plumicity

let's do it again

as we close out 2009, i want to go the way of a few beauty bloggers i've come across. over the year, i've had a chance to try a few things. some products are collecting dust while others are in heavy rotation. here's a list of products i liked this year and found myself habitually using. i'll probably buy all of these again. i've done a review of most of these but if you want to know more about any of the items listed, feel free to contact me.

FACE

wash- cetaphil daily facial cleanser

foundation- mac studio fix fluid SPF15 NC50

powder- mineralize skinfinish dark

shine control- mac blot powder

primer- smashbox photofinish light

exfoliator- mac volcanic ash exfoliator

makeup remover- mac cleanse off oil

EYES

mascara- maybelline colossal lash

brow grooming kit- ecotools

shadow- mac

liner- MUFE pencils/ maybelline liquid liner/ mac fluidline

makeup remover- still searching...lancome bi-facil is kinda nice

BODY

lotion- jergens natural glow firming (for summer)/ vaseline clinical therapy (for winter)

shave gel- skintimate strawberry tangerine twist with olive butter and vitamin E

antiperspirant- clinique deodorant

after workout body wash- dr bronner's liquid soap

soap- dove white bar

MULTI-USE

pigment- mac

natural products- aloe vera juice and gel, rose water, glycerin

HAIR

heat protector- tresemme thermal creations heat tamer spray

moisturizer- silk elements silken child moisturizing creme

scalp care- roots of nature shea butter green tea stimulating scalp oil

leave-in- optimum care tangle defense

protein treatment- aphogee 2-min reconstructor

moisturizing conditioner- neutrogena triple moisture deep recovery mask

clarifying shampoo- V05

MANI/PEDI

polish- OPI

top coal- OPI

nail art- art deco nail art lacquer

foot care- pedegg

moisturizer- cetaphil

mattifying top coat- china glaze matte magic

...of the month

the makeup product of the month is: lancome virtuose mascara in royal gold

idk y the swatch is like that b/c it looks blue w/ gold sparkle

i won this from the lancome blog and im so glad i did. this blue mascara with gold flecks is the bit of flare i needed. it's a change from regular black but it's not super dramatic. i don't mind it b/c i dont think anyone else notices but i like it. it's something for me and it's not as overpowering as thick black mascara can be when you do a blue look on the eyes. sometimes, i dont want bare lashes but i also dont want my lashes so dark it turns my look into an evening look when im just going to school or internship. the formula isnt flakey on my lashes and doesnt coat too thick. my lashes feel soft to the touch but there is added length and if you look closely, there is a little sparkle. this product is on the "beauty bye-bye" section of the lancome website so try to grab one before theyre all gone. i encourage you not to shy away from colored mascara.

peek in my closet: weekend shopping

mossimo black faux leather moto jacket from target

blouse from tjmaxx

black skinny jeans from ny&co.

arizona mid-calf faux suede boots from jcpenney

black h&m beret

product review

do i need counseling?

*do not link this post to any of my professors*

honestly, not everyone will benefit from counseling. for me to say everyone could use counseling is like sayin everyone could use iron pills. i dont even think everyone needs a multivitamin. personally, they make me nauseous no matter what so...yea. you may benefit from counseling if:

• you have a basic, unbiased view of mental health- that is rare because of the history of the medical and mental health field and social stigma associated with mental illness
• you have an issue impairing your daily functioning- performance at school or work dwindling because of x.y, and z, going on with you? go work through that.
• you are willing to to try out a few people to find a good match- you dont have to go with the first name in the phone book. counselors have different strengths and theoretical orientations that must be considered in addition to meeting the criteria of not having a personality clash. everyone with a license isn't a good clinician
• you can understand that the counselor is not some all-knowing guru and that you will have to do some work because you already have the solution- the counselor is just there to facilitate that inner quest and to collaborate with you to resolve your issue. we have some knowledge but we're not GOD. and if you have some life-altering epiphany, we'll be there to ensure a smooth landing.
• you need a space for support and non-judgemental, non-directive listening- some people do not have adequate social support and counselors can fill that void. that's kinda what i am for my client which is lame but it's better than if he killed himself.

as always, i'm willing to answer your questions as best i can about counseling and mental health. remember i'm a student, so i may not know everything but i can point you in the direction to find out more. also, just so you know, this post is what i believe and not necessarily what i've been taught (just in case some GW folks spot this post).

in theaters...

i have to take time to endorse this movie. Precious was great! it almost moved me to tears. i read the novel about 4 years ago and then a while later i was informed they would make it into a movie. i didnt re-read the novel b/c the copy i had was borrowed from a friend and i assumed with the film announcement, libraries would not be able to keep it. if you haven't already, read the book. afterwards, go see the movie. i normally do not like the film versions of books but this one does such a good job that i almost say it doesn't matter what order in which you read and watch. regardless, i still want you to do both. have you read/watched? what were your thoughts?the movie deserves an oscar just for featuring lenny kravitz!