Lip it

Earlier this week, I made the mistake of deciding to purchase a girlfriend some Chanel make-up for her birthday.  I'm sure she'll love her gift, but I ended up spending far more than I should of ...on me! Usually, on any shopping expedition, I steer clear of cosmetics - mainly as a time saver (too many artists that know me), but also because I'm a sure-thing. A new mascara? Sure...A new concealer? Yes, I'll try it...I can be such a junkie, so it's better for me not to go to the source.

But, alas, I found myself talking with one of the Dior artists that used to work with me - a beautiful, classy women named Mona. Mona built her business on honesty, so her word is golden with me. I asked her to show me one product that I would love, and she pulled out the Dior Lip Maximizer.

Available here at Sephora

I LOVE IT!! For once, a gloss that gives the perfect shine, not too sticky, not too shiny, is long-lasting and gives a small plumping effect (although that's not my motivation). You can use alone or on top of your favorite go-to lip shade. At $29.50, it's certainly not cheap, but it's also a lip conditioner to use as treatment at night. So, two great uses in one. I've only had it for a few days, but I know I'll be repurchasing it again and again. Oh, another plus, it's got a yummy vanilla mint taste too!

Mature Skin? Really?

We all love giving, getting and opening gifts, right?  I know I do, and it really is the thought that counts. My little boy bought me a bag of Godiva Dark Chocolate for Christmas and my first thought was "ugh, try to act excited" and although I was able to put a big smile across my face, it wouldn't have been my choice. See, I've never been a chocolate or sweets person (bring on the chips, please!), but of course, I ended up enjoying every last morsel in that bag. Now, I want a piece (or two) of dark chocolate every day...a 1/4 oz. is recommended daily (Health Magazine, Feb 2010) as dark chocolate helps reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease and aids in building healthy bones. Bravo Connor for that awesome gift!

I received another gift from a dear friend and initially had to feign excitement. La Roche-Posay SUBSTIANE Replenishing Care for Mature Skin. My beautiful, young (36 yr. old) friend just gave me lotion for mature skin, really?? Ok, it did help matters that her husband works in the dermatology industry and knows about the best skincare available, but still, it stung a little. I'm not even mature, let alone my skin! It took me a few days, but I finally tried my new skin lotion.  It's been a couple of weeks now, and I LOVE it! My skin feels softer, smoother, hydrated and tighter. In the past three days I've received numerous compliments about my skin! So, could the mature skin lotion possibly be making my skin look less mature? I think so!

La Roche-Posay products are formulated with the La Roche-Posay thermal spring water base which is rich in selenium, a powerful anti-oxidant. SUBSTIANE's key ingredient (Pro-xylane 5%) helps to restore inner thinning and loss of facial definition (my problem area).  Consumers show a 29% increase in skin fullness over a three month period in clinical studies.  Substiane is to be used morning and night and provides 24-hour intense moisturization. And, at only $49.00, it's a steal!  La Roche-Posay products are available on-line at http://www.laroche-posay.us/ and through many dermatology offices (check your area for availability), and in major metropolitan areas at your local CVS!

Now, please remember know that I am not a representative of ANY product that I blog about and that recommendations are based on my personal use and results. But, after spending 15 years in the cosmetics and beauty industry, I do feel like I can weed out the bad and pick the good. My mantra has always been "use what works for you". This one is working for me now, so I wanted to share. I'm about to order the eye cream (only $39 for .5 oz!), so I'll give my reviews on that soon. Happy shopping!

And..to my dear friend...thanks for the FABULOUS gift!