What I'm loving: hello 2015! Happy New Year!

The Honourable Woman: Hello Maggie Gyllenhaal!!!

I have only one word for this mini-series: groundbreaking. Maggie Gyllenhaal is amazing, and the storyline is relevant and so touching. It was just released on Netflix. Definitely one to check out. There are around 8 episodes in the series. I didn't want it to end!

Take-Me-To-the-Beach Butter Balm

I keep this lip butter beside my bed and use it every night. I love the coconut smell- it reminds me of the beach, and right about now, any reminder of such is very welcomed. Has it been as hard for you guys to go back to work this week as it has been for me? Whew! 

Keep-me -Matte Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer

I have super oily skin, so when I have an event that I know I won't have time to powder my face often, I use this primer to keep me shine-free. It's oil-free of course, and it helps my makeup stay on longer, especially if I'm wearing liquid foundation, which I usually don't wear unless I'm going to a special event.  I've tried other primers, but of course, like so many Estee Lauder products, this one is my top pick.

Primer #2- For the Eyes

There's nothing worse than looking in the mirror around lunchtime and wondering where in the he*& your eye makeup ran off to. This stuff is the bomb! Make sure you have your eye makeup remover handy at the end of the day, though, b/c you're gonna need it!

So Fresh and So Clean Clean: Colgate 2-in1 Whitening

I love the way this toothpaste stands on it's head so you don't have to worry about the "half-way squeeze," and the freshening effect is-woa! It's also travel-friendly.

Back to Back Blog Post

So another blog. Prednisone insomnia is a bit*&. There are a few other products that I'm loving lately (shocker). Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Garnier Nourishing Cleansing Oil

Jojoba oil is supposedly great for the skin; no matter what skin type you have- oily, dry or combo. I was freaked out by the notion of cleansing with an oil. You apply this to dry skin, then blend in and rinse. The jojoba oil has properties that are very deep cleaning and purifying. I bought this last week very hesitantly, but I'm super impressed. My skin is so soft, and there's not a trace of clogged pores. In fact, my skin is super nourished and comfortable. My skin tends to not produce as much oil during the day, which is a huge issue I have around 2-3pm every day. I've always tended to "over strip" my skin. Loving this stuff! 

Tazorac Retinoid Cream

About 6 months ago, I was strongly considering Botox on my forehead. I have the lovely expression lines on my forehead that come from being pretty..... well... "expressive." :) I went to my dermatologist and she recommended a retinoid. Tazorac is no joke; I won't lie. You go through a rough period of peeling and redness, but now that I'm past the "peel" part, I'm loving the glow it's given my skin. I wake up, can gently cleanse, sometimes even just rinse my skin with water, and my foundation goes on like a dream. Try this out before you opt for Botox. I'm still not sold on having a needle put in my face. I have enough of those I have to put in my skin every week via RA injections! Another retinoid they recommend is Retin-A; however, Tazorac is lower in % of Vitamin A, so it's a little less abrasive to the skin. I might transition to Retin A once I get accustomed to this formula. Anything to combat 30+ year-old start to wrinkles!

Urban Decay Shadow Primer

One word: LEGIT. I don't like having to touch up eye makeup during the work day, and this stuff delivers. I can be on the plane, get to my destination, and my eye shadow is still in place. If you fly a lot, you know there's something about altitude that literally melts any trace of makeup off your face. Fair price. I buy mine at Ulta.

Happy Fall, ya'll!

Hello, Friends! I hope everyone is having a great Fall. It's getting cold FAST, but I love the change of seasons. Here are some of my new favorites. Enjoy! 

Estee Lauder Vivid Shine Lipstick: Poppy Love

As I get older, I find that I need more pep in my lipstick choices. This lip color is bright, but not too bright. It's a mix between a red and a pink, but it really makes your makeup POP! It's great for the holiday season!

Liz Earle: Cleanse & Polish:

This face wash is great for all skin types. I'm very picky about face washes, because I have sensitive skin in the way of some products causing me to break out. This face wash comes with slightly abrasive hot cleansing cloths. It feels wonderful on your skin, and it removes all of your makeup without overdrying, but not leaving it oily either. This is perfect for me right now, as the weather is getting colder and my skin is more prone to slight dryness. Highly recommend!

CVS Sunless Tanning Aerosole Spray:

I'm in love. I've spent a lot of money on sunless sprays, but this one really delivers. It's super cheap, but is really easy to use, and the fine mist makes it super fool proof. I usually buy the Loreal brand if I buy at the drug store, but I will be buying this from now on.

Faded Glory: Walmart leggings:

Yes, they are from Wal Mart, and they are wonderful. They are thicker than tights, but not as thick as pants. Don't be scared off by the "jeggings" name; these leggings are LEGIT. They suck you in, in all the right places, but are so comfortable. I get asked every time I wear them where they came from, and I proudly say "Wally World!" At $12.99, you can't beat them! As you see, they sell out fast, so if you can't find your size online, check your local store. These are awesome.

Hope everyone has a fantastic holiday season!

Love, 

Dre

Springing into Spring!

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I've blogged, but I had a "blog itch" today, so I wanted to share with you a few of my new favs. It's that time of year when, I think we would all agree, have a few beauty goals in mind, and the products below address a few of those: Get a tan, have pretty toes, and get those winter lbs off! 

GET IN SHAPE: Over the last few months I've had the hardest time EVER getting into a workout routine. Having joint problems doesn't make it any easier. I've gotten to the point to where my body cannot handle super intense workouts like it used to, so I've searched and found a workout that is really working well for me. It's still intense, but it's 25 minutes. I can't make excuses for not having "time" to workout with Shawn T's "T-25." It's a solid 25 minutes of nonstop cardio, and I love it. You can purchase it on Beachbody.com, of which I'm a huge fan. In addition to the workout, I love love love Shakeology. It's more than just a protein shake; it's a highly nutritious shake that tastes great. It's not cheap, but it's worth it~

GET TAN: I don't believe in any other tanning method but regular ole laying out, which is still not good for us; so when I lay out, I love using this hydrating lotion. I've used it for several years. It only takes a little bit to make you smell just like the beach. It's simply awesome. It takes my mind to all things "beachy!"

PRETTY TOES: I am the worst at getting regular manicures and pedicures. My patience just doesn't handle it well. So this polish has proved to last long enough to get me through the long stints in between. I like the Fuschia Flare color below.

So that's all for now, folks! I'll be back soon. Happy Spring to you all! 

Much love,

Dre

"New"trogena Blog Posting!

So I'm coming at you with 2 great products in this post. As most of you know, I'm well versed in department store brands of skincare and makeup; however, I love finding less expensive brands that actually work.
I discovered this first product when I was looking at CVS for a tinted spot treatment that I could wear under my makeup. One that wouldn't dry with a pasty white film look. I've used the Proactiv mask for years to spot treat, which contains Sulfur, a miracle worker for acne. Post my 20's, I still breakout; however, putting a product all over left me dry in spots. This treatment cream was just the thing for what I needed, and I can use it all over without it drying me out. Plus, it goes great under my foundation... (more to come on that in a minute).
This Clearasil tinted cream contains the sulfur I love, plus benzoyl peroxide. I'm obsessed. I use it every night, and sometimes under my makeup if I feel a breakout coming on. This product was on the bottom shelf, and there weren't many of them. Make sure that underneath the "Adult Tinted Acne Cream," that it says "Sulfur 8%, etc" - the sulfur is the magic ingredient!

Ok on to the next gem..... I am not a liquid foundation wearer. It's simply always been too heavy for my taste. I've always used concealer and then a foundation powder. However, I thought I'd try out this Healthy Skin foundation in a compact, b/c Estee Lauder used to carry a product called Impeccable that came in a compact, and it always worked well with my skin. I can LOOK at foundations and they make me break out, so I was skeptical to try this; however, when used with a foundation brush (this is key with any foundation!) it goes on so smoothly, and it's really evened out my skin tone. I now keep one in my makeup bag, and one in my purse carry-on makeup bag. I use the color Nude. It's very neutral, not too much pink; not too much yellow; Natural Beige, seen below, is also good if you're tan (not me this summer!). There are several containers that look like this one in this makeup line. This is, indeed, the creamy formula. It's not a powder. 

Hope you guys are having a great summer! I'm hoping to blog more often now that my travel schedule has slowed down a bit. Cheers!

"Mane Change"

Hi, guys! So I had to share my latest obsession with you to ring in my 2013 blogging activities. If you're into haircare, you've probably heard about the newest craze over Moroccan oil.  You can find it in many shampoos, serums, and conditioners lately. Even drugstore brands now claim to include it in their products. I tired a few, but didn't get the "wow factor" with any of them. That is, until I discovered  the Moroccan Oil line. The name is literally "Moroccan Oil." They carry a line of haircare and skincare; however, so far, I've only tried the haircare line.
This stuff works. I have a friend who started using the products, and sold me on them just by witnessing how they transformed her hair. She was dealing w/ stress and hormone level fluctuations, and her hair was thinning and just looking generally "blah." Her stylist recommended the Moroccan Oil line, and it, within a month, made a huge difference. Not only does it smell intoxicating (my boyfriend LOVES smelling my hair :), but it also works wonders!
See for yourself at www.moroccanoil.com
We use the Moisture Repair formula.
Cheers to 2013! Hope you are all having a great start to the new year!

Borghese...Enough Said.

http://borghese.com/product_detail.cfm?pid=6052RT 

If you've ever used Borghese products, you know how fabulous they are. I hadn't used my Fango Mud Mask for a while, but in my move, I found this little pot of gold. The mask detoxified, firms, and moisturizes, all at once! It's contains the same ingredient as my beloved Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, hyaluronic acid, which works wonders to nourish the skin with non-oily moisture. Give it one try, and you'll be hooked. Also, Borghese has AMAZING holiday gift sets, and I'm sure they're already on counter. The prices are very reasonable, and they give you a sampling of some of their top products.