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Lace Shorts: Yes or a No? posted on November 28, 2011
My go-to products: Skin edition posted on May 16, 2012
HOW TO: Get the look of a blowout with a curling iron
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Who doesn’t love the look of a salon-style, round-brush blowout? Unfortunately, giving yourself a blowout without the help of a stylist can be quite challenging and time-consuming. Luckily, my friend Emily has discovered an easy, time-effecient way to achieve the same look with a curling iron instead of a round brush (she did it on my hair – above!) The best part? It’s easy to do on yourself! No professional stylist needed! In today’s video tutorial, Emily shows you, using my hair, how to get the look of a round brush blowout using a curling iron.
The finished product:
Fall 2011 makeup tutorial: How to get retro spider lashes
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Every season there are some new, funky makeup styles that hit the runways. This Fall, one of my favorites is spider lashes. Spider lashes are a retro, feminine style, reminiscent of 60′s and 70′s models like Twiggy. Long, clumpy, spider-like lashes will make your eyes pop. Since this is a style I have been wearing a lot lately, I decided to create a video tutorial for how to get this look. Sorry for the silly face that YouTube decided to create a freeze frame of. I never said the camera loved me.
My bathroom countertop
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Seeing a friend’s bathroom for the first time can be quite telling. In a personal way, similar to seeing inside someone’s handbag, it helps you understand a little bit about where that person is coming from.
The problem with bathroom countertops is that they’re limited when it comes to space. So you’re forced to consolidate to your absolute necessities. Keeping this area looking nice can be a challenge. Do you sacrifice looks for functionality? Or do you keep your counters strictly practical? It’s really interesting to see what items make the cut for some people.
At any rate, this is what sits on display on my bathroom counter.
Ever since our move, my countertop has reached a somewhat happy medium between functional and attractive. Fortunately for us, our bathroom has storage behind the mirror and a decent amount of cabinet space, so we can afford to be a little more flexible. I shove my not-so-attractive face wash, face lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste away in my drawers so I don’t have to stare at them when I’m not using them.
Where are the rest of my beauty products, you may be wondering? Well, that explosion of madness is hidden away in my drawers nowhere near ready to be unveiled on this blog just yet.
What makes the cut on your bathroom counter?
Mustard yellow outfit and Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain review
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I bought Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain in on recommendation from my friend Lauren and it’s great! The color has great pigment and stays on for hours. It’s a awesome alternative to lipstick. “Gothic” is a really, really deep red color. I toned it down by brushing some pink lipgloss over it, so these pictures don’t really show it’s true hue. It’s a much deeper red than it looks here. I want to buy Revlon’s more coral color because it looks a little less intense, so I’ll report back after I do and let you guys know what that looks like. Overall, I highly recommend this lip stain, it’s a good value for only $8.98.
This weekend had it’s highs and lows. Much of it was really stressful. Our puppy Winston spent Friday, Saturday and part of Sunday really sick – which was scary. It’s weird being responsible for the wellbeing of someone else. I’ve never had to do that before. I too wasn’t feeling well for most of the weekend, so that didn’t really help matters. Two vet visits later and a lot of tears (Carter remained strong but I was a mess), Winston is back to his energetic, silly puppy self. Poor guy.
Sunday and Monday were much better, though. Carter, Winston and I attended a BBQ at his parents house, visited our friends’ newborn baby (SO CUTE!), and did chores around the house. Other than “watching” the Duck game with some girlfriends, Winston’s troubles kept me away from friends for most of the weekend. Oh, the responsibilities of being a puppy mama!
These photos were taken the evening before Winston got sick. I wore this mustard-colored blouse to work with jeans, loafers and my current favorite piece of jewelry, a red statement necklace from H&M. What a steal, right?! I live for pieces that look expensive and luxurious (like my blouse and necklace) but cost next to nothing.
LiLash eyelash grower review and “after” pictures
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I know I said I wasn’t going to post any photos of my lashes after using LiLash, but as I was putting my mascara on this morning I was just so blown away by how well LiLash had worked. So I had to take these photos.
Okay granted, I was wearing a LITTLE BIT of mascara in these photos (my eyelashes get really blonde in the summer so you would have barely have been able to see them without mascara) – but yes, those are my real eyelashes thank you very much. I’m extremely impressed with this product. I highly recommend it.
In case you don’t know anything about LiLash, the abbreviated description is that it’s a non-prescritpion serum that you put on your lash line that is supposed to make your eyelashes grow longer. One of it’s biggest competitors is Latisse, which I reviewed here.
Unfortunately, I didn’t take any “before” pictures of my eyelashes before I started using LiLash (but you can look at my “before” pictures from this post to compare). But I can tell you that my lashes were short and uneven before LiLash entered my life. I used to spend a ton of time applying mascara in the mornings. Now I spend mere seconds. And unlike my experience with Latisse, LiLash has given me no irritation.
I got a couple of really good questions from readers in the comments section of my last post, which I answered there but I’ll also answer here because they made me realize I left some important information out of my review of Latisse.
Question: Kelsey, an awesome beauty blogger from Makeup Downlow, asked: “Where do you buy LiLash? Also, how expensive is it?”
Answer: I know that some hair salons sell LiLash, but you can also buy it online through their website at http://www.lilash.com/categories/LiLash-LiBrow/. It’s $139.97 online, plus shipping, I assume. When I bought it through a hair stylist, I think I paid about $170 for it. So it looks like you can get a better deal online.
Question: Katie asked: “Even though you didn’t have the same irritation with LiLash as you did with Latisse, did you have any irritation at all? Like watery eyes? Also, is it easy to apply? Those are the only things I was wondering before trying it myself.”
Answer: It’s honestly a little difficult for me to tell if LiLash has been irritating at all because my eyes are STILL a little irritated from Latisse. But as far as I can tell, I haven’t encountered any additional irritation from LiLash. But like I said, it’s a little hard to tell.
And yes, it’s really easy to apply. With Latisse you had to go through a whole bunch of brushes because they instruct you to use a new one for every application. With LiLash, you apply it like liquid eyeliner – but clear liquid eyeliner so you don’t have to stress too much about being precise.
1) ONLY apply LiLash one time a day (or even every other day). Applying more often will not make your lashes grow faster, it’ll just irritate your skin.
2) Wipe the extra solution off the brush onto the inside of the applicator (as you would if your mascara brush came out clumpy). You only need a tiny bit of the solution because it’s very potent. This will also make it last longer – bonus!!
3) Don’t put any of it on your bottom lashes.
Following these tips and the directions on the bottle will help prevent irritation and still give you awesome results.
I’m glad I was able to share my experiences with all of you! What do you think? Are you considering trying a lash growth serum?
Latisse review and Latisse before and after pictures
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I just found this draft of a post that I took photographs for almost two years ago. I don’t know how I managed to forget to post it, but somehow I did. Anyway, as you might have known from my early blog posts (or talking to me), I tried Latisse in college for about nine months when it first hit the market.
Latisse is supposed to make your eyelashes grow, and I can say with complete and total honesty that it works. Actually, Latisse works really, really well. These photos just don’t do it justice.
Latisse side effects…
You may be wondering why I stopped using Latisse if it works so well. Well, in addition to making my eyelashes grow, it also made my eyelids turn purple-ish red, and itch. I never had itchy eyes before I started using Latisse.
I loved having long lashes, but it wasn’t worth the high price tag (over $100 a bottle!) and permanently (yes – over a year later I still wear concealer on my eyelids) irritated eyes.
Side note: Latisse also can permanently darken the color of your iris’ when you use it. This wasn’t an issue for me because I have such dark brown eyes already, but if I’d had blue eyes I would have been pretty pissed!
So I stopped using Latisse and didn’t use any eye lash growing products for about a year.
My newest eyelash adventure…
But recently, I’ve actually started using LiLash, a Latisse competitor, which is ironic because I wrote this review bashing Lilash when I first started my blog.
LiLash is similarly priced to Latisse, but you don’t need a prescription to buy it. It also last closer to a year, whereas one bottle of Latisse is supposed to last about a month (if I remember right). So, there’s more bang for your buck with LiLash.
I’m still not entirely sure how LiLash works, but somehow it does and I have long eyelashes again. And they’re not irritated, which is awesome. I’ve only been using it for a month and I’ve already seen significant results. So between the two products, I would recommend LiLash. I probably won’t do a full review of this product because I’ve taken my blog in a different direction than it started (I used to do a ton of beauty product reviews). But I do recommend it. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any before and after pictures of my lashes while using LiLash.
Have you used Latisse, Lilash or something else? How about one of the drugstore versions of these products? How did they work for you? Did you experience any side effects?
Seasonal Beauty Essentials: Summer Edition
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♥ Girlactik Skin Tint Moisturizer – No need for regular foundation on top!
♥ Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF 45 – Great for protecting your skin AND absorbing excess oil.
♥ St. Tropez Tanning Essentials Everyday Gradual Tan for Body – Moisturizing, builds a believable tan, and smells lovely!
Summer has arrived! Every season I update my beauty routine, just a little, to accommodate the latest trends and the change in weather (and my skin color). But no matter what trends are popular at the time, there’s always some predictability to my beauty routine.
For summer, I usually gravitate toward minimalist looks. It’s important to me that I don’t look or feel like I have a lot of makeup on. At the same time, I try to embrace feminine colors for my lips, cheeks, and nails. For example, some popular makeup for this season are coral, orange and bright pink. These are my essentials that will get me though the season.
♥Maybelline Colossal Waterproof Mascara – Builds volume and is sweat-proof.
♥ Benifit Stay Don’t Stray Primer – Which I use as undereye concealer because that’s how I was directed to use it at the Benifit counter in Macy’s. It adds just the right touch of bright.
♥ Clinique Chubby Stick and balm – Moisturizing and adds just a touch of color.
♥ Stila Sun Bronzing Powder – So I don’t feel the need to bake my skin in the sun.
♥ Essie ‘Summer Collection’ nail polish – Because Essie has fabulous seasonal colors with a great consistency.
♥ BB texture – So that my hair has texture and body when I don’t blow it dry.
♥ BB surf spray – For obvious reasons.
♥ Kerastase Defense Ultime – Because the sun can damage your hair and mess with your color that you paid good money for.
What are your go-to products for summer skin, hair, and makeup?
10 of-the-moment styles and how to wear them
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Sometimes updating your look is as simple as remixing what your already own and adjusting the way you think about your style. Recent trends with their casual, 70′s vibe are very conducive to this strategy. With easy-to-wear pieces, simple accessories to add, and a few beautiful basics you probably already own, you can create an array of chic new looks with very little effort. Below are some fun of-the-moment styles that fashionistas everywhere have been embracing this season. I thought I’d give my vanity a day off and skip photos of myself and instead feature my favorite trends on some of my favorite bloggers who inspire my blog and my style every day.
Hanneli captured this photograph of the half-tucked shirt beautifully. I love this style because it’s easy to wear, and you don’t have to worry about the tuck being perfect (sometimes tucked-in shirts can be fussy, don’t you think?). But beware, this style can look very sloppy if it’s not properly accessorized and worn with tailored and polished clothing. (It’s supposed to look like glamour not grudge.) I suggest skipping the t-shirt and using a button up as your half-tucked shirt (like the model is wearing), and pairing it with neatly tailored pants or shorts, and some heels or wedges. Add a necklace and some bracelets to look ultra put together (but not preppy), and you’re good to go.
Trendy shorts are making such a comeback this summer. Different styles are popping up all over the place, ranging from retro textures like lace, crochet and leather (see below), to soft, almost pajama-like materials and silk. (And of course, there’s the denim cutoff.) But silk has to be one of my favorite shorts trends this season. It’s sophisticated but easy to wear at the same time. The classically beautiful Katy from my daily read, Sugarlaws, demonstrates the delicate simplicity of such a style.
I don’t care how you feel about floral. Everyone seems to have an opinion but it’s undeniable that a floral sundress paired with a black blazer is the perfect look for a windy July evening. The lovely Chelsea from Just Zipped shows us how to wear this style flawlessly. Loose, romantic hair, a summer glow and a big smile are all the accessories you need. (The meadow of yellow flowers is optional.)
By contrasting a masculine, denim button-down shirt with an ultra-feminine lace skirt, Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere shows us how you can wear this style and still feel girly, with just a little bit of an edge. Other interesting ways to wear denim shirts? As a jacket over a sundress, with jeans (I know – originally a faux pas…), tucked into a skirt, and tucked into white or black pants.
The always-lovely Audrey Marie from A Lovely Escape shows us how gorgeous coal can be. Form her lipstick, to her blouse, to her ring – she’s got it right! I happen to be very partial to this look because coral is one of my favorite colors. But if you’re not ready to go “all-out coral” just yet, take baby steps by pairing coral lipstick with clothes in more understated colors, like black, cream, or navy.
The military jacket is another example of a great masculine piece that is fun to offset with seriously feminine fabrics, like lace and floral. Trade out your blazer for the military jacket when you’re wearing your favorite LBD, sundress, or floral top. Or wear it like Taylor from Stirling Style, paired with tailored jeans and a striped top for a casual dinner.
The overwhelmingly fabulous Rumi from Fashion Toast uses Bumble & Bumble Texture Cream to give her hair the textured, messy look that she has become the poster girl for. But the best part is that you don’t have to be a famous blogger to pull this look off – summer is a perfect time to experiment with low maintenance texture in your hair.
The notion that you need to offset brights with neutrals is no more. Khatu from I am Khatu shows us the right way to do color blocking. Bright top, contrasting bright skirt, bright belt, bright clutch. It’s impossible not to love this look.
Stylish Ashley from Breakfast at Saks demonstrates how perfect and tasteful a tied-front shirt can look. Looking for tie-front shirts? Nasty Gal has lots of them. Or just play around with your favorite button-up and find a style of tie that works for you.
The Blonde Salad‘s Chiara couldn’t look more fashionable in these leather shorts. Pairing the them with a crisp white button down was the perfect move. Another great way to wear leather shorts is with a cream crochet top. Check out NastyGal.com for more ideas.
Independence Day
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“Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better.” – Albert Camus
On my nails:
♥ Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Celeb City (bottom coat)
♥ Sally Hansen CRACKLE overcoat in Cherry Smash
♥ Sally Hansen CRACKLE overcoat in Distressed Denim
♥ American Apparel Nail Lacquer in Clear
Happy 4th of July, everyone!
How to use BB Surf Spray and wash your hair less often
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It was love at first sight for Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray and me. Ever since my hair stylist Caitlyn first introduced us a few months ago, we’ve been inseparateable. Sure, it cost me $24 that I could have spent on, say, a few other products. But it’s such a small price to pay for something that has been there for me when I needed it most – on good hair days and bad, through thick and thin, curls, waves, and straight hair – BB surf spray has helped me overcome my “day two hair blues” like nothing and no one ever could. And I predict that this will be a long-lasting, committed relationship.
Contrary to the suggested use of this product, I actually rarely use BB Surf Spray to create “beach-y waves” (although it’s good at doing that too). I use it so that I don’t have to wash my hair every day.
Before you close your browser thinking – “Gross! Sarah doesn’t wash her hair everyday” – listen to me for a second. Contrary to how it sounds, I’m not a gross, dirty person. I promise! Washing your hair every day is actually BAD for your hair! Don’t believe me? Google it! Or just read one of my or my guest posters’ previous blog posts that have talked about it.
(Not that you asked, but just so you know – I still take daily showers, using a shower cap on days I’m not washing my hair.)
So, anyway! BB Surf Spray is fabulous for absorbing oil and making sure your hair doesn’t fall flat a day or two after you wash it. (Some people can even make it a week between washes with this product!) I find it especially helpful for my bangs, which tend to get oily the fastest.
Step 1: Shampoo your hair as usual. Lightly towel dry. Then establish your normal part by combing your hair as you usually would.
Step 2: Brush your hair back at your hairline so that the hair that usually brushes against your face is away from your face.
Step 3: Holding the bottle about four inches from your head, spritz the under part of your bangs along your hairline with BB Surf Spray. Hold your bangs back if that’s easier for you, like I’m doing in the photo. I usually spray this area about seven times, distributing fairly evenly along my hairline but focusing a little more on my bangs.
Step 4: After you’ve tackled your hairline, lift your hair at the roots along the back and the sides of your head, spraying your roots as you lift, where you wish to create volume (and absorb the oil that your scalp produces throughout the day).
Step 5: Style your as your normally would – with a blow dryer, or not. Straight or curly – it doesn’t matter! (Or try one of these hairstyles.)
The BB Surf Spray should have given your hair extra lift at the roots, resulting in extra volume. And the next day your hair should still be oil-free and voluminous. If you feel that your hair needs a touchup a day or two later, spritz your roots again with the Surf Spray and blow it dry with a hairdryer.
Oh, and in case you don’t already own this life-changing product – you can purchase Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray from Sephora.com or at your local Target store (or at Au Salon in Portland on NW 23rd, where I bought it.) There’s a reason the Surf Spray is Bumble & Bumble’s best selling product – it kicks butt!
