Splurge vs Steal of the Day

Today I'm reviewing two lip balms, both meant to smooth and moisturize the lips.

The SPLURGE:  Sephora Collection's Neon Lip Balm $10
The STEAL: Maybelline's Baby Lips $3

SPLURGE:

- Build-able color!
- Great hydration
- Color lasts!


STEAL:

- Super cheap (you don't care if you loose it)
- Didn't love the scent
- Very sheer color

The winner is...

The SPLURGE!  Sorry, but the Baby Lips reminds me of Bonne Bell in middle school, whereas the Sephora lip balm is the woman's chapstick!  You get color that you and build (read: re apply until you have the desired depth of color) and the hydration LASTS!  And hey, even at $10, it's a steal in my mind!
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P305302&categoryId=RPYMAL&shouldPaginate=true

Try "Hot Pink" if you like to wear color
Try "Crazy Coral" if you just want a subtle more neutral color

Oh Honey!!!

If you were a woman with a pulse between 1971 and 2001, you probably purchased a tube of Clinique's "Black Honey." 

In 1990 the brand introduced the most loved lipstick color into an 'Almost Lipstick' which had the longer wearing characteristics of a stain, with the ease of application like a lipstick, but the shine of a gloss.  Brilliant!  At $14.50 each, you bet I had one in every pocket, purse and backpack from middle school through college.  Black Honey has repeatedly shown up in beauty magazines at all times of the year, and has often been reviewed as the "most universal lip color" because it looks incredible (and unique) on all skin tones!

These woman are all wearing "Black Honey"!

In celebration of this cult-favorite, Clinique is re-launching Almost Lipstick in the "Honey" shades!  These 8 hot shades (including the original) are available at Clinique counters and on Sephora.com now!


There is a wide range of shades, and the semi-sheer color means that it won't look over done!  The seven new shades:


This makes a GREAT Valentine's Day gift for you girlfriends or mom for an under $20 deal!  Check it out today!

How to build drama with your eyeliner

Hi ladies!  I've had a few people ask me how to break out of their eyeliner rut, or just how to take their regular eyeliner look from day to night...so I thought I would give a quick and basic rundown on how to build drama with eyeliner


My eyeliner of choice right now is Sephora's Long Lasting Liquid Liner $10

because the applicator is fool proof and they wear ALL day!!!

You can use a liquid liner to create TONS of drama....but you can also use it to emphasize nice every-day looks too!


Right now I am liking the un-connected line for daytime - or even when you are going for a bolder look (dinner date)


My other favorite eyeliner is the Bare Essentuals "Big and Bright" Eyeliner

I love that they glide on smooth, and have a built in smudger (and sharpener to keep your creamy liner pointed for every application!)

How I build eyeliner, especially when I am working on someone new (and I don't know how much color and eyeliner they can handle):

Skipping the bottom line can really make eyes pop, instead of making them look smaller and closed when you line the lower lashes...(my fav look)


now add a smudge or a line on the lower outer corner:


Then completing the line all the way around the eyes, but keeping the line ultra thin:


Now, get some cream liner, or a thick matte black shadow and smudge to create drama:


It's best to follow the rule that you oppose dark lined eyes with a pale/neutral lip, and to pair a think liquid line with a bold lip

RULE 1 "Opposites"


RULE 2:  "Classic Beauty" (think liquid line, bold lips)


Rules are made to be broken, but the circumstances are usually just for photography and special events, not your every day, or even 'weekend' look. 

And hey - have fun with it!!

Spring 2012 Handbag Trend

Hello Jackie-O!


The trend this Spring in handbags will be retro-inspired top-handled hard-side ones, like this one from Victoria Beckham Collection


The flashback comes from a blend of career women and classic style

I first noticed the look pop up in Prada's Spring 2012 campaign photos


Then I saw Dior


Then Chloe


And I knew this ever-popular classic handbag was BACK!

How will I wear this trend?  Well, I have my eye on the "Kennedy Bag" (aptly named!) by Kate Spade


I feel that the side pocket modernises the look, and I love that the dual strap gives you options!  Bonus:  you can't go wrong investing in this style because it is a classic!  (My theory:  If Jackie Kennedy wore it, it is always in style!)
It is available in large or small too!

($199-$445 retail and on http://www.katespade.com/)

Milkmaid Braids! It's all the rage!

The Fashion World has suddenly introduced an old-time hairstyle into this winter's red carpet events!

The milkmaid braid!


Starts were glammed up and wearing this trend in many different ways








There are very mixed opinions on this style, for one, it can come across really immature - and sometimes it can be overkill.  It seems that the looks fits in with a beach day (keeping small strands out of your face) rather than a red carpet.

My take:

If you want to rock the trend, try modernizing it by starting the braid (use a styling cream to smooth hair before you braid) as a side part - and wrap the remainder of it around a messy low bun.  Leave some strands loose around your face, and keep the style somewhat messy, rather than slicked back.


Also, keep the braid back toward the crown of your head, rather than your forehead:



Products that will help you pull it off:

Try a frizz-reducing styling cream, like Tresemme's No Frizz Styling Cream for $4 at drug stores


The style works best on 'dirty' second-day hair, so use Batiste Dry Shampoo ($8 at Ulta) on roots to texturize and absorb oil on the scalp.


What do you think of the milkmaid braid trend?