What Can I Say? I Work with My Hands.

A couple weekends ago I had the rare and wonderful opportunity to take a girly girlfriend weekend with a gal pal of mine. We had a fun and fabulous romp in Palm Springs, dancing and shopping our way through the town. On one of our escapades to the local dance hot-spot, we ran into some of the strangest and smarmiest man-types you could imagine. One heavily cologned gent asked me to dance, then gazed deeply into my eyes and suavely whispered (with a foreign accent), “You are more beautiful than the sun”.  You could vomit, right?  Shortly thereafter, his mischievous butt-grabbing monkey friend snatched me up for a dizzying whirl around the floor. Just to keep me humble, he decides to add his two cents.  “What do you do for a living?”, he asks, “Why I’m a perfomer”, I replied.  “Oh, ‘cuz your hands are like leather”.  Wow.  That’d make you melt, right?  I mean, yes, this is true (and I’m a fan of the truth). HOWEVER, this is generally not something a man tells a woman five seconds after meeting her. Charming. Well, in my defense, they say the sun does make your skin leathery. I guess my monkey paw is the price I pay for being even more radiant than the center of our universe.

*Product Review:  Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel

So, what fun-in-the-sun beauty essential did I neglect to pack on my girly getaway?  You guessed it, HAIR GEL!.  How does a curly-girl take a sun and splash vacation without the means by which to re-beautify upon soakage?  The answer is … painfully. It sucked!  Big time.  After and hour of trying everything from Oragel to Vagasil, I finally gave up and went for the trendy “I so meant to look like this” fro.  If, however, my baby sister had shared a little secret with me, my do might not have been so tragic.  Yes, my baby sis is usually pretty tight-lipped, but her silence has now reached the point of offense.  Having full knowledge of my quest for hair-perfection, she harbored information about this fabulous concoction, and failed to share it with me.  I guess she’s not just content with being younger and prettier, now she must have the best hair as well ... and after all I’ve done for her.  At any rate, this Eco Styler has now officially slid into my top slot for best go-to curl enhancer.  You can pick up a 32 oz. jar for a mere $3.49 (on sale) at your local Sally Beauty Supply.  Thirty-two freakin’ ounces! Crazy, right?  This uber-unction tames my super-thick, frizzy curls faster, easier, and more efficiently that any of the 561 other products I’ve tried. <Exaggeration for dramatic effect>  It has a light, obnoxiously manly, herbal scent that bugs me, but it fades quickly.  It works well wet or dry, so it’s a great re-definer for those frizzed-out strands.  It doesn’t flake next-day; separates, defines, and holds the curl well; leaves your hair shiny; and (here’s the clencher) … it’s much less crunchy than my previous favorite, Darcy’s Botanicals Curling Jelly.  Granted, despite the name, this product seemingly contains absolutely nothing that would indicate that it is (in any way, shape, or form) good for you OR the universe. (Someone will, I’m sure, correct me if I’m wrong.)  It’s chalk full of chemicals, but hey … IT MAKES YOU LOOK FABULOUS!  Slap my booty and call me superficial, but I’ll die cute. I would recommend trading off with a more natural product, though.  I alternate with the Darcy’s Botanicals and use this every other washing, just to give my liver a chance to detox. That’s generally how I justify using any “conventional” product, by mitigating the damage with alternating use of a “natural” one.  Now if only I could find a salve to heal the wound my sister has left in my heart. Well, for the value, accessibility, ease of use, and ability to deliver great style … 4 ¾ Stars.

Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel

Hot DAMN, I Look Good!

As I’ve watched those around me (including myself) struggle to loose weight, over the years, I have learned one very valuable lesson:  Buy clothes that make you feel good about yourself AT YOUR CURRENT WEIGHT.  Waiting until you reach your goal weight will only serve to make you feel crappy about yourself in the interim.  Contrary to popular belief, this will not serve as motivation to shed those extra pounds.  In fact, you may strap on the feedbag even more!  Now, this is not a license to go out and spend $500 on the Ann Taylor suit that won’t fit in five pounds.  I mean, look cute, but don’t spend a lot of money on clothes that may be transitory.  Give yourself permission to buy something that will be so out-of-style next season, you could gag, BUT … do it on the cheap.  I’m not talking Walmart here.  Familiarize yourself with the discounts that are available to you.  You may have opportunities through your work, auto club, or union, to name a few.  You’d be surprised by how many people aren’t aware of the fact that your AAA membership will get you 10–20% off at places like The Gap, Target.com, Payless Shoes, Banana Republic, and New York & Company.  (Don’t think I don’t tell every sad soul attempting to pay full-price at the register.)  DO NOT be afraid to ask for discounts any and everywhere you go.  I know, my step-mom and husband constantly make fun of me for this, but 7 times out of 10 I get one.  Whether or not they “technically” offer it.  If you don’t ask, you won’t get … or know about.  Wait for free shipping, and use coupons and coupon codes.  (My older sister is a MASTER at this.)  Find your favorite store and become a member of their frequent shopper program.  Also, sometimes their store credit cards offer special discounts and ongoing incentives.  If you’re disciplined enough to pay them off every month, take advantage.  (If not, don’t even think about it, sister!  Those sky-high APR’s will whoop you’re cute little booty.)  Pick one or two stores that regularly have things you like, that fit well, and be loyal.  Know their inventory so you can strike quickly when that markdown comes along.  For me it’s New York & Company.  I wait for one of their frequent sales or clearance deals, then use my 15% AAA discount (sometimes it’s 20%), or one of the many coupons they send me through their rewards program.  (They can be up to as much as 50% off!)   I also like HSN (Home Shopping Nuisance & Avid Avarice), but wait for the clearance deals ‘cuz shipping can add a butt-load onto regular prices.  What I’m trying to say is, shop smart and don’t think it’s frivolous.  When you loose the weight, march your snooty-patooty booty down to the Prada store and go hog-wild (if you can afford it), but don’t just save looking good as a reward.  The better and more fashionable you look, on a daily basis, the more motivated you will be to get your hot bod even closer to perfection.  What do the say?  Look good, feel good?  You simply MUST look good to feel good.  Come on, we live in a superficial society, it’s just the reality.  You’ll be AMAZED by how much better you feel.  So that's what I think. 

*Product Review:  AAA and Retailmenot

OK, do you really wanna hear me gab anymore?  I will just say that AAA and Retailmenot.com are excellent resources for shopping discounts.  They’re two of my favorites.  If you get lucky, they can absolutely be … 5 Stars.

Beauty is as Beauty ... Knows?

OK, so you know I’m a total people-watcher who likes to make sociological observations about the world in which we live. Well, one thing I’ve noticed is that pretty people have pretty friends. (And if, per chance, they have one randomly not-as-attractive amigo, he/she is super stylish to make up for it.) Why is that? From an early age, do they go looking specifically for equally pulchritudinous pals? Are they so shallow that they won’t even dain to speak to a homely type? You’d think, given human nature, that they’d look for slightly less alluring types, so they could be the most enchanting. Or … maybe they know that the opposite sex is more likely drawn to a group of beauties. I mean, heaven forbid you walk up to a good-lookin’ soul and get stuck with their fugly compadre. I don’t know.  I know they say opposites attract, but maybe like attracts like even more.

*Product Review Updates:  Lips, Bras, and Body

Alright, well I figured it was time for a little follow-up. As you live with a product, sometimes you begin to feel differently about it, and I wanted to give you the latest updates. First of all, my go-to lip product still seems to be the Cover Girl Outlast Lip Stain in Sassy Mauve (Post - Occam's Razor).  Despite some close competition from Maybelline’s new Color Sensational Lipstain line (I Had a Point), I still prefer CG’s Sassy Mauve to In the Buff.  For some reason, I also seem to be slightly allergic to the Maybelline Lipstain line.  It does give me a bit of a rash on my lips, but it goes away in a day or two.  Not enough of a bother to keep me from using it, but just another reason why I’m stickin’ with my Cover Girl.  On those very rare occasions when I find I’m in the mood for somethin’ sassier, I keep reaching for the mark. Gloss Gorgeous Stay On Lip Stain in Bella (Here's the Story, of a Girl Named Crazy). 

On to more intimate things … I remain enchanted by the shaping and support of Natural Touch by Vanity Fair’s Full Coverage Bra (Two Steps Closer to Cuckoo).  Now, even more so, since it’s on clearance at Target for $10.48.  The only reason I don’t wear it more often is because the fun and fabulous animal print shows through my summery lights.  Can’t wait for Fall!  (Colder weather will serve the full coverage cut better too.)  Also in its category … the Natural Touch Contour Underwire Bra (Bedtime Bath and Beauty).  Though the shaping doesn’t hold up quite as well, that’s forgivable considering it too is on Target clearance for $10.48.  Gotta love that clearance.

Now, I have to be brutally honest and say that, as much as I love the Avon NATURALS Vanilla Roll-On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant (The Truth Sucks), it doesn’t cut the funk quite as long as the Secret Scent Expression’s Truth or Pear.  It’s still great, but when I need maximum funk guard, I opt for the Secret.  Finally, the sweetest truth is that I’m still in love with Dylan’s Candy Bar Strawberry Licorice Candy Butter Cream (Plastic On the Furniture), only now it’s even sweeter on Sephora clearance clearance for $5.50.  Hello!!  Original price was $22!  So there you have it.  Updates on some of my favorite thingamabobs.  You can’t say I don’t tell it like it is.

I'll Cut You, B****!

Never trust another woman’s opinion on clearance merchandise.  If she’s even remotely your size or sensibility, she’s a liar.  “Hoops or dangles?”, I asked of the sweet, unassuming gal perusing the clearance jewelry next to me.  “Ohhh … definitely dangles.  I haves a pair like those and they’re great.”  Unsure, but persuaded, I placed the hoops back and headed for the register.  Halfway there I had my doubts, though, and went back to reclaim my hoops.  …Where were they?  How could they be gone in 2 minutes time?  I mean … wait … there’s that gal again.  And what’s in her hot little hands?!  MY HOOPS!  …Back-stabbin’ hootchie.  Dangles my ass.  And now, as nice as the dangles are, I can’t even appreciate them.  They stand as sparkly little reminders of how I was duped, swindled, done wrong.  How could such a normal, kind-looking individual rob a total stranger of her clearance joy?  Oh, I know … WOMEN LIE!  When you least expect it, Lady.  When you least expect it.

*Product Review:  Almay Amazing Lasting 16 Hour Eye Pencil

Alright, enough fighting over clearance items, already.  When I can pick up an everyday staple at an everyday low price, that's sooo much better that fisticuffs in the penny-pincher's pile.  Let's speak simply ... everyone, at some point, needs an eyeliner.  Yes, it is true. For major drama black is nice, but for everyday beauty … brown is all you need.  With all the expensive, swanky, options out there, all you really need to do is march your little booty down to the nearest drugstore and pick yourself up an Almay eye pencil.  Their Black Brown color is versatile enough to take you from ordinary day to night-on-the-town.  It works on virtually everyone and costs a measly $6.50 or so.  (Less if you have a coupon, my friends.)  It goes on easily, is water-resistant, you never have to sharpen it -- my eyeball’s a freakin’ magnet for pencil shavings -- and it stays put all day.  The only downside is that you have exactly 2.5 seconds to correct any screw-ups before it sets forever and a day.  Once you get the hang of it, though, you’ll really appreciate the longevity and intensity of pigment.  Honestly, where you can cut the complications and save a few bucks, why not?  Enough said … 4½ Stars.

Almay Eyeliner with Built In Sharpener, Black Brown 206, 0.01-Ounce Packages (Pack of 2)

Not Just a Pretty Face

Here's what I've learned:  1)  Despite what she may want you to believe, I’ve never met a beautiful woman who wasn’t extremely intelligent as well.  The universe simply wouldn’t give her all that power without the smarts to know how to use it.  2)  There is no such thing as a dumb blond.  Blonds may even be brighter than the general population.  In fact, I believe there's an alternate universe where they reign supreme ... if it isn't this one.  That’s what I think.

*Product Review:  Kinky-Curly Spiral Spritz

My Whole Foods just started carrying the Kinky-Curly line.  I’ve been eyeing it for a while, but since I didn’t have to pay for shipping and handling (and it was in front of my face) I decided to give the Spiral Spritz a go.  Now, I realize that everyone who loves this line swears by the Curling Custard, but I don’t care for it. It flakes up something fierce in the mass quantities I require.  However, the spritz is a different story.  I will preface this by saying that I haven’t used it as an initial styler, though.  For whatever reason, I only use it to refresh and redefine “next day” hair.  Well ... maybe I shouldn’t say “refresh”, as you can’t really spray it on.  Its consistency is pretty thick, like a juicy gel, so it comes out of the bottle in a stream.  So, I squirt it on my fingertips and slick it on any wayward, frizzed-out curls.  It brings them back to life and leaves them with a smooth, glossy finish.  Usually, any kind of refreshing product is either so watery that it leaves my hair frizzy, or is something that needs to be used in conjunction with water.  I like the fact that I can apply this right on dry hair, and don’t have to use any water to make this product work.  It’s quick and simple.  Side Note:  Wouldn’t it be nice if I could just spritz a little spray on my funky bed-head, sexily bend over, toss my long luxurious locks back-and-forth for exactly 6 seconds, and stand up to a do that would make Keri Russell wanna weep with envy?  Yeah, right.  Not so much.  Despite product descriptions and empty promises, I don’t expect that much from ANY beauty buy.  Back on course ... I think the value is pretty good, especially since it does double duty as an adult and kidlet styling tool.   Of course, everything is priced up at Whole Foods, but you can buy 8 oz. for $12 at Curlmart.   The fragrance is not my favorite (kinda lavendery), but it fades super quick.  I do use it as an initial styler for my daughter, who has much finer, silkier, looser curls than I.  On her, it’s just the light amount of definition and hold she requires.  One day I’ll get bold and try it on my freshly washed locks, but until then, it’s a handy (completely natural) touch-up tool for those annoyingly errant strands … 4 Stars.

One Flew Over My Beauty Lair

So, my husband came home with an LA Times article for me, sent courtesy of my step-mom. What was the title again?  Oh yeah, Addicted to Cosmetics?.  I mean, what’s she trying to say?  OK, I do joke that I'm a sufferer of said affliction, so I picked it up prepared for a little chuckle or two.  Au contraire!  Miss Alene Dawson (the writer), paints a rather bleak picture of the life I might possibly be leading.  She begins by quoting a Dr. Renae Reinardy as saying, “The million-dollar question is ‘What is the function of the hoarding behavior?’”.  OK, cool, so at least maybe she’ll tackle the burning question of WHY I do it and if it’s healthy or psychotic.  She claims that “a poor self-image can translate into an unhealthy relationship with beauty products”, and offers several “physhological conditions” that might lead a body to collect, as I do:  body dysmorphic disorder, compulsive acquisition/spending, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, or depression. … OK, that’s depressing.  Either I hate my nose, can’t stop spending so much that I’m sending myself to the well-lubricated, vanilla-fragranced poorhouse, or am so obsessed with buying new crap that it’s affecting my health, ability to function normally, and quality of life.  Or I’m just sad.  Does it really have to be that dramatic, though?  What if I just like pretty things?  What if the right scent can change my mood and outlook on the day?  What if I just like to feel fun, girly, and good about myself?  What if … I’m a crazy, freakin’ nut who should be bound, committed, and electro-shocked?  Anyone know of a good therapist?  Thanks, mom.

*Product Review:  Vassarette Body Curves Microfiber Bikini

Alright, well just to prove a point, I’m not going to talk about beauty products.  (See, I don’t need them.  I can take ‘em or leave ‘em.)  No, I’m going to speak of something more profound, more … foundational.  Yep, panties.  I pick up these hot little numbers at Walmart for $3 a pair.  Can’t beat that, right?  Now, I’m a gal who loves me some DKNY low-rise bikini, but they’ll have you shelling out up to $10 a pop.  Gap ultra low-rise bikinis are also great, but again, pricier.  These Walmart wonders are also low-rise (ultra, ultra, ultra … so size up), seamless, and sooo comfy, at less than a third of the cost.  They’re the next best thing when you don’t want to wear a thong or Spanx, but you wanna minimize those VPL’s.  They’re pretty darn close to undetectable, but then again … they’re not a thong. No matter what American society tells you, ladies, you can’t have it all.  For instance, I normally shy away from anything lacy, silky, or satiny looking, ‘cuz my sharp talons snag just about everything.  BUT (hee hee) if ya want a smooth panty line … those are the breaks ( … or … snags).  At any rate, I love the fact that you can find them in an array of fashion colors, as well as nude, brown, and black.  They’re also extremely affordable AND extremely sexy.  How often do you stumble upon that combination?  Being very forgiving, they don't dig into your sides and create that nasty muffin top or hip bulge.  Tummy control is nowhere to be found, but that’s the trade-off for bloomers that tuck neatly away under all those low and mid-rise jeans and pants you undoubtedly own.  People, I don’ t think I can adequately express to you how much I adore these knickers.  Now, beware, not all Walmarts carry them anymore (which is why I was able to pick some up on clearance for $1 the other day.  A dollar!).  If you’re lucky enough to find them, and you’re a fan of the ultra low-rise bikini, these really are the perfect full-butt chonies.  That’s all that need be said … 5 Stars.

Vassarette Microfiber Bikini Panty (18249) 5/White Ice

Product Swap Party

I think it would be the super most fantastic thing ever to invite all my beauty-obsessed friends over for a little product exchange.  I can’t tell you how many styling products I’ve acquired that cost a bundle and didn’t end up working for me.  Since every curly head is different, though, what didn’t work for me may be the most wonderful thing in the world for someone else.  Not to mention all the lotions, potions, and cosmetics I’ve relegated to the crap pile.  BUT … a fragrance or color that made me wanna puke, may turn out just right on another nose or skintone.  That’s when you can put an otherwise wasted product to good use by swapping it with someone in a similar predicament.  You still get new stuff, but you didn’t have to pay for it, AND you’ve done the good and green thing by recycling and avoiding waste. How fabulous is that!?  So, for this reason, I’d like to get all my LA area girlfriends together for an evening of girlie gab and goodie grabbing.  (Don’t make that dirty.)  Problem is … all of my girlfriends are normal, or … well … not girls. Yep, most of my friends are guys, and the rest are gals who couldn’t give a rat’s booty about beauty products.  How did that happen?  I guess opposites really do attract.  Ah, well.

*Product Review:  Darcy’s Botanicals Natural Coils Curling Jelly

If you’re a fan of Kinky-Curly Curling Custard, you should really enjoy this product.  It’s similar, but it holds up much better next-day.  There’s none of that tacky flake-age and your “do” really does, even after you sleep on it.  An 8 oz. jar will cost you $12 from Culrmart.com or DarcysBotanicals.com.  I think that’s even cheaper than the Kinky-Curly. The texture is that of a very juicy jelly.  It's like a JELL-O mold that didn’t set right, so it’s probably not for travel, but otherwise not a big deal.  The fragrance is a very slight lemonade, that fades quickly and doesn’t overpower.  This definitely replaces Hair Rules Curly Whip as my new favorite.  (My previous post, Nature Girl.)  It has a bit more distinct definition, is all-natural, and holds up better.  For reference, I have INSANELY thick 3C/4A tangly tresses and, as with all my curling concoctions, I apply it section-by-section on SOAKING wet hair.  It is much crunchier and doesn’t leave the hair as soft as the Curly Whip, but it’s all worth it if you look cute.  Right?  Almost every time I use it I get compliments.  Now people are stopping ME to ask what I use on my hair.  That’s a change of events!  In fact, even the young man working at McDonald’s stopped to compliment and ask me about my curls, so you know it must look good.  And he wasn’t gay!  (I have gay-dar like that.)  Let’s face it, the drive-through isn’t generally where you get most of your cosmetic kudos.  My point is … I like it and people are responding to it, so there must be something to that. Not the perfect curly coiler yet, but definitely getting closer … 4¼ Stars.

The Truth Sucks

In the whole history of the world, has anything good ever followed the phrase “truth be told”?  I mean, who really wants the truth to be told anyway?  (Actually, I do, I just hate the expression.)  Most people aren’t interested in actuality.  Most people are more than happy with the perfunctory, “I love your hair!” or “No, no, you look FABULOUS in those stretch pants”.  Translation:  “Your new haircut’s assy, and your ass is the size of Alaska.  Only, you can’t see Russia from it, cuz’ the gianormity of the shadow is blocking your view”.  We’re all so duplicitous, really.  That’s why we need people in our lives who will tell us the God’s-honest truth.  No matter the consequences. About our hair, fragrance, or new tube-top.  Seriously.  They just musn’t ever use the phrase “truth be told”.  Ever!

Product Review:  Avon NATURALS Vanilla Roll-On Anti-Perspirant
                          Deodorant

So, truth be told, I don’t like to wear aluminum anti-perspirants everyday, but there’s definitely a time and place.  Any stressful or strenuous situation calls for me to bring out the big guns:  Secret Scent Expressions Invisible Solid, in Truth or Pear.  (I swear, that’s the name.  I’m not makin’ it up.)  It’s effective, smells good, you can find it at any drugstore, and it doesn’t leave all that messy white crap on your armpits.  However, I’ve just found a new favorite.  I snatched this from Avon’s introductory sale at $0.89 for 1.7 fl. oz. (Item #952-735).  That’s right, less than a dollar!  Now, the regular price is $0.99, but you can handle that, right?  If you’ve been following along, you know that I adore Avon.  Furthermore, I’ve been in a long-term relationship with their NATURALS line.  I’m seriously committed to the Vanilla Nourishing Antibacterial Hand Gel, and havin’ a little hot-n-heavy on-the-side with the Moisturizing Body Cream (Did You Try? ... Gotta Buy!).  There was once even a summer romance with the body spray and I was briefly engaged to the hand cream, but ... it didn’t end well.  As a result, Avon doesn’t carry the hand cream anymore, and we won’t speak of it any further.  At any rate, the availability of layerable products in my favorite fragrance is a must and, in this area, Avon does not disappoint.  From Cucumber Melon to Red Rose & Peach, the NATURALS line provides you with a plethora of lovely scents to layer to your heart’s content, all at EXTREMELY reasonable prices.  You can get anything from lip balm, to hand soap, to shower gel, and more … in whatever delicious aroma strikes you that day.  Well, now even your pits can join the party.  I’m not usually a fan of roll-on, ‘cuz they take too long to dry (and this one does too), but it’s worth the extra prep time for the pay-off.  Unlike other roll-ons (and for whatever reason), this product does not leave white residue on your skin.  Fabulous!  (Said in a sing-songy way.)  While you’re applying it, it smells just as vanilla-buttercreamy delectable as all of its associates, but it doesn’t linger.  (A bit of a minus for me, but I know a lot of people prefer that.)  And … oh … of course, it’s effective.  In this 90 degree heat that Southern California’s been having, I still end the day smelling like a rose … er … um … vanilla pod.  OK, that doesn’t sound quite as nice, but you get the point.  The new NATURALS anti-perspirant is a much appreciated addition to this exceptional assemblage.  Now they just need to come out with an aluminum-free version for daily usage.  Until then … 4½ Stars.

Two Steps Closer to Cuckoo

Do you ever wake up and think, “Wow. This is not the life I imagined I’d be living”?  That’s when you need more lotion … and a supportive undergarment.



Product Review:  Natural Touch by Vanity Fair Full Coverage Bra 

Well, at least I can take comfort in knowing that, if not my spirits, this contraption is sure to lift my wayward bosom.  It’s seamless, full-coverage, easily accessible, and affordable. Gotta love that Target ($14.99).  From what I can tell, it comes in 34C, 36B-D, 38B-D, and 40C-D.  If you fit the bill, jump up for joy (with you forearms aptly cradling your busteses, that is), ‘cuz this bra’s for you. Even though it’s modest, the fun leopard print makes it slightly sexier.  I only wish it came in more colors.  The only other one I can find is white. (I don’t do white bras.)  Anyway, the shaping and support are excellent and it’s comfortable as all get-out.  For an inexpensive way to spice up your unders without abandoning your practicality … 4½ Stars. 

Natural Touch by Vanity Fair Full Coverage Bra - Leopard Print 36D

I Had a Point

If you read these posts in chronological order (from February 7, 2010 -- Obsession, Possession, Confession), you won’t be so confused. Or … maybe more so. I dunno. Anyway, if you’re just tuning in, you’ve missed the method to (and root of) my madness, so it might be worth a look.


*Product Review: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstain

OK, so if you have been following along, then you know how much I LOVE Covergirl’s Outlast Lipstain (come on, get with the program -- Occam's Razor). Well, it finally has a close competitor. Revlon has recently come out with their Colorstay Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm and, NO, this is not it. Despite the name, it is NOT “the bomb”. I must have tried 3 or 4 colors and they all looked garish and awkwardly dark and ghouly. I can only imagine the poor fair-skinned Norwegian chick that dared to dab on this dud. Eee gads. Anyway … not to be outdone, Maybelline decided to show up to the party with their version of the lip marker, their Color Sensational Lipstain. Aha! Now here we have a winner. Not only is it less expensive than the Revlon, and even the Covergirl alternative (at $6.99), but I was able to get it at an even deeper BOGO half-off discount at Ulta.com (Item #: 2218835). By-the-way, Ulta.com seems to be the only place I can find it as of yet. It’s that new.  Amazon may have it soon (links below). So, given that lure, you know I had to buy two. I got the lightest color they make, In The Buff, and the similar-but-deeper, Blushing. I really like both. The Buff has many of the same qualities I admire about the Covergirl Sassy Mauve, but it’s just a touch more peachy-pink. The Blushing is a slightly deeper, richer, dusty rose/mauve that says, “Yes, I’m wearing lip color, but I’m not trying to make a statement about it”. This is the shade that doesn’t exist within the Covergirl lipstain family, so the Maybelline line shows promise. I can’t wait to try the other colors ... but I will. Good God, I must show some restraint. For now, I’ll be happy with what I’ve got:  a no-muss-no-fuss, easy-breezy way to fake like I’ve got the most naturally gorgeous lip color, without even trying … 4½ Stars

Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Stain - In the Buff
Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Stain - Blushing