Skin (eye) Irritants

In my never ending search for something to correct my disgusting eye problem I requisitioned my best friend who is a nurse to help. She has very sensitive skin too and was able to offer a short list of common skin irritants, often inactive ingredients in skincare and makeup, to avoid. Now, of course I have no idea what these things are but if they are making my eyes do this, they better stay away from me if they know what's good for them! Beware imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea, fragrances, sodium lauryl sulfate, mineral oil, MEA, TEA, toluene, and DMAE...I'm coming for you!

When I was doing a bit of research I discovered that most commercial makeup lines use some or all of these ingredients in their products to give them a longer shelf life or better staying power! I did confirm that Clinique uses at least a few of them:( I question the hypo-allergenic claim if I am allergic to your ingredients. I know that Clinique tests every product on 1,000 people and if any of them have a reaction they reformulate. The deal is, if I had totally normal skin to start with and was exposed just once, I might not have a reaction right then either. FLAW IN THE SYSTEM!

I found a cool website called http://www.lesstoxicguide.ca/index.asp?fetch=personal that has a list of the top contributors to contact dermatitis and recommendations for what are the best alternative brands to reduce the irritation! I admit, the thought of not wearing a prestige brand of makeup and using prestige skincare makes me a little sick but I know that's silly and I would much rather have normal eyes again and wear non-prestige makeup than keep this hot mess going! From this websites information it looks like the brands with the least chance of making me want to scoop my eyeballs out with a grapefruit spoon are Lavera, Burt's Bees, and Aubrey Organics. Other than Burt's Bees I have never heard of these but am definitely willing to give them a try!

So, I just went online shopping, how fun! I ordered from Lavera and Aubrey Organic. I will give a full report when I receive and have been using this stuff for a while. Hopefully, I will be able to report that my eyes are back to their normal sparkling selves!! I got EVERYTHING I might need. Actually, it would be such a relief if I could only use these products. Just think about it. I wouldn't have to make choices. I would use one eyeliner, one foundation, one eyeshadow...you see where I'm going with this. YAY! There is hope! From Lavera I ordered mascara, eye liner, eye shadow, concealer, and pressed powder. From Aubrey Organic I ordered 3-step skin care for normal skin, face mask & scrub, makeup remover, blush/bronzer, foundation brush, eye creme, and foundation.

If this new skincare/makeup does work out at least I'll have TONS of stuff to put on Makeup Alley. Then I can stock up on haircare and my favorite fragrances. FUN!

Keep your fingers crossed y'all!

AIDS of the Eyeball?

OK folks, my previous post about my eye grossness was EXTREMELY too optimistic. Over the holidays it never cleared up. Many days in a row without any makeup helped but the swelling, redness, itching, and scaliness never completely went away, not in any sense. I ended up caving and paying $30 for the ugly container of Egyptian Magic which worked really well at first (for a few days) but isn't so "magic" anymore. Boo. The hydrocortisone cream still clears up the nastiness the best but at this point my eyelids are so raw and sensitive that it burns too much to use.

Here is exactly what I used on my face and when today: in shower: Clinique 7-day scrub (gentle physical exfoliant) followed by baby shampoo all over my face; Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 (nowhere near my eyes), Clinique Superdefense Moisturizer (avoiding eye area), Clinique All About Eyes (only under eye area); MAC Studio Fix foundation; Clinique Touch Tint for Eyes, Clinique Eyeshadow, liner, brow pencil; Lancome Cils Booster and Defenicils. That's all folks. I use Clinique antibacterial brushes that I clean often and also clean my pencils with alcohol and sharpen them often as well.

To sum up, over most of the holidays my eyes were generally red, irritated, and scaly (top lid left eye)...give or take. The grossness is strictly confined to the lower inner lid of the right eye (very occasionally a line under the right eyebrow) and on the inner half of the entire left eye and the entire area underneath it. The area underneath my left eye is also pealing now...GROSS! An additional gross that has never happened to me before is that the area roughly where smile lines would be is also red, irritated, and flaky...coincidence or no?

Around two this afternoon I got a shock when I looked in the restroom mirror and my eyes looked like I had been through a fire, a small fire only large enough to burn my eyes! My eyes hadn't been itching too badly but within an hour I was rushing home to get my makeup off as fast as I could. I wanted to claw my eyes out! I took a few pictures just to reassure myself that I'm not insane. I went back and forth about sharing these pictures because, well, honestly, they are disgusting, but if it will allow someone to see what's going on and help then I'll risk all the embarrassment in the world for some relief! At least I can put my ugly eye pictures in a cute frame to help me feel better. Help, help, help!!

Saving $ Can Be Fun! (I know, I know...)

Disclaimer: I love spending money...I assume if you've read my blog you have figured that out. However, like most of you, I do not have an unlimited amount of money to spend...unfortunately. So this year I have decided to save money on things I am going to buy anyway and do it with a positive attitude (gag).

YAY COUPONS! Coupons can actually be fun, who knew?! I have been really excited about this for a week now so maybe that's a sign that the enthusiasm will continue...let's hope. I am trying to think of saving money like a game and, actually, it is a fun (-ish) game. I will post links to all the fun websites I've been visiting for info and tips here in a little bit, but there are a few things about all this couponing that I didn't know that I thought I'd share.

Some people are CRAZY about this mess. I am sure they don't ever pay actual dollars for anything, which is awesome, but I don't have the time for all that. I do, though, have the time to print out a few coupons and search a few websites before I go to the store. Yes, that I can do. The crazy people's blogs and websites are really entertaining though! Apparently, there is an activity called CVSing. As I'm reading up on in I'm liking it more and more. I tried it last week and did get some really good deals...saved a lot. Or at least I thought I had until my husband came home with $8 worth of garbage bags; the same ones that I had gotten for free at CVS earlier in the day. We'll use them, whatever. So, CVS, they have an Extra Care Card and using it gets you Extra Care Bucks that you use like cash in the store. Now, I have been aware of these for a while. I get my prescriptions filled there and for every 2 prescriptions you get $1 in ECB (that's snazzy lingo for Extra Care Bucks:). Apparently you can work there system and never pay real money for anything ever again! (or so I hear;) I will, most likely, not be joining this club of extreme planners, but I did some smart shopping and got some free stuff, OK by me. CVS was giving away $5 ECB when you spent $10 on Nivea products. I bought 2 bottles of the shimmery body wash that I like to use (over $10), got my $5 ECB, then did another transaction using my ECB's and got the garbage bags I was going to buy anyway for free! How satisfying!

I am still learning about this crazy work of coupons and saving $ but, I must confess, it is a little bit fabulous. A few of the blogs below are super-cute and I think we can make saving money absolutely fabulous! Here are some websites to check out:

http://www.southernsavers.com

http://www.hip2save.com

http://www.frugalcouponliving.com

http://www.coupons.com

http://www.printablecouponsanddeals.com/

http://printablecouponspot.com/

http://freesamplefreak.com/

http://www.nicolesnickels.com/

Mod Retro Indie Clothing (& Vintage!!)

Hey everyone! It's snowing at my house so what am I doing? Shopping online! I have been browsing www.modcloth.com for several months now and loving what I've seen. I am looking for work dresses and, SCORE, I found so many at modcloth and, while I was looking, found some church dresses, going-out dresses, and weekend dresses too! The adorable names don't hurt the fun either. Some of my favorites are The Emerald City Dress (anything OZ is OK by me but this is particularly amazing), Like Rosewater for Chocolate Dress, Tae Kwon Dress, and the Pleats and Thank You Dress. Their inventory changes often, they stock indie designers who produce in limited quantities, so go there quickly, shop, and enjoy!!! They also have a respectable vintage section. Personally, I prefer the new designs that are interpretations of vintage looks but some of the vintage options are alright. Not the most inspirational part of the website but for those vintage girls I'm sure they will love it.

Modcloth also boasts fabulous shoes and even home accessories. Love the shoes, not so much the home accessories (some of them seem a bit childish to me, I prefer more classic designs in my home) but, again, if it's up your alley I know you will love it.

Be the Buyer! LOVE THIS! Once you sign up at the site you can choose designs that you love. If a design gets enough votes, a designer will interpret it and offer it for sale on the site. As a Be the Buyer member you get an email when it appears so you can be the first to buy. This is particularly awesome because, like I said, it's not worth it for the designers to produce designs in large quantities for sale. This way, the designers have assurance that people are interested in the designs so they are more confident in making the designs we like best!

SHOP NOW Y'ALL!!

Take Care of Your Eyes!

For years, 5 to be precise, I have had the worst, most gross, issues with my eyelids. It's not all the time so don't think I look like some sort of swamp monster, but occasionally my eyelids and under eye decide to become red, swollen, flaky, itchy, scaly and just plain gross. When it happens it usually lasts for several weeks. I have been fairly successful at covering it up with makeup but I still know it's there and it's nasty!

I have seen a dermatologist, general practitioner, and opthomologist...all to no avail. I know what triggers it for me, all Clinique mascaras and benzoyle peroxide. If I even look at benzoyle peroxide my eyes immediately swell shut and look like an alligator handbag. The following were recommendations that didn't work and/or hurt like hell: cortisone cream (temporarily reduces puffiness and redness but HURTS!), eye drops (nothing), sinus sprays/pills (nothing), and allergy tests (I'm only allergic to sycamore trees, which I think don't even grow here). The only thing that gave me even temporary relief from the redness and itchiness without hurting was Clinique All About Eyes. It is very soothing but doesn't help to clear it up, just temporarily relieves a few symptoms. Honestly, I can live with it now but I'm afraid that if it keeps happening I'm going to get some major wrinkles and that's just not OK with me.

I had enough of this mess and visited my new GP yesterday. She said that the low % benzoyle peroxide I have put on blemishes maybe twice in the last 4 months could have caused this the entire time! I should have known better. Salicylic Acid is a good alternative and doesn't aggravate my eyes. I have been using Clinique's Acne Solutions Soap just for fun for a few months and I am in love with it. My Dr. gave me such a good tip that I had never heard and it sounds kind of genius. After I wash my face with whatever I'm washing it with, wash my eyes with baby shampoo, you know the kind that is as gentle to eyes as tears. This way you remove all potentially irritating residue and it also helps with flakiness. I have used this method once and so far so good. It just makes really god sense to me and I wonder why I hadn't come across this tip years ago! She also gave me oral steroids to knock this out right now so I will probably gain 100 pounds in the next 5 days; but at least my eyes will be clear:)

I also read online about how products that contain NEEM are really good for issues like this. No, I do not know what that is but I bought some at the natural foods store anyway. It does feel soothing but greasy so I will use it at night. We'll see if continued use will keep this tom-foolery at bay. I also read that Egyptian magic was excellent for an issues like this too but I couldn't find any and anyway the pictures I saw of it has it in a super ugly package that I certainly don't want sitting on my vanity. Hopefully the baby shampoo and NEEM will fix everything right up.

Merry Christmas Y'all!!

Makeup Alley

If anyone hasn't visited www.makeupalley.com, do so immediately! Not only are there thousands of reviews of makeup, skincare, body care, hair care, etc. but, my favorite part, there is a swap section. Here's how it works. You make a WISH LIST of cosmetics/skin care etc. that you want. You also make a swap list of items that you have that you want to swap for items on your wish list. There is an autofind and a reverse autofind feature that locates items on your wish list or people who have items on your swap list on their wish lists. Everyone describes their items in detail, some used, some new, then you just send an email to the person you want to swap with. GENIUS!!

As a former makeup artist I definitely had a few qualms about this in terms of hygiene. However, as long as you stay away from certain items, you should be fine as far as germs go. I would NEVER trade mascara, lip gloss of any kind (wand/tube), or any other liquid makeup unless it was brand new and never opened. I promise you don't want to mess around with those germs. However, makeup brushes, eye shadows, blushes, cream blushes, and lipsticks can easily be cleaned with a quick spray of alcohol when you receive it. Poof, no more germs! Oh, don't spray brushes with alcohol though, use a brush cleaner. Fragrances obviously don't pose a germ problem.

When I went through my quite ridiculously large inventory of makeup that isn't even on my vanity yet I found several eye shadows, foundations, foot soak (?, it's from Origins though), eye shadow bases, and just a bunch of other random things that I don't need right now and would rather trade for something I do want.

So check it out and Merry Christmas y'all!!

My Christmas Wishlist

So, I clearly haven't posted in 8 months, woops! Now that I have a break and time to think about the important things in life (my skin care/fragrance/makeup Christmas list) I thought I'd share. This one might get long but I'd hate for anyone to miss out on some GREAT treats!!

- Lancome Blush: Shimmer Mocha Havana; I wear this over Tarte Blushing Bride = PERFECT

- Clinique 7-day scrub: I use this in the shower every day. It's amazing what daily exfoliation will do to refine your skin and stave away wrinkles

- Philosophy Amazing Grace EDP: sweet, soft, and YUM

- Gucci Envy Me EDP: for the sassafrass in fabulous girls!

- Vera Wang The Fragrance: I wore this on my wedding day, such happy memories. Sweet and innocent, just like me;)

- Benefit Georgia radiance powder (blush): perfect peach blush/highlighter. Perfect over Tarte Tipsy

- Sephora Collector's Edition Fragrance Sampler, for when I just can't decide! Juicy Couture EDP, Ralph Lauren Romance EDP, Marc Jacobs Daisy EDT, Givenchy Very Irresistible EDT, Stella McCartney Stella EDP, DKNY Be Delicious EDT...$75!!!!!

- Sephora Glitz & Glam Shimmer and Shine Deluxe Sampler: Tarte Celebutante Dry Oil Shimmer Spray, Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion in Flash, Tarte Glam Gams, Tarte Lock & Roll in Bronze, Guerlain Meteorites Powder Pearls in Beige Chic, Tarte Cheek Stain in Eco-Chic, Sephora Super Shimmer in Desert Gold, Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten in Sunswept, Smashbox Eyeshadow in 24K, Laura Geller Lip Shiner in City Lights...get ready, wait for it...$38!!!!!!!

- Dior 5-color iridescent Eyeshadow

- NARS Doe Lipgloss Trio

- Tarte Three Carat mini-cheek stain

- Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick in Glow Blush

Do I need any of this? NO. Do I want all of this? YES. That's what is so fun about Christmas, getting happies that you don't need but really want. I also greatly enjoy making online wish lists and generally end up with seven or eight different ones not to mention the individual items I email to various gift givers. To sum up my makeup obsession for the year in two words: shimmer and cheek stains. OK, I guess that's three words. I am all over shimmer powder, highlighters, shimmer lotions, and iridescent anything. Like my friend Holly said, I am like a magpie, if I see any thing that sparkles, I want it! I am also obsessed with cream blushes and cheek stains. My oily skin tends to push off powder blushes but when I put a check stain underneath I can created limitless custom color combinations and my blush stays on all day looking fab. Merry Christmas and have a beautiful New Year!!!