Monday

I know it's hair appointment day when my hair looks like a flat boring mess when straight and tres Medusa when curly. Good to know I get to go tonight for a trim and color touchup. I plan to do something different, though not sure what. Think I want to go darker for the colder weather. I am jonesing to wear darker lipcolors and play up my pale skin and I think a darker brown will compliment that.

Black merino crewneck from Banana Republic. Black and ivory print heavy knit skirt from Rachel Palley. Red pointy-toed pumps from Steven. Silver cuff and large hoops.

hair was washed and moussed up with the Suave Professionals Healthy Curls products. Dried with diffuser, a few pieces curled with iron, then held in place with Sebastian Shaper hairspray.

Makeup is the new L'Oreal Bare Naturale powder mineral foundation. I went to my local grocery to pick up a replacement bottle of True Match foundation, and was lured by this stuff. People on message boards I subscribe to have been raving about it, saying it is better than Bare Escentuals. I started getting a bit of a reaction from BE and felt it looked a bit white and ashy on my skin, so I was willing to try an alternative. I bought Nude Beige, the packaging made it look as though it was a close match to True Match's C3, the color I wear.

I LIKE it! Like BE, it lasts a long time, but unlike BE, it doesn't itch, and it doesn't look powdery and ashy. My skin gets terribly dry as soon as the leaves begin to change, and I especially get dry, itchy and red around my nose. BE made that even worse, but I was able to wear Bare Naturale without any excess itching or drying. I think the color is a good match for my skin too. I layered with a powder blush and powder shadows and it didn't get too powdery or cakey looking. I too have become a convert, though I believe I will switch it up with True Match on occasion. True Match is a more natural look, while Bare naturale is a more “finished” look on me, good for work and dates, but not soccer games and grocery runs.

Anyhoo, the Bare Naturale, Body Shop stick concealer, NARS Orgasm blush. On eyes is a gray shadow from the Body Shop, a bit of slate pencil from Body Shop, and a faint line of Maybelline's Ultra Liner in black on the top lash line. And of course L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black. On lips is The Body Shop's Lip and Cheek Stain and then a bit of Sally Hansen's Diamond Lipcolor in Champagne Toast.