What's in my bag?

In our second segment of what's in your bag, I thought I would give you a peek into my bag. I have to say as a mom I have a lot of stuff in my bag. Gone are the days of half crunched goldfish and gummy bears as he is a little older now, but you can still find hand sanitizer and usually an emergency granola bar floating around in there.  So let's deconstruct my bag.

1. Balenciaga "City" handbag. My hubby got it for my last birthday. I am completely obsessed with Balenciaga. I love all their handbags and if I was a self made millionaire I would collect Gucci, Tory Burch and Balenciaga everything. :) But I live in the real world and so I appreciate what I have.  

2. Juicy Couture wallet. It's big enough to stuff and the important and unimportant things I cram into it. I love that it has a zipper that closes the whole pouch so I don't lose anything like I have done in the past with other wallets. 

3. Clinique makeup pouch. I got this bag a while ago but I love the size of it and the material. It's super flat but I can put a ton of cosmetics, personal items, hair bands etc. I feel like Mary Poppins with this bag. Don't be surprised if you see me pull a hot tub out of this thing at a party. It stores everything. 

4. My iPhone. I love my phone. Recently, I have become a bit too obsessed with the Bejeweled app. I believe I may have an addiction. But I suppose admitting it is the first step.

5. Assorted lipsticks and glosses. I am a gloss girl and I always drag around Benefit Patootie and MAC underage. I also have a MAC neutral lip pencil and a purple MAC sheen supreme in Asian flower. 

6. Benefit Posie tint and Cha Cha tint. For a mid day slump I use this to perk up my lips and the apples of my cheeks. Its a great stain that brings life to my pale complexion.

7.  Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb perfume. The name says it all, it's a beautiful combination of orchid, freesia, jasmine, rose and patchouli, it's divine.

8. Bath and Body Works Honeysuckle anti bacterial hand cleaner. I'm a germaphobe so this goes with me always. I change up fragrances depending on my moods. 

9. Ice breakers mints. My love of coffee doesn't have to ruin my relationships so I need a mint that can cut through the latte breath. 

10. True Blue mini paraffin hand lotion from Bath and Body Works. This stuff ROCKS! It's the best hand lotion I have found. It has a nice orange aroma and whips my cuticles and hands into shape in no time. I highly recommend this little beauty for your handbag. They also make a version for your tootsies too.

11. Bobbi Brown lip gloss palette. I love the six colors that Bobbi has expertly selected in this gloss kit. It is a mixture of matte and shimmer shades that are perfect for all complexions. Palette contains: Pink Champagne, Papaya, Bronzed Pink, Posey, Naked, and Rum. My favorite is Naked. It's a gorgeous mauve matte color and it always looks natural and pretty.

12. My keys, I always get told I have too many keys on my ring but I never listen. I also have a little rooster key chain I picked up on the Big Island of Hawaii and I have my taco key cover that I love.

13. My Puppy Calendar and Moleskin notebook: I have an iPhone but somehow old school calendars work much better for me. So I go with it. I keep all my appointments in there and keep the notebook for inspirations and to do lists. I call them my brain. I have the creative side and the organized side.

14. My glasses, I am convinced I am prematurely blind because of my computer. I have to blame it on something. I only need them for driving so it's not too bad. I have Sigrid Olsen glasses and I love them, super comfortable.  So that's a peek into my bag. I hope you enjoyed. :)

Road Test... Kenra blow dry spray

Yesterday I was making my rounds at my local beauty supply store. As I was picking up my usual goodies I happened to glance to the right when I noticed a new product from the Kenra Platinum line, Blow-Dry Spray. Interested, I picked up the bottle to find out what it was all about. It claimed to dramatically decrease your blow dry time and leave your hair protected and more manageable. Hum, I thought,  killing two birds with one stone, as the expression goes, sounded good to me. Eager to try the product I washed my hair with my Enjoy sulfate free luxury shampoo, my favorite at the moment, and towel dried my hair only to stop it from dripping. I did an overall spritz on my head concentrating at the roots. It had a pleasant aroma and was pretty lightweight. I used a wide tooth comb and very gently placed my bangs in place and gave my hair a light comb. Then I applied my makeup. By the time I was ready to dry my hair with the blow drier it was quite dry.  It took less than half the time to dry my hair and it was left feeling soft, manageable and my end looked healthy and fresh. I then flat ironed my hair and all day it has been soft and in place. I was more pleased with this product than I had anticipated. My only recommendation would be for those with fine hair be careful not to spray too much near the roots. As this could lead to your hair falling flat at a fast rate.  Check it out online at  www.kenra.com

I paid $19.00 for a 3.4fl oz bottle of the product but it may be less expensive online. Happy styling...

I have also included a picture of my favorite shampoo Enjoy, luxury.

The Make up Survey... Best vs. Worst

I thought it would be fun to poll my friends and family and ask, what are their best and worst make up recommendations. I have to say, I was really impressed. I received some insightful, professional, witty, and just plain fun responses. Below I have posted the results in no particular order.

Question #1: What is your best make up trick?

Answers

1. Mascara primer

2. Had Macy's apply it :-)

3. Tightlining- It's where you line the upper inner lashes with your eye liner. It makes your lashes look lush!

4. Changing the shade of my lipstick, and blush to reflect what looked best with my skin tones as opposed to what I thought were happening colors to wear.

5. Haven't tried to many... too lazy.

6. Tea tree oil on pimples

7. Using white liner on the bottom inner lid of your eyes - makes them pop! Not too much though or else you will look like a zombie!

8. Can't think of any

Question #2 What is the worst make up trick you have tried?

Answers

1. Used products containing alcohol- BAD

2. Putting it on myself

3. I would have to bring this back old school when you'd line your lips a shade darker than your lipstick! Oh gosh, I hope this wasn't just me.

4. Not exactly a make up trick, but a beauty trick not to do... cutting my bangs too short.

5. Fake eyelashes...does that count?

6. French epilation (fancy word for hair removal) of facial hair. Coated with hot wax, then covered with cloth which adheres to the wax. Then your hairs are ripped off. Unfortunately, my skin was ripped off with it. I had scabs on my upper lip for over 1 week. Left with bleeding and scabs on my upper lip!

7. I think I have too many to count. Mainly choosing bad eye shadow shades for my skin color...I look sick or like I just got beat up!

8. White eyeliner

Question #3 What items are in your must have list of beauty products?

Answers

1. NARS - Orgasm (gloss & blush) NARS - Bronzer Bobbi Brown - concealer & foundation Mascara


2. Lip gloss


3. Lancome Definicils, Smashbox brow tech, Benefit Georgia blush, Bare Escentuals eye shadow


4. Loreal Revitalift Eye Creme Age Rewind Foundation by Maybelline Loreal Eyebrow Pencil One By One Mascara Maybelline Mac Eye Shadow Mac Lipstick


5. Mascara-basic Maybelline (pink and green tube)


6. Tweezers, and magnifying mirror, and coverup (face makeup)


7. Burts Bees revitalizing chapstick. Urban decay powder foundation. Dior Show mascara.


8. Benefit play sticks, Bare Essentials powder, MAC eye shadow, any kind of mascara, still looking for the perfect lip gloss.


Question #4 What is the one item you would take with you if you were stranded on a deserted island?


Answers


1. Facial Cleansing Wipes.


2. Lip gloss , I'm just a plain Jane


3. Don't laugh. Dr. Pepper Bonnie Bell lip gloss. It gives just the right hint of color and of course, it tastes like Dr. Pepper!


4. Mascara...........as opposed to sunscreen, because I would not be out in the sun anymore than I could help it.


5. Mascara


6. Tweezers


7. SPF lotion. I use Clinique repair-wear. I hate dry skin on the face - and now I have learned it's so important to have that SPF cover.

8. Eye lash curler

Thank you to all my friends and family who completed the survey. :) 

Paint Brushes Aren't Just For Oils and Canvas

How many times have you been at your favorite make up counter or online purchasing shades and blushes when you realized you would love to add a nice set of make up brushes to your purchase, but...gasp, they are running about thirty to forty dollars each. I know I have been down this road myself. Often times I give in and then vow I won't shop for three weeks because my tab was well over the mark I intended to spend. Well, here's a new tip that you may have heard of but if not you will be eager to try it soon. Many of us have an art or craft store nearby such as Michael's. You will be surprised to know that you can find many of the same brush shapes as the forty dollar models from MAC. With prices as low as eight or nine dollars. My recommendation is a brand called Loew Cornell. They have a natural bristle goat hair line called Maxine's Mop. Take a look at the picture below. For those of you that have MAC brushes I bet they look familiar. You can buy this kit online at www.hofcraft.com. Hofcraft even recommends these brushes for make up application use. I recommend washing your brushes in mild soap and warm water prior to use. Reshape and air dry and you are on your way to make up artistry for half the cost. I love the idea of that when gas is running close to five dollars a gallon.

You can purchase the five brushes plus the foam applicator above for about $35.00.  You get five brushes for the cost of one! 

What's in Cristina's Bag? Take a peek into the LA actress's handbag and see her must have travel essentials.

Witty, funny, beautiful and the best friend you always wanted. These are a few words to describe the incomparable Cristina Dohmen. Born in Hawaii, and now living in Los Angeles, Cristina is heating up the LA scene performing in films, theatre, and cabaret shows. You know when you see a girl on the street and she just has IT, that's Cristina. She is always flawlessly put together and makes it look effortless. So, when I thought about a what's in your bag post I had to ask her!  She gladly accepted and has graced us with a funny heartfelt tell all look inside her bag and her on the go life.  

What's in my bag?

1. Gucci Wallet. Can't afford a Gucci bag (yet), so I'll just start small :)

2.Tory Burch wristlet used as my "lady pouch" with Kotex Natural Balance tampons. For that discreet emergency trip to the ladies room, I like to carry my monthly helpers in a cute carry pouch. Kotex just came out with their "Natural Balance" line which I love. 

3. Tide to go pen. This instant stain remover is a must-have for me and my clumsy nature. I can't tell you how many times I've spilled red wine on a new blouse!

4. Weleda Skin Food Creme. Weleda is my favorite skin care line. It's a company based in Germany that uses all-natural, organic, free-trade ingredients in all of their products. Skin Food is the best creme for thirsty skin. It's jam-packed with essential oils, rich but not too heavy. It's great for your hands, face, dry elbows and even on chapped lips. You can get it at Whole Foods.

5. Smashbox O-Plump. My friend Layne suggested I try Smashbox O-Gloss "intuitive lip gloss" because I always have a hard time finding the right lip color to wear. Then I learned that they also make "O-Plump" which not only enhances your natural lip color but also plumps that glossy pout. (it also tingles)

6. Vaseline Lip Therapy lip balm in "Rosey Lips". Ok- I was once told that Vaseline was the multi-purpose product I should always have with me. You can use it on your lips, eye lids and cheeks for a dewy glow, it works well on eyelashes when your mascara runs out, and as my manicurist always tells me, it's great for dry cuticles. So I was one of those girls who would carry that not-so-ladylike pale yellow jar of Vaseline in her bag and try my best to keep it out of the public eye when I needed a fix. Well, I was in London last fall and while in Boots Drug Store, I came upon Vaseline's line of dainty round jars of lip therapy balm. This pretty pink "Rosey Lips" tin I chose has rose and almond oil in it. I still use it everywhere but now I'm not ashamed to bring it out of my purse!

7. Lancome Hypnose mascara. I used to be a Dior Show girl but when I got a sample of Lancome Hypnose in a gift bag a year ago, I was hooked. It makes my short, thin lashes pop without weighing them down. It gives that lush-lash look for those who don't latisse or want to deal with the mess of false lashes. Careful not to use too many coats or you'll look like a Tammy Faye impersonator. 

8. Sephora mini kabuki brush. It's the perfect travel-size companion for powder touch-ups.

9. MAC Studio Fix Compact. My friend Taylor saved me one night just after college when I was sans makeup and had to attend an event. She let me use her MAC studio fix powder makeup and the next day, I got my own. It's a great matte finish that I use alone over moisturizer or on top of foundation when I am on stage and need heavy makeup. 

10. Orbiz gum. I like spicy food and garlic. I also like to talk to other humans :)

11. My blackberry. I tried so hard to resist the iPhone and always remained loyal to my trusty crackberry. But now I feel nearly abandoned as I watch my friends upload their hipsmatic prints, facetime with their lovers abroad, and ask Siri where the nearest martini bar is. Even my mom told me that my blackberry is an embarrassment. She said, "it looks like a calculator"!

12. Visine mini. Ever since I moved to LA, I have been struck with the odd seasonal allergy. My eyes get dry, and red. So I never leave home without my eyedrops to make me look refreshed. 

13. Colgate Wisps. These are a great substitute for brushing after every meal. When I'm on the go and need to freshen my breath and give my teeth a quick scrub, these always come in handy.

Thank you Cristina for sharing your bag with confessions of a cosmetic fanatic!

Punch up the color with Maybelline Color Tattoo eyeshadows

Are you ready for a new look for the next girls night out?  Don't want to break the bank? Try the new hot color tattoo shades from Maybelline. For under six bucks or the commitment of two lattes you can add a pop of color to your next night on the town. I picked up two smoking hot pigments last week and I am super impressed by the vibrant color and staying power of these little beauties. I selected Painted Purple and Tenacious Teal. They are cream eyeshadows and blend easy. My suggestion is to start slow and add more color as needed. You can mix and match with other cream shades to create your perfect mix. 

Facts about Fragrance

Let's talk scents. Scents are a very powerful part of our lives. They can transport us back in time to a memory as a child, or perhaps the whiff of a particular flower can remind you of a special memory or meal that you once enjoyed. They hold so much power. They comfort us, they excite us, they can trigger feelings and emotions. Think back to the last time you purchased a fragrance at the store. What was it that caught your attention? Scents can smell different from one moment to the next. They are actually categorized in three notes, top notes, middle notes and bottom notes. Top notes are the scents that you smell first, they are the ones that are very important and often attract us to purchase that particular perfume. They often consist of citrus, fruity, and green aromas. They often evaporate quickly leading to the middle notes. The middle notes comprise the heart or main body of the perfume. They are usually florals, and oriental notes and take about 10 to 30 minutes to fully develop, they lead into the bottom notes which add the depth to the fragrance. Think wood notes, vanilla, musk and patchouli. They hold the fragrance together and are the notes that linger on the skin and carry the fragrance. They often slow down the evaporation of the top and middle notes and act as fixatives. The next time you find yourself shopping for a fragrance notice the stages of the perfume as it develops. What will attract you to the perfume the most? For me it is often a rich amber, or vanilla scent. My all time favorite scent is Dior Addict. I love the sexy musky notes that last all day and it is always the one I reach for first.  Some other favorites of mine are, Gucci Guilty, Viva la Juicy, (great for summer) and Stella McCartney, Stella. I also love Calvin Klein's Obsession and Burberry Brit.

MAC's NEW Collection REEL Sexy

Have I got news for you. I had an amazing time at the MAC counter today. I met a lovely young lady, Brittany, who gave me the 411 and a sneak peek of what's to come. Can I just say, Wow, and when can I buy it! Lucky for us we won't have to wait too long. MAC is launching this line in mid April in some stores and into May. Reel Sexy pays homage to Hollywood glam, think the Oscars and bold bright colors. Michelle Williams recent ensemble comes to mind. All I can say is I am making a bee-line to the counter in NYC to get first dibs on these gorgeous shades. I have always been a neutral kind of gal but these vibrant berry and coral and purple tones have got me worked into a frenzy. I feel like a paparazzi waiting for the launch. Take a peek below at some of the collection. Also, MAC will be launching a separate summer line so do not worry we can start saving our pennies for that as well. Maybe they will have a new bronzer this year. A girl can dream.