You Need This: A Sparkly Emergency Essentials Kit

If you've ever read this blog, then it shouldn't be a surprise that I love glittery, shiny, sparkly things. So when I came across this Sparkle Mini Emergency Beauty Kit from Tri-Coastal Design, you know I had a seizure of delight!

Yes, I own several "emergency" makeup/beauty kits. And yes, they're all super cute. But I also NEED this one. And I'm guessing you do too (because who wouldn't need a glittery pouch full of beauty savers?!).

The bag is definitely mini and can fit in almost any purse. The glittery, zippered pouch contains bobby pins, clear hair ties, sewing items, flossing picks and manicure essentials.

Here's a picture of what's inside to give you a better idea:




This set is perfect for quick touch-ups on the go, and the glittery pouch adds just the right amount of glamour to your look! You'll definitely be ready for a fashion emergency.

Each kit is a mere $8. This would be a great gift to get for your girlfriends, or any gal in your life (but don't forget to buy one for yourself!)

Enjoy!

The Perfect Holiday Earrings

It's true--I found them! The prettiest holiday earrings can be found at Target. Huzzah! They're SUGARFIX by BaubleBar's Colorful Crystal Drop Earrings with Tassels. So. Amazingly. Gorgeous.

Before I go on and on about my love for these, I have to point out one thing: my mom hates tassels. In any form. I own a couple pairs of earrings that are basically huge, full tassels and my mom has made it no secret that she's not a fan. It's something we have argued about--really. So, mom, I know these have "tassels", but they're so tiny and are only a small detail, so just pretend they're something else. I love you, but I love tassels too!

Okay, that's done!

The tassels are pretty, but they actually aren't the reason for my obsession this time. I really love the way the rich-hued stones look against the dark background. It makes the colors stand out more, and helps give the earrings a vintage feel.

The earrings are about 3" long, so they're large enough to bring some drama, but not so huge that they get in the way or look ridiculous. The earrings are also surprisingly lightweight too, so they're comfortable to wear.

I love how versatile these are too. You can wear them with your fave little black dress for a night out, or pair them with a comfy sweater for a cozy night in. Because they aren't heavy, you can wear these earrings from day to night with ease.

I own a few different items from the Target line of BaubleBar products, and they're all fabulous. They're well-made, practical, and I'm guaranteed to get compliments every time I wear one. What more could you possibly want from a piece of jewelry?!

This pair of earrings retails for $14.99 and can be found at most Target stores, or online.

Happy shopping!

Get Pretty Skin From H2O+ Beauty!

I've been pretty open about my skin woes--if you're a regular reader, you know that my skin is ridiculous. It's dry, flaky, overly sensitive...and just awful. So I'm always terrified to try new skincare products.

Luckily, when I tried out the H2O+ Water-Infused Hydrating Gel Mask, my skin just felt amazing. I really became obsessed with it. Unlike most paper masks, this one was thicker and actually stayed in place. The mask itself was almost sticky, in a good way. I also loved the fact that the mask came in two halves for the top and bottom of your face. I'm always trying to get my other paper masks to stay in place and cover all the right spots, but since most of them are only one piece, it's very difficult to do. The two mask pieces allowed me to apply the mask in the most accurate way possible.

I also tried out the H2O+ Water-Infused Hydrating Gel Eye Mask. It's very similar to the face mask, in the sense that it sticks to your face wherever you place it and it isn't goopy. This eye mask also works wonderfully. I used it before a night out, and when I went to apply my makeup, there was a definite difference. My under-eye area felt so soft and my concealer just glided right on without settling in the baby wrinkles I have under my eyes.

I just LOVED these products!

You can get the Gel Face Mask for $5 and the Eye Mask for $4. They also have lots of sets, so if you buy more, you save.

Happy shopping!!

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.

Fashion Faux Pas: Harry Potter Lingerie

It pains me to write this. Full disclosure: I've never actually watched Harry Potter. But I hated the trailers, clips, and everybody in the world talking about it. So...I feel like I'm informed enough.

I just plain hate it.

So imagine the look of horror on my face when I discovered that there is actually Harry Potter themed lingerie.

I guess I’m wondering what the appeal is. The books and movies are about kids—dorky kids. And I don’t mean that in a nerd-chic kind of way. It just seems like the last thing in the world that would A. make a woman feel sexy, and B. turn on any guy who isn’t a virgin.

I mean, the damn glasses are not included in the set, but they are obviously encouraged! And it’s apparently well-made, or even worse, somehow popular because the set retails for almost $50!

I've asked several guys (who like Harry Potter) if they thought this look was sexy. No one liked it at all. Not even a little bit.

What's interesting, is that the site, Yandy, also offers some cute, non-creepy lingerie. They have a Disney princess line that is a little weird, but for the most part, it isn't a bad site.

But this is certainly a bad outfit for seduction--magic wand and all.

Flowy, Fabulous Frock

I'm totally obsessed with most of the Knox Rose tops at Target, but in all honesty, their Velvet Bell Sleeve Top is my absolute fave.

It's an absolutely gorgeous three-quarter sleeve '90s-ish-inspired top in navy with details of lace and crushed velvet textures. The sleeves are great--I've been seeing a lot of bell sleeves, and while they're pretty, they can get in the way when they're at the wrist. The placement of the sleeve on this is perfect.

I'm also crazy about the cut of this top. It's universally flattering and hides anything you don't want showing, but without looking like a tent-like, shapeless garment. Everything just falls beautifully.

And the color!! It is darker than your normal navy hue. In black, it would probably be a bit too much, but the slight bit of navy is super pretty.

Honestly, the entire collection is beautiful. I'm sure I'll be buying more very soon! As it is, I wanted to save this top for Thanksgiving, and I couldn't even wait a day to wear it. Am I overly obsessed? Clearly. But it's still fabulous!

Each Bell Sleeve Top retails for $27.99.

Happy shopping!

A Bunch of Beauty Blunders

Since I haven't written in a while, I thought it would be appropriate to write about several beauty mistakes that simply make my skin crawl. So take a moment to reflect--and make sure that you don't do any of the following beauty blunders!

Fragrance Overload
If you're anything like me, you've been spraying (and spraying...) the latest Victoria's Secret fragrances since the day they landed on your vanity. But be aware: too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Here are the numbers you need to know: No more than three sprays for an eau de parfum, four for an eau de toilette.
Caked-on Base

Painting on countless layers of foundation, tinted moisturizer, concealer, and powder on your face will rub off on anything you wear. You'll also look ridiculous. Trust me: I had wore super thick foundation in middle school and looked stupid. Never again! Stick with a lightweight foundation, remove any obvious spots of makeup with a damp sponge, and dab concealer just over redness and under eye circles.

 

Overdone Lashes
I'm also guilty of this in my past...I used to pile on a crazy amount of mascara. When poorly done, the Kardashian look you're probably going for can turn into the spidery effect that no one wants. I'm talking scarily clumpy, flaky, and just plain awful. A few falsies applied to the outer corners make your eyes look wide, innocent, and sexy, without looking like they could walk on their own. Also use Disposable Mascara Wands in between coats of mascara! They work amazingly well for this, and they're easy on your wallet.

A Sloppy Shave
Nothing says "I've given up on caring" quite like leg stubble. Shave at night for the most precise finish (your legs swell as you sleep, so you'll miss hairs if you shave in the morning) and use a new blade frequently. Doing this will help you avoid those annoying red razor bumps, and make the job easier.

Sticky Lip Gloss
There are lip glosses that moisturize with a gorgeous sheen, and there are those that are so sticky they could glue together broken glass. Or at least ensure that you always have hair stuck to your lips at all times. Not attractive, and super annoying. Keep your lips kissable with a gloss like Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine—it lasts longer than most and isn't the least bit sticky.

Orange-y Self Tanner
A subtle bronze glow is lovely, but one coat too many and you're suddenly an Oompa Loompa. Play it safe and go for one that's just one shade darker than your natural skin-tone. If you're worried about making a mistake, dilute self-tanner with moisturizer or try a gradual tanning lotion, like Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer.

Stay fabulous, ladies!

My Spanx Adventure

When I was a pretty, young, pre-fashionista, I heard about Spanx. Admittedly, I found the whole idea ridiculous--I was skinny and even if I hadn't been, I assumed Spanx would be very tight and almost hurt. I dismissed the whole body shapewear thing from my life pretty quickly!

But of course now, things are much different.

I'm in my [very, very] early 30s and it's definitely more difficult for me to stay in shape. I was just randomly walking around Target and saw the Spanx display and knew that it was time to give them a go.

I got the Slim Cognito High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short Spanx in black, mainly because they were on sale, and they looked like they would be perfect to wear under my plethora of dresses.I took my brand new Spanx and wore them under a dress that probably would have been unflattering had I not made the leap to Spanx. The shorts are simply amazing!

I first wore them on Mother's Day (I brought a backup outfit just in case!), because I knew I'd be out of my house for a while and I wanted to see how long I could last in the Spanx. Well, it turned out that they were somehow, magically comfortable. I was beyond surprised. In addition to the comfort, they worked fabulously. My bod looked great; everything was tucked in and out of the way.

So, I've officially converted to being a Spanx person! I can easily see myself buying almost all of their items!

The only problem I have with the company is their Spanx for Men collection. I understand that guys can have the same body issues as women, but I'm telling you--if my husband started rockin' them, I'm pretty sure I would leave and never come back!

Check out the entire Spanx site to see all of the different options they have. They are a bit pricey, but they're very well made. You definitely get what you paid for.

Spanx it up, ladies!! I finally approve!

Everything You Need to Have Kissable Lips on Valentine's Day (or just all the time)!

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's time to get your lips in shape for some serious smooching. And honestly, even if you're spending the day without a significant other, you can still enjoy having fresh, clean, and pretty pucker. And who wouldn't want that?!

The first product I'm recommending is patchology's Lip Renewal FlashPatch Lip Gels. The set is $15 and includes five lip patches. They're just like a face mask that's only intended to be used on lips.

I've shared on my blog before how dry and awful my skin is;--and that includes my lips. It is so hard for me to find products that don't hurt my overly sensitive, dry lips and skin. But these lip gels are amazing. Not only did I not experience any irritation, but once it was done, my lips felt incredible. And I don't think I've ever described my lips as being "incredible" before! 'm just loving it!

Once your lips are moisturized and gorgeous to the max, I highly recommend following up with Clinique's Chubby Stick Moisturing Lip Color Balm. Each hue is $17, and they really give your lips vibrant, nourishing color and are loaded with mango and shea butters so your lips feel comfortably soft and smooth. So you get the color and the moisture!

Currently, Clinique has a super cute Crayola Chubby Lip Crayon Box (Limited Edition) for $49.50. With this set, you get eight different colored Chubby Sticks in a kit that does look like a fun box of crayons. I mean, I'd rather have the cute, and gorgeous-looking Chubby Sticks than crayons. They're basically like crayons for makeup-loving gals like myself.

AND there's one more fun piece of info: Clinique currently has a gift with purchase available to anyone who spends $27 or more on Clinique products at Nordstrom. So it's definitely worth it to spend a little extra on the products, because below is what you get for free after spending $27:

The GWP containts some great products that I'm already in love with, and some new ones--it's a good mix. You also don't need a code for it; the GWP will automatically show up in your shopping bag once you've spent enough to qualify for it.  Here's what comes with the gift:

• Deluxe samples of Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream (1 oz.)
• Smart Custom-Repair Serum (0.34 oz.)
• Chubby in the Nude Foundation Stick in Voluptous Vanilla (0.12 oz.)
• Blended Face Powder in Invisible Blend (0.16 oz.)
• Pop Lip Colour in Sweet Pop
• High Impact Mascara in Black (0.14 oz.)
• a dot-print cosmetics bag

Not bad, right?! Take advantage of this deal while you can, and get your pretty pout ready for some h-core kissing.

Actually. now that I think of it, grab some Tic Tacs or something too. That's never a bad idea.

And there you are--all the important ingredients for the perfect Valentine's Day pucker.

Happy smooching, pretties!