Review: Philosophy Pink Almond Candy Lip Balm

Philosophy Pink Almond Candy Lip Balm
$15

I have long been a devotee of Smith's Rosebud Salve, it is often the last thing to touch my lips at night, since I'm a bit of a night owl.  It's always done a fine job of keeping my lips soft and my cuticles well groomed.  There is something charming about the fact that it has been around for well over 100 years, no doubt doing the same for countless women, the world over.

It was one of those products that I would never consciously  seek to replace, having attaining Holy Grail status long ago.

I often think I need horse blinders when I check out at Sephora, to keep me from doing any further damage than what's already in my bulging basket. I can't say I blame the marketing guru's at Sephora, really.  It is their job to lead us to temptation.  No better place to display impulse purchases, than the oft crowded check out queue, which they line with miniatures, gift sets and products to be had for under $20.

Truth be told, that's how I discovered Smith's Rosebud Salve in the first place...

Review: Neova Cu3 Intensive Lip Repair

Neova Cu3 Intensive Lip Repair
$22

I'm always amazed when I actually run out of anything, but lately, it's been happening a lot.

The last thing I do before I turn off the T.V. and go to sleep is apply lip balm.

I have been a long time fan of Smith's Rosebud Salve a storied product, with nice pedigree.  It's also perfectly priced at about $7.  I never thought it would be possible to reach the bottom of a tin, but I'm here to tell you, it is doable.

Just as I was starting to scrape the bottom, I got a  reach out to see if I would be interested in sampling Neova Cu3 Intensive Lip Repair.

The Magic of Margo...and Mousse

When I look under my sink at the dozens of hair products that reside there, they fall distinctly into two camps:  Volumizers that build overall body and add lift to the roots and  Straighteners that tame frizz and add shine.   Therein lies the crux of my problem; I like volume but don't want to look dated.  I want shine but feel ridiculous with pin straight flat hair.  When I have my hair blown out professionally, inevitably that's what I end up with...that is of course, until I had a blow out for an event with Margo Levitin, Senior Stylist at Warren Tricomi, Greenwich, who understands that every now and then a Girl wants Housewife Hair, God help us.  This was an experience, requiring 4 hands, 5 round brushes (the size of turkey legs), a can of mousse and Margo's firm instructions.  It is no wonder that so many assistants have graduated to full time, successful stylists under Margo's bootcamp tutelage.  She is simply the best.  As requested, Helmet Hair with a Texas T.  Thanks Margo for letting me have my way, your way.  It was a blast!!!

It's been a looooong time since anyone used mousse in my hair. Could I recreate any of Margo's magic at home?  I can't deny that I did like the volume it provides, but not the tacky dullness.  I took a really good look under that sink, and saw an unused can of TRESemme Climate Control Mousse,  that I had picked up at the TRESemme booth they sponsor during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  TRESemme's philosophy is to provide women with "Professional, Affordable" hair care...makes sense to me.  Infused with keratin and olive oil, could the breakthrough product I have been dreaming about been living right under my nose???

Getting to Know DivaDebbi

Oh goodie...it's my turn!!!  Each week we have been sharing a little Q & A, so you could get to know more about our Blogger group.  I think it will be fun for those who know me to read and for those who don't, a more personal glimpse into my life.  Good timing,  since it is going to take a day or two for me to give you my fashion report card on the Golden Globes Green Red Carpet...(what's up with all those Lil Green Sprout gowns anyway)???