 or 17.  Wishing I was on my own, with my own apartment.

Motionless In White -- Disguise -- Brand New Numb:

The guitar intro to this song brings to mind images of AC/DC's Angus Young, marching on the stage with his guitar -- even though it doesn't really sound like an AC/DC song. Brand New Numb is full of the kind of energy that I love in a song.

Halford -- Resurrection -- Resurrection:

Rob Halford has an astounding vocal range.  He can sing a low bass note as well as high-notes that most women can't reach.  Resurrection demonstrates his excellent ability for the high octaves!

Black Veil Brides -- Vale -- Throw The First Stone:

The grinding intro to this song gets me every time.  Love it.  And the repeat of that intro in the chorus is just what the Dr. ordered.

  

Pat Benatar -- The Very Best of Pat Benatar -- All Fired Up:

Love her amazing voice!  She is so inspirational.  This song is also inspirational.  

Motionless In White (feat. Jonathan Davis) -- Graveyard Shift -- Necessary Evil:

Yes, three Motionless In White songs this month!  I always thought the lyrics were "I'm gonna have my cake and eat yours to."  Then I realized he was saying, "I'm gonna have my cake and eat you too."  LOL 

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

Luna Toe Beans!

January 2020 Favorites - Beauty And Bath

There are a few new items; however, none of them were bought by moi.  I have been taking up knitting as a hobby and it has lessened my constant desire to buy makeup etc.  I've been enjoying palettes and colors that I haven't previously been able to enjoy because of being inundated by new makeup.

1.   Juvia’s Place Eyeshadow Palette in Festival
This has a good deal of colors that I like.  Juvia's place has a really nice eyeshadow formula and some really nice shades in their various palettes.

2.   Kat Von D Eyeshadow Palette in Fetish:
I have to say, the packaging for Kat Von D's Fetish Eyeshadow palette is beautiful!  It has a bunch or warm red colors that I like and some lovely accent colors for my lid like the greens a purples.

3.   Kat Von D Single Eyeshadow in Swoon
Swoon is a shimmery red shadow.  This color was first in a limited edition palette -- Better Together-- that was a collab with Too Faced.  Swoon if one of those colors that is in almost every Darkling's capsule collection.

4.   Kat Von D Eyeshadow Palette in Lolita:
I actually wasn't quite sure if I liked this palette at first.  I thought that the other shades that were chosen to accompany Lolita might be too cool-toned for me.  After wearing this numerous times, I think this is a beautiful palette and looks so good on!

5.   Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in L.U.V.
A very pretty pinky purple shade.  One of the things I loved about KVDs older Studded Kiss formula is that it was a lot like the newer long lasting lipstick formulas in the slim tubes. The packaging of the Studded Kiss lipstick is one of my favorites.

6.   Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Lolita
The Lolita that I have is from the newer formula.  Not as "dry" of a formula but with a lip liner not as slippery as some -- which is good.  Lolita is one of those "your lips but better" dusty rose colors.

7.   Morphe Lipliner Pencil in Foolish
This goes well with KVD Lolita Lipstick.

8.   CoverGirl Instant Cheekbones in Refined Rose
I heard about CG Instant Cheekbones from YouTuber emilynoel83.  Refined Rose is a color that can go with most eyeshadow/lipstick looks.  The three shades means it can be darkened or lightened by mixing with change of skintones.

9.   Morphe Blushing Babes Blush Trio in Pop of Pink
I like using this with cooler toned eyeshadow/lipstick looks.  The shade on the left can be used as a contour in a pinch.

10.  Kat Von D Alchemist Holographic Palette
The Alchemist palette can be used as highlighter or eyeshadow.  This is one of KVD's better highlighters.  (The highlighters that came out after that tend to have a lot of glitter in them.)

11.  Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Neon Travel Spray:
This smells exactly like Black Opium and Prada Candy Gloss mixed together.  I just love it!

• Per Sephora:
• Key Notes: Neon Coffee, Orange Blossom, Dragon Fruit
• Fragrance Description: Black Opium Neon is a new twist on the classic Eau de Parfum. With adrenaline-rich coffee, sparkling orange blossom, and mesmerizing dragon fruit accord, it is a vibrant and indulgent perfume that’s the perfect combination of seductive and sweet.

12.  Kat Von D 24-Hour Super Brow Long-Wear Pomade in Dark Brown:
I keep forgetting how much I like this sometimes.  The color is great.  Not too dark, not too warm.  I get side tracked by those micro-thin pencils.  Of course, the pomade would be nothing without that fantastic eyebrow brush of theirs.

13.  Nyx Multitasker Mixing Medium:
Brow pomade after a while gets drier.  It doesn't matter what brand it is. Sooner or later it will get drier.  This can be used to wet the brow pomade.

14.  Ofra Mini Highlighter in Pillow Talk:
If you prefer a highlight that is not subtle, you will love Ofra's highlighters.  These babies glow!

15.  Kat Von D #70 Pomade Brow Brush:
I can't sing the praises of this brow brush enough.  The brush is razor thin and really helps to get a precise line!

16.  e.l.f. Blurring Powder Brush (as foundation brush):
This is one of my favorite foundation brushes!  I do not use this as a powder brush, unless I'm going to use powder foundation.  The brush is densely packed and can navigate a few more areas that a flat brush can't.

17.  e.l.f. Powder Brush:
Guess what I use this for?  I've used this for powder for years.  I like pressing powder in with this rather than "dusting" it on my face.

18.  Haus Laboratories Liquid Eye-Lie-Ner in Punk:
I got this as a gift. This works great! It can draw a thin line if need be.  It's nice and dark and matte.

19.  Haus Laboratories All Over Metallic Creme in Glam Attack:
A dear friend got this for me. It is a metallic soft rosy red.  I thought it was a liquid lipstick all of this time and had been wearing it as such   Turns out, it was a liquid eyeshadow.  It looks really nice as a liquid lipstick, though!  LOL. My only caveat with wearing it as a lipstick is is does feel a little drying on the lips.  So a nice lip-scrub and balm would be in order afterwards.

20.  Prada Candy Florale:
This was part of a Christmas gift that also included the original Prada Candy (which I also love) and Prada Candy Kiss (which I am undecided about as of yet).

• Per Sephora:
• Notes: Sparkling Cedrat, Bouquet of Cosmos, Benzoin, Caramel, White Musk
• Style: Sensuous. Coquettish.

21.  Chanel Les Exclusifs Coromandel:
I've had this for probably thirteen years.

• Per Google (?) :
• Notes: A rich composition of Frankincense, Benzoin and Patchouli, COROMANDEL is a powerful oriental-woody fragrance. It unfurls the enveloping notes of its amber vibrato before giving way to a lingering voluptuous accord.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

My friend's cat, Billy.

(Billy is Luna's brother.)

Current Music Favorites -- January 2020

Lots of rocked up and metal-ed up bluesy songs, for January.

The Pretty Reckless – Heaven Knows
This is one of those songs I got into -- again.  Rock anthem-like, and bluesy at the same time.

Fantastic Negrito – An Honest Man
I got this song after seeing the 1st season of the series "Hand of God" with Ron Pearlman. It's another song that I got into -- again.  I really want to get more of his music in the future

In This Moment – Oh Lord
The very first time I heard this song, after buying the album (Ritual), I was in love with it!  I just love bluesy music mixed with metal.

ZZ Top – Tush
A classic!  This song has energy and love the riffs.

Greta Van Fleet – Mountain of The Sun
I just love Greta Van Fleet!  You can tell they love Led Zeppelin.  That was the draw of this band for me.  It's like Led Zeppelin continued where they left off.

Black Veil Brides – Resurrect The Sun
I woke up to this song, one morning, via my phone alarm that connects to Pandora.  I remembered how much I loved the song!  I pretty much love that Wretched And Divine album.

In This Moment – Call Me
How can I not love a rocked up version of Blondie's Call Me?!

My Chemical Romance -- Mama
Even though Mama is not about going to whiskey bars, this song reminds me of Alabama by The Doors -- except it's in manic overdrive.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

Luna enjoying the sunshine.

When Will We Teach Our Daughters To Be Sexual Equals? -- Pt.2 Perfect Woman "Syndrome"

Again:

Before one dismisses this series of essays as being a "man-bashing" essay, without reading it, I think shifting the way we teach girls about sex and relationships will improve relationships for both men and women.

And, before one says -- "But, but, there are sexual predators out there!"  I am WELL aware that there are sexual predators.  Unfortunately, there will always be a contingent of the population that are sexual predators.  I do not advocate for one second that a girl or woman let her guard down or ignore her intuition or take her safety lightly.

And, before you argue with me about what your religion or church says about women and sex, please know that I am NOT religious and am not about to take up a religion.  One of the big reasons I am not religious is the way women are regarded in religions.

If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that Hollywood is still a sexist entity.  We may see strong female role models in movies; but, at the same time, we still see the same old stories with the same sexist story lines being recycled over and over again.  Why?  Because people pay to see them.  The common denominator is money.  It always is.

One theme that seems to come up over and over in movies and television is this:  The perfect woman can turn a bad man into a good one.  Gee, that’s not a crappy message, at all, to send to women and girls is it?!

The notion of “The Perfect Woman” isn’t limited to movies and TV shows. Companies thrive by buying advertising time on television that tells women that they need to be perfect.  According to many commercials, women need to:

• Have the perfect career
• Be the perfect mate
• Throw the perfect gathering
• Raise the perfect children
• Be the perfect housekeeper
• Have the perfect body
• Have the perfect hair
• Wear the perfect clothes

 Contrast the message women get from commercials with the message men get from commercials.  The perfect man is:

• A party animal.
• Can imbibe large amounts of alcohol
• A womanizer (better a woman on each arm, than one.)
• Is interesting
• Makes a lot of money
• Throws a good barbeque

Hmmmm.  No wonder women are from Venus and men are from Mars!  We teach them to be this different from one another.

Here are two movies, (one is a Rom-Com and one is a Disney Princess movie) that foster the message that it takes the perfect woman to turn a man into great husband material. If you haven’t seen Failure To Launch or The Princess And The Frog, and want to, there are going to be SPOILER ALERTS.

Failure to Launch:

Per IMDB:  A thirty-something is still living with his parents until they hire an interventionist to help him graduate out of the house. That's when the fun begins.

That’s innocent enough.  But, here’s the real premise.  Paula (Sarah Jessica Parker) is the interventionist.  How does she intervene?  She poses as the “perfect woman”, she's attractive, great at conversation, she loves sports, plays sports, loves his friends etc. etc. etc.  Paula, at one point is found out by one of Tripp’s (Matthew McConaughey) friends, who then tells Tripp.  She’s deeply sorry, and professes that she really has feelings for him.  And surprise, surprise she’s no different in real life than she is pretending to be his girlfriend.  So, they live happily ever after.

With the exception of “the interventionist”, this theme is hardly new in Hollywood.  From the time we are children, there are a ton of movies and TV shows out there with the same theme: “Perfect Woman” turns very imperfect man into the perfect gentleman – and eventually into the perfect husband.

The Princess And The Frog:

Per IMDB: A waitress, desperate to fulfill her dreams as a restaurant owner, is set on a journey to turn a frog prince back into a human being, but she has to face the same problem after she kisses him.

He’s not a classic Disney prince.  Prince Naveen’s blue-blooded family is out of money, so he is actually supposed to marry Tiana’s best friend, Charlotte (whose daddy has a ton of money) – or else he has to “get a job”.  Prince Naveen is a womanizer, a gambler, a playboy and does not believe in the value of work.

Because she’s not a real princess, Tiana gets turned into a frog, as well, after kissing Prince Naveen in frog form to try to break the spell.   Together, they are forced to search for a cure to their “frogginess”.  During this time, Prince Naveen sees the error of his ways, they fall in love, marry, she opens her restaurant, he works with her.  They live happily ever after.  – The perfect woman turns a womanizer, gambler and playboy into perfect marriage material.

Is this how we want to continue to raise our daughters? – That if they are perfect enough they can turn any man into the perfect man?

So, if a man ends up being a philanderer, a gambler, a drug addict, an abuser, a dead-beat dad etc. etc. etc.  He just doesn’t have the perfect enough woman to cure him? If a man treats a woman badly, she’s just not perfect enough for him to treat her well?  Is that a bunch of mentally-abusive, sexist bull-shit or what?

If Joe Average treats Jane Average poorly, he’s not going to be turned into the perfect gentleman by dating or marrying the latest Hollywood It-Girl or the latest supermodel.  It just doesn’t work that way.  The truth is, men, like women, are responsible for their behavior.  Past behavior usually (not always) determines future behavior.  No amount of perfection from the opposite sex is going to change someone for the better unless they, themselves, want to change for the better and work towards it. 

I’m not advocating that we shield our daughters from Disney Princess movies or Rom-Coms.  I’m advocating that we have a dialogue with our daughters when we see the media leading them astray from healthy notions of relationships.  Let them know that movies and television shows are not realistic. (Don’t just assume that they realize that.)

People don’t just live happily ever after despite a tower of odds against them.  Love does  not conquer all. We should be having a dialogue with our daughters about not losing the beautiful person that they are in order to keep a man.  If she has to change who she is to keep a man, he is not worth keeping.  The things that bring her joy in life are just as important as the things that bring him joy in life.  

How much more is he going to ask her to give up in the future once she starts giving up parts of herself? No relationship should be based on the foundation of  “I need to change you in order to be happy".  If she needs to change him in order to be happy – she needs to look for someone else that already has those qualities instead of beating her head against a wall, wondering why “she’s not good enough to change him”.

Having a dialogue with both our sons and daughters about liberating them from unrealistic relationship expectations and the sexism that runs rampant in the media can help them both live on Earth rather than Venus and Mars.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

Luna sitting on the egg carton --probably so she doesn't have to sit on the cold counter.

December 2019 Favorites - Beauty And Bath

Some new favorites, some old favorites and some repurchased favorites.

Enjoy my end of the year picks!

1.   Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Liquid Lipstick in Designer Blood:
Jeffree Star Cosmetics describes Designer Blood as a "dark rusty red".  This color is very flattering on me and looks so dramatic, (in a good way), with my red shadow look.

2.   e.l.f  Modern Metals Liquid Matte Lipstick:.
This lipstick is from the Modern Metals collection.  I saw it on YouTuber Zabrena's channel.  It confused me, at first. The name Modern Metals suggests that the lipstick should be metallic -- but, it did not look at all metallic on Zabrena.  It's a gorgeous non-metallic matte burnt orange color.  The formula is pretty good too!

3.   Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in Sanguis:
I've always had at least one tube of this on hand since not long after Black Moon Cosmetics launched (when all they had were a few lipsticks). It's a beautiful bright cherry red.  I also love the flat-ish applicator., I feel like it helps with more precise application.

4.   Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in Deville:
When this color launched almost a year ago, I HAD to have it.  I just love metallic red lipsticks!!!

5.   Lip Liners -- Mostly Nyx:. 
While liquid lipsticks offer the convenience of not really needing a lip liner, I'm finding that I prefer to use a lip liner to get really precise definition on my upper lip.  I originally bought a bunch of lip liners to go with my KVD Studded Kiss Lipsticks but find myself loving to use lip liners for most lip colors, now.

6.   Lime Crime Venus Palette in Vivid:

This was somewhat of a collection purchase.  However, I do love the colors!  It reminds me a little of the Urban Decay Electric palette (above left)  that was around years ago, except in a more edited version.  The Electric Palette had 10 colors and the Vivid palette has eight colors.  What you don't get in the Vivid palette that was in the Electric palette is a silver, shimmery teal (I'm not someone who loves teal shadow), royal blue and shimmery medium green.  The purple in the Vivid palette (Flutter) seems like both purples in the Electric palette mixed together.  The shimmery green in the Electric Palette is a slightly lighter matte green/chartreuse in the Vivid Palette (Limelight).  The shimmery yellow green in the Electric palette is a yellow with a slight hint of green called Happy Place.  Two colors you get in the Vivid palette that are not in the Electric palette are Lux, which is a yellow-gold.  Personally, I prefer this to silver, which can look harsh on most skin. Then, there is Super Bloom, a shimmery bright orange.  This palette is gorgeous.  To make it more wearable for myself, I mix Starburst (the bright red-orange) with a warm brown eyeshadow -- which is what I do with the Electric palette as well,

7.   Juvia's Place Eyeshadow Palette in The Saharan II:
I've had this palette since late 2017.  It's taken me a while to realize that I really LOVE this palette.  I, of course, love red shadows.  But, I've just started getting enamored with mixing my reds, oranges and warm browns with blues -- especially shimmery blues.  The neutral shimmery light beige in the middle of the top row can also double as a highlighter for fair to medium skin.

8.   Kat Von D Eyeshadow Palette in Shade and Light:
I, personally, think that the matte Shade and Light palette is one of the greatest neutral palettes created.  Not only does it have three sections (cool, neutral and warm); but, the large pans on top can also be used as a matte highlighter, contour and blush (provided your skin is fair to light-medium).  Also you don't have to stick to one section when applying it.  This palette is great for creating a bold rocker-chick smokey eye with that black shadow as a base.

9.   Chanel Les Exclusifs 31 Rue Cambon:
I've had my bottle of 31 Rue Cambon for, at least, five years now.  I'd say, out of all the Les Exclusive fragrances I have, 31 is my favorite.   31 Rue Cambon is comprised, in part, of bergamot, black pepper, patchouli, cistus labdanum and iris. At first whiff, there is a deceptive old fashionedness to 31.  What comes next is the sophistication of this chypre fragrance which also juxtaposes itself with with imagery of a fragrant  mystical moss filled forest.  I wear this in cooler weather and it gets stowed away during the warmer months.

10.  Atelier Cologne Oolong Infiny:
I got this during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales.  If I bought a larger bottle of any fragrance, I could get any 1 oz bottle, which retails for $78 with a personalized engraved leather case.  I got Oolong Infiny as my free bottle.  I kind of wish I got this as a larger bottle.  It's a beautiful, light multi-dimentional fragrance.  Atelier cologne classifies Oolong Infiny as a "Clean Musk". Its main notes are an Oolong Tea Accord, bergamot and Gaiac wood.  Like most Atelier Cologne fragrances, Oolong Infiny is considered a unisex fragrance.  When I put this on, I get a hint of floral and a very subtle hint of bitterness which gives it its "clean" impression.  This can be worn day or night and even in warmer weather.

11.  Becca Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector in Golden Mint:
I absolutely LOVE Becca's pressed highlighters!  They're not crazy shimmery and they're not too subtle. There is never any glitter in the highlighters. (Why do companies put glitter in highlighters?) I feel like Becca is the benchmark for highlighters.  Golden Mint was a limited edition color.  It has an ever so subtle green tint to it that comes off more golden.  I find this to be very flattering with red shadow.

12.  Becca Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector in Vanilla Quartz:
I got Vanilla Quartz at the same time that I got Golden Mint. It was also a limited edition release. I really LOVE this color.  It gives a bit more of a pop on me than Moonstone (which I also love).

13.  Becca Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector in Prismatic Amethyst:
I've had Prismatic Amethyst for a few years.  It was originally a limited edition release; but, has since become a permanent item.  Prismatic Amethyst is perfect for pairing with cooler toned makeup or neutral makeup.  It's great for fair to medium skintones.

14.  Colourpop BFF Liquid Liner in Red:
I've wanted to get a Red Liquid Liner for a long time.  When Colourpop had a sale on their site, I decided to try one of them.  I like it!!!

15.  NYX Faux Blacks Eyeliner in Oxblood:

This is actually a repurchase.   I had this a couple of years ago and loved it.  I've not been into black eyeliner, lately, and Oxblood hits the spot for me.  Nyx's line of Faux Blacks are beautiful!  I may even consider some of their green colors.

16.  Physicians Formula Rosé Take The Day Away Cleanser:
This is an oil-free gel cleanser (non foaming).  It contains brightening ingredients like Vitamin C. I use this with my electric face brush when I want something more gentle on my skin.  Plus, I'm digging the smell of roses lately!

17.  The Body Shop Banana Truly Nourishing Shampoo:
Not only do I love the smell of The Body Shop's banana hair line.  I love how gentle and softening it is for my really long fine dry hair.  This shampoo is great during the week when I feel like I need a more gentle shampoo or if I work out a lot during the week. (I have to wash my hair after I work out because I perspire so much.)

18.  The Body Shop Banana Truly Nourishing Hair Mask:
OMG!!!  This stuff is heavenly!!!  I use this in the shower.  I'll shampoo my hair, put this stuff in and put a plastic shower cap over my head for the rest of my shower.  But, if you want an amazing conditioning experience. After you put a shower cap over you head -- take a bubble bath and lounge.  When you rinse your hair, it will feel amazing!!!

19.  One 'n' Only Argan Oil Revitalizing Hydrating Mask with Acacia Collagen:
I bought this about a month or so ago. I use this at least once a week, it's a heavier conditioner than my ApHogee Keratin conditioner and helps keep my hair more manageable. (Got this from Sally Beauty.)

20.  Herstyler Hair Repair Serum:
I got this over a year ago from Amazon based on reviews.  It took a lot of trial and error to figure out the best way for me to use it.  I now have waist long hair that is dry and frizzy, without product in it.  This works best for me when I put it in freshly washed and conditioned hair that's been lightly towel dried.  I've also discovered that it's best to use a little more than I think I need. When my hair dries naturally, it's soft, smooth and easy to run a brush through.  It's even easy to run a brush through, the next day. (I tend to wake up with tangled "cave woman" hair.). Love it!!!

21.  Remington DT7432 Wet or Dry Tame The Mane Electric Detangling Brush:
I think I heard about this about 6 months ago, when trying to search for some help for my hair which gets tangled SUPER easily.  It got really good reviews; and, I saw YouTuber grav3yardgirl review this.  I have to tell you, this really helps!  I will most often use this when I deal with "2nd day" hair or before I wash my hair.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

My friend's cat, Goblin, enjoying a shopping bag.

Current Music Favorites -- December 2019

For December, I decided to include a mixture of both songs AND albums.  It just felt like the things to do, this month.  LOL  No Holiday music, sorry!  

1.   Audioslave -- Album: Audioslave:
I love the duality of Chris Cornell's low moaning voice alternating with that raspy punch.  The songs go from the roots of Bluesy metal (a la Led Zeppelin) to an almost Gothy tune with Like A Stone.

2.   Black Veil Brides -- Duology Album: The Night:
I love this!!!  It sounds like older material, which, from what I saw in an interview, was intentional.

3.   Motionless In White -- Album: Infamous -- Song: America:
I first heard this song via a music video.  I was instantly smitten.  I love the music, I love the lyrics and I love the guitar solo. And there's something about synchronized headbanging, with heads full of bouncy black hair, on a music video, that is awe inspiring!

4.   Volbeat -- Album: Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies:
Their music is said to be a "fusion of rock and roll, heavy metal and rockabilly".  Whatever it's classified as, I love it.  I particularly love singer, Michael Poulsen's voice!!!

5.   Testament -- Album: Souls of Black:
My friend suggested this album to me.  I've really enjoyed it.  They remind me a bit of Metallica.  I'm sure I won't think so after I hear a wider body of their work, which I hope to be exploring soon.

6.   Ozzy Osbourne -- Album: No More Tears:
My favorite song, the album's namesake has one of my favorite guitar solos in the whole world! I've always found his voice intriguing with it's almost crying wail. 


7.   Black Veil Brides -- Album: Wretched And Divine:
Wretched And Divine is an "opera-style" concept album.  The album really benefits from Jinxx's (or Jeremy Miles Ferguson's) violin and cello prowess.   I just love the combination of metal with double bass and a melody -- then add some symphony style violin and cello -- Magnifique!

8.   Volbeat -- Album: Beyond Hell/Above Heaven:
Did I mention that I love Michael Poulsen's voice?

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

An older pic from before my hubbie and I bought our house.