How do you store your makeup?

I have a lot of makeup--notice I didn't say "too much" or "a ridiclous amount"? Pfft, like there is such a thing. Here is my storage solution--an old "secretary' desk of my Mom's.

Isn't that color fabulous! It's an aqua shade which I guess was used in kitchens in the early 60's. You can see it's old and the paint is chipping off, but I kinda like it that way; shabby chic, no? It's perfect because it has drawers to keep seasonal products, like the tinted moisturizer I only use in the summer. Plus... it has little cubbies! I keep all my Chanel eye shadow palettes in one cubby, my Dior palettes in another, misc. palettes in another--um, after typing that I may be a  little OCD ya think? I bought some clear plastic organizers from Target where I keep my blushes, single eye shadows, eyeliners, mascaras, and various odds and ends.  I would love to hear how you store your makeup--send me a pic or two!!

And last, my kitty sitting on the antique piano stool where I sit and put on my makeup :) P.S.-this is an older picture, I has since ahem, acquired a bit more makeup.

Frugal Friday - Revlon Colorstay Mineral Mousse Makeup

Let me say, I am truly impressed with this foundation. Although I am 50 *cough, mumble, mumble* something, I still have combination skin and can get a bit shiny in the T zone by midday. It's a constant struggle to find a foundation that has good coverage without looking like a mask, contains some moisture and doesn't end up sliding off said T zone by noon. Revlon Colorstay Mineral Mousse makeup lives up to its claim of lasting all day--16 hours they say, I didn't time it--just know it made it through a workday and beyond. The texture is extremely lightweight and seems to melt into the skin. This is definitely a matte finish, but not thick or cakey. There are 10 shades available and I was able to choose the perfect shade the first time because there is clear stripe on the tube so you can see the color. I highly recommend this foundation for normal to combo skin types. Priced at $11-14.


If you have drier skin, Revlon Colorstay with SoftFlex gets great reviews and has the same long lasting benefits. Revlon Age Defying with Botafirm also comes in a hydration rich formula.

All Revlon products can be found at drugstores nationwide. And always look for BOFOF (buy one get one free) or BOGOHO (buy on get one half off) sales.

I purchased this item myself.

Deal of the Week - Lorac Starter Kit for Only $18.50!!

Lorac has done it again! This starter kit is a great way to try Lorac cosmetics at a terrific price--$18.50. Founder Carol Shaw (Lorac is Carol spelled backwards), is a makeup artist who found her destiny after having a makeover at a Beverly Hills salon as a teenager. Carol creates treatment based makeup and puts care before color never sacrificing either. Read more about Carol here.

The Starter Kit includes:

3 eyeshadows in Cappuccino-light brown with sheen, Harmony-peach with sheen and Persuasion--creamy beige with sheen.

2 Lip Polishes in Delicious, a mauve shimmer and Bliss, a light taupe shimmer

Front of the Line liquid eyeliner in Black

2 Cream Lipsticks in Eloise and Charity--no descriptions yet

A mini TANtalizer Baked Bronzer--this bronzer has a cult following, no kidding!

A double ended eyeliner/eyeshadow brush

Lorac is one of my favorite brands, they make quality products at great prices. This is not teenybopper makeup, but suitable for us mature women. Even the "shimmer" eyeshadows are very subdued, actually more like sheen.


I especially love the palettes Carol creates, Snake Charmer is my very favorite palette of all time. Give this brand a try!

Fall 2009 Makeup Trends - The Color Purple!

Even though the thermometer outside my window says 90º, summer is almost over and the fall makeup collections have already started to hit stores. Dark dramatic eyes and bold lips are dominating the runways this year. Choose either the eyes or lips to be the focus but not both. The rest of the face should stay neutral with sheer foundation and barely there cheeks.

Smokey eyes in rich purples, grays and dark earthy tones will add drama. For a more feminine look, metallics in gold, silver and bronze add some sparkle to the eye.

Brows are au natural so put down the tweezers!

If your focus is on the lips, look for bright red and berry shades. Reds can range from crimson to brick to deep burgundy. This gives all skin tones a chance to participate in the trend. Purple makes an appearance again using pale lavenders to deep berries.

Nails echo the trends for eyes with golds and bronze and dark purple and deep burgundy.

Check back to see specific recommendations on brands and shades for fall 2009!

Introducing Ashley--She's kind of a big deal

Readers, I am thrilled to bring you an interview with my dear friend Ashley. She is an experienced freelance makeup artist who has worked with Prescriptives and Laura Mercier among others. Ashley is smart, funny, skilled and knows a helleva lot about makeup, not to mention that she is downright adorable! I could go on forever talking about Ashley’s talents, but let’s get to it, shall we?

PB: Should your makeup technique change with age? How?

Ashley: I don't know that your technique as far as application should change, but as a mature woman you don't want to walk around wearing 'dated' make-up, such as bright blue eyeliner and coral lipstick... although those are just generalizations.

PB: What are your top three makeup tips for middle aged women?

Ashley: Wear bronzer, choose an eyeshadow that can be worn as a wash everyday and a good plum lipstick for an everyday look. Also, a nice and emoliant moisturizer plumps the skin and makes you look healthy.

PB: What is the biggest makeup mistake women make?

Ashley: Trying to be too trendy. Editorial photo shoot makeup is not intended for everyday use. Find a look that compliments you, not 14 yr. old models in overpriced clothes.

PB: What are 3-5 products a woman should have in her makeup bag at all times?

Ashley: -A good mascara, I prefer Prescriptives Beyond Long in Black (always black!!) it is water and sweat resistant.

-Bronzer--Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess is a great one, that won't go orange on you

-A good under eye concealer

-Blush-- Laura Mercier Wild Bouquet looks great on both warm and cool skin tones


PB: How do you decide what colors or shades to use on a particular person?

Ashley: I tend to ask a lot of questions. I don't want the person to go too far out of their comfort zone. I like to take time and find looks that the person can use for everyday use and then add on a couple of items that will take them into an evening look. If a woman always wears browns and golds, I will try to incorporate some plum or green.

PB: What is your favorite “look” to do?

Ashley: My favorite thing to do with a client is to look thru her makeup bag. I need to know what I am working with, and go from there. Everyday looks are my favorite. I do enjoy doing evening makeup, but have to be honest that smokey eyes and over-bronzed looks are not my fav and scream sorority girl! I like a classy look.

Me too, Ashley! Thank you so much!!