Beauty, Not Brutality

Last night I finally decided on a lip color. Covergirl Outlast's Eternal Flame. This lipstick has been known as the most moisturizing, affordable, long-lasting lipstick. I didn't buy it because I wanted to see if it was any cheaper at Wal-Mart. I think I realized why I don't like a lot of overstay/outlast lip colors on me. They are just so strong and liquidy, they make me feel a little messy. Doubtless, though, they stay on forever. I could not wash off that lipstick last night no matter how hard I tried! David is determined that a good purple color would look good on me. Yuck.

I ended up buying an eyelash curler (always wondered about those things!) and three new headbands. Yes, I am slowly adding to my make-up/hair collection. I only need to buy a couple other staples and I'm set; as of this moment I am on the search for mascara and eyeshadow.

Well I am at WalMart, other lip colors to try:

Canyon
Sunkissed
Lingering spice
Moonlit mauve
Adobe Sand
Forever Fawn

*take baby wipes!!!!!!!

Quoting Rona Berg's book...

"Exfoliation makes it easier for the skin to absorb moisture, remove surface debris, evens out the texture of the skin, and makes it look smoother, juicier and less wrinkled," (30).

That being said, I guess it's pretty darned important. So exfoliate often in warm climates, about four times a week, and at least one or twice a week if it's cold and your skin is dry. Oily/combination skin types should use exfoliants more.

Suggested Exfoliant Scrubs:

-Kiehl's Milk, Honey and Almond Scrub
-L'Oreal Plentitude Gentle Exfoliating Cream
-Astara Daily Refining Scrub (sensitive skin types)
-Prescriptives Purifying Scrub
-Clinique Face Buffing Cream

I live in Illinois, which means I get blistering hot summers and below zero winters. Obviously, the weather wreaks havoc not only on my sanity, but my skin as well. I get as dry as a crocodile in the cold, but oily in the heat. Here are some product suggestions from Rona Berg's book.

Dry Skin:
-Cetaphil Cleanser
-Kiehl's Gentle Foaming Face Cleanser
-L'Oreal Plentitude Hydra Renewal Daily Dry Skin Cream
-Oil of Olay
-Nivea Cream

Oily Skin:
-Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser
-Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 15

Sensitive Skin:
-Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
-Avon Clear Skin Foaming Cleanser
-Beauty Without Cruelty 3% AHA Facial Cleanser for normal/oily skin types
-Penny Island Hydrating Facial Moisturizer

Face Oils:

Carrot - Moisturizes dry, aging skin
Evening Primrose Oil - soothes eczema
Kalaya: soothes scars
Lavender: soothes irritations and dries up pimples
Sweet Almond oil - an all over the body oil
Rose Hip Seed Oil: Used to soften lines around the eyes

Eye Gels:
Supposedly very important for reducing puffiness of the eyes. Never used one, but hey, it's not too late...

-Almay Stress Eye Gel
-Avon Eye Block Environmental Protection Cream
-Beauty Without Cruelty Green Tea Eye Gel

Cetaphil Products

Let me explain my purpose here.

I am not very fashionable. I don't wear a lot of make-up. For me, a wacky hairstyle is putting my hair into a ponytail. I am scared to death of eyeliner, and nail polish isn't exactly one of my best friends. So what the hell am I doing writing a blog on beauty resources, tips and tricks?

Well, as of late, I've been paying more attention to my overall health and well-being. I'm eating great, working out, and taking care of myself more than I used to in the past. I'm slowly becoming an environmental health nut, and I am observing wonderful changes in how I look and feel. With some hard nudges from my boyfriend, who is determined that I was "made for fashion", I have become increasingly interested in make-up, skin care, clothes, hair...the works. I am delving slowly into this topic, but I must admit this gets me very in touch with my girly-girl side and I am enjoying this much more than I thought!

So here is a blog where I am putting down my personal preferences; which products work and which ones don't, favorite clothing lines, hair pieces, etc. I believe that beauty should make you look and feel good; hence the "Beauty, Not Brutality" blog title.

Here is my first read and book recommendation: "Beauty: The News Basics" by Rona Berg

Beauty, The New Basics

Rona Berg