Testing on Animals

If you read my blog, you know that I absolutely love animals. I’ve always had a soft spot for them. When I was a little girl, I used to bring the stray cats and dogs home and hide them in my closet in the hopes that my parents would not find out. Just a couple of years ago I found an injured squirrel and took it home. I spent hours trying to find a wildlife rescue organization that could take the squirrel since I didn’t know what to do. Those are just a couple of things I have done for animals. I could go on and on! I wonder why I just didn’t go into Veterinary Medicine or something along those lines! Hmmm! I still think about switching careers. Who knows?

Anyway, the reason for this post is that I have decided to stop purchasing products, including beauty products, from companies who test on animals. I’ve been giving this a lot of thought and after reading about some of the awful things that some of these poor little critters go through in testing labs, I just can’t do it!

I’ve always known about animal testing, but never really stopped to think about it in detail. What really happens? What conditions are these animals living in? Are they in pain? Are they loved and cared for? Is it really necessary to test on animals? I mean, really? It’s 2010 and I am sure there are other ways to test products, chemicals, etc. in ways that do not involve animals.

Just recently, I received a Tweet from PETA about an undercover investigation that took place for nine months in a rural North Carolina lab. This particular lab tested insecticides and other chemicals on animals. These poor animals were in cages and endured some painful procedures. They were left with sores, infections, etc., and were never treated. In addition, the workers at the lab treated them so badly. They yelled at them and dragged them across the floor. UGH! Reading this article just made me sob! There was a link to video footage, but I couldn’t watch it. I WOULDN’T watch it! How could this happen? Why?

A week after I received the Tweet I mentioned above, PETA sent out another tweet! One week after the PETA Investigation information was released, the lab CLOSED. There were approximately 200 cats and dogs surrendered. You have no idea how happy that made me. Again….I was in tears, but this time it was tears of joy! Maybe just maybe, those animals will receive the care they need and will be adopted into forever homes where they will be loved and cared for.

I know everyone is entitled to make their own choices in what products they use. I’m not here to preach to anyone. I just wanted to share this personal choice with you all. Perhaps it might get you to think about this topic a little more.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for me. There are still so many things I could be doing or not doing to protect animals. Every little step counts. This is where my journey begins!

Click on the image below for more information on companies that do and that don’t test on animals!!

What Happens When I'm Bored

Hola Chicas!  I was bored yesterday afternoon so of course, what did I do?  Yay!  Played with makeup!  Anyway, I don't know what this is, but it was fun creating it!  The first pic doesn't have the gold on the design.  I added it later and you can see it in the 2nd pic.   

The color I used is actually blue, but the camera picked up purple????  Not sure why. I used MAC Mineralize Trio - Inter-View.  I'll add the rest later.  It's storytime for my 3 year old!!!  =0)

 

FOTD - Sassy Green

Hola Chicas!!

Hope you've had a nice weekend!!!  Here is yesterday's FOTD.  Hope you like!!

Face

• Smashbox Photo Finish Targeted Pore & Line Primer
• MAC Pro Longwear Foundation
• Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer
• Lancome Dual Finish Powder
• Nixie Powder Blush - Faithful

Eyes

•  Maybeline Define A Brow Pencil
• Benefit FYEye Primer
• MAC Paintpot - Moss Scape (lid blended up to crease)
• NYX Eyeshadow Trio- Spring Leaf, Lime Green, Green Tea
• Spring Leaf - inner 3rd of lid
• Lime Green - center of lid
• Green Tea - outer 3rd of lid
• MAC Sassy Green eyeshadow - deepen crease and lower lashline
• Benefit eyeshadow - Half Past Midnight - over MAC Sassy Green in crease
• NYX eyeshadow - Barely There - highlight
• L'oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Liner - Earth Rock Brown
• Clinique Quickliner for Eyes - Black Brown - water line and lower lashline under MAC Sassy Green
• Maybeline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Mascara

Lips

• MAC Myth
• Neutrogena MoistureShine Gloss - Fizz

Sporting the Natural Curls!!

My Experiment - MAC Pro Longwear SPF Foundation

Hola Chicas!!

I'll admit it!  When the MAC Pro Longwear Collection was launched, I didn't think much of it!  I figured I already have too many lipsticks in my collection...and these new ones do nothing for me!  A new foundation and concealer??  Meh!  But then...I noticed the Pro Longwear Foundation's description and HAD to get it.  Here's the description directly from the MAC Cosmetics website:

A long-wear foundation that gives up to 15 hours of wear in any environmental condition. Lightweight and creamy, applies smoothly to provide sheer to medium coverage. Even in hot and humid conditions, controls oil to keep skin fresh, natural and flawless. Provides everyday SPF protection.

Retails for US$29.50 for 30ml/1.0 US fl oz.

I placed my order late last week and received my little black box of MAC goodness last night!  I didn't even get a chance to open the box because I had a bad migraine yesterday and not even makeup was making me feel better.  UGH~ 

I'll open the box tonight when I get home from work and I am going to put this foundation to the test starting tomorrow.  Let's see how long this baby lasts on my face each day!!  I will wear it for a week before I do my review! 

Check back soon!!!

Sunshine Award - My First Award

Elle from EDK.Dolce nominated me for my 1st award - The Sunshine Award.  Thank you so much!  It definitely brought a smile to my face. 

I couldn't narrow it down, so I am giving this award to all of my followers!  You guys have no idea how happy I am that you follow my blog. You Are My Sunshine!!!!  When I first started posting on here, I thought, "Who the heck is going to be interested in reading my blog?" Slowly, I got a handful of followers and now I am up to 64 followers. I would have never imagined!

Anyway, please feel free to post this award on your blog as a little token of appreciation from me!

It seems 100 followers is a big milestone for us in the blogging community and many of us host Giveaways at 100!  Well, I'll be a little different!!  HA!  I am going to do a Giveaway IF and WHEN I reach 75 followers!  So spread the word and join the fun!  All the cool kids are doing it!  LOL!!!

Talk to you guys later!!

FOTD from 9/13 - Pink/Brown using NYX

Hola Chicas!

Here is 9/13's FOTD using NYX products.  Just another neutral look for work!  Nothing exciting, but I thought I would share anyway! 

Face

• Smashbox PhotoFinish Targeted Pore & Line Primer
• L'Oreal True Match Foundation
• Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer
• Lancome Dual Finish Powder
• NYX Blush - Expresso

Eyes

• Maybeline Define A Brow Pencil
• Benefit FYEye Eyeshadow Base
• MAC Girl Friendly Paint Pot - Lid
• NYX Palette - The Runway Collection - can't remember which colors I used...oops!

•  L'Oreal Lineur Intense Liquid liner - Brown (upper lashline)
• Clinique Quickliner - Brown/Black (waterline)
• Rimmel The Max VolumeFlash Mascara (upper lashes)
• Benefit Badgal Lash Mascara (bottom lashes)

Lips

• NYX Lipstick - Orange Soda
• NYX Gloss - Candy Shop

Bad eyeliner - Monday mornings suck!  LOL

Cleaning Makeup Brushes

Hola chicas!  Hope you're all having a great weekend!  It's almost over and that is a bummer, but at least it's been a good one. 

My 2nd oldest turned 9 yesterday!  Happy Birthday RJ!!! He had a great day!  I can't believe he is 9!  Wow!  Time sure flies!  Not sure I like that!

On to the topic now:  Cleaning Makeup Brushes.  Since I am going to be cleaning my brushes today, I thought I would do a post about same. 

Ladies, I can't stress enough how important it is to clean your makeup brushes on a regular basis.  Not only will your skin thank you for keeping your brushes clean, but your brushes will have a longer life span if you take care of them properly. 

Cleaning can be done in two different forms.  There is spot cleaning and then there is deep cleaning and conditioning.  Spot cleaning is just a quickie cleaning/drying of your brushes in between uses.  I know some people use the MAC Brush Cleaner with water in a spray bottle or they use makeup remover wipes.  I'm sure there are tons more ways to spot clean your brushes. 

The other form of cleaning is more of a deeper cleaning and conditioning of your brushes.  Typically this involves using a shampoo/conditioner on your brushes and running your brushes under warm water.  Most of the videos I have seen or articles I have read on brush cleaning, all recommend that you deep clean your brushes at least once a week, especially if you use your brushes on a daily basis. 

Note: Never allow water to seep into the ferrule of the brush.  The ferrule of the brush is the metal part that attaches the brush hair to the handle.  If water seeps into the ferrule, the glue can loosen and the brush hair can fall out or the ferrule can separate from the handle.  Always lay your brushes flat to dry!!!!!

I normally clean my brushes once a week.  In my case, I have a large selection of brushes, so I do use clean brushes everyday and I throw them into a little jar when they are dirty.  At the end of the week, I pull out the jar and my handy dandy cleaning materials and I get to work.

Right now I am using the Sephora Professionnel Purifying Brush Shampoo (anti-bacterial formula).  Overall, it does a great job, but I'm not too crazy about the smell.  I can't even describe the smell...it's just very different and I'll leave it that.  HA!

So here is what I do: 

1.  I run some warm water from the bathroom faucet and wet the hair of each brush. 
2.  I pour a small amount of product onto the palm of my hand and starting with the first brush, I swirl the damp brush into the product.  You can use more product as needed.
3. Once I am satisfied with how the brush looks, I rinse off the brush and lay flat to dry on a towel. 

...and that's all folks!

So I've been on the internet, just looking at different recipes for brush cleaners and I thought I would share some of the ones  I found.  I think I am going to try some of these. 

These are from Tipnut.com

Recipe #1
1 cup Distilled Water
2 TBS Rubbing Alcohol
1 TBS Baby Shampoo

Recipe #2
1/2 cup Warm Water
1/4 cup Vinegar

Recipe #3
1 cup Warm Water
1 tsp Liquid Castile Soap

Recipe #4
1 cup Warm Water
1 TBS Baby Shampoo

Recipe #5
1/4 cup Warm Water
1 TBS Woolite

Recipe #6
1 cup Warm Water
1 TBS Liquid Dish Detergent

Recipe #7
1 cup Warm Water
1 TBS Baby Shampoo
1/2 tsp Tea Tree Oil


Talk to you guys soon!!

Deal of the Day - Coastal Scents Brush Sale

Link--->Coastal Scents

I am definitely doing a little shopping today!!!  Enjoy!

GIVEAWAYS - Menopausal New Mom

Hola chicas!!  Menopausal New Mom (love the name) is having a great giveaway for a BH Cosmetics Palette of your choice and a 14 Piece Brush Set from Abbamart.  She has several other giveaways, but these two really caught my eye!  Check out her blog and her many giveaways!!

BH Cosmetics Giveaway

Abbamart 14 Piece Brush Set

Good luck ladies!!!

FOTD - Bronze/Brown Smokey Eye

Hola chicas!  I was watching youtube vids this morning and was inspired by MissChievous' new tutorial which is based on the Fall Runway Trends.  Here is the video:



I didn't do the same look as I think it would be more appropriate for night time, but I did use a lot of the same products and made the look my own.  Hope you like!

I am so excited!  My husband has an HD feature on his IPhone and he took all the pictures for this post except for 1.  I love how the IPhone pics up the colors so well!  Finally!!!

Face
 -Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer - Medium
 -Revlon Colorstay mixed with Stila Illuminating Foundation
 -MAC Studio Fix Powder
 -Illamasque Blush - Complex
 -Lorac Perfectly Lit - Spotlight (Highlight)

Eyes
-Maybelline Define A Brow Pencil
-BeneFit FY Eye - lid up to brow bone
-MAC Paintpot - Indianwood - Lid up to crease
-MAC Woodwinked e/s - Inner 1/2 of lid (blended up to crease) and lower lashline
-MAC Mulch e/s - Outer half of lid (blended up to crease) and lower lashline over Woodwinked
-MAC Espresso e/s - Crease and lower lashline (outer corner)
-MAC Carbon - Crease (deepen crease)
-L'oreal Pencil Perfect Liner - Cocoa - Lower lashline and waterline
-L'oreal Lineur Intense liquid eyeliner in Earth Rock Brown (upper lashline)
-Rimmel The Max VolumeFlash Mascara


Lips
-Ulta Liner - Flesh
-NYX Lipstick - B52
-NARS Lipgloss - Turkish Delight

Favorite Drugstore Products Part 1

Some people get so caught up on the whole "high end" label when it comes to cosmetics and completely disregard drugstore products.  Little do they know there are some really awesome drugstore products out there; that are of great quality and don't break the bank. Don't get me wrong!  I love my high end products, but I also love my drugstore products!  I am no makeup snob!  I don't discriminate at all!  HA!


I wanted to share some of my favorite drugstore products with you ladies.  Who knows?  Perhaps you'll try some of these out and really like them.  So here goes...(listed in no particular order)

Rimmel The Max VolumeFlash Mascara

This has become my go to mascara for the past couple of months!  I absolutely love it.  The formula is a little on the "wet side" but overall, it makes my lashes look longer and fuller!  I have never experienced any flaking, smudging, smearing, etc. 

REVLON Colorstay Liquid Foundation

I know that everyone and their grandmother has raved about this foundation and it's because it really is a great foundation if you are looking for  medium to full coverage.  You can even mix it with moisturizer, Fix Plus, etc., for more sheer coverage if you wish.  Some days I go for the full coverage look and other days I "sheer" it down a bit.  

This line of foundation offers several different shades for many skintones and in addition, there are two formulas:  One for Normal/Dry Skin and another for Oily/Combination Skin.

Two drawbacks about this foundation are that 1) It smells like paint. 2) There is no pump which results in pouring out more product than you really need.  

Overall, I love this foundation and alternate between my MUFE MAC Velvet and MUFE HD Foundations. 

Jesse's Girl Pure Pigment Eye Dusts

These pigments are "Da Bomb"!!  Am I dating myself when I say that?  LOL!  All joking aside, these are really great.  I think they are super pigmented, come in a variety of colors and blend well.  As with any mineral products, there is some fallout during application and some are more shimmery than others, but overall, for the price, you can't beat it!!  Don't forget to use a sticky base so that the product has something to stick to!

I've only seen Jesse's Girl Cosmetics at my local Rite-Aid Pharmacy.  If you don't have a Rite-Aid, you can also purchase these pigments as well as any other Jesse's Girl Cosmetics at------> Jesse's Girl Cosmetics.

L'oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Liner

This is my FAVE liquid liner hands down!!  I have this in Black and Brown and use it every single day! 

The color is very dark and lasts all day.  The applicator is very flexible and allows you to draw either a very thin or very thick line.  In my opinion, it's the most forgiving liquid liner and a definite must have for everyone, especially beginners.

Maybeline Define-A- Brow Pencil

The best brow pencil I have ever used!  I have tried many high end brow pencils, and this one has worked the best for me.

The formula is just right.  It's not so hard that you have to dig into your brows to fill them, but it's not so creamy that your brows just smear off by midday.  I normally apply some clear brow gel after filling my brows just to keep them in place.  

I've heard that this pencil is similar to the MAC brow pencils.  I've never used the MAC brow pencils, so I can't confirm that is true.  Just thought I would mention this.

All of the products above can be found just about anywhere (CVS, Walgreens, Target, KMart, Walmart, etc.) with the exception of the Jesse's Girl Pigments.  Many times, stores offer great BOGO (Buy One Get One) deals and that is when I normally take advantage and stock up. 

I'll be doing another Part to this post.  I'm curious now!  What are some of your favorite drugstore products?

September 11, 2001

Hey ladies!  Hope you're all having a great weekend! I'm being super lazy today!  I was up early for a dentist appointment for the kids and myself.  After we got back, we all went back to bed!  HA!  It's almost 4 pm on Saturday and I've done nothing.  Oh well.

On a serious note:  I just want to say that today marks the 9th anniversary of the Terrorist Attacks on our country.   September 11, 2001 was the most awful day in "my" history.  At the time I worked in Sarasota, Florida.  That is the city the President was in when he was notified of the attacks!

I remember sitting at work, 9 months pregnant with my 2nd child and feeling so scared.  I left work early that day; picked up my 3 year old daughter and went home.  It was such a sad day!

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected!  I hope that we never have to experience anything like that again!

FOTD - Soft Smokey Grey for The Office

Hola Chicas!!

I recreated yesterday's look because I really like it a lot and it's super easy to do when you're still half asleep.  HA!!  Hope you like it!  I am still trying to figure out my camera so please excuse the different lighting in the pics!  I'll get it eventually!

 

 Face
 -Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer - Medium
 -Makeup Forever Mat Velvet Foundation mixed with a little bit of MAC Fix Plus
 -MAC Studio Fix Powder
 -Sugar Tropic Tan Bronzer
 -Luminous Cosmetics Blush - Blushon

Eyes
-Maybelline Define A Brow Pencil
-BeneFit FY Eye - lid up to brow bone
-ELF Quad - Blue Moon
--Dark Grey Shade on Lid and over Barry M liner - lashline
--Light Grey/Blue Shade over Dark Grey to blend out above crease
--White/Cream Shade as highlight
-Barry M Kohl Pencil - #11 (Silver Color) - lower lashline
-Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil - Zero - Waterline
-L'oreal Lineur Intense liquid eyeliner in Carbon Black
-FLIRT! It Curl Mascara


Lips
-Flossie Diamond Cosmetics Liner - Spice
-FLIRT! Squeeze Me Super Shiny Lipgloss - Candy Grapefruit
 

Looks like I did a bad job of contouring but it's just a shadow!  I didn't contour at all!  LOL

Flirt "It Girl" of the Week Prizes

Hola Chicas!  Today has been a really long day and I am exhausted.  I have to get back into the whole school routine with the kids!  Anyway, it's late and my makeup looks a mess, so I won't do any FOTD pics as I mentioned in my previous post, but I do want to share pics of the prize I received from Flirt Cosmetics for winning Flirt It Girl of the Week.

I am so excited to be a winner and want to thank Flirt Cosmetics for sponsoring this fun contest.  If you want more information on the contest, please click on the link------->FlirtItGirl

Before I proceed, I want to disclose that I did not purchase these items.  I received these items from Flirt Cosmetics as a prize for entering and winning the weekly ItGirl contest on Twitter.

Shade:  Bombshell Black

Shade:  Candy Grapefruit

Shade:  Moonlight Spice

Shade:  Plum Delicious

Shade:  Zippy Ginger

Radical Raspberry

From Left:  Candy Grapefruit, Plum Delicious, Moonlight Spice, Zippy Ginger and Radical Raspberry

 I will be using these products in upcoming FOTD's and will let you know my thoughts!!

Back to School and Deal of the Day

Hola chicas!  Hope you all had a nice holiday weekend!  I was pretty busy this weekend getting the kids ready for Back to School, hence the lack of posts! My two oldest started 7th and 3rd grade today, and my little guy started his new Pre-K class.  I hope they all have a great day!  I'll be excited to hear about their day later on when I get home.

Speaking of home, I will be so ready for a nap when I get home.  I was up at 5:30 am and I am so not a morning person!  UGH!  It's only 9:24am now and I feel like I've already had a full day at work!  Is it quitting time yet?  Lunch time?  Any kinda break? Please?

On to beauty news...here is today's Deal of the Day.  I will be back later to do today's FOTD.  I did a soft smokey eye using ELF products.  I wanted to post my FOTD this morning, but couldn't find my camera.  It's probably because I was still too sleepy when I was looking for it!!  HA! 

Ooh, and I also want to share my prize from Flirt Cosmetics!! 

Talk to you soon!

Beauty.com

Another Deal of the Day

Tarte Cosmetics

Deal of the Day

Hey ladies!!  You know I have to share whatever deals I am aware of, so today's deals are the following:

Beauty.com

Offer Expires September 16th.  While Supplies Last.  Size of Gift is 0.06oz/.8g

Enjoy!

Beauty Story

Hey ladies,

I want to share some information about another great beauty website. It's called Beauty Story.  In case you've never heard of it, below is some information about the site. 

Beauty Story is the premiere site dedicated to private beauty sales and fabulous editorial content.


We’re granting exclusive access to the industry’s top brands in skin care, cosmetics and spa services at discounts up to 80% off retail.

Why join? Membership is free. The best prices on the market is just one of the fabulous secrets we’ll be sharing with you.

Learn tips and tricks to discovering the most beautiful you with our editorial features, brand interviews and beauty tutorials.
Everyone has a story. What’s yours?

This site is very similar to HauteLook.  Here is the link to the post I did on HauteLook. 

In order to become a member, you must be invited by a current member. I wanted to send out one mass invitation to all of you, but I can't figure out how to do it that way.  If you'd like, leave your e-mail in the comment section and I will send you an invite.  If you don't feel comfortable leaving your e-mail in the comments, please feel free to e-mail me at jackeetm@gmail.com

Here is a glimpse of the sales that are currently going on: 

There are some really good deals!!!  Check em out if you can and happy shopping!!!

Deal of the Day!

OH EM GEE!!!  This is great!  Check it out!  Too Faced Cosmetics