I Have So Much to Tell You!

Hello Beauties!

I have to apologize for my absence; I started a new job a few weeks ago and it's exhausting, but incredibly rewarding. I've not forgotten about you, and have been trying some new products to tell you about.

Sephora Collection
My new office is a mere 10-minute walk from Sephora, and I've been eyeing their new Sephora Collection Colorful Duo Reflect eyeshadows for weeks. I finally pulled the trigger and bought one in "Mermaid Tail." It's GORGEOUS! Check it:





It's so hard to capture the green, blue and brown (with a smidge of gold) of Mermaid Tail. Click the link to Sephora instead for a much better photo of this beauty. I thought it was going to go on greenish blue, but it's a brownish blue instead! Absolutely safe for work.

Hello Waffle
I put together an order from the lovely Christine at Canadian indie company Hello Waffle. I needed some safe-for-work eyeshadow and some finishing powder. I originally ordered a 5-shadow set in HW's "halfling" size (it's a great deal!) and the Lavender Cream powder, not realizing that it's a highlight, not a finishing powder. Christine was amazing and happily changed my order to the right powder:



Hello Waffle's finishing powder is finely milled, easily applied (I've been using a Real Techniques Powder Brush) and has a beautiful finish with a touch of sparkle - kind of like Guerlain's Meteorites.






Here are four out of the five Hello Waffle eyeshadows:























Top to bottom: Catticus Finch, Pride, Gryphon and Schubert

MAC
If you don't use MAC's Prep + Prime Lip, then really, if you want your lipstick or gloss to last a good long time, go and buy some posthaste. This primer is comfortable to use, and the idea is to wait about 45 seconds after applying (when it becomes tacky) to apply your liner and lipstick/gloss. I'm not a fan of lip gloss on a normal day, due to having to reapply every 4 minutes, but when I use Prep + Prime Lip, gloss lasts for a tolerable amount of time. That's a big deal!

Here's what it looks like:



Just a normal-looking stick primer? NO! It's magic.

I'm so sorry for making you wait for this, but I'll try to be more consistent now that I'm getting my new routine down.

Til next time,

Amanda

BOT Gone Corporate, and Other News.

Hi Beauties!

Haha, not really, I just took advantage of a VistaPrint coupon (storewide sale is on, 50% off everything Feb 9-10/15!) and had some Beauty Over Thirty cards made. Check them out (front and back):

Aren't they pretty! I spent a fair amount of time on the design, and considering I'm a total design newb, they turned out pretty well.Why did I make these when this is clearly an online hobby for me? Well, everywhere I go, I end up talking to someone about something beauty-related. I inevitably tell them I have a website, and I've been wanting something to hand out so people I talk to have something tangible from me, and they know that both I and Beauty Over Thirty are for real. For a small investment, we shall see if being able to hand out a card will have a result. I'll fill you in once I know!In other exciting news, I have returned to the workforce full-time in a job that moves me into the next phase of my own life, career-wise. I work in government relations/advocacy, with a particular focus on health, and that is exactly what my new job is. Today was Day 1 and the people seem terrific and the organization even has a shower for employees who cycle or run to work! In the summer, I will take advantage of that for sure. What does this all mean for BOT? Not much, other than I'll be trying out some new work-safe, low-ingredient looks - and posting them. While beauty is a new and wonderful thing in my life, I need it to fit into my lifestyle as well. I'll be sharing my progress on taking the least amount of time to look the best I can every workday. Finally, I want to tell you all about a resource that I started using last week in my quest for excellent skin. I began running out of my current skincare products, and can't really get a hold of more of what I've been using (Health & Beauty Dead Sea Minerals, an Israeli brand that is terrific) without incurring serious customs charges. I began seeking out information on what is new and exciting - and proven - in the skincare game, bought a book called The Original Beauty Bible by Paula Begoun.You don't have to buy the book to get the most important information, because Paula and her team produce Beautypedia, a site that reviews and rates brands and products, as well as posting advice, information and articles on how to be an informed and educated skincare product consumer. There is a paid section of the site, although I'm not sure what for as I've not come across a section of the site I've needed paid access for. In any case, if you find the paid section and want to sign up, I've got a 50% off coupon code. Just comment or email beautyoverthirty7@gmail.com and I'll send it to you. That's it for now. I'm still working on some reviews of products I've tried over the last little while, as well as some posts to help you with purchasing and Spring 2015 fashion (hint: it's gorgeous.)Til next time!Amanda