I caught up with my daughter, Caitlin, right before she whisked my grandsons (her nephews) off for a visit to Great Wolf Lodge. The trip is a Christmas gift to the nephews from Caitlin and my other daughter, Holly. Â They’ve just now synced their schedules so that everyone is off work at the same time. Â Isn’t it nice to get a Christmas gift in March?
If you’re new to the blog (welcome!!) I’d like to introduce you to my youngest daughter, Caitlin. Â She’s the only offspring who hasn’t flown the nest . . . yet. Â She’s also a certified makeup artist, who once airbrushed my foundation for a special event. My skin had never looked more lovely . . . and she hasn’t done it since. Â She’s into all things makeup, skincare and photography. At the beginning of every month we share our favorites from the previous month. Â Most of her faves are makeup related.
February flew by!  Time flies when your car is in the shop for three weeks getting a new motor and you’re stuck with a rental. 😀
I guess that would be my top fave of the month – finally finding and fixing the source of my constant oil leak. Anyway, let’s talk about some FUN faves.
1. Instagram.Â
I had Insta (as the kids call it) once before and I never really got into it. I just didn’t get it. Well, now I get it and I’m obsessed. If you’re really into pictures, it’s the social networking site for you. I pretty much follow fitness, food, makeup and coffee accounts…because I like looking at those things. 😀
You can follow me @ https://instagram.com/caitiealli
2. Blackberries.Â
I’m loving blackberries on everything.  They’re mixed into my Vanilla Nonfat Greek Yogurt, on my Vans Waffles with cinnamon, in my oatmeal…I love them! Just in case you need more reasons to eat blackberries, here’s a couple health facts:
- 1 cup has 7.6 grams of fiber.
- It’s believed that the polyphenols contained in blackberries improve motor and cognitive skills.
3. MMM Melting Marshmallow Moment & Dreamtime Bath Melts by Lush.Â
After using a bath melt for the first time, I realized that it relaxes you to almost the point of unconsciousness whilst still lying in your tub. In a good way! I mean, I wouldn’t hold a baby or an electronic when using these. I wish I had one for every night of the year. I also wish I had time to take a bath every night of the year. I’m saving my huge Love Locket Bath Bomb for next month…can’t wait!  You can find them here!
One Last thing –  I’m really sorry for not delivering on the eye cream review I intended to include this month. The aforementioned motor wrecked my plans. I even had an awesome friend share an article with me listing eye creams the Allure Editors can’t live without. If any of you have suggestions, please let me know in the comments!
 The Best Foundation Ever
The tables have turned. Â Looks like I’m sharing the makeup faves this time.
1. Â Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme
I’ve been searching for the perfect foundation for my mature skin and I finally found it. Â I’m not 25 any more and I can’t get by with a BB cream unless it’s summertime and I have a nice little glow from the sun. Â Yes, I slather sunscreen constantly. Â Yes, I still get a little sun. I’m at a point in my life when I need more coverage.
Becca is pricier than drugstore brands, but a little goes a long way. Â Caitlin gave me Becca as a Christmas gift and I’ve got plenty left. Â It’s creamy and blends well with a beauty blender or a foundation brush. Â If you need more coverage, this is the one for you.
2. Â Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer
My eyelids are not what they used to be. Â Do you know any good deals on a mini eye lift? Â It seems that baby crocodiles have taken up residence above my eyes. Â Not full grown ones, mind you, just tiny ones.
Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer helps smooth out the eyelids so that eye shadow glides on effortlessly.
This product was created by Celebrity Makeup artist Carol Shaw to be used behind the scenes in photo shoots and on the red carpet. Â It’s gentle, lightweight, oil and paraben free.
3. Â Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
I admit that I didn’t use setting spray until a few months ago and now I wonder how I ever lived without it. Â I don’t ever wear makeup at home, but when I’m going out, this setting spray really does work to keep my makeup looking just-applied for up to 16 hours. Â I need all the help I can get to stay dewy, fresh and younger looking.
After applying makeup, shake the setting spray and hold the bottle 8″ to 10″ away from your face and mist 3-4 times in a X and T formation.  Keep eyes firmly shut during the process (trust me). Caitlin says I look crazy/ funny when I’m doing this.  Maybe I should do a youtube video. 🙂
Helpful Hint: Â A few days ago I accidentally missed my eyelashes and got mascara all over my freshly applied eye shadow. Â Caitlin taught me to let it dry and then take a clean spooley brush and brush it lightly. Â It came right off. Â Yes!
I had no idea what a spooley brush was. It’s an eyebrow shaping tool that looks like a mascara wand (minus the mascara) with a tapered head and soft bristles.
Did you have any February favorites? Â Do share!
