Mar 3, 2013

What’s Your “Stripper” Name?

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Remember that game growing up where you take your middle name and the name of the street you grew up on, add them together and get your stripper name?  Clearly I was destined for saint-hood since my folks never gave me a middle name, but I do know a little something about the best Stripper around.  Deborah Lippman’s “The Stripper to Go” Lavender Lacquer Remover Mitts, today’s featured product.

For years I avoided painting my nails for two reasons: #1.  Ineptitude, I can’t polish a nail to save my life.  #2.  The harshness of polish remover with its toxic smell and the residual polish it left behind after my removal attempt.  Well number 1 was solved with finding a manicurist but a solution for number 2 eluded me for years, until I discovered Deborah Lippman’s “The Stripper” line of lacquer removal.

I’m focussing on “The Stripper to Go” mitts because they really do blow my mind.  For $12 you get 6 mitts in a box.  Each mitt is saturated in the lavender-scented lacquer remover and 1 mitt is good for all 10 fingers. So bye-bye to that nasty polish remover smell and to the cotton ball shreds that seem to stay stuck to me for hours afterward.  Plus for traveling these cannot be beat, no nasty spilling in your luggage and each mitt is individually wrapped so you don’t even have to take the whole box, just one pack and you’re good to go.  I love these and I’m pretty sure you will too.  I’m also pretty sure that at sometime during this post you’d stopped and figured out your very own stripper name!

So “Go-Go” and enjoy your new polish remover and your brand new Stripper name…

xo…Lu Hartwell  (my nickname was Lu growing up so that was what I cheated with)

lippmanncollection_2246_5622018

 

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Feb 24, 2013

“Do You Believe in Magic?”

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Not the Lovin’ Spoonful variety, but the cosmetic kind that claims to do something, but never really quite delivers!  For every 5 products that fail to live up to their promised result, there is always one that does what it says and it kind of makes it all worthwhile. Today’s product is that 1 in 5 that actually delivers the goods, and then some.

Dior Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm is that product.  At $31 it’s seems pricey, but don’t be deterred by that, it’s worth every penny!  This Balm is in fact “the Bomb!”  This is not your typical chapstick. Somehow this formula mixes with your natural lip color and magically gives your lips a hint of color that is both fresh and unique to your skin tone. I am well aware there exist many products that promise to do this, but I’ve never found one that actually delivered on that promise and kept my lips hydrated.  It’s almost as if Dior customized a lip product just for you. How very nice of them…;)

If you’re still unconvinced that this stuff is awesome…

Sometimes I just want to leave the house without my arsenal of cosmetics.  I don’t want to carry the 15 pound handbag that often accompanies me wherever I go. I am however one of those people who looks completely washed out without lip color, so this product is a winner for me all around. With Dior Lip Glow I put on my regular lipstick at home and just toss this into my pocket and I’m out the door.  I reapply this throughout the day and my lips still look red carpet ready.  J’adore!!!

So tonight like many of you, I will be at home watching the “Oscars” from my couch, in my best sweats with an absolutely perfect looking pout courtesy of Dior!  So, yeah, I guess I do believe in magic…The magic of Dior!

…xo Elisa

dior lip glow

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Feb 20, 2013

He pet my coat….

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Today I am deviating from my normal format of product recommendations.  Don’t be disappointed, I am still trying to make your shopping world a better place.  This may sound like a rant, but really it’s just an observation of strange and sometimes very bad behavior.

As someone who spends a great deal of time (and money) at cosmetic counters I am often shocked and repulsed by some of the tactics used by the sales people who work there.  Quite simply, from the sales person or counter rep I require one thing and one thing only…Product Knowledge.  Know the line you are selling and advise the customer properly, if you do this you will have a customer for life.

When shopping, I am not looking for a new best friend, I am not looking for someone to kiss my behind and I am certainly not looking for someone to insult me as a means to sell products.  I have witnessed all of these tactics while browsing the cosmetics counter, but what sent me over the edge (which is here, I might add) was when last week a salesman, in an attempt at flattery began to pet my coat…NO  you did not misread this, he actually began petting my winter coat, “Ooooh, I love your coat, it’s so soft,” is what he kept saying.  Now in all fairness he wasn’t wrong, my coat is awesome, but he totally freaked me out.  1-800-personal space please!!!

I mean haven’t we all seen Dirty Dancing? “This is my dance space….”

Essentially what I am trying to say ladies is the cosmetic counter is our gateway to “me” time! Whether it’s a body cream, a lipstick, a bubble bath, all of these are little things we do to make ourselves feel special, so we shouldn’t have to be subjected to insults or faux compliments or creepy people touching us!

So my suggestion is simple, companies should make quality products (and many of them do) and salespeople should sell the right products to the right people! Voila!  Problem solved…maybe next week I can take on world peace!

Ok, so I couldn’t let you go without giving you a little something to think about.  The coat petting incident occurred while I was purchasing Clinique’s new Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for the Eyes in Ample Amber ($19 Canadian).  I’m loving it, it’s quick in the morning when I have to go to work and lasts all day on my lids.

Enjoy…xo Elisa

 

chubby stick

 

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Feb 10, 2013

VD

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It’s everywhere you look these days.  It’s overtaken the malls, your favorite stores even the pharmacies aren’t safe anymore.  It has me seeing red.  Valentines Day, whether you have a significant other or not it seems everyone feels the stresses and pressures of this holiday.  It’s like Christmas in February.

Today’s blog has a simple message, be your own Valentine.  We all know that before you can be truly good to someone else, you have to be good to yourself (hey Journey sang about it so it MUST be true).  So this Valentines day I am suggesting that you do something nice for you. Here is my list of VD inspired things you can give to yourself to perk up your mood (all for under $50)…

1. This time of year everyone’s skin can get dry and cracked, yet we all seem to ignore our hands, which is why my first suggestion is Aerin Rose Hand and Body Cream.  I love this stuff, I keep one near my bed and one in my purse.  Not only is it beautifully packaged, it smells amazing and keeps my hands soft and moisturized all year round.  Available online at esteelauder.com for $40 ($45 in Canada) and at most Estee Lauder counters.

Aerin Rose Hand Cream

2.  Everybody needs a good gloss and at $16 Origins Liquid Lip Shimmer in Hula Girl is the gloss for me!  It is the quintessential pink lip gloss. It goes on smooth, no sticky texture and its scented with a hint of cool mint so applying it is both pretty and refreshing.  As an added bonus, when you shop at Origins (in store or online) they are currently offering a free Liquid Lip Duo with the purchase of 2 products, which is how I was originally introduced to Hula Girl many months ago.

hula girl

3.  Much like a good car show can rock a man’s world, women and lipstick share a similar relationship.  I don’t understand the science behind the brain’s chemistry and lip color, but I do know that when I am feeling less than my best a new lip stick can turn my frown upside down…literally.  A few months ago I found my new favorite shade from an old favorite of mine.  Trish Mcevoy Lip Color Collection in Rosewood is that new favorite.  Her lipsticks are rich and hydrating and scented with a vanilla/mint like scent that makes applying it a pleasure.  Priced at $28 they are long-lasting and available at all Trish Mcevoy counters at Neiman Marcus, Saks, Bloomingdales. I can’t believe I haven’t blogged about her products yet…

trish mcevoy

4.  Bath time!  My most favorite time of the day.  Work is done and it’s time to pamper me.  Ginger Float Cream Bubble Bath from Origins is my go to soak of choice.  My muscles thank me for this rich, ginger, lime and bergamot scented relief.  For $28 you get 17.6 oz of bath time bubble fun.  I generally use two scoops to fill my tub and it lasts me a long time. Technically this could be your second Origins product to get you your free Liquid Lip Duo…My generosity knows no bounds….;)

ginger float

5.  Last but not least, I am deviating slightly from my recommendation variety.  As promised all my recommendations are products I use and adore.  Up until now products have been of the cosmetic kind, today I am making an exception and introducing you to something that I love so much I am actually blogging in them now.  At $49.50, my Victoria Secret PillowTalk Pajama Set  comes in under my as promised budget of $50 or less and makes sleeping and lounging around the house a lot more glamorous.  I love these pajamas, they’re soft, sparkly and super comfy.

pillowtalk

So my job here is done.  I wish you all a wonderful Valentine’s Day and hope you all remember to “Be good to yourself!”

xo Elisa

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Jan 30, 2013

Tamed Tresses…

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This post could have just as easily been called; Bye Bye Big Hair or Frizz This!! but regardless of its title the message is the same, kiss your frizzies goodbye.

I was recently away for the weekend and rather than schlepping my ginormous bottles of shampoo and conditioner with me I decided to buy something over there.  Sephora was directly across the street from my hotel (a very happy accident I assure you) so I went in to buy tiny sized bottles of sulphate free shampoo and conditioner (hotels rarely do sulphate free).  I was hemming and hawing between two brands when the sales associate came over and suggested I try the one she deemed better for my hair.

I should let you know, I do nothing with my hair, if hair-ability were an olympic event, I wouldn’t even make the trials.  I have many gifts, but hair styling is not one of them. So I opt for a cut that is easy to wash and go.  I have very thick hair and a lot of it, so frizz is not my friend.  I wanted to wait before recommending this product for 2 reasons, firstly I wanted to be sure I did 2 washes at home so as not to praise a product for making my hair ridiculously soft when in fact it was the water from my hotel and secondly I didn’t think it was a good idea to blog while sipping Mimosa’s ( I was in Vegas, don’t judge me)!

Now for today’s recommendation:  Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo and conditioner.  I can’t believe I never tried this stuff sooner.  My hair is incredibly soft, shiny and feels weightless.  As for frizz, it is a thing of the past.  The link above will take you directly to the Discovery Kit which is how I was introduced to this life saver,  for $29 you get a small shampoo, conditioner and styling cream.  You can buy Living Proof at sephora.com or online directly at Livingproof.com.

If by some chance my recommendation isn’t enough (it should be enough) Jennifer Aniston liked the products so much she bought into the company.  How ya like me now?  😉

I am Living Proof that their No Frizz products really do work…

xo Elisa

no_frizz_discovery_kit

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Jan 17, 2013

Hot Flash Fixer….

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It’s happened to us all, you’re in a restaurant enjoying a nice evening out, when suddenly this overpowering warmth from within takes over, you ignore it and pretend it’s not happening, when your dinner date says, “You’re sweating, are you okay?”  This only exacerbates the flush, intensifying it by 100%! Whether the flush is caused by menopause or you’re just overdressed for the occasion, you’re sweating and it’s dripping down your face and pretty soon your cheek color will be at your chin.  What do you do?

You do NOT take your napkin from your lap and swipe it across your face or worse, use your sleeve! GROSS! Lucky for you, you have me!  Today’s product won’t stop the “hot flash” from coming on, but it will make the “post flash” cleanup a lot more glamorous. Bobbi Brown’s Blotting Papers  at $20/pack (100 sheets) plus a gorgeous, black faux leather, mirrored compact is the solution that won’t cause poor Emily Post to roll over in her grave, or your dinner date from seeking date number 2.

Unlike just about every other blotting paper out there, Bobbi’s don’t leave you looking like a Kabuki theater reject!  These sheets are powderless and simply absorb the excess oil from your face.  Plus the mirror inside lets you see if you have any spinach in your teeth (I haven’t quite found the product to stop that from happening…yet)!  This compact is small enough to fit into the tiniest of clutches and refills can be purchased for $10 so you never need to replace the original compact.

The only downside is forgetting to put them in your handbag as I did last weekend and instead of the sympathetic, “are you okay?” I got, “Ha, you’re sweating…Ha Ha Ha!”  Very humbling I assure you and slightly mortifying!

Learn from my mistake!  Blot on readers…xo Elisa

blotting papers

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Jan 13, 2013

“A Rose By Any Other Name Would Smell As Sweet…”

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So my Grandmother called it ‘rouge’, now it’s known as ‘cheek color’ or ‘stain’, I have always called it ‘Blush.’  The idea behind it (and Shakespeare’s quote) is the same, it doesn’t matter what you call something, it’s what it is that matters.

For years I’ve tried to find a product that could recreate that natural, healthy flush of color we get on our faces after having exerted ourselves physically or embarrassed ourselves, or in my case when someone compliments me on something.  (My sheer ineptitude at accepting compliments results in an ever so humbling/flattering shade of red that flushes my cheeks). I thought I’d come close many times, but was never completely 100% satisfied…until now!

Tom Ford Cheek Color is that 100% perfect flush of color I have been searching for.  Most blushes seem to sit atop your skin and fade by the end of the day, starting you off looking a wee bit like Bozo and leaving you gaunt by days end.  I don’t know how Mr. Ford does it, but his cheek color seems to brighten from within and lasts all day long.  I apply it with a large-headed Blush brush, tap off any excess powder and blend it from the apples of your cheeks (which is the part of your cheeks that are in line with the tip of your nose) upward.  Unlike other blushes I’ve tried, Tom Ford’s Cheek Color goes on velvety smooth with no uneven spots or blotchy application.  A little goes a long way with this product and the result is perfection.

At $55 (available at Neiman Marcus and wherever Tom Ford Cosmetics are sold) this blush should last you a very long time.  I’ve been using it for roughly a month and I’ve barely made a dent in it.  Plus it comes in a lovely red/gold compact which will spruce up any vanity table. My go to color is Ravish which is the shade pictured below.

I hope you get “flushed” with compliments and enjoy this little “pop” of perfection.

Happy Shopping…xo Elisa

tomfordbeauty_launch025

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Jan 10, 2013

The Multi-Tasker…

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As a general rule I don’t normally endorse products from the same company back to back. However this being a new year, rules were meant to be broken (especially by this goody 2 shoes), plus this product is way too good to keep all to myself.

Perricone MD’s No Concealer, Concealer is the brilliant product I am referring to. I cannot multi-task to save my life and quite frankly, the people who think they can, well, they’re kind of kidding themselves. Not Dr. Perricone though, he has managed to make a concealer that not only hides fine lines and brightens the under-eye area but also acts as an amazing eye shadow primer. This is hands down the best concealer I have ever used, it goes on smooth, really brightens and doesn’t settle into my well-earned crows feet, in fact it just about erases those fine lines altogether. Dark circles are a thing of the past and I have to tell you I don’t miss them. No Concealer, Concealer comes in 1 shade that really is suitable for most skin tones (it works perfectly with mine) and gives great, long wearing coverage to last throughout the day, plus it is one of the only concealers out there that offers SPF 35 protection.

One gentle pump (if you pump too hard too much comes out and it’s wasted), warm it between your fingers and pat it all around your under-eye area and lid (to use as an eyeshadow primer) and you are looking 5 years younger. To really perk up your peepers, gently pat some on where your nose meets your eyes.

No Concealer, Concealer will set you back $45 but as I mentioned with Blue Plasma if you order directly from Perriconemd.com and use their auto replenishment service you save 10%.

I cannot say enough about how much I love this stuff. I just recently travelled (which does unpleasant things to my skin) and I got off the plane looking well rested and feeling amazing.

Here’s to the no eye lift, lift via the No Concealer, Concealer!

xo Elisa

no concealer, concealer

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Jan 8, 2013

Blue Plasma…

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It sounds like something NASA is working on in their laboratories or maybe a sequel to Soylent Green, but NO, Blue Plasma is Dr. Perricone’s amazing, new, daily, non-acidic peel.  I have never used anything like this!  As a general rule I stay away from peels, the thought of “peeling” away layers of my skin kind of “freaks me out!”  They can be irritating to the skin, cause redness and problems where none existed before.

Then Perricone MD unveils their new un-peel and I’m somewhat intrigued.  Something gentle enough to use everyday, promising to slough away only dead skin and unclog my pores.  My father always taught me that if it sounds too good to be true then it isn’t, Dad has never been wrong, but Dad never tried Blue Plasma.  My skin is glowing, hydrated and totally happy!!!

Perricone MD products are available at Sephora.com, but I suggest you purchase them directly from Perriconemd.com , they offer an automatic replenishing service and when you sign up for it you save 10% and get a free gift. Which means rather than paying the $95 it costs elsewhere, you get the same exact product for $85.50 plus you get a free Citrus Facial Wash.  Who doesn’t love free stuff?

So in the spirit of the New Year/New You, let Blue Plasma bring you New Skin!

Enjoy…xo ElisaBlue Plasma

 

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Dec 20, 2012

Complexion 911!

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You have presents to purchase, parties to attend, packages to post, holiday season is stressful and can wreak havoc on your skin!  No need to fear, TisB is here for you and your clear skin needs.

If you are one of those suffering with holiday season “str-acne” (stress acne) you are not alone.  Been there, done that and cleared it up with today’s awesome product;  Ren Clarifying Toner.  Totally affordable and a toner of its word.  It will clear up your skin.  At $28 it’s a steal and can be bought in store at Sephora or directly from Ren Cosmetics. Always sulphate and paraben free, this toner uses Willow Bark extract (salicillin) to reduce oiliness while other natural ingredients (fruit acids;  lemon, pineapple, grape) remove dead skin and unclog pores.  Amazing… like a Christmas miracle!

So now all you have to worry about this holiday season is your ability to make small talk at your various holiday functions and if there were a remedy for that I wish someone would blog about it…;)

Happy Holidays Y’all…xo Elisa

Clarifying Toner

 

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