This morning, I'm taking Charlie over to see his doctor. He had a GI bacterial infection about a month ago, and the antibiotics appeared to knock it out of him. Then it came back about a week ago. This time, the antibiotics are not working swiftly, and his appetite of "off." I hope there's nothing wrong with my boy, but I think he needs to see his doctor so that I can ask if there's anything else that might be ailing him. Right now, he's sitting in my lap - purring while he snuggles - as I write.
This has been a crazy news week, with Beyoncé singing the Star Spangled Banner a cappella to hush the never-ending speculation about her performance at the Inauguration (what a voice!) to the Super Bowl commercials and the ridiculous criticism of ads that will air. First it was the VW ad, which I found to be in good humor and almost a tribute to easy-going Jamaican manners; next it was a guy on a camel who couldn't get to the Coke bottle as quickly as others with faster modes of transportation; now it's a model kissing a nerd for Go Daddy (salacious, isn't it?). Have we become so politically correct that we can't take a joke?
On the beauty front, I have a lot to show you this weekend. I hope you'll stop back. I have the photos, so I'm not dependent on the weather - and it's a good thing. The seven-day forecast shows a four-day stretch of clouds, starting tomorrow.
It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. 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.
Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway contest. The NARS Andy Warhol Walk on the Wild Side set is pretty cool. The deadline for entries is tomorrow, Saturday, February 2, at midnight. I'll be posting a new, hosted contest tomorrow morning. So make sure to check it out - and enter.
Photo at top by Best Things in Beauty; cats courtesy of thestandingroom.com
I join in to the Hooray for Europe!
ReplyDeleteLast Saturday I purchased a few new products. new to me are definetely Sisley eyeshadows. Had my eyes on Dune and Jungle. I had the rep doing my eyes with both of them and the result was great. she completed the look with a BB long wear gel eyeliner and Chanel Mascara . looked great to me and I happily purchased the products after the make over. I really enjoy when these people do a great job. So I was a happy camper that day. I seldomly see posts on blogs about Sisley products. Not sure if I overlook them or the brand does not get as much attention as MAC, BB, NARS or other brands.
Hooray, too, for Europe & prayers and hugs to Charlie. Denise - aeiokid at comcast dot net.
ReplyDeleteI do have a question, Charleston Girl---
ReplyDeleteAre there any recommendations out there for a liner to use on the lower waterline to conceal the pinkness?? I am looking for a "flesh" tone for my Caucasian skin.
I have tried a few at Beauty counters, but none are the 'right' color, and one made my eyes water.
So, any suggestions from your fabulous readers??!!
Thanks so much.
Hurray for Europe! Meanwhile, if you want a constant stream of laughter, log on to dogshaming.com. Doesn't matter if you are a dog person, you are certainly a laugh person, and laugh you will.
ReplyDeleteHi Bettina!
ReplyDeleteI love Sisley skin care, but they don't introduce new products frequently, so that's probably why you don't see them posted often. Sisley definitely does not get the attention BB or NARS (and many others) get for another reason - it's expensive. Enjoy! I love my Sisley eye shadows.
Hi Denise,
ReplyDeleteCharlie came home with a different antibiotic. Hopefully, this one will help him get back to normal. Thanks!
Hi Sunnlitt,
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorites is Le Métier de Beauté's Dualistic Eye Pencil in Champagne. Artists always use it on my waterline to get rid of the red.
Most eye pencils make my eyes water if they are placed on the waterline. LMdB's doesn't seem to do that.
Hi Nemo,
ReplyDeleteI'll check it out this afternoon.
Hope your kitty is okay! It can be so nerve-racking when pets get sick, the poor babies can't tell us what's wrong :(
ReplyDeleteDo you have a link or any other info about the EU ban? I think it's fabulous but I'm confused about how it will actually work: does it mean that Shiseido, or any of the brands that *have* to test on animals to sell in the Asian market, will no longer be able to sell in Europe? I would love to know more.
Thanks. And looking forward to your photos!
Hi, Elizabeth,
DeleteHere is the link to Cruelty Free International. I am really happy with this achievement! http://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/en/a/EU-set-to-ban-animal-testing-for-cosmetics-forever-news
From the quiet beauty of a snowy walk to the crazed joy of a leaping cat! Love your pictures, Charlestongirl. Hopefully, the new antibiotic will wipe out the rest of Charlie's bugs. It's a good thing you caught the rebound immediately before the infection had a chance to really take hold again. Your dear boy should be feeling much better in no time.
ReplyDeleteAnd, speaking of our furry friends, I was thrilled with the news from Europe. There has been so much slip-sliding around the issue. Even some companies that say they don't test on animals will turn around and have some of their products manufactured in a country where animal testing is required. It makes no sense. Animal testing should be banned internationally. We need to be better stewards of our planet and more responsible guardians of all God's creatures. Except for Charlie's intestinal bugs. I say let's wipe those little buggers out with a good dose of antibiotic! LOL
Some pictures of Tom Ford's spring makeup collection are beginning to surface and I must say that his look is a study in neutrals that is a flashback to the 60's. From the teased french twist to the dusky, heavily lined eyes, to the nude lips, cheeks and nails, his model is a stunning example of 1960's drama. TF is also releasing a new line of shine type lip colors. I haven't seen any pictures of those yet. I really need to find out when the collection will be landing at Neiman's in Beverly Hills. I don't have a lot of TF (only 9 items and 4 brushes), but I love my selections and am looking forward to seeing what new things he has in store for us.
Hi Sunnlitt,
Chanel's Le Crayon Khôl in Clair is a nice one. During allergy season I use it on my lower waterline and smudged a bit near the inner corner. It's worth the time and trouble to find a good light beige pencil. White is so artificial and dated looking whereas beige can look perfectly natural if the right shade is used. Good luck!
Here's wishing everyone a happy and restful weekend.
Hi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteThat's a good question. Unless you have a subscription to WWD, you won't be able to read my source. However, it you "Google European Union animal testing," you will find many articles.
Here is one: http://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/en/a/EU-set-to-ban-animal-testing-for-cosmetics-forever.
Charlie is fine - thanks. He got a new antibiotic. It's possible he grew tolerant to the other.
Hi Eileen,
ReplyDeleteI have asked repeatedly when Neiman Marcus Tysons, which has a new, large Tom Ford "counter" will get the Spring 2013 Color Collection. No one seems to know. Someone has to know!
BTW, I can't wait to see the Tom Ford Lip Color Shines for spring.
ReplyDeleteHi Charlestongirl,
DeleteAll I know is that the launch is supposed to be in February. I believe his spring collection is already available at Harrods (in store only). I wonder why TF releases his collection in Great Britain before the US. When he first launched his cosmetic line, our first glimpses and the first reviews were from GB. Maybe he wanted to give his line a European caché? Who knows. Say what you will about his phenomenal ego and his hit-you-over-the-head sexuality, he is extraordinarily talented and definitely not a one trick pony. Fashion, cosmetics, fragrance, photography, movies---and proud father :-) The man does it all.
When the collection is finally released in the US, I'm sure we'll be hearing from you. You East Coast folks always get things ahead of us on the West Coast. Heaven knows why. You'd think they had to transport the products across the country in covered wagons! LOL
Here is a picture of the new TF lip shines. They look luscious!
ReplyDeletehttp://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/beauty/news-features/TMG9827006/Tom-Fords-shiny-new-lipstick-range.html
Hi Jo,
DeleteThanks for the link. They look luscious. With the description "sheer, hint of tint" I wonder if they'll be similar to Armani's sheer lipsticks or if they'll have a bit more of a punch like Chanel's. Time will tell. Now, I definitely have to call the TF gal at Neiman's and find out when these are coming. I'm not a psychic, but I can see a trip to Beverly Hills in my future :-)
That cat leaping photo fills me with glee! Hurray for EU's new law. When does US catch up?
ReplyDeleteHope Charlie is feeling himself soon!
Yep, Jo, that's where I had seen them. Driving me crazy that they have them in England and we don't.
ReplyDeleteOh! And shame on me! I should have told everyone where I saw the TF pictures as I know some of you are fans. Here is where they can be seen:
ReplyDeletehttp://yolandadimambro.com/beauty/tom-ford-spring-2013-makeup-collection
The eyes are dark, dark, dark, but they look stunningly theatrical with the model's burnished auburn hair. As I said, very 1960's. Those of you my age will probably remember wearing this look. I do :-)
CG and Anonymous - thanks for the links! I'll be sure to check this out. All the articles I've been reading are actually quite vague on animal testing and international commerce.
ReplyDeleteMy NM TF counter says they will have the lip shines in March. I can't wait! Thanks for the pictures Eileen. The illuminating powder looks like something I will "need" too.
ReplyDeleteDarlings,
ReplyDeleteBoth Bergorf and saks in my have the TF lip shines in stock! Got them two days ago!
Back to Elizabeth's question about the waterline -- I have been lightly applying gray shades or taupe shades of regular eye pencils -- with mixed results.
ReplyDeleteAre there pencils designed for this purpose? Ones that would not smear as much?
What colors are generally recommended. Champagne seems like a great idea, blue a little 80's ....
Hi Anonymous,
DeleteThere are a number of liners at all different price points that are waterproof or water resistant and work well on the waterline: Urban Decay, Makeup Forever, Chanel, Stila, Bobbi Brown, etc. Of course, nothing is going to last indefinitely on the waterline because that area is always wet. As for color, that is really a personal preference, but the darker the color, the smaller it will make your eyes appear. I actually think a bit of liner under the lashes rather than on the waterline does a better job of enlarging the eye area, but that's me. Sunnlitt was interested in a light beige pencil to use on the waterline to cancel out redness and make the eye look larger and brighter. That's a much more modern approach than the old fashioned white pencil.
Yep, thanks, Anonymous! YEA! I ordered three at BG. I had found them right before you wrote. Great tip too!
ReplyDeleteMy NM continues to say "in a few weeks," so what do you want to bet they get them before mine come from NY? :)
Anyhow, I decided to call the temple of Tom Ford in NYC, and voila!
BTW, everyone, have you seen the Chanel Hong Kong Collection photos? I was unimpressed. Three Les Vernis and one palette that has a strong resemblance to others. I would order it if I were feeling flush, but...
ReplyDeleteHi Charlestongirl,
DeleteIs it just me are all of Chanel's mini-collections becoming a bit of a bore? This past week, I've seen pictures of three different up-coming releases and that doesn't include the summer release. Is Chanel the new MAC? LOL
The "cat picture" is hilarious! My cat does that to me in the morning when he's eager to play after we've all slept the night away without him. He scares the daylights out of me, but he doesn't even have his claws extended when he does his "Superkitty" leap! Cute!! (are they yours?)
ReplyDelete@sunnlitt Have you tried Tarte or Mally Beauty? They're both available on QVC. I have the one by Tarte and it's very "fleshtone" for a fair caucasian and I have sensitive eyes, to boot!
ReplyDeleteDamn! That Tom Ford is hot!! And he knows how to create a very sexy photo.
ReplyDeleteEileen, the photo of that model has hear wearing a shade that the rep at BG said wouldn't work for me. She thinks it's orange and not all that flattering. Interesting. She also gave me the "scoop" that TF really hasn't publicized them in the US.
ReplyDeleteVery true, Elizabeth. Give it time, and I'll get more info.
ReplyDeleteHi Bellyhead,
ReplyDeleteThat's why I said I hoped to still be alive. The US can be very backwards when it comes to animal and environmental protection.
We have members of Congress who would still argue that the earth is flat.
Isn't that cat photo darling? I'm sure there was a toy cropped out. He had to be leaping with joy at something. :)
Charlie must eat soon - and get pilled. He will be annoyed with me.
Hi MamaVal,
ReplyDeleteNot mine. I found the photo on Google Images. Cute, huh?
Eileen, I love your advice to Anon. I much prefer to use a very washed liner under my lashes than to apply one to my waterline. My eyes are beyond sensitive, and because I wear contacts, they tear a lot.
ReplyDeleteHi Eileen,
ReplyDeleteWith Chanel, I can usually find a must-have. Hong Kong just bores me to tears. I don't think they are approaching MAC status, though. That would be unimaginable!
So I'm in the UK - epic fail on the TF front :(
ReplyDeleteAnne
Anne, I lost you. Harrods has the spring collection.
ReplyDeleteCG, the Bergdorf rep is going to email me pictures of the lip shines and I can call tomorrow to order. Which shades did you get? We have similar coloring. Thanks for the heads up that BG has them Anon darling & CG!
ReplyDeleteI missed it........ashamed :(
ReplyDeleteAnne
Anne, what did you miss, darlin'?
ReplyDeleteHi Jo,
ReplyDeleteIf you go to this site, http://yolandadimambro.com/beauty/tom-ford-lip-color-shine, scroll down, and hover over the individual photos, you will get the shade names. I had to go over it with the rep, though, because she said the photos were a tiny bit misleading.
I bought four. Can't remember for sure, but I think Quiver, Frolic, Nubile, and another the rep recommended for me.
The release of the collection ! I must be losing my touch. When it goes online I'll be OK :) Chanel is not impressing me greatly, but that probably won''t stop me :)
ReplyDeleteAnne
LOL! I get it now, Anne. We all have moments. When I learned the Armani spring collection had been on counter for a week, I felt the same way. Argh!
ReplyDeleteTo cancel out redness at the waterline, take a look at Chanel's waterproof crayon in "Beryl". It is a very pale lilac and works very well on this area. Very natural results. It refreshes the look of the eye without being obvious.
ReplyDeleteCG, I sign that Sisley is expensive. But the same goes for Armani eyeshadows. It is a 1.85 Euro difference between an Armani and a Sisley eyeshadow. Even BB is not a cheapo over here. I see the reason that there are not many to no posts about Sisley because they dont seem to have a new spring collection , summer, fall and winter collection. Think I remember the rep said the same. Jungle was part of their "I forgot which one" current look that was shown in the display there. I like to oogle at different looks. But then on the other hand I tend to buy similar colors/shades for the most part. When you know what you can wear in terms of colors that suit you then there is not much variation. Just a shade here and there but no significant change in color
ReplyDeleteHi Bettina,
DeleteIsn't it amazing how different the prices are as you go from country to country? The difference between an Armani and Sisley single eyeshadow in the US is $17 whereas at today's rate, your difference of €1.85 is only equal to $2.53! A $17 difference in the US and a $2.53 difference in your country. Go figure! I shouldn't complain, though. We're really very fortunate in the US to have so many luxury brands available to us at fairly reasonable prices. Now, if only we could get some of the legendary Japanese brands without breaking the bank. :-)
Eileen, I had never done the math, but that's AMAZING! Sounds like someone's getting ripped off.
ReplyDeleteBTW, Loyd applied the Armani Rose Bliss Palette to me this morning when I picked up my 1932, and it is beautiful. As you predicted, I caved.
He applied the white first, layered the gold, then added the orchid very lightly. It was so pretty. Then he told me to watch and applied the orchid heavily. I wanted to gag. We had a good laugh. He wiped most of it off with his finger and then covered it with white. Back where we started - pretty, soft, and spring-like. Plus no albino bunnies running through the new Chanel boutique to scare people. He recommended a great Chanel liner to go with it. I will show it soon.
Oh, Charlestongirl! You are too funny! One of things I love about the Armani esthetic is that he understands that older women want to have fun too without looking ridiculous. What Loyd did with your Rose Bliss is similar to what the MA did on me with Coral Bliss. The aqua became the subtle pop of color that set the whole thing off. I can easily imagine the orchid doing the same. It probably creates a beautiful opalescent look. Enjoy :-)
DeleteThanks for everyone's suggestions.
ReplyDeleteI'm off to try the Chanel first, since there is a counter nearby.
You are the best!!
Fantastic way to kick off the weekend Charleston girl. Good for Europe.
ReplyDeleteAs far as products I'm loving this week; I have several:
Last week I went to Bare Escentuals website and they had a two for one sale of their Pretty Amazing Lip colors. I had purchased one over a year ago, "Strength" with is a gorgeous red. I had wanted to buy "Witty" and "Confidence"(berry wine and pink berry) but never got around it. Well I purchased both color at the website for $24.95, which was a savings of $4 each product. I love the formula for this lip color - long lasting, shiny and lightweight. The applicator is wonderful.
I can't wait to purchase the new BB products - Retouching Powder and Long Wear Shadow Sticks. I went to the BB counter and the MUA used the peach colored retouching powder on my, under my eyes and it was marvelous. I didn't think the color would work on me;my BB foundation shade is 7.5 Warm Walnut.
So I highly recommend the Peach retouching powder to any "richly hued" skin tone person looking to try a finishing powder.
*I got the phrase "richly hued" skin tone from the MUA Sam Fine.
Several Chanel collections have bored me too, primarily because the colors haven't been suitable for my skin tone, i.e. they've been too light or ashy or seemed too similar to earlier collections. In some cases simply adding more pigment and/or less shimmer would help. Case in point: The latest D&G quad I bought from Dustin, Femme Fatale, looked like boring taupes in the pan, but worked beautifully on me. The winter white had just the right balance of pigmentation and shimmer so that it didn't look like a blot of dull white under my eyebrows or so shimmery that it looked like a gash of silver. They reminded me of the Topkapi formula, but with less shimmer. Though in the global span of skin colors I'm not very dark, I'm a MAC NC45, Chanel Perfection Lumiere 60, Poudre Signee de Chanel, looked ashy on me as did several earlier highlighters. The Mouche de Beaute Illuminating Powder looks much more promising. It arrived yesterday and I can't wait to swatch it. (I'm looking forward to testing the new Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders, which might be even more workable.) The Chanel Hong Kong palette looks promising for brown-skinned gals - we'll see. I'm skeptical about the white shadow in the palette, which has the potential to be garish i.e. too much shimmer, much like the lightest color in the Raffinement eyeshadow quad.
ReplyDeleteWhen you go to New York, CG, be sure to visit the Sephora in the Meatpacking District. Unlike the other stores it was clean, chic, and elegant. My friend Diane got an excellent makeover there. The SA sat us down at one of several mirrored (and clean) makeup stations, really listened to Diane and recommended products that really worked for her, but didn't try to oversell. We were impressed! It helped that the store wasn't crowded, I think. Staff at the Times Square store couldn't keep up with the hoards of people, so it was messy and the displays were dusty with makeup. The Times Square store had nail polish stations stocked with remover and their high end polishes, but half of them were missing and nail files, orange sticks, and other implements were scattered everywhere. The nail stations are a brilliant concept. I could have spent hours there but for the mess! Both stores carried a full line of D&G and Armani cosmetics. Armani! when did that happen? It's not on the Sephora website.
Also, a Chanel boutique at Saks! Does that mean they will get the LE products not available at all Chanel counters or will those still only be released at studios? It would be great to see these collections before buying.