The Beauty Pirate: August 2010

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

I Want My Mommy!

Okay, so some folks know that I was in a pretty horrific accident and completely screwed up my face. Don't believe me?

This pic was taken almost a WEEK after the accident.See the really bunged up eye? It took a week to open it even a slit and over 3 weeks later, I'm still wearing (appropriately) an eye patch. Needless to say, I've needed some TLC. My shoulder and my right boobie looked like hamburger and that banged up shoulder was dislocated, making it extremely difficult to so much as brush my teeth. My husband had to bathe and dress me the first week or so, and I can FINALLY lift my arm horizontal to my side.

Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I was pleased to have a few items help me on the road to recovery. (Besides the pain killers, that is!) I won't go into all of them now, since I can still only see out of one eye, making typing a challenge, but here's a few of my new friends......

Thank you SkincareRX for sending me what seemed like odd choices in a few of my Beauty Caches! Perhaps they have a psychic on staff.

I began taking this as soon as I got home and BOY did it make a huge difference! My actual bruises disappeared so fast I was astounded. I bruise quite easily, and my whole body was black, but within a week of taking these, the bruising on my body was almost nonexistent. My hubby found it downright freaky, because bruises tend to stick around for weeks on my body. I plan to start keeping a pack of this around for my everyday bangs and oopsies, because those are a frequent occurrence for me. Seriously, this was some amazing help.

This light as air moisturizer/sun screen has protected my extremely delicate skin during it's recuperation. Sun exposure can worsen scarring, but many of the moisturizers with sunscreen that I tried hurt so freakin' bad! It absorbs instantly and blessing of blessings, doesn't sting even where my stitches were! (I applied this over my stitched up areas and even my "hamburger" spots on my face and experienced no painful sensation at all.) A tiny bit goes a long way, so I'll be able to use this as a daily moisturizer for a while, even after I'm totally healed.

The eye looks pretty nasty, right? I was able to apply this stuff DIRECTLY to my injured eye area and it didn't hurt a BIT. In fact, it was quite soothing! The opthomologist was actually quite surprised by how quickly my eye area healed, and I feel I have this amazing eye cream to thank.

THEY SAY:

"What it is and What it does

This exclusive BORBA eye cream is formulated with Soy and silk fiber helps soothe the delicate eye area, locking in vital moisture for improved softness, smoothness, and more youthful looking skin. Palmitoyl Oligopeptide works with skin’s own natural collagen to help diminish signs of aging, softening visible lines and wrinkles. Skin brighteners help diminish the look of dark circles. This luxurious, multi-benefit eye treatment is designed to minimize the look of fine lines and crow’s feet while re-energizing a younger appearance."

All I know is it helped me tremendously.

Nothing is more uncomfortable than skin trying to heal up that gets dried out and starts pulling. I would be woken out of a deep sleep almost shouting in pain because I shifted and the skin on my shoulder or chest pulled. While I did use this on my face as well, I discovered that it helped my road rash bits significantly. OH SO SOOTHING! I can't believe this is simply water. It's some sort of magic water, apparently.

THEY SAY:

about the product

The fountain of youth now comes bottled. Avene Thermal Spring Water gives you the skin rejuvenation benefits of France's acclaimed thermal springs in an easy-to-use aerosol bottle. Simply mist over your face and body for instant hydration.
10.58 fl. oz.

who it's for

Ideal for sensitive skin; safe for all skin types and pregnant women.

what it's for

To set makeup, to soothe and soften skin, to alleviate facial redness and irritation associated with psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea, to calm skin after shaving, and to relieve skin stressed by dermatalogical procedures.

key ingredients

Pure Thermal Spring Water with Silica leaves a soothing barrier over the skin."

So goshdarnit, thank you Skincare RX for actually RX-ing my skin!

(and when I get a chance, I'll get somebody to take a non-autopsy photo of me so you can see how well these things really worked!)

Monday, August 30, 2010

Lip Service

Lancome Color Fever Shine Lipstick Provocative is exactly that- PROVOCATIVE! It's an awesome lippie to begin with because it's Lancome, but it glides on with the smooth creamy texture of an emollient lip balm. The Color Fever Shine line is packed full of prismatic sparkle that makes your lips look plump and inviting. When I wear this, I have to fight off my girlfriends who all want to put some on too. It has good staying power, and even after eating, your lips still have a sexy berry stain. And it actually has real crushed pearls to give it that one of a kind prismatic effect! WOWZERS!

Lancome Color Fever Lipstick Brick House

another one of those colors that proves that Lancome can do no wrong. This lipstick is the mouth decorating equivalent of the song by the same name. put this on and you will wanna drop it like it's hot, girl! Super sexy light reflecting prisms and all day staying power with no feathering or fading. I really think it's time I just buy stock in Lancome......

Three Custom Color Specialists Lip Gloss are absolutely fantastic! They have excellent color payoff and last a good long time, especially for a gloss. This is actually a real makeup studio in New York, so if you're lucky enough to have access to their studio, they will give you a consultation and custom blend makeup to your own specifications! Even if you can't go to them, they still will do custom blinding through their website, and will even replicate long lost shades that you adore! From face powder, brow gel, you name it- they'll make it for you.

I'm loving their lipglosses pictured below. Visit their site and make your own favorite!

Drifter

Violet Cream

Lipstick Queen has stolen my heart. I am obviously a lippie junkie, and ALL THEY MAKE IS LIPSTICK! Wow. Crikey. Suprisingly, the normally dependable Sephora doesn't carry the brand, but I got mine at Barney's easy as pie.

Medieval looks like a deep cherry, but it actually goes on extremely sheer, giving your lips the epitome of the natural beestung look. This one really brings out your inner Maid Marion and convinces the world that you must surely have the most perfect mouth in the world. It's also rich in vitamin E, so your lips feel extremely emollient.

Big Bang Theory Gloss in Cosmos is an astounding kissable cherry. Very Lolita! It's filled with tiny light reflecting particles that smooth out the lip surface and create the illusion of Angelina Jolie style lips without the stinging lip plumpers. When I wear this, I can't help but obsessively look at myself in the mirror. Vanity, thy name is Lipstick Queen.

Revlon's Just Bitten is a thrifty alternative to LQ's Medieval, though it does tend to dry out the lips a bit. When i use this, I like to put a clear gloss over it to keep my lips from feeling dry. The color effect is lovely however, so for the budget conscious, this is a good way to go. You do need to apply it perfectly before it dries so you don't get a blotchy effect.

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Roman Holiday
These apply like a dream, with the clean look of a liner but the color of a lipstick. Roman Holiday is appropriately named,a sit has quite the Audrey Hepburn feel to it. It's a retro pink that looks delightful with an updo and a flirty floral dress. This is the lippie to wear on a romantic picnic........Soft and much more moisturizing than their standard lipsticks, as well.

Estee Lauder Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Tiramisu

This Estee Lauder fave received 4.7 out of 5 stars on Makeup Alley reviews, so you know I'm not just flinging around my prejudice towards anything Lauder willy nilly. It's a beautiful neutral shade that makes you look polished without trying too hard. It's not a heavily pigmented or overly sparkly look, despite the name. With a nude lip liner you look sophisticated but not trying too hard. Perfect to wear with an intense dark eye to not look overdone. Goes beautifully with a wispy updo.

DuWop Private Red is possibly the closest thing to a makeup miracle I've yet to discover. They use the same technology that is used to create "mood lipstick" for a red that looks different on everyone. I did an experiment with a group of girlfriends and we all put it on at the same time. It literally looked different on each of us, seeming to perfect itslef to go with our differing skin tones. This stuff is a freaky little miracle. Available at

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Oh, my Pretty Princesses!

i miss my lovely girls (and occasional boys!) This eye patch makes typing a challenge, but hey, now I really AM a pirate! ARRRGHH! Once I CAN SEE AGAIN, i'LL HAVE TO TELL YOU ABOUT WHAT MADE MY RECOVERY AT LEAST A tidge EASIER. sTUPID CAP LOCK! See- face not working. Sorry.
I love you all, and thanks for the notes of love!
Your Beauty Pirate,
Julie Ann

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Stay Perfect Summer Skin

I have become OBSESSED with Colorescience Sunforgettable Sun Protection! It's a powder that provides EXTREMELY water resistant protection. Because it's a powder, it goes on evenly and you don't have that awful shiny greasy feeling. Every time I pull this stuff out, everyone is clamoring to try it. I adore the powder puff in the orb, and it's a perfect stand in for your regular foundation. I use it just like amineral foundation with wonderful results. I look great and don't have streaky, blotchy or cakey makeup. Since it is so water resistant, it sticks even when sweating. I wore this on my face on the 4th of July at the lake and didn't get even a hint of sunburn on my albino face!

There's also a roller style that looks like a Ban deoderant that makes application a breeze on larger areas like your arms and legs.

They're available in tons of shades, and I especially the the Sparkle shades. They have a touch of glittery sparkle to them that makes me look like Ziggy Stardust :-)
The two i used most recently were the orb in All Clear Sparkle and the Rock N Roller in All Clear Shimmer.

LOVE EM!

Description: Colorescience's popular Sunforgettable in All Clear Sparkle is a clear, weightless powder with long-lasting sun protection and sexy sparkle. Free of damaging dyes, chemicals, colorants and odors, Sunforgettable is the perfect powder for those with sensitive skin, such as rosacea or eczema, but is great for keeping the whole family safe from the sun's harmful rays. Packaged in a stylish blue orb and accompanied by a cute powder puff for perfect application. This creamy powder cools the skin and can be used to help soothe skin already exposed to UV sun rays, as well as skin left exposed from surgical and cosmetic procedures.
Sunforgettable has received the FDA seal of approval and the Seal of Recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation of America.

Description: Colorescience Sunforgettable All Clear Sparkle is an invisible mineral powder with a sweet, flirty shimmer. Colorescience brings you a sunscreen innovation with their effective Sunforgettable Rock and Roller Ball roll-on powder. This fragrance-free mineral powder is a safe, natural and effective alternative to greasy lotions and sprays. Sunforgettable's lightweight powder is highly water-resistant, non-staining and gentle on skin while providing long-lasting, broad spectrum, SPF 30 protection. The convenient, roll-on design makes all-over application easy and quick.

While we’d never complain about the golden glow summer brings to neglected pasty skin, this is also the season of heat, humidity, and the need to multiply products. The key to healthy summer skin? Using the right products at the right time. Going out for the night? Skip the SPF. Need under-eye concealer that won’t melt off? Use a primer. Read on for the must-have beauty products to last through the remaining dog days of summer.

Dermatologists often recommend this do-it-all face protector for its excellent coverage, moisturizing factors,
and high-tech ingredients.
$29.95

Anthelios SX

A few dabs of this make for de-puffed eyes, naturally.
$52.00

Like a 4pm shot of espresso for tired, dull skin.
$16.00

Keep this in the fridge and apply to a sunburn or whenever skin needs a bit of TLC.
$45.00

This cleanser, toner and moisturizer is a rare example of a 3-in-1 that actually does triple duty to remove makeup and then some.
$30.00

Skip the heavy foundation and make use of tinted
moisturizer when skin needs less coverage and more sun protection.
$24.50

All items available at Dermstore!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Some Girls Have All The Luck

Had a, ahem, 'bit' of an accident early yesterday morning involving trying to ride a bicycle in a ball gown, being too enthusiastic of a rider, gravel and a concrete divider wall. I have truly made my mark on the city of Dallas! (albeit in the form of a blood puddle on the street.) We took photos, so we'll see how quickly the potions I'm slathering on start to work. At least the ambulance guy was cute! (I think so anyway. I was unconscious for about 4 hours.) I thought I could get some work done on here, but the excrutiating, tear inducing, faint causing-ness of my pain is gonna make me cut this short today. Maybe tomorrow one of my arms will start working again and this will be easier. In the meantime- be beautiful for me! Cause sadly, I look like an autopsy photo....