Beauty Rest? Who has time for that?

Not me! That's why I've been desperate for a little help for these new dark puffy circles that have decided to plague my face since I became a Mommy. Then when I went back to work, they decided to get bigger! Ugh - no rest for the weary, I guess.



So, a girl needs some help! I've been using Garnier Nutritioniste Anti-Puff Eye Roller for the last couple of weeks. Though I won't claim it to be a miracle worker, I have definitely noticed an improvement! The puffiness has been reduced and the dark circles are less noticeable. I don't even need concealer when I put on my foundation. Now if I can just get a good night's sleep on a more regular basis, I'll probably be cured! Actually, some good sleep would probably cure a lot of my woes!

Moving on...this week I've also been testing out the Estee Lauder Equalizer Foundation. Belle of the Ball mentioned this product a while ago and now that I need to purchase some more foundation, I decided to get a sample and give it a try. I have combination skin, a fair complexion and some redness in my cheeks. I apply the makeup with a foundation brush (you can buy one at Target or the Estee Lauder counter) and it gives nice semi-sheer coverage that helps cover my redness and give me a more even complexion. I like using the brush because you can really control the amount of foundation being applied and it just gives a smooth, porcelain finish. Or, if you're looking for more coverage, you can easily build up the amount you're applying without wasting so much product like you do with a make-up sponge. I really like it and I think that I'm going back this weekend to pick up a full size bottle. I have wasted so much money on cheaper brands trying to find something that works well for my skin and makes me happy. But, sometimes paying more is just worth it and this is one of those times ladies!

Speaking of spending more money...let's talk about hair. Prior to the recession I never really thought too much about how much I spend on my hair at the salon. Just about every salon around here charges around the same amount. Basically with a tip, I'm spending around $60 for a haircut and style. When we add color (every other haircut) I'm paying around $160 with a tip. I go about every 8-10 weeks so I basically get my highlights about 4 times a year. Now, that we're in a recession I'm actually stopping to think more about what I spend. I didn't look up the exact amount, but I've been spending somewhere around $800-$1,000/yr. on my hair at the salon. Do I have $1,000 hair? Heck, no! I'm never happy with my hair. I have to color b/c I'm way too young for all of this gray hair that I have and every time I've tried store bought color, my brown hair turns brassy. Right now, I'm asking around trying to get advice on a new stylist who is more affordable but still gives a great cut. I'm considering coloring my own but I just don't know about that. So, do you girls have any advice? Do you color/highlight your own and what kind of color do you use?

On another note, DD has her 6 month old photo shoot today and I'm really excited about it. We're doing one scene with a white background and a clothes line with her tiny newborn outfits (now wearing 18 month size!) hanging from it. She'll be sitting in a laundry basket. Trust me, it's going to be soooo cute and I'm going to hang one of those pics in my own laundry room! The second setup is going to be black and white close-ups of her different facial expressions. We're doing a collage. I've seen one of those in her studio and I love it. Not sure what else we'll do but my photographer is very creative!