Rosacea is a pretty common skin condition but surprisingly few of us are aware that we have it. We just think we have mottled skin with uneven tone that flushes easily, coupled with occasional and seemingly random irritated red bumps on our cheeks that never become full-fledged zits. Awesome.
Wendy’s Rosacea and sun damage (even with daily sunscreen!)
As you’re probably already learning from this blog, I think of hair as an important accessory to be styled along with your look. And if you know me personally, you’ve heard me say more than once how important my relationship with my hairstylist is. Here follows a beautiful story of commitment … and many, many hair styles.
Here we are in 2003, right before I moved to Oregon for grad school
Last week, I told you about the Dior Event that Wendy and I attended at Neiman Marcus. Dior National Make-up Artist Jeffrey Sanchez created a dramatic smoky eye look for me that I loved, but as far as what to purchase, I wanted something more suitable for a daytime, office make-up look. With some consultation from one of the Dior make-up artists, I ended up with this:
I was skeptical when a girlfriend insisted I go to a roller derby bout. I imagined it to be like WWF on skates: loud, tacky and above all staged, with rough looking half-naked women putting on a display for the sole amusement of drunken men. I thought it was anti-women, and I put it off for as long as I could.
When I finally gave in and went to a bout she gave me the “I told you so” look: I was mesmerized. All of my impressions had been wrong in the best possible ways.
Hell Marys vs. The Hustlers 2011. © Felicia Graham Photography.
A few weeks ago, Wendy and I each received surprise FedEx packages from our friends at Neiman Marcus. Inside was a Christian Dior black pouch with sample products and this invite to an upcoming Dior event. We made appointments right away.
Last Friday, I was a bridesmaid for the first time in my dear friend Katy’s wedding. It was a BEAUTIFUL wedding, and I’m fairly certain we were the hottest bridal party ever.
During the course of bridesmaid-hood, fellow bridesmaid Lindsey A. (not to be confused with bridesmaid Lindsey H.) asked if I could help her with her wedding day make-up. Like me, she was on a tight budget and looking to economize. However, since I’d be doing my own hair and make-up, I knew I wouldn’t have time to also do her make-up day of. What I did do was help her plan out a make-up strategy and aid in a make-up shopping extravaganza.
As with any event prep, I told Lindsey to start by pulling make-up looks for inspiration. She tore out various magazine ads, and the one that emerged as the top candidate was this Revlon ad with Jessica Alba. We were all wearing floor-length gowns, so it was totally appropriate to wear a more evening make-up look. Lindsey especially liked the eye make-up in this ad. It was a great choice, because Lindsey has similar skin and hair coloring as Jessica.
I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about Dior mascaras, so when I received a sample of Dior Extase Mascara I was excited to try it!
The claim: “A revolutionary formula with spectacular plumping volume that glides over the lashes to coat them one by one. Enriched with Metamorphosis Powder and spherical black pearl pigments, it is specially designed to amplify lash volume and deliver deep intensity to the eyes in a single stroke. …the brush with its exclusive couture design combines two types of fibers to coat and comb the lashes for guaranteed volume.”
In early September, Wendy and I attended Neiman Marcus’s Beauty Event Preview Party. That night, we spent a good amount of time chatting with a ReVive representative, learning about their line of skincare products developed by a plastic surgeon. The representative generously gave us both several sample products. Of the selection, I decided to give the Fermitif Neck Renewal Cream a trial run. I remember the sales rep saying it was the product most recommended from other vendors. It was a 0.5 oz sample jar, which with twice a day application lasted around six weeks. I have to admit, I was very surprised by the results. Continue reading
