Monday, June 27, 2011

Ooh-la-la: Best Beauty Picks

How many girls have TONS of beauty products... like 10 different body lotions, 4 mascaras, 2 moisturizers... etc. all purchased for the purpose of finding the BEST one?? Well, I DO! And along the way I have found some BESTs and favorite beauty products either by trial or recommendations from friends that I thought I'd share...

Facial Cleanser: Purpose by Johnson & Johnson
This stuff retails for $7 and can be found at Target, CVS, and online. It does a great job removing make-up, including regular mascara, but is sensitive enough so it does not over-dry your face.


Moisturizer with Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX
This company is a leader in UVA protection. Studies show that normal high SPFs don't necessarily protect your skin from aging and cancer. Anthelios SX features the first new sun filter in a sunscreen approved by the FDA in 18 years (minus all the chemicals)! I recommend their sunblock as well. Click HERE to view all of their products. Their line can be purchased at CVS or online, runs about $30 a bottle.

Lip Treatment: Sugar Collection by Fresh
L-O-V-E these! They really work, taste great and last a really long time! You can get them tinted in 3 different shades: Rose, Plum, and Honey (Nude). I own one in Plum...$22.50 ea, can be purchased at Fresh stores and website, Club Monaco, and online at Sephora.com.

Body Lotion:  Aveeno (baby) Soothing Relief Moisture Cream
Although this lotion is for babies, it's the only one that gets rid of my eczema on my legs and leaves my skin feeling silky smooth. Contains oatmeal to soothe itching, redness, and dry patches. Found at any grocery store or pharmacy; $8.



Mineral Foundation: bareMinerals SPF 15 Matte Foundation
If you have oily skin or can be prone to break-outs, this mineral make up is for you! It has amazing coverage without looking cake-y with a matte flawless look. $28 at Sephora or Planet Beauty stores. Throw it on with some blush and you're ready to go!



Eyeliner: Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner
Long-wearing, water-resistant color glides on & let’s you get it just right before it dries - then stays without a smear or crease. I prefer this one to the MAC gel eyeliner; however, you have to make sure to seal it well so it doesn't dry out too fast! You will need an eyeliner brush for application. $21 at the Bobbi Brown counter at department stores or Sephora.com


Body Sunscreen: Ocean Potion Anti-Aging Lotion with SPF 15, 30, or 50
Best kept secret under the sun! One of the best smelling sunscreen/sunblock on the market and for a great price! $6 at RiteAid or online at drugstore.com.
SPF 30 provides higher sun protection against UVA I, II and UVB sunrays. Contains Seaplant extracts and Anti-Oxidant Vitamins A, C, and E that aid in the reduction of cell damaging free radicals for younger looking skin. Check out their Natural Mineral Sunblock too, which is chemical-free. 


Summer Fragrances
Day: Citron de Vigne by Fresh


So fresh!! The 1 oz. bottle sells for $32 which is perfect until the end of summer. Their line is awesome in general so you can't go wrong with any of their scents. Once again, can be found at Fresh stores, department stores, or amazon.com.





Night: Au de Blanc by Bvlgari

A floral woody musk scent of white tea and white pepper that is recommended for day use, but I think is sexy enough for night time... $78 for 2.5 oz at department stores... cheaper if purchased online.



Face Bronzing Powder: Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder
This product is AH-mazing. Made with REAL gold flakes... how's that for a bronzed look?  $50 at Sephora but worth every penny.


Airbrush Make-up: DiorSkin AirFlash Spray Foundation
An ultra fluid mist foundation that gives an airbrushed appearance. I'm not kidding when I say it diminishes fine lines and skin irregularities. Can be a little heavy for day, depending on your preferences. Application with a special flat ended brush. $60 at the Dior counter at department stores or Sephora.com.


Sunless Tanning Lotion: Victoria's Secret Beach Sexy Instant Self Tan Lotion with Tint
This product may be almost discontinued online but can be found this summer at Victoria's Secret stores and Amazon.com. Immediately after application, you get a golden shimmery tint which develops into a nice brown tan. Very impressive for only $12 a bottle! Perfect when you don't want to pay for an airbrush tan but looks just like one. I stock up.


Nail Polish: Sephora by O.P.I.
Don't Feed the Hand Models
Metro Chic
Let's be honest, all of their colors are fabulous!! But I have to say my ultimate favorite colors are "Metro Chic" and "Don't Feed the Hand Models". For $9.50 a bottle you get quality color and chic colors you can't find at regular beauty locations that sell OPI. Sold exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com.


Thursday, June 23, 2011

Summer Threads

A few of my friends frequently ask me to go shopping with them because they like my style in clothes. I'm truly flattered and take their request as such a compliment because I take pride in considering myself a Fashionista; especially when I research trends all the time, carefully pick out my outfits, and love fabrics, colors, and fashion design so much. That being said, I've decided to do a post about this summer's hot finds in the eyes of this Fashionista. 
A little background and disclaimer on my style... girly, chic, unique and classy with a hint of sexy. I don't do trashy, slutty, or trendy, unless I go to Vegas or a Britney concert, in which then I'll do up sexy. I'm kinda a brand whore for high-end designers I can't afford but it's mostly because they use fabrics I love and designs and cuts you can't find in regular stores. My style is not for everyone, of course.

Some of my summer must-have pieces:
    • dresses, dresses, dresses!
    • hats
    • a whiskey colored leather bag/purse
    • a black stiletto pump
    • a silky blouse
    • an elegant pair of shorts
    • a good watch
    • a maxi dress
    • a sexy Brazilian bathing suit
    • a flat sandal
    • a romper
    • wedge sandals
    Chic Silk Short Dresses
    Elizabeth and James Dress $395
    Alice + Olivia Silk Dress $495

    Diane Von Furstenburg Silk Dress $385

    The Maxi Dress

    Elizabeth and James $395
    City Chic




    Summer Pants

    Pants: Sonia $390 Bouse: APC $210 Hat: Pachacuti $80 
    The Jumpsuit, I have one in black silk

    Classy Shorts
    Creme Blouse: Equipment $210  Pink Shorts: Markus Lupfer $425















    Strut-Your-Stuff Cocktail Dresses

    Vince sequined dress $425













    Sandals
    Alexander Berman (sale) $285
    J.Crew $350
         

    Wedge Shoes
    Paloma Barcelo $275
    Diane von Furstenberg $295
                
    Ooh la la...Sexy Suit