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Crest White Strips – It’s Always Darkest Before You’ve Got Somewhere Important to Go
I’m almost at a loss for words about this product.
It works like a charm.
I went a few years before realizing it had been a loooong time since someone commented on how great my teeth looked. My coffee and tea habits were killing the pearly whites, and I had to do something. I went to my dentist and was fitted for one of the overnight lighteners right before a big soiree. Unfortunately, after all of the custom molding and teeth color PMS matching and expensive syringes filled with bleach, it was just too painful to go through. The solution was thick, but runny, and would leak onto my gums, causing sensitivity. I had to put the mold down and slowly back away.
I recently noticed again my toothy color match was nearing Canary Diamond when I started fretting about places I had to be. But would an OTC whitening solution really work?
Yes! It really works like a charm!
There are two strips enclosed in each Crest Whitestrips packet. Each strip contains a gelatinous mix of solution that adheres to your teeth like gummy tape. The strip is placed on the top and bottom, and you hang out for 30 minutes to let it work. Results are said to be noticeable after 3 uses, but I saw immediate results after the first trial. You can also double up for a full hour of treatment if you need help, like, pronto. There are three different strengths at affordable price points, and I have the middle Premium version.
I really can’t figure out how the dental community was beaten to the punch on this one.
Have you had as much success with this product? If you’ve never tried it before, what do you think about this at home kit?
Urban Decay – Confession of Love
Use code FNFF1 for 30% savings on all product at Urban Decay until 8/20
Think back, back, back to the 90’s when Demi Moore startled the world with (among other things) a manicure of Chanel Vamp. At the time, this black/red color seemed so improper, so envelope pushing! The thrill of being naughty, yet nice, inspired gorgeous knockoffs from Essie and Revlon, and then, a second reissue of Vamp from Chanel.
This fall we move back in time to the dark lips of yore, and ladies, Urban Decay has captured Vamp in a tube. It may not be an exact shade match, but the color is such a breathtaking mixture of berry & black you’ll get the chills as you recognize a groundbreaking color introduction.
The looks are extreme this fall – nude, goth. This lipstick is so pronounced you can get a little of both looks because you’ll want to go light on the eyes. How to describe it? Rich, juicy, shiny, sexy. It makes lips look like fruit waiting to be bitten. It is that tempting.
Confession by Urban Decay sells for $22 and comes in an unusual package with a “love dagger” you can accessorize with metal casing. It is one in a collection including Oil Slick (sheer black w/sparkle). Even if you think you can’t carry a dark lip, you absolutely should try this shade. The hue is almost universally flattering.
Seeking perfection? Exfoliate and use a lip primer to get the smoothest base for application. This product is around a 6 out of 10 for opacity, so rough patches show through.
Find it at www.urbandecay.com and www.sephora.com
MAC Graphic Garden at MayFair – Wauwatosa
If you live near Milwaukee (Wisconsin), run to Macy*s Mayfair for MAC Graphic Garden. Seems they got a shipment that was meant to go to Nordstrom, so they are unloading the goods where they landed. There are several different collections with a variety of product in the black & white makeup bags. Bask in your good fortune. (brush set pictured)
It’s Time for You to Shine
I don’t know about you, but I never have much luck with bronzers. Every summer they promise me the kiss of the sun, but after a swipe or two, no matter how light handed, I merely look like I’d been crusin’ for a brusin’.
This is why I am so excited about the abundance of shimmer highlights out now. They are cousins to the bronzer: Think of the promise of health and bloom – not with the strength of the sun – but with the soft kiss of the moon.
Three favorites:
Bobbi Brown Nude Shimmer Brick limited edition
This entire collection makes me weak in the knees, but the shimmer brick is the, er, highlight. This product is as close as I will ever get to glowing like a fresh faced 23 year old again. And god do I miss that.
Handpressed in Italy, it is the perfect combination of 5 pearl piments: pink, gold, bronze, beige, and 
caramel.
Double duty: All of these highlighters are great for use in the eye area, but this compact especially so as the colors are multiple and defined. Luvs!
P.S. These photos are a better indication of the colors. The website link color is not accurate in the least bit.
smashbox Artificial Light Illuminating Lotion
smashbox first created a buzz with Artificial Light, which leaves skin looking soft and dewy. It’s a tiny bit more unwieldy to work with than layering power, but it gives exceptional glow.
Don’t forget these all look smashing on your decolletage too.
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish
With the latest Color Craft collection, MAC has a powder version with triple color, as well as singular sets.
Go forth and glow!
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Upcoming: Transcript for Gilles Montezin Interview
Had a chance to speak with the wonderful Gilles Montezin! This couture designer for Sex and the City and Confessions of a Shopaholic has made his foray into the world of wedding gowns with his trademark corset, Le Cinch. Listen to the show here and check back for the transcript.
