Monday, March 29, 2010

An Encyclopedia for People Who Hate to Read...and Love Eyeshadow

Eyes Lips Face never ceases to amaze me.  Their products are of the best quality, and everything is so cheap, it should be illegal.

My latest love is their Beauty Encyclopedia: the Eye Edition.  First of all, great name. The "Eye" edition...kind of like the "I" edition...hahaha. I think it's cute, but maybe that's just me.

The palette has everything you need to create tons of different eye looks: 12 eye shadow shades, 2 cream eye shadow shades, 1 eyeliner and 1 eye shadow brush.  There are even directions for usage on the inside!

I tried out the shadows and they're all highly pigmented and the hues are fabulous.

Here's a peek inside:














This is one encyclopedia that every gal needs--and it's only $5!!! Really.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Beauty for a Cause: in Lip Gloss Form!!

Avon's lovechild, Mark, has some amazing beauty items. They also have great accessories and clothing and basically I'm in love with the entire line.

Regardless, they've created these gorgeous hook-up lip glosses (you can actually hook them together and have multiple glosses at once)!  They have a lot of these glosses in other fab colors.  But the difference is that purchasing these two colors benefits their m.powerment by mark campaign to stop date violence, which has been increasingly rising in the past few years.

Each hue is $6, and you get a free connector.  All proceeds ($5.31) from the sale will go towards this campaign.

I buy about 500 lip glosses a year, but I'll actually feel good about buying these.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

When Makeup Goes Bad

Okay, so I'm guilty of holding onto a few cosmetics when they're well past their prime.  But doing it often can lead to some serious problems like eye severe irritation and bacteria overload.

I know many ladies who have held onto the same tube of mascara for over three years, just because they use it infrequently.  FYI: just because something isn't used everyday doesn't mean that it's still okay to use after it's "expiration date".

Some products now bear tiny little icons like this to help you figure it out:




But a lot of them are super tiny (like the above picture) and many products don't even have them. So here's the inside scoop on how long you should keep each product.


Face Makeup

Toss-it time: Six months for liquids; two years for powders
Insider info: You increase the odds of bacterial growth — and, hence, of breakouts or irritation — when you repeatedly dip your brushes and fingers into liquid foundation. Also, as it ages, foundation can go on unevenly, creating a streaky, inconsistent finish. “Oils rise to the top, and the consistency thickens,” explains New York City makeup artist Mathew Nigara. Powders present less of a problem because bacteria can’t grow where there’s no water. However, over time, powders with botanical ingredients like aloe or jojoba can become harder to blend and are more likely to crumble, as their trace amounts of water evaporate.

Mascara

Toss-it time: Three months
Insider info: “A mascara tube is a dark, wet environment — the perfect breeding ground for bacteria,” says New York City optometrist Andrea Thau, O.D. “Preservatives in a mascara only work for so long.” Dr. Thau knows from firsthand experience: She once developed a sty from a makeup artist’s mascara wand. Plus, three-month-old mascara is a nonperformer. “It’s chalky and powdery, and any lengthening or thickening fibers often separate from the fluid, so the mascara stops going on in a smooth, even coat,” says makeup artist Cristina Bartolucci. To avoid hastening the demise of your mascara, never pump the wand — that pushes air into the tube, causing it to dry out faster. Instead, slowly draw out and twist the brush to scrape the tube’s interior and pick up product.

Eyeliner and Eye Shadow

Toss-it time: Liquid eyeliners, three months; cream eye shadows, six months; pencil eyeliners and powder eye shadows, two years
Insider info: As they do with mascara, bacteria tend to flourish in liquid-eyeliner tubes, and the product dries out. Pencil eyeliners have a longer shelf life because you can create a fresh, clean surface each time you sharpen them. (Just be sure to regularly sanitize your sharpener with rubbing alcohol.) Powder shadows, like pressed powders, are less prone to contamination because they, too, lack water (if you wet them, toss after six months). But aging eye shadows have performance issues: They get packed down, making it harder to pick up pigment with your brush, says Bartolucci.

Lipstick and Lipliner

Toss-it time: Lipstick and gloss, two years; lipliner, two years or more
Insider info: Lipsticks’ water content makes them potential mini reservoirs of bacteria. No surprise, they also dry out with age, says New York City makeup artist Tina Turnbow: “They no longer look creamy on the lips.” Long-wearing formulas may have an even shorter life span since they often contain ingredients that evaporate more quickly than creamier formulas. Pencil lipliners, like eyeliners, may last a little longer since putting them through a sharpener removes the old surface.

[info courtesy of Good Housekeeping]

Friday, March 26, 2010

Smell Good and Look Fab with this Solid Perfume Ring

I have a thing about butterflies; I just love them.  During my high school senior class trip to Florida, I actually got a little butterfly tattoo and named him Neil (because I decided that my tattoo would be a masculine butterfly).

Anyway, Anything butterfly-related always catches my eye.  I love this subtly-butterfly shaped solid perfume ring by Hanae Mori.

It's not an obvious butterfly, which is exactly what I like about it. Though I am a fan of cheesy huge campy rings, This one just appeals to me.  Plus it's full of awesome smelling perfume.

I think it's about a size 7, so I could never wear it (I'm seriously so tiny that I have to buy children's rings in size 3)..  Most of you ladies probable could because you're normal-sized.  But in case it doesn't, it does come with a chain so you can clip it onto basically anything.

Each ring is $39, which is a little on the steep end.  But the perfume is great and the ring is gorgeous!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

It's Almost Spring--Grab a Pretty Floral Dress (for Under $40!)

Oh lovely lovely Spring.  I cannot wait for your arrival.  That's why I'm already checking out the latest bare-legged style options the fashion world has to offer.

Currently, I'm in love with this Jean Paul Gaultier for Target Rolled Collar Floral Dress.  I love this whole high-end designers making collections for lower-end stores thing that's been going on.  A dress like this could cost your a pretty penny, but at Target, you can pick one up for $39.99.

The off-the-shoulder look is still very much in this season, and flower patterns are always great for Spring.  A pretty floral dress like this paired with tougher pieces, like the studded belt pictured, are what makes the look unique.

For those of you who can't wait for warmer weather to bust out your fab dresses, just throw them on with a pair of leggings and a cardigan to keep you warm!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

3D Holographic Nail Polish?

This whole idea sounded a little crazy to me.  Milani's newest 3D Holographic nail polish claims to "exhibit a unique 3D Holographic effect that no other nail lacquer has ever achieved". So of course I had to try it.  It sounds like magic nail polish to me.  And who doesn't want magical polish on their nails?

I ended up buying the pink and purple shades (of course).  In the bottle they looked like normal glitter nail polishes.  And when I applied the polish to my nails, there certainly wasn't anything magic going on.  My nails didn't experience anything that they hadn't experienced before, as Miliani had claimed.

That said, I do love the polish.  I just don't like the way it was marketed.  The polish is actually really great.  It's well-pigmented, which is rare for glittery nail polish.  After two coats, I had opaque-ish glittery nails that were very pretty.

At $5 a bottle, I think the purchase is worth it.  Just don't expect a "3D Holographic" effect.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Fashion Faux Pas: Wearing Pajamas in Public

I see this all the time.  And I honestly have to restrain myself from running up to these people and giving them some sort of fashion citation.  Or punching them in the face.

I love pajamas.  I have some really cute pairs from Victoria's Secret that I wear a lot. At night. While I'm home.  Like a normal person.

Wearing pajamas while you're running out to the store, or wherever you're off to, is basically saying to the world, "I'm a hideously ugly person who doesn't care about looking decent".  It takes just as much time to throw on a pair of jeans as it does to throw on a pair of unflattering pajama pants.

Even if you have the cutest, most stylish pajamas in the world, it is simply not acceptable to wear them outside the comfort of your own home.  Ever.

This type of public-pajama-wearing nonsense should be illegal, as far as I'm concerned. 

Take the extra five seconds and put on a pair of actual pants before you go somewhere. Please.

That is all.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Style on a Budget: Gorgey Tote for $15!

Avon has always had a soft spot in my heart, as I used to be an Avon lady.  I had fun, but didn't make much money because I ended up spending everything I made on Avon products!  But even since then, their makeup has become increasingly better, and recently I've seen a huge change in the quality and look of their handbags.

I found this fab Effortlessly Chic tote bag and instantly fell in love. It's on the larger side (11" L x 8" H x 6" D), which is exactly what I need since I basically carry around my whole life around with me daily.


The tote comes in three colors: a navy blue, chocolate brown, and a cream-colored white.  I like the navy hue best--I tend to make a mess of anything white and brown seems more Fall-ish to me.  This is the perfect bag to use year-round for lugging around all my "necessities".  


The best part? The tote is originally priced at $25, which is an amazingly low price all on its own, but currently the bag is on sale for a mere $14.99!


The bag is cute, cheap and perfectly-sized.  I'm sold.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

The Fashion PR Scoop with Nadia: Planning a Fashion Event

Whether it is a local fundraiser, school fashion show or the launch of a new designer below are some key factors to take into consideration when planning a fashion related event or fashion show. It takes a lot to make an event look flawless.

Pick a date and venue: You will need at least three potential dates for your event. From there you can start searching for venues that may appeal to you. If you are lucky the 1st venue of your choice will be available on your most desired date. With a date selected and a venue picked, let the logistics begin!


Budget: Create an ideal and working budget that you know that you can work with. For many events you can expect to go slightly over, especially if it is your first one.


Time Line: This will help you stay on top of everything. For example, rentals need advance planning; this is very important to keep in mind. It is also important to recognize that rentals will depend on the venue that you selected. If it’s a raw space you will except to spend more at least three months in advance in order to have a successful event.


Know your audience: If you are from a small town you may not be able to replicate a Betsy Johnson runway show. If your client, foundation or school has a good fan base you should be fine but it’s important to know what appeals to the audience you are trying to impress.

Staff: If your event is grass roots or non-profit, your staff will mainly consist of volunteers. A dependable staff both during the preparation of the event and the day of is very important. You cannot be everywhere at all times so it is important to have a staff that is reliable.

Nadia Murdock is the owner of Manchester Public Relations, and a fashionista herself.  You can contact her via her website, or email her at nadia.murdock@gmail.com.

Friday, March 19, 2010

The Beauty Beat with Eb: Charleston Fashion Week 2010

Charleston Fashion Week has begun in Charleston, SC.  You know, that state where they say “ya’ll”, eat grits, and where people believe we are behind.  We may have a drawl, but we are not too far behind ya’ll.  I just had to throw that in there.

When it comes to being fashion forward, Charleston isn’t the place that most people would think of.  In fact, Charleston wouldn’t even make the list.  However, if you’ve been under the tents for Charleston Fashion Week, you will be forced to change your mind.  Charleston isn’t backward or forward, but comfortably right in its place.  Local designers competed in the “Emerging Designer Competition: Southeast”, Tuesday, March 16.  The collections ranged from comic book-inspired designs of Uriel Zamora to children’s ready-to-wear by finalist Barbara Beach.

If you’re a Project Runway fan, you’ll be happy to hear that fan favorite Mychael Knight debuted his new collection, Carte Blanche.  The collection is absolutely fabulous.

For more Charleston Fashion Week coverage, visit www.MakeMeOverEb.com.



Ebony Looney is the founder of Make Me Over Eb. For more fabulous insight, check out her site at www.makemeovereb.com.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Curations New Spring Collection (and a GIVEAWAY!!!)

If you read this blog at all, you're probably aware that I'm a little bit obsessed with Curations with Stefani Greenfield!  Her new collection is amazing (I've got my eye on a couple of the handbags, myself).

Starting at midnight and all day tomorrow (3/19), there are going to be all sorts of specials and shows on HSN for this fab collection, so my advice is that you ladies best tune in!

Here's a rundown of the show times:
12:00am-2:00am 
8:00am-9:00am  
11:00am-12:00pm
3:00pm-4:00pm     
8:00pm-10:00pm

So unless you work a million hours tomorrow, you should be able to catch at least one of them!

Now onto the good stuff! I've teamed up with Curations with Stefani Greenfield to give away this gorgeous Color Disc Bangle Bracelet in black.  I tried the bangle on, and honestly I hate to part with it! Personally, I'd wear it with a cocktail dress for going out with the gals, but it'd work for nearly any occasion.

To enter the giveaway, just send me an email at sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "CURATIONS BANGLE".  The winner will be chosen on 3/25 and alerted via email.

And for those of you who want to check out the rest of the collection, make sure to tune in to the show times above, or visit the website.

Disclosure: This post contains a sample product sent for consideration by a PR firm. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

I Adore L' Amour!

Leave it to the UK company, Accessorize, to come up with these adorable L' Amour Heart Earrings. I'm in love with them.  I've started becoming obsessed with everything British and upon reading this month's British Cosmo, stumbled upon these delights.

These earrings have everything I could ever want: they're pink, heart-shaped, have something french written across it and are adorned with a bow.  I mean, what more could you ask for?

Oh I know, a cheap price. Well, SURPRISE!!!! They're only about $9.

Pretty awesome, oui?

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

My New Anti-Frizz Hero: Oribe Imperméable Spray

I live in New England, which is pretty much the worst place to live when you're prone to frizzy hair.  The humidity is ridiculous and with the weather getting warmer, I'm predicting having to sport the afro-chic look for a while.

Or maybe not.

Oribe's Imperméable Anti-Humidity Spray has my name figuratively written all over it.  The spray is meant to be used as a finishing spray to shield all hair types from the frizz the comes along with humid, muggy days.

I gave it a try yesterday, which was actually one of the most horrific days of my life, as I spent much of it running through pouring rain in Boston. The one thing that held up throughout the day? My hair. No joke.

Before I left for work that morning, I sprayed some of the product into my hair and brushed it through, using a round brush.  I pulled my hair into a bit of a chignon (fine, maybe more of a bun) and the result was pretty gorge if I do say so myself.

By the time I got home that night, soaking wet, tired and freezing, my hair still looked great and I have Oribe's Anti-Humidity Spray to thank for it.

You can buy your very own bottle for $38 on their website.  Not a lot of moolah for a hair-saving hero.


Disclosure: This post contains a sample product sent for review consideration by a PR firm. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me. 

Monday, March 15, 2010

My Latest Obsession: OPI's Pink Collection




It's no secret that I'm obsessed with anything and everything pink.  So when I heard that OPI is releasing a new collection that is entirely composed of different pink shades, well I basically had a seizure of delight.  

The shades are all fairly similar with slight differences that make them unique.

Shades from left to right:


Isn't That Precious?: This is your basic sheer cool-toned pink.  It'd work well for a french manicure.  Though the color is sheer, I did manage to get a more opaque tone out of it when I applied three coats. That said, this hue is really pretty as a sheer wash, and you can get that effect from two coats.

Pink-a-Doodle:  Cutest name of the bunch, no?  This shade has the tiniest bit of gold shimmer to it.  It almost has a peach look to it.  This shade is definitely more warm-toned than the others.

I Think in Pink: If I were a nail polish, I would be this color.  It is the most opaque of the group.  After two coats, I found myself with pretty light pink nails. You can also achieve a sheer look with this by applying only one coat.

It’s a Girl: The lightest and sheerest of the collection.  Like the name suggests, it's a bit of a "baby pink".  This is a great color to wear if you just want your nails to look clean and fresh.  It could also be used for a french manicure. 


I love them all! The thing I like most is that they're all a bit sheer, so any chipping that may occur is less noticeable than with anything darker.  And I'm definitely prone to chipping!

You can buy a bottle for about $8 at Beauty Mart, Target or Ulta.


Disclosure: This post contains a sample product sent for consideration by a PR firm. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

H&M's New Garden Collection: Recycled Materials Galore

H&M's latest collection isn't your average batch of Spring cocktail dresses.  Though dresses are in the mix, They're unique in an environmentally delightful way.

Their new Garden Collection features pieces made from recycled materials.  The clothing is made from organic cotton, linen and recycled polyester (which is actually made in part from plastic bottles).

From what I've seen, the collection is gorgeous and the pieces look normal, if that makes sense.  What I mean to say is that they don't have a hippie-hemp-overly-obvious-recycled-ness look to them.

The dress pictured is made completely from recycled polyester, and I think it's totally chic (the $40 price tag doesn't hurt either).

To find out more about the collection and to find H&M stores, visit their website.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Chanel Launches Temporary Tattoos

I used to love temporary tattoos when I was younger.  I had Barbie ones, hearts and all sorts of cutesy designs.

This season, Chanel is coming out with their own temporary tattoos.  Really.  I'm not sure what I think of it just yet. I like the idea of being able to adorn anything Chanel for a little less moolah (5 sheets are $75).  But on the other hand, they are temporary.  So you don't have much to show for the cash you spent at the end of the day.

I wouldn't mind wearing a few of 'em for a night out--the price is a bit steep for me, but yeah, I can dig the look.

If you want to grab a set of your own, get in line.  There's a waiting list--looks like these are going to be a huge hit.



Friday, March 12, 2010

Natalie Chapman GIVEAWAY!!!

Spring has almost sprung! And that means it's high time to bust out our brightly colored frocks.

Natalie Chapman has an amazing collection of dresses that are perfect for the warm weather ahead.  Her dresses are unique and gorgeous--perfect for a fashionista who wants something different and stylish for the season. 

And for one of my lucky readers, I have a special Natalie Chapman dress to give away!  It's the dress pictured, but rather than the blue tone, the bottom of the dress is a bright yellow hue.  It's the perfect dress for going out, day or night.  Size-wise, I'd say it's a small.  The fabric is a bit stretchy, so it is a little forgiving.

To enter the giveaway, email me at sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line "NATALIE CHAPMAN".  A winner will be chosen by 3/19 and will be alerted via email.

Good luck ladies!!

To purchase any Natalie Chapman pieces on your own, or if you have any questions, contact Natalie directly at natalie@nataliechapman.com.au.

Disclosure: This post contains a sample product sent for consideration by a PR firm. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

My New Fave Lip Stain: ...Sharpies?

Okay, I know this sounds crazy. About a week ago, I bought a huge pack of multi-colored Sharpies.  I just like to have lots of colorful writing utensils for my calendar, planner, etc and I figured that a 24-pack of brightly-colored delights would be perfect.

Once I opened the package, I noticed that there were three or four colors that would make fabulous lip shades.  After quickly double checking to make sure that they were non-toxic, I took the bright cherry red one into the bathroom and went to work. I basically drew over my lips, lining them first and then filling them in. The result was great. I added a bit of gloss on top and the color lasted all day. 

There's a light pink hue that I like even more than the cherry red, but alas I haven't got a picture of me wearing it.

Anyway, this is the longest-lasting "lip stain" I've ever tried.  There's a color for everyone, and the marker makes application a breeze.

Though Sharpies are "permanent" markers, I found that the colored ones came off with my normal makeup remover.

Soooo, I'm basically a genious and have discovered the best lip stain ever.

Thoughts?

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Fashion Babble: Q&A sesh with Nadia Murdock

Nadia Murdock, owner of Manchester Public Relations, is a unique gal who takes fashion PR to a whole new level.  Not only is she great with her clients, she's also a bit of a fashionista herself.  I had a chance to ask her a few questions about her career and love of fashion.

Sassy Fashionista: What inspired you to go into Fashion-based Public Relations?

Nadia Murdock: Since I can remember I have always been fascinated with fashion and making a statement through clothing. My mother firmly believes whether you are going to the grocery store or getting dressed for a formal occasion always look your best. That piece of advice stuck with me throughout the years which eventually became a passion. My public relations experience in the past has ranged from healthcare to entertainment but I found true enjoyment when I started doing fashion PR.

SF: How long have you been working in the field? 
NM: I have been doing fashion PR for about three years now. I officially launched my company’s website, Manchester Public Relations, in January 2010.

SF: What's the best part of your job? 
NM: I really love the gratifying feeling I get when I am able to make the world aware of my clients' designs and work. I only represent clients that I truly believe in, which makes my job not only easier but a whole lot of fun.

SF: Since you're quite the fashionista yourself, what are the top three accessories you think each gal should have this season?
NM: I have always been drawn to gold hoop earrings; I think they can really transform an outfit. My client Jennifer Shon sells a great pair of hoops that can be used daily or for a night out. Men’s watches are great! Whether the watch is gold, silver or a leather band, I adore them all. Lastly, scarves are really cute and ideal especially with spring around the corner. I like to tie them on my handbag or wear them in my hair it all depends.

SF: What beauty items do you have with you at all times? 
NM: Chap stick, comb, bobby pins, rice paper (blotting tissues), lip gloss and perfume.

SF: What projects are you working on now?
NM: I am currently working on my website; I wanted to add a blog component so the public could become more familiar with Manchester Public Relations. I have enjoyed working on my blog and will continue with my one on one interview series that is posted every Monday. I have also been working on a publicity campaign for my client Ebony Looney of Make Me Over Eb. This spring she will debut her web series and will be providing live backstage footage of Charleston Fashion Week for her blog this month. 


Be on the lookout for some guest posts from this fabulous lady about the ins and outs of fashion PR!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Dimplants?

I am amazed by the number of things women do to their faces.  Not that it's necessarily always a bad thing, but the latest trend, dimple "implants", has me baffled.

MSNBC found a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who claims to have placed a couple hundred dimples in the last two years.  

My younger sister has dimples, and she certainly has the personality for them.  She's a fun-loving cutie and her dimples serve her well. But that's probably because she was born with them.

Dimples are cute, don't get me wrong.  But having a doctor add dimples to your face (I'm still not even sure how they would do that), just seems frivolous and ridiculous.  It makes less sense to me than facelifts, breast implants or any other type of plastic surgery.

The procedure typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000, and takes about 10 minutes under local anesthesia. It can look artificial while it heals, which takes from one week to one month, but then it will look like a natural dimple whenever the patient smiles.

I don't know. That's pretty pricey for attempting to make yourself look more "cutesy".

My thoughts? If you want an extra hole in your face, get a piercing.

[tip: Daily Beauty]
[image: getty images]

Monday, March 8, 2010

Smellin' Pretty: Chloé Eau de Toilette

I know it's only March (sigh), but judging from my most recent posts, I'm really hankerin' for Springtime delights.

There's nothing that gets me in a Spring-esque mood like a lovely light, feminine fragrance.

Chloé Eau de Toilette is exactly that.
 
The scent is fresh and light, yet has a bold statement-making feel to it. The scent is a blend of feminine aromas including hints of mandarin orange zest in the head notes and freesia and watermelon.  There is a touch of sandalwood and fresh iris in its base. 
 
The fragrance comes across as smelling classy and elegant, but fresh and young at the same time.  Because it's light, it's the perfect scent for any occasion. 
 
I tested the scent out with my boyfriend per usual (he's my best critic!) and he said that I smelled "pretty", which is not a word in his usual vocabulary. So I'm taking that as a good sign.

The cutest part? The bottle itself.  Adorned with an ivory-colored ribbon, an extra dash of class and sofistication is added.
 
You can purchase your own bottle of Chloé Eau de Toilette for $65 for 1.7 oz or $85 for 2.5 oz. Then, you too can smell "pretty".
 

Disclosure: This post contains a sample product sent for consideration by a PR firm. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Fashion Faux Pas: Rompers


I do not understand this trend at all.  It irritates me to no end.

First and foremost, they're simply ugly.  It's like wearing an unflattering sack dress that nips in at the bottom to reveal some sort of ridiculous pantaloon-esque shorts.  Basically, this is taking the sack dress and making it even uglier and less flattering (which I had no idea was even possible).

Let's take a look at the above image, shall we?  The model is gorgeous.  But even she, with her awesome figure, appears to have a huge bum and, what I like to call, thunder thighs.  The front also makes her look larger than I'm sure she is.

Another problem I have is the sizing.  One-piece outfits (other than dresses) are difficult to wear.  Since each body is different, there is no way that a piece of clothing like this is going to fit everyone.  People who are short-waisted, like me, end up with a much too long garment, where are as women with the opposite problem find themselves with a constant wedgie.  Neither outcome is good.

A major rule I live by is that if even a model looks horrible in something, then normal people like us will look like hideous monsters.

Let's start wearing adult clothing and leave the rompers for babies.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

The Beauty Beat with Eb: Getting the Most out of Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes are essential to applying makeup the best way. Costs vary from $10 to $25 per brush. However, no matter how deep your pockets are, you will want to get the most out of the makeup brushes you do buy. Here are some tips to make you brushes last:
  • Get a case to keep your brushes in when you’re not using them
  • Keep the brushes in a dry area
  • Clean your brushes after each use. This will help in keeping bacteria from growing in your brushes. Besides you don’t want to use “dirty brushes” on a clean face.

Ok, that was the easy part. Cleaning is even easier, but how you clean your brushes will determine how long they will remain useful.

Use a makeup brush cleanser, gentle hair shampoo or facial cleanser. You can get an inexpensive brush cleanser at Sally Beauty Supply, or Sephora.
  • Fill a cup (that you don’t drink out of) with water and a teaspoon of cleanser (follow the directions of the cleanser). Place the brushes in the cup and swish around.
  • Swish the brush in the palm of your hand under running water, until the water is clear coming from the brush.
  • Pat the brush dry with a towel, then lay flat to air dry. Do not stand the brush with the brush up because you don’t want water to drain down into the brush handle. This will weaken the handle.
  • Repeat this for all your brushes until you are done.
Following these simple steps will help you get the most out of your makeup brushes.

Personally, I like to use these Mary Kay Brushes.




Ebony Looney is the founder of Make Me Over Eb. For more fabulous insight, check out her site at www.makemeovereb.com.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Spring-ify Your Nails: Nicole By OPI's New Spring Collection!

Okay, ladies.  Spring is just around the corner.  Really. So it's time to bust out our bright nail polishes and say a heartfelt "see you next time" to our darker shades.

Nicole by OPI's latest and (I think) greatest collection is fab for this.  The colors all remind me of popsicles, and what could be more warm-weather inspiring than wearing popsicle-colored hues on your nails?

Here's the run down:













I Stop For Nicole: It's a glitzy warm-toned red (almost fire engine-hued) that I found to be very sheer. After two coats, I did get a fairly opaque look, though the overall look is more on the sheer side rather than just a plain opaque red.














Fresh Squeezed: I love this shade.  As far as I can tell, orange is going to be hot this season--every collection I come across seems to have some orange in it! And it's surprisingly flattering on nearly all skintones.  This shade in particular is much like the shade above in the sheer and glitzy department.  It's the perfect shade for someone who's a bit skeptical to try orange, but wants in on the trend.














You're an Angel: This is one instance in which the color does not match the picture well at all.  This is a pretty, shimmery sheer light and bright pink.  It's basically a lighter version of I Stop For Nicole, but is a bit cooler-toned. This is my fave out of the whole collection (since I'm overly obsessed with pink).  Because it's sheer, this is a color that is actually okay for work, or any other occasion.














Yellow it's Me: Bright yellow. That's all I can say really! I'm personally not a fan of yellow polishes, but this one is so sheer and sparkly that I don't mind it.  Those of you who are into the yellow nail trend will absolutely love this shade.
















Make Mine Lime: This is such a unique shade.  It reminds me of a mojito.  Yum! As expected, green is still very in this season, so this is a good crossover hue from the dark forest greens we're used to seeing.  Again, this is another sheer and sparkly polish, which I think is perfect for the shade.


I love the entire collection. I mainly like the fact that instead of simply going with neon opaque colors like many lines, Nicole chose to go sheer and glitzy.  Not only does that make the polishes more unique, it also makes them less intimidating to use!

Plus, who doesn't love glitter?!

You can grab a bottle (or all five) at Target or Ulta for about $8 a bottle.

Disclosure: This post contains a sample product sent for consideration by a PR firm. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Sassy Fashionista has a Facebook Group!







Just a quick FYI: We're on facebook now! Click here to join the group!

Look at Those Melons!!

Watermelon earrings.  Is there any better way to prep ourselves for warm weather than to sport these baubles?

I don't know about you ladies, but when I think of warm sunny days, watermelon slices are definitely in the mix. And there's just something about these earrings that make me crave those delightful days.

Okay, yeah.  The earrings are a bit overboard on the bling.  But as long as you tone down all other accessories, wearing these little slices of heaven will not make you look overdone. I promise.

That said, save 'em for going out.

You can grab yourself a pair at Girl Props for about $15.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

I've Got a Golden Ticket (And It's Actually a Purse!!!)

Mmmm, there's nothing like a gold-hued bag to brighten up my day. Especially when it's on sale. For $12. Yes, really.

Old Navy is often forgotten in my "where-I-buy-purses-club", but everytime I frequent the store, I always find something fab that's both utterly chic and cheaper than ever expected.

This lovely little satchel is my fave right now. It comes in a lot of colors, actually. (I ended up buying the plum one after debating for hours). Now I wish that I got the gold one. I'll go back and forth on this forever. Lucky for me, I already own 543785973407 purses, so I need to get a grip.

Anyway, the bag is great in all colors. It's super roomy. That's not to say that it's huge, either. The bag is about 15 1/2"L x 6"W x 9 1/2"H. I actually use it to commute to work, and here's what I can fit in it:
  • three magazines
  • a paperback book
  • my Hello Kitty lunchbox with a few snacks in it
  • a small wallet/clutch
  • my emergency makeup bag
  • gum
  • cell phone
  • my digital camera
  • mittens
  • a bottle of water
  • sunglasses
  • my planner
  • a dead body (about 6ft tall)
...and the list goes on.

All in all, it's a fabulous purse that costs a mere $12 and comes in an array of amazing colors. If you do not buy one, you're practically committing a fashion crime.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Pimping Myself Out a Little...

Hey lovely ladies!

I know that I'm a fascinating gal (let's just pretend, 'kay?) So I just wanted to give you all a little heads up that there's an interview floating around about yours truly!

It's on the Manchester Publish Relations blog, which is actually a great place to read lots of other interviews with other fashionable peeps.

Check it out here! :)

I'm Giving You The Gift Of Frizzless Hair!!

Well, technically, I'm not giving you the gift per se. Avon is. But I do happen to have an amazing product to share with one lucky reader!

Avon's Advance Techniques Anti-Frizz Capsules pretty much rock my world. I basically have a closet full of de-frizzing products, and this is one of my faves, which is really saying a lot.

The capsules are highly concentrated with magical ingredients to give you luscious locks. All you do, is open up a capsule, rub the product into your hands, and apply it to your hair. Then style as usual, sans frizz. Sounds easy, right?

The results are pretty good. I don't find this product to be greasy or oily at all. It's just a little magic capsule that takes frizzed-out hair and makes it gorgeous.

Oh, and it's only $5. Really.

As for the giveaway: to enter, send me an email at sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line "ANTI FRIZZ". All entries must be in by 3/10, and the winner will be alerted via email.

Good luck ladies!!

Disclosure: This post contains a sample product sent for consideration by a PR firm. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.


Monday, March 1, 2010

Read My Lip...stick

It's cheesy, it classic and I love it. "Read my lipstick" really says it all doesn't it? It says, "I'm classy enough that I own pretty lipstick, I'm sassy (probably even a fashionista) and I don't care who knows it".

I saw this shirt at Walmart. It almost embarrasses me to admit it, but I just think this shirt is so cute. I don't know what is going on with them lately, but honestly I've been finding some fab fashion finds there. They've got a line out now that is co-designed by Miley Cyrus & Max Azria (ummm hi, fashion guru) that I'm obsessed with. And this shirt is part of their collection.

I'm actually wearing it as I type this. It's a great going-out-to-breakfast-on-a-Sunday shirt. Or, you know, for anything else too.

Did I mention that it's $7?

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