Never Too Old for Barbie Accessories!

I was pursuing the aisles of Walmart looking for post-Christmas sales. I def hit the jackpot.  In addition to other various makeup products and basic tees, I found a fabulous Barbie makeup case filled to the brim with makeup galore!  I tried to find the product online, but the website doesn't seem to show it.  This is a set you'll have to actually search for in stores.  Here are some other Barbie kits (available online) that are also cute.

This is the case (front and back)  that all the gorgeous doodads come in.  Truthfully, I plan on using it as a purse.  I know that I am 24 and should be using adult-type handbags...but honestly, who can resist Barbie?!

Surprisingly, the contents of the kit is actually amazing.  The set includes tons of mini nail polishes, lip balms, lip glosses, eyeshadows, blush, shimmer powder and other crazy things that all gals love.

My personal fave from the set is the pressed powder.  What it is, in all actuality, is a blush/bronzer duo.  They're both a bit shimmery, which I'm of course addicted to.  They're light, so for people who do not tend to have transparently-white skin like me, it could act as a highlighter.  Here's a pic of the fab duo:

Sorry, the picture quality isn't great, but the colors are fairly accurate.  I love the pigmentation in the powders and when I blend them together, it creates a "glow from within" look that we all strive for.

Who would have thought that Barbie would have such an amazing product?The makeup is actually manufactured by Markwins International, a company well-known for their cheap yet fabulous makeup

The moral of the story is to always check out kids makeup kits.  They're cheap, you get a lot of bang for your buck, and they're always utterly adorable.

I got this set for about $10, and I feel like it's worth at least $30.

Not bad, huh?

Seven Secrets to Looking Good for Less

Money Saving Beauty Tips from Makeup & Hair Artist Candace Corey

1. Hair color can be expensive if you do it in a salon but can be needed if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself  but you can still save money between salon visits by using hair cosmetics like Ken Paves Color drops. Pump 1 or 2 pumps in your conditioner or styling products to give your hair the look of salon color without the chance of any damage or added cost.

 

2. Learn 'when' to cut your cost. If you have to spend big bucks do it on foundation if you can't find you shade in a cheaper brand but save money by using drug store brands for eye shadow, blush and lip color. Drug store brands like Black Radiance may be designed for African American skin tone but all skin tones can use the eye shadows because the pigment is strong like department store brands but cost $5.00.

 

3. If you love lip gloss by MAC then you will love the look of Wet N' Wild tube lip gloss and you bank account will love it because it is about $2.00

 

4. To save money people buy in bulk for food....you can do the same with skin care. DDF has 4 items in one set so you not only save money but you have a complete skin regime in place.

 

5. If you love luxurious face creams look in the drug store. Many brands now have those types of skin care items, like Olay Microscultping Cream , for a fraction of the cost....and they work like the expensive brands.

 

6. If you use foundation every day and you have to purchase the more expensive brands  try and see if there are extra large sizes. MAC and Make Up Forever carry extra large sizes for professional makeup artist and you can buy them too. The bigger sizes are usually cheaper per ounce then the regular sizes. You might have to go to their web sites to order them.

7. Get "full coverage" or "extra coverage" in your favorite foundation, then mix it with moisturizer right before you apply it to your face. Since it is more concentrated, you will use less product and save money because you don't have to purchase more in a faster time. Just be sure to use a q-tip to remove it from the container so you don't get germs in it and have to replace it quickly.

More Cutesy Beauty Tools!

So yesterday I raved about Avon's cute Makeup Brush Set.  When I saw their Girl's Manicure Set, I just had to share it with you too!

The set comes with all pink tools: a nail file, clippers and nail scissors.  Plus the little bag has an adorable little lipstick on it.  You could even empty out the tools and use the bag for a clutch.

Each set is $7.

Cutesy Beauty Tools

While stumbling around on Avon's website (in the children's section, no less), I came upon this adorable Girls Makeup Brush Set.The set comes with three brushes: a powder/blush brush, a blending eyeshadow brush and what appears to be a fine eyeliner brush.


The case has a cute little mirror inside for touchups on the go.  In the bag, you can also fit a few of your fave makeup essentials.  And did I mention that everything is pink?!  The pattern is darling. I just love this thing!


You can pick up the set for a mere $10.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, ladies! Keep on bein' fabulous! 

Support Safe Sex. Hilariously.

How great is this kit?  The I Heart Sex Kit is a pretty hilarious gag gift, for starters.  Plus, for most peeps, it's something you can actually use.

Personally I'm a fan of the bag itself.  I'd probably end up using it as a clutch for going out just to raise a few eyebrows.

The bag is 6"x4" and is equipped with everything you need for safe sex. Inside you'll find: 6 condoms, 4 tubes of ID Glide Sensual Lubricant and instructions for condom usage. 

Each kit is about $24.


Who wouldn't love this?

The Perfect Plaid Purse

I'm simply tickled by American Living's Plaid Frame Satchel.  It's chic, timeless and matches almost everything.

The bag is 13x9, which is the perfect size for anyone who's like me and lives out of their handbag.  You can fit a book, tons of makeup a huge wallet, a water bottle and probably some sort of small animal in there with ease.

This is a good work purse.  For going out, I'd tie a pink scarf like this to the handle.  Mixing patterns makes everything look more interesting, and a bit more casual-chic.

Grab Some Holiday Bling For Your Lips!

Lipgloss and sparkle are my two favorite things in the world.  When they're combined, something magical happens. When they're combines and on sale...well, then I have a seizure of delight.

Right now, Beauty.com is selling Fusion Beauty's Bling Fusion for about $30.  You might think that's a tid bit expensive, but the original price was $50.  And it was worth it then.  This is the best plumping lip gloss I've ever tried.  It works super well, doesn't irritate my sensitive lips and the colors are fabulous.

Two shades are currently on sale:  After Hours (pictured) and Baby (a light pink hue).  Both are flattering on most skintones.  Personally I'm a huge fan on the red shade.  It's pretty sheer so it's not crazily intense, but it still gives your lips a bit of a punch.

My Hello Kitty Obsession Grows

I can't get enough of Hello Kitty.  I don't know what it is, but I just love her to pieces.  Everytime I see anything Hello-Kitty-esque, I must have it.  Even my toaster is Hello Kitty themed.  It actually burns her face right into a piece of bread.  In all actuality, it makes it too cute to eat. 

While perusing online to look for more doodads, I came across a few interesting things.  Did you guys know that Hello Kitty has her own perfume???  It's $200.  Pretty much waaay more pricey than any perfume I've ever bought.  But it's pink and cute and even comes with an adorable necklace.  It's on my wish list for when I'm rich and famous.

I also found a Hello Kitty robot. Really.  I couldn't believe my eyes.  The robot can communicate using Hello Kitty's cute little voice. It can chat with you in 3 different situations: 1 As a close friend; 2 With the family; 3 Playing a guessing game. The most troubling thing is that the website suggests busy parents buy this for their kids (with incorrect grammar, even):  This is a perfect robot for whoever does not have a lot time to stay with child. Hello Kitty Robot can help you to stay with your child to keep them from being lonely.

Hmm... That doesn't seem very healthy. Oh, and each robot costs $5,000! I don't know many people who have that sort of cash to blow on Hello Kitty robots.  I still can't help but want one though!

Happy F*cking Holidays!

Here's a great gift for anyone with a sense of humor (or, even better, for those without).  The Subversive Cross Stitch Kit comes equipped with cross stitch fabric, thread, pattern, instructions, embroidery hoop and two needles. Choose from four designs: "Go Fuck Yourself," "Homo Sweet Homo," "Bite Me," and the new seasonal favorite "Happy Fucking Holidays."

Sew it beforehand and give the gift of bitchy kitsch. Or give the whole kit to a crafty gal that you know and love.


The kit is about $24. 

The Write Stuff

Umm...how cool are these pencil and eraser earrings?

They are the most unique thing I have ever seen.  They're right on the edge of being chic and silly.  And I love them.

They come from a designer on Etsy.  I realize fully that I constantly make fun of the site.  This is one fabulous exception.

You can pick up a pair of these earrings for $12.

Oh, and the pieces actually work.  You might look like a lunatic, but if you forget a pencil you can actually take out your earrings and write away.

Get Yourself a Tiffany Goodie for $50

Breakfast at Tiffany's is my favorite movie of all time.  And I love pretty jewelry.  So obviously, I'm quite a fan of Tiffany doodads.

In case you haven't been keeping up with the blog, I'm not crazily rich.  To say the least.  So I can't afford anything ridiculously expensive;  I need a cheap fix.

That's where Tiffany's Tiffany Blue Coin Purse comes in.  It's $50, which is a decent chunk of change, but hey it's from Tiffany's!  the blue hue is unmistakable and is famous everywhere.  It's gorgeous, simple and elegant.

Plus it'll actually make you save money in the long run--okay that might be a stretch.  But really you'll be paying in exact change while you've got this cutie in your purse.  Any excuse to bust out a Tiffany trinket!

6-in-1 Beauty Product? Sounds Too Good to Be True...

I've been seeing lots of ads for this Mistura 6-in-1 Beauty Solution.  I'm not quite sure what to make of it.  The makers claim that this stuff replaces six different steps in your daily routine:  foundation, powder, blush, bronzer, lip color and eye shadow. It comes in one shade and adapts to individual skin tones.

Okay. First of all, I'm a little concerned about the fact that this is to be used as blush, bronzer, eyeshadow and lip color. I get wearing it as powder/foundation, because it is skin-colored.  But please explain to me how something the same color as your foundation is going to work as a bronzer?  I also feel like the lip color idea is ridiculous.  Yes, nude lips can look alright sometimes, but with most nude lip hues, there's a bit of pink or gold and it's super sheer so it doesn't wash you out.  Covering every tiny piece of your face in this will most certainly make anyone's face look washed out, rounder and just less interesting. 

Another thing that bugs me is the color.  I don't care how much a hue can "adapt"--makeup isn't magical.  I'd say it can change a little, but basically, it's going to be in the same color range.  This looks like a medium tone, so fair skin and dark skin would have a difficult time getting their face to match the rest of them.

If you've got medium-toned skin and are just looking for a good powder foundation, I say give it a try.  But I wouldn't throw away all your other makeup yet.

The set is $56.  That's more expensive than most high-end foundations.  For us frugal fashionistas, Maybelline has a powder foundation almost identical to this one for $7. And it comes in eight different colors, just in case all the people in the world don't have the exact same skin tone.

Bootiful Boots

I'm a klutz and I ruin shoes like it's my job.  I'm constantly tripping and breaking heels...it's ridiculous.  So, I can't really spend tons of money on shoes since, chances are, they'll only last me a month or so.

These Mossimo Kahsha Tall Cuffed Boots are are amazingly chic and cheap.  They're under $30. Yes, really.

They'd look great with almost any outfit.  You could tuck your jeans into them, wear tights and a skirt with a pair, wear a tunic and leggings with 'em...so many possibilities.

It's a good idea to have a pair of boots like this as your go-to shoe for the season.  It eliminates all the time you'd normally spend hunting through your shoes daily for a pair that matches your outfit.   

What's not to love?

Glittery Eye Shadow: Not for the Weak!

For as long as I can remember, I've been obsessed with glittery eye shadow.  I need to have some glitter on my face daily, or I feel naked.  I'm just a glitter girl.  I'm sure at some point, when I'm older, I'll get tired of it.  But for now, I plan on enjoying it nonstop!

My latest shimmery find is Sonia Kashuk's Eye Shadow Quad in Showstoppers.  This stuff is fabulous.  The glittery isn't at all chunky; it's all quite fine and more shimmery than anything.  The shadows are well-pigmented and apply with ease.  The shadow is actually an interesting texture--not quite a cream, nor a powder.  The result of this is a smooth application.

The colors are great.  The champagne hue is great as kind of an all-over wash.  It blends in with your skintone and just adds a little glitz to your look.  The charcoal is fabulous for going out.  You could actually even use it as a liner.

You get a lit of bang for your buck with this quad.  It's under $10 at Target!  'Tis the season for glam glitter!

Never Too Old for Disney Jewelry!

I love this Disney Couture Mirror Necklace. I'm basically a six-year-old at heart, and I still love to watch Disney fairytales.  Snow White is one of my faves, since she's so fair-skinned like myself.  Plus, it's just a great story!  Who doesn't want their prince charming to save them and carry them away to a palace?! This Snow White inspired bauble goes with anything and reminds you that you really are "the fairest of them all".


The mirror is real (although quite small).  The back reads "mirror, mirror".  The charm is about 2 inches long.  Big enough to be seen, but dainty enough to avoid looking over the top.


The sad part is that the necklace retails for $65.  In all actuality, that isn't bad, but for a poor gal like myself, it'll have to go on my wish list!

Beauty Gifts on the Cheap!

My holiday budget is practically nonexistent this year.  I know a lot of you are in the same boat I am and shopping for Christmas gifts when you don't have the dough can be stressful.  So, I've come up with a handful of pretty beauty gifts that are all under $10--and look like they're worth a lot more.

Bath and Body Works Give Good Cheer lotion set ($10).  Bath and Body Works actually has a ton of inexpensive gift ideas. I could probably get all of my holiday shopping done there. This set is great though.  I mean, everyone I know loves lotion.  The big bow and packaging make it adorable.

E.L.F. Nail Polish Set ($6).  This is a perfect set.  And if you're reeeaaally broke, you could even break up the set--get some candy or something little and throw it and a polish in a cute decorative plastic baggie (they have packs of them at any craft store for a couple dollars), and tie the top with a big bow.

Voluspa French Cade & Lavender Candle in Decorative Tin ($9).  There's something that feels so decadent about a pretty, luxurious candle.  This looks like it could cost a lot more than $9 and the tin is reusable.  Plus it's smells amazing!

Borghese Spatacular Treats Set ($9.99).  This has a retail value of $45, so the quality is there. It's a five-piece beauty set and it comes with a gorgey pink bag!  90% of all women would love this.  I promise.

Too Faced Fabulous Face Trio ($9.99).  This has all the girly essentials:  lip gloss, glitter and tissues.  What's not to love?

Silky Straight Hair on the Cheap (...ish)

Flat irons are the center of my world in the winter.  Though I've learned to appreciate my wavy locks, I opt for straightening because my hair is actually dry when I do that and I don't freeze to death every time I go outside. 

Good flat irons are mucho expensive.  And rightfully so, since they last for years and work so quickly.  For a limited time, Beauty Ticket is selling a gorgeous GHD flat iron for $119.99 (MSRP $205)...and it's pink!  It's still pricey, for me at least, but it's a really good investment and will save you time and money in the future.

What's not to love? 

Sleeping Beauty

What could be better than beautifying in your sleep?  Umm...nothing.  I'll do practically anything to sleep longer and spend less time getting ready in the morning.  In middle school, I even applied makeup the night before to avoid doing it in the morning (unfortunately, it made me break out and didn't look very good)!

BeautyZZZ has an amazing Natural Silk Pillowcase.  I've been hearing for a long time that sleeping on a silk pillowcase keeps hair looking healthier and makes a blowout last a few extra days.  This fab find also keeps skin hydrated with amino acids that resemble those found in our skin.  Pretty perfect.

Each pillowcase is $47--a small price to pay for cutting your primping time in half!

Give the Gift of Smellin' Good!

Everyone likes to smell fabulous.  Unless they're disgusting smelly people (who you shouldn't be hanging out with anyway)!  Perfume makes a great gift for anyone.  Around the holidays, you can usually score decent deals and find gift sets that are almost the cost of buying a bottle of the stuff at full price.  Even if you don't plan on buying a set for anyone, it's a good time to stock up!

Here are a few fab goodies:

Jessica Simpson Fancy Love Holiday gift set ($59.00).  This gift set includes a 3.4 oz. Eau de Parfum Spray, a 4 oz. Body Lotion & a .2 oz. Roll On Eau de Parfum.  Personally, I'd get it just to have the pretty bottle.  But luckily, this warm floral fragrance featuring Peach Blossom balanced with the spice of Bergamot, smells as good as it looks.

Queen Latifah Queen Holiday gift set ($65.00). This set includes a 3.4 oz. Eau de Parfum Spray & 3 oz. Body Lotion & Body Butter. It's a rich Oriental fragrance, with touches of Mandarin and Baie Rose.  It's definitely unique, and the bottle has a dimensional heart--which I'm of course obsessed with.

Marc Ecko for Men Holiday gift set ($65.00).  Men need to smell good too!  Buying this for you main is also like giving yourself a gift--you get to smell this yummy fragrance on him! This set includes a 3.4 oz. EDT Spray & a 2.5 oz. Deodorant Stick. The scent is clean, but sexy with traces of ginger, white grapefruit, and black licorice.

Disclosure:  This review 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. 

Reusable Bags--That Are Actually Cute!

I'm all for saving the world and everything, but I'm fairly sick of seeing ugly reusable bags everywhere.  Every single store has their own version, always uglier than the last one I've seen.  Call me snobby, but I like to carry around bags that are pretty!

I've found a solution. RuMe Bags now has an Eco-Glam Metallics collection.  They're fabulous and I'm pretty much in love with 'em.  Mainly the pink one (obviously), but they're all adorable.

Now you can do your part to save the planet, and look gorgeous while doing it!

Just Say No To Shampoo!

Since I complain about my hair constantly, I'm sure most of you know the story with it (frizzy, wavy, dry and gross).  I'm constantly searching for some sort of miracle product to turn my hair into luscious waves.  In the past, I've heard that it's a good idea to just skip shampoo.  I tried that, and as I expected, my hair ended up greasy--and still frizzy.  Not a great solution.

What I really needed was something that cleansed without stripping my hair of essential oils.  Enter WEN.  Their product line has no shampoo.  Gasp! In lieu of it, there is a cleansing conditioner.  And, yeah, it actually works perfectly on my hair.  After using it, my hair felt clean and healthy, but also looked less frizzy and disgusting.  I was very impressed.

Not only will this stuff keep your hair healthier, it also makes color last longer.  I have a huge problem with that and I'm constantly finding little puddles of auburn collecting in the shower after a vigorous sudsing.  So I'm pretty psyched.

You can buy a bottle of this virtually magical conditioner for $28 on their website. 

I think I'm done with shampoo! Who's with me?


Disclosure:  This review 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.

Sew on the Go

I'm arguably the clumsiest person in the entire world.  Because of this, I'm constantly tripping and, often, rip parts of clothing in the process.  It's quite horrifying.

If only I had some sort of magical portable sewing machine to take care of these wardrobe malfunctions...

Urban Outfitters has answered my prayers.  Their Handheld Sewing Machine is fantastic.  Small enough to keep with you at all times, this thing is perfect for any fashion emergency.  It's super easy to use and gets the job done quickly.

Oh, and it's only $15.  Def worth having around! 

Top 5 Holiday Party Dresses (Under $70!)

The holiday season is filled with oodles of parties and get-togethers.  It's important to have a great dress for these occasions. That said, around Christmastime I'm always pretty broke--I spend a lot of money on gifts, so I need to bargain hunt for a dress that is both cute, and inexpensive.  Here's a few that are worth checking out!

Mod Cloth's Blue Smoke Dress ($64.99).  This is actually a bit pricier than I'd usually go, but the dress is really unique and flattering.  Navy blue is a good color option for ladies who usually go for black.  It gives the same overall look, but with a tiny punch of color.

Downeast Basics Perfect Form Dress ($38.99).  It has ruffles and is cut beautifully. I love the color as well--it's a bit unexpected for winter.  The dress looks a lot more expensive than it actually is, which is a huge plus.

Mark's Sweet Treat Dress ($21.99).  I like this one because it's a bit toned down.  It looks comfy, so you won't have to constantly adjust it all night.  Again, the navy blue catches my eye.  This is actually pretty seasonless.

Target's Holly Dot Dress ($39.99).  Nothing is classier than black and white.  This is great for gals like me who have hips that they don't want to be the center of attention.  The white portion draws the eye up while the black minimizes imperfections.

Forever 21's Sequin Ruffle Hem Dress ($24.80).  Everyone needs a sequin dress.  It's way too over the top for the rest of the year, but for holiday parties, this dress helps you stand out in a crowd.

Last Day to Enter the Jennifer Shon Giveaway!

Just a quick FYI:  Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the last day to enter the giveaway for one of the five gorgeous Jennifer Shon Tiny Peace necklaces!

For info on how to enter, check out my previous blog with all the details.

Good luck!

Fashion Faux Pas: Holiday-Themed Sweaters

For some ungodly reason, there are still people out there who think that wearing bright red sweaters with snowmen on it is stylish.  I see them everywhere and the make me shudder.

I don't care if you think that you have found the one holiday sweater that is actually "cute" (by the way, that isn't possible), wearing it is simply unacceptable.  Cut it out.  Seriously.

The look might be acceptable for an 80 year old woman living in a nursing home.  If that is the kind of look you're trying to achieve, fine.  Otherwise, skip the ugly sweaters and dress like a normal human being.

Thanks.

I'm Obsessed With...Heart Evening Bags!

I don't know what it is, but lately I've really been into cutesy heart-shaped bags.  I'm a girly-girl through and through, so it seems natural.  Here are a few of my faves (ranging drastically in price).

The Judith Leiber Heart N Soul Bag ($2,195).  This is the bag that started my obsession.  It's the ultimate heart bag and I love it.  Unfortunatley, it's ridiculously expensive and I certainly haven't got that kind of money to throw around!

The BG Crystal On Heart Clutch Evening Bag ($20.99).  It's super cute and satisfies my need for sparkle. Plus it comes in a bunch of colors.

The Main Range Snake Heart over body bag (about $14).  The cheapest option.  This'll give me my quick fix.  I like how it's a heart (obvs.) and girly, yet the print doesn't makes it more interesting than the others, in a sense.

The Anthony David Heart Evening Bag with Swarovski Crystal ($400).  Almost a dead-on "knock off" (still crazily expensive) as the $2,000 version...but a tiny bit more affordable.  If I don't eat anything for months, that is.

Top Shop's Cobweb Heart Bag ($55).  Its got a bit of an edge to it, which is unexpected when it comes to hearts.  A very interesting, affordable bag.  And it matches almost everything!

Vera Bradley...Has Cute Bags Now?

I've hated Vera Bradley since I can remember--I even wrote a blog about said hatred earlier this year.  But I may have found an exception.

Okay, okay.  Let's not get ahead of ourselves here.  I was at the mall the other day and found myself admiring a clutch in the window of a shop.  I came home to research it and found that it's actually Vera Bradley's new Clutch Wallet in Imperial Toile.

At first, I was alarmed.  Vera Bradley had somehow fooled me into thinking it was stylish!  But once I settled down a bit, I realized that  sometimes you have to forget about brands and just judge each bag on its own.  And quite frankly, I really like this clutch.


Pink and brown are one of my fave color combos.  Plus I think that busy floral patterns look less ridiculous when they're regulated to a petite bag.


This just might be the only Vera Bradley bag that I'll ever like--and I don't even think I'll be buying it--but now I know not to judge a handbag by its name!

Office Doodads: Blinged out Stapler

I love sparkly things.  I love pink.  I love mini-sized gadgets.  This Bejeweled Mini Stapler is for me.

I don't know what more I can say about it--the image really says it all.  The stapler is fantastic.  I can picture having this on my desk for a lengthy period of time, probably unused for fear of damage.

This is the ultimate office accessory for a working-gal fashionista.

Oh and P.S.: it's only $3.80!

Top 5 Cocktail Rings For Winter

Cocktail rings are a great accessory to have.  You can throw on a glitzy ring with any outfit and immediately take your look up a notch.

Here are a few of my recent faves!












Forever21's Shimmer Flower Ring ($4.80).  Great price (how can you beat under $5?!) and gorgeous ring.  So pretty for all seasons.

Arden B's Rhinestone Dome Ring ($14).  I love this ring because it have a vintage feel, yet looks unmistakably modern.

American Eagle's Rhinestone Cocktail Ring ($15.50).  I had no idea that American Eagle made such blingin' jewelry!  So glitzy and utterly glam.

Portia Jewelry's Black & Clear Flower Burst Cocktail Ring ($29).  Black gems are so gorge and the overall style of the ring is timeless.

Smashing Darling's Merle Zsa Zsa Bling Ring ($25).  I love the wire--it makes the ring look interesting and adds a bit of an edge to any simple outfit.