Friday Beauty - Pretty in Pinks

It's been a while since I've blogged about anything beauty. To be perfectly honest, I haven't really done anything super beautiful around here lately. I rarely wear makeup anymore, I hardly get the chance to paint my nails, and I only wear lipstick when taking blog photos. I'm a fraud. A sham. But I've never claimed to be a beauty expert. I just simply blog about the things I've tried, dislike, and truly love.

So when I opened the recent Sandra Lee magazine, a magazine I purchase monthly, and saw their Blooming Beauty spread, I was inspired! It's all about pretty little pink cosmetics to try and I want to try them all! Then it got me thinking about the pinks that I use often in the spring and summer, so I created a little college of all things pink! Read on....

I love MAC lipsticks and one of my favorite spring colors is Girl About Town (upper left corner). It's actually the first bright pink I ever purchased and I never looked back! And if I'm wearing it on my lips, I should probably wear it on my nails! Girl About Town comes in a nail lacquer and I'm so excited!! But I'm loving Show Orchid (bottom right corner) that was featured in Sandra Lee. It verges on purple, but it's simply lovely! Lastly, I really want to try their Playland Casual Colour in Young At Heart. It's a lip and cheek color in one, which is definitely a must-have for your handbag cosmetics! Nothing like a multipurpose touch up in a cute little tub!

When I get to polish my nails, I gravitate toward pinks for spring. Essie is a go-to and Cascade Cool is new for spring (bottom left corner), one I love wearing for a subtle hint of color. For a big pop of color, I'm loving the new Love Sheen from their Silk Watercolors collection (upper right corner). 

I'm a huge Clinique fan. As you all know, I swear by their 3-Step cleansing program and I frequently wear their cosmetics. They now have a cheek contouring palette that I would love to play with. I'm not sure how to contour, so I'm thinking I need a tutorial, and I'm totally up for the challenge. And those cute little pods are dual-sided lip treats that have a sugar-smoothing scrub on one side and a tinted moisturizing balm on the other. And the Pink Framboise is gorgeous!

Actually, all these shades of pink are gorgeous and there is no way you won't be pretty in pink. Side note: Did you know that this year is the 30th anniversary of Pretty in Pink? One of the best 80s movies, in my opinion, and who didn't love Duckie Dale!?! 

Okay, I digress. Are any of these hues going to be on your spring and summer makeup radar? I know they are on mine! Seriously, I can't wait to test out some of these products and report back. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it right?

Happy Friday, Beauties!

A Chic Cape

Cape: Ann Taylor (similar); T-Neck: French Connection (fun option); Jeans: Joe's Jeans; 

Handbag: Pour la Victoire (great bag); Boots: Rockport; Shades: Karen Walker via Gilt; 

Necklaces: Stella & Dot; Lip Color: MAC Ruby Woo

Last Friday my mom and I took McKinley down to Crown Center and let him run free around all the life size toys they have on display every holiday season! Not only are there large wooden trucks, cars, and trains, there is the huge Mayor's Tree in the middle of it all. It's such a fun holiday tradition for families all over the city! And, there are ice skaters taking a turn around the rink above the courtyard. It truly is one my favorite things to do this time of year!

Because we were going to be spending time indoors and out, I didn't want to have to contend with a coat. This is when I bring out my handy yet chic cape. This is such a timeless piece that gets me through the mild days of winter. I decided to pair it with my ivory and black striped t-neck and I really like it how works. Great jeans and comfy boots complete the look!

The Cape: Before and After 

 

   

  

Can you believe the temps this week around the metro? I heard that Thursday could be in the upper 60s. Can you say major outdoor activities taking place that day? When we can get out and about, without bundling up, I am all for it!

Friday Beauty - Fall Makeup Transition

 Transition. It's a word we use in fashion when moving from summer to fall. When talking about transition, we generally talk about how to transition our wardrobe from one season to the other and how to utilize the contents in your closet to work both seasons to your advantage. Today, instead of talking about how to transition your wardrobe, I thought we would focus on how to transition your makeup.

For summer, I add brighter colors to my lips and nails. And, I go one step further and brighten up my eyes as well. I tend to go with pale purples, creams, and taupes so that my overall look is lighter. But when fall rolls around, it's out with the pinks and in with the reds and bourdeauxs.

So what should one do when it's mid August and your starting to mix olives and navys into your daily look? It's time to start wearing richer tones. You don't have to throw out the pinks or reds. Actually, one should NEVER throw out red. Instead, reach for a pink in a more raspberry tone and reds that move toward maroons. 

 Below are my picks from my own makeup bag! Take a peek.

Laura Geller Beauty Color Drenched Lip Gloss in Raspberry Roast/MAC Ruby Woo/

NARS Shanghai Express/MAC Kissable Lipcolor in Flaunting

ail color is another great way to transition your makeup. My favorite fall color, although I do wear it all year round, is OPI's "You Don't Know Jaques". But I also love dark reds and black!

 Essie "Flowerista"/OPI "You Don't Know Jaques"/Chanel "Black Satin"/OPI "Mat-adore Red"/

Essie "Shearling Darling"

 Lastly, it's all about the eyes! I love dark browns and olive tones. Mixed with black liner and several coats of mascara, all eyes will be on you! 

 Laura Geller Beauty Creme Glaze Trio in Golden Set/Chanel Les 4 Ombres Tentation Cuivree/

MAC 6 Devil May Dare Warm Eye Shadows

What is your favorite way to transition your beauty from summer to fall? Do you go with richer colors in deep shades or do you continue to use brights all year long? Let's discuss!

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Friday Beauty - Red Lips

Finding the right red lipstick can be like finding a needle in a haystack. However, Gwen Stefani and Taylor Swift seem to have had zero problem finding their favorite! I used to be highly intimidated by lipstick, reds especially, but then my mom visited a MAC counter in the late 90s and brought home Del Rio. I was hooked! But just like finding your prince, you have to kiss a lot of toads! I've tried my fair share of red lipsticks, but I've finally found the four I wear the most. 

The trick to finding the right shade, is to pick one that doesn't appear to yellow your teeth when you smile. If it has even a hint of coral in tone, walk away! You want one with more of blue-red base. This will give you a darker sheen, but it will give you a 1,000 watt smile! Below are my four go-to reds! 

Left to Right:

L'Oreal Extraordinaire by Colour Riche in Ruby Opera

Clinique Long Last Lipstick in Red Drama

Clinique Different Lipstick in Angel Red

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo 

They range from sheer to full on color. The L'Oreal is the sheerest all of four. It's not sticky like a gloss, but goes on with that same gloss feel. Angel Red is also sheer, but with a little more color. Red Drama is full color that's deep in hue. And Ruby Woo is a matte that lasts all day, a ruby red, and MAC's number one selling red! I love it. I've put together a little collage below!

As for Taylor and Gwen? Taylor has been known to wear Lip Perfection Lipstick in Flame from Cover Girl. As for Gwen, she has used L’Oreal Infallible Le Rouge in Ravishing Red. Great drugstore brands that have already been color tested and approved!

Are you a red kind of girl? Want to be one? Start sheer, and if you love it, go bold! You won't regret it!

Happy Friday, Beauties

My Beauty in 2015

In keeping with the New Year's theme of goals and resolutions, I am making a goal to try and blog more about beauty and the products I love and use repeatedly, products I really want to use, and the ones I end up trying. 

Lately, I've really neglected my facial routine, especially at night. I'm trying to make a concerted effort to get back into the cleansing process and not let busy nights and bedtime routines be an excuse. As most of you know, I'm a Clinique girl. I've been using their Three Step Program for over 20 years and I'm not about to change now. Don't worry, I will talk all about it in a later post. And while on my quest for clean healthy skin, I'm thinking of investing in a cleansing brush. Clinique has one that I'm researching, but after asking Lucky Magazine beauty editor Jean Godfrey June her opinion, to which she gave it her seal of approval, I'm not sure more research is needed!

I'm currently on the look out for a new mascara. I used a Clinique mascara for years and recently found out that they discontinued it. I was almost in tears! I've been experimenting with a few different brands and fell in love with the Chanel INIMITABLE mascara. But at $30 a tube, and being on a budget, I just can't swing it right now. So, I recently purchased "America's favorite" Maybelline Great Lash mascara. At $3.99 a tube, this is much more wallet friendly. I've only used it once so I will keep you posted on my thoughts. 

Other items I hope to chat about are my favorite drugstore finds, my go-to products for everyday use, makeup application tips that I've learned along the way, what to spend your money on and where to save, and I'm hoping to hear from you regarding topics you would like to have me tackle!

I'm excited about this new adventure in blogging! But, if you were hoping this was the big announcement I talked about yesterday, it wasn't!! Check back Monday for the big reveal! I can't wait! 

Happy Friday, Beauties! I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

My New Year's Eve Statement

Coat: Tahari (similar); Top: Boden (fun option); Boyfriend Jeans: Loft (similar); 

Booties: Camper;Shades: MbyMJ; Bracelets: J.Crew; Ring: Etiquette Boutique (similar);

 Lip Color: MAC Girl About Town

Remember how I said we are pretty low key on NYE now a days? Well, this was my fairly low key look with a little hint of statement! I posted about how I thought you could make a statement on the big night and here's how I made mine. I added a gold, glitter, Peter Pan collar top, navy faux fur, and a bright pink lip! Paired with boyfriend jeans and my new favorite booties, that were all but forgotten, I was ready to ring in the New Year!

 

 What did you end up wearing for the big night? Did you add a big statement or subtle ones like mine? Can't wait to hear!

Speaking of hear, you heard it here first! I've got something happening on Style My Way and I'm dying to share it with you all. Check back daily to see the big announcement!

Tres Chic December - The LBD

Dress: Ann Taylor; Shoes: Valentino (gift/similar); Earrings: Made by Me (similar); Ring: Gift;

Lip Color: MAC Ruby Woo; Nail Color: Sephora OPI Personal Shopper 

Nicole by OPI: Rainbow in the S-Kylie

When we thought about December and what we wanted to style, we all agreed with the LBD or Little Black Dress. We all have something to attend this month. Holiday parties, New Year's Eve events, work events, and cocktail parties and the LBD is the easiest piece to style in your closet. Throw on colorful shoes, gobs of jewels, fun tights, a little jacket, or go with all black. It's a blank canvas! 

We also thought it would be to get together for a little Tres Chic photo shoot. My dad graciously accepted the job! Our little shoot took place on the balcony of Aloft and we loved looking out over Park Place! The ice skaters were in full swing while others were shopping or lunching. Such a fun experience. As you can see, we all went in completely different directions with our dresses and I think each one is as chic as the next! Check out Lauren at Classy and Fab Girl and Caitlin at SophistiCAITed to see more! 

 Caitlin's Outfit Details:

Leather Limited Dress (old) similar here and here, BCBG blazer (old) similar here,

 JustFab bow pumps, Joie clutch c/o Shopbop, J.Crew tights (old) similar here, 

 Stella and Dot necklace, J.Crew bracelet, J.Crew Factory bracelet (old) similar here, Kate Spade studs

 

Lauren's Outfit Details:
dress - White House Black Market (similar) | leather jacket - Envy (similar) |
 tights - Loft | shoes - Ellen Tracy | lip color - Revlon Blushing Nude

We have had such a great time with our Tres Chic series and I can't wait to see what we come up with in 2015! As always, if you have any wardrobe challenges you would like us to tackle, send them on over! We love a styling challenge! 

See you in January with our next Tres Chic post! Until then, stay fashionable!

Photos Courtesy of Richard Lawson

#CosmopolitanChic - Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

It's been almost a year since we took a vacation and that was to Los Angeles for my birthday. It's been over four years since we headed out to Vegas for Joel's. I am seriously dreaming of a get-away and Las Vegas sounds like a fun spot, no? The last time there, we played total tourists. We literally tried to do everything you could do in case we didn't get back. If we were to return, I'm thinking we would simply stay put in our hotel and take advantage of everything it had to offer.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas looks amazing! It's glamorous, luxurious, and offers a New York style amid all the themed resorts of the Strip. And I'm all for glamorous and luxurious these days! So when I'm not sleeping in (because it's a vacation), or laying by the pool (because that's what you do in Vegas), I would find myself mingling among the eateries the Cosmopolitan has to offer.

The Wicked Spoon sounds like a wonderful place to brunch. The decor is ultra modern, with bright colors and super cool lighting. And it offers American comfort foods which are perfect for that midday meal. There's also a secret pizza window where you can grab a New York style slice and head back to your spot by the pool! But I'm sticking around to dine and here's what I would wear. I'm all about sequins these days and I'm loving this skirt from H&M. Paired with a denim shirt (that would look so chic over your swimsuit) fun heels and a statement necklace, I would be dining in style. And, I could get my window shopping on in this look. I would need it to walk off that delish meal.

So, I've been lounging by the pool and hitting up the resort shops. After a quick cat nap, and costume change, I'm off to dinner. We're going to check out Jaleo. Spanish tapas or cheeses soaked in red wine sound divine. A pitcher of Sangria and amazing conversation are in order during this dining experience! Oh, and I made a quick change into this sassy dress! Sans tights, I love how these cobalt heels bring out the colors within the dress. A fun clutch, statement ring, and deep red lip complete the look! It's now time to hit the slots!

I didn't win big, in the slots that is. But I'm willing to bet that our late night trip to Marquee will be something to remember! And I can't wear what I wore to dinner. It's a night club with a four story LED screen, a DJ pumping out jams, and a packed dance floor. There are three different rooms for you to explore and I'm thinking the smaller Boom Box sounds more my speed. But just because the room may be small and intimate, my look is a total standout! I'm back with the sequins and punched it up a notch with the feathers! Fun heels and a bold clutch add that Vegas flare!

The hubby and I could use a weekend away, something we haven't done since having our son three years ago, and now I'm dying to get to Vegas. And the Cosmopolitan is calling my name! And so are these looks. Wonder if a trip in the New Year could be on my wish list to Santa? Here's hoping!

What would you wear while in Vegas?

Full -On Fashion

 

Sweatshirt: Old Navy (similar); Button Down: Ann Taylor; Skirt: ASOS; Heels: Jimmy Choo;

Necklace: Banana Republic; Bracelet: J.Crew (gift); Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff;

Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs; Lip Color: MAC Ruby Woo

This is a combo I've been dying to wear since I first saw a similar look on Pinterest. And, I knew the right venue for something like this was the Saturday afternoon runway show at KCFW! I love everything about this look. The sweatshirt combined with a crisp button down. The sweatshirt/shirt combo paired with a lady-like skirt. A chunky necklace, ruby red lips, and simple black heels bring it all together. I was definitely ready for a full-on fashion Saturday!

 

 

The Sweatshirt: Before and After

A Broken Rule

Jacket: INC via Macy's; T-Neck: Ann Taylor; Jeans: LOFT; Booties: Rebecca Minkoff;

Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs; Necklaces: Jane Basch/Silpada; Lip Color: MAC Ruby Woo

What rule is that, you ask? I am wearing white before Easter! I figured since this was a leather jacket, and not a white skirt or pant or shoe (which I would never rarely wear), I was okay in wearing white a little early! The black and white trend is still incredible hot for spring and I am completely on board. Why you ask? See examples 1/2/3/4.

Also, I'm testing out a new lip color for spring and summer. I love my MAC Dark Side, but it's a little too dark for those upcoming months. I decided to go with the ever popular Ruby Woo. And, it's that bright pop I need to get me through the rest of this dreary winter weather!

 

Caring for Your Brushes - A Beauty Post

 

So, you now have your collection of brushes and you've become well acquainted! You've experimented with them and can now apply your makeup like the pros. And, just like anything else, you need to care of them. Maybelline tweeted about brush care a couple of weeks ago which was a timely reminder! Especially for me! 

Because your brushes come in constant contact with your skin, you're not only picking up oil off of your skin, you are also filling those brushes with dirt, debris, dead skin cells, and bacteria. GROSS! Who needs another reason to clean your brushes? With that, let's get cleaning!!

As you can see from my ad above, I am a big fan of MACs brush cleanser. This pale pink cleanser will clean and disinfect your brushes, while condition the brush fibers, therefore extending the life of your brush. Need more reasons? This bottle is $14.00 and lasts a long time!

So here's what I do? I simply wet my brush. I pour a tiny amount of cleanser into the palm of my hand and roll the brush around in a circular motion.

 

See all that dirt and grim? These brushes were in serious need of cleaning! And, you can see the tiny bit I applied. It goes a very long way! Do this same thing with every brush. You may find a technique that works better for you.

Once all of your brushes are clean, lay them out on a fluffy towel to air dry. And that's it! It is so easy to do and truly doesn't take all that much time out of your daily grind.

How often should you clean your brushes you ask? Well, according to the MAC reps, everyday. I know, I know. Who has time to clean your brushes everyday? Considering the amount of time that had lapsed since I last cleaned mine, I'm not one to judge. Below is a good gauge:

Once a week – Foundation, Powder and Blush Brushes

Every 2-3 Days – Eyeshadow Brushes

Every Day – Eyeliner Brushes

There you have it! My guide to the essential brush collection and how to care for them! Hopefully, we can all make a solemn vow to keep our brushes clean from here on out! After hearing all that stuff that's been building up in mine, I know I'm going to make a more concerted effort! You?

My Guide to Makeup Brushes - A Beauty Post

I love makeup and everything that goes along with it. I love to test new products, play around with color and I'm always trying different techniques. One of my favorite things to do is set up an appointment at the MAC counter and let the makeup artists play! They are the ones to learn from because they know all the tricks of the trade. Plus, they tell you what colors work best with your complexion, how to apply it based on your features and you walk away with a little diagram of how they did what they did! That is honestly how I've learned to do things with my makeup over the years. That, and a lot of practice!

 From the experts, I've also learned about brushes and the best way to utilize them. I have quite the collection, as you can see, and I truly do use them all. However, I do have what I consider essential brushes and that's what I'm going to share with you today! As you can see, I have a hodgepodge of brushes from different brands. I don't believe you have to invest in all the same manufacturers. I have mostly MAC products, but the white brushes are from the Sonia Kashuk line for Target. And, I literally use this little set of brushes everyday! Everyday!

Listed left to right, you can see what their specific uses are, but I'll give you a little more detail. I generally use the flat allover brush as my highlighter under the brow, but when I'm lazy, I will use it for all over color. Same with the fluff brush on the far end. They both work well, but I don't use the fluff brush for highlight. It grabs too much color.

The brow brush does exactly what it sounds like it does, but I also use it to spread out lashes if they're clumpy. My lid brush is used only on the lid. It grabs a ton of color and I apply from the lash line to the crease. Stop there! I love this blush brush! It's simply the perfect size and adds just the right amount of color.  The crease brush, slightly hidden in the photo is used for the crease only. Just add color and blend throughout the crease. That simple! The concealer brush is multi-functional. I rarely use it for concealer, although it does a great job. I mostly use it to spread on my MAC eye paint. It adds just the right amount of coverage.

Just like any good jewelry box full of accessories, your brushes shouldn't be complete without some of these additional ones below.

 

The flat blush brush is a great tool for cream blushes. And cream blushes are the best thing to use during the summer months. It adds a little reinforcement in your cheek color as the powder will fade with oil. However, the flat brush is great for applying foundation. The experts say you should never use your hands to apply makeup because it adds dirt and oil to your face. I, however don't follow that rule and simply use this brush for blush (I'm such a rebel!) The feather brush is a great highlighting tool. Use this when contouring blush underneath your cheekbones. Or, use it to brush away any access makeup that may have fallen off your eye shadow brushes. 

I used to use black shadow every morning as my eyeliner and I would apply it using the angle tip brush. I have since moved to actual liner, it's richer in tone, but when I want a subtle liner I still reach for the shadow. Lastly, everyone should have a large powder brush. Great for all over the face or applying bronzer.

And you need a darling way to display your brushes, right? I've always had some version of a cup as my container and I love this new addition! I feel so lady like, and a little luxe, when I reach for a brush in this little piece of Paris on my counter!!

Now that you have your brushes, we need to talk about caring for them! Check back tomorrow...