Football and Makeup - There Is a Connection ... Well, At Least For Me!

I must admit that I do have an boyish addiction that appropriately counteracts my beauty addiction and they are currently interfering with one another - FOOTBALL!!!! It's Playoff weekend and I will be GLUED to the television next week when, at this point, it looks like we will be playing the Jets. I don't care who we play because we ARE going to the Super Bowl. And, of course, by we I mean the San Diego Super Chargers!!!! As a diva, however, I fully intend to have a Super Bowl party, with fancy cocktails and matchy-matchy napkins, plates and plenty of blue and gold!

Alas, I do have to report on my recent series of Smashbox purchases, as well as the fact that Cargo is apparently no longer going to be sold in regular Sephora stores (only the JC Penney locations) and, therefore, all products are currently 50% off in store and online. Personally, I love Cargo's powders, so I have been stocking up. In particular, I highly recommend their basic blush (available in both pink and peach) and they have lovely bronzers. In particular, I highly recommend their easy-to-use Cargo Essential Eyeshadow Palette, seen to the right. Ordinarily, $32, you can currently purchase it for only $16 and there are three tones to choose from - warm, cool and dark. Each one is actually very neutral and fabulous for every skin tone. The powder goes on easily and lasts without fading. Also, you really only need this one set for everything, including brows, so it's great for your purse or travel kit as a multi-tasker.

As for Smashbox, I've run into a series of must misses, such as Master's Class Volume 2, which they don't sell anymore and I purchased off of eBay just to test it out. Well, there is probably a reason they don't sell it any more. The bronzer is too thick; the blush and eyeshadow colors are just way, way, WAY too peachy. The eyeliner is way too harsh and doesn't slide well at all (could be the product is too aged), but ... all of that being said, I still recommend the Master Class line because they teach you something about how to put on makeup. The point of this master class was to show you "Special Effects" like highlighting and contouring. The Smashbox brushes are always spectacular and a good reminder that the right brush can make such a difference in your makeup application.

Because Smashbox Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss is so fabulous (long lasting, very smooth and true to the color you see in the bottle), this kit was a good reminder of tips for a sexy pout, which include using a lip brush for better control and contour. Start with your Cargo Reverse Lip Liner (now that it is 50% off, you have no excuse for not owning this dream tool). Then line the outside of your lips with a neutral or berry-color stick, using a taut lip brush. Blend over same and work toward the center of your lip with a neutral or berry-colored gloss. Then finish the inner portion with a quick swipe of light, shimmery or golden gloss to draw attention to and highlight the fullest portion of the lip. Voila - the perfect, sexy pout!

Meanwhile, I also ordered Smashbox Master's Class Beauty Breakthroughs, which includes lab samples of their latest products. You can skip the purchase of this boxed set, but there are some good products that you may want in the future and some bad products that I should protect your wallet from. First off, you know that Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener is a Daily Sample Must Have. This boxed set includes their newest version - Poured Photo Op. Um ... no. Don't mess with a perfect tool! This one is just too shiny and, in my opinion, highlights the wrinkles while trying to conceal the dark spots. Yuck. Also, the cheek stain is way too sticky and does not slide well onto the face at all. My hubby told me I looked like I got slapped ... twice. Again, the best thing for a cheek stain is Smashbox O Glow, so don't mess with that either! The brow wax is too sticky and leaves a lot to be desired. The eyeshadows are waterproof, so they do serve a purpose, but I've never had a problem with my shadow coming off, unless I was swimming, so these didn't go on very well for me - not a good "slide" to the product. On the other hand, the brand new O Gloss Shimmer is a MUST! I never really cared for O Gloss Intuitive Lip Color because it tinted way too pink on me and most gals I know who have tried it, despite the fact that it felt super silky on your lips. This new product is the perfect answer ... just like O Glow (for cheeks), it gives a great stain to your lips based on your natural chemistry. But, it provides a shimmer that makes it look a little more like actual gloss instead of just tint and it is the perfect shade for me. Remember - that is the point of this intuitive color - it should be the perfect shade for you too! Also, the new Lash Detailer Mascara is wonderful. The brush is super small and allows for perfect application to each lash. Also, it lengthens, darkens and provides volume with just a few sweeps. The brush is also angled perfectly so you never have to worry about hitting your skin instead of your lashes. Great product and can't wait for it to be officially introduced!

Okay ladies, the football game is calling and the only thing better than seeing Tom Brady chew grassy dirt is watching BIll Belecheat pace grumpily up and down the sidelines in his stupid winter pom pom hat wondering how his team is down four scores in the first quarter. Ahhhhhh... don't you just love playoff fever?