MAC Cosmetics: Lipstick That Actually Sticks

Pro Longwear Lip Colour by MAC Cosmetics:  The answer you've been waiting for.  
This particular product has been around for a while, but I'm surprised at how many people still don't know about it.  As you can see above, I have 4 shades in my lovely collection.  But the question remains...WHY is this product so fabulous.

1. It does what it says.  You can eat, drink, talk all day, eat again, and this stuff won't budge.  I have purchased other products that claim they stick, but never follow through.  This stuff works.
2. It's worth the price.  It's easy to look at the price and say forget it, but I submit that you do not.  I have had all of the tubes you see above for 2 years or more.  They aren't caked up.  They don't smell weird.  And they still work great.  You may run out of the gloss, but that's not what you paid more for anyway.
3. MAC keeps their promise.  If you don't like it, you can simply return it.

The only draw back I can think of about this product is that it's not a good moisturizer (thus the glossy side).  Because this stuff is literally like paint, it has to be a little dry.  If you run out of gloss, just keep some lip balm handy.  But trust me, it's not a major issue and worth the lasting results.

The Best Weather Radio I Could Find

Living in tornado alley, a good weather radio is a must have.  I found this hidden gem on Amazon.com.  It does so many clever things and the price is fantastic.  As always, I have a list of reasons you should keep this around in case of a natural disaster. 

1. It's powered by the typical hand crank AND a solar panel.
2. It will charge your cellphone, iPad, or anything else that charges via USB. Imagine being stranded in your house for a few days.  At least you can charge your phone and let mom know you're okay.
3. The battery on this baby is actually pretty good.  I had to continually crank our old solar-less weather radio.  If you crank this one for a few seconds it stays on for several minutes.
4. It's not the size that counts.  This little guy is smaller than he looks, but don't be fooled by the size.  He packs a lot of power.  It's conveniently small enough to stash in a purse or European man satchel.
5. In addition to the radio and USB charger, there is a really nice bright flashlight on the side.
6. The price is right.  Only $29.19 (as of January 10, 2012) on Amazon.com
7. Once again, I wouldn't review this product if it wasn't awesome.
   

Official name: Etón American Red Cross ARCFR160R Microlink Self-Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio with Flashlight, Solar Power and Cell Phone Charger 

Ecosphere: The Gift For Someone Who Has Everything

10 years later, and the ecosphere is still going strong.  I purchased this for my dad is 2002.  I thought it would be neat sitting on his desk.  It's a nice conversation piece and is aesthetically pleasing.

What's an ecosphere, you ask?  It's a glass globe that has all of the necessary items to keep tiny water urchins and plant life alive without ever opening it.  Each Ecosphere has some type of branch, plant life, and a few friendly brine shrimp.  I think mine started out with three.  After 10 years, the only little fella left is "Herman".

Why is this a perfect gift?

1. Chances are slim that someone already has one.
2. You will easily give the most unique gift at the party.
3. It works with just about any decor.  Place it on an office desk, nice bookshelf, or most anywhere that gets some sun exposure.
4. It's a good conversation piece.  "What the heck is that thing?" ... "Why is a miniature environment sealed in a glass ball of course".
5. It's pretty awesome.

I bought mine at Brookstone, but I don't know that they carry them any longer.  I did find them available at Hammacher Schlemmer. 

Benefit Cosmetics: I Love Them And So Should You

When I received my fabulous "Hello Flawless" foundation in the mail this week, I also gained a free set of various moisturizers from Benefit Cosmetics.  My favorite, although they are all great, is certainly "Total Moisture".  This stuff is amazing.  Three reasons to give this product (or any Benefit Cosmetics products) a try:

1. It smells fabulous.  It has a light, clean, with the smallest hint of floral, smell.  When I wake up my face feels amazing and still has that so fresh and so clean-clean scent. 
2. Their products are pretty.  In case you didn't already know, their packaging and design rocks (although this product isn't the best example).  As a designer, this makes them even more fabulous.  They pay attention to even the finest details and cater their style to the trendy, fun woman.  With names like "ticket to glossytown" and "watt's up" (their skin brightener), you can't help but love them.
3. Oh yea, this stuff actually works.  My skin feels and looks better.  I suppose that's what really counts, right?