Hello dear readers! In addition to this week's Lipstick League post below, I just wanted to let you know that I apologize for being out for the past few days. I hurt my back a few days ago and it was so bad that the only thing I could do to be pain-free was lie flat on my back. Needless to say, it's challenging to write blog posts when you're flat on your back trying not to move. Anyway, I'm about 80% better today and can sit up in a chair without pain, so here I am, back to posts as usual. Thanks so much for your understanding and again, sorry for being MIA!
The Lipstick League Question of the Week
Is there a beauty brand that you feel is in need of a makeover or overhaul? If so, what would you do to reinvigorate the brand?
G's answer: I think I've mentioned this a few times on the blog, but my choice would be Almay. For the past few years, they have continued to release new products, but many of those products seem to be modified versions of product released by Revlon (the parent company of Almay). An example of this would be their new palettes here, which look a lot like the Revlon palettes released last year. Since Almay is known for more neutral, "wearable" colors, I feel like they could really run with this and put the emphasis on nudes (for ALL skintones) when it comes to their color cosmetics. A line of liquid lipsticks in nude shades, some nice, wearable highlighters, and so on. Also, I think that their packaging is in need of an update to something more modern. I feel that they have a lot of quality products to offer, but whenever I walk past their display, nothing jumps off the shelf at me or grabs my attention. And as I mentioned before, they very much need to extend their shade ranges. Three shades for a concealer does not cut it.
The Lipstick League Links of the Week
Gouldylox - I'm back from my first Gouldylox vacation and I have so much to share! Liquid lips that don't budge? The truth on that new shower foam? A plumping facial mist? Let's discuss!
My Beauty Bunny - Ever wondered what the most long-wearing lipstick on the planet is? Then you need to check out my review of LipSense from Bombshell Cosmetics!
Nouveau Cheap - I put the new Yes To Cotton Micellar Water to the test and here's my verdict.
Phyrra - Looking for a romantic makeup look? Check out my Sugarpill Feline Fancy Tutorial and Review!
Prime Beauty - is choosing her readers as her Valentine this year. Take a look at the stunning Peace and Love Earrings she's giving away to 2 lucky readers. They are a $336 value!
we heart this - Want to learn about ONE product that does the job of THREE items I guarantee you have in your shower right now? Click here and prepare to be wowed.
Beauty Junkies Unite - Amber's been doing her best to combat dry winter skin. Who knew that this new rose moisturizer from Fresh would do the trick?
Blushing Noir - I tested EVERY SINGLE ONE of the new Wet N Wild MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipsticks and ranked them ALL in order from best to worst right here!
Clumps of Mascara - We take our hair pretty seriously. Even if you’re only 4-years old. Check out these tips and tricks of managing little girl crowns.
EauMG - Wearing this designer perfume is like falling back into some sort of silk-covered, fluffy cloud fantasy.
fanserviced-b - This Korean beauty face lotion is affordable, has great ingredients, and it’s easy to find in the U.S.
(Wondering what the Lipstick League is? Find out here.)
Gouldylox is Currently Craving: I love the look of a metallic liquid lip and these colors from the new Smashbox collection have me yearning to relive the 80’s.
I have a terrible back too! I recently picked up a knee pillow from Amazon on the recommendation of Lusterlux in a recent Amazon Favorites video and I must say that it is absolute heaven. I'm about to leave for a London vacation and I am really considering taking it. Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief Knee Pillow is the title on Amazon.
ReplyDeleteOMG I would have KILLED for this two days ago!!! Thank you so much! I am absolutely going to purchase this since I'm a side sleeper and it's just impossible for me to sleep on my back through the entire night. Thanks again--you have no idea how much I appreciate the tip!
DeleteGlad to hear you're feeling better! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, A Kane. I have to say, I am too! Lol. Being in constant pain sucks. I'm grateful that the pain only occurs now when I move a certain way, and that it's not constant like it was a few days ago.
DeleteGlad you are feeling better. I was in a cheerleading accident about ten years ago (I was a flier and no one caught me) and my back has not been the same since. No fun!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your bad back but I'm glad you are on the road to recovery!! xo
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear that you are feeling better. I agree with a knee pillow. Can't sleep without one. I have a spinal deformity (which fortunately is generally not painful, I didn't even know I had it until someone noticed it on an X-ray) and the pillow really helps.
ReplyDeleteHi G,
ReplyDeleteThis is my first year(still I think?) reading your blog and I love it! I really enjoy reading it, so thank you. I too was going to say Almaty, you took the words right out of my mouth. When I go by their display it always looks so drab, even if there is new product, I'm not sure I even notice sometimes. I would love to see them stay with the neutrals, but kick it up a notch.
Hope you are feeling better and I always look forward to your daily blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you're on the mend. I threw out my back in some fluke many years ago and I remember the pain all too well and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy! Ice and anti-inflammatories all the way...
ReplyDeleteAs for the makeup, I have to agree on Almay. I remember seeing the palettes promoted around the holidays and I thought it was from Revlon until I took a closer look. Almay has some good things, but they're not too high on my radar. Plus I was just at Walgreens over the weekend, and the Almay was right next to the Wet n Wild, and it was just kind of sad because WnW has all this fun new stuff coming out.
Sometimes I hurt my back and it really stinks to have to go to work in that much pain. I have found that the Elaine Petrone Method "stop the back pain" (the two small balls for the lower back) is helpful. I don't think the DVD that comes with the set does much good but just lying on the floor with the balls under the small of my back helps a lot.
ReplyDeleteAlso hamstring stretches with a yoga strap. I guess it depends on how your hurt your back, but it seems my legs and posture are always involved, so hamstring stretches (and foam rolling) are godsends to me.
Anyway, glad to hear you are doing better.
Hi G,
ReplyDeleteHope you are feeling better. I have sciatic pain near the base of my spine. I bought this electric node thing at Walgreens. It is a miniature version of the ones they use at the Chiropractor's office. You can put it anywhere where you have pain and a few days later you will feel better! Check it out. It is around $60, but worth it.