Friday, May 18, 2007

Band-Aid Blister Block


This product might be the answer to every diva's new shoe dilema, "Should I wear these out tonight? I don't want to get a blister."

Band-Aid's Blister Block promises to invisibly prevent blisters. It's a natural based lubricating formula packaged in a small roll-up stick that reduces rubbing on the skin. The stick formula makes it non-messy and easy to apply. It's ideal for open toe shoes (no exposed band-aids).

I bought one but haven't had the opportunity to try it. It does glide on easily without leaving you feeling slippery and has a faint, pleasant floral scent. I did read a few reviews on drugstore.com and the reviewers said it worked, but needed to be re-applied.

I'd love feedback from anyone who has already tried the Blister Block. I'm wondering if it works on "corns" too.

Band-Aid Blister Block is available at most drugstore chains, mass retailers (Target, Wal-Mart) and online at drugstore.com.















Thursday, May 17, 2007

Pantene Texturize Moussing Foam Wax

Last month's "trust the expert" post discussed some new hair products I had purchased. I mentioned that I discovered a category I had never heard before, gel wax.

The May issue of Lucky Magazine introduced me to another category I wasn't aware of, mousse wax. I was intrigued by Lucky's write up because they mention you can use this on wet hair for volume and dry hair for extra texture. And, I'll admit it, I spent part of the 80's with a perm so mousse makes me a little nostalgic.

I decided to try the Pantene Texturize Moussing Foam Wax. It's only six bucks and readily available.

Pantene is right on the money with their description, "easy-to-use whipped foam wax crosses a wax with a mousse for lightness and stability". When I used it on wet hair, I had volume without fly-aways after blow-drying. I had amazing results when I applied a small amount to dry hair (sans product before blow-drying). I ended up with so much volume and texture that my husband called me "Rock and Roll Diva".

This product seems like a regular mousse until you start to work with it. The directions say to (after dispensing) "rub hands together, making a thin layer", then applying. The mousse wax seems to turn into a thin layer of slighty tacky water. I noticed a texture change when I was working this into my dry hair. The longer I had it on my hands the tackier it became.

My diva haircare experiment continues and I'd love to hear from anyone who has other haircare product suggestions or questions.

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Why I Love Cream Eye Shadows

Last month I told you how eyeliner pencils can leave a mark in the crease of my right eye.

Unfortunately, that's not where my eye makeup issues end.

Powder eye shadow collects in my crease within a couple hours after application. I've tried numerous makeup techniques and products and they just don't prevent this from happening.

So how does this high maintenance diva dress her eyes up?

My solution to all day, crease-proof, smudge-proof eye lid color is cream eye shadows. They're easy to apply and dry quickly. Squeeze a little out of the tube, one quick swipe of color to each eyelid, a little blending and you're done. I apply with my fingertips (if that's too messy for you, use a nylon brush for application).

Who makes cream eye shadows?

Dior, Clarins, Clinique, Bourjois, MAC, BeneFit and Rimmel all make great ones.

If you are trying a cream shadow for the first time, look for formulas that say they dry to a powder finish. And remember that a little goes a long way.

High Maintenance

Toby Keith has a song called "High Maintenance Woman".

Whenever I hear this song on the radio I am reminded of the time a friends husband called me high maintenance.

He was listening to us chatting about people and said, "Boy, you are high maintenance".

My immediate response was, "Yes, I am. I've got standards. I mean who wants to be low maintenance?"

My friend chuckled and appreciated the way I spun the negative connotation. Her husband was somewhat surprised by my response, but didn't have anything else to say on the subject.

So what exactly is high maintenance?

Someone who takes care of themselves? Someone who spends money on personal grooming habits? Someone who likes nice food? Someone who likes to dress nicely? Someone who treats others with respect and dignity? Someone who expects others to treat them with respect and dignity?

I color my hair. I wear makeup. I love good food. I usually look put together. I'm also nice, hard-working and a great friend. I am not mean nor do I feel entitled to anything.

Is that all sooooo bad?

If anyone tells you that you're high maintenance - smile and say, "thank you".

Sunday, May 06, 2007

at-home facials, part 2

This post is for the diva who wants an at-home facial that doesn't involve an electronic gadget.

The easiest way to replicate a facial at-home is to exfoliate once or twice a week and use a facial mask once a week.

When choosing a mask, decide what you'd like to accomplish (deep cleansing, moisturizing, calming, etc.). If your budget allows it, you should consider buying issue-specific masks and use them as needed.

Here are some of my favorite masks.

under $10: Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque This works wonders on oily skin.

under $20: American Beauty Spare Moment Moisture Mask This makes you feel like you just gave your skin a drink of water.

under $40: REN Multi-Mineral Detoxifying Facial Mask Great deep cleansing and purifying clay mask that leaves your skin smooth and decongested.

sky's-the-limit: Tracie Martyn Enzyme Exfoliant Gently exfoliates while reducing the appearance of fine lines and large pores. Brightens and revives complexion. A little goes a long way, so it's worth the splurge!

Queen Helene is available at most drugstores and online at drugstore.com. American Beauty is available at Kohl's stores and online at kohls.com. REN is available at select Sephora and Barneys New York stores and online at renskincare.com, barneys.com and sephora.com. Tracie Martyn is available at select Barneys New York and Neiman Marcus stores and online at barneys.com, neimanmarcus.com and traciemartyn.com.

The most important piece of advice here is consistency. Whether it's once a week, every other week or once a month, figure out what you can work into your schedule and stick to it.

If you can't make time for yourself, who will?



Thursday, May 03, 2007

at-home facials

I'm not really into "gadgets". But I purchased one last week that's making a big impact on my face.

Meet Conair's Microdermabrasion Facial System.

I enjoy getting facials but don't have room in my budget to have them with any type of frequency. So I decided to try and give myself facials at home.

Facial masks are great and I use one at least once a week. But I felt like something was lacking in my regimen; I decided it was the steam that the professionals use.

After a small amount of research (and reading many amazon.com reviews) the Conair Microdermabrasion Facial System sounded like the ideal facial steamer.

This system comes with two facial sauna cones (wide facial steamer and narrow sinus cone), a microdermabrasion tool with two attachments (gentle exfoliating brush and sponge for applying moisturizer) and a timer that you can set for three to fifteen minutes. For safety, the unit automatically shuts off after 45 minutes.

I've used mine twice already and really like it. The system is very easy to use; just fill, attach your preferred cone, plug-in and wait (only three to five minutes) until the indicator says it's time to steam. It's small enough that you can set it up almost anywhere.

I used the wide facial steamer cone for 10 to 15 minutes and loved the way my skin felt when I was done; soft, moist and clean. The timer is a great feature that I used both times.

My in-home steam use didn't replicate my professional facials, but it was pretty darn close. Considering that I spent the fraction of the cost of one facial on my steamer, I'm more than happy with my at-home facial.

Conair's Microdermabrasion Facial System is available at Bed, Bath and Beyond stores and online at target.com, amazon.com and bedbathandbeyond.com. This facial steamer is also called Conair Complete Facial Sauna.

up next: at-home facials, part 2

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Lipstick Queen's Oxymoron


Poppy King has done it again.

She's created a lip product I can't wait to try, Oxymoron. It's a matte gloss.

What?

Matte gloss?

Is there such a thing?


Only the Lipstick Queen could create a lip product that glides on like a gloss but looks matte like a lipstick. (Hence the name)

The four subtle shades are inspired by the colors of cheek blush. Oxymoron is as easy and simple to use as blush too. Just pick your shade and apply with the (provided) Lipstick Queen brush.

I'll be trying this soon and will let you know what I think in a future post. Knowing Poppy King's attention to detail and passion for lip products, I'm sure it's a winner.

Lipstick Queen products are sold at select stores and online at barneys.com.

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil


Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil offers great color with mega staying power. This smooth waterproof formula stays soft and creamy for blending (about 30 seconds), then dries down and will not budge.

This remarkable pencil even stays put on the inner lid. When applying on the inner lid, apply, then try not to blink for a second or two, and you’ve got immovable liner. Really.

It's similar to Clinique's Cream Shaper for Eyes (which I wrote about last month); but Urban Decay's 24/7 sets itself apart from other eyeliner pencils with their vibrant hues and metallic tones.

A friend's strong recommendation led me to purchase Urban Decay's 24/7 pencil in their black shade, Zero. It went on effortlessly and stayed all day. I used it on my inner lid one evening and it didn't smudge (or budge) all night.

Lust is such a rich plush purple that I couldn't resist and just "had to have it". I'm currently debating which metallic shade - bronze, gold or silver - I should pick up for Summer. If you prefer bright colors, be sure to check out Electric, Deviant and Covet.

Urban Decay products are available at select Sephora stores and online at urbandecay.com and sephora.com.