Living The Armstrong Lie

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As a teenager, I remember being in the thick of Armstrong-mania. Everyone at school wore the bright yellow Livestrong bracelets and passionately believed in the miraculous abilities of this cancer surviving cyclist. Then, to accuse Lance Armstrong of cheating was blasphemy. Now, Alex Gibney tackles the truth with his latest documentary, The Armstrong Lie (2013).

Gibney’s documentary began in 2009 as a project on Armstrong’s supposedly triumphant return to cycling after a four-year retirement. The piece was also meant to give an inside look into how clean a rider Armstrong was in order to finally dispel the fog of cheating accusations. But Gibney’s original piece was derailed after the legendary cyclist merely finished third. Fast-forward to the now infamous 2013 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where Armstrong confessed to using performance enhancers and blood doping to win his seven Tour de France trophies. Gibney then re-engaged with his forgotten subject as he felt he deserved the truth, and thus The Armstrong Lie was created.
The film successfully balances insider and popular opinions. Interviews with journalists like David Walsh—one of Armstrong’s biggest detractors—and former teammates George Hincapie and Frankie Andreu, peel back the layers of the cyclist’s myth. While the mixed-media elements of the documentary give a glimpse of the outside world’s perspective. Through both lenses, Armstrong is revealed as an intimidating figure in the cycling world, who ruled with fear and physical power. The all-consuming legend of a brave cancer survivor beating the odds deteriorates under the viewer’s eye.

The Armstrong Lie is a study in hubris. The overweening arrogance of Armstrong and his “urge to dominate” as he puts it, is in every level of the documentary. Even in the footage from 2009 when his lie was secure, Armstrong appears steely eyed and determined with a touch of psychosis. Eventually, Armstrong makes the statement that his deception was a lesser evil because he told only one lie instead of several.

For a man who has unearthed the gritty realities behind the facades of those such as Elliot Spitzer and the Enron executives, being lied to by Lance Armstrong was a smack in the face for Alex Gibney. There is a palpable aggression or bitterness to Gibney’s interjections in the film, as if to say, “but he lied to me.” The personal aspect of the film has skewed the famed documentarian’s objectivity, which resulted in an overlong narrative and sloppy investigation.

For example, though much of the documentary centers on the Tour de France, the specifics of the race are vague. The film also introduces terms such as omertà but fails to provide the definition in full, only implying a code of silence. Gibney also glosses over Armstrong’s relationship with singer, Sheryl Crow, mentioning her briefly when their romance was a significant part of Armstrong’s life and public appeal at the height of his fame. Such gaps give the feeling of an incomplete story.

Gibney vacillates between betrayed narrator and wistful fan. In a way, The Armstrong Lie is Gibney’s story as much if not more-so than Lance Armstrong’s since the film seems to argue that the athlete and his lies belong to the people and not the person. While Gibney offers a compelling narrative for a generation of confused fans, the film itself is rather conflicted about how to feel.

Wet n’ Wild’s Poster Child Palette

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Recently, I got charmed by one of Wet n’ Wild’s eight shadow palettes from their Color Icon line, called Poster Child. One of my favorite things about Wet n’ Wild is that they tell you where to put their shadows. When I first started buying makeup, I especially appreciated the helpful hints. Now, they’re just pleasant suggestions.

I was inspired by the Poster Child palette to create two different, slightly edgy looks for summer. This post will be part review and part tutorial.

Here is what the palette looks like…

Up close and personal with the Poster Child palette

Up close and personal with the Poster Child palette

Obviously what caught my eye in the store was the bright colors. For some reason I also get annoyed when palettes try to tell me to use the most intriguing colors as a liner (even though I am in control of my makeup application so it’s a weird thing to be annoyed by), so I really liked that Wet n’ Wild used “definer” instead of “liner.”

The shades are extremely buildable and if you use a good primer on your lid, they will hold all day. Initially they go on more sheer and have a soft powder texture, but you can really pack on the color to great effect. The sponge-tip and brush duo applicator is decent for application, so if you’re not into brushes this can be a full service palette.

For the first look, I used the left half of the palette with the pink tones and the black definer.

One step closer to becoming a Pink Lady.

One step closer to becoming a Pink Lady.

For most of these shades I had to dip back into the palette multiple times to get the pigmentation you see here in the swatches, but don’t let that scare you! Of the four, the deep coral color is easily the most pigmented, but the black could easily blend out for a smooth smokey eye.

I’m not going to lie, these shades were what drew me into the palette. I’ve been having a real moment where I am trying to channel my inner Rizzo from Grease. No idea where this impulse came from, but I’m going with it. This look is my homage to the Pink Ladies.

A metal spiked headband adds a bit of biker chic.

A metal spiked headband adds a bit of biker chic.

Pink with a touch of punk.

Pink with a touch of punk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For this look, I followed the basic instructions imprinted into the shadows. I did a light wash of the shade that looks like a baby pink, bringing it up into the crease as well. Then I blended the deep coral into my crease. I really like the way the deep coral shade interacts with other colors. On top of the baby pink it looks more like a hot pink, though not as neon as my lip color.

Using the smokey black shade I created a faux tri-lash at the outer corner of my eye. I dusted the pearly pink along my brow bones and inner corners. While the rest of these colors are extremely versatile in regards to where you put them, the pearly shade is undeniably best suited as a brow highlight.

Other Necessities:

Urban Decay’s 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil in Black Velvet–such a deeply pigmented black liner. It really makes the look pop.

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Unapologetic–a beautiful, borderline neon pink matte shade. And the staying power is amazing. I have several products from this range and love them all.

♦♦♦

For the other look, I drew inspiration from Marvel’s X-Men. I am beyond ready for Days of Future Past  to hit the screens, so to stave off the anxiety of waiting I created a look with the second half of the palette. The blue tones with yellow accent color instantly reminded me of the classic X-Men uniforms.

One of my favorite graphic cut-out tanks.

One of my favorite graphic cut-out tanks.

I believe I got this tank at Papaya last year. It’s such a great item for summer because the cut-out arms give you breezy freedom. I’ve been wearing it a lot recently as the heat picks up here in Southern California.

Beautiful, bright blues with a yellow accent.

Beautiful, bright blues with a yellow accent.

You can really see the connection between the tank and the colors. Of all eight shades, the teal is the most pigmented in the palette. You really have to pack on the yellow to get to this golden sheen, but it’s worth the work. At first I was intimidated by these brights, but after creating this look, I cannot wait to play with them some more.

Epic superhero stare into the distance.

Epic superhero stare into the distance.

Easily the most extreme wing I've ever done.

Easily the most extreme wing I’ve ever done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just like with the first look, I started with the second shade from the top, in this case the teal. I brushed the teal color all over my lid, up into the crease in a dome shape, which helped enhance the cartoon-like feel. Using a shader brush I gently blended the royal blue tone into the crease, maintaining the rounded dome. Using the deep blue shade I built a wing the reached mid temple. I had to pack this shade on to get the shape just right. Then I pulled the deep blue into the crease about three-quarters of the way in to the lid. There was a lot of trial and error for this wing, but I like the way it turned out.

To finish the look, I brushed the yellow/gold shade along the inner curve between my brow bone and the bridge of the nose. I also packed on the color under the lower lashes as a liner. I highly recommend using a liquid liner on your top lash line since liquid liners are so dramatic. I took the black liner to the tip of the wing to emphasize the length.

Other Necessities:

L’Oreal Telescopic Precision Waterproof Liner–this is the only liquid liner I own and it’s staying that way.

Maybelline Falsies Mascara in Blackest Black–at first I was skeptical about the promises of this product, but I’m now a believer.

Revlon Lip Butter in Candy Apple–a lovely, moisturizing, semi-sheer blue red balm.

Overall, I’m quite pleased with this palette. These two looks are just skimming the surface of what you could create with these eight shades. At just $4.99 from your local drugstore, the Poster Child palette from Wet n’ Wild is a must have for summer.

What’s In My Travel Bag?

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I just got back from a weekend at home in St. Louis, Missouri for my grandparent’s 50th anniversary. It was a really special weekend for my family, since we rarely can get all of us together. Congratulations, Grandma and Grandpa! And of course, it was Mother’s Day too. Love ya, Mamma!

When I do weekends away, I usually try to minimize my makeup to the essentials. My makeup had to suit going to church service, family photos, and Sunday brunch. All slightly fancy things.

So here is a peek into my makeup bag from a weekend home.

It may not look like it, but believe me this is minimalist makeup packing for me.

It may not look like it, but believe me this is minimalist makeup packing for me.

There are some good ole’ drugstore basics here like an Oral-B toothbrush in a $1.00 travel case, my travel size Degree Women’s deodorant, my Venus razor, and my Target up & up makeup remover wipes.

Makeup wise there are also some drugstore goodies. All of mine were purchased at my local Walgreens. Two of them, I have already mentioned in previous posts: the Rimmel Scandaleyes Nude Kohl eyeliner and the Wet n’ Wild Eye Shadow Primer in For my Primas.

The other two drugstore goodies are the Revlon Age Defying CC Cream in Light and Maybelline 24 Hr Color Tattoo in Sunwashed Sky. I am obsessed with these two products. The Revlon CC Cream is so light and natural looking, I can even use it without a primer. Plus it has SPF so I can leave the house quickly and feel confident that I look good and am being kind to my skin. The limited edition Color Tattoo is quickly becoming one of my favorite bases. Post-primer, I glide Sunwashed Sky over my lids and it works as a single shadow look or blends beautifully with grays or purples.

I also brought a single shadow stick from City Color’s Bronzy Shadow Pencils Pack. The shade is Charcoal Grey and is super blendable. I love using this creamy pencil along my crease over Sunwashed Sky. Which is why I brought my Bare Minerals Crease Brush with me. Soft, circular motions blend the cream shadows together for an easy, stunning smokey eye.

Urban Decay’s Naked Palette was a valuable addition to my travel bag. I used the shade Buck to fill in my brows. Then I used Half Baked, a shimmery golden shade, on my lid, and Smog, an olive-y brown with shimmer, on the crease. There are endless looks with these Naked palettes, which is what makes them so perfect for traveling. Even though I appreciate that the palette comes with a brush, I like having a variety of choices. So, I also brought a Sephora travel brush set. My Mom got these for me years ago, but there is still a comparable set available. Let me tell you, it got a ton of use this weekend.

Ever since it arrived in last month’s ipsy bag, I’ve been loving my Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide On Eyeliner in Black Velvet. It goes on smooth and makes even a novice beauty lover look like a pro. I’ve written about this product more than once, so I’ll just let it be awesome all on its own.

Then there is the Pond’s Clarant B3 Moisturizer. This little travel size product is packed full of vitamins and helps correct dark spots. My skin feels petal soft when I put this on for the night. At home, I don’t use it every night but it is in my rotation.

Another recent obsession is my Ulta Extreme Wear Mousse Blush in Peach Glow. I had never used a cream or mousse formula blush before. Consider me a convert because this is the best thing ever. It glides on, feels silky smooth, and actually lasts all day. For my fair complexion the peach shade gives a natural-looking healthy glow. Then I would dot my sample size of Benefit’s Highbeam along my cheek bones for extra sheen.

For lips, I brought my go-to basic, Clinque’s Chubby Stick in Curviest Caramel. The perfect warm neutral shade that goes with any look. More lipstick than gloss, but there is a nice buttery texture that leaves your lips happy.

P.S. The bag is from a limited edition Carolina Herrera set that were at Target a few years ago. The set has three different patterns and three different sizes, all reminiscent of 1920’s art deco. The set was a gift, but you could probably still find it on eBay.

That may sound like a long list, but I promise this is me packing light.

If you’re interested in me doing a full product review of any of the makeup I took on my trip, please let me know in the comments.

Heat Rises in Do the Right Thing

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This week’s class review exemplifies the idea that you can learn more from a movie with multiple viewings. I first saw Do the Right Thing in high school and struggled with it. And while Lee’s breakthrough film still isn’t one of my all-time-faves, on second viewing I think I understood it better. Here’s a clip from the film…

From the first frame of Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing (1989), it is clear that this will be an aggressive movie. Tina (Rosie Perez) dances frantically to Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power”, gritting her teeth, grinding her hips, and throwing punches into the air. The sequence lasts for the length of the entire song—a rarity—and the editing is just as insistent as Tina’s dancing with precise, sharp cuts.

The song and the frenzied tone carry through the entire film as tension builds in Brooklyn. On the hottest day of the year, on a poor city block, pizza delivery boy, Mookie (Spike Lee), is at the center of the action as the neighborhood’s long-term bigotry ripens into violence. Do the Right Thing subtly focuses on a push-pull friction between non-violent rebellion and violent retribution. Mookie is often the voice of reason as racial conflicts continue to arise: he talks down his friend, Buggin Out (Giancarlo Esposito) from starting a fight in Sal’s Pizzeria and then forces Sal’s son, Pino (John Tuturro) to think about his own racism. Yet Mookie ultimately breaks under the pressure of the neighborhood’s pain by taking violent action in the film’s climax.

It’s a film where the word, “fucking” is traded like currency. Where everyone is yelling at everyone for reasons both profound and trivial. A film where music defines identity, particularly with Radio Raheem (Bill Nunn) carrying around a giant boom box, constantly blasting “Fight the Power.” Where all the characters are at war and the major dividing lines are the eternal battles of young vs. old, black vs. white, or love vs. hate.

Spike Lee wears many hats in Do the Right Thing as producer, writer, director, and star. As such, every choice in the film conveys a heightened sense of Lee’s aesthetic. For example, much is made of the heat in the movie. Radio host Mister Senor Love Daddy (Samuel L. Jackson) as the eyes of the block tells his audience how hot the weather is while reminding them to cool down—a warning that works on many levels. Visually, the film is noted for its use of vibrant, sizzling color. And Brooklyn itself becomes a major player in the film as its raw, red-brick walls reflect and amplify the heat.

Lee’s cleverness extends to his positioning of the camera, as the lens takes on the perspective of various characters. The skill of Do the Right Thing is in forcing the audience to identify, or at the very least witness, the viewpoints of characters from every level of the social strata on the block. The camera and narrative tend to stick with Mookie, but shifts around because of the high tensions latent in each individual. To examine one issue too closely would be to ignite a powder keg. And that is exactly what happens as the camera whirls between Sal (Danny Aiello) and Radio Raheem, whose mutual violent outbursts end in destruction.

Though the emotions are amplified to the point of being unreal, the ensemble cast makes each over-the-top line feel honest and natural. As the film’s ringleader, Spike Lee makes a statement that is harried and loud. The ending is the most effective moment, however, with the dual quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X regarding violence and non-violence giving the film a quiet clarity that finally calms the raging passion of Do the Right Thing.

The Silver Linings Playbook

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Recently, I have rediscovered the bountiful joys of going to the library. My own personal library continues to grow, but I think all readers have a mental hierarchy that they immediately sort potential books into. When I hear or read about a new book recommendation, my brain attempts to categorize it as buy-able, downloadable, or borrow-able. Instead of taking a purchasing plunge here lately, I have been pulling books from the Orange County library.

One of my recent finds was The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick. Now, I haven’t seen the movie yet, though I hear it’s amazing. But I’m quite happy to have read the book first. Sometimes I’m incapable of separating books from their movies to the point where one of them ends up disappointing me, and it’s usually the movie that lets me down. When I do get around to seeing David O. Russell’s film, I hope it’s up to par because I could really see Quick’s writing translating well to the big screen.

Anywho, on to my review…

The non-tie-in cover. Though I couldn't not-see Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence as their characters after all the movie hype.

The non-tie-in cover. Though I couldn’t not-see Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence as their characters after all the movie hype.

I devoured this book. The chapters are brief, with quirky titles, and an engaging first person perspective. One of the first things that struck me about this novel was that it could be a modern companion piece to Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar. The key differences would be the male perspective and the more hopeful attitude of The Silver Linings Playbook. But both stories deal with individuals who slide into mental unrest and are trying to recover the best way they know how.

Yet Pat Peeples in undeniably himself and no other. Pat has recently been checked out of the Bad Place a.k.a. a mental health facility in order to live with his parents. While he has been away, the world has moved on without Pat: his brother is married, the Eagles have a new stadium, and his father cannot look him in the eye. What keeps Pat afloat is his determined optimism and his conviction that he will reunite with his estranged wife, Nikki. Pat centers his life around obsessively bettering himself for his wife by exercising, reading classic literature (including The Bell Jar, which he hates), and attending mandatory therapy sessions. When friends introduce Pat to depressed widow, Tiffany, Pat has to face a new set of challenges that he may not be ready to accept.

There is something childlike about Pat that allows the reader to be compassionate instead of judgmental. Quick writes with humor and transparency, so that even when Pat does something not quite “right” you can empathize with his choices. Watching him stumble through his emotional journey is at times hard to read because of that empathy, but it makes every little success all the more powerful.

One of my favorite parts of The Silver Linings Playbook was Pat’s reading of certain classics. It was amusing and poignant how Pat boiled down the plots of books we have to read in high school and college. He asks the question every single human being has asked: why do we have to read such depressing books?!? Pat’s ability to read his own situation into well-known novels is also something most readers have done, and it made it that much easier to connect with Pat.

The Silver Linings Playbook is Matthew Quick’s first novel. Quick has been quite prolific since the 2008 publication of this novel, and it seems as if he primarily deals with stories of eternal optimism and mental health. While I haven’t read these books myself, based on the descriptions alone I will not be seeking any of them out. Quick handles the subject matter well, but I’m not sure I want to read multiple versions of the same type of story.

I would highly recommend The Silver Linings Playbook though. It would be an ideal beach read for this summer and it’s a great library read: not one to own but definitely one to check out!

Conflicted Americana in The Steel Helmet

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Before The Steel Helmet shows any hint of location or character, the words, “Dedicated to the U.S. Infantry” appear on the screen. Such sentiment gives the initial impression of shiny patriotism, but the film reveals itself to be gritty and complicated in its approach to Americana. The Steel Helmet was the third directorial effort from former soldier Sam Fuller, and exemplifies Fuller’s favored use of controversial themes such as isolationism, atheism, and racism. Despite difficulty with the U.S. Army over perception of the military in his film and accusations of communism from critics, The Steel Helmet would launch Sam Fuller’s career.

The vehicles for Fuller’s success as a writer/director are his characters. The Steel Helmet follows an unprepared group of American soldiers who are tasked with holding a Buddhist temple against a large Communist force during the Korean War. Sgt. Zack (Gene Evans) is the crass, wizened veteran who stumbles upon the untutored patrol and reluctantly commits to helping the unit in hopes of shore leave. Within the troop are Sgt. Tanaka (Richard Loo) and Cpl. Thompson, whose presence as minorities launch Fuller’s dialogue on racism in America.

The Communist Korean Major (Harold Fong) attempts to divide the troop by pointing out the racial injustices in America to Tanaka and Thompson. Both men respond with a blind patriotism—my country may be flawed but it’s my country—that illuminates the issue without properly dealing with the conflict. Even the young Korean boy, known only as Short Round (William Chun), participates in his own from of blind patriotism as he belts out his national anthem, which ironically sounds like “Old Lang Syne.” Fuller seems more interested in pointing out issues in the military and society than having his film offer a solution.

Sgt. Zack is the mouthpiece for all the –isms Fuller brings forward in The Steel Helmet. Zack isolates himself from the group, uses racist phrases like, “gook” or “buddha-head,” and openly mocks any form of piety. He also furthers the idea that drafted men are not of the same quality as men that enlist, which brings him into conflict with the drafted group leader, Lt. Driscoll (Steve Brodie). On paper, Sgt. Zack is reprehensible and impossible to connect with. Yet actor, Gene Evans, brings out vulnerability in the character that makes the sergeant the ultimate anti-hero.

If anything, Sgt. Zack’s helmet is the main character for Sam Fuller. Just like Sgt. Zack, it is standard issue but damaged. When Lt. Driscoll asks for the honor of wearing Zack’s hat, Zack denies him, saying he is not worthy of the trade. After Driscoll dies in the final battle, having saved Sgt. Zack from debris, Zack willingly trades his battered helmet to lie over Driscoll’s grave. While the trade seems symbolic and moving, it resolves nothing. Sgt. Zack and the decimated troops are forced to join a new patrol, on a new mission. They continue and leave their comrades buried in foreign soil. While the film opens with Fuller’s dedication, The Steel Helmet closes its narrative with the director’s somber reminder that, “There is no end to this story.”

#100happydays

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What makes you happy? It is perhaps the most complex and simple question. What if you had to answer that question for 100 days in a row, providing a different answer each day by taking a photograph of the thing that makes you happy? Could you do it? I’m about to find out for myself.

Megan, a friend of mine, posted on Facebook about this happiness project conducted by 100happydays.com. Intrigue! The challenge is straight-forward: take a picture of something that makes you happy once a day, every day for 100 days. Tag your glimpses of happiness with #100happydays. You can use whichever social media platform you’d like, but it’s a real commitment. They’re going to see if you keep up with these little photos.

According to the 100happydays website, 71% of participants do not complete the challenge. Those same participants cite lack of time as the reason for not posting. That’s essentially saying, you don’t have time to be happy. Or notice what makes you smile.

Please, Lord, let me have time for this! My phone is glued to my hand or securely in my purse for 99% of my day; it even sits next to me as I sleep. There is really no excuse for not trying at this challenge, except for the fear of my own excuses. And I don’t want to be shut down by my own excuses.

100happydays is not meant to show off or one-up anyone. This is for me and my understanding of myself. The perk of some potentially wonderful pictures is just that, a perk. The website also states that people who complete the challenge have 1) started noticing what makes them happy 2) claimed an improvement in their daily mood 3) started receiving more compliments from others 4) realized how lucky they are to have the lives they do 5) become more optimistic and 6) fall in love during the challenge. These are not promises or guarantees. The results here are up to you.

My challenge begins today. I’m nervous and excited about starting this project. It helps too that there is a website holding me accountable for keeping up with this. Kind of like when you go to the gym with a friend. I’ll be participating via my Instagram account, which I’ve left a link to below. Ever so often, I’ll check in here and let you see some of my snapshots of happiness.

If you decide to give this beastie a shot, let me know in the comments which social media platform you’ll be using and we can support each other.

Good luck, everybody!

Instagram: caitlinemccann

April Empties

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Since my last post was about my favorites for April, I wanted to do a companion post about which products I have finished off this month. There is something unbelievably satisfying about finishing off a bottle/jar/pan of your goodies. Even if you hated the product in question, it feels good  to use it up.

I’m going to take a moment to explain my philosophy about hair products, face cleansers, and other body products. Build up happens, people. Your shampoos, deodorants, cleansing oils, etc. do great things for your bod, but your skin naturally builds up a tolerance to their composition and positive effects. It only gets worse when you miss some products and don’t wash them all off. One of the ways I avoid build up long-term is by changing up my regimen when I run out of a certain item. Unless I am madly in love with a product, I won’t immediately re-buy something but I would definitely put it back in the rotation.

So my system for empties is Buy Now, Buy Later, or Let It Go.

 

Ice Shine 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner from Pantene Pro-V

Shampoo bottles make me feel particularly accomplished when I reach the end.

Ice Shine 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner from Pantene Pro-V–$4.99

I’m such a lazy creature when it comes to hair maintenance. Ergo shampoo/conditioner combos are my favorite. The formula is creamy but not heavy like some conditioners and it left my hair feeling squeaky clean. Shine-wise I felt that it gave a natural gloss straight from the shower but was not something that lasted 24 hours like the bottle claims. I’m more excited that I get to try a new shampoo than I am by the product in general.

Shampoo purchases are such commitments because this thing is going to be in your shower for months. While I will readily return to the Pantene brand, I think the Ice Shine is a Let it Go.

 

Obviously, I have already repurchased this charming soap. Spoiler alert!

Obviously, I have already repurchased this charming soap. Spoiler alert!

Tea Tree Rx Bar from KIND–$7.50

I zoomed in so you can see all the great details of this company. 100% natural and eco-friendly. They also donate $0.10  per bar sold. KIND soap is based in my home town of Webster Groves, Missouri, so I’m even more of a devoted customer since I like to support small businesses. My skin is really sensitive and acne-prone so the tea tree soap helps soothe my skin and reduce redness. The scent is refreshing in the shower but fades pleasantly, so that you feel crisp and clean. It won’t overpower your perfume or other body sprays either. KIND has many other types of products and scent ranges; think a small-scale LUSH. I’d also highly recommend the eco-Bag for soap ($5) no matter what kind of bar you’re using to fully utilize every last inch of your soap.

Not only have I repurchased this Tea Tree soap, or rather my Mom keeps me in stock out here in California, but I usually have an additional bar in reserve. Buy Now, for sure.

 

My favorite razor for summer and all my shaving needs.

My favorite razor for summer and all my shaving needs.

Venus Spa Breeze Refill Cartridges–$20.99

This is going to sound weird, but these things smell like a My Little Pony I used to have as a kid. And who doesn’t want to smell like one of those magical creatures? The smell doesn’t last though, which is OK because you don’t want all your shower scents to be at war. I’ve tried a lot of Venus razor products and for whatever reason, this specific brand does not irritate my skin.

If I can manage repeat uses without my skin freaking out, it’s a Buy Now.

 

Not quite empty yet...but I'm like a week away so I'm counting it!

Not quite empty yet…but I’m like a week away so I’m counting it!

Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Clear Scrub–$6.99 at Target

So many hyphens in one product title! Worth it though. Nice cream base with little exfoliating beads. My skin feels…relieved after. Maybe that’s not the best description but you’re taking off dead skin cells, which lightens the load of your skin. It’s taken me a long time to get through this product, but I’m a fan of the results.

This is a great exfoliator for teens and young adults with troubled skin, but I’m excited by the prospect of trying something new. This Power Scrub is a Buy Later.

 

The companion to the scrub above.

The companion to the scrub above.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Cream Wash–$6.99 at Target

If the scrub from above interests you, then you also need to check out this cream wash. I’ve been using both for years and the results were great through cystic breakouts or mild blemishes. I like to start my morning with the Cream Wash. Smooth and refreshing with a hint of invigorating cool.

Much like the scrub, I would say Buy Later on the Cream Wash.

 

New favorite makeup wipe.

New favorite makeup wipe.

Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelettes with Cotton Extract–$6.00

I didn’t think any makeup wipe could supplant my Neutrogena ones. But this sensitive formula is so light I can clean my eye makeup off without any burning sensation. The Neutrogena wipes always left me rubbing my eyes. The Burt’s Bees wipes are also 99% natural, so it makes sense that they’re gentler on my skin. The results are just as good as other wipes too. I’m a big fan of the cotton fresh scent as well. Easy to use, effective, and better for your body than harsh chemicals. Good all around.

Pretty plain that my answer will be Buy Now.

 

Those are all the products I’ve finished up this month. Wishing you the joy of finishing old favorites and finding new ones this spring!

April Beauty Favorites

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April has flown by, which is a shame because it is such a lovely month. The weather is gorgeous: warm and breezy without being overpowering. In a way, that’s also my makeup philosophy for spring. I want my face to feel light, fresh, and colorful without being too loud. Here are my favorite beauty products that help me achieve that April freshness.

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1. It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner Plus Keratin : You know how luxurious and shiny your hair feels when you leave the salon? This product absolutely extends that feeling. After I shower, I pop my hair into a Turbie-Twist and go about my business for a bit. Then before I bed down for the night or leave the house for the day, I spray the Miracle Leave-In product lightly over my hair and brush it through. After three weeks of doing this, my hair is healthier, shiner, and softer. And it smells lovely. My boyfriend has even commented on how nice my hair smells. Can’t beat that. This little 4 oz. bottle can retail upwards from $18.99 depending on where you buy it, but I’d say this product is worth it.

2. Voluminous Power Volume 24H Mascara: According to its description, this mascara is infused with collagen. The goal there being fuller, plumper looking lashes. I’m not a scientist, but goal achieved. It’s also just fine for sensitive eyes. I use the color Black Smoke and love how full my lashes look. The volume is definitely there too. Maybe not the most natural look out there, but I favor this mascara for nights out. For $7.95, I’ll take it over false lashes every time.

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3. Clinique Quick Corrector in Light: THEY NO LONGER MAKE THIS PRODUCT. Talk about trauma. People are selling this for over $25.00 on eBay when it originally retailed for around $15. I have been hoarding this little tube in my drawer for a while now. And, yes, I know makeup can expire. But the Quick Corrector still gets the job done. I use it more now for highlighting than for straight concealing. The creamy consistency and full coverage are perfection. The light tone is also an ideal brightner. If anyone has found a dupe for this one, please let me know!

4.Wet N Wild Take on the Day Eye Shadow Primer: This little nugget is part of Fergie’s Center Stage collection and is titled For My Primas. I know there are some lovely eye primers from brands like Urban Decay (I have a sample pot next to my bathroom sink), but for those budget conscious beauties, this Wet N Wild primer is an ideal substitute. It has a light color that creates a lovely base for shimmer and matte shades alike. A tiny dot covers my lid and I don’t see creased color in the mirror hours later. It’s a must have for $4.99.

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5. Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm in Apple Pink: I’ve already raved about this product in my ipsy bag review, but I have been using this lip balm several times a week since the bag arrived. The color is exactly the shade of pink that I love. It’s more of a lush peony shade than apple. The little lip brush adds a precision element to application and the matte formula also moisturizes your lips. Some mattes look cakey, but this one just settles on to look natural. Grab yours for $19.00 here.

6. NYX’s Eyebrow Push-Up Bra: Go ahead, take a second to giggle at the name. I certainly did when I saw it in stores last month. The brown half of the pencil is a universally flattering shade to fill in your brows, and the pink side highlights underneath your brow and inner eye corners. My Mom once told me that one day I would care about the illusion of fuller brows, and that day has come. This pencil is easy to use with instant results. It fills in my brows and looks utterly natural, and the highlighter portion gives the brows a natural lift. For $10.00, it’s a must for a fresh face.

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These are my ultimate faves for creating a fresh look this April, but they’re great products that will carry me through other seasons as well. Hope you enjoyed my April Beauty Favorites!

Point Blank Brings the Action

/ caitlinemccann / 2 Comments

Today’s installment of class reviews focuses on foreign films. Living in a big city like LA, New York, or Chicago, these films are readily accessible. But in some smaller towns (and trust me I’ve lived in one), foreign films are a rare commodity and most people are quite hesitant about them. For those of you that lean towards the hesitant side, this film might be a good one to test out. Enjoy!

Fred Cavayé’s Point Blank (2010) begins with a literal bang as intrepid thief, Hugo Sartet (Roschdy Zem), slams into a metal door in the midst of a chase. Sartet is wounded, limping heavily as he runs, and is being followed by two menacing men in black, toting guns. He makes a call to his mysterious associate in rapid-fire French and turns into an underground highway. The men gain on Sartet. He pauses, seeking his getaway driver on the road. And then Sartet is run over by a motorcycle, the cyclist goes flying, and the two pursuers melt back into the shadows. This opening sequence sets the frantic pace for the entire film. Point Blank is a movie that asks its audience to keep up with the action and only allows minor moments to catch your breath.

Yet Point Blank is not merely Sartet’s story. The film readily switches perspectives from harried nurse-in-training Samuel Pierret (Gilles Lellouche), his largely pregnant wife, Nadia (Elena Anaya), bad-cop Commandant Patrick Werner (Gérard Lanvin), and good-cop Commandant Fabre (Mireille Perrier). Each of these characters has something on the line; the stakes of Point Blank are very clear. Nadia is in danger of losing her baby unless she takes bed rest, but then she is kidnapped. Samuel is desperate to get his wife and child back, but he must help Sartet escape his hospital bed. Sartet is trying to find the man who framed him for murder, but he needs to escape Samuel’s care. And so on and so forth.

Each plot point is straight forward. Together they create dynamic layers to enhance the film’s narrative.
For those American audiences who feel gun-shy about foreign films, Point Blank is the perfect entry point into modern French movies. The dialogue is simple and easy to follow for those not used to scanning the screen for subtitles. The twists come from the high-octane action sequences as details are revealed by the physical decisions the characters make. For example, the two gun-toting men from the opening sequence are revealed to be dirty cops when they walk into a crime scene with Werner. Even in moments of relative rest the film constantly reminds its viewers of the chase.

Audiences may be familiar with at least one of the faces in Point Blank. Fans of the paranormal fantasy Van Helsing (2004) may recognize Elena Anaya, who played murderous bride of Dracula, Aleera. Anaya also appears in The Land of Women (2007), and is the only principle character that has directly crossed over into Hollywood. Yet the creative team for Point Blank should instill confidence for audiences as they have worked together many times before on films that have a distinct Hollywood feel, so their process is virtually streamlined. Director and writer Fred Cavayé often teams up with scenario writer Guillaume Lemans for films like Anything for Her (2008), starring Diane Kruger, and The Next Three Days (2010), starring Russell Crowe. Each of these films from the writer-director duo has strong elements of action and suspense, which Point Blank utilizes to its fullest. Ultimately Point Blank transcends national borders to be an enjoyable example of a modern action film that all audiences can connect with.