Decoding BB, CC & DD creams.

It started with the BB creams, quickly moved to CC creams and now with Julep announcing pre-orders for their DD cream, I'm starting to wonder just how many letter of the alphabet we will cover with these wonder creams, and what's really the difference between them?

BB Creams-

Defined mostly as a "beauty balm" or "blemish balm". It is promoted as a sort of all-in-one tool to replace layering primers, moisturizers, concealers etc... It can be worn alone, with a primer, or even set with a powder, depending on the coverage you're after. They usually come in a small variety of shades to suit your skin tone.

I've tried one drug-store brand, and while i prefer a fuller coverage, it could be great for these upcoming Texas summer months.

A few drug store brands that are available are Revlon, L'Oreal, Covergirl, Rimmel, Aveeno and Olay. The prices range from about $6.99 (rimmel) to around $16.99 (l'oreal)

Some higher end options include Clinique ($37), Smashbox ($39), Estee Lauder ($45), and Dior ($56).


CC Creams -

Usually defined as a "color correcting" cream, it takes BB's to a new level. It is said to blend and correct uneven skin tones more effectively than a BB cream, which allows for a more even finish.  So far as I can tell, there aren't near as many CC creams available as BB, but this is what I've seen.

Hard Candy (walmart) has one for $8.00
Olay has one available for $24.99

L'Oreal Paris has  Nude Magique: CC Cream. Which are 3 CC Creams available to fight redness, tired skin or dullness. As far as I can tell it is not available in the States yet, but is available for purchased at Boots.

Now, Julep is unveiling their DD cream, a "dynamic do-all" product that you can pre-order for $36. It will supposedly be equipped with "SPF 25, a primer, moisturizer, and anti-aging agent", while being available in four shades. Get the scoop here. 

They have some pretty rad nail polishes, so I'm interested to know more about and try out their DD cream, which will launch in June 2013. As I find out more, i'll be sure to give you all an update. I'd also like to do a comparison of a same brand BB and CC cream for you all!

SO- What are your thoughts on BB, CC and DD Creams? Have you tried any, or are you curious to try? Let me know your comments and thoughts below! Also, does anyone know why AA as skipped? ;)

Thanks for reading!

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The Oldest Town in Texas

We all have those distant relatives that live several hours, or states, away. There is an annual pilgrimage out to visit them, cramped in a car for several hours, but it's usually worth the wait and charlie-horses in our legs to get there.

Mine live in Nacogdoches, Texas.  It's about a 2 hour and 15 minute drive up through hills, trees, antique malls, and old drive-in theaters. In Nacogdoches lives the remaining part of my Dad's side of his family. My great-aunt Rachael, she just turned 93 this month and still is beautiful, funny, and alert as ever. Her Children Mona, Lucy & Mark, also live in Nacogdoches along with their husbands, children etc...

They are the sweetest, down-to-earth people you might ever meet. (maybe i'm just biased?) It's always a nice visit drinking coffee, walking around their gardens and just getting caught up on everything. 

This trip, however, we were able to leave earlier and make a pit-stop into downtown Nacogdoches. I haven't been downtown in a long, long time and it was such a beautiful day to walk around, admiring the brick streets, visiting antique shops and getting some sun. 

We ate lunch at The Olde Towne General Store and it was so delicious. Also, if you're ever in downtown Nacogdoches, parking is free everywhere on the weekends!

Now, onto the pic-spam!

Flags inside the Visitor Center

..

Inside an Antique shop, this place had so many banjos, guitars and dulcimers!

Talking about the flags

Coolest. Car. Ever. Very "Boardwalk Empire"

Just a street view. Does no justice to the beauty of the day though...

A blurry one of my Husband and my "Little E"

My "Little E", Mom and Pops. Yes, my Dad is 6'10" and my Mom is 4'11".

Only photo I manged to grab of myself :)

For those interested:

The shirt, purse, bracelet, watch and jeans are from the Buckle.

Shoes are from Journeys, necklace is from XXI.

Thanks for reading!

TLT Lookbook: Maxi Skirt (pt1)

Hello again! Welcome to another edition of the TLT Lookbook! In this post I will breakdown (3) ways to style this simple tan maxi skirt from Forever 21! Now, there are so many ways to wear this skirt, so this lookbook will be broken into 2 parts! 

Have a look at the TLT Lookbook: Maxi Skirt (pt1):

I purchased my maxi some time ago from XXI, but this one is very similar in style. It is a simple chiffon maxi skirt, priced at $17.80 and comes in navy, a teal green, and pink.

Now, XXI has a TON of different styles, colors and fabrics of maxi skirts, so pop into your nearest one and try on them all to find one you like best! 

All of them are pretty affordable and hold up nicely. I've had mine over a year and am not experiencing any fraying or tearing at all.

Now, onto the looks!

Look 1: Back to Basics

Now, I like to wear my maxi skirts at my hips so it's floor length. You can wear yours like this, or up on your waist like the one pictured above. I will cover the high-waisted look in part 2 of this lookbook. You can't see my feet, but you could pair this with some simple sandles, boots or flats!

- My basic grey tee is from XXI (similar) for around $5.80 

- My belt is from Buckle (similar) for around $9.95

- Add your favorite pendant necklace and you're set!

Look 2: A Little Country

For this look, I wanted to keep it simple with a little country. The details in the bird earrings, tarnished bangle and flower collar keep it light and the boots add the country feeling I was going for. Perfect for a night of line-dancing!

- I'm wearing my favorite boots from Journey's (exact) for $59.99

- Button-up from Old Navy (similar) for $22.50

- Cinched with a braided belt from XXI (exact) for $4.80

Look 3: For those about to rock

(There's that hat again!) One of my favorite things is bumming it one of my husbands old, soft, worn-out tees. Now a new favorite is wearing those shirts with this maxi skirt. I love the contrast between the dressy and casual, especially adding the Chucks into the mix. Cinch it, pair it with a statement necklace and your favorite shoes, and you're ready!

- Blazer from Target (similar) for $34.99

- Hat from XXI (similar) for $12.99

- Chucks from Journeys (exact) for $49.99

- Belt from Buckle (similar) for $12.95

So, that wraps up part one of the Maxi Skirt lookbook! Stay tuned for part two, lot's more looks to be had! Also, tried out a new shooting spot, what do you guys think? Better than the front door or handmade backdrop right? 

Be sure to check out our other lookbooks!

-Peplum Top

FYI - Went into a Whole Foods for the first time today. Mind = blown. We have a Basic Foods in town, but it is nothing compared to WF. Sadly I was about 2 1/2 hours away for a doctors appointment, so I won't be going there often. Plus side, I got some amazing goat cheese soap! Can't wait to use it!

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Photobombed by Harley!