What Are You Lookin’ At, Ombré?

You’ve probably seen the ombré nail polish trend in magazines, if you haven’t come across anyone who has bothered to do it in real life. It’s not that it’s that hard to do, as far as nail art goes, but collecting colors in a nice progression (finding, paying for, storing) has always seemed to me like more trouble than the trend was worth. Even buying one of the pre-assembled sets seems like kind of a waste. How often do you really want ombré nails? And then you end up with five nail polish colors that are practically the same.

Glo With A Pro

For my birthday this year, I got a facial from Christine Chin. True, I had “mentioned” wanting one, but I was still really happy and surprised when I opened my gift card.

Hope Against Hope

Somehow or other, I managed to get a deluxe sample of Philosophy's Hope in a Jar moisturizer. Offer code, point perk, something. It was a big sample, and I used it as my nighttime moisturizer for about two months.

I'm Sbitten!

One of the things that really annoys me, and I assure you, there are MANY things, is when I see a new product in a magazine and can’t find it ANYWHERE. Such was the case with Revlon’s new Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains.

July Birchbox

The theme of this month’s Birchbox is OMGTHEREAREHEADPHONESINHERE! Okay, the theme is the five senses, but holy crap! Headphones! The July box is co-branded with Glamour Magazine, so I guess they get partial credit for the earbuds.

Probably Not, To Blueberries

I received a packet of  Yes To Blueberries Facial Towelettes in my April Birchbox. I generally only use makeup remover towelettes when I’m traveling, so I didn’t end up using them until recently.

Frizzies

I had given up on Frizz-Ease after one too many accidental overdoses. One pump was never enough, two or three was sometimes enough, or sometimes too much. Eventually I was just done with it.

Suncreen Showdown

I think the first fancy facial sunscreen I ever tried was La Roche Posay Anthelios. It was nice, and it’s still featured in magazines pretty frequently, but last summer I went with Elta MD UV Clear, which is thicker and creamier, and doesn’t run down your hand when you squeeze it onto your fingers. It was great, though it doesn’t vanish into your skin as quickly. It has zinc oxide, which makes a physical barrier instead of a chemical one, which means… it’s going to take a minute.

I wasn't sure what kind to go with this year. Last February, before all the magazines started talking about the newest kinds of sunscreen, I bought a bottle of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid SPF 70 to wear while I was on vacation in St. Lucia. I’d heard good things about it, and since it was about $15 cheaper than La Roche Posay or Elta MD, I figured it was worth a shot.

It was fine, it seemed like it did the job as well as La Roche Posay, even if it took a little while to absorb. I figured that small inconvenience was worth saving fifteen bucks.

Then, this summer, right before I left for (slightly less glamorous) Ocean City, New Jersey, I read about a new sunscreen from L’Oreal. Well, new to the U.S. anyway. It was one of those products beauty editors allegedly stock up on when they are in Europe or whatever. L’Oreal Sublime Sun SPF 50 “Liquid Silk Sunshield for Face.” It sounded much nicer than the Neutrogena stuff I had.

The day before I left for my trip, I stopped by Duane Reade to see if they had the new L’Oreal sunscreen line. I feel like 95% of the time, when I read about something, it’s months before I can find it in a store. But I found one bottle! On the wrong shelf, turned sideways. For some reason, that made it even more exciting.

Now that I’ve tried both, for a week each, I feel like I can give you an accurate comparison.

Rings On Her Fingers and Gels On Her Toes

Is a close-up photo of my crazy toes exactly what you were in the mood to see today? Oh good! I was worried.

I spent the last week of June on the beach, and in preparation for my trip, I did a DIY Gelish manicure AND pedicure. (Tiger Blossom, I totally dig it.)

A Gift From Planet Porecleanz

I was on vacation last week, but that didn’t keep me from trying out some new stuff while I was away! Like this crazy thing!