Perhaps my using an entire gross of candy lipsticks in two weeks as a five-year-old child should have been an indication of things to come for my parents!  I soon became very absorbed by drawing and painting.  Colors--and the ability to mix them to create unique shades--fascinated me and still continue to do so (I use watercolors, acrylics, and oil paints in my spare time, an avocation I love).  I sold Avon products in high school and was quite successful; I continued through college until my courses and part-time jobs prohibited it.  As I grew older, several people prodded me to attend modeling school.  I did and learned much which I will never forget--from how to work with eight or more eye shadow colors and blend them into a beautiful look to mastering the catwalk with ease.  For the last fourteen years, I have reviewed and critiqued cosmetics and skin/hair/body care products online for several sites, often doing freelance pieces and creating brochures for large gatherings of women by request.  At one site, I was the "Ask the Makeup Diva" (the owner had her second baby and was overwhelmed).  USAToday named it the second best online makeup site in the country at that time.  As a job, I am blessed to be a business instructor at a private college prep academy (one of my degrees is in marketing, which also draws me to beauty products).  One of my most enjoyable ways to unwind is to experiment with beauty products, research them, and write about them.  You will also see my comments on "We Heart This" and "My Cosmetic Bag," magnificent sites.  Hope to see you there!

• 

  Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

  9.5

  A Wondrous Primer!

  Posted 3 years ago

• 

  Hourglass No 28 Primer Serum

  6.7

  Oil, Oil Everywhere!

  Posted 9 years, 1 month ago

• 

  Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss

  5.7

  Ooh La Tarte--Another Hit!

  Posted 9 years, 1 month ago

• 

  Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Refreshing Body Cream

  8.8

  Luxurious Cream Extends the Wonderful Scent

  Posted 9 years, 1 month ago

• 

  Mary Kay MK Signature Lash Lengthening Mascara

  8.3

  For Super-Long, Beautifully Separated Lashes

  Posted 9 years, 1 month ago

View all of GigiSD's reviews.

• DROP THE VISINE BOTTLE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!

  I was in a habit of "refreshing" my eyes a few times during some days with…

  

  Posted 9 years, 6 months ago

  24

  rating: 9.0
• PERFECT, NATURAL BROWS IN A FLASH!
  A few years ago I realized that my brows were thinning.  I've used a lot of products…
  

  Posted 9 years, 7 months ago

  12

  rating: 8.3
• A BETTER WAY TO APPLY FINISHING POWDER!
  You've just done your makeup and it's perfect.  You want it to stay that way, so you reach…
  

  Posted 10 years, 2 months ago

  442

  rating: 8.3
• O'KEEFFE'S MIRACLE CREAM FOR WORKING HANDS--TRY IT!!!

  I'm a member of another wonderful, fantastic site which I highly recommend--We Heart This. …

  

  Posted 10 years, 2 months ago

  2

  rating: 8.0
• POND'S "CLARANT B3 MOISTURIZER" CLEARS BROWN SPOTS--DELIGHTFULLY!
  Have I got a treat for you!  If you suffer from any brown spots (a result of pregnancy,…
  

  Posted 10 years, 2 months ago

  16

  rating: 8.8

View all blog posts from GigiSD

• Re: Re: Baked Eye Shadows

  Thanks kindly!

  Posted 6 years ago

• Re: Re: FROM GIGI: I LOST MY LOVE, MY HUSBAND!

  YOU WOMEN ARE AT THE RIGHT SITE, TO BE SURE, BUT YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT BEAUTY--IT RADIATES…

  Posted 8 years ago

• Re: Re: FROM GIGI: I LOST MY LOVE, MY HUSBAND!

  Magictheatre, you just gave me much-needed support. This is tougher than tough, though I'm…

  Posted 8 years ago

• Re: Re: Re: FROM GIGI: I LOST MY LOVE, MY HUSBAND!

  And you're a "newbie!" Wow, what a welcome addition to the wonderful women and men on this…

  Posted 8 years ago

• Re: Re: FROM GIGI: I LOST MY LOVE, MY HUSBAND!

  Nelly, sweetie, you're not late!!! I can't tell you enough how I appreciate your concern…

  Posted 8 years ago

• FROM GIGI: I LOST MY LOVE, MY HUSBAND!

  Dearest Beautiful, Wonderful Women and Men,Forgive me, please--I haven't been on the site…

  Posted 8 years ago

• Baked Eye Shadows

  Would you please add Sephora and ELF's baked eye shadow palettes for review?  Thanks very much!

  Posted 9 years ago

• BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR TO ALL!

  The reviewers and administration of Total Beauty have been a great joy to me over the…

  Posted 9 years ago

• GREAT DEAL ON A FABULOUS PALETTE!

  The Balm Cosmetics has a wonderful new Holiday palette out called, "Balm Jovi, Living on a…

  Posted 9 years ago

• GREAT DISCOUNTED PALETTE AT AMAZON!

  The Balm Cosmetics has a spectacular new palette called "Balm Jovi, Living on a Stare."  The…

  Posted 9 years ago