CC Creams: What's Next, DD Creams?

Just when I thought I was all hip for knowing what BB Creams were, here come the CC creams; CC meaning "color and care" or "color and correct".

Like your BB Cream, but want something with better coverage with anti-aging and diminished discoloration benefits? CC Creams are your best bet. It's BB Cream for grown ups. I'm pretty excited because I'm getting up there in age. The only thing that's helping me look younger lately is my lack of height and some hair color.

There are quite a few CC Creams out on the Asian market already; even Chanel has jumped on the CC bandwagon! For those of us who do not travel to Asia from the USA Chanel's CC Cream is going for about $75 USD a pop on EBay. I'm not that curious (or rich).

Luckily, Olay Total Effects CC Tone Correcting Moisturizer hits the U.S. market this month and retails for about $25 USD.

Have you tried CC Creams yet?

False Lash Bummer!

I had such high hopes for Too Faced's Better Than False Lashes Lash Extension System! I am so disappointed that it did not work out the way I thought it would.

I don't have super wimpy lashes, they're there, but they're not exceptional by any means. I don't need false lashes on a daily basis, but I will break them out for special occasions. If I'm just going to work, I do not need false lashes; a little bit of mascara is plenty. Besides, I work with a bunch of guys who
 (1) are mostly retired military and don't normally have contact with women outside their own home (except me)
(2) have seen me without makeup anyway, and
(3) have no idea how to approach any subject relating to women  they are not related to in some way.

When I show up at work without makeup, most of the guys I work with will tell me that I look "tired". They also tell me when I need to get my roots done or when I need to wax my upper lip because they think they're being helpful/funny.

Anyway, the lashes...even though I don't NEED them per se, I thought it would be neat to have ridiculous lashes without expensive lash extensions, Latisse, or the old fashioned glue-on method, so when Better Than False Lashes arrived at the Marine Corps Exchange, I figured this was my chance to try it out at a discount.

So what went wrong with this coveted three step lash enhancement system? A few things.

First of all, the "activating mascara", which is both step one and three of the system is very sticky; an absolutely fine quality to have if you don't blink from the time you apply the mascara, until the time you remove it. Unlikely.

Step two is to brush on a coat of Flexistretch™ Nylon Fibers to built up the lashes. Again, all fine and good until the fibers that don't stick to your lashes get everywhere; in your eyes, in your bangs, and God help you if you're wearing lip gloss. It's like a very small pillow fight took place on your face.

What I expected my eye makeup to look like (RuPaul)

Then you finish by applying another coat of the sticky mascara and voila! Falsies! I stepped back from the mirror expecting high RuPaul-like drama. Meh, not so much.

What my eye makeup actually looked like (Amy Winehouse, may she R.I.P.)

In fact, it was less impressive than my usual Lancome Hypnose Drama. Then I blinked and my upper and lower lashes stuck together, effectively gluing my left eye shut. What the?!?! I pried my eyelids apart, losing a few lashes in the process and reread the directions because surely, I thought, I'd done something wrong. There was no drag queen drama and my sticky upper and lower lashes had made my eyes into a potential Venus Flytrap. I scanned the directions again, but it looked like I had done everything right, so I just kept it on and went to work. This was a mistake.

The entire day I fought flakes of the fibers falling into my eyes and my eyelashes still sticking together at random and inopportune moments. Remember how I said I work with a lot of overly honest older gentlemen? My entire day was filled with concerned questions and remarks about eye irritation, my lashes being stuck together, questions about whether I'd gotten beaten up after a giant smudge appeared under one eye, nylon fiber "fuzz", nylon fiber "bugs", and to top it off, the ever popular "You look like a raccoon." and "Why are you crying? Something I said again? Is it because of your mustache?".

I removed what was left as soon as I got home. I read some reviews on Beautylish and I agree that It's difficult to remove because it almost breaks off into little pieces. I returned it yesterday and I've showered twice since my last Better Than False Lashes attempt and I'm still finding little nylon fiber "bugs" on things today. In fact, the only 5 star review of the product on Beautylish was titled "Can't Wait To Try It!" or something along those lines.

There were a few mentions of another product from Hard Candy Cosmetics called 1000 Lashes which sells for $6 USD at Walmart. From the reviews, it looks like a very similar product at a much lower price point, except that you just get the nylon fibers and buy your choice of mascara separately. I'd try it if I could stomach our local Walmart.

For now, I'll just stick with the old fashioned method if I need some high drama drag queen lashes and glue them on.

Me, wearing my lashes (I bought them, so they're mine).

Take it off!!! How to Remove All Your Makeup and Still Keep Your Eyelashes

Readers and Lazy People Rejoice! I'm going to teach you how to take off all your makeup faster than using any of those wipes that promise you can take off your waterproof mascara and still keep your eyelashes attached. I have tried it all, even since I've "discovered" this method. NOTHING works better!

This will require an initial investment of a bank breaking $15 USD. You will need the following:

1 jar of Albolene (about $10 USD) Trust me on this one, grease is the word. Not every drugstore has it; if you have a Rite Aid nearby chances are you can find it there. If not, there's always online: Click here to buy Albolene online 
One jar should last a normal, once a day makeup removal type person about 6 months.

The queen of makeup removers!

 
Cheap Washcloths ($3 USD for 8 at Target) Feel free to use some washcloths that are basically ready for the washcloth graveyard. Whatever washcloth you use, make sure it's not one you particularly fancy.

Your Washcloths: The Before Photo

A Hairband ($2 USD)  Again, one you're not attached to is best.

A Clean Sink (hopefully free, of course this depends on your housekeeping skills and whether you are removing your makeup before or after you get toothpaste spiddle all over the sink) Protip: minty fresh toothpaste is great on gums but stings on eyeballs. Avoid it. Wash your face first.

Warm Water (pay your water bill)

Here's how to do it:

Pull your hair back, and throw a washcloth in the sink under the hot tap for a few seconds. Turn off the water after a few seconds and let the washcloth sit and cool slightly.

Emulsify a quarter-sized dollop of Albolene between your hands (Albolene has the consistency of gelatin in the jar, but liquifies with the heat of your body making it an excellent option for travel). Smooth over face and eyes using a windshield wiper motion over your lashes. This should create a very unattractive, Joker-like appearance, so try and make sure you're alone for this step as to not frighten significant others or small children.

You: mid-makeup removal

Now, take that warm, wet washcloth and fan it out a bit so you don't burn your face. Press it against your face to emulsify the Albolene and makeup mix a bit further. With minimum pulling, you should be able to gently wipe off the rest of your makeup. This takes it ALL off...even eyelash glue can't escape it!

This is what your washcloth should look like after makeup removal and before being tossed in the washer:

Why you shouldn't use washcloths you care about

If you have dry skin or at an age where you have to worry about fine lines, wrinkles, or "the scalies", you can probably go to bed now without feeling the least bit greasy or tight. In fact, it should leave you rather clean and comfy! Total time at sink should add up to about 30 seconds.

If you're a bit younger or VERY oily, you may want to go a bit further and wash with your normal cleanser; maybe even break out the Clairisonic.

Now brush your teeth and go to bed. Sweet dreams!