Beauty in Ancient Rome

Just ran into a very interesting article on Italy Magazine's website titled Ancient Roman Beauties and their Makeup Bag. According to the article, in ancient Rome "more was more!"

The article discusses how back then beauty was as important as today, and how makeup was a luxury for the upper classes. It also discusses each type of cosmetic and how it was sourced and used back then.

The more ornate the hair, the bigger the distance rich women would create between themselves and "barbarians."

There are many similarities in today's makeup products, yet they used to use all-natural sources to create the cosmetics--I read that animal urine, feces, and bile were products...yuck!

Check out the article to get the full story.

Fall 2013 Nails and Makeup Trends

I was wondering what trends and colors are hottest this season, so I looked up some usual suspects to get a good idea. There's quite a few vibrant looks and quite a bit of sparkle going on. There's a little bit for everyone methinks.

Here's a roundup of the hottest trends:

• NARS Cosmetics Fall 2013 Collection focuses on amethyst and grey with a fresh peachy pink blush
• Urban Decay Holidays 2013 Collections focus on metallic jewel and purple tones with grey another metals
• Sephora's The Glossy, Inspiration section features deep, electric blue, purple, grey, and black. Statement eyes or statement lips are very hot right now. Gradient lip colors are hot as well.
• Bazaar Magazine's Fall 2013 Makeup Looks include cat eyes, orangey shadows, prune shadows, grey shadows, the full range of red lips, and metallic/shimmering/sparkling eyes.
• Glamour Magazine's NY Fashion Week's Fall 2013 Looks include sparkling metallics on eyes or nails (or both), subtle glitter, and bubble gum pink lips
• Elle Magazine's Hottest Hues for Fall include burgundy, copper, olive/khaki, indigo, and holographic hues.

Trouble Finding Your Size? You're Not Alone.

Over the past year I've experienced great difficulty identifying what size I am. Often believing I actually fall between two sizes.

Most times, I face difficulty purchasing tops that end up being too huge, and bottoms that have a large hips/crotch area that falls down while the hip and thigh area is suited perfectly.

Why can't women's bottoms come in inseam and waist measurements like men's? At Gap recently, I tried on a jean that only comes in inseam 33" for women, but noticed nearby that men's come in a variety of inseams. Why? I have to get my jeans and other pants from Gap altered all the time after purchase, or risk tripping in about three to four inches of extra fabric at the bottom. It's an excruciating source of frustration for me.

Apparently, I'm not alone. Due to diversification in cuts and country of origin, clothing is now as inprecise in its general size ranges as it's ever been.

There was a great article on the New York Times website today (One Size Fits Nobody: Seeking a Steady 4 or a 10 by Stephanie Clifford).

I would be over the moon if they installed a MyBodyFit machine in local area shopping centers! Sadly, it looks like it's the old East Coast and West Coast first syndrome. Oh well, I can wait to purchase new clothing till then (evil laugh).

Hair Smoothing, An Update

I heard in a matter of a couple of days, that both one of my favorite hair salons (Amber Waves, Naperville IL) and Ulta are both offering the Brocato hair smoothing treatment.

From what I hear, this treatment is a little different from the Brazilian Keratin straightening treatment, and costs a lot less though it's supposed to last just as long.

I read the description from Ulta and it looks like it's a "no formaldehyde" product. Though we already know that it's not always necessarily the case, the percentages are typically very low.

I'm getting this treatment at Amber soon and will have an update on how it turns out. I'm also planning on switching from the Pantene shampoo and conditioner I recently bought to my L'Oreal sulfate free line (I pretty much have half-empty bottles of the entire line in my bathroom cabinet) and then switch over to Bumble and Bumble's Mending shampoo and conditioner.

I will still use my Aveda smoothing line of styling products to treat the hair before blow drying, as these products help seal the cuticle and protect against the heat. 

I thought I could go on without the straightening treatment but my hair is way too thick and unruly when it's not treated. I've gotten tremendously spoiled by having easily blow-dried hair that stays straight, smooth, and shiny for three to four months!

I really can't believe I'm admitting to it, but it's true.

Service: Birchbox

I've now received four Birchbox shipments and am very happy so far with the service.

I reviewed it initially in a post back in February. My favorite part about the service, besides getting an introduction to product brands that I wouldn't otherwise have access to or be exposed to, is that I like the tailoring to your profile. If you have combination skin, the skincare products are targeted for those skin concerns. If you like a particular type of perfume base, these are taken into consideration when perfume samples are sent your way.

This personalization is not something that's available from Sephora's online purchase samples, unfortunately. At Sephora's online checkout, you get whatever samples they have available at the time of your purchase.

A writer on the New York Times website (Birchbox Aims to Simplify the Business of Beauty by Jenna Wortham) wrote a piece based on Birchbox's April box, and focuses on the business perspective behind the service.

My only qualm thus far is that Birchbox themed its April box around eco-friendliness, yet the  Zoya nail color samples came in a plastic envelope on plastic nail tips. I doubt these are eco-friendly corn-derived plastic?

New Find: L'Oreal Paris True Match Naturale Mascara

I was walking past the L'Oreal shelves at Walgreens on my way to the hair color aisle, when I noticed this new mascara. I hadn't heard of it!

Photo borrowed from here.

The barrel or container is quite striking, with a lovely tortoise shell-like design. Check it out on the right.

You'll notice it has the same name "True Match" as the makeup house's "tailored" foundation line. I was perplexed at what kind of personalization a mascara product could provide...since mascaras already come in pretty much all the colors that lashes do (black, brown, tan).

What I found out from a closer look at the front of the packaging was a prominently displayed message on the right side. This mascara is touted as safe for sensitive eyes and contact lenses wearers. Also, the bristles are naturally-based. Whatever that means.

Since I've been having repeated sensitivity lately to waterline lining and mascara--but mascara sensitivity is now a long story for me--I thought I could afford the $9.99 (plus tax) to get a the blackest black mascara home, and give it a twirl. Pun intended! ;o)

The back of the product packaging says: the brush is patented and offers up super-soft bristles. The gently conditioning formula is enriched with 86% natural-origin ingredients + minerals that add weightless volume and length. No brittle clumps.

Well nothing new there, lots of happy claims. Won't know how it works out unless I try it! So I can't wait to try it tomorrow morning. Will keep you posted to how this turns out. I have high hopes! *crosses fingers*

Read: WSJ Covers Keratin Straightening Trend

I just read an expository article on the WSJ (The Taming of the Curl) about the keratin straightening processes that are so popular these days.

The requisite warning about the formaldehyde dangers of the treatment was front and center. I'm torn about getting a third Brazilian Keratin straightening treatment. I'm worried about the potential damage  from the chemicals. However, the hair is so much easier to style and looks shiny and very professional.

Formaldehyde Free?
I learned of one new treatment that L'Oreal developed (X-Tenso Moisturist) which supposedly has no formaldehyde at all. I checked their website and found out it only lasts for 60 days--but that's about the same my hair stays straight with the two Keratin treatments I've had so far. I can't wait to see salons in my area start offering this no-formaldehyde treatment.


Cheaper In-Between-Treatment Options
Since I'm undecided about the expensive straightening treatment, and needed a new shampoo anyway, I went to CVS on a recent evening. As I browsed my favorite's shelf, L'Oreal sulfate free, I discovered they added a new line called EverSleek Smoothing System. This is different from their EverPure Smoothing line--which kinda makes my hair a little flat.

There are two products in the EverSleek Smoothing system: Intense Smoothing (creamy shampoo) and Repair Smoothing (clear shampoo). Each comes with their respective conditioner. I've used the products for about a week and a half, so far.

The creamy version of the shampoo has worked  well for me: I noticed a decrease in wirey hair and frizzies. The clear shampoo left my hair a little frizzy, but shiny. Both the conditioners seem rich but balanced, and not too greasy. After washing with the repair shampoo, my hair hasn't needed much of a refresh after a day and a half. Which is impressive! I usually need to wash my hair often when using the EverPure Smoothing line.

This line also has a leave in conditioner, a deep conditioning treatment, and a styling serum. Since I'm still using my Aveda Smooth Infusion styling products, I have no need to try these additional L'Oreal ones--but probably will when I run out of the stuff I'm currently using.

I'm surprised how well the L'Oreal products have worked out for me, over the past year or so, considering I had hit-and-miss experiences with their much-pricier Kerastase line. I may still look into whether Kerastase has a smoothing line as well, just to compare a little. But it's definitely very pricey and always makes me tentative.

Tip: on the L'Oreal page, if you do an online quiz to find out which products work best for you, you can get coupons for money off your next purchase.