Moonstruck in Jersey's Blog

August 31, 2012

Pore Refining Primer

Filed under: Makeup,Quick Takes — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:38 AM

From:  http://www.narscosmetics.com – $32.00

This oil-free primer instantly refines the look of pores, regulates shine and mattifies the skin to create an immaculate canvas. Mineral powders manage oil in the T-zone and other shine-prone areas while blurring the look of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, setting the stage for a velvety-matte, makeup-ready finish. Ultra light and cool to the touch, this gel formula keeps a reservoir of water on tap, helping skin stay fresh and hydrated throughout the day, while makeup stays fresh and vibrant for hours on end. This primer works particularly well with skins concerned with controlling oil and shine. * Pure lentil seed extract diminishes the appearance of dilated pores over time for a more refined appearance * Natural bisabolol and butterbur root extract calm and soothe the skin * Vitamins A, C and E help protect the skin from free-radical damage * Oil free. Alcohol free. Non-Comedogenic. Dermatologist tested. Synthetic-fragrance free. Consumer Testing Results: * 94% felt that it left their skin soothed and comforted * 87% thought it made powder, blush, and bronzer application easier * 78% thought it controlled shine all day long

A Very Quick Take Because The Product Speaks For Itself:

I hated every primer I have ever tried so I never used one …. until Nars.

It is a light gel that absorbs very quickly leaving the skin feeling soft and looking smooth and even toned.  Even when I have a no foundation day, I wear this because it keeps my skin hydrated and matte.  Makeup goes on easily and looks like it was just applied, even 8  plus hours later.  It gives the face an air brushed look, who doesn’t love that?

A pricey item, but it does exactly what it says and it most definitely is a repurchase.

Peace

August 29, 2012

On My Mind

Filed under: My Opinion — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:55 AM
Tags:

In the About page on my blog I wrote that even though I really like talking all things beauty, every once in a while I would take a turn.  I am taking a little turn here because I cannot stop thinking about this so, I might as well take the opportunity to vent.

I keep hearing and reading that the GOP considers itself an inclusive party, but their platform, that has been under the radar for years, is now front and center.  (http://nyti.ms/NvNlSx0)  So much of this platform, which Mr Romney and Mr Ryan support, speaks to the extreme religious right and no matter how many times Ann Romney says the word “love”, the GOP’s mindset is not about love and is most certainly not inclusive.

I have stated before that I respect everyone’s right to believe what they choose.  My feeling is that phrases from the Bible are taken out of context to support whatever issue the extreme right is holding up at that time.  The GOP embraces this practice and plans to base laws for the Country on these beliefs.  These religion based proposals effect so many people and the practice of ignoring the rights of everyone else to satisfy a specific religion, which not every American believes in, has got to stop.  Nowhere in the Constitution does it say our laws are to be made based on a particular religion’s beliefs

I cannot believe that in 2012 we are still talking about abortion rights, access to birth control and equal pay.  The GOP promises to repeal Roe vs Wade and ban abortion for ANY reason ( although Romney says he would make an exception for rape and the life of the mother ).  They promise to cut federal programs that allow women access to birth control.  They also promise to repeal Affordable Health Care Act (a whole other issue for me) for many reasons, but one of them is because insurance companies must pay for birth control for women.  On top of that, if AHCA is repealed, the cost of healthcare will rise for women ( right back to where it was or higher ).

What gives the GOP the right to tell anyone what they can do with their body? Where do they get the right to decided what constitutes the starting point of life?  You are talking about intelligent women!  They don’t need to be told what to do or how to do it.  It is their life. They know these decisions will effect them everyday for the rest of their lives.  No one is forcing a woman to make one choice over the other.  That is what pro-choice is all about.

Clearly, the  extreme right does not have any legal right to demand these things yet, but they have money and numbers enough to make any GOP candidate nervous about achieving their goal without the right’s support.  Mr Romney has certainly gone from moderate conservative all the way to the right because he knows what the option is – no option.

The GOP says that there is no “war on women”, I beg to differ. Just a few weapons – repeal AHCA, ban abortion, for any reason, if possible, and we know that Paul Ryan voted against Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Just a taste of what is happening.

I do not understand why women support this Party.  We are slowly being led back to Donna Reed’s kitchen, the “barefoot and pregnant” mentality.  What’s next, repealing the right for women to vote?

We are on the verge of becoming an America that no one will recognize and where many groups of American citizens are ignored.  Huge money and religion are close to creating a closed society, something we have always fought against.

Thomas Jefferson on Separation of Church and State

History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government. This marks the lowest grade of ignorance of which their civil as well as religious leaders will always avail themselves for their own purposes (Letter to von Humboldt, 1813).

Peace

August 27, 2012

Shocking

Filed under: Makeup,Quick Takes — moonstruckinjersey @ 9:19 AM

MASCARA VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS SHOCKING – Voluminous Mascara for a False Lash Effect

From:  http://www.sephora.com – $30.00

What it is:
A mascara that exaggerates lashes with excess volume from every angle.

What it does:
Exclusive to YSL, the amplified helix brush provides instant volume to the lashes. The slim brush design allows for perfect control and precision and the off-center twist enhances length and curl. The beautifully creamy formula with pro-vitamin B5 coats each lash evenly, creating a thick and lustrous fringe with a wet look.

Quick Take:

YSL is an iconic line and it makes me sad to write this, but the only part of this mascara that I liked was the packaging.

My first problem was that it smelled like dying flowers.  The scent was so strong that it made my eyes tear up.  The mascara does make the eyelashes longer, but it is very thick and the brush doesn’t separate the lashes at all, so they stick together and it looks as if you have three wide lashes on each eye. No one will notice the length, just how odd your eyes look.

I have NEVER had a mascara, not even the least expensive drug store brand, clump like this mascara does.  It was on the eyelid, under the eye, on the fingers, just a mess.  I had to comb my lashes with every single use to get remaining clumps out and this is something I really don’t like to do…and never had to do before with other mascaras.

A very expensive mascara that is not even worth a drug store brand price.

Peace

August 25, 2012

Simple and Elegant Baby Artichokes

Filed under: Recipes — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:58 AM

from the bestfoodblog.com

It’s so much easier to make artichokes than you would think. I never tried them before now because I always thought that it was too labor intensive and that is just not my thing. I like things to be easy. But how long can you go with easy. Sometimes you need to try something new and I suggest you try this!
Whether you use the baby or the regular size artichokes it’s only a few simple steps to a crowd pleasing appetizer or an attention steeling side dish. And not only is it delicious, but artichokes are very healthy. They have more antioxidants than any other veg, and tons of fiber!
Here is the way I did them:
Start by pre-heating your oven to 375 degrees.
Next get a bowl and fill it with water and lemon juice. As you clean the chokes you will put them in the water to keep them for turning brown.
Then start to clean and trim your artichokes. You do this by peeling away the leaves until you get to the middle. The middle is where the leaves are soft and yellow. Then you cut the top off and trim and peel the stem. Yeah, most of the choke is gone now, but the part you tossed away doesn’t have much use unless you were going to stuff it.
As you clean then drop them in the water.
When you have them all cleaned, dry them off and spread them out on a baking sheet or a roasting pan. Next you have to season them. You have endless options on how to season them, but I went simple. I drizzled them with oilve oil, salt, pepper, diced garlic, and a little chopped parsley.
                                
When seasoned to your liking, stick them in the oven for about 30 minutes. Checking them occasionally and toss them as needed.

As you may know, P2 is dairy free, but one thing I would do if he was not eating with me is add a little Romano Cheese in the last few minutes of roasting. Otherwise, these things are like potato chips. Bet you can’t eat just one!

XOXO – P

August 24, 2012

Dior 5 Couleurs Designer Eyeshadow

Filed under: Makeup — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:48 AM

I saw a Dior advertisement in a magazine the other day for a new 5 Couleurs, Khaki Designer, I instantly fell in love and had to have it for the Fall.

From: http://www.dior.com – $59.00

What it is:

A sleek compact containing five expertly coordinated shades for the ultimate modern eye.

What it does:

Dior re-invents the classic 5-Colour Eyeshadow with new formulas and shades! These versatile palettes can easily create a range of customized looks for day and night. The incredibly soft, melting texture glides over the eyelid, creating a smudgeproof application. The highly pigmented formula creates an ultra-graphic look that’s buildable in color intensity.

Five different textures have been brought together in a single case to create eyeshadow styles through layering.

  • 1-BASE light
  • 2-COLOR iridescent
  • 3-SHADE satin
  • 4-SHINE pearlescent
  • 5-LINER matte

My Take:

Khaki Designer has a dark grayish green, a sheer glittering green, olive, cream shimmer and matte black cream liner. It is a beautiful configuration of colors.

The colors are like velvet and go on very smoothly, no tugging of delicate skin, whether you use your finger or a brush. They last all day without fading and without creasing when used with a primer. The 4 colors are workable and can be used to created multiple looks from a sheer wash that builds to my favorite, the smoky eye. I love the eyeliner’s matte finish. I usually wear a gel eyeliner and the blackest black. This is a completely different look and feel for me and the best part, it lasts all day long without fading. This particular 5 Couleur was launched for Fall 2012, but it is a classic that can be worn at any time of the year no matter what is trending. The compact is elegant and sophisticated, but that is Dior.

All in all – fabulous, fabulous, fabulous.  You will find that it is a great addition to your beauty bag.

Peace

 

August 23, 2012

Urban Decay Lip Junkie Lipgloss

Filed under: Makeup,Quick Takes — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:55 AM

From:   http://www.urbandecay.com– $19.00

What it is:

A decadent lip gloss (with a delicious vanilla-mint flavor!) that allows you to get hooked on the shine, without the sticky hangover.

What it does:
You want a super-shiny gloss, but can’t stand the sticky texture? Get your shine fix with Lip Junkie. The soft, cushiony texture goes on smoothly and stays put longer than other glosses. You also get a great color pay-out (sometimes hard to find in a gloss) and a range of amazing shades, including sheer, pretty neutrals, knockout brights, and a glimmering nearly black.

Quick Take:

This is my second UD purchase and this gloss is awesome.

I purchased Red Light as I am always drawn to the reds.  It glides on to the lips with no tugging as it does not have a sticky, thick texture and you hair will not get caught up in it.  It smells amazing and tastes minty.

The color is beautifully sheer and shiny and made my lips look like my lips, but better and plumper.  Just a very flattering and moisturizing formula.  This gloss lasts much longer then I anticipated and it does not migrate to the corners of the mouth.  A big plus in my book.

I intend on going back for another color and perhaps try another product as I am really liking the line.

Peace

August 21, 2012

The Q

Filed under: Beauty — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:39 AM

You almost always see http://www.qvc.com in my posts.  I don’t watch QVC 24 hours a day, but I do check .com quite often.  The Q has one of the best beauty departments around.  Many, many high end quality products.

Many companies introduce new products on the Q and you can purchase only there for a specific time period, but it is not only about brands of skincare, makeup and tools.  It’s about the configuration of products that vendors offer only for Q customers.  This usually means a less then retail price tag, which is a great way to try pricey items.

On many of these more expensive items QVC offers easy payments which means you can take anywhere between 2 to 5 months, depending on their offer,  to make equal monthly payments instead of paying at one time.  Like lay-a-way except you already have the product.

The best thing is the 30 day return policy on absolutely anything you purchase even if, for example, the jar of moisturizer is completely empty.  Once September arrives, you have until January 31st to return your purchases.  QVC’s way of making holiday shopping more convenient. On some products they offer 60 days or 90 days to make the return if necessary.

QVC makes trying new beauty products easy because f you don’t like it, return it.  No questions asked.

Quality Value Convenience

Check it out.

Peace

August 20, 2012

Maybelline Super Stay 10 Hour Stain Gloss

Filed under: Beauty,Quick Takes — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:29 AM

Kept seeing this advertised in style magazines and I was intrigued, so decided to give it a try.  Nice price compared to department store brands.

From:  http://www.ulta.com  – $8.99

Description

Meet the first-ever stain gloss. Maybelline’s Super Stay 10 Hour Stain Gloss stays vibrant & shiny, yet transparent, and won’t fade. The weightless formula glides on wet & smooth, and feels fresh & fabulous all day.

  • 10 hour wear
  • Vibrant color & lasting shine
  • Weightless feel

Quick Take

I love a great gloss and one with staying power is even better and I enjoy using my collection, but this gloss will not be part of it.

Horrible, horrible, horrible.

This gloss smells like a sick-y sweet gum and tastes nasty.  It is sticky, tacky and not very shiny.  It stains here and there, but not the whole lip. I applied, and it took a while to dry down and it dried spotty and felt like it pulled every drop of moisture from my lips. Had a coffee and it was time to reapply.  It was that way the whole day.  If I got an hour out of it, that was a long time.

I purchased Ruby Indulgence because I always love a red and the color was very pretty.  The only other positive thing I can say was that I liked the shape of the applicator.

This gloss isn’t even something I will put in my “give away” bag.  The bargain was not a bargain.

Peace

August 19, 2012

Use Your Sunscreen

Filed under: Health — moonstruckinjersey @ 9:04 AM

Argan Sun Protection For Body SPF 30+ by Josie Maran

From:  http://www.sephora.com – $24.00, 4 oz

Ingredients

-Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide: Provide full spectrum sun protection against UVA/UVB rays.

-Argan Oil: Replenishes and repairs skin cells.
-Green Tea Leaf Extract: Nourishes the skin.

Argania Spinosa Kernal (Argan) Oil, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Natural Vegetable Glycerin, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl (Octyl) Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla Bean) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyl Dimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Sclerotium Gum, Arachidyl Glucoside, Polysorbate-60, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5).

What it is:

An all-natural sunscreen with SPF 30 and UVA/UVB protection.

What it is formulated to do:
This daily-wear sunscreen for the body protects sensitive skin from the sun. Natural sunscreen ingredients provide protection levels superior to standard chemical-laden formulations. Infused with argan oil, this formula protects the skin as it repairs and reverses damage caused by the sun.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Synthetic Fragrances
– Synthetic Dyes
– Petrochemicals
– Phthalates
– GMOs
– Triclosan

Suggested Usage:

-Apply evenly 15-30 minutes before sun exposure.
-Reapply after swimming, towel drying, or extended sun exposure.
-Created specifically for those who cannot tolerate fragrance.
-May be used daily.

My Take

I hate, hate, hate sunscreen.  It is sticky and greasy and heavy and white and sits on the skin and feels like you need you take a shower and smells disgusting.  I feel like I have tried every brand imaginable be it drug store brands or department store brands.  The problem is I need to wear it.  I have melanoma and once was enough, but even without that diagnosis, we all need to wear sunscreen.

This was a find for me as I was not particularly looking for this type product, but the fact that it is natural gave me the push to try it.  I love it!

Not sticky, not greasy, not smelly, goes on smoothly and absorbs well without the awful tell tale white.  Has a very light scent that dissipates quickly.

This is how I use it.  Apply body lotion and let dry for a minute or two.  Apply Argan Sun and by the time you have decided what you are wearing it is dry and clothes will just glide onto the body.  Will not stain even the lightest colored clothing.

This is a keeper.

StriVectin-SH Age Protect SPF30/PA+++

From:  http://www.sephora.com – $49.00, 2 oz

-Patented NIA-114: Niacin: Rebuilds skin’s protective & moisture barrier, increasing natural protection against the sun.

-UVA/UVB Shields: Homosalate, Octisalate, Avobenzone, Octocrylene, and Benzophenone: Protect against UVA (aging) & UVB (burning) rays that cause photoaging.
-Botanicals: Blueberry, Bearberry and Gogi Berry: Protect against free radicals.
-Vitamins: Vitamin B5 (panthenol) and E: Revitalize and condition skin.

Water (Aqua/Eau), Homosalate,Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Myristyl Nicotinate, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octocrylene, Nylon-12, Glycereth-26, Benzophenone-3, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Panthenol, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Bisabolol, Butylene Glycol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Ceramide 2, Ceramide 3, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Polysorbate 80,Isohexadecane, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Hydroxide, Isopropyl Myristate, Methyldihydrojasmonate, 2- Isobutyl-4-Methyltetrahydro-2H-Pyran-4-ol, Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Methyl-Alpha-Ionone, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract.

What it is:

A moisturizing sunscreen that helps to reverse signs of aging while preventing future damage.

What it is formulated to do:
This daily treatment moisturizer delivers StriVectin’s patented wrinkle fighting ingredient NIA-114, plus broad spectrum protection from the sun’s UVB (SPF 30) and UVA (PA +++) rays. Its sheer, non-whitening texture is ideal for layering over StriVectin-SD.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Synthetic Fragrances
– Synthetic Dyes
– Petrochemicals

Suggested Usage:

-For use a daily moisturizer, apply a dime sized amount in the morning on cleansed face and neck over StriVectin-SD.
-Reapply as needed or after towel drying, swimming or perspiring.
-Instantly absorbs into the skin with a soft, matte finish.

Precautions:
-StriVectin-SD products were extensively tested for skin tolerability, efficacy and were proven to be non-comedogenic.
-A key ingredient of this product, NIA-114? by its nature helps to boost cell turnover. You may feel warmth or see a blush upon first application. This means that StriVectin-SD’s NIA-114? helps to strengthen the epidermic barrier.
-While some customers experience products differently than others, more sensitive skin often requires 7 to 10 days of adjustment. If skin changes behavior in that time, consider an alternative application routine: slowly add products every other day with a light application, gradually increasing use until the full regimen is incorporated over 10 days.

My Take

I never put sunscreen on my face, figured that they were just as bad as all the SPF for the body I had tried.  Beside, I figured I got a little with what ever makeup I was using.  My new favorite makeup does not have an SPF, but I still wasn’t planning on adding it to my skincare routine.  I knew I should, but…..yuck.

My favorite skincare line is StriVectin and I am faithful to the brand because it works for me and the products I use are well under $100.00.  I went to repurchase a few products and the StriVectin representative introduced me to Age Protect.

I now use this as my morning moisturizer and SPF.  It is not greasy or heavy, smells nice, absorbs quickly, no white residue and a little goes a long way.  Best of all my makeup stays put all day long and I get intensive sun protection.

Use this as your moisturizer and don’t forget your neck.  Apply your primer and then makeup – absolutely no change in your routine.  And here is a little tip the

SriVectin rep gave me.  If you forget to put it on and now have your makeup in place – no problem.  Put some Age Protect on your finger tips, rub hands together and press into face and neck.  It does not disturb your makeup and you are protected.  I tried it and it worked beautifully!

For me, this is a keeper.  Never thought I would willing pay money for an SPF for my face….until now.

Peace

August 18, 2012

Sparkling Rosé Sangria

Filed under: Recipes — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:49 AM
Tags: ,

From thebestfoodblog.com.

Here is an AMAZING Rosé Sangria from Botella & Co. that I had to share. It promises to make any summer afternoon a little more special!

10 green grapes, halved

4 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 peach, pitted and sliced

1 bottle (750 milliliters) of prosecco (Tutela is one of my favorites)

1/2 bottle of vihno verde rose Casal Garcia

1/2 cups white grape juice

1/2 cup brandy

2 sprigs fresh mint

Fill a large glass pitcher halfway with ice; add fruit. Tilt pitcher and pour the prosecco very slowly down side (to preserve bubbles). Add juice, vinho verde rose and liquor; stir gently. Stir in mint.

This festive bubbly cocktail offers the antioxidant resveratrol, which may help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. Cheers…

I can not wait to try it!

Big thanks to Alessandro @ Botella & Co for sharing!

Happy summer everyone!

XOXO – P

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