YouTube/Blogger Stars-My take

This topic may get under somebody's skin and I say "Oh well"! Because I have on opinion and that is alright ya'll.


I admit I'm addicted to YouTube and Snapchat, ain't no shame in my game. However, lately I have felt a little perturbed about some of those "guru's". Here is why.

These people are looked up to by scads of followers, a LOT of them young girls and guys. They hang on every word, thought and video and snap. Nothing wrong with that. But they also get star struck and idolize these gurus, without remembering they are human just like us.

They do laundry, clean the house, get their oil changed in their car, have pimples, relationship woes, work their asses off, have moody/cranky days and generally act like us for the most part. A large part of their posts/vids/pics/snaps show the good life, the good parts. And some get too big for their britches,  as we say here in Texas.

I have found several that are relatable, show the real life and don't think they are better than everybody else. I gravitate to those. The reason this has hit is I have a niece who thinks they are "better" than, heroes to be worshipped at the alter of beauty. STOP right there. If a "guru" is big and has tons of followers, most of the time it's because they worked hard and had collabs and yep got lucky.

No matter the star in the beauty world, there will always be hate, jealousy and cattiness because they are seen as people who "have it all". So NO hate, no cattiness and except that these people put their pants on just like you. They shop for groceries just like you. They made it because they had something to offer the YouTube community.

All in all, it's up to us, the viewer/reader to see the human behind the camera. It's up to us to talk to the young 'uns and keep it real. It's up to us to let said young 'un that just because they didn't answer your comment doesn't mean they are gods of beauty and wouldn't stoop to the lowly.

Yes, a lot have their noses in the air, no humbleness and think they are above the masses. That's about them and not about you. So, next time you get "star struck", check yourself and give a thought to how that person acts to the people who helped them get there, that's your barometer.

Many of them have sold out to commercialism and I feel their vids are commercials. Nothing wrong with that, don't hate, if you're uncomfortable move on ya'll. There's a big pond of fishes out there who still let the masses have the best of them. Those are the ones that make the community.

So rant over, I still will be addicted to YouTube and Snapchat and Instagram, because let's face it, a lot of the stuff I try I heard about from those "gurus". Moving on.

Blessings, Sherry

June is Migraine Awareness month- a personal story

Picture from Pinterest.com-unknown artist


The morning when you are having coffee and your husband carefully says, "How are you feeling?". This means are you still having a migraine and are you able to do some stuff that needs to be done? This also means, will this day end me in the emergency room with uncontrolled nausea and vomiting and unrelenting pain? I have had severe migraines since I was 5, diagnosed at 18 and continue to search for that elusive medication/treatment/trigger prevention/life altering help. Imitrex when it came out in 1996 was the first medication to abort a migraine if I caught it really quick. Imitrex is still in my life in a big way and still can abort/lessen a migraine if I am able to take it pretty quickly. I know every trigger, I know to stay cool and not overheat, I know to get sleep no matter what.

People who have severe, chronic migraines may do weird things to prevent or lessen an attack, may call off a family get together or holiday because they are just unable to even sit up or function. Jobs can get pissed off with you when you have to call in or get so very sick while at work. There are so many times I wished I could do the things I needed and wanted to do but just couldn't. Lots of guilt and shame go along with severe and chronic migraines.

Because people cannot see the migraine, only the vomiting or crying or other outward signs, they may think that you are trying to get out of doing something or to just lie down all the time. I would give anything to not have migraines and to function "normally". Whatever normal may mean!

I continue to do and research and try and move through day to day taking the very best of myself. I have some great things that work, I have backup plans, I am lessening the shame and guilt that I experience because I am not responsible for a migraine happening to me, I am responsible for how I act and decisions I make.

Last June 2015, I saw a new neurologist and she does Botox for severe, chronic migraines. I was skeptical but after hearing my insurance paid full for this treatment, I jumped. (Thank you to my husband who works his ass off for this insurance!) We started out with small doses and worked up to 100 units of Botox in my scalp, neck, throat, temples, forehead. With cautious optimism I have now had 3 doses 3 months apart and head for my 4th this coming Friday. It is not the be all end all and does NOT work against weather systems and heat/humidity. But I am able to thwart an oncoming migraine better. I will take it.

Yeppers, I have tried everything under the sun and will continue to try the weirdest and most sought after methods. But for today, I just do what I can, take care of myself the best I can and learn to make the best of migraine hell.

A personal post for sure, but a lot of people have severe chronic pain and illness and disease that aren't always seen. Take care of you today and reach out for help should you need it, everyone needs someone. Blessings, Sherry

Foundations YouTube and Bloglovin made me buy!

I recently purchased some YouTube, Bloglovin made me buy it foundations. Cushion foundations are having a momentary trend and the Milani is breaking the internet! The Covergirl Age Less foundation intrigued me because hey let's face it, I'm 50 this year and have a "mature" face LOL.

The Loreal Lumi Cushion foundation worked very well on my skin, light but covered my redness and easily buildable. Loved the ease and portability as well.

The Milani Conceal and Perfect foundation was thicker and had medium to full coverage. It covered my redness and hyperpigmentation. It actually lasted on me for about 6 hours before breaking up. Overall I was impressed with this.

The Covergirl Age Less has foundation and serum/lotion mixed and is a bit thick but blends well. I liked that it covered well and can be buildable. I was surprised that it made my face smooth and lively looking. Anything that makes my face look younger is tops in my book!

Seriously impressed with these foundations and their coverage. Have you tried any of these? What are your thoughts? Any I should try? Do tell!

Blessings, Sherry

Testing Face/Makeup Setting Powders

Setting powders can be dangerous territory as well as a great product. Why you ask? There's the too much, cakey face, powdery, dry look that ain't pretty girls. Then there is the soft, easy, light touch application that can work wonders for your face. Add age, mature and often dry skin  AND hot flashes and the dynamic can change again!

I have never really worn many face powders in my life, essentially my skin always leaned to dry instead of oily when it was acting up. The older I get and the dryer my skin tends to be I am cautious when applying. I get the fabulous T-Zone slick and in Texas the 100+ degree weather makes me sweat buckets!

Old school powders have been trumped by powders that are finely milled, wonderfully translucent and virtually undetectable on the skin these days. You can find products in all price points and brands and I decided to check several out and give you my thoughts. Keep reading!


ELF HD Powder in Hint of Tint
I picked this up for several reasons: inexpensive, great brand, pretty consistent reviews. I purchased mine at CVS. The hint of tint was exactly what I was looking for as a topper for a minimal makeup look, or just when I am wearing sunscreen for a weekend on the lake. I was surprised when I opened this; the powder was quite finely milled. Great packaging with a sifter top. In my hand the powder looked eerily red/orange and I was almost scared to try this! On the face though, wonderful light coverage and the color doesn't pull orange on me. I use this sparingly, it can get cakey quickly.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Translucent Powder
Leans a little to the expensive side, great brand, great packaging. This powder is very finely milled and literally just melts into my skin and "blurred" my nose, cheek area where my pores are more pronounced. Did not cake on me at all and I found that it helped that area to hang on to my makeup a little longer as well.

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Correcting Powder in Translucent
Middle of the road expense wise, easy to find, in a compact. This powder is portable, pretty sturdy packaging. I lean veeerrryyyy red in my face and this powder shows swirls of very finely milled color correcting shades: lavender, green, yellow. Swirled together and placed on my nose (worst area of constant redness) I saw an immediate brightening and correcting. Also use as a finishing makeup product. Gets cakey only after many swipes!

Coty Airspun Translucent Extra Coverage
Oldie but goodie and still available after all these years. Middle of the road price wise, decent sturdy packaging with sifter top. The powder is not as finely milled as the IT powder but disappears quickly into the skin. Can get cakey quickly on me if I am not careful. There is a huge drawback for me and that is the fragrance of this powder. It is quite heavily floral, powdery and although I love my grandma, the fragrance reminds me of an antique makeup table or perfume that would be worn. Since I have migraines from hell, I am quick to be careful about super fragranced products on my face. Other than that, I like this old school powder.

Ben Nye Banana Powder
I purchased mine online and in trial size but it was super inexpensive, travel size sifter top container. As I have mentioned I lean very red in my face and yellow helps to neutralize the redness. It also is great for my undereyes when setting my concealer. It is very finely milled, no fragrance and although it's milled well, it will cake up QUICK. This has been a go to, especially in the summer heat and through my hot flashes!

Tarte Smooth Operator in Translucent
Leans toward expensive, simple packaging, sifter top. Has Micronized Clay. Another great finely milled powder, brightening and no cakiness noted when using. Seems to also "blur" pores and fine lines. Fragrance free.

I am careful with ANY powder not to heavily layer on my face; however, I do use these for setting makeup, undereyes and random touch ups necessary. I did try to "bake" my face and although I noticed an immediate brightening and smoothness, it rapidly declined into the Sahara and wasn't a cute look. So I will stick to using these as needed, random touch ups and setting.

What are your favorite setting powders? Any experience with the ones here? Do tell!

Blessings, Sherry

2016 #favsummerlippies

I love me some spring/summer lippies. I have several requirements: easy, quick, pretty and some staying glossy power if possible!

The list in order (corresponds with swatches from top)
Revlon Balm Stain     020 Lovesick
                                   025 Sweetheart Valentine
Revlon Balm Mat       260 Passionate
Bare Minerals Pop of Passion in Plumberry Pop
ELF Moisturizing Lipstick in Flirty and Fabulous
Hard Candy Plumping Serum Lipstick
                                     871 Victorious
                                      867 Wanted
Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain in 020 Rio Rush
Dior Addict Fluid  Stick in 754 Pandore


SO, here are some items that are all on the spectrum of price points and brands. For me, they are some of the easiest to wear, the most beautiful that make me feel happy and some of the least inexpensive options as well!!!

After applying the swatches, the Revlon Balm Stains, Revlon Moisture Stain and Dior Fluid Stick were the hardest to get off my arm! That is how I know that they have a CHANCE of staying on my lips. Unfortunately, my lips love to drink up every single product that is put on them, ALL the time. So when I can get 4-6 hours wear out of something that is yowza!!!

I am unable to put any lippie other than something in a tube in my pocket at work or any ordinary day because I am a menopausal woman and I have MELTED lippies in my pockets from my hot flashes and body heat, sigh. SO, these crayon style lippies actually don't melt down and can be applied without a mirror on the fly. Same with the tubes of Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain and Dior Fluid Stick.

These are seriously just a few as I am a #lippieaddict and have errmmm well let's just say the number is high :)! But these are the ones I have been reaching for these last 2 weeks. So ladies, do you have any recommendations for lippies for summer? or for menopausal woman haha? Do tell!!!

Hope you are staying cool, Blessings, Sherry

e.l.f. product picks April 2016

 

 

 

ELF is the bomb!!! Not only do they have incredible products, they have incredible prices. Target, CVS carry the brand and I can't help getting some items when I go to these places.

 

 

The ELF wipes are great for when I have to wipe off swatches for the blog. They are also great for travel! I'm in love with the Illuminating palette. They are pigmented, buttery (a little fall out) and the pans pop out for refills and mixing up products. I especially love the palette because an older face can be illuminated without disco ball happening.

 

Last but not least is the Perfect Pink lip balm is carried with me everywhere! It has the "mood ring" tint that morphs into your perfect shade. Easy, smooth to apply and makes me happy.

 

I love ELF products and have many more in my collection and plan to get even more!

 

Do you have ELF products? What are some of your favorites? Do tell!

 

Blessings, Sherry

 



#Reverseyourroutine with Tresemme

 

 

Influenster product provided free for review. All opinions are 100% my own!!!

 

 

The Reverse Washing hasn't been a new idea but has gotten some traction in the hair care world. For me it makes perfect sense. Why you say? In the interest of full disclosure my hair is fine, thin, wavy/curly and conditioner is NOT my friend.

 

There has been several hair masks, minty conditioners, hair oils that I LOVE to use but have to go through several days of AWFUL hair until it gets its oomph back after getting conditioned. So this was not met with skepticism, because today ladies was hair washing day and into the shower I went.

 

Yes the Tresemme went with me. Simple enough, wet the hair, use the Step 1 condition and then I went into the washing of other parts while I let the conditioner work on my hair. It was creamy, smelled clean, no overbearing fragrance and felt good in my hair. Then after taking care of other shower business (I hate shaving my legs! but I live in Texas, shorts are a must) I then used the Step 2 Shampoo.

 

A little goes a loooonnnggg way with this shampoo! Clean fragrance, gel/cream consistency, lathered up and rinsed away well. My hair didn't feel too weighed down nor like it was stripped either. Again, for me the reverse washing just works and these products worked well with my hair for the first impression.

 

 

I air dry my hair for awhile before I "refine" dry it and it did not look like I had just used a very creamy conditioner. It was easy to style and actually looked and felt pretty healthy. I plan on using this system for awhile and am grateful to have had the opportunity to try these products!

 

Check out influencer.com and tresemme.com and snag some coupons to try these products for yourself!!!

Pixi by Petra Products

 

 

 

 

 

Pixi products are available at Target and there is quite a variety. There was makeup products first, now there is skincare! There are several items that rank high in my daily use and although they are quite expensive for drugstore brands, some are definitely worth it.

 

The Nourishing Cleansing Balm is new and I love to use this as a first cleanse to get stubborn makeup off. The Glow Tonic was a serious launch here in the states. For me it is more of a tonic/toner as I use heavier glycolics in my skincare routine. The Glow Mist just feels good on my face, but not all that for the price. The Nourishing Lip Polish is a must as I have dry old lips LOL. Again, there are less expensive brands that work just as well.

 

The 3 serums I have are, Overnight Glow Serum, Hydrating Milky Serum and the Rose Oil Blend. Unfortunately they are expensive and the droppers on all 3 do NOT work. Disappointed in the package. My favorite is the Rose Oil Blend and I use it at night regularly.

 

 

My favorite eyeliners of all times are the Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pens. The colors, pigmentation, ease of use and overall product is awesome! I also love the single eyeshadows, Boho Bronze and Bronze Beam are right up my alley! They are super buttery, just enough shimmer and great pigmentation. They make a great single wash for the eyelid on a hurried day.

 

All in all Pixi products are beautiful and Petra makes her brand well known here in the states. Yes, they are somewhat expensive, but certain items are worth it. Do you have any Pixi favorites? Do tell!

 

Blessings, Sherry

 



Drugstore Goodies

 

 

 

There have been a lot of new and limited edition goodies come out in the drugstore lately. I have definitely bought my share! Keep reading for some off the cuff reviews that I have for these products!

 

 

The Covergirl Oh Sugar lip balms are a favorite of mine. They have multiple colors and the one shown is #2 Candy Bonbon. These are plain balms with some tint and because my lips stay dry, I keep these everywhere. Easy to use, carry and not a big deal to apply without a mess.

 

 

The Wet N Wild coloricon blushes are not new (except to me:) and this one in Pearlescent Pink (looks peach though in the pan) is a gorgeous color with a smidge of shimmer. Perfect spring/summer blush! Inexpensive too!

 

The Covergirl Katy Perry colab Katy Kat Matte in Kitty Purry is the perfect color for me. Not only is it not a dry matte, it's more satin finish and feels comfortable on my lips. I was worried that it might be more dry matte and my old lips do NOT do dry matte or matte period!

 

 

Rimmel came out with their Kate Moss trio palettes with the blush, bronzer and highlighter. I have Golden Sands and Coral Glow. First, they are super powdery without fallout. Second, the colors are not as pigmented as I would like but can be built up without looking crazy. Not a bad thing for a daytime, work look.

 

 

Milani Illuminating Face Powder comes in several shades and I have Hermosa Rose. This is the bomb! It is buttery, beautiful and can be used as a blush or bronzer. For me, it fits my face coloring well. Milani products just rock and they are inexpensive as well!!

 

 

Revlon Highlighting Palette in Peach Glow is my fave of the "shimmer brick" knock offs. It does have quite a bit of shimmer and I use this with a light hand. But the payoff is gawjess I tell ya!!

 

 

Neutrogena healthy skin blends sheer highlighting blush (can you sense a theme here:) in 20 Pure is also a beautiful and soft color that just makes my face look healthy and awake. Neutrogena also holds a place in my heart with some of their foundations.

 

Revlon Balm Stains are wicked awesome. I saw a woman on YouTube (can't remember her name) do a taco test to see if these lasted and they did. Anything that can stay on my lips I GRAB! These are silky smooth, great pigmentation and last about 6 hours on my lips. Ya'll that is long for me!! Love the colors and must grab more!

 

Last but not least, Almay has some limited edition powder blush and bronzers with cute ombre colors and embedded stars. I have pink and sunkissed. Love them both. Great pigmentation, soft and buttery (some fallout) and cute packaging. I need to go get the Mauve one as well, I have heard a lot about that one.

 

 

So what drugstore beauties/goodies have you gotten lately? Do tell!!

 

Blessings, Sherry

Inside out beauty with NeoCell

 

 

 

I own a LOT of beauty and skincare products and I mean a LOT! I love trying, using, playing with and experimenting with color and trends. In my younger years I was oblivious to the damage and harshness that I was putting my body through (ok it's called living :) so this year at almost 50 I have really started looking at quality versus quantity of life.

 

I have become more aware of the internal mechanisms that allow me to be healthy and have a full life instead of one that is limited. I received these products from www.neocell.com to try and review. After some website reading and researching here's the skinny:

 

 

NeoCell Biotin Bursts, the best way to take your biotin. Period. (You’re Welcome!)

• Biotin is an important B vitamin supporting hair and skin health
• 10,000 MCG of Biotin per chew
• Scientifically formulated to support metabolism of proteins in the body promoting natural energy, luxurious hair and vibrant skin.

NeoCell Beauty Infusion is an all natural solution for youthful, radiant beauty that starts from the inside. Diminished collagen levels in the body can lead to loss of elasticity in the skin, thinning hair, and brittle nails.*

This refreshing drink mix is infused with essential nutrients that work together to strengthen hair, skin and nails, hydrate the skin, and provide antioxidant power against environmental damage. Recapture that vibrant glow from the inside out with a beauty supplement your skin and taste buds will crave.*

Just one delicious scoop delivers:

• 6,000 MG of NeoCell collagen™ Type 1 & 3 for firm, smooth skin & strong hair & nails*
• 50 MG of Hyaluronic Acid for skin hydration & renewal*
• 3,000 MCG of Biotin for support of strong hair & nail growth*
• Alpha Lipoic Acid & Vitamin C for protection from free radical damage & enhancement of collagen formation*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

 



I started using the Biotin chews first with my daily meds and they taste delicious, easy to use and I noticed by week 3 an improvement in my nails and hair. At about week 4 I noticed my skin was looking quite remarkable as well. The Beauty Infusion collagen was easy to add into my daily intake of water, not a big fan of the taste and I usually add a couple of squirts of my juice to drink. This at week 3-4 was when I noticed that my skin was very much liking these products. No breakouts on my face, it seemed smoother and my lips seemed even less dry. (Although that may also have had to do with drinking lots of water:).

All in all, I am impressed with the ease of use, the added benefits and the results especially of my hair and nails. I have a feeling these products will remain in my current healthcare supplement rotation. If you are interested, check out the Neocell website here .

Do you use supplements for your health and beauty? Have you tried Neocell? Do tell!

Blessings, Sherry

Dollar Tree Makeup Haul

 

More pics below

There is nothing more fun for a beauty junkie to walk into a Dollar Tree for some household necessities and walk out with some cute items that are not necessary but oh so cool!

Perfect colors for this spring and summer time of the year. The Wet & Wild nail polishes were 2 for $1 and just make me happy as they are bright, colorful and the best thing is they are fast drying! I have ruined my nails on more than one occasion because I rushed too fast into doing something before they were dry. I own mostly fast dry polishes and these just capped the colorfest.

Now ladies, these LA Colors trios are awesome. They are pigmented, beautiful and a couple of the bronzy and gold brown colors make excellent highlighters as well as eye-shadows. I was impressed at the quality of these and have kept my eye out for any new trio colors that might be in the stores.

While my hubby heads to the aisle for house and garage and lawn stuff, you can always find me in the cosmetics aisle!

Dollar Tree shopping has become a hobby LOL!

Blessings, Sherry

My favorite Bronzers of 2016

Top- right to bottom:
IT Cosmetics CC Radiance Ombre Bronzer
Physicians Formula Bronze Booster
Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer
MAC Extra Dimension Bronzer in Aphrodites Shell
Bare Minerals Faux Tan


I am blessed with warm medium skintone that I inherited from my mom, however; the older I get the more washed out I look even though my blonde hair is getting darker by the year! Up until about 10 years ago I would just get a quick tan in the Texas sun and that was that. Enter my 50th year and the age spots on my cheek/jawline and my legs show the damage I did to my skin. Not pretty.

SPF became such a serious contender in my daily skincare that I wouldn't dream of getting a "quick" tan. But the loss of warmth in my face was quickly replaced with bronzers and it is so fun to warm up my face with a hit of color. These are a few of my favs in rotation and pretty much the IT Cosmetics Bronzer and the Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer have been the heaviest used this year.

Sometimes, on the weekend I will put a tinted SPF on, waterproof mascara, bronzer and a bright lippie and be done! There are literally tons of bronzers out there to try. As I do not like looking oompa loompa orange I stay far away from the ones with that undertone. The MAC Bronzer tends to be a bit more orange in undertone but blends out really well. The Bare Minerals Faux Tan has some sparkle to it and although not outright glittery, has a very pretty sheen.

So tell me ladies, any bronzers out there that I should try? What are your favs? Do tell!

Blessings, Sherry