OH My Gods!!
I too, in my (later) thirties hardly wear make up now and am also, the Queen of zitness. What the heck!!?
Stupid hormones.
(exits grumbling and needing chocolate)

Hey Laurie, I usually lurk, but I've been cursed with zits recently too! And I'm 43! I've discovered that the Clean & Clear Advantage daily cleansing pads with salicylic acid (basically aspirin!) work great and my zits are nearly cleared up, after having them for a whole frickin' year. Plus it seems to shrink my old blemish scars. So get some at CVS and you can return it if it doesn't work for you.... Also, you are now tempting me with the bare escentuals... I watch those infomercials and I always want to try it...

first of all...bare minerals is AWESOME!!!!!

second..the place with possibly the WORST return policy is TARGET!!!! So...if there is ANY chance you will need to return something (god forbid you don't have a reciept!!) don't buy it there. Like gifts...my SIL was stuck with a TON of receiving blankets she got at her shower that ONLY TARGET SELLS that she couldn't return cause they would only let her exchange them for OTHER RECIEVING BLANKETS cause the giver didn't include a reciept!

Roy is adorable!! I still live atop Mt. Zitmore and I am almost 43!!! I have wrinkles and pimples!!!

Have a great weekend, sweetie. NYC is coming soon!

I live in Georia and remember the Merle Norman days. The town I live in only had like three stop lights, no McDonalds, 1 bank....... but WE HAD A MERLE NORMAN DEALER!! I also wore seven inches of base..... even down my neck for gosh sakes..... didn't see me with a "mask".

Definitely try the "bare minerals"..... it's awesome man, and you don't sweat it off either!

My 11 year old bob-tailed cat Bunny says "What up" to your cat homies!

I used Bare Minerals for a while, but the foundation was too heavy for me. I do, however, love the Bare Minerals "Warmth" for a bronzy but not-too-orange-or-sparkly glow. Use it every day, all year long.
I have fair, combo- thirty-year-old skin. So now when I need coverage I stick to tinted moisturizer from The Body Shop (which by the way -- oh my gawd -- I just discovered they got rid of this season! oh crap).
Anyways, if the Bare Minerals is too heavy, try out a tinted moisturizer.

Judi... OMG... our town had no McDonald's, no mall, nothing... but we had a Merle Norman!! I hadn't ever thought of it that way until you commented!!!

Liz R-- I will be in NYC two weeks from right now!! The main thing I am freaking over (today, anyway, it changes minute to minute) is trying to find some kind of hair product or shampoo that will encourage my fine, limp hair to hold a curl. I had totally forgotten that NYC is humid (out here in LA my hair can achieve Bigness with hot rollers because there is only 7% humidity...on a good day...) but now I am thinking I will need industrial curl help to retain the bouncy.

In my mind, I have somehow decided that if I just concentrate on hiding behind big hair and makeup I will not be so freaked out of the microphone LOL. I need therapy. But I can't afford it because I have spent all my money on makeup ;)

oooh one more recommendation.

Certain Dri.

granted, it itches like crazy when you put it on (at night, go to sleep with it), but OH MY GOD. i thought i was doomed to be forever sweaty and ruining shirts and having big huge visible pores under my arms.

sorry about the TMI.

Love the Deadliest Catch!
I just wanted to let you know that I stopped washing my hair everyday after your post (May 4). I have to rinse it everyday (fine and oily) but have to say shampooing every other day (I even tried skipping 2 days and it was okay but I think you have to work up to more time) has made my hair look and feel healthier. I would have never known!
Love product recommendations! I've always wanted to try Bare Minerals but don't like the idea of signing up to receive regular shipments because I don't wear make-up enough to have a schedule like that. I was excited about Loreal's Bare Naturale Mineral Makeup, tried it and my face (prone to zits) and I really like it.

Laurie-
I think I am going to have to try that colorstay... I tried way back in the long long ago and far far away when it first came out before they attatched lip gloss to one end..... I will try it again because you say it rocks...

speaking about the mineral makeup... I saw the commercials for it, and didn't feel like plunking down the $$ so I found some mineral makeup made by Loreal $12 each and they have a mineral blush too , and at the same time I bought an equally inexpensive tube of cover stick (with the little paintbrush stick)and I use it the same way the commercials say to.. I love it....

Bare Minerals = best stuff ever invented! Worth every penny.

My local Target is great about returning stuff, Jennifer, so maybe it's just your store.

i don't buy bare escentuals through their infomercial. in fact, i've been using the same container of base powder i bought from them 6 months ago, and i'm now almost ready to buy another. i guess i have a light hand when i put it on. there's a bare escentuals store in one of the malls here in atlanta, and i think some sephoras also sell them as well as either QVC or HSN.

Both me and my sons use the Stridex Pads. We've tried the Clearasil and Oxy brands but I like the Stridex.

I like the physicians formula mineral stuff.

Because I am a big sheep and needed some retail therapy I went to Target last night on my way home from work and got some Color Stay. Feels funky, but I love it. It's still there and looking nice!

Love the recommendations! Keep 'em coming.

I, personally, am not a fan of Bare Minerals. I felt like it added to much time to my routine in the morning to get what I considered adequate, even coverage. But, never one to present a problem sans solution, I will say that I love BeautiControl Perfecting Wet/Dry Foundation. I just put on moisturizer first (letting it soak in while I dry my hair) and then I've got one-swipe, natural looking coverage from a compact powder. It's kind of expensive to buy from a rep, so I usually just get it off of eBay.

For the big hair thing in humidity - have you tried the curl stuff from aveda? Has held pretty good for me in the MN humidity (158%) - but I can't speak to how to use it or how it is to use it since my experiences have all (both) been via the hands of a talented hair goddess stylista.
But - I had curls, they held, and then I washed my hair and they were gone.

check out ULTA for the Bare Minerals products. They have the 9 piece "starter collection" for only $60 whcich includes a couple of brushes and their "how to" dvd
http://tinyurl.com/2jnu2g
I love ULTA.

Beth I think it feels funky too but man I love the staying power!

Jennifer, do they carry that brand at Sephora? I am looking for a foundation with coverage, too.

I am battling the zit from hell right now, and cursing loudly. It's bad enough to be pudgy and pale and freckled, but do I have to have a huge zit too????
Love the kitties. Frankie has a nice set! (of whiskers, that is)

Bare Essentuals=great stuff! I've recommended that one to others, too!

Another Bare Essentials fan, a little goes a long way so it lasts forever, and I also loved the Revlon 8-hour colorstay....that is until I tried the Maybelline version. Like the "gloss" stuff much better in the Maybelline.

It makes us lazy'uns look good.

bare escentuals is fabu stuff. Make sure you get the brushes, good brushes are key! Rumor has it that CVS doing test marketing and will start carrying BE if sales go well.

Roy is still my fave.

Liz R. - Me too! Wrinkles AND zits.

I tried the Bare Escentuals, but alas, I'm a spaz with brushes - powder all over me and the bathroom. So I go without, but I live in Berkeley, so I just blend in with the gray-haired hippie chicks.

I have hundreds of pictures of my cats' whiskers and noses. They always try to rub up on the lens.

LOVE Deadliest Catch! Does that make me a weirdo? Hi Mom! ;-)

I think I have the Cover Girl brand of long-lasting lipstick. It always feels like I am shellacking my lips with some type of epoxy. But, the stuff does last!!

Also - I luv luv luv Deadliest Catch. Having grown up on the Eastern seaboard, I love fishing/water/hot men on boats. Mmmm.... Mark Wahlberg in a dry suit. mmmm

Ooops! Sorry. Lost track: So yes! Dangerous Alaskan King Crab fishing is addictive. Besides -Have you SEEN how GI-NORMOUS those crabs are?!?! The creep factor alone is enough to hook you on the show!

Laurie - let me know how the BareMinerals thing works out for you. I am due for new foundation and I, too, have an issue with late-onset-puberty. (which, thankfully, helps keep me looking young?)
My girlfriend loves the stuff, but I'm a little wary of trying something new/that expensive.

and check their website for a boutique near you:
http://www.bareescentuals.com/stores/boutiques.html#ca

you can walk in and have them do a full application and teach you how to put the stuff on. Remember start with a little and build or you will end up with kabuki face.

I'm not even sure I could *find* a lipstick around here! LOL

Laurie, what camera do you use? Do you like it? 90% of my cat/animal pictures are outtakes because of shutter delay, so I'm considering a new camera...

I know you'll all think I'm crazy..but try honey on those zits...just a dab...or you can also just wash your face with honey. Something about the antioxidant properties in it. My skin is smooth and clear with smaller looking pores since I've been trying it.

Bare Escentuals - completely terrific!

Secret to good coverage: the right brush and a light to medium touch. Swirl, tap and buff, baby!! It's so damn quick! It doesn't feel like I have make up on and it stays on all day!

One disclaimer, it doesn't travel well. Putting the makeup on where there's a breeze or on the bus with no stable flat surface causes spillage and dusting of the current outfit which does NOT brush off easily.

Don't forget to pick up the concealer brush and a pot of Bisque. Bisque started as an eyeshadow, but it works SO well as a concealer, they started marketing it that way too! Dab the concealer brush into the bisque, swirl and tap, then dab it onto the offending spot. I have a bright red spot on the side of my nose from a blood vessel irritated by my glasses. This stuff erases that mark completely!

Enjoy and good luck!

All my grooming budget goes to yarn these days.

I went out last night and bought some 'sheer mocha' based on your recommendation. I am aslo very fair and lipsticks end up looking weird on me too! I love your product reviews. If not for them, I wouldn't be sitting here typing this with pretty lips. Thanks, Crazy Aunt Purl!

Hi Laurie,

I went to Walgreens at my lunch yesterday and got *two* Revlon sheer colorstay lip colors. I never wear lipstick because of the getting-it-all-over and having to constantly reapply. I LOVE this stuff, though. I'm a lipstick convert! Thanks again.

I'll also say that I like the Bare Escentuals makeup. I started with the "light" starter kit, which lasted me a long time, and would have lasted longer if I hadn't spilled it. It is a little bit too easy to go overboard. If you get the starter kit, it's worth sitting through the video, just to see the technique. But the people at Sephora are super-helpful and can show you how to use it, too. Good luck!

You are so thoughtful for worrying about us, and for following that worry up with some very useful usefulness about return policies. You are awesome.

Also, add me to the list of people who are captivated by Deadliest Catch. More than anything it's made me look differently at the stuff in front of me -- some number of people had to go through some number of things to make/catch every item we have or consume. We just don't see them or think about them. Until now. Thank you, Deadliest Catch!

i have a confession to make. i don't wear makeup. not even foundation. t he first time i ever wore foundation was my wedding last september! (i'm 41).

and everybody in my house enjoys deadliest catch as well. me and the 3 males (sigh, it's hell being the only woman in a house!)

I, too, was zit-free till my 30s, when suddenly all hell broke loose. I finally found out what was causing mine when I had to learn to cook for myself - where you dine on popcorn, I was all cereal all the time. Now I know that when I overdose on carbs, I WILL break out. That knowledge definitely keeps me from getting lazy about my dinner!

You will love Bare Escentuals. I have used it for over a year and my skin looks smooth as a baby's bottom, which is no mean trick once you've turned 50 like me!

auntiemichal -- I use a Kodak Easy Share camera, and it is model CX6330.

I also have shutter speed issues, but I overcompensate by taking 3400 pics a day LOL. I get mostly irritated with how long it takes for the camera to "come on" when you flip the on switch, sometimes I am at a stoplight and need that bumpersticker shot and the car gets away before my camera opens up darnit!!

The cat pictures are easier because even though Frankie and Bob never sit still, Roy and Soba do a lot of lounging and are camera-ready at all times. After experimenting a LOT, I found that natural daylight works best for cat pictures. Best time ever to photograph them: daylight in the sunniest room of my house, the bedroom, while they lounge on the bed where it's warm and they are sleepy and not moving very fast. You can always tell which pics were taken that way, they're much clearer.

Bossy appreciates the no-questions-asked return policy. She wishes that oath of silence carried over into other areas of her life.

me too, bossy, me too!

I bought the starter package of Bare Minerals...and after two weeks decided that I didn't like it. The moisturizer that came with the package burned my face and smelled like plastic. Additionally, I was pretty much covered in foundation powder when I was finished with my morning routine. I also felt like the various powders accentuated my wrinkles and dried out my face. And I so wanted to be hip and now and be able to say that I use Bare Minerals...but apparently it is not meant to be.

My sister and I agree...NEVER lose the receipt for anything you purchase at Target. We will never forget the Target boycott of '02...they simply refuse to take anything back without a receipt regardless of the fact that the Target price tag was still right on the front of the DVD we were trying to return.

Laurie, I went out at lunch to CVS today and bought Revlon's Colorstay Lipstick in Natural Cashmere. It has stayed on during my Subway lunch and my noon cup of coffee. Love it- thanks for the recommendation! Now I have one for you ... don't know if anybody else mentioned it ... but in this issue (May) of More Magazine there is an article about a woman who hikes thru Iceland (the cover has Katie Couric on it).

I got my BEA day pass at work this week and I'll be going on Saturday - I'll be on line waiting to get my (your) book signed - can't wait!

I agree with the other commentors about Bare Minerals makeup. I tried it when I saw it on QVC and made the plunge. I haven't gone back. It doesn't melt, drip off or sweat off. You don't feel like you have anything on your skin. But do get the mineral veil to go with the foundation. The mineral veil hides a multitude of sins with no color. Don't know how, but it does. Also their eye shadows stay on all day and I can sleep in it all and I don't break out. I have sensitive and dry skin and I love it. Or rather my skin loves it as much as I love the look of it. Hope it works for you, too. Dee

Naw...Sephora doesn't carry it. BeautiControl is kinda like Mary Kay. I got sucked in to trying it at one of those parties a few years ago and I've been hooked ever since. I like their mascara, too...and their microderm abrasion cream that I use in the shower. I'm amazed at how smooth my skin is after I use that. I can feel a huge difference when I'm applying my makeup after I've included that step!

Now if only I could find a product that would shave my legs for me...with no effort. Possibly while I sleep. Maybe a modified Roomba. I'm such a slacker when it comes to shaving.

WalMart accepts returns on sucky makeup...atleast they do here.

I keep hearing everyone rave on and on about Bare Minerals...please stop...really...I can't afford it until next week. Teehee.

Hey Laurie! Don't sign up for any club, the Bare Minerals is AWESOME, and for about $60 you can get a kit that has two colors of foundation (you can blend it together, it's great), bronzer, mineral veil (keeps the shine down), 3 brushes and this AWESOME stuff called BareVitamins that is a glycolic treatment. Plus a dvd to show you how to do everything - including how much to use. It's really great. It's fab. I didn't think I could part with liquids either but my skin is so much better it's crazy. ! Have fun!

PS - I meant...QVC always wants you to sign up for a club...no need...my foundation/mineral veil lasts about 6 months. I think I would die under a heap of foundation if they sent it to me every other month.

I'm jumping on the Bare Minerals band wagon here. The "Skin Revver-upper" smells like Elmer's glue. I didn't like it at first. In fact, I hated it. Then I talked to the guy at the actual Bare Escentuals store in Woodland Hills (at the Westfield Shopping thing, near the food court)and he showed me how to use only a small amount. Voila! I love it now.

Also, the secret for those who feel the powder is too cakey--moisturize first, then wait a few minutes for your moisturizer to soak in. And always use a light touch in the buffing, going back to buff more if you need more coverage.

Laurie, you've seen my face and I don't look cakey.

PS. The bisque concealer is beautiful and will cover zits!

Laurie,

I'm one of the many who didn't discover pimples until I hit 30. I'm just now trying Proactiv. I'll let you know if I look anything like Jessica Simpson in a few weeks...a lot of folks swear by the stuff, so I figured, what the heck?

PS - Love the kitty cats. So awesome!

Another Bare Minerals supporter from the crowd! I love it, but agree with others that you should watch the movie that comes with the starter package so you don't end up all "Kabuki". ;)

My favourite cheapie product is the 99 cent Wet 'n Wild lipstick #549A -- it's light, natural looking tan colour and a personal favourite. Bonus that it looks good on just about everyone. I buy 5 at a time.

Almay came out with this hydracolor lipstick that feels WET going on and is pretty nice - I bought 2 of them - at $8 each YIKES - based on a free sample I got out of a magazine of all things.

The only problem was: they all look like the same color. I'm not kidding! I bought Blushed and Rose and I can't tell the difference.

I mostly use Chapstick. I have five different lipsticks and lipglosses in my purse right now, and it's always Chapstick.

Cosmetics are EXPENSIVE. I had the zits-in-my-3os (and now 40s) thing too, and Sea Breeze on a cottonball and an occasional dab of Tea Tree Oil - which you can get at Trader Joes - clears them right up.

Instead of Bare Escentuals stuff I go for the cheaper and have been quite happy with it.

Oh,my link didn't work. I like Everyday Minerals found at www.everydayminerals.com.

Oh, and the Olay Total Effects moisturizer totally rocks and is so worth the $21 ($17 if you have a coupon and get it at Target.)

I used to love this stuff called Deep Magic that sold for $2.39 at K-Mart - absorbed quickly, didn't feel all greasy, didn't mess up my foundation on top of it. I used it for 22 years, from the time I was 12. Then Gillette bought the company and stopped making it. So far, Olay is the only stuff I can stand.

Laurie -- I didn't get a chance to comment yesterday, but wanted to say that Sebastian Junger owns a bar/restaurant in NYC. Can't say for sure how much he hangs out, but maybe you should have a dinner there -- there's always the chance you could run into him!

http://www.thehalfking.com/

It's not terribly far from the Javits Center, either!

Colleen, thank you so much for the More Magazine recommendation!!! I'm going to stop at the newstand tonight and see if I can find it. Yesterday there was a commenter who said she had gone to Iceland on her own and inside me it sparked a little fire... maybe if I save my money I could actually go on my own. Can I travel on my own? would it be fun? or scary? or liberating? oh man, could I do it? will I do it? that sort of thing. Made me think :) in a good way!! (and I do need to re-take Iceland from Mr.X memories, indeed)

please when you come to bEA let me know you are "Colleen in MA" so I can inappropriately hug you! I've seen your cute beach pics with your folks but I may be having sensory overload and might not be able to focus correcly LOL.

OMG Stella I love you. Sebastian Junger is BEYOND HOT.

Laurie,

Perhaps a little Dippity Doo will do ya! YOu hair, that is, in NYC!

I'm mean YOUR hair, not YOu hair.

I live in MS--you know the humidity factor here. I have really long, straight, fine, flat hair. Hot curlers do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. But, Caruso Steam Curlers, available at Sally Beauty Supply, are AWESOME!! All day curl, can even sleep on it and have curl the next morning, without a ton of "product." Just a little spritz of hair spray, not even Final Net or Aqua Net strength required. Go get yourself some. You'll love 'em.

Laurie Ann you have *beautiful* skin, so I am even more excited to try this!! thank you :)

Oh, come on!! Nobody but ME remembers Dippity Doo? I must be older than I think!!

LORI. If I can find those I will absolutely try them, thank you!! There is a Sally in North Hollywood. Thank you!

I've had to pay just the minimum on my CCs this month, which pains me, because I need to do things such as "buy curlers" LOL

QVC sells Bare Minerals if you don't have an Ulta, Auntie. And QVC has a great no questions asked return policy. I also agree with the starter kit. It's a great way to get started and figure out what you like. And they do make a compact, so you can take the Mineral Veil on the road. Total life saver.

I'm another fan of Total Effects by Oil of Olay. They make a version with UVA/UVB stuff that's for sensitive skin. And it's always on sale somewhere. Nothing like fighting acne and crows feet at the same time.

/waves @ you mom

Bob is so cute, and Frankie's whiskers look like anemonies! If we didn't live on opposite ends of the country I'd say we'd have to have a kitty play date. Your kitties would terrorize mine, and him being the submissive glutton he is, would love every second of it.

P.S. I'm having a blog contest over at my page! come visit!

Isn't a dippity doo that thing you get at Dairy Queen? LOL

oops roy... my bad.

When my Grandma used to use it on my (stick straight) hair to put it up in those pink foam rollers it made my hair look like a commercial for Dippity Don't.

Pink foam rollers were the secret to my prom hair success! I think I still have some, actually, somewhere in my house. Scary.

Celebrate your straight hair!! Torturing your straight hair into unnatural curls is like starving your body to achieve a "perfect" body. You are who you are--be your own beautiful self, and you won't worry about silly things like having your curls fall. (This is from a straight-hair convert, who spent every morning from 1978 to 1999 torturing my hair with hot rollers and curling irons, only to end up with straight hair in the southern humidity. I finally gave up the curl fantasy, and I'm never going back!!!)

I'm usually a lurker here, but had a great time with the product love yesterday. I HAD to go shopping at Target over my lunch break today.

Anyway, I'm another bare escentuals fan. I found out the right colors for me a couple of years ago at one of their boutiques, which was fun. The only things that I've needed to replace are the base and mineral veil. I've even given 1/2 of my eyebrow powder to my mom and spilled a great deal of it.

I recommend ebay once you know what colors look good on you. It's cheaper than anyplace else. I also get my beloved Kiss Me mascara on ebay--no running even in horrible Houston humidity. ebay is also the only place where I've been able to find sensitive skin refills for the Schick Intuition razor we all seem to love.

i love bare minerals. i have oily skin,huge pores and sun spots. I live in Miami and the humidity is horrible year round. I can put the makeup on in the morning and it's still on at night. I have never been able to keep makeup on all day. It covers the sun spots and I don't break out. Don't join the club, I did and ended up with way too much makeup. Sephora is my fave.

Now I have to run to the drugstore and buy lipstick (sigh) it's a hard life. (giggle)

I didn't know Sephora had such a great return policy. Of course, I've never felt the need to return anything to Sephora...

Bare Escentuals is good, especially if you have sensitive skin. It's very light and you can build it up for more coverage. Plus it has a sunscreen built right in which is nice.

I just bought that new book 5 Minute Face by Carmindy (of What Not to Wear fame) and she has lots of great advice on make up brands, what looks best on what skin tones and hair colors and how to do your entire make up application in 5 minutes. It's one of the best books I've ever read and recommend it to everyone I run into.

Jen

I picked up a Colorstay lipcolor last night, and I like it! It does feel a little odd at first, but the color's nice (sheer rosette for my ghostly-pale self) and it really does stay put!

Bare Minerals is great but Everyday Minerals is even better. It's finer, comes in more colors and finishes and best of all, it's way cheaper. It's keeps my acne-prone skin from freaking out. The company owner has a cute blog too.

If you can, try to go to a Bare Escentuals boutique so they can show you how to use it. Very different from regular make-up. I love it and the brushes are key.

Remember Shine Free foundation and pressed powder? It was supposed to keep you from having zits, so every seventh grade girl in my school wore about a pound everyday, AND had to "freshen up" with their purple plastic compact between classes! It didn't stop the zits, no siree, the zits just keep on comin'!

Two questions:
1. Will you be seeing the Rock Bottom Remainders while you're in New York?
2. I see that the Colorstay Overtime Sheer is the one you use; I'm wondering whether you or your commenters know anything about the Colorstay Soft and Smooth? Revlon doesn't claim it lasts quite at long, but they are vague on whether this means it stays most of the day, or an hour. How does it compare?
3. Okay, I lied about there being only two questions. What do you use to remove the Colorstay lipstick? I have no experience with makeup remover -- do I have to buy something special? Would any old oily thing work, like Vaseline or vegetable oil? Teach me, O Women of Beauty...

"Perma-colored lips of doom"... ROFL...

I love CVS. They give me a bulk discount on diapers.

Laurie, did you know that Revlon Colorstay also makes a foundation? I'm not a foundation person, but sometimes you need something fairly bulletproof to cover up the zits that you STILL get in your 40's. (Just sayin'.) And this stuff stays on me and doesn't slide right off my greasy face like other foundations do.

Also, Neutrogena makes a minerals-type foundation now that can also be purchased at CVS. Look for Neutrogena Mineral Sheers. Works pretty well, I must say!

Thank God for CVS and cosmetics as we age...!

Sephora does carry the Bare Minerals starter kits (the $60 ones people have talked about). The actual BE shops may have them (sometimes they do, sometimes they don't), and it looks like there are a couple down in or near LA. At the very least, go there and have someone show you how to apply the stuff.

And yes, you need all of the stuff in the starter kit. Some people make the mistake of not getting the Mineral Veil, but it really makes a huge difference. And honestly, I've used it for several years now, and I don't think it takes any longer than any other makeup routine.

Also, just the other night as we prepared to watch it, my boyfriend read an April '06 article that said that "Deadliest Catch" is cable's cable’s highest-rated non-sports show among adults 25-54. So I guess it's not surprising that you're not the only one watching it.

That, and it's just a great show. :)

I just remembered something about Sephora, too, and their excellent return policy. Couple of years ago, boyfriend gave me some perfume. He was on the right track, I'd asked for Coco Chanel, but he got Coco Mademoiselle, which I didn't care for. I went back to exchange it, no receipt, and they let me exchange it, plus since the Mademoiselle is like $10 more, I got back the difference in cash. Which I absolutely did not expect or ask for. Excellent.

Hurray Roy! He's soooooooo unbearably cute with his fluffy bunny toy. Many virtual kisses to your sweet blue-eyed boy. Hurray Roy!

Hey, Liz R, I remember Dippity Doo! And Laurie, you may have the evil Rosacea. It strikes on the thirties and on and is like teen acne, only worse. Also leads to flushing and stuff. Way fun.

OMG Julia Stiles as a blonde should play Laurie when her book is made into a movie!

Just had to mention that... carry on...

Too poor for Bare Minerals here- try the Netrogena Mineral Sheers! I LOVE it- all in one brush, the Neutral to medium is juuust right for my freakishly fair skin without making me seem orange or washed out...and CHEAPER!! Wooo!
I love the colorstay too, btw- ain't t great to have lip color all day long!!

Hi Auntie Purl...cyber-stalker here. I've been reading the blog for a few months now, but this is my first comment...

I too have been blessed with zits in my thirties, and had perfect skin all through high school and college, when I was too dumb to appreciate it! A friend recently took me to the Mario Badescu salon while visiting New York, and I found my zit-fighting MIRACLES!! Drying Lotion (for whiteheads) and Buffering Lotion (for big ol' cystic pimples)...I swear they get rid of zits overnight! They sell the stuff over the web...mariobadescu.com. Love you Mario!!

I actually use the MB skincare with the Bare Minerals makeup...my skin hasn't look this good since senior year!

Liz R. - Dippety Doo + pin curls all night = metal gouges on the scalp. Plus, the hard crust it formed when it dried. knock, knock.

Merle Norman, wore it...
Bare Minerals...LOVE IT!!! Not heavy, natural looking. Did I tell you I LOVE IT?!!
Mt.Zitmore...one word...Proactiv! I'm 42 and still dealing with cystic acne...only thing that works. I actually have clear skin!

You know what I love about the internets? You can go to sites and 10 million people will give you their honest opinion on everything! I have thought about the Bare Escentuals....one of my friends uses it. But she has very different skin than me, so I was wary. Now, I will be headed to Sephora this week to buy my starter kit...yay!!

And, Laurie, you absolutely can go to Iceland on your own! I took my very first "big girl" vacation last year (I'm 36) to London. Alone. I had the best time (and I have the 500+ pictures to prove it). I got to do whatever I wanted and didn't have to follow anyone else's schedule or money restrictions. The only problem I had was a I am painfully shy and asking strangers to take my picture was very difficult. Otherwise, I recommend the solo vacation to anyone!

Bare Minerals rocks!!! I've been using it for about 3 years now.

If you purchase their kabuki brush foundation applicator, make sure you WASH the thing thoroughly before using it or you'll have loose brush hairs all over your face after applying the foundation (and boy does it itch like hell...I almost gave up using the stuff until I found out that it wasn't the powder making me itch but the brush).

I must be the only person on earth who hates Bare Minerals! I broke out like no one's business. I went off it and cleared up, then I tried again just to make sure it hadn't been some other issue. Instant zits.

I like mineral foundation, but have had MUCH better luck with Physician's Formula.

p.s. if you try the Physician's Formula mineral foundation, get a better brush than the one that comes with it.

That's all.

Laurie,
The desire to buy yarn is stronger than the desire to stay home and rest and get continue getting well from the "EVIL PNEUMONIA." I think that a delicate balance has happened- I'm now more well and the the urge/desire to shop has returned..

Plus.. this was the first week that I worked full-time.. so, I need to be rewarded for that endeavor STAT.. w/ yarn shopping at the Seoul Yarn Market!

ALL of this 'shopping talk' has gotten me ready to SHOP.. and SHOP I will.. it is what I know how to do. *Well, I can read and fold maps too....

(Since, I'm not in the states- I can't go to exotic places like CVS, Target and the such for make-up shopping)

So, what if I accidently left my subway pass and lots of won in my coin purse thingy at work? (I'm pretending that is what happened- since, I can't find it and hope that I haven't lost it AND my multi-pass subway card) I'll just buy tickets at the counter at full price.

SO, LAURIE.. if you wanna see photos of yarn shopping unlike any yarn shopping that you've seen- please do send me a good email address.. so, I can email you the photos.

I even remembered to charge my camera batteries last night.. I am READY to fondle the yarn. :D

I rarely comment but read your blog everyday. I saw your lipstick recomendation yesterday and passed it by because I never wear make up. I am a almost 30 Mom of 2 preschool teacher so it rarely fits into my life....BUT i was at wal-greens (to buy milk) and noticed the exact lipstick you mentioned was on clearence for $2.98 and knew it must be some kind of sign, so I bought it and yes, I love it too so thank you. Next stop zappos!

You know, Alaska has cold, tempestuous seas, fishing villages, and manly men. In fact, it has a disproportionate number of men, which is a lovely thing...

I read your blog all the time but never comment.. I just had to today. I am 32 and have the same breakouts as my teenage son! I swear by Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Pads. They are spendy but they work better than anything else I have ever used! Also, I LOVE Deadliest Catch. I'm all about that show on Tuesday nights. Not only do I love the show but I am pretty goo-goo over the announcer, Mike Rowe. I wish I had a "Dirty Job" for him to come do at my house.

Laurie,

I too had nary a zit until I hit my late twenties. I do not understand this mystery but am grateful that of all the awkwardness I had to experience in my teens, one I was spared from was acne. Praise be to Jesus. I also wore Merle Norman makeup and until recently, continued to do so when I would make my jaunts to Arizona, as we do not have a Merle Norman makeup store here in Bremerton, Washington.

I have rosacea (SP?) and I'm telling you, Philosophy skin care and mineral makeup has all but made it completely disappear. I also do not suffer from zits anymore. I too have tried Bare Escentuals, and I did like the look, but IMHO, Philosophy makeup is way better and their skin care line cannot - CANNOT - be beat. Love it! Lurve it. Gotta have it all night long. Okay, and during the day too.

Also:
I stopped wearing mascara because I was tired of looking like a raccoon only thirty minutes after walking out the door, but then the Philosophy girl talked me into trying their lash tint mascara and yesterday, I took a walk (in other words, I sweated like a pig), cried a little, and had it on for ten hours and IT DID NOT SMUDGE AT ALL.

well the timing is good for this comment subject...or subject comment....whatever! i really started getting huge, weird , longlasting pimples in my 30's....even makeup couldnt hide the size of them...only their color...so i finally called and tried Proactive Solution...(i am NOT affiliated in any way)...i thought, WTF! nothing else worked. i thought i could not use any benzol peroxide since i had a huge reaction to it when i tried it as a teen. but i read the info that came with the Proactive starter set, and it made sense. then i tried it and wow! within 2 weeks i think i had almost clear skin! and whatever they put in the products actually keeps moisture in the skin as well as working to kill zit making bacteria, ect.
the funniest part, is wherever i have worked since using the products, people admire and compliment my complexion...and now at my new job, a coworker commented on my perfect skin, and i told her and everyone else heard around me, that i experienced bad skin, and still do if i dont use the products...one girl actually ordered hers and it came in today. i think there will be others to follow. it simply works. and fast! i have it down to just the 2 main products, the toner and the lotion. thats all i need to maintain. the other stuff isnt necessary for me. i started to have breakouts on my neck recently, and come the sweat of summer my back/shoulders will breakout a bit, so i will use the products there as well. and i now use them on my neck.(this could me from my dog snorggling my neck...or my son...both rather dirty lil things...ha!)
anyway...i think i will splurge on the almond oil stuff to see how good it is... i love my shower aromatherapy time!

I can't stop watching The Deadliest Catch.

Big Hair= bumble & bumble Thickening Spray!

Bare Minerals is wonderful, be sure to have the Sephora person colormatch you perfectly. The kit is definately the best way to go especially because the quality of the brushes is what makes it go so well on my pasty pale face. It covers my red cheeks but not my freckles which I like. But I could cover them if I wanted to. Also the mineral veil that is in the kit is my favorite, favorite makeup item ever.

I totally fell in love with BE.....until I actually tried them!!! I really like how they felt, went on, etc etc but it seems that I have these things called PORES on my face....I've never noticed them before I put the BE on! That makeup magnified them 300X!!! Luckily, I bought a small starter set on ebay and wasn't out too much money. BE was so great to use, but it really looked bad on me. (I've searched the web and found many others who have had the same problem with BE)
-Dawn in TX

Hi Laurie

I have to agree with everyone about the bare minerials. I love, love, love it. It would be better if I could remember to put it on in the mornings.

Also I wanted to mention a friend of mine who went to Iceland and has an exhibit of his Icelandic Landscape photographs. He even got the ambassador of Iceland to come to his opening.
http://www.iceland-anothertake.com/

My local CVS will have Revlon Color Stay B1G1 Free next week!
I don't know if this will be country wide or not, but here in East Tennessee we will be trying the Revlon lip color thanks to CAP!

LOVE the "Crab Guys", can't wait for The Closer!!

PS: Also thanks to CAP, I'm still getting my nails done. You ARE an inspiration to us all!!!

Cathy near
Knoxville, TN

L'Occitanne today (boy do they try to upsell)
Walgreens tomorrow (lipstick and Magic Eraser)
Sephora Sunday

The perfect weekend

Thanks for the recommendations!

Maxly, caretaker of 3 spoiled cats

I enjoy the blog- pre-ordered the book - but Dang - Hubby will be impressed if you have something to do with "Deadliest Catch"

When he retired I tried to convince him that I could take a LARGE insurance policy on him and he should go work on one of the crab boats - then no matter if he lives and makes a lot of money or if he dies and I get the large insurance policy it seems to be a win win situation money wise for me at least.

And yes I do have a weird sense of humor... ;)

1. LOVE Bare Minerals. I've been a customer of their regular shipments for about 5 years. If you're not certain about it, stop by ULTA. They have it there.

2. I HATE Target's return policy.

3. Deadliest Catch is awesome! I DVR it. I'm a nerd.

Ok while we're on makeup recommendations (my mom, sister and I all use Bare Minerals - awesome - covers up my rosacea but I don't look make up - definitely watch the dvd) the absolute BEST eyebrow pencil for us blondies is from Origins - "Fill in the Blanks - For Blondes". It's the perfect color and it even has a brush on the other end! And, I am so getting that lipstick tomorrow. Also - tea tree oil for zits.

I love the principle of mineral makeup, but couldn't wear it until I found Meow Cosmetics. In addition to the fabulous name, they have great mineral makeup. I tried several--Meow does not settle into my pores and look like a$$, or itch, like all the others did to me. You can order samples, too, which I totally recommend doing to get the right shade and formula. I'm really happy I discovered Meow!

Have fun finding your foundation, Laurie!

I love Bare Escentuals, and definitely recommend it. My skin = oil slick, and this has been really incredible stuff. Be warned though - the starter kit really does kind of resemble crack. :D

The Bare Essentuals looked fine on my whiter than pale complexion but I couldn't stand how it felt on my face. People seem to either love it or hate it. I hope it works for you. I do love the peppermint and vanilla bath products that they sell at their stores.

I'm not reading all gazillion comments, so if someone else has already suggested this, sorry...

But before you buy Sephora, you might go to CVS or Rite Aid and try L'Oreal's Bare Naturale mineral foundation. It's pricier than a typical liquid or cream foundation, but way less $$ than Sephora and I heart it very much!

4. Tea tree oil for zits is the best thing ever! They have a whole line of tea tree oil products at The Body Shop

I HAVE LIPS OF DOOM BECAUSE OF YOUR CARELESS ENDORSEMENT!

It is I who kidnapped your magical kitchen cooking gnomes. That'll teach ya!

;)

xx
pinks

I have been using Bare Minerals/Bare Escentuals for a year. No breakouts, very smooth glowing look. QVC sells it, you can buy singly without automatic delivery, make sure you get one of the good brushes (Buki or Kabuki, I think). I live in the "other" valley, San Gabriel, and I haven't seen a Sephora store or counter. Another equally as great, Philosophy, (sold in Nordstrom as well as QVC) has a mineral foundation in which the applicator sponge is on the jar and you just shake it and apply (a little easier than Bare Minerals), very portable, and you can get color help at the counter. I love, love, love the other Philosophy products, wash my face with Purity, then apply Hope in a Jar moisturizer (I had break out problems all my life, especially with moisturizer, I'm 62, and with these products, NO BREAKOUTS, beautiful smooth skin), bathe with Amazing Grace or the wonderful smelling shower/bath gels Hot Cocoa, Eggnog, Apple Cider, or too many to mention. They make great gifts too.
Also a HUGE fan of Deadliest Catch (and The Perfect Storm, book and movie). My son told me about it, and I thought, why would I want to watch a program about fishing? Well, it is fascinating and the guys ain't bad either, especially fellow Norwegian, Captain Sig.

I left California in '88 and you guys are making me regret it.

*sigh*

Zits can even be a problem at 65! My skin just thrives on a good scrubbbbb with Yardley soap and then a squirt of Aveeno Positively Radient Daily Moisturizer followed by [or mixed with] Avon solutions Visual Perfection.
Just gotta love those cats

Hi there,

I would like to invite you, and your readers, to be part of my challenge.

I'm trying to post 1 Million Love Messages From All Around The World in my blog.

I hope that you can help to promote this challenge... and, of course, i'll be waiting for your message :)

Best Regards From Portugal

My cousin loves, loves, loves Bare Minerals, and if I wore makeup every day, I'd probably be using it too. It really does wonders for your skin, but the only drawback is that it has 20493929 steps if you want to do the whole eyeshadow/liner/eyebrow/blush/lipstick thing.

I am the world's laziest person when it comes to make-up - I think it is worth having my eyelashes tinted so I don't have to deal with mascara, my acrylic nails done professionally every two weeks (so I don't have to deal with them) and that 8-hour lipsticks are the best invention.

I used to think the only worthwhile foundation came in a liquid bottle but I have fallen in love with Revlon New Complexion one-step make-up which comes in a compact. You wipe it on your face like a cream and it somehow dries as a light powder - but it covers everything (including the PMS pimples). It's also one of the few brands that comes in a pale enough shade for my face!

http://www.revlon.com/ProductCatalog/ProductDetails.aspx?CategoryID=1&SubCategoryID=3&ProductID=19

This Southern girl loves bare escentuals. It is the best stuff since those little cadbury easter eggs, you know the ones. I am a Sephora shop-a-holic. I love their little sample section. Check out Urban Decay when you hit Sephora, they have some really cool eye shadows, which I adore. I had to buy the midnight cowgirl. Not only do I love yarn, makeup seems to be the next best thing.
One to stay away from is Urban Decay's glitter eye shadow in the tube. It is the hardest stuff to get off, I bought the purple gltter and here I am at 37 with this on. What was I thinking?
Cargo has a nice lipstick as well. All natural lipstick I thought would be funky but, it is really smooth and the color...lovely.
As a former makeup seller, I can tell you that Max Factor has the best eye shadow out there, it sticks to your eyes even in humidity. No creasing with it and it is creamy going on. Loreal has the best mascara for sensitive eyes. No fibers in that mascara. Almay doesn't work, it has fibers.
The best eye liner if you can find it, is cheap and it is called Winks. Throw that bad boy into the freezer before sharpening to keep it nice and pointy otherwise, total and complete meltdown.
The bare escentuals makeup is wonderful in that you brush on the base, you then use your mineral veil, and then I just use the little glow powder sparingly as my blush. I tried to use it their way and was looking slightly street walker-ish.

1) Bare Minerals rocks (and in response to whomever said it was too heavy for them - I've had no problems applying it however heavy or light I need to on a certain day - most days I don't put very much on at all except in certain spots! You've just got to play with it (that said - I have had many problems with makeup that worked wonderfully for other people, and not me - so don't take my comment the wrong way - just wanted to assure anyone thinking of trying it that it wasn't particularly a heavy makeup in my opinion...

Secondly - Laurie - I love you for the lipstick - I'd already fallen in love with the Maybelline version (which I still love too) but the sheer is great (and I've got to tell my mom - she can't wear as dark of lipstick as I can but she wanted to try the maybelline

Hi Laurie, I'm a longtime reader. I use the Bare Escentuals makeup, and I LOVE it. I'm allergic to practically everything and have acne, but it doesn't make me break out. My mom, sister, and three best friends all use it too. Good luck!

This is barely apropos of anything you've written but I'm now contemplating a makeup post only after the woman at the MAC counter called me a 'hippy' and then 'earthy' for not using seven layers of foundation. I'm a minimalist with just my tinted moisturizer, but apparently that's weird or something.

Also at 23, I'm apparently still a 13 year old with often crappy skin. Tis awesome.

I tagged you for a Thinking Blogger Award: http://noricum.blogspot.com/2007/05/thanks.html

HA! Not that you'll have time for this with the new book and all, but TAG - you're it for the "8 Weird Things" meme. See my blog if/when/you have the time/should you get the inkling.

I get my mineral fix from larenim.com; bare minerals doesn't have a colour light enough for this English/Irish girl, but Larenim does. Plain old baby oil will take off those last-forever-lipsticks, when you don't want them to last forever. I've had good luck with Cover Girl, L'Oreal, and Maybelline long-lasting lipsticks. And I too am dealing with the Curse of the Celts - cystic acne at 50! I always hoped there'd be some kind of intermission between pimples and lines, but I guess not.

Liz R., it's my understanding that a little dab'll do ya!

i do love the bare escentuals line, but for a base, i've found that laura mercier oil-free tinted moisturizer (which can be had at sephora) has a fantastic finish--really natural, but still with good coverage. it goes great under the bare mineral veil.

Bare Minerals make me super shiny and weird looking, and all that buffing is a pain in the ass! Try aromaleigh.com or alima cosmetics (just google 'em!) if you want to wear mineral foundation. The quality is awesome, you'll support small, women-owned businesses and your skin will look awesome!

I did the break out thing in my 30s, too, and finally just went the accutane route. BEST DECISION EVER! No more zits, no more oily skin, and I look freakin' awesome. After having zits for almost 20 years, this is truly a blessing.

ooo, you're gonna LOVe the bare minerals. It's amazing stuff.

And good to know about the makeup return places, who knew??... And now that I'm reduced to only being able to afford the cheap stuff *grin* but even if a girls' broke she's still gotta look good!

PS.. and those minerals last for-ev-ah!!

I kind of hate to be such a follower but I happened to be in amidst makeup and such Friday and so I bought the Color Stay lipstick, even in the shade you recommended and wow! You weren't kidding! That stuff does stay on.

Good call. Thanks for the recommendation!

Oh and I like mineral makeup, too. I'm still here in the Deep South and I like the lightness of it especially durin' the hot summmah.

If you happen to want to remove Color Stay (the Canadian in me says, "eh, shouldn't there be a 'u' in there?") just apply petrolium jelly (a.k.a., vaseline) massage your lips and wipe off. Viola!

Now this makeup / foundation thing - As a teen I tried foundation, for no other reason than that is what Vogue said to do so. Now, I have very fair skin (being so far up north and all) and no matter how pale the shade claimed to be, I looked like I was wearing a mask. So all I use now is Dove soap and wear a soft shear shade of lip colour.

You may not know, those of us here in Canada have such pure elemental food, water, sunlight, etc., that we do not even understand the word "zits." What are they?

(Giggling uproariously as I attempt to propogate some more Canadian mythology. You never know, it could be true.)

Hi Laurie, here's an article on summer hair styling from the Houston Chronicle. I don't think there's anyplace more humid than here. Hope it helps:

http://blogs.chron.com/shopgirl/archives/2007/05/adjust_your_mak.html

I thought I'd just HATE the Bare Minerals until I visited my sister in San Jose and she MADE me get some. And now I love them - and I think you will, too. Just don't look for that Leslie Blodgett in any of the stores - she scares me.

everydayminerals.com - that is the best stuff ever! And, I grew up on Merle Norman too. It takes a little time to get used to the powder foundation, but once you do - piece of cake.

P.s. The magical cooking gnomes hang out at
www.savingdinner.com. I LOVE their freezer menus- I just make 'em all on a Saturday afternoon, and then I have magical gnome dinners after work for a month! Wooo Hoo!
(Husband likes it 'cuz I get hateful mean if it's 6:00 at night and there's NOT a magic gnome dinner for me to eat. Don't ask me to cook after driving in LA rush hour! It's NOT pretty!)

Bare Minerals is amazing but EXPENSIVE! I purchased a starter set but one of the shades was too dark for me (I'm disturbingly pale). I think you're rather pale too from what I've seen of the photos but if you'd like to try their second lightest shade (which was too dark for me) I have an almost full one I can send you!

And I must admit that I, too, watch The Deadliest Catch :)

I am laughing -- reading over these comments. Wouldn't it be fun to know just how many of us went to the store this weekend and bought that lipstick? Put my name on the list. P.S. Love it!

I bought a lipstick. I bought two! :) The lady recommended Sheer Mocha for my colouring, and I got a pinkier one as well. So far, loving it - love that I can smooch my babies senseless and they don't end up covered in lip colour!

I'm so excited to see that Susan recommended Leanne's website! Leanne rocks, and so does Flylady (they work together - Leanne sorts out your dinner issues, and Flylady gets the housekeeping routine happening... www.flylady.com). Awesome duo. I recommend Flylady to everyone I know.

I like the lipstick you recommended so much I didn't need to return policy! Thanks- I was hoping to find something that would hold up through my brother's wedding.

Love this blog, and this disussion!
First off: can you get Bare Essentials in Europe?
is there a web home?

And yes, me too: into my 37th year, and blessed with spots and zits like you woulnd't believe.
I am not on any hormonal treatment due to being a smoker (that MIGHT have summit to do with it..?), but the last 4 years have been really bad?

After getting a storecard at Douglas I have tried Clinique, Biotherm, Origins, what have you...I find that Shiseido is still best for my skin, being lighter than French skin care due it being quite fluid.

Would love to try Basic E. though! Am fed up of blaming my face on the dirt in the city.

Much love from Berlin, Germany.
SYLVIA
x
Oh, and Colourstay we do have here. :)

i went out and bought colorstay this past weekend in sheer naked and i'm just trying it for the first time today. so far, it's great! i've had coffee and water and i only reapplied the glossy topcoat stuff once so far (it's been about 4 hours). i hope it continues to be this good! thanks!

i'd also like to recommend my favorite lipstick substitute for other lazy girls who like to hang on to their childhood nostalgia... dr. pepper lipsmackers (bonne bell) is awesome! it is a nice muted dark red gloss and it lasts pretty well and it looks nice (and i don't have to worry about it flaking or anything) and it's tasty. i'm also looking forward to trying the cherry coke one i've seen at target.

and just a side note -- laurie, thanks for being so honest about your divorce stuff on here. i am going through one now and reading your archives has been very helpful. i've actually just opened the door to posting on my own divorce, along with fun stuff too. i have you to thank for mustering up a teeny bit of courage. thank you, thank you!! you rock :)

p.s. i forgot to add one of the most important things! i am also a fellow 30-something who is rediscovering the fun of acne. (i really think we should not have to deal with getting wrinkles and zits at the same time. talk about unfair!)

please keep us posted on any recs or warnings about pro-activ. jessica simpson is oddly convincing.

thanks!

Hey you!!

So glad you are crossing over to the Bare Minerals! It is fabulous stuff.. Just a quick tip.. If you are used to liquid foundation, make sure you use a kabuki brush instead of their all-over face brush..It really does make a huge difference! Like applying paint with a roller instead of a brush.

I love the stuff and can't get over what a difference it makes in my skin.. I have much fewer breakouts.. Which at 39 is a good thing!

Good luck!

M

Hey...just had to pop up and say that you may not have acne. I've found out the hard way that alot of times when adults get acne, it's not actually acne, but Rosacea. That's what I've got. It comes on in the early 30's typically. I thought it was acne too, and was trying everything I could think of to make it better. I've got really fair skin like you do, and flush at the drop of a hat. (Just look at me cross-eyed and I'll demonstrate..) Anyway, I guess that's pretty typical. It's an inflammatory problem, not a bacteria problem, and the stuff to treat acne will often just make it worse. If the red spots take forever and a day to go away and heal, and even then leave little red post-it notes behind, then it might not be acne at all. I finally broke down and went to a dermatologist, got some meds and my face is clear now after four years of trying other stuff. (Oh, and the Bare Minerals is supposed to be good for Rosacea, though I haven't tried it yet.)

Okay, now that I've sounded like an infomercial, I'll say thanks for the tip on the Revlon. I've wanted to try that stuff, but can't usually wear anything too pronounced. I didn't know about the sheers and will definately go get some now.