My Top 5 Beauty Busts

Recently, I seem to have been plagued more by bad buys than good.  I'll read about how great a product is in a magazine and it sparks my interest.  So, on my next shopping trip to Sephora I check it out, and I buy it.  Then, I get it home...try to use it and am immediately frustrated that this wonderful product is not magical like I was lead to believe.

Therefore, here are a few items I recommend you skip...

1. Stila Glitter Eyeliner

Stila is usually one of my favorite brands, so I didn't think it would be much of a risk to buy this glitter eyeliner.  The ad for this looked amazing - definitely not a day to day look but I had a bachelorette party coming up and thought that this eyeliner would glisten in the brown color.

I am actually somewhat skilled with liquid liner, but the glitter makes this not show up whatsoever.  It looked clear with a sparkle here and there.  Additionally, it kept running and my eyes would immediately begin to water.  It was terrible.  By the time I had my eye done it was so red that I looked like I had pink eye.

This is a case of good marketing, not a good product.

2. Fekkai Products - in General 

I've tried several Fekkai products and can we say overrated?  For the price, you definitely don't get anything above average.  I've used their color shampoo, hairspray, color treatments - you name it!  Every time I'm disappointed that this product is nothing spectacular.  Avoid!

3. Kiehls Ultra Facial Toner

Those of you who read my blog know that Kiehls is one of my favorite skin care lines.  That's why it breaks my heart to have to call this product a bust.  When Kiehls discontinued my other toner, I went with the Ultra Facial from the recommendation of the counterperson.  Unless you have excessively dry skin, I would not use this product.  It left my skin oily and not feeling clean.  I have combination skin, so I definitely need moisture in some areas...but wow - this was above average.  They recently released an oil free version that is hopefully better but this one...a bust.  

4. Bare Escentuals Exfoliating Treatment Cleanser 

This water activated powder cleanser is a little unusual for those of us who are used to a cleanser that really lathers.  Although this product isn't a complete bust, what I hate is that I never know how much powder to use.  And, if I put it on my Clarisonic the powder goes down in the middle hole area and is wasted.  So frustrating.  For $26, I can't help but think I waste about $13 of it. 

5. Philosophy Bronzer (Instant Sunshine) 

I love Philosophy, but  I hate this applicator.  It's a bit hard to use and get even.  Unless you have super even skin that is soft like a baby, I would not use this on your face.  It's going to make you look a little Jersey Shore.  However, it's not as bad for the body.  Either way, I would look else where. 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale - Sale or Bust of the season?

First of all, sorry everyone for my absence.  The 5th grader in my yearned for a summer vacation - and since my "pay the bills" job does not offer this benefit my blog had to take a back seat. 

Now back to the good stuff!  Normally, this is the one time of the year that I'm willing to pull out the plastic and splurge a bit on my personal wardrobe.  Why?  Because the Nordstrom Anniversary sale offers a preview of what's to come for fall and you get the latest styles for 33% off!  It's the time when I start yearning for a cool breeze so I can break out that new sweater and pair of boots that I've been dying to wear.  For a shopper like myself, it's a National Holiday. 

The preview book that comes out in early July is like the Sears toy catalog that I coveted so many years ago.  I get my pen out and start circling all of the items that I know will be just perfect for work and that fall wedding.  So, imagine my surprise when I got all nestled onto my favorite spot on the couch and anxiously began turning pages only to gasp - everything was...hideous. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of reusing trends.  Thank god jeans with a little more of a rise came back in style because this girl's getting a little old for her butt crack or undies to be playing peek-a-boo.  However, do we really need to go back to grunge?  Don't get me wrong Kurt Cobain, you pulled it off wonderfully.  However, some of us have office jobs and can't wear flannel inspired boots.  And wedged rain boots?  Really?  I find rain boots as more of a functional item...why don't we bring back heeled jelly shoes while we're at it (I should be careful what I wish for...).

After scanning through the catalog front to back 3-4 times I was shocked to see that my pen was still capped.  Nothing, and I mean NOTHING struck my fancy.  If you're pregnant this is the season for you.  I mean, I can't really think of anyone else who might be able to pull of the poncho. 

On Friday, July 15th when the entire sale was released online I told myself that I would be able to find something.  There were some decent flowy blouses...but they made the 34-24-34 measured model look a little curvy.  I can only imagine what that would do this girl...I mean, some of us do have a chest.

So, after waiting 11 months for the sale of the year, I became discouraged.  Where oh where will my fall clothes come from?  Honestly, I wish that I was Eva Longoria or one of those celebrities that can still fit into kid clothes.  Joe's Jeans for $38.90?  Count me in!  Not sure I can squeeze into a child's 14 though...

If you don't believe me, check it out for yourself...in my opinion, this sale is a bust.  With reused styles (mostly jeans and shoes) and cowboy/grunge inspiring the fall runways, here's hoping to a more fashionable 2012!