I am ashamed of my absence. Between report cards, parent conferences, and the flu ( an occupational hazard of many a grade school teacher), I have had little desire or inclination to sit and compose. SO GLAD to be back and I am back with a vengeance. Since my last installment, I have found some products that I learned to love again and some new I have discovered and want to share.
Something Old
I am doing something new: sharing hair products! Let me set the stage. My current hair dilemma is dryness and split ends. I am constantly looking for products that add softness, hydration and repair to my ends. When the ends are happy, my style is happy! I stumbled across Control Creme by Silky, Sexy Hair several months ago. It is a "silk infused formula" that smooths coarse hair. It is directed to be used on damp hair, but I must confess, I love it as a daily hydrating cream. Whether I press or braid, a daily dose leaves my hair feeling so soft and smooth. 5.1 fl oz.
I also reconnected with Urban Therapy Twisted Sista's Blow Drying Creme. Just a pea sized amount on damp hair adds unbelievable silkiness when you blow dry but the results intensify when you press! A little goes a long way. I purchased mine at Walgreens. 3.38 fl oz.
I love a good dupe. And this next product should qualify for "Something New' but I have used it for so long, it should stay here. Let me back up. I highly recommend MAC Mineralized Skin Finish. It leaves a perfect velvety finish to your complexion. But...it is around $25.00 a pop. I found this version from L.A. Colors while shopping in L.A.'s garment district. I get the same lovely finish for much less than $5.00 each. Just try it and tell me what you think.
I purchased a new lipstick (shared in "Something New") and I have been loving darker plum and black lip colors. MAC Blush Ombree in Vintage Grape. The camera may not pick up on how the blush goes from light to dark, but it is a cool, grape tone that perfectly compliments the darker lip colors I am loving. This shade may be discontinued, but it is truly a keeper. If you know of a dupe for this, please let me know.
Something New
Ever the foundation finder, I was very pleasantly surprised to find the Ready, Set, Gorgeous Foundation from Cover Girl The color and coverage are very nice and it feels so easy and lightweight. I love a plastic, portable container and its availability in grocery and drug stores.
So, one day, I am in a major department store cosmetics section, viewing the new Holiday 2014 colors in Chanel, and a representative of Smashbox is coming back and forth to the Chanel counter. Come to find out, she is using a Chanel mascara on her Smashbox customer. After making my Chanel purchase, I received a sample of this amazing mascara. Imitable Intense is great stuff. It lifts and separates and the brush reaches bottom lashes with ease. It retails for $30.00 and comes in some amazing colors. I am wearing #10 Noir.
As mentioned, I am loving a dark boss lip. When MAC sent notice to me of their Nasty Gal collection, I had to have the lipstick in Gunner...the most intriguing matte prune. I have glossed it in this pic, but it is gorgeous on dark skin ,but I LOVE the contrast on the lightest complexions. $16.00 maccosmetics.com
Lastly, I must share a product that is not new to many of you, but I have fallen head over heels for when I need a great highlighter. MAC Prep and Prime in Bright Forecast is the perfect consistency: creamy and blendable, but adds the perfect golden glow. Love it under the eye especially. Kinda gives the illusion of an eye lift. Gotta love that! Comes in a variety of tones for all skin tones . $26.00
Thanks so much for joining me! Please leave a comment if you have loved any of these products. Stay blessed and Color Elated, everyone!
