Pixi Product Perfectors

Eye Bright Kit #2
Correction Concentrate Brightening Peach
Wide Awake Duo Pencil


Pixi products are awesome, you can purchase them from Target. I was browsing the aisles of Target and came upon them and decided to try them out and fell in love immediately! Brightening and correcting products are a necessity for me and Pixi rocks the genre without a doubt. These 3 products are excellent and are well made. The Correcting concentrate is peach colored and is a little thick but blends really well. The Eye Bright kit is light and smooth and works really well with coverage for several needs. The Wide Awake pencil has 2 ends, one brightening and one a lightener. The pencil brightener is soft and smoothes well, the lightener end is a little harder and takes time to warm to use.

They are also for the most part inexpensive and that makes my wallet happy :)! Check out Pixibeauty.com and you will be surprised at how many products they have as well as a blog with "how to's" that Petra (the founder of Pixi) has. I am impressed with the brand Pixi and have quite a few of their products.

Have you tried Pixi ladies? Do let me know! Sherry

Almay Smart Shade CC Luminous Primer

Because I have a primer addiction and never put on makeup without primer, I try multiple ones. There are radiant, illuminating primers that give a healthy sheen to the face under makeup and this is one of them. As you can see from the swatch picture above, it is pinkish white and when blended out there is a light shimmer/sheen. It is not glittery by any means and makes the skin bright. It also has an SPF 15! There is no fragrance to speak of, it takes a few minutes to sink into the skin and isn't tacky feeling, feels like a serum. I don't feel like it helped my makeup stay put as well as other primers that I have used. It does however, give a lovely radiance to the skin that is not at all greasy looking.

Almay has some really great products and have a place in my overflowing makeup collection.

Check out almay.com and you can purchase these at your local drugstores and supermarkets as well.

Have you used this primer? What do you think? The primer experiment continues! Sherry

My lippie addiction continues!

L to R:
Lipstick Queen Vesuvias Liquid Lips in Vesuvian Fuscia
Tarte Lipsurge in True Love
Lancôme La Laque Fever in Pink Raspberry

I have spring fever and the berry and pink lippies call to me very loudly! I don't need any more lippies yet I can't resist them. These three are absolutely beautiful and reside in my purse. The Vesuvius lippie has a twist up top with a brush to apply. It feels smooth and has a lasting color. The Tarte is a crayon pencil, easy to apply and moisturizing. It takes several layers to get a good color visible. The Lancôme gloss takes one coat for full color and is bright and beautiful. This one is my favorite although a bit sticky.

These are all new products and have been very popular from what I have read. Lipstick Queen sells out quickly so if you want them, run to your local Sephora.com or Ulta.com and grab them! Dillards.com carries the Lancôme and there are other colors available. Tarte is also available at Ulta and Sephora.

Do you have spring fever? Tell me what makeup makes you ready for spring! Happy spring to ya'll, Sherry

Dior Glow Maximizer light boosting primer

Primers are the ultimate base fixer and I have many, I am not going to lie! This one is a radiance primer, a necessity with older and dull skin. I do a lot of review scouting and although this is a high end company, that doesn't mean that it's good! I swatched it and as you can see from the picture it has quite the shimmer. Not glittery but shimmer. I plan to use this under and with my foundation so I don't look greasy.

My skin is not gloomy and doom, but the older I get the radiance is lacking and I am looking towards radiance primers and illuminators to aid in keeping me bright and young looking. I feel that radiance primers are better than illuminators, because I am still learning that trick! Dior is by no means inexpensive and I really think it through before I shell out the bucks for any of their products. I have also used the Laura Mercier radiance primer and really like that as well.

Do you use radiance primers? What are your favorites! Do share! Sherry

Shopping my stash

Nars Orgasm/Laguna Blush duo
Nars Foreplay palette
Cargo Los Cabos water resistant blush


I was shopping my stash for a different take on makeup. Blush is a happy product! I have quite a few in rotation and Nars blushes just take the cake. I was also impressed with the Cargo blush because in the summer the peachy coral look is popular and water resistant is easy when you are on the beach or just having hot flashes like me :).

It's interesting when I start looking through my stash because I find stuff that used to be favorites. Then I get excited to use them again!

Do you shop your stash and find cool stuff? Have a great day :) Sherry

Lancome Dual Finish versatile powder makeup

Pictured in neutral


I had read multiple reviews, gone to the Lancôme website and a girlfriend raved about this. I was sceptical in that powder has a tendency to make me look like a little old lady and ladies, I will stay FAR away from that. This particular product has been around for a long time and is very popular. It can be used dry or wet, as a foundation or a finishing powder. The girl at Sephora used a big fluffy brush and used it on my face. I was surprised because it was light and covered my red blotchy skin as well as didn't look cakey after the second go round. There was a negligible fragrance and that was wonderful. The compact comes black with gold accents and is quite sturdy. The thing I don't like is the flimsy sponge it comes with, absolutely useless! No matter, I will use a big fluffy brush.

Mainly, I will use this as a finishing powder and carry it in my purse for touch ups as I purposely "piled it on" to see if it caked. Ladies not at all!

Have you used this powder foundation? What are your thoughts? Would love to know, Sherry

BITE Luminous Creme Lipstick

The Pantone color of the year is orchid and BITE has the perfect beautiful lipstick. It makes my heart go pitter patter and a huge smile on my face when I saw it and I knew I had to have it. I actually looked at the Sephora lipstick in the similar color and when swatched it was very opaque and after 4 swipes couldn't get a good color. One pass of this color and it was right up my alley!

I am definitely incorporating the Orchid color into my daily makeup and this one is a no brainer for color! BITE has really good ingredients for lips and go on smooth and doesn't dry out my lips. The wear time is about 4 hours on me, and leaves a pretty sheer color behind when it wears off.

Check out bitebeauty.com for the latest and greatest colors and types. You won't be disappointed. Sephora carries the brand and always has a wide selection in stock.


Ladies, this lippie brand is frickin awesome and I can't tell you how in love I am with them! Grab 'em while you can! Sherry

Lumene skin products

L-R
Bright Now Vitamin C BB Serum-white colored
Bright Now Vitamin C Dry Skin Cocktail
Time Freeze Instant lift Serum-tan colored


I have fallen in love with Lumene products that I have found at Walgreens and CVS. The first product I ever bought was some day and night cream and loved how they made my skin feel. I also like how they had great ingredients from nature and the more I studied their website, I loved them even more. The next product I bought after seeing a review on multiple blogs was the Time freeze CC cream and it is my go to for quick outings, weekends and when I want a fresh look. Before I go into the skincare products I found and am using check out the website Lumene.com
and you will be as surprised and interested in the product line.

The Bright Now Vitamin C BB Serum is white in color, yet goes on clear with a pearlescent sheen that is not at all glittery. It makes my skin feel so smooth and brightened. It works wonders as a primer, as it says it minimizes pores as well as brightens, hydrates and illuminates. I have found this to be very true. It's main ingredient claim to fame is the Arctic Cloudberry along with Vitamin C which protects skin from the signs of aging. It has a faint floral/medicinal smell to me and dissipates quickly.

The Bright Now Vitamin C Dry Skin Cocktail is absolutely fantastic for treating the dry winter skin I have had. The oil itself is bi-phasic and has the darker heavier color pink on the bottom with the lighter colored yellow on top. They mix well and smooth into the skin quite rapidly and I don't feel the least bit greasy when I use this. My skin loves it and as it says it brightens and nourishes dry skin. It's main ingredient claim to fame is Wild Arctic Cloudberry as well as Vitamin C and continues the skin care protecting from the signs of aging.

The Time Freeze Instant Lift Serum is interesting in that it goes on smoothly and in the area of my lip lines, crows feet and forehead divots :) it does help to tighten and give the illusion that my skin is firmer. Its claim to fame ingredient is Wild Lingonberry a natural antoioxidant Quercitin. It supports collagen and elastin synthesis. I don't know if over time I will notice long term benefits but I will keep using this and let you know! It is an interesting tan colored liquid but goes on the skin colorlessly.

All of these are great products and my skin feels wonderful when I use these regularly in my daily skincare routine. Up until a couple of years ago I didn't use any kind of serum or protectant because I was flat lazy!! Now, I am so addicted to good skincare that this would be missed only if I was out of them LOL!

So ladies, have you checked out Lumene products? What do you think? What have you used that I haven't, recommendations welcomed!!! Sherry

Loreal Advanced Haircare Volume Filler Products

Loreal Advanced Haircare Volume Filler Shampoo
Loreal Advanced Haircare Volume Filler Fiber Amplifying Concentrate


I have very thin hair, have my whole life. I can sometimes, depending on the hairstyle make my hair look quite voluminous using products. When I heard commercials and saw ads for this line of products, I went to my local drugstore and purchased 2 of the line. The shampoo, which smells very nicely floral but not overpowering, suds up beautifully and rinses complete. The Concentrate is to be used once a week for 3 weeks. You shampoo your hair then place the contents of one ampule in your hand and place it in your hair. I didn't purchase the conditioner because my hair is just so thin that conditioner makes it quite flat and unmanageable.

The first shampoo with this product didn't show immediate results, however; after a week the results were quite impressive. The feel of my hair and the ability to style my hair were hugely different. Although looking at my hair you couldn't really see anything different. I am going to continue to use these products and hope to see if there is a continued volumizing effect. I'll take it!

Over the years I have used a LOT of products to help with my thin hair, I can tell you this product line just FEELS good and makes me feel like I have thicker hair. Hey if it's illusion its well worth it LOL.

Stay tuned, I will let you know how the thin hair saga goes :), Sherry

True Smooth Coolway Review Update

I recently told ya'll about a product called Coolway that was sent to me for review by Beautystat.com. I had great results the first time I used it in that my hair styled while blowdrying and I didn't need to do much else with my hair and I was over joyed! So these current pictures are day 2 after using the product. I didn't wash my hair this morning, just brushed it out and put a little bit of hairspray and out I went. This stuff actually held my style (such as it is until haircut day:) and I didn't have to really fuss with it.

My hair wasn't frizzy or really flat and not sticky or crunchy. All important things to all women!! So should you want to try this product see below for the details!

Use code BeautyStat14 to receive a 10% discount on all Coolway purchases at coolwayhair.com (not including shipping revenue and taxes).

I'm impressed and with my fine, limp hair it works pretty dang well! Have a good one ladies, Sherry

IT Cosmetics Eyelift in a Tube

Concealers, brighteners, illuminators, correcting potions are a big deal in my life. I have hereditary purple under eye circles and no matter how hydrated, well rested and good I feel, these circles are serious! So I fight back with serious products. I am cautious though because I also have lovely fine lines around my eyes that can capture and show product in them, This is NOT a pretty look! So over the years I have found some really great products that work well and blend smoothly and help to cover.

Most of you know that I have a love affair with IT Cosmetics and haven't yet found a miss in the bunch! Now that Ulta carries their products I am in even bigger heaven because I can go swatch my little heart out before I buy anything. I saw this Eyelift in a Tube on QVC with one of their TSV and didn't get that but went to my local Ulta to see if they had it. I swatched the medium concealer/brightener and put it under one eye and then wore it out and about. It went on smooth, blended really well and covered that purple circle quite well. The brightener I placed on the inner corner and on my browbone and I loved how it made the area open and awake looking. On days when my allergies are really bad and the dark circles make me look like I got punched, I bring out the big guns before the brightener and use the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Corrector.

IT Cosmetics rock that is the God's honest truth in my opinion. For a mature face (ok I giggle whenever I say mature face) their products hit all the high points and help my face look pretty dang good and my confidence soars. Check out Ulta.com and itcosmetics.com and there just might be a product you have to have!!!

Cheers ladies, smile and have a gorgeous day! Sherry

Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20

I have heard tons of information about this product and have had a sample and loved it. I purchased this at Ulta because I have purchased other Skin Transformer products before. According to Skin Transformer it hydrates, primes, enhances, mattifies and protects. Talk about a whammy! It also has antioxidants. My older skin loves the multi-purpose products and this swayed me the most. I purchased it in medium and after swatching, it seemed to be the greatest match.

I especially love the SPF 20 because spring and not so soon, summer is upon us here in Texas. Not that I don't wear sunscreen year round because of old damage when I worshipped the sun and tanned constantly! I loved how it smoothed on, not too heavy, not too sheer. Yes I had to put some concealer on, but that is to be expected :). Bottom line, I love it! This is a repurchase product for sure and I am impressed with the coverage and feel.

Ladies, run to your Ulta if you like sheer products with great coverage! Have a blessed day! Sherry

Blogging schedule

I cannot say thank you enough for all of the lovely ladies (and men) who follow my blog and am so grateful to be part of this beautiful blogging community. It has been such an experience and have found so many opportunities and friends! Those of you who follow my blog know that I put between one and 4 blog posts out on Friday or Saturday each week. This works for me in that I work 12 hour shifts and come home quite wiped out during the week and the days off in the week are filled with uniform laundry catch up (my hubby is UPS, so that is 2 types of uniforms I keep up with), groceries etc. I have been quite good at getting pictures in bulk and posts attached to those pictures as I can. So actually there is no blog schedule LOL! I feel like I am sneaking time (such fun time) working on the blog and look forward to that time every week.

All in all, I am so happy that ya'll hang in there with me and keep coming back to the blog! Thanks again and keep checking back to see what craziness will be happening on the blog. Ya'll rock, Sherry

Very Inspiring Blogger Award

I had the pleasure of being nominated by the beautiful Shalunya from ShalunyaandBoyet@blogspot.com for this award and am tickled pink that she thought of me along with some other lovely ladies. I have been keeping Shalunya and her family in prayer as her mother has had open heart surgery and I know Shalunya is worn plumb out (as we say in Texas!). Getting to know new and old bloggers in the blogosphere is really cool! The rules of the award are as follows:

1) Thank the person who nominated you and link to her blog.
2)Display the award on your post.
3)List the award rules so your nominees know what to do.
4)State 7 things about yourself.
5)Nominate other people for the award (preferably 15)
6)Contact your nominees to let them know you nominated them.
7)Proudly display the award logo on your blog

7 things about me:
-I read a couple of books a week, I devour them and love reading forensic mysteries especially
-I love horror movies
-This time of year is SUPER busy with work, blogging and now crappie season is in force, my hubby fishes like crazy now!
-I played in a band for most of my life-metal band in the 80's and then 5 years in a rock/country group (yeppers looking at me you wouldn't have known it HA)
-I have 4 tattoos
-I am a Leo
-I graduated high school a year early (can you say NERD)


I nominate the following ladies:
-raspberrykiss.co.uk

-deesbeautifullife.co.uk

-makeupbycandlelight.blogspot.co.uk

-heartbowsmakeup.com

-talesofthemakeupjunkie.blogspot.com


Thank you again my sweet Shalunya! Pass around the love ya'll and get to know some great ladies and their blogs! Have a blessed rest of the weekend, Sherry

Blotting Papers

Sephora Shimmer Sheet Set
Palladio Rice Paper



There is a sweaty situation that happens when I have serious hot flashes. No kidding, I get bright red faced and seriously dewy (and not the good kind). I used to grab compact powder, and as the day wore on tended to look quite like a ludicrous TV actor portraying a little old lady with layers of powder. Trust me NOT a good look! Of course I have heard of blotting papers but was too dang lazy to get any and yet needed to get something asap to alleviate the powder overload.

The Palladio Rice Paper is an Ulta staple and I grabbed them upon seeing them in the last minute shopping lure bins at the front of the store. They have no color, shimmer, powder that can be seen on them and when used on my nose, forehead and cheeks absolutely worked wonders! It didn't move my makeup and yet immediately took away the (let's just say it) sweat.

Then I was browsing Sephora and saw the blotting powders that have 3 areas included: Illuminizer, Blush, Bronzer. Each of these papers have different concepts. The Illuminizer is a white shimmery sheet that places a small amount of light to the area of your face you want to highlight. The Blush is a pretty dark pink paper and places a small amount of blush to your cheeks. Last the Bronzer is a tan paper and places a small amount to the areas where you want a little bronzer or contour. I find that these are great for when my makeup has done a "runner" by end of day or when I have overheated and it's melted off in spite of my preparations to make my makeup last! They are small enough and easy enough to carry in a pocket or purse in place of 3 products and can be used as eyeshadow in a pinch!

I am very glad I picked these up and find myself using these without thinking as they have become a necessary staple in the menopause life :)!

What are your favorite blotting papers? Do you use these? Have a beautiful (and oil free face) day! Sherry

Go Smile Whitening System and SuperSmile

The Go Smile whitening system, in my opinion works the best. gosmile.com has the complete information to whiten your teeth and includes the daily vials, the AM and PM toothpaste as well as the carrying case (as seen in the picture). There is a 6 or 12 day system that gets rapid results. They also have a one day system with the light (it is reusable) like the dentist office uses. They carry the touch up ampules that you carry with you to whiten your teeth after drinking wine, smoking or eating. They work immediately, although don't have lasting whitening. The toothpaste when used over time keep the teeth white and breath fresh. There is some sensitivity issues as with any whitening systems, I had very little sensitivity with these products. I am sadly, a smoker attempting to quit and am very aware of my discolored teeth from smoking. The best and right thing to do would be to quit altogether, until then I use whitening products to aid with my yellow teeth insecurity. The ampules are easy and fit into a purse nicely. You squeeze the end and it allows the fluid to fill the cotton tip end. Then you "paint" the product onto your teeth, allowing 20 minutes before you eat or drink anything. I definitely see a difference when I use them.

The SuperSmile toothpaste and accelerator duo was given to me by a friend and is meant to replace your daily toothpaste. You squeeze a bit of the toothpaste on one end of your toothbrush and a bit of the accelerator on the other end onto a dry toothbrush. You then brush your teeth in circular motions for 2 minutes. I have been using this for a week now and not only does it control breath issues, whiten and clean, it has fluoride. I have noticed a daily difference and from the first time using this noticed whiter teeth. As it is a daily practice, the Go Smile products I use for the 6 day brighten up regimen. I find this works really well in conjunction, taking care not to over sensitize my teeth and gums.

I have been using Go Smile products for over a year now and definitely see results. They are pricey but in my opinion are well worth it! If you want great results and a whiter smile, head to your local Sephora or Ulta and grab these products! Keep on smiling :) Sherry

BeautyStat New Product Review

(Pre use of True Smooth hair picture top 3 pictures)
(Post blowdry using True Smooth bottom 3 pictures)

True Smooth Spray- Winner of Allure Breakthrough Product of the Year Award
Contains Coolway's groundbreaking Amino Lock MAB molecule, which is activated by your own blow dryer to hold your style from the inside of your hair as you are drying it, taking the place of a flat iron. You'll get the same smooth, frizz free results you would get from a flat iron without the damage and actually using one. True Smooth customers are calling it a blow-dry in a bottle. It is even clinically proven to strengthen hair up to 4x and reduce breakage by 75%!

I used the spray as directed, 25 sprays to the hair for medium length hair and combed through before blow drying. It did cut down on my drying time from about 15 minutes to closer to 7 and I saw smoother, frizz free hair immediately. It also held the style that I placed with my round brush while blow drying and I was impressed that I didn't need to do much more to my hair afterwards. Seriously, I usually have to use a couple more products to "finish" my do. The fragrance to me smelled like a hairspray smell, not overwhelming and couldn't smell after combed through my hair. I have thin hair and it isn't always clear in pictures that products have a significant result. However, this product was incredible. My style lasted through a 12 hour shift and then the next morning after sleeping I noticed that my style was still able to be revived with minimal work!

Do stay tuned though, because I am still using this product and am on week 2!

If you would like to try this product use code BeautyStat14 to receive a 10% discount on all Coolway purchases at www.coolwayhair.com (not including shipping revenue and taxes).

Trust me when I say that this was a review that is my honest and one and only opinion, I was not compensated for this review. This item was provided for review courtesy of BeautyStat.com.

Ladies, some of you have super long hair and get blow outs regularly and I think that you should try this product out. Itcould save you time and money and protect your hair from extra drying time as well as help with frizz, it may be worth it to you.

Seventh Generation Boosts Skin Serum

Facial oils are a really big deal and there are many many options to choose from. I came across these Seventh Generation oils at Walgreens.com and not only had a coupon but used my reward points as well. There are 6 options to choose from depending on what your face needs: Clearing, Hydrating, Soothing, Firming, Revitalizing and Protecting. I picked up Soothing and Protecting as having a red face I need anything that soothes. Protecting is used for daily pollution and element protection. They absorb quickly, won't clog pores, hypoallergenic and are free of parabens and artificial fragrances. As a bonus they have not been tested on animals and are made in Canada.

You can use these day and night and not have clogged pores, they feel very nice on the skin and although I have not seen long term benefits, I am impressed with how they make my skin feel. During the winter months, oils are so needed and my skin drinks them up! Some oils are quite pricey, these are wallet friendly at $13.49. Watch for coupons and the buy one get one 50% off.

Do you love oils for the face? Are there any that you love and want to share with me? Leave a comment below and let me hear your opinions! Sherry

Loreal Youth Code Pore Vanisher

Primers are absolutely necessary to my daily makeup application and I have a LOT of them. This one reminds me of the Benefit Porefessional. It's velvety, flesh colored and has no fragrance. Goes on smoothly and has a 7 hour makeup stay time for me. It's lightweight and oil free, non- comedogenic. Can be used alone or under makeup. The Youth Code products are popular and I like them. With the pore vanisher it says that the pores are smaller and shrinks pore size in a month.

I am impressed with this product and will repurchase. You can purchase this at Walmart, CVS, Walgreen's, Target and Ulta.

Do you worry about pore size and want a product that takes care of them? look no further and grab a tube of this! You will be pleasantly surprised, Sherry

Strivectin Sweepstakes

The beautiful and informative blog BlushingNoir.com is having a sweepstakes for the Strivectin product that a lot of women have been talking about Strivectin SD Advanced. Every year since 40 I have been extremely skincare conscious. Protection, prevention and scientific products are right up my alley and I really love a product that meets all these needs. Strivectin.com and BlogHer.org are sponsoring this sweepstakes.

Ladies, head on over to the blog and check out and enter the sweepstakes! Good luck to all! Sherry

Tarte Palette Love

From L to R:
Coral Crush Palette
neutralEyes Palette
Aqualillies Palette
be mattenificent Palette


Ok ok I have a Tarte palette problem! But let me explain, the Amazonian clay is a big draw for me because with some research I found it is good for the skin. The eyeshadows, blushes and liners are smooth, finely milled and have great pigmentation. The palettes that I own are limited edition palettes and had I not got them quickly I wouldn't have got my hands on them! The newest matte palette is gorgeous, the colors easy to use and can be purchased at Sephora.com and Ulta.com. I have gotten compliments about my eyeshadows when I wear Tarte and I am quick to tell people what I am wearing! As a side note Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes are very popular and part of the palettes.

Check out the tartecosmetics,com website and you will be surprised at how awesome their makeup is and what they have to offer.

Do you have Tarte in your makeup collection? What do you think about Amazonian clay? Let me know your thoughts and grab the newest palette soon as they sell out fast!! Have a great day ladies :) Sherry

Strivectin Clinical Corrector Anti-Aging Lip Tint

Strivectin Clinical Corrector Anti-Aging Lip Tint in Plum

Girl let me tell ya, if its anti-aging and works on lips, I am all for it!!! Strivectin just came out with this lip tint and I jumped all over it. The skin on the lips is very thin and tends to get dry and flaky quickly, especially in the winter months. I have multiple lip balms, but I love ones that have color in them. I keep one in my scrubs pocket when I am working and apply often.

This one features breakthrough NIA-114 technology to hydrate, perfect lips instantly. It also has an SPF 20 which is awesome, because mostly we forget to protect our lips from the sun. It is a bit sticky (when the wind blows my hair gets in it), has a fragrance that dissipates immediately and has a tip that is shaped to fit the lips well. I also saw they have a lighter pink tint as well should you think that the plum is too dark.

Strivectin.com, Sephora.com and Ulta.com carry this as well as Dillards.com. If you have dry chapped lips that don't seem to respond to other products, give this a whirl and let me know how it works for you! Lippie addiction forever :). Sherry

Illuminate me

Top L:
The Balm Cindy Lou Manizer
Skin Transformer Tinted Sculpturing Balm in Coral Bronzer
IT Cosmetics Hello Light illuminating Powder

Bottom L:
Armani Fluid Sheer #4
Armani Fluid Sheer #2
Benefit Watt's Up
Revlon Photoready Skin Lights in Peach Light

Swatches: bottom to top
Cindy Lou Manizier (you can barely see it and I swatched heavily)
Skin Transformer Tinted Sculpturing Balm
Armani Fluid Sheer #4
Armani Fluid Sheer #2
Benefit Watt's Up
IT Cosmetics Hello Light

Back in the 80's you could guarantee that I had some outrageous shimmer/glitter going on with my face LOL! Then I went for years without any illumination as I got bored/grew up/saw myself in the mirror-you get the picture. Then I bought some subtle illuminators and have become addicted! I learned where to place the product and found the different colors that work for my skintone and there is rarely a day that I don't have some sort of illuminator incorporated into my makeup.

I found that the peach/bronze/yellow based work well with my coloring as I tend to lean toward red face. The MAC Strobe Cream is subtle and I use that at my browbone and cupids bow. The Armani Fluid Sheer I mix in with my foundation as it lends a lit from within glow without looking like a disco ball! I am super pleased with the IT Cosmetics powder as it is sheer, non-glittery and looks really good on top of my cheekbones. Having just picked up the Cindy Lou Manizer at Kohls last night I will play with that next. It is peachy in color and feels smooth to the touch.

A bright face that is plump tends to be known as youthful (not sure whose rule that is?) but when I use illuminator subtly I find that my face looks brighter and offsets the bronzer and contouring that I do daily.

Are you an illuminator lover? Any tips or tricks that you have, please pass them on as I am still learning! Sherry

Makeup brush love

Brushes are a makeup addicts necessity. There are so many to choose from and a variety that are used for specific areas of the face. I am only going to highlight a few that stand out for me. First the Kat Von D brushes in the gorgeous red vinyl case drew me in immediately when I saw it in Sephora. There are 4 brushes, one large foundation brush and 3 smaller smudge brush, blending brush, angled eye shadow brush and concealer brush. They are soft bristled, don't shed and I love them.

The Urban Decay Good Karma flat topped brush is perfect for foundation and is used daily! I actually have a back up because its that good. These are also available at Sephora.

Sonia Kashuk has a cute portable brush set that fits in my purse. The brushes work well and are of good quality. These are available at Target.


I was the kind of girl who never used brushes until I got older and got a makeover at a department store and then it was on! Now I use then daily and love them. Do you have some favorite brushes? Do share ladies!!!! Have a great day, Sherry