tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30510447529127122602024-03-19T12:54:42.191-07:00The Pretty AnalystA Beauty Blog for the rest of usThe Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-65448131009051274462009-04-09T20:55:00.000-07:002009-04-09T21:16:26.710-07:00Glow . . . Kinerase Face Serum<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtktjYgMnUMTX2YjZrKlimYh2_KhgOYZD9GkZ0-TYuwetMvPFDx2-0gnoTOztlAhkXqShgXLRGwz-Y6dTtwk5W96sosEQOVzR1-qRoHSEWZIbU0dwt7wytPaNBYx7YrsUcuPxSKQdVKyJ9/s1600-h/in+n+out.jpg"></a><div>This week I've been sampling <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kinerase's</span> <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P196001&searchString=kinerase%20brightening%20face%20serum">Brightening Face Serum</a>: <br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9j-zad707GuZcmik9ONyUo1kl6R7xAB90XVkQzxN2CBsfbITHNpUnoyY_rDNj6JYIVUNcFun5nv-xafnlHND-lbX6phisdriftVAK7e7-xMqgLqiFuG-W608suDtkNhQUwrE_CAtWDU5x/s1600-h/face+serum.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9j-zad707GuZcmik9ONyUo1kl6R7xAB90XVkQzxN2CBsfbITHNpUnoyY_rDNj6JYIVUNcFun5nv-xafnlHND-lbX6phisdriftVAK7e7-xMqgLqiFuG-W608suDtkNhQUwrE_CAtWDU5x/s320/face+serum.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322907018872887170" /></a><br />When I was in Arizona last month I got a Vitamin C facial and let me tell you - it stung like you wouldn't believe. This product felt like a milder version of that facial. <div><br /></div><div>I'm always torn when a product stings because while it's not the most comfortable and makes me think that there must be lots of chemicals involved, it does tell me that it's working. It maybe a close cousin of an acid wash but at least I didn't pay $140 to have nothing happen to my face. Or worse - have it happen <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">gradually</span>. I grew up in the age of microwave popcorn and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">internet</span>, people. I wait for nothing, not even face serums. To make the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">insta</span>-results even better, there's something in this product that is subtly glittery, so my face not only felt like something serious was happening to it, it looked nice and shimmery for the rest of the day. </div><div><br /></div><div>All that being said, however, I'm just not accustomed to paying so much money for any type of face product, so the $140 price tag would be a little tough for me to swallow. I just keep thinking, "This is worth 3 months of yoga- or an outfit at Banana- or a WHOLE MONTH of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">In'N'Out</span> dinners . . !"</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtktjYgMnUMTX2YjZrKlimYh2_KhgOYZD9GkZ0-TYuwetMvPFDx2-0gnoTOztlAhkXqShgXLRGwz-Y6dTtwk5W96sosEQOVzR1-qRoHSEWZIbU0dwt7wytPaNBYx7YrsUcuPxSKQdVKyJ9/s1600-h/in+n+out.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtktjYgMnUMTX2YjZrKlimYh2_KhgOYZD9GkZ0-TYuwetMvPFDx2-0gnoTOztlAhkXqShgXLRGwz-Y6dTtwk5W96sosEQOVzR1-qRoHSEWZIbU0dwt7wytPaNBYx7YrsUcuPxSKQdVKyJ9/s320/in+n+out.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322911452145584466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 219px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Not that I would eat a whole month's worth of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">In'N'Out</span> burgers . . . Ahem. </div><div><br /></div><div>So in summary - if you're looking for a brightening serum that you know will work and will be pleasantly shimmery in the meantime - this is your product. If you're in the middle of a recession like the rest of us, I recommend a good mud mask and a bottle of two buck chuck. It'll get you through the week a lot faster and a whole lot cheaper. </div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-74880896129765499502009-04-08T21:33:00.000-07:002009-04-08T21:48:16.089-07:00Kiss . . . Black Honey Lip GlossThis is undeniably my new obsession: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXPuA_2Jqu2XigZD-BD2-b8sJTSqKeQXc4ZDSAO9oiZLMbn3Xpj2NBHVjZbs2-4wdoyt4ERsKMaKfI-z19IW0-PsCj2lPXc6osRBiK90PQVtD6uThtNFiOeRKJFTBIQ2y7M5SbNvvSM6I/s1600-h/black+honey.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXPuA_2Jqu2XigZD-BD2-b8sJTSqKeQXc4ZDSAO9oiZLMbn3Xpj2NBHVjZbs2-4wdoyt4ERsKMaKfI-z19IW0-PsCj2lPXc6osRBiK90PQVtD6uThtNFiOeRKJFTBIQ2y7M5SbNvvSM6I/s320/black+honey.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322545952926900562" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Clinique's</span> <a href="http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P122751&categoryId=B70">Black Honey Almost Lipstick</a> ($14). The color is not quite a berry, it's more caramel in it's base, but it's a very light color, making it look rosy at the same time. Raspberry Honey is maybe a better way to describe it. Very few dark shades look good on my lighter complexion, but this works for me. I love it. <div><br /></div><div>And just to keep you all on your toes, I thought I'd share this little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tid</span>-bit so you know what song gets stuck in my head whenever I think/blog/talk/wear lip gloss: </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCvXzjGRnKc">Lip Gloss Video</a></div><div><br /></div><div>My <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Clinique</span> Black Honey is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">prolly</span> the reason all these <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">boyz</span> got <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">crusheeeeeesss</span>. . . . </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And yes, I know I'm cheating by posting Kiss on a Wednesday but you know how I feel about structure. I promise to return to less random, on-theme posts soon, but I'll have to make it through the Budget Revision at work first. Sigh.</div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-89846771369753565722009-04-03T18:02:00.001-07:002009-04-03T18:19:06.555-07:00Soul . . . Commitment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RpDEOcq6fjDfRWkbS4nWvVP53VANIBbuM9YhyA1azIdJiAbHrgZv5kd4kuq9riXuDit6XBIUCTL6Yai8lg63lhbA66cL25onacXxPwai2-5iRu9iBftU0z6pe47dtKRWlMmxGIdQjjFL/s1600-h/starbucks.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Okay, don't judge me for this, but I'm about to share a quote with you from the back of a Starbuck's cup. If you're like my husband, then this quote will have little impact on you. Hubby has been an athlete his whole life, focused, disciplined, committed. Me? Not so much. In fact, the quickest way to get me to not do something is to tell me I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">have</span> to do it. <div><br /></div><div>When I was thinking about started this blog, I was incredibly hesitant. What if it fails? What if I don't feel like writing every day? What if I tell people about it, they read it, and hate it? Or worse, what if I tell people about it and then don't follow through on writing it? They'll think I'm a flake. (Which I am, but I don't want everyone knowing it). And one day, while I was thinking all this, I read the quote on the back of my Grande Non-Fat Misto:</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">"The irony of commitment is that it's deeply liberating - in work, in play, in love. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, </div><div style="text-align: center;">from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as </div><div style="text-align: center;">rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life." </div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Anne Morris</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>I realized that while I didn't have a commitment problem in love (married at 22 - who does that?), I did have one in almost every other area of my life. So I decided to do it - just start the blog, commit to it and see how it played out. I can't say I've posted every day - is that even realistic? - but I can say I've enjoyed it and I'm glad I'm giving it a shot. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So the warm-fuzzy challenge of the day - try committing to something for a while that you've been wanting to do, but maybe were afraid of. Even if your commitment is short-lived (oxymoron?), sometimes you have to throw your whole self and intention into it in order to see if it'll really work. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RpDEOcq6fjDfRWkbS4nWvVP53VANIBbuM9YhyA1azIdJiAbHrgZv5kd4kuq9riXuDit6XBIUCTL6Yai8lg63lhbA66cL25onacXxPwai2-5iRu9iBftU0z6pe47dtKRWlMmxGIdQjjFL/s200/starbucks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320639437496272930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 149px; " /></span></div><div>P.S. Thank you, Starbuck's, for enriching my life in oh-so-many ways. I know my contribution to your daily profit margin is gesture enough for you, but thought I'd say it anyway. </div><div><div><br /></div></div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-44733201784385716032009-04-02T20:12:00.000-07:002009-04-02T20:50:08.420-07:00Glow . . . Fun with Blush<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMc_30JD5EovPVjJdwQNZZF2M48RobW-CQomOfApUhr4mrupAPRRBZIcGkZY_fSIYhfD4uX9U1qD0TV9Te4SaDF-vMLrskYx8qdroerh0fK1V1dQEwNoCM-1WE9P1VOgN1Qz3s1mDImLfl/s1600-h/orgasm+powder.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Only time for a quick one tonight, but I thought I'd share one of my favorite blush tricks. Most people (including me until a few years ago) only put blush on the apples of their cheeks and call it a day. There nothing wrong with this, it's how you should wear blush . . . but one thing my wedding makeup consultant taught me was to add a little dash of blush on the brow bone, right below the brow: <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VCZQMkaQGqI5xBYmgL4-0r7_r5oKFX1uNrIuX4wbYjwYOXkfWdijdLheMbOqHUa-8ZEXNAvwZd2syY3Wb-6hSyVEt2wfkEZhsJHbgVeC881uTaewc4uw48fZS9Rxw4X1BEf5WQTT9782/s320/brow+bone_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320303325857819698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Make sure to use just a little bit - seriously, just a dash - but it makes your whole face look lighter and more healthy. I do it every morning and it makes me look that mush more awake and bright-eyed. I found it works especially well with a really light, bright pink shade - l</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">ik</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">e </span><a href="http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P2855&categoryId=B70"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NARS</span>' Orgasm</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">($25):</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMc_30JD5EovPVjJdwQNZZF2M48RobW-CQomOfApUhr4mrupAPRRBZIcGkZY_fSIYhfD4uX9U1qD0TV9Te4SaDF-vMLrskYx8qdroerh0fK1V1dQEwNoCM-1WE9P1VOgN1Qz3s1mDImLfl/s320/orgasm+powder.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320306236133044690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Disclaimer: Because I live in San Fran, I see very little sunshine on a regular basis, so this maybe one of those remedial tricks that works only for us sunshine-depraved folk to make us look like we don't live in a fog-enclosed tundra of a city. I think there's a good chance though that this </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">might</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> work for everyone, so give it shot and let me know. </span><br /></span></div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-3028143592789502092009-04-01T09:10:00.000-07:002009-04-01T10:12:40.281-07:00Care . . . Sunless Tanners<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpjvE8NxAdmq2MU6X4C_2NQku2gU-Kgn8Cl8F2aHCmwijnP9SPJEP2Bouaq27QY-Qs6KMqpebE6NjR8pt_7c4FQDaEh_jLz5iR41euDudap7_PVloKkUkNAxBEs9hGN5mNZI6_2oFirnt/s1600-h/5950_hero.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwFANXL0-Pm01A8wiGOD5hX1wq-ET2Vv1MRbsqLbkpAsEvyPAe0E6oHjy7f0mD6PWEW33Q6jf63S6vzrwATiEHfViW2JQue2hBSvN0dqxnDURO7o6LdhOoY09GPQwvU5kuzdDK3INO8vn/s1600-h/Clarins.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>First off, everyone please do NOT forget that today is April Fool's Day. My boss just pulled us all into his office, told us the CFO was in a panic and needed a massive report by Monday. Three of us had a heart attack and one of us was nearly in tears by the time we put two and two together. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Last year, I wasn't working on April Fools, and I had been asking Hubby for a dog for a couple of years. So I gave him a call and told him a pretty convincing story of the mutt I had found while walking down by the wharf who didn't have a tag so I brought him home and he seems pretty clean except for the first few mud prints he left on the carpet . . . He was mid-way through yelling "Do NOT let it PEE!" when he realized there's no way this was possible - he would kill me and I knew it. Those three seconds of panic were so worth it though. And now, one short year later, we have Little Dog - who did pee in our house last night. And Hubby didn't like it any more in the reality than he did in the hypothetical April Fools joke. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hmm</span>. Good thing Little Dog has a face like this: </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlZQHrdgwiFUEBhv2huqjALrqIUZYIYZ87uZB9VPatnd_Ys8Pt6oGr2iFQPhZwYKQk2WQKrVjMbGPC4wdficeQ5MMM3e8WaeruDa_WZZLs0_awvYhpjQz30dal-BmperHDj1iU8Pk6SJh/s200/LittleDog1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319760152520423810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px; " /></span></div><div>Because he's a little shit. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>ANYWAY - back to beauty. Since it's about that time of year when you start pulling out your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tank tops</span> and skirts, only to realize your skin hasn't seen the light of day in 6 months and is in no shape to be bared . . . let's talk sunless tanners! I was the Matron of Honor (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ew</span>, I hate the word matron- really? Matron?) in an April wedding last year so I went through a phase of testing every sunless tanner known to womankind in an effort to look presentable (meaning not sickly or streaky) at the wedding. Here's a quick review of what I liked best: <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">For face</span>, I love J<a href="http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=165325&catid=15266"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ergen's</span> Natural Glow Face</a> with SPF 20 ($8). I recently got a reader email about this so I hope this helps answer your question RP! I love this one because the smell is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">barable</span>, and the fact that it has SPF is a bonus. When you have combination skin like mine, the fewer <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">poducts</span> you put on your face, the better, so I skip the moisturizer and the SPF when I use this instead. I also feel the color I get from this is really natural looking. For those of you who want more dramatic results, you might want to try buying a shade up in this product - so try medium/dark, even if you have light skin. That worked well when I need more color from it. </div><div><br /></div><div>- I also love the <a href="http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=143070&catid=9715"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Jergen's</span> Natural Glow</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">for body</span> ($8). It just goes one easily and the color is the most natural and streak-free I've found. The one downside is that especially at first, you really need to use this every day and you really need to put it everywhere. Depending on whether or not you full-body moisturize already, this can add a full 5 minutes to your morning routine and gets old fast. </div><div><br /></div><div>- For those of us with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">little time</span> or patience, I recommend <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Clarin's</span> Get Glowing Self-Tanning products. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Nordie's</span> has a <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3018424?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=tanner+in+All+Categories&origin=searchresults">nice little set for $32</a> right now. This stuff is great for a quick result - by using it every other day for a week I was able to get the color I wanted and then I used the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Jergen's</span> every week or so after that to maintain it and get the most bang for my buck. The one annoying thing about this one is that because it works faster and has more color to it, it's much more important that you fully exfoliate beforehand to get even color and avoid orange knees/elbows. So it takes longer upfront, but you get more immediate results. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwFANXL0-Pm01A8wiGOD5hX1wq-ET2Vv1MRbsqLbkpAsEvyPAe0E6oHjy7f0mD6PWEW33Q6jf63S6vzrwATiEHfViW2JQue2hBSvN0dqxnDURO7o6LdhOoY09GPQwvU5kuzdDK3INO8vn/s320/Clarins.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319769379630651746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 320px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">In other news - Lindsay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Lohan's</span> sunless tanner just launched at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Sephora</span>. I have yet to try it - mainly because of the ridiculous photo being used to promote it: </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpjvE8NxAdmq2MU6X4C_2NQku2gU-Kgn8Cl8F2aHCmwijnP9SPJEP2Bouaq27QY-Qs6KMqpebE6NjR8pt_7c4FQDaEh_jLz5iR41euDudap7_PVloKkUkNAxBEs9hGN5mNZI6_2oFirnt/s320/5950_hero.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319770150134741986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 290px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">See what I mean? Ridiculous. Put some clothes on and LAY OFF THE SELF TANNER (ironically) . . . But if you're a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">LiLo</span> fan, by all means, try her <a href="http://sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=5950&searchString=lohan"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Sevin</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Nyne</span></a> line and let me know what you think. </div><div><br /></div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-68851747584281868602009-03-23T21:08:00.000-07:002009-03-23T21:52:29.663-07:00Wink . . . Kind of gross, kind of pretty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIRNWf8QCM-z7YkhBzlcO__yXMSqrMP71X7Px77cbxY9UZHuaqUmUNalUGHU4WsB665Vekd04Rq6Ibj_4GHOsQKZFECioODIgEQhS-zmY4gAW3crCE1vxHRDO2QnqK27Q-yNqU_WMPwTJ/s1600-h/prep+H.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Monday mornings are usually pretty rough for me - no matter how many March Madness basketball games I napped through on Sunday, I still am not quite ready for the 6 am alarm. And neither is my face. Even after my walk with Little Dog, my skin is blotchy and my eyes are puffy. A warm shower and some moisturizer works wonders for my skin, but my eyes are tougher. On your average workday, I don't worry about it, but there is a trick you can use when it really matters - wedding days, presentations, <a href="http://perezhilton.com/2009-03-23-twilight-fans-hungry-for-dvd">Twilight DVD release parties</a> . . . the usual. <div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The trick? Preparation H. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIRNWf8QCM-z7YkhBzlcO__yXMSqrMP71X7Px77cbxY9UZHuaqUmUNalUGHU4WsB665Vekd04Rq6Ibj_4GHOsQKZFECioODIgEQhS-zmY4gAW3crCE1vxHRDO2QnqK27Q-yNqU_WMPwTJ/s200/prep+H.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316610428084775810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 114px; height: 114px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I know, the idea is a little gross, but the science makes sense. It's a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows blood vessels, reducing swelling. I've heard the cream works better than the gel, since it rubs in slightly better. It doesn't work on everyone (depends how puffy and sensitive your skin is) and you should test it on your skin BEFORE a big day, just in case. But sometimes knowing I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">look</span> more prepared for a Monday/Twilight Party than I may feel makes it a little easier to get through. <br /></div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-11594844456376777762009-03-20T11:57:00.000-07:002009-03-20T12:14:40.909-07:00Soul . . . Dove's "Onslaught" Video<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>My friend who just had a baby girl sent me this video that made her think about how she can raise a daughter that feels beautiful , even when the beauty industry or mainstream media can make us feel so ugly at times: <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ei6JvK0W60I&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ei6JvK0W60I&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Since I don't have any kids, this video made me think of me and my friends. For many of us, no matter how much our parents/schools/clubs talked to us about body image and self esteem, there were times in our lives when we felt ugly compared to all the images of "perfection" that we see in television and magazines. We grew up with an onslaught, certainly, though I felt it more at some times (i.e. MIDDLE SCHOOL) than others. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So as a mother one day or a friend now, I want to be a voice against the onslaught, reminding the people in my life of what makes them beautiful - not in a generic "love yourself!" kind of a way, but by pointing out the unique, beautiful things about them that I love. <br /></div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-20254331512765735912009-03-19T20:31:00.000-07:002009-03-20T12:20:39.800-07:00Glow . . . Cream foundation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxnJ7gz3AOF8qM4qWHnyE4nvP1xki51HBU67k-lXSP4ogd9xUuXsuxkTYP1MT5c06zT6q6DUIIq8XTpvH7sXUTBhLoMaLY16Zc_wVI37BHRveMUCx071eb-5JWpnLkiPhcqTCWTuN4YrZ/s1600-h/magic+matte.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="WHITE-SPACE: pre"></span>I'm a die-hard powder mineral makeup junkie. Ever since I discovered Bare <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Escentuals</span> in college I have refused to try any liquid foundation - I find it heavy, oily and shiny. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="WHITE-SPACE: pre"></span>For the sake of the blog- I am SO dedicated to you, readers- I tried <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">two</span> cream foundation samples this week that are targeted for people with oily skin who don't like the heavy feel of liquid foundation. . . and I was surprised to find I liked both of them. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="WHITE-SPACE: pre"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">First one I tried was </span><a href="http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P119802&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5812"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Perfekt's</span> Skin Perfection Gel</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> ($57):</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238)"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315110692094873714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDA-zwbKurTeqdW-aGoC_42XDqhBf0Uopf9a7BVgllx5nZiiLkB-6L77oX0cBJeJ0QakuC2ezOH2fX2ef9xfrFrOqd0eotGOzU4q1bG5vT4t1cuz2oLsoXWxlu5lZ6WEIAQ5hTOtl0NA7/s200/perfekt.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="WHITE-SPACE: pre"></span>It is oil-free, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">paraben</span>-free and water-resistant. It's amazingly matte-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">tifying</span> (I know, not a technically a word, but you get what I mean, so it probably should be) and I almost am not sure whether "foundation" is the right term for this product because it is so light in its coverage. I put it on half of my face and took a look in the mirror and was amazing by how much it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">didn't</span> look like I was wearing foundation but how much <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">better</span> I did look. I'm not sure if it's coverage or highlighting or how exactly this gel makes my skin look both even and luminous without looking <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic">covered</span>. In fact, the shade I tried was called Luminous, but I think I could have gotten away with Radiant too. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="WHITE-SPACE: pre"></span>One word of warning - there were some mixed reviews of this on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sephora</span>.com, so it might not be for everyone, but if you have oily skin and love Bare <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Escentuals</span>, I think this is worth a try. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="WHITE-SPACE: pre"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The second one I tried was </span><a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P141905&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=1741"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lancome's</span> Magic Matte</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> ($37). </span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238)"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315111833217792482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxnJ7gz3AOF8qM4qWHnyE4nvP1xki51HBU67k-lXSP4ogd9xUuXsuxkTYP1MT5c06zT6q6DUIIq8XTpvH7sXUTBhLoMaLY16Zc_wVI37BHRveMUCx071eb-5JWpnLkiPhcqTCWTuN4YrZ/s200/magic+matte.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238)"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="WHITE-SPACE: pre"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">I have been using this for the last few days straight - I love it! It's almost the inverse of Bare <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Escentuals</span>: instead of being a powder that goes on like a liquid, it's a liquid that goes on like a powder. It's perfect for my skin, which tends to get shiny along the T-zone (nose, chin and forehead) in the mid-afternoon. It's very light, and feels just as breathable as my Bare <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Escentuals</span> powder - which is pretty impressive for a cream foundation. The coverage is unbeatable and it lasts throughout the day without heavy application in the morning or a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">touch up</span> at lunch. </span><br /></span></div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-77996919444266034102009-03-18T19:28:00.000-07:002009-03-18T19:57:49.976-07:00Care . . . Love your moisturizer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid87934mc_zPUOl2BN5cbAdMEELRCLGJia-8Uhx7ufEXtX3Z6oBqPT_BbPJ35S6uAwJz41YNrYBw8LH5iTrJhbn2Aqcw72cAHP2uZLtrPIJ8tpKMQlN8ubHX8W4Wz79DKB2dbWgeYdgA5z/s1600-h/Hope+in+a+Jar.jpg"></a><br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I didn't really learn how much difference a moisturizer could make until a few months before my wedding when I signed up for a skin consultation at my local spa. I always thought I had oily skin, since I tended to breakout and struggle with shine, so I was surprised and even a little dubious when the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">esthetician</span> told me I had combination skin that -at the moment- was seriously <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">dried</span> out. She explained that by using such strong astringent cleansers, I was stripping my skin of the moisture it needed and so it was over-producing oil to try to rehydrate itself. She gave (well- sold) me some cream based cleaner and heavy moisturizer and my skin really did transform over the next few months. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>At the Skincare 101 class I attended, I learned even more about how important having moisturized skin is. The specialist giving the presentation explained that skin has a very precise pH balance and we need to maintain that balance, not fight it, to have our best skin possible. If we use products that are either overly acidic or overly alkaline, we might unbalance our skin's pH. When you wash your face and it ends up feeling tight or squeaky-clean, that means you've taken off your acid mantle, which is a protective layer over our skin, protecting it from bacteria that cause acne. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">So how do you best take care your skin? </span></span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Use a cleanser with a neutral pH</span> (try <a href="http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P94811&categoryId=B70"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Clarins</span> One-Step Facial Cleanser</a>, $32)</div><div><br /></div><div>- If your skin feels tight after cleansing, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">use a toner to restore the acid mantle</span> (I like the <a href="http://www.dermstore.com/product_Multi-Active+Toner_496.htm"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Dermalogica</span> Multi-Action Toner</a>, $24)</div><div><br /></div><div>- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Find a good moisturizer for your skin type:</span> If you have dry skin , try an oil-based moisturizer(I love <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml;jsessionid=PZR4EBK5VNQP2CV0KQRQX0Q?id=P4633&categoryId=C10462">Hope in Jar</a> by Philosophy!); Combination/Oily, make sure it's oil-free (try <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P3588&categoryId=B70">Peter Thomas Roth's</a>)</div><div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid87934mc_zPUOl2BN5cbAdMEELRCLGJia-8Uhx7ufEXtX3Z6oBqPT_BbPJ35S6uAwJz41YNrYBw8LH5iTrJhbn2Aqcw72cAHP2uZLtrPIJ8tpKMQlN8ubHX8W4Wz79DKB2dbWgeYdgA5z/s200/Hope+in+a+Jar.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314727550739100146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px; " /></span></div></div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-10672473593449909372009-03-17T20:49:00.000-07:002009-03-17T21:16:10.457-07:00A little boost<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUqejLIAFX8dyIxUU0jiLe8XTrz0vdY2aQ00ZKSKdE_a6NA28NY5MDM9NiSZ78ITj4o4eaGl3MM5EN7vNoaxJxe_LUnAI51gs6waqW8RY3DyuUJ_z-CwBJhkcWJ_rCK7mstOhQZXKgyan/s1600-h/LOVE+uncropped.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I don't know if you've noticed, readers, but I've been in a bit of a rut lately. Maybe it's post-vacation malaise, maybe it's that two of my favorite samples ran out this week, maybe it's just a mid-blog-life crisis . . . but the blog needs a boost. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>And so I introduce to you, hot-off-the-press!, Pretty Analyst daily themes. I know, I know - so many blogs have cutesy themes, but I promise these are cutesy and relevant and will result in more posts, so you win! Here is what you have to look forward to - </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Wink </span></span>- </div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiM7Twu0eJ7-ET-RAi_tLZVyv5IoejGP62f0c6W43VUOEl_My0Hyz8PaK9Q5FuAXvK-cpKScotflob03OFMryr9ggaRAicz5UWzHMD-U4nx6hySA8hvFVbM3vK4VJjcjwpST6w2zG7R2E/s200/WINK2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314374942680875378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 163px; " /><div style="text-align: center;">Mondays will be all about eyes</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Kiss</span></span> - </div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEp5kPu7xfmhOtxaxCF9SSqy_1U26Jt3a6nwmBv4bxzQUYx6efaqDX_OrY8VqnUicgrRtHiqIXjp3DM_SMBs0kp-KXPnZHQxSgQZGn60kVKl5Yi5MfBv3qq__74WKELtCatDypghD9ojU-/s200/KISS.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314374208304331794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /><div style="text-align: center;">Tuesdays are lip-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">licious</span><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Care </span></span>- </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJTj_qdM8S55lw7jyPcELAYF7XVVcZhK937CqzPDS9acvApyoLfFj6nbjucZMUiWgVGFpti22OciszwipKRoZf6xEz1HDO8l16hADh85o-PB8GF5yV_ObPl5A28UaY9XyBJdrPhj0ujgl/s200/Care.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314375321890002962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;">Skincare Wednesdays<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Glow</span></span> - </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmr3bjagpaWVwXX6q7ve8sVAgR4L54rBeyi4cQJXpqkaCCQddzeBxEUnoyzvZUdh6bi4M1tApqbmBtZBqEhOSlqv2hgP7ISw0P7j8hyphenhyphenyaB0XXDDZXEXWe2nUQc8xu2NEq8mSs6oaw96i2/s200/glow+uncropped.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314375491910692082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 108px; height: 200px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;">Thursdays are about fabulous foundations and all-over face color</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Soul </span></span>- </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPpDVlOxe1AYruWwZtWdJADnkvuKSO4ps11JlBErhae4amPitXdz04eNYWy9PnQtMRxfPJRGz3bQKhdf81un5wLfi4B4Vy0ozRUUq-9RVEc1NB81e7WzKXoRO2spoGDteIPqay4V1fJBc/s200/SOUL.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314375763743371554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 200px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;">Since it's not all about lip shine, some food-for-thought and </div><div style="text-align: center;">inner-beauty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tid</span>-bits on Fridays</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Love</span></span> - </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUqejLIAFX8dyIxUU0jiLe8XTrz0vdY2aQ00ZKSKdE_a6NA28NY5MDM9NiSZ78ITj4o4eaGl3MM5EN7vNoaxJxe_LUnAI51gs6waqW8RY3DyuUJ_z-CwBJhkcWJ_rCK7mstOhQZXKgyan/s200/LOVE+uncropped.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314376162806863186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 145px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;">Some of my favorite products, finds or random thoughts </div><div style="text-align: center;">to titillate you on the Weekends</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I'll be kicking off tomorrow with some skincare tips that I learned at Canyon Ranch, so get ready! As I kick this off, let me know what you think - love it? hate it? Too <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cheesey</span>? Just right? Let me know!</div></div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-27712847646037811822009-03-09T21:29:00.000-07:002009-03-09T21:32:04.022-07:00APB . . . PerriconMD Sale<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">PerriconMD Skincare is up to 75% off at Sephora right now - they decided to redo their packaging, I guess. Same product, old package, slashed price? Sold!</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=4180&categoryId=C10214&view=all"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=4180&categoryId=C10214&view=all"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Stock up here. </span></span></a></span></div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-6949807251695625222009-03-09T21:11:00.001-07:002009-03-09T21:20:55.248-07:00Blush that lasts all day<div style="text-align: left;">Got an email this week from one of the readers (love getting mail!), asking about a blush that will last all day. I've got two picks for you: <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>1. <a href="http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P211641&categoryId=B70">Du Wop Cheek Venom ($24</a>)</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwigagyGs9ukU62XKAMJevEpBSf2y3EuOi-4QaBGSVV54zNz-6lisbY6DiSVp1YZBzX_LmkSkG4y-uMtzLPSDWlLkIbeGtNYy-A_B7HrKbrQOY9wPJW_idmX4ZqkBkcKX_cRUzkh4al1HD/s320/duwop.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311408957937342290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px; " /></span><div>The great thing about this product is that it's a cream that uses cinnamon to bring out your natural blush color in addition to it's own rosy hue. It truly lasts all day, because it's a cream and because it draws on your skins natural coloring. I know some people are wary of cream blushes because they get all over their hands when they're applying, but I found this one to rub on easily with my fingers but washes off with soap quite nicely as well. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>2. <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT159&PRODUCT_ID=302">MAC Bronzing Powder ($21)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>So I realize this isn't technically a blush but I had to put it on here because I was taking a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cardio</span> interval class last week and the instructor had the most amazing flush to her skin - and it stayed on through the WHOLE <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cardio</span> class. It was amazing. Sweat did nothing to this cheek color. When I asked what she was wearing, she said it was actually a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">bronzer</span>, she just applied it as if it were a blush and it was a darker shade than her skin, so it worked like a blush. Let's just say this held up much better than my skin did through 40 min of treadmills. Goodness. </div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-33741706154982011682009-03-02T16:00:00.000-08:002009-03-02T16:15:29.714-08:00Things I never knew about nails . . .As a disclaimer, I have terrible nails. I chew them, I forget to cut them, I shape each one differently and I never wear polish. So you should NEVER take Nail Care advice from me.<br /><br />You should, however, take it from the Salon Specialist at <a href="http://www.canyonranch.com/">Canyon Ranch</a>. I went to a presentation by her on "Healthy Nail Care" and learned SO much. My nail-life has been changed forever. Here are the cliff's notes from the talk:<br /><br />- It all starts with the cuticle. A healthy cuticle means a healthy nail because it is the layer of skin that protects where the nail is grown.<br />- The first step in a healthy cuticle is a well-moisturized cuticle. If at all possible, use cuticle oil and hand cream on your nails every night before bed. It'll take two minutes a day but does wonders to prevents such painful nail no-no's as nail ridges, hangnails, infection and split nails.<br />- The correct shape to cut/file your nail is the natural shape created by where the pink of your finger beneath the nail meets the white of your nail edge. If the majority of your nails have a rounded line there, do rounded - if square do square, etc.<br />- Most polishes have a LOT of formaldehyde in them to promote drying. To avoid too much exposure to this chemical, use a quality base coat and top coat, OR use a vegan nail color like <a href="http://www.sparitual.com/">SPA Ritual</a>.<br />- Your nail 'knows' how thick to grow based on how heavy the nail bed is. So a light nail bed promotes stronger nail growth. This is why fake nails often result in weak natural nails when the fakes are removed. To keep your nails growing strong, try to not always wear polish on them. Alternate weeks or even seasons to keep your beds lights.<br /><br />More to come but I'm off to more AMAZING classes.<br /><br />PS I went to a Skincare 101 Lecture today and they were ALL ABOUT the Clarisonic. Love it!The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-44483848064896244662009-02-28T16:46:00.000-08:002009-02-28T17:07:53.441-08:00Reality Check . . .Bright LipstickSo one of my comments asked if I would <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">REALLY</span> wear blood orange lipstick (thanks, JAY) - which ties in nicely to an email I got recently from another reader:<br /><br /><em>"Dear Pretty, I recently read an article from the ever so famous, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bobbi</span> brown , who stated NO woman should ever wear a bright red lipstick. I am a brunette older woman and when I do wear bright lipstick…I just feel happy…I know it sounds a bit silly, but if I am going to ordinary places, such as the grocery or the post office, I often do not spend time looking at myself before I leave the house and often times… I look a fright. However, when I quickly swipe the bright paint on my lips…I look more finished, feel healthy and look presentable to the general public… According to ms brown… the brightness detracts from the prettiness of the rest of the face and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">doesn</span>’t brighten the look … but really detracts from the beauty and make s the woman look worse. I feel softer, quieter,calmer…..when I wear a lighter color… but just not as happy… help???"</em><br /><br />So the question - <strong>To Wear or Not to Wear Bright Lipstick</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Here are my simple thoughts</strong>: Wear what makes you feel beautiful, no matter what anyone says, even if it is Bobbi. If you like it bright, ROCK IT.<br /><br /><strong>Here are my more complex thoughts:</strong> I get what Bobbi is going for with this idea. When someone wears bright lipstick, it does draw attention to the lipstick and not the lips or the rest of the face. But I believe makeup can serve two functions in a woman's life - as a subtle enhancer that is there to highlight anything but itself OR as an accessory that is a statement in a woman's overall look, pulling it all together.<br /><br />I tend to be more of a natural girl myself, but I'm starting to really appreciate the value of makeup as an accessory. Lipstick or eyeliner CAN be the focus of a look if you you have the balls (so to speak), so if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bright's</span> your thing, go for it. If you prefer a trendy bag, I get that too. So to answer the first question - Yes, I would actually wear the Blood Orange Lips, but probably to a club and with a simple outfit, I haven't quite worked up the Glam Girl Guts to rock it on your average Saturday.<br /><br />What do you think? Go bright or go natural - discuss amongst yourselves.The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-55863184023082106862009-02-24T20:37:00.000-08:002009-02-26T20:37:46.731-08:00Something New . . . Seriously Fruity Lips<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ILLMiWYqPy9n1sRP-99Ftxr20nduz6scoH7nzSP4wTAaHU-5fGQDOCMhzVZAvAF5EsHzzFHtjaEPbjhR5YprG7crKRp7VZfXW3Qf8Wh9MYA_dgycKMJBynyKBJtbN-MnyLjUoARLCZrT/s1600-h/chloe(3).jpg"></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I might be reading too much into this, but it seems to me that the Spring trends are reflecting the mood of the economy these days. Normally we're so giddy that Spring is just around the corner that we go gaga for fun, light-hearted fruits like Peach and Strawberry. But this year it's like we picked the most serious fruits possible - still fruit-inspired but with a more somber undertone - like <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Raspberry</span> and Blood Orange. Either way - they're gorgeous and timely so I recommend you try one or both: <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Trend: <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Raspberry</span> Lips</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Case in point: Alicia Keys at the Oscars</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 204px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Fiz2qy0ygx-6Nzlzh4tUtU4ewf8tzVIBY2FtdlX5PJSt9JrMgFxEMaA6FDbSz47MjqkzSRd_ml0fvEq1sCSNrRMyV_wdu0dFfqWfJTOijB0zVcQxhAX4G1674UzUJCZCFtXhOxl7sH84/s320/alicia-keys-oscars-2009.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306591442015526578" /><div style="text-align: left;">It's fresh but dramatic. This particular look is <a href="http://www.marykay.com/color/lips/marykaylipliner/10014726/default.aspx">Mary Kay</a> - Raspberry Lip Liner was used to color her full lips ($10), but I also love <a href="http://www.vertlosangeles.com/index.php?page=Product&product_id=313&brand_id=29">Jane Iredale</a>'s Rasperry PureGloss for Lips ($19). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Trend: Blood Orange Lips</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I just love this color - it's still a very deep hue, but the orange undertones give it something fun and bright for the change of season. For those of us not bold enough to commit to Coral, Blood Orange lets us flirt with going big while still staying on this side of a Resort Collection. Here's Chloe Sevigny rocking the look: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ILLMiWYqPy9n1sRP-99Ftxr20nduz6scoH7nzSP4wTAaHU-5fGQDOCMhzVZAvAF5EsHzzFHtjaEPbjhR5YprG7crKRp7VZfXW3Qf8Wh9MYA_dgycKMJBynyKBJtbN-MnyLjUoARLCZrT/s320/chloe(3).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307323080495861906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of my favorite brands, Korres, has a really beautiful shade in their Mango Butter Lipstick called <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P199108&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5715">"Orange Red 52"</a> ($18). This color always reminds me of Italy and romance. Sold!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xgHoosSWI5-KiOZ74i0cj08S9yW1iPob5bCtgtVt8s1Kve9dcGzlesk0er8nrCA70n14BvD4XKhzl1AsyqKvrPMBNhv7Nl-vMXg7bKafqLWgzfwnFULDBSMNYIhYgGdJnqXwvPO8rrfS/s320/korres(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307322832930609266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 281px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-86422301573937647962009-02-24T20:15:00.000-08:002009-02-24T20:32:54.515-08:00Raves and Reviews . . . Eye Cream<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvY7RU0w4bcBfVZ326ybXjZaVEYFf_WVFu0Ic1lO2pocLEzmjDozdHtTblGL1oqCAcnuZcKWhOP4cABLI-73TzBseeYlO5lx_Hrrr0Tz-wMbuAIiDB3hF3-qn22jG1d41mHCBBYgS5Yhg/s1600-h/optimoogist.jpg"></a>I got an email from Glory's Mama the other day asking for an eye cream that would actually make a difference before her daughter's wedding . . . so tonight it's all about eye cream!<br /><div><br /></div><div>My top pick? Bliss' <a href="http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P201422&categoryId=B70">The Youth As We Know It Eye Cream ($75)</a>. I've been hearing from almost everyone I ask about this how wonderful it is, so I finally tried it myself and it's pretty legit. To be honest, I'm not super-focused on anti-aging products right now, so I haven't used this over a long period of time, but enough to know it works in the short term. I also spent some time talking to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sephora</span> peeps at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Burlingame</span> store about it and it's chock-full of antioxidants, moisturizers and firming active ingredients. </div><div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuSGw7hcH0qHtAW4gEw-5_zcb4qRRtCN5vEMI85Bd6rgg0W-ymLqSB3DhL9IRcHxMrwq3HOEh60xsFx20drzB7p5gHyt4RVO-bkUUoyz3fPO0jhv2etaPuG-RUgacTAETacL1AMM_ChPv/s320/bliss+youth.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306584516046371362" /><div>The only downside is if you'd like something that acts as more than just a base lotion - any illuminating or priming you'd like, you'd need to add something on top of this. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you want the all-in-one, I recommend <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P131813&categoryId=C12912"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cosmedicine's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Optimologist</span> ($45</a>). </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvY7RU0w4bcBfVZ326ybXjZaVEYFf_WVFu0Ic1lO2pocLEzmjDozdHtTblGL1oqCAcnuZcKWhOP4cABLI-73TzBseeYlO5lx_Hrrr0Tz-wMbuAIiDB3hF3-qn22jG1d41mHCBBYgS5Yhg/s320/optimoogist.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306586187153089490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>It does wonders for under-eye circles, while firming and preventing wrinkles. And I *just* saw that if you enter "COSMED1" at checkout on sephora.com you can get a free deluxe sample of this one. TIMELY!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-60651289044848769992009-02-24T07:13:00.000-08:002009-02-24T07:24:42.786-08:00ABP . . . Free-with-Purchase<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilf1aiel3Ec5NXVYo48Phic5ikSfBLNsUmlu_xHn5t7O5wQpRChwwJNCuUckCqb7SyXjJNKGfWyqdAjbSdQJKwUQA5B1oOErdkY6vNTlPSpfP2reiveRO5twtRZly92IdLo1CigbBvOgU2/s1600-h/022409_BEAUTY_EVENT.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 90px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilf1aiel3Ec5NXVYo48Phic5ikSfBLNsUmlu_xHn5t7O5wQpRChwwJNCuUckCqb7SyXjJNKGfWyqdAjbSdQJKwUQA5B1oOErdkY6vNTlPSpfP2reiveRO5twtRZly92IdLo1CigbBvOgU2/s320/022409_BEAUTY_EVENT.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306382984240938706" /></a><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcmiBxnpuV3pCyTQimi62q3c7kuuU8Mw_jUSMk9AbhFxZO4pieZiOzpMl97l1gSfKmYEDYzFiBXnWhqpXyQ1zpnwlpuZySByFKRvsLYJZoe86Ek8vQ9BZ-48IZxaiiR9o4y_yr5xsHGGw/s320/022409_BEAUTY_EVENT5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306383292335516674" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Many thanks to Cuffy for pointing this one out to me!<div><br /></div><div>Enter "HOTHOUSE" at Saks Fifth Ave checkout when you purchase $75 or more of beauty and get this adorable (it's spring!!) bag with a whole lot of samples. </div><div><br /></div><div>And to help you reach your $75 threshold - They sell the <a href="http://theprettyanalyst.blogspot.com/2009/02/i-love-my-clarisonic-skincare-brush.html">Clarisonic!</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-51309685242310613992009-02-23T07:22:00.000-08:002009-02-23T11:09:14.070-08:00I Love My . . . 3 min makeup<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTERIk28zru76c6eBL_VcUhZrpuAq5QWuAja1NG-WDYA4XqI50rgKy9z4lpxmGsYnT4dEzMs00RJUilPdCgFsJKUS1KMrj1hvc_BV8kFS2kcnK1o8uc3E4tSLFoa42Xltw_n1z2-_Y6sH/s1600-h/orgasm.jpg"></a>Last night I was working on the blog and lost track of time - I looked up and realized my friends were meeting me at my apartment in 5 minutes and I wasn't wearing any makeup - or real clothes. So I calculated that I have 2 minutes to change my pj's for jeans and 3 minutes to do my makeup. Here's what I do when I really don't have time for anything else: <div><br /></div><div>1.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><a href="http://theprettyanalyst.blogspot.com/2009/02/abp-eeeeee-bare-escentuals-deal.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Bare Escentuals</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> SPF 15 mineral foundation</span> (<a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P61003&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5737">$25</a>) - Swirl, Tap, Buff like you've never done before</div><div><br /></div><div>2. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">NARS The Multiple - Orgasm</span> (<a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P191605&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=3976">$37</a>) - Not only is the name amazing, but the product is too. This cream stick is very large (that's what she said), so I just run it along my cheeks and blend with my fingertips. The color is enough to make me look like I've been, well - I guess that's where the name comes from, but it's not so dramatic that I can't be a little sloppy when throwing it on quickly. Bonus - this stick can be used as lip or eye color too. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTERIk28zru76c6eBL_VcUhZrpuAq5QWuAja1NG-WDYA4XqI50rgKy9z4lpxmGsYnT4dEzMs00RJUilPdCgFsJKUS1KMrj1hvc_BV8kFS2kcnK1o8uc3E4tSLFoa42Xltw_n1z2-_Y6sH/s320/orgasm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306017744739827218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">3. Dior Show Mascara (</span><a href="http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P40404&categoryId=B70"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">$24</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">)</span> - This brush is so full and the formula so smooth, all it takes is one or two swipes of the wand and you're looking fabulous. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">4. LORAC's Moonstone and Bronze Eyeshadow</span> (<a href="http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P4176&categoryId=B70">$18</a>) - Moonstone all over, Bronze on my inner corner and I look much more put together than I actually am. </div><div><br /></div><div>Boom. Done. And so is this post. </div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-50312559553435382292009-02-22T13:53:00.000-08:002009-02-22T15:09:03.057-08:00What does every woman need on a Saturday morning . . . .. . . other than a mimosa and some Advil? A solid eye makeup remover. When I wake up at 7am on a Saturday because Little Dog is yelping from his crate that he will DIE IF HE DOESN'T GO OUT RIGHT NOW, the first thing I reach for in the bathroom is my eye-makeup remover. As you already know from how much I love Bare <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Escentuals</span>, I've been known to fall asleep in my makeup once or twice (blame the wine!) - so a solid eye makeup remover is my Saturday-morning-savior. <div><br /></div><div>The one I use right now is Bliss's <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P175101&searchString=bliss%20eye%20makeup%20remover">Lid+Lash Wash ($14) :</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSI9g6zGv9g-YFowU3JYZhKbG3PT3WDSdn4rGsHHQpFOcJmlJ1G3CGBLECptYMA5Ibc1FGBH2PYKwexUxfWFxbVLUpMXN2y7A21bOyb_mqorNFkFWQEx6Qii2rgyyAHX0odGgevGh1oQr/s320/bliss+lidlash.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305752381918508834" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's a thick gel, so it doesn't run all over your face, and it's easy to keep out of your eyes. Sometimes I'll even keep it in the fridge to help <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">de</span>-puff my eyes after a particularly festive weekend (or a particularly long week at the office). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another way to do it is to use <a href="http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=100121&navAction=jump&navCount=0&nug=VPD&skuid=sku304572&id=prod4572">Vaseline ($2)</a>. The texture is a little gross, but it works the exact same way for 1/7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> the cost. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0D6IAWi-OTJjRy1gChPfPpreOTTQz0Yx3w6xRrRdCrTmCRjEueqRmtmoDzcy86x7A7LRh7ikIzY7DJpACob4uHH13KGDn5V0EbqPCL77XjiXeRdSo0KUbabJSax-jISZZ9krIkiy9Kdx/s320/prod-jelly.dms" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305756471510387954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 293px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I use both the same way - spread a bit over my eyelids with a cotton ball and then wipe it off with a fresh cotton ball or a cloth. It works so much better than soap and water - so there's really no excuse to not go all-out on your smokey eyes. </div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-86914513393413635582009-02-21T09:10:00.000-08:002009-02-21T09:23:09.347-08:00Raves and Reviews . . . Hollywood Lips<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLeHuNRnmL3lkGJeGApuqNcDXBPEI-bD3071tBQ4IrOtjUfofrYfminOe5OFfwCFLM6N33dYrvtg2jELrbWNgJXcE52hHGR23FEalVW_pA8x5zr0OKKbtzCmp0OsYyTXpcAj9l4y_3IGT/s1600-h/hollywood.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLeHuNRnmL3lkGJeGApuqNcDXBPEI-bD3071tBQ4IrOtjUfofrYfminOe5OFfwCFLM6N33dYrvtg2jELrbWNgJXcE52hHGR23FEalVW_pA8x5zr0OKKbtzCmp0OsYyTXpcAj9l4y_3IGT/s320/hollywood.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305301867772181346" /></a><br />A Pretty Analyst first! - A guest blog from our good friend <a href="http://thatneighbour.blogspot.com/">neighbour</a>:<div><br /></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:13.0pt;">Angelina? Scarlett? . . . middle-aged housewife?</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:13.0pt;">Since, <i>obviously</i>, everyone is always asking me how my lips always look so fabulous, I thought I'd let you in on the secret: <span style="color:#C33900;"><a href="http://www.hollywoodlipsonline.com/">Hollywood Lips.</a></span> I am not normally a lip-focused person. The only time I have ever worn lipstick other than for Halloween was at my wedding (and even then it made me nervous.), and I rarely wear anything other than <span style="color:#C33900;"><a href="http://www.burtsbees.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreView?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10051">Burt's Bee's</a></span> lip balm (which is also fantastic). Pretty much I am the equivalent of a vanilla-only ice cream person when it comes to lips. That is mostly because I need it to meet my requirements, which are:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:13.0pt;">a.) <b>look natural.</b> I want them to look kissable, not laughable.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:13.0pt;">b.) <b>be non-sticky.</b> Please, TELL ME the worst feeling ever is not having your hair get stuck on your lips (or your lips stuck to your lips if it is that bad).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:13.0pt;">c.) <b>easy to apply and long-lasting.</b> 'nuff said.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:13.0pt;">d.) <b>smell/taste good.</b> I have one lipbalm I only wear when my hubby is gone. He says the smell makes him feel like barfing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:13.0pt;">e.) <b>cheap.</b> duh.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:13.0pt;">Not to prostitute myself for this stuff or anything, but not only does it meet all of the above, but it also:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:13.0pt;">1.) <b>plumps</b> my lips and erases lines(not kidding-there is a difference!)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:13.0pt;">2.) <b>tingles</b> nicely (probably from the plumping)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:13.0pt;">3.) is <b>SUPER shiny</b> (makes lips look kissable and smooth)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:17px;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:13.0pt;">I stumbled across the Hollywood lips line by accident when I needed to spend a few more bucks on <span style="color:#C33900;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/">amazon.com</a></span> ($15) to get the free shipping, and I thought: what the hell, I'll try a coconut lip plumper and citrus sugar lip scrub. I tried it when it arrived, and was instantly HOOKED. So, my friends, since I care about (most of) you, I'm passing on this recommendation to the mother lode of fabulous lips. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-41077189876569944332009-02-20T09:09:00.001-08:002009-02-20T09:16:07.672-08:00Inner Beauty . . . Food for thoughtI thought that every now and then I'd post a little "Inner Beauty" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tid</span>-bit, just to remind us that it's not ALL about eyeliner and smelling pretty. It's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">alot</span></span> about eyeliner and smelling pretty, but not <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">entirely</span>. ; ) <div><br /></div><div>Every morning when I get off the subway (yes, there IS a subway in San Francisco) I run into the same woman handing out free newspapers. And every morning she's saying, "Newspaper? Happy Today!". Except she pronounced it like "Tuesday" without the S, so it's more like "Newspaper? Happy Too - day!". </div><div><br /></div><div>It makes me smile every morning. Happy Too - day! Sometimes the smile sticks with me all day. And it reminds me how the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">simplest</span> bit of wishing well to others can have an impact long beyond the moment itself. </div><div><br /></div><div>So readers, Happy Too-day to you! More <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">frivolous</span>, fabulous beauty tips to come soon. </div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-26872892281243191122009-02-19T15:05:00.000-08:002009-02-19T15:28:11.654-08:00ABP . . . . EEEEEE Bare Escentuals DealI'm bummed because I was waiting to craft my "How Bare <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Escentuals</span> Changed My Life" post until I had time to do it justice, but I just saw this great sample offer on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Facebook</span> and knew I had to do it NOW. <div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwv243Lh7ySt12oUPJG2KVWNYnW-Q_FUJxrnlhqvwsQocXhTI-6OCdgyrnzd3olLCEkjIAfWoybM5zZ5R8zqjZrs_l2ULrCKU8IfyKaVGxu1BYP7L7koPtrbRvjc35kdpjpLmiad5yW5J/s320/main_w.gif" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304649232602576930" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sephora.com/promo/bebag/">Click here</a> to take advantage of it!</div><div style="text-align: center;">There's a handy <a href="http://www.sephora.com/brands/bare-escentuals/static.jhtml?brandId=Bare+Escentuals&categoryId=C16461&pCat=C15800">Shade Finder</a> for you there too. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">BE (as we "users" call it) really did change my life. Before BE, I hated foundation. Before BE, I thought there was nothing to be done to control my shine. Before BE, well . . . life was a sad, dark, blotchy place. *Shiver*. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A good friend gave me a BE started kit for Christmas one year and I have to admit, it took me about a year to really figure out what to do with it. Then I did some research on the company and product for a firm I was working for, and I ended up doing a store visit to learn the product basics. There, they taught me the magical formula - Swirl, Tap, Buff! And voila! I learned how much coverage you could really get out of a powder made from minerals, and how soft your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">bronzer</span> could look when layer with the mineral veil. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The bottom line is this foundation is so gentle and natural looking, while providing significant coverage. The one complaint I've heard it that it doesn't always last through the day, so if long-wearing is a priority, you might want to keep looking. Otherwise, I highly recommend taking advantage of this sample and see what you think!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My picks: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">- <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P61003">BE Fairly Light Foundation with SPF 15</a> ($25)</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P61005&categoryId=B70">BE Warmth Multi-tasking Mineral </a>($18)</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P61004&categoryId=B70">BE Mineral Veil</a> ($19)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And yes, you CAN sleep in it. Which is why it's perfect to wear out dancing. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-33614219798462838372009-02-18T17:31:00.000-08:002009-02-18T17:46:44.819-08:00A better way . . . to make lip color lastSince MsGullible brought it up in a comment and it's something I'm always trying to figure out - here are some ideas for how to make lip color last longer:<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">1. Use liquid foundation or concealer as a base coat before applying. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Since I use a powder foundation, I don't do this on a daily basis, but I'll bust it out for a special occasion and it really does work. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">2. Try a lip primer. </span></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpKf8U1_Yrf285Wmrg0kWwvAATNr5m5aAFTo1g42SrBA4uIYesrhbWooJZfcxc0cDlDlSRXII3I2Jb9b50C5KOKo_rnqeNw5JW4oXiobc4YrWo1a1KhVxsPts-uzVOGfLbKdrUxjzkv5k/s200/P190247_hero.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304317793391118322" /></div><div>I suggest Guerlain's Kiss Kiss Lip Lift (<a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P190247&categoryId=B70">Sephora, $30</a>). It's ready to go, easy to use and never fails to do the trick. It's a great conditioner, too. Beware if you like your color glossy or creamy, this makes most of my lipsticks more matte than they were without it. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">3. Use a nude lip liner to line your lips and shade from the outside in. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a neat way to keep gloss from bleeding out and to give it a little more staying powder. Try NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Belle De Jour (<a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P78834&categoryId=B70">Sephora, $24</a>). </div><div><br /></div><div>Alright, it's a quickie tonight because I have an Excel training to run to - no joke, this is my life. </div><div><br /></div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-3482195235136662732009-02-17T18:51:00.000-08:002009-02-17T19:17:04.197-08:00Raves and Reviews: Caudalie's skincare<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>If there's one thing I love just as much as beauty products - perhaps even MORE than beauty products - it's wine. There's nothing like a glass of red wine after a long day filled with pivot tables and excel keyboard short-cutting. Mmmm. I know you know *exactly* what I mean. <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So really, how could I NOT get excited about a skincare line started by a vineyard using all-natural ingredients from their wine production. Enter - Caudalie. Yes, it's as sexy and French as it sounds. The story goes that two college sweethearts took a summer job at a winery and while he worked on the wine, she worked on the skincare. And then, viola! A very romantic premise to sell fancy cleaners and lotions was born. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I'll admit it, I'm in love with the idea of this line - but I have actually tried it and I do like the stuff too. I just picked up the full anti-aging skincare line for my mom (not that you need it, mom) and so we'll get her full report on that soon. But I've tried a few things myself and really love them: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Beauty Elixir</span> (<a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P6025&categoryId=C10479">Sephora, $15 for 1 ounce</a>)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This one is my favorite - It's a little hard to explain what it is because it really does everything. It's a toner, a fragrance, a primer, and a good way to set your makeup right before you walk out the door. My husband and I use it on our pillows at night (he's going to LOVE that I made that public) and I use it before my moisturizer in the mornings. I have friends at work who keep it at their desk and spritz a little whenever the number crunching starts to feel monotonous. It's a fun little treat that you can use so many ways - I've had the small bottle for a few months now and it's still going strong. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9fvRr8LftSocvPiJdq_qp0bWVdtHFVj9oGsD4wuMQJRgmRZWviyvl6A5vRuOo-xsJs5ZBcOJo__LJwpshN8B7C1GBI7QusW6PHwt3PnjOCK5Wsy9V1tXqccshSXJM5uucJsBBYUHo9fp/s200/BeautyElixir.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303968123358083730" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Contour Cream for Eyes and Lips </span>(<a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P6027&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=4171">Sephora, $53</a>)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I know I'm young and shouldn't need wrinkle cream, but I swear to you - I see the wrinkles. They're coming, I can just tell they are, and it makes me want to stop drinking through straws even though that means I'll be compromising the whiteness of my teeth. The world is full of cruel trade-offs . . . <br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewh8eVaiDO0jVfyATVu_DQHIkFQ7jqPLhT1a4pi7HOh38eEQxyIvJ9RkeA19HfWgWF0svCLopSWbDcYBeNDA-jvbMndSjTCEYxBELPN0-oaTI2DDK7wrj_RnLQrR9e4ggkI86PATtCyab/s200/Contour.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303970330852205666" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The reason I love this cream is that it's highly moisturizing - which is better for preventing wrinkles than hiding them. I got a sample of this with my last Sephora.com order and have been using the last week - in the short term, it works a lot like a makeup primer, making my foundation not crease so much in the little lines developing around my eyes and lips. But all the heavy duty moisturizers in it should be preventing more serious wrinkles from developing in the first place. For someone a little older who is more worried about hiding the wrinkles they already have, this may not be worth the price. But if you're 25 and hoping to put off that $100 eye cream you'll eventually feel compelled to buy - this will do the trick. <br /></div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051044752912712260.post-66537305777366594822009-02-08T15:42:00.000-08:002009-02-08T20:48:49.328-08:00A Better Way . . . to apply eyelinerI was listening to an interview recently with the makeup artist from American Idol. When asked what all women should wear on a daily basis she said, "eyeliner" - which was a shock to me since I have a love/hate relationship with eyeliner and still have a hard time putting it on correctly. She suggested that for an easy, soft every-day look, use an angled brush and apply a dark powder to the eyelash-line. <div><br /></div><div>I've been trying it the last few days and I love it! It is much more subtle than a liquid or even a pencil, but it still provides shape and definition for the eye. I use <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?categoryId=S4700&brandId=3865&view=all"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Stila's</span> angled brush</a> and <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P224725&categoryId=B70">Dior's Twilight</a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">compact's</span> navy blue. </div>The Pretty Analysthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07723377299025450318noreply@blogger.com0