GETTING TO KNOW MELILALA! SPOTLIGHT ON MELISSA!

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 2:39pm

Name: Melissa

Age: 25

Vocation: writer

What is in your purse? Neutrogena MoistureShine in "Honey", Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream, Caudalie Lip Conditioner, Sonia Kashuk Lip Palette in "Berries", test spritzer of Bvlgari Omnia Amethyste, travel toothbrush/paste/floss, Viactiv calcium chews, a ridiculously sharp, indestructible nail file I got as a promo item from a Building Inspection Agency (better than the most expensive nail file), clear polish (great for runs in tights - plus I put a coat over my manicure every day) and MORNING DEW Frankincense Wild refreshing face mist ($3?!)

Guilty Pleasure: chocolate - earl grey chocolate, mint chocolate, ginger chocolate, Toblerone. Doesn't matter, I love it. Nail polish, too!

Skin color, type and any special skin concerns: Warm / light olive-ish. I'm Sicilian so I've never had a sunburn and I tan well, but I've had Keratosis Pilaris Rubra faceii on my cheeks and chin since I was two, and plain old Keratosis Pilaris on my hips/thighs and the backs of my arms. Unfortunately the cosmetic industry focuses on acne, while KP is just as common, so I've had to do a lot of my own experimenting and reading on skincare message boards to see what works - my own dermatologist misdiagnosed me as having rosacea. Loser. I've got the treatment down to a science but it flares up if I skip more than a day or two. Oh, I'm also a little dry and sensitive.

Beauty inspiration: My momma! One of my earliest memories is watching her apply her makeup at the breakfast table every morning - she still wears L'Oreal Colour Riche Vagabond Mauve and uses the original Oil of Olay - and it works for her! She also had a full beautified face (never over done) and styled hair when she gave birth to both her children.

Top 3 skincare products:
- LUSH King of Skin
- REN Guerande Salt Exfoliating Body Balm
- Coconut oil

Top 3 tools of the trade:
- a wide tooth comb
- Sonia Kashuk eyebrow brush
- Japonesque professional eyelash curler

Best beauty secret / tip: Don't slouch!

Three current beauty products you'd like to buy:
- Jonathan Product Beauty Water Shower Purification System
- Tarte Lights Camera Lashes
- the entire Jessicurl product line

Favorite Drugstore product and why: Maybelline Full 'n Soft because people actually think I'm gifted in the eyelash dept. when I wear this.

Favorite Splurge item and why: Oh dear god, I have to pick? I have expensive taste by default... even if I didn't know the price I'd pick the more expensive of the two without fail. Fine. Chanel lipsticks and polishes because they're quality and you can tell! Also REN Omega 3 Overnight Lipid Renewal Serum because it makes me GLOW.

If I was on a limited beauty budget I would: Sell my eggs for $$.. JOKING!

It's great to get to know you Melissa!
You said you got a ridiculously sharp, indestructible nail file as a promo item from a Building Inspection Agency?! How did you manage to do that?
And we loved your pick from Ibrodar's store on Etsy - we love discovering new cosmetic lines from creative people!

Average:

Your rating: None Average: 4.9 (62 votes)

meg's blog
Login or register to post comments

Reviews

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 3:32pm

ls820 says,

nice to meet you melissa! :)earl grey chocolate? wow i've never heard of that before, it is like the tea, or am i way off lolhahah @ "Sell my eggs for $$"we were just talking about stem cell and rhesus monkey's fetus yesterday, apparently there are more women willing to donate than to sell!

My new Ebay Store: cossiepieMy blog: http://lazyscorner.blogspot.com/

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Skintype: Combination Age: 20

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 4:29pm

melilala says,

Is820 you can get the earl grey chocolate (and other flavors) here http://www.chocosphere.com/Html/Products/dolfin.html

http://ediblelove.wordpress.com/

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 26

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 5:43pm

bluedevilkitty says,

yum... that sounds delicious! I've never heard of it, but I'd love to try it. (I do love some chocolate w/chili powder in it!)And that's a great beauty tip--I slouch way too much. :( Thanks for sharing, and it was nice getting to know you!

♥ Lipgloss and Spandex: a blog for gals who look good and run fast

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Skintype: Oily Age: 24

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 5:45pm

melilala says,

funny you should mention.. i love hot cocoa with ancho chile pepper

http://ediblelove.wordpress.com/

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 26

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 3:44pm

Chloehollywood says,

Hi Melissa,I am pretty much the same about expensive things and I love Chanel Lipstick well I love everything Chanel does lol ( is Chanel expensive? ahah)Kiss,Chloé.

Chloe http://thehollywoodheels.blogspot.com

Eye Color: Green Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 29

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 4:35pm

melilala says,

you can always trust a girl who is in love with chanel :) nice to meet you! molti baci, melissa

http://ediblelove.wordpress.com/

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 26

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 9:06pm

KingTaco says,

I had a Chanel lipstick once, it really was something special!

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Blonde Skintype: Oily Age: 38

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 4:06pm

chachank1430 says,

You totally had me laughing out loud about selling your eggs! I see so many of those ads in newspapers. And thanks for the info about the face mist because i've been trying to search for something cheaper than MAC's Fix plus. And mmmmmm....I love Toblerone. My cousin from Germany always brings me bags of candy from Europe and Toblerone is something I always grab for.

check out my blog
http://sharynramblings.blogspot.com

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Skintype: Combination Age: 23

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 4:33pm

melilala says,

I love etsy. It has some talented sellers and unique products,. glad i could offer the tip! hope you like it.

http://ediblelove.wordpress.com/

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 26

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 4:11pm

gigglebunny says,

Nice to meet you Melissa. I love your gorgeous curls! (my stick straight hair is quite jealous.) I love chocolate as well. I've never heard of earl grey chocolate though. I will have to do some research. I also want a shower purification system. I'm saving up and hope to have that baby in my shower by the end of the year. You are so right about slouching. It can really make you look pulled together if you stand/sit up. I always felt like women back in the 50's looked so great because they knew that little secret. Thanks again for sharing with us!

Eye Color: Green Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 26

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 4:31pm

melilala says,

nice to meet you too, and thank you for the sweet compliment. women of the 50s were sooo stylin'. Thanks for making me feel so welcome, pretty girl!

http://ediblelove.wordpress.com/

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 26

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 4:21pm

ref26 says,

Thanks for the info! I'm glad these responses are starting to roll in again, they're on of my fave things to read on the site! It's awesome that you're a writer (I was an English major), what do you write?

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Red Skintype: Combination Age: 22

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 4:32pm

melilala says,

you're so welcome! i write short fiction and screenplays but i did spend two years writing catalog copy for Victoria's Secret and writing script analysis for a film production company. I also write a food blog. xoxo

http://ediblelove.wordpress.com/

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 26

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 5:14pm

Chelsea1 says,

Hi Melissa! Nice to meet you, you're gorgeous! If you dont mind me asking, what do you use for your KP? I've got it on my arms. I currently use the Dermadoctor line but it's rather expensive and I'm always curious to know what others do for their KP. Thanks!

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Red Skintype: Combination Age: 25

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 5:36pm

melilala says,

http://www.amazon.com/Glytone-Keratosis-Pilaris-Kit-piece/dp/B0006BCVE6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=beauty&qid=1256257170&sr=8-2 which lasts about 3 months. I alternate the lotion with coconut oil every other day and don't put the lotion where you don't have KP or you'll end up in a great deal of pain and peeling...For a less expensive option, like when I'm broke.. I use AmLactin

http://ediblelove.wordpress.com/

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 26

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 5:21pm

melilala says,

PS: You're gorgeous too--great smile!

http://ediblelove.wordpress.com/

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 26

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 5:29pm

Chelsea1 says,

Thank you so much! You are too sweet! I love kits, so I'm going to check this out! Thanks for the link!

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Red Skintype: Combination Age: 25

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 5:50pm

Kimchi says,

You are so right about slouching. People can become unrecognizable (in a good way) once they stand up straight, pull their shoulders back and lift their chest. It makes you lose visual pounds too. KP sucks, I'm sorry you have to deal with it daily.

Eye Color: Hair Color: Skintype: Age: 27

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 6:18pm

spf4214 says,

Hi Melissa, its nice to meet you :) Yum, earl grey chocolate sounds great. I also love Bulgari's omnia amethyst - partially because of the cute bottle! Your hair is gorgeous!

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Normal Age: 21

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 6:21pm

ethereal says,

I love to read everyone's beauty secrets, thanks for reminding me to stand (and sit) up straight, you are so right, posture makes a huge difference, I notice people with bad posture. I often see really young girls like high school age with horrible posture and think they will be unattractive because of it when they get older.

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Skintype: Age: 48

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 6:37pm

melilala says,

I used to get lower back pain and headaches from slouching and you're right--it's unattractive and exudes a lack of confidence!

http://ediblelove.wordpress.com/

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 26

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 6:29pm

kedavis03 says,

Great getting to know you! I'm addicted to nail polishes too! You have stunning curls...what's your secret?!

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 24

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 6:35pm

melilala says,

An amazing stylist who has been cutting curly hair for 20+ yearsI only put a comb in it when it's wet and I'm running conditioner through it. I've never owned a brush.Wash my hair 1-2x a week.Nioxin Scalp renewal once a month.Hair cut every six months (do not let your stylist thinning shears to your hair--it'll frizz)Coconut oil scalp massage once a week.I style it at night with Paul Mitchell's Round trip and Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam wrapping portions around my fingers and let air dry. Sleep on a satin pillow case and do absolutely nothing to it in the morning except maybe tousle it a bit.Wow.. that's a lot of info but I hope you can take even just a little bit away from it. And thanks so much for the kind words. I definitely encourage you to embrace your curls!

http://ediblelove.wordpress.com/

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 26

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 6:51pm

brittanyk says,

I love your hair! It's so gorgeous. I've always envied girls with super curly hair.I love Maybelline's Full and Soft mascara. It's fantastic. It makes my lashes look so full, but it doesn't make them crunchy like tons of other mascaras do. Definitely a plus.

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 22

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 7:00pm

melilala says,

Thank you.. and girl? You're gorgeous as well! Your hair and skin look super healthy.

http://ediblelove.wordpress.com/

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 26

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 7:02pm

hrhtracey says,

Nice to meet you Melissa! I love your curls! :) I also don't use a brush at all on mine, and just use a wide toothed comb. Oh, and I'm a huge choco and nail polish-oholic too. ;)I'll have to check out your recommendation for KP. I have it on my legs, and it occasionally flares up on the tops of the back of my arms, and it's such a PITA. It seems like it just does what it wants depending on it's mood and the lunar cycles, no matter what I do to it.

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Blonde Skintype: Combination Age: 27

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 7:07pm

melilala says,

Nice to meet you, too. You have absolutely insanely stunning cheekbones!

http://ediblelove.wordpress.com/

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 26

Fri, 10/23/2009 - 2:02pm

hrhtracey says,

Aww, thank you! :)

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Blonde Skintype: Combination Age: 27

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 7:17pm

punkeydew says,

OMG! you're from sicily!?!?!?!?! I lived in sicily for 4 years!!!! and I want to go back everyday.One day I'll save the money for a trip!!!!And your curls are gorgeous!!

Tan is Love

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Red Skintype: Combination Age: 24

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 7:20pm

melilala says,

Well, that's my ethnicity. I'm 2nd generation American--but I speak the dialect fluently! And thank you for the compliment :)

http://ediblelove.wordpress.com/

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 26

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 9:38pm

himekosorano says,

Earl Grey + chocolate = heaven! I've got curly hair and KP too. Jessicurl has taken care of the first, I have yet to find something for the second. I guess I am just going to have to buy Full n Soft because a lot of the Megheads just keep singing its praises. So that will be my next purchase. <br><br>IMHO, you don't need to get the Jonathan water purifier. It's just got his name slapped on it (and price hiked because of it). Head to Home Depot or Lowes and get something just as good for less (I've heard Aquasana is excellent). Then spend the rest of the money on Lights Camera Lashes. It was great seeing you on here!

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Oily Age: 21

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 10:35pm

GlossQueen says,

Nice to meet you Melissa! I'm a chocolate lover too :)

http://www.beautifullyglossy.blogspot.com

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 36

Fri, 10/23/2009 - 12:20pm

Lisa Kate says,

Nice to meet you!! You made me lol (for real) when you said your dermatologist was a loser! I think they all are. Ugh. When I was in high school I started getting these weird raised red patches on my wrists and legs and he said it was rosacea. Uh, no. Two doctors later I found out it was leaking blood vessels (called PPD) and it was from the pill. Totally messed up! So you're not the only one that the derm messed up on!
Earl Grey chocolate sounds amaaaaazing! Now if only I could find it!

Lisa Kate
http://sparkleismycrack.blogspot.com

Eye Color: Other Hair Color: Red Skintype: Oily Age: 21

Fri, 10/23/2009 - 6:56pm

hippieglamchica says,

mmm....chocolate one of my guilty pleasures 2.

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Skintype: Dry Age: 24

Fri, 10/23/2009 - 9:07pm

hao9703 says,

Hey Melissa-I am a huge fan of Nioxin. I have scalp problem (it is genetic.) Nioxin and several drops of tea tree oil in my bath have really helped me.
Thanks for sharing!

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 39

Sat, 10/24/2009 - 7:35am

elle_71125 says,

It's great to get to know you. I am a huge chocolate fan but have never heard of some of the flavors you mentioned. (I will be looking into that, since I am obviously missing out on something).

My scrapbook shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/elle71125

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 25

Sat, 10/24/2009 - 12:45pm

nina0205 says,

Hi Melissa! Ah, chocolate and nail polish: two of my weaknesses! My interest was piqued by the earl grey chocolate you mentioned. Where can you buy this?I love, love, love your curly hair!!!

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 23

Sun, 10/25/2009 - 12:48am

shaybear says,

Oh, Sicilian skin.. you lucky devil! And I see you're another LUSH fan! Hoorah! :D

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Oily Age: 27

Sun, 10/25/2009 - 9:45am

time.of.my.lifetime says,

nice getting to know you (:definatly checking out those links now...:$

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Other Skintype: Combination Age: 15

Sun, 10/25/2009 - 5:10pm

moon8305 says,

I'm intrigued by the funky chocolate too. My mom had me try some chipotle-accented chocolate not too long ago, and it was surprisingly good :)

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Blonde Skintype: Combination Age: 26

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 9:42am

sweetxsoul says,

Nice to get to know you Melissa! I have KP too and the search for the "perfect" lotion has pretty much driven me nuts - so I definitely understand about that!

xoxo

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Skintype: Combination Age: 18

Tue, 11/24/2009 - 9:13am

Pomi says,

Hi Melissa! I love chocolate too =p

Eye Color: Hair Color: Skintype: Age: 26

Thu, 11/26/2009 - 10:45am

metisse1 says,

hi melilala! You are so beautiful! I'd love to go to Sicily! Welcome here!

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Skintype: Oily Age: 20

Sat, 12/12/2009 - 2:20am

girlwith2eyes says,

I love chocolate & nails polish too :) I'm a chocolate junkie lol!!

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Skintype: Oily Age: 21

Tue, 12/15/2009 - 4:53pm

kailynicole says,

Don't slouch! That is so true. Sit up tall, and it makes you look more confident and poised right away!

savemesomemoney.tumblr.com

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 18

Tue, 03/02/2010 - 7:17pm

shopaholic123 says,

nice to meet you and i totally agree! great tip though i do slouch at times! :P

Eye Color: Hair Color: Skintype: Age: 14

Wed, 03/03/2010 - 7:45pm

kristaqqqq says,

I feel stupid saying this, since I've talked to you before and have read a lot of your posts already, but "nice to meet you, Melissa!" I don't know what earl gray chocolate is, but I know what earl gray tea is...are they related?