Hey guys,
It's been a weekend! I had an audition today (yay!) that took major prep work, have a shoot tomorrow that was set up today (double yay!), and on top of everything else...we got a puppy!! (triple yay!)
Oh, and I get to deal with some clerical business at my old apartment complex (boo). At least they're nice people. It's just time-consuming.
I did watch the Oscars. All of it. Seriously. And yes, I do have some very definite thoughts on the evening's fashions. They're going to have to wait, though. Right now, I've got a few phone calls to make...
I'll see you tomorrow,
Erin
Monday, February 27, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Frugal Friday, Plus This Too Faced Stuff Is Da "Balm"!
*Editor's Note: The author apologizes for the horrible title. She couldn't help herself. Trust that she is truly humiliated. Thank you.
Today's Frugal Friday Deals!
Smashbox: Free FULL-SIZED Photo Finish Lid Primer with any order of $65 or more. Offer expires at 2pm PT today! Use code EYEPRIME at checkout.
Old Navy: Use code ONEXTRA15 to take 15% off your entire purchase. Ends at midnight tonight. (Everyday Steals and Jeans not included)
Bath and Body Works: Take an extra 20% off your purchase with code ENJOY20. A printable coupon is also available for in-store savings. Expires 2/26/12.
This is February, right? I didn't skip forward to May, or anything like that, did I? I ask, because the temperature was in the seventies this morning. Yesterday, I wore flip-flops, and the humidity was so high I didn't even bother fully drying my hair. There was no point, since it was just going to look damp and frizzy no matter what I did to it.
Makeup, schmakeup. When the weather's like this, all you can do is slap on some waterproof mascara and lip balm, then say a prayer and hope for the best.
The thing is, I would like to make it through the day without traumatizing small children. I don't want them to point, then run screaming to their mothers. I needed something just to even out my skin and give my eyeshadow and blush a base to stick to. My tinted moisturizer decided to turn orange on me, so that was no good, and foundation is flat-out too heavy for this humidity. It would melt right off my face, but only after clogging all my pores. No, thank you. This left me standing in my JCPenney's teeny-tiny Sephora with very few choices and absolutely no clue. Thankfully, between the online reviews I found with my smartphone (greatest invention ever) and the incredibly helpful salesperson, I realized what I needed was a beauty balm, and that Too Faced's version might be my best bet. The salesperson even color-matched me, which was beyond appreciated. I'm terrible at colormatching myself. I can help other people, but for some reason, I fancy myself about two shades darker than I actually am. Call it wishful thinking...anyhoo, moving on.
Here's what Ulta has to say about it (I know, I got it at Sephora, but I'm all for giving folks options):
Packaging: The product comes in an iridescent blush, beautifully decorated, hygienic squeeze tube. The cap screws onto the bottom of the tube, allowing the product to stay near the applicator for easiest access and least amount of waste. It also looks precious on my counter. 10 out of 10.
Application: I apply this by squeezing a small amount onto the back of my hand, then using a Real Techniques (review to come) foundation brush to work the product into my skin. You could also use your hands, though, if you were in a hurry or didn't have an available brush. Either way, the product applies quickly and effortlessly. 10 out of 10.
Appearance: The nice lady who colormatched me sent me home with Vanilla Glow. This is the lightest of the only four colors available: Cream Glow, Nude Glow, and Beach Glow. Vanilla matches my skin tone perfectly, but I'm not sure if that's because these colors are so sheer that they'll blend with a wide range of tones, or if I just got lucky. I recommend you try this on first, just to be sure. I found that the product was sheer enough for skin to show through, but still provided a reasonable amount of coverage. Honestly, I looked as polished as I normally would with a foundation, but didn't really look like I was wearing foundation. I just looked like I had really good skin. Concealer was necessary for under the eyes and to cover a little redness around my nose and chin, but that's the norm for me, even with heavy foundation. These are named "Glow" for a reason, though. While I didn't find this to be as shimmery as a few user reviews pointed out, there are light-reflecting pigments, which keep this from having a matte finish. I would call it "dewy", which is nice. I dusted a little powder over the top and was good to go. 9 out of 10.
Wear: I was shocked. Even in this crazy humidity, with the product already being "dewy", I've only had to do minor powder touch-ups around the 8 or 9 hour mark, with a quick blotting around hour 6 or 7. That's pretty darn impressive. 9 out of 10.
Price: This seems to be universally priced at $32. Believe it or not, that's on the lowest end of the specialty brand beauty balm spectrum (and I haven't found any drugstore brands), and it's toward the lower middle of the specialty store tinted moisturizer scale. You get 1.5 oz., which is pretty standard. Yes, there are cheaper drugstore brands for tinted moisturizer, but if you're looking for a beauty balm, this is not a bad deal at all. 9 out of 10.
Final Verdict: 9.4 out of 10. Nice coverage, decent wear. I have absolutely no complaints, and for what it is, you can't beat the price. Seriously. I tried.
Today's Frugal Friday Deals!
Smashbox: Free FULL-SIZED Photo Finish Lid Primer with any order of $65 or more. Offer expires at 2pm PT today! Use code EYEPRIME at checkout.
Old Navy: Use code ONEXTRA15 to take 15% off your entire purchase. Ends at midnight tonight. (Everyday Steals and Jeans not included)
Bath and Body Works: Take an extra 20% off your purchase with code ENJOY20. A printable coupon is also available for in-store savings. Expires 2/26/12.
 |
| Photo Credit: Too Faced |
Makeup, schmakeup. When the weather's like this, all you can do is slap on some waterproof mascara and lip balm, then say a prayer and hope for the best.
The thing is, I would like to make it through the day without traumatizing small children. I don't want them to point, then run screaming to their mothers. I needed something just to even out my skin and give my eyeshadow and blush a base to stick to. My tinted moisturizer decided to turn orange on me, so that was no good, and foundation is flat-out too heavy for this humidity. It would melt right off my face, but only after clogging all my pores. No, thank you. This left me standing in my JCPenney's teeny-tiny Sephora with very few choices and absolutely no clue. Thankfully, between the online reviews I found with my smartphone (greatest invention ever) and the incredibly helpful salesperson, I realized what I needed was a beauty balm, and that Too Faced's version might be my best bet. The salesperson even color-matched me, which was beyond appreciated. I'm terrible at colormatching myself. I can help other people, but for some reason, I fancy myself about two shades darker than I actually am. Call it wishful thinking...anyhoo, moving on.
Here's what Ulta has to say about it (I know, I got it at Sephora, but I'm all for giving folks options):
Instantly impart a healthy glow and improve skin's appearance with sheer luminosity and a concealing, buildable tint. Soothing, oil-free moisture, antioxidants and SPF protection help to improve skin's condition and prevent future damage. This super-advanced, multi-benefit time saver from Too Faced streamlines your routine, giving you 'better than real' skin in just one step!This sounded like exactly what I needed. I got the moisturizer I originally wanted, but with a slightly heavier consistency for better coverage (which, let's face it, I need. I am *shudder* over thirty...). I don't really have any fine lines, and my only wrinkles are on my forehead, but I'll take any and all help in keeping those at bay. SPF is a must, and I'm loving that the product is full of vitamins and antioxidants. Anything that could keep me from turning into a prune is more than welcome on my face. I've now had a few days to live with the product, so let's break it down, shall we?
Enhance: Ideal balance of exceptional, buildable color, sheer texture, and light diffusion for a flawless-looking complexion.
Perfect: Minimize fine lines and wrinkles to create a smooth canvas for a more youthful appearance.
Nourish: Oil-free moisturizers condition and hydrate while chamomile extract soothes.
Protect: Antioxidant vitamins A & E, Ginseng Root and Ginko Biloba fight free radical damage and protect skin's integrity.
Prevent: Contains a non-chemical SPF 20 UVA/UVB multi-mineral sunscreen to prevent premature aging.
Packaging: The product comes in an iridescent blush, beautifully decorated, hygienic squeeze tube. The cap screws onto the bottom of the tube, allowing the product to stay near the applicator for easiest access and least amount of waste. It also looks precious on my counter. 10 out of 10.
Application: I apply this by squeezing a small amount onto the back of my hand, then using a Real Techniques (review to come) foundation brush to work the product into my skin. You could also use your hands, though, if you were in a hurry or didn't have an available brush. Either way, the product applies quickly and effortlessly. 10 out of 10.
Appearance: The nice lady who colormatched me sent me home with Vanilla Glow. This is the lightest of the only four colors available: Cream Glow, Nude Glow, and Beach Glow. Vanilla matches my skin tone perfectly, but I'm not sure if that's because these colors are so sheer that they'll blend with a wide range of tones, or if I just got lucky. I recommend you try this on first, just to be sure. I found that the product was sheer enough for skin to show through, but still provided a reasonable amount of coverage. Honestly, I looked as polished as I normally would with a foundation, but didn't really look like I was wearing foundation. I just looked like I had really good skin. Concealer was necessary for under the eyes and to cover a little redness around my nose and chin, but that's the norm for me, even with heavy foundation. These are named "Glow" for a reason, though. While I didn't find this to be as shimmery as a few user reviews pointed out, there are light-reflecting pigments, which keep this from having a matte finish. I would call it "dewy", which is nice. I dusted a little powder over the top and was good to go. 9 out of 10.
Wear: I was shocked. Even in this crazy humidity, with the product already being "dewy", I've only had to do minor powder touch-ups around the 8 or 9 hour mark, with a quick blotting around hour 6 or 7. That's pretty darn impressive. 9 out of 10.
Price: This seems to be universally priced at $32. Believe it or not, that's on the lowest end of the specialty brand beauty balm spectrum (and I haven't found any drugstore brands), and it's toward the lower middle of the specialty store tinted moisturizer scale. You get 1.5 oz., which is pretty standard. Yes, there are cheaper drugstore brands for tinted moisturizer, but if you're looking for a beauty balm, this is not a bad deal at all. 9 out of 10.
Final Verdict: 9.4 out of 10. Nice coverage, decent wear. I have absolutely no complaints, and for what it is, you can't beat the price. Seriously. I tried.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Good Old Days? A Rant
My friend Genna shared a blog that someone else shared with her (it's like the telephone game around here today, I swear). The blog is called Retronaut, and the post is a grouping of vintage ads that promote sexism. The ads are presented without comment, but I think it's pretty obvious that the poster didn't care for the sentiment. Today's ads are far from perfect--I don't remember the last time I danced around the kitchen with my Swiffer--but very rarely do I cringe as much as I did reading this list. Would Chase Freedom's adventure-seeking gal (who turned down a diamond for the rock she'd rather climb) be considered "indelicate"? Why, I'd imagine the doting new father in the Vonage ads would be tossed right out of the Thursday night poker game!
Granted, I did chuckle at a couple of the ads, like this one:
Frankly, that ad doesn't make him look too spectacular, either. Also, when I first started to learn how to cook, I set the fire alarm off regularly, so I guess I have a soft spot for this one. That said, for every quaintly outdated ad posted, there are about three or four that make you want to bludgeon the "creative minds" behind them. I dare you to look at this and not get angry:
Now, bear in mind this is not the worst of the bunch. Not by a longshot.
I cook the meals in my house because I like to eat. My husband does the laundry. Fair is fair.
I wear lipgloss because I like it. I'm sure my husband appreciates it, but I don't do it for him.
I love a good pinup girl; not because she looks cute next to a plane, but because she probably built that plane.
I agree with Ginger Rogers, that a woman can do anything a man can do, backwards and in high heels.
Thank you to all the women who worked so hard to ensure I never have to see ads this offensive in circulation. I only hope we can keep it up.
Granted, I did chuckle at a couple of the ads, like this one:
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| Photo Credit (All): Retronaut |
Now, bear in mind this is not the worst of the bunch. Not by a longshot.
I cook the meals in my house because I like to eat. My husband does the laundry. Fair is fair.
I wear lipgloss because I like it. I'm sure my husband appreciates it, but I don't do it for him.
I love a good pinup girl; not because she looks cute next to a plane, but because she probably built that plane.
I agree with Ginger Rogers, that a woman can do anything a man can do, backwards and in high heels.
Thank you to all the women who worked so hard to ensure I never have to see ads this offensive in circulation. I only hope we can keep it up.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
While I Was (Sort Of) Out...
I've physically been here. I've been posting regularly, and all, but mentally...well, that's a different story, altogether. Considering I've been pretty well checked out as of late, I thought it time for another installment of...
WHILE I WAS OUT!
The first in a series-within-a-series of posts I'm doing on the Jersey Devil is up at Paranormal Pop Culture. The entire series is a fun blend of an insider's look at indie filmmaking-turned-cryptozoology lecture. The series-within-the-series discusses the creature in pop culture. Basically, I tell you which episode of Extreme Ghostbusters features the guys bustin' old JD. It's a hoot, and the rest of the site is definitely worth a look-see.
Thomas and I took my kid brother to see a sneak preview of the Ghost Rider sequel/reboot/whatever. Tonally, it's all over the map, but it does feature a knockout performance from Idris Elba and his amazing technicolor contacts. I wouldn't pay to see it in theatres, but it's definitely Netflix-worthy, and with its PG-13 rating, safe fare for the kiddies (who will probably get a huge kick out of the Rider peeing fire. I can't believe I just wrote that).
If you follow me on Facebook (and you should! I do occasionally remember to post stuff on it), then you saw where Kat at Paperclip Hashbrown had a The Night Shift giveaway. The date to enter by has passed, so I hope some of you were able to enter. Regardless, hop over and show her some AN love in the comments. I'll be sure to post the winner here when it's announced.
WHAT'S NEXT?
I'm one brush away from completing my Real Techniques brush set. As soon as I have that, I'll be back with an in-depth review, but thus far, I have to say that I'm extremely impressed.
This morning, I started using one of those new-fangled beauty balms. My go-to tinted moisturizer decided to turn orange on me, and this was cheaper, anyway, so why not? It's from Too Faced, and I can't wait to share my findings with you...after I've had a few days to live with it.
Have a great Wednesday!
WHILE I WAS OUT!
The first in a series-within-a-series of posts I'm doing on the Jersey Devil is up at Paranormal Pop Culture. The entire series is a fun blend of an insider's look at indie filmmaking-turned-cryptozoology lecture. The series-within-the-series discusses the creature in pop culture. Basically, I tell you which episode of Extreme Ghostbusters features the guys bustin' old JD. It's a hoot, and the rest of the site is definitely worth a look-see.
Thomas and I took my kid brother to see a sneak preview of the Ghost Rider sequel/reboot/whatever. Tonally, it's all over the map, but it does feature a knockout performance from Idris Elba and his amazing technicolor contacts. I wouldn't pay to see it in theatres, but it's definitely Netflix-worthy, and with its PG-13 rating, safe fare for the kiddies (who will probably get a huge kick out of the Rider peeing fire. I can't believe I just wrote that).
If you follow me on Facebook (and you should! I do occasionally remember to post stuff on it), then you saw where Kat at Paperclip Hashbrown had a The Night Shift giveaway. The date to enter by has passed, so I hope some of you were able to enter. Regardless, hop over and show her some AN love in the comments. I'll be sure to post the winner here when it's announced.
Other than that, every last, blessed, waking moment has been spent trying to get my new house put in order. Today's challenge was hanging up some super-cute mirror dots in the guest room. I'm absolutely in love with them, and they were really easy to put up (save for one nail that absolutely refuses to go into the wall, but that's not the dots' fault). I'm tempted to get a couple more sets to put around the rest of the room. Here's a quick shot (taken with my phone--I'm sorry!) to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Target, $19.99.
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| I really should have straightened those pillows first. Oops. |
WHAT'S NEXT?
I'm one brush away from completing my Real Techniques brush set. As soon as I have that, I'll be back with an in-depth review, but thus far, I have to say that I'm extremely impressed.
This morning, I started using one of those new-fangled beauty balms. My go-to tinted moisturizer decided to turn orange on me, and this was cheaper, anyway, so why not? It's from Too Faced, and I can't wait to share my findings with you...after I've had a few days to live with it.
Have a great Wednesday!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Laissez Les Bon Temps Roullier!
Happy Mardi Gras!
If you're not from around here (or, like me, and stuck at work), you can still enjoy the parades by clicking this link. It's a live feed of all the action, courtesy of a local news channel. Sit back, pour yourself a hurricane, and let the good times roll!
If you're not from around here (or, like me, and stuck at work), you can still enjoy the parades by clicking this link. It's a live feed of all the action, courtesy of a local news channel. Sit back, pour yourself a hurricane, and let the good times roll!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Where the Wild Things Are
Things are crazy here in the land of Mardi Gras! Yesterday was Joe Cain Day, and an extended one, at that. Three Saturday parades that were postponed due to a torrential rainstorm were added to the already packed Sunday Carnival schedule. Today is Lundi Gras, with more parades, and tomorrow is the Granddaddy party of the Carnival season: Fat Tuesday!
I'll be at work.
Somebody please send me a moonpie.
Pretty please?
To make myself feel better, I dug up some heretofore unpublished photos from New Orleans 1938 Mardi Gras season. Things were different then...but not by that much.
Yeah...that's about right, I'd say. About the only thing missing is a street vendor trying to get through with a full cart of glo-sticks and t-shirts.
Floats! You can't have Mardi Gras without floats, and this is pretty close to it's modern equivalent. The technology may have improved a bit, though.
Now, while I don't have an updated picture to go with these fellas, I'm fairly sure one of their 2012 counterparts danced his way past my car and across the street Sunday afternoon. I have to say, it was a pretty good show.
Happy Lundi Gras, everyone, and Laissez Les Bon Temps Roullier!
I'll be at work.
Somebody please send me a moonpie.
Pretty please?
To make myself feel better, I dug up some heretofore unpublished photos from New Orleans 1938 Mardi Gras season. Things were different then...but not by that much.
Yeah...that's about right, I'd say. About the only thing missing is a street vendor trying to get through with a full cart of glo-sticks and t-shirts.
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| Photo Credit (All Black and White): Life |
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| Photo Credit: The Oakland Press |
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| Photo Credit: Mail.com |
Friday, February 17, 2012
Frugal Friday and Some Heavenly High Heels
This polka-dotted, treat-filled pump (available in dark or milk chocolate) is roughly one pound of chocolaty deliciousness, and can be yours for $39.95. Not really feeling into the whole "Cinderella's lost slipper" vibe? Pick up a pair (delivered in the most adorable tissue-lined shoebox!) for $76.95. In case you're wondering, yes, they are life-sized, but no, I would not recommend wearing them. Of course, that is one way to get around having to share...
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| Photo Credit (All): Sweet Designs Chocolatier |
Want to read more from the delightful Erin O'Brien? Her new book, The Irish Hungarian Guide To the Domestic Arts, is available on Amazon for $14.00. While you wait for the beautifully-written hilarity to arrive, check out her blog for an oasis of intelligent humor in this increasingly crass cyber-world.
And now, it's time for some Frugal Friday deals!
Disney Store: Use code HAPPY25 for 25% off any Parks merchandise through 2/20/12.
Smashbox: Enter the code SMASH25 for $25 off any $100 purchase. Ends 2/19/12.
Old Navy: Save 15% off any online order, or 25% off any online order of $100 or more with code ONSAVEBIG. Ends 2/20/12.
MAC Cosmetics: Free shipping on any online order through 2/20/12. No code necessary.
Victoria's Secret: Free 3pc. travel bag set with any $45 in-store Beauty purchase. Expires 2/17/12. Have a wonderful weekend!
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