Ode to Drugstore Gems Part 1

The Bombshell Biker doesn't need expensive cosmetics- she wants them! There are times, though, when funds may be either low, or needed for other things (ski lift tickets, gas for a road trip, slot machines, etc...)

I have found many Drugstore Gems that I continue to use even when I can afford to go luxe. Some of these items I've happened upon in my many wanderings of the drugstore aisles (its quite therapeutic), some I've read about in magazines or other beauty blogs, or on Makeup Alley, some I've searched for when I needed a replacement for a higher end item that I either couldn't afford at the time, or needed access to right away (no Sephora in my town).

So today I will sing the praises a few of my favorite cosmetic gems that I use daily:

• My absolute # 1 product- expensive or cheap- is L'Oreal Original Voluminous Mascara in Blackest Black. At about 6 bucks a tube, you get thick, dark, dare I say..."Voluminous" lashes. Sometimes I apply about 10 coats, but one or two will still get you amazing thickness. It stays put through an hour of Turbo Kickboxing! But amazingly, washes off with regular foaming face wash.


• Almay Line Smoothing Compact Makeup spf 15. I use the shade called Buff 140. This is a very creamy foundation that comes in a little compact with a mirror and a separate, ventilated compartment underneath that houses the sponge applicator. I discovered this Almay makeup when I ran out of my beloved Stila stick foundation and the 'powers that be' had regrettably decided to take my Stila counter at my Macy's away from me! I use my Stila foundation brush #27 to apply the Almay (if I'm in a hurry I use the little sponge that lives in the compact). It has nice coverage, feels cooling on my skin, is moisturizing, AND has spf 15. Its about $12-14. About 1/2 the price of the Stila (although the Stila seems to last longer). I still buy the Stila when I'm near a Sephora, but the Almay is great for everyday use- whether I'm just going to work, or if I'm riding on the back of a motorcycle in 100 degree heat all day!


• Jane Eye Zing in Goldie Looks. I really just stumbled upon this subtle, but shimmery champagne-ey gold eye shadow. I was looking for something as a warm counterpoint to my signature cool, silvery NARS Bombshell. I saw it at Rite Aid for about $2 and thought I'd give it a whirl...yay! I love it by itself or over a matte beige from Clinique.


• Cherry Chapstick- my staple, staple, staple! I keep a tube everywhere. It imparts the tinyiest hint of color, moisturizes like crazy (without being greasy which is my complaint about most lip balms), and makes me feel good! AND its about 99 cents a tube!


• Last but not least today- Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks in Cherries in the Snow and Mauvy Night. The classic black tubes with gold trim are so vintage-y and very Bombshell! They are about $6 and you get long wearing, but not drying, color. The Cherries in the Snow is a perfect blue red and the Mauvy Night is a very "me only better" color for my lips.

I like to mix my Drugstore Gems with my higher end products, that way I feel pampered and fiscally responsible at the same time.

Bombshell Ball Game!

This afternoon I'm going to a football game. My beloved local junior college is playing in the second round of the championships!

Being a Bombshell Fan is probably one of the easiest looks to pull off. Basically, one must stay warm, wear appropriate footwear for navigating steep stadium steps, and protect one's skin from the sun and wind.

Fortuitously, my team's colors are red and white. This means I can wear my red wool coat with the faux leopard fur collar and cuffs! (I will also have my giant red foam "We're #1" finger proudly displayed- but that's not very "Bombshell-ey" so I won't discuss it further, although having 'team spirit' and being enthusiastic are very Bombshell)

Lately my sunscreen of choice is Cetaphil daily moisturizer spf 15 for everyday use. If I'm going to be out in the sun all day then I definitely use something stronger. But the Cetaphil will work fine for today- the game doesn't start until 4pm which means it will be dark an hour into the game.

If you are attending a sporting event of any kind, this basic Bombshell look will work:

• Dark jeans (bootcut jeans with boots (duh)/heels/wedges-I recommend wedges for the comfort factor at these types of events or cuffed jeans with sneakers/ballet flats)


• Cotton or Cashmere sweater layered over a close fitting t-shirt or blouse


• Glamorous coat, preferably in a color that coordinates with your team, but not necessary, and definitely NO team logo jackets (unless your boyfriend gives you his letterman jacket ;) and a team jersey is another topic all together that I will discuss at a later date.


• scarf and gloves (and a hat if you live in a really cold climate)


• wool blanket for sitting on or wrapping up in...


• Sunscreen


• neutral makeup, but red lipstick would definitely be appropriate if desired!

Go Team!

Bombshell Battlescars

One of the conundrums of being a Bombshell Biker is loving Las Vegas but hating second hand smoke!

I recently returned from 3 days in Sin City. You cannot escape the cigarette and cigar smoke in this town- it is permitted everywhere! We were lucky enough to have a non-smoking room at the lovely Palms Resort & Casino , but had to sacrafice a King size bed and settle for two Queens to get it.

In order to keep my skin from suffering the carcinogenic onslaught, I was diligent about my skin regime while there and am continuing with the damage control at home.

I've been using the Re 9 anti-aging line from Arbonne for about nine months. Two of the products from this line were especially important during my trip. The toner and the serum. I don't use the toner every night, generally, but while in Vegas it seemed to really help get my skin extra clean and get rid of a (possibly subconscious?) layer of smokey film on my skin. Then the serum... I am a huge fan of serums anyway and use them nightly, but felt like the smooth, anti-oxidant rich gel was really helping to combat any negative, aging effects on my face.

Upon my return home, I've been using Estee Lauder's Advance Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex Serum(just the name makes my face feel younger-looking!) This feels stronger to me than the Arbonne serum, so I usually use it only once a week or so, or after I've been out in the elements. I'll use this nightly for about 3 days before switching back to the Arbonne serum.

The second thing I'm using (actually tingling on my face as I type) is Arbonne's Thermal Fusion Enzyme Masque. You apply this oil-based mask to your clean, dry face and then 'activate' it with water. It starts to get warm, the more water you apply the hotter it gets. It is supposedly a natural alternative to Retin A, Renova, and Glycolic Acid- all I know is that my face always feels exceptionally smooth afterwards and it has a nice glow that lasts a while.

Beyond this, I'm drinking plenty of water, exercising daily, taking my multi-vitamin, and getting TONS of sleep to recover from Viva-ing in Las Vegas. But no matter what- I had the best time!

Bombshell Bookmarks

I've started a list of links to my favorite websites (see over there...to the right). Some are sites I visit on a daily basis for updates and inspiration.

Anne Barone is a cool, 60-something, Francophile who lives in Texas! (one of my favorite places) She has a series of books, that, along with her website, are devoted to all things chic, slim, and French. She has a great sense of humor and can help everyone learn to be more like our beloved French Bombshells- even while hiking!

Gin Sanders' book, The Martini Diet is another super fun read. I am continually re-reading this for great Bombshell exercise tips- like ice skating and ballroom dancing.

Makeup Alley- addictive!! chit chat about everything beauty or everything else. I visit this site to read product reviews too- especially before I'm contemplating a high end buy!

Nigella- I usually just look at her gallery photos- she is the ultimate Brunette Bombshell- I want to be her when I grow up!

The Bombshell Manual of Style is my Bible- it lives on my coffee table. I study it everyday. If you consider yourself a Bombshell, or strive to become one someday- you must acquire this book.

Ronda Rich's book about Southern Bombshell wisdom is all about being intelligent and beautiful. Using what you've got to get what you want (with self respect of course).

If I'm not visiting these sites or reading the accompanying books (and I'm not wasting time on Myspace) then I'm off on a Bombshell adventure...

The Bombshell Biker goes live!

While riding on the back of my husband's motorcycle I have lots of time to think about fun things. One day, the idea of the Bombshell Biker popped into my head. A blog where I could share my beauty secrets and tips for looking pretty and girly while participating in an active lifestyle. Let's face it- helmet hair is not the most glamorous and flattering look for anyone. (And while I'm on the subject- I do not wear chaps, bandanas, those weird leather 'hair harnesses' for a braid, or any of the other typical "biker" accouterments.)

I thought about how I like to do all kinds of active things in my life and I want to be comfortable while participating- but I do not want to look like a tom boy- or worse- a boy! My original idea for the Bombshell Biker tag line was, "for girls who love boys that ride bikes." But I realized that its about way more than sitting on the back of a motorcylce looking cute...
its about an entire lifestyle- taking advantage of every situation and being prepared for every situation so that you can have fun, be comfortable, and feel pretty at all times!

I plan to post as often as possible about what works (products, tools, accesories, etc), what doesn't, and what happens along the way. I welcome your comments and feedback, too!