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(Pic from the MyHabit.com beauty shop launch)

So you’re a beauty blogger going to a beauty conference, show or event, and you’re new to it. How can you best prepare to get out there and further build the brand you’ve created for yourself?

I went to my first event as a blogger in 2010 – it was The Makeup Show in NYC. It was exciting, and quite the learning experience! Before I went, I received the best advice I’ve ever gotten, from fellow (much more established!) beauty blogger Brittany (Clumps of Mascara) – have business cards made up, and bring plenty with you!

Now that I’ve been attending events and shows off and on for a while, there are tips and tricks I’ve picked up that I felt would be valuable to share with those of my fellow beauty bloggers who might be new to attending shows and events.

And yes, business cards – or the popular Moo cards – are a must-have!

I understand if you ask, “Who the heck are you to give you advice on this?!” Well, I’ve been at this blogging thing for 3 and 1/2 years, attended conferences and meetings as a newspaper editor for 7 years before that, and I’ve had some ups and downs. I’m sharing lessons I’ve learned from my own experiences. So I hope you can find them useful if you are in this situation!

Also important to note – this advice is stuff that I know applies to me. Not everyone is me. Consider your personal brand, and how this advice can be adapted for you!

Let’s get started!

Dress For the Impression You Want to Give

So you’re going to a show! What on earth are you going to wear?!

I always stress about this, especially going to events in NYC. Compared with the fashionable women of NYC I feel like a South Jersey country bumpkin. But I manage to pick the cutest top from my wardrobe and do my makeup in a flattering way. I quickly realized that it didn’t matter if my top was from Walmart or Nordstrom; as long as I rock it with confidence, my outfit will do!

This is what I wore to Fashion Week (Fall, 2010):

This was one time when I splurged, went to Nordstrom, and had a woman bringing me five pairs of trendy shoes while I tried on piles of black, hip clothes. While pleased with what I ended up with, man, that jacket was too preseason hot for fall! And I do mean I was sweating kittens. And felt a little foolish.

Here’s a couple pics of me from CosmoProf NA in Las Vegas last year:

Me with the lovely Deborah Lippmann. And wearing a BeautyJudy.com logo T-shirt!

Me with Zoya – THE Zoya from Zoya Nail Polish! And wearing a BeautyJudy.com T-shirt.

So the logo T-shirt? I was proud of that. Pairing it with a pair of shorts with socks, and white, blue and tan Pumas? Not so proud of that.

What I have learned, is that even though my blog is a hobby, I still want to be taken seriously. I will never again meet someone like Zoya or Deborah Lippmann in shorts and Pumas. This year at CosmoProf, I will wear a sundress, or pair one of those crafty T-shirts (I believe I made them on Zazzle.com) with khakis and nice, comfortable shoes that look nice. I can’t think of an event that I have recently attended, or want to attend, dressed so casually. Even if I wear jeans to an event, I wear nice shoes and a cool blouse/top.

Now, if you are a blogger who is known for having a certain style, and that style includes Pumas (mine does not, unfortunately!!) you should bring your brand to the table. Bring your true self - dress to impress with your brand!

Oh, and yes. Shoes. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. Did I mention that?

Blog about Beauty? WEAR IT, too!

So you blog about beauty…and you aren’t wearing any makeup?

Maybe it’s just me, but if I’m blogging and showing off looks I’ve done with makeup, nail art and the like, I’m going to want to bring that brand of style with me when I attend a show or event. Even if it’s just a little neutral look, because there may be demos at different booths at the show. I do something.

And, I’ll even tailor the look, if I know I’m meeting with a certain brand. For example. I went to an event, and knew a certain beauty brand would be there. It is one of my favorite brands. When I chose my makeup for the event, I wore my eyes, cheeks and lips with their products.There were plenty of other brands there but this one is one of my favorites and I decided this was what I wanted to do.

I didn’t brag about wearing the company’s stuff; I met the head of the company, and she complimented me on my lips, and I told her it was one of her lip products. It was such a cool moment to see that she was touched that I was wearing that lipstick, and I felt proud that she complimented me on it!

What about your nails? Chipped nail polish? Worn out mani? Maybe you can say, oh, I’m wear-testing this. You probably are! But honestly? I blog about a lot of nail polish, nail art and nail care. My readers know I change my polish practically everyday. When I’m at a show, I want to make sure my cuticles are oiled, hands are soft, and my polish is popping. Not saying I have a total history of having oiled cuticles and soft hands at shows, but as I mentioned, some of these items are lessons learned, haha!

If I’m at a show that goes on for three days, I’m changing that polish either every night, or at the first sign of a chip. Because fellow nail bloggers, how many times have people said to you, when they meet you in person, “let me see your nails!!!!” A lot.

Be prepared, that’s my motto!

Do Your Homework on Who You’re Meeting

Similar tip to wearing some of your favorite products from the brand you might be meeting, do your homework about the brands you’re encountering, even if the purpose of the meeting is to learn more.

Are you going to a show where you’ve made appointments with different brands? Read a little bit about them – who is the head of the company and how did they start the company? Do they make something you love? When you are talking with the company representatives, demonstrate that you care about their product, or at least know something. When they mention a product you have used, or you know of, bring that up in the conversation. It’s not showing off if you do it right; it’s showing you care.

Also – if you are meeting PR firms for companies, and meeting multiple companies at a time, take a moment to write down the company name on the back of the PR rep’s card. It could help you after you get back and are playing a game of Match with your business cards and notes!

It’s All About Your Brand

What do you think of The New York Times? TMZ? How about Allure magazine? I bet when you think of those news outlets, you can conjure up an image of what you think their personnel looks like, or what image crosses your brain hearing the name.

Whether you realize it or not, if you are taking your blogging to the next level, interacting with companies and attending shows (or becoming popular in the community), you are creating a brand for yourself. By having a blog, using social media to promote it and interacting with people, you are creating a brand. You need to think about: What is your personal brand? Think of different bloggers, celebrities and companies in the social media world, and how your opinions about them can be formed by your interaction with them, or observation of them.

Now, I’m not saying I’m perfect. Now and then I vent about random things. But what do you want people to think of when they think of your blog name? Me? I want companies to think I handle myself professionally. I want readers to feel appreciated and connected to me through what I write. I want readers and companies both to quite possibly respect my writing more than my swatches.

Sorry to go back to Brittany from Clumps again, but when I think of her, and her brand, it’s professional, inspirational and positive. She responds to those who tweet her. It makes her personable, likable, and she has a consistent brand across her blog and other mediums, like Twitter.

It’s the same with Jeanette from The Swatchaholic. I think of her brand as professional, friendly and fun. She’s always complimenting other bloggers and interacting with people. She is upbeat. And she has a fabulous blog.

Just something to think about. What do you want your brand to be?

Phew!

If you stuck with me this long, bless ya! I hope this was helpful. And I hope you enjoy whatever event you might be going to. I hope you rock your brand and have a blast.

I would love to hear what your tips are, or what you think of the posted advice here! Share your thoughts in the comments below!!

Continue reading »]]> CLICK HERE to go forth and enter my polish and monetary giveaway! Do not leave your entry at the end of this post!

It ends TOMORROW!

You will have an opportunity to win, at random, one of the following sets of polishes from Color Club:

Foiled

See swatches here.

Backstage Pass

See swatches here. This post has the link to all individual polish reviews.

Beyond the Mistletoe

International readers, read here

For readers outside the USA, I am afraid the polish giveaways are not open to you. What I WILL do, however, is give you $20 towards your favorite online nail or makeup store! All you need is a PayPal account!

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When a nail polish collection has a unique inspiration or collaborative story, I’m a sucker for it hook, line and sinker! Especially when it’s a love story.

The JESSICA Bliss is This! bridal collection has a great tale – of the love a grandmother has for her granddaughter!

Bliss is This!, a set of three creme shades, was inspired by JESSICA creator Jessica Vartoughian’s eldest granddaughter, Alexis. Jessica did Alexis’ nails for her wedding day, applying one of the three colors I have to share with you today! These shades are soft, creamy and designed to complement today’s trendy – and classic - bridal gowns. These aren’t your mother’s wedding day polishes – I usually think sheer, pale pink or French mani with wedding day nails, but I love the idea of peach or red!

Which one did Jessica use for her granddaughter’s wedding day mani? Check out the swatches and find out!

Also, the colors are shown inthe order in which the shades “evoke romance – Flirtation, Desire and Love Story.”

Flirtation:

Flirtation is a pink creme.

Desire:

Desire, a soft red creme, is the shade that Jessica used to give her granddaughter her bridal mani!

Love Story:

 Love Story is a peachy creme.

Color Thoughts

The colors are not really unique, although Desire interests me and I love Love Story. But consider the formula on these. It’s smooth as butter and it looks juicy like an opaque jelly. As I explore this brand, I am continually impressed with the application and wear of these polishes.

Dupe Talk

I haven’t had time to rustle around in my stash and see what might dupe these polishes. I think Love Story might be unique in my own stash. It reminds me a little at first glance of Essie Tart Deco but I don’t think they’re exact dupes.

Otherwise, these are dupes for the April, May and June Chanel polishes, which I don’t own, but found swatches here!

Application Issues

I had no application issues applying these polishes. In fact, not only is the formula easy to work with, but the bottles are easy to handle, as well. I love the brush handle! I actually did someone’s mani for a wedding last weekend, and I chose for her a JESSICA polish from another collection I’ll have for review soon!

Additional Information

 On JESSICA Cosmetic’s website, Custom Colours polishes are $7.50. These colors are available in the JESSICA GELeration line, which is a professional salon gel system.

What do you think of this bridal polish collection? If you were a bride would you wear a “nontraditional” color? Or if you were a bride what color did you wear?! I think I’d have to wear blue nails on my wedding day…my “something blue!”

Don’t forget, you can enter to win one of THREE Color Club  polish sets, and a special prize for international readers! Click HERE for deets on the giveaway! It ends Thursday!

Disclaimer: The Jessica Bliss is This! Collection was provided to me for review by the PR Firm/Manufacturer. Please visit my Disclosure tab for more information on how BeautyJudy.com keeps it real!

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This week I finally addressed my week-after-week struggle with the same 3 lbs. during my weekly Weight Watchers meeting. The meeting focus was on motivation, and I thought it a perfect time to ask the leader my burning question:

I keep struggling with the same 3 lbs. – losing then gaining and vice versa – and it’s frustrating. Since January! Mostly because I KNOW what I have to do (journal, eat better etc.) and I’m lacking motivation. And yet, I keep coming to Weight Watchers meetings. If I’m unable to continue my weight loss, should I still be coming to meetings?

Yes, the leader said. If I didn’t come, I might gain it ALL back. If I didn’t come I would miss out on a support system. And he’s right.

I find my meeting group so inspiring – so many people have lost a lot of weight and have positive, healthy attitudes. The leader is a riot. I feel comfortable speaking up and sharing my successes and struggles.

He challenged me to just commit to one thing on the program to help get me back on track. I chose journaling my food intake. Because I know that will help me. I WILL do this, and AM doing this, and I commit to having a full Points Plus Tracker when I attend my next meeting on Saturday.

With that said, I didn’t eat very well over the weekend. Saturday was my birthday! I received an amazing red velvet cake from my favorite bakery, and then cupcakes from my dad and stepmom. I don’t drink a lot, but I enjoyed a few beers and some liquor on Saturday night. Sunday I indulged in more cake, and then more sweets at dinner for Mike’s mom (it was also a birthday celebration for her, me and Mike’s brother-in-law … there was a baked good for each of us with candles!).

Although I indulged this weekend, I intend to make it right this week and reign myself back in. One of the things I’ll use to help me is my Pandora bracelet. I think of it as my Weight Watchers anchor. I look at the charm I have that means “inner strength” and I try to envision my will power. Mike, my stepmom, grandmom and even my kitteh Timmy bought me charms for the bracelet for my birthday – as you can see in the top pic (I put it at the top to “anchor” this post) it’s almost full! I felt like a lucky girl!

Here are some of my other presents – balloons:

Gift cards:

And I even picked up a little something for myself Saturday from Hot Topic – a new T-shirt that doesn’t quite fit, but will now be a “goal shirt.” Does anyone else out there love Big Bang Theory like I do?!

The Stats

Weight at start of the week: 198.2 lbs.

Weight at end of the week: 199.4 lbs.

That’s a total of 1.2 lbs gained, for a grand total of 20.8 lbs down.

Goals for the coming week are the same as they were for last week, because I failed at accomplishing them:

• Sign up for another 5K to run in May!
• Eat fruit instead of sweets (even 100 calorie packs) for snacks
• Journal my food and activity

What struggles have you been facing when it comes to weight loss or reaching your goals in something else? Have you talked with your support person or group about it? Share your thoughts below!

Check out The Beauty Loser archives here!

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Right about now I’m starting to crave the neon shades and bright colors of summer, but leading up to this, I was on a tear wearing the entire Color Club Blossoming collection for spring!

Blossoming is an assortment of five light-hearted shades with a hologaphic, irregular glitter top coat called Diamond Drops. I know there’s a name for this type of glitter; I want to call it slivered or ice or cracked but I don’t think that’s technically correct, just words I’d use to describe it!

Diamond Drops really made this collection for me. The colors by themselves are nice spring colors, but not necessarily unique. But once I wore a couple pieces from the collection, I started wearing Diamond Drops different ways over the colors, which kept the collection fresh for me!

Check out swatches – first each of the creme shades by themselves and then with Diamond Drops on top!

Blue Ming:

With Diamond Drops over:

Blushing Rose:

With Diamond Drops on my ring finger to accent:

Sweet Pea:

Sweet Pea with Diamond Drops used as accent nail art (two coats, line down the middle of each nail):

Hydrangea Kiss:

With Diamond Drops:

Lavendarling:

I forgot to take a pic of Lavendarling without Diamond Drops!

Color Thoughts

Overall, the colors in this collection are perfect spring colors. Light and fun. The winners for me were Blue Ming and Hydrangea Kiss, and of course, Diamond Drops.

Dupe Talk

Diamond Drops is unique in my collection; I’m not sure I’ve seen anything like it. The other colors, while a perfect spring collection, are likely dupable.

Application Issues

I didn’t have any trouble applying these polishes. It was a creme formula, and I used two coats to achieve opacity. Diamond Drops is pretty packed with glitter, but I did maneuver some of the glitter pieces around.

Additional Information

The Blossoming collection is available through the Color Club website (the shop is linked to at the top of the post) and Victoria Nail Supply, Trans Design and Head 2 Toe Beauty. The collection might be available elsewhere online but I have had great customer service at all these shops.

What do you think of the Blossoming Collection? Was it your cup of tea? Did you pass? What do you think of Diamond Drops? Share in the comments below!

And don’t forget, you can enter to win one of THREE Color Club polish sets, and a special prize for international readers! Click HERE for deets on the giveaway! It ends Thursday!

Disclaimer: The Color Club Blossoming Collection was provided to me for review by the PR Firm/Manufacturer. Please visit my Disclosure tab for more information on how BeautyJudy.com keeps it real!

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I was so excited that my Lynderella order arrived from Llarowe the day before my birthday, because that meant I could use Boy Girl Party for my birthday mani!

Am I the only one that loves birthdays!?

So here’s my mani. I used China Glaze 108 Degrees (two coats) with Boy Girl Party (two coats) and on my middle fingers, decals from a Joby birthday nail decal sheet.

I’m going outside to enjoy my day now! Cake later with my mom, a visit with my dad, dinner with Mike and the bar with friends and family! I hope you have a great day, friends!

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TGIF everyone! Do you have big plans this weekend? I do! Tomorrow is my birthday! WOOHOO! Even though I’m older I still love birthdays!

On a totally unrelated note, I am very excited to share that I’ll be headed back to Cosmoprof North America in July, to bring you the news about polish and makeup brands we love! I’m actually listed as a Media Partner, click here to see all the awesome bloggers who will be attending and providing you news!

Last year at Cosmoprof, I brought you sneak peaks of many fall and holiday/winter collections from many different brands, and I look forward to doing the same this year. There are also sessions I plan to attend and report on, as well. Last year, which was my first year covering the show, was overwhelming with good stuff; this year, I’ve got an idea on how I’m going to cover and divvy up my time to bring you news you can use! And, of course, news that will create new lemmings! (I apologize in advance to all of your wallets!)

To kick off coverage early, I want to share with you a look at some of the brands that will be part of the meeting’s initial DISCOVER BEAUTY 2012 program.

The Discover Beauty program, an exclusive initiative of Cosmoprof North America (CPNA), returns for its sixth year of matching leading retailers with emerging beauty brands in 2012. Companies from all over the world must be selected to participate in Discover Beauty, ensuring an exclusive array of unique, cutting-edge brands that are sure to be the “next big thing.” For these brands, CPNA show organizers arrange pre-scheduled sales meetings and events with important retailers, although, all show visitors are invited to discover these brands. CPNA is proud to announce the initial Discover Beauty line-up for 2012, which include: GOLDFADEN MD, Hevia Skin Science, Layla Cosmetics, KARORA Cosmetics, Marula The Leakey Collection, Niki Saint Pierre Botanical Cosmeceuticals, Recipe for men and TEMPTU.

Discover Beauty participants are provided with high-profile visibility and key placement on the show floor to help ensure they receive a high return on their investment, which translates into strong retail buyer partnerships. In addition, they’re guaranteed one-on-one pre-scheduled appointments with specialty retailers on the first day of the show.

The Discover Beauty Affiliates are Layla Cosmetics, KARORA Cosmetics and TEMPTU. These specific brands have limited distribution and are now working toward continuing to increase their exposure nationally and internationally. These brands receive the same key exposure on the show floor as the other Discover Beauty brands, although, affiliates are not guaranteed pre-scheduled meetings by CPNA show organizers.

What does this all mean to you as the consumer? It means that these are the future brands coming to our favorite beauty and retail stores! Some of them are already available!

All Discover Beauty brands are automatically enrolled for the 2012 Discover Beauty Award. This award is given to one brand, which is recognized for its creativity in concept, packaging and overall ability to succeed in this competitive retail market. The winner is selected by industry influentials, beauty editors and participating retailers. The Discover Beauty Award winner will be announced on the evening of Sunday, July 22, 2012, as part of a private reception.

Below is the initial list of the 2012 Discover Beauty exhibiting companies:

GOLDFADEN MD – USA

GOLDFADEN MD is the only physician strength, dermatologist developed, natural skincare line in the industry. The highly efficacious, non-prescription skincare solutions utilize state-of-the-art technologies with active plant cells and anti-oxidant rich botanicals. GOLDFADEN MD’s problem-solving skincare remedies target a range of specific skin concerns inspired by treatments developed in Dr. Goldfaden’s South Florida dermatology practice.

goldfadenmd.com

HEVIA SKIN SCIENCE – USA

Created by Oscar Hevia, MD, cosmetic dermatologist and founder of The Hevia Center for Research, the Hevia Skin Science line uses scientifically formulated active ingredients to help prevent skin aging and encourage rejuvenation. Highly effective and innovative, this line also contains proprietary, patent-pending and exclusive ingredients.

heviaskinscience.com

LAYLA COSMETICS – ITALY

Layla Cosmetics has been creating trend setting and cutting edge products from Milan for over 70 years. Fusing the latest in technology along with an Italian fashion influence, Layla reveals their newest collections for the first time to the U.S. market unveiling ground-breaking innovation and nail art to the industry.

You heard it first here about the availability of the brand’s Ceramic Effect and Magneffect lines, and you may have seen this brand in Ulta and online stores! They are hot – I picked up one of their new holographic polishes and can’t wait to try it! I look forward to bringing you news of what’s coming next!

luxcongroup.com

KARORA COSMETICS – IRELAND

Irish beauty brand KARORA, offers modern women a glamorous choice in the natural beauty category with a true skin caring approach to faux tan. KARORA’s botanical bronzing collection delivers World first custom colour technology, with natural and organic bronzing formulas enhanced with signature ingredients of açaí berry and argan that provide intense skin treatments. This is pure bronzed perfection with a botanical twist at luxe for less price points.

karoracosmetics.com

MARULA THE LEAKEY COLLECTION – USA

Marula The Leakey Collection, is an oil that boasts higher levels of antioxidants than Argan or Grape Seed Oil, offering better absorption and hydration. Clinically-proven and physician-endorsed, this product offers superior protection against environmental stressors and damaging free radicals, which can lead to signs of premature aging.

marula.com

NIKI SAINT PIERRE BOTANICAL COSMECEUTICALS – USA

Niki Saint Pierre Botanical Cosmeceuticals is a groundbreaking facial skin care line of intensive overnight treatments that support the skins natural functions, restores nutrients and revitalizes suppleness. Free of parabens, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances and coloring, the end result is a healthy, radiant and youthful look.

nikisaintpierre.com

RECIPE FOR MEN – SWEDEN

Created by men specifically for men, Recipe for men is pure hydration and energy for the skin.  Developed in the harsh winters of Scandinavia, the formulations are carefully selected to fit a man’s needs.  With oil-free textures that guarantee quick absorption and minimize shine, Recipe for men stands for logical skincare without fuss.

recipeformen.com

TEMPTU – USA

TEMPTU, the leader in AIRbrush Makeup was founded in 1981. With the introduction of the AIRpod Makeup System, TEMPTU has revolutionized makeup application for every woman – it’s fast and easy to use, and in just three steps and less than three minutes, you get results that are truly flawless.

I’ve seen Temptu in Sephora, have you tried it yet?

temptu.com

Cosmoprof North America will take place July 22 – 24, 2012 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.

So what do you think of these brands, and what are you most excited to learn more about?! Share in the comments below!

PS: Don’t forget to enter the BeautyJudy.com Giveaway! Click here for details!

Continue reading »]]> I haven’t done a giveaway in such a long time, but I’ve been holding onto a bunch of fun stuff for the perfect moment – and I think it’s here!

You see, my birthday is on Saturday and I’m turning *gasp* 35! So I feel like GIVING presents! I haven’t done a giveaway in a while because of some issues I encountered shipping out of country. But I think I’ve solved the issues and am now ready to get both US and international readers involved!

So let’s get into the goodies, shall we?

You will have an opportunity to win, at random, one of the following sets of polishes from Color Club:

Foiled

See swatches here.

Backstage Pass

See swatches here. This post has the link to all individual polish reviews.

Beyond the Mistletoe

This colleciton is not in the box, but you will get the full set, including the top coat! Here are swatches, as I never did a proper review, sadly! Really, I blame my gall bladder-gone-wild.

Beyond the Mistletoe:

Candy Cane:

Gingerbread:

Holiday Splendor:

Jingle Jangle:

Sugarplum Fairy:

By way of providing you background and disclosure, I received press samples of these collections, but had already bought them! So I’m sharing these second sets with you. Thank you, Color Club, for ultimately allowing this giveaway to happen!

International readers, read here

For readers outside the USA, I am afraid the polish giveaways are not open to you. What I WILL do, however, is give you $20 towards your favorite online nail or makeup store! All you need is a PayPal account!

Please follow these instructions for entry, or you will not qualify for the giveaway.

• You MUST be a BeautyJudy.com follower. Here are some of the ways you can follow: Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin’ and RSS.
• For every way you follow, you get one entry.
• If you Tweet, FB, or post about this giveaway on your blog, you will receive an additional entry for each.
• If you Tweet, please limit to once or twice a day. You will get an entry for each Tweet. Please be sure to tag @beautyjudyblog in your tweet about it, or else I won’t know about it.
• If you post it on FB, please also post it to the BeautyJudy.com FB page (linked to a couple bullets above)
• To start your entry, please leave a comment on THIS post with your first name, email address, country of residence and the ways you follow.
• If you do a blog post or publicize the giveaway on your blog, please leave the link in a comment below, as well. I don’t expect folks to do this so much, but it’s a way of offering more ways to win!
• This overall giveaway is open to all readers; the polish giveaways, however, are limited to readers from the United States. One international reader, with a PayPal account, will be chosen for $20 towards their favorite online nail polish or makeup store!
• The contest closes at 11:59 p.m., Thursday, May 17th, EST.
• Winners will be chosen at random Friday, May 18th, and announced on BeautyJudy.com after all winners have responded to their emails.
• If you are choosen, you have 48 hours to respond back with your mailing or PayPal address. If you do not respond, another winner will be chosen.
• BeautyJudy.com is not responsible for lost or stolen prizes once they are shipped. I will email winners and let them know when their prizes have shipped, and I ask that winners please email me to let me know that the prize has arrived safely!

Thanks everyone – for your time and friendship!! Happy Birthday to me, let the giveaway begin!!!

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What I love about a good lip gloss is when it’s compact, isn’t too tacky, wears decent and easily fits in the pocket of my jeans.

Milani Cosmetics Crystal Gloss for Lips meets most of this criteria! Milani has added eight new shades to its existing line of glosses. Crystal Glosses are sheerer and thinner than the brand’s Haute Flash Full Coverage glosses, and these are also sheerer than the brand’s Glitzy Glamour Gloss line.

Check out lip swatches of the eight new shades!

Fascination:

Fascination is a peachy nude pearl.

Cotton Candy:

Cotton Candy is a light pink frosty shade, although it is described as a pearlized shade.

Precious:

Precious is a nude cream.

Pucker Up:

Pucker Up is a light coral cream.

Fruit Punch:

Fruit Punch is a pink cream.

Raspberry Icing:

Raspberry Icing is a bright pink shimmer.

Sheer Dark Honey:

Sheer Dark Honey looks black-brown in the tube, but it’s a wine-colored shimmer.

Clear:

Clear…needs no explanation!

The Crystal Glosses are supposed to smell like Cotton Candy, but the one thing I don’t like about these is how they smell. They do smell sweet, but when I sniff them there’s also a chemical smell that I can’t identify It’s like a very “off” cotton candy.

These glosses are compact, the perfect size for slipping into your pocket or small wristlet for a night out with the girls or a date at a bar or club! But be prepared to reapply after a couple hours or so; I wore these from about 7:30 a.m. til about 9:30 a.m. before feeling the need to touch-up my lips. During that time frame, I sipped on coffee.

The pigmentation of the shades, which are designed to be sheer to medium in coverage, really depends on formula. The shimmers tend to have more color, with the pearl and cream shades tied for second.

My lips felt soft with Crystal Gloss. This is not a sticky gloss, and it doesn’t feel overly tacky as it wears off.

The Crystal Gloss for Lips retails for $5.49 on the Milani website (linked to above). You can also find some of the shades in stores; Fascination, Precious and Cotton Candy are exclusively at CVS!

So what do you think of Crystal Gloss? Have you tried it? I love how portable these glosses are, and they’re perfect to pair with bold eyeshadow looks!

Share your thoughts in the comments!

Disclaimer: The Milani Crystal Gloss for Lips shades were provided to me for review by the PR Firm/Manufacturer. Please visit my Disclosure tab for more information on how BeautyJudy.com keeps it real!

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Hey! Look at that, I have a shape now that I didn’t have in August last year, when the photo on the left was taken! On the left I’m wearing a form-fitting dress. On the right I’m wearing form-fitting exercise clothes!

Last week I made it a goal to pick a 5k to run in the near future.

Instead, I ran one!

On Sunday I ran 3.1 miles in Richard’s Run; run proceeds benefit Go4theGoal Foundation’s efforts to support children battling cancer, their families, pediatric oncology units in hospitals across the country as well as pediatric cancer research. You can read more about the race here.

I decided to go for a race earlier than I had originally planned because this one seemed perfect. It is a great cause, a smaller event than a lot of the 5Ks happening in the next couple weeks, and at a location I know very well. I have run Cooper River more times than I can count!

I felt so in my element on race day. I ate two slices of 100% whole wheat bread with a tablespoon of reduced fat peanut butter and a glass of water. I enjoyed a few sips of coffee right before we walked a quarter mile to the race start.

I started off the line at a pace quicker than I’ve been running at the gym, but I was able to maintain it for at least a mile. I was able to jog almost the entire thing; the first time I stopped to walk was at mile marker 2, when I took a cup of water, took two sips, tossed the cup and kept on jogging. I stopped again at the base of a steep hill; I thought it better to walk up this short hill rather than run it and need to walk for longer afterwards.

As I neared the finish, I felt my body almost on auto pilot. There were a couple times I felt I needed to walk, but I quickly picked up the pace again, realizing that what I needed was the keep going and keep with the momentum I had built. I kicked it up ever so slightly at the finish, where race volunteers were cheering runners and walkers on as they headed to the finish chute.

When I approached the finish, the clock said 36 minute and some odd seconds. My official finish time is 36:58.

I wasn’t shooting for a finish time…just a finish! But if I had to wager a guess, I would have guessed I’d finish in about 43 minutes. The fact that I finished six or seven minutes quicker really surprised and pleased me!

After the race, I drank a bottle of water, a small cup of coffee and ate two mini soft pretzels. When I got home I had a banana and kept drinking water!

While my legs were stiff and sore, my spirits felt great. I achieved a huge goal in my weight loss journey – to run a 5K. I still have many more pounds to go, but now I know I can plan for races and those events will keep me going to the gym to train, and eventually as I lose more weight, step it up to do 10Ks and more!

By the way, this is what I did for a couple hours post-race:

Of course this is a pic I had Mike take that makes me look purposefully, dramatically exhausted, but I really did lie on the couch for a couple hours catching up on DVR Sunday morning!

The Stats

Weight at start of the week: 197.2 lbs.

Weight at end of the week: 198.2 lbs.

That’s a total of 1 lbs gained, for a grand total of 22 lbs down. Yes, I’ve been struggling with the same three pounds since the end of January. But I keep going, attending Weight Watchers meetings trying to make good decisions … just plain trying.

Goals for the coming week:

• Sign up for another 5K to run in May!
• Eat fruit instead of sweets (even 100 calorie packs) for snacks
• Journal my food and activity

Checking off the 5K was a huge item off my weight loss journey to-do list. What big accomplishment have you been able to celebrate recently? Have you ever done a 5K? Share your thoughts in the comments below!