Friday, April 8, 2011

The Friday Forum - April 8

These beautiful little flowers, Celandine Buttercups, also called Fig Buttercups - or aliens, weeds, invasive plants, and all kinds of unflattering things - were on my property when I moved in. They are cheerful plants this time of year, when their glossy green foliage appears, quickly followed by a profusion of little yellow flowers. Once they bloom and go to seed, they disappear entirely underground, only to come again next year. I enjoy them and have shared them with others delighted by carpets of color. Even a friendly Fairfax County police officer, who used to drop by to chat now and then while on patrol, took some home. I wonder to this day if the plants took over his spring garden.

This week flew by, with crazy swings in the weather here. How could we be suffering from pollen when it's 30 degrees some mornings? At least the grass hasn't grown out of control because my lawn guy hasn't been here to mow yet. Saving money while suffering!

I have been featuring skin care this week. I thought I might finish telling you about everything on my list, but I probably won't. I hope you are enjoying the discussion. I still have about five more products I want to spotlight. I'll get to them because they are great and I think you need to know about them. You thought it was lipstick week? I can see why!

I have watched more television than ever before since my surgery forced me to slow down for awhile. I started watching American Idol, and I think most (not all) of the singers remaining are very talented. Last night, I went crazy when Pia Toscano was eliminated. She was one of the best and I, along with many, thought she might win. In case you haven't been watching, Pia is a former makeup artist with a big voice. I shouldn't watch these shows - they make me angry.

It looked like Jennifer Lopez was upset at the end, but I think JLo played a role in Pia's upset, by criticizing her when she praised so-so performances (supposedly trying to "help take her to the next level"). Whatever that means. I also think they did her no favors with that jumpsuit and look designed by Gwen Stefani. It was hideous. As the result was announced at the end, the Twitter world went nuts, with many saying they wouldn't watch the show again or demanding a recount. If you want to read an online piece about why she might have been eliminated, click here.

I was upset when Susan Boyle lost on Britain's Got Talent - lost to a dance group, Diversity. I think she got the last laugh, making millions from her albums, with her angelic voice. Has anyone heard about dancers Diversity since? Pia's elimination could follow that trend. Surely a record producer will pick her up. She's the new Jennifer Hudson (can you believe she was also eliminated?). I wish Pia the best (she's a "beauty gal") and expect/hope to hear great things from her.

What's new in your life? It's time for The Friday Forum. We use the forum to share information and chat. Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By Monday, most readers have moved on.

My giveaway contest for the Ombres Perlées de Chanel eye shadow palette ends tomorrow night. If you haven't entered and want a chance to win, just click on this link and comment.

Another reminder...Neiman Marcus has InCircle next week. While getting points (for little reward) to spend money is off my radar, the beauty products aren't. Neiman Marcus is receiving a lot of new goodies just in time for InCircle, and there will be many gifts with purchase. Some of them are especially nice. So, if you live near a Neiman Marcus, you will want to check in late next week.

Photo by BTiB

21 comments:

KathyT said...

Well I haven't discovered anything new, but my wish list has grown tremendously after seeing the swatches for Dior Addict lipsticks and for Chanel Coco Shine lipsticks. I just haven't been able to make it to the mall yet. I am very interested in your skincare reviews because I need to refine my own routine. I have need some help for aging skin, but I also have oily skin. It's hard to find something that addressed both issues. I guess I do have one new discovery that you are responsible for - Ocu-Soft Eyelid scrubs. They are great, and I will never go without them.

I don't watch American Idol, but I heard the news stories this morning about it. How strange!

Thanks for all you do! Will you be reviewing any more Coco Shine lipsticks? I have my eye on Monte Carlo, but I need to see it in real life. I also might need to jump onto the Edward Bess bandwagon.

Have a great weekend!

KathyT said...

Ummm...sorry for the typos. Not enough coffee!

Eileen said...

Goodmorning everyone. I don't watch American Idol, but I caught the end of it last night because I do watch Bones. I was perplexed because I had no idea as to why everyone seemed so upset. There were some missed notes in her performance, but overall it was pretty solid. I thought the others must be really, really good if she was the one going home. I didn't learn until this morning that she was the one so many people thought would win. It reminds me of Dancing with the Stars last year when far better dancers/performers were being eliminated while the ever so clumsy Crystal Palin remained. Oh well, that 's the public for you.

Sephora is taking 15% off all purchases made by VIB's April 14-21, online and in store. The online code is VIBCHIC. I mention it because I know Sephora is hit or miss with communications.

There are so many beauty events going on right now. I feel like I should be wanting something, but truth be told, I'm not. After buying several Shines, I feel like I'm done for now. I'm not really feeling inspired by the bits and pieces of summer collections that I've seen so far, but it's still early in the game with a lot more to come.

Hi KathyT,

Definitely go and take a look at Monte Carlo. It's a beautiful, sheer red that can be easily built up for deeper color if desired. It's an easy to wear, very flattering red because of it's transparency--even on us older gals :-)

Happy weekend everyone.

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, Kathy! I always wonder why docs don't tell more women about the eye scrubs!

I love all my new lipsticks. So much fun! YSL is coming out with a fabulous one late/June or July. It's sheer, and the colors are yummy.

I doubt if I will review Rouge Coco Shine again. I wrote about Boy a few times. Even though I love them, I doubt I will write again. You will love Monte-Carlo!

The Edward Bess bandwagon? Amazing...jump!

Happy weekend!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Eileen,

Thank you for the Sephora tip-off. Unless it's in my home e-mail today, as usual, I heard it from you first. That company is frustrating, but thank you!

Chanel summer is just out, and Armani comes next week. I think you'll change your mind. Bet you'll buy more. :)

Happy weekend!

Abby said...

I haven't bought much this year, trying to enjoy more of what I have. Like Kathy T, I am amazed at the influx of new lipsticks from so many lines....Dior, Chanel, Guerlain etc. I am really itching to try so many.

I am looking forward to the Dior Summer Bronzers. I think it's Dior. They have the overlapping pattern. It looks so beautiful.

I am trying to find the perfect sunscreen. I have and love EltaMD's 46 spf, but I really want one good for photographs, too.

As for American Idol, I haven't been following this year, but it seems those voted off in the top 10 do better than the winners. I miss Simon Cowell.

Have a great weekend!

KathyT said...

I forgot about the Dior bronzer - it looks too pretty to use, but I could probably force myself :-) I've been convinced to go out and get Monte Carlo and maybe some others. Has anyone seen the Nordstrom exclusive Dior Addict in Insoumise (spelling may be off)? It looks a little scary in the picture.

Charlestongirl said...

Kathy, I am so frustrated. I am looking everywhere for the new Dior, and it's not at our counters yet!

I haven't seen the Nordstrom color. Maybe I'll head over there Sunday. The Neiman Marcus color is pretty - just not "my color."

Today, I got Chanel summer. It's gorgeous. I hope to get photos up this weekend.

Eileen said...

Hi KathyT,

Karla Sugar on The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself has swatches of all the new Dior Addict lipsticks including Insoumise. In the swatch picture, it looks like a grape tinged pink.

Charlestongirl said...

I hate to criticize another blogger's photos - mine are no prize - but her shades photos are off. I have about 12 of these. Colors that are peach/orange/coral look mauve on her arm photo. I don't know why, but you can't rely on those swatches.

Eileen said...

Wow! That's good to know about Karla's pictures. It really is unfortunate that her swatches are so off. They're usually pretty good. Oh well, c'est la vie.

On a more positive note, I'm really looking forward to your reviews of the Summer 2011 Chanel and Armani goodies. Those Chanel blusher/bronzer palettes look interesting. As for Armani, I saw the promo pictures of Megan Fox and the collection looks very promising. The look Armani created for spring was so unified: cheeks, lips, eyes. I hope the summer will have a similar coordinated look. I'll have to make a trip into The Valley next week to take a look. Our local Nordstrom doesn't have an Armani counter yet. Booooo. . . :-(

Eileen said...

Temptalia posted that Bobbi Brown is having a Friends & Family online sale April 11-13. No code necessary. 20% off and free shipping on orders over $65. I, for one, will be checking it out on Monday.

Charlestongirl said...

Yep. That notice appears to have been sent by BB's PR person to her favorite bloggers.

I wish there were something new! I think I have EVERYTHING.

Charlestongirl said...

I'm excited! I have all the summer Chanel here - just can't get decent photos because of heavy overcast. Hopefully tomorrow morning!

Unknown said...

thanks for doing the skincare pieces. i am so busy with school right now but i still peek to see if there are any eye cream articles i should keep in mind when shopping...
i still have not found one i like and after using La Mer sample for over a month (yes, I am very good at making those last) I am extremely disappointed. It is not doing anything to my dark circles, puffiness under eyes or a little wrinkle under one eye. I mean, if I actually paid $150 for an eye cream I would be so mad!
as far as makeup I am currently loving Revlon's Super Lustrous Pink Pop and Peach Petal glosses. I really feel like these are up to par with the more expensive glosses in terms of color payoff and texture. Also, they are scentless, unlike the Colorburst line that leaves a slight plastic scent.

Unknown said...

Charlestongirl, Mms Brahms- I was really looking forward to a Rhona makeover but I won't be able to make it to Tyson's NM before she leaves at 6pm. Next time! Ms. Brahms, Thanks for your help. I spoke to you from DFW enroute to West Texas to see my mother, but couldn't leave my e-mail address while everyone at the gate was listening! I'll call again in few days.
Eileen- thanks for the heads up re Sephora sales. Not that I'm very motivated by the summer collections either. Can't wait to see the new Dior polishes and YSL lippies.
Anna- I just finished a sample of Clinica Ivo Pitanguy Specifics Eye Cream. The bags and puffiness disappeared overnight. I can't vouch for its ability to banish dark circles; they are only an occasional concern for which I think sufficient sleep and allergy meds are the only solution. I've only seen the cream at Bergdorf's, which is having a gift card event through Sunday. But it's pricey - can't quite bring myself to buy it, even with BG's gift card event. Won't drinking more water banish under eye puffiness?

Unknown said...

I'm so pleased I popped in to say hello. I was looking on Friday at the Dior Addict Swatches (as well as the Coco Shines) in order to pick a colour. My husband had asked if I wanted anything buying whilst he was in Oxford. I plumped for New York. In the end he only got the Coco Shine for me as he suggested that I would be better going in to collect my beauty points for the Dior. It sounds like he might have done me a favour, as at least that way I can check them in person.

I got a few new bits of make-up this week, the Coco Shine in Bonheur and some NARS. I wore them all yesterday and it was true love. I'm often nervous about NARS purchases as I'm usually buying unseen.

I haven't watched America Idol (though I can admit to being a huge Bones fan) but it sounds like a bit of a fix. It's always awful when they dash someone's hope in the name of entertainment. As you say, better things often happen for the 'losers' than the winners of these things. Fingers crossed for Pia.

Enjoy your Sunday,
Jane x

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Anna!

Unfortunately, the eye creams I really love are all expensive - except...

There is one made my Striking Skin Care that I wrote up a long time ago that's really good. It's $35, packed with peptides, and a great deal.

I'm not smitten with La Mer's latest. It fell into the average category in my opinion. "Average" doesn't earn its price.

I think I will check out those Revlon glosses when I go to CVS today to pick up my Nasonex. 'Tis the season!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Ava!

I can give your e-mail to K-Shore. I am pretty sure I have it stored. I'm not even sure at this point Rhona is coming. I heard a "rumor" that they were considering postponing her appearance.

I just got that Specifics eye cream sample. You have motivated me to try it pronto.

Drinking water is good for you, but it won't banish fluid under the eyes, and it certainly won't affect fat under the eyes (the cause of most eye bags and cosmetic surgery is required). Something that dehydrates, like caffeine (or Sudafed) will pull water out. Any anti-edema product or drug will too. We don't want to go on BP meds to banish bags; that would be extreme, but a diuretic will help. :)

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Jane!

Glad you checked in! I have bought so many Dior Addicts, I've lost count. I have about five new shades I haven't even swatched for everyone. That's in addition to the many I have featured. I just love that lipstick!

I was thrilled to get up this morning and read that Pia got an immediate record contract with Jimmy Lovine's company Interscope Records! I was hoping that a record company would have more sense than the fickle Idol voters. There was a rumor on Friday that Simon was swooping in, but it sounds like Jimmy beat him to it. :)

What a nice husband! Offering to shop for you? Almost unheard of. :)

Unknown said...

Thank you, Ava, for the suggestion but we do not have BG in my state :( I will research this cream online though.
I drink water/tea like crazy but it does not affect my puffy eyes.
Charleston, thank you for the suggestion, I will look into Striking Skin.