Anybody else notice Bobbi Brown has been hiking her prices every 6 months for at least the last three years? That greedy gouging is chapping my ass and has me on the hunt for alternatives. Having enjoyed TheBalm’s Bahama Mama bronzer, I took a risk and tried their tinted moisterizer BalmShelter. 
This product has a thicker, more luxurious consistency than most tinted moisterizers. The rich cream provides above average coverage within its category. BalmShelter creates a plump and smooth surface for layering other products and doesn’t encourage migration. With broad spectrum SPF 18 and a $25 price tag for a generous 2.25 oz, it is a competitive alternative to Bobbi Brown’s tinted moisterizers (1.69 oz for $40!). The main drawback? Color selection. BalmShelter needs a variety of inclusive shades to lure more ladies and gents their way.
You bitches know I love a good stick foundation. Usually, I’m loyal to Bobbi Brown without deviation, but an online coupon deal lured me to try Kevyn Aucoin’s The Radiant Reflection Solid Foundation. I’m a fan of Aucoin’s Sensual Skin Enhancer for its intense coverage, so I looked forward to seeing what this brand could do in a convenient stick format. 
Amber, 
Linda,
Christy, 
Yasmeen, 
Beverly.
The limited range makes finding the right shade challenging. 
Ultimately, the formula fails for lack of creaminess and blendability. It applies with a cooling sensation, but then hovers on the skin without ever really sinking in to vanishing perfection. This product takes work to look natural, and life is filled with enough work. Back to Bobbi Brown, $4 savings per stick and foundation that melts into the skin providing flawless unspookable coverage.
After a month of faithful use, my affection for the Clarisonic Mia has only grown. It is worth a spot on your Kwanzaa/Chanukah/X-mas list this year, especially if you have been struggling with skin flare-ups this fall.
Different brands offer different brushes. I can’t speak to the efficacy of any other model than the Mia. As far as it is concerned, the device feels substantial and well built. The charging mechanism is space conscious and travel friendly. As for Clarisonic’s claim that regular use of the Mia improves the absorption of skin care products? Without any empirical proof, I concur. 
In this week’s quest for clearer skin, I bring you iS Clinical Active Serum, a product that – GASP and clutch your anus – actually delivers results. 
Made of extracts of sugar cane (glycolic), bilberry (lactic), willow bark (salicylic) , and mushroom (kojic) with a kick of menthol for tingle, not sure exactly what it is about this serum, but I saw dramatic improvements in skin texture after a few uses. It reduces inflammation, fades healing spots, and brightens overall. The cooling effect makes me a little nostalgic for Sea Breeze. 
Three weeks into the Clarisonic experiment, I can really see the difference in my skin. The Mia is truly justifying the investment. My troublesome skin is beginning to clear when nothing else seemed to help. I credit this device.
Regarding my skeeves, Annie recommended spritzing alcohol on the brush head to freshen it. For more major cleanings, the brush head should be removed and left to dry. 
Don’t forget to spend some time along the neck and hairline; these often neglected areas need attention. You can even give the ears a once around. 
After struggling with persistent skin issues recently, a trustworthy and glowy-faced friend recommended the Clarisonic face brush. Having owned the “Classic” and “Mia,” she recommended the less expensive and more portable Mia, arguing the expanded features of the Classic cannot justify the added cost.
A week ago, I received my very own Mia. Clarisonic claims the vibrating and rotating brush removes six times more makeup than traditional cleansing. I concur with this claim; my face passes the white towel test after using the Clarisonic. Without question, skin is cleaner and makeup is thoroughly and gently eradicated. The mild humming exfoliation feels like a mini facial massage. The brush works with virtually any cleanser and the waterproof design makes it shower-friendly.
After the first few uses, smoother skin emerges and texture noticeably improves. Makeup glides on skin. Breakouts have improved, but this isn’t a magic machine.
Consider the following drawbacks. The initial investment is around $120. The replacement heads are pricey (2/$40). And who needs another gadget that requires an outlet to charge? It is easy to over do it and cause irritation. Twice a day might be too much for some, even with the sensitive brush.
Try these Luna Protein Bars yet? Introduced in 2010, I prefer these to the original Luna Bars. 
Luna Protein Bars have a rounder shape and are covered in chocolatey goodness. The texture and mouth feel are addictive. These could become a habit-forming problem. In addition to a respectable amount of calcium, folate, and other minerals, gain a whopping 7 grams of protein and save 70 calories and 2 grams of fat over a similarly sized Snickers bar. 
This week I had the pleasure of visiting two of my very favorite people in one of the world’s most enjoyable cities for the Portishead show. No, we did not stumble into a portal which transported us back to 1994. Before we arrived, one of the crew asked what the crowd would be like. “Old,” I replied. Lest we forget that 1994 was 17 unforgiving years ago.
Truthfully, I haven’t listened to much of Third, Portishead’s most recent record from oh-eight. During a certain moment in time, however, I wore Dummy out. In the mid-nineties, ubiquitous Dummy was in everyone’s collection, at least in my drugged-up slutty circles. Is there anything druggier or sluttier than Portishead? Sour Times for Good Times.
Turns out, Portishead live is a deeply conflicting experience. Apart from some short-lived glitchy sound issues, the selections from Dummy were sublime. In particular, Wandering Star was a well-executed highlight. 
With regret I must confess I did not connect to their newer more “experimental” offerings. At their worst, Portishead sounded like the off-key bastard child of Sonic Youth and Evanescence. It was two songs worth of misery interrupted by an old familiar fave followed by more loud pain. The contrast was jarring. The crowd was especially limp and unresponsive to the less familiar material as is usually the case, but in this instance magnified. One review described the audience as “rapt,” which really wasn’t an accurate reading of my area of the room. Curious about the set list? Silence, Hunter, Mysterons, The Rip, Sour Times, Magic Doors, Wandering Star, Machine Gun, Over, Glory Box, Chase the Tear, Cowboys, Threads, with an encore: Roads, We Carry On.
During Glory Box my friend leaned forward and yelled in my ear, “Oh yeah, this is that song from The Craft. I totally feel like I’m being sexually assaulted in the woods by Skeet Ulrich.” And that pretty much sums up the experience.
As some of you know, I’ve been stuck on the buckle of the Bible belt for much of the summer on account of some personal tragedy. It hasn’t been easy or fun, but one special lady certainly brought a little sunshine to some very cloudy days. 
The very talented Joyce Bunch owns a reputable salon in Morristown, Tennessee called LaBoe. Picture Dolly Parton from Steel Magnolias and you are almost there. Kind-hearted with a gentle touch, Joyce breaks out some cutting edge treatments in this little town. For example, have you ever had a cold saline jet peel? Very enjoyable. 
Now most of you might count your lucky stars that Morristown, Tennessee isn’t on the travel itinerary for this year. However, you too can enjoy a little LaBoe goodness. She produces a top-notch and reasonably priced beauty line. Check out www.laboesalon.com for an excellent array of potent products. Free from fragrance and artificial color, Joyce keeps it real and focuses on results-oriented skincare. I’d put her glycolic face cream up against any prestige brand. The LaBoe skincare line comes in generously sized containers that make you feel like you are getting two for one. 
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