Valentine's Day Inspiration: Last Minute Makeup Ideas

Want to add a bit of color to your make-up routine this evening? Follow these simple tips from People Style Watch Magazine and expert make-up artist Mai Quynh:

Mai's Tips: 

1. Go for deep hues!

For cooler months, use rich, jewel-toned shades. 

(Think amethyst or emerald for eyes)  && (Ruby for lips)

Try it: Red Lips

If you have medium-dark skin: try deep burgundies, think of red wine.

If you have fair skin: try a shade of cranberry

*Need your shade to stay put? Dust a bit of face powder to help lipstick last*

Try it: Plum Smokey Eyes

To achieve this pretty look: Layer dark gray or brown over plum shadow, then blend outward to create a sultry look. Make sure to line those beauties with a dark, thick liner!

*Remember to play up ONE feature. You do not need extra colorful eyes and lips! And always remember to soften your look up a bit. Blend shadows and blot lips.*

Big, Beautiful Lashes: The Best New Mascaras

I'll admit that I'm seriously addicted to mascara. My morning routine consists of layering not only one, but two different types of mascara to achieve the perfect look. But my obsession doesn't stop there. On the weekends I often find myself at Walgreen's buying a couple pairs of Andrea "45's" faux eyelashes. I cannot resist them. In fact, if I could wear long faux lashes everyday, I would. 

There's nothing sexier than big, beautiful lashes, and a smokey eye. 

But since I don't have the time to apply gorgeous faux lashes every morning, I must settle for the next best thing: Mascara that makes me look like I am wearing them. 

I recently came across an article on TotalBeauty.com and here are their top picks for the best mascaras: 

1. Clinque High Impact Waterproof Mascara, $19.99

You had me at "high impact". Mascara should be bold and enhance your natural beauty. For 19.99, it's a little steep for me, but Beauty Editor at TotalBeauty.com says, "I think build-ability is a very important aspect in a mascara. One coat give you definition but you can layer five-plus coats for volume and drama-and it won't get clumpy."

2. NYC Big Bold Curl Mascara, $4.99 

I think this might be a drugstore super find. Editor Sarah Carillo, agrees. "This is my new favorite. I completely ditched the lash curler thanks to this mascara." 

3. Khroma The Quickie Mascara, $19.99

This miracle in a tube was developed by the infamous Kim and Kourtney Kardashian. "It has everything you want in a formula", says Cinya Burton, Senior Associate Editor."It curls, lengthens and volumizes in that epic, big night out kind of way." 

4. Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Show Off Mascara, $6.99

Anything Rimmel I must try, I love their mascaras! Associate Editor, Emily Popp loves how it covers her lashes from root to tip. 

Currently in my makeup bag: (reminds me of Halloween, because of its bright orange tube): Rimmel London VolumeFlash Scandal Eyes Mascara

5. Maybelline New York Volume Express the Rocket Mascara, $7.49

"This is the best definitely the best waterproof mascara I've tried," gushes Tiffanie Petett, Editorial Assistant. 

6. Lancome Hyponse Star Mascara, $28

Dawn Davis, New York Editor says, "This mascara is intense in the best way- it is super dark & shimmery and makes your lashes look twice as full." 

Article [Source]

The Best Products For Your Hair

1. Deep Conditioner

2. Split End Serum

3. Heat Protectant 

4.  Restorative Shampoo

5.  Shine Booster

6. Frizz Tamer 

7. Scalp Stimulator 

Read more of the article here: 

{hOw tO} Live fashionably

Made with Picasa

{Trust Yourself}

"The secret to feeling attractive, and to being attractive, is the confidence that comes from knowing who you are and what you believe in."

{Accept the passage of time}

"The older you get, the more you should learn to love life and appreciate the beauty that comes with age."

{Document your days}

" Carry a camera and create an inspiring visual diary of your life"

{Be mindful of overindulgence}

The best way to know a woman is to open her luggage. If she knows how to pack well, it means she understands, and cherishes, how to live a simplified life. 

{Let your sense of fashion be an avenue of self expression}

Choose fashions that make you happy. 

Be dynamic,

Be unique,

Be the wonderful person that you are!

 

 Adapted from Elle Magazine

Hair Desire: Braids!

Made with Picasa, pics from weheartit, tumblr, and sherrilynnpuz.blogspot.com

I am loving these simple, beautiful, elegant braids.

Summer Beauty Tips

Made with Picasa

Ahh. The warmer weather is finally here! With that been said, ladies we need to start protecting our skin from the harshness of the sun, and of course do something about that frizzy hair in the humidity.

Here are a few tips to keep you absolutely gorgeous this spring/summer! 

Haircare 

1. Summertime means a lot of swimming whether it's taking a dip in the pool, the lake, or the ocean. Unfortunately it damages your hair! Continually wetting and drying your hair leaves those tresses brittle. 

Solution?

Be sure to deep condition at least once a week! 

It will repair all the damage from chlorine, the sun, etc. 

2. On a budget, but want some highlights?

Try spritzing some lemon juice through your hair! The sun will naturally lighten the hue of your hair. 

(*I love to do this! It works and it makes your hair smell good!)

Skincare

1. SPF! SPF! SPF! Did I mention SPF? You want to wear at least a 15 at all times. Please do not sacrifice your health for fashion! Sure, a tan looks great but it can do serious damage in the long run. Wearing SPF on a regular basis will keep you looking young and eliminate sunspots. Safer & (equally attractive alternatives include bronzer(s) and/or a spray tan.

2. Stay adequately hydrated. 

Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day! Don't like the taste of "plain" water? Slice up some lemons, limes, mint, or even strawberries and add them to your water. Adding lemon actually helps detoxify the liver and metabolize fat!

3. If you do happen to get a little too kissed by the sun, make sure you treats burns with Aloe. 

It will soothe the burn and allow you to heal faster.

Make-up

Less is more in the summah time!

1. Accentuate that sun-kissed glow with a shimmering powder instead of thick foundation. 

2. Apply bronzer! 

 Powder bronzer can accentuate your features and give you a healthy glow.

3. Make sure you use a lip balm or chapstick that has SPF. You want to protect your kisser! 

4. If you are around water or perspiring, waterproof makeup is your bestie. It will prevent those awful "racoon eyes" and streaks if you happen to get tossed into the pool. ;)

& Lastly...

Enjoy your summer. Sit back, relax and be happy. 

The most beautiful thing a woman can wear is a smile.

Beauty Advice: Audrey Hepburn

Beauty Tips from one of the classiest women in Hollywood:

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let someone run their fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed, never throw out anyone.

Remember if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older you will realize that you have two hands; one to help yourself and one for helping others.

Audrey/Pinterest

Beauty DIY: 4 Ways to use Epsom Salts

Next time you find yourself at your local drug store, pick up a $5 bag of Epsom salts! You can use the salts as a regular part of your beauty regimen whether its exfoliating in the shower or fading a nasty bruise!

As a body scrub: Add a spoonful of crushed up salts to your regular body wash, then lather up! 

To get beachy waves in the heart of winter: Mix a teaspoon of salts, a few drops of olive oil, and 1/4 cup of water in a spritzer bottle. Mist on damp hair.

As a hair clarifier: Combine 1 cup each of salt and lemon juice with a gallon of water. Let it sit overnight, then pour over hair before you shampoo.

To fade bruises: Toss two cups into the bath and soak. The salts' minerals fade bruises fast!

Source: Cosmopolitan (November Issue)

Pinterest/Beauty DIY

One Step Beauty

pic: bellaMUMMA

Got a minute or two? 

Want to look gorgeous in no time? 

Focus on:

1. Bronzed Skin: 

Still sporting that lil afterglow from the summer? Don't be afraid to flaunt it or apply a bronzer on those cheeks. 

2. Pink Lips:

According to Cosmopolitan, "When you wear a great shade of lipstick you don't really need anything else". 

3. Lashes, Lashes, Lashes

Bat those beautiful peepers with the help of a volumizing mascara or a set of falsies. I am really digging: Rimmel Lash Accelerator

4. Go for the Dramatic:

 Feeling a little mysterious? Instead of applying the regular 9-5 makeup, go for a deep plum smokey eye.

[Tips adapted from Cosmopolitan Online Beauty Blog]

DIY: How to Wear COLOR!

Want to add a bit of color to your make-up routine? Follow these simple tips from People Style Watch Magazine and expert make-up artist Mai Quynh:

Mai's Tips: 

1. Go for deep hues!

For cooler months, use rich, jewel-toned shades. 

(Think amethyst or emerald for eyes)  && (Ruby for lips)

Try it: Red Lips

If you have medium-dark skin: try deep burgundies, think of red wine.

If you have fair skin: try a shade of cranberry

*Need your shade to stay put? Dust a bit of face powder to help lipstick last*

Try it: Plum Smokey Eyes

To achieve this pretty look: Layer dark gray or brown over plum shadow, then blend outward to create a sultry look. Make sure to line those beauties with a dark, thick liner!

.OwWw Kitty.

*Remember to play up ONE feature. You do not need extra colorful eyes and lips! And always remember to soften your look up a bit. Blend shadows and blot lips.*

Pics: Pinterest Makeup Board

Another fun tip is to try BLUE eyeliner! Try either a cobalt blue or a navy blue. Line upper lashes and apply two coats of mascara.

DIY Beauty: Trick or Treat Manicure

thebeautydepartment.com

How cute and festive are these Halloween nails?

And believe it or not they are super simple! 

What you need:

1 bottle Orange Nail Polish

1 Bottle White Nail Polish

1 Bottle Yellow Nail Polish

Tape

Scissors

Clear top coat

{HappyHour Tip: Walgreen's carries a brand of nail polish called "Sinful Colors" that is cheap, fun, and comes in a variety of colors, especially around the holidays. It is only 1.99 a bottle!}

What you need to do: 

Apply two coats of orange nail polish on nails. 

According to Lauren Conrad from the Beauty department, you want to make sure that the orange is completely dry. In fact, you may want to rock the orange nails for a day to make sure. 

THEN, 

 1. Cut tape into strips that are 1/3 the length of your nails.

2. Place a strip horizontally on the center of each nail.

3. Apply 2 coats of white to the bottom portion of the exposed nail.

4. Apply two coats of yellow to the top portion of the exposed nail. 

5. Wait 5 minutes before carefully removing the tape from each nail and VOILA! A candy Coated Manicure!

Enjoy!

This fun idea was adapted from: thebeautydepartment.com!

DIY Pumpkin Sugar Scrub

Maybe I am seriously craving a spa day...

Yesterday's post was about soaking that worn, tired, self in the bath and today I am writing about Sugar Scrubs. 

Do you think I need a little R & R?

Perhaps. 

But here is the recipe:

P.S I bet it smells fantastic...

1/2 cup pureed pumpkin

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

MIX together & Enjoy.

Recipe and photo retrieved: HERE

DIY: Common Cold Bath Remedy

The cold and flu season is among us. Yes, the runny nose, headaches, and achy joints. Want to get rid of it fast? Try this Do-It-Yourself Bath remedy to remove all those evil toxins from your bod. 

First, run a hot bath. 

{This will open your pores and prepare your body for cleansing.}

What you need:

3 pints of Hydrogen Peroxide (You can find it any local drug store. Try CVS, Walgreen's, or RiteAid) 

Why? It oxygenates the the body and helps rid your body of toxins. It also acts as a antibacterial and antiviral agent. 

Add 2 ounces of Ground Ginger:

Why? Ginger acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and increase blood circulation.

Soak for 30 minutes

*After getting out of the tub, make sure you drink plenty of water to replenish what has been pulled out of your system.*

I found this lovely, DIY, home remedy at : Beautybets.com

Follow the link above for more Beauty info.

Would love that tub! (pinterest)