Redding Your Lips

I love wearing this look. Red lips are a quick classic look that is actually really easy to pull off. Just a swipe of a neutral eyeshadow like MAC All That Glitters and Soft Brown, a few coats of extra black mascara and the lightest hint of NARS Orgasm Blush and you have a look that is simple and Classic. There are a couple of things to keep in mind when wearing red lips.


#1 Color. There are many types of reds. There are reds that have a more orange tone, true reds, blue- reds, and reds that have a warmer hue to them. You really have to actually TRY them on your lips and experiment with the colors to find what looks great on you.


#2 Finishes. For a really classic look, I wear a red lipstick with a little shine to it like MAC Red (satin finish/ bluish-red tone.) When I want to go for a more modern Pin Up look I wear something that has a Matte finish like MAC Ruby Woo or MAC Russian Red (both bluish-red tones as well.) If you aren't comfortable with wearing a look that is really bold, or you're just looking to add a little touch of color to your lips you can always do a red lip gloss instead.


#3 Base. Smooth, even toned lips are really one of the most important things to consider when wearing any bold, matte shade. I will usually slather some lip balm on, let in set in and then rub my lips with a towel or tooth brush until they are nice and smooth. I then rub a little more lip balm and then some concealer on to my lips and just to my lip line and slightly outwards (some people wear a lipstick base) to wash out the natural color of my lips making the color applied truer and more intense. It also helps to creates a nice smooth surface for the lipstick to glide on to and help with bleeding or feathering. This leads us to the other most important point.


#4 Application and Neatness. Line those lips!!! I cannot stress this enough! When wearing reds, definition and neatness is really important. You don't want to look like Courtney Love now (unless you like looking like trash.) I like to line my lips on my natural lip line and fill in my entire lip. This will help further the intensity of your lipstick color as well as give it some serious staying power. I find that with red or bold colors, it is not a good idea to line outside your natural lip line (some people do this to create a fuller looking mouth.) Doing this causes the lip color to bleed out into the little lines around your lips.


Here is the trick I learned from my cousin Carmelyn. She literally wears red lipstick and Retro Waves in her hair ever single day. So glamorous! After making sure my lips are smooth, washing out the color and applying a good base, I line my lips. Then, I apply the lip color straight from the tube all over my lips. I carefully blot my lips on to a tissue. To prevent bleeding, I sometimes do a reverse lip liner with a small lip brush and concealer. Then, I take one layer of tissue to my lips (usually there are two) and dust some loose powder on to it over my lips as well as the outer areas surrounding my lips. Last, I take a lip brush and reapply the color. I concentrate the majority of the color on the inner parts of my lips, working my way out, thinning out the amount of product as I get closer I get to my lip line. Do not over load your lips with product!! Keep the layers thin and minimal. Also, you want to keep your general lip line area on the matte side with out to much of the actual lipstick there, too much product in that area will cause bleeding. You really just want to deposit just enough color in that area. If you lined your lips properly with a shade that matches your lipstick, you shouldn't really see a difference. That's it!


#5 Check Up and Retouch! My red lips usually stay in tact for about 4 hours without touch ups and if I eat carefully LOL! Beware: When wearing red lipstick, any bleeding of color or smudge will be really obvious and take you from classy to trashy really quick. So, keep a cute little mirror compact handy and check on your lips ever now and then. Don't obsess, just check up. What you may need to retouch: Q-tips, concealer, powder, lip brush and lip stick. The best thing to do is to not over load your lips with even more product. depending on your needs, you may just need a light touch up to the inner or midsection of your lips. If your red look starts to feather, do not redo your lips. Just take your q-tip and clean up just the area outside of your natural lip line that has the color bleeding out. In that area take your CLEAN lip brush and apply just a little concealer to keep your lips looking neat, reline your lips and then use your lip brush to apply your lip color only where you need to and blot. I usually don't have to go through all this but every once in a while . . .

#6 Own it! You really have to own it and know that you look great. Confidence is the key to pulling any look off.


Red lipsticks that I wear daily : All MAC Lipsticks: Russian Red (Matte) Bright Bluish-Red tone, Ruby Woo (Matte) Bright Bluish-Red tone, Mac Red (Satin) Classic Bluish-Red tone, Diva (Matte) Intense reddish-burgundy (This color is DRAMA.)

Thanks for Reading!

I Went Swimming Yesterday in a Purple Sun Block Skin Suit

Devan (age 2): Auntie, why does you skin look like that?

Makayla (age 8): Auntie, why is your skin purple? and neon . . . .

Husband (age 29 and mean): Ugh! What up with your skin? Isn't there a sun block that won't make you look like a neon barney? (not really what he said but something mean like that)

Auntie T (age 28 years of super hyper sensitive skin) :
Okay, okay! My skin is purple because I fear the sun and it burning powers! Sure, the sun is bright. It's fun, and warm and soothing. When it's nice to you, you can play outside all day, go to the beach or pool and hang out all day. But then you turn your back and go inside or the day is over and you have to leave. All of a sudden the sun is still on your back - your face, your neck and chest and its saying, " HA HA HA I got you!!!! mwa ha ha!" You are burned, red and ITCHY! The sun got you alright and the pain it causes will last for days and days.

I am purple because I don't care what it takes, how many layers of natural sunblock I have to put on, I am not getting a sun burn this summer!!!

DDF Organic Sun Protection SPF 30

3 layers of this all over my face, even around my eyes, neck and chest. No allergies. No Sunburn. Not so white or crazy purple when topped with some good old tinted moisturizer. YAY!


California Baby Water Resistant, Hypo-Allergenic Sunscreen, SPF 30+
Heavy, white, purple neon when it gets wet sunscreen. I can put this on my face and all over my body and not worry about breaking out, allergies to the actual product or getting a sunburn. I look ridiculous but at least my skin is protected. Ha Ha Ha!

Derma E Eyebright Eye Makeup Remover Sensitive Review

Derma E Eyebright Eye Makeup Remover

A light, oil-free formula that works quickly to safely remove eye makeup, leaving your skin fresh and ready for your favorite eye crème or moisturizer. Chamomile and Cucumber extracts soothe, refresh, and tighten skin while Eyebright extract protects against inflammation and irritation. Bilberry extract promotes healthy circulation, and Green Tea extract delivers important antioxidants to the delicate skin around the eyes. Suitable for all skin types and for those who wear contact lenses.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (Certified Organic By Quality Assurance International, Usda or Guaranteed Organic Certification Agency), Organic Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (Certified Organic By Quality Assurance International, Usda or Guaranteed Organic Certification Agency), Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Extract, Allantoin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

Derma E has some great products for sensitive skin. This is really, really good stuff! I have been using this eye makeup remover for about 2 years now.I have tried many different brands and either they didn't do the job or they are too strong and I am allergic to them. This one is super gentle on my eyes and it really does the job. The product itself is oil-free which is great because I tend to get little whiteheads around my eyes if the product is too greasy. This eye make up remover has a gel consistency to it which does not run when you are trying to apply it, keeping it on your targeted areas. I just take a couple of drops in my fingers and gently rub it onto my eyes just like I do with facial cleanser and rinse. I tend to wear a lot of eye make up, water proof liquid eyeliner and loads of mascara but this takes care of it all.

The Allergy Factor: I have not had any allergic reactions to this product! Big Big WOHOO! Even on my most sensitized day, in the middle of a bad eczema breakout, this product delivers great results without irritating my delicate eye area.

The Scent: If it even has one, it is so light that I don't notice it at all.

Bottom Line: No Allergies. No complaints. I really love and recommend this product. It's gentle enough for me to use on a daily basis but works hard to take off all of my eye makeup no matter how heavy. Boom!

Boots Expert Sensitive Gentle Smoothing Scrub Sensitive Review

Boots Expert Sensitive Gentle Smoothing Scrub

Sensitive skin needs extra care especially when exfoliating. This hypoallergenic scrub is formulated with smoothing beads, mineral water and aloe vera. It gently polishes to reveal smoother, softer and revitalized skin. Fragrance-free. Lanolin-free. Soap-free. Dermatologically tested.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol, Polyethylene, Polysorbate 20, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Aqua Mineralis (Mineral Water), Methylparaben, Propylene Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

Okay so, I picked this up at Target because the sales consultant at Sephora recommended this brand to me after a long conversation about whose skin was more sensitive (I won LOL!) I really need a good scrub because of my dry skin and eczema, my skin gets really flaky. If you know of a great one for sensitive skin let me know because sadly, I am still on the hunt for one.

This Sensitive Gentle Smoothing Scrub is sensitive, not so gentle, and not the most smoothing scrub. The consistency is like a clear thin gel base that is a little too runny for my taste. It has "gentle smoothing beads." The beads themselves are actually pretty big and rough. It's not the finest milled scrub that you would think "gentle" would consist of which is really disappointing. I have used this scrub 2 to 3 times a week for about three weeks and I really have to make sure that I do not put too much pressure on my face when I use this. It's just to rough of a scrub for my delicate skin. Honestly for sensitive skin, my Esthetician (who I rarely ever see) really does not recommend a scrub all together but who can afford a facial every 2 to 3 weeks just to exfoliate? Not me, so I scrub. Two and a half weeks and my just doesn't have the "glow" that I am looking for. My flaky patches are still flaky and my skin is actually a little more red than what we started off with.

The Allergy Factor: Aside from the mediocre and pretty disappointing results, I was really pleased with the fact that I am not allergic to this product. That was one thing that Boots really delivered with this scrub. I can probably use this every night just based on the non-allergy part. Alas, the too rough scrubbing beads just kind of scratch my skin which has made it red - not in a glowy, rosy kind of way but in a irritated, scratchy way :( BOO!

The Smell: There is none! Another great thing about this scrub's sensitive factor in this product that Boots gets points for.

Bottom Line: No allergies. No scent. No gentle. I like the fact that this scrub is really gentle as far as it's minimal, sensitive ingredients and the fact that it is fragrance-free, but the scrubbing beads are way too rough for my liking. For a drugstore product at more than $5, I just expected more. I just didn't get any real results from this product to recommend it, so I'm gonna say scrub at your own risk. On second thought, a simple scrub with organic Aloe Gel or Cetaphil and Sugar or Salt will probably do you better.

Boots Expert Sensitive Gentle Eye Make-up Removal Lotion Sensitive Review

Sensitive skin needs extra care especially around the eyes, that's why this hypoallergenic lotion with aloe vera softens as it works. Free from fragrance and lanolin, it has a blend of light oils to gently sweep away even waterproof make-up.

Dermatologically tested.

Ingredients: Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Isopropyl Palmitate, Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf

Normally, I would use Cetaphil during my more sensitized days or the Derma E Eyebright Make Up Remover but I came across this brand at Target. The entire line was pretty cheap even by Target standards (about $5 a bottle) so I decided to give this Boots Expert Sensitive Gentle Eye Make-up Removal Lotion a try. Um . . . I was really disappointed by the product to say the least. A lot of other oil based eye make up removers that I have tried in the past actually aren't as greasy as this product is. It really didn't do much for removing anything. It really just smeared the makeup all over around my eyes and when I tries to rinse it off it just felt like a greasy mess. Now, I have been noticing little white heads around my eyes from too much oil build up. YUCK!!!!

The Allergy Factor: Aside from the product not delivering any great results, I have to say that I have not had any allergic reactions to it.
***UPDATE***8-2-09 I actually am allergic to this product after using this product for four days, my eyes are now red itchy and swollen. The reaction was a slow build up. For the first couple of days, no reaction. Then, yesterday I noticed a little itching after I used this product and today the allergies are full blown. Itchy swollen eye lids!!!!! ahhhh!!! I am so mad! On my way to take a Benadryl. F'ing Boots you're not sensitive or gentle!

The Smell: There is none which is great. Too bad that is about the only thing I like about it.

The Bottom Line: No allergies. ***UPDATE: Allergic reaction development. See above update***No scent. No recommendation. No good. I really didn't have much to say about this product because I really didn't like it at all. It just didn't do its job - period, end of discussion. In fact, I may try to return it tomorrow and get my $5 worth of something good. BOO!

Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation SPF 15

Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation SPF 15

Bobbi's popular moisturizing formula provides SPF 15 sun protection while it hydrates skin and delivers a soft, beautiful finish. The formula is buildable, allowing medium to full coverage as desired. For Normal to Dry skin types.

WARNING: This sensitive review probably contains way too much info. What can I say? I talk a lot.

I love Bobbi Brown's make up. I have been using this specific foundation for about a year. Bobbi's color range in foundations and concealers is the absolute best. They are yellow based which is perfect for my Asian skin with olive undertones. I have to say the coverage is pretty sheer and isn't the absolute best that I've tried, but it really is buildable in a natural way. The consistency of the actual product is thin - not watery but thin. It goes on really smooth and spreads pretty easily and doesn't need too much blending.

The Routine: First, I apply a thin layer all over my face with my clean fingers. Your fingers are the best and cheapest tools you will ever have. Plus, I think there is something about the warmth that comes from your hands that kind of warms up the foundation and make it blend in better. Then, I go over the areas that need more coverage, like around my nose and on my chin and forehead. Then, I go over my blemishes or scars with concealer (also with my fingers ) and a light dusting of sheer finish loose powder with a kabuki brush all over the face to set the look. This process takes more time than say a thicker foundation that will have more coverage off the bat, but in the end my makeup looks so much more natural - not cakey and I don't have a ton of makeup where I don't really need it like on my cheeks and nose.

Touching Up: I find that I do need a touch up in the middle of the day. I touch up with my little Face Touch Up Stick (see previous posted review) stick just on my scars and blemish spots. After, I will do another super light dusting of powder over the spots that have been touched up and on my T-zone. If I am going out at night I always wash my face and reapply for a super fresh face but if I really have no time a touch up will still look really natural with this stuff.

The Allergy Factor: For the most part I have not really had any allergic reactions to the make up part of her line. However, I am really allergic to her skin care line (see previous post.) Now, this specific product is a foundation with SPF in it. I noticed that I tend to have allergic reactions to products when SPF is automatically put into make up products, it just irritates my skin. I don't know exactly what it is but I have a theory.

In general, I am allergic to chemical sunscreens. I noticed this after years of having what I thought was a sunburn all over my body every single time I went out in the sun, until I put sunblock on and stayed in doors all day. I still had the same rash or reaction. Natural physical sunblocks with ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (minerals) physically block suns rays. Chemical sunscreen on the other hand actually absorb the rays and partially convert it into energy, which leaves free radicals on your skin or so I am told. So it is probably a chemical sunscreen is this foundation that slightly irritates my skin. It isn't the worst type of irritation - it causes some slight drying, but nothing that some extra rich soothing moisturizer can't fix. Don't get me wrong though, obviously I wound rather use a foundation that does not irritate my skin at all, but pickings are slim. Ha ha ha! But at the end of the day this foundation really does not irritate my skin enough for me to discontinue my use of this product.

The Smell: The scent in this product is super light almost nothing and that make me really happy!

Bottom line: Light scent gets a 4 out of 5 (1 worst - 5 best) The Coverage gets a 4 out of 5. I have been using this stuff for about a year but I think I am going back to using Bobbi Brown's Luminous Moisturizing Foundation because the SPF irritates my skin just a bit in this product. Other than that, I have no complaints. This makeup line really is good natural looking stuff.

My Thyroid. My Weight. My Issues.

MMM. . . cake.
For the past eleven years I have been in a losing battle with my weight and I don't stand a chance. No matter how much I work out (sometimes 3 hours a day) and how much I try to count those f'ing calories, I am still losing weight at a very discouragingly slooooooow pace. My skin is Lubriderm alligator dry. I always feel so so tired. Not in a lazy way, but fatigued. I just don't have the energy to do anything. I feel like I am constantly trying to drink coffee or tea to wake me up or keep me energized throughout the day. I get these really horrible headaches. Sometimes I find it hard to concentrate because I'm so gosh darn tired. All because I have a low functioning thyroid or Hypothyroid. I was diagnosed about 9 years ago. In the past two years, this may have effected my baby making abilities as well.

Most people who suffer from hypothyroidism have never even heard of the deficiency and do not seek treatment or look for answers until the symptoms are really bad.

Symptoms to look out for:

Severe fatigue, loss of energy, persistent sleepiness

Weight gain, difficulty losing weight

Depressed mood

Joint and muscle pain

Dry skin, brittle nails and hair, thinning hair

Irregular periods

I wanted to share this info. about my health issues for a couple of reasons. First, if you are reading this blog, chances are you have sensitive, dry skin which is a symptom of hypothyroidism. Another reason is just simply to put the word out. If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms - Get your thyroid levels checked !!!! Some doctors don't think to check if you are not expressing any concerns or if you don't ask to be tested for this specifically.

I suffered from severe migraine headaches everyday. These headaches would last days, weeks, even months. I was prescribed all sorts of drugs ending up with prescriptions that were addictive and pretty dangerous to be taking on a daily basis. In college my weight ballooned from 100 lbs to 130 to 150 and more in the span of about 2 years! I really didn't know what was going on. My eating habits were the same as they've ever been. I even started working out when I never have before. I worked out for 2 hours a day walking/jogging for 1 hour and then lifting weights, and doing yoga for another hour. I just keep gaining weight. No matter what I did I gained and gained. My skin also became dryer than usual, my eczema worse. My hair was also changing.

On top of all of this, I was tired as hell. It was funny, my junior year in high school, before Starbucks and frappes were even popular, I had to have my morning coffee. I could not get by without the coffee or the caffeinated soda everyday, every couple of hours. In college my joint and back aches started. I thought ," Wow! Am I getting old or what?" Ha Ha. Nope, just a dang thyroid problem that I was unaware of for years!

What happened was I had to change health insurance due to my mom getting a new job. I got better doctors who listened to me and found the problem. Now, I take medication everyday. I am not completely cured or even close to it. There are times where I feel my symptoms getting worse which usually means that my levels are lower than usual and I need to up my medication dosage. Everything I went through still happens just not as severe. I still have really horrible headaches every so often. I am still really low on energy and fell really fatigued quite often. I still drink a ton of coffee (when I am not in baby mode.)

I still battle with my weight. I have been able to maintain at a certain weight, but to lose that weight is so hard! An hour and a half of cardio 4 to 5 times per week, cutting back on my portions, counting calories, pilates 3 times a week and nothing!!!!! I maybe lose 1 pound every two weeks? It is very discouraging - seriously! I know I could have more control on the eating end but I burn 400 to 700 calories doing cardio. You think that would do something! I could go on but um . . . we should move on.

I have posted a couple of resources below for more information on the subject of hypothyroidism as well as hyperthyroidism. Obviously you can always google it .

Understanding Thyroid Problems - the Basics

Information on Thyroid Health

The reddish thing is just an overlay of where the thyroid should be and look like approximately. I think I made it too big though. LOL!

Again, I really just wanted to share this in hopes that it might reach someone battling the same things. I have had my share of issues with my skin, health, as well as in the baby making dept. - no baby after almost three years of trying :( You can only talk to family and friends so much and to my surprise these on-line communities, message boards and blogs are what have helped me through some really trying times. It is always good and comforting to hear from someone that is going through the same kind of things you are. So I will continue to post if anything comes up in any of those areas :) Technology is incredible in the anonymous, "I don't know you but I Internet know you" way and that is what's great about this day in age. HA HA I am old.

So . . .that is it. Thanks for reading!