Beauty Products

{Sleek Makeup Face Contour Kit, about $9.88, sleekmakeup.com}

Are you highlighting and contouring your face just yet? If not, it's time to get on that. Pick up this kit; it features a dark matte powder that's used for sculpting and carving out your cheekbones, and an illuminating powder that's used to highlight the high points of your face.

{Thicker Fuller Hair Instantly Thick Serum, $6.99, drugstore.com}

Those of you with fine hair should definitely consider this one; it's formulated with caffeine, which helps give your roots and strands a boost of volume without weighing your hair down.

{TopShop Nail Art Pen in Fool's Gold, $6, topshop.com}

If you're still into the whole nail art craze, be sure to add this pen to your kit. It's great for creating even-size polka-dots and gorgeous gold French tips, like the manicure on Lauren Conrad back in March.

Tell me—which save will you splurge on?

Links I LOVE

1. Did you know there’s an art to wrapping a burrito that doesn’t fall apart? (thekitchn.com)

2. I’d throw this shark cosmetic bag into my beach tote, obviously. (shopbop.com)

3. If you sit at a desk (and slump over like me), read these tips for having better posture. (nytimes.com)

4. These watermelon soda floats sound so refreshing for summer. (bonappetit.com)

5. A great solution for ugly power cords. (fabricpaperglue.com)

6. This pink lake makes me want to visit Australia. (aluxurytravelblog.com)

7.  Zach Galifianakis is as sweet as they come. (imgur.com) 

8. These gold leaf succulent pots would be cute for a bridal shower centerpiece. (missrenaissance.com)

9. I’d bring this portable record player into our backyard for barbecues. (amazon.com)

Accessories to Update Outfits

Take your little black dress from boring to brilliant for any occasion by incorporating bold 

handbags, cool-girl sunglasses, and red-hot shoes. Stand out but look polished with vivid pieces

 like plum heels, a green leather tote bag, and lacquered bangles. Dress down your LBD with

 stylish cat-eye sunglasses, a printed scarf, and espadrille wedges that scream “French Riviera

 chic.” Add a cross-body bag that allows you to be hands-free. For date night keep him coming 

back by pairing your dress with ultra-high heels, a major statement necklace, and a heart-shaped

clutch. Maintaining a common color theme keeps the look cohesive, and red is always sexy.

Jazz up the most basic of pairings for brunch with the gals, a Sunday afternoon stroll, or a casual 

business meeting. Impress your most fashionable girlfriends when you add a textured clutch, dual-

patterned wedges, and layered necklaces. For running errands,lighten up when you’re off the 

clock! A bold backpack and dollar-sign earrings help show off 

your playful side. For an informal presentation Prove you mean business by putting on your 

sharpest glasses, carrying your documents in a portfolio clutch, and finishing your look with

 pointy-toe heels. 

If your go-to answer to what to wear is always “jeans and a cute top,” here’s how to spice things 

up for both day and night.  For going out everything looks better with a side of sparkle! Find 

yours in stacks of rings, a sequined clutch, and matching strap-y sandals.For going shopping even 

your accessories need a boost sometimes. Leopard flats and brown Wayfarer sunglasses are 

new spins on classic pieces. Casual Fridays keep jeans and a tee from looking sloppy by teaming 

them with a zip-top carryall and crossover-strap pumps. 

Whether you’re headed for a first date or an afternoon museum outing, try these look-at-me 

extras. For a first date match your accessories to your flirty mood—I'm talking tons of bangles

 and a hot pink purse.Gallery hopping achieve Audrey Hepburn’s timeless style by choosing 

updated versions of her staples. Think smoking slippers instead of ballet flats. Dinner with your in-

laws add depth to a two-note outfit by mixing snakeskin pumps with a leather tote, plus a silk 

scarf.

10 Ways to Get Easy Summer Hair (Without a Blow-Dryer!)

{Try Tamers, Tools, and Twisties}

These essential accessories help make heat-free styling a cinch.

{1. Argan-oil-infused Cricket Ultra Smooth Conditioning Comb, $6, folica.com }

{2. Oscar Blandi Pronto Styling Pin in Gold, $12, ulta.com }

{3. Maddyloo Original Hair Ties, $1 each, maddyloo.com }

{4. Hot Tools Professional Long Spongy Rod Rollers, $7.50 for 10, ulta.com }

{5. RickyCare No-Crease Bow Clips in Pastel, $6 for 3,rickysnyc.com}

{Stretch a Style}

To extend your blow out an extra day, sleep with your hair in a high, loose bun. In

 the morning, brush out and spray a little dry shampoo on roots if needed.

{Set Your Shine}

To get up with smooth waves, secure hair in a low, loose bun, then sleep on a silk 

pillowcase, which won’t rough up hair texture.

{Prime an Up-do}

Apply a light styling gel to towel-dried hair, then create a loose French braid. The 

next day you’ll have a messy texture that’s ideal for styling into an up-do.

{Catch a Wave}

For beach-y waves, spritz salt spray on towel-dried hair, roll two-inch sections into 

curls, and pin to head. Repeat all over. Remove pins in the A.M. and shake out.

{Prep to Save Time}

No blow-dryer? Cheat with these to fake a hot-tools look.

If you have fine hair, start by cleansing with Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy 

Volumizing Shampoo {$6, ulta.com}.

To style, use treatment hybrids like Nexxus Hydra-Light Weightless Moisture 

Leave-In Conditioning Foam {$48,ulta.com}.

Treat your hair with Oribe Signature Moisture Masque {$59,cusp.com} weekly 

under a shower cap to boost results.

{Get a Bit Kinky}

Step 1: Apply texture spray to damp hair. Try L'Oreal Paris Ever Style Texture 

Series Beach Spray {$7, drugstore.com}.

Step 2: Braid one-inch sections, from ear level down. Then air-dry, release, and 

shake out.

{Sleek it Up}

Caution: Skip this one if you're super curly.

Step 1: Apply a smoothing milk to damp hair; air-dry.

Step 2: Add Shu Uemura Art of Hair Volume Maker to roots 

{$48, shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com}. You can also flat-iron dry ends only, if you 

like.

{Energize Your Curls}

A little purposeful frizz can be sexy.

Step 1: “Press—don’t rake—Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse on damp hair,” 

says celeb hairstylist Chris McMillan,“then twist one-inch sections into ringlets.”

Step 2: Air-dry without combing—no need to touch them at all. Living Proof Full

 Thickening Mousse, $26, nordstrom.com

{Do Glossy Waves}

Shiny waves are classically pretty—and shamefully easy, even without a curling iron.

Step 1: Apply a smoothing serum like Redken Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine {$40, redken.com} to damp hair, then twist into a bun using a snag-free cloth elastic.

Step 2: Let hair air-dry. This may take a few hours, but the slick up-do is a style too.

Step 3: “When hair is dry, release the bun,” says Zahir Ziani, a stylist at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa and Salon. Brush to boost shine.

Beauty Secrets

Beauty Secrets

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.

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

-Old Navy Women’s Ruffled Swimsuit, $19

-Zimmerman Strapless Orchid Twist Swimsuit, $245

-Forever 21 Splotched Underwire Bikini Top and Side Tie Bottom, $10.80 and $9.80

-Vix London Bandeau Bikini Top and London Square Bikini Briefs, $84 and $84

-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

Balancing your Skin’s pH

Balancing your Skin’s pH

Is your skin out of whack, if so, it maybe because the pH levels are off. Dermatologist Dr. Carroll gives her tips on how to manage the skin balancing act.

What is pH?

pH scale measures how acidic or basic (alkaline) something is.

Our skin likes to live at a pH of around 5.5, so skin likes to be slightly acidic.  It has a thin protective layer on its surface called the acid mantle. The acid mantle keeps the good things in our skin, like moisture and lipids – and the bad stuff out, like bacteria and pollution.

Can you test your skin’s pH level?

You can’t really test your skin’s pH except in a lab because tests are based upon liquid. People who test their pH usually do the litmus paper test with saliva, but the pH in our body is different than the pH levels in our skin. Our bodies like to be more alkaline, while our skin functions better when it’s more acidic.

How can you tell if your pH levels are off?

There are some telltale signs that your skin pH is off. Let your skin be the barometer. If your skin is balanced, you’ll have a dewy, plump, more radiant look.

If your skin is off by being too alkaline it may be acne-prone, dry, or excessively oily. In other words, if you have a persistent skin problem, from zits to dermatitis, an upset pH could be to blame.

Alkalinity can make your skin very dry and brittle which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. It can also be acne prone. Because alkaline skin doesn’t have the proper pH, it predisposes you to inflammation and increased enzyme activity, which can accelerate aging through the break down of collagen.

If your skin if off by being too acidic, your skin looks red and irritated.  Acidity is not as common, but it’s usually caused by over processed skin.  This can happen with overuse of products and excessive cleaning and scrubbing.

How do we repair and prevent an imbalance in the skin’s pH?

There is good news. When you're using the right products, the skin's barrier will always return to its natural, happy slightly acidic place.

First, choose your products carefully.  Do not wash your face with soap. Avoid products that are over-scented with a lot of botanical ingredients.  Keep it simple.  Products with the words “pH-balanced” have no official definition so don’t depend only on this. It’s simply a marketing slogan

Stick to a routine. Don’t switch products constantly. If you switch products, the test period should be about 2 weeks. And don’t change everything at one time.

The morning routine should consist of should cleanse, treat, moisturize, and protect.

The evening routine should be cleanse, treat, and moisturize.

Skincare Products

Morning:

• CLEANSE: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - available at drugstores
• TREAT: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic - available at dispensing doctors offices (such aswww.compassdermatology.ca), medispas & high end spas
• MOISTURIZE: LaRoche Posay Toleriane Ultra - available at major drugstores
• PROTECT: Anthelios Ultra-fluid SPF 60 - available at major drugstores


Evening:

• CLEANSE: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser - available at drugstores
• TREAT: Reversa Solution for Oily and Acne-prone Skin - available at major drugstores
• MOISTURIZE: Skinceuticals Face Cream - available at dispensing doctors offices (such aswww.compassdermatology.ca), medispas & high end spas