Mine’s a tossup between 1) giving at-home waxing a try, 2) grooming my brows and 3) learning to accept my naturally wavy hair.
I used to spend A LOT of time and money at salons getting my goods waxed. Doing it myself at home saves that money for makeup, and I don’t have to tip. 🙂
As for my brows, think *hot mess*. That’s how they are when I forget to pluck and fill them in. Before I started plucking, I’d just let them go, but a pair of shapely brows help to frame the face and make a huge diff, fo’ reals!
With my hair, I used to spend hours straightening it every morning. I just preferred the look of straight hair, but it was taking forever to style and wound up damaged. I’ve been a lot happier just riding my waves. 🙂
What about you? What’s the best beauty decision you’ve ever made?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I think my best decision was calling a truce with my curly hair. Now I love it. 🙂
I do relate to the eyebrow issue, though. Mine don’t need too much shaping… they just need to be reminded that there are two of them, not just one extra long unit.
Happy Friday, Karen! Hope you have a fun weekend lined up!
.-= Christina’s last blog post… What Daydreams Revealed =-.
Hi Christina!
How are you? I hope you had a lovely week. 🙂
Did you notice when you called the truce that all of the sudden it took waaaay less time to style your hair? I can seriously wash and go now (well, when it’s warm out).
Best decision was to stop curling my hair. 🙂
Hi Kesti,
LOL, we’re opposites. Did you get perms?
Mines learning to accept my super pale skin.
I used to fake tan all the time which is time consuming and difficult to get completely streak free everytime. I started noticing a lot of celebrities embracing their super paleness like Dita Von Teese, Nicole Kidman and Marcia Cross and realised that my skin was naturally beautiful.
Although sometimes in the summer I do wish I would tan just a little! I will maybe use a gradual tan moisturiser to give me a glow but not full on bronze like I used to.
My only major gripe is finding foundation pale enough, it is a never ending search!
Hi Alison,
I’ve heard from many pale beauties that is a real challenge. Have you found any brands/lines that come close?
My best decision was hopping on the sunscreen train in my teens! Later, I happily endorsed the antioxidant trend, and I think my skin has truly benefited from both of those choices!
I also cherish my decisions to (a) truly embrace my inner glamor-girl after having my kids and (b) check out those “beauty blogs” on the computer! 😀
Hi Glosslizard,
WOOT! We made it to Friday! 🙂
I really should start using antioxidants. Are there any you recommend?
I had no idea you have wavy hair. I don’t know what is the best decision but I am happy that I don’t experiment with the hair colour anymore.
.-= Marina’s last blog post… The New Beauty Book and Green Lips of Alex Box from Illamasqua =-.
Hi Marina,
Happy Friday! How are you?
Yes, it’s wavy. It gets pretty curly if I put a lot of effort into it.
Once I started getting Brazilian waxes I was hooked. Easy. Neat. No need to worry.
And about six months ago, (believe it or not), I started using isopropyl alcohol on my neck and chest area. Boy, what a difference! My skin is so much softer and cleaner. Sounds bad, I know. But it works.
SUNSCREEN! My mom teases me that I’m the only person she knows who could move to Hawaii and get paler. But, I just kept seeing people with bandages on their faces from having a little something removed. I have worn sunscreen every day since. I look about 8-10 years younger then I am.
Tweezing my brows. Opened up my face remarkably.
Stopping biting my nails. Not a pretty look.
Hi Karen,
TGIF!
I think my best decision was learning to use double eyelid tape for my asian eye, yes EYE not eyeS. I have double eyelid on the left but super heavy single eyelid on the right, which makes it really hard to use eyeliner and make both eyes look the same.
Hi Mags,
Ah, don’t you love finding those beauty goods that make life easier? 🙂 Happy Friday!
Probably getting laser hair removal for my legs and armpits! I spent quite a lot but definetely well worth it! I have lighter skin with dark hair (thanks to my Medeterranian roots) and the laser worked great. it feels so GOOD to not have to shave my legs and my armpits never EVER again 😀
Hi Ebru,
My hairy self is way jealous! Did it hurt?
Well, my best beauty decision was buying foundation the correct shade…i mean i had the tendency to buy a shade lighter…which i ges is not a very good idea…
also, using primer before make-up is also a good decision i took….
a little off topic…Can u pls tell me where did u get/buy these lovely clip arts (these beautiful ladies).
.-= resham’s last blog post… BENEFIT – Full-Finish Lipstick Swatches/Review =-.
Getting my hair colored at a salon is definitely my best beauty decision.
In my teens/early 20’s I tried it at home so many times, and it never came out looking good. I always had to go to a salon and have them fix it! So I started getting my hair colored at the salon around age 21, and have never looked back 🙂
.-= Kelly’s last blog post… Diamond Cosmetics Winter 2009 Collection Swatches and Review =-.
Hi Kelly,
Don’t you love the feeling of fresh roots? Makes me go “ahhhhh.”
my best one is when i decided to cut my frindge round, it makes me look cuter and not older 🙂
Unfortunately it did, especially at the beginning 🙁 But I learned not to go just before that time of the month (since you are most sensitive those times) and of course I had to stay away from sun over 1 yr and make sure I put on SPF all the time (which I always do anyway). I tried for upperlips but they get so light after one session and it stopped working. I will try electrolysis for facial hair once I get my budget together 🙂
Maybe you this will be your x-mas gift this year 😉 Especially for legs, it is so well worth it.
Happy friday BTW! I used to live in SF and moved to NY 4 yrs ago and miss back there so much! I absolutely LOVE reading your blog, so informative and so much fun 🙂 I feel like I can relate so much to you!
Have a wonderful weekend 😀
Hi Ebru,
Oh yah, timing is one of the keys to successful waxing as well. Gotta make sure it’s before Aunt Flo visits and to take a few Advil beforehand. 🙂
If I could gift myself a few sessions I’d probably do my hairy toes, ha ha ha!
Aww, which part of SF did you live in? Before I met El Hub I lived in the Outer Richmond. I still miss it!
I’ve been dying my hair red for over a decade (crazy because I’m in my early 20’s!) and when I discovered what the right brand of henna could do, it changed my life! Well, not actually, but it’s the perfect shade of red every time, and even though I heat style now more than ever, split ends are non-existent! Most def the best beauty decision ever.
Gals, have a great weekend!!!
My best beauty decisions have got to be filling my brows [they’re horribly sparse] and using a primer.
I’ve also finally realized that lipstick is not the enemy, which has turned out to be *very* good for me.
Recently just switched to use gel eyeliner and I love it to max the result of it, however more practice must be done to achieve perfection !
.-= Jess’s last blog post… Jessying’s Birthday Giveaway Winners =-.
– Tweezerman Tweezers
-Stop peeling the skin on my lips
-Squashing my Shu Uemura curler (not really a decision, but now I get to try the Shiseido)
My greatest beauty decision was going for red hair. REALLY red hair! I love it! Took me some time making that decision though. It was a big step.
Oh, this is SO my question!!
-stopped being afraid of red lipstick (who KNEW I had an inner pin-up inside of me!)
-started caring enough about my skin to avoid the sun and use a descent SPF on my face!
-realized that just because it’s expensive, doesn’t mean it’s “better”
1. I stopped coloring my hair about 5 years ago, when I was 21. My hair is healthy and shiny, and people compliment me on it all the time. 🙂
2. MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Gleam. I glow like an angel, seriously.
This is an easy one for me….getting my nails/toes done.
As a child and young teenager I bit my nails all the time and they never really recovered, in spite of trying all kinds of treatments.
About 9 years ago, I found a great Nail Technician who does gel nails and I’ve had them done every month since. This past summer I started having my toes done as well.
I never really liked painting my nails/toes (lack of coordination being a big factor there!) and so I never felt much like I was missing out.
Now its one less thing for me to worry about each day because they’re always done and always make me look pulled together even when I feel like crap!
Bx
.-= Beth’s last blog post… How to look good…dressed =-.
When I was 16 my mom paid to get my hair coloured properly. Now that I make my own money, I pay my salon trips myself. There are a few attempts to colour my own hair in university, but never again! I rather skip out on some makeup/clothing money to save and get my hair done. Also I have bangs all my life because I have a huge forehead(as my hair line naturally is far back) and it looks very unflattering without bangs to shorten and camouflage my forehead. During the trend of having a centre part, I did grew out my bangs, but turns out it was a no no for me. From now on I go for a bang trim in between hair appointments.
.-= amy’s last blog post… NOTD OPI Suede Nail Lacquer Lincoln Park After Dark =-.
Hi Karen! I would have to say growing back my brows and experimenting with color. I recently found a photo of myself circa 1995 with pencil thin brows, ivory eye shadow, and heavy black liquid liner. No wonder people thought I was a chola back then. Heh. That was my daily look, day or night, casual or dressy. I think my face looks so much better with a strong brow, and I’m addicted to color now. Guess I’m making up for lost time. Oh yeah, and growing out my super short, super straight bangs. Not sure what I was thinking back then!
Hi Sole,
That look is CLASSIC mid-90s. Please tell me you also wore dark brown matte lipstick and plaid…
SUNSCREEN! It has made a world of difference when I see the sum damage on the faces and chests of my non sunscreen using friends. I cannot stress this enough to the young women reading this blog. You will not be young forever but you can look young by using SUNSCREEN!
My second best beauty decision is that I never go to bed without taking off my makeup and washing my face, no matter how tired I am.
Moisturizer with SPF 15! Best beauty decision ever!
#1 best decision was deciding my skin was important in my teens. I have NEVER slept in makeup, always spent more on skin care than makeup, used sunscreen religiously, and my 54-year old skin shows it!
#2 best decision – learning to use Just For Men mustache/beard stuff to color my eyebrows! I look SO much better with darker eyebrows!
I have a few “best” beauty decisions.
The first was to have gylcolic treatments for my ucky skin. It was the best thing to do for my acne scarred skin clearning away all the old skin and refreshing and giving me a new fresh face. The intense treatments I had were from a number of years ago and now I use glycolic to exfloiate. It has been a god-send.
My other best decisions – love my curly natural hair! I get so many compliments on it from guys and girls. And the other, is to NOT have a breast reduction. Gramma said if you got it, flaunt it…and I do! I’m used to my girls…now if I can only find blouses and dresses to fit…
Coloring my hair at home (Clairol Natural Instincts), taking better care of the skin on my body, splurging for teeth whitening with the dentist(the kind where you put the gel in the plastic molds), and trying out new makeup looks/colors.
Hi Karen!
Bobbi Brown has some pale colours but I don’t have a counter anywhere near where i live to test them out! I’m sure MAC probably do too but again I live even further away from a MAC counter than I do Bobbi! Whats the best Bobbi Brown Foundation formula in your opinion?
Thanks 🙂
Hi Alison,
Unfortch I haven’t tried any BB foundations. 🙁 I just haven’t gotten around to them quite yet.
Have you checked Makeup Alley? They have a fantastic range of product reviews… I’m sure they’ll have a few of the BB line there!
Hi Karen! Happy Frienday to you, too
Thank you, everything is great! Yesterday was a month since Sonya is gone but I am trying not to think about that.
Just got my the Second Skin foundation from Max Factor and now I am thinking what to get from Illamasqua 🙂
And what about you?
.-= Marina’s last blog post… The New Beauty Book and Green Lips of Alex Box from Illamasqua =-.
Hi Marina,
Thinks are going well. I just got a new desk today that I’m excited about. I’ve been writing on this rickety old one for years, so I figured it was time to try something new. I’m really happy to have a desk that doesn’t wiggle, LOL!
Any big plans for the weekend?
Hey, Karen,
Yes, my week was great. Now that I’ve remembered how to layer my clothes, I’m enjoying the fall weather and scarves and sweaters. 🙂
The hair DEFINITELY got easier and faster to care for once the curls were okay-ed. It’s funny how that works. 😉
.-= Christina’s last blog post… PhD In Procrastinating =-.
Hi Christina,
Layering! It’s a must here in the Bay Area too.
Been meaning to ask about your new ‘do! I bet it takes a lot less time to get ready in the morning. 🙂
Karen,
Taking care of my hair situation in general-eyebrows and otherwise. I used to just let it go but since college I’ve been working on it more and more.
I also exfoliate my bod more regularly (every other day or so) which is great.
Hi Tania,
Hey, the exfoliating makes a huge diff. I haven’t been doing it consistently on le bod and notice that I’m way flakier than usual, eww.
Brow grooming, hands down. In fact, I should probably do that now. Haha
-meream
.-= All Women Stalker’s last blog post… 5 Interesting Posts to BlogStalk… =-.
Hi Meream,
LOL, I did mine this morning!
Good question!
Mine has been: not coloring my hair ever ( I rock my dark brown goldish hair color)or straightening it. I have wavy hair too, so besides blowdrying my bangs, i just use some curling product, work it in, and let air dry. Soo easy
I thread and tweeze at home, and all that jazz. I would LOVE to get laser hair removal 🙂
most recently I’ve tired the minimal makeup look, and I have to say I’m loving it! Some concealer, mascara, blush and I’m good to go:) it’s very freeing actually. You learn to appreciate ur own skin 🙂
.-= Hafsa’s last blog post… Testing 1-2-3 =-.
Hi Hafsa,
You and me both! Although, I’m afraid of the pain… not down for that!
Good question!
I also started caring for my skin- hello SPF 30! goodbye sunspots!
and accepting my curly hair. It’s a work in progress, though now I really want to try Henna….
Hi Ellie,
SPF! Don’t forget to put it on your neck…
I’m sounding like a broken record here, I know, LOL!
Mine is that I stopped coloring my hair to make it blonde. It’s in much better shape now and my natural shade of light brown suits me much better!
Hi Tiffany,
How long were you a blonde? And is it true that they have more fun? I’ve always wondered…
Hi- That’s easy. Accepting my curly hair after i got the fight haircut from a a 70’s guy who flew in from England and did hair in Gimbles. Yeh I am that old.
And. I had my nose done. I had a deviated septum. People caled me Barbra. I said that’s it. Done deal. I have a nose more like my mother and sister now, so no one really thinks I had it done,
Michele.
Have great weekend!
Hi- That’s easy. Accepting my curly hair after i got the first haircut from a 70’s guy who flew in from England and did my hair in Gimbels. Yeh, I am that old.
And. I had my nose done. I had a deviated septum. People called me Barbra. I said, that’s it. Done deal. I have a nose more like my mother and sister now, so no one really thinks I had it done,
Michele.
Have great weekend!
Hi Michele,
What kind of curls do you have? Big curls, waves or tight ones?
You have a good weekend too!
Switching to self-made skincare products ^_^
Hi Marina,
Hmm, sounds interesting. What do you use to make your own?
Finally going to see a dermatologist (it took FOREVER to get an appt) and getting my moderate-to-severe acne under control with a topical retinoid, topical antibiotic, and oral low-dose antibiotic. I still struggle a lot with active inflammation and post-inflammatory pigmentation, though. I’m also thankful that the derm didn’t push Accutane on me!
Hi Nadine,
Hmm, have you tried Clinique’s Even Better serum? I’ve been using it lately and noticed it makes a huge difference in decreasing post-pimple pigmentation.
I love this question and reading everyone’s answers! It’s amazing how some beauty decisions really change your whole outlook.
For me, it’s:
-NOT cutting my own hair anymore!! Jeez. I am too adventurous, and figured…a snip here, a snip there…WRONG!! No, Abby, you CANNOT cut bangs, layers, or anything else of the sort. Now I leave it strictly to the professionals. 😉
-colouring my own hair at home with Clairol Natural Instincts, which I’ve been doing for over fifteen years. I used to use permanent color, which thrashed my hair and always looked flat. The Clairol NI is fantastic…glossy, soft, gorgeous color. I have long brown hair but I like to keep it glazed with a medium golden brown, gives it so much dimension.
-Using Avon Liiv Botanicals serum two times a day (for the past eight months already!) and BAM, literally five years off my face. Saw results within a week and I am still going strong, I am never without this stuff. (I’m 34…so five years of tired and blah and wrinkle-beginnings are POOFed!)
-letting my natural nails grow out; my hands look so much prettier.
-AND…last but not least…(drumroll please)…I had been inspired by your self-lip-waxing at home and decided to try it. Yep–works great and so easy (and somehow sorta fun in a weird way). Why the heck did I not do this before?? LOL. It was like, Nad’s…where ya been all my life!! So thanks Karen!
Have a great weekend everyone!
–
Hi Abby,
LOL, the home self wax is a whole new world, right?!
Have you tried the Sally Hansen wax strips? They’re pretty good.
Mine are finally accepting that I have curly hair and just going natural. The at home waxing is a work in progress and I dedcided that I was going to take care of my OWN nails instead of acrylics 🙂
Hi Jocelynn,
Waxing is like any skill… it takes awhile to figure out. Soon you’ll be a pro!
Mine is sunscreen! I used to be so lax about it, and my skin suffered some permanent damage. About two years ago I started to wear a facial moisturizer with SPF 15, and it really has helped to repair and protect my skin. Now, I’m always on the prow for decent beauty products with sunscreen!
.-= Rebecca’s last blog post… Lumene vs. Garnier Nutritioniste Cleansing Wipes =-.
Hi Rebecca,
I gotta quote the Wu-Tang Clan here: PROTECT YA NECK! I skipped applying sunscreen on my neck for years… don’t make the same mistake!
My best beauty decision was to put purple streaks in my hair. It’s really allowed me to express my colorful self and make me stand out.
I also am thankful for Urban Decay makeup which provides me with another outlet to express my colorful self!
Happy Friday! 🙂
Hey Karen! Happy Friday
I have to agree with you on the home waxing being the best beauty decision. I like to have my entire face waxed (makes makeup go on sooooooooooo smooth) but it cost $40 after tip twice a month. That adds up, so I started doing it at home and have saved a good chunk of cash.
.-= Sarah’s last blog post… Funny T-Shirt Friday =-.
I think it would have to be going back to my natural blonde. I started dying it red the end of freshman year of college and did so for about 4 years. I swore that there were enough blondes in Orange County! But eventually I got tired of the upkeep and cost, and going back has made me feel more natural and true to myself (besides being a bit heavier in the wallet). 🙂 Although it does get old that every time I go to the salon I still have to hear “Do you know people KILL for your color??”
.-= Trude’s last blog post… Photowalk Awesomeness =-.
Hi Ebru, I am Turkish also and have dark hair 🙂 I also got laser hair removal and it is definitely the best thing I did. I love not having to ever shave again.
Getting my hair done by a proper stylist. She’s actually a an ex-MAC makeup artist, turned hair guru. She also taught at a hair school as well. She doesn’t teach any more, which is all the better for me so she can fit me in. She’s wonderful at hair color and tells me when things don’t look good. Bonus is she will give me makeup tips if she can see something that doesn’t look right on me. 😉
.-= Christy’s last blog post… FOTD: Chanel Noirs Obscurs Les Folies Noirs & L’oreal Shady HIP Racy Concentrated Shadow Duo =-.
Hi Karen,
I make my own creams, lotions, cleansers, lip balms and recently learnt how to make toothpaste. I’m going to make shampoos and shower gels as well 🙂
It’s so great to create my own recipes and the best thing is they’re all natural.
Almost forgot, i’m also experimenting with perfumes 🙂
Hi Karen!
I haven’t found any I swear by (and they tend to be super-expensive, so I’m not terribly brand-loyal), so I tend to bounce around between products while always incorporating a few (even if they’re just samples) into my routine. A few to check out are:
Kinerase Ultimate (Day or Night) Cream. Kinetin is the antioxidant and they do make my skin lustrous!
Prevage. They have a new UV 30 day cream that I want to try. Idebenone is the secret ingredient and highly touted by dermatologists and Allure magazine! 😉
Aveeno Positively Ageless day moisturizer spf 42. Antioxidant protection from shiitake complex and olive leaf. Not sure how great these are for antioxidants, but it’s a more budget-friendly antioxidant alternative.
Caudalie. The emphasis is on resveratrol, an antioxidant derived from grapes. I’m *dying* to try the new Premiere Cru La Creme!!
Then there are the Coffeeberry products (Revaleskin or Priori) or the Vitamin C types (notoriously unstable, but Skinceuticals C-E is a cult fave and Philosophy has several C products as well).
Long story short, if you find an HG, let me know! 😀
Best beauty decision I ever made was to go to a professional highly recommended place to get my brows waxed and shaped. For the longest time, I didn’t want to go and although my brows weren’t too shabby, they weren’t as defined and cleaned up as they are now. I pay $25/month and have never looked back.
.-= Marisol’s last blog post… Catching up =-.
Facial Sunscreen everyday since my early 20’s. Now I’m 32 and people constantly think I’m either early 20’s or 25!!!
Oh Karen! Get yourself some exfoliating body wash it really helps your moisturizer sink in. I love the ones from Caress, they smell delish plus they’re cheap.
Hi Tania,
LOL, I haven’t been able to find anything since we moved. I’ll dig through some boxes today. Hopefully I can find my Bliss Blood Orange Exfoliator!
Got any exciting plans for the weekend?
Hey Karen! I have a few questions for you if you wouldnt mind 🙂
What at-home wax do you use? Do you also use it on your eyebrows? When you wax your lips, do you break out afterwards? Even though I love getting my upper lip waxed (so smooth!) I always break out so bad afterwards its not worth it anymore.
Thanks and Happy Saturday!
Ruth
Hi Ruth,
I really like Sally Hansen Wax Strips. They work the best for me because the wax removes everything, even the little hairs. And nope, I don’t break out… have you considered using Tend Skin? That’s supposed to help with bumps and stuff.
As for eyebrows, nope I don’t wax them, I pluck. I learned the hard way: https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/just-browsing-the-best-brow-kits-for-the-eyebrow-challenged/
Lemme know if you have any other questions! Always happy to help other hairy gals. 🙂
Getting my eyebrows professionally groomed back in 11th grade = best beauty decision ever, hands-down. There’s been no turning back ever since, and it’s actually rather painful to look at pictures pre-waxing!!!!
First-runner up is embracing my paleness. I hear ya, Alison. My nickname in middle school was “Casper the Friendly Ghost.” But with the inspiration of gorgeous pale ladies like Nicole Kidman, I am learning to like it – and love not trying to hide it all the time with tanner.
Hi Karen- I have big curls, tiny curls, all kinds of curls. I control the curls with mousse and spritz aussie anti- frizz. Working fine so far. And I rock any anti color agent shampoo they are hawking that sounds fine. Right now it is Sally Hershberger for color for curly hair. Some say you have to stay with the same product line but that is too boring for me. I mix and match. And change monthly. My hair responds better. And looks healthier.
Happy Sunday,
Michele
mine was using thick eyeliner for a dramatic eye look for the first time
Accepting the fact that my grandmother’s makeup style was NOT for me. She taught me how to put on lippy, blush and eye makeup when I was little (like 4 or 5) for dress up- my mom’s a tomboy and STILL comes to me to do her nails and eye makeup if she’s dressing up. The day that I realized that “frosted coral” or “softsilver red” lipstick and jade eyeshadow is NOT for anyone under the age of 60 was a good decision. I was probably 13 or 14, and started looking for age-appropriate cosmetics- sparkly, light eyeshadows and more subtle lip colors. OH MAN. I can’t believe what a difference it made.
To quit worshipping the sun, and save my skin! Luckily, I decided in my mid-20s that I didn’t want to look old… EVER. I learned to embrace my paleness, and stopped basking in the sun. I also started wearing a foundation with an SPF every day. Best decision ever!
.-= Jen’s last blog post… Happy Thanksgiving! =-.
Getting a breast reduction! I went from a 34 H to a 34D. Now people are noticing a lot more than the girls.
.-= Celine’s last blog post… maravi: Loving my Urban Decay Foreshadow Palette for my ballet performance. Perfect makeup for the stage! =-.