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May 2017

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation Illuminator

May 29, 2017

Today’s Thoughts

Today’s review will be for Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation Illuminator. But before we get there, today’s random thoughts.

The kitten, Petunia, is doing very well. It is looking increasingly like she will be joining our family.

As per usual, I had a million different thoughts going through my head for this post while I was in the shower. They have subsequently flown from my brain. But if you’re reading this, thank you for being here! I got my first two comments today and I’m stoked.

Oh, there’s a thought now. I saw a BuzzFeed post today entitled, “32 Tweets That Would Have Made No Sense 20 Years Ago.” Now, not to split hairs here, but…zero Tweets would have made sense 20 years ago because there were no Tweets. As I remember it, there was barely the Internet.

At that time, I remember barely having a grasp on email. In college, we were assigned an email on the VAX system, which I would describe if I had any idea what it was. But it basically looked like an HTML document. There were no graphics. Just words.

So if someone had said to me, “Hey, you can communicate with people, but you can only use 140 characters and spaces count,” I probably would have ignored that avenue of communication. Funny now that that form of communication is a cultural regularity.

But those were simpler times. I remember having to go to the library and research when writing a paper. Now, I have heard, if kids cite books as sources in their papers, they get points deducted because it’s outdated information. I cannot even wrap my brain around this.

In college, we used to spend hours in the library. Mostly we were screwing around, but still, it was a social experience. In an increasingly technologically advanced world, we’re losing those smaller social joys. And I’m not blind to the irony of this post, being that a) I’m sitting in my home writing it, not in an office; and that b) I never sit in an office. I work from home. I’ve chosen the most isolated route.

Even so, there’s an entire generation coming up in the world that doesn’t remember what life was like before computers, before everything was at our fingertips, and there was never a need to leave the house. Or express yourself in sentences longer than 140 characters. I can’t help but think that they’re missing out.

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation Illuminator

But, um, back to the lecture at hand ;). I found the Koh Gen Do brand while working on a movie called “Band-Aid” with Zoe Lister-Jones, where I worked as her assistant. She sent me to pick up some foundation by this company from a place called Frends Beauty Supply. To me, this name sounds like a place where you would find all of the most off-brand stuff ever, but it’s actually an amazing store.

Later that night I Googled Koh Gen Do and found a bunch of their products, and the Aqua Foundation Illuminator caught my eye. The idea is that you mix this in with your foundation to give your skin a kind of “glow,” much like might see on any red carpet starlet who is described as “dewy.”

First Impressions

The Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation Illuminator comes in three colors: white, beige, and soft pink. Initially, I went into the store intending to purchase the white, but after chatting with the salesgirl I decided to go with beige. She pointed out that the Illuminator can be used with or without foundation, and being half Italian I figured slathering white shimmer on my face might look a little unnatural.

Experience

The texture of the Illuminator is light and slippery, pretty much as you’d expect. I use the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation Illuminator in two ways. First, I mix it in with my foundation and a little bit of moisturizer for a fuller coverage effect. It adds a nice glow to my face and the combo feels like BB cream. Second, I’ll put the Illuminator straight onto my face after applying concealer under my eyes. I do this if I want a lighter look (like I’m not wearing foundation).

My preference is the second application. I have gotten some really nice compliments about my skin while wearing the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation Illuminator, which is nice because I don’t have great skin. I still break out all the time, as though I’m stuck in some sort of puberty limbo, and wrinkles are now joining the party. So I take any praise I can get.

Here are some comparisons of me without any makeup, with the Koh Gen Do Illuminator, and with a full face of makeup. Disclaimer: My mom told me my photos distort my face, so my face looks weird. Apparently I don’t know how to take a selfie with an iPhone. Not surprising, since based on this post I’m 105.

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation Illuminator Side by Side — Left, Bare Face; Middle, Illuminator Only; Right, Full Makeup

So as you can see from the middle photo, the Koh Gen Do Illuminator gives my face a nice sheen. For the full makeup, I put a layer of loose powder on top, but the Illuminator quickly comes through. Especially since I’m half Italian so I tend to “glow” anyways. (Translation: I have very oily skin).

Cost and Where to Buy

Koh Gen Do is not a drugstore brand, so it’s a little expensive. I bought my Illuminator, as I said, at a beauty supply store for around $40. You can get the Koh Gen Do Aqua Facial Illuminator at Sephora for $39, or at LovelySkin.com for a 20% discount at $31.20. You might be able to find it at a local beauty supply store, but I would call and check to make sure they carry the products first.

Final Thoughts

I would give the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation Illuminator a 9.5 out of 10. I love this stuff. The only reason I’m not giving 10/10 is the price is a little on the high side. However, I have had my bottle for a while and I still have a lot left. Granted, I don’t put on makeup every day, but I still think you can stretch a good few months from one bottle.

Did you try Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation Illuminator? Tell me what you think! Leave me a comment or message me here.

Gadgets

Amope Pedi Perfect Wet and Dry Electronic Foot File

May 25, 2017

Randomness

So my original goal was to write this post on Mother’s Day, after a night out with friends during which I had nothing to do except send well wishes to my mama back in Ohio. But my day went a little differently than I had planned.

My husband decided to go to a thrift store a few blocks away. This isn’t a regular occurrence, but I certainly didn’t find it alarming. So I settled in to catch up on some BravoTV “Southern Charm” time. As I was watching the show, the TV kept freezing (dammit, AT&T!), so I was on my phone trying to reboot the box when my husband started calling.

Since I was trying to reboot, I denied the call once. He called again: denied. He called a third time and now, annoyed, I picked up the phone. “What’s up?” I barked. (Not the most tactful person, especially when in the middle of a task that I’m desperately trying to complete so I can get my reality TV fix). “I found a kitten,” he replied.

Teeny Tiny

Petunia - Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Wet Dry Foot File - Beauty Chaos — This nugget.

Ah, yes. Those amazing and terrifying four words for any animal lover, especially one that already has a house full of cats (see previous entry). But what can you do? Huddled inside the upholstery of a discarded armchair, this little nugget had no mama or siblings in sight, just crying her little heart out.

So of course, I told him to bring her home. We took her to the emergency vet to make sure she was okay (which she is) and brought her home. She is four weeks old. Four weeks. I’ve never cared for anything that young, unless you count the lightning bugs we used to catch and put in jars as kids. And no, as you’re probably thinking, that never ended well.

Spay and Neuter Your Pets, People

So Petunia, as we have christened her, is the reason there was no post written on Mother’s Day. We went back again and searched around for a mama and siblings, but it quickly became clear that there were no relatives around. She loves to be snuggled and we are probably listing her with a local rescue, but kitten season in LA is so bad this year that there are thousands and thousands of kittens in need of homes.

Long story long, we are a five cat household for the time being. Truth be told, I’m not sure I can see giving this little one up. I mean, look at that face!

To the subject of today’s review, the Amope Pedi Perfect Wet and Dry Electronic Foot File.

Background

Truth be told, I’ve been searching for the perfect solution for the calluses on my feet for years. I took tons of ballet and modern dance classes all through college, and was a lifeguard and a long distance runner. Needless to say, my feet are usually pretty beaten up. My feet still suffer, even though it’s been a few years since I’ve taken a dance class, and a good while since I’ve been on a run.

I have tried just about every weird foot-torture device out there. The good, old fashioned foot file: The Ped-Egg (total waste of money. Didn’t work at all). The cheese grater looking thing, that I was later informed by a pedicurist was really, really bad for you and can cause an infection. My favorite, up until this point, had been the razor — you know, the one that is illegal in some states because it can do crazy damage. I still own one of those foot razors. Up until I got the Amope I would still pull it out in moments of desperation.

First Impressions

I received the Amope as a gift at Christmas. Is someone trying to tell me something? Anyways, I didn’t have very high hopes for this, after my experience with the Ped-Egg (seriously, the worst). But I thought, why not give it a shot? The device has two speeds, and there are different file attachments that can be put on depending on the severity of calluses. I am still using the files that came with the gift set.

Experience

The first time I tried the Amope Pedi Perfect Foot File, I used it on the dry setting. Well, not setting, per se, but used it dry. It worked beautifully. However, my mother recommended using it in the shower after your feet have softened up a bit. I have to say, her recommendation did not disappoint. My feet were soft and smooth afterwards, and I’m sure would have been even more beautiful had I put lotion on them. I didn’t, as I tend to fall down if I put lotion on my feet because I slip on my floors.

I’ve been using the Amope Pedi Perfect pretty consistently over the last five months. Although my feet still return to their callused, difficult selves, this device prevents the situation from getting totally out of control. Now, against my better judgment, here’s photos of my feet.

As you can see, there is a vast improvement between the before and after photos.

Cost and Where to Buy

You can find the Amope Pedi Perfect Wet and Dry Electronic Foot File at Walmart for $37.14, at Bed, Bath & Beyond for $59.99, and at Target for $59.99. As with a lot of products, there are sellers listing for a lot less on eBay, but you don’t really know what you’re getting. Each package comes with a charging station, a unit, and a couple extra files. Amope also makes a simple callus remover, if you’re not into the whole wet/dry to do.

Summing Up

I’d give the Amope Pedi Perfect Wet and Dry Electronic Foot File an 8.5 out of 10. Yes, it’s not perfect, but it does a great job. I haven’t had to recharge mine yet, though it’s been in my shower for months. I use it at least once a week. If your feet need extra care like mine do and you don’t have time or finances to go get biweekly pedicures, this is a great way to keep your feet in at least passable shape.

Have you tried out the Amope File? Let me know by leaving a comment or contacting me here!

Cosmetics

ELF Poreless Face Primer

May 22, 2017

Random Thoughts

On the docket for today is ELF’s Poreless Face Primer. But first, some randomness, as promised in my original conception of this blog. It’s so funny, because while I was in the shower (which is where I always get ideas) I had tons of things to write about. The trick is getting them all on the computer before they fly out of my head. Which happens quickly :).

I have four cats living in my home currently. It’s not like I have wayward cats just stopping by; I say I have four currently because two are foster cats. So maybe I do have wayward cats. Bottom line, I have two more than I usually do.

I also have a robot vacuum, a Bobsweep to be precise. And I love the robot vacuum. I’m fairly certain about 80% of my life is spent vacuuming when I don’t use the Bob (that’s his name). Unfortunately, one of the cats got scared of the Bob last time I ran him, and peed on one of the couch cushions. So now, Bob is just another piece of furniture that I stare at longingly when I’m vacuuming. With the regular vacuum.

So there’s the random thoughts for today. Onto ELF’s Poreless Face Primer. Now I, like most women, spent most of my youth not wearing foundation. In fact, I thought for years that it aged me. I look back on those days fondly. With what I would define as starting-to-be-aging skin, foundation definitely makes all the difference in whether I look 27 or 47.

For years, I also did not indulge any thoughts of “primer,” except on special occasions where I was being made up by a makeup artist. Again, I remember these days fondly, for now I put on primer sometimes when I’m not even putting on foundation. It offers a nice, even finish to apply loose powder or highlighter or whatever.

First Impressions

I would like to mention that, even as I’m writing this, one of my cats (the jerk) is tearing at the corner of my shag rug. I’m sure I’ll talk more about him later. At first glance, I really like ELF Cosmetics. The aesthetic of the brand is simple, something akin to MAC, perhaps, very clean with simple black packaging. I wish it were more mainstream, as I often have to go hunting for it in the drugstore and usually find it on the end of an aisle somewhere.

The consistency of the product is hard to describe. It almost feels like liquid powder, if that makes any sense. It’s slippery but light.

More Thoughts

By the time I got around to buying ELF Cosmetics Poreless Primer, I had already tried a few ELF products. So I kind of knew the caliber of the brand, which I think is good. ELF always stacks up well in product comparisons that I’ve read on other blogs, so I was optimistic.

Now, I have huge pores. Cavernous. Surface of the moon. And it’s just getting worse as I get older. I’ve always been envious of those girls with perfect skin. I have a few girlfriends whose skin looks like its been airbrushed all the time. I want to kick them, just a little bit.

So here’s me starting out without makeup today. This gives me a ridiculous amount of anxiety — I hate looking at photos of myself without makeup. But I think this is something a lot of women struggle with and my new rule is that I have to do things that scare me and be brave. So here:

I don’t know if that gives an accurate representation of what my pores look like, but I’ll spare everyone the close-up of my nose. Now, the next photo is me with just the primer on my face, pre-makeup application.

Still not great, but markedly less shiny. And my pores aren’t jumping out at me anymore, demanding that someone use them as swimming holes or something.

Better, right? This is me with the primer, undereye concealer, ELF Loose Powder and Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, one coat. Not going to win any awards, but also not going to scare anyone at the pet store.

Cost and Where to Buy

ELF Cosmetics Poreless Primer can be found on the ELF Cosmetics website for $6, Amazon for $5.99, or at your friendly CVS store for $8.00.

Summing Up

I’d give ELF Cosmetics Poreless Primer an 8 out of 10. I’m definitely incorporating primer into my makeup routine from now on, and I think this does what it sets out to do. The price is very good. My only complaint is that I think sometimes it makes me break out. But not always. Yeah, I thought that would end when I left my teens, too. Surprise!

Want me to try a different primer? Leave me comment or send me a message!

Cosmetics

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

May 8, 2017

I picked up a tube of Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara over Christmas in Ohio. It’s funny, I almost just typed “Christmas break” as though I’m not a grown up who hasn’t had a Christmas break in…a long time. And no, I’m not a teacher so there’s no reason for “Christmas break.” As a matter of fact, I had gall bladder surgery over this “Christmas break,” so it was more of a chore than a celebration

Anyway, I bought a tube of this in Ohio at Sephora while shopping with my friend Caitlin. We were there on a post-Christmas shopping trip and I was doing my best not to buy everything in the store. Mascara displays were everywhere, so I decided mascara would be (one of) my purchases (I have no self control, okay?).

First Impressions

The tube is adorable. I like pink. And Caitlin’s eyelashes look amazing, so why not? I’m a loyal Diorshow addict, but I should step outside of my comfort zone and try new things.

Experience

So I took some photographs so you don’t have to just take my word for it: this mascara is great. My eyelashes are naturally pretty good; they’re not super thick, but they’re pretty long, so I’m always looking to boost volume. Here is a photo of my eyes pre-mascara (No judgment please! I’m wearing no makeup and the lighting is bad.)

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara - Beauty Chaos — I know, my hair looks awesome, too.

So that’s me, pre-mascara. There are a lot of layers here so bear with me. In this next photo, I have one coat of mascara on my left eye, but not the right.

Next, I put a second coat on my left eye. Despite the crudity of my photography skills with my iPhone, I think you can see there’s a definite difference between the two eyes.

This next image is two coats on the left eye, one coat on the right eye. I told you, I did my due diligence here. Again, forgive the images. I see the shadows are annoying. Sorry ???? Finally, two coats on both eyes.

If I were only allowed one item of makeup, it would be mascara. Or concealer. Or lip gloss. Okay, I can’t choose one. But I will say this: when I run out to the grocery store or whatever, if I put one cosmetic on my face, it’s mascara.

Cost and Where to Buy

Like I said earlier, I got Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara at Sephora for $23. Ulta also carries Too Faced for $23, and lots of department stores such as Macy’s carry Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara for around the same price. So it’s a little steep, but I think it’s worth it.

Summing Up

Overall, I would rank Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara 9.5 out of 10. I love it, it’s amazing, but the price is the only gating factor. I would like to try Too Faced’s other mascara products, like their waterproof mascara and their Better Than False Lashes Extreme! Instant Lash Extension Kit. Wow, that’s a long name.

Want me to try some crazy makeup? Message me here!

Fitness

Do Yoga With Me Review

May 8, 2017

I love yoga. Yoga might be my favorite form of exercise, even though I do cardio because I have to in order to eat more than celery all day. But yoga is my workout of choice. I was first introduced to yoga during a dance class my freshman year of college, and ever since then, it’s been a staple of my workout routine.

My problem is, I don’t always have the time (or funds) to get out and take a yoga class. While I would agree with most instructors that taking a class is preferable so the instructor can offer corrections, et cetera, often I do not have the opportunity to get to a studio. Even though there are a million of them in LA.

In 2006, David Procyshyn, founder of Canadian-based Do Yoga With Me, began recording his own instructional videos to put online. The site expanded as more instructors became involved and more students found the website. Do Yoga With Me lists as a commitment to the yoga community that they will do their best to maintain free access for the worldwide yoga community. Awesome, right? The website features classes ranging from Beginner to Advanced, with classes from 0 to 90 minutes. The video page allows for searches based on parameters such as level, length, and instructor.

Just in case that isn’t enough, there are yoga challenges that are put together by the instructors. I’m currently in the middle of the 30-Day Transform Your Life challenge, and I’m amazed at how much my strength and flexibility has changed in the last 22 days. There are also specific pages on the site that have videos demonstrating Pranayama, or yoga breathing exercises; yoga tutorials, which focus on subjects like how to prevent knee injuries in pigeon pose and how to activate your pelvic floor; and a Meditation section which houses a score of meditation videos.

First Impressions

I can’t remember how I found Do Yoga With Me. Perhaps I was doing a search for free yoga classes or online yoga classes. At any rate, this site has been a godsend. The instructors are great, the videos are easy to follow, and I’ve learned a ton from making my own adjustments. I’m not sure how good of a tool the site would be for someone who has never practiced yoga, as I think the classroom instruction is definitely essential.

Experience

I think for someone who has been practicing yoga for years, this site is an incredible tool. Best of all, I can take it with me when I travel (which isn’t that often, but still, being able to take your yoga instructor with you wherever you go is pretty great). I love the backdrop of the outdoor videos, which are often filmed near the water or in lush, green parks. I will continue to use this site for as long as they continue to publish videos!

Cost

Did I mention that Do Yoga With Me is free?! Love. That. The site owners ask for pay as you can donations so that they can keep the site free, and if you join the Do Yoga With Me Plus Community, you gain access to more videos. The Plus membership costs $5 a month, but the videos are plentiful and it’s a great option if you need more variety in your practice.

Summing Up

Overall, I’d give Do Yoga With Me a 9.75 out of 10. The only reason I take of that 0.25 point is for those who might be starting out and need more individualized instruction. But for someone who has enough experience, Do Yoga With Me is an amazing option. Well done, guys!

Have a fitness craze you want me to try? Message me here!

Nails

Seche Vive Gel Effect Top Coat

May 4, 2017

Seche Vive Gel Top Coat is by far one of my new favorite things. I love getting gel manicures. I’m hard on my nails, with all the typing I do, so they’re perfect for me. Regular manicures usually chip within a day, maybe two if I’m lucky.

However, gel manicures are really hard on my nails. I found that after a few times of going and getting the nails soaked off, when the new polish was applied and my fingers were put under the UV light, I would feel a very uncomfortable burning sensation. Not terrible, but definitely not good.

So I decided to forego any more gel manis and do my own nails with regular polish. Getting your nails done is expensive, and with the way I go through regular manicures there’s no point. Plus, I like doing my own nails; it allows me time to catch up on my Netflix or OnDemand queue and take some time for myself!

Fast forward a bit, and gel manicure home kits start appearing all over the place. But they still use the UV light device and I couldn’t bring myself to face that weird stinging pain again (seriously, it’s almost indescribable. Almost like nerve pain? I don’t know.).

Finally, the nail polish companies started putting out these gel top coats that don’t require UV light. Score! I could barely contain my excitement. Not only do they not require the light, but you can use these gel top coats over regular polish. Double score!

First Impressions

So I actually stumbled on this particular product by mistake. I was at Ross (which is like Marshall’s or TJ Maxx, for those not out west) and I decided to pop in to Sally Beauty Supply next door. At the time, I was using the new Essie Gel Top Coat (also a good product), and I needed a new bottle. When I couldn’t find any Essie products, I asked the salesgirl for a suggestion, and she showed me the Seche Vive Gel Top Coat. The bottle is pretty, and the best part was the price – about half of what I was paying for Essie.

Experience

When I settled down to try the Seche Vive Top Coat, I was pleasantly surprised at the consistency. While a lot of the new gel top coats have a thick consistency, Seche Vive’s is more akin to regular top coats. The company suggests putting on a “heavy coat over dry nail polish,” so I really globbed (is that a word?) it on. It dried almost immediately, which is just a blessing for anyone who has ever experienced giving themselves a four hour manicure while waiting for polish to harden.

Seche Vive has a nice, glossy finish, just like a regular gel manicure. While my mani with this top coat does not last as long as a salon gel mani, it definitely lasts much longer than a manicure with a regular top coat.

Cost and Where to Buy

The price of the Seche Vive Gel Top Coat is, I think, one of the best things about this product. I think I got it for around $4 at Sally Beauty Supply. Beauty Plus Salon currently has it for $2.99 (!), and Amazon has it for $5.81. Compared to some of the other good gel top coats out there, Seche Vive definitely has one of the best prices.

Summing Up

I would give the Seche Vive Gel Top Coat a 9 out of 10. I have definitely added it into my regular rotation of beauty products. Because it doesn’t last quite as long as a regular gel manicure, I can’t give it a 10 out of 10. But it’s damn close.

Want me to try another top coat? Message me here!

Beauty, Hair Care

Dr. Dennis Gross Anti-Aging Scalp Serum

May 1, 2017

As most women of any age can understand, I am slightly obsessed with keeping my hair looking nice. This has become even more true as I have left my 20s and entered my 30s, finding my first gray hairs and battling a general unruliness that I don’t remember having all my life. Of course, this could just be perspective. I remember thinking my hair was terrible when I was a teenager.

Looking at photos from that period of my life, I wish my hair looked as effortlessly good when I threw it up into a messy ponytail now as it did back then.

Fortunately, the hair care industry has a category solely designed to deal with aging hair. I have done a lot of reading recently regarding this niche, and how it is very important to care for not just your hair, but your scalp as well.

Enter Dr. Dennis Gross Root Resilience Anti-Aging Scalp Serum. Wow, that is a mouthful. This serum promises to “reinvigorate the scalp.” It is designed for anyone with aging hair, wanting fuller hair, and wanting more shine. Dr. Gross Anti-Aging Serum contains amino acids, peptides, and vitamins that are supposed to “nourish hair follicle and root” so the hair can resist breakage and counteract damage from heat styling.

First Impressions

Although Dr. Dennis Gross’ website had nothing but glowing reviews for this product, Amazon’s customers were a bit more discerning. Many complained about the scent of the serum, which didn’t bother me.

The instructions are to use three to five pumps on wet or dry scalp (ideally after using Root Resilience Shampoo and Conditioner, of course). The serum is nice and light, and does give my hair a bit of a boost when I massage the serum into my scalp. But this could also be from the scalp massage.

Experience

After using Dr. Dennis Gross Anti-Aging Scalp Serum for a few weeks, I’m not all that impressed. Although it does give my hair a bit of a boost right after application, that lift fades quickly. I have not seen a big difference in the condition of my hair. The serum is nice and light, so that’s a plus. It doesn’t weigh down my already oily roots.

Cost and Where to Buy

The serum can be found on the Dr. Dennis Gross website, on LovelySkin.com for $54. Overstock has it a little cheaper at $43.49 plus $4.95 shipping. There are several bottles listed on eBay as well at much cheaper prices, usually under $20.

Summing Up

I’d give Dr. Dennis Gross Anti-Aging Scalp Serum a 6 out of 10. The company is cruelty free and vegan, which is always a plus, but the product didn’t wow me. I expected more based on what was promised. At $54, I’d like to be impressed, and I wasn’t.

Got a product or beauty treatment you’d like me to try? Contact me here!