New "finds" to share...

If you are a man reading this (not sure I have too many male readers...) just stop right now and go watch sports or find something else to do. You will surely not be interested in what I will be writing about for this particular blog.
Now, with that out of the way and the men off doing manly things, we ladies have some time for a little fun chat. I often find myself on a hunt for quality things, fun finds that I can share with friends and family, and if you know me at all you know that one area I love to shop in is within the realm of beauty. I love make up, skincare products, hair products, etc. Yes, It is superficial and silly, but I just get an inner glow from finding a wonderful beauty product, and if the packaging is pretty then I am just sold! Truly, I am not that shallow. I just love the idea of having a fresh clean and classic look. And what woman doesn't love the way a new lip gloss just shines when she smiles? I have come to realize that beauty products certainly don't solve problems or give "meaning" to life, but they tend to give a little lift to even the most minimalist woman. I am sure there are Au natural women out there who get all giddy when they purchase a brand new chap stick with new pretty packaging.
Recently, I have been going through some issues with my skin, related to the carrying and birthing of our youngest daughter, Stella. She has the most beautiful baby face skin, but failed to pass that along to me before she left the womb. And so, the race to find some wonderful products has led me to stumble upon my most favoritist (yes, I am making that a word for this one sentence) make up brand, Stila. I have been flirting with this cosmetic line by recently purchasing some of their "lip glaze" for my sister-in-law and myself. Truly awesome lip gloss, but pricey. I stayed away from the other products due to price, thinking that it could not really be worth it. But for Christmas my dear mother supplied me with a gift card to Sephora and I took the plunge into the Stila world! I purchased this kit called "Travel in Style" that has a few products in a type of trial size (I think they are almost sold out, but the products are still there in regular size). It has:
-Illuminating tinted moisturizer (perfect if your skin needs an energy boost with the winter weather)
-bronzing powder (apply light handed!)
-convertible cream blush (good for cheeks and lips!)
-multi effect mascara (awesome!!!)
-eye liner (still working at applying this...)
- lip glaze lip gloss in a gorgeous brown sugar color
I also purchased the illuminating mineral powder foundation to wear as a powder with coverage and a glow (also awesome!). But they sell the powder separately and want you to buy the case too (at a hefty $14!) so I cleaned out my old Cover Girl case and stuck my Stila powder in that instead (hmmmm, $3 or $14???). I admit, I felt pretty smart and somewhat sneaky...
The best product by far though, is the perfecting concealer. If you only get one thing from Stila, and need a concealer, buy this. Wow.
So my Christmas gift is spent, but I am oh so happy with my new purchases. There is something about putting on a fresh face, that helps the morning go smoothly...
And I will never get too old to love playing dress up. It is always fun.
As a side note to those who are also around my age and starting to notice that the "19" year old glow is fading, somewhat, I have fallen in love with the lovely yet affordable Skin Genesis product line by Loreal. The oil free lotion smells pretty and works wonderfully to hydrate and brighten my oh so dull winter skin! And the eye serum is great...it is about time I made friends with eye cream.
And so the anti-aging begins. But I would rather it be a product fetish than a surgery fetish:) I also have tried and personally critiqued (to myself and of course my patient husband who must be tired of listening to my beauty banter!) many other products and regimes. If you want to know, just ask:)
Love to all of you women out there who also like to having some artistic fun painting their own canvases...
Just call me Botticelli...
I wish.
www.stilacosmetics.com