In Search of Fenty Beauty

Been watching a lot of the reviews on Fenty Beauty by Rihanna. No Sephora in Costa Rica so on our recent trip to Cancun, I went in search of Fenty products. I plan to do my own review shortly.

Pre Packin Mexico Bound from Devon on Vimeo.

Wedding Series - Sephora in Playa del Carmen, Mexico from Devon on Vimeo.

Ombre Lips - tutorial

Read my Lip(stick)

HOW MANY LIPSTICKS DOES A GIRL REALLY NEED?

According to author Helena Frith Powell's book All You Need to Be Impossibly French, she bluntly states that to be more French all you need are two lipsticks (and a lover). She explains that one lipstick is for everyday wear and that the second is for nighttime or those occasions when you really want to vamp it up.

Can't say that I agree with her on having only 2 lipsticks, but in an effort to downsize for my move to Costa Rica I must go through everything, including my makeup. I need only take the bare minimum. 

The choice of which lipsticks is really hard because I have 20 tubes, and I pretty much like them all! 

This was also a rather difficult post to do because I am not exactly in love with my lips, but I decided to take these pictures anyway so that I could see the variety of shades I have (mostly red) and then make the cut from there. 

In the interest of your time I will not photograph all 20. 

I started with my lipliner - Smashbox Always Sharp Lip Liner in Ruby 

it goes well with all my colors and the pencil is self sharpening - I like that a lot

1st up from the Exclusive Collection Blake's Red by L'Oreal Colour Riche

It's a smooth and long lasting matte. It's my go to lip color for everyday wear.  

2nd up

F-Bomb by Urban Decay

Another one of my faves - creamy with a bit of shine

3rd lipstick

L'Oreal #315 True Red

4th Channel (can't read the shade anymore)

5th Bobbi Brown Essentials

Burnt Red #9

 6th Smashbox Rouge A Levres Screen Queen Matte
this one is new so I am still getting used to it

 7th Luxury Moisturizing Lipstick #001 Wild Thing
with just a hint of orchid

 8th YSL Rouge Pur
my spring and summer time pink

9th Mac Cosmetics CB96
this one is actually orange so can't say I have ever worn it alone. I usually mix it with a red 

How many lipsticks do you have?

Do French women wear red lipstick?

So the question goes.
Maybe French women DON'T wear red lipstick! And, I've heard they don't wear red nail polish either. So, I guess it's all a myth. I've heard many things about it. Some say they do wear red lipstick, but not for every day (they kiss too much and it smudges) and NEVER after age 50!

Well, I don't care. I wear it, but then I'M not French! I say wear what you like!

Love this little video though

And so it goes....

Have a Wonderful Labor Day Weekend!

Fashions for Labor Day 

Isabel Marant red peplum top / River Island tall jacket / Vetements high rise jeans, $1,140 / Tom Ford heeled booties, $1,190 / Valentino handbag / Larsson Jennings black bracelet, $330 / Burberry rectangular sunglasses / NARS Cosmetics lips makeup / NARS Cosmetics bath body $67

Do you use a washcloth?

I recently came across an article about the washcloth (face cloth) posing the question - whether using a washcloth is a good idea or not? Today I saw yet another article discussing the topic, this one among a group of travelers who were wondering why they were being continually reminded to "bring a washcloth" whenever they travelled outside of the U.S. This one got my attention because on our recent trip to Costa Rica we stayed at a place where there were no washcloths. We thought the reason was because it was not a high class American style hotel and chalked it up to "something lacking in the service".

Are we alone?

I searched high and low on the internet and could not find much information on the use of the washcloth outside of the U.S. 

We "Americans" (as in the U.S) appear to be about the only people who use this item!!!

In the Soviet Union, they use the sponge and in the UK they use a face flannel but you are less likely to find a washcloth in your hotel or B&B in Europe (even in the UK) than in an American hotel - where you will always receive one! 

The NO washcloth zone

So, what is the reason you ask? Well, because things are different in other countries. It's similar to the way that a lot of hotels & B&B's don't use a top sheet, they use only a comforter. Just because something is normal or expected in the States doesn't mean you can assume it will be that way in other places as well. 

Outside of the U.S a washcloth is considered to be more of a personal item and isn't usually shared, much like a toothbrush, underwear, etc.  So it would be like expecting a hotel to provide you with a toothbrush and undies. Keeping that thought in mind, the hotel staff would not take kindly to having to pick up your personal washcloth - heaven knows where that thing has been!

(BTW-if you stay at an American style hotel washcloths will be provided)

So what next?

Getting along without a washcloth can be a bit difficult for those of us who are very used to using them in showers, baths, etc although washcloths are used much less now that the disposable make-up removal wipes are so popular with the younger throw away generation.

There are some strong opinions when it comes to using a washcloth or not using a washcloth. Some believe that you have to use one religiously no matter whether you're washing your face or your body.

Board certified Dr. N. Williams says, “You should never scrub too vigorously with a washcloth. Removing dead skin cells is a good thing, but if you scrub too hard, your skin may appear red and irritated afterward. A gentle scrubbing is all you need to get rid of dead skin. If dry skin is a persistent problem, avoid using products that contain alcohol — alcohol will cause your skin to become tight and dry.  Apply a moisturizer immediately after washing your face while your skin is still damp.” 

Always use a clean washcloth every time you wash your face. Hanging a used washcloth up for use later is a bad idea. Bacteria thrive in moist environments such as a wet washcloth. Washing your face with a washcloth that hasn’t been cleaned could spread the bacteria on your skin, potentially leading to an illness or infection. (source)

So now you know! 

You should be very afraid of WHAT you are putting on your face!

The terrifying facts about makeup

What are you putting on your face, your hair,  your nails and  your body?

If you want to know why
please watch the video below and then READ the Labels before you buy