When I found out Bobbi Brown had a new fragrance called Beach I was immediately intrigued. One because I had no idea the makeup giant even made fragrances and two because a fragrance called “Beach” sure has a lot to live up to (and could very easily smell cheap!). So, it was with a bit of skepticism that I sprayed on Brown’s new scent, but dang does it live up to its name! It really smells like a beach in a bottle! It has that alluring mix of salt water, and sunscreen that’s completely transporting. In fact it’s so transporting that I’ve been keeping the bottle near my computer and every so often I’ll smell it to give me a happy energy boost.

I have to say however that I do love my musk and sandalwood-based scent, but those tend to be very aggressive and for summer it’s important to switch things up and go with something lighter. I love that this scent is an alternative to run-of-the-mill florals while still being approachable. It has notes of jasmine, sea spray, and mandarin and there’s also a body oil, body lotion, and shimmering fragrance lotion. Check everything out here!

Image: Bobbi Brown

No related posts.

While there may not be any cream, lotion, or potion that has been proven to effectively fight cellulite, there’s a lot to be said about tightening and hydrating products. With the weather heating up and shorts being pulled out of our closets most of us (especially those of us who are very pale!), are probably feeling a little bit more aware of how our bare legs look. Building up leg muscle is still the best way to fight cellulite, but Kneipp has come out with a slew of products to gives a little extra confidence boost. Better yet, the products are soothing so they’ll help alleviate tension post cellulite busting workout!

All of the products in the line are natural and holistic and combine grape seed oil, essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, and sandalwood fruit extract to firm skin and boost circulation. The collection includes:

Grape Seed Anti-Cellulite Exfoliating Body Scrub: Even though exfoliation isn’t as important during the summer as it is during the dry winter months, it’s still crucial to use a scrub at least once a week to boost circulation (to help prevent those pesky pockets of fat!), and remove dead skin cells.

Grape Seed Anti-Cellulite Massage Oil: This oil is formulated with avocado and jojoba oil and while I didn’t feel any immediate tightening, it’s incredibly soothing as a post workout oil and will work to hydrate your skin.

Grape Seed Anti-Cellulite Intensive Cream: This treatment contains 21% pure grape seed oil along with Vitamins A and E, shea butter, sunflower oil, and castor oil making for an incredibly hydrating body care product. It also has anti-aging effects because Vitamin A and E improve skin’s regeneration and overall tone.

Kneipp is a go-to drugstore brand in Europe (especially in Germany), but it’s still relatively under-the-radar here, which is a shame. Their prices are great considering their quality and, at least judging from their newbie cellulite collection, they smell refreshing and feel soothing on skin. Check-out their extensive line-up here!
Image: Kneipp

No related posts.

You know you haven’t slept enough when you’re at the point where your under eye bags are so big that you can’t wear eyeliner without risking drawing too much attention to them (not that that’s me at the moment or anything…..). Almay has our back now that the warm weather has many of us out more than usual and, perhaps, not getting enough sleep thanks to their new Wake-Up products. In addition to an eye concealer and a powder foundation (pictured above – this is one of my fave drugstore foundation because it goes on smooth and doesn’t feel cakey), they’re launching four new products next month. I was able to get a sneak peak and here’s a look at what you can expect!

Eyeliner + Highlighter ($8.99): Tired eyes usually are best left alone, but this pen is formulated with caffeine, aloe leaf, and cucumber extract (i.e. all ingredients more typically found in skincare), to give you an energizing boost. While I’m still averse to eyeliner when I’m sleep deprived, I really love the highlighter part of this pen. Apply it to the corner of your eyes and it really helps to brighten your look.

Eye Shadow + Primer ($8.99): I can’t stress enough how important priming your eyes is if you’re using shadow (and priming your skin if you’re applying foundation). Not only will a primer allow your makeup to glide on smoothly, it will help keep your look in place. This mini palette makes it super easy because the primer is right next to the trio of shadows (three different combinations are available), so you’ve got no excuse!

Blush + Highlighter ($9.99): How genius is it that this too is formulated with caffeine? Caffeine is often found in eye creams because it has been shown to reduce puffiness and combined with the cucumber and aloe that are in this duo you’ll get nice color along with the possibility of “wake-up” benefits. I’m also impressed that this duo comes with a brush given that most high-end products that retail for three times (or more!), don’t come with brushes anymore.

Liquid Makeup ($12.99): Formulated with SPF 20, cucumber, minerals, aloe and green tea, this lightweight oil free foundation will hydrate while helping to cover-up imperfections. It comes in six shades.

Check-out all of Almay’s products here and look out for these products at a drugstore near you come June 2012!

Image: Almay

No related posts.

This is one of my favorite outfits to wear and I think that the look with the flared jeans give it a totally different vibe then if I paired it with skinny jeans. I do recommend getting very tall shoes as I think flare jeans look best almost skimming the floor and you can’t really see your shoes. The trick for me is that these are petite sizing jeans so the flare starts in a good place (right above the knee). If I had gone for regular sizing, the flare would’ve started lower and wouldn’t have worked for my frame. So like with any jeans, but especially these, try to find ones that flatter your leg shape depending on where the flare starts and how big the flare is.

If you are like me and love your skinny jeans, I say give the bell bottom jeans a try. It definitely opens up more options in your wardrobe as it just gives it a completely different look!

No related posts.

I love the Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum as it gave my hair great shine and brought it back to health. My ends are a lot less dry and less breakage overall. However, it’s not cheap and I found an alternative that’s half the price and double the size! The Agadir Argan Oil is pretty much the same and at $16 it’s definitely something you can stock up on.If you’ve been looking to bring some life back to your hair, try it out, I really think you’ll like it!

No related posts.

Don’t you hate it when your makeup refuses to last the day? It’s a huge pet peeve of mine. As a girl with oily skin and a penchant for raccoon eyes and colorless lips (where do those cosmetics go as the hours pass?), I’ve had to learn to combat runaway makeup. There are a few tricks you can try, learned over the years by moi, that I want to share with you. Take a peek:

Disappearing mascara? Fix: You put on two coats of mascara in the morning, and by the time you hit your lunch hour it looks like you have less than one coat left. What gives? The way to make your mascara last is by applying two coats in the morning, and then letting it dry. Apply your lipstick or something, come back in a minute or so, and finally apply an extra to the tips. It might even look a little clumpy for an hour, but as you continue to blink the mascara usually redistributes and looks good for the rest of the day. It’s magical.

Fading lip color? Fix: It’s simple, really. Apply lip stain underneath your lipstick or lip gloss. It’s my favorite trick! Try to find a stain that’s similar in color to your favorite, go-to lip color of choice. For me, I buy NYC Smooch Proof Lip Stain in Forever Freesia, and then add Bare Minerals 100% Natural Lip Gloss in Birthday Cake over top. Looks fab, the color is rich, and lasts forever. Win, win, win.

Oil-ridden foundation? Fix: Lots of ladies wear liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer…and it’s totally great. You should try some if you haven’t already! Unfortunately, in the summer, it just doesn’t last all day with your skin’s natural oil production and a little sweat from the heat. Make sure to set liquid foundations with powder to create a long-lasting, pretty complexion.

Goodbye, eyeliner? Fix: Oh, eyeliner. I feel every time I add my favorite kohl liner to my peepers, it’s gone before sundown. That’s why I’ve switched to clay liner. The formula is super-easy to apply, and dries smudge-proof on your skin. I adore it!

Vanishing blush? Fix: Gotta have that kiss of color on the apples of your cheeks. However, if you find your blush, like foundation, doesn’t last all day, you’ve got to double up. Add a cream or liquid blush onto your cheeks just after your liquid foundation, and then set your whole look with powder. Use powder blush for your cheeks, and powder foundation for the rest of your skin. Voila!

How do you make your cosmetics last all day?

No related posts.

I have been a denim shirt fan since last summer. It was my uniform for four months. It’s basically all I wore. Well, that and terrycloth shorts. My summer was full of doctor’s visits, and I still felt cute and comfortable in a denim shirt! That says a lot about it’s wearability, doesn’t it?

And for this season I still love the piece, but I need to find new ways to wear it. Enter the lovely Lindsay from Lee La La — an amazing blog where the girl chronicles everything from style to recipes, and, more importantly, life as a single mom — who shows us how to rock this item to perfection. She dressed it up and still manages to look totally low-key. I just can’t wait to rock my own version of Lindsay’s outfit. Let’s talk about how to do it right!

Belt it. It’s always great to highlight your smallest part with a belt, and it’s an even better idea to do it when you’re wearing denim. It’s a thick fabric, so to keep bulk out of your middle, simply add a belt. I love the versatility of Lindsay’s outfit with that great cognac color.

Think stripes. Strips are great for summer, super-nautical and functions as a neutral if you want to try your hand at pattern mixing. I love how the thin white stripes of Lindsay’s skirt punch up the basic black, but still look clean and refined. Simplicity is chic!

Make a bold statement… While I love simplicity, it’s always great to add a quirky detail into the mix. How cute is Lindsay’s headband?! Now is the time to break out your fun floral headpieces. Also consider wearing bohemian-style head wraps, ribbons in bright colors and wide-brimmed hats this season.

…but don’t over-think it. Your look should never feel overdone, and Lindsay’s is perfect in that sense. She balances the attention-stealing details with a great base of basics — that skirt and shirt. Her make-up and hair are fuss-free. She downplays other accessories, like that gold watch, and knows where to keep the focus. I love this look!

Now, do head over to Lindsay’s blog, Lee La La, to check out more of her great style and adventures! And I’ll catch you back here tomorrow, all.

How would you style a denim shirt?

No related posts.

Did you all have a great weekend? I sure did. Actually, I was doing some reconnaissance for this post, which is one way for me to justify my shopping these days. Want to know what I scoped out? Take a peek at my obsessions this Monday:

Pastel jeans. I’ve been touting brights over pastels all spring long, but I recently had a change of heart when I ran into these gorgeous, ankle-length skinnies from Target for a mere $25. They are the perfect shade of mint green, they fit like a dream, and they’re wearable right now during those 60-degree days when the temperature dips and I need to pair them with a blazer, or during those 80-degree days when they’ll look lovely with a basic white tank. If you don’t have one pair of pastel pants, other great colors besides the mint include pastel blues, pinks and yellows. Nab them now before they’re gone for the summer.

PixiGLOW Fairy Dust loose powder. I’ve been aware of Pixi products for a while now, and have been totally tempted to pick up an item or two while passing the displays at Target. I never have, though. (Willpower!) But when I found out the brand now has Tinkerbell-inspired make-up called PixiGLOW, I knew I had to check it out. And I caved and bought something. The best part of the whole deal is that they carry a product called “Fairy Dust,” a loose powder with cream and gold flecks in it, absolutely perfect for highlighting the inner corners of your eyes. For a summery, everyday, wide-eyed look, it’s the trick to turn to. So pretty!

Boat shoes. I am all about flat shoes for summer. I love me some heels, but I’m going to wear ballet flats, sandals or flip-flops as often as I can get away with it. They’re just so comfy, after all. So enter my new flat-soled obsession: boat shoes. They’re so cute, making a comeback, and footwear you don’t see all that often. In other words, you get to feel special hoppin’ on this trend early. I found a pair from Kohl’s for about $20 with a discount coupon I had (score!), so I decided to buy them the other day. And I couldn’t be happier with this purchase! Mine are a muted shade of yellow, and I just wore them as a great pop of color with cut-offs and a black-and-white color-blocked sweater. There are also basic neutrals that would look fabulous with anything. I recommend, y’all.

What are you obsessing over this week?

No related posts.

Weekends! Don’t you just love ‘em? Endless free time, no deadlines hanging over your head…

Now. Before you go off and lay in bed for two days, eat loads of comfort food and veg out, let me set up an alternative schedule for you. When you don’t have plan, it’s easy to eat too much, spend too much, waste too much time. Here are a few great ways to have a fantastic, healthy, amazing weekend. Wanna follow along?

Get healthy: Guess what? One hour of exercise is a measly four percent of your day. And you’ll feel better with all those endorphins flowing! Kick off your weekend with a walk or jog and some yoga. Doesn’t have to be strenuous, just get that blood flowing and metabolism kicking. Nothing is more beautiful than a healthy body and mind.

Update your wardrobe: Treat yourself to a little something cute! Head out to your favorite store, yet set a limit on how you’ll spend (“I can buy one item” or “I will spend no more than $50″). Look to grab something colorful for spring, or update a staple like shorts or a blazer.

Have fun: See a movie. Read your favorite magazine. (Self is new, with Miranda Lambert on the cover! Hint, hint.) Go for a drive, roll the windows down and sing some Nicki Minaj while no one is looking. You’ll feel better.

Research: By research, I mean go on Pinterest and look up amazing recipes that you can make next week or find a new hairstyle you’re dying to try out. Research in the name of fashion and beauty, and overall wellness is totally worthwhile, folks.

Enjoy a treat: Most diet habits unravel on the weekends when you go out for dinner and have more time to fill with, well, eating delish foods! But it doesn’t have to be that way. Eat sweet treats, but be smart. I recently stumbled upon Dashing Dish, a site full of low-cal recipes that I am currently in the process of trying out. Just tested out the Cake Batter Protein Shake… and people, it tastes like Coldstone. You must try it. Like, now. (And it’s so healthy, too! I almost feel guilty eating something so decadent with so few calories and sugar grams. Amazing.)

Have a beauty boot camp: It’s time to recharge your beauty routine! Prettify yourself for the week ahead. Do whitening treatments on that smile, pluck those eyebrows, shave, exfoliate, moisturize, spray tan, polish your nails… do whatever you must to feel more fabulous. Get a perfect base beauty routine finished during the weekend so you can just do touch-ups and go on weekdays.

See friends: Invite a friend or your man. Go get a Starbucksn(It’s frappuccino season). Sit outside under the sun, if possible. Laugh lots, and catch up on everything. Do this on Sunday night, and I can nearly guarantee you’ll be ready to face Monday with a smile. And probably a darn-cute outfit to boot.

What is your no-fail weekend routine to have fun and prettify?

No related posts.

Wedding season is now upon us and, even if you’re not throwing a wedding and reveling in bridal joy, I bet you’re excited to see all the fun wedding photos and ideas across Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and the like.

If you’re not pumped, then I am simply not sure we can be friends. (Ha! — Just kidding! But really. Aren’t you excited?)

I am not getting married, nor attending any lavish weddings in the near future, so I’m just a happy bystander to the whole process, able to take a step back and look at as many wedding-related things as I want without getting overwhelmed. And right now, for me, it’s all about one key beauty aspect: bridal hair. I’ve been particularly in love with all the wedding-hair ideas I’ve been seeing pop up, and I want to share a few of my favorites with you (even you non-brides like me). We can wear these styles, too!

Messy, piecy, wavy up-do. I was almost giddy when I saw this hairstyle. It’s so effortless looking. I could seriously see it for a beach wedding, or literally just a summer date or a day out shopping. It would be super easy to recreate using a curling iron and texturizing spray if you have straight hair, then just pin up the curls randomly using bobby pins. If you already have wavy hair or curly hair, use a dollop of mousse and texturing spray. Oh, and don’t forget to tease the hair a bit on top toward the crown of your head. Gorgeous, eh?

Sleek and classic updo. I’m loving this tutorial from Refinery 29. This sleek and smooth style, which is all prim and proper in front and super-intricate in the back would be perfect for a bride or bridesmaid. And if you want to wear it any day, just skip the intricate back detailing. Make the part in front, and tease the remaining section of hair at the back of your head, running a brush over top to smooth. Secure in a bun at the nape of your neck. Voila!

Braids — and lots of them! Check out this amazing compilation of different ways you can wear braids for your wedding ‘do. The cool thing about braids are that you can easily rock them soft and flowy, tie them up for an interesting and eye-catching updo, or go bohemian with a fishtail. If you like braids, there will be a style to match your wedding vibe. Or, you know, just the vibe you’re going for on a random Thursday. Both fully acceptable.

What hairstyle did you rock for your wedding day, or which would you wear if you were getting married?

No related posts.