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.
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.)
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.
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:
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?
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.
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!
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?
Just a tiny swipe on the top of the cheek bone adds a radiating shimmer to keep you glowing on the gloomiest of days. (This mini version has a permanent home in my purse.)
Tip: It's very photogenic. (They don't call it supermodel in a bottle for nothing!)
Have you seen these Halloween makeup kits from Sephora? Pick your look and for $26 get everything you need to recreate it. If the how-to guide isn't enough (sometimes you just need a visual) watch the video's for a little extra help. And the best part...you can work the cosmetics into your usual lineup when you're done playing dress up. Genius!
So...let's hear it - what's your Halloween costume this year??
On Saturday, Brooke and I attended the Fall 2010 Cosmetics Trend Show at Nordstrom on Michigan Avenue.
Cosmetics and skin care are an extension of fashion and should be just as fun! And fun is exactly what it was. Starting with a runway show which was more of an interactive seminar hosted by Julianne De'Chaump, Nordstrom's Midwest beauty and fragrance director, a line up of gorgeous models graced the stage wearing Fall's great trend - black, grey and jewel toned burgundy. Over 2 hours, brand reps from all your favorite lines gave us quick tips and insight into new products and fall trends. And giveaways galore! (Note to self, be first in line next year to get a great seat...)
It was so exciting (I'm such a girl :) and I could write for weeks about everything we saw and learned so I thought I would share just a few highlights if you would like to read...
One word we heard over and over...SERUM. Nearly every brand has one and there's something for every budget. I recently started using this one and I can't get enough. But what exactly is a serums you ask? Well friend, serums deposit added nutrients into your skin. They have smaller molecules than a moisturizer and can penetrate deeper giving you almost instant visible results. Their lightweight gel formula is perfect for use under moisturizer or alone.
Eye creams were on everyone's list as well. Clarins taught us to apply yours to 3 fingers and press 3 times under the eye starting at the inside out, then repeating on the top of the lid to brow.
Speaking of eyes, the smokey eye trend is back and even better. Instead of grays/blacks of last year try navy and silver this year. Paired with a coral cheek and lip it makes a stunning modern makeup statement.
Lashes are luscious. Julianne suggested layering mascara for different effect. Combine a volumizer with a lengthening formula, etc. And don't forget about MAC for pro falsies application - and instant face-lift!
Red is an accessory. Nothing pairs better with winter blacks/grays. If lips are too much for you, try it on the nails. (As a no-chip manicure addict I have to say that my favorite is red. You'd be surprised what a versatile color it is!)
Let's not forget about fragrance! The best place to wear it? In your hair. Woody, heavy floral scents are the notes for Fall 2010.
Beauty from within was a hot topic as well. Bobbi Brown's rep stressed the importance of water. Hydration equals plump firm skin so fill up on the H20!
After the show we headed to Estee Lauder where we were treated to the new smokey eye application. I went with a dramatic vibrant smokey (see below), Brooke chose a taupey daytime smokey. So many ways to wear it!
A person could get lost in the all the information (which we did)! Luckily, reps and artists were present to answer questions, test products and share their favorite tips. It was an honor to chat with Ross Burton, beauty guru/makeup artist to Oprah. So handsome and charming and easy to talk to.
If you have the opportunity to attend a similar show I highly recommend it. In addition the fun activities and general girlie-ness, the deals are ah-may-zing. Gifts with purchase out the wazoo!! I purchased and sampled a few new products (notice I said a few... golf clap please, the temptation was irresistible!) I plan to share my product experiences with you soon!
Speaking of Sephora...I can't get enough of coral nail polish this summer, but according the the beauty insider catalog I got in the mail, plum is the shade for fall.
Sephora announced the launch of SephoraMobile shopping today. With features like placing orders from your phone, purchase history, and GPS to the closest store, you'll have no excuse to be out of that favorite lip gloss.
Technology amazes me! So fellow shoppers, have you ventured into the world of purchasing from your smartphone yet??
An at home facial peel that combats dullness, lines and wrinkles, uneven texture, age spots and enlarged pores? Sign me up! I just started this system last weekend and I'm using it every 3 days. (My Mom turned me onto this back in December, I finally got around to purchasing a set of my own and wish I would've done it sooner, mother knows best!) The tingling isn't bad at all & my face feels squeaky clean afterward.
I'm not a fan of the dry shampoo sprays, they just make my hair feel wierd. I do frequent the old baby powder trick and I'm loving this tinted powder idea! I bet it smells nice, too!
