Beauty

[PerriTwins]

Hey gals! How are you? Happy New Year!

I haven't bought any new skincare or make-up since the new year except replenishments of my Vit C serum. I am currently trying Mad Hippie's. I may be buying NCN's vit C serum and green tea serum at the end of the month. Other than this, no other plans.

Here's what I think about the stuff I bought towards the end of last year:

(1) Mineral veil (pressed) with spf 20 (i think) - the translucent one. I think it's rather expensive for the amount we get, but I do like it. It's really easy to use for touch ups through the day to replenish the sunscreen on my face. I originally bought the tinted version but the color didn't suit me. The translucent version can go on whitish in the beginning but it fades quite quickly as I spread it across my face. Thus, this product will be a staple in my sunscreen regime on top of my Clarins SPF 40 both clear and tinted.

(2) I like the 2 lip glosses and the new color lipstick that I got from the EL blockbuster. I haven't used much of the rest of the kit. Given that the 2 lip glosses and the lipstick would cost more than the blockbuster price, I am happy with the purchase. the rest are just bonus. i tried the time zone night only once, so I don't have a verdict on it yet.

(3) I tried Tatcha's cleansing oil, rice enyzeme (sp?) cleanser, eye cream and brightening serum - the samples. I really like the rice enyzeme cleanser and bought a year's supply during the 20% off sale. yes, i like it that much. LOL. I also have the Amore Pacific version and the Fleur de lis version. I also like the Amore Pacific one. It's a bit more expensive than Tatcha's due to the 20% off. But I would say that I like both Tatcha's and Amore Pacific similarly. Tatcha's eye cream is pretty good too because it is as moisturizing as the History of Whoo Jun & Qi eye cream that I love.

(4) I am really enjoying my emjoi feet exfoliator.

Oh, today I did a new experiment. I added Vodka to my shampoo. Not sure if there's any effect. LOL

Now, I can't remember what else I have been trying since I updated you gals... so, that's all for now.

[bljed]

Hi PerriTwins!! Happy New Year to you as well.

I had looked at the Tatcha website but found the line too pricey for my budget. Sounds like they have some nice products.

I'd love to get one of the Emjoi exfoliators. Just have't ordered it yet. I've been trying to stick with my new year, no buy. Although I did purchase the Argan Milk. Very good product for me and ramped up my moisturizer. There are some items I could use but wanted to eliminate the purchasing of things I have enough of and just end up collecting.

Do regret purchasing the JM gelee blushes simply because I don't think the shades were the best for me. I'm not giving up as its a very nice product but I'm just really fair right now.

I returned a Stila palette after trying a few different eye combinations. Just wasn't that great. The Too Faced Chocolate Palette was a gift and I really like it.

So what great things does Vodka doe for one's hair? Not sure I could stand the smell. lol I guess you could mix a cocktail and do your hair? lol

It seems like you've bought much less than you had in the past?

[SD45]

On 1/19/2014 bljed said:

On 1/19/2014 SilentDance said:

On 1/19/2014 bljed said:

Hi SilentDance- went to Sephora and Ulta yesterday and bought nothing. LOL Not for lack of trying though. I was able to check out the BM new liners and liked the Charcoal, Brandy, Navy and Bronze. Did not need the Navy but it was a nice shade. I thought I grabbed the Brandy and Bronze but when I got to the register I had just this plain brown and the orchid. Ugh, thats what I get for shopping without my glasses. Went back to the display and they were sold out of brandy, I did not feel like getting back in the line for Bronze so I left the store. It got me thinking if I want to order from online and get the black -3 for the same as the 2 I wanted. Hmm, not really. I really don't wear black or need it. I would not mind the Charcoal but the Romantic collection are not the greatest shades so I guess I won't order the 3-piece kit. DH did not feel the Moxie lipstick shade suited me. I had to agree. While its a very pretty shade the brown undertone and gold shimmer in it just don't work. I knew if I bought it I'd not like it well enough on me and it would always look "off". The Romantic blush seemed to read sort of peach but in a slightly more apricot way swatched on my hand….would have to try on the face. Not loving the shade. The eye palette is very pretty until I got to the warm gray. Too muddy. The whole thing was a let down but they I realized it will easily keep me on the no-buy for today. LOL

I did spot this Moxie lipstick shade that I want to check out. I also DO want the Brandy and Bronze liners. I don't own a matte gray so the Charcoal is another option. Perhaps next fall. I'm thinking ahead toward spring at this point.

http://www.beauty-twist.com/2013/08/bare-minerals-get-ready-marvelous-moxie.html

I cannot get over how much I like the Chocolate palette. I was reading another thread and someone posted 2 photos of JM palettes. I had both of them which I got on a good sale. They were so full of shimmer I ended up tossing them. I forgot about that…….it was a stark reminder of how much has been wasted in the past…..When I look at what I currently own its enough but not a lot by many standards but what put me on the no-buy is the previous waste. Buying items I thought looked pretty or I'd love and then never using them. I've looked at tons of palettes over the years because I love the idea of them but whats the point when many shades go unused? At Ulta I was thinking the Unzipped palette was very pretty and probably great for blue eyes!!!!

+++Sounds like a good idea. Honestly, with the fact that you have all 3 UD palettes I am sure the Chocolate palette wouldn't be that interesting. LOL

---I'm not liking UD2 these days. I think it might be the "cool" factor or it could be I'm just liking #3 so much I could put one to the side. I think because of the no-buy and not needing anything I was not interested in shadows. I like those type palettes, because when I pick one up it has everything I need. I usually stay in one palette. If I get rid of some smaller ones, I really won't have that many palettes. lol I am going to look at the chocolate one again.

+++Good to hear as its on my wish list. I may pick one or 2 up this week if I can find the right shades.

---Still have my eye on the eternal bronze shade. It's so pretty!

++If the L'Occitane cream doesn't work for am you could try PC. The line has really grown on me. I have found the perfect winter combo for me of Argan Milk followed by one of her spf 30 mineral spf day creams. She also has pleanty of creams without spf and I use one at night. I'm getting quite low. Went through my moisturizers today and have that which is getting close to done, a Clinique in a small tube, about 1/3 jar of Verite left, about 1/2 or less of the Pomegranite EL one I like for warm weather and a very small amount of the SkinCeuticals spf 50. I believe that by the time winter is near done and its getting warmer I can finish up the EL Pomegranite and will need to buy another SkinCeuticals. I won't need to buy anything for a while and that makes me feel good-going through my products AND liking them.

--What do you think of the JM argan milk under a BB cream? I would like to try it. As for PC, this may be a good time for me to try her line too. It's just that I have a Sephora gc and would rather spend there. Controversy over PC on another thread and I don't get why if PETA says she does not test on animals then why is it questioned.It's not so much the testing aspect, but more about truthfulness for me. I can't see companies saying they don't test and lie about it-someone will find out. I believe she doesn't and I think Isomers doesn't either.

--I forgot I have oils too that I can try under makeup. Pomegranate from EL and Loccitane. I am still interested in the argan milk anyway due to the raves.

--I think the BB creams are doing more harm than good. I'm noticing larger pores and some other issues that I never had before. I am giving them up for a while and I used a sample of BE ready foundation today and it looked okay which means I will need moisturizer and sunscreen but I am okay with that. I will save the BBs for special occasions. lol I will also go back to my Hello Flawless.

I do know what you mean about the tack finish not being good for daytime. Who has time in the morning to wait for stuff to dry etc?

--Yeah, it has some tacky but once it dries down the Hada Labo products are excellent. It's better for nighttime. They were cheap enough with 50% on second purchase so that make it even better.

Edited to add: The Too Faced Natural palette is a face palette not shadows:

http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=too%20faced%20natural%20face%20palette&skuI...

I saw a video and the blogger used it on a clean face and she looked nice. She was young, but had some stuff to cover up and I thought this palette may work nicely with a no makeup (for real no makeup) look.

[SD45]

On 1/19/2014 PerriTwins said:

Hey gals! How are you? Happy New Year!

--Same to you PT, nice to see you around!

I haven't bought any new skincare or make-up since the new year except replenishments of my Vit C serum. I am currently trying Mad Hippie's. I may be buying NCN's vit C serum and green tea serum at the end of the month. Other than this, no other plans.

--Love Mad Hippie Vitamin C. I have the exfoliator product and I think it's just OK. I like Philosophy and Dr. Grafs better.

Here's what I think about the stuff I bought towards the end of last year:

(1) Mineral veil (pressed) with spf 20 (i think) - the translucent one. I think it's rather expensive for the amount we get, but I do like it. It's really easy to use for touch ups through the day to replenish the sunscreen on my face. I originally bought the tinted version but the color didn't suit me. The translucent version can go on whitish in the beginning but it fades quite quickly as I spread it across my face. Thus, this product will be a staple in my sunscreen regime on top of my Clarins SPF 40 both clear and tinted.

--I have mineral veil and need to check the SPF. I really need to give this more of a chance. I'm really into BE now and I used the ready compact foundation today and it's really very nice. The shades are tricky, but I would like to try the tinted mineral veil too.

(2) I like the 2 lip glosses and the new color lipstick that I got from the EL blockbuster. I haven't used much of the rest of the kit. Given that the 2 lip glosses and the lipstick would cost more than the blockbuster price, I am happy with the purchase. the rest are just bonus. i tried the time zone night only once, so I don't have a verdict on it yet.

--I like Time Zone, I just don't like the SPF in it. I wish it didn't have it because it's not enough for day and useless at night for me. You should give the Night Advance a try, it's one of my favorite products.

(3) I tried Tatcha's cleansing oil, rice enyzeme (sp?) cleanser, eye cream and brightening serum - the samples. I really like the rice enyzeme cleanser and bought a year's supply during the 20% off sale. yes, i like it that much. LOL. I also have the Amore Pacific version and the Fleur de lis version. I also like the Amore Pacific one. It's a bit more expensive than Tatcha's due to the 20% off. But I would say that I like both Tatcha's and Amore Pacific similarly. Tatcha's eye cream is pretty good too because it is as moisturizing as the History of Whoo Jun & Qi eye cream that I love.

--I have an Amore kit sample from Sephora and I should give it a try. Are the Tatcha products anything like Fresh from Sephora? They are all kind of pricey but if they work and I like them then they are worth it to me no matter the price.

(4) I am really enjoying my emjoi feet exfoliator.

--Me too! Costco was selling them, but I already purchased two from the Q.

Oh, today I did a new experiment. I added Vodka to my shampoo. Not sure if there's any effect. LOL

--Is it a clarifier? Hmm..would it strip down color? Can using too much seep into pores and make you tipsy?

Now, I can't remember what else I have been trying since I updated you gals... so, that's all for now.

--Any new Perricone products? I was tempted by one of the TSVs but stopped myself. I'm on a no-buy.

EDITED: What are you using for a brow product these days?

[bljed]

I usually stay in one palette. If I get rid of some smaller ones, I really won't have that many palettes. lol I am going to look at the chocolate one again.

+I knew there was a reason I liked you so much.

I checked out the Too Faced Natural face palette in Utla. Its pretty nice but I wasn't sure if all the shades were just right, especially when you get into concealer type shades where I just don't think one size fits all. I thought you were referring to their eye palette. Gosh I hate those fat cardboard box containers!!

http://www.sephora.com/natural-eye-neutral-eye-shadow-collection-P241303?skuId=1189224

The whole animal testing/PB thing doesn't phase me. I trust Paula as much as I can trust anyone I really don't know but I think she cares and is on the up and up. People jump to conclusions really quickly sometimes…..

Honest opinion here…you don't need the argan milk now. Why don't you use up your oils, especially the EL one, enjoy them and put the argan milk on your list for next fall/Sephora sale. You know I really like it and its getting good reviews because it does hydrate. For me its like a boost for my dry/dehydrated skin. If my skin wasn't dry and more normal and I was able to use other products with success I would not spend the $$$. If you really feel you'd benefit from it and have the gift card to put towards it then I consider it a gift and you are still on the no-buy. I was given a generous sample of the milk so perhaps you could get one as well? I imagine if the product does well JM might include it in a tsv? I wish she'd stop doing all these tsvs with color products.

--I think the BB creams are doing more harm than good. I'm noticing larger pores and some other issues that I never had before. I am giving them up for a while and I used a sample of BE ready foundation today and it looked okay which means I will need moisturizer and sunscreen but I am okay with that. I will save the BBs for special occasions. lol I will also go back to my Hello Flawless.

--there are some people that believe these cosmetics like foundation make skin worse. I guess if it does then you buy more to cover up. LOL There are a lot of ingredients in these products and you have to wonder a bit. I'm always skeptical when they tell us these creams/foundations are 'good' for the skin.

I saw a video and the blogger used it on a clean face and she looked nice. She was young, but had some stuff to cover up and I thought this palette may work nicely with a no makeup (for real no makeup) look.

--for real no makeup? would that just be no makeup? LOL DH and I have a joke that it takes me 30 mins to put on the no makeup, makeup. I think its more difficult than just painting it all on.

[PerriTwins]

Hey gals,

I took out my Bare Minerals from my bag to look at it... It is called BareMInerals READY Touch Up Veil Broad Spectrum SPF 15. I think the loose mineral veil with SPF is of a higher SPF. But I wanted a pressed powder form and went with this one despite the lower SPF. The reason I wanted a pressed powder one is because I am trying to reduce the number of things I carry in my bag, and so I don't want to lug my IT cosmetics big brush which I found to be best for applying powders. I like the compact size, the easy usage and the look i get from it, so I think I can live with the lower SPF 15 (since I do have two layers of SPF 40 below with both the Clarins UV SPF 40 both clear and tinted).

I bought the Tatcha sample sizes initially to try, so it was affordable. I really like the rice enyzeme cleanser and so I didn't mind the price for the full size product. For me, the cleansing part is very important because it is the basis for good skin. If we don't clean well, no matter how much expensive serums or lotions we pile on top, it's not much fo use if we have clogged pores. I have normal/combination skin, so this cleanser really works for me. I can see how it may work for SD, but I think it might be too drying for Bljed.

For brow products, I am using YBF brow pencil or Urban Decay's Brow box (darkest color) - both of these products' colors suit me best. I top it with MOdel in a Bottle's eyebrow sealer and this combination works best for me. I guess you can say that I found my HG for brow products. Not planning to try others unless one of these products get discontinued.

I haven't bought any new Perricone stuff... I still have quite a bit left from our previous haul. They are all expired but they look and smell fine. So i have no problem using them when I want to use Perricone products. Recently, I started incorporating the neuropeptide Facial cream back to my regime and my skin feels that it's still working - firming effect. This is one product that I would consider replenishing. I am on a lookout for a TSV with this at a price that I would consider buying.

The emjoi exfoliator is really good. I bought the one that is rechargable. However, the charging effect is broken, so i can only use it plugged to the socket. unfortunately it stopped charging after the 1 month qvc return period. i guess i got a lemon. but i like what it does for me, so I put up with using it plugged to the socket.

The EL Time Zone that I have is the Night version. I have tried the original version of the Night Advanced years ago, and a few other EL skincare products. The Night Advanced was too rich for me at that time in my college days... I find EL skincare products overpriced, and as you know, i like to try new stuff... it's like ok, thsi one, it's "Do, did, done", and didn't do so much but costs too much, so I prefer to try something I haven't tried before to satisfy my roving eye. One of my friends at that time who had dry skin loved it.

REgarding adding vodka to shampoo... well, it says it helps with strengthening the hair, prevent dry scalp and dandruff. I don't have dry scalp nor dandruff, but it would be nice if it could strengthen my hair to prevent split ends. and if it can encourage hair growth, that would be great. I only tried it once... not sure if I would continue after thinking over it... Vodka is essentially alcohol. I am not sure of the claims above that I heard. I do think that it may work as a clarifier when added to shampoo. Thus, instead of replenishing my Neutrogena clarifying shampoo, my plan is to add vodka to my shampoo maybe once a month or so for the clarifying effect (which I think is more believable) than to do it everyday.

SD, I highly recommend you to try out the Amore pacific treatment enyzeme peel if you have it in your kit. i got my deluxe sample from Sephora.

Bljed, yes, I have really cut down my spending on skincare and makeup... I overbought the last few years, and now I have tons in my inventory, but I only have 1 face and 1 neck. LOL. I am determined to use whatever I have and only replenish what I definitely need, and maybe sometimes try something that get great reviews and that I might might work for my skin type. I'm really happy for u that you found your HG in the Argan Milk. Looking at the reviews, it looks like a great product for those with dry skin. Thus, I don't think it would work for me, or rather I wouldn't benefit that much from it. In fact, i don't even use a mositurizer most of the time because the serums and SPFs products I use are plenty mositurizing for me. I also agree with u that it may not be the product for SD as well given her skin type.

Also, when I look at all the bottles of skincare and all the makeup I have, I realized that I had spent thousands and thousands of dollars on them. In the end, there's really only a few staples that I really need that have proven themselves, and they are not always expensive, e.g. the Trentinion products I buy from India. Oh yes, i do like my Obagi Nuderm system and it works well with the trentinion products. It pains me that i had spent soooo much $$$$ over the past few years, but I rationalize it by saying that i had to go through the process to find what suits me. Now, I rather spend my money on expensive handbags. LOL. I figured that I still have the problem of needing to spend money, I might as well buy something that won't expire, I can use often and enjoy it, and have resale value if I ever get sick of them. The resale value is just to justify my expenditure on the expensive handbags, and make me feel better although I know that it's very unlikely that I would sell them because I do think very carefully about buying them given their price. LOL. It was really easy to spend $$$ on skincare and makeup because I think that, "Hmmm.... this product might erase or prevent fine lines, remove spots, make me look ten years younger, etc...", and what happens is that I am essentially buying a dream. and given that each product is only in the tens or low hundreds, I just buy and buy. but in the end, if i add up all that I have spent in the last few years, the total sum is in the thousands .... but with an expensive bag, per piece is in the thousands and so I really think long and hard about the purchase and never buy on impulse. And I see it as a reward for myself. Of course, it would be much better if I don't spend so much money on any of these material worldly possessions which in the end do nothing but only feeds my own vanity. LOL.

[PerriTwins]

If you are interested in trying out Tatcha's products in the sampel forms, heer's a suggestion: For $3.95, you can get the eye cream (deluxe size) and three addidtional small size samples like the rice enzyeme cleanser, and others. Just use this link and add the deluxe sample eye cream to the cart and check out and you will be able to choose 3 additional small samples. You can review them and decide if you are willing to spend $3.95 on these samples. I personally find it worthwhile because I like the eye cream and the rice enyzeme cleansers.

http://www.tatcha.com/ppc-eye-cream-sample?gclid=CP342euQy7YCFQVV4AodQRIA2Q

[bljed]

Hi PerriTwins- I believe I have a mini of the BM touch up veil. It was given to me in a little kit of their products last year. I've kept it handy in my work bag and use once in a while.

Glad you are still liking the Clarins spf40. I'm still enjoying the SkinCeuticals spf 50/tinted. Its a HG sunblock for me.

Thanks for the link of the Tatcha samples. I'm going to pass because the cleanser probably won't be right and I just use PC moisturizers as my eye creams. I've had amazing luck with her line. I've got a couple of items I'd like to add and hope to order at some point soon.

As for your skincare purchases in the past I agree its just a live and learn situation. We sometimes just have to go through things for ourselves to learn. I bought too many color cosmetics, apparently not realizing I only have one face. LOL I don't do any over spending, stock piling or collecting of any sorts. One of my resolutions is to actually spend some more money on myself later this year-wardrobe wise. I get tired of shopping rather quickly so its easier to just reward myself with something like a new eyeliner or shadow I suppose.

In fact today I was hoping to pick up a new liner or two but that got derailed. Snow storm last night and then woke up to no water (broken well pump). Big bill for me today!!!

[SD45]

On 1/22/2014 PerriTwins said:

Hey gals,

I took out my Bare Minerals from my bag to look at it... It is called BareMInerals READY Touch Up Veil Broad Spectrum SPF 15. I think the loose mineral veil with SPF is of a higher SPF. But I wanted a pressed powder form and went with this one despite the lower SPF. The reason I wanted a pressed powder one is because I am trying to reduce the number of things I carry in my bag, and so I don't want to lug my IT cosmetics big brush which I found to be best for applying powders. I like the compact size, the easy usage and the look i get from it, so I think I can live with the lower SPF 15 (since I do have two layers of SPF 40 below with both the Clarins UV SPF 40 both clear and tinted).

--I need to check to see what I have. My mineral veils are mostly loose powders I think. I love the TSV from last year and wore the products today. I can't wait until the April AD arrives. I think I will use my sephora coupon for the ready veil.

Edited: PT, is it one of these:

http://www.sephora.com/bareminerals-ready-touch-up-veil-broad-spectrum-spf-15-P299207?skuId=1551449

I bought the Tatcha sample sizes initially to try, so it was affordable. I really like the rice enyzeme cleanser and so I didn't mind the price for the full size product. For me, the cleansing part is very important because it is the basis for good skin. If we don't clean well, no matter how much expensive serums or lotions we pile on top, it's not much fo use if we have clogged pores. I have normal/combination skin, so this cleanser really works for me. I can see how it may work for SD, but I think it might be too drying for Bljed.

--I use Purity again and like it a lot. I also purchased the Hada Labo foaming cleanser and used it twice and it's very nice. Not drying at all.

For brow products, I am using YBF brow pencil or Urban Decay's Brow box (darkest color) - both of these products' colors suit me best. I top it with MOdel in a Bottle's eyebrow sealer and this combination works best for me. I guess you can say that I found my HG for brow products. Not planning to try others unless one of these products get discontinued.

--I continue to use YBF exclusively. just opened a new one because the one I was using got gunky which can be a problem. The other problem is if I don't keep it upright the product comes out of the tube and into the cap and I hate that. It's still the best shade and easiest to use for me.

I haven't bought any new Perricone stuff... I still have quite a bit left from our previous haul. They are all expired but they look and smell fine. So i have no problem using them when I want to use Perricone products. Recently, I started incorporating the neuropeptide Facial cream back to my regime and my skin feels that it's still working - firming effect. This is one product that I would consider replenishing. I am on a lookout for a TSV with this at a price that I would consider buying.

--That cream is the best and I used all of it up. If you ever see any good deals on it let me know. As far as TSVs go, it's usually new products offered and the really expensive ones at that.

The emjoi exfoliator is really good. I bought the one that is rechargable. However, the charging effect is broken, so i can only use it plugged to the socket. unfortunately it stopped charging after the 1 month qvc return period. i guess i got a lemon. but i like what it does for me, so I put up with using it plugged to the socket.

--I prefer non rechargeable items. My batteries actually last a long time in it.

The EL Time Zone that I have is the Night version. I have tried the original version of the Night Advanced years ago, and a few other EL skincare products. The Night Advanced was too rich for me at that time in my college days... I find EL skincare products overpriced, and as you know, i like to try new stuff... it's like ok, thsi one, it's "Do, did, done", and didn't do so much but costs too much, so I prefer to try something I haven't tried before to satisfy my roving eye. One of my friends at that time who had dry skin loved it..

--I purchased at the Cosmetic outlet and got some good deals that included the eye advanced too. I forgot about the night Time Zone and need to look into it. I continue to use SHiseido moisturizer (heavy and for cold weather only) and the eye cream adding Dr. Graff and EL sometimes.

REgarding adding vodka to shampoo... well, it says it helps with strengthening the hair, prevent dry scalp and dandruff. I don't have dry scalp nor dandruff, but it would be nice if it could strengthen my hair to prevent split ends. and if it can encourage hair growth, that would be great. I only tried it once... not sure if I would continue after thinking over it... Vodka is essentially alcohol. I am not sure of the claims above that I heard. I do think that it may work as a clarifier when added to shampoo. Thus, instead of replenishing my Neutrogena clarifying shampoo, my plan is to add vodka to my shampoo maybe once a month or so for the clarifying effect (which I think is more believable) than to do it everyday.

--Yes, don't over clarify because it strips the hair of natural oils. Unless you use tons of gunk on your hair, a clarifier is not necessary.

SD, I highly recommend you to try out the Amore pacific treatment enyzeme peel if you have it in your kit. i got my deluxe sample from Sephora.

--I need to look for that kit. I'm itching to use my GC.

Bljed, yes, I have really cut down my spending on skincare and makeup... I overbought the last few years, and now I have tons in my inventory, but I only have 1 face and 1 neck. LOL. I am determined to use whatever I have and only replenish what I definitely need, and maybe sometimes try something that get great reviews and that I might might work for my skin type. I'm really happy for u that you found your HG in the Argan Milk. Looking at the reviews, it looks like a great product for those with dry skin. Thus, I don't think it would work for me, or rather I wouldn't benefit that much from it. In fact, i don't even use a mositurizer most of the time because the serums and SPFs products I use are plenty mositurizing for me. I also agree with u that it may not be the product for SD as well given her skin type.

--I cut down on makeup and even more on skincare (for a while now) but unfortunately I love other stuff too...shoes, boots, handbags, tops. etc. lol

Also, when I look at all the bottles of skincare and all the makeup I have, I realized that I had spent thousands and thousands of dollars on them. In the end, there's really only a few staples that I really need that have proven themselves, and they are not always expensive, e.g. the Trentinion products I buy from India. Oh yes, i do like my Obagi Nuderm system and it works well with the trentinion products. It pains me that i had spent soooo much $$$$ over the past few years, but I rationalize it by saying that i had to go through the process to find what suits me.

---Me too, but it was a good lesson learned. Sometimes I need to spend a lot to narrow down what is best for me and in the end more economic. If I buy Shiseido $92 cream and it lasts two winters than it's worth it. I've tossed so much makeup and don't feel the need to buy every new product out.

Now, I rather spend my money on expensive handbags. LOL. I figured that I still have the problem of needing to spend money, I might as well buy something that won't expire, I can use often and enjoy it, and have resale value if I ever get sick of them. The resale value is just to justify my expenditure on the expensive handbags, and make me feel better although I know that it's very unlikely that I would sell them because I do think very carefully about buying them given their price. LOL. It was really easy to spend $$$ on skincare and makeup because I think that, "Hmmm.... this product might erase or prevent fine lines, remove spots, make me look ten years younger, etc...", and what happens is that I am essentially buying a dream. and given that each product is only in the tens or low hundreds, I just buy and buy. but in the end, if i add up all that I have spent in the last few years, the total sum is in the thousands .... but with an expensive bag, per piece is in the thousands and so I really think long and hard about the purchase and never buy on impulse. And I see it as a reward for myself. Of course, it would be much better if I don't spend so much money on any of these material worldly possessions which in the end do nothing but only feeds my own vanity. LOL.

--Nothing wrong with that. I look at it as a hobby!! lol

--- I went many years with nothing because the kids came first, so now I can do for me.

[SD45]

On 1/22/2014 bljed said:

Hi PerriTwins- I believe I have a mini of the BM touch up veil. It was given to me in a little kit of their products last year. I've kept it handy in my work bag and use once in a while.

Glad you are still liking the Clarins spf40. I'm still enjoying the SkinCeuticals spf 50/tinted. Its a HG sunblock for me.

Thanks for the link of the Tatcha samples. I'm going to pass because the cleanser probably won't be right and I just use PC moisturizers as my eye creams. I've had amazing luck with her line. I've got a couple of items I'd like to add and hope to order at some point soon.

As for your skincare purchases in the past I agree its just a live and learn situation. We sometimes just have to go through things for ourselves to learn. I bought too many color cosmetics, apparently not realizing I only have one face. LOL I don't do any over spending, stock piling or collecting of any sorts. One of my resolutions is to actually spend some more money on myself later this year-wardrobe wise. I get tired of shopping rather quickly so its easier to just reward myself with something like a new eyeliner or shadow I suppose.

In fact today I was hoping to pick up a new liner or two but that got derailed. Snow storm last night and then woke up to no water (broken well pump). Big bill for me today!!!

--That snow is a real nuisance! Our new Mayor of NYC did not do a good job delegating maintenance and clean up. They all knew it was coming, yet the roads were terrible last night and although main roads are good today, side streets are horrendous!

--Sorry about added expense, what a pain for you.

---Wore my BE TSV today. That loose powder blush is so pretty, I think I am going to start tossing blushes now. lol I think I need only one blush, 3 eyeliners, and it never hurts to have at least 50 lipsticks and 50 glosses and of course my shadow palettes.