Makeup Mishaps: 5 Mistakes You Might Be Making

We've all made makeup mistakes in our past. It's just something we all do. But what you might not know, is that you could still be making little mistakes that make a huge difference in your appearance.

Okay, so the picture to the left is a bit extreme. I highly doubt that there's anyone who looks like this that is currently reading my blog. But the picture shows just about every possible makeup mistake you can make.

I've learned a few things over the years, so I'm passing my knowledge onto you. Here's a list of the most common problems (most of which, I've made myself):

1. Caked On Foundation
This is the worst. When your skin is acting up, it's super tempting to just slap on tons of foundation to try and mask any issues you may have. The problem is, you're covering up all the good along with the bad! Foundation should really only be used to even out your skintone. Concealer should be doing all the heavy-duty covering on blemishes and other areas that need it. Make sure to only dot it on the areas that need help, and blend a lot. To ensure your foundation doesn't go on too thick or cakey, try a tinted moisturizer, or foundation that has has a sheer finish. Try out Olay Fresh Effects Flawless Finish BB Cream.

2. Harsh Eyeliner
Eyeliner is a great way to define your eyes and really make them pop. That said, it's easy to get carried away and apply way too much. The result?Iit can actually make your eyes look smaller, which is probably not a look you're going for. To avoid making this mistake, stay away from black liner in general, and go for shades of brown, gray, or even a muted purple instead. It makes it more difficult for you to apply more than needed. Another trick--try using an eyeshadow s liner and apply it with an angled brush. It's easier to blend that way, and looks great. Try out L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Bronzed Taupe--bronze is a fab color for any skintone.

3. Overdone, or Underdone, Eyebrows
Eyebrows make a huge difference in the look of your whole face. Honestly, if you don't take care of your brows, it's basically pointless to do anything else to your face--they make that much of a difference. The best way to bring natural definition to your brows is to fill them in with a matching brow powder or eyeshadow and an angled liner brush. Eyebrow pencils usually come out looking way too harsh, and don't blend well. NYC Browser Brush-On Brow Kit is my pick for a brow-tastic look.

4. Mismatched Foundation
Yes, another foundation faux pas. We've all seen it and we've all been that girl at least once.  I cannot stress enough how important it is to find the right shade for you. Finding an exact shade match is not easy by any means, but it can definitely be done. I'd recommend going into your local department store or Sephora and getting shade-matched by a professional. If you can't do that, try out L'Oreal's True Match Foundation (it comes in liquid and powder forms). You can get pretty close to an exact match because there are so many colors, and they even cater to the undertones in your skin.

5. Skipping Skincare
Before you even apply makeup, or do anything else, please please please take care of your skin! Wash off your makeup at night and always use a moisturizer--it creates the perfect "canvas" for your makeup. Remember: All skin needs hydration and there are plenty of oil-free formulas out there! Trader Joe's Nourish Oil-Free Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer is fantastic. It really works for all skintones.

Of course there are tons of other makeup mistakes that occur on a regular basis, but these are the big ones. If you do everything on the list, you should have a face that looks absolutely gorgeous!

I FINALLY Got a Gel Manicure!

I'm totally indecisive when it comes to nail polish. I even like to paint my nails every day, if possible. So, I've been avoiding getting a gel manicure because you basically have to commit to a color for two weeks. For me, that's a fairly large chunk 'o time.

But my friend was going to Princess Nails (in Concord, NH) to get acrylics put on, and I figured I'd tag along and maybe get a regular manicure myself. That simply didn't happen. The second I walked though the door, Emily (who is super nice) showed me oodles of colors and finishes that can be done in gel-form.  I had no idea there were so many options! I seriously looked through ll the different colors for about 20 minutes before deciding on the gorgeous OPI Cajun Shrimp hue. It's a gorgeous coral, with hints of pink, and has the tiniest bit of shimmer to it.

Since I've always doe my nails practically daily, I usually don't think anything of picking at my nails and peeling of the polish. So, I was a little worried that my picking would mess up the gel manicure and it wouldn't last for the two weeks that's the norm for most people. But no matter how hard I picked at my nails, or whatever chemicals I had near it, the color didn't chip, or get messed up in the least! The fact that it lasted so long on someone like me speaks volumes, not only of the polish itself, but also shows how amazing Princess Nails is!

I'm pretty much addicted to gel manicures at this point. If you haven't tried it, you need to! Price-wise, a regular gel manicure at Princess Nails is $25. Not bad for two weeks of gorgeous nails!

Disclosure: This post contains a sample/discount 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.

Fashion Faux Pas: Twinsies

Just when I thought the whole "adult onesie" thing was as bad as it could possibly get, I stumbled upon the latest "trend" in comfort-wear: Twinsies.

Now you can look like an idiot, and share the experience with another person--who just happens to be attached to you.

As much as I hated the onesie craze, I understood it. I'm sure they're very comfortable. But I just don't get why anyone would ever want to literally be attached at the hip to anyone, no matter how comfortable the suit itself is. I mean, I love my boyfriend. And hanging out with him is lovely. I also like to snuggle. But would I want to slide into a pair of ugly pajamas for two? No.

Colin Leggatt, the marketing director for the Twinsies, had this to say: “The Twinsie offers a practical but fun solution for those wanting to stay warm this winter without running up costly energy bills. And what a fantastic present for the person in your life, or even the person you’d like to get closest to!”

Umm...someone you want to get close to? What would that entail? Stalking someone and surprising them with half of a large, ridiculous pj set? I hate to say it, but that's not the way to "get close to someone".  It's a good way to get a restraining order put against you.

As for saving money on energy bills, a blanket can do the same thing!

I can't even believe that this product exists. Why does the world keep coming up with this crap??!

That is all.

How to Wear Bold Lipstick

I've always been  firm believer that bold, red lipstick can make your life better. It's the cheapest way to brighten up your day. Red lipstick simply makes everything okay. It's a confidence booster, and there are oodles of hues to choose from.

Below is a list of when and where you can bust out your amazing red pucker without any fear:

When You're Wearing Glasses - Though eye makeup with glasses might be a bit tricky, lipstick can be your best friend when it comes to standing out in your spectacles. Go easy on the eye makeup, and your bold lips will look luscious!

Heading to Brunch With the Girls - If brunch isn't the time to test drive some beauty trends, I don't know what is. Anytime I'm trying out a new product, I like to get some input from my friends (the brutally honest ones are the best for this).

That Presentation at Work - Lipstick is a known confidence booster, so if you need an extra nudge when it comes to public speaking, go for a powerful shade of red lipstick.

Visiting Your Family Back Home - When you move out of your childhood home, there's something about going back home to visit that makes you want to look your best. Call it wanting to show mom and dad that you're doing well, but considering how fantastic lipstick can make you look, I say apply away!

On Your Wedding Day - Is there anything more chic than a classic bride wearing a retro red lip? I think not, and as long as your lipstick stays put and won't transfer onto your dress, you'll be looking at your wedding photos in 20 years not regretting it one bit.

Here are some of my bold lip picks:

That's SO Fetch: Mean Girls-Inspired Jewelry

Even though it's been a decent chunk of time since Mean Girls came out, it definitely has a special place in my heart. It's a classic. Plus, it was made when Lindsay Lohan was, for the most part, not ridiculously crazy.

Are you a fan of this classic flick? (I shouldn't really have to ask...if you are reading this blog at all, I'm guessing it's your type of movie). Since I love it so much myself, I was super excited to hear that the lovely jewelry line, Stella and Bow, has created a collection completely based on all the best parts of the coveted movie.

All of the baubles are gorgeous, but of course my absolute favorite piece is their Gretchen Cuff, that reads, "That's so fetch" The bracelet itself is pretty fetch, if I do say so myself. I just love the fact that the cuff looks so dainty and classic, but has an inscription that makes you look twice.

The pieces aren't shipping out until mid-February, but don't fret--you can pre-order any of the items to ensure that you get what you want.

Totally fetch, right?!

Who DOESN'T Need a Bra Bag?!

As a belated Christmas gift, I received the thing I wanted most in the world, and I didn't even know it existed!

It was a gorgeous travel bra bag. Bra bags are apparently all the rage right now and it makes sense. Basically the bags are exactly what they sound like--you use them to keep your bras safe during travel. And the bonus is that there are oodles of adorable designs out there.

This super cute Pink Polka Dot Bra Bag,built much like mine, even includes little mesh pockets inside for panties, jewelry, or any other small accessories you want to throw in with your bras. The case itself is hard, so your bras won't get damaged no matter what. Each case holds roughly 2-3 bras, depending on their size.

Not only are these bags perfecto for their intended use, I also highly suggest using them as an evening clutch. Think about it: you're wearing a classy LBD, with some lovely peep-toe heels, a strand of pearls, and a bag that's shaped like a bra. I think it's a hilarious idea, a great conversation starter, and a fantastic alternative to all of the boring clutches that are out there. I for one know that I'll be using my bra bag quite a few times when I feel like a fun night out on the town.

Be bold! Carry a bra bag!

Each bag is priced anywhere from $14-$50. It really depends on what you're looking for, but the options are endless!

That's a lot of Underwear...

No one likes doing laundry (except for my mother, who most certainly did not pass along that trait to me).  In fact, I probably hate it more than anyone, which is one of the many reasons I own quite a stack 'o undies myself. I've even brag about how I could get by without doing laundry for months at a time, since I own so many pairs...But clearly I am not the queen of all things panty-related, as I used to believe.

The picture above is real. MeUndies, a lovely online undergarment retailer, has taken on the ultimate challenge and is selling The 365-Pack. It includes--you guessed it--365 pairs of underwear. You can literally wear a different pair of underwear every single day of the year.

The site sells this heavenly heap of undergarments for women and men (both come in the "brief" cut), so this is really a great idea for couples. Honestly, I wish I knew about this before Christmas. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't enjoy the gift of an enormous stack of undies. One of my best friends is getting married in May. A set for the bride and a set for the groom? It's the perfect wedding gift if you ask me. Sorry, Heather--if you wanted that cute kitchenware on your registry, you won't be getting it from me!

Now I know what you're thinking--the quality of a huge panty-pile must not be very great. Well, according to every review I've read, they sound crazily comfy, luxurious, and even look totally adorable. IN FACT, the company was nice enough to create this graphic that explains why their briefs are "The Best Undies In The World":

Here's a brief rundown of the briefs (hahahaha oh I'm so hilarious):

• 92% Modal, 8% Elasthane
• 100% Natural from indigenous beech wood
• Antimicrobial
• Low fiber rigidity
• Made in Turkey     

Sounds pretty good, right? One pair of women's briefs are $20. The 365 set is $4,000. So that ends up being a little over $18 per pair. For some reason, then men's briefs are a little cheaper.

Either way, you're paying for convenience. And if your New Years resolution was to wear clean underwear everyday (or if you just like to do that in general), it's not a bad idea.

The only thing that would make it better? If they sold lifetime subscriptions.

Winter Blues

Lately, I've really been having a crazy love affair with blue nail polish.

This pretty OPI hue, I Vant To Be A-lone Star (from way back in their Texas Collection for Spring/Summer 2011), has been the bottle I've been reaching for the most over the past few weeks.

If you aren't familiar with the shade, it's a pale blue creme with silver shimmer. It's not overly shimmery--there's just enough to lighten the color up a bit and the effect is rather icicle-esque. Very pretty.

Even though this is technically a color that should be worn when the weather is nice and warm, I really think it's a fabulous and unique look for the season. It looks so amazingly good that I don't even care if I piss off the nail polish gods.

Because the hue is so light, it looks good with lots of different outfits and looks. I've also been playing around with different silver glitter polishes over the blue, and I've found that you can really glam this color up! You can easily take it to winter wonderland status with a simple glitter swipe (try it on an accent nail before committing to the full look). That said, it also looks classically pretty on its own.

Each bottle usually retails for about $8, depending on where you look. But, I did a little digging and found it for $2.23 on Amazon.com! Huzzah!

Happy painting!

DIY is Totally Fly!

Every once in a while I get super inspired to create things. Sometimes it's a fun new necklace, other times it's a collage, or home decor piece. And honestly? Most of the time whatever I end up making looks like crap. I've just never been much of a DIY person (or so I thought).

Much like other sets that are out there (Birchbox, Ipsy, etc.), Darby Smart's To DIY For boxes are filled to the brim with goodies that arrive in your mailbox once a month. The difference? These sets require some creativity on your part because you actually make something.

Bonus: everything is super easy to make and never takes over an hour to do! From what I've seen, each kit is basically idiot-proof, which is perfect for me!

The monthly gift is also pretty cool because it's a mystery. You don't know what you'll be crafting until you open up the package! And really...who can turn down the allure of a mystery box?! The boxes range from jewelry-making sets to artsy decor to yummy-smelling candles. Everything you make is perfect to use as a gift (or, of course, as a gift to yourself!) These particular sets are $19 per month.

You can also get adorable Darby Girl teen craft sets for $12 each month--and trust me, they're great for adults too!

If you're not into the whole mystery thing, the site also offers up a bunch of DIY boxes that you can choose from and know exactly what you're getting and what you'll be making. My personal fave? Their Fashionista Jewelry Starter Set. It has everything you need to make four totally fashionable bracelets. Another fun one is their Girls Night Purse-anolize It set. It comes with four clutches that you can decorate and blingify as much as you want. It's fun to do with friends, or you can take on all four bags to make yourself and use them as gifts!

No matter what you like, there's a fool-proof DIY way for your to do it! Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

I hope that all my lovely fashionistas--and fashinistos--had a fabulous 2013 and that 2014 is even better!

I can't wait to see what the next year holds. I'm sure there will be oodles of fun fashion trends (and of course a plethora of "fashion faux pas" moments), and I am so excited to be able to share all of it with all of you!

A few of my resolutions for year (the entire list is a bit lengthy for the blog!):

• Write more (that's always a pretty big one on my list!)
• Wear red lipstick more often! It's classic, bold, and simply must be done.
• Take more fashion risks.
• Cut back on my handbag obsession (doubt that will happen, so I'm setting a realistic goal: only one new purse per month. Let's see how long that lasts!! hahaha)
• Spend more time with my lovely family and friends...maybe that should have been number one! ;)

What are your resolutions for the new year? 

Happy 2014!! May it be sassier and classier than years past!