I recently read this article from Real Simple and thought that this was an interesting article. I wanted to share it with all of you! What do you think? Do you agree with these tips on where to scrimp and where to splurge? PS: I don’t necessarily agree with all of these, but I do think that it is an interesting take on where to spend and where to save.
If you would like to read the original article click HERE
7 Beauty Products Worth Splurging On (and 5 That Totally Aren’t)
“Admit it: The exotic list of ingredients and the promise of supermodel shine are tempting. But then you hear a little voice in your head (hey, is that you, Mom?) saying, “It’s hype! You’re paying for a pretty box.” Some products are worth every dime; some not so much. How to tell the difference.
Shampoo = Scrimp
Springing for extravagant shampoo is essentially like watching your money go down the drain with the suds. However, if you’ve spent a small fortune coloring or highlighting your hair, you might want to go with the product that your hairstylist recommends.
Photo by Serge Bloch from the Real Simple Website
Conditioner = Splurge
Yes, you rinse conditioner out, but these products are emulsions, which means they contain an oil or wax that doesn’t mix with water. So whatever healthy ingredients are in them adhere to the hair and don’t wash away.
Cleanser = Scrimp Because the fancy-pants ingredients will be on your face for only two seconds—not long enough to be worth the expense. Have acne-prone or sensitive skin? Look for labels that say “gentle” or “noncomedogenic.”
Day cream = Scrimp Make sure it’s the kind with sunscreen included; it should have broad-spectrum protection of at least SPF 15. You’ll find an aisle full of worthy options at the drugstore.
Foundation = Splurge Since the chances that your face may end up looking like an Oompa Loompa are high. Instead head to the department-store cosmetics counters, where you can try out not only shades but also formulas before you buy. Do you prefer lightweight and sheer? Or something with more coverage to hide acne?
Powder = Splurge Unless you opt for a colorless translucent powder (in which case, you can totally go thrifty), you’ll want to try this on before you buy, especially if you’re using powder as an all-purpose foundation/ concealer/makeup setter. A well-made one also gives you that flawless, practically Photoshopped look and will last longer, so you won’t need to apply as much of it.
Powder blush = Splurge The pigments in blush are very similar to those in eye shadow. The less expensive the product, the more likely it is that the pigments have been diluted with talc and other powder ingredients. Also, cheaper blushes have a tendency to leave streaks.
Eyeliner = Splurge You don’t want one with a crumbly tip that creates a shaky line. Generally, the more expensive the pencil, the softer the wax and the smoother the application.
Eye shadow = Splurge Department-store–brand shadows adhere to the lids better, go on smoother, and offer richer colors than their drugstore counterparts. Certain pigments, such as deep blues and purples, are expensive, so companies that charge more can use more of them. But if you want to test-drive trendy shades, then, by all means, go economical.
Mascara = Scrimp Bombshell: There isn’t a lot of difference between high-end and low-end formulas. Because bacteria grow easily in mascara, you should trash a tube after three months—which is all the more reason to cut corners.
Lip gloss = Scrimp No need to go all out if you want just a hint of tint and a bit of shine. And who are we kidding? Half of it will rub off on your coffee cup anyway.
Lipstick = Splurge If it’s your signature shade, don’t cheap out. You’ll get a creamier texture and possibly even extracts or vitamins that will prevent your pucker from becoming caked and flaky.
You know I love me some makeup! But there is so much more to “looking (and feeling) Joli good” than just what we put on our faces every day.
What is a diet? Whether you are consciously on a “weight loss diet”or not, you still have a diet. A diet can easily be explained as the “set of food rules that you follow for yourself.” Most of us seem to want weight loss at one point or another in our lives. Is there a magic food formula? Unfortunately, still NO! We are not all genetically the same, so what is right for one person is not necessarily best for someone else.
While obesity is a major factor in a lot of diseases, it is better to focus on health at every size. Health should not just be a weight goal, but a lifestyle: lots of physical activity, regular meals, good social support. Instead of just focusing on weight loss, focusing on healthy outcomes such as less cancer, heart disease, and longer life with better quality.
Active obese people tend to live longer than skinny sedentary people.
Losing weight, while it is not easy, isn’t actually the hardest part. Maintaining that weight loss is trickier. Overly restrictive diets are hard to maintain. I am not saying that you have to change everything about your current diet, but sometimes just making small changes here and there make big differenced in the long run.
Studies have shown that something as simple as keeping track of your weight on a consistent basis helps with weight loss. As well, keeping a food journal can actually double your overall weight loss! I write down everything I eat, whether good or bad to keep myself accountable and aware of what I am actually eating. I think this is the #1 thing that has helped me to lose weight and I am hoping it will help me to maintain this weight loss in the future.
Think more about what is healthy to eat instead of all of what you should not be eating.
Most of us don’t overeat because we are hungry, we over eat because we are in the habit of overeating. Some times simple changes like putting the cookies and snacks away in the closet and instead having fruit and veggies easily accessible can make healthy dietary choices easier without being overly conscious of the change.
Moderation: less meat, more veggies, having fruit for dessert and skipping processed foods.
Also, leave room for flexibility! Make good choices 80% of the time and let yourself have a bit of indulge every once in a while. Healthy is a longterm lifestyle, not a short term quick fix.
Consistency is more important than perfection!
The first time I watched this video by Dr Mike Evens I started taking notes! I love the way that the vastness and confusion of “healthy eating” and “diets” is broken down into smaller bites (pun totally intended. :-))
Please take 15 minutes out of your busy day to watch this video!
“Dr. Mike Evans is a staff physician at St. Michael’s Hospital and an Associate Professor of Family Medicine. He is a Scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute and has an endowed Chair in Patient Engagement and Childhood Nutrition at the University of Toronto.
Written, Narrated and Produced by Dr. Mike Evans Illustrations by Liisa Sorsa Directed, Photographed and Produced by Nick de Pencier Editor, David Schmidt Story/Graphic Facilitator, Disa Kauk Production Assistant, Chris Niesing Director of Operations, Mike Heinrich”
You can also check out the other interesting health information he has on his website by clicking HERE.
I know I personally feel so much better overall when I eat healthier, not just physically but mentally as well. What do you think about overall health over weight?
If you would like to read more about my journey from flab to fab click HERE.
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a 9×9 pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
Combine the flour and sugar in a medium size bowl. Then cut the butter in with a pastry cutter or two forks, until it forms a crumb mixture. Then press down into the pan and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
For the caramel add the butter to a medium saucepan and melt over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir an additional 2 minutes, or until it starts to thicken. Pour over cooled shortbread bars. Allow to cool.
Once the caramel has become firm, mix the chocolate and oil in a microwave safe bowl. Cook on high for 1 minute. Stir and cook in 15 second intervals, until the chocolate is melted. Then pour over the caramel layer and allow to set. May place in the fridge to help set faster.
Once the chocolate has hardened, cut into squares with a warm knife.
Go check out all the other awesome recipes at I Heart Naptime!
~Weekly Product Highlight~ Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer~
After seeing so many beauty YouTubes recommend this Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer by Maybelline, I figured I had to at least give it a try, and I am so glad that I did!
I absolutely love this Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer. It covers and blends so beautifully. I have tried a lot of concealers, and this is the best so far. It gives me the perfect amount of coverage. It does not crease, goes on smoothly and doesn’t leave that white shadow that I hate that some concealers leave. Also,when and if I decide to bring it down into a triangle onto my face, it doesn’t seep into my pores or fine lines.
It comes in 6 different shades. Fair, Light, Medium, Honey, Neutralizer, and Brightener. My favorite so far is 160 Brightener.
One downfall I’ve noticed is that it seems to wear off a little quicker than I would like. Although, when set with a finely milled under eye powder it seems to last much better. Also, when necessary, it can be reapplied without causing too much caking or creasing. Another downfall is that despite having 6 shades, none are really great for darker skin.
I love the design of the packaging. Since most concealers have a doe foot applicator, it is quite a different application experience from the other concealers that I have used. Also because of the design of the packaging, it is easier to not go overboard and apply too much. A little bit does go a long way (another added bonus.)
The Ulta Website give a great description of the way to use it…(which can also be found on the back of the package it comes in.)
“Turn collar of the micro-corrector applicator in direction of arrows until product is visible on sponge. This may require a number of turns. Adjust accordingly for desired amount of product. Using applicator, apply concealer directly to under-eye area, blending in an outward motion. To apply more, twist collar of applicator 1-2 clicks at a time. For best results, use sparingly. For extreme dark circles, apply the neutralizer shade underneath your concealer shade. Use the brightener shade to add a luminous touch to inner corner of eyes, cheek and brow bones and bridge of nose.”
(ps: I don’t know why, but I love the word sparingly, lol!)
“Active Formula and Micro-Corrector Applicator erase dark circles, puffiness and fine lines instantly.
Why You’ll Love It
• Micro-Corrector Applicator micro-fills and smoothes. • Active formula with Haloxyl reduces the look of puffiness and shadows while fading the appearance of under-eye circles. • Apply neutralizer shade for extreme dark circles. • Brightener shade adds a luminous touch.
For Best Results
Use applicator to apply concealer directly to under-eye area, blending in an outward motion. Wipe off excess eye concealer with dry tissue only. Do not wet applicator.”
Have you ever used this Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer? What do you think? Which shade is your favorite? Let me know in the comment section!
All food is not created equal. Unfortunately the two hundred calories from a Little Debbie Snack Cake are not equal to the 200 calories in steamed veggies. I really wish that this was not true! I really wish that my body would use the calories from desserts the same way it uses the veggies.
Despite having met my goal weight, I still have good days and bad days. Some days I want to eat an entire bag of skittles all by myself…the big bag, while other days I will stick to my healthy food plan no problem. The important thing is that I don’t let the mess up days keep me from being successful the next time.
I love them all, but the green ones are probably my favorite closely followed by the red ones.
I saw this video a while back and I love how it shows the comparison between the different foods. It perfectly shows how equal doesn’t mean equal!
Thank you for continuing to journey with me from flab to fab! If you would like to read more posts about this journey click HERE!
Whenever I find something (or someone) new that I love, I want to share it.
My sister recently recommended Marnie Goldberg’s YouTube channel to me. I have been binge watching her videos. Check out her channel by clicking HERE.
I love that she is a little older, so her recommendations are more applicable to me than someone who is closer to their 20’s. She also has a large senior Weimaraner named Bosley that has a great personality. Her videos are great! Go check her out!
If you would like, checkout her blog by clicking HERE. Here is the link to her Instagram account Msgoldgirl.
You guys! You may remember that I love Candice from Fancy that With Candice! She is so sweet and excited about makeup. I have mentioned her here on Looking Joli Good before, but I especially like this video of hers and wanted to share it.
Hope you find it helpful if you are just starting out in makeup. If not, there are still a lot of great products mentioned in this video.
PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
Foundation:
Maybelline Matte Plus Poreless
Better Skin Foundation
Powder
Rimmel Stay Matte
Concealer
L’Oreal Visible Lift Blur
Bronzer
Physicians Formula Magic Mosaic
Blush
Covergirl Tru Match
Highlight
Physicians Formula Natural Nude Highlighter
Eyeshadow Primer
Milani Eyeshadow Primer 01 NUDE
Eyeshadow Palettes
Milani 01 Must Have Neutrals
04 Plum Basics
Mascara
Covergirl Super Sizer
Brows
Maybelline Master Drama Brow
Lips
Rimmel The Only 1 Lipstick Naughty Nude
L’Oreal Glossy Balm in Pink Me Up
Rimmel by Kate lipstick in #10
Gloss:
Rimmel Oh My Gloss in Rebel Red and Snog
Follow her in other places too! Tell her that Laura Joli sent you!
Mascara is my jam! Lol! I love to have beautiful eyelashes.
While I do have longish lashes, they are super straight and droopy. They remind me of Snuffleupagus’ eyelashes from Sesame Street. I have to curl them or they stick straight down. They cannot handle regular mascara, I have to use waterproof mascara if I have any prayer of keeping a curl.
I am so jealous of all you girls that never have to use an eyelash curler! My sister has naturally dark curled lashes, so not fair!
All that being said, I am super particular about mascaras! I expect A LOT from my mascara. I want a beautiful natural yet volumized, lengthened, not clumpy look with no flaking and an all day hold. That isn’t too much to ask for is it?!
I have gone through a lot of trial and error with mascaras. Unfortunately, it took me a while to figure out that I needed to be wearing a waterproof mascara. I have a whole graveyard of mascaras that did not work for me! After doing some research and trying so many different mascaras, I have finally found my all time favorite waterproof mascara.
COLOSSAL LASHES IN JUST ONE COAT! CREATES 7X THE VOLUME, instantly WATERPROOF COLLAGEN FORMULA + MEGA BRUSH
Why You’ll Love It
For the lushest, most gorgeous smudge-proof lashes. • Waterproof collagen-enriched plumping formula and exclusive Mega Brush build 7X volume with one quick sweep • Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist-tested • Waterproof, also available in Washable formula
For Best Results
Sweep brush from root to tip to plump lashes and achieve dramatic volume. Do not let dry between coats. Removes easily with soap and water or Expert Eyes® Moisturizing Eye Makeup Remover.
The Maybelline website claims that you can easily remove this mascara with soap and water… um no! You definitely need an oil based waterproof makeup remover! I personally recommend that you make your own using my simply DIY makeup remover.
Easy DIY Makeup Remover
What about you? Have you tried any of the many Maybelline mascaras? Have you tried the Colossal Volum’ Express Waterproof Mascara? What has your experience been? Did you love it? Hate it? Holy grail? Just ok? Did you have any clumping or flaking? Have you noticed anything different from what I found? Let me know in the comment section below.
While I do have longish lashes, they are super straight and droopy. They remind me of Snuffleupagus’ eyelashes from Sesame Street. I have to curl them or they stick straight down. They cannot handle regular mascara, I have to use 
Looking Joli Good 