Wednesday, 24 April 2013

Beauty Secrets








Beauty Secrets



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When you spend an extended amount of time with a group of girls, you’re guaranteed two things: a lot of gossip and the sharing of valuable beauty secrets.  This past weekend I was introduced to several new products, all of which have since been purchased and incorporated into my own make-up bag.  As fun as it is to discover new products, it’s just as enjoyable to share my favorites with others.  Here are a few of the things I rely on daily.
Maybelline Lipstick – Coral Crush.  One of the most universally flattering lipsticks I’ve ever seen.  It adds such a fun pop of color and I always feel instantly put together with one easy swipe.
Almay Eye Make-up Remover Pads (oil free).  These little pads have saved me from many a night where I desperately wanted to crawl into bed with all of my eye make-up on.  They remove everything with one pad and don’t leave your eyes dry and irritated.
Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara.  I’ve splurged on a lot of different mascaras in the past, but none separate my lashes and still make them look long and dark quite like this one.  I’m probably on my 7th consecutive tube.
Tarte Cheek Stain – Dollface.  I’m a total sucker for a great cheek stain and Dollface gives you the most perfect, fresh-faced  glow.   I love the fat stick too that makes it easy to apply and looks just as good on your lips as it does on your cheeks.
Moroccan Oil.  My hairdresser introduced me to this miracle serum and I’m not being dramatic when I say that I’m obsessed.  It smooths my hair instantly and the scent makes you feel like you’re on some tropical island.
Origins – Modern Friction.  A good exfoliate makes such a big difference and this one is consistently great.  The granules are not too big or too small and always leave my skin feeling smooth and not greasy.
Aveeno – Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer.  This lotion has a clean, subtle scent and leaves my skin seriously moisturized.
L’Oreal Linear Intense Felt Tip Eyeliner – Carbon.  Most people are intimidated by liquid liner, but this one makes it so simple.  The felt tip is key and it glides on seamlessly every time.
Stila Lip Glaze – Watermelon.  This gloss has such a pretty pigment with a nice smell and a fun click applicator.  I love that it’s in a tube and doesn’t require me dunking my finger in a pot of gloss.
Aquaphor.  This is an amazing does-everything salve.  Whether you have dry elbows or need a little extra moisture on your lips, I carry a small tube of this everywhere I go.
Guerlain Terrecotta Bronzing Powder.  The different shades in this compact give you a nice glow that looks like you just came in from a day at the beach.
Kiehl’s Creme de Corps.  This is a seriously heavy duty lotion that can reverse the damage of winter in a few applications.

We Can Work It Out







We Can Work It Out




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I was giddy with excitement and immediately started to imagine my perfect spring outfit; which included a flowy white dress, flat sandals and armfuls of wooden bracelets.  Turns out, my breezy little number would be quite inappropriate seeing as how it’s supposed to rain throughout the season.  Instead of opting for my boyfriend’s rain coat and a baseball cap, I’ve decided to make the most of the situation and put together a few of my rainy day favorites.
Dotty Pac-A-Parka, Topshop: $55
Vintage Flower Necklace, Forever 21: $6.80
Patent Leatherette Canvas Tote, Forever 21: $24.80
Arty Cornaline Ring, Yves Saint Laurent: $395
Roxanne Skinny Jeans, 7 For All Mankind: $155
Original Wellingtons, Hunter Boots: $115
Lace Tie Waist Top, Topshop: $65
Heart Print Umbrella, Burberry: $250
Retrosun, Vintage Christian Dior Sunglasses: $275
Wire Bow Headband, Forever 21: $4.80

MAKE A SPLASH!







Make a Splash


With Memorial Day right around the corner, I’ve finally accepted that bathing suit seasonis as well.   I’ll be honest, it doesn’t matter how much self tanner one applies or how many crunches I do, trying on swimsuits is just about the most painful shopping experience you can have.  The fluorescent lights, the small dressing quarters and the playhouse mirrors are nobody’s friend.  This year, I’ve taken my search online and have narrowed it down to several different trends that I’ll gladly try on in the comfort of my own home. ;) :)
-Forever 21 Nautical Striped Top and Bottoms, $10.80 and $9.80
-Top shop Wide Stripe Bikini, $50
-Undrest Ruffle Bandeau Bikini Top and Ruffled Bikini Briefs, $80 and $105
-Julien Macdonald Double-strap Asymmetric Swimsuit, $385
-French Connection Marina Ink Bandeau and Briefs $58 and $48
-dELiAs Twist Bandeau and Foldover Hipster $24.50 and $29.50
-Lisa Marie Fernandez Natalie Bandeau Bikini, $300
-Forever 21 Basic O-Ring Bandeau Top and O-Ring Bottom, $9.80 and $8.80

Floating Vase








Floating Vase



I decided that a suspended vase (Marble and Lou Lou would knock one over if I put it on the window sill) would add just enough color to brighten up the room.  Here are the simple steps I took to make mine:

1. I bought a piece of wood (approximately 7″ x 6″ x 1/2″) that I sloppily painted white for a worn-in feel.


2. Find a small vase or jar (mine was filled with Maraschino Cherries) that has a lip at the top.   Position it on the wood and drill two holes on either side at the the base of the opening.

3. Wrap steel wire around the lip of the jar a few times and twist it once until it’s secure.  Position the jar so that it’s lined up on the wood and poke the ends through the small holes that you drilled.  Wrap them together in the back and clip any extra wire.

4. Drill two additional holes at the top of the wood and wrap a second piece of steel wire through leaving a large loop at the top.  Twist the ends around the base and clip off the extra wire.
5. Add water, flowers (I like Sweet Peas) and hang!