MUST LOVE LIPSTICK
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Make Up

Giorgio Armani Designer Lift Foundation

On my latest mission to find a great replacement for my beloved Dolce & Gabbana Lifting Foundation (that has become increasing impossible for me to get my hands on) I think I may have just found my new Holy Grail! Giorgio Armani’s Lifting Foundation. Can I just quickly say, this aging thing definitely has it’s upsides, but the struggle is real for the downsides tool! Well, at least for the constant battle of searching for the fountain of youth. Sigh.

When it comes to my favorite foundations, I’m constantly searching for not only a foundation that gives me medium to full buildable coverage, but also a foundation that doesn’t settle into my fine lines or accentuate my dry skin. On my latest mission to replace my D&G staple foundation, I ran across some mixed reviews on the Armani Lift Foundation. In the past, I was a HUGE fan of Armani’s Designer Shape Cream Foundation, which was one of the BEST foundations I have ever used to date. When Armani decided to discontinue this foundation, many people (Kim Kardashian included) started scrambling to stock up on every last jar in existence. Story has it, that Kim K. even contacted Giorgio Armani himself to get her hands on as many jars as possible! Yes, it was that good. So fast forward to today. After researching great foundations for mature skin (yes, I may have just cringed at using the word mature) because there it NOT a mature attribute about me (at least behavior wise). I then ran across the Armani Lifting Foundation. It seemed to have everything I was looking for in a foundation. It was medium to full buildable coverage, it didn’t settle in fine lines and it was actually great for us dry skinned girls. BINGO! Now to find a store that actually carried this little gem.

I was able to locate the Armani Lifting Foundation at my local Nordstrom. I had done my research extensively and I had basically pinpointed what my color would suit my skin tone by some other reviews I had read online. I also found it a bit odd, that this specific foundation had a very limited range of colors. Could it be that this foundation is also on it’s way to becoming extinct? Limited availability and color range is usually a tall tale sign of what’s to come. SO, when I was approached by the salesgirl at Nordstrom, I was a tad bit disappointed when she barely knew the product line, or even very little about this specific foundation itself. Like I said, since I had done my own research, I basically color matched and confirmed the shade I needed, which is 5.5. It is a perfect match for my more medium than light skin tone and definitely more yellow based, which is what I prefer.

Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Now onto the application. As you already know, I never do my make up without first applying a primer. And with this foundation, it was no different. Since I am currently using the Dermalogica Skinsmart anti aging primer, that is what I used. After slightly pressing my primer into my skin, I used my Real Techniques foundation brush to get the perfect coverage. I did try using my Beauty Blender the next day, but felt the foundation worked better with a brush in my opinion. This foundation worked beautifully with my Tarte Shape Tape and after setting my face using a damp beauty blender and my RCMA No-Color powder, I was left with virtually flawless skin. The Armani Lifting Foundation does a great job of staying put and it also did not settle in my fine lines. It also looks amazing in pictures. This foundation is a keeper for now, but I’m hoping and praying that someone comes out with another stellar full coverage foundation for aging skin in the near future. When I find something that works, I definitely stick with it, but in life, it’s always good to have options!

 

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Beauty

The Perfect Swimsuit by Wolf & Whistle for ASOS (Tan by Madame LA LA)

With Summer right around the corner (or if you live in L.A. like me, some days already feel like Summer!) you’ll want to start thinking about your Summer wardrobe now. If you wait until the weather actually gets warmer, everything is already picked over or you are left scrambling the “day of” an impromptu pool day. We’ve all been there & it’s not fun. When shopping for swimwear in general, I like to search for suits that I can wear multiple ways. For instance, I often times wear my bikini tops either with jeans or as a foundation under a sheer top.  My latest obsession has become the one piece. I’m also a fan of bodysuits (I never thought I would say this again, especially after owning quite a few in the 90’s). They just make my outfits so simple to put together. But let me say, all bodysuits are NOT created equal. Find the ones that are easiest to get out of on the go (if you know what I mean:)  What I absolutely love about the suit pictured above by Wolf & Whistle for ASOS, is the versatility it provides. Pair it with cut off jean shorts and you have the perfect casual outfit for the pool or daytime BBQ. I can also wear it with a skirt and a sheer loose sweater over the top for a edgy, but chic look for a night out. It’s just a great overall swimsuit! The weight of this suit is unbelievable and it was definitely a bargain for only $45. The quality and material of this suit rival any of the high end designers.

There’s a fine line between tan, and looking like you rolled in doritos.

-unknown

I also believe the best addition to any swimsuit is the perfect fake tan. You know how much I love my self tanners. I was recently sent a self tanner by Madame LA LA to try and it has quickly become another one of my favorites. The key to a perfect tan is all about the application. Faux tans are a easy way to hide imperfections on your body and skin in general. What I love about the Madame LA LA dark self tanner is how quickly is allows me to achieve a deep, dark, flawless tan in a matter of minutes. The richness of this tan also lasts for days. Who doesn’t love that?

 

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Health & Fitness

SQUATS do your body GOOD!

As many of you already know, I recently turned 44! Yikes, I know, this aging thing creeps up on us quickly. But, for me, age is definitely just a number and women these days are defying the aging process and killing it! With that being said, it is slightly more difficult to keep my body and skin in tip top shape. But it is absolutely possible with some hard work and dedication. I have always been a bit of a health nut, but not so much that I go overboard. Living a healthy lifestyle and enjoying the better things in life (burgers & cocktails) in moderation, helps keep things on track and still allows me to live life to the fullest. Yes, I absolutely fall off the wagon just like everyone else, but with how my brain works, it’s never usually more than a couple of weeks.

Now on to how I stay in shape, and specifically how I target my problem area, my butt. For me it’s all about targeted training. I am a religious believer of the Brazil Butt Lift workouts. I know, the infomercials are laughable, but when I saw it myself, I immediately got sucked in to thinking my butt would like the Victoria Secret models they kept showing on TV. I actually remember someone laughing at me when I said I had ordered them. Needless to say, this woman was somewhat of a hater to begin with, but her exact words were, “Oh my god, what? Do you think you can actually look like those girls in the commercial? Those informercials are such a scam!” I actually laughed as I walked away, and thought that was a lot of effort on her part to put another woman down. Which is NOT what I am about in life at all. Another thing you guys know about me, is how important empowering other women is. So I quickly brushed it off and started using my DVD’s. Annnnnd, guess what? They worked-

LIFE HAS IT’S UPS AND DOWNS. WE CALL THEM SQUATS.

My other favorite thing to do to help keep my butt lifted, are the dreaded squats! I say dreaded, because I know how much people hate them, myself included. I bought a 10 pound kettle bell, and when I watch TV I pick it up and do squats. I honestly don’t even mind doing them anymore, because I’m not actually thinking about it while I’m watching something on TV. The other thing I would like to point out is, the Butt Lift workout revolves a lot around squats and lunges as well. It is one of the best ways to get a round, perky butt! I promise. As with anything in life, dedication and persistence is key. I once had a personal trainer tell me, it doesn’t matter what kind of workout you do, as long as it is tailored to your needs and you DO IT, you will see results. I saw great results with my trainer, but I honestly feel like my body is in better shape now from doing these home workouts. I am lucky to have an amazing gym in my building, so I try and utilize it as much as possible as well. But there are definitely weeks, sometimes months, where I’m strictly doing home workouts.

Last but not least, eating healthy is also a key component to seeing results fast. When I am targeting my abs for instance, lowering my carb intake really helps highlight the definition. I also feel better in general with limiting my carbs. But like I said, you only live once and life is ALL about balance. My goal is life is to enjoy as many things as I can. I’m grateful to be where I am today…and the people around me and the choices I’ve made, have all helped me get to the point where I’m actually living again, and I’m loving every minute of it!

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fostering saves lives
Be The Change

Spread The Love: Fostering Saves Lives

I have always been an animal lover. From the time I was an infant, I can’t remember my life without being surrounded by animals. Growing up, we had every pet imaginable. Fish, hamsters, rabbits, a turtle, a frog, more cats than I can count, dogs, parakeets and I think that about covers it?! We were also notorious for bringing home stray animals. My sister Kristi brought home a rabbit once that she rescued from the side of the road. The poor baby was being chased by a dog. It wasn’t until years later we found out it was actually a wild hare. I’m not even kidding!

Well, this past Summer, my sister had a stray cat that had kittens in her backyard. We quickly became obsessed with these little guys. We even took them to the vet numerous times when we suspected they were not doing as great as we would have liked. We had fully nursed them back to health and were waiting for the 8 week mark to adopt them out to their new homes. At about 7 weeks, the kittens all vanished one night. We were devastated. We looked at shelters, asked the neighbors if they had seen them, but they were nowhere to be found.

In the meantime, we had planned that we were going to try and trap the strays that were living in my sisters backyard. Yes, it’s easier said than done. In the meantime, there were two new litters of kittens born one day apart. Concerned about their safety, as we still had no idea what happened to the first batch of kittens, we became increasingly paranoid. To the point that we tried to trap the mom and her kittens and bring them inside. It was impossible. The mother was so scared and untamed, that we couldn’t keep her in the cage.

People will say I saved their lives, but the truth is, they saved mine.-Jen

Fast forward a few weeks. After losing track of the two litters of kittens multiple times because the Mom’s kept moving them, we thought we finally had a handle on the situation. We had called numerous shelters. etc and had been told the kittens needed to stay with their mothers as long as possible or they would not make it. So that was the plan.

Early one morning, everything changed. My sister went out in the backyard to feed the adult cats and found two coyotes in her backyard. One litter of kittens were gone and the adult cats were all hiding in the trees. We now knew the fate of the kittens. My sister was horrified. We knew immediately, that in order to save the remaining four kittens lives, I would have to take them in. We had tried trapping the Mom along with them, but she was too wild to bring along. We felt terrible at the thought of separating these babies form their mother, but It was the only chance these little guys had to live.

I took the kittens home, all of which happened to be boys. I started bottle feeding them every few hours, They were only around 3 weeks at the time. It was extremely hard, but also one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my life. I honestly can’t even begin to describe the feeling. I also knew that I couldn’t keep them, but I had no idea how hard it would be to adopt them out when they were finally old enough to go to their forever homes. They were my four boys! Max, Oliver, Charlie and Scout. Well, time flew by quickly and it was time for them to be adopted. I was able to get my Mom and my Dad to each take one. The third home didn’t work out as planned so I ended up keeping both Max and Oliver.

My little guys are now 5 months old and have already changed my life. Soon enough, I will tell you my story of the past few years. When people tell me I saved these kitten’s lives, I always reply. “No, they saved mine.” It’s the truth. At what has been one of my darkest times, they came into my life and gave me hope. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to be a foster mom and ultimately Max and Oliver’s forever Mom! I can’t imagine my life without them-

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Lifestyle

New Year, New Site, New Topics. Let’s GO!

Happy New Year everyone! Well okay, I realize that we are already into February at this point, but life happens and it’s sometimes merely impossible to stick to our internal guidelines. I know you get it too!

Anyway, with this re-launch and overhaul of Must Love Lipstick, I have decided to take things in a much needed new direction. These past years have been something I barely talk about. We are living in a “Smoke and Mirrors” type of society. With the evolution of social media, we are all guilty, in some way, of painting a more perfect existence of our lives. But, it’s all a facade. Trust me.

When I launched Must Love Lipstick years ago, it was a way for me to get lost and forget about my devastation and heartache. Talking about makeup, applying it and specifically writing about it, has been a major coping skill for me since I launched my site. But with the evolution of my life, has come the responsibility I now feel to share more of what my life consists of behind the scenes. We all know and recognize the term SILVER LINING. Well, my story has one too. What I have now come to realize is, with my site and social media in general, I am able to share on a much bigger platform. So after today, my blog will consist of multiple topics. From my usual makeup and skincare, to health and fitness, what’s good for the soul, a more detailed Q & A section, to my own real life journey revolving around mental health and my role and mission of becoming an advocate.

Don’t worry, my site is still going to consist of topics you can enjoy and get lost in. My crafty and artistic side will showcase a D.I.Y. section. With anything and everything from clothing to Interior design to the basic life hacks we all need to know! The beauty in life is that we have so many things our individual lives revolve around, and what I have found most comforting in this journey these past few years, is hearing the stories of others. It allows me to feel that I am not alone in all of this. I also realize, that me sharing my story and experiences can possibly help another person to heal, take steps to find help or just lend an ear or a voice and help put an end to some of the stigmas in society. I will tell you this, never judge a book by it’s cover, because when you actually start reading that book, you will surely be surprised by their story. At the end of the day, the perfect ending to my story will be helping others and making a difference.

Thank you for continuing to support me on this journey, this is just the beginning of this next chapter. I’m glad you are along for the ride!

Much Love- Jen

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