Cha Cha Tint

Cha Cha Tint; Sephora $29

Benefit Cosmetics Cha Cha tint was a gift from Santa this year.  My thought for purchasing a cheek tint was to wear it on the slopes.  I am not one painting my face before I go skiing but... a little waterproof mascara, some heavy duty sunscreen and a little cheek tint never hurt anyone!  I can attest, the cheek tint is perfect for outdoor activity fun (low-maintenance beauty solution) or working the product into your everyday beauty regimen. 

Benefit Cosmetics, Cha Cha tint, delivers to the fullest. The color looks natural,  it is easy to use and the stay-power is impressive!  However, it took me a while to really get the hang of the application process because 1) a little bit goes a long way and 2) using moisturizer to lubricate the cheek is the key to creating a streak-free glow.  Also, the Cha Cha tint is different in respect to other cheek stains because it is not your classic rose or pink color.  The shade is a color-rich coral shade that compliments just about any skin tone.

Here is my application process:

1. Wake up
2. Wash face
3. Apply Clinique Toner
4. Apply Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel all over face
5. Rub a little extra moisturizing lotion in circular motion on the apple of the cheek
6. Make sure the lotion is distributed evenly before tint is applied
7. Apply a light stroke of Cha Cha tint to the apple of the cheek and rub in you’re your fingers in a gentle circular motion until the color is completely blended (start rubbing quickly after application or risk the appearance of streaks)
8. Apply additional tint for desired intensity of color (remember: a little goes a long way)
9. Repeat steps 5-8
10. Apply whatever foundation/powder/tinted moisturizer you generally use (I use Mac Studio Fix plus Foundation Powder) over the top of the applied tint and all of over the face
11. For added shine, apply a light dash of your favorite bronzer or luminzer over the cheek to enhance your already natural glow (I recommend Lorac’s luminzer)

I give this product a solid 2-thumbs up!

Be Kind to Yourself

30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Excuse me for the prolonged absence from writing a post!  I spent a gorgeous few festive days in the Pacific Northwest catching up with friends and spending quality time with family.  I worked for a mere day before continuing my holiday vacation into the New Year in Pagosa Springs, Colorado with my boyfriend and our great friends.  We made big meals, drank plenty of spirits and skied for days. 

I am now settled back into the ol' homestead and knocking back piles of "to do's" at work while trying to formulate my New Year's resolutions.  In light of another New Year, I think these words of wisdom must be shared.  I have seen this article passed around by a few family and friends but I continue to be impressed by the inspirational content and feel it is worth sharing, too!  I really hope you enjoy reading and reflecting on this article.  I also hope you had an incredible holiday season and are looking forward to a prosperous, positive New Year!

Be kind to yourself and to others.

Holiday Madness: Living Beyond Our Means

Okay, no.  I haven't been abducted by aliens or fallen off the face of the planet; I am alive and well and have been somewhat preoccupied by life.  I have been thoughtful and creative over the last few weeks but haven't quite made the effort to post anything, my bad!

I hope you all have settled into December just fabulously.  I have officially recognized the season's arrival by the six inches of snow we received this weekend, the erection of my beautiful, fake (mini) Christmas tree and continuous preparation of my company's largest Holiday gala of the year.  I have baked trays of baked goods and have listened to a healthy amount of Christmas toons, too.  Life seems content and I am excited for some travel, skiing and relaxation in the month to come.

Published: November 2011

Not to be a Debby Downer or anything, but I am going to post some valuable information regarding how American's spending/saving/borrowing behavior effects global financial markets and how our behavior compares to other nations.  I feel propelled to post finance tid-bits because I'm interested and you should be interested, too!  I think the holiday season has the potential to spin out of control in terms of personal finances and it is my wish to keep you on track!

Please read this interview on NPR.com regarding our nations tendency to overspend, our lack of saving habits and our propensity to draw excessive credit lines.

"In Western Europe and East Asia, governments aggressively encourage people to save through special savings institutions and savings campaigns."

-- Author, Sheldon Garon of new book Beyond Our Means: Why America Spends While the World Saves.

I.e. What used to be a popular gift given to new-born children; U.S. savings bonds have completely "gone out of style" over the last couple decades.

Santa, baby ... I'll take a saving's bond for the holiday! 

Too far?