Song of the Day

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve by atrpcevski3 featuring a tuxedo blazer

Holiday Nails with Essie Luxeffects!

A couple of weeks ago, I picked up two of Essie's Luxeffects polishes. I think these are relatively new (they're the Holiday 2011 collection, so I guess that's as new as they could be) and I absolutely love them. Essie intends these polishes to be used a topcoat (which I didn't...Seche Vite goes on top of everything for me), and they add a seriously beautiful effect to any polish color. The two that I purchased are Set In Stones and Shine of the Times. Set In Stones is a silver glitter with hexagonal and micro-particle pieces, and Shine of the Times is an iridescent, almost opalescent flakey glitter. 

Both are stunning, especially when layered over another polish shade; I stuck to dark base shades so that the glitters would be more prominent (Russian Navy underneath the silver glitter, and Black Onyx underneath the gold). I tried to go for a snowflake-y thing with Set In Stones...I'm not sure if it turned out as well as I would've hoped, but it's still pretty. Oh, and excuse me for the sorry state of my cuticles in both pictures - yuck!

I'm usually a fan of glitters only in the wintertime, and I think the new Essie Luxeffects are a really pretty way to make your nails look more festive. Do you like glitter polishes? Have you tried any of these? Leave comments below and let me know what you think! Xx

Katy Perry's hair! Ahh!

This is literally going to be a teeny tiny post, but I just saw this picture and I had to share. Katy Perry recently switched up her hair game (again) and I absolutely love her new look.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not Katy Perry's biggest fan, but I do think her music is fun and I love her creativity. The violet hair was fun and shocking, sure, but this new look is extremely pretty without all of the craziness. She's still got some fun pink color in there, and the length is extremely sassy. Her makeup here is also stunning: bronzy and dramatic, without being cakey or overwhelming (let's face it, Katy Perry has been extremely guilty of cake-face in the past, evidence here and here).

So while I'm not planning on chopping and bleaching my hair any time soon, I find this new look very inspiring. Katy Perry isn't one to stick to one hair style for long, so it's always entertaining to see what she comes up with next. What do you think of this new 'do? Leave comments below! Xx

TIGI Cosmetics, Part 3 - Lip Color

On to the third installation of swatching all of the TIGI Cosmetics I can get my hands on. Today, I present lip colors. First, let's take a looksie at some Decadent Lipsticks! These lipsticks are described as having a "long lasting formula" with "no shine." TIGI also recommends using this color as a "lip stain, blusher, or even eyeshadow base" which kind of skeeves me out. I don't think I'd ever use a lipstick as an eyeshadow base. These lipsticks are super creamy and pigmented, and don't seem to rub off. Bliss, Faith, and Finesse are all amazing. Beauty is the strangest shade; it reminds me of a sheer version of Chanel's Paradoxal nail polish, if that makes sense. The only issue with the lipsticks, and one that might bother you if you're sensitive to this sort of thing, is the smell. They have a very strong lipsticky/waxy smell that you'd probably relate to kids' play makeup. The top photo is kind of horrible, as it doesn't show the iridescent shimmer in some of the shades. Click here to see an alternate photo which showcases this a bit more.

Top photo, from left to right: Decadent Lipstick in Gossip, Splendor, Bliss, Fierce, Honesty, Peace, and Happiness. Bottom photo, from left to right: Beauty, Faith, Loyalty, Power, Passion, Finesse, and Luxury.

Below, Lip Cremes, which contain antioxidants and emollients to keep lips moisturized. These come with a felt tip, twist-up applicator. These lip colors are very creamy, and most shades have some type of shimmer, with the exception of Miami and Manhattan. The formula is sticky and thick, but it doesn't feel uncomfortable. I think these are very pretty.

From left to right: Lip Creme in Maui, Monaco, Malibu, Madrid, Miami, and Manhattan.

And last but not least, Luxe Lipgloss. These glosses are super shiny and moisturizing. The glosses either have a peppermint or vanilla (smells more like chocolate, though) fragrance. Dumb Blonde is a clear gloss, and Superficial and Diamonds & Pearls both apply clear with gold and silver glitter, respectively. Goddess is the only shade that contains no frost or shimmer.

From left to right: Luxe Lipgloss in Superstar, Superficial, Your Highness, Goddess, Foxy, Dumb Blonde, and Diamonds & Pearls.

All of the TIGI lip products are impressive. They pack a lot of color and shine, and they all stay on well. As I said before, the only problem is the smell of the lipsticks, but if that is something you can ignore, go for it! If you've previously tried any of these products, leave comments below and let me know what you think! Phew, I just realized this was a wordy post. 

Oh, and happy Monday everyone! I hope this week goes by fast so we can get to all of the Thanksgiving festivities, hehe! Remember to vote in my poll below, please and thank you! Look for more posts this week on my latest beauty purchases, including foundations, lipstick and more. Talk to you soon! Xx

Song of the Day

To Vlog or Not To Vlog, That is the Question!

Happy Sunday my darlings! I've been tinkering around with the idea of starting a YouTube channel where I can post reviews, tutorials and such for a little while now. First, I'd love to know if that's something you would be interested in! Help me out and let me know what you think of the idea. Take the poll below! Thank you! Xx

Would you like to see YouTube videos/tutorials?

TIGI Cosmetics, Part 2 - Liners & Cream Shadows

So here it is, the first of a huuuge batch of TIGI Cosmetics swatches. I'll present all of the products a few at a time. Next week, I'll work on lip and shadow products. For today, we'll start with Pencil Liners.

Click to enlarge either photo!

From left to right: Eye Pencils in Black, Brown, Royalty, Blue, Peacock, Green, and Lip Pencils in Nude, Decaf, Espresso, Kiss, Couture.

And below, Long Wearing Creme Eyeshadows, followed by Black Patent Liquid Liner and the Precision Black Eyeliner Pen.

From left to right: Long Wearing Creme Eyeshadows in Bubbly, Brown Sugar, Purple, Playful, Imperial Grey, Black Patent Liquid Liner, and the Precision Black Eyeliner Pen.

The first thing I can say about all of these products is the longevity of wear. When I first played with the liners and cream shadows on Wednesday, they stayed on even after washing my hands several times. Today, it took some pretty heavy scrubbing to get all of the swatches off. 

I like the color selection of the eye pencils, especially Royalty, which is a pretty royal bluish purple with a touch of shimmer. Peacock seems a little electric for me, and Black isn't as intense as I'd probably like. The lip pencils are a nice texture, but I think the color selection could be a little more exciting. All of the lip pencils lean a little brown. The pencils are all very creamy and blendable, and they come with a little smudge tip on the other end. 

Cream shadows are not my favorite, so these aren't really an exception. As you can see from the swatches, it's hard to get the perfect amount on the applicator (which is a sponge tip). There is a nice variation of colors, though (I think the Imperial Grey shade is my favorite, followed by Bubbly). The Black Patent Liquid Liner is nice and shiny and black! It doesn't bleed, unlike the Precision Black Eyeliner Pen, which doesn't carry as much pigment as a black liquid liner should.

All in all, I really like the eye and lip pencils. The cream shadows are nice, but not anything to get too excited about. I'm partial to my MAC Fluidline eye liner, so I don't see myself switching to these liquid liners anytime soon. Let me know what you think of these products in the comments below, and let me know what you want to see next! Xx

BeachMint

BeachMint is an e-commerce site hosted by celebrities including Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Kate Bosworth, Jessica Simpson, and Rachel Bilson. I've become a little obsessed with BeachMint's individual shops, which feature really beautiful clothing and jewelry for low, low prices. You can sign up for $29.95 USD a month and choose which pieces you like, or skip the month completely if you're not crazy about anything. Go to www.beachmint.com to start exploring. Happy shopping!

TIGI Cosmetics, Part 1 (of a million, I'm sure)

Imagine the ecstasy that came over me today when I walked into the salon and my manager pointed out what seemed to be a beauty mirage. But no! It was real! I could reach out and touch it! The beautiful white plastic display sparkled like a priceless diamond. It was...


TIGI Cosmetics. Oh lordy, did I let out a scream! I was giddy like a six year-old on Christmas morning. I think I may have shed a single tear. Not really, but it felt like it was coming. And here it is!


Shadows and glosses and brushes galore. I've decided to swatch and review all of the products here over the next week or so, and present them here in separate posts. Let me know in the comments below if that's something you'd like to see, or if there is any product in particular you're curious about. I can't wait to get my hands on it all!

Song of the Day

Urban Kandy Accessories!

I'm very excited to share my dear friend Anggie's online store with you all. It's called Urban Kandy Accessories, and it's got loads of beautiful costume jewelry, handbags, iPhone cases, and more. Best of all, the prices are ah-may-zing! Take a look at some of the unique and fabulous pieces she's offering currently:

There are a ton more, and I know you'll love it all. Visit http://urbankandyaccessories.com (perfect in time for holiday shopping!) and let me know what you pick up! Lots of love!

Luxor The "Wet" Brush

My hair is not particularly tangly. On a bad day, I've got to tug a brush through my hair extra hard, but usually it just glides right through. I'm lucky that way, I guess.

My sister Melissa, on the other hand, has hair that gives me nightmares. I swear, she spends a half hour combing her hair out after she washes it. It looks painful. I've read about "The Tangle Teezer" a million times, and it looked like a beacon of hope in a sea of knots and tangles. I am just too lazy to order one, however, and decided to purchase The "Wet" Brush by Luxor instead. We carried them in my salon for a short period of time (I mean short...I'm talking a week or so), and I'll be honest: the packaging was hideous. It looked like it stepped straight out of the 90s. I took a chance though, and I'm so glad I did.

After washing my hair last night, I could tell it would be knotty upon brushing. Imagine my delight when this brush glided through the tangles like a hot knife through butter. It was magical. It felt great on my scalp, through my ends, everywhere. I knew this brush got my seal of approval when Melissa loved it too. Her testimonal: "It rips through tangles but didn't make my damaged ends break off." I probably wouldn't use the word "rip," but hey. It combats tangles like Dwight D. Eisenhower! (Stupid joke, I'm aware.) The best part is, it's cheap as heck. You can buy it here for less than $7 USD. I recommend this brush even if your hair isn't a knotted mess. It's a great brush, and it's gentle on the hair. My one caveat? It isn't the most effective brush on dry hair. When hair is wet, I give it two thumbs up.

Have you tried The "Wet" Brush yet? Do you swear by another brush or comb? Leave comments below and tell me what you think! Xx

Dior J'adore

I just had to post this because I think it is an amazing short film and representation of J'adore by Dior. I wish all cosmetic and fragrance commercials were as special as this one.

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Intense Eyeshadow

Hi dolls! I know you're probably starting to hate me for lack of updates, but I promise, many many new posts coming soon.

So I recently got my hands on Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Intense Eyeshadow, which isn't necessarily a new product, but something I have been obsessing over since I first heard of it! These shadows are extremely pigment-packed, smooth, and stay on for ages. It's definitely the most luxe eyeshadow I've ever tried. The color payoff is amazing, and while the range of colors isn't anything groundbreaking, each shade is absolutely beautiful. Here are my four favorites:

Left to right: (4) Pulp Fiction, (2) Lust Red, (7) Sweet Fire, (5) Gold Blitz

As a longtime lover of gold eyeshadows, (5) Gold Blitz is exactly what I'm always looking for. It's a deep, rich, almost bronzy-gold shade that looks beautiful on it's own or with darker shadows.

Here's what this shadow looks like in its pot. Pretty marbleized colors coming together to create one fabulous shade. While the container seems small, it holds a good amount of product. With such strong color payoff using a teensy amount of product, I can see this lasting a while. Eyes To Kill shadows are definitely a luxurious product, and one will set you back $32 USD. I think it's a worthwhile splurge, and I can't wait to get my hands on a few more.

Have you tried Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Intense Eyeshadows? What are your thoughts? Would you spend 32 dollars for one shadow? Leave comments! Xx

Song of the Day

Yellow Nails

While my nail polish collection is adventurous, I am not.  I'm always buying a million different colors, but usually stick to black, blue-black, purple-black...you get the idea.  When I saw Kimora Lee Simmons on "Fashion Police" wearing a cobalt blue dress and sunshine yellow nails, I instantly became obsessed with this unusual (albeit trendy) look and knew I had to try it.  So begins my foray into nail colors that are not shades of black.

I went to Walgreen's and picked up this Sally Hansen nail polish. It's Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in Mellow Yellow.  I wasn't sure if I wanted to go for a really neon, highlighter yellow shade, but I went with this true yellow.  I'm kind of a polish snob, as I have this notion that drugstore polishes don't go on as well and aren't as opaque as higher-end brands.  As you can tell in the picture, this polish probably needed three coats to be super opaque, but it wore really well.  I can't tell you exactly how long it wears, as I have a bad habit of picking my nail polish off after a couple of days.  If you're feeling the look but don't want to spend a ton on what will probably be a short lived trend, I recommend this polish, which cost less than three dollars.

Are yellow nails something you would try, or are you more of a polish traditionalist?  Let me know what your favorite summer polish shade is in the comments! Xx

Korres Monoi Oil Bronzing Powder

Some bronzers run the risk of turning my face a horrible shade of red.  This was the case with my MAC Cosmetics bronzing powder, which, when I applied to my whole face, made me look extremely hot.  The giant particles of unflattering glitter didn't help, either.  And so I began a search for a new bronzer that will give me color without making me look like I just ran a mile.  I believe I found a winner in Korres Monoi Oil Bronzing Powder in 2 Sunglow Warm.

Korres is a natural beauty brand from Athens, Greece.  That means this bronzer is made without parabens, mineral oil, or any other synthetic ingredient that will irritate your skin.  Monoi oil, in case anyone was curious, comes from the petals of Tahitian gardenias soaked in coconut oil.  I found this interesting.  I was first attracted to the pretty color of the bronzer; it's a pretty gold shade that is mostly matte (there is a minuscule amount of shimmer in the actual powder that doesn't show up on your face) without being chalky.  There are no red undertones, which makes me extremely happy.  I know this will probably sound strange, but the powder actually smells good.  It smells kind of nutty, but reminds me of vacation.  When I apply this bronzer to my whole face, I get a pretty, subtle glow that doesn't look like I've piled on a ton of product.  I use the bareMinerals Flawless Application Face Brush to apply.

The packaging of this product is okay, but nothing too exciting.  I find the plastic to be a little flimsy, like something you'd find in a cheaper brand from a drugstore.  I do like the large mirror inside, though.  Even with the less than stellar packaging, I would still recommend this bronzing powder.  It retails for $28 USD for .39 ounces (a decent amount of product).  You can purchase it at Sephora by clicking here.

Korres Bronzing Powder on my skin; subtle, but very pretty.

Song of the Day

In honor of all things fabulous.

Summer Foundation

While it's important to practice good sun habits (like using sunscreen every day), it's unusual that a person's skin tone will stay the same shade throughout the year.  I, for example, have olive skin regardless of the season, but my paleness in the dead of winter contrasts greatly with the glow I get over the summer.  I noticed when I returned from Florida (back in February) that my usual MAC NW25 foundation was too light, although it was perfectly suitable a week before.  I've been using that foundation every day, but as summer approaches, I know NW25 won't cut it.  That's why I decided to purchase a summer foundation.

Take Vanessa Hudgens, for example.  Here she is (above), in all of her beautiful olive-skinned glory, but looking a bit paler than we usually see her.

While I'm sure her skin tone in the picture on the right is the result of a few encounters with an airbrush machine, anyone can see that the same shade of foundation would never suit both skin tones shown here.

Besides modifying every aspect of her makeup (frosty light pink lips are traded for a juicy rose gloss, pinky-coral blush takes place of a nearly naked face), the most obvious change is her tan.

I, for one, will be switching to NW35 in my favorite foundation, MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Foundation.

Take a look below!  Although it seems like only a subtle change, using a slightly darker foundation shade will really warm up your face over the summer months.  It may seem like a waste of money to buy a second bottle of foundation, but the customization you'll get (switching shades, mixing them together) will really make it worth your while.

Did you switch foundation for the summer?  What are your winter and summer shades? Leave comments!! Xx

Friday Night Thoughts

Hi Dolls!

I know I haven't updated in a while, this has been a pretty busy week with school and work (and my birthday, which was on Tuesday, yay!).  I promise I will do a bunch of new posts this week, filled with lots of fun stuff and new products I've purchased (skincare, makeup, SHOES!).

For all of you who love Benefit Cosmetics as much as I do, my friend Suhaima is selling some amazing products at amazing prices.  You can check it out here.

And on a more serious note, I'm sure you're all well aware of the tragic natural disasters happening in Japan.  Watching all of the news is heartbreaking, and I'm very lucky and thankful that I am able to close my computer and turn off the television when I don't want to hear anymore; for the people of Japan, this is very real, and there is no way to turn it off.  I think it's important that we all keep our thoughts focused on helping Japan, and reaching out in any way possible.  Looking to contribute?  Start by texting "REDCROSS" to 90999.  This will donate $10 to Red Cross (which will be added to your phone bill).  

That's all for now, just a few things I thought I'd share with you!  I hope everyone has an excellent weekend, and keep on the lookout for new posts coming up soon.  Xx

Song of the Day

Inside My Makeup Bag

Earlier this week I did a post on being organized, and after carefully pruning out my makeup bag, I have finally restricted it to simply the essentials.  I used to carry everything with my in my makeup bag; I'm talking eyeshadow palettes, a million lipglosses and lipsticks, tinted moisturizer, etc.  Now I store these things in my basket or in my train case at home, and keep things that I know I use on-the-go in my makeup bag.  Here's a look inside my makeup bag and what I carry with me:

How cute is that makeup bag? A fabulous gift from my best friend Viktorija.

Rosebud Salve - As I've said before, I'm mildly obsessed with Rosebud Salve.  It works wonders on my chapped lips, but leaves a pretty sheen.

Clear Eyes Eye Drops - Even though I've been wearing glasses almost every day lately, I do occasionally wear my contact lenses, and every time I do, my eyes get super dry.  I try to use these throughout the day to keep my eyes from falling out, ha ha.

Jane Iredale Active Light Concealer - I use this concealer for the dark circles around my eyes, and I love it.  I've got dark eyelids too, and this is creamy enough to highlight and cover.  And the pen apparatus is very convenient.

MAC Cosmetics Blush in Dollymix - Bright pink in the container, perfect flushed color on my cheeks. I use the MAC Cosmetics #129 Brush to apply.

Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Powder Foundation - Oily skin becomes a problem throughout the day, and this powder works wonders on getting rid of shine.  I carry the Bare Escentuals Full Flawless Face brush to apply this powder, instead of the sponge it comes with.

CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara and L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara - I always like wearing two mascaras.  L'Oreal Voluminous is my favorite because it's buildable and super dark.  I like to experiment with the second mascara I wear, and the CoverGirl was my latest try.  It's not amazing, but I don't hate it.

Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner - Rimming my eyes with black liner is an easy and quick look.

So there you have it, my essentials for a beautiful day.  What's in your makeup bag?  Are you due for a makeup bag overhaul like I was?

Monday is here, and I hope everyone has a wonderful week.  Xx

Academy Awards Beauty

The Academy Awards!  The Oscars!  Whatever you want to call them, the Academy Awards are the Holy Grail of Hollywood events, the highlight of award season, and the most exciting night of my life, ha ha.  I, of course, posted up for my annual Oscar celebration in the comfort of my living room, and could not be more excited to watch the show.  I feel that the celebs on the red carpet departed from traditional style this year, with many of the ladies choosing column dresses and leaning toward avant-garde styles.  Not to say that I didn't find any of the looks beautiful, but I am more of a traditionalist and would have loved to see a ball gown or two (or an updo!).  This evening, the Academy Awards churned out the usual stunners: Mila Kunis was tan and radiant, opting for a softer look than she has lately, and Amy Adams was a picture of perfection with brushed-out waves and a sparkling gown.  And how about all of the red!  Definitely the color of the year.  Of course, with the good comes the bad.  Jennifer Hudson sported a hideously lopsided updo, and Reese Witherspoon looked like she went out and bought a ponytail clip instead of styling her hair.  Tonight, I chose three favorite looks: Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence, and Halle Berry.

The lovely host Anne Hathaway had a million costume changes, and each was more beautiful than the last.  Here she is on the red carpet, sporting a loose, low bun, porcelain skin, and ruby lips.  I really think the lighter hair shade suits her well.  Anne followed the most basic rule of keeping the rest of her face relatively simple when wearing a red lip.  For a similar look, try Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color in Smoke Red.

Talk about a bombshell!  Jennifer Lawrence evoked Scarlett Johansson (circa Golden Globes 2006) in a long red column gown, loose blonde waves, and a sexy smoky eye.  It's no secret that I am a giant fan of big hair, and Jennifer goes for lush volume without looking over-the-top (pay attention Reese!).  The eye color here is soft, smoky, and sultry.  Want to try it?  I'd suggest MAC Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Satin Taupe.

Halle always looks flawless, if you ask me.  I like her return to the cropped hairstyle (I didn't think long curls did much for her).  This evening, Halle opted for bronze tones, choosing to go heavy on the shadow and light on the lips.  I would love to try this look on myself soon.  If you would too, try NARS Single Eyeshadow in Galapagos.

Did you watch the Academy Awards?  No surprises as far as the awards go, I know!  What were your favorite looks?

Photos from Getty and Wire Images

I need to get ORGANIZED!

I am running out of places to keep things.  I have my train case for all of my makeup, my makeup bag for things I use when I'm out, but I hate lugging around a million things that I only use once a day.  In an attempt to get myself a little more organized, I've acquired this cute basket from Michael's to keep my everyday items together.  I'm talking primer, face lotion, foundation, etc. etc.  Rather than allowing everything to pile up on the bathroom counter, I figured this would be a good way to keep these items within easy access.

Next up is nail polishes.  I have a million, and I just throw them in some plastic tub and forget they exist.  It's sad!  I need a better system.

How do you organize your beauty products?  Do you keep everyday items separate from the rest of your stash?  How about your nail polishes?  I need some inspiration, people!

Today is Friday, yay! I hope everyone has a safe and fun weekend.  Xx

Happy Wednesday

Photo from Keep Calm Gallery

A little more love...

My friend Anggie (who does wonderful nails) gave herself a Valentine's Day themed manicure, so I just had to share!

So festive.  I love them!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day dolls!  I know many people have a lot of pessimism toward Valentine's Day, but I think a day dedicated to love and romance can't be a bad thing (even if it means spending lots of money, ha ha).  So in honor of Valentine's Day, I've composed a little list of things that can make this day a bit more festive!

1.Physician's Formula Happy Booster™Glow & Mood Boosting Blush- What a long name for such a small product!  This blush claims to enhance your mood using plant extracts and violet fragrance; I'm not sure if that actually works, but the pretty pink color is enough to get me smiling!

2.Diptyque Kuntzel Deygas Candle Duo- Nothing says love like this romantic pairing of two harmonious scents.  The packaging is stylishly adorable, and the rose scents will surely please any romantic.

3.MAC Lipstick in Impassioned- The name says it all!  This bright yet wearable pink will make your smile a little brighter and leave the cutest kiss marks on your significant other, ha ha.



4.ASOS "Love" Earrings- These cute studs are simple but speak volumes.  Cursive gold letters let everyone know what you're looking for this Valentine's Day.

5.OPI Nail Lacquer in I Think In Pink- One of my favorite shades.  Sheer, pretty pink that still packs a punch.  Wear it on your nails to make a statement when you're blowing kisses to your Valentine.


 Well there you go, a few things to ensure you have a sweet Valentine's Day.  Tell those who are close to you that you love them, and be happy!  Have a great day! Xx

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Working at a hair salon has resulted in my addiction to hair products.  I am always buying new products as soon as we get them, even if I don't necessarily need it (hello, my annoyingly soft hair does not need MoroccanOil, but does that stop me from getting it? NO).  Even though I bought dry shampoo, I never really jumped on the bandwagon; I didn't see enough of a difference to continue buying it (I used TIGI's Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo).  I couldn't resist, though, when one of the lovely ladies I work with started using Oribe products.  I had to try something from the line, and luckily, my introduction was the Dry Texturizing Spray.

 I'm not really sure if it's technically a "dry shampoo"; Oribe's website describes it as an "invisible dry spray [that] builds in incredible volume and sexy texture."  Let me tell you! Whether I use it in clean or dirty hair, I definitely see a difference.  When I spray it into my clean hair, I get loads of volume and my style stays in place.  Using it in dirty hair allows me to gather my hair in pretty buns and ponytails or restyle it loose and down.  The smell is really nice but sometimes comes off a little strong.  And the packaging is absolutely beautiful!

If you're looking for a dry shampoo but are turned off by the idea of white, powdery sprays, I would recommend Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray.  This product doesn't come cheap: one can (8.5 oz) will set you back 39 dollars.  But hey, for some of us, you can't put a price on good hair!!

Sorry for the long pause!

Hi everyone!  I just wanted to quickly apologize for being M.I.A., but I was in Miami all week!  Let me just tell you, it was an amazing time and the weather was phenomenal.  I haven't really had a break since I've been home yet, but rest assured I will be updating with new posts this week.  Maybe I'll post some pictures from my trip too!

I hope everyone is having a fabulous Wednesday.  The week is halfway over, yay! Xx

Song of the Day

Kind of a weird video, but an awesome cover of my favorite Jay-Z song.  I love Hugo.

"Like" me on Facebook!

Just a quick post for today.  I wanted to let you all know that I just made a Facebook page, so if you enjoy reading my blog, please "like" it on Facebook!




Happy Monday dolls!

SAG Awards Beauty

If any of you read my Golden Globes Beauty post, you know I am absolutely obsessed with awards shows.  Tonight the Screen Actors Guild Awards were presented on TNT, and I have to say I was kind of underwhelmed.  January Jones and Natalie Portman both tried retro, sculpted wave hairstyles that were far from thrilling.  Claire Danes had a ton of shine going on: great on your hair, not on your face (I died for Claire's dress, though!).  Don't get me wrong, there were some amazing looks coming from the stars; Jennifer Lawrence, Sofia Vergara, Hilary Swank and Heather Morris all looked stunning.  The best beauty looks belonged to Mila Kunis and Amy Adams.

Besides Mila's highlights (which are absolutely amazing), her smoky eyes never fail.  I'd go so far as to say she has the best eye makeup in Hollywood.  She offset her green eyes with tons of blackened navy eyeliner and soft grey shadow.  She finished the look with a pale pink lip that isn't too matte or chalky.  For a similar look, I'd suggest MAC Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Print.

Next up is Amy Adams, who was one of my favorites simply because of her amazing pony tail.  I am a sucker for a sleek pony, and this is one of the best I've seen.  Amy usually sticks to a subdued makeup palette (I don't think I've ever seen her do anything too wild except for red lips), which is wonderful because she always looks polished and fresh.  To create a beautifully smooth pony, try L'Oreal Texture Expert Smooth Essence styling cream to start, and finish with Infinium 3 working spray.

I'm really looking forward to seeing all of the wonderful looks at the Academy Awards on February 27th.  What were your favorite looks at the Screen Actors Guild Awards?  Your least favorite?  Leave a comment and let me know!

Photos from Getty Images

Candles

Lately I've had this weird thing for candles.  Not only do they look pretty, but I like the idea of a nice fragrance throughout an entire room.  I've been searching for a candle that smells amazing...I'm either looking for a gourmand fragrance or something clean and fresh (I know, opposite ends of the spectrum).  I liked Henri Bendel's Quince candle, but I feel like the fragrance wasn't as strong as I'd like.  After some browsing online, I was intrigued by Tocca candles, especially the Cleopatra scent.  36 dollars might be a little steep for a candle, but if it smells as good as the reviews say, I think it's worth it.

Have any of you tried Tocca candles?  What do you think of the scent, overpowering or luxurious?  What's your favorite home fragrance?

Happy Friday!

The Pond's Experiment- My Results

I started out the Pond's Experiment with lots of hope and excitement.  Unfortunately, after two weeks of using Pond's daily, I have to change my tune.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised when the first ingredient listed is mineral oil.  The first week of using it, my skin was looking glowy and clear.  I ignored the weird film that Pond's left on my face, usually getting my skin squeaky clean with toner.  I used a washcloth to get Pond's off, and then switched to cotton pads, thinking it would be easier instead of using a new washcloth every night.  I think that transition made a big difference; the towel helped to exfoliate and remove the film, while the cotton pads just kind of removed my makeup.  Initially using Pond's felt kind of glamorous and old-school, but soon I found it tedious...and trust me, sometimes I get too lazy to make a big production out of washing my face.

On to week two of using Pond's.  I tried to blame the breakout I experience on the Ole Henriksen mask, but when more and more pimples were popping up, I thought Pond's had something to do with it.  And then the flaking!  Because Pond's is so oil-heavy, it didn't do anything to help my already oily face.  So I was SHOCKED when my face suddenly got really dry and flaky; maybe I was overcompensating for the oil by using too much toner.  All in all, my skin was acting wacky.  And I didn't feel like dealing with it anymore.

But not all is lost!  I do sincerely think that Pond's is an excellent makeup remover or pre-cleanser, something I can use to get all of my makeup off when I do dramatic or makeup-heavy looks.  I just think a cleanser that comes off with water is the best thing for your skin.  So during my weekly waste-money-on-who-knows-what trip to Target, I spied this cleanser by Neutrogena.  It's called Visibly Even Foaming Cleanser, and it's supposed to help with dark spots (which I definitely have from being a serial skin-picker) and dull skin.  Before I jump the gun and tell you I love it or hate it, I'll give it a few weeks.  Here's hoping!!

Golden Globes Beauty

I absolutely adore awards show season!  As we all know, the Golden Globes were presented tonight on NBC (I was so excited that "The Social Network" won Best Picture- Drama, it was definitely my favorite of the year).  I watched in awe as the beautiful celebrities arrived wearing fabulous gowns and looking as great as ever.  I think a lot of celebs stepped their game up this year.  Catherine Zeta-Jones, Eva Longoria, Anne Hathaway and Natalie Portman were my favorite looks of the evening.  As far as beauty goes, I was really impressed with Jennifer Lopez and Emma Stone.

Seriously, how fabulous is J. Lo?  Her makeup is always flawless, and tonight was no exception.  Her dress was quite detailed, so I like how she avoided a complex hairstyle and decided to go for a sleek pony.  A silver smoky eye was the main focus of her face.  Even when other celebs try to tone down their makeup, Jennifer Lopez believes in old-school glamour.  I love it.  Trying to copy the look?  I'd suggest MAC Cosmetics Pigment in Platinum.

On the opposite end of the beauty spectrum is Emma Stone.  Her beauty look was much more demure, but stunning nonetheless.  Emma shows how you can coordinate your makeup to your dress without overdoing it.  The peach tone of her dress is enhanced by peach cheeks and light lips.  I like to call the color of her dress "Myrtle Beach peach"; it reminds me of Myrtle Beach t-shirts my parents bought us in the early 90's.  I know her thing is to be a redhead, but I enjoy her blonde hair- it suits her!  If you want to try the look, I'd suggest NARS Blush in Deep Throat.

While all of the ladies (and gentlemen!) looked great, these two really hit home runs for me.  What were your favorite looks from the Golden Globes? 

Photos from Yahoo and Getty Images

Ole Henriksen Firm Action Mask: My Review

Skincare has kind of been my obsession lately.  I think that clear, beautiful skin is the most important aspect of great makeup; it's your canvas, so treat it with care.  My latest acquisition was the Firm Action Mask by Ole Henriksen.  My sister Adrienne uses products by Ole Henriksen and she seems to really enjoy them, so I was excited to try this mask.  I feel bad saying it, but I was kind of underwhelmed.


The first thing I noticed was the smell, which is supposed to be "aromatic", but I found it kind of cloying and strong; too much scent to be sitting on my face, right under my nostrils.  The texture is similar to your typical clay mask, but dries slower and to a much harder finish.  I'm talking feels-like-you-have-a-stone-mask-on finish.  The label instructs you to keep the mask on for 30 minutes, which kind of seemed like a long time to me.  Maybe I'm just used to face masks staying on for 15 minutes before I'm good to go.

 Don't get me wrong, once I rinsed the mask off, my skin felt smooth, but I just felt super dry and tight!  My skin is pretty oily, but I think this overcompensated and just sucked any moisture I had out of my face.  Knock on wood, since I began the Pond's Experiment, I feel like my skin was looking great! (I'll post my final evaluation of Pond's next week)  But yesterday, I noticed some pretty obnoxious blemishes creeping up on my forehead and chin.  Product of this face mask?  I'm not sure, but I wasn't impressed enough to give it another chance.  The price of the Ole Henriksen mask isn't bad ($27 USD), so if you feel like you could use some drying action, give it a try.  Otherwise, I'd say skip it.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Be safe! xox