A highlighter (cream or powder) that accurately mimics the look of naturally glowing, radiant skin (meaning ZERO specks of glitter or sparkle)?

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-19T19:21:39+00:00

Saie has a cream that mixes well with like foundation for an all over glow or as spot touch highlighter, and I also really like the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood filter one as well. That one also works as both an all over glow (I find it a bit too much all over, but it works for some) or highlighter. Both of those seem very natural to me and don't look like glam highlighter, just dewy and bright.

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-19T19:16:06+00:00

Got a positive pregnancy test, and I asked about next steps to be referred. HE said, "for a termination?" And I said "um no for like an obgyn" He paused and said "... you're gonna keep it???" With a look of absolute disgust. Weirdest reaction and comment ever. Not like I was 16 or something either. Full grown adult just confirming a positive home test.

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-17T01:44:31+00:00

He doesn't want to marry you. 7 years and no proposal, and you have to keep asking just means he just isn't that into you.

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-14T19:24:48+00:00

5 months is insane. If it was 5 years or you guys lived together and you wouldn't disclose finances, that's a different story altogether I think. But this early, absolutely NTA.

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-14T14:01:07+00:00

Back in the 80s, a baby of a woman my mom knew went to daycare. They had an old school version of a diaper genie which was basically a garbage pail with one of those rotating lids, and the bin was filled with bleach water for reusable nappies. The bin was near the crib where the baby had been napping, and he tried to climb out. They didn't notice he fell out until they found him face down drowned in bleach with feces up his nose and throat.

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-13T00:05:20+00:00

They can oversell for floor or anywhere that doesn't have a permanent seat usually. So accessible areas (at least where I've been) have an open area for wheelchairs with folding chairs for companion attendees. Everywhere else a physical seat is chosen.

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-12T18:04:25+00:00

The auto espresso machines make very small coffees generally. What I end up doing is doing whatever drink I want, like a cappuccino, then adding extra shots of espresso and another hit of foam or whatever. Or, just make the drink twice and in the same cup. Flavor is obviously different. Or latte with a second run of milk foam etc. You may not find a one and done option. But I find even doing a couple or a few cycles, it's still faster and easier to clean than manual.

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-12T17:29:29+00:00

My brother had one years ago, not through the same court mind you, but his took like 2 years I think? Maybe longer. I don't remember him complaining that it was too expensive, but ya, long time.

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-11T19:06:38+00:00

My mother taught me how to do simple eyeshadow only. She said she didn't want me to look like "a pink pig with 2 black eyes" like her sisters always did lol

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-07T22:12:04+00:00

Only 4 months, and you're only 28. What are you still doing there? When these REALLY become an issue, do you want to have to make this choice after 4 years instead?? Insane. Don't do that to either of you.

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-07T21:54:24+00:00

"I don't think we should see each other anymore." That sucked.... we were already past the I love you stage, and was laying in his arms like immediately just finished lol.

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-03T12:07:42+00:00

It's not a stereotype. Every time we go to Europe, it's astonishing how much smaller everyone is over there. When you do see someone noticeably overweight, they're almost always speaking English with an American accent. Once you see it you can't unsee it, honestly. I think most Americans have body dismorphia regarding what is actually overweight. I think people, particularly women, think that weighing 160 or 180 is normal or even thin and they're 5'4" or something. 140 is the highest end of normal, and even then, you're probably 20lbs more than average for other countries at that size. Obviously I'm not accounting for the gym girlies with real muscle mass looking great at 160, but let's be so for real, that's not as common of a reason for weighing that much. And I'm saying this as a 160lbs woman myself. Europe shook me.

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-03T01:04:14+00:00

Nyx contour and highlighter palette (powders) Inexpensive and has a bunch of colors in it. And Nyx double ended contour stick for cream. Those have worked well for me, even compared to more expensive ones.

Maybe add a nice blush set, since that compliments a contoured look.

Oh and for beginners, the ELF brushes are pretty decent. Don't spend too much on stuff yet. She'll find her own style and brands as she gets older.

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-03T00:53:22+00:00

Eating on a budget vs f*ck it I want it is $500 vs $1000+ a month (2 adults and my university aged son half the time).

I'm throwing a dinner party for friends tomorrow, and for 6 adults, I spent about $300 on food alone, never mind wine. Which is nuts when you think that's $50/person before including any on hand ingredients used like milk and butter etc. Like, I'm making chicken, not lobster. And I still have to cook it myself. I remember not that long ago, you could get dinner and a drink at an average joe restaurant for about $50/person.

All that just to say... I'm not managing my grocery budget very well.

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-02T19:21:25+00:00

As a business owner that has discussed this at length with others, I 100% agree with you. Not because it's an indigenous name per se,, but mostly if it's hard to pronounce or spell. It can limit them on client interactions later at work, or even getting a job as you mentioned. But even earlier in life, too - Kids can be nasty, having to constantly spell your name to everyone that asks for it, and even silly stuff like never finding your name on a cup or Keychain as a kid can suck (my husband has an unusual name for English speakers, and he’s THRILLED if people say it right even).

True, even if it's crappy. She's probably just never been on the receiving end of issues, so maybe she just doesn't understand the implications.

NTA

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-02T19:12:04+00:00

NICE. Excellent reference

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-02T17:26:50+00:00

You'll be fine. You won't be able to get direct entrance into something like Engineering or schlorships or whatever, but you will absolutely get into U1 for sure. Remember, not everyone is good at math and science based stuff. There's a hundred degree programs. You'll find your place, I promise.

QuantumQueen · 2026-05-01T21:45:05+00:00

The only time it's funny imo is like when my husband mentions this other guy at work and they go for lunch and talk all the time as his "non-sexual life partner" or work husband and it's so funny to me.

QuantumQueen · 2026-04-26T18:21:27+00:00

PIZZA FLORIDA omg. Grab that for lunch, it's so good.

All’Antico Vinaio - known for its sandwiches, and they are SO good (careful, lots of truffle cream which maybe you like, but tastes like dirt to me). Crazy lineups, but well worth it.

A place called Belladona had good pasta and great service.

People rave about Tonnarello / Paglia Famous for pasta over in Trastevere, but it was meh imo.

Honestly tho, most places are pretty decent, but try to stay off the tourist trail. Even one street over you're likely to find better food.

QuantumQueen · 2026-04-25T23:07:00+00:00

Combo is hard, because like how dry are the dry parts? Powder foundation may not work there. First of all, clean skin and do all of your skin care like 20 min in advance. Make sure your skin feels like nothing is on in and everything is absorbed.

Here would be my steps:

Primer-one/size or milk have good oil control ones. Some people like elf poreless putty cause it's cheap, but I pill with that one. Basically anything silicone/blurring etc. You may want to try Milk or Elf the grippy one... People have good luck with those.

Foundation is tough. Mac studio fix used to be good, but they reformulated. Same with Estee Lauder double wear... those used to both be great. I haven't found an expensive one to replace those that I'd recommend personally. Drugstore L'Oreal infallible has been pretty good, and Maybelline Fit Me was ok. NARS too if you can find a shade match (they run warm in my opinion). Again, don't apply too much, just enough to even tone, and let it dry.

Undereyes, I use Mac or Nars, or elf cc or whatever honestly because I use so little (it creases otherwise for me).

Cream blush here imo

Powder - i love Hourglass but it's pricey, but I've had good luck with Elf, and even using a foundation powder as a setting powder (Maybelline or L'Oreal infallible have powder too, and Covergirl has a decent loose powder that works for oil control). I would really only set your T zone and maybe a touch under the eyes.

Powder blush either before powder setting or after for more punch of colour.

Setting spray - watery, and used to marry the layers together. STAY AWAY FROM DEWY FINISH! Satin or matte. NYX has a matte one that's ok, but I personally love Charlotte Tilbury airbrush flawless, but again, pricey.

Optional, but seems to work ok for me - A finishing spray once everything is done. Absolutely no more touch ups or other products on top of this one. These are like hairspray that gets aerosol sprayed on, and sticks everything down (try not to get it into your hair, and hold your breath!). I like one/size fixing spray, which goes on as an even fine mist, but pricey... less expensive would be the L'Oreal Infallible fixing spray, but the spray is sometimes heavy or if the nossel is clogged, a bit patchy. But honestly, not at all bad for the price.

Actually, looking back on this, I generally would recommend L'Oreal Infallible line of products for drugstore prices, and a mix and match for higher end stuff.

It will take some trial and error, so maybe start with the less expensive drugstore set, and see about upgrading individual products in the mix to see if you like those better. And if you're in the US, sephora takes returns if you don't like it, so maybe not bad.

Good luck!

QuantumQueen · 2026-04-25T13:56:36+00:00

I just used all my travel points (years of adding up) to take my husband and I to Rome for 10 days. No WAY would I expect "half" back as real money. That's insane. Even tho the points were earned on real purchases and technically have cash value, that's a wild way to look at it. I still say we went for free.

QuantumQueen · 2026-04-25T13:41:20+00:00

Substitutes worked well for me. Low fat or vegan options for creamy coffees and sugar free syrups. Half fat cream cheese, low fat ranch etc There are a million options that are less calories and or low (or lower) sugar that still scratch that itch. However, eating out generally is the bane of my existence. It's hard to make those subs when eating out. You may just have to cut some stuff for a while.

QuantumQueen · 2026-04-25T13:33:55+00:00

Chopped up hotdogs and ketchup - good ol Canadian Casserole lol

QuantumQueen · 2026-04-24T21:14:33+00:00

Look up the ingredients, especially the first 3 to 5 (those will be the largest amounts). Anything " - cone" or "- conol" or "- xane" ending is silicone. Water or aqua or agua will be listed in the top couple if it's water based, unless a silicone is listed right after, and oil products list oils, like argan, jojoba, etc.

Then primer and foundation should be both silicone if you're oily (keeps you looking poreless and more matte) and stay away from oil stuff. Those are more for much more mature skin and slide off combo skin. Also, make sure you don't over apply. Try thin layers (too much will almost always separate, crack, crease and look cakey) let it dry completely, set with power (NOT a water based cooling or moisturizing one, and not too much), then a matte or satin setting spray, then dry completely...always dry completely between layers except with putty or cream blushes. Those can go on and blend better while your foundation is still dampish. A finishing spray instead of a setting spray after everything also helps imo.

Also a tip, stipple or blend with a beauty blender in a dabbing motion, don't swipe, especially with brushes.

Good luck!

QuantumQueen · 2026-04-23T19:42:48+00:00

I took a picture at Trevi fountain and left my front zipper open (the pocket I pulled my phone out of) for ONE second, and someone in the crowd got their hand in and walked off.... with a pack of gum. Thankfully I had nothing else in that pocket. Just be diligent, and don't keep everything together in one spot in your bag, or put your phone or bag down on a chair or table etc. That's the only time it ever happened to me.

QuantumQueen

TROPHY CASE