I've never seen anything like this before and I'm super excited about it!! Hard Candy has come out with an amazing product--a lipstick and tooth whitener hybrid!
In the past, I've seen lipsticks that claim to make your teeth appear whiter and brighter, but it was all based on the shade. Hard Candy's Megawatt Smile Lipstick and Tooth Whitener is actually two separate products combined for easy access.
You get a creamy, vibrant lip color with a shimmer center at one end. On the other end is a tooth whitener to keep your smile the brightest one in the room.
The lipstick on its own is great. It comes in eight fab colors, so you're sure to find something you like. Even though it's technically a "lipstick", I'd say it's more of a tinted lip balm. The color is fairly sheer. Also the formula is quite moisturizing (which is super important during the Winter!)
As for the tooth whitener, it works like any other brush-on whitener out there. It works and you can use it on the go.
It's a really great product to keep in your purse for quick touch-ups.
The duo retails for $6 and is available exclusively at Walmart.
There's nothing worse than seeing someone all made up, with a shade of foundation that clearly doesn't match their skin. This honestly looks like you're wearing a mask. Not flattering at all.
Figuring out your skintone is so important when it comes to choosing the right makeup. You need to be aware of your own skin to determine what you wear over it.
Most women fall into one of these categories:
If you tan easily and do not burn, your skin's natural melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) level is higher, and you most likely have a yellow-to-olive undertone.
Those who burn and either tan minimally or not at all have significantly less melanin, which results in a pink, bluish-red, or ruddy skin tone. In addition, look for telltale signs: a ruddy skin tone has obvious signs of redness or is one that tends to flush easily. Some neutral skin tones fall into this category, particularly if rosacea is a factor.
If a yellow (usually referred to as "sallow") tone is predominant, you'll notice that a foundation, concealer, or powders with too much yellow will make skin look worse, not better.
Olive skin tones tend to look somewhat ashen or gray, from the combination of the natural yellow undertone everyone has and the greenish hue that’s unique to olive skin of any depth.
Neutral skin tones are those with no obvious overtones of olive, sallow, or pink.
These categories hold true for all women, including women of color; your underlying skin color will always relate to one of these skin tones.
Once you have your skintone figured out, it becomes a lot easier to find makeup.
When you’re testing foundation shades, it is critical to identify your overall underlying skintone and find a foundation that matches it and blends in perfectly.
Regardless of which category you fall into, trying foundation on and making it sure it matches your skin (especially in daylight) is the best way to get a color that looks natural, not like you’re wearing foundation or, even worse, a mask.
As I wandered around CVS today, I stumbled upon a total beauty gem! Almay's Smart Shade Powder Blush is simply amazing.
I've always been a fan of their Smart Shade products--I don't know how Almay does it, but somehow all of the products magically match my super pale skintone (a real feat).
So when I saw this blush, I got super excited! I literally ran home to try it out. The pink/rose color is what I went with, though there are two other, darker, options. The pink seems to be the lightest and I had a feeling it'd work for me.
As with all their Smart Shade products, the blush contains a self-adjusting formula that is perfect for your skin. It looks different on everyone--depending on your own personal skintone, you actually get the perfect "you" shade of blush!
I can't find these guys online, but you can find them in drugstores like CVS and Walgreens. I imagine that as it becomes more popular it'll be all over the place. I got mine for under $7.
Bows are the ultimate girly accessory. Whether you wear a top with a bow detail, or bust out a blinged out bow necklace, they always look fabulous. Bows simply never go out of style.
They're perfect to wear when you just feel like throwing your hair up in a ponytail because they add to the look.
Bows are not for little girls anymore. Whether you want to add a little glam to a silky updo or are looking to hold back rope braids, these precious, chic elastics are the perfect glittering accent. And since they have a little bling to them, they're perfect to wear for holiday parties.
As a bonus, you can use these as bracelets! Gotta love products that have multiple uses!
They make a great gift for anyone, but of course I highly suggest you also buy a set of your own. Each set retails at $28.
I've always had a thing for leopard print. I honestly don't know what draws me to it, but whenever I see something cute with the print, I simply must have it.
One of the main reasons I'm so obsessed is that leopard print never really seems to go out of style. Leopard print accessories always look fabulous.
My latest find? Deflex by Dexter's Kappy Cap-Toe Pump. How gorgeous are these shoes??!
I love everything about them. Obviously, the print, the 3 inch heel (not too high for me to walk around in), and the toe "cap". Together, all these things create a fantastic pair of shoes.
For some ungodly reason, male leggings (or "meggings") are popping up all over the place.
I'm terribly disturbed by this.
Leggings are tough to pull off in general. I tend to only wear them under a cute dress or skirt. I'm not really a fan of wearing them on their own. Since they're so tight, they can be uncomfortable and show off your assets in a super unflattering way.
But apparently, there are oodles of men out there who find meggings totally acceptable to wear on their own.
Umm...I honestly cannot believe this is an actual trend. Not only are they ugly as hell, they're also completely unpractical. Not many guys carry around handbags (another pet peeve of mine), so they generally carry their wallets in their pocket. Unfortunately, meggings do not have pockets, so I have no idea how these guys carry their stuff around.
When I was doing community theater, there were always a couple guys who were forced to wear tights for our plays. And of course, they hated it. Who are these meggings marketed for??!'
Oh and by the way, pairing them with manly boots doesn't make the look acceptable.
It's a well-known fact that diamonds are a girl's best friend. Victoria's Secret's latest holiday fragrance, Bombshell Diamonds, captures the glamorous feel that diamonds have.
When I first heard of the scent, I couldn't wait to try it out. I've always loved the fragrances that Victoria's Secret offers up. But--let's be real here--the idea of smelling as alluring as diamonds are just sounds plain awesome.
True to form, the scent is amazing (and boyfriend approved)! It really does smell the way you would expect from a "diamond" perfume. It's seductive, elegant and ultra glam all at once. This is a scent that's perfect to wear for a night out.
Bombshell Diamonds is definitely diva-licious. Though it is a powerful scent, it's not overwhelming or heavy. It contains raspberry pulp, pink pepper, passion fruit, mandarin and pear sorbet for the main notes. The central notes are litchi blossom, ginger lily, hypnotic jasmine, brilliant poppy and juicy plum. The scent lingers with sensual notes of sandalwood, creamy musk, white amber crystals, frosted vanilla crème and warm cedar.
It sounds like a lot packed into one fragrance, but somehow it works!
And can we just talk about the bottle? Per usual, I'm obsessed. The bejeweled bottle looks like it's literally dripping with diamonds and glamour. This is definitely a bottle to put on display.
The scent is $55 for a 1.7 oz. bottle. A little goes a long way with this stuff. Accompanying products include body mist and shimmer lotion. You can buy the products in stores and online.
So, give in to glamour and give the gift of smelling great this holiday season! And, of course, treat yourself to some of that glam!
Disclosure: This post contains a product sent 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.
One of the first things I notice about someone is their eyes. It's usually the first thing that anyone notices about us. Since they are basically the focal point of the face, they deserve special attention.
Most of us love the old Hollywood glamorous, classic look with super lush lashes. Getting that look is the ultimate goal. You can apply tons of eye makeup, but really it all comes down to the lashes.
There are so many products out there that promise to make your lashes look longer, or more full. But there simply isn't a magic eyelash enhancing product. trust me; I've tried them all.
However, you can have great looking lashes with nearly any mascara. It's the application that makes the difference.
Here's how to get clump-free, gorgey lashes:
Curl your lashes. It's the most important thing to do--it opens up your eyes. It takes all of two seconds and it makes the biggest impact. Wearing mascara on stick straight lashes just looks stupid.
When you're applying mascara, start at the base of your lashes, then slowly move up the lashes, wiggling your brush from side to side. This keeps your lashes from clumping together.
Random fact: for fuller lashes, it's a good idea to use a waterproof formula. They are usually a little bit thicker than regular mascaras (I have no idea why).
A great application tip for thicker lashes is to coat both sides of your lashes. This isn't something most people think of, but it really helps. You'd think it would weigh them down, but it actually does the opposite. Coating both sides of your lashes makes them look more voluminous.
When applying mascara to your bottom lashes, hold your brush horizontally, and lightly brush your bottom lashes. Lightly is the key word. Applying thick coats to your lower lashes can easily create a "spider-eye" effect.
I know this is going to sound crazy, but I actually apply up to five coats of mascara at a time. My secret is using a mix of mascaras (one for lengthening, one for volume, etc.) and using a spoolie in between each coat to get rid of clumps. A spoolie is basically a disposable mascara wand. They're super cheap and make a huge difference in the finished look. Check out my post about my obsession with these little wonder wands here.
Go by these tips and I promise that your lashes will look gorgeous and give your eyes some extra glamour. Pinky swear.
Kiss My Face is one of those brands that I am constantly obsessed with. Their products are amazing, organic, and very reasonably-priced.
For the holidays, KMF has put together this adorable All Natural Gift Basket. I really can't think of anyone who wouldn't want it! The set includes a duo of their fab moisture hand soap and their moisturizers in the latest Coconut and Pomegranate Acai scents. It's basically like two gifts in one!
I've used the moisturizer in the past and absolutely love it. My skin is ridiculously sensitive, so finding a moisturizer that keeps my skin looking pretty while smelling yummy is a very difficult feat. But because KMF products are made from natural ingredients, they work wonders on any skin type. The same goes for their hand soap--in fact, KMF is the only line of hand soap that doesn't irritate my skin.
The new scents smell fantastic. Pomegranate Acai smells fresh, fruity and lovely. The Coconut scent gives off a great beachy vibe.
At $23.50, it's the perfect gift for anyone (and at that price, you can even buy yourself a set!)
Now for the best part: KMF has teamed up with Sassy Fashionista for a holiday giveaway. I have one of these sets 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 12/16 and the winner will be alerted via email.
Good luck, ladies!!
Disclosure: This post contains a product 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.
Since the holidays are rapidly approaching, it's time for my annual "anti-ugly-Cristmas-sweater" post.
In recent years, people have been wearing ugly Christmas sweaters more and more; half of them simply because they're ugly and they think it's funny.
Well, guess what? The joke's on you because you look like an idiot.
I stumbled upon this gem of a picture and almost peed my pants. This lovely couple is breaking at least three fashion violations: wearing matching outfits, wearing ugly Christmas sweaters, and the guy is wearing a scarf. Guys in scarves are a whole other issue.
Regardless, the matchy-matchy Christmas couple look is not okay. I don't care if you get invited to an "ugly Christmas sweater party" (which seems to be the latest craze), it's still ugly. I don't get the appeal. When I go to holiday parties, I like to look my best. Maybe I'm crazy, but when did looking like shit become a celebration??!
If you own an ugly holiday sweater, get rid of it now. And if you know any fash-holes who owns one, please report the offenders to me and I'll make sure they go to fashion jail.
Mark (a sub-group of Avon), always has gorgeous, well-made products.
They're also constantly selling items in which proceeds are donated to a good cause. Their latest M.Powerment Gift Set is a perfect example of this.
The set includes a fab lipstick in a brand new shade, m.powerment petal. It's a pinkish/nude hue, so it works on nearly any skintone. I've tried their lipsticks before and I absolutely love them. They apply super smoothly and are ultra moisturizing. On its own, it's a great buy. I'm also a huge fan of the pink tube it's packaged in.
In addition to the lipstick, the set includes a purse-sized mirror in glimmering shades of pink. Again, I'd even buy this product on its own. It's just so pretty! And the fact that it's pink doesn't hurt.
The set actually makes a great gift. I'd stock up on these and hand them out to your fellow ladies for Christmas!
The best part is that 100% of the proceeds from each set (about $18) is immediately donated to the m.powerment by mark foundation. It's a philanthropic initiative dedicated to breaking the cycle of dating abuse and partner violence.
A shocking 1 in 4 women will be abused by a partner in their lifetime. I honestly had no idea it was that bad.
So help out and buy this gorgey set for $24. It's a great cause that gives you an excuse to buy some pretty lipstick and a mirror. How can you say no to that?!
It's rare that I find anything New Hampshire-related that isn't super tacky. Even though I'm not in love with the place (Boston will always be my "home" no matter where I live!), I still have a soft spot for the Granite State.
These adorable State Pride Necklaces from Kris Nations immediately caught my attention. There's nothing remotely tacky about them, in fact they're quite dainty, measuring in at about a 1 inch square. Each state is a little different, as they're in the shape of the state you choose, but they're roughly around the same size. Personally, I love the fact that tiny New Hampshire is just as large as the California charm!
I just think these charms are very charming (hahaha I'm hilarious). Since they're so small, they look like any other pretty necklace out there, but upon a closer look, it's clearly your state and is a very unique piece of jewelry.
All of the states are available and come in your choice of silver or gold. Lived in a few different places like me? Buy a few different necklaces and wear them together for an eye-catching look!
In the past, I haven't really been "matchy-matchy" with my nail polish. I like it to stand out, rather than blend in with whatever I'm wearing.
That said, I really like the idea of matching your nails to your jewelry! This season, BaubleBar and Essie (two of my fave brands) have teamed up to create awesome combos of polish and bangles. I absolutely love it.
The idea is really cool. I mean, I love nail polish, and I love bracelets, so it's really a match made in heaven. I don't think that the result is overkill, as long as your outfit doesn't have the same main color and the set that you choose. Matching your nails to a bangle gives you the option to go for bold nails, with any outfit, without worrying whether or not the hue goes with what you're wearing. No matter what, you'll have an accessory that matches, so it's really foolproof.
Each set includes the polish, matching bangle, and two neutral bangles of your choice. You're essentially creating your own unique look that is guaranteed to look fantastic.
Each set is $50 and makes a fabulous gift for any gal out there (and obviously for yourself).
With all the holiday parties and late nights out, every minute counts when you're getting ready in the morning. It can be super frustrating. Even though I rarely leave the house without a full face of makeup, I still often times pick sleeping later than bothering with the whole entire makeup thing.
Luckily, there are a few shortcuts that make it okay to hit the snooze button a few times.
Go Dry Over Wet
Liquid foundation always takes longer to apply than powder. I personally also tend to add powder on top of foundation to avoid any shine, so it totally defeats the purpose. If you have an actual powder foundation, it can take only a minute to apply. Bonus? You can keep the compact in your bag and use it for touch-ups during the day. You just can't do that with liquid foundation.
Do Quickie Eye Makeup
Just forget all the craziness of applying multiple eyeshadows and liner. This is usually what takes up the most time in the morning for me. All you need to do to look put-together is simply apply a dark-ish shadow to the outer corners of your eyes (make sure to blend!), curl your lashes, and apply a bit of mascara. This look takes so little time, but instantly makes you look more awake and pretty.
Leave Hair Down
Pulling your hair into a sloppy ponytail might seem like a good idea, but it basically screams, "I didn't have time to get ready!" Instead, use some dry shampoo to quickly "wash" it. Spray it on around your roots (and any other greasy areas, rub it in, brush it out, and you'll have perfect hair in a matter of minutes.
Run to Work (or Wherever You Have to Go)
Seriously. A little exercise will immediately brighten your complexion and add some color to your cheeks!
Umm...wow. When I first saw these "shoes" (I'm using the word loosely), I honestly thought they were a joke. I mean, look at them! There are so many things that make them look ridiculous--the denim factor, the sandal/boot hybrid and just the over all ugliness...They look like a stupid craft project that someone in middle school made in home ec.
But, for some ungodly reason, these shoes actually exist. They're sold by Discount Women's Dress Shoes. They retail for about $16.
I just don't get it. Aside from the fact that these shoes are ugly as hell, they're simply unpractical. Apparently these shoes are made to be worn "year-round" and that bothers me. I wear my sandals in the summer and my boots in the winter like a normal person.
They look like someone just had an old pair of jeans and wanted to use the fabric for something crafty. I'm sorry, but denim shoes in general are unacceptable. And the fact that these are not only made of denim, but actually have the pockets and everything that cut-off jeans have makes the problem even worse.
Who do these people expect to buy super ugly jean sandal/boots?! There is literally no climate in which it would be acceptable.
I'm honestly so upset by these shoes. I cannot even express how much I hate them in words. But I will say this--if I EVER see anyone wearing these ridiculously hideous sandal/boots, I will personally punch them in the face. Yep, it's a legitimate threat.
Oh and if you think that buying the corduroy version is okay, I'll probably send out a hit man.
Because I have such a ridiculous amount of makeup, I usually go through all of it every month or so to rotate between products. I seriously think I own more makeup than anyone else out there (though I'm sure some of my fellow beauty bloggers are right up there with me!) This is the only way I can maximize the use of all my fab products.
The holiday season is super important, makeup-wise, for me. I like everything to be a bit more shimmery and dramatic.
So, here's an inside look of my holiday makeup bag! Since the list is pretty long (what? I'm obviously makeup obsessed!), so I bolded the very most important for those of you who don't want to go down a crazily long list.
Enjoy!
L'oreal Studio Secrets Magic BB Cream ($12.99) -- I waited a while to actually give BB cream a go, but I absolutely love it! I apply it before anything else and it leaves my skin looking amazing. I don't usually need foundation when I use it--everything looks fresh and even.
Vapour Organic Beauty Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation ($48) -- I don't really tend to wear foundation. But when I do, this is what I use. It's a little pricey, but is the best foundation out there. It feels so lightweight on my skin, blends amazingly, and lasts all day long.
Pixi Correction Concentrate Concealer in Brightening Peach ($15) -- Love, love, love this concealer. The peach in it really helps to cover up any under-eye circles I've got going on and is perfect for spot treatment. The creamy formula covers without looking cakey. I also use it as an eyeshadow primer.
ELF Studio Transculent Matifying Powder ($6) -- This powder is awesome for days when my skin looks a bit on the oily side, or when I need to cover up any spots without drawing attention to the area.
theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Luminizer ($20) -- This stuff is amazing. Not only is it a great illuminating face powder; it's also fab as a light eyeshadow for under the browbone and on the inner corner of the eye. It brightens up the face and gives that "glow from within" look. Also it's very well pigmented, so you get a lot of bang for your buck. I've had this powder forever, use it almost daily, and I still have tons left.
Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Excite ($26) -- This isn't a well-known brand in the states, but our friends across the pond created this fantastic brand; once I tried it, I became obsessed with a lot of their products. The blush is great. This particular shade works for all skintones and really mimics the color that most cheeks get when you're actually blushing. Very pretty.
Hard Candy Single & Loving It Eyeshadow in Flirty ($9) -- I love Hard Candy's comeback! I loved all their crazy nail polish colors in the '90s, and all of their new makeup is amazingly awesome. This eyeshadow comes in tons of colors, which are all great, but this particular light pink is really pretty. There's a bit of shimmer to it, and just brightens up the whole eye. Bonus? You can use it as a face illuminator too!
ELF Mineral Eyeshadow in Golden ($7) -- This is another pretty, light shadow. It's very pigmented (as are all their shadows). I especially love to use it on the inner corners of the eye when I'm doing a brown smoky look. It's packs on the shimmer, so I tend to save it for nighttime.
Sonia Kashuk Eye Shadow Quad in Paris at Night ($13.69) -- All the quads are great, but these hues are really perfect for the traditional smoky eye. It includes a silver shimmer, two metallic-ish silver/grey, and a matte black shadow.
Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Coffee Shop ($19) -- If I'm going for a neutral brown eye look, this is what I use. The ligher shade is a good base and the darker hue is nice for definition without being too dark. It's perfect for a natural, daytime look.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Midnight Cowboy Rides Again ($15) -- A really pretty light brown (almost taupe) that packs on the shimmer. Takes a natural eye look up a notch. I like to add it over my daytime makeup if I'm going out for some extra pizzazz.
L'oreal 24 Hour Infallible Eyeshadow in Continuous Cocoa ($8) -- This is a dark brown, perfect for doing a brown smoky eye, or to use as liner. It really does last all day (though I'm not really one to try it out for the whole 24 hours haha).
L'oreal 24 Hour Infallible Eyeshadow in Perpetual Purple ($8) -- The perfect purple. It makes my green eyes pop everytime I wear it. It's a nice bright shade that isn't too crazy for daytime, but can also be built up for a night out.
L'Oreal Paris HiP Studio Secrets Professional Concentrated Shadow Duo in Showy ($3) -- I really love this duo. Now's a good time to try wearing brighter colors (especially at holiday parties) and the beauty of this particular duo is that it can be used as a sheer wash of color, or built up using both colors to create a bolder look. Surprisingly, these colors actually look good on almost anyone.
L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mistake-Proof Marker Eyeliner in Black ($5.50) -- This stuff really is mistake-proof! IU love the look of liquid liner, but even with my ridiculous makeup obsession, I still have some difficulty applying it. In marker form, it applies super easily. I love wearing it slightly winged-out with a bright red lipstick for a cute party-ready look.
ELF Essential Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Midnight ($4.50) -- Same idea as L'oreal's eye marker, but in a really pretty dark navy color. Blue liner used to be a faux pas after its stint in the 80s. But it's back and better. This particular shade really is a "midnight" hue; that describes it perfectly. At first glance, it looks like a normal black liner, but the blue makes your eyes look brighter and the result is gorgey.
ELF Essential Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Purple ($4.50) -- The same idea as above, but the purple is a bit more bright. It also sets off my green eyes really well.
Clinique Cream Shaper For Eyes in Egyptian ($22) -- Clinique's eyeliners are, undoubtedly, the best pencil liners out there. No debate. This particular color is super unique. It's like a mossy green, but with brown overtones. It's a color that I've never seen in a liner before and I absolutely love it.
Maybelline Great Lash BIG Mascara in Blackest Black ($4) -- Great Lash has always been one of my beauty staples. You can get it at any drugstore and it works just as well as any expensive mascara out there. The newer BIG mascara is just like the classic one, only bigger and better. If I were stranded on a desert island and could only have one makeup item, this would be it.
Maybelline Great Lash Limited Edition Blink of Blue Mascara ($5) -- Kind of on the same page as the blue liquid liner. It doesn't make your lashes look bright blue, like some sort of crazy person, but it adds just enough blue (a "blink", if you will) to make eyes really pop. Even if I'm not using this particular one, blue mascara is really good to have on hand.
Hard Candy Lashaholic in Black ($13) -- I actually just bought this and don't know how I lived without it. It adds tons of volume to lashes, and the applicator has little teeth that prevent clumping even if you use a few coats.
Hard Candy Lash Tinsel in Voodoo ($5) -- SO great for parties. It comes in a handful of colors, but of course the purple is my fave. Even though it's a glitter mascara, this stuff doesn't make your eyes look like glitter central. Rather, this non-chunky, fine glitter just adds a little bling to your eyes. I've also tried the gold hue in my hair--same result--doing a few strands really makes your hair look extra pretty.
Okay, so that's a lot longer than I originally thought...Obviously I don't wear all of this at once every single day. But hopefully it helps you guys get a glimpse into my current makeup world, and maybe even gave you some ideas!
I know I'm a little behind with this. I don't know why, but I just never got around to trying out the infamous BB creams until now. And since I've started using L'oreal Studio Secrets Magic BB Cream, I can't believe I went without it for so long! This particular cream is amazing, as are most L'oreal products--probably because the company is owned by Lancome. That's why I usually start off with L'oreal in the first place. Regardless, the cream promises to do tons of stuff for your skin (no matter what your skin type is). It's supposed to prime, color correct, hydrate, and perfect skin, resulting in a natural, beautiful bare skinned look. It definitely does all of that and more. I found that my skin looked much better after use, and I didn't need to use nearly as much concealer or foundation as I normally do. My skin just looked great on its own. I love it! The product applies white, but blends into skin as your perfect, unique shade. The more you blend, the better it looks. It honestly kept my skin feeling soothed and hydrated all day long. BB Cream is now one of my beauty staples and is Sassy Fashionista approved! If you haven't tried it yet, you really have to. L'oreal's cream is under $15. Disclosure: This post contains a product sent 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.
I don't know about the rest of you ladies, but I have a very difficult time buying gifts for the men in my life. I tend to alternate between boring stuff like socks and ties. Not very unique or classy.
Luckily, I found the best gift for all guys: Vince Camuto Cologne! First of all, cologne is always a classy gift and I can't think of anyone who wouldn't want this sensational scent.
The brand has always been impressive, but this cologne is amazing. I gave it to my boyfriend to test out and he's obsessed with it (and I'm a huge fan of the scent myself).
Of course, the bottle is what first caught my attention. I'll admit it, I judge books by their covers. I'm just big on packaging and this bottle screams class.
From the packaging’s royal blue interior, to the bottle encased in black leather, it's really a gorgeous bottle. That said, it isn't feminine-looking at all. The bottle has something very "James Bond" about it.
Now on to the actual scent. 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. This isn't something for a teenager. It's a manly fragrance in every way.
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. It's not too fancy to wear during the day, nor is it too low key for an evening out.
My boyfriend said that this is his new favorite cologne and I have to agree that it kicks ass. I could smell it on him all day and be happy. This is definitely a fabulous gift for any guy in your life.
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. Be on the lookout for a giveaway! I do have a bottle to give away, so keep checking the site for more info!
Disclosure: This post contains a product sent 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.
There are multiple reasons why I'm obsessed with this Oui Ring from Street Bauble.
I love written word jewelry (this Fuck Off Bracelet is another awesome example). There's just something cool about it in general. It looks classy and unique, which are things I look for in accessories.
I also have a fondness for the French language. After taking it for years back in high school, I can speak it fluently...or at least my hybrid of French and English, Franglish. Regardless, "oui" was probably the first word I leaned (other than a few phrases my grandparents used when they didn't want me to know what they were talking about).
It's the language of love. Wearing a ring that simply says "oui" is a way to tell the world, "YES! I am cultured, and know lots of French words!" or it can simply be worn as a cute ring.
Either way, the ring comes in a ridiculous amount of sizes, which makes me super happy; my ring size is a 2.5 and I can never find rings that aren't made for children.
The ring is also on sale for the week for $27 (normally $45) and ships free! Really??! Oui!
'Tis the season for traveling! It can definitely be touch to stay beautiful and feel comfy while on a long plane ride.
Here are a few essentials to make your trip easier:
Blotting Sheets
These guys arre super helpful. You should really carry these all the time. But for traveling, they're great. You Keep some powder blotting sheets on hand to you’re your face looking fresh and soft throughout the flight, layover, and beyond. Try NYX Blotting Papers (about $4)
Sleep Mask
Get some beauty rest while you can, and don’t let the creepy guy with the huge reading light keep you awake -- you'll arrive well-rested and ready to go. Check out this adorable Breakfast at Tiffany's inspired mask ($29.95).
Tooth Tabs
Is there anything worse than falling asleep on an airplane and waking up with gross cotton mouth? Absolutely not. These tooth tabs will get things foamy and fresh without water. These Chou Chou...I Love You tabs by Lush are great (and under $5).
Dry Shampoo
Greasy hair is a traveling girl’s worst enemy. When a shower isn’t an option, grab some dry shampoo and you're good to go. Oscar Blandi's Pronto Dry Shampoo is fab because it comes in a travel size and won't dry out your hair ($11).
Extra Pair of Undies
This might sound silly, but this is one of the most important things to keep with you on a trip. Whether you want to change on the plane, or your luggage gets lost, you can at the very least put on clean undies. Mom would be so proud. You can't go wrong with a pair of Hello Kitty panties ($8.50)!
I know, I know...I get a little [a lot] crazy when it comes to GWPs (gifts with purchase), but I am absolutely in love with Estee Lauder's latest Michael Kors Holiday Gift Set.
I've always been a Michael Kors fan--but while his products are gorgeous, they're a bit pricey. So since this gift set happens to come with a Michael Kors makeup bag, I'm officially obsessed. Even if the gift was only the bag itself, I'd get it. It's just super cute and classy--you can even use it as a clutch!
As for the actual makeup, everything included is fantastic. Estee Lauder has always been one of my go-to makeup lines. I've yet to find a product from them that I haven't loved. This set has almost everything you need to get through the holiday season.
When you purchase any Estee Lauder fragrance purchase, you get this set for $38.50. Personally, I think it's definitely worth it!
Here's what you get:
Deluxe Blush Compact containing PC Blush in Soulful Spice Shimmer, Brazen Bronze Shimmer & Lover's Blush Shimmer
NEW Pure Color Lipstick - Cherry Passion
Pure Color Gloss - Garnet Desire Shimmer
Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara in Extreme Black
NEW PC Intense Kajal Eyeliner in Blackened Black
NEW PC Nail Lacquer in Enchanted Garnet
Black Michael Kors Case with new applicator
The gift is a $200 value and you get tons of products (most of which are fairly new for the season). Personally, I'm loving the red nail polish and cherry lipstick! So classic for this time of year.
Need some ideas on what to spend $38.50 on? Well there are tons of fab scents that you can get for yourself, or as a gift. I really love their White Linen fragrance. It's a nice fresh scent that's perfect for anyone, and is wearable year-round.
Quantities are limited, so be sure to jump on this!
There are very few sequined things in life that are okay to wear. This stupid hat by Rachael Zoe is not one of them.
First off--Rachael Zoe hasn't really been a high-end designer in the past, so I must have missed the transition.
Also did I miss this random new trend? It looks like some sort of hybrid of a beret and...I don't even know what. Even the model looks like she's just wearing a huge ass beret. Her face even says "I can't believe I'm wearing this piece of crap". The hat itself is ridiculous. And of course the sequins do not help, as with most ugly things.
I think that sometimes designers make ugly products and think to themselves, "hmm, well, if we throw some sequins on there, it can be fashionable." Not true. They make everything worse (except for a cute mini skirt).
If for some reason, you're diggin' this hat (FYI: I will probably beat you to death), keep in mind that it's $225!!
What??! For an ugly hat?
I wouldn't pay that much even if the hat was made of gold, and was my most coveted fashion accessory ever. It's just crazy.
The holiday season is slowly creeping up, and I don't hate it! Designers are coming out with fabulous items and there are gift sets galore!
Right now, I'm totally lusting after Kate Spade's Lip Crayons.
I mean, how cute are they??! I have to admit that the packaging is what initially got me interested. The crayon box is a nice touch (and it doesn't hurt that it's pink).
This little set comes with three gorgeous lip colors in party-ready shades of burgundy, red and peach. They're all super flattering on most skintones and apply like normal lipstick would. They're highly pigmented, so you get a lot of color. Bonus? Each crayon is small enough to fit in a clutch for a Holiday party!
They'd make a great gift (buy one for a friend and one for yourself!) Each set is $38.
Holiday parties are starting to pop up all over the place! I love getting all dressed up, but sometimes I simply don't have the time, or energy, to go crazy with a cute look. But don't fret, I've got some fab tips to make you look party perfect no matter what!
Freshen up your complexion. It's very important to take care of your skin. Without a nice canvas to work with, no amount of makeup is going to make you look gorgeous. It's just a fact. So first of all, make sure to moisturize everyday. If you're in a rush (like going straight to a party from work), stash some blotting papers in your bag. They go a long way--no one wants to have oily skin. Throughout the day, smooth out your concealer, so there are no creases under your eyes. You can also keep a makeup sponge and foundation with you for spot application where it's needed. Adding a light dusting of translucent powder to the face is the last step! You can do all of this within five minutes and you don't have to carry around your entire makeup bag all day.
Get glowing. Skin can look a bit dull at times and a touch of shimmer is the answer. It's the quickest way to brighten up your complexion. Just apply it to your cheekbones, and you'll instantly look more fabulous.
Emphasize your eyes. No matter how tired you are, the right eye makeup can hide it, while creating an alluring look at the same time. I usually go with my smoky brown eye look when I'm tired because it's quick and looks great. But you can use the same concept with any color palette--parties are a great place to try out different, bright colors. Also try adding some shimmer to the inner corners of your eyes. It makes them look wider and more awake.
Choose your lip color without fear. Lots of women end up using the same lipstick for parties as they do during the day. Honestly, that's boring. With the rest of you dressed up, it looks weird to have your lips not "dressed up" as well. Think of it like wearing workout clothes with high heels--it's just the wrong mix. One of the easiest way to get party-ready is to apply a bright lip hue. I'm talking bright reds, fuchsia -whatever tickles your fancy! It makes them pop and instantly makes you look fab. If you're the type of person that doesn't wear lipstick, or is a bit scared to go bright, you can always go with a pink or mauve hue and layer on a shimmery gloss for a similar effect.
Revitalize skin the morning after. Chances are, you'll be feeling a bit hungover and your complexion won't be at its best. The first step to looking beautiful in the morning actually starts the night before. I cannot stress enough how important it is to remove your makeup before going to bed. Especially eye makeup. If you don't have the energy for a full cleansing, just use makeup remover wipes. You can even leave them on your nightstand for easy access. You'll notice that your eyes are less puffy and your skin is brighter.
Hide the morning-after dark circles with concealer. Concealer is my BFF. But when picking one out, make sure that it's light enough to cover dark circles--but not so light that makes it look like you're wearing a white mask around your eyes. Go with a matte finish. It doesn't draw attention to the under eye area. They also last longer, so you won't have to touch up your look throughout the day. You can also add a little shimmer to other parts of your face to draw attention away from under your eyes.
Wishing you all a fabbity-fabulous Thanksgiving! I hope you all get to spend time with your loved ones (I know I am!)
FYI, in case you don't know, Thanksgiving means you can take a break from whatever diet you're on and eat tons of stuff all day long. It's a holiday, so it obviously doesn't count as calories.
So a while ago (before Halloween), I was shopping with my sister for costumes. I found this Goodmark Gold Glitter Spray mixed in with all the other Halloween hair accessories. I ended up buying it because who doesn't want glitter in their hair for Halloween?!
But when I tried it out, it actually looked fabulous and not disco-ball-esque as I had expected. When I used just a little bit, my hair had a light dusting of gold shimmer that basically made my hair look shiny.
I'm not saying this is a product for everyday use. Wearing glitter in your hair isn't really appropriate for the office, or visiting your Grandma. But if you're going out (possibly to a fab Holiday party and definitely for New Years Eve!), this stuff really looks awesome.
The only thing you have to worry about is spraying on too much. That will make your hair look like a disco ball. Make sure to hold the can a good few inches away from your head and use tiny, quick sprays. I find that it looks prettiest when you only apply it to the lower layer of hair, rather than on top. That way, little pieces pop out and the look isn't overkill.
The best part? Since the spray is a Halloween product, you can get it for under $3!
We’re getting closer to the holiday season, and that means
shopping for gifts for your loved ones (and maybe a couple things for
yourself). I normally spend countless
hours, and take multiple trips to stores, looking for the perfect gifts for
everyone on my list. It gets a little
overwhelming, especially because a lot of other people are doing the same
thing. It just becomes a crowded, time
consuming event.
I’m loving the solution that Macy’s has come up with. They've got a fabulous Gift Guide to help you
pick out gifts for literally anyone. The
guide has links to gifts in multiple categories. “Gifts for Dad” and “Gifts for Boyfriend” are
quite handy. I always have trouble
coming up with things to buy for the men in my life, and usually end up buying
something last minute.
ION Audio Karaoke Pro
The guide helps you find gifts for the people in your life
that are hard to shop for; whoever it may be.
As for the men’s section, there are some really great gifts
suggested. I found a lot of things that
I never would have come up with on my own—like a Candy Dispenser, a Karaoke System,
and a really cool Wireless Weather Forecast Station. I didn't even know that Macy’s sold those
items!
Of course, the guide also includes products for practical guys
who wouldn't really enjoy the gift of being able to sing karaoke at any given
time during the day. The cologne giftsets are fantastic (and most of them are on sale)!
As for women, I always find that there’s always someone
that’s hard to shop for. I like the fact
that the guide suggests gifts that cover all bases. For mom, they've got gorgeous sweaters and
slippers. For siblings (depending on the
age), oodles of items are recommended.
Benefit Primed for Takeoff Set
And as for beauty-lovers?
Well, luckily they have a whole section devoted to that, complete with
value makeup gift sets. I'm really obsessed with the Benefit Primed for Takeoff Makeup Set. It's a Macy's Exclusive! I'll def be spending a lot of time looking at all the makeup goodies!
I’m a huge fan of the Gift Guide. It’s a great idea, and really makes holiday
shopping easier. Since it’s broken down
into multiple categories, you don’t have to waste any time sifting through
hundreds of gifts that have nothing to do with what you’re looking for. The guide makes shopping way less stressful,
and takes way less time than going from store to store. You can actually get all your shopping done
in a day, in the comfort of your own home.
It’s a really amazing guide—check it out for yourself!
I also want to mention that you all check out Macy's Black Friday deals. They've always got the best sales!
Disclosure: This is a paid/sponsored post. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.
In past seasons, I haven't really been one to sport red polish. I'm not really sure why, but I just didn't think it was flattering on me.
This season, red is really in style, so red nail polish is all over the place. I took the opportunity to see if I could find my "perfect red".
I tried a bunch of different hues, and spent time going through my sample nail polish box, until I finally found Orly's Ignite color. It's part of their latest Fired Up collection, which contains a bunch of fab fire-inspired colors, but I was instantly drawn to Ignite.
The bottle looked like it contained a very dark, almost burgundy hue. But as I applied it, I noticed that the result was much different than I expected--in a good way. The formula is almost gel-like and has a sheerness to it. After two coats, I ended up with a bright cherry red (which I found very pretty and classic). I wanted to see how dark it would get though, so I kept on piling a couple more thin layers on. It does get darker with each coat, but it never reached the dark burgundy color that is seen in the bottle.
I'm actually really happy with this, because it turns out I'm in love with the shade it provides. But for anyone who's looking to purchase it, be aware that the color is much different from the bottle!
The neutral smoky eye look is something that can be worn anytime. It's my go-to look, because it isn't crazily dark (like a black smoky eye), and it goes with everything.
To start, you need three eyeshadows--a light gold or white (for us pale ladies), medium brown, and darker brown. I like to use ELF's Mineral Eyeshadow for all three colors. They apply smoothly and are very easy to blend.
So here's how to do it!
It's very important to start with a fresh face. Use a lightweight moisturizer right before applying makeup It makes skin smoother and makeup applies easier on moisturized skin.
Next apply the golden shade over the entire lid, all the way up to the browbone. This creates an even canvas for the darker hues.
Take the medium brown shade and apply it from the lashline to the crease. Blend it up, a little past the crease. Blending is very important. I cannot stress this enough. Without blending, eyeshadow just looks crappy. So make sure to blend!
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Take the darker shade and apply it to the outer corners of the lid. I also like to take a small brush and use it as a liner. Again, make sure to blend, blend, blend! Then take the lightest color and apply it to the inner corners of your eyes. This makes them pop and instantly lifts up your eyes.
Add a little dark brown eyeliner if you want your eyes to look more defined. Revlon's ColorStay SoftFlex liner in black brown, is the darkest brown I've found. It less harsh as pure black liner, so it's okay to wear during the day, and it definitely gets the job done. Apply it to the outer half of your eye's lashline. Then curl your lashes and apply three coats of a voluminousness mascara. I absolutely love Maybelline's Volum'Express in brownish black.
Then, you're done! With the eyes, anyway. I suggest doing eye makeup before applying concealer and foundation, as shadow often ends up falling under your eye while you apply it. It can get pretty messy, so it's best to just take a makeup wipe once you're finished with your eye makeup and use whatever concealer or foundation you use. A great choice is CoverGirl's TruBlend concealer.
Because your eyes are the focal point of your face, you want to keep the rest of it fairly low-key. That means a light swipe of blush, and just a hint of lipgloss.
