All About The Pretty

A Pretty and Relaxing Vacation

Hello ladies, sorry I am just now posting. I am on a 11 day Mediterranean cruise and the ship's internet is slow as molasses and so expensive that writing would cost me a new tube of Love Nectar from MAC.

I arrived on Friday, the 25th in Rome. I spent 15 hours flying because I came through Zurich. My key to staying pretty on the flight was baby wipes. I wiped my face every hour and reapplied lip balm it seems every 15 minutes. How I long for the days when I could spray my face with Caudalie Beauty Elixir, apply Bobbi Brown Eye Balm and Vitamin Enriched Moisturizer and top it off with Smith Rosebud Salve. Oh the good old days. I was able to sneak a sample of night cream discreetly disguised as a book mark. Thank goodness. I had a great time reading and catching up on what will be "pretty" for fall. I see a fabulous cream coat with my name on it.

On Saturday we hit Capri and Anacapri. Anacapri is high in the mountains and it's definitely where the bargains are.  I purchased great jewelry made from murano glass. I also returned to a wonderful little shop called Profumi di Capri for the best smelling Vanilla body lotion. I have been saving the last inch from the old bottle I had until I returned. Needless to say I picked up 2 bottles and asked if they could ship to the U.S.  I was told a polite, no. I picked up a few perfumes and headed back down the mountain to Capri for gelato and people watching.

Since I am here in Europe you see a lot of leather looking skin from all the sunbathing. A lot of the women look worn. I guess if I spent every weekend at the beach I would start looking like a well-worn suitcase too. I see them putting on sunscreen, but I think there isn't enough sunscreen to combat the effects of how powerful the sun truly is. I have been slathering on my Anthelios 60, but the heat is taking a toll on my skin. I am noticing a little redness, splotchiness and lack of luster. I packed some travel scrubs and will see how that works.

On Monday and Tuesday we hit Santorini and Mykonos, Greece. The architecture was stunning. I was able to see the black sand beach of Santorini, which is actually gravel. When the sun hits the water it appears black. In Mykonos I rented a car with my cousin Cassy and Joffee and we headed to Paradise Beach. So relaxing. We headed back to the Mykonos town center to shop, eat and watch the sunset. I did make a purchase at the Sephora in Mykonos. Very tiny compared to ours in the states. I picked up lots of Korres Guava Body Butter (www.korres.com). Even with the Euro kicking the U.S. Dollar's butt, I made out like a bandit. All the products were at least $5.00-7.00 cheaper. I picked up lip balms by Propoline.

Today we are in Sicily and tomorrow at sea. We will be in Cannes/Monte Carlo Saturday and Florence on Sunday. I have been taking lots of pictures and will upload them when I return.

As always stay smart, stay strong and stay pretty. Have a very pretty and safe holiday weekend. Ciao.

Bon Voyage

I would like to thank all the loyal readers of the blog. This has been a great few months and even though I am going on vacation, it seems very hard to part for two weeks.  Even though I will be on vacation, I still plan to post at least 3 times and I plan on having a new post on Sunday.  A quick beauty note:  if you are in the market for a new blush - Subtil Mosaic in Stargazer ($35) from Lancome's Luna Chic collection.  It's a gorgeous pink blush.   

I leave tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. and will be traveling for over 12 hours.  I must mention as much as I love to travel, I absolutely HATE to fly.  I've been all over and still hate it.  I can't seem to understand why.  My mother is always cracking up at this.  If you say you want to go somewhere, I'm the friend who starts planning every aspect of the trip.  But, as soon as we get on a plane I get really nervous.  I have to take deep breaths for at least 30 minutes before I can even relax.  I can't even sleep on overseas trips.  My friends Jackie and Cheryl can sleep as soon as they get on a plane and here I am wide awake for long flights. 

I picked up lots of suggestions that were given so thanks.  I have pretty much figured everything out except my makeup.  A large part of me wants to take every bronzer I own, but the realist in me has to edit.  This is very hard.  Here's a list of what I plan to bring.  (It's killing me to have to pack all my makeup and let it be subject to changing temperatures, but a girl has to do what a girl has to do).  I can't put lip products because I travel with so much lip gloss because I wear a different one everyday.

1. Nars Body Glow (travel size).
2. Bobbi Brown's Chocolate Eye Shadow Palette
3. MAC's Catherine Deneuve Icon Eye Shadow Palette (has the purple and greens). Great for Evening
4. Dior Sunshine Blush
5. MAC's Format Blush (I love to contour with this shade first)
6. Bobbi Brown's Chocolate Cherry Rouge Pot for Lips and Cheeks
7. MAC Cosmetics Bronzing Powder in Refined Deeper Bronze
8. Laura Mercier Loose Shimmer Powder in Sun Dust
9. MAC's Skinfinish Mineralize in Shooting Star
10. Bobbi Brown Concealer, Foundation Stick, and Transparent Powder (travel size)
11. Lancome's Hypnose Volumizing Mascara and Estee Lauder's More Than Mascara (travel sizes)

The books I've chosen to take are:  The Soul of a Chef by Michael Ruhlman; Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl; Heat by Bill Buford; and Body Double by Tess Gerritsen.  I'm a foodie, so I picked books related to food for this trip because I plan to take some more cooking classes in the fall.  I also had to throw one murder mystery in there to spice things up.  My carry-on is heavy with magazines, books and my journal.  I will update my Ipod tonight and be on my way. 

I plan to relax tonight with a bubble bath and my new Lush bath bomb, thanks Janelle for the fabulous gift.  I also get lots of recommendations from Christina of Bon Bons in the Bath.  Christina is a woman obsessed with anything bath related such as shower gels and bath products.  Christina loves taking baths the way I love finding a new beauty or skin product.  I also need to relax in the bath tonight, because on cruise ships THERE ARE NO BATHTUBS.  They only have showers.  I don't mind showers in the morning to wake up, but nothing beats a nice luxurious baths with lots of bubbles, bombs, and books. 

As always, stay smart, stay happy, stay beautiful and may be the lip gloss be with you.  Au Revoir.

Last Minute Preparations

My weekend didn't get off to the greatest note, but I took lots of deep breaths, let out a great, deep, long, ugly cry and had to deal.  What else was I to do?  I worked my part-time gig at the yoga studio which is so much fun it should be a crime.  Joanna and I spend 2 hours literally laughing while working.  I love working with her.  She doesn't function until her caffeine and I wake up like a jumping bean.  We laugh at our differences in morning and non-morning people.  She doesn't function until her caffeine and I wake up like a jumping bean.  We laugh at our differences in morning and non-morning people. 

I spent Saturday evening in Pentagon City mall and Target picking up last minute items for traveling.  I also spent about 30 minutes chatting with Monet (Kiehls in Nordstrom).  I like being able to browse all the makeup counters without being hounded and having the feeling of being shuffled.  I thought I would pick up the lip glosses that I so begrudgingly had to throw away, but I picked up the DiorKiss in Praline #318.  I love pairing this for a sparkly neutral like MACs Factory Made.  Also this combination works well with my yoga practice.  I love that the mall is so empty at night on the weekends.

Yesterday I made the trek to Georgetown and Chevy Chase to take the helpful hints that you ladies suggested.  Thanks Jamie and Elle B for the great suggestions.  I found a few floppy hats and a great pair of over sized sunglasses at TJ Maxx.  I made sure to hit L'Occitane for the Shea Butter tin and a new Shea Butter Hand Cream.  I had to pick up my Tocca Laundry Delicate wash from Blue Mercury.  I am not like most packers.  I usually wear the same thing over on trips and I hand wash to not have to pack a lot of clothes.  I had to be good so I passed on the new India Song Eyeshadow Duo by Nars Cosmetics.  It was so hard to have the willpower to walk away from this shadow that is described as vanilla and walnut.  I love neutral eye shadows, especially brown shimmer shadows because I think they work for everyone.  I knew I couldn't try the shadow on because once it's on my face, it's leaving with me.  I also had a full face of makeup from church.  I am going to have to wait until after my trip.  I have to budget conscientiously.  I'm sure that I will find something on vacation and many more new fall products will continue to be rolling in. 

Last night, I watched one of my favorite movies to make me feel better:  Pretty Woman.  Even though I own this on DVD and can actually quote the majority of the movie, I laughed and laughed.  Once the movie was over I really felt better.  My favorite scene is when she goes back to the store who was rude to her.  "You work on commission right.  Big mistake, huge, I have to go shopping now."  I love this movie.  Since my weekend was rough and not necessarily very pretty.  I read this quote until I could feel the sentence seeping into my entire being, my vision blurred and I was feeling a little better.  Hopefully it will keep me for awhile.  "Focus on what you are moving toward rather than what you are leaving behind."  - Alan Cohen featured in Pathways to the Spirit:  100 Ways to Bring the Sacred Into Daily Life by Susan Santucci.

Have a great day.

Palacinka Beauty and Book Reviews

I reviewed The Joy of Doing Things Badly by Veronica Chambers.  Here is the link to the review  http://palacinka.com/beauty-health-wellness-books.html.

Also, attached is my review of L’Oreal H-I-P Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss in Tempting (#378):  http://palacinka.com/lip-product-reviews.html.

Avon Hearts Dempsey

Jillian Dempsey has just been named Global Creative Color Director for Avon Cosmetics. Jillian is the creator of Delux Beauty.  I'm sure this will mean big changes for Avon's makeup line.

Trying to Travel Pretty and Beauty Pow-Wow

I'm having trouble with not being able to "travel pretty" and walk off the plane not looking like I just went 10 rounds at Madison Square Garden.  Now, you can carry lipsticks and lip balms in a solid forms.  Herein lies my problem because Smith Rosebud Salve is not a solid.  It's gooey and luscious and I know they will toss this so I have to resort to lip balm in the form of lipstick.  I've chosen the Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick with SPF as my lip balm.  It has enough softeners that I can get away with putting it around my eyes for a few hours.  I wouldn't encourage this everyday, but desperate times call for desperate measures.  At least I can carry my new Chanel lipstick on the plane.  I'm trying to figure out how to keep my skin hydrated during this long flight.  At least when I make my connection in Europe, I can take my skincare out of my checked luggage and slather my face like a wet seal.  I have a few samples of a solid eye balm, but I'm scared they may toss that as well.  I can take an eyelash curler, but what good is it if I can't apply mascara before my flight lands.  They also list "personal lubricant."  What is a personal lubricant?  For most women that's moisturizer, lotion, etc.  Did I miss something in that description?  I don't think so.  I can't take my Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream which is a makeup classic?  At least if I had this I could use it on my cuticles and lips, but NNNNNNOOOOO.  I'm not taking this well at all.

I recently had my normal Fall Beauty Week chat with Ms. Juanita at Neiman Marcus in Houston (Bobbi Brown counter) and she informed me that Beauty Week is Sept. 8-18, 2006.  The gift bag is patent leather in beige, black or red.  I told her to hold me back a red one.  I need a punch of color for fall. 

Here are my first fall beauty week purchases.  I plan to hit Ulta and Sephora once I return home.

1. Bobbi Brown's Gold Collection Kit.  A Must Have
2. Bobbi Brown's Gold Shimmer Brick (2).  I can't get caught slipping when my favorite products are discontinued.  They sold out of the Chocolate Collection Eye Shadow and now I'm sick.
3. Bobby Brown's Diamond Dust Shadow in Gilded.  A crazy pretty gold;
4. Badgley Mischka's First Scent; and
5. Guerlain's Insolence.  I just love this scent.  So girly. (picture at left)

Have a great weekend.

Fall Products to Check Out

I first have to say, sorry that this post may not feature many pictures.  I can't seem to find them on the web, but they should be available soon in the stores.  Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Mosaic Eye Shadow in Eye Candy is a great compact full of bronze colored shadows for fall and for $18 this is a great buy.  It seems that all the celebrity endorsed makeup lines have a "star" color palette.  L'Oreal Colour Riche Star Confessions features lipsticks for the spokesperson.  I am definitely eying Eva Longoria's Caramel color.  Since I'm starting to look at lipsticks again I can see using this with Corx Lip Liner from MAC, DiorKiss Praline lip gloss on the bottom and then putting the Caramel on top for shimmer.  I think this combo might just work.  H-I-P Illuminating Highlighter Shimmer #894 (for cheeks and brow bones) is a creme-based highlighter.  I love highlighters right on top of the cheekbone above the blush so this is great for travel or keeping at work to transition from day to night.  Creative Nail Designs Fedora is another great deep fall color.  Their prices are over the top so if you love Vamp, but are on a budget this is great.  It's not black like the Chanel Satin which truly looks like black patent leather.  The crazy thing is now I want to try and see if I can get away with it.  If anyone has tried it, please let me know.  Finally, long ago and oh so far away (thanks Luther), I fell in love with Michael Kors fragrance.  I loved heavy tuberose scent.  I remember putting it on and feeling elegant.  But of course, after awhile the heavy scent started giving me headaches probably because I was layering everything from the shower gel to the leg shimmer.  I am so excited because he has just come out with a lighter version of his signature scent.  Fall, fall, where art thou?  I'm sure when it's snowing, I will be wishing for summer.

Au revoir and have a pretty Wednesday.

Solid Gold

As a young girl growing up in Houston, there was a TV show featuring dancers and singers called Solid Gold.  I am really showing my age, but who cares, I at least feel I'm aging gracefully.  Okay, I digress, when I saw this Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Gold Collection for Fall last month in NY.  I was silent for a moment.  I love shimmer and I know that this Shimmer Brick is definitely going to sell out, quick, fast and in a hurry.  I recently found out that Nordstrom's in the DC area does not have one Chocolate Collection Eye Palette, crazy I know.  So you can imagine my stress when I saw this palette.  I came home, called Ms. Juanita and told her to put two back for me when they come in to the stores in September.  I love the Bricks because they can also be used as eye shadows.  Here is the link to the complete Gold Collection.  The collection also has a beautiful gold eyeshadow called Gilded.  I can see myself now all Gold looking just as pretty as Miss Eva Diva (from ANTM) when she showed up at the this year's Grammys in that blue dress just gold.  Fierce. 

Here are a few September fragrances that I am definitely thinking about adding to my Pretty Perfume collection: Alabaster, Jade, & Rosewood by Banana Republic; Insolence by Guerlain;  F by Ferragamo; Lovely Liquid Satin by Sarah Jessica Parker (I am still hooked on Lovely).  I don't know yet on the Juicy Couture fragrance, but you never know.  I am waiting to see which fragrances I pick up on holiday (I've been watching my Tivo and all the House of Boateng shows from Sundance, so the European influence is huge for me now). In October I am definitely picking up Bath by Bobbi Brown and Tom Ford's in November.  I still want to know what the Forbidden Fruit named for Desperate Housewives will smell like.  I must admit that I watch the show, but I can't see myself wearing their perfume. 

FYI:  I forgot to mention the new Lancome Color Design Pout-a-Porter lipstick in Behnaz Red after designer Behnaz Sara pour Fall 2006 collection.  Another very intense red. 

Have a very pretty Monday.

Lancome Give Me Fever . . . When You Kiss Me . . .

I am still reeling from losing my lip glosses, but I have to continue to think of all the new beauty products and lip glosses for fall and I am feeling very happy.  But I saw a picture of Lancome's Color Fever Gloss which will be available in September.  I keep thinking of the song Fever.  "I get fever when you kiss me, fever when you hold me tight, Lancome gives me fever."   Another great lip look is the beautiful brightly colored lip.  Red lips are definitely making a comeback.  One great beautiful red lip is MAC Lipstrict in Ruby Woo for Fall 2006.

In keeping with Fall my thoughts are turning to Palettes.  I don't know why, but I love a palette.  I love being able to carry numerous items without bulking up my bag.

It's on to Besame Cosmetics.  Besame of course is known for Vintage Glamour and recently had a write up in the Washington Post Express.  I think they should have focused on the palettes.  The Besame Vanity Case is just as elegant as an Hollywood movie.  It's a bright gold color and travels amazingly well.  Thank goodness this didn't get confiscated.  Also, the lipsticks in the gold bullets are equally as good.  I used the Noir Red with a little clear shimmer gloss for pretty red lips with a little sheen.  I was a little skeptical at first, but this is one of the lines I saw at Bendel's in NY and wondered if it would work for many and all skin tones.  The three eye shadows are the same in each compact, the only products that differ are the concealer and the blush.  I chose the concealer in dark.  I added the translucent powder to set and voila.  Not bad for one little kit.  I wish the compact had a lip color, but you can't have everything. 

I usually wear Lorac's Lip Polish.  I love the way the bottles look like small nail polishes.  But this compact is really turning my head.  Lorac Face Charmer Snake Palette.  This palette is so cute, I just want to look at the outside.  I can't even think of tossing something so cute after it is used up.  But isn't this one of the most amazing things that you just have to have because you think it's great and pretty.

Palacinka Review

My review of Creative Nail Design Solar Balm and Asiana Mango Body is available for review at Palacinka.

Traveling Yesterday Wasn't Very Pretty

I have traveled frequently since 9/11, but yesterday was a whole new ball game.  After learning that you couldn't bring makeup on the plane, in the airport, I proceeded to make sure that none of my makeup was in my tote.  Or so I thought?  I was in Houston for training and stayed an extra day for a few hours of beauty and to hang with my girl Tanya, who was my personal chauffeur.  I was able to have Sonnie at Genesis Day Spa perform a minor miracle on my eyebrows and let Mary of Nails by Mary make my hands look divine.  After hitting some of my favorite hometown boutiques and the fabulous new PH Design Shop, which is the cutest stationary store, we headed to Starbucks and the airport. 

I proceeded to take my makeup bag and stuff into my already stuffed suitcase.  I decided to help Tanya organize her massive amounts of makeup and oh the wonderful benefit of having a makeup artist friend means asking, very politely, "Do you really need this blush?  Hey you have two of this lip glass, can I have one?  Why do you need this quad of really great shadows?"  So I left very happy with lots of makeup. 

Once I checked my bag and proceeded through the long security line snaking through the airport I did not realize that part of my makeup was still in my tote.  Imagine the horror on my face when the security guy pulled out, not one, but five lip glosses.  I knew he had to toss them out.  There goes my L'Oreal Iced Latte, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Gloss in Sungold and Rose Shimmer.  Is that my Bobbi Brown Honey lip gloss.  Oh no sir, please not my Rosebud Salve.  Now for the creme de la creme.  My Chanel Glossimer in Zanzibar.  I was sick.  I can't imagine going on a plane without lip balm, gloss and water.  Let alone from now on I can't even do my in-flight "beauty" routine.  No eye cream, no Caudalie Beauty Elixir, followed by a cocktail of moisturizers.  Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Cream with my Sisley Intensive Face Cream.  I am going to step off airplanes looking dehydrated and not refreshed.  This is crazy.  But, I have to look at they are doing this for a reason and this too shall pass.  It doesn't mean I like. 

As I sat on the plane with a few reading essentials, my new favorite book Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia, Glamour, Elle, and Domino, I used this time to look forward to the new things I will purchase.  As I prepare for my trip I will have to make sure on the car to the airport I slather so much moisturizer on my face that I look like I dipped my face in Crisco.  I will have to formulate new TSA tactics for beauty, but I will find away.  My flight was delayed 3 hours, but I landed safely at 1:00 am and the hassle was worth it.  What could I do nothing?  I am happy I didn't have my new Chanel lipstick, I am thankful that I do have tons of other lip products, I am thankful for safety in the air, and I am thankful with the thought of knowing in 2 weeks I will be buying more and that makes me feel very pretty.  Have a great weekend.

The Supermodel Strikes Back

I am assuming that everyone has seen the August issue of Vogue that features a true supermodel, Linda Evangelista.  But it is with great pleasure and I can barely contain myself to know that the September W has a spread of supermodels.  I grew up in the 80s, yes I am dating myself, where every magazine was dominated by supermodels.  I remember listening to George Michael and he was one of the first artists to put supermodels in a video.  I also dreamed of one day owning an Alaia suit and becoming a self-possessed glamour girl.  I remember when Linda Evangelista cut her off and became even more beautiful.  But, the great thing about the W issue is it features Pat Cleveland.  Pat was one of the pioneering African-American supermodels.  In the beginning there were Pat, Naomi Sims, Iman, and Beverly Johnson.  This was before Naomi Campbell.  I actually remember eating at the Fashion Cafe.  I only hope that we continue to bring back these icons of beauty.  I love seeing what the latest celebrity is wearing, but when I grew up the supermodels were the celebrities. 

Ageless Pretty and Can One Lipstick Bring Me Back

I am looking over the September Glamour magazine, and the cover boasts three ladies in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.  For me, I am focusing hard on Sheryl Crow.  I have been a big fan ever since Tuesday Night Music Club singing "All I Wanna Do," and wished her the best during her recent health challenge.  The thing about Sheryl is the fact that she looks as good as the 20 year olds out there and maybe even better.  I know magazines are airbrushed and touched in ways that we the consumer may never actually know, but you have to admit that for 44 years old, she has got it going on.  I know there are numerous sisters who are always striking.  Personally, I'm trying to look as phenomenal as Angela Bassett. 

Being that September is always the largest of the magazines issue, this one focuses on lot's of beauty and little luxuries.  Page 135 has the Beauty Glammies, which are Glamour's beauty award winners for 2006.  I am so happy because my Oil of Olay All Day Moisturizer is the "favorite facial moisturizer" in the drugstore category.  On page 341 begins the focus on small luxuries and has a small section on pampering at every price from $10 to $300. 

Personally, I'm not much of a lipstick person, but after seeing the color range for Chanel's Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Chic.  I had to make my way to see what the hype was about, especially for a $29 tube of lipstick.  This price is a nice meal at one of my favorite restaurants.  After a day of wear with a little Love Nectar from MAC, I am really enjoying this lipstick.  I liked the consistency and the subtleness of it.  It comes in 24 various colors so everyone can take advantage of at least one color.  I'm wondering if Chanel can give me back "lipstick love."  I've been using glosses than lipstick.  I'm going to keep using and see.

Another great thing about fall is football.  Yes, I am one of those women who love sports and missed football in the spring.  Although I enjoy basketball, it something about football that makes me think of my family and numerous Sundays watching the games.  Today is the start of the preseason.  I know many women may not agree, but it's something about football, Madden and a touchdown that is definitely pretty.

My First Palacinka Review

My first review for Palacinka is up.  I reviewed the Lotus Lip Balm and Body Butter.  Here is a link for the Lotus Green Tea Pomegranate Body Balm review. 

Julia

Red and Delicious and Haiku for Shoe

I continue to enjoy the comments regarding everyone's "back in the day beauty."  It's interesting how we can go back and think fondly on our love of beauty products and the products we continue to use today.  I can't believe I forgot Palmer's Cocoa Butter even though I have a gigantic tub at home.  Thanks Ms. Tarshel.  My co-worker reminded me of Jean Nate.  Remember it came in a plastic bottle with the round black top.  Speaking of Fashion Fair cosmetics, remember the lipstick called "Chocolate Raspberry."  I think every Black woman in America wore this. 

My friend Cheryl, who writes THE funniest emails sends me the page from the August Marie Claire asking where to find DKNY's Red Delicious Lip Gloss.  I talked the sales associate for about 10 minutes for her to explain how the color actually looked.  I couldn't believe how patient she was and said they were flying out of the stores due to MC.  She said the color was "Intense, but with lots of shine.  It is a vibrant color, more red than pink.  It also has a great smell."  I know this isn't the best description, but I don't plan to purchase it.  I plan to wait a little longer to see what intense red blows me away for fall.  I found out it is only available in DKNY Stores.  The number to the NY Madison Avenue store is 212.223.3569.  Cheryl is also great at writing the funniest obituaries to expiring shoes, clothes and bags.  Here's her latest.  I think every lady can agree.

It is with deep sadness that I relay the death of my favorite faux alligator shoes, Chops.  Chops was born of modest means in China, with manmade uppers.  He spent his childhood in a Sam & Libby store until being adopted from Burlington Coat Factory, Indianapolis, IN in February 2001.  He leaves behind a distraught mother, 3 older brothers, and 38 pairs of close friends including numerous pairs of boots.  There will be a private mass held this evening at the Shrine of the Shoe (in my bedroom), to be followed by interment in Le Corbeille à Papier**  In lieu of flowers, the family requests you tell your favorite pair of shoes how much you love them.  I bid thee farewell; Faithful companion of mine - Alligator Heel

Have a great evening.

Back in the Day . . . Old School Beauty

As a little girl growing up in Texas with every weekend spent in Louisiana, it was wonderful being part of such a strong family.  It made for great family dinners, family drama and family bonding.  As MTV celebrates it's 25th birthday today and InStyle featuring the classics, I thought I would put out a post on what are your top 5 old school beauty items.  They can be anything to your favorite lip gloss, perfume, shampoo or bubble bath. 

1. Dr. Pepper lip balm from Bonne Bell.  When I couldn't wear real makeup, Bonne and I bonded at Rice grocery stores and Rexall drugs. This was my very first lip gloss.
2. Love's BabySoft Perfume.  I still love this.  Walgreens in Houston used to carry it and now I can't find it because it definitely reminds me of my childhood.  I would take a bath every night, put on my Love's Baby Soft perfume and get in bed to read.  Sometimes it was the Hardy Boys lulling me to sleep, other times it was the Judy Blume books that I weren't yet supposed to read or Ramona by Beverly Cleary.  As I aged it was those Sweet Valley High girls taking me away.  At 13, it was the Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison.
3. Chantilly Lace Perfumed Powder.  What woman doesn't love a bath powder.  Isn't this the best thing about patting that scented powder and feeling like a "big girl."
4. Johnson's Baby Oil.  I am still a fan and use this pretty much everyday before I put on lotion.  It still works and makes your skin soft as a baby. They now make the gel which I really love too.
5. Cherries in the Snow nail polish by Revlon.  When I was able to wear "red" nail polish, my mother let me use the color that I painted my grandmother's nails.  I still feel nostalgic when I buy this color.  It's still gorgeous and beautiful as it was years ago.

Let me know in the comments what your top "old school" beauty products are.  I would love to post the responses. As always have a great and pretty day.