Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Shop H&M Online NOW!

Eeeeee!! It's finally here!  I've been hearing the rumors for a while now, but it's finally happened! H&M now has an online shop!

I've been wanting this forever...there aren't really any H&M stores in my area, so any time I'm near one, I usually stock up on their fabulous frugal fashions.  But now that I can buy their amazing pieces online, I can keep up with their products and shop whenever I want to.  Huzzah!

I honestly love most of the items on the site, so it's tough to pick a few of my faves to share with you...but here's a handful of H&M's must-haves for the season:






















Embroidered Dress ($34.95)
This adorable LBD is classic and will never go out of style.  The cut of the dress, and belt at the natural waistline, draws the eye in and creates an hourglass figure on almost everyone. It also has a cool embroidered pattern that makes the dress especially unique.











Wide Belt ($24.95)
I just love the pattern on this gorgeous belt! It looks fantastically ornate and would look amazing with so many things! This is the type of statement piece that can be worn for multiple occasions, and people will constantly ask you where you bought such an amazing accessory.





















Handbag ($24.95)
This elegant satchel literally goes with every outfit you could possibly put together. It also comes in multiple colors (the leopard print one is super gorgeous as well!), and it's fairly large so there's plenty of room to tote around all your doodads.






















Jersey Top with Lace ($12.95)
The pattern on this lovely top is so pretty--I can't stop looking at it! The lace detail only adds to the daintiness. The top even looks a bit vintage-y.  It's really a good piece to have year-round.  You can wear it alone for the rest of summer, and when it gets chilly out, it'll look super cute with a blazer!






















Kimono ($24.95)
It's a satin kimono. Everyone needs one. Enough said.

I hope that gives you an idea of where to start!

Happy shopping!!

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Happy Sisters Day!

Whether you have a sister in real life, or just some friends that you consider to be sisters, National Sisters Day is today--and it's a totally great excuse to shop!

Julep is currently selling some fabulous exclusive Sister Day Nail Polish Duos. Their polish is amazing to begin with, so having a fun sale like this is the perfect time to either stock up on some bottles, or to try out the brand for the first time.

There are five different sets (Confidante, Lookalikes, Remember When, Sidekicks, and Strong Example), and they're all super gorgeous.  Personally, I'm a fan of Remember When, which is a nice bright pink polish paired with a glitter topcoat. Each duo is expertly created--the two shades in the sets compliment eachother and look fantastic!

Each duo is $20. These cuties are only around for a little while, so stock up while you can!  And remember--you don't need to have an actual sister to enjoy the awesome shopping that National Sisters Day provides!! (But if you do have a sister, that's just all the more reason to buy nail polish...or at least that's how I'm going to justify it)!

Friday, August 2, 2013

How to Look Fab in Pictures

Now that pictures are all over the place (thanks to smartphones, Facebook and Instagram), it's easier than ever to find yourself seen in a handful of pictures that you don't even remember taking.

Make the most of the moment by looking your very best every time the shutter snaps with some helpful tips.

PRACTICE YOUR POSE
What would you do to improve your skills at anything else? You’d practice! It sounds corny, but spend a little time practicing in front of the mirror for a few days. You'll quickly discover what your best angles are, and what poses are the most flattering.  You can even take a couple selfies to compare poses. While you’re at it, practice different expressions and body positions.

TWIST TO LOOK SLIMMER
There aren't many things more humiliating than discovering a tagged photo of yourself on Facebook that packs on ten pounds with just the flash of a camera bulb. Trust me--I've been there! How you pose can make a tremendous difference in how thin you look in pictures.  The strategy is pretty simple. You can make a huge difference by standing slightly to the side and twisting towards the camera.  It instantly slims you.

TILT YOUR HEAD
When posing for a picture, follow the lead of Hollywood celebrities.  They basically make a living out of never taking a bad picture! To avoid a double- (or triple-) chin, first elongate your neck, then angle your jaw down just a touch. It makes your face look a lot slimmer, and is pretty simple to do.

APPLY MASCARA TO TOP LASHES ONLY
Your makeup can greatly change the way you look in pictures. Mascara can be a big one--it can totally change your appearance. If getting extra rest just isn't possible, fake it. Two coats of black mascara on the upper lashes lift the eyes and hides puffiness. Curling lashes before applying mascara enhances the effect and makes you look like you've had an extra hour of sleep. It can make a HUGE difference.

TURN OFF THE FLASH
You probably noticed that the flash in your iPhone’s camera doesn't make for the most gorgeous photos. If possible, make use of natural light to make you look more photogenic--and for a better photo overall.

HYDRATE SKIN
Fresh, hydrated skin always looks better on camera, so be sure to use a moisturizer well ahead of any important pictures. It's always a good idea to moisturize anyway, but if you need an extra reason to keep your skin moisturized and healthy, this is it!

SMILE AND BE YOURSELF
You’ll look best in photos when you look like you’re happy and enjoying the moment--and when you look like yourself. Above all, have fun! Those are always the best pictures to have anyway, right? The more your fun, natural personality comes through, the better the results.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Lips 'N Nips!

I have to admit, the name of this product is roughly half the reason I decided to write about it.

Dr. Lipp's Original Nipple Balm For Lips is technically for lips.  Why the nipple reference? Originally, it was made for sensitive nipples. Hence the name, and my initial intrigue.

But it gets even better than a simple lip product with a fun name. The product is actually a 100% natural, ultra-rich, long-lasting lip moisturizer and gloss. It's everything you could possibly want in a moisturizing lip product.

Because it has been medically proven to heal skin irritations, it's perfect for the sensitive skin on, and around, your lips.  And since it is completely natural, it's super effective in helping to heal even the driest and most sensitive skin. You can use it all over your body if you want! Basically, anywhere that needs some TLC can easily benefit from this super hydrating product.

On a personal note, this stuff is even specifically helpful for people with eczema (like me)!  It is hypoallergenic, tasteless, and odorless, which is all great for any type of sensitive skin. Another bonus? It repels new bacteria from entering your skin, and helps heals burns, abrasions, and minor incisions.

That said, you can use the "nipple balm" regardless of your skin type and end up with lush, ultra gorgeous lips (or nips!)

Fun fact:  this miracle cream is proven to reduce skin roughness by up to 40% in one hour. Pretty amazing, right??!

Each tube is about $15.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

For the Man in Your Life: Vince Camuto Cologne GIVEAWAY!!!


My boyfriend is honestly obsessed with Vince Camuto's Mens Eau De Toilette. I've never seen anything like it. And, truth be told, he's not really the type of guy who is easily impressed by fragrances.  I'm also a pretty big fan myself--the scent is super yummy!

From the "James Bond"-esque look of the bottle to the scent itself, it's hard not to fall in love with Vince Camuto's fab fragrance.

The cologne has notes of black pepper, nutmeg, musk, and surprisingly, leather. It's a woody scent that smells great on everyone. There's something very grown-up and refined about it.

What I like most is that while the scent is strong, it's not overpowering.  There's nothing worse than a guy smelling like he bathed in cologne.  A couple spritzes of this stuff goes a long way.  It also works for any occasion, as it's not too fancy to wear during the day, nor is it too low key for an evening out.

It's the perfect gift for anyone, especially your main squeeze! Since it smells so amazing, you'll want to have it close by!

And I have one 3.4 oz bottle to give to a reader!

So if you're feeling lucky, enter the giveaway by sending an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "VINCE CAMUTO".  The giveaway ends 7/28 and the winner will be alerted via email.

Vince Camuto for Men eau de toilette sells for $57 for the 1.7 fl oz, and $70 for the 3.4 oz on their website vincecamuto.com and major department stores.

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

Monday, July 8, 2013

The Look For Less: Red Nail Polish



No matter the season, red nail polish always looks fabulous.  It's classic and looks amazing on all skintones.  It's just a fact. As a self-proclaimed polish addict, I almost always have an emergency bottle of red polish with me at all times.  My personal collection includes around 10 different red colors, each one slightly unique in its own lovely way.

That said, it can be hard to find a red polish that is of fantastic quality. My first fave red hue is Dior's Vernis Nail Lacquer in Red Royalty.  It really is the perfect red. It's a bright cherry red with cool undertones. When I found it, I knew immediately that it would be my go-to red for a very long time.

Then I tried out CoverGirl's Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Ever Reddy. It is basically the exact same color, applies like a dream, and looks every bit as gorgeous as its Dior twin.

While Dior's red polish is a steep $24, the CoverGirl version is a mere $5.99.

I hate to say it, being such a Dior fan and all, but save yourself some cash and opt for the drugstore nail polish.  Since it works just as well, and looks just as good as the pricier polish, there's no reason to shell out the big bucks for a beautiful red nail polish that'll get you through multiple seasons.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Tweeze Please!

Living in New Hampshire, I've definitely seen my fair share of unibrows, bushy brows, and even a few brow mishaps that I can't describe in words.

Tweezing eyebrows is something that every woman should take seriously.  The brows frame the face.  No matter what you do with your makeup, nicely shaped brows can either make or break the look.

Here are some important guidelines to go by while tweezing:

Trim & Shape
Use a spiral brush to define brow shape, brushing hairs up and into place. Using a pair of stainless steel Brow Shaping Scissors, trim excess length from each brow.  Make sure to check for equal balance and proportion as you work. Do not over trim.  It's a fairly common mistake, but take it from me--you'll end up looking like an idiot. And like you're always "extra surprised". Hahaha

Tweeze
First, use a warm washcloth to open pores. Tweeze along the natural shape and arch of your brow line with a Slant Tweezer. Grab each individual hair at the root to avoid breakage, and pull smoothly in the direction of hair growth. Once basic shape is defined, tweeze between brows to remove anything that remotely resembles a unibrow

Define
Apply brow powder or pencil to sparse areas using short, fine strokes. If you have dark hair, use a shade lighter than your hair color.  If you have blonde hair, use a shade darker.  Blend like crazy.

Soothe
Finish by applying a moisturizing face cream around the brow area.

Random beauty tip:  throw tweezers in the freezer, so you numb the skin as you pluck. (Just make sure tweezers are completely dry before using them.)

I found this super cute brow set from Tweezerman and Serphora.  Their Hot Pink Mini Brow Rescue Kit is perfect for travel.  It includes a Mini Slant Tweezer (in pink!), Mini Browmousse, Mini Eyenhance Highlighter Pencil, and a Mini Brow Shaping Brush. Each set is $25.

So, hopefully these tips are helpful! Good luck on making your brows look absolutely fabulous!

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Happy Fourth of July!


I hope that all my lovely readers have a fabulous Independence Day! Remember to look amazing, have fun, and of course be thankful that we live in such a great country!

Looking for a last-minute accessory for the day? Stop in Forever 21 and grab one of these super cute Star-Spangled Heart Rings for under $4.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Studs and a Bow? A Match Made in Heaven!

I'm absolutely smitten with this Turquoise Studded Bow Bracelet from Urban Peach Boutique.

I've been hugely into bracelets for the past year or so and this beautiful bauble would be the perfect addition to my ever-growing collection.

The fact that it's girly and a little tough at the same time is what I really find most appealing. I have plenty of girl-ified jewelry, and some tough, almost biker-chic pieces.  But I've yet to find something that captures both looks at the same time.  This bracelet does just that.  The bow is super elegant, but the studs give it some edge.

Color-wise, turquoise is very trendy this season, and it's a hue that looks great on everyone. And don't ask me how, but the color somehow magically goes with almost every outfit out there. You can even pair it with my latest nail polish love, Where's my Chauffeur? from Essie for a fun, matchy look.

The best part? Each bracelet is under $10!

Urban Peach Boutique is a store I hadn't heard much about in the past, but it's definitely worth a look.  Take a browse through their website for more pretty doodads!

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Where’s my Chauffeur?





















I change my nail polish nearly as frequently as I change my clothing...actually maybe a bit more.  So when I find a polish that I stick with for a few days, it's kind of a big deal.

Summertime to me just screams bright colors. Much as I love neon pink, and other brights out there, I'm really obsessing over blue and turquoise hues.

Essie's Where’s my Chauffeur? polish is exactly what I'm talking about.

The color is fabulous and stands out regardless of what you're wearing. I don't know how, but I've been sporting this color with virtually everything I own and it magically goes with it all!

Each polish retails for $8.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

A Necklace That REALLY Makes a Statement!



I haven't really found a statement necklace that I've loved until now. This super gorgeous Reimbroidered Lace Collar Necklace from Girl Props has officially made me a fan of (some) statement necklaces.

This particular necklace is just so classy--what's better than lace? It's such a pretty look that can dress up any outfit.

Statement necklaces are all the rage, but it can be a bit tricky to wear them. Personally, I think pairing them with simple outfits is the way to go. Even a nice solid black t-shirt and jeans can be the perfect thing to wear with a show-stopping bauble like this.

You also want the necklace to take center stage (it is a statement necklace, after all!), so toning down the rest of your outfit really draws attention to it.  As far as other jewelry goes, make sure to wear small accessories that don't take away from the necklace. Classic diamond (or faux diamond) earring studs are usually a great way to go.

I also am loving the fact that this particular necklace is $22.99! I think it looks much more expensive and I know it'll get tons of use once it's in my jewelry collection!

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Surprise!! It's a Fashionable Lunch Tote!

Per usual, I was spending some quality time shopping at Target when I stumbled up on this gorgey purse.

...Except it's not a purse!

This super cute Rachael Ray Pleated Lunch Tote is probably my new favorite thing ever. I only wish that this bag was around back when I actually used lunch boxes. Because I reeeaaally had some ugly ones!

I just love the idea of having a fashionable lunch tote. Think about it--it's the one accessory we don't really think about.

Great jewelry?  Check.  Perfect shoes?  Double check.  When it comes to carrying our lunch to work or even a casual outdoor get-together with our BFFs, we just never think to throw our food in anything cute.

The brown paper lunch bag is officially OUT!

Bonus? If you really want to, this lunch tote can double as a purse (which I'm quite tempted to do).  Each bag is under $30.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Happy National Pink Day!



I'm just tickled pink to announce that there's a special holiday that celebrates the color pink!  Today is officially National Pink Day. Being overly obsessed with pink myself, this is pretty big news.

The day is simply a special day to bust out your face pink doodads and look fabulous.

Personally, I like to celebrate the day by purchasing a new pink item to add to my already pink-filled wardrobe.

I'm absolutely loving these adorable pink Enzo Angiolini Scarla Suede Pumps. They're the most gorgeous pink shoes I've ever seen in my entire life. The $80 price tag is a little scary...but hey! Pink Day only comes around once a year!

So let out your inner girlie-girl and celebrate National Pink Day in style!

Thursday, June 20, 2013

My Fabulous Gemvara Creation

Thanks to the lovely people at Style Wire, I was lucky enough to obtain a gift card for a fabulous Gemvara creation!

I'd heard of the brand before, but wasn't exactly sure how the site worked. But I ended up having so much fun creating jewelry, and absolutely love the end result (which I just received today!)

The site lets you completely customize whatever type of jewelry you'd like.  They offer up rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and charms. And when I say customize, I literally mean that you can take a very basic idea that they supply and completely make it your own--from the metals to the gems used, each piece is truly unique.

I honestly had so much fun playing around on the site! It's very user friendly, and you can preview different changes as you go along.

Here's a screenshot of what the whole thing looks like:


Pretty fabulous, right?! I just love that you actually get to see what you're creating as you do it. 

I think that this amazing custom jewelry is simply perfect for a gift (who wouldn't love a necklace that you personally created?!) or is even great as a treat to yourself. 

The prices range greatly.  Depending on the metals and gems you go for, the price is totally up to you. You can definitely stay within a budget if need be.

Here's my final creation:


It's a Sphere Peach Cultured Pearl Sterling Silver Necklace with Green Amethyst. The green is quite light; almost a minty hue. Because the necklace is super dainty and classic, it can be worn with absolutely anything. I'm obsessed with it!

Be sure to check out the site and have fun creating your very own masterpiece!

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Kiss My Face Peace Soap (and a GIVEAWAY!!!)



I've always been a huge fan of Kiss My Face, so I was super excited to try out their new Peace Soap.

I ended up getting trying Lavender Mandarin scent (though you can purchase it in Grassy Mint, Pomegranate Acai, and Lemongrass Clary Sage as well). I absolutely loved the scent I chose! It just smells gorgeous.

Okay, so before I start going on and on about how amazing this soap is, I should probably fill you in on the details of the product. It's def called Peace Soap for a reason! 10% of the profits support the Seeds of Peace Organization. The mission of Seeds of Peace is to help young people from regions of conflict throughout the world develop skills necessary to instill peace and coexistence in their region. Pretty great, right?!

Anyway, the soap itself can be used from head to toe, so I gave it a try (kind of using it as a body wash in the shower).  It was very cleansing and didn't irritate my sensitive skin at all. Probably because  the formula is so simple and organic. It's made with only 8 natural ingredients or less.

I would definitely recommend this soap for anyone--it's fabulous!

The best part? Kiss My Face has teamed up with me to do a giveaway!!

I have one full-size bottle of Peace Soap in Grassy Mint to give to a lucky reader.

To enter the giveaway, send an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "KISS MY FACE.  The giveaway ends 6/26 and the winner will be alerted via email.

If you want to try out the soap on your own, you can purchase it for $8.99.


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


Monday, June 17, 2013

Morning Beauty Routine Time Savers

Even though I love applying my makeup in the morning, there are certainly days when I simply don't feel like spending oodles of time in front of the mirror.

Here are a few tips on how to spend less time getting ready in the a.m. while still looking gorgeous:

1. Multi-task with blush
After sweeping blush on your cheeks, brush a tad into the creases of your eyes.  A little bit of color harmonizes your overall look and wakes up your eyes as well.  Try Tarte’s Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Glisten.

2. Use concealer in a pinch
Covering up any discoloration on your skin will help polish your look. Use concealer in the spots where we all need it most--under the eyes, at the outside corners of the eyes, around the nostrils of the nose, and on any spots you may have on the face. I like using L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Concealer. It provides full coverage without looking cakey or leaving creases.

3. Make bronzer a must-have
Bronzer is the quickest way to add a glowing, healthy sheen to your look. If you only use one skin product, this should be it! Repurpose it as blush and/or eye shadow, and use it to contour your cheekbones. To mimic a natural tan, choose a bronzer with a golden undertone, rather than the orange hue that is commonly found in products.  Try ELF Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder.

4. Invest in a double-duty tinted lip balm
Tinted lip balms are fantastic. They moisturize and add just a hint of color to the lips. Dab a bit of the sheer, creamy color onto the apples of your checks as well. I love Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate.

5. Never underestimate the power of dry shampoo
I do not recommend washing your hair every day unless you want to strip hair of its moisture. Personally, I only wash my hair a few times a week.  In between washings, I like to use dry shampoo to get rid of any greasiness that might have built up. I can usually get an extra day or so out of my hair this way. A tip? Apply it the night before if you know that you're not washing your hair the following day.  That really allows the product to set in. Batiste Dry Shampoo gets the job done.

Give the ideas a try and notice how much time you shave off your morning routine!

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Perfectly Patterned Paisley Dress

As most of you know, I spend the majority of summer sporting pretty dresses. I just love them! They look great, can be dressed up or down, and are super easy to throw on.

There are so many cute options out there. I recently stumbled upon this crazily adorable Paisley Print Lace Trim Tank Dress from Maurices (love the store!). I'm absolutely smitten with it.

First of all, the cut is super flattering. The lace trim is placed perfectly--right at the tiniest part of all womens' bods (the natural waistline and right below the bustline). That draws the attention to the area, creating the illusion of an hourglass shape that we all strive for.

Secondly, I love love love the print. Paisley is always pretty and I like the fact that it's red. The dress looks like it could almost be vintage--that's how fabulously unique it is.

Some other perks? The dress has adjustable straps, and the top is lightly padded so you can wear it sans bra.

The best part? Each dress is $34.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Ouidad's New Color Sense Collection



When the weather's warm, I tend to wear my hair with my God-given curls a lot more frequently.  I just love the look of beachy waves.  My hair's natural state is more of a "wavy frizz" texture...not really something I'm a fan of putting on display.  That said, I can usually count on the amazing products Ouidad has to offer to tame my curls, and make my hair look fabulous!

Just in time for the summer season, Ouidad has launched its new line of Color Sense products designed to preserve and protect hair color from fading caused by sun exposure and other environmental factors that can damage hair. Since I've been coloring my hair since middle school, I was really excited to try out the line.

The Color Sense trio includes a Color Preserving Shampoo and Color Preserving Conditioner with a Color Lock complex, as well a Shine Boosting Color Extender treatment.  All of the products aim to nourish, shield, enhance vibrancy and extend the life of color. It works by very gently removing mineral deposits and product build-up that leads to the premature stripping of color, while being gentle on hair.

I tried out all of the products and was very impressed, as expected.

The shampoo was great--it felt a lot more gentle than other shampoos I usually use, yet my hair still felt super clean after using it. I do use a lot of styling products and I felt like the shampoo did a good job of removing the build-up, without being too harsh.  The conditioner worked amazingly. I used it post shampooing and left it in for 3 minutes before rinsing out. My hair immediately felt soft and healthy.

My absolute fave product was the Shine Boosting Color Extender.  I honestly can't even describe how much I love this stuff!! I applied it evenly in my hair (from root to tip) and left it in for about 10 minutes. After I rinsed my hair, it just felt amazing! I didn't even need to use a detangling product when I dried my hair--my wide-tooth comb went through it with ease.

Because the products all worked so well together, my "gross frizzy afro" needed almost no styling.  I let it air dry and got this as a result:


I know the picture is a little burly, but my curls look fantastic, right?!

I definitely suggest this line to anyone out there with curly, colored hair. Trust me--you'll fall in love after the first use.

You can purchase the products at Ouidad.com, Ouidad Flagship, certified salons and Ulta.

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

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

How to Apply False Eyelashes

I first fell in love with false eyelashes in college. I couldn't apply them myself, so my amazing friend, Caitlin, used to put them on for me before my first class. Considering that most of the other students wore pajamas and no makeup to class, I now realize my look was a bit ridiculous...

That said, false eyelashes are a great way to step up your makeup look and appear more glamorous.

It sounds scary at first, but they're actually fairly easy to apply. You can also find lashes that don't look completely fake.

Fake eyelashes have come a long way in the past few years. In fact, some eyelash strips look so natural that they are barely detectable once applied. They simply make your lashes look fuller and more gorgeous.

If you're worried about looking like a drag queen--don't.  Just remember that it's the application process that makes the difference.

Follow these simple steps and you'll be good to go:

Step 1
Cleanse your skin and remove all traces of makeup. Pay close attention to your eye area during cleansing.

Step 2
Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler. Close your eye and place the opening of the eyelash curler over your lashes. Remain still and close the eyelash curler. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat the process on the lashes of your other eye. I even like to "pump" the curler a bit after holding it in place. It adds more curl and looks more natural.

Step 3
Remove a strip of false eyelashes from their packaging. Stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit room.

Step 4
Lay the false eyelash strip over the top lashes of one eye. Check to see if the length of the eyelash strip is equal to that of your natural lash line or if it will require trimming. Most of the time, you will need to trim a bit. [bonus tip: if you're looking for a less dramatic look, cut the strip in half and use only the outer halves on your lids to give a little extra lift!]

Step 5
Trim the false eyelash strip using a sharp pair of scissors. Lay the false eyelash strip on a flat surface, band side up.

Step 6
Squeeze a strip of false eyelash adhesive or glue along the band. A thin strip is all that is necessary. Close your eye.

Step 7
Align the band of the false eyelash strip with your natural lash line. Press the false eyelash strip into place by applying light pressure with the pads of your fingertips.

Step 8
Repeat the process on your other eye. Apply a coat of mascara. This will help blend your natural lashes and the false eyelashes together. I even like to go over it with black liquid liner to sort of "fuse" everything together. It just makes everything look more natural.

The falsies I usually buy are Ardell Fashion Lashes.  You can get their starter kit for $5.99.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Lip Balm + Lip Gloss = My New Best Friend!

Thanks to Almay's latest lip product, Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm, my lippy collection has grown even more.

I was actually really excited to try these out. Almay doesn't usually disappoint me, especially when it comes to their fab glosses and balms.  This particular product is a hybrid formula that has the pigment and shine of a gloss, and the texture and moisturizing properties of a lip balm.

That's right.  A hybrid lip product.  We've come so far.

As expected, I am head-over-heels in love with the balm. The colors are all pretty sheer.  My personal fave hue, Apple-A-Day, looks like a bright candy red in the tube (which looked a little scary to me!), but the result was just a nice red wash over my lips. It's sheer enough that I feel confident that I could apply it sans mirror if I needed to, yet pigmented enough to add a nice pop of color. You can also build up the color, like you would with a lipstick, so you can get whatever look you're going for.

Since this product also works like a balm, it feels amazing on lips.  Almost buttery. Love it!

Each tube is about $6. Definitely worth a try!

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