Boots No 7 Poppy King Collection Review

Lipstick designer Poppy King has launched a line called “The Magic of Lipstick”, a group of seven accessible, affordable lipsticks and lipglosses for Boots No7, available at select Target stores and ShopBootsUSA.com.

I just adore the packaging and apparently so does Ms. King.  Poppy has said the polka dots on her packaging for Boots were inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s famous beauty mark and this collection was inspired by old Hollywood glamour and film icons. These bold, sheer lip colors are intended to offer the allure of old Hollywood bombshells to the everyday woman.

Poppy King

I sampled two of the colors, Seduction and Confidence.  Seduction has a berry tint and works great for any skin tone.  Confidence is more of standard tint and could work as your everyday lipstick or to layer with Seduction (as I did).  I just love layering colors and this is the perfect line to use that method.

So if you didn't get what you wanted from Santa, head on over to Target and treat yourself to your very own Boots No 7 lip color by Poppy King.  I am sure you will love it as much as I did!

*Samples provided for review.

Christmas After Math

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas or you are having a wonderful Hanukkah!  I have been enjoying time with my family and it has been great.  This year was very traditional with dinners with the families, exchanging gifts, fires, movies, enjoying neighborhood lights, seeing Christmas carolers, seeing a Christmas musical, sledding on the mountain, riding on the Polar Express, making notes for Santa and Buddy the Elf, parties and plays at school, and a White Elephant exchange at work.  I will look back on this year with great memories! 

The one thing that remains from Christmas are those unwanted pounds! 

What are you going to do about it in 2012?  I am going to continue going to my gym (even when I am tired), eat more fruits and veggies, play soccer and football with my boys when we can, and take the stairs when they are available.  My other motivator will be getting some sporty clothes from Lucy!

My favorite pants there are the Perfect Core Pants (Tummy Tucking wonder).  It's like wearing Spanx that you can wear in public.  I am always sure to wear a jacket or shirt that covers my derrière.

http://www.lucy.com/

My other mission will be to get some clothes from Nordstrom.  Lora swears by the Zella brand. 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/zella-shop?origin=brandindex

Of course Sports Authority has another great brand:

Under Armour

http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11306512&cp=3077569.3079702.2806302&lmdn=Brand&fbc=1&f=Brand%2F15354%2F&view=24&fbn=Brand%7CUnder+Armour&parentPage=family

And for shoes:

http://www.roadrunnersports.com/ 

 I became at VIP member and haven't regretted it yet.  I can usually get my favorite shoes under cost.

 Although, I do buy my son's shoes from a locally owned store to support them.  They are so helpful and always fit him right.  They also support local running clubs and schools. Thank you Fleet Feet Sports. 

http://www.fleetfeettucson.com/

 So many options and so little money!  Check out Old Navy, Target, Ross, and Tj Maxx for some great deals.  Good luck and whatever you do, get out there and do something.  Life is too short!

Last Minute Gift Idea

Have you received a gift from a neighbor or co-worker and need a last minute gift for them?  How about a stocking stuffer? A perfect gift that everyone will love is chocolate.  Not just any chocolate but homemade chocolates from Edward Marc Chocolatier. 

Check out some of their holiday chocolates:

Santa's Boot in Milk or Dark Chocolate 

Edward Marc Chocolatier Holiday Grinch Lollipop

Chocolate Santa

 To see all of the amazing chocolates visit their website at: http://www.edwardmarc.com/.



Softlips Winter Pack Winner

And we have a winner........Bridgett!  Please send me your mailing address to moodymaria@live.com and we will get your prize out to you right away.  Thank you to everyone who entered!  I am hoping 2012 will bring many more giveaways!

9 Unique Hostess Gifts She'll Love

Was staying at your friend's home more lavish than a 5-star resort? Show your thanks with these cute gift ideas

This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty products article This season we're sure you'll be attending parties, visiting friends, and possibly crashing on a couch or two. To show your appreciation, make sure to send one of these useful and creative gifts along with that thank you card. See gifts

Total Beauty's Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide

Skip the "Elf" DVD and homemade scarf. We've got the perfect ideas for all your loved ones

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article Have you earned a reputation for boring, generic presents wrapped in pretty boxes (that fool no one)? We get buying thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list can be tedious, so we did the thinking for you! You can thank us later. Get ideas

Softlips Holiday Winter Pack Giveaway

Happy December everyone!  Just in the nick of time for winter, Softlips has released it's Winter Flavors.  I am so happy too because it's finally getting cold here in the desert and my lips are dry.  I tend to use lipstick in the morning and layer it with Softlips.  I then carry Softlips in my purse and reapply as needed.  Softlips is also a must have on my nightstand.  I love to keep Softlips in my purse, in my car center console, in my desk drawer at work, my makeup bag, and of course one for each of my son's in the nightstand drawer.  Kids love Softlips too!  They are the perfect holiday gift or stocking stuffer. 

For more great tips on giving the gift of beauty this holiday season, watch this video featuring Jenn Falik, beauty and style expert.  To view the new Softlips video, "So Merry. So you." click here.   

The winter flavors include: Winter Mint, Sugar Cookie, Sugar Plum Berry, and Sugar and Spice.  I have to admit Sugar Cookie is my personal favorite.

Now for the Good News!  Softlips is offering one prize pack including all four winter flavors to one Moody Maria reader.  Enter today by leaving a comment with your name and email.  Entries will be accepted through 12/8/11 at 11:59PST.  US Only.  For additional entries become a Facebook fan of Moody Maria (1 pt), become a Facebook fan of Softlips (1 pt) or refer a friend to comment here and have them list your name as the referral.  Good Luck!

*Softlips is sponsoring this review and giveaway.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from Moody Maria!  I am so thankful for my family and good health.  I am also thankful for my readers and for having the opportunity to speak my mind on this little piece of cyberland. 

As a little food eye candy I will present you with the Thanksgiving Dozen from Georgetown Cupcake.  Look at these Thanksgiving inspired cupcakes....yum. 

Here are the flavors in their Thanksgiving Dozen:
Caramel Apple: Fresh Apple Cupcake with a dulce de leche core topped with a vanilla cream cheese frosting and a dulce de leche star drizzle
Maple Chocolate Chip:  Maple cupcake studded with chocolate chips and topped with a maple cream cheese frosting and a fondant maple leaf
Chocolate Squared:  Georgetown Cupcake's Classic Chocolate topped with turkey fondant decorations.
Pumpkin Spice:  Pumpkin Spice cupcake with a maple-infused cream cheese frosting topped with a fondant maple leaf.

Price: $29 per dozen ($55 including nationwide overnight shipping).  You can order them at: http://www.georgetowncupcake.com/

Keep their website as one of your favorites as you know they will have some great new flavors for the upcoming holiday season.  Wouldn't Georgetown Cupcakes be a delightful hostess gift or a hit at an office party?

Save Money by Trimming your Own Bangs

How to Trim Your Bangs at Home

Sick of spending your hard-earned money every month on bang trims? Skip the salon and do them at home with these pro tips

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair care article Sure, you'd love to trim your bangs yourself -- but the risk factor of looking like Courtney Love pre-makeover is high. We feel you, which is why we talked to Giovanni Vaccaro, hair guru at the Frederic Fekkai Salon in New York City. He shares his no-fail DIY bang-trimming tips. See them

Online Shopping Site Review

With so many online websites, it is nice to hear good reviews on experiences.  My friend just recommended this site to find everything for everyone on your list, from alfred dunner jackets for grandma, or alpine design shoes for mom, or amanda clothing for sister, you will find it all at Become.  This site has a search engine that will find any gift you need and bring you right to the website that offers that product.  It will also show you a picture and comparison prices. 

A time saver:  Instead of searching online and finding outdated items that aren't for sale anymore or out of stock, Become finds products that are actually for sale.  If you enter your zip code, they will give you the tax and shipping costs as well.

Just another tip to make your shopping season a little easier.  Good luck and happy shopping!

Ski Season Basics

It's that time of year again!  You better start looking for scarves, hats, gloves, and womens jackets.  Each year when I hit the slopes in Northern Arizona, I regret not looking earlier. 

The Basics:
Helmet:  It's important for all women (not just kids) to start wearing helmets.  Just remember to toss a cute beanie in your inside pocket to throw on while you relax in the lodge with some warm hot cocoa.

Hats:  Try to buy a material that isn't too itchy.  I have seen many hats that have fleece lining and they look so comfy!

Scarves:  Scarves can even be found everywhere - even drugstores.  Try to find a scarf that can double as an accessory for sports games, picking up the kids at school, and holiday light drives.  I personally like plaid and stripes.  Call me classic!

Gloves:  They now have gloves with the finger that is friendly for electronic devices.  At first I thought these were silly until I tried to use mine with a glove.

Jackets:  Puffers filled with down might look funny or make you look like a marshmallow, but they will sure keep you warm!  Also, look for lots of pockets.  As a mom, these come in handy too often. 

Bibs versus Pants:  It's all a matter of preference or your skiing level.  Personally, I like the pants because bathroom trips are easier.  Again, find some with pockets.

Sunscreen:  Don't forget to lather your face, neck, and ears.  Plus, don't forget a lip balm with a high SPF and keep reapplying.  You don't want to pay for these items at the ski shop either so buy ahead! 

Good luck on the ski slopes and remember safety before style!

Summer is Over, Time to Repair

Now that summer is over, it's time to repair or hibernate.  Time to repair your body by getting lots of sleep.  Time to watch movies in front of the fire and sip green tea.  Time to renew old friendships by sending sentiments of joy.  Time to take in all you did this year and resolve to make new changes for 2012.

One of these changes might be to take better care of your skin and also to protect it with sunscreen.  And on the off chance that you did forget to use sunscreen as much as you hoped, or yours failed you, there are second chances. 

There is an incredible product, that can be found at Nordstrom's.  Admit it, you will be there anyway in the next 30 days of so! 

Stop by the cosmetic counter and ask about this product as a sun spot remover.  Luminaze can break down melanin and show improvements of skin tone eveness in as little as 7 days.  It is also Hydroquinone-free.  It is safe for all skin types, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic. 

A great product that might just be on wish list this holiday season!

 

FREEZE IT Hairspray review

I am so happy! I found another hairspray to use and it works.  I was getting frustrated with my standard hairspray because my scalp starting itching every time I used it.  My mom suggested switching brands and seeing if it helped.  Luckily, I had the opportunity to test FREEZE IT hairspray.

The first night I used FREEZE IT was on Halloween.  I decided at the last minute to be a gypsy and I wanted my curls to be a little wild and stand out more.  I started using a little and was amazed to see how far a little went.  I sprayed a little more just to make sure it would hold and my hair stayed in place all night.  It brushes out easily too and doesn't make your hair sticky.

Now I have been using it on a daily basis and it makes my hair stay full.  Another great thing about it is the patented optical brighteners that actually make my hair look a little more glossy.  Oh and the itch I had?  It's gone since I have switched to this hairspray. 

Luckily, it won't be hard to find this hairspray because it is available at Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, & CVS.

Another sidenote: The bottle I tested was gold and pink because FREEZE IT partnered with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer.  Actually, they were the only mass-market hair care brand to partner with the charity.  Bravo FREEZE IT!  That is the kind of company I want to support.

http://www.freezeithair.com/


*I received a sample for review.

Boot Envy

I promised myself at the end of last winter that I would buy a really cute pair of boots in Fall 2011 and wear them all winter.  Guess what?  It hasn't happened.  I walk into DSW completely overwhelmed and just walk out.  Then I head over to Famous Footwear with my coupons in hand.  Nothing.  What is wrong with me?  I look online and everything looks great but it is so hard to buy boots online and expect them to fit.  I just hate return items through the mail.

Kate is like the ultimate example of how to wear boots.

Just a little boot vent.  All the moms at our school have cute boots and I am feeling a bit left out.  Let me know if you know of any great deals. 

Contest Winners

I have two contest winners to announce:

The Keri lotion giveaway was Amanda.  Congratulations Amanda!

The Conair You Wrap and Wave Iron was Julie.  Enjoy this awesome prize Julie!

Thank you for entering everyone and for liking me on Facebook.  There is another giveaway in the works and it will make your dry winter lips smooth and sweet.  Can't wait to post it!

Acne and Blue Light Technology

Here I am at 40 years old and I still have acne!  It is driving me crazy and I actually used some benzoyl peroxide the other night.  The smell reminded me of my junior high days and how depressing it was to slather this stuff on my face.  I wish I had know more about skincare back then and used a little less. 

I have been doing research on whether I should start using another product that is gentler on my skin and also address the aging process.  I found this awesome little device made by Tanda, called the ZAP acne spot treatment device.  It uses blue light technology to clear your skin.  It uses sonic vibration to open pores and then the blue light kills bacteria.  This product seems like it would actually work and is clinically proven to work.  Imagine how great it would be to perform anti-aging light treatment in your home and not at a spa.

I am thinking this will be on my Christmas wish list!  They also have a product that is specifically for anti-aging.  Hmmm.  Hard to choose.  Here is an interesting timeline they had listed on there site: 


Via: Tanda Skincare

Visit  http://tandaskincare.com/  for more information on their products.  Do you know anyone who has tried blue light technology?

8 Luxe Hair Care Products Beauty Editors Keep Buying

When it comes to products for our hair, we have a few we just can't live without. See what they are

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair care products article Is there a hair care product you love so much you're willing to plonk down a couple hours' pay for it? We've got a few. Here are the spendy salon products we're willing to go broke for. See them

10 New, Sexy Ways to Wear a Bun

The classic bun got a chic style makeover with these 10 creative new ways to tweak this red carpet go-to. See the looks now

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article The bun was all the rave this year with the style popping up on the runway and the red carpet. Want to see how to get this celeb-favorite look for yourself? See these expert tips now. Get how-tos

Infiniti by Conair You Wrap & Wave Review/Giveaway

Have you ever wanted to create those beach waves and just haven't been able to?  Do you wonder what everyone is using to get those perfect ringlets or princess wave/curls?

I just discovered the secret and I am ready to share it with you! It's the Infiniti by Conair You Wrap and Wave Iron. It uses Tourmaline Ceramic Technology which prevents hot spots, reduces frizz, and helps eliminate static.

The You Wrap and Wave is a unique 2-barrel ceramic styler and can create a range of curl styles and add volume. It has 30 second instant heat so you don't have to wait or make coffee while it's heating up. This tool can get hot - up to 400°F so be careful! It also has an automatic shutoff for added security.

The You Wrap and Wave is a little tricky to use unless you use the supplied heat protective glove. It is really cute and actually works!

This is how I styled my hair: I blow dried my damp hair using a heat protectant spray. I then sectioned my hair off so I could work with one section at a time. I then grabbed a small section of hair and wrapped it like a figure 8 around the two barrels. I then held it for a few seconds and let go. It was amazing how quickly it curled my hair and how beautiful the curls were! It was one of those moments where you wish you had this tool in high school. I remember waking up 2 hours early to get ready for school and curling each section of hair. With this tool, it would have taken 1/4 the time and looked better! This technology by Conair really is amazing and I am so glad to share my discovery with Moody Maria readers.

To learn about all the products in the Infiniti by Conair line, visit: http://infiniti.conair.com/catalog.php?show=all_products

Would you like to win a You Wrap and Wave from Infiniti by Conair?

To enter, leave a comment telling me what hair tool you cannot live without.  Don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. For additional entries, like Conair on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/conairhair and/or like Moody Maria on Facebook.  You only have to leave one comment telling me what you did for each entry and I promise to count them all!

Good Luck!!  The deadline to enter is 11/5/11 at 11:59 PM MST.  The winner will be announced the week of 11/7/11.

Lip Balm Addict?

14 Best and Worst Lip Balms

See which balms to pick -- and which ones to skip -- for your softest lips ever

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article As a beauty product no woman should ever leave her house without, lip balms are probably a staple in your purse, car, and desk drawer. For the most moist, plump, kissable lips, see what lip balms our readers say are the best and worst. Read reviews

THE WORST NO. 7: JUICE BEAUTY SPF 15 TINTED LIP MOISTURIZERS, $15

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.5

"The balm's surface has a rough, dotted-looking texture."

THE WORST NO. 6: CHAPSTICK TRUE SHIMMER, $3.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.5

This product is "complete garbage that was created with a 5-year-old in mind."

THE WORST NO. 5: BLISTEX FRUIT SMOOTHIES, $3.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.1

"Stick to the cheaper Bonne Bell version. It's a lot better."

Want to see the rest on this list? Click here!

Win "Best Costume" This Year with These Pro Tips

Don't dust off that witch costume you wore last year just yet. These new costume ideas are fun and a cinch to put together quickly

This is a TotalBeauty.com Halloween makeup article Feel like there aren't any interesting costume options for you besides "witch" (boring) and "Playboy bunny" (inappropriate)? Get creative with these genius costume ideas that you can easily pull off. No bunny ears needed. Get ideas

Clean and Clear Morning Burst Review

One product that I am not set on is facial cleanser.  I find it fun to experiment with a few and also to switch them up.  I try to use a different one every other day depending on their strength and features.  So why am I using this Clean and Clear Morning Burst all the time? 

The truth is this skin brightening facial cleanser not only cleans your skin with infusions of lemon, papaya and caffeine extracts, but it makes your skin feel so invigorated.  It's the kind of cleanser you want to take on vacation or use after a bad night of rest. 

I have sensitive skin and occasional adult acne and Clean and Clear's Morning Burst did not dry my skin, irritate it, or cause breakouts.  It is oil-free and contains Vitamin C.  It is safe for all skin types.  You can find this product at Walmart for a retail price of  $5.99.

Visit Clean and Clear's website for more information:  http://www.cleanandclear.com/

*I received a sample for review

Katie Holmes' Hair

 

Credit: Dave Allocca/Startraksphoto.com

 

I remember writing Leslie at work, back and forth about how Katie Holmes had her hair in a bun again.  It drove me crazy and now I really think she took the whole "I just gotta ignore my hair so it will grow" approach.  Her hair looks so amazing here - as does her skin.  She has always been one of my favorites and she has not stepped down a notch in my list.  Bravo Katie! 

The Truth About What Really Causes Breast Cancer

Does deodorant up your odds of getting this scary disease? Can dyeing your hair raise your risk? Find out once and for all

This is a TotalBeauty.com health & beauty article With all the misinformation and conflicting evidence about your real risk of getting breast cancer, it's hard to differentiate between the myths and the facts. Here, we tackle the 10 most prevalent lies about breast cancer risk so you know the truth, once and for all. Get the facts