Revlon Lip Gloss in Lilac Pastelle

Revlon Lipgloss in Lilac Pastelle

I picked this lipgloss up a few days ago from my local CVS.  I am totally captivated by anything that alludes to vintage ideas of beauty and plays up weird color combinations.  Pastel colors like these can be both sweet or innocent but I think that they can also be very futuristic feeling and edgy as well.

Overall, I really like it.  I wish it was just a bit more opaque but I like the milky pink/lilac that is left on my lips.  This gloss isn't too sticky but you can definitely feel it on your lips.  I think this is something I am going to often be reaching for in the coming month.

What do you think of the pastel craze that seems to be happening?  It's popular for nails, highlights in hair, cosmetics.  I am loving every aspect of it, especially when it is used to create an edgy/statement look.  I hope that this trend lasts for a little while.

"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!

2009 Fall Beauty Trends [according to Sephora]

According to the latest catalogue from Sephora, the fall beauty trends are:

The Cat Eye - I love this, classic and looks fantastic on everyone!
Candy Colors - LOVE this trend that is happening right now! Check out Limecrime Makeup, for some seriously intense colors that I am sure you will fall in love with! (Review to be up in the near future). Also, check out Shrinkle (see picture above - that's her!) and you will be sure to be impressed with some hardcore inspirational looks!
Extreme Smoky Eye - I've always loved this! And I don't think people should only wear it at night, I think that wearing a smoky eye during the day is like your own little, secret confidence booster!
Gray Eyes - As in gray eyeshadow all around the eye - romantic and sweet, I love this as well.

Bold Brows - I've yet to pull this one off that well, I have light/thin brows and it's hard to get out of my comfort zone with that. I enjoy darkening them but making them appear larger or bushier brings me to a level of nervousness and insecurity. I DO love them on other people though (i.e., Kat Von D).
Big Hair - Maybe because I was born in the 80's, I have an innate sense that this is such a great look for women or men (with the right haircut of course). The higher the hair, the closer to God? Nonetheless, I love it, give me teased, back-combed hair (done with a a touch of classiness and intent to make it look good). It is wonderful that we are going to get to see it all around us!
Dark Lips - Love, love, love them! Bold, vampy, and altogether sultry. I think a dark lip can ooze confidence and sex appeal. I think it shows the rest of the world you are comfortable in who you are. And I definitely don't think it needs to be reserved just for that Friday-night-out.

What are some of your favorite brands to achieve some of these trends? Any recommendations for me?