Paula's Choice - The Nudes Matte Palette REVIEW!

I happen to come across a You Tube Review on this new eye shadow palette by Paula's Choice.  I am a sucker for any new eye shadow palette. 

Take a peek at the review here:

What is it?  It is the new "The Nudes Mattes Eye Shadow Palette".  

As a make up artist and beauty guru - I love trying new products. 

Make up .... for me .... is my creative outlet.  

So, when I saw this palette being reviewed - I was intrigued.  Mostly - because I truly do love all the neutral palettes that are out there and I loved the fact that his palette was all matte!

I am closely approaching 50 years old and so - the shimmer does not always work on me!  The review on You Tube got me wondering - just how wonderful IS this palette?  

Honestly, I had never heard of Paula's Choice.  

I've been a faithful skin care user of Estee Lauder and Clinique for 30+ years.  

And I recently became a consultant for Rodan + Field. I LOVE their skin care line and I love the fact that they make skin care simple to follow - step 1, 2, 3 and 4!   

So, I decided to take the plunge and spend the $40.00 for the eye shadow palette.

I have to say - the shipping and turn around time was incredible! I ordered it and in less than a week - it arrived at my door step.  The eye shadow was packed well, although the box it arrived in was quite beat up.  

I always love opening a new eye shadow palette when it arrives. It's like Christmas in a box!  You never truly know what you are getting until you open it and begin to use it!

When I opened the eye shadow palette - I will tell you - my first impression was not very good.  

I was very disappointed with the packaging. The eye shadow palette itself was made of a cardboard container and it was very flimsy.  

With the new Urban Decay Naked 2 and 3 Palettes being in a super nice metal package - well, the packaging on this one got a D-.   

I was so disappointed.  To be honest, I am not a fan of the cardboard packaging. I know many of the $40 price range palette's come with this sort of packaging - I - just don't like it.

I think one of the things us ... beauty guru's love about make up ... is the creative packaging.  

We love something whimsical and something creative!  When I think of exciting, fun and adventurous make up - I think of Urban Decay, Rouge Bunny Rouge,  Too Faced or The Balm - they all have that special feminine flair to them.  

Do you know what I mean?

When I purchase make up - I want quality and value! 

So, when I dove in to use this palette for the first time - I was not expecting much.  

I was thinking it would have a drugstore quality to it.  HOWEVER ... I was humbled and surprised when I started to apply it!

Once I got it on my brush and then onto my eyes - I was OH SO HAPPY!  I really started to do the happy dance in my heart.

What they lost in packaging they made up for it in quality and then some! 

Not only did the eye shadows apply like butter - they truly had great coverage, highly pigmented and they blended flawlessly.   I mean one dab of my brush into the color - one swoop on the eye lid and it covered OH SO well.

Each color in the palette was special.  I know that is hard to say for a neutral palette - but they truly are SPECIAL! 

When I was applying the eye shadow - they really reminded me of a Burberry eye shadows.   

I put the eye shadow on - and I was SO thrilled at how it turned out!  The shadows went on like a charm and they lasted ALL day!  Of course, I used my Milani Eye Shadow Primer underneath them - to be sure they lasted all day and they did! 

If you are on the fence about whether to get this eye shadow palette or not - I would say - GET IT!  

Especially if you have aging eyes like me - or if you need a great gift idea for Mother's Day.  This would be the perfect holiday gift for any aging woman in your life! 

I just know the matte eye shadows don't show off the fine lines and wrinkles! 

Well, really .... any woman of any age would love this palette! This palette is perfect for any day time look - and it would work wonderful to create a sultry smokey eye as well.

This eye shadow palette turned around BIG TIME and I rate it an A+ in my book.  I can easily see me reaching for this daily!  

The only thing I would love to see with some of these cosmetic companies - is more creativity in the packaging of these palette's.  

So much of the joy of using these palette's is in the packaging. 

This palette ranks up there now .... with some of my favorite eye shadow palettes ..... 

• MAC Cosmetics - Create Your Own Palettes
• INGLOT - Create Your Own Palettes 
• Urban Decay - Naked Palettes 1, 2, 3
• Lorac - Pro Palette
• The Balm - Nude Tude Palette 
• Tarte - Matte Magnificent Palette
• IT Cosmetics - Naturally Pretty Palette 
• Smashbox - Full Exposure Palette 

Old Gringo Cowgirl Boots - A Review!

I don't think we can be a beauty fan .... if we don't like to accessorize.  It seems to go with the territory!   Actually, I think it goes with simply being a woman!   No matter what our age!

Each one of us ... who loves beauty related items .... do so because we love to express ourselves in our own unique way!

For some of us that might be with fancy frills, make up, skin care and/or fun accessories!

And some of us might like a more gothic approach to the ways we let our personality shine through!  There really is no right or wrong way "to be" who you are made to be!

The important thing is allow your personality to shine through!  Shine girl shine!

For me, I am addicted to the Old Gringo cowgirl embroidery boots!  I think my love for cowboy boots started when I owned a horse when I was little.  I use to love to barrel race and go for long rides with my friend, Jax Leatherknife - a beautiful quarter horse.  There is something magical about being a cowboy or for us, a cowgirl.  Even if that means living in Northern California, suburbia now.

I have always loved country music and the fact that cowboy boots now have style, color and elegance - makes for such a better experience when wearing them!  They have truly owned the name "cowGIRL boots"!

Old Gringo boots truly allow for you to express your personality with both a bold and feminine flair.  It reminds me of my other wonderful addiction - Electra Bikes!  This is another company that truly knows how to bring to market products that allow people the opportunity of expression.  To allow their inside feelings, thoughts and personality to come through in a product!

Simply brilliant,  I might say!

Of all the boot companies out there - none of them has the style, the elegance and the feminine flair like Old Gringo!

I have tried many other brands on - and Old Gringo truly does run the most true to size!

I got my first pair of Old Gringo boots a few years ago and they now seem to be the main item that makes it to my holiday wish lists such as ... Mother's Day, my Birthday and Christmas.

Any other holiday's I can add to that list?   Hmmmm......

These boots are by far the most comfortable cowboy boots .... aka cowgirl boots I have ever worn.  The leather is soft and comfortable and no matter what pair you buy - they run true to size.

Unlike most other boots that need a break in period, these boots are comfy right out of the box!

The only problem I have had so far with any of the Old Gringo boots that I own ... are with the knee high "Myras".  I have the boot both in black and brown.  And that is only because I had brain surgery for Chiari Malformation ... and gained 30 lbs post op. ... while laying in bed for almost a year recovering!  My active life style became sedentary pretty quickly due to the pain of the surgery and some left over nerve damage.

So, my calves got a tad bit too big and I can't seem to zipper them up anymore.  So sad!  So, they sit in my closest - calling to me every day!  Especially now that the cooler weather has finally made it's way to Northern California!

Although the whispering of the Myra's provides me with a good incentive to lose weight - so I can get back into some of my favorite boots!

I currently have two boots that are on my wish list right now - the first one is called the Old Gringo "Letty" and the second pair is called the Old Gringo "Augusta"...both in pink, my favorite color!  B

Both of these are adorable boots and will make any pair of jeans "pop with style and femininity!

The Letty's in pink and chocolate are first on my list!  Santa, I am a size 9B in case you wanted to know!  Hint ... hint!

Old Gringo are truly THE BOOTS that brings home American style; with a HUGE feminine flair!

Partner these with any jeans, leggings or skirt and they will add the word ADORABLE to your outfit!

The only deal with Old Gringo is .... you have to save your money because these boots are not inexpensive. But remember, you are paying for top quality craftsmanship that will last your entire lifetime ... and so the boots are well worth their price!  Remember, boots that last a life time! 

And the great thing about Old Gringo?  The longer you wear the boots, the more broken in they get - and the more gorgeous they become!  What other pair of shoes or purse, or any other accessory can you say THAT about?

Old Gringo - I love you!  Keep hiring those amazing designers!  I simply LOVE every single pair of Old Gringo boots I have ever seen.

The only thing I have not gotten into yet, are the smaller ankle size boots.  Not sure why - but I still prefer the 13" or knee high boots!

Maybe ... just maybe ... because Old Gringo helps us women to express ourselves from the inside out - with our boots!  !

Old Gringo gets an A+.

Adorable; with a capital A.

If you are looking for a great retailer that sells Old Gringo boots ... is Rivertrail Mercantile - ask for Lauren or Clint!  They will do their best to track down whatever boot tickles your fancy!   

1-336-998-8800.

Here is a peek at the Letty in pink and brown chocolate:

And here is the precious Augusta L1287-4 ....  in pink - next on my list to purchase!

Hopefully by Mother's Day this year!  Oh happy me!

Review: IT Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Matte Luxe Shadow Palette & Brush

New from IT Cosmetics, available at QVC!   I have been a fan of IT Cosmetics from the moment I was first introduced to the Bye Bye Pores Finishing Powder.   I had first heard about this finishing powder by Emily on Beauty Broadcast.  From the first moment I tried this powder, I was hooked.  I then ordered a set of the IT Cosmetic Brushes and fell in love with this company.  The Bye Bye Pores Powder is my go to powder for both setting my foundation as well as for finishing off my make up for that airbrushed finish!    

So, when I saw this palette on QVC, I perked up.  So many palette's out there are filled with so much shimmer, glitter or satin ... and for us older ladies, we do need a little more matte in our palette's.  

Many companies are finally getting the hint that it is not just the younger generation that LOVES make up - us older ladies love it too!  

There are some newer palette's that offer a great balance with the matte finishes - such as the Lorac Pro Palette and the new Smashbox Full Exposure Eye Shadow Palette!  I hope these companies keep coming out with a great assortment in their palettes! 

The funny thing - if you just read my previous blog on the Smashbox Full Exposure palette, you would of seen that I was just saying - I wanted a great matte palette with more of the pink and burgundy tones!  And sure enough - just after I said that .... my new IT Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Palette arrived!

On first sight, I fell in love with this palette.  Right away ... I swatched the colors and every single one of them are truly beautiful.  

I love how IT also created the pearl finish so you can change the finish on your eye shadows from matte to a pearly.  What a BRILLIANT idea!  Innovative and creative!  

The color payoff was good on each one of the colors.  Meaning, when I applied them - they seemed pigmented.  They also were buttery soft .... similar to the Burberry eye shadows.  They also blended very well.  The colors are very natural, although you can get a soft smokey eye with this palette.

I purchased this palette when it was apart of the special event pricing.  It was just a little over $35.00 which made this palette SO worth it!  The brush in this set alone could sell for that amount!

The only thing I was not thrilled about with this palette was it's staying power.  I wore these eye shadows for a few days - trying a few different looks.  Natural, smokey, etc...  In first applying it - I was so happy.  I really loved the buttery texture - they felt so luxurious and glam! 

I tried various primers to see if I could get the color to last longer.  I used my Too Faced Shadow Insurance, my Urban Decay Primer, my NYX primer ... and sad to say, after about 4-6 hours I could see the color on my eyes was fading.   My eye's just looked kind of blah.   

It seemed like I no longer had any eye shadow on by the end of the day. 

Would I still buy this palette again?  Yes, for $35.00 it is definitely worth adding to the collection.  It might be a bit more once the special event pricing is over (which I believe this pricing ends the end of November 2013). 

I am still going to try a bunch of different primers to see if there is something that helps keep the color going strong all day long.  I want to make this palette work for me because I truly do love the colors in this palette.  They are SO pretty!  

This part was very sad to me - because I truly wanted to love ALL aspects of this palette.   If you have some helpful tips on how to keep a shadow staying strong all day - please comment below!  Would love the help from fellow beauty lovers like me! 

I think if you only have a certain amount of money to spend and you want a great palette with the pinks and burgundy tones, you need something with some matte finishes ... and you want great color payoff and something that stays strong all day long - go for the Lorac Pro Palette - this runs just under $50.00 and it is one of the best palette's out there!  

Now, for the brush .... it is wonderful.  I have used MAC brushes, Sigma Beauty Brushes, Real Technique brushes an Coastal Scent Brushes.  The IT Cosmetic Brushes truly are up there in quality.  This one is no exception.  The brush is luxurious and it works great for applying shadow.  You can also turn the brush slightly sideways and it works wonderful as a crease brush.  The other end - is a great brush for liner or smudging ... or if you want to add the darker color to your outer V.  All in all - the brush ALONE could sell for the $35.00.

All in all - this is a GREAT palette.  Now, if I can just figure out a way to keep it staying strong on my lids .... Hmmmm ..... Help ladies?

Holiday 2013: Smashbox Full Exposure Eye Shadow Palette!

Are you a fan of the Urban Decay Naked and/or Naked 2 Eye Shadow Palettes?  Or is there someone on your Christmas shopping list that loves the Naked palettes?

If so, I might have the perfect 2013 Holiday palette for you or for them!

As a make up artist and beauty guru, I love trying new products!  Like, I literally love things all related to beauty!  I love seeing the creative side of women come alive as they play around with make up!  I love seeing the confidence that emerges when they embrace who they are as women!  Women who are loved and have a purpose to impact the lives of others! 

You, my beloved, are that woman!

As I was browsing through Sephora's web-site a few weeks ago ... I found this new palette set by Smashbox.  (Smashbox Full Exposure Eye Shadow Palette w/ Mascara). 

On first glance, I thought to myself ... I don't need another nude/neutral eye shadow palette.  But I was curious to see what all the reviews had to share.  It definitely got some great feedback by those who took the plunge to pick up this palette.

As I kept reading all the reviews, it seemed that there was really something extra special about this palette!  I wanted to know what it was! This curiosity made me click the add to my basket button!  And the 20% Sephora VIB discount also helped push me past any hesitation.  Plus, I new if it really didn't work - I could return it because Sephora is amazing with their return policy!  

The first thing I loved about this palette was the fact that this palette was and is ... highly usable!  Like the Lorac Pro palette, it contains some mattes and shimmers.  The top row is all shimmer and the bottom row is all matte.  It is one palette that truly meets the spectrum of our eye shadow needs.

The second thing I loved about this palette was the range of colors - from light to dark.  From nude/brown tones to gray tones. I loved the fact that it provided a great range of colors and finishes - that could really work the whole eye!

It provided colors for the inner corners, great matte colors for blending out the crease ... to some nice dark colors for the outer V.  

I would of been over the top happy .... if there was a sibling palette to this one with more pinks and plums; the beautiful berries for winter (similar to the Lorac Pro) but with it's own uniqueness of Smashbox.  

But, since I have the Lorac Pro palette and love it - I wasn't too disappointed! 

I think whoever the brilliant person was that put this palette together truly understands what is needed to make a complete palette!  

I give a BIG hats off to them for understanding the needs of the end users - both for individual beauty lovers as well as the professional make up artists.  Whoever you are - keep bringing products like this to market!  

The colors in this palette are beautiful.  Although they are colors typical to so many palettes out there - this one has that something extra special that looks wonderful on the eye.  

This palette will help you create a perfect day time look or you can use the darker colors to smoke out your eyes for a more sultry look! 

I can't tell you how many palette's I have bought - that have great colors, great pigment, blend well - but you literally can't use the one palette to do a complete eye.  

It is either missing that great brow highlighting color or it is missing that great matte color that is needed for blending out the crease area, or it is missing a great dark color.  I think the only thing that could of been added was a nice white color that would work with the range of all skin tones.  A nice white works great for the inner corners and as a brow bone/highlighting color.  Sometimes the creams, depending on skin tone, just do not provide the contrast needed.  

I have found this is the only color outside of this palette that I have had to reach for.  I always like to put just a little bit of white right under my brow bone to help lift and lighten my eyes.

The third thing that I loved about this palette was the fact that all the colors had great color payoff, they all blended well, and they all had staying power - off of these are typical of a Smashbox product!

This was truly a palette that I know I will be using as a part of my daily make up routine!   I also believe it is one of those palette's every beauty lover should have in their make up collection.  This one gets a huge thumbs up! 

AN ENCOURAGING WORD

• Believe in yourself.  Don't listen to those whispering lies that say your life has no value or no purpose.  
• You exist for a very special purpose and keep embarking on the journey to know what this is! 

FUN FACTS

• I live in Northern California and I love it.  Although today, I am missing snow, missing that magical feeling you get when you see your first snow fall of winter.  That feeling that makes you want to make hot cocoa, light a fire and snuggle up with a cozy blanket and read a book or watch a movie!  It is still 80 degrees and it is almost Thanksgiving! 

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! 

Why Rodan + Fields? My Experience & A Review!

I have worked with many of the top retail skin care and cosmetic lines. I had sold Clinique, Estee Lauder and Lancome products. 

I also used their products for years. Do they work? YES! Many people when I ask them how old they think that I am ... usually guess in the mid-30's. I am close to 50 years old. 

I started taking better care of my skin in my 20's. My mom introduced me to Clinique and their "Dramatically Different Moisturizer" was my staple skin care product.  In my 30's, I realized I needed to be more proactive.  Mostly, because I love to tan. I can't stand that white paste look.  Some do, I don't.  I prefer to have a little tan to my skin.  And so, I have always tried to fake bake a couple days a week.

It wasn't until I hit my 30's that I realized I needed to add some products to counter the damage I was doing to my skin. 

I added Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair (which is by far my favorite product ever before I learned about R + F) and Estee Lauder's Resilience Lift Face Cream. I stopped using the Clinique product. It was a great moisturizer although it didn't add any perks for firming or wrinkles.

ALTHOUGH .... about six months ago, I knew a lady who was selling Rodan + Fields.  I followed her on Facebook and I watched what she posted. The pictures really blew me away. Could a product provide such amazing results SO fast?  Like really? I mean, not like over night fast because no skin care product works like that .... but within 6 months could your skin undergo such a radical transformation?  YES!  It was possible.  I had not seen this sort of results in working with the other skin care lines.  Here is a picture of woman who used the REDEFINE system! 

I kept watching this woman on Facebook from a distance.  Then, about three months ago ... I began to take a closer look.  Because I LOVE trying new products and getting a sense of what they are really like .... I decided to take the plunge buy the whole REDEFINE system ($193.00) in addition to the NIGHT REPAIR SERUM ($89.00). At first I thought the product was a bit expensive but one packaging system lasts for months.  

I really wanted to see how this product line held up to my favorite Estee Lauder products.  I had been a loyal to Estee Lauder customer for YEARS! 

I was very excited to try them.  When they arrived, I have to be honest with you .... I was not impressed with the packaging.  In working with the top retail companies - I loved the look of the packaging with Estee Lauder, Lancome and Shiseido.  For this kind of money, I felt the look of the packaging should reflect the cost.

My degree in college was marketing.  I think this is where my love of products, product identity and such began.  So, how things look and feel are important to me .... in giving the brand and the product an identity.  

I was not too sure of how I related with the identity of Rodan + Fields. It felt at first sterile and not elegant.  The packaging was very clinical, sort of like Clinique.  On first glance, I even preferred Clinique's packaging to Rodan + Fields.  

Although ... I remembered visiting my dermatologist and it seemed like all the high end clinical brands seems to look a bit like Rodan + Fields.

However, the more I used the product and began to research the creator's of Rodan + Fields and ProActiv, the more I realized that this product is a clinical product. You can't really compare it to an Estee Lauder or a Lancome. 

It is meant to serve the skin care industry by bringing powerful results.  Period. It is a transforming skincare product.

After purchasing the REDEFINE (anti-age, anti-wrinkle package), I decided to also try and weave into my daily routine the REVERSE system ($160.00) dark spot package).  

Why?  Well, it was because I wanted to reverse any of the skincare damage that I did from tanning.  I wanted to even out my skin tone even though I did not have a great deal of sun damage on my face, neck or decollate.  I wanted my skin to look great with or without make up.

I began to use the REDFINE system with the NIGHT SERUM at night and I began to use the REVERSE system in the morning.  I also rotated that up a bit.  But kept consistent with both products.

After a few months, I was shocked at how amazing my skin looked.  Even after using high end products for years .... I got results quicker with Rodan + Fields.

So, I decided to take the plunge and begin selling this product!  WHY?  Because it is a product that really, really works!  

Within a month of my using the REDEFINE and REVERSE systems, my 14 year old son started the UNBLEMISH system ($160.00) and within a month ... all of his acne was gone!  He now uses it to maintain his healthy skin!  He has a new sense of confidence emerging in him!  This stuff REALLY works! 

How we feel about our skin, can change the way we interact with life! 

I began selling Rodan + Fields because I believe in the product!  The only hurdle I had to get over in working as an independent consultant for Rodan + Fields was the fact ... that it is a network based marketing firm.  

In the past, I had such bad experiences with people trying to push me into selling their products so they could make money off me. I know some people thrive in this sort of selling environment.  Not me.  I think I had too many opinions and stigmas associated with direct marketing.

Even recently, a man has been trying to get me to be on his network marketing sales team selling a product I don't even believe in.  He calls constantly not out of a genuine care for who I am ... but in order to reach his recruiting goals and to build his empire. 

Sorry all, but this is just not my deal.  I am not motivated by money.  I am motivated by seeing people's lives change!  I am motivated by working with people who want to add value into the lives of others! 

I believe in some very simple marketing steps.  Believe.  Care.  Add Value.

SALES & MARKETING - My Strategy for Success 101

• BELIEVE. Only represent a great product you believe in.  
• CARE.  Great customer service, really care about people and what they need.
• ADD VALUE.  Only sell something if it adds value to your client!  Period!  If it doesn't serve them and what they need, then don't sell something to them!

I love the Rodan + Fields brand.  It truly is an exceptional product.  I say this as one who has worked with some amazing lines.  All of which have great products that really do work.  The question will always be ... what is the best product for you? 

THIS is the kind of business I run with Rodan + Fields - a business that cares about people; about you.  

If you are just hearing about Rodan + Fields, my recommendation to you is to TRY the product.  Within 3 months, you will know if it is meeting your skin care needs. You will know if you have found the product that works for you.  I will be posting more reviews on specific products.  If there is something you would like to know more about .... leave a comment below!

For more information on what Rodan + Fields product might work best for your skincare needs, check out this link: https://loridethlefs.myrandf.com/Shop

If you think you might want to be apart of my skin care consultant team, send me an email at loridethlefs@gmail.com and check out this link: https://loridethlefs.myrandf.biz!  

Know my heart, I don't want to make money off of anyone!  I want to see women empowered to make a difference in the lives of others!   This is a great way to supplement your income.

FUN LITTLE FACTS

• I am having a quiet day at home.
• I am making beef strognaff for my family tonight.  My cute little Bichon Frise pup found his way onto our counter to lick the spoon! He is such a funny pup. Here is his picture. This was him sitting in my suitcare as we were packing to go to Italy last year. 

AN ENCOURAGING WORD

• Insanity is often defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting the same results.  
• If you are in a rut or stuck and want to see something change in your life ... the best way out is "baby steps".  Decide today, to make one small step towards the dreams in your heart.
• YOU can make a difference in the lives of others.  It begins by believing in yourself and what you were created to do!  

What baby step can you take today ... 
.... to seeing something new bloom in your life? 

A Review of the Smashbox's Must Have Metallics in the Rose Gold Kit!

I am a sucker for anything pink, rose or mauve. Anytime I see something with a bit of pink in it, I have to touch, feel and swatch it. Like most make up artists - they love color and they love the texture and feel of products.

In addition to loving pinks, I love kits! Why? Because it is a great and inexpensive way to try new products ... items that I might not be quick to buy on their own.

I first saw this kit when I was browsing through the Ulta catalog and I thought I would swing by for a very mini-haul.

A couple quick facts on this kit ....

This kit is $39 and for that amazing price you get...

• a beautiful soft lights blush/highlighter
• an eye shadow trio in color Rose Gold
• a full size lip gloss in color Rose Gold
• a full size angled eye shadow or contour brush (contour brush #11)  

If you were to buy each of those products individually you could easily pay close to $20 each!

When I got home, I immediately played with this product.  It's pink and so I wanted to touch it and play around with it!

The soft lights .... well, I wouldn't use this product as a blush. The soft lights is really that - created to add some light or dimension to your face. This product has alot of shine and sheen to it - so it would be perfect for a highlight either on your cheek bones or right under your brow bone. It is very beautiful but not as a blush. I personally don't like too much shine and shimmer on my cheeks. This product is very pigmented and so be sure you dab some on your brush and then apply lightly to your face unless you want to glow like a glow worm.

The eye shadow in Rose Gold is very pigmented, blends well and really provides a beautiful pink, rose eye. One sweep of the eye color and you have more than enough coverage. You can apply the lighter color for a day time look or use the darker colors to create a nice sultry smokey look. Smashbox's eye shadows always seem to have great pigment and blend well.

The lip gloss also comes in a color called Rose Gold. It is a beauty nude shade with a tad bit of rose gold under tones. But, all in all - it is really more of a nude shade with a hint of pink. It is very pretty by itself or with a nude lip stick .... or it can add some beautiful shine to your favorite lip color.  All in all - this lip gloss is a winner.  Not sticky at all.

Bottom line - this is an AMAZING kit for the price! I might have to go back and get it's companion kit the Smashbox's Must Have Metallics in Chic Copper! This truly is a bargain of a price! Remember, each item in this kit is a FULL SIZED product! If you are a fan of Smashbox, you might want to take a pick at this kit or the Chic Copper!  Both of these are available at Ulta.

Smashbox's ...Must Have Metallics Kit in the color ROSE GOLD:

Smashbox's ... Must Have Metallics Kit in the color CHIC COPPER (now on my wish list):

FUN LITTLE FACTS

• I spent the day mentoring a young woman.  There is something so life-giving when we set aside time to encourage others and be apart of their life journey! 

AN ENCOURAGING WORD

• You were made to contribute something wonderful to life.  Do you know what it is?  Have you explored your heart to see what beautiful deposits are placed within you?  
• If you could do anything in life and fear was not an option, what would it be? 

What is the dream that is deep in your heart?  

  

The Drybar "Buttercup" and the T3 Featherweight Luxe 2i Hair Dryer Review

The journey begins to find a new hair dryer.  Over the past two years, I decided to grow my hair long. Not sure if this is stylish for an almost 50 year old.  However, I wanted to try it.  I was 16 years old the last time my hair was long! 

I have used a drug store brand hair dryer my whole life.  The kind you can pick up for $25.  Although, now that my hair was getting long, I have been getting super frustrated spending 40 minutes trying to dry my hair.  I found myself washing my hair at night and letting it air dry until morning.  This only led to a rats nest in the morning.  Knots galore!  Not fun trying to brush those out in the morning.

A friend of mine and I were on our way to Napa Valley for the day when she suggested that I take the plunge and purchase a high end hair dryer.  For me, to spend up to $200 on a hair dryer seemed ridiculous.  Like really?  Do you even get what you pay for?  

If I was to spend that kind of money, I would rather put it towards a Coach or Michael Kors purse.

However, I took her advice and began to look online to see what was the best hair dryer.  My dad always taught me to do my 7 P's when researching anything.

Some of the features I was looking for in a hair dryer:

• Drying time - how long did it take to dry long hair?
• Weight - I didn't want a beast of a hair dryer.  I wanted something light weight and a sleek design.
• Color - I really wanted something stylish for this kind of money!  Something that would look great on my vanity.
• Quality - I wanted quality.  For this price point, I wanted something that would last a long time and would perform like a champ.

There was so much chatter on the internet about various hair dryers. It seemed like one brand kept popping up ... The T3 Featherweight Luxe hair dryers.

Because I was spending this kind of money for my first high end hair dryer ... I decided to purchase three hair dryers and from there  .... I would make my final decision.  

Which hair dryer would end up living with me until it's last breath?

I ended up purchasing three hair dryers:

• T3 Featherweight Luxe Hair Dryer in Pink (QVC.com)
• T3 Featherweight Luxe 2i Hair Dryer in Black (Amazon.com)
• Drybar Buttercup Hair Dryer in Yellow (QVC)

T3 Featherweight Luxe Hair Dryer in Pink (QVC)

This hair dryer runs about $181.00 plus another $10.00 in shipping.  It is a beautiful pink color (you can buy it in other colors).  The best part about this hair dryer is that it is light weight and there are many color options to choose from.  It left my hair silky smooth with beautiful volume. 

I liked the overall feel of the T3 .... but I will tell you, my very first priority in a hair dryer was drying time.  I needed some super power in my hair dryer that could cut my drying time down to less than 10 minutes.  This one cut my drying time down to about 20 minutes.  It didn't seem like much air was coming out of this dryer.  It seemed to lack .... power.  

As much as l loved all the other features on this beautiful little gem - it just didn't cut it when it came to getting my hair dried fast!  So, back it went.  I was a bit disappointed because of all the three hair dryers, I liked the look and color of this one best!  It was so sleek and beautiful.

T3 Featherweight Luxe 2i Hair Dryer in Black (Amazon.com)

This seems like it is the deluxe model of hair dryers on the market.  I am not an expert by any means ... but with this price point, you'd think it had every bell and whistle possible. 

At Beauty.com this hairdryer goes for about $250.00.  I found it on Amazon.com for about $162.00 plus another $10.00 or so for shipping.  When this first arrived, I thought for sure this was the model that would win out.  

With this price, it had to be the Cadillac of hair dryers. This hair dryer was much larger than the pink one above. I used this hair dryer multiple times because I really wanted to like it.  But the more I used it the more I realized it was just like the pink featherweight luxe that I had tried above except this one was even larger and more bulky and still did not have the air power I was looking for.    After much contemplation - this one went back too.  It simply lacked the power I was looking for in a hair dryer.   

I think it ultimately boils down to which feature is most important to you? If it is look and style the T3 Featherweight Luxe wins out by far! 

Drybar Buttercup Hair Dryer in Yellow (QVC)

Oh, my sweet and precious Buttercup.  As you can already tell, I ended up choosing the Buttercup as my hair dryer of choice.   Why you might ask?  Well, it really boils down to performance.  The first time I used this hair dryer I was blown away that I could literally dry my hair in 8 minutes.  Yes, 8 minutes,  You heard that right. 

My hair is now past my shoulders and although it is very fine - there is a lot of it!  I put some volume product on my hair and started to blow out my hair.  I was literally shocked when I looked down at my iPhone and noticed I was done when my timer hit the 8 minute mark!  I was almost sold the minute I tried this.  Although, I had to get over a couple of hurdles in my mind before I made my final decision.

Those hurdles?  Honestly ...... I am not a fan of this bright yellow color.  I know it is suppose to be cheerful and vibrant, but for me this dryer lacked elegance.  I am more of a Audrey Hepburn or Jackie O kind of gal.  I just couldn't see either of them sporting this hair dryer on their vanity.

To plop this amount of yellow onto my make up station .... was so hard for me.  I like style.  Yellow, just doesn't scream style for me.  

The downside for some of you with the Buttercup might be the color as well.  But, the other hurdle I had to get over before making my final decision was also the weight.  The Buttercup is much heavier than the T3 and it does feel more bulky when you pick it up to dry your hair.  It probably fells more like you are driving a Mercedes.  Rock solid.   But, I believe it just reflects the quality and the power behind the dryer.

The Buttercup has a nice long cord - so you don't have to worry about it getting tangled up.  There is no issue at all when trying to style your hair.  The cord is long enough to move the dryer anywhere! 

The other amazing feature on the Buttercup is how the cooling button locks into place.  So, while you are curling your hair with a brush and the Buttercup - you can lock the cooling button to help lock your curl into place.  The T3's did not have this option at all.  This really is a selling point if you use your dryer a lot for styling.

As much as my heart wanted to love the T3's for the beautiful styles and colors ..... I had to choose performance over weight and color.  The Drybar BUTTER CUP won over my heart.

I found in searching online the best value for the Buttercup is on QVC.com.  I am not sure if it will remain that way forever .... but as of right now, that is the best price in town.  Plus, they throw in some hair clips as well.  Which makes purchasing this expensive Buttercup a little easier to swallow.

FUN LITTLE FACTS

• I love fall.  It is my favorite season.  A friend of mine dropped me off a dozen donuts from the famous "Apple Hill" here in California.  Apple donuts.  If you never had them - they are amazing!  Worth the calories!  A true friend loves at all times.
• Today, I am breaking out my boots for the first time this fall!  The weather has finally cooled down here in California ... and today is going to be a boot day! Yahoo! 

AN ENCOURAGING WORD

• The world is filed with negative people.  People who will always try to discourage you, reject you, abandon you and hate you.  Today, despite feeling discouraged .... try to move in the opposite way.  
• We can choose to be kind and loving people despite how mean others can be to us.  
• Don't let others control your day, your future and the beauty that is within you.  Don't let their negativity rob you of allowing the sun to shine on you today. 
• Despite what anyone has ever said - you are beautiful! 

What do you love about fall?  I would love to hear from you!