I've been so proud of American women this week. Misty-Mae Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings proved that women can have it all - the subject of recent debates spurred by Anne-Marie Slaughter's controversial essay. It certainly didn't come easily for Misty-Mae and Kerri, but they proved a point that we all need to remember. Never let others' feelings of limitations burden you with the belief that you can't earn everything you want.
I was unable to see the final beach volleyball match, due to NBC's ridiculous policy of withholding popular events until way past my bedtime, but I saw other matches, including the semi-final against China. A sport that had no presence during my years in college is now an international hit, and I don't think it's solely because of the "uniforms." Anyone know how they keep them on? Hitting the ball over the net while diving under the net would have been the end of me - my beach bottom and my back.
Our gymnasts inspired me, and our swimmers were amazing. How 'bout 15-year-old Katie Ledecky? She has such a bright future still to come, even with a gold medal hanging from her neck. Darling kid!
The hunk of the games? Despite that ridiculous thing he likes to wear on his teeth (even men feel the need for adornment?), I think Ryan Lochte gets my vote. I read that he would prefer to be on Dancing with the Stars to the Bachelor. I don't watch either, but I would if he were to become a contestant.
OK, moving back to topic, there's a nice opportunity for DC gals coming up next week, a Bobbi Brown Master Class on August 17 and 18 at Nordstrom, Tysons Corner Center. My talented friend Sarah Lavache is teaching the class. There is a $50 reservation fee to hold a seat, but it's totally redeemable. Call the Bobbi counter at (703) 761-1121, extension 1086, to make an appointment. Sarah will do a makeup demonstration, and the Bobbi Brown experts will simultaneously walk you through the latest tips and techniques, offering customized recommendations. The Friday sessions will be held at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 4:00 pm. The Saturday sessions will be held at 10:00 am, 1:00pm, and 3:30 pm. I attended one of these classes about two years ago and had a blast. It's a nice opportunity to meet many of the regional Bobbi Brown artists too. Tell Diron (Bobbi Brown manager) I sent you for special care.
It's time for the Friday Forum, our open chat. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? 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? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.
I really enjoy giving away beauty products, the reason we have a weekly contest. This weekend, I'll post a contest for a different kind of beauty - gardening - and I hope you'll enter. For now, make sure to enter the contest for a Guerlain eye shadow. The deadline is tomorrow, Saturday, August 11, at midnight. If and when you win a contest, please tell me in your e-mail if you'd like to have once-used products. I buy way too much makeup, and I'd love to share. I can always throw a discarded product - a good one, promise - in your box if you don't mind having something I tried.
I was thrilled to receive this @iFabbo tweet this week. @BTiBeauty Congratulations! You've been featured on our 50 U.S. Fashion and Beauty blogs to watch and learn from list! http://bit.ly/NFHCmS Make sure to check out the other blogs listed. There are some great ones!
Photo courtesy of activerain.com
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17 comments:
Darn. I wish I had known you had items you wanted to get rid of. I love giving gently used makeup a good home. Have you heard anything about the Twinsets de Chanel that is being released for Fashion's Night Out?
I am absolutely shameless about using other people's gently used items, thanks to my sister who buys way too many cosmetic and skincare products. If I didn't use her "discards", imagine all the money she'd be flushing away! So I like to think it's for the benefit of her wallet and the environment. :)
My mother recently purchased a nearly $500 Guerlain serum that is supposed to eliminate sun spots. I was really, really shocked at the splurge, as my mother is way more frugal than I am, and I'm already very minimalist myself. I didn't realize she was that conscious of her sun spots. On the bright side, we were helped by a truly lovely SA (at Nordstrom Tyson's Corner by the way), and for once, I was happy to help her earn a commission. I have to admit, I typically avoid the beauty counters there as I find a substantial number of the SAs to be alarmingly pushy. CG, do you have any favorite Nordstrom SAs you'd like to recommend?
As for myself, I recently started dabbling with SK-II (and yes, I know I just spoke at length about my mother's splurge), as I was curious whether this Asian favorite would really do wonders for my skin. So far, one product has given me a horrible rash (thank goodness that for once, I patch-tested rather than applying all over my face), but the others seem decent although I don't know if I will repurchase when I run out of samples. Am I unreasonable for expecting actual miracles at such high price points?
Hope your mother continues to do better, CG!
Life has been SO busy lately with the usual summer going-ons, but I needed to finally post a comment here. It had been way too long.
C-girl, you've been reviewing and introducing us to some seriously gorgeous items lately. Too many are nearly irresistible! However, as much as I adore indulging, I have to be good.
I was very spoiled, though, this week. I got a few gifts from friends abroad: BEAUTIFUL gold earrings from Germany along with a decant of Puredistance 1, and 3 pairs of bamboo socks. Those came from my very first perfumista friend. Spoilt? Oh yes!
I also got the Dior Lip Glow and Rouge Coco Shine in Boy that I'd been lemming for months, courtesy of a generous American friend.
How lucky am I?
I hope you have a great weekend and enjoy the closing ceremonies!
My motto for this week? Never try running from a Jamaican! LOL!
Greetings Charlestongirl!
First of all, thank you so much for such a wonderful blog. I've been following regularly for a short time and appreciate your thorough perspective and enjoyable commentary. At my latest journey to Sephora, I purchased both a Femme Rouge lipstick and an Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick from Hourglass. To say they were wonderful would be an understatement. The colors,textures, and shine from each were amazing. The lipstick acutally smelled a bit like cookies (graham crackers perhaps?). I am always on the hunt for that perfect shade of rose/dark rose and think I found one in each of these. Hope you enjoy a great weekend!
Hi Anahita!
http://bagaholicboy.com/2012/08/fnos-les-twin-sets-de-chanel/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bagaholicboy+%28BAGAHOLICBOY.COM+%7C+Singapore%27s+Only+Dedicated+Bag+Blog%29
Thanks, May! She is better.
I'm glad to hear that there are readers who would like to have cast-offs. I can't keep everything I buy.
Strange about the SK-II. Most love it. I've been reluctant to get hooked on another expensive line.
At Tyson's Nordies, ask for Diron at the Bobbi Brown counter. He's wonderful.
Hi Lovethescents,
That had me laughing. What is it with runners from Jamaca? They are amazing!
Nice stuff you got, but what are bamboo socks like?
Thank you, Annie. I've been invited to sponsor an Hourglass master class. Guess I've got to do it!
Hi C-girl,
The bamboo socks are sublimely soft. Have you seen the bamboo fibers made into linens or clothing yet? Soft, breathable and generally luxe :-)
Hi CG,
Hope your Mom is improving and that the weather up there has not been as hot and humid as here in the mountains. I am so ready for autumn.
If you have gently used items, I'm certain that I wouldn't be the only one grateful to get something. You should have a blog sale! Just tell me first which Chanel items you no longer want. Haha.
I received my NARS Vent Glace, and am sorry to report that it's not for me. It turned an odd shade of minty-yellowish green on me, I kid you not. And I had purchased the NARS eyeshadow primer to wear underneath it. The shadow also really brought out the crepiness (not a word, I know) in a big way. I went back and saw some of your other readers had the opposite result, so I must just be older than I thought. lol. I'm laughing, but I haven't told you the worst. These were my first NARS products, and I had a reaction. I put the products on earlier today and left them on to see if the color changed. About twenty-thirty minutes later, I knew something was wrong. It's more prominent on my left eye than my right for some reason, but my lids are swollen, and my left eye is red! I don't know if it's the eyeshadow or the primer, so I guess they both have to go back.
I do have some good news. I also received my deluxe sample of Shiseido's Lacquer Rouge in RD 607, and I adore it! I love the color. It's a rich plum and gorgeous on. It's the only makeup I have on right now, as I cleansed my face after the NARS reaction. I'm waiting to see if the lip lacquer feels dry, but it doesn't so far. I can see where it would be pretty as just a stain as well. I really don't need any more lip products, but I'm happy to have it.
Have a great weekend!
Rosemary
Instead of shelling out $500 (or other big bucks) for over-the-counter stuff, go to a physician and get advice and prescriptions from a professional, usually at half the cost of the hope in a jar! I can't believe women take skin care advice from someone behind a cosmetics counter instead of a licensed professional with a medical degree. Duh!
Blog sale - definitely! I also bought the Shiseido Laquer Rouge in 607 - lovely!
Thanks for letting us know the Chanel site has the Fleur de Lotus collection! I ordered the eye pencil and a backup shadow in Rivière...
Hi Rosemary,
No blog sales for me. People who do them strike me as saying, "The makeup I praised wasn't really that good; I'd rather have the money." :)
I got that Shiseido sample too. Way cool!
I am so sorry to hear about your NARS shadow experience. You must return it!
Nemo, the problem with doctors is that they are paid to push the brands they offer. I'm not sure the financial incentive doesn't color their recommendations. That's why I do my own ingredient research.
Hi Bisbee,
I received my back-up today. So happy!
OK, Lovethescents, I've got to go looking for them!
Hi CG, congrats on the blogs award! I get to see so many new and wonderful beauty products from your blog! This week I bought the Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Troublant from the Fall 2012 collection. I am thinking of one more lipstick and the Rose Initiale blush. From Guerlain's Fall 2012 collection, I got the pink Rouge G liquid lipstick and the blush duo in Chic Pink. So happy with my purchases!:-)
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