Month: May 2018

Gotta Watch! Some of us got teary-eyed getting to be a part of this!

By Mary Thompson –

Ever wonder how to get a royal makeup from the comfort of your own home?

Kate Middleton won the world hearts through her polished sophisticated good looks which enunciate beauty with a lot of class. The ability to be gorgeous without coming across as a sex symbol is a quality you just to come across so often these days.

Who knew looking royally gorgeous doesn’t mean breaking the bank?

What most will find hard to believe is that achieving Kate’s flawless looks may be right within reach. Not only are these products available over the counter, but their prices are hardly akin to cost an arm and leg either.

Cosmetics enhancing natural beauty are the perfect tools to start with

As with most masterpieces, a canvas void of any blemishes is the perfect place to start. Most foundations, tinted moisturizers and concealers may not pack a lot of bling. But, finding the perfect product and shade is all you need to achieve Kate’s stunning look.

Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15 The best thing about this product is unlike most foundations claiming to provide full coverage is that you’ll get airbrushed results without the heavy, cakey or artificial feel. Long story short your face won’t feel as if it’s slowly melting off throughout the day.

The price tag may not seem budget friendly, but considering the quality of the ingredients, it’s worth every penny. This product is guaranteed not to disappoint, and with 30 shades to choose from, there’s bound to be a perfect match for everyone. Ideal for those with normal, oily or dry skin the chances of any negative reactions are slim to none. However, for those with extra sensitive skin, it may be a good idea to apply to the small area in order to prevent adverse reactions.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 This is another one of Kate’s products which deliver that runway walk almost effortlessly. Sometimes full coverage isn’t necessary and just enough to achieve a glowing look is all that’s needed. You’ll look gorgeous while at the same time not completely over the top.

Finding a shade to suit anyone isn’t that hard to do since there are 15 colours to choose from. The light non-greasy feel of this product is sure to keep skin hydrated without weighing it down and clogging up pores. Plus, with the addition of vitamin C, it’s actually good for you. Just when it couldn’t get any better it’s safe to use on even the most sensitive of skin types.

Looks like you don’t have to have an airbrushed look to meet royal standards.

Now for a splash of colour which will enhance beauty as opposed to heavily covering it up

Glossier Haloscope, Quartz To spice up your foundation or tinted moisturizer this tool is a total must-have. Think of it as a highlighter to enhance the contours of your face by adding a bit of shine and colour, while at the same time not appear to be too overbearing.

There are three different shades to choose from, and because the colours are so sheer the small selection isn’t a bad thing. It’ll just add some touches of sparkle to your face as opposed to an extraordinary amount of colour.

NARS Matte Multiple There’s nothing worse than taking the time to find just the right shade of blush only to end up with a powdery mess. It’ll be blown away by even the slightest gust of wind and when the blush is still on your face, well is there anyone who can really say they find puffs powder attractive?

This product is the perfect way to steer clear of those beauty emergency mishaps. Its sheer light texture will give matte finish without the heavy feeling of a heavy painted on application. Each of the four different shades which can range from soft pinks to more striking reddish colours is safe to use on lips and cheeks.

What better way to get Kate’s look than to use her favourite products as well?

So why not give these products a try? Their prices may not be economically priced, but they’re not too steep either to be inconceivable. The results may just pleasantly surprise you.

Mary Thompson

Looks like the only source of wonder coming out of the Disney vaults are refurbished versions of their classic animated movies

To say that Disney is no longer producing new motion pictures would be a lie after all one can’t ignore the production of films such as Moana. Nevertheless, anyone who’s grown up fascinated by Mickey and all of Disney’s characters, knows all too well that the classic tales such as Cinderella and Snow White just to name a few have managed to remain beloved in the hearts of millions of fan’s throughout the world.

Somehow, despite the decades since their creation they’ve managed to not only keep fans but continually gain them as well

Through an outside point of view, anyone would think that if Disney has made these masterpieces before they most certainly could do them again. However, unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case. The imagination is gone and with that originality.

It’s no secret that most Disney stories are based on other fairy tales. However, with the addition of songs, additional characters and other bits and pieces here and there. These tales have become uniquely Disney. These adaptations have completely encompassed the stories that their adaptations have at times been accepted by some as being the original versions of the fairytales they portray.

Tweaks of characters, songs and quotable lines were able to attract a whole new generation of audiences.

Too much of a good thing is just turns out to be anything, but a magical masterpiece

For the past few years, Disney original features seem to be taken over by remakes of films that are already perfect. This trend of animations come to life are far from over. In fact from 2018-2020 and beyond since these announcements are just that.

There’s got to be a bit more pizazz to be considered a brand new timeless classic

I along with others who grew up watching Disney’s feature films have rather high expectations when remakes of these beloved tales are announced. However, something seems amiss since if we’re going by the descriptions of the announcements. The only thing that audiences can look forward to is that films will no longer be cartoons.

On the contrary the people will be real, animals talk and the magical scenery will come to life. In other words, every bit of Disney’s classic tales will be in the flesh. The creators who were long sought out to recreate these beloved stories admittingly state that most of their films are going to adhere strictly to the original.

Otherwise, knowns as nothing special at all. After all how hard is it to imagine what animations would look like in the real world?

Weren’t fairytales meant to be light-hearted and uncomplicated?

To be fair not all of these remakes are so predictable. But, what if the differences in the plot and characters were all for the wrong reasons? After all, the main reason why Disney’s timeless animated films are beloved is that of the magic and wonder they bring into their audience’s lives?

Apparently, the creators of these new twists on movies so many of us have grown up with didn’t get the memo.  For instance, clever back stories that at times can do more harm than good.

If it’s not broke don’t fix it

Why alter perceptions of villains or give audiences a look at what happened after happily ever after?

Faith, hope and pixie dust?

It’s going to take a lot more than that to get the Walt Disney Corporation back up to par with enchanting audiences with magical lands they’ve never seen before.

Maybe we should cut Disney some slack after all it does promise to make dreams come true? What better dream come true than to enchant generations of audiences once again?

Well, I guess it could happen. When profits drop and more films go straight to DVD or the latest Netflix hit the creators at Disney could finally see the light.

We can only hope since, who wants to go to the movies and gaze at scenes whose underlying theme is “predictable?”

All good things come to an end. Could this harsh reality apply to Disney films as well?

When all the movies are remade, remastered and given clever back stories, well let’s just say the Disney well may start to run dry. A scary thought isn’t it?

Mary Thompson

Gifts for Mum on Her Special Day

Shouldn’t the most important day be finding something special for that special woman in all our lives?

There’s no longer a need to get stuck in the Mother’s Day rush forcing so many of us to resort to greeting cards and boxes of candy. Why not give mum something she really wants? Now because of the world’s leader in beauty, Sephora you can.

Some of these presents may be more economical in price, after all, it’s the thought that counts. Others are going to cost a bit more since let’s face it she’s worth it. For shoppers who can afford to spend a bit more why not?

Gifts under $25 they may not cost that much, but they’re sure to put a smile on mum’s face

Kiel’s Since 1851 Ultimate Strength Hand Salve ($23.00) https://www.sephora.com/product/ultimate-strength-hand-salve-P422640?icid2=:p422640:product: Who knew mum could get so much joy out of a tube of hand cream. After all, she does day in and out a small amount of this high quality rich yet non-greasy product will thoroughly soften her hands without a heavy caky feel.

At first glance the price may seem a bit steep for a tube of hand cream, however, after taking a deeper glance into its capabilities and ingredients it’s worth every penny. Avocado oil with a boost of vitamins A, D and E for an ounce of potassium. Not to mention a good amount of sesame oil is sure to soften even the driest hands.

After everything mum does, she sure deserves it.

For those of us who choose to spend a bit more why not give these goodies under $50 a try?

AMIKA Polished Perfection Mini Straightening Brush ($35.00) https://www.sephora.com/product/polished-perfection-mini-straightening-brush-P423905?icid2=:p423905:product: Mums go on holiday too with that being said doesn’t she deserve to look her best even away from home? At first glance, most customers may be under the assumption that high-quality styling tools at Sephora a bound to cost a bundle. Nevertheless, isn’t it a pleasant surprise that not only will this brush leave her locks straight, frizz free and full of shine, but for a fraction of the price.

The money-saving affects this little product just keeps getting better. Mum will forget about paying high fees to check bags. Why? Simple this product is absolutely aeroplane approved.

So, why not bring a smile to mum’s face by giving this beauty must-have gem.

Laura Mercier Set & Glow Mini Set ($45.00) https://www.sephora.com/product/set-glow-travel-trio-P430302?icid2=:p430302:product: This is another product perfect for mums on the go. Wouldn’t boring foundations and concealers do a better job at enunciating mums gorgeous features by giving them a little bit of bling?

Just a touch of these practically weightless shimmering powders will turn any mum’s makeup from drab to fab in a matter of seconds.

Every kit comes with:

•    Translucent Loose Setting Powder in Translucent
•    Secret Brightening Powder for Under Eyes
•    Mineral Illuminating Powder in Candlelight
•    Mini Velour Puff

Best of all these products are completely free of sulfates and phthalates as well being completely aeroplane approved.

For those who can afford to spend a bit more, treats ranging from $75 or a bit more are sure to put a smile on mum’s face

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II ($98.00) https://www.sephora.com/product/advanced-night-repair-synchronized-recovery-complex-ii-P379994?icid2=:p379994:product: There’s a reason why this product is so popular despite the high price, it works. It’s well known that mums get more beautiful with time. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean mum can’t turn back time at least when wrinkles and other forms of ageing are concerned.

Now extraordinary results are possible without costly surgery. Wouldn’t it be great for mum to achieve true anti-ageing effectiveness without the risks? After all how easy is it to apply a few drops of this serum before bedtime?

Don’t skimp on mum’s favourites

Without a doubt, mum will love anything you give her. But, why not give some of these products a try and give her something she wants too. 

If nothing strikes your fancy there’s always a gift card that’s sure to please anyone.

Mary Thompson