The Wait Is Over – Birchbox

Image via CrunchBase

I am a hopeless product junky. I love nothing more than trying on and buying new concoctions, creams, potions and lotions. New beauty finds propel me to a realm of excitement and euphoria so it is no surprise when I discovered Birchbox, an exciting way to receive personalized deluxe sized samples delivered to my mailbox for just $10 every month. I logged onto this beauty cosmos and got on the mailing list. And then I waited. I waited and stalked my inbox until they told me that a membership spot opened up for me (oh how privileged). Without hesitation I clicked those keys on my laptop to sign up because I only had 48 hours to do so or else…my membership would be taken away from me. Sharing is nice but no one was getting my spot. I filled out my profile so that they (these birchbox geniuses) would know more about me: like where I buy my beauty products, what I am most likely to splurge on and even what my skin tone and hair type is – all so that my samples would be personalized. My first shipment was on the way!!!!!

Fast forward a week or so….

I came home from work and and opened my mailbox with crazy anticipation because I knew what was awaiting me. To my delight my first shipment had arrived and I kid you not, I squealed with sheer delight and jumped up and down like a little girl. Multiple times. In public. I dashed upstairs with excitement and ripped open that UPS box (which was actually pretty and pink) to reveal a beautiful box (presentation is everything) filled with products I have heard of like Miss Jessies Curly Meringe to brands I had not heard of like Color Club Nail Lacquer and J & E Atkinson’s I Colonaiali Shower Cream. So exciting.

Over the next week or so, I will share my experiences and opinions of these products.

Stay tuned….

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Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture glossy lip stain

As of late, I have truly become a fan of Yves Saint Laurent’s (YSL) Rouge Volupte Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick.  This lipstick, which is luxurious, hydrating and has an SPF 15 ($34), actually lives up to it’s name.  So imagine my excitement when YSL launched their new Rouge Pur Couture glossy lip stain ($32).  I never wear lip stains because they make my lips dry, but because this glossy lip stain is YSL and is described as having the texture and shine of a gloss and the long wear of a stain, I figured I would give it a try.  This product actually went on very smoothly but to my disappointment, the finish/dry down was super sticky and tacky.  Can we say # fail?  Feedback on this product has been the same across the board.  The only things I liked about this product are the colors and beautiful packaging which isn’t enough for me to purchase.   So sad.  Better luck next time.

What Im Loving: Cole Haan and More

What Im Loving

Had a chance the other day to take a stroll to some of my favorite stores to check out what was hot, exciting and enticing…

Cole Haan - Air Franklin Wing Tip Oxford $178

Oh how I love a well groomed man who wears nice shoes.  I love the unexpected color combination for what I consider to be an otherwise conservative shoe.  With a little imagination, these shoes are still very versatile. Worn with a multitude of items such as jeans, chinos, or suit/tie, these shoes add that unexpected flair, class and sophistication to what can be a boring outfit.

Anthropologie Leighton Tuxedo Jacket $288

I absolutely love women’s apparel that is inspired by menswear because it balances some of that nauseating silly frilliness that is sometimes found in women’s apparel.  I like a little edge and snarl to what I wear and this jacket does just that – enough femininity to remind you that I am a woman (soft, delicate) with a little kick a$$ toughness = super sexy.  Pair with a silky little camisole (maybe with a little sparkle) and a pencil skirt, cigarette pants or jeans and be on your way.

Bloomingdales -Borghese Fango Mineral Enriched Active Mud for Face and Body $66

I remember my mum using this when I was a little girl.  Once a week she would apply this mud to her face and body and let it sit.    I thought she was weird.  Well now Im grown and have discovered the benefits she enjoyed when she used this product.  Used once a week, the active mud which is sourced from Tuscany’s volcanic hills, detoxifies, tightens pores and energizes the skin.  Excellent for oily skin.  Who’s weird now?

White House/Black Market - Crepe Pant $98

I usually don’t wear a lot of color but these pants caught my eye.  I love the lightweight feel of these pants which button up on the side as well as the bright splash of color (tomato red) for the spring/summer.

BCBG - Elite Sport Watch $195

Umm I will take one of everything that BCBG has to offer.  But anyway about this super cute watch (and I’m not into watches) I love the rich colors this watch comes in.  With a rubber link bracelet and a rhinestone pave dial, this time piece is sure to dazzle.  I wouldn’t even wait for people to ask me what time it is.  I would just offer the time to people so I can have an excuse to look at the watch.

Stay tuned for more of what Im loving…

Concealers (Part 1 – Applying Under Eye Concealers)

Dark under eye circles is one of the most common issues for women.  For many, it’s hereditary, for others it poor diet or maybe even a long night out partying.  Either way, selecting the correct under eye concealer can be quite a daunting task and instead of making you look refreshed and awake, the wrong under eye concealer can leave you looking quite haggard, bringing more attention to the area you were trying to conceal.  Even though in most cases, the problem will not go away completely, here are a few tips to help you select the best concealer to help improve the appearance of the under eye circles…

• To begin with, find the correct shade by selecting a shade that mimics your skin tone.  Many people like the “brighter under the eye” look, but if done incorrectly, one can end up with that reverse raccoon look.  So again choose a shade that is close to your skin tone.  Now sometimes when concealers dont work, it has nothing to do with the shade selection.  It has more to do with weather or not you corrected the underlying tone before applying concealer.  In cases like this you would need to use a colored/correcting concealer before applying regular concealer.

• Use a light green concealer to cover up redness such as acne scarring or birthmarks. (usually for areas not under the eye)
• Pink shades tend to brighten as well as cancel out blue or gray tones that usually show up under the eyes.
• Yellow based concealers  also brighten as well as cancel out pink tones. Depending on skin tone, sometimes yellow based concealers look chalky so be careful with your shade selection.
• Orange toned concealers are great for darker skintones as the shade tends to cancel out blue tones under the eyes.

• Next prep the area with an eye cream.  Its important to use an eye cream am/pm to treat/hydrate the area under your eyes.   You tend to use less product (conealer) when the skin is not dry and you also avoid mid-day flaking and caking.
• To find out exactly where to apply the concealer, tilt your chin down and look into the mirror.  The deep crease/indentation that you see is where you need to apply the concealer.
• Build coverage and pat gently.  Dont forget to apply the concealer to the inner corner of the eye and down the sides of the nose as these are the areas that tend to get the pretty dark as well.
• Be sure to blend the edges of the application with a crease brush or finger.
• Set with a translucent powder.

Get Your Glow On

Summer is fast approaching and what better time to have delicious, beautifully glowing skin.  There are many products that can deliver that effect, such as body oils and lotions, as well as body bronzers but i especially like the Nars Illuminator  to get my runway glow on because this sheer, luminous product can be used on the body as well as the face.  Use it by itself on the high points of the face, decolletage, and shoulders or mix it with your favorite liquid foundation or body lotion.  It comes in 4 shades:

• Orgasm: a peachy pink which looks best on fairer complexions
• Super Orgasm:  has more of a golden glow and beautifully highlights deeper complexions
• Copacabana: which is pearlescent and can be used as a highlighter
• Laguna: which is a bit more bronze and looks better on medium skin tones

$29 available at Sephora, sephora.com and narscosmetics.com

Beauty and Fashion Survival Kit

If you are anything like me, you carry a large purse (super cute of course) with everything in it – I mean EVERYTHING:  a book, a magazine, makeup, snacks, defibrillator, wallet, (only kidding about that defibrillator).  In addition to that, I like to carry other personal items such as deodorant, oral care, etc.  and, of course,  I want a really cute way to carry all of those items.  Well check out one of the best inventions ever called MINIMERGENCY KIT FOR HER by Ms. & Mrs.  This cute little pouch (measuring 3.5″x 2″ x 2″) holds the tiniest of personal care/fashion/beauty emergency products for on the go.  Available in a variety of colors, the pouch holds items such as  nail polish, double sided tape, mouthwash, earring backs, tampon, etc.  It’s perfect to keep in your purse, glove compartment, or desk.  Also available are kits for him, special occassions such as weddings, and for school.  Kits start at $12.  Available at Sephora as well as sephora.com and msandmrs.com

 

 

Multitasking Trench Coat

Ok so I was reading my latest issue of “O” and came across the most fabulous trench coat I have ever seen.  Anyone who knows me know that not only am I a DIYer, but  i am also a multitasker and I love items that multitask and can be used in different ways – everything – from jewelry to makeup and clothing.  Anywho…imagine my excitement when I came across this Tommy Hilfiger trench coat ($160)  (Macy’s: 800-622-9748) which can be worn not only as a trenchcoat but can also be worn as  a dress and a  bolero jacket.

Talk about getting the biggest bang for your buck!!!!

*please note that I was not able to find this trench coat on Tommy Hilfiger’s website and that two of the comments on oprah.com said that they also called the Macy’s number and they couldnt find it either so keep trying.*