Shake Your Stuff Like Your Mamma Taught Ya...

...with Sunscreen! As I prepare for departure to the sweet destination of McCall, Idaho this weekend, I remind myself to stock up on one particular item; SUNSCREEN. I cannot say it enough, and I'm sure you've heard it too much from me, but this product is most necessary for your skin's survival.


Hotdogs, beer, swimsuits and sunscreen. That is what my 4th of July holiday will consist of; along with great friends and boating, but hopefully, no sunburns!


I have made that mistake...too many times to count! Summer after my senior year of high school, I ventured down the coast of California with two of my best friends for a 10 day road trip. Our first stop; Santa Cruz. We chilled with the Banana Slugs on the Pacific ocean beach, but the light cloud cover made us think, "we don't need sunscreen!" Ah, the effects of adolescent stupidity. Needless to say, 4 hours later, my girl friend and I had burns that would scare a clown! Neon red all down the entire back of my body...butt included. It hurt to move. And it doesn't end here.


Spring semester of my junior year of college. Place: Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. I rubbed spf 15 all over my body, except for my legs because I thought, "My legs never get color." Greatest mistake. Let me remind you, m'friends, that there is NO ozone layer above Australia. Again, 2 hours later after avoiding all blue box jelly fish along the tourist-filled, topless babe beach, I had a sunburn that beat all sunburns. My legs were so swollen, I could barely move. (Thank God for the boxed wine). I couldn't sleep they were throbbing so horribly. A week later, my feet had turned purple they were so burned. It actually turned to be sun poisoning per information from a wise fella on my same program. Well, thanks dude for lettimg me know now. People, I was poisoned by the sun. Now that is scary.


So after years of burns, I think I finally scared myself straight. With more and more cases of melanoma hitting home, and with more among young people for that matter, I now try to take as many precautions as I can. Now, I'm not perfect. But, who wants to look like some over-tanned, leather belt? When did tan skin become the beauty icon and who decided this? I use spf chapstick, spf hand lotion, spf face lotion, spf makeup and sunscreen. You can only really truly shake what your mamma gave you if you protect those assets with the right sunscreen!


Below are my favorite sunscreens. Please do take note and purchase some for these summer scorchers! Your beautiful, unwrinkled skin will thank you in the future!

Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock, spf 30, $9.49

Refreshes your skin, waterproof and sweatproof, won't clog your pores and doesn't leave a sticky film on your skin. Perfect for long hours in the sun and incredibly easy to apply-- you never need an extra pair of hands. Just spray and go!

Banana Boat Protective Tanning Oil Sunscreen, spf 15, $8.49

This tanning spf oil is for more of the bolder, darker skin ladies and gents. There is still a great level of sun protection, but the oil creates a stronger draw to the sun, making it more likely to burn if you are a fair toned person and don't reapply often. But still, this oil smells delicious, leaves a beautiful, glistening glow and rubs in easily. Just be sure to spread evenly, especially along bathing suit lines. If you are prone to breakouts, do not put this oil on your chest, face or back. Use a non-comodegenic product, like Aveeno or Neutrogena for acne prone, senstive areas. Overall, a product I love!

No-Ad Maximum Sunblock Lotion, spf 45, $5.99

One of the best beauty finds! A high level of protection, No-Ad is waterproof, sweatproof, and non-greasy, with vitamins, cocoa butter and aloe. Almost fragrance free, there is nothing fancy about this brand. Just great sunblock. Plus, your purchase will help further causes! A portion of all NO-AD sales is contributed to the NO-ADdiction Campaign, a non-profit drug and alcohol preventing and awareness program in schools nationwide.


And guess what? You can, of course, find these fantastic sunscreens at yours truly, Walgreens or Rite Aid, with great summer prices.


So hit the town with your best face forward-- a protected face. No one wants skin cancer. Enjoy the sun and be safe!


With love,

Dare to Try: Red Lips Rave

The concept of deep red lipstick is often poo-pooed or pushed aside for most of the general public. Many woman, or more young ladies, see wearing red lipstick as a total no-no and think, 'what a freak I will look like!' However, m'friends, the 'new' rave of red lips is one challenge I dare you to try this summer...and into fall and winter.

I say 'new' because red lips have been around forever, obviously. Think old Hollywood glamour. Even black and white movies; the women were wearing red. But every few years or so, the trend seems to reappear. Magazines and fashion shows blast red lips across the media, trying to re-invent the colors and style of wearing red lips. Well I'm here to say, red lips are red lips and they will always be, your basic red lips. It does not need to be a trend; red lips are classic and timeless. All ages can pull it off (the correct red for your skin tone, clearly).

My mother has only ever worn bright pinks or deep reds. Her fair skin tone, light freckles and auburn-blonde hair has made it an easy beauty do of hers. For all of my Irish Dancing events, my sisters and I wore hot red lips. This is what we did. So I guess from an early age, red lips were in my genes.

A couple of years ago, I bought a red stain lip gloss by CoverGirl. I still have it in my lip gloss pouch today. I got really bold when I traveled to Amsterdam last fall and decided to wear out the flaming, red hot lipstick. Needless to say, I got a lot of compliments. And so can you! But only if it is worn right. I was then successful in persuading my roommate to purchase a deep, brick red lipstick for her tiny little pout. Her beige-olive tone skin and bright blue eyes made this color stand out beautifully! Success.

And so how do you wear a red lipstick correctly for your skin tone and lips? Well let us discuss...

For fair skin tones: you want to purchase a 'blue' red. This means a red that is bright and pops in color. Think apple red. Bright as candy or red licorice. For mine, I love CoverGirl Outlast Double Lipshine in Candy Apple, $8.99. In a double tube, one end delivers the colored stain while the other end of the tube is a high-shine clear gloss, to finish the look. Said to last up to 10 hours, this stain truly stays on your lips, but only the gloss needs application throughout the night.

For beige to light olive skin tones: find a bit deeper red compared to the apple red. Look for something similar to brick red or wine, which may have a tinge of orange (but don't go too orange)! Try Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, $7.99 in Wine with Everything or Teak Rose. The great thing about this product is how smooth the lipstick is; it isn't cakey or dry and goes on easily, making sure you stay inside the lines of your lips. Don't be afraid to really put on the coats, because with this product, you do have to re-apply multiple times.

Deep olive or darker skin tones: plum reds and more plum reds, that is what you want! Although the fad right now are bright pinks and fuchsias, red is still a staple. But for even darker skin tones, a plum red or a rich purple red is really the way to go. Try Maybelline New York Superstay Lipcolor, $9.49 in Ruby, Violet or Cabernet. Also another 2 tubed lipstain, the color is long-lasting with the other tube a conditioning balm to give you hydration and finish.

Putting on a colored lipstick can be tricky, and is quite an art form. Take your time, you may make mistakes, but that is OK. You are learning! Keep a q-tip handy to finish the lines. If you are brave enough, use a very light lipliner to help you stay within the edges of your lips. Also, foundation or concealer on your lips before the lipstick or stain will help the color stay and will thus, prevent the color from bleeding into the cracks of your lips.

Another point to remember is to keep the rest of your makeup simple when wearing red lips! Don't do any heavy eye shadow or dark, bronzed cheeks. Do a very elegant black eyeliner (do a 60's cat-eye for a bolder night), and very faint pink cheeks. Dab on some illuminator to your cheekbones if you feel up for it. Otherwise, clean and simple.

The great thing about purchasing these beauty finds at Walgreens or Rite Aid is the return policy. Even if you have opened and/or tried the product, and you still don't approve or like, you can bring back the product with your receipt and try again! Sometimes it is the luck of the draw, so be patient and find that perfect color for you. Don't settle. And with great return policies at places like Walgreens and Rite Aid, you can't really go wrong. Be sure to check within how many days you can return; I believe it is between 21-30 days. But don't quote me.

Pucker up! Good luck. Love,

Mascara Mascarade

I've tried them all. Yes, folks. I've tested most tubed mascara out there. Since the age of 12, I have been on a search for that fabulous, glorious tube of black goodness; Mascara.

And what have I come to find out? You don't need to spend a lot. Nope, just a mere $8 and your eyelashes will be thanking you for days, along a few compliments here and there on your beautiful eyes.

Let me just say, the blacker the better! Keep your lashes dark and dramatic. I don't care what the experts say; brown for blue-eyed, blondes etc. Remain black! It will make such the difference. Mascara can create a look that is to die for, and so here we go!

What have I tried? I'm going to remain general, but so far, I have experimented with Maybelline, MAC, Loreal, Cover Girl, Wet 'n Wild, Estee Lauder, Sephora, Clinque, Bobbi Brown and Rimmel. And within these brands, I've tried at least 3 or 4 different versions.

A plethora, I know. Call me obsessive. But it's my obessive reality. My ex and still dear friend used to say, "Don't wear makeup, you're so much prettier without." Puh-lease. I would always return with, "You wouldn't have looked twice at me if I hadn't been wearing this stuff." Now, I'm not saying we all don't have the inner beauty-- we truly do, and when you find that right person, makeup really doesn't matter. However, you can't stop a girl's passion! *wink wink.

I hate the mascaras with sad bristles, or barely-there bristles, or stubby bristles, or those that carry heavy clumps and dumps of black crap. You either look like a hot mess or some weak soul with non-existent lashes. And don't get me started on the $38-$50 designer mascaras; are you KIDDING me? A complete waste of hard earned dollar bills. Sorry, we're not all Beyonce. No sir, no thank you. And so here I am, a girl with a love for makeup and the determination to keep on searchin. But alas, I believe I have found the mascara fit for any princess/working girl/suga mamma/crazy mother/dramatic sister/college student/pubescent teen.

For those on a money crunch, the BEST and simplest mascara you should 'invest' in is

Maybelline Full 'n Soft, $7.49

This puppy has a plump and full (hence 'full n soft') brush that will give your lashes real length and definition without clumps. It truly has the ability to extend your lash and give them a fluffy, soft look. I have been a believer in this stuff since high school and my sister is a true follower. I'm telling you, it will get you hooked.

If you are a little more bold and willing to take a bigger gamble and splurge, go for this!

Fresh Supernova Mascara, $25

My roommate is a hardcore user of this stuff and man, is it glorious! She so generously let me try it out for myself one night and it does the job right. The brush is not insanlely full or packed with bristles, but it almost perfectly separates and extends your lashes to a beautiful length with clean and non-clumpy definition. Yes, the price may be a bit spendy for some. But it also has a very long shelf-life, so stock up or buy when you have some room in your budget.

Reminders: Mascara is only good for a few months, if that. So be sure to replace. Do NOT share mascara (shh, I know, we've all done it) and be sure to use makeup remover when it comes to heavy mascara. You don't want to be losing your coveted lashes!

So get on out there and show those lashes off! The world will thank you.

Peace and love,

Women are from Venus

Loyal followers,

My apologies for the brief hiatus. The lack of internet connection at home proves to be a hindrance on my blogging abilities. So here we are, catch up time.

Finding the perfect razor is often a difficulty and frustration for many women. My best friend of 18 years has a continuous problem regarding the razor search; more than anything, she actually has an allergy. Yes, a nickel allergy. How is this relevant you may ask? Well, most razors that we shavers, the normal, general people, use are made with nickel. This will cause redness, burning and irritated bumps, harsh razor burn. My friend then decided to switch to the men's electric razor. Needless to say, the search for her is still on.

Until...she sneakily tried my Venus Spa Breeze, $6.99. This razor comes in a disposable pack of two (for those on a penny pinch) and has a razor head lined with gel bars, to ease the shaving fears. And guess what- no burning, itchy bumps or rash!


Now don't be a nay-sayer. I, too, once boo-hissed all disposable razors. With sensitive skin like mine, most disposable, plastic, crappy razors would basically shred my skin and leave me with one scary pair of red, bumpy legs. This was until I was super broke as I cruised the razor aisle at Target, desperate for new blades. A pack of 4 Venus razors is practically $10. I'm sorry, no. So, I ventured out and tried the disposable pack of 2. And my, are they bomb-diggity!

For an even better, smooth protected feel-- lather up your legs with shaving cream. This, combined with the lubricated razor, will give you an undoubtedly silky and bump-free shave.

So, is my best friend a convert? Maybe...probably. But she still may be a friendly user of the man's electric razor. And to that, I have no answer.

But for those looking for a new beauty 'adventure', try this. It may save you the bucks while giving you touchably, baby-bottom soft legs.

Smooches,

Buys That Won't Chap Your Behind

For an hour last night, lying in bed, I restfully browsed the newest Lucky Magazine with sweet Becky Newton as the cover girl to find my next beauty conquests. The issue said, "everything under $100, and we mean everything!" so I was intrigued, seeing that I tend to look for the frugal beauty finds, while keeping splurging to a minimum.

And there they were; 3 cheap finds that caught my eye immediately. From lip care, to hair care, to brittle nails everywhere, these are the next products I plan on purchasing A.S.A.P! And seriously, I promise you, they will not break the bank. Not even close.

Therefore, welcome to: Buys That Won't Chap Your Behind!

As a blond addict, I tend and I know, that my hair is pretty damaged. Especially on the ends. I do not jest; the amount of bleach and hair color that has gone onto my head in the past (gasp!) 11 years, only proves that this baby needs some pampering!

Funny enough, one of my lovely co-workers was proclaiming last night that she does not condition nor comb her hair. I was shocked! Don't tell me these things over happy hour, I may spit my drink at you! But seriously, I just couldn't imagine, seeing that my hair sometimes looks like Tarzan was swinging up in my locks, making dreads and all forms of hideous knots to comb out. Thank you, years of product build-up and damage.

And so here we are; between those who do not need to comb or condition, to those who hair's livelihood depends on a comb and conditioner. This is when I came across (drums please)...

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Leave in Conditioner Cream, $4

Slated as a light-weight but sleek and deep conditioner that won't leave a heavy residue. Perfect for those with color damage, chlorine build-up or frizz from humidity.

Next, I found myself amid the lip dealios. For $3, you can purchase EOS lip balm that is shaped like a bizarre little sphere, which is organic and all natural. Shea butter, vitamin E and super long-lasting. Comes in 3 flavors: honeysuckle honeydew, summer fruit and sweet mint. Yes, please! Found at select Walgreens, Target and Safeway.

To terminate snags and help shape those lovely summer nails of yours, ditch the old sandpaper files (yuck!) and instead, welcome the Sephora Crystal Glass Nail file, $8. This puppy is worth those 8 buckaroos. The glass does not shred or break soft, frail nails and gives a smooth and fine shape. I always use my mothers when I am home and have been meaning to purchase my own. So, as Nike would say, Just Do It! *Note: be sure not to drop this file on any hard surface for it will break. It's glass, obviously.

Enjoy your summer frugal finds!

Peace, Love & Cheerios,

Pesky Pimples

Let's not lie, we all get them. Whether they are small, surface pimples, or the deep, oily monsters, pimples happen to everybody (maybe less for some). However, it is part of our beauty evolution.

For myself, pimples have been there some, gone some, and too much some! Depending on my age, weather, cycle (*cough, ladies), and emotion/stress, the pimples took on thier own agenda.

Never was acne, true acne, a huge dilemma for me. However, at the ripe age of 14, they really began to make thier mark. 8th grade I sailed through 'puberty' with very little skin problems (courtesy of Clarins). And then BAM! High school started and the rest is history.

At one point, I believe college, I began to develop oil wells. Hideous, I know. They are deep and pesky and incredibly hard to zap. I usually got a couple a year. I blame the stress, lack of sleep, heavy eating and drinking of any normal college student for this occurrence. Nonetheless, not a pretty sight. Thank God for bangs and good makeup. But, I'm happy to say, now, that these oil wells have not made an appearance in quite some time. Yes, thank you real world!

Now, I don't want to get too graphic and deep about my personal pimples. Really, who cares? But more importantly, let's discuss your best options and my favorite picks to really help rid yourself of those annoying pimples. All of them.

Firstly, cleanser. If you have pimples that are both small, surface villains as well as the occasional deep pimples (whiteheads included), go for a foaming cleanser while also remembering to EXFOLIATE once a week to renew the skin cells. Try Biore Revitalizing 4 in 1 Foaming Cleanser $7.49, and Clean and Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub, $5.08

For those who have real acne, I do suggest Proactiv. But note to readers, this is a light exfoliator and drying. If you have sensitive skin, you may be over scrubbing your skin while drying out your oil glands, which will only cause you to produce more oil. Hence, more pimples. So tread lightly and approach with caution. Seek a dermatologist if you need serious advice.

Secondly, moisturizer. Be sure to find an oil-free, non-greasy, won't clog pores ("Noncomodegenic") lotion, that hopefully contains SPF as well as no mineral oils. Try Clean and Clear Morning Burst Shine Control Moisturizer, $6.49 (no spf). SPF will cause a bit more shine, so if you are hesitant to have a seemingly oily face (or if you already have oily-combination skin), be sure to wear make up that contains SPF if you skip the SPF lotion. Physicians Formula and bareMinerals all have SPF in their products.

Thirdly, pimple concealer. I don't wear drying pimple cream at

night unless I have a real bugger of a pimple. Therefore, I use Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Concealer, $6.99. This concealer click pen contains an active ingredient of 0.5% Salicylic Acid to help reduce the redness and growth of the pimple, while drying it out. It comes in 4 shades so wear under your normal makeup. Be sure to blend and cover/pat with a dry powder. It is also small enough to carry in your clutch when you have a serious pimple! REMINDER: do not try to pop pimples and do not pick at your face. It is a vice, and we all try it, but you will give yourself nasty pimple scars. Who wants that? Nobody.

So tackle those pimples and face the world pimple free (hopefully)! ;)

Smooches,

Freckle Fanatic

An underestimated beauty feature: the freckle. I love freckles and find pure childhood joy in seeing anyone with freckles spotted all over their face and body. The freckle represents all that is natural in the world-- a colored spot that gives someone the perfect amount of character and childish charm. My sister, a friend, my roommate, my mother. Even myself as a child: a summer in the sun and my face was covered in freckles. Even the dreaded...freckle mustache.

After years of sunscreen in my face lotion, my freckles are definitely minimal. However, the summer glow (or a good burn, yikes!) still manage to bring out a few on my cheeks and forehead. Often times I find myself envious of those who still produce gourds of freckles (*cough, Kirstie). It is real nostalgia!


I came back from 10 days in Mazatlan Mexico last year (with 9 of the best women alive) and didn't think much of my sun time. However, when a friend picked me up from the airport, he shouted, "Whoa, look at all your freckles!" He was amazed. Literally. I was laughing because, who is really so surprised and astounded by a few freckles? (Maybe it was the freckle 'stache that got him?)


And so it is my ode to freckles, the very beloved charm of anyone's beauty. Below are some of my suggestions and beauty favorites for the freckle face babe!


Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Moisture Lotion Spf 15, $11.79




The must-have, must-use beauty product for year round; to protect those God-given freckles from the harsh summer sun.

Burt's Bees Super Shiny Natural Lip Gloss, $7.00

A super hydrating natural gloss in colorful hues; choose a color like Pucker Berry or Zesty Red for more sass and drama, in a good way ;), to bring out the freckles!

bareMinerals Glimmer, $13



A translucent and soft shade for your eyes; choose a gold, or light sun yellow so as not to draw away from the beautiful freckles. Keep it simple and toned down. Try shades like, Ecstasy, Queen Phyllis, Sunshine or True Gold.


Keep on keepin' on. Kudos to the freckle face beauties and all other faces out there!


Bee loved,