Berry and Bright

This holiday season I’m ditching a dramatic eye for a bold lip.

holiday, red lip, fall, winter, fashion, makeup, beauty

Not only is this look easier to achieve, but I think it is also appropriate for every occasion–family reunion, corporate holiday party, Christmas moviethon, etc. With a bold lip, you can keep everything else simple and neutral but still look like you put in effort without coming off over the top. My color of choice? Berry. This warm and bright shade is fitting for this time of year, but ultimately, any red will do, as long as it is BOLD.

To get my look:

red lip, lipstick, makeup, beauty

MAC – Rebel

red lip, lipstick, makeup, beauty

NARS – Fanny

red lip, lipstick, makeup, beauty

BARE MINERALS – Devious

“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.”
― Gwyneth Paltrow

Winter Beauty Products

I find myself craving moisture more than ever when the weather is cold. My skin is dry, hair is full of static, and lips are cracked. Over the past few years I’ve learned about a few products that always make this time of year more bearable; check them out:

Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer: My mom has been using this since I was a kid, and I understand why it’s lasted all these years. She has incredibly dry skin year-round, but this stuff is thick and powerful. After putting this on, my rough and dry patches are less noticeable; plus my makeup goes on smoothly and lasts all day.

moisturizer, winter skin care

Tarte Maracuja Oil: I haven’t done a skin care post without mentioning this holy grail product! It’s magic. I love soaking my face and neck in it before bed and waking up with rejuvenated skin. As someone with combination skin, I suffer from breakouts and dry patches at the same time, but this stuff remedies it better than any other combination of products. It contains maracuja fruit nutrients, like vitamin C and essential fatty acids, that my skin craves.

face oil, winter, skin care

Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturizing Masque: I have always been a big fan of Aveda’s plant based hair care products and was recently introduced to their masque. Prior to using it, the static in my hair was unmanageable. Now, both my hair and scalp are hydrated and frizz-free. If you’re suffering from dry hair like I was (most curly hair types have a tendency to be dry), I recommend using a moisturizing masque once a week.

winter hair care, beauty products, hair masque

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil: If I was stranded on a deserted island and could only bring one beauty product, this would be it. I love putting this on after I shave my legs, or on my hands before bed. It’s also great on wet or dry hair and for healing acne scars…the list could go on forever. I haven’t found a body lotion that can compete with simple, natural, inexpensive coconut oil, and I don’t think I ever will.

coconut oil, trader joe's, winter skin care

Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm: This product has been in every purse I’ve owned since high school. I love the fruity smell, the variety of lip tints, the SPF 20, but most importantly, the long lasting moisturizing effects. It’s an easy, every day step up from regular Chapstick that I never leave the house without.

lip balm, winter skin care, beauty products

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Halloween Make-up Inspiration

Halloween is just around the corner! As I’ve gotten older, dressing up for the festivities has become more and more of a chore. When I was a kid, it felt so hard to decide between so many great choices, but now I usually feel completely unable to find a really good costume. Unluckily, I’ve never been crafty enough to make an entire original creation either. I’ve learned to focus on the make-up as the centerpiece of my effort. When the make-up is really good, somehow the rest of a costume is always elevated too, and it makes the whole thing fun again. Check out some of my favorite beauty YouTubers for some inspiration:

Halloween Make-up

Desi Perkins

Halloween Make-up

LustreLux

Halloween Make-up

Cosmobyhaley

Halloween Make-up

Angela Lanter

Halloween Make-up

Chrisspy

“The farther we’ve gotten from the magic and mystery of our past, the more we’ve come to need Halloween.” — Paula Guran

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My Top 3 Red Lipsticks

red lipsticks

There’s something so classic about a bold, red lip, but finding the perfect shade is one of the most difficult tasks. Red can look so good, but it can also look so bad. Because I have fair skin, I used to think I wouldn’t be able to pull off a statement color like red. After experimenting, I have found that as long as the color isn’t too harsh, red can actually be really flattering.

Here are my top 3 red lipsticks to end the summer off with a bang:

  1. Nars in Heatwave: I have heard that this color complements any skin tone and I believe it. This shade has undertones of orange—something I was extremely hesitant about—but after trying it on I was hooked! The orange is subtle enough that it doesn’t look out of place. Side note: orange and green go really well together. Whenever I am wearing a green top, I find myself subconsciously pulling out this lipstick and I never regret it. Aside from looks, the formula is hydrating, long lasting, and easy to wear.
  2. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Coral: This is the lipstick I always wear to the beach. It’s more like a tinted chapstick than an actual lipstick, which I love. It has SPF 15 and can be worn alone or as a base for another lipstick. I prefer to wear it alone, because the color payoff is so great. It has a pink undertone that’s perfect for any outfit. When I can’t decide what to wear, I always reach for this. You won’t be sorry.
  3. Mac Lipstick in Matte Viva Glam: I wore this lipstick to my senior prom, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. I was going for a very classic, Audrey-esque look, and the lady at the Mac counter told me I couldn’t go wrong with this shade. She was right. Whenever I’m feeling Old Hollywood, I pull out this lipstick. Mac lipsticks will always be one of my favorite formulas. They have mastered the very difficult matte yet moisturizing combination where so many other brands fall short. They also have tons of colors to choose from. I can almost always find what I’m looking for at Mac.

Favorite BareMinerals Products

When I was in middle school my skin began to break out. I was embarrassed and my confidence wavered as a result. Luckily, my mom introduced me to BareMinerals and my life changed. Not only was I able to cover up my blemishes, but I was covering them up with products that were actually good for my skin too.

After 10 years of using BareMinerals, I have come up with a list of my Holy Grail products:

bareminerals

Invisible Glow Powder Highlighter: A subtle, natural highlight.

bareminerals

Stroke Of Light Eye Brightener: My favorite under-eye concealer.

bareminerals

Gen Nude Radiant Lipstick: The best everyday lipstick.

bareminerals

This is the first product I ever used, and I haven’t found a foundation that does a better job.

bareminerals

Complexion Rescue: My go-to for a “make-up free” day.

bareminerals

Blemish Remedy Foundation: I use it as a spot treatment/concealer.

“I love the confidence that makeup gives me.” -Tyra Banks

Spring Lips

the Balm Lipstick

I love to wear a pretty mauve-nude color on my lips. It’s soft and romantic–perfect for Spring. Here are my top five lipsticks:

the Balm lipstick

Meet Matt(e) Hughes Lip Color in Sincere

tarte lipstick

Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint in Rose

Nars Lipstick

Pure Matte Lipstick in Montego Bay

Chanel Lipstick

Rouge Double Intensité Ultra Wear Lip Colour in Light Rose

bare minerals Lipstick

Gen Nude Radiant Lipstick in Crave

All of these lipsticks have a great formula–easy to apply, lightweight, and long lasting. What more could you want in a lipstick?

Recent Obsessions

I’m constantly trying out new beauty products, and every now and then something sticks. Here are my most recent beauty finds:

Chanel Lipstick

Chanel Rouge Double Intensité Ultra Wear Lip Colour

This is the longest wearing lipstick I have ever encountered! It stays on all day, all night, after eating, drinking, etc. I truly have never been more impressed with a makeup item than I have with this. I HIGHLY recommend investing in this product.

anti frizz oil

Moroccanoil Frizz Control

redken anti frizz

Redken Frizz Dismiss

My hair gets extremely staticky in the Winter time. These have been the only two products I have ever tried that actually make a difference. I spray the frizz control after washing my hair, before styling it with heat products, and I’m usually good for the first day of clean hair. For the next couple days, before my next wash, I use the frizz dismiss wipes on my dry hair and it instantly calms my hair. I’ll even pack a few wipes in my purse for on the go touch ups.

Almay concealer

Almay Clear Complexion Concealer

I’ve struggled with acne for a long time, so when I find something that actually works for my skin it feels like a tiny miracle. Any time I discover a pimple on my face, I put this on it and by the next day it usually is gone, or well on its way. And in the mean time, it’s covered up.

bareminerals concealer

BareMinerals Stroke Of Light Concealer 

I’ve recently joined the under eye concealer trend after hearing many great reviews about this product … and I have to agree with all of them. This stuff makes me look and feel awake! I’ll pair it with my tinted moisturizer if I’m in a hurry and instantly look refreshed. It’s a must-have.

New Beauty Products

I am constantly trying out new beauty products, but this month I have found a few that are worth mentioning. Check them out:

hey honey open your eyes

hey honey Open Your Eyes Eye Contour Lifting Fluid

I have been looking for an under eye treatment for a while now, but was unsuccessful. Most products I tried didn’t really DO anything. This one is completely different, however. The morning after trying this out you will feel tighter around your eyes and more awake. I swear by it.

Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Make Your Move

Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Make Your Move

This has been my go-to lipstick this month! First of all, the color is like no other. It is a deep nude, red brick shade that really makes your face pop. Oh, and it lasts ALL day. Even after eating.

OLAPLEX Hair Perfector

OLAPLEX Hair Perfector

My hair stylist sold me on this product after she tried it out on me during my session. It allows your hair to handle all of the damage that you put it through. Your hair will thank you.

bareMinerals Blemish Remedy

bareMinerals Blemish Remedy

I have always had problematic skin. It’s dry in some areas and oily in others. I notice a new blemish every other day. This stuff not only hides my breakouts, but also HEALS them. I recommend using it as a spot concealer underneath your foundation.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

CLINIQUE take the day off cleansing balm

This product is really popular in the Youtube beauty blogger community, so I decided to give it a try. If you are someone who wears a lot of makeup, this product is a must. I don’t use it everyday, but for nights when I go all out on my makeup I am so thankful I have it when I get home.

“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.”
― Gwyneth Paltrow

Drugstore Makeup

I have found more often than not that drugstore makeup is incredibly underrated. Here are my favorite drugstore makeup products, all available at Target:

Skin:

target makeup

target makeup

target makeup

target makeup

target makeup

target makeup

Eyes:

target makeup

target makeup

target makeup

target makeup

Lips:

target makeup

target makeup

Because I have bad skin, I like the products on my face to be good for it. Both Milani and Physicians Formula do just that. Pairing those products with my Yes to grapefruit CC cream ads just the right amount of coverage, while making sure that my skin is primed, completing any look. None of this would be possible without my favorite brushes by ecotools. They are soft and dense at the same time, something that is hard to master. NYX is a long lasting and pigmented brand–perfect for my lips and brows. L’oreal’s Voluminous mascara is one for the books. Everybody loves this mascara, and the volume is seriously killer. Whenever I wear eyeliner I prefer to use a pot and brush, and Sonia Kashuk’s formula is easy to work with. Maybelline’s Blushed Nudes eyeshadow palette is comparable to Urban Decay’s palettes, which is saying a lot. I have reverted back to these products for years, and don’t think I’ll be stopping any time soon. The prices are unbeatable, and the results are undeniable.