Last weekend I was laboring through a10 page paper. This involves a lot of writing but it also involves a lot of other distracting activities (after a while I just can’t look at Microsoft Word anymore). So I was Web site hopping and came across this thing called The “Blog” of “Unnecessary” Quotation Marks.

People submit pictures of signs that were apparently made by people who don’t really know what quotation marks are for. I thought this was hysterical and could just barely keep myself from making any noise in the Undergrad while I was looking through it. Looking back on it now, while I’m in a more normal state, it’s not really as funny as I originally thought it was. It is still amusing, though.

In any case, I’d recommend you check this blog out when you’re at that point in the studying cycle where you feel like your head is going to explode. Maybe then you’ll find it as hilarious as I did at first.

My dahling readers, how have you been? Today I found myself wandering in the aisles of Ulta in downtown Naperville, trying to find a compact powder the same shade as my skin. I used to use a fantastic one by Maybelline, but I think they may have discontinued it because I can’t find it in any store. It controlled shine very well, was inexpensive and matched my skin tone perfectly. Basically, it was the perfect powder and now it is no longer being made.

Anyway, I first tried the Almay Clear Complexion Powder in light 100. I don’t know what it is about this powder, but I don’t really like it. It seems to be too cakey and as a result, left my skin with darker patches where the powder clumped. Therefore, I clearly needed a new compact powder and so I picked up the Covergirl TruBlend Powder Foundation in Classic Ivory. Nonetheless, I haven’t really tested it out apart from at the store.

Still, being at the store really made me realize how helpful sales assistants can be. I know that a lot of times they pester you when all you want to do is browse uninterrupted, but sometimes they can be your best friend. I mean, they are there for a reason. I think the one I talked to today was actually annoyed with me for interrupting her conversation with her coworkers! Yet, she still helped me choose a powder. Then she helped me get a foundation to match my skin tone. I had narrowed down my choices and she helped me pick the best powder and foundation. It is always nice to have a second opinion, and when that opinion comes from a makeup consultant at a beauty store, it can be quite helpful.

I’ll be sure to let you know how the makeup turns out.

Tips for picking the perfect shade:

Try to test the color on your neck. A lot of people say to test it on your jawbone and blend down to your neck, but because there is a natural shadow right under your jawbone, it can be hard to see if it matches. Plus, it is hard to see your jawbone in the first place! By testing it on your neck, you can actually see if the color blends into your skin and it gives you a true color test.

Wear the color outside before you buy it and see how it looks in natural lighting. You might feel a little strange walking in and out of stores with makeup on your face, but when you don’t look orange, you will be grateful. This is especially important for people who wear foundation during the day. If you just wear it in the evening, you have the advantage of dim lighting which can disguise a color that is too dark. It is also important for people like me, who wear a powder during the day, to test the powder shade in natural lighting. Or if you are a perfectionist when it comes to having a flawless face. Try it out and you’ll find you will have more natural looking coverage.

I love you all! Muah!

xoxoxo

PS if I decide I like the makeup I got today, I’ll let you know more about it.

Thank God finals are over and now everyone as obsessed with beauty as I am can actually spend time on it! Are you still looking rather wan and pale with huge under-eye circles? Do the models in the glossy mags make you want to hurl the textbook that you couldn’t sell back at their perfectly coiffed heads? Is your skin more flaky than Tyra Banks? Well, I have a solution for that last one. And the first. It’s time for a sugar scrub.  (Sadly, I can’t help with the wanting to throw things at models desire and I don’t really want to. Sometimes it’s fun to hate them!)
Before you scrub, take a long, warm bath (not too hot, or your skin will dry out more) and use the sugar scrub to buff away the dead skin on your body.  Once the dead skin cells have been exfoliated, your skin will look healthier.  While your skin is still damp, slather moisturizer on to trap the water.  I recommend drinking more water as well, if you really want to see some results. Before you know it, you will look fresher and you won’t scare people who love to look at you close-up, i.e. boyfriends. (Yeah, there are some people who still see some skin in the winter, so suck it up and de-flake!)

My favorite is Bliss Sweet Orange + Spearmint Sugar Scrub but sadly enough, Sephora doesn’t carry it anymore. I know that I don’t need to buy it from Sephora, but I know that I won’t be getting ripped off if I do. Plus, they give out free goodies when you order online and I adore free goodies! Ummm Ole Henriksen products for free? Yes, please.  Well, I did find another Web site that carries the brand and it seems reputable, but it is currently out of stock. This site, makemeheal.com, had the best price at $34 a tub and seemed to be one of few beauty retailers still carrying it. When they get it back in, I recommend getting some. The delicious scent is enough to make me keep coming back to it, and I love the absolutely clean feeling I get when I use it.  We’re talking rosy, freshly scrubbed, youthful looking skin.  So if you want to beat the pale and beat the flakes, then scrub yourself pretty again!

Muah!

XOXOXO  Colleen

Warning: Blog may contain typos. I maintain that I don’t have to think properly until I go back to school.

Knowing that you have all been as busy as me, with your laptops permanently attached to your, well, laps, I’m sure you’ll forgive me for not writing. Even now I am supposed to be writing two papers due at the end of the week, and I am choosing to write to you lovely people instead. That, and watch America’s Next Top Model, Gossip Girl and the Season Premier of Project Runway! (you see, it’s all about your priorities) Anyway, I’ve also been waiting for a special package to arrive from Sephora and after repeatedly missing the UPS driver, I finally have the ultimate makeup kit in my possession!

It’s the 2007 Sephora Blockbuster Collector’s Palette and it is fabulous. Remember those big makeup kits built like a toolbox with the hot pink and blue colors that you would happily play with when you were about 8? Well, it’s really nothing like that, apart from the multiple colors that come altogether and the happiness it brings! It’s a relatively small box, complete with 32 lip colors, 16 cream eyeshadows, 48 regular eyeshadows, 7 blush colors and one shimmer powder! I was completely surprised at the sheer number of things packed into this box, even with the three sliding compartments.

The colors are all gorgeous, and there is definitely something for every skin color, in fact, there are multiple things! Plus, the Sephora brand makeup has the reputation of being high quality. I haven’t played around with it as much as I would like what with my homework eating me alive, but what I have played with I have loved!

The only problem that I have with the kit so far is the brushes that come with. They are very stiff and small and probably cost $.50 each. But if you use your own brushes, everything should be ok.

Get it online at Sephora for $48 but hurry because it is a limited edition and these things tend to sell out fast, especially around Xmas. If you buy it online now, you can get free shipping on orders over $50 for a limited time. The good thing about shopping online is that you get to pick up to three samples to include with your purchase. I got a mini Cargo bronzer, Ole Henriksen nourishing night cream and L’Occitane Radiance Moisturizing Cream and there were many more things to choose from.

Oh I love makeup and you all. muah! xoxoxo

Another stroke of genius! Those delectable Cadbury Creme Eggs available during Easter are now at Walgreens on Green Street! (I’m sure other stores as well). Cleverly disguised as some sort of “ornament egg” they are the same delicious Easter variety. Now we can all rejoice in creamy goodness from November until April. Upon seeing the eggs in the checkout lane, I promptly purchased two for $1. You can’t get a better deal than that.

Despite all my exuberance, I think it’s safe to say with Halloween candy, a Thanksgiving feast, upcoming holiday festivities and now these ornament eggs, I am sure to gain at least 10 extra pounds. Yet, whenever I bite into the creme egg, I can’t help but sigh and think it’s all worth it.

Just a reminder about your makeup tonight: NOT TOO MUCH PLEASE! Whatever you are going as, make sure that your makeup enhances your costume.

I have one more example of what to do with your makeup because I love you all so much.

A sexy sports player: for football players, definitely do the cute black smudges under your eyes. For the rest of your makeup, try to do coordinating eye shadow and nail polish with the team colors. Maybe even add some of the colors to your hair with some temporary hair spray!

Have fun tonight and be safe and sexy!

Oh my devilish darlings, I have for you some more quick tips for preparing for the enchanting evening coming soon, and what better costume than a sexy witch? This is the epitome of a truly spirited Halloween costume and if you are anything like me, Hocus Pocus is one of your all time favorite movies! However, you probably don’t want to look like Bette Midler and let’s face it, you don’t want to look like Sarah Jessica Parker either because she has definitely seen better days. If you are blonde, please don’t attempt the black eyes and maroon/purple lips thing that she’s got going on in the movie.

To achieve the sexy witch look without the intense goth makeup, make sure to play up one of your features. I think that every witch needs a smoky eye more than anything. So if you have darker features, be sure to line your eyes in black and put a dark color eye shadow over it. A nice, dark purple or gray would look fantastic and sexy. Even a dark green shadow could be pretty, and would create a “wicked” sort of effect. Just be careful that the green goes with your skin tone and doesn’t make you look sickly.

If you have lighter hair, still go with the smoky eye. However, when you line your eyes, particularly if you are a blonde, make sure that you are using a dark brown or navy and aren’t using intense black. Blondes tend to look harsh in black eyeliner. I know it is Halloween and the temptation to use darker makeup can be great, but resist and know that you look hot, even with a classic, smoky eye. (I like to add glitter to the inner corner of my eye for an added pop.

If you are going to do lips, make absolutely sure you choose a dark color that is suited to your skin tone. Red/berry lipstick can be tricky and can make you look like a clown if you aren’t careful. I recommend buying several cheap lipsticks to see what color looks best on you. Quick tip: fair skin looks better in red colors with blue undertones while darker/olive skin looks better in red colors with orange undertones. Don’t forget to keep your eyes simple!

These tips can also be used with many other costumes and even in every day life, so be sure to take advantage of them!

Hello again gorgeous ghouls! Don’t you just love Halloween? I mean, I get to use cheesy lines like gorgeous ghouls and it isn’t completely weird! As promised, I have a few blogs coming your way about looking great for Halloween. First, remember that to be sexy on Halloween (as I know pretty much all you ladies are, I know I am!) we want to see your beautiful faces. Don’t overdo the makeup or you will scare people and not in a good way. To help, I’ve decided to give you a few makeup ideas that could go with your costume.

Sexy beast (an actual animal and not just your average glamorous night makeup!): Use the animals trademark traits and apply them to yourself. For example, if you are going as a cat, use black eye shadow or eyeliner and apply small whiskers and a tiny nose. This will work for a bunny, or a dog as well. Maybe apply a paw-print high on the side of your face. This is obviously not where these animals actually have paws, but it is your own creative, adorable interpretation. Right now I am at Mizzou, so I think a tiger would be an appropriate costume. Try the whiskers and nose with a few stripes (just a few) to really highlight the costume. Make sure if you do blacken your nose, it still looks cute, because it probably won’t work as well on people with bigger noses. If that’s the case, try a smokey eye with a paw print.

Stay tuned for more ideas!

You know what we need my fellow makeup mavens? We NEED a Sephora to come to town. They just sent me an email about my free makeup birthday gift, a glorious, relatively large tube of body butter. The only catch is that I basically have to pick it up in a store. If I try to redeem the offer online, I have to make a purchase. Which I mean, hey it is Sephora, so I just might because in case you haven’t noticed, I adore makeup/beauty products. I just have to find the perfect thing to buy to justify spending the $. Eh, I’ll just buy myself a birthday present. After all, a girl turns 21 only once in her life (aka Wednesday the 24th for anyone who loves me and wants to support my makeup habit!)

But I ramble. This week, I have a fantastic tip for all you beauties whose ultimate beauty goal is to combat the war on terror. I am talking about pimples, people. They are the bane of our beauty existence and they pop up at the most annoying time and they’re so ugly and I HATE THEM! Whew. So how do you fight them?

There are a lot of different ways and everyone’s skin is going to react differently. The best thing to remember is to wash your face at least two times a day, in the morning and at night.

To combat the really intense and deep pimples, or cysts, wet a washcloth with hot water. Apply the washcloth to the cyst until the cloth cools. Wet it again and repeat. Do this several times to really open up the pores surrounding the area. You should notice the cyst getting flatter and softer. Then, quickly apply the secret weapon. Hydrocortisone Cream.

It’s sounds ludicrous, but it really does reduce the size of your pimple. Try to do this at least twice a day, and the annoying cyst will disappear in roughly 2-4 days. The really horrendous ones can last longer, but apply hydrocortisone and it won’t hurt as much.

Cortisone shots are the treatment you would receive at the dermatologist’s office if you were to go in to have a cyst eliminated. Unfortunately, you can’t buy cortisone over the counter, and especially not in shot form. To achieve a similar result, buy the maximum strength hydrocortisone cream (1%). By opening your pores with the hot washcloth, you ensure that the cream will get deep into your skin.

Plus, you can use hydrocortisone cream for many things as it is an antipruritic or an anti-itch medication. I personally use it for razor burn.

Just remember, when using it to clear up acne, don’t try to pop the cysts unless you are absolutely sure they are ready. If they aren’t, you risk breaking the skin around the cyst. This can be almost impossible to cover up and can even leave scarring in the long run.

Well, I’m off to paint my toes.

MUAH!

Remember back in the day when I said that I was going to come back with more examples of why makeup is important? Well here I am. So not to sound completely catty, but there is this girl in one of my classes who is the palest person I have ever seen! It’s the type of pale skin that isn’t prettily referred to as “ivory” by the makeup gurus, it simply has no color. And to top it all off, she has a light brown do with orangey-blonde highlights and absolutely no color in her lips. Basically, she is the most washed-out person that I’ve ever seen and I want to attack her with some rosy blush and a lip gloss with even just a hint of color. (Yeah, I really should be paying attention to learn how to graph- those devious little numbers and lines fool me a lot!)

My point is that she would look soo much better if she had some hint of color in her face and I would be able to concentrate in class. Ladies, please put some sort of effort into your appearance at least every once in a while. I completely understand not dolling yourself up every day, but could you put on some makeup once in a while? PLEASE do this for the sakes for those of us who need to concentrate in class!

Muah!