The Eyes Have It

Let's talk lashes. I'm a total lash lover. If stranded on a desert island one of my three items would definitely be mascara. (Only half joking.) Sometimes it's hard for me to feel truly awake until my eyes have "popped". My lashes are long, but thin, and makeup free they're basically non-existent. But a swipe of YSL's Volume Effect Faux Cils Mascara and I'm ready for my close up. With a non-clumpy, voluminous and pro-vitamin formula, I'm sold.

What are your favorite mascara's?

For the Love of Rose

Roses are the flower of Valentine's Day, but I'm obsessed year round, and not just with the buds. Give me body oil over a bouquet any day! (Ok, maybe both. *wink*wink*)  Still stumped for your sweetie? Forgo the flowers, these will last a lot longer.

My five favorites:

Rose Nurturing Body Oil - Lightly scented, majorly moisturizing.
Rose Castille Soap - A natural, gentle cleanse. For so much more than just the shower!
Moroccan Rose Water Spritz- Hydrating and anti-aging. Yes, please!
Red Roses Cologne - I've sniffed many a rose scented perfume, and trust me, no one gets closer to the real thing than Jo.
Rosebud Salve - for a perfectly kissable pout!

Fun fact: did you know that it takes 60 roses to produce one drop of pure rose essential oil? 60!

Spring Beauty Faves

I recently acquired a few more "can't live without" items in my beauty repertoire that you might enjoy, too. Also wanted to mention a new favorite site... Mom turned me onto BeautySage a few months ago and so far I've been very happy with the selection and items ordered, including several of these.  Definitely worth a peek.

Now, onto the products:

Lollitint - Benefit stains are the bomb dot com.  Posietint and ChaChatint have been long time favorites and Spring 2014's new Lollitint is so Radiant Orchid inspired my inner hue guru could just squeal. For a warmer weather glow, it's absolutely lovely on cheeks and it gives lips the prettiest pop when paired with gloss.

Essie Play Date - another Radiant Orchid homage. I'm so NOT a purple gal, but something about this fresh lilac/lavender shade is right on.

Black Soap - Strange, but awesome. My face feels squeaky clean but not stripped. Use as a soap or a mask!

Rose Body Oil - I've been big on body oils since the end of last summer. After trying a few, this one definitely rose to the top (see what I did there?). Applied on damp skin, it moisturizes like a dream. The floral scent is divine; fragrant enough to please the nose, yet faint and fades quickly so it won't interfere with perfumes.

Scotch Polish Remover - This product could also be called, "the marriage saver polish remover." Technically, it's been a chiller weather beauty fave since at some point this dreadful winter I realized I couldn't torment my hubby and his sensitive smeller with traditional polish remover any longer. I took a chance on this one and holy mackerel, why'd I wait so long before trying a non-toxic version?? Spritz once or twice (trying to hit most of the fingers at once), let set a few seconds, then swipe. Fragrance free, gentle, and has saved many a mani argument. (Just be sure swipe nails with an alcohol pad before painting as it does leave an oil-like residue.)


What products are you loving lately?

Angelina will make you cry.

"Nothing will mean anything, if you don't live a life of use to others."

Say what you want about Angelina, (haters gonna hate) but this speech is brilliant and she's done amazing things for others in this life. I haven't traveled or accomplished a sliver of what she has, but I will always remember last January, upon returning to my lavish resort accommodations after an emotional day spent in poor, rural Cambodia and the tears just flowing as I questioned why I was born into such fortunate means, when across the world kind, beautiful people were struggling for the basic necessities I take for granted every day.

Travel is an eye opener, and that's the main reason I enjoy it so much. Different cultures, different surroundings, different struggles. It brings an awareness to what's really important like nothing else can.

"I don't know why this is my life, and that's theirs. ...but I will do the best I can with this life, to be of use." Powerful stuff.

xoxo

Summer Beauty Faves

The best thing about four seasons are the beauty products that go along with them. Each quarter, I discover a few I can't live without. Here's how summer 2013 is shaping up so far...

• Vibrant lips at a steal! Vivid Rose is a fave at the moment.

• This sunscreen is the only one I've found suitable for my oily skin. 

• Summer equals shaving, and lots of it. This creme is so moisturizing I can't believe it's this cheap.
• From the occasional warm weather blemish to a cystic bump, this stuff is the jam.
• A nail color so neon, NYC cab drivers will comment.
• As far as scents go, what's more summer Nectarine Bloosom and Honey? (Supposedly The Duchess wears this one as well.) 

What's helping you beat the heat this year?

P.S. This is still a seasonless regular!

Going Low Poo.

As an oily skin/scalp girl I'm always looking for that miracle product to keep me grease free as long as possible. (This is a good one.) I get so sick of washing my long hair everyday and my stylist keeps begging me not to anyway. I know it's drying my ends and only making the roots situation worse, but....excuses, excuses.

Recently, I've been reading about the "No Poo" (as in shampoo) method circling around the world wide web. If you're not familiar, it means washing your hair with baking soda and rinsing with vinegar. This article is one of the best, detailing out all the scientific and how-to information you could ever want or need. It sounded like a lot of work to achieve the perfect no poo, but alas, I was willing to give it a try. Until I reached the part about adjustment period. Ick. (Some report no issues, others report some buildup and weeks of bun wearing.) Then came the part about not being ready for no poo yet, and going "low poo" instead. Yes!! I.am.in.  Shea Moisture's Moisture Retention Shampoo was the recommended product so I grabbed some at the local drugstore and Holy Guacamole. It's a game changer.

The Facts:

• First of all, it smells great in the bottle, but after washing and drying it's even better. Someone might even go in for another hug just so they can get a 2nd whiff. True story.
• After the first wash, my hair was the softest ever. I repeat, ever. (And remains so to this day.) 
• Hubby tried it, and even though he has the opposite problem (dry scalp), he's a new fan as well.   (I guess the whole balancing your scalp thing is key.) 
• It doesn't lather, but don't be concerned, it's working. 

I still use a clarifying shampoo and deep conditioner once a week, but otherwise, consider me a low poo convert! Have you guys tried this or similar processes? I'd love to hear about your experience!

P.S. Pretty braids for spring.

Random Thought: Caboodles

I've been thinking about Caboodles lately. My first one was pink and mint. Meeeemories...
It's the 25th anniversary! This lace one is pretty hot.

And that's all I really have to say about that.

What do you gals stash your makeup/beauty products in these days?

Fall 2012 Cosmetics Trend Show

Another fall, another fun beauty season! For the past 3 years I've attended the Nordstrom Cosmetics Trend Show to get the scoop all things makeup and skin care for one of my favorite beauty seasons. With trends illustrated through an interactive runway show, giveaways galore and product specials like no other, I'm always on the edge of my seat snapping photo's, taking notes, and soaking it all in.

2012's theme featured Iconic Beauty and the major takeaway's were:

Nailing It Down

photos via Instagram, follow me @LittleAshleigh

One of the things I've enjoyed having more time for this summer is nails. From simple to stickers, for at least an hour on a Sunday afternoon you can find me on our balcony polishing away. Summer colors and just so fun! While I'm gearing up to say goodbye to neon's (maybe...) there are also a few fall trends I'm pretty pumped about: velvet, gothic berries and nudes are definitely on my radar for cooler weather. When it comes to nail trends, I'll try anything once. What about you? Have any favorite hue's or artwork you'd like to share?

P.S. A couple of links to inspire your fingers for fall here and here!

When Stains Are a Good Thing

In the last couple of years I've been addicted to cheek and lip stains. First it was these, which are still in heavy rotation, and lately I've fallen for Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain. As much fun as lipstick can be, sometimes we need something a little less maintenance. For work days, I prefer stains for a few reasons:

• I don't have to worry about the uneven fading and the prominent "m" towards mid afternoon, you know, the top lip leftover?
• There's no time to check the mirror and reapply after each sip or snack
• The color from stains can be intense, like this one, but they're a bit softer than traditional lipstick which, for me, feels more office appropriate
• Lips still feel bare, which is much more comfy than a goopy gloss

Some stains can be drying, but this is, well, balmy. The gel like formula (within a retractable chubby pencil) glides on lightweight and smooth. And the colors are sweet and wonderful - I've been wearing 'Lovesick'. Plus it's easy to store in a pocket, small purse, pencil holder on your desk...  Have you tried Just Bitten or other stains? What are your faves?

A Mini Fashion Week Roundup

Overlooking NYC from the rocks in Central Park last fall. 

Despite that winter is back (boo) we've got a big weekend lined up - a mardi gras themed trolley party, a jewelry/blogger brunch, a beer and chili tour, and some spring-ish cleaning (fridge, closets, inbox!). Life is hectic at the moment - preparing for meetings, travel and events (oh my!) so I still haven't caught up on fashion week coverage! (double boo.)

Here are a few New York Fashion Week links I'm loving so far though -

• NYFW Street Fashion - the shot of the blue eyeshadow kills. I want.
• Top Trends from Fall Fashion Week - Refinery29 breaks it down like only they can. Give me embellished sheers and high slit skirts! 
• Best of Beauty at NYFW Fall 2012 - I'm partial to the J.Mendel hair and the Rachel Zoe eye.
• NYFW Fall 2012 Nails - you know I love it! 

"Only four?" you quip. Like I said, I'm behind... send me your faves, pretty please! What are you loving/loathing?

P.S. Unrelated to Fashion Week but equally exciting, my favorite blogger on the planet created some fabulous hair tutorials - check it.

P.P.S. Thank you sooo much for your sweet words about Callie yesterday, they meant the world and made me feel as best a girl can. xoxo

Favorite Face Washes

Let's talk face wash, foams, scrubs and suds! I rotate between a few favorites, here's the scoop.

Sad fact: I still get breakouts and I'm not getting any younger. Denial ain't nothing but a river in Egypt... so I might as well kill two issues with one cleanser that contains anti-aging and anti-blemish properties. (Can I get a "woot!"?) On top of that, my skin is super oily so when it needs extra exfoliation I love Olay's pore minimizing scrub. It's fresh scent and gentle suds make my skin feel squeaky clean. To make matters more bogus, sometimes my face feels dry despite my oil producing pores. To keep a healthy balance I use Purity in the morning - the non drying and hydrating formula and feel ahmayzing with the Clarisonic Mia. (I love the Neutrogena with the Mia as well but I avoid any cleansers with exfoliating beads or scrubs, as they feel too harsh paired together.)

What are you skin care issues and how do you solve them? Am I the only one who chuckles at products made for 'normal' skin? I guess I'm just jealous!

Too Faced Cosmetics Holiday 2011

Back in the summer I was asked to be a model* in the Too Faced Cosmetics holiday training video for Ulta. The cosmetics junkie in me screamed "yes!" and jumped at the opportunity to be made up in the newest, yet to be released products. It was a fabulous day with an amazing team and crew, not to mention I was already a huge fan on the brand. The only negative - I had to keep the secret for months! (Good thing I'm really good with secrets...) Words can't explain how excited I am to finally be able to share the deets with you now.

{Prep time}

{Beautiful brushes}

{Pre-makeup}

Fun fact: Remember my dip-dyed hair? It's all hidden in within that bun.

Bright pink and blue tips weren't quite cohesive with holiday, knowwhatimean.

{The Beautiful Dreamer Collection}

This is the look I represented. It's a classic, beautiful palette at an incredible value. 

Keep scrolling to see the how-to video!

{The In Your Dreams Collection}

With everything you need for Natural, Flirty or Smokey looks.

{Almost ready!}

Aaaand the finished product! Don't mind my terrible editing skills, just showing you a few highlights. Kalina Fernandez, Director of Global Artistry for Too Faced, is the wonderful artist walking you through the steps. 

P.S. She has the best jewelry. 

Aren't the colors gorge?! 

So here is the important part. You need these. Go, hurry. They're going fast (already sold out on Ulta.com!) (Both still available on Sephora though - Beautiful Dreamer / In Your Dreams)  You will not be disappointed. The amount of amazing product you get for under $50 is incredible. Just in time for gift giving or add one to your own wishlist! 

While you're at it, check out a few of my other favorite Too Faced products: 

Shadow Insurance Primer - I use it every single day. When I say I've tried nearly every primer on the market believe me. With my oily skin I'm lucky if shadow remains crease-less through lunch. But this, this is a miracle. 

Romantic Eye Shadow Collection - Touted for 'everyday special occasions', they're not kidding. The sparkle/matte, light/dark shadow ratio is perfection. 

Lip Insurance - Another primer I absolutely adore. I won't wear reds, corals or bright pinks without it. You will not believe the staying power in this little tube.

If this is starting to sound like a sponsored post, I assure you, it isn't. Just a big fan spreading the word. :)

Oh, And guess what? I recently did it again for the spring collection! You guys will flip for it as well. Two words - beauty balm. Ok, one more word - turquoise. Ah! Here's a tiny sneak peek on set. Until spring...

*Model is a term I use loosely considering I did little more than lend my face. However, it's an extremely fun experience and quite an honor to participate. A huge THANKS to the fabulous Too Faced team! 

Oh Mia, Oh My

Last night, this guy:

 Husband  / Cat Father / Outfit Photographer

Gifted me with this girl:

the Sonic Skin Cleansing tool that dreams are made of

And now, I'm the happiest girl in the world.

I've only used it twice but it's my new favorite beauty/styling tool.

Don't worry

I still love you.

What's your favorite beauty/styling tool?

Heated eyelash curler? Mini cordless curling iron? Do share!

Getting Ready Routines

Just curious...
How long does it take you to get ready?
I'm not a morning person so during the week I shower at night to ease my morning routine consisting of face washing, teeth brushing, makeup, hair (sometimes) and dressing. The whole process takes about 35 minutes.

For weekend days I can be out the door in 15 minutes. Minimal makeup, hair in bun, standby outfit. No thought required.

However, for events like a date with the hubster or nights on the town that deserve a bit more effort I need a solid hour and a half. I think it's pretty reasonable considering that it includes a shower with hair washing and shaving, a blow dry, precise makeup and more hair love than a bobby pinned bun. Not to mention time to decide what to wear. It's a process I actually enjoy if I have the time, an event in it's own right if you will...

So what about you - what's your getting ready routine? Do you have different routines for different days?

Are you a quickster or a 3 hour prep person? My friend does her makeup in the car and another keeps favorite handbags in her trunk to switch them on the go. Any tips or tricks to share?

Fall 2011 Cosmetics Trend Show

On Saturday I was thrilled to attend the Nordstrom Fall 2011 Cosmetics Trend Show with fellow beauty product enthusiast Johanna. Though attendance requires an early wake up call, the excitement and deals are well worth the effort. Last year I forgot my camera so this year I was armed and ready to shoot (thanks to Johanna for snagging 3rd row seats!)

The theme was Red Carpet Glamour and the essentials were illustrated by gorgeous models, brand representatives and the lovely Laksmi Sam, Nordstrom's regional beauty director, giving us two hours of beauty deliciousness.

Speaking of essentials, let's jump right in shall we?

• Clear, radiant skin - get help from a Clarisonic, a celeb worthy exfoliator and sensational serums. 
• Metallic Madness - gold, graphite and platinum are the new neutrals
• Runway Red - though you can never go wrong with a classic, Bordeaux's, cherry's and tomato shades are also red hot.

And now for an illustration...

 Alex Chantecaille, founder of Chantecaille

Johanna testing out a bold deep berry lip. 

After chatting with Heath from Chanel, Johanna found the perfect bold lip and I indulged in Illusion D'ombre, a gel texture shadow that captivated on the runway, in the same graphite shade spotted on the model. I also picked up my first retinol product (I'm thirty now y'all...) and some fabulous nail colors from Deborah Lippman. Obviously, there could have been a lot more budget damage, but I thought it might be fun to save a few for the wishlist. (At least that's what I keep telling myself.) Here they are if anyone is feeling generous. (I'm also available for product reviews, are you listening Clarisonic?)

ExfoliKate - Kate Sommerville

Opulash Optimum Black Mascara - MAC

Larger Than Life Long Wear Eyeliner - Nars

Classic Sonic Skin Cleaning System - Clarisonic 

Bad Romance fuchsia glitter nail lacquer - Deborah Lippman

Until Spring.....

My New Fave Shade

pictured l to r: Essie, MAC, Sally Hansen

Lately, I can't get enough nail color. It started with the polish strips and ever since I've been stalking nail polish groups on Flickr and perusing blogs for inspiration. Currently, mint is my shade of the moment. It pairs well with the current wardrobe: gray, white and navy (my 'tween colors of spring since brights feel out of place just yet.) Plus, when it catches my eyes I instantly think of Andes mints. Mmmmm .....

What shades are you loving for Spring/Summer?

Tried any fun nail trends lately? Color blocking is next on my list!

 

The Beauty Department

Lauren Conrad & Co. launched The Beauty Department yesterday and this vintage wave tutorial is going be my first project. Excited!

P.S. I actually didn't watch Laguna Beach or The Hills and have only seen a few episodes here and there, what about you guys?? Regardless, I'm an LC fan and super excited about the new site!

Nailed it!

You may have seen this picture here, but today we're talking about something else...

Sally Hansen Real Nail Polish Strips - one word = addicted!!

I've been excited to share these with you since my first application nearly a month ago. However, I wanted to give it a full run so I could offer the best critique and add some helpful tips. After being a No-Chip devotee for about a year, I had to give it up for the sake of the budget. Yes, it's amazing but is it really necessary?? And I love regular polish but oh, the smell and all that effort for a just few days, ugh. Spotting magazine advertisements of Sally Hansen Real Nail Polish Strips for what felt like forever, I was so excited give them a shot. Fast forward a month and after sporting a few different patterns nearly every female in my circle has given these babies a try. Maybe I should start requesting commission from Sally & Co.? ;)

Basically it works like this...

• Buy a box (or 2, or 3)
• Follow the instructions precisely (super easy)
• Enjoy gorgeous, fun nails for nearly 2 weeks! (They say 10 days, you can improve on that - see below)

Other than that - here are a few tips you may find helpful:

For your first try, I recommend a pattern rather than a solid. Bumps (rare) or chips (also rare) aren't as visible, plus they're just darn fun.

Follow the directions precisely. I know, I already said that. But it's kind of a big deal. Push back your cuticles, work with warm hands, do the extra swipe of nail just before applying, etc., etc. - trust me, it all matters. It's not like any of it is hard or takes special skill so be like Nike and just do it.

Before peeling off any backings or starting application I pre-measured and arranged the strips needed for each finger. It comes with 16, so there are plenty of fit options.

Once applied, file edge gently to not tear the sticker at edge, I found it best to work in a one direction motion, preferably moving from front to back over the top of my nail rather than side to side. It seems to help secure the nail down at the tip even more and kept me from working with a heavy hand.

The first application took about 30 minutes, timing has improved since then but plan to work slowly and accurately. Apply at base only before pressing down in case you need to re-stick it in a better position. There's no drying so that saves a sweet amount of minutes.

Once applied, I cover each nail in a clear top coat for extra protection. I wouldn't say I'm rough with my hands, but I wash my hair everyday (which has always seemed to be the polish chip culprit) and of course after bathroom breaks, dishes, the usual. I did not do an extra top coat the first time as a test and was good for 10 days. At that point, my thumb and forefinger began to chip at the edges but I also traveled - hello, banging around with luggage - and some nail breakage initially caused it. Otherwise, my growth was more noticeable than anything!

Currently I'm rocking Collide-O-Scope (seen above) and am on day 17. Yep, seven.teen. I've applied additional clear topcoat twice, especially focusing on the edges. I have some chip-age on my thumbs and a few cracks here and there but no one in normal distance - aka: average personal space ratio - would ever notice. This is the benefit of patterns I mentioned. A few of my current faves:

I'm excited to try out the solids but won't expect as long lasting results (that's probably the 10 day basis) which is still flippin' amazing considering the price.

Oh, and the price - is so nice. Here in Chicago I've seen it vary from $8.99 to $10.49 and have come across a few BOGO 50% specials. (That's buy one, get one 50% off in non-retail speak) I most frequently purchase mine at CVS, Walgreens or Target.

About removal: word is floating around that removal is difficult. Not really. Take a cotton pad. Soak in polish remover. Place on nail and press for 10-15 seconds, then rub upward. It will take a few extra swipes but what's difficult about that?

Additional:
Word is also floating around that strips can be cut in half for double use. I don't recommend this, especially on the first try. And unless you have a friend right there to share with, the strips dry up and become unusable pretty quickly. Originally, I was hoping to save the additional 6 (it comes with 16 remember?) to replace any damaged nails or go crazy someday with all my leftovers and use one of each? But A. you won't need any replacements and B. I'd probably never really do that. But, in curious effort I tried preserving the extras in a baggy and in Tupperware to no avail. Once you crack the silver package, get ready to go.

Now get out there and get some nail strips! I need sales to be amazing so Sally will create lots more fun colors and patterns - at this rate, I'll be needing more in no time! Speaking of, here are some of the options to date. The first time I purchased I drove to 3 stores to get the ones I wanted because they were sold out. I have a feeling this is going to be big :)