Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Beauty Heat Beat: Eyeliner
Eyeliner. Yes yes and yes. Hot damn, I love eyeliner and think it is a key product that should always remain in your beauty bag. Again, you do not need to pay a lot. Rimmel and Wet n' Wild make great lines as well as the eyeliner pencils that sit next to the Sinful nail colors at the check out in Walgreens...
If you haven't noticed them before, do try. At most Walgreens, in the beauty section, there will be a check out stand with a variety of odds and ends. There is always a stack of shelves holding eyeliners in ALL shades and don't cost more than $2. Excellent!
There are two ways of utilizing these eyeliners. Dramatic and funky; Black and blue. I experiment with both. Currently, I am obsessed with blue and turquoise eyeliners and eye shadows. I will only line my bottom lid and maybe add a light gold shimmer on the inner corners of my eyes. Perfect for summer and exotic trips with very little fuss. See below; love!
The black is much bolder; your eyes will scream "Hello world!" This look below takes a little more work and practice, but it can be perfected. And sometimes, the smudge look is edgy and great for nights out on the town in heels and a mini.
But with the black pencil, start with small strokes moving outwards-- you can also make an outline of a cat eye and fill in, like you are coloring with a marker. The thicker the better. Layer and layer. Add some mascara, maybe gold in the corner of your eyes, and you're done! If you are nervous, practice this look before setting foot on the street. Wear it with confidence! See blow: just gorgeous!
And don't forget your cocktails! Relish this weather and relax with friends (which I'll be doing in Bellingham with my FAB 10+1 for a dear friends wedding)...
xo,
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Congratulations, mon cheri!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Dying to Try: Passsss Me that Goodness
Summer Sounds
For some sweet, chill, summer tunes, I LIVE on Coldplay and Missy Higgins.
Coldplay's Viva La Vida has to be one of their bests, but pop in any of their albums and you are sure to feel sexy and cool.
Missy Higgins is an Australian singer and quite the melodist. I've seen her 3 times in concert and her ballads are sultry, honest and beautiful. On a Clear Night and The Sound of White are incredible albums. Again, a sure sign to get you in the summer mood.
Do enjoy! Stay cool. xo,
Some New Favorite Essentials!
With summer (and life) comes damaged hair and damaged skin. But here is where we can battle the summer heat beat with two of my new beauty essentials, YEAR ROUND.
For those who shave quite often or for the unfortunate women who have to deal with the pesky razor burn, bumps and brazen irritation, it leaves most of us annoyed, uncomfortable and foiled. However, I introduce to you the most effective and glorious bump beater and killer. Ladies (and gents),
Tend Skin is God's gift to this green, sun beaten world. My best friend first opened my fuzzy eyes to this product in college. She deals with serious razor burn and irritation and finally discovered this baby. Her mother works for a salon and got her a great deal. Yes, it is on the spendy side, but it lasts forever. Definitely worth the splurge.
Working like a liquid toner, you only need a dab of this juice on a cotton ball. Swab and swipe where necessary--don't be timid. If you get the tiny, annoying red bumps on your legs, slab this stuff on. And don't forget about your bikini line, especially! It will tingle or burn for a quick second if you just shaved, but will immediately disappear and leave you feeling smooth and at ease. I am addicted to this stuff, mainly because of my sensitive skin.
Now this isn't just for women! Men, you can also use this for your face when shaving. It reduces redness and irritated bumps. A beauty essential for both men and women. Who woulda thought? Astonishing. You can purchase tend skin at most Sephora's, Ulta Beauty stores and most salons.
Hair is another debate for most women, especially in the summer. Like I said, heat, sun, chlorine, salt, hair dryers, straightners, curlers etc. If you are coloring your hair, it needs even more special care and attention. Like mine...
So as I searched Walgreens for a sufficient conditioner, I decided to venture out and try, yet again, a new product. OK, it is love at first try!
Praise the lawd! This stuff is delicious and thankfully, sulfate free, meaning no stripping or tearing of your hair. Designed specifically for dry and damaged hair, this organic line is pure, not tested on animals, and enriched with antioxidants to awake the follicles of your hair and repair broken strands.
And let me not leave out the intoxicating smell; a sensual and exotic blend of fruity pomegranate and crisp green tea. No matter the condition of your hair, you can use this product without feeling weighed down or heavy. It is light and legitimate. Buy this now. I'm a follower, that's for sure.
Bee grateful for these summer days, but be sure to make yourself comfortable and healthy, both skin, hair and heart. Cheers!
xo,
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Totally Unrelated to Beauty...
Eco My Ego
Yes, I'm a sucker for all things beauty. But I must say, it does a body good. Just like milk.
Smooches,
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Faux Glow
We all know I am a dire hard proponent for SPF. Holler! Tanning beds scare me. With friends and family members dealing with the harsh realities of skin cancer, I have vowed to welcome SPF with open arms and accept that I am a fair skinned woman! But with this, I do love some color.
My mother spent her adolescent and early mother years in the sun, practically 24/7. In the 70s, SPF wasn't really around and instead of lotion, they used baby oil.(yikes!) Girls would bake in the sun...but then again, the protective ozone layer was much stronger. Nevertheless, after years and years in the sun, my mother's freckles became permanent and prominent. Although BEAUTIFUL, she now faces the annoyance of sun damage. She wears SPF every day and instead of trying to fry in the sun like a chocolate chip cookie, she uses a fantastic faux tan product.
I am now hooked.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
"Live to Give"
Gifts! Who doesn't love to receive presents? But sometimes, finding the right gift can be a challenge. Let's review some guilt-free beauty finds that will make perfect gifts for those you adore. Sisters, moms, friends, best friends, cousins and so on. You don't need to break the bank to show your affection. It doesn't matter if you can't afford all of these ideas-- pick one or two!
http://www.target.com/Sonia-Kashuk-Double-Zip-Foldover-Cosmetic/dp/B001OC4CV6/qid=1247513966/ref=br_1_8/184-6375179-9455114?ie=UTF8&node=726921011&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Twinkle Toes
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
MAC That Ass Up!
Eye shadow, $14.50
An ultra-smooth gel eye liner that is precise and dramatic. A silky finish, this pot of gel liner will last until your last days. My sister used this for her wedding day and it was gorgeous and easy to use.
Paints, $16.50
Mineralize Blush, $21.00
Minerals refined into a powder that is light and sheer, but leaves a fantastic, shimmer color. The color builds with the heavier application, so you can play with a light or vibrant cheek.
Select SPF 15 Foundation, $26.00
Water-based, liquid foundation with sun protection. You only need a little to spread evenly on the entire face. A fresh and natural matte finish.