Author: Lindsay

Urban Decay Naked Palette – I am a bit shy when it comes to pigment, so I snapped up this “neu

Urban Decay Naked Palette – I am a bit shy when it comes to pigment, so I snapped up this “neutral” palette without a second thought.  I obviously love Urban Decay’s 24/7 pencil (see below) but wasn’t as familiar with their shadows.  The shadow is well-pigmented and blends nicely. I am immediately drawn to shades like Naked, Virgin and Smog, which give a natural but smoky looking eye.  There are also five new shades in the palette including Darkhorse with is a glittery, dark brown and Buck, a smooth carmel.  All in all, I LOVE!

Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer

I first was introduced to the Face Finishing Moisturizer when I received a sample with purchase.  That is pretty much all it took to get my hooked.  While I like Creme de La Mer, it can be a bit heavy during the summer or in the mornings.  This moisturizer has a consistency more like a lotion, but still  provides all the hydration that a cream would. I love that it is paraben-free and loaded with antioxidants.  The moisturizer contains Vitamin C, fulfilling part of a new year’s skin care resolution.  Even though it is loaded with anti-oxidents and anti-aging ingredients, it does not smell or act medicinal in the least bit.  It dries matte but is still luminizing, so no wonder photographers like to work with it.  It is worth the splurge and I think it will be outstanding during the summer months. 

smashbox Smile Brightening Lip Gloss

I consider myself a lip gloss connoisseur (and consumer). A smashbox gloss for $5 was an easy sell on me. This formulaton promises light-reflecting pearls to brighten your smile. Despite the vibrant color in the tube, it comes out really neutral and with only a slight glittery effect.  I have no problem wearing this at work or during the day.  I am not sure I really see a brighter smile, but I love this minty flavor.  It is strong so it is not for the faint of heart.  The mint doesn’t tingle but gives the sensation of fresh breath.  This is probably not the right gloss for your wine tasting adventure in Napa because the flavor is very strong.  This IS great for an application during those long afternoon hours at work for a “pick-me-up”. 

Phyto Phytodefrisant

I just don’t get what all the fuss is about.  When I moved from SF to Austin, years ago, I was welcomed with an unfamiliar frizz.  My new stylist recommended Phyto Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm Anti-Frizz and I willingly handed over the cash.  Even after I threw the first tube away in frustration, I bought it AGAIN a couple of years later.  That tube, still mostly full, sits in isolation in the bottom on my bathroom drawer.  Its headed for the trash. That’s it.  It leaves my hair sticky and coarse.  I can’t really say it dramatically changes the state of my frizz.  It feels gross when I apply it to my hair.  I have tried using less, using more, everything.  I am turning my attention to a Keratin treatment now. 

Yes To Carrots Hand & Elbow Cream

Since it is freezing basically everywhere in the country, I am generously sharing my dry skin solution.  My skin gets super dry when the heater comes on – I know… join the club. I used to be devoted to drugstore Lubriderm, but recently stumbled on Yes To Carrots’ Hand and Elbow Cream.  In my defense, I was in the market for a hand cream and I have always loved this brand.  But here is the real secret, I don’t just use it on my hands and elbows – it has become my everyday body lotion too!  I love the consistency, it is easy to rub in, and doesn’t leave a cloying smell.  

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm With Pomegranate Oil

I am a lip balm connoisseur.  I have one stashed at my desk, by my bed, by my couch… well, you get the point.  When I was home for the holidays, my Texas skin got dried out in the cold weather and, horror!, I was without a lip balm.  After a trip to the local Whole Foods, I was back in business. This lip balm has been catapulted to my favorite in no time.  Not sticky, really moisturizing, doesn’t taste too sweet and I could swear it adds just a pinch of color.