Color Me Bad

Ok so you know how you have that one or two shades of lip stick/lip gloss that aren't quite the colors you expected them to look like? The ones that you bought in a hurry, never tried on and imagined that they would perfectly compliment the blush or eye shadow you just bought?! Low and behold you excitedly try that shade on and come to realize....not so perfect. Not to mention, you can't find your receipt.

Well, I happened to have 2 completely different shades that weren't what I expected. The first is L'oreal's Endless Lip Colour in In the Buff. I was in search for something neutral like a peachy mocha color and thought judging by what it looked like, this was exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately, once I put it on, I ended up sporting the recently embalmed look with a pale beigey mauve color! It completely washed me out and immediately looked to my other lip sticks and glosses to blend it with. I decided to layer on top Mac's Lustre Lip Stick in Honey Flower which is a honey brown and finished it off with a soft baby pink lip gloss from Chanel in 119. The end result is a pretty pinky mocha color and the combination is neutral enough to go with the rest of your makeup, but still has enough color to bring to the face.

L'Oreal, In the Buff

Mac, Honey Flower

Chanel, 119

The second shade is Mac's Cream Sheen in Hang Up and has a much more intense color like a deep berry. Don't get me wrong, I love dark shades and even own a few burgundys and reds, but there was something about this that just didn't work for me by itself. So I paired it with Chanel's lipgloss color,109, which is a sheer coral orangey shade. The lip gloss on top gives a softer look and brings out a sexier pout perfect for a girl's night out or a hot date!

Mac, Hang Up

Chanel, 109

And the Beat Goes On

Some days like today, I like to tune out Starbucks' music and listen to my own or in this case, music I've just stumbled upon on myspace while doing some work. I'm an avid music fan and listen to almost everything from indie, pop-rock to hip hop and even a little bit of country. I like myself a little bit of Martina McBride in the mix of Safety Suit and Alicia Keys now and then. Anyway, this first band I came upon, Love Automatic mixes techno, house and pop-rock all together. Yes, you heard right..."guido" music with pop-rock. This combination was definitely a very interesting and pleasant surprise. I haven't heard anything like their sound before. You can check them out at www.myspace.com/loveautomatic. The second band, also from New Jersey, was Streets of Fire, which was actually on Love Automatic's friend's list (http://www.myspace.com/streetsoffiremusic). They have a more contemporary sound that mixes alternative, indie and rock together. They kinda remind me of early 90's rock bands. I found that both have really catchy lyrics and melodies in different ways. I think I have just become a huge fan.

Who Really Likes to Wait...

I know it's been some time since my last entry, but I just couldn't seem to find a camera on hand. Just my luck, I happened to stumble upon one including a friend photographer in time for when my latest purchases to arrive. The weather has been so crappy lately that I have resorted to online shopping. I didn't realize this when I was shopping online, that I was able to make a complete outfit out of what I bought. That rarely happens to me because I usually end up buying so many random things.

Blazer(Asos), Lace Top (Arden B), Jeans & Necklace (Urban Out Fitters), Boots (Swear London)

No Blast

I absolutely love vintage, however not everyone is conveniently located near a vintage store or even have one that sells items that don't cost an arm and a leg. Sometimes, you may not realize that the places you already shop at carry jewelry, clothing, bags, etc. that look like they've been handed down to you by your mother. So I found a few pieces that aren't vintage, but vintage inspired.

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Esty
Rouche
Asos
theOutnet

Soft Like a Baby's Bum

You know how products say what they are MEANT to do and that's about what they are only good for? What if I told you that lemon isn't just used in the kitchen, but acts as a great exfoliant for elbows and knees, baby powder can add volume to your do or that shampoo isn't just for your hair, but can be used to clean eye lashes to prevent stys?! I've come upon some really great products that are like "2fers"!

The Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleansing Pads is not only a cleanser, but acts almost like a "scrub" because the pads are textured. For those who are more prone to breakouts or any kind of sensitivity, this is a perfect alternative since it's not as harsh as salt scrubs that can sometimes cause redness and irritation. I was first hesitant in using cleansing pads at first because of those exact fears, but I was pleasantly wrong. Since soy is an ingredient in the product, it has calmed my redness around the T-Zone area. Also, a huge plus is that the pads remove All of your makeup that a liquid cleanser may leave behind.

However, if you want something with a little bit more UMPF in cleansing, I'm a big fan of Cosmedicine's scrub. The beads are grinned so fine that when you rubbed it against your skin, it doesn't feel like painful little pebbles. It can also be used for your lips! When that Chapstick or Burts Bees aren't enough to heal the flaking or winter burn, spending 5 minutes exfoliating can definitely restore the smoothness and moisture.
(Home Made Remedy for a Lip Exfoliant: Mix Vaseline or any plain lip gloss with some sugar with a q-tip (equal parts, enough to cover your lips). Then gently rub the mixture on your lips for about 1 minute depending on your condition. Rinse thoroughly with water. Finally, apply Vaseline or a medicated lip treatment to soothe lips.)

Did you ever think you can find a product that is a face toner and can prevent ingrown hair? I know...try to process what that product would even be. Somme Institute's Transport Pads do exactly both. You can use the pads after shaving the bikini area to prevent irritation as well as ingrown hair.

Drugstore Diva

So is it true? The more expensive something is the better quality? From the wide array of name brand lip sticks, eye liners and foundations I’ve used, I found out that’s not necessarily true. Even though I’m a huge fan of Nars, Make Up For Ever and Bare Essentials, here are a few of my favorite drugstore alternatives.

I have REALLY sensitive skin and during the winter, it goes a little bit crazy…combination of dry and oily. I have previously used Smashbox tinted moisturizer, but found that L’Oréal’s True Match Super Blendable Makeup foundation is light, not cakey, does not make my skin oily and it’s much more affordable. This is the only drugstore foundation I’ve found, that doesn’t give me any bad reactions.

Revlon Crème Gloss in Peachy Sheen and Sassy Mauve are my favorite shades since they look very natural. They’re neither too wet nor sticky.

Préstige pencil eyeliner in Sage is a great complimentary color for dark eyes. The Light Sheer Gloss Liner in Fearless Teal is also a great alternative and glides on smoothly.

(Préstige can be found in Duane Reade and Rite Aid mostly)

It's Like a Little Surprise

I was rummaging through the basement closet and hung among my father’s old tweed suits and a few forgotten 80s-90s apparel, I stumbled upon 2 great blasts from the past pieces…my grandmother’s blouse and my mother’s beaded vest!

I decided to pair the items with a few things that will modernize the look.

Necklace and graphic t-shit (Urban Outfitters),Victorian Booties (Ciella)

Bow belt (H&M), denim skirt (Zara), booties (Mogul)

Metal belt and Herem pants (Urban Outfitters), vintage pumps