Aug 31, 2012

An item from my Bucket List…

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Like everybody nowadays, I too have started a bucket list.  It consists of visiting various places around the globe, learning to do things I’ve never done before and well, considering my obsession with skincare, getting a facial at the Tracie Martyn Salon in NYC.  Yes, I am prepared to dole out the $450 it costs to have British facialist Tracie Martyn’s hands grace my face.  (Don’t judge me, that’s not nice)!  Still while I continue to collect the funds necessary to scratch this item off my list, I decided why couldn’t I indulge in some of her company’s wares while I wait.  So after an unfortunate “discussion” (my family’s codename for a big, fat fight) with my significant other I decided I am waiting no more!!!  Living in Montreal, made the actual facial appointment an impossibility, but ordering some cleanser was not.  And that brings me to today’s product, Tracie Martyn Amla Purifying Cleanser, or as I like to call it…Perfection!  (Traciemartyn.com $65.00 u.s. dollars, but they deliver Internationally).

I’ve used alot of great cleansers in my time, many of which I may still write about later on, but nothing quite like this one.  I’ve never used a cleanser that is so gentle on the skin AND still really, cleans your face.  I’ve always been a personal hygiene freak (remember we don’t judge here), but I actually look forward to washing my face every morning and evening.  Three pumps in the palm of your hand, mixed with a small bit of tepid water and the lather feels amazing.  As if each bubble is gently massaging/cleaning your pores.  Plus it smells like your washing in some kind of beautifully scented, Italian garden.  It’s my favorite way to start and finish my day…Hope you like it…xo elisa

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Aug 26, 2012

Carry on or Checking Through…

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BAGGAGE…we all have it.  Whether it’s the emotional kind (which is a whole other blog) or the kind that sags beneath your eyes, it’s never fun and never “purdy!”  Today we’re talking the under eye type.  Some folks have it all the time, some folks have it on occasion but when it’s happening to you it’s never welcome.  There is NO instant cure that will rid you of bags, dark circles or puffiness forever, BUT there are a lot of options out there to help treat and minimize their appearance.  Obviously I am going to recommend sleep, but because of the other type of baggage mentioned earlier on for many, that is easier said than done.  This is where I come in.  I do have a great many creams to suggest for the under eye area, but today I’m going to suggest  2 of them.  You can use them together or alone, but I know you’ll see results, I certainly did.

The first on our list is by Origins and it’s called GinZing (available for $30 at origins.com or for $37.50 at sephora.ca)…it’s an eye cream I use every morning and I kid you not, it’s the equivalent of your morning cup ‘a joe for your eyes.  It’s flesh colored in the tub it comes in, yet blends perfectly with your natural skin tone and allows for smooth concealer/foundation application afterward.  Or even when you’re going makeup free, this stuff feels amazing and has reduced my early morning puffiness and occasional dark circles considerably (I am however one of those people who really does get a great night’s sleep-it is really important).

Number two on our list is by Estee Lauder and is slightly higher in price but well worth it for long term results.  It’s called Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator (available for $58 at neimanmarcus.com, saks.com or $69 at esteelauder.ca or thebay.com).  My favorite part of this treatment is the porcelain applicator that is attached to the tube.  When you put this stuff on, your eyes instantly feel this cooling sensation that just cannot be beat.  You don’t need to use a whole lot of this product (I use 3 pin point size drops under my eyes and then blend them in using my finger).  I’ve had the same tube for over 6 months now and I’m no where near the end.  FYI, when I wear this product I don’t use my regular concealer, it’s not necessary.  It also comes in two shades so just about every skin color is covered.

So I hope you like today’s suggestions, I hope they help and I’ll keep ’em coming if you keep reading!

xo Elisa

ps try and get a good night’s sleep!!!

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Aug 24, 2012

The equivalent to “The Pact”

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Whenever anyone asks me for a reading recommendation, my go to book is always “The Pact” by Jodi Picoult.  Even though I read it some 15 years ago, it is the single recommendation that is truly, universally enjoyed by everyone.  It is by no means my favorite book, but it’s pretty well suited to everyone’s taste.  And so for my first blog featuring an actual product recommendation, I went with the equivalent to “The Pact.”…

Kate Somerville’s Eradikate is that product.  It’s hardly a glamour purchase, but  it does get results.  Essentially, Eradikate is a calamine lotion, colored zit zapper.  It will dry up any zit in a fraction of the time it takes for any other spot treatment to work.  Plus, it won’t dry out or flake your skin…I can even attest to it stopping a potential zit before it came to fruition.  No joke this stuff is that good!  The small bottle lasts forever and costs only $22 (at sephora.com , neimanmarcus.com ) or  $27 (in Canada at sephora.ca).  I know zits aren’t fun, but hey “Zit happens!”  (I apologize, I couldn’t resist that one…)  So now you all know that when bad zits happen to good people you are armed with THE best defense.

Next time we’ll talk more glam/luxe items, but for now, enjoy your clear complexion…

xo Elisa

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Aug 22, 2012

TRUTHisBEAUT-E.com

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This blog could have just as easily  been called, “Products, Passion and Guilt,” but I went with TRUTHis BEAUT-E because my goal is to introduce as many people as possible to the amazing array of products out there that have helped me to feel great and to look just a wee bit better (the beauty portion of the title).  Also I intend to approach this as I do everything else in my life…honestly.  I vow never to post anything without ever having tried it myself, (hence the “truth” portion of the name).

As for the possible alternate title, well clearly my “passion” for “products” (which will remain the general term for all items suggested on this blog from here on in) started at a very early age.  My love of scents and colors, serums and creams have provided me with an “off the charts” knowledge of this stuff.  I’ve tried tons and I intend to try even more over the life of this blog.  However the “Guilt” issue is probably the more interesting one and the one that fuels my goal.  Ever since I can remember people have always complimented my complexion.  I say this not as a boastful item ( if you know me, you know I don’t have a boastful bone in my body), it’s merely something people frequently notice and compliment me on (AND most probably due to genes passed along by my parents).  That’s where the guilt comes in, I have no more ability to chose my genes as I do my height (more “truth,” since that at 5′ 2″ I’d certainly chose to be slightly less vertically challenged).  What I do have is a vast product knowledge that can help people look and feel better about themselves, and THAT is my goal.

It’s not about wearing makeup to look prettier, it’s about taking the time to do something nice for yourself that makes you FEEL better.

I sincerely hope you all stick around to read future blogs, which will focus on individual products and issues.  There’ll be talk of zits, spots, lipsticks, liners, all the fun stuff…Also I hope I can answer any questions people may have.  Thanks for reading…

Welcome aboard….

xo Elisa

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