Make-up Madness and Weddings

Dear Jen,

I miss you! And I had first-day-of-school flutters for you yesterday with hopes you'd make lots of friends. Of course you'll have to keep us up to date on all the new BFFs you make. Also, will your MBA program be like an episode of Gossip Girl? One can only hope.

Okay, so back to me.

Actually, back to my sister. My youngest sister just got engaged in Paris! She has been with her boyfriend, The Engineer, for six years and I'm so happy for them! She got some round ring (ahem, clearly not the technical word, but, as you know, that's the extent of my knowledge) from Tiffany's. He proposed in front of a fountain in the Luxembourg Gardens, as it's one of their favorites from when they both lived in France. Anyway, they're off to Italy next to celebrate and get fat eating insane amounts of pasta.

I know my parents are freaking out that they have one *normal* daughter who does the whole proposal-engagement-marriage thing.

So on to the topic at hand.

There was this disturbing -- but most excellent -- article in the paper a couple of weeks ago that talked about toxins in cosmetics. I immediately went home and threw out half my make-up collection (okay, so this means I threw out 3 things), because I was so disturbed.

Here's the list of synthetic ingredients known to cause illness (including pimples, ladies!!) according to Organic Diva:

Methyl, propyl, butyl
Ethyl paraban
Imidazolindyl urea
Petrolatum
Propylene glycol
PVP/V copolymer
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Stearalkonium chloride
Synthetic colors
Synthetic fragrance
Phthalates
Triethanolamine

Phew.

Finally, I'm surprised that talc wasn't on the list, but lately when I've walked into my local CVS or Walgreens, several brands are saying "Talc-free" as talc in make-up could cause specific forms of cancer according to a 4/2008 article by Dr. Kristie Leong, M.D.

Anyway, this means that I have been on a mission. Excuse me, it's more like a MISSION.

I was really irritated, because several brands that call themselves organic still had some of these crazy no-good ingredients in them -- including talc!

However, I recently purchased Jane Iredale make-up, specifically PurePressed Base in Golden Glow (perfect for skin with yellow undertones). It cost a lot more than I usually pay -- it was $50, but I'm pretty sure it's worth it. It's non-comedogenic, so it won't block pores and exacerbate acne and cystic pimples, plus, it looks really natural. I guess my only complaint is that I'm not sure it's good for oily skin, or just DomestiGals who are profuse sweaters like I am!

What do ya'll think about mineral make-up? I know it's all the rage now, but I've heard it makes oilier skin look even oilier within a couple of hours?

Any Make-Up Must Haves from ladies who had flawless skin for their Wedding Day?

Jen, what do you currently use on your face?

xx,

DomestiGal Sue who will soon have The Engineer as her brother-in-law!

DomestiGals Stand Up to Cancer!

To Sue and all my ladies in DomestiGal Land... a plea from across the pond:

WATCH THIS TONIGHT!

Stand Up To Cancer. Tonight at 8pm (ET/PT) and 7pm (CT) on ABC, CBS, and NBC. 

That's right! Three networks simultaneously! But it's not a State of the Union! In fact, Bush won't even be there! Woohoo!

I'm sure you've heard about it. And frankly I am going through mayjah withdrawal over here not seeing all the press because - to get serious for a second - cancer advocacy is a great passion of mine (second to planning my wedding, obv). This TV special and the incredible website that has been built to promote it have the potential to make a HUGE impact on this cause. 

Here are some great ways *YOU* can promote SU2C on your blog, in your email, on your Facebook page, wherever! Easy peasy and impactful. Awesome.

What else can you do? Why, you can download the catchy new song "Just Stand Up!" from iTunes. This is Gal (vocal) power at its best!

There are also some fab items to buy here. I am drooling over Jennifer Meyer's star necklace... though perhaps that's partly because she gets to snuggle with Tobey Maguire every night. Lucky gal. I did buy myself this totebag:

... and have been carrying it to all my Colossal workout sessions. Not only does the bag feature my favorite color (orange) but I felt good spending (The Lawyer's) money on a very good, very urgent, very important cause.

[Dude. Su2C should be paying me for promotions like this! Though then I would just donate the money back. But still.]

Gals! If you decide to promote this fabulous and important and groundbreaking program, please let us know! I'd love to hear your thoughts.

And finally, because I can't resist... for those of you who may wonder, from time to time, what Sue and Yours Truly look like in person, you will find me - for real - in here:

Who am I? That's top secret, I'll never tell.

You know you love me.

AND PLEASE TUNE INTO SU2C TONIGHT!

XOXO,

DomestiGirl Jen