Makeup love.

Warning: girly post ahead
Remember when I said I haven’t really shopped in months? I was even talking about makeup. But Friday I realized there were a few things I just couldn’t go without anymore. One of those things was powder and one of those things was moisturizer.

I also couldn’t go another day with my face being a different color than my neck because my makeup didn’t match my skin color. Bye bye summer tan, see you next year.

I headed over to Ulta, which is pretty new to Fayetteville. It’s similar to Sephora, but it also has drugstore brands (like Revlon, etc.).

I normally don’t love cosmetics. I’ve tried a million different items, and the only things I’ve ever really LOVED have been Chanel makeup. But at more than $50 for powder, I just can’t rationalize that anymore.

 I decided to go to Ulta for two reasons:

1.  I had a coupon for $3.50 off a $10 purchase.
2. It was buy one get one free on all Ulta products. Yes, please!

I was in a hurry, so I immediately headed to the powder section. Powder and foundation are two items I think you have to spend money on. The cheap stuff just isn’t the same, and believe me, I’ve tried it all. I wish it worked for me, but it doesn’t.

I tried a couple of things and settled on Pur 4-in-1 pressed mineral makeup.

It’s amazing.

Sometimes trying something new pays off.

I’ve never even heard of the brand, but I love it. A big reason for this is the sponge/brush thing that comes with it. I think that makes a huge difference in how makeup looks on your face.

The second thing I bought was moisturizer (Ulta brand so I could get something free). The moisturizer is fine. It’s the kind with self tanner in it. I don’t love it, but it works.

But what I do love is the Ulta lip gloss that I got for free. Lip gloss is difficult. It can be sticky, and I don’t like it so sparkly that I look like a three year old.

I also hate that with most lip gloss, I still have to carry around chap stick because it does nothing for my winter lips.

I introduce you to Ulta Minerals Nourishing Lip Color.

Just enough nourishment to leave the Carmex at home.

I chose blush crystal, and it’s the perfect color for me. In winter, I wear a lot of red, but I don’t really like red lips. But obviously hot pink lips would look ridiculous with a bright red jacket, so this is a great compromise. And I’ve tried the red. No matter what, I think it makes me look like a hooker.

And in case you’re wondering, Because I want to tell you, here a few makeup items I can’t live without:

My favorite. Ever.

• Smashbox photo finish bronzing primer
• Eyelash curler (For nights out, I use my blow dryer to heat it up. This works WAY better than those stupid heated lash curlers. Random fact: I had the same eyelash curler for over 10 years! Don't get me wrong...I tried others in between, but nothing ever compared. It finally broke this year. How I never lost it...who knows?)



Just try heating it up with your blow dryer once.
Test with your hand to make sure it's cool
enough so you don't burn your face off.

• Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
• Lancome Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara

It's magical.

 

Fact or Fiction. And a pumpkin spice latte.

The fiction part isn’t as fun, so I’m only doing facts.

Your risk of heart disease rises 70 percent if you don’t brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Fact, according to British Medical Journal

People eat 20 percent fewer calories when serving themselves from the kitchen counter instead of the table.
Fact, according to Cornell University

Miller Lite has fewer calories AND carbohydrates than Bud Light.
Fact.
12 ounces of Miller Lite: 96 calories, 3.2 g carbs
12 ounces of Bud Light: 110 calories, 6.6 g carbs

In the US, the average adult drinks about 500 cans of soda a year.
Fact, according to the American Beverage Association

via

And I had my first pumpkin spice latte this morning. Well, my first since Starbucks brought it back last week. I forgot just how delicious the almost $5 coffee is.

Running tips. (Tuesday tips on Wednesday)

• The first time you wear new running shoes, write the date on the tongue of the shoe (in Sharpie). This way, four months later, you will know it’s time to replace your shoes.

• You should replace running shoes every 300 to 400 miles.

• And never take your running shoes off without loosening the laces. If you do this, they’ll last longer (and be better for your feet).

• Don’t leave your shoes in your gym bag. You should store them in a cool, dry place where they can air out properly.

• You CAN wash your running shoes in cool water. And put newspaper in them while drying (not in the dryer).

• For half-marathon (or longer runners): Sprint uphill and downhill: Running hills preps you for the inevitable slopes you'll encounter over 13.1 miles, and the downhill portions teach your brain to execute a faster stride rate -- how frequently your feet hit the ground. In a 2006 study, runners who trained this way improved their speed on flat terrain by up to 3.5 percent.

And the age-old question: How is running on a treadmill different from outdoor runs?

A treadmill "pulls" the ground underneath your feet, and you don't face any wind resistance, both of which make running somewhat easier. Many treadmills are padded, making them a good option if you're carrying a few extra pounds or are injury-prone and want to decrease impact. To better simulate the effort of outdoor running, you can always set your treadmill at a 1-percent incline. (from Runner’s World)

And the myth about how running is bad for your knees:

Contrary to what your mom says, running doesn't wreck your joints. Osteoarthritis (the most common type of arthritis), occurs when joint-cushioning cartilage starts to break down. The biggest osteoarthritis risk factor besides age? Body weight. A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that obese women had nearly four times the risk of knee osteoarthritis than non-obese women; for men, it was five times the risk. Runners are much more likely to be at a normal weight than members of the sedentary population, significantly decreasing their risk of osteoarthritis. (from Women’s Health)

Tuesday Tips.

1. Use old earrings (you know the ones who lost their mate) as push pins. See my example. I can’t remember where I read this.


2. Drink water. Always. Especially when you feel tired in the afternoon. Did you know fatigue is one of the first signs of dehydration?

3. Add a little flavor to your water and get an energy boost. My new obsession: Special K Protein Water Mix. I drink this as a snack. It gives you tons of energy, and it only has 3 calories. You just add it to your water. It has zero grams of sugar and 5 grams of protein. It is a great thing to drink before a workout. My favorite flavor: pink lemonade.

4. Eat slowly. People who eat quickly until they feel full are three times more likely to be overweight.(realsimple.com)

5. Go to www.myshape.com. It’s fun.