Primer Perfection

When the Sephora salesgirl tried to pedal this potion, Urban Decay Primer Potion in 'Sin', I found myself resenting her. No doubt I was victim of an evil commission- earning-snake-oil-selling scheme... Oh how wrong I was!

Fortunately I found the path to righteousness with the help of the 'free' sample of this perfection-in-a bottle that came with my Urban Decay eye-shadow set.

In my pre-potion dark ages, I had to reapply eyeshadow several times a day. After a light coat on my lid before adding shadow, I am set for an evening in even the harshest conditions - hello hot sweaty clubs with really good dance music...

Now you know it is safe to invest in Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (be sure you get 'Sin' I can't vouch for the colorless stuff.) Incredible staying power with a shimmering barely-there hue that bumps up the drama for most eyeshadow shades. And if you are into the natural look, it can be worn alone to add a lovely hint of sheen.

Pros:

• Keeps your eye makeup going strong from morning 'till night
• Makes your eye shadow last longer - so you get more bang for your buck
  
• Shiny and lovely 'eye-lighter' all on it's own
  
• Bumps up the drama on sparkly shadows
  
• Online shopping available, you can buy it RIGHT NOW!
  

Cons:

• A tad pricey, $17.00, but definitely worth it!
  

A place for everything and everything in it's place

I admit it, I am anti-thong. The concept is completely gross to me! I would even go as far to say that the comfort-claiming majority of thong wearers should be locked away from society...FOREVER. We all need to face it, the only woman who can get away with a thong is Heidi Klum. Thank God there is Hanes wedgie-free undies and no-slide-strap bras for the rest of us. Not only is the material super soft -n-stretchy, it is seamless AND tag-less...
The no-ride-up guarantee isn't just a marketing ploy... it is a beautiful reality.
The Hanes bra that I bought is even nicer than the slippy-strapped Calvin Klein I used to trust with my twins. At $10 a piece, you can buy 3 for the price of one krappy klein. The boyshort style underwear continues the anti-wedgie promise and also solves your average pantyline crisis. Hanes new comfort technology is sleek and simple. It may not have all the design bells and whistles of La Perla, but when it comes to housing my hump and lady lumps, I'm a minimalist.

Pros:

• Soft, seamless & tag-less
  
• No ride-up guarantee, no pantylines (with the boyshort style)
  
• No slip strap guarantee on the bras
  
• Economical price: $10 per bra, boyshorts pack of 2 for $9
• Online shopping available, so you don't even have to leave your couch!
  

Cons:

• The bra has an underwire, so if you're not into that, you won't be into this
• The bra has pretty thick straps that can be annoying for certain necklines
  
• No cons on the boyshorts - they are PERFECT
  

Intriguing Ice

Diamonds might be a girls best friend, but these baubles make for some pretty interesting acquaintances...

Giant (and growing) accessories have forced me to reflect on my love of all things microscopic ... and meaningful.

In a fast-forward world, Satya Jewelry is a simple reminder to breath and appreciate the tiny pleasures in life. In a description from their web site: "Blending spiritual symbols, healing gemstones and sacred meanings, Satya jewelry is created with grace, style and a global consciousness."

Each teeny adornment has special meaning behind it; creating a purposeful gift for you or someone you care about. Check out Satya Jewelry today!

Pros:

• Delicate and pretty jewelry
  
• Truly unique design
• Many affordable pieces
• The beautiful packaging that protects your piece during shipping makes the gift even more special
  

Cons:

• Addictive and some of the pieces I want are on the pricey side
  

See What Condition My Condition Was In...

When I watch TV specials about men knowing from a very early age that they were meant to be women, I can relate. Despite my mouse-brown follicles, I always knew 'inside' I was meant to be a redhead.

In high school I finally let the inner redhead shine. However, fourteen years of serious dye addiction can take it's toll on your hair. And I don't just dye it like regular people...No, I also bleach the life out of certain sections and stain those pieces with heavy duty dyes. I cook it dry with my Baby Blyss hair dryer and then fry the ends with a flat iron. I finish it off with a fog of spray wax and hair glue.

HOW, do you ask, am I not bald? HOW has my hair remained shiny-silky soft and not broken brittle pieces of straw? It may be DNA, it may be luck... but I like to think, in part, it's because of the people at Neutrogena.

They have invented these AWESOME 'Triple Moisture' products. The daily conditioner is wonderful - my hair is on the fine side, so I use it every other day. I follow up with their 'Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Mask" about once a week. (I leave the product on longer than the directions suggest because my hair can use all the help it can get.)

The moral of the story - self expression does not have to result in baldness.... (Unless baldness is your version of self expression.) Save your hair, use Neutrogena's Triple Moisture line.

Pros:

• Smooths, softens and improves the texture of even the most tortured locks
  
• Delicious scent
  
• Very affordable - most places sell it for under $7 a bottle
  
• Gentle on your hair for the long term user
  

Cons:

• I can't think of a single con!
  

Get Your O Glow with Pixi Gel Blush

When Clinique discontinued my favorite gel blush 'Black Honey' - I was devastated! I thought I would never love again...

Gel blush has been an obsession from my 'Wet -n- Wild' tween years. I've tried it all: the creams (they don't last and never look quite right), the powders give me mannequin-face, the brush-on liquid stain doesn't stick and is a great big spill-hazard.

Very simply put: gel blush looks the most natural, kisses your face with an 'I just ran around the block in the crispy New England autumn weather' glow that lasts all day.

After months of sulking and trying to make creams work - I discovered Pixi brand gel blush at Target of all places. It is a little pricey (runs $20 a tube) but it lasts quite awhile. My favorite shade is 'Flushed', a deep berry stain.

Now that I am in love again, I've forgotten all about that snooty Clinique counter. Thank you Pixi, you've given me back my glow!

Pros:

• Sheer cheek gel is translucent, hydrating and long lasting
• It's a cheek gel stain that adds a delicate flush of color without looking like you are wearing makeup
• Light-to-Medium Coverage
• Can Be Used Alone or Over Foundation
• Ideal for All Skin Types
• Fragrance Free

Cons: Depending on your skin type - it might stain your fingers a bit (so wash them, dirty bird!)