January 16, 2009

LilSis, I'd love to give you an update on the Borba cellulite products.  I started using the Firming Body Cleansing Serum ($20) almost 60 days ago.  I liked it immediately and I still like it.  It seems to firm and just feels energizing on my skin.  The Serum contains Hyaluronic Acid (a humectant which is said to promote the skin’s natural ability to hold onto moisture), Heptapeptide-1 (which is supposed to help firm and tone the skin while fighting free radical damage), plus Guanabana Fruit Extract, Diamond Powder, and Hydrolyzed Spandex Fiber.  If you know what those ingredients are, you're way ahead of me!

Since I liked the Serum, regardless of my ingredient ignorance, I ordered two other products to complement it.  I got the Firming Body Trio which includes the Serum plus Firming Micro-Diamond Body Polish and Firming Diamond Shimmer Contour.  I've been using the Serum and the Polish on alternate days, and the Contour Cream every day.

The Body Polish contains Diamond Powder to exfoliate and improve microcirculation, Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid to help refine and retexturize surface skin, plus Vitamins A and E, Colloidal Oatmeal, Soy, Cucumber, Aloe, Hydrolized Spandex Protein, Heptapeptide-1, Guanabana extract, and Papain.

The Contour Cream contains Diamond Powder and Mica which are supposed to provide multidimensional radiance and contour to diffuse the look of imperfections. It also has Guanabana Extract, Shea Butter, Cucumber, Aloe, Hydrolized Spandex Protein, Papain, Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid.

I'm not a BeautyBrain, so I can't tell you what all those ingredients are, and if the claims that Borba makes concerning them are reasonable.  What I can tell you is that I PROMISE I am seeing results after using this trio together for only a week!  I'm SO not kidding, and I'm NOT on the Borba payroll!  I have used plenty of anti-cellulite products that moisturize and not much else, but this line is different.

Borba Firming Cellulite Trio

The Borba products do not have any caffeine that I can see (again, I'm no BeautyBrain), which makes their effectiveness even more surprising.  What I'm seeing is tighter, smoother skin with no nasty caffeine side effects.

I've been ordering through the Borba web site, but I just found the products on QVC.  QVC has the firming trio for $48, plus shipping.  I paid $60 on sale, but the regular price for the trio is $80.  Doh!  Guess where I'll be doing my ordering from now on!  Comments on the QVC web site mention the unpleasant smell of the products, and I have to say that I'm not in love the scent of the cream. The good news is that it disappears pretty quickly so it doesn't bother me at all.  I don't notice an undesirable fragrance in the body polish, and I actually like the fresh scent of the serum.

Overall, I would highly recommend the Borba Body Firming Trio, and the QVC price makes it a great deal as well as effective!  So far, this is the best firming product line I've used.  If you know of something better, let me know so I can test it!

~BigSis

January 15, 2009

BigSis first mentioned Relastin Eye Silk to us back in November.  I decided to give the Relastin Eye Silk a try since I wasn't completely satisfied with my whole eye cream regime.  I started using it on December 1st, so as of today, I've been using the product for 45 days. I have to say that I have really noticed some results with this product!

I use the product morning and night. It only takes a VERY small amount! This product has a very different consistency compared to any that I've used in the past. (And, trust me, I've tried a lot!)  It's not really a serum and not really a cream, but more of a very light, soft, gel like consistency. (I guess that's why they named it Silk)  And it works great under concealer, too, which is a BIG problem with a lot of eye products.

The container is a pump and you really can't tell how much is actually left in the bottle, so I went ahead and ordered another bottle since I didn't want to take a chance of running out. Check the Relastin website for special sales or discount codes. They have a special going on right now where you can buy two Relastin products and receive the Relastin Eye Silk for FREE!

Relastin Eye Silk

I don't want to claim that this is some miracle product and then someone tries it and doesn't notice the same results. I just notice that underneath my eyes seems a little tighter, more supple and less wrinkled. I've also noticed that ‘those nasty little crows feet' are somewhat diminished. Seriously! I wouldn't make that up!

There's really no reason not to give this product a try because they do offer a full 30 day money back guarantee if you're not completely satisfied! You've got nothing to lose!

So, BigSis, now that we've found an eye product that actually produces some results, I'd really LOVE to find an anti-cellulite product that will do the same!

How about an update on those Borba Cellulite Products?

~LilSis

January 13, 2009

Most MAC Eyeshadow fanatics know about the MAC Cosmetic Recycling Program! It's such a happy, happy day when I discover that I've just emptied my sixth eye shadow container.

Six beautiful little empty pots! It's a Happy, Happy Day!

It's simple. I return the six empties to any MAC counter and in exchange, I get to choose a free lipstick! I  also just ran out of both my MAC Select Moisture Cover Concealer and my MAC Select Sheer Loose Powder at the same time! Now, I had no choice but to go to the MAC Counter today!

BigSis just mentioned how much she loves the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. I've never tried it because I've been happy with my MAC Prep + Prime Eye. I might have to give the Urban Decay a try just to compare the two, since BigSis likes it so much!

I haven't yet had a chance to mention the beautiful new MAC Eyeshadow color that Bo gave me for Christmas. It's called Wintersky and it's a gorgeous color. It's amazing that she was able to choose a color that I didn't already have. So, while I was at the  MAC counter, I purchased another Wintersky since it's a limited edition shade. I also picked up a new color called French Cuff! Lucky for my wallet, I was in a huge rush when I ran into Macy's so I couldn't linger over all the lovely new shades! I'll save that for another day.

It's so much fun to go pick out a FREE lipstick; so, whatever you do, DO NOT throw away those MAC eyeshadow empties!

~LilSis

January 12, 2009

Hooray for Urban Decay!  How can a company with only two products in my makeup drawer have an enormous impact on my daily makeup routine?  I don't have the popular Urban Decay Lounge or YDK Eyeshadows, Greed Lip Envy, Midnight Cowboy Lipstick, or Catfight Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in my stash.  Nothing but two little beauties: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion and 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils.  I don't like to say a product is life-changing, but these guys are incredible!

LilSis and I talk all the time about what MAC eyeshadow snobs we are, but without a good eyeshadow base, we'd be cheating ourselves out of a lot that a high quality product has to offer.  A good eyeshadow primer will grab onto your shadow, and enable it to last longer while intensifying the vibrancy of the color.  Fading and creasing will become an instant thing of the past!

Even with a great eyeshadow like MAC, you still have plenty to gain by taking a few extra seconds to apply a base.  I resisted adding another step to my morning routine, but I finally caved and tried some products that were recommended to me as base: MAC Paint in Base Light, Bourjois Survolteel Waterproof Eyeshadow in Beige, and Bourjois Shimmering Shine Liquid Eyeshadow in Beige Metallique.  As far as I can see, these particular Bourjois products aren't available any more.  My experience is that they're all great as long-lasting shadows, and I especially like them for muggy summer days when my chances of creasing climb to 100% along with the humidity.  As a base for other shadows though, I think they're too thick, plus they bring color and shimmer with them so any shadow you put on top of them is going to change.  Maybe for the better, but it's going to change.  Plus, it takes me way too long to get the application even and smooth, and I just don't have that kind of time (or patience) in morning crunch-time.

Urban Decay Primer Potion

I much prefer the invisible Urban Decay Primer Potion.  The Primer Potion goes on clear and you can't even tell you have it on.  You use a very very small amount;  I spread it around quickly with a small concealer brush but you could smooth it on with a fingertip if you wanted to.  Then apply your eyeshadow on top as usual.  You won't believe how much difference it makes!  Today, I put my makeup on at 6:30 am, worked all day, worked out at the gym, did a bunch of errands, took care of the furkids, made dinner, cleaned up the kitchen, and at 9:00 pm, my eyeshadow looks like I just put it on!  I'm SO not kidding!  The color is true and there is literally NO creasing!  Try this Primer Potion now!  It may be the best $16 I've every spent on a product.  I agree that the cutesy container leaves a lot of product inaccessible, but you can do what Clumps of Mascara does, and hack into it!  That's what I'm going to do!

The other Urban Decay product I'm crazy about is their 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil.  I like automatic pencil eyeliners usually because I don't like fiddling around with a sharpener whenever the pencil loses it's point,  but I'm willing to make an exception for the 24/7, which is a normal-needs-sharpening pencil.  This super-creamy pencil glides on like butter, and then you have 30 seconds or so to smudge it around or blend it as you wish.  Then it's ON baby for the rest of the day!  No fading, no disappearing, no creasing.  It's totally waterproof, but disappears easily at bedtime with a swish of Lancome's Bi-Facil.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil

I have the Glide-On Pencil in 4 colors and none of them are boring.  I have 1999 (plum with teeny gold glitter), Bourbon (brown with teeny gold glitter), Lucky (brilliant deep copper), and Covet (peacock green).  My favorites are Bourbon and Lucky.  Bourbon is a great snappy bronzy brown, but don't be afraid of the glitter…I wouldn't even call it glitter.  It's just a little pizzazz!  Lucky is a fabulous color for blue eyes!  Try it!  1999 doesn't show up much on my skin, so it needs a deeper shadow color on top of it, which I always do anyway to help set any liner pencil I use.  I'm not sure what to do with Covet, maybe someone can give me a suggestion of how a blue-eyed person can wear peacock green liner without looking like a peacock.  I have my eye on a couple of other colors:  Underground (metallic taupe), and Ransom (deep purple with subtle silver sparkle) or Lust (bright iridescent purple).  At $16 each, you can afford to try some fun colors, even if like me you need a little guidance in wearing them!

You can order Urban Decay through their web site, but you can also find their products at Ulta, Sephora and department stores.

~BigSis

January 7, 2009

Who wants furry little caterpillars for eyebrows? (Just kidding, I get it.) I liked the photo of the furry little critter. I don't have an eyebrow problem, except that I have to pluck every day since I don't have time to get them waxed regularly.

So, why is it that where we have hair, we don't want it; yet where we want hair, we don't have it? We women pluck, tweeze, wax, use depilatories, and laser off hair from ‘almost' every part of our bodies.

Until BigSis mentioned it to me a few months ago, I had never even thought of removing the hair from my arms. She liked how hers looked after she did it, so, of course, I had to try it.

It's so easy, too, with this Nair Pretty Hair Remover Spray! You just spray it on either your legs or arms from about 4 inches away until you have an even foam. Let it sit for 3 – 5 minutes, then wipe off a small test area to check hair removal. You can leave on for up to 10 minutes. Total hair removal depends on the thickness of the hair. The first time I did my arms, I think it did take the full ten minutes. I used to have a lot of blonde hair on my arms!

I hadn't used Nair in years because I always remember how bad it smelled! The days of stinky Nair are gone! This Nair Pretty Soft Kiwi Spray has the least odor of any I've ever used.

They also have Peach, Raspberry, and Green Apple scents.  If you happen to have a teenage daughter, she might even get a kick out of the Nair Pretty Green Apple Glitter Wax Strips.

Is this ‘hair removal' craze just another obsession we women have or is it just the need to try to do everything we can to look our best?

~LilSis

January 6, 2009

Ok, so I was sitting in a doctor's office recently, thanks to the Nasty Virus.  I was skimming through a magazine, and stumbled upon an article that quoted a dermatologist as saying that Rogaine ALWAYS grows eyebrows back.  Seriously?  Who knew?  I guess it makes sense but I never thought of it or heard of it.  The derm said that you use a dab of men's Rogaine 5% on a Qtip, and apply to the area of eyebrow you want to grow.  You do that twice a day til you get furry little caterpillars, then you do it once a day for maintenance.

Fuzzy Caterpillar by Chuffinpuffin (Flickr)

I wasn't ever an overplucker, but my eyebrows are a tad thinner than I'd like, and the outer edges pretty much fade away to nothing.  I think I'm trying this little tip!  Anyone heard of this or tried it??

~BigSis

December 29, 2008

Do you have a big fancy party to go to this New Year's Eve? Or maybe you're hosting a soiree at your home? Either way, you no doubt want to look gorgeous and you may be looking for a new “party face”. Have you ever thought to look on YouTube for makeup tutorials? There are some fabulous ones out there, and the cool thing is you can actually see the look done. If you're a visual learner, this is the thing for you. I think one of the best video makeup teachers out there is Miss Chevious. Besides the video, she also gives you a complete list of all the products she used in the look if you go to the MissChevious channel on You Tube.

There are a few different looks here, so make sure to follow whichever one you prefer. You might even like to change up the looks slightly to make sure they match your facial details. For example, you might want to change the eyeshadow to make sure it enhances your eyes, or you could consider changing your eye colour by using the bausch and lomb contact lenses. That could give you a completely different eye colour to make sure the makeup really stands out properly. Anyway, this is a Christmas makeup look that she did, but I think it would be pretty for New Year's Eve too, perhaps with a gold dress?

This look is Miss Chevious's modern interpretation of Marie Antoinette; really heavy on the eyelashes with pink lips. I love this look! I can see it with a white or pink dress, or even black.

This look is called Icy Winter Chill, and I think it could be beautiful with a silver or white dress. It's very Snow Queen!

I've saved the most dramatic for last! This is the look that Miss Chevious specifically designed for New Year's Eve, and it's definitely over the top! It's based on hot pink and black, and would probably be most suited for a night out hitting the clubs, rather than a dinner with the in-laws! To me it's kind of Morticia Adams meets Hello Kitty! I definitely couldn't pull this off, but I know there are those of you who can, and if you can, go for it!

If none of these seem to be a fit for your style and your coloring, check out the rest of Miss Chevious's videos on YouTube. You'll be hooked!

~BigSis

December 23, 2008

I'm busy tonight like all of you…baking, gift-wrapping, list-checking, and Christmas-meal-planning.  But even with all of this going on, one thing that CANNOT fall through the cracks is the Christmas pedicure, so I'm doing that tonight too!  What is it about the holidays that makes you want a new pedi color?  I don't know; it's kind of like going on vacation and wanting to buy new underwear and new makeup.  There's no logic to it; you just want it!

So, my new shade of choice is Essie “Tomboy No More” (red currant truffle).  I went to Ulta to buy “Rock Star Skinny” (glamorous crimson red) but liked Tomboy even more in person.  Tomboy actually looks much deeper in person, especially with the 3 coats of color I like to use.  And Rockstar looked a touch browner and slightly more shimmery than Tomboy.

Neither of these shades are on All Lacquered Up's list of the 21 Hottest Holiday Polishes, but there are some great (and bold) colors there.

All Lacquered Up's 21 Hottest Holiday Polishes

Choose one for your own Christmas pedi, or as a gift for one of your nail fanatic girls.  What a fun gift these would make!  You'll see a few reds and plums, but look out.  There are lots of greens, taupes, grays, metallics, purples and browns!  These are not your mother's dusty mauve or creamy apricot shades!  Choose a few of these fun colors and add a base coat and a top coat, and you have a complete cool gift!  And the best part, you won't even have to go near the MALL!

~BigSis

December 22, 2008

Is everyone finished with their Christmas shopping?  If not, you might want to take advantage of this great offer from Origins. I just received an email from Origins stating that they are offering a free upgrade on overnight shipping through tomorrow, December 23rd.  Enter the offer code free1day at checkout to take advantage of this offer from Origins!

Not only do I love, love, love Origins products for myself, but I've given a lot of Origins gifts to friends and family over the years. You just can't go wrong! They have such a wide price range, too. You can buy a great gift for under $30.00. Origins always has wonderful gift sets and you can even create a custom gift set.

Origins is also offering complimentary gift wrapping.  And one more thing, I received a separate email about another discount from Origins. You can receive 25% off all purchases at any Origins Retail Store (not in a dept. store) through December 24th if you just mention the email! Now, that's a bargain!

Happy Shopping!

~LilSis

November 28, 2008

A few weeks ago, I was sitting in my allergist's office after my injection, and happened to read in some random magazine about a product that actually firmed up “that area”. You know the area I mean; the dreaded cellulite zone. I was intrigued so I ordered the product, and have been using it for about 10 days now.  I am happy to report that in the never-ending search for an effective caffeine-free cellulite product, there is hope!  It's Borba Firming Body Cleansing Serum ($20).

Borba Firming Body Cleansing Serum

This is kind of a thick gel that you massage into your skin in the shower or bath, and then let it sit on the skin for 30 seconds or so.  Then rinse it off.  It feels a little tingly, and smells great.

I couldn't find any retailers in the Dallas area so I placed my order online, and received two samples of Borba's contour cream.  I used it for a couple of days, and it may be wishful thinking, but I'm telling you I could see some firming.  So my next order will include the Firming Diamond Shimmer Contour ($32).

Borba Firming Diamond Shimmer Contour

I'll continue this trial, and let you know how it goes, but so far I'm encouraged!  There is hope!

~BigSis