Category Archives: Beauty

01.08.14

What I Wear: Makeup Faves

Now that the holidays are behind us, I thought I would take a little break (literally and blog-wise) from entertaining or “hosting”. I don’t think this will last long, (knowing me) as there is always something to plan or put together!

However, I wanted to share some of my favorite beauty products (aka makeup). Full Disclosure: I went to an ALL GIRLS high school – meaning that for those 4 years wearing makeup to school was basically taboo, but looking back it probably saved my skin. Oh yes and our teachers did not recognize us when we did dress up (i.e. graduation and prom).

Ironically, it was also in high school that I owned the most makeup in my life. My friends and I would jump at every opportunity to “get our makeup done” – prom, formals, concerts, just a night out – you name it, we were the first in line at Neiman’s or Saks counters to get the latest and greatest eye shadows (oy vey).

Being as girly as I am, it might be surprising that I still don’t wear a lot of makeup (nor do I wear it every day). I rarely wear foundation and would rather have my hair done (hello Drybar).  I’m also perfectly happy leaving the house without it (perhaps this odd confidence comes from the all-girls days?). And I actually have learned to embrace my freckles.

With that being said,  I do still have my favorite products when it is time to get dolled up…

1. Garnier BB Cream // 2. MAC Concealer //3. Sephora Eye Liner (Brown Black)

4. MAC, Bobbi Brown or Chanel Powder // 5. Chanel Bronzer

6. Chanel Blush (Incognito, similar here ) and NARS Blush (Orgasm)

7. Chanel Eyeshadow Quad (Spices) and/or Stila Trio (Warm)

8. Christian Dior Mascara (Diorshow Black) // 9. Eucerin Healing Ointment (on lips)

10. Chanel Lipstick (Pirate) or Bobbi Brown Lipgloss (Pretty in Pink)

I also adore Paula Dorf’s Brush-Out Bath for cleaning makeup brushes and Almay’s Soothing & Depuffing Eye Makeup Remover Pads at the end of a long day or night. Another tip is to invest in good brushes – they might be expensive but will last a long time if you take care of them and are completely worth it.

What about you? What’s your makeup routine?

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12.13.13

santa paws picks

After much naming debate amongst some of my close friends, #santapaws were born. Or otherwise known as holiday manicures.

In true holiday spirit, most Santa Paws are shades of red, burgundy and garnet, however, one can always add a little glitter here and there.

Essie Bordeaux // OPI Kennebunk-Port // OPI Malaga Wine // OPI Big Red Apple // OPI Miss O’Leary’s BBQ // Essie Twin Sweater Set

What are your favorite shades? Share them on instagram with #santapaws!

P.S. Stay tuned after the weekend for a full recap of my “Favorite Things” Party with NICO and LALA!

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11.25.13

make.my.monday: travel comforts

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

I hope everyone is gearing up for a wonderful holiday with family and friends.

If you’re traveling this year (unlike myself for once!), I thought what better time than to share my “travel comforts”.  To me, “comforts” are just items that I always take along on a trip; essentials, things that make me feels “at home” and that are part of my daily routine.

 Truth be told, I have always been dubbed the friend or that girl  with the most bags or clothes (I call them “options”: see below) no matter how long the stay. I’ve been made fun of since I was little for my overpacking abilities and on countless bachelorette weekends, vacations and even, work trips.  Alas, that’s when “comforts” were formally given their name. My co-worker, Hannah, asked what I was packing and I answered and added “oh, and the usual comforts”.  Even if you don’t overpack, you most likely still have your own “comforts”.

 I will be spending Thanksgiving in DC this year, however, I will most certainly pack the “comforts” below for Christmas in Florida in just a few short weeks.

*Hotel robes, no matter how big or comfty, don’t replace mine. It’s waffle weave and super light – perfect for withstanding blowouts.
*This is seriously the most amazing hair wand for all types of curls and styles. Never. Leave. Without.
Pearl Earrings* (J.Crew Studs + J.Crew Gems)  // Ipad + Case
*I feel naked sans earrings so having a pair of these on hand for early morning trips is comforting.
Travel-Sized Products*  // Options*** (Pumps – Slippers – Driving Mocs – Shift Dress – Party Dress)
*This seems rather straightforward, but even if my favorite products don’t come in “travel-size”, I make sure to stock up on these Container Store bottles so any product can come along for the journey and make it through TSA.
**This goes hand in hand with my overpacking problems but a girls needs “options” to chose from. I never travel with just enough outfits or shoes – who knows how you’ll feel that day!

What “comforts” can you not leave home without? Share below!

10.09.13

fall paws: by essie & opi

We all have our go-to polishes that we fancy when indulging in a mani + pedi.  Some of the names we know by heart while others we just, well, like what we see. My paws (or nails) like my closet, change with the seasons. Summer & Spring months call for shades of pink.
Fall and Winter generally bring shades of purples, browns and reds.
Alas, here are my top picks by Essie and OPI for this fall.
 
1. Ballet Slippers // 2. Mauves // 3. Smokin Hot // 4. In Stiches //

1. Dulce de Leche // 2. Chocolate Moose // 3. You Don’t Know Jacques! //4. Get in the Expresso Lane // 5.  OPI Red // 6. Kennebunk-Port

 

(current #fallpaws: You Don’t Know Jacques! by OPI)

P.S. While I do love a good manicure, I wish I could be more like my little sister, Megan, and paint my own nails just as good. I know my friend Nichole of Vanilla Extract feels my pain, ha!

What favorite colors are you wearing this season?

Share on instagram with #fallpaws !

10.03.13

drybar minis: don’t leave home without ’em

So, it’s no secret. I love a good blowout and when Drybar came to DC last year, my life (or hair) was forever changed. I first chronicled this obsession in an article for Sweet Lemon Magazine earlier this year (check out the photos and how-to on curls HERE).

Everyone always asks me what I order off the “menu” and well, I sort of cocktail my own blowout. My favorite look is a Southern Cosmo (combine a Southern Belle + a Cosmo).  The stylists at Drybar Georgetown have pretty much perfected this look for me and I’ve become quite talented too, if I do say so myself. This and a glass of bubbles, good chick flick and pop music provide the vital ingredients for a “pick-me-up” any day of the week.

If you don’t have a Drybar near you, fear not,  you can still take advantage of all their amazing products!

Full Disclosure: You know you have a problem when you check a bag just to take a bottle of Money Maker along for the journey so thank goodness this bad habit of mine can be brought to a stop with the launch of Drybar minis (travel sized products).

The best part? The VIP PACK has my 3 favorite products. This is the best excuse to test out all these lovelies for just $25 (a $40 value).

{Image via Sephora}

 VIP PACK = 1. DETOX // 2. MONEY MAKER // 3. SOUTHERN BELLE

1. DETOX – Drybar’s dry shampoo, works like a charm to not only keep you hair clean but add extra volume. Brunettes? They recently came out with a spray just for you!

2. MONEY MAKER – I’ve mentioned before on a previous post but it smells amazing, is lightweight and the only hairspray I’ve liked (ever). No, LOVED.

3. SOUTHERN BELLE – Volumizing moose, same great smell and aids pre-blowout in obtaining that big hair.

Check out all the Drybar products and tools HERE. (I also love Happy Hour Shampoo + Conditioner).

Try them out and let me know what you think!

Perfect all the purses, totes and clutches of the world.