3 Ways to Brighten Your Eyes

A few simple steps can bring light to your eye area and make you look more awake!

Step 1: Put a bit of a brightening concealer directly under your lower lash-line. It helps you look much more awake!

Step 2: Apply a nude eyeliner to the center of the lower water line. By placing it only in the center, it really opens the eye without looking too obvious.

Step 3: Apply a bright, shimmery eyeshadow to the tear duct area, brow bone and the center of the eyelid.

Curl your lashes and apply mascara to finish it off!

Products Used:

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer in Radiant

Tarte Inner Rim Brightener

MAC eyeshadow in Nylon (see review here!)

How to Look Cute at a Festival

Festivals are all about enjoying music, being a free spirit, and not giving a damn about how you look! But sometimes it takes a little effort have that fresh, "carefree" look about you. It doesn't take a lot, but a few products taken along with you in the ..tent?... can go along way! A few easy, low maintenance steps and you  can polish up your look while still maintaining the "I'm a free spirit" vibe so embraced as these events!

Sunscreen is probably the most important tool and in your toolkit for these events. They typically take place in the summer months and the last thing you want to deal with is an uncomfortable burn and a peeling face. Not to mention how important it is to protect yourself from the harmful UV rays. For your face, opt for a sunscreen like this one from Neutrogena that won't break you out. For your body, sunscreen in an easy and quick spray format is your best bet. And don't forget your lips! There is nothing worse than burnt lips, so don't forget something like this lip balm from Shiseido with serious SPF protection!

You probably won't want to bother with foundation at a festival, so a BB cream is a perfect option. It provides coverage and sun protection, and you can get a great even application with your fingers. Even without a mirror you won't need to worry about odd streaks, off coloring or too heavy of a finish because it blends seamlessly into the skin. The drug store offers great options, like this one from Maybelline that I use weekly. You can also go for a higher end product like this highly rated product from Urban Decay (left). 

Lots of people won't bother with eyeshadow, but a little shimmer on the lid can add light to your face and brighten your eye area. Take a long-wearing cream eyeshadow in a neutral color and you can quickly apply it all over the lid with your finger. The fact that it doesn't need to be precise makes it perfect for a festival! Go for a Maybelline color tattoo or a higher-end version with better wearing power like the Makeup Forever Aqua Creams. 

Mascara is a staple for most women so it may be one of the few things you bring to a festival. If you do choose to bring mascara, definitely opt for waterproof so you don't have to worry about smudging or running!

If you want to add a bit more pizzazz to your festival look, bringing waterproof liner in a fun color, or in your basic black is a great option. Look for products that say "24/7" or "24 hour" or just plain "waterproof"! Above are great products from Urban Decay, Stila and Covergirl.

A lip product can be really quick, easy and maintenance-free if you choose the right one! A stain (Revlon Lip Stains-1st and 3rd from left) will last all day and is resistant to smudging and wearing off. The Dior product (2nd from left) is a nifty formula that claims to adjust to your specific skin to create the perfect color! You can also opt for your basic lip gloss, like this one from Clarins (4th from left) that conditions your lips and leaves a subtle color and gloss.

Two-in-one products are awesome for events like festivals and just traveling in general. A blush that doubles as a lip product saves space and can be really convenient, but might require a few more minutes in front of a mirror to get the application just right. On the far left is a blush by Givenchy that claims to adjust to your skin to create the perfect flush, which definitely makes things easier when you don't have a lot of time or motivation to perfect your makeup. The rest are similar two-in-one products by Stila, Too Faced and Josie Maran without the color-adjusting effects! 

Some other things to consider bringing along on your music-loving adventure are, one, a makeup setting spray. This one by Urban Decay claims to adjust to changing temperatures, keeping your makeup in place regardless of the weather! Spritzing on a setting spray also reduces the need for a powder. Another nice addition to your travel items is a perfume rollerball. It can never hurt to have a little extra help in this department especially on hot days! Lastly, what I consider a necessity is lip conditioner. I can't live without my Aquaphor, but any lip balm or chapstick will stave off chapped lips!

At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter what you look like at a music festival-as long as your having fun. But, having an arsenal of products in case you do want to polish up your look a bit, or just bring out your best features is never a bad idea! Hope you enjoyed this post and if you attended Coachella, hope it was a great time! XoXo

Boston

So sick and upset about the events in Boston today. I would be at the Marathon, but thankfully I am back home in New York today. My thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy.

My Birchbox Faves

I've been getting these Birchbox's for quite some time now, and I continue to love the element of surprise that they bring each month! I love most of the little goodies that we get, but some have stuck out as being my favorites. I thought I would share some of the items I have liked the most and ones that have become staples in my beauty wardrobe!

I love using this at night on my cuticles. It helps seal in moisture and fights against flaking skin around your cuticles. Plus it smells like bananas!

I had heard about this product quite a bit before I received a sample in my Birchbox, but once I actually got to try it I was hooked! It has a milky texture and leaves your skin soft and supple. It feels natural and luxurious and delivers so much moisture without clogging pores and leaving your skin greasy. I bought the smaller bottle, then upgraded to the largest size and have been using it every morning and night since! 

This is a great little blush/highlighter that I use for extra color along the tops of my cheek bones for added contour and shimmer!

Adorable and effective, this is a great addition to your purse for nail filing on the go! Plus you can only find it at the Birchbox store!

I received this in my March Birchbox and I must say it is absolutely fantastic. A few spritzes and your hair is de-tangled and prepped for your blow dry. Afterwards, you hair feels soft and silky and frizz is tamed. I am definitely planning on purchasing this in the full-size! Definite winner. 

A quick spray at your roots and this product gives even greasy hair added volume and life. I think it would be effective for any hair type!

This stuff smells HEAVENLY! Put this on wet before blow drying and your hair will literally feel like silk afterwards. I used this stuff until the last drop, and even saved the sample bottle so I wouldn't forget to purchase the full size! 

What are your favorites?!

Inject Volume Into "Dirty"/Flat Hair!

 Mornings can be hectic and busy, and we don't always have time to shower in addition to everything else we have to do! I, for one, shower the night before and style my hair in the morning. However I find that even after styling my hair looks flat and lifeless because I have slept on it all night. Our hair also tends to get this way when its on its second or third day of wear without washing. So, you want voluminous hair that's clean looking and grease-free but you don't want to wash it! I definitely have your solution (this is beginning to sound like an infomercial ha!)! But, seriously, this works SO well and saves my hair every morning. The best part is it takes about two minutes! There is really nothing better than something that is quick, easy, AND effective! I decided to do a video for this because I thought it would be easier to show you guys exactly what to do and you'll see the results better than if I were to take pictures. Take a look and let me know what you think!



Products Used: TreSemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo for Dry
Hair Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Hairspray

So Sorry!

So sorry for the lack of posts this week! Tomorrow you will see how to inject volume in "dirty" second and third day hair, yay! Until then, check out the adorable baby elephant!

Get Chic for Cheap!

I feel like I am always seeing these great outfits in the magazines and on websites that seem so achievable until you see the price tag! I thought it may be fun to try and do a "look for less" post, featuring a pricey look with some less expensive, but similar options!

www.Nordstrom.com

1: Wildfox T-Shirt $64

2: Citizens of Humanity Jeans $238

3: Tildon Bootie $89.95

4: Adia Kibur Necklace $32

I did not include the belt because I think its kind of a random addition to this outfit

Total price of outfit sans belt: $423.95

These are some options to replace for the pricey originals!

1: SheInside T-Shirt $23

2: SheInside T-Shirt $28.64

3: H & M T-Shirt $24.95

4: H & M T-Shirt $12.95

5: Forever 21 Sweatshirt $17.80

6: Gap Jeans $69.95

7: DSW Booties $59.94

8: Vince Camuto Bootie $64.47

9: Vince Camuto Bootie $64. 95

10: Adia Kibur Necklace (didn't change this because its affordable!) $32

As much as I LOVE Wildfox clothing and Citizens of Humanity jeans seem soo comfortable, the prices make them pretty difficult to buy. There are always less expensive options out there that give you a very similar look! For the tops, I chose graphic tees that are basically simple but feature one, focus object. I tried to keep it to light colors like whites and pinks and keep the feature objects feminine to resemble the Wildfox tee. The jeans were a much easier find, these boyfriend jeans from Gap are almost identical to the COH ones, and for a fraction of the price! The shoes were also really tricky. The first, snakeskin, bootie captures the visual texture that the Tildon bootie has. The second one has the darkened tip, like the original, and the same color scheme, but a much thinner heel. The last bootie has a thicker heel and the darkened tip, but has a shimmery finish. I kept the same necklace because its quite affordable at $32!

Hope you guys enjoyed this post! Xoxo

Coveting Cobalt

Cobalt blue on the eyes is a big trend right now, and I think a great one! It is bright, yet wearable and a fun option for spring. I also think it also looks so nice on any eye color and skin tone, making it a versatile look. I thought it would be fun to show how this color can be worn in both an understated and a more bold way!

The wearable look:

Step 1: Apply a white or nude base to make the color stand out more

I used NYX Jumbo eye pencil in Milk

Step 2: This part is really up to you, but I chose a silvery blue color

for across the whole lid, I think it works nicely with the cobalt.

This is an amazing color from one of the Bare Minerals Ready duo eyeshadow palettes

"The Flashback". Shadows from these palettes also last FOREVER!

Step 3: Use a pencil brush (like MAC 219) and blend a cobalt blue eyeshadow

along the lash line- making it thicker on the corner and winging it out slightly

The blue is Chaos from the Urban Decay Vice palette

Step 4: Add mascara and your done! No need to add anything

to the bottom lash-line if you want just a subtle pop of color.

To amp it up:

Step 1: Working from what you already have, use the same pencil brush

and blue color and make an arc above the natural crease, connecting it to the tip of 

the original wing

Step 2: Line the outer 2/3rd of the lower lash-line with the bright blue 

and the inner corner with the original silvery blue.

Add some false eyelashes if you so desire and your done!

What it looks like from afar

What I used:

Would you guys wear this color?! xoxo

L'Oreal Versailles Romance Color Riche Balms

I spotted this bright new L'Oreal collection displayed recently in the drug store and I couldn't resist trying something out (shocker)! I am so drawn to these types of colors, I think they are so lovely and yummy looking, like candy. I didn't really feel like getting a nail polish so I decided on two Color Riche Balms. I have one Balm already, and it's just o.k., but I decided to give these a try.

I got two of the pinker colors. There was a purpleish color and a blueish color that interested me, but I couldn't imagine a blue color looking good on the lips- if anyone has tried either of these colors please leave your thoughts in the comments section! The colors I chose were Come By My Windows and Laze in the Maze. These names seem kind of random to me, I'm assuming they have something to do with Versailles in France? Who knows... Anyways, I have pretty mixed feelings about this product. On the upside, for a lip balm type product, the pigmentation is pretty decent. The color does show up on your lips, but it is quite subtle, not strong like a lipstick would be. This can be both a pro and a con depending on what you like. If you have lighter pigmented lips, these will show up great on you- my lips are more strongly pigmented so the color payoff isn't spectacular on me. Another plus is that these are very, very moisturizing, as you may expect  and the finish is quite glossy. Lastly, I really love the colors of both of the balms I chose. They are light and soft, perfect for spring and summer.

Now for the cons. The biggest con for me is probably the length of time that these stay on the lips for. The longevity is soo minimal! It seems like by the time I get to the car, from my apartment, the color has already faded a bit. I really aim for products that don't require a ton of re-applying, so that was a disappointment  even though I kind of new what I was getting. Another downside is that, despite being moisturizing, this balm clings to dry patches on your lips. It seems like no matter how much I exfoliate, my lips still have stubborn dry patches that will probably only go away completely when it warms up. So, unless I have just recently exfoliated, this product emphasis those annoying dry spots. It also tends to go on a bit patchy. You want to kind of load this stuff on to get the optimal color payoff, but when you do that you will get patches instead of an even application. To rectify this I usually use my finger to really blend it into the lips, which, in turn, reduces the brightness of the color.

Overall, this product is really just o.k., not terrible and not great. I think this is a nice option for people that don't really like lipsticks but want a subtle color with added moisture. If you don't want to bother with frequent re-applying and/or want a stronger color payoff, I'd spend your money on something different. Do you own any of these Color Riche Balms?? Hope this was helpful Xoxo

Left: Come by my Windows, Laze in the Maze

Left: Laze in the Maze, Come by my Windows

Top: Come by my Windows

Laze in the Maze

No product

Laze in the Maze

Come by my Windows