China Glaze 'Afterglow' Nail Polish

China Glaze nail polish in 'Afterglow'

This is 2 coats.

I bought this polish after I saw it on Scrangie's blog.  It's awesome.  It looks weird in the bottle, like a milky peach color but when you apply it, it's sheer and flickers/flashes blue in certain lights.  If it is not catching light, it looks like a kind of warm, sheer peach. I think it's a flattering color that isn't accurate when looking at the color in the bottle.  I bet this would also look awesome layered over other polishes, too.

MAC 'Viva Glam Gaga' Lipstick Swatch

MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick (Lady Gaga Lipstick)

MAC describes this lipstick as a cool-blue pink shade.  It's great and I think it would be wonderful layered over other lipsticks as well (if it's not opaque enough for you).  At first I thought it might be similar to MAC California Dreamin' but I find this Viva Glam lipstick to be a bit more full coverage (though not totally) and more vibrant, less subdued. 

This is limited edition, get yours while you can and help support the fight against AIDS/HIV.  This shade sold out quick at first, I had to preorder it and then pick it up a few weeks later.  Ah, I am really liking creamy pink lipsticks like this right now.

L.A. Girl Black Light Nail Polish in 'Groovy'

A rich purple/fuschia creme that is vibrant and bright.  Perfect for Spring/Summer 2010.

I love this L.A. Girl nail polish.  However, I hate the name.  I wish it was named something much more futuristic and cool sounding because then it would match how I feel when I wear it.

"Decades of Beauty: The Changing Image of Women, 1890's to 1990's" Review

Amazon gives this book the following description:

'Decades of Beauty' charts the history of female beauty decade-by-decade from the end of the Victorian era to the present day. It highlights major changes which have affected the female image over the years, from corsets to the invention of nylon stockings, false eyelashes and the Wonderbra. Also investigated is the influence of the media on images of femininity. Each decade is split into specific subjects including Faces in Vogue, Fashion and Accessories, Films and Media and Cosmetics. Key personalities and innovators of feminine style are profiled.

I had a friend borrow me this book a couple of months ago and I finally got around to taking a really good look at it last weekend.  I have to say that I am totally impressed. 

Foremost, I thought that this book was beautifully put together.  The collection of pictures of cosmetics, products, clothing and starlets of the various decades was in itself enough to keep me flipping through the pages.  Personally, I find it intriguing to see how products and package design have changed over time (for various reasons including materials availability, aesthetic evolution, etc.)  I also like to see what women were considered the icons of the decades, I think that it can give insight into beauty standards and societal influences on what is or is not considered beautiful.

I also thought that this book was easy to read from both front to back but you could also pick it up and look at a particular decade with ease.  It was so interesting to read about various cosmetics that were used in the past (that weren't necessarily the greatest for peoples' health) and it was enlightening to see how cosmetics trends have changed over time.  This book also delved into fashion and how clothing styles have changed and evolved with each decade.  The explanations of each decade were thorough without going too

 technical, so it was still entertaining.  I wouldn't say that this book is full of humor but it has a light-hearted but still educational feel that was really nice to experience.  It might sound weird but I felt good after I read this book.

Pros - insightful, interesting and thought provoking.  A fairly thorough look at both cosmetic and fashion trends over the past hundred years, without becoming too much to take in and process.  Full of pictures that illustrate various points beautifully.  A great coffee table book that is sure to spark conversation.

Cons - Expensive!!!!  You have to work hard to find an affordable copy of this book - scour eBay and used bookstores!

Lancome RÉNERGIE MICROLIFT R.A.R.E. Superior Lifting Cream SPF 15 Sunscreen

According to Sephora, RÉNERGIE MICROLIFT R.A.R.E. Superior Lifting Cream SPF 15 Sunscreen:

Inspired by the latest lifting techniques, Lancôme invents a non-surgical face lift with R.A.R.E.™ technology - re-bundling and repositioning effect.

Breakthrough oligopeptide doubles protein links to re-bundle collagen*. Skin appears lifted and firmed. 25,000 microlifts** immediately smooth wrinkles.
After 4 weeks see the repositioning effect: lifted brows, firmed cheeks, tightened jawline. Face visibly recovers its natural contours and looks years younger.

* In vitro test shows increase in Lumican (protein links) multiplied by up to 2.15.
** On average, women ages 40-55 have over 25,000 micro points on the face. Rénergie    Microlift R.A.R.E.™ targets these points to tighten, lift and firm skin.

Now, I received a sample size version (0.5 oz.) of this lotion/sunscreen as part of a gift.  Even though I received a smaller size, it is lasting me a long time. 

Please note, that personally I am in no way needing a facelift or help with wrinkles (yet).  But, I do enjoy a good moisturizer that has sunscreen in it that makes me feel good when I put it on in the morning as opposed to greasy, icky sunscreens that make me feel bad all day.  So I will review this cream from that mindset.

Pros - smells great (soft, delicate and slightly floral), makes my skin feel soft and smooth after it soaks in a bit, SPF 15 (sunscreen is a must everyday!), a little goes a long way (but don't skimp on sunscreen, you could even mix a bit of this with an alternate sunscreen if you wanted), great for preventative skin care.

Cons - Expensive ($80 for 1.7 oz. at Sephora - see if you can get a sample before you buy!)

Overall, I love this cream.  It feels great and I look forward to using it more!

Disclaimer: I received this product as a gift.