Hot Mama, You Make Me Blush

I love blush. In fact, I’m somewhat of a blush aficionado. I’ve tried them all—powders, creams, and stains in pinks, peaches, roses, and bronzes—and, like a mother praising her children, I think they’re all special in their own unique way. But this one really is outstanding for a multitude of reasons, which I’ll detail later, but mainly because it looks awesome on me! Woop, woop! Full disclosure: I’m pretty sure it’ll look awesome on you, too.

Hot Mama from theBalm, one of my new favorite makeup lines, reminds me of an old blush standby, the award-winning Orgasm by NARS. (Yes, that’s the name. Yes, you’ll feel weird when you ask your makeup lady for it. I suggest ordering online.) Both are described by their manufacturers as a peachy pink with a touch of shimmer—I describe both as a pinky bronze for that sunkissed look—but Hot Mama beats NARS in price point, $18 to $25. Plus, Hot Mama doubles as a shadow. A two-for! You know I love those. As far as the product itself goes, it’s a soft powder, goes on very smooth, and blends naturally. I can even apply it with my finger, which is helpful because it doesn’t come with it’s own applicator.

A little blush makes a drab face vivacious and young. Ladies (you know who you are), quit neglecting this cosmetic. Pick up a brush, and bring on the flush!

Rocking and Rolling With DanniJo

For years and years, musicians of all stripes have been defined as much by their style as their choice of music. And when it comes to fashion, rock-and-rollers have been especially inspirational. I mean, what girl alive in the ’80s didn’t want to dress like Madonna? I know I did. That’s why I was so happy to discover the DanniJo line of jewelry. The two sisters behind the company design all sorts of statement pieces, but it’s their Rock ‘N’ Chains line that has the real rock-star cred. Relying heavily on mixed metals and varying styles of chains, each piece is named for a rock-and-roll great. There’s the Tina, the Etta, the Blondie, and the Cyndi, as well as my favorites: the Rockstar Bangles, the Joan, and the Axl Cuff (pictured left). Buy DanniJo online, or head to Calypso, the only Texas store carrying the line. Your inner rock goddess is waiting.

Stila to the Red Lipstick Rescue

After reading Katie’s blog yesterday I pulled out something I recently got from Stila. “Paint Your Pout Red” is a lip palette they’ve created that actually talks you through the red lip process. (Red lips are serious business.) Just press the button in the lid and a voice tells you what to do. I hear the hard part of finding the perfect red is that some people need a warm red, some a cool red and some a true red depending on your skin tone. That all sounds so complicated but this product gives you the opportunity to try all three and see which works best. And it’s not that any look bad, it’s just that they won’t all look like red on you. So you can use the other colors when you want a different shade. Plus, you’ll be the coolest kid on the block with a talking lip palette! Oh and don’t forget about this Stila online deal that I blogged about last week!

Botox vs. NoTox: What’s a Girl To Do?

Dear Botox,

I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately. We’ve never officially met, but I’ve heard lots of good things about you. To be perfectly honest, the reason I’ve been so shy is because I’m a little afraid of you. I know, I know, it’s silly—the FDA says you’re safe. But, ya know, there’s that whole needle thing. Anyway, I’m writing today because I thought I was finally ready to make your acquaintance. The past several decades have started to do a number on my forehead, and I figured you could help. But then I heard about something called NoTox. It’s also called Relaxed Expressions, and you can get it at this place in Plano. I don’t know much about it, but you can read more here. The results are immediate, and it’s supposed to last up to two years! That’s impressive, no? I’m still thinking about you, Botox; I just wanted you to know that there was someone else, too. No matter what happens, I hope we can at least be friends. TTYL!