You will love, love, love this video!  Maybe it is my wide screen, but it looks like some of these beautiful models actually have some curves!

The motives by Lauren Ridinger Cosmetic line is my preferred product.

HOliDAY GLaM!

How to know you are safe when someone else applies make-up on you.

Fear the make-up counter employees!

I recently was walking the Department Store Make-up Counters when once again, I watched a Mac make-up employee apply cosmetics without using sanitary methods.  Dirty brushes placed into the makeup pots and on the face over and over again.  STOP!

You are taking a chance of getting someone else’s eye infection… staph … you name it.  These disgusting habits need to end.  You can’t let them handle products this way.  You are the victim all in the name of being more beautiful.  Are you kidding me?

Hey, the filth doesn’t stop there; this summer, I witnessed a makeup artist in Cape Cod work with dirty brushes and product.  I was appalled.  Why do they continue to get away with these practices?  I hope you answered the question logically; the correct response is because we let them.  You have to be your own health advocate.  Don’t let the name “make-up artist” make you think we all adhere to the same sanitary habits.  Some ‘professionals’ are the worst!

When a disposable or a brush is being used, it cannot be put back into the product and then reapplied to the face.  I load my brush or a disposable plate with product and work from that surface only touching my product with clean utensils.

Before you let anyone touch your face with cosmetics, watch how they work and handle product.  I am particular and you should be too.  You are paying a premium price for these items.  Your money, your face!  Don’t allow them to use ‘double dipped chip’ makeup brush on your face!

This is an amazing product, Revitalash!

I have been concerned over comments made by blogs about Revitalash possibly causing staining in the eyes.  I wrote them a quick e-mail and had a response the following morning.  Please read this text copied and pasted for you below in response to my note.

Oh, and by the way, I am still loving it.  My Mom is happy with her lashes, she is aging and feels her lashes are full enough to go without mascara if she chooses.  (And believe me, she is a hard sell!)

Dear Teresa,

Thank you for your interest in RevitaLash® Eyelash Conditioner and for taking the time to contact us. Developed by an ophthalmologist, RevitaLash® is a cosmetic eyelash conditioner that combines a unique set of functional cosmetic ingredients to enhance the attractiveness and beauty of your natural eyelashes.

RevitaLash® has a thickening agent added to the formula, and our tests have shown that, when used as directed, RevitaLash® does not get into the eyes and, therefore, should not have any physiological effect on your eyes, including the color of your eyes. After selling several hundred thousand bottles of RevitaLash®, we have had no reports of eye color changes or “staining.”   Of course, we always tell our customers:  ”As a precaution, if you have concerns, we advise you to consult with your physician or ophthalmologist.”

We are proud that RevitaLash® is now the beauty industry’s premier cosmetic eyelash conditioner.
The functional cosmetic ingredients in RevitaLash® are intended solely to beautify and enhance the appearance of your natural eyelashes.

I hope this information is helpful.

Best Regards,

Amber Tobler

Athena Cosmetics, Inc.

CS Supervisor

p. 877-909-5274

f. 888-377-6233

atobler@revitalash.com

www.revitalash.com

We are available to assist you Mon-Fri 7:00a–5:00p PST.

RevitaLash® is a remarkable cosmetic innovation that within weeks will help you achieve the appearance of long, healthy, beautiful eyelashes.

Your natural eyelashes will look spectacularly Longer, Thicker, Fuller!

May I also include what I consider proper application.  This formula is a thin clear product, use it once per day, (preferably after cleansing at night) and I reduce the amount on the liner applicator by pressing it gently against the rim of the container.  Only put it on your top lash line and believe me, a little dab will do ya!  Thank-you Revitalash, great customer service response and I am loving it!

I don't know who this is, but it is a great example of too much surgery and injections.

What are you doing to yourself?  Injections of Botox, or fat cells, cosmetic surgery, do we really have to go there?  I realize there are extreme cases that call for an exception to this rule.  For the most part, cosmetic procedures are deforming.

My husband and I were standing in line at an airport and a gentleman in front of me had eyebrows about ¾ of an inch over the brow bone.  This is a great example of a bad procedure, a really bad face lift.  It was obvious he had a little too much work done as he had a very surprised look on his face, all the time!  Poor man.

This nonsense with Botox and other injectibles makes me squirm beyond measure.  We still don’t know the long term effect of injecting your face with botulism. (now that is a pleasant thought!)

Skin care products today are revolutionary.  I promise you, they are cheaper than surgery!  Before you consider getting cut up, do some research on what is available.  Look at the science behind the product.  You will be amazed at what you can do for yourself if you add this one thing, an excellent exfoliation product!

One of my exceptions to this rule is hidden lids.  This can be a medical essential.  I know a few cases where the lid was making it difficult for the individual to keep their eyes open, now that is a medical necessity!  And of course, with issues causing disfigurement, I understand that as well.  Reconstructive surgery can be a blessing.

Ellen may be wearing a foundation, blush, lipstick, mascara and an eyebrow pencil.

This is tough because there are so many variables.  You may be one of those who run out of the house with mascara and lip gloss.  For me, I always use a sunscreen or foundation with sunscreen, eyebrows, mascara, blush or bronzer, a lip liner and gloss.  My lips lack definition and I don’t have any if I don’t line them (note to Carmady!)  I don’t just line them, I fill them in with the liner color, this is the now way to use lip liners.  This is my minimum, if I care to be seen.

So, the answer to this question is…it comes down to your needs.

• I know women who never go without lipstick.  They have black eyelashes and can go without mascara.  So their minimum is lipstick and bronzer or blush.  If you are using a nice high quality lipstick (hemp or castor oil based), you can tap it onto clean moisturized skin and forgot the blush.
• You may have redness, if so, you will want at least a mineral foundation (warning: minerals don’t last long!), bronzer, gloss and most people need the mascara.

So this is my minimalistic approach.  You have to decide…

1. what needs to be covered, protected or enhanced?
2. Understanding how to work with your face & features will determine how to ‘wear a little’.
3. If you read this post, send me a photo with your make-up on and without, I will give you a few basic tips and then send me your “when you want a little” photo.

Before running out the door, I have to say, I feel better when I take the time to make my face in a natural look.  It stays on all day and I just feel better about myself.  I always take this in consideration when I am making the decision of how I want to look and feel.

Believe me; if you read through my posts, you will realize I am an advocate for going without when you can.  It is good for the environment and always nice to take beauty vacations at least once a week if you can.

Above all, whatever you choose, feel beautiful and do what you need to do for you to achieve a more confident you.

I know I can be tough, but if you want to look your best, you need a great foundation. Set it with your minerals if you want, fantastic!

I sell a liquid mineral that has a very nice slip to it.  It has a beautiful finish.   Oooh la la! No more crusty, dried out looking, crackling finishes.  Link to it here to look at my minerals.

A Motives by Lauren Ridinger consultant in your area can custom blend a hydrating mineral for you.   This is a wonderful system, creating your perfect custom loose powder, blush or bronzer.  It is almost as fabulous as the revolutionary custom blend product, to die for!

I thought this article at Web MD may be helpful in supplying you with safety considerations of mineral make-up.  It may shed light on choosing what is right for you.