I found the gorgeous photo above at a site called my.englishclub.com. It's so much nicer than the scene outside my house. Plus, the color reminds me of makeup. What else?
With the incredibly smooth feeling of vaporous silk, a fine dusting of this invisible loose powder softens unwanted flaws and rewards the complexion with an even skin tone and velvety matte finish.
Evermat reduces the production of oily sebum to keep shine in check, with the aid of silica’s absorbing action. Tetrapeptide Matrixyl 3000 adds an anti-aging and smoothing effect, while Actiwhite works to lighten and brighten. Due to its super-transparency and ability to mattify the skin without drying, all skin tones can benefit from this single, universal shade that can be used to set makeup or be worn alone to brilliant effect.
That reminds me. Last weekend, with just about every part of my body hurting, I stopped into a Hair Cuttery and asked for a shampoo and blow dry. I had done that once before this winter when I wanted to be treated. The service was $18+tip, which I thought was very reasonable. This time, I "got" a different stylist, and she was selling from the moment she started washing my hair. She wanted to know what products I use on my hair, and I explained that as a blogger, I continuously test products - from Suave to Rahua. She then proceeded to slam Suave for ingredients that are NOT in Suave products, then she mentioned Wella as being "OK." I imagine the luxurious Rahua is not in her realm of knowledge or experience, since she confused it with Wella. I started to get angry as she implied that the "state" of my hair was due to the products I use. I don't suffer fools gladly, and she started out on a bad foot.
Then she moved on to remarking about the lovely curl in my hair. Are we kidding? My hair, with the exception of one wave in the front, is stick straight. I found out when I got my bill what that was all about. As she prepared my hair for blow-drying, she put four different products in my hair, including a volumizer, which didn't work at all. (I had asked for volume on top). My hair was plastered to my head when I left. I'm not sure what happened to the turned-under ends I had requested. All the while as she blew dry my hair, she sung the praises of the products she used.
At checkout, she said my bill was $26 and suggested I purchase one of the products. I questioned the $26, saying the last time I had paid $18. She said the extra charge was to straighten my hair - a service I did not request. I wasn't sure whether to roar with laughter or be nice and explain that I was expecting an $18 bill because that is what I had paid the month before. I chose the latter. She knocked off the extra third without an argument; I paid; and I left that Hair Cuttery for the last time. What a set-up! Where do they find these people? I thought they had to have a beautician's license to work in hair salons. Have you ever had a similar experience?
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.
Update 3/29: Guerlain's 2014 Muguet, in an exquisite bottle, will arrive at the Guerlain Boutique any day. It will sell out. If you are interested, pre-order from Jonathan at (702) 732-7008. When you call him, ask about the long list of Guerlain fragrances that are being discontinued.
Photos courtesy of my.englishclub.com, Rouge Bunny Rouge, and Suave Professionals
Hi CG,
ReplyDeleteI am always on the lookout for new concealers, so I will probably try your Marc Jacobs recommendation soon. This week I tried the new Lancôme Le Corrector Pro Concealer Kit, which was purchased mostly because I needed something and there always seems to be a Lancôme Counter nearby. I was actually fairly impressed with the product. The little kit has a creamy corrector and concealer with a nice (slightly) illuminating powder to keep it all in place. It had started to look a bit worn, but was still hanging in there after a 14 hour day. I am also waiting on a Guerlain order to arrive from Saks. Any time now would be great...
I had an unpleasant hair experience as well, partly it was my fault for not going with my gut about avoiding a stylist from a certain school of styling. I thought however that this stylist would have her own spin on things since she had her own unique look. I was wrong.
ReplyDeleteI specifically told her I didn't like short hair, I did not like bobs and that I liked "beachy" style hair (and showed her a photo of a style I wanted). Even though I didn't have my glasses on while she was working, I noticed she was cutting a lot of hair and said something. She said we're almost done and then I put my glasses on. It was a short bob (a cut I've had & hated) and I was horrified. She put some salt spray in my hair to make it look beachy, it didn't of course because that cut wasn't suitable. She said it will grow out well. It really took an effort not to yell at her; my purpose wasn't to wait 6 months or more to look like what I had asked for. Annoying!
On the happier front, I'm planning some Sephora purchases for the VIB sale coming up. I would love to try the new Guerlain Joli Teint foundation and need to buy some gifts and replenish used up items. It's coming at the right time. I did pick up one of the new Lauder Color Envy lipsticks in Vengeful Red which is really beautiful, not that I need another red but still, couldn't resist!
Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend everyone!
Oh, Cg, you were far nicer to that hair stylist--and I use the word lightly--than necessary. But that's OK, because she wouldn't get it either way. Meanwhile, yes, I want to sing the praises of new hair products I am using! I use only Aveda hair--and skin--products. Some time ago Aveda came out with a Dry Remedy Hair Oil that I love. I work out daily, and sweat, and I have long hair that gets sweaty--duh! I like to bend over and let my hair fall down and then run an oil through it after my workout. Nothing worked until the Dry Remedy. It is a miracle product. Then lo and behold Aveda came out with a matching Dry Remedy shampoo & conditioner. I couldn't wait to try them, especially with the winter's toll on my long locks. I raced up to my salon, 50 miles away, and bought them, returned home and jumped in the shower. I must say I was not expecting anything really, but wow, my hair has never looked so good! Those products are absolute miracles! And you don't have to worry about the ingredients with Aveda. Finally and additionally, I saw my University of Michigan dermatologist recently and as soon as he saw me he remarked on how beautiful my skin looked. Again, Aveda. He's the one who recommended the 2 Aveda products I use. Happy weekend.
ReplyDeleteNothing infuriates me more than the hard sell of in salon products, especially when the sell involves telling me what awful condition my hair/skin/nails are in. Way to encourage client self esteem! It usually starts with them asking what products I use as a prelude to stating all my problems are as a result of this inferior brand! I now find 'what you are using' at least makes them pause to wonder how I know what they are using and helps the brighter ones cotton on that I might be a little resistant to their usual sales technique! Susan, London
ReplyDeleteThe dreaded "What products do you use?" question! That's always a prelude to a sales pitch and so I've learned to smile nicely and say, "Not your concern." I must admit, though, I haven't been to a hair salon in over forty years and so I've only encountered that hard sell at cosmetic counters where it is very easy to walk away--something that is obviously a lot harder to do when you're wearing one of those capes and your hair is soaking wet. In truth, I'm dreading the day I have to do something really special with my hair. I won't begin to know what to expect. I once joked with my sons that I'd pay them to elope rather than have to get my hair done for their weddings. LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to some new Rouge G. I don't know that the two LE's with the colored cases will be to my liking, but some of the new colors in the permanent line-up look lush. As much as I hate the weight of the large case, Rouge G is one of the kindest formulas on my lips so I have quite a few in my stash. I'm also looking forward to Guerlain's bronzer/blusher palettes. They both look so very pretty this year.
Like Evelyn, I'm also making a small list of things for the Sephora sale; primarily stock up purchases like my beloved Jack Black and SKII. It's good timing as I'm getting low.
That's it for me. I'm patiently waiting for April/May and the appearance of summer at the cosmetic counter.
Happy weekend, everyone!
What a shame about that hair stylist, but it sounds like you handled it with class! And, no, they seem not to know much about products other than what they sell (like some makeup SAs who know nothing about what is coming down the pipe!). I hope that I can make mine understand that I only want a microscopic trim when I go tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI hope to get to Chanel tomorrow as well to see the new Quatre ombres. I am very curious about the reformulation.
I have been sampling the new Kahina Giving Beauty Night Cream. I am smitten with it. It is having a noticeable effect on my skin. Just when I announced a moratorium on any more skin-care products!!!
We had some Canadian geese return home this week. They promptly left. No kidding. They have no water/easy-to-access food here for the feet upon feet of snow. I am convinced that the Arctic circle is moving south.
Enjoy the weekend!
My Friday comment of the week is about MUA's that first congratulate me on how beautiful my skin is. And then oh my goodness what a shock that I'm not wearing any foundation. So they always recommend their foundation for me at the end of a makeover?
ReplyDeleteOh, once an international MUA told me I looked amazing for my age! He had great recommendations for me to maintain that and improve my skin. That in and of itself would be nice, right? Except that he never asked my age! He had no idea of my age. Can we say zero credibility there?
I don't like it when a MUA has to put down another line to establish that the line is so much better.
Mind you, all MUA are not like that. At the end of the day, it's just makeup.
Sephora sale? Why don't I know about this? Please enlighten me!
ReplyDeleteAnd Eileen...I can't let your statement about not being in a hair salon for over 40 years go by. Explain, please? Do you cut and color your own hair? I've been going to the same hairdresser for about 22 years...can't imagine not going? Is your hair down to your knees? (Kidding)
Hi Bisbee,
ReplyDeleteThe Sephora sale is VIB Rouge 15% off 3/30 - 4/11 online and in store.
As for my more than 40 year hiatus from the hair salons of the world (LOL), there really isn't any story to it. Except for a time during the early half of the 60's when I rocked Sassoon's mod geometric cuts, I've always had long hair. I don't color or process it and typically keep the length about two-thirds of the way down my back. Although I no longer have an abundance of hair, it still grows very fast and so my husband trims about an inch off every month. Low maintenance!
One of the reasons I don't really like going to the salon is that they always seem to disapprove of how you do/style/treat your hair, be it a DIY dye job or the products that you use. Happened again last week. When the stylist asked me if I colored my hair at home, I said yes, and I added that I use henna. She immediately tried to pretty much talk me into getting a professional (chemical) dye job. Why do I need to even justify that I prefer henna? Isn't it my business that I prefer the natural method since my hair is so fragile? Oh and thanks for giving me the feeling that my hair color is somehow off... Always bugs me...
ReplyDeleteYou refer to the "long list of Guerlain fragrances being discontinued" and can you please amplify?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteThe entire cities location (e.g., New York, Moscow, and many more) is being discontinued. Vega, Sous le Vent, My Insolence, and Parfum Initiale are also being discontinued. They will slowly disappear from shelves as they sell through.
Thanks so much - I hadn't seen that elsewhere and useful to know.
ReplyDelete