Thursday, November 07, 2013

pump up the volume - without teasing


I suffer from super flat, thin hair and teasing makes me cringe so I've come up with a way to add some volume without killing my hair. First, I try to limit washing my hair to every other day.

After showering and combing my hair, I add a few spritzes of John Frieda's Luxurious Volume and Root Booster & heat protectant - I like Herbal Essences.

Then I flip my head over and blow dry my hair completely (or for as long as I can tolerate). Once it's dry, I turn on the cool setting (still upside down) to set my hair. Flip back and tame any craziness.

Finally, I use my secret weapon - Batiste Dry Shampoo in Dark and Deep Brown. This works best when it's used just after you wash your hair. It not only adds instant volume but it sucks up any oil as it's being produced throughout the day. You'll notice your hair is way less greasy the next day resulting in using less of the product to get perfect second day hair.

You're welcome.
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Thursday, October 10, 2013

DIY Cake Banner


I baked a cake for my friend's bachelorette party and decided it needed some flare. Candles weren't really in order so I turned to a banner with a catchy phrase. Being that the cake would be penis shaped, I thought "Wishin' You Happenis" would be appropriate.

You will need:

A computer & printer
Scissors
Thread or twine
Glue or Mod Podge
Wooden skewers

1. Print out your text on plain white or colored paper.
2. Cut out each letter individually but leave some slack above and below it.
3. Folder the paper just above the letter.
4. I then folded the paper in half so that I could cut a symmetrical slit in the middle.
5. Lay out your phrase and double check spelling/that you have all the letters.
6. I used embroidery floss and glued it inside the flap of paper so that it's concealed. Then, I trimmed and tied the thread to skewers (cut to your desired length) and applied a drop of hot glue to secure it in place, although this isn't necessary.
7. It still felt incomplete so for some added color, I trimmed a few pieces of streamer and hot glued them to the skewers.

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Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Personalized Mason Jars

Let's be real - there's nothing classy about Solo cups. And since I have a pretty bad obsession with mason jars, I seize every opportunity to use them. This party was no exception. In keeping with the pink and black theme that I've taken the liberty to assign, I bought some hot pink puffy paint and got to work.


You will need:

Puffy paint
Mason jars
Printed out templates
Tape
A steady hand

A note: Wash your jars first (if they're new) to reduce the risk of washing off paint before the first use. If it washes off after the party, that's on them.

1. First, I printed out the names I wanted personalized then taped them to the inside of the jars.

2. It's a good idea to practice writing a little bit on a piece of paper or have a paper towel handy to wipe mistakes off the glass. Another tip: before writing each name, place the cap on the bottle and stand it up side down. This brings all the paint to the point and reduces your risks of air popping out when you're trying to write.

3. Since I'm a lefty, I had to trace from right to left so that I wouldn't smudge the paint. This worked to my advantage because tracing one line at a time was much easier than tracing letters in their entirety.

4. Once you've written out the name, you can do some minor touch ups with a wet q-tip before the paint dries.

5. Let the jars dry over night and enjoy some drinks in your new glasses!


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Monday, September 16, 2013

DIY Glitter Banner


I searched throughout several stores to find a "bachelorette" themed banner I liked but hated most of them. Then it occured to me to make one and after scouring the internet for ideas, I came up with a relatively simple banner to cook up. Warning: IT'S MESSY. Why is glitter such a bitch to clean up??? [Update: I found glitter on my dog today - several days after completing this project.]

You will need:

Computer & printer
Scissors
Mod Podge
Sponge brush to apply glitter
Copious amounts of glitter
A dish to contain as much glitter as possible
Twine
Hot glue gun

1. Select font & size for your phrase and print it out.
2. Cut out letters.
3. Apply Mod Podge to paper (I did this over a piece of wax paper to avoid a gluey mess)
4. Place letter in a dish that's filled with glitter face down until it's completely covered with glitter and shake off excess. (I discovered this technique half way through the project so the glitter was already everywhere but maybe you can save yourselves)
5. Once the glue has completely tried, lay out the letters and place them face down.
6. Lay the twine over where it will be attached to the letters and apply a line of hot glue to secure in place.
7. Once the hot glue has dried, I suggest laying a sheet of wax paper over the banner and place something heavy on it over night to avoid curling.
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Thursday, September 12, 2013

dirty is the new black

I've always had oily hair so not washing it daily was never an option. The idea of going just one day without washing my hair made me cringe. But when dirty hair became something I could no longer ignore, I started doing some research. I kept trying to talk myself out of it but eventually I bit the bullet. Donning a shower cap, I took my first shower without touching my hair. Afterwards, I still felt dirty because my hair wasn't wet and freshly cleaned but it wasn't long before I realized this was completely mental. After I brushed it, dry shampooed it and styled it, I felt clean and pumped. My once lifeless hair had volume and gave me instant confidence. It's been a long road to discovering the perfect dry shampoo so I'll save you the time and trouble and share my experiences with you. Aside from the last product being the best, the rest are in no particular order. 

Pros: Inexpensive, easily found at any drugstore.
Cons: It made my hair look dirtier.
Repurchase? No.
I should disclose that this was the first dry shampoo I had ever tried so this might be my own fault. I should really give it another go before saying I wouldn't use it again but I'm too afraid to take that gamble.

Pros: Smells clean & fresh; non-floraly.
Cons:
Repurchase? No.
I've heard about this brand via YouTubers but I've never actually seen it in the store so I'm not sure how easy it is to find (I received mine in an Ipsy bag).

 Pros: Doesn't too white on hair.
Cons: Strong scent, difficult to work in residue.
Repurchase? Yes.
This is your basic dry shampoo. There is really nothing special about it but nothing really deterring me from buying it again, either. Unlike some other brands, the white spray doesn't show too much on your hair when applied but what little there is, is more difficult than others to work into your hair.
Pros: Product comes out brown.
Cons: Expensive, disgusting odor.
Repurchase? NO.
This is what I suppose is a high-end dry shampoo but the bottle I received had an extreme odor that I was not expecting, nor was it pleasant. I really hope that it was just a bad bottle because at $25 it should smell incredible.
Pros: Offered in several pleasant scents, works into hair easily.
Cons: Shows very white when product is applied, runs out quickly.
Repurchase? YES.
Ever since I started using dry shampoos, I've wanted to use Batiste because every beauty blogger I follow raves about how great it is. One in particular mentioned always being able to find it at TJMaxx and that's exactly where I get it now. It's a couple dollars cheaper at TJMaxx than it is at Ulta but I think Ulta offers buy one get one 50% off from time to time so weigh your options. Pretty much all of the scents are nice, obviously I like some better than others but I don't hate any of them. My only issues, albeit decent issues, with this product are that I run through them SO FAST. That might be my fault, though. I tend to go heavy with it. Also, it shows a lot of white BUT it does work in better than others. These are not deal breakers for me, I still love Batiste!
And now, the best for last! ....
Pros: No white residue. None!
Cons: Runs out quickly (might just be me though), brown shows on hands if you apply/touch too much.
Repurchase? YES!
Just when I thought the original Batiste couldn't get any better, I found it in brunette! My main issue was how much white showed on my brown hair but those problems are gone now that I use this brown one. This particular one is more expensive at Ulta and alike but it's the same price as the others at TJMaxx for $5.99! Blonde? Don't fret, yours can be found right here. I assume it comes in some shade of yellow but I can't be sure since I've never used it. Note, there are always more brown ones than blonde at TJMaxx which is fair because blondes can use the regular "white formula" (I just made that up) without any issues.

What's your favorite dry shampoo?!
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Tuesday, September 03, 2013

August Favorites


1. 99 Problems but a Baby Ain't One by Megan Silianoff I met Megan last fall at Lucky Mag's FABB event and she was so nice and down to earth. After meeting her, I started reading her blog religiously and found out that she's so much more than an awesome blogger! And now a published author! Without giving too much away - she's a cancer survivor, new mom, and hilarious - okay I just gave it all away but still read the book because it was great! Never have I read such a creative balance of strength and humor. I seriously admire her! Go follow her over at Greetings from Texas, k? K.

2. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer was a splurge worth every penny. After hearing so many wonderful things about it, I knew I had to try it and I'm so glad I did. I've been using Maybelline's Dream Lumi Concealer for a while now just waiting for something better to come along. This NARS concealer is medium to full coverage with all day wear. I couldn't ask for more. Check out my full review here.

3. Tree Hut Shea Moisturizing Shower Wash I was at Ulta when I realized that I was almost out of body wash. The simple and organic packaging caught my attention (I'm a sucker for packaging) and the scents got me hooked! Not to mention they're $4.99 a pop and "buy 2 get 1 free" - I just couldn't resist. I purchased Almond and Honey (my fave!), Coconut Lime, and Brazilian Nut. I love subtle, natural scents and these are so amazing. You must try.

4. John Frieda Luxurious Volume I discovered this product at Harmon and it makes a huge difference. I have really flat hair and cringe at the thought of teasing it. Adding a few pumps of this to my damp hair before a quick blow dry adds great height without the damage. It also smells amazing!

5. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette "Faint" I've always been drawn to defining my eyes in one way or another and eventually became addicted to liquid liner. But such precision is time consuming and since I'm always usually late in a rush, I just don't have the time or patience. I got this palette a few months ago but didn't start seriously using until this past month. Even when I only have a few minutes to throw my face together, it's enough time to dab some of "Faint" along my outer lower and upper lash lines. The quick addition of color makes a huge difference and takes my eyes from looking naked to... POP. Love this color!

6.  Maybelline theRocket Volum'Express Mascara I never had a favorite mascara... until this one. I had jumped around from the various Maybelline mascaras for while not really being impressed. The waterproof formula does a great job at holding the curl and lasts all day but isn't a fuss to remove. I use "blackest black" for long, voluminous lashes and "brownish black" for when I want a more natural look.

7.CND Shellac Gel Polish in "Studio White" I don't know where I got the idea for white nail polish but when paired with a nice tan, it's my absolute favorite summer color!! I rocked this shade twice this summer which is a total of 4 weeks for gel manis - that's a decent commitment. Normally, I pick a color and LOVE it but by a week later, I'm sick of it and ready for my next mani. White was the only time I stalled getting another manicure because I didn't want them to remove it. I'm definitely going to miss it while I retire it until next summer. :(
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Thursday, August 29, 2013

Counting down to Fall




With summer coming to an end, school starting and the slight chill in the morning air just reminds me how much I look forward to fall. It's by far my favorite time of year and enjoying all of my favorite things about fall for the first time is so much fun!


1. Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candle I love these candles and anything that makes my house smell like pumpkins is right up my alley!

2. Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Muffin I wait until there's no question about it being fall to enjoy DD's pumpkin muffin. It's so delicious and tastes how fall should. I can't wait to enjoy one of these!!

3. Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Coffee Some people rave about the Starbucks pumpkin latte but I never got hooked on it. Despite being a huge Starbucks fan, you'll find me in DD all autumn long sipping hot pumpkin coffees.

4. Pop Tarts Pumpkin Pie I only discovered these a few years ago, although I'm not sure how long they've been around but they are SO GOOD. They're not that easy to find so when I spot them (usually at Target) I grab a few boxes for myself friends and family.

5. Pumpkin Picking I love pumpkin picking even though they usually rot before I get around to carving them. Going pumpkin picking, enjoying cider donuts (OMG CIDER DONUTS HOW DID I FORGET TO INCLUDE YOU!! Okay, honorable mention!), and buying previously-picked apples (let's be real, I don't pick my own apples) has got to be my favorite fall activity - other than Halloween, of course.

6. (Flat) Fall Boots I'm trying to figure out why I love boots so much... I think it's because they're an easy way to dress up without having to wear heels (heels and I don't get along). Plus they're warm and super cute!

7. Scarves I'm always cold and scarves are a great way to keep warm and still look good. I have too many to count in way too many colors and prints.

8. Candy Corn I didn't always like candy corn (I know, right?!) but now I love it. I can't wait to consume way too much of it in the upcoming months.

9. Halloween Decorations Every year, I swear I pull out the Halloween decorations earlier and earlier. It's so much fun and I just can't wait until October!! This year, I stocked up early on some decor to hang at work. I'm aiming to have the most festive workspace in the office although I have a feeling I won't have much competition!
 
And be sure to check out my Candy Corn Pumpkin Spice Cookies recipe from last year!
What are you looking forward to the most? What are you favorite fall treats?

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Friday, August 23, 2013

Seventh Generation Skin Serum


Math tells us that if we multiply a number by its self, the answer is zero. This same equation applies to oil. Using oil against itself has been on the rise and gaining popularity recently. As someone who has fought oily skin, I've gone from curious to addicted.

I've combined the concept of using the Seventh Generation Skin Serum as a moisturizer with the oil cleansing method and have fallen in love with the results. You will need a wash cloth and the serum.

To a clean face, apply 1-2 pumps of the serum and massage into your skin. Take the cloth and soak it with water as hot as you can tolerate. Place the cloth on your face and let the steam open up your pores to free the oils. After a minute or two, wipe off the excess (if any) of oil. No additional moisturizer needed. Your skin should feel fresh and revitalized. This has been my nighttime routine for the last couple of weeks and I'm very happy with the results. I will definitely be repurchasing this serum!

Have you tried this serum? What do you think?

#AllNaturalStyleSecrets
I received a free sample of this product from Lucky and Seventh Generation for use in connection with this blog. 

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Thursday, August 22, 2013

Combating Oily Skin



Oily skin is my biggest fight when it comes to looking good. Bad hair days don't bother me but bad skin days are a no no! I've finally come up with a routine that works for me and keeps oil at bay. I finally discovered that my issue wasn't just oily skin but the sebum that lurks around. Washing my face the old fashioned way was not getting into my pores and cleaning them out. That's why I absolutely love my Olay cleanser. I use it every morning in the shower (yes! you can use it in the shower!!!) and if I ever skip just one day - it shows on my face. That, combined with the Olay Fresh Effects face wash is great.

At night, I practice the oil cleansing method. At first, it sounded crazy to me and even my dermatologist was skeptical but I find that it works for me. Cleaning my oily skin with oil actually cancels each other out and I find that my skin is less oily afterwards (go figure!). Not to mention using a hot cloth really opens up my pores allowing for everything to be cleaned out. It's not a pretty concept but it was to be done!

As for during the day battles, I apply microfinish powder after my makeup which helps tone down the oil. Just in case there are any flare ups, I have some absorbing sheets on hand.

Touching  your face also promotes oil build up and break outs so training yourself to keep your hands away from your face can be difficult but necessary. And obviously, never go to bed with make up on. Also, make sure to moisturize sufficiently. If your skin isn't moisturized properly, it will produce more oil. 

What are you tricks to keeping oily skin under control?

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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Beauty Blogger Tag ♥

This is a little different from what I normally do but it echoed in my mid-90s-aol-surveys memories and I couldn't resist. [ snagged from Drugstore Dreamer, go check her out! ]

1. Why did you start blogging and how long have you been blogging for? I started blogging because I loved reading other blogs so much and wanted to try out that perspective. I also wanted to try a creative way to express myself on my own terms. I started this blog in the fall of 2011.

2. Whose blog did you fall in love with first? I started following a friend of mine's blog, Closet Vanity, and even though she doesn't blog anymore, I still owe a lot of my start to her.

3. What was the first blogosphere hyped about product that you bought? Was it worth the hype? The first product I bought based on other bloggers has to be BirchBox. It was really exciting at first, to be apart of what everyone else in the blogging world was experiencing and also a welcomed surprise every month in my mailbox. Was it worth the hype? Eh. I don't think I loved any of the boxes and if not for the element of surprise, I probably would have cancelled it sooner. But it was still a fun thing to look forward to and gave me blog topic ideas when I was otherwise short on them as a rookie blogger.

4. What are you five favorite things about blogging and being a Beauty Blogger?
- This is going to be a really boring answer because it's cliché but I promise it's true. First and foremost, the people that I've met. Not all have turned into friendships but I have taken at least one lesson from each blogger I've met and they've contributed to my voice, my blog, my style in their own way. See? Cliché.
- I have 100% creative freedom. I've always loved writing and now, I can do it whenever I want about whatever I want. It's a luxury.
- Opportunity. Blogging has afforded me so many opportunities that I wouldn't have had otherwise. Doing something fun and that I enjoy has also lent itself to my resume/experience and that is entirely priceless. I mean, working alongside Caroline Waxler at Lucky Magazine? PINCH ME. All because of this little blog.
- Events! It's so much fun to meet other bloggers, see new places, and enjoy the non-writing side to blogging once in a while.
- Trying new products never gets old.

5. What have you learned from being a Beauty Blogger? You get out of it what you put into it - and that this applies to most things in life.

6. Have you changed anything since becoming a Beauty Blogger? My makeup routine, obvi! I was so stuck in my ways and never changed it up. Blogging has exposed me to so many different products, tips, and styles which has broken me out of my comfort zone and encourages me to try new things.

7. What advice would you give to a beauty blogger just starting out? Do it. Just do it. That's all.

8. What are your top 5 makeup brands? Urban Decay, Maybelline, NARS, benefit, EOS.

9. What are your top 5 beauty products? Maybelline Rocket mascara, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, Covergirl Olay pressed powder, Urban Decay Naked Flushed palette, EOS lip balm.

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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer: Review + Swatch

Earlier this year, NARS released a new concealer and I've heard nothing but great reviews about it. So since I was in the market for a new under eye concealer, I splurged for the $28 concealer in the shade "Vanilla." Looking back, I think I should have at least swatched "Custard" but "Vanilla" works.

Very little is needed, just a few dabs under the eyes will do. Massage and blend into skin and it melts. This concealer works so well that it actually makes the rest of my face make up pale in comparison. 

It not only covers well but it's long lasting, too. After swatching this little bit, I placed my hand under running water and it didn't budge. Only when I scrubbed the area did it start to wash off. 

Seeing how great this concealer works makes me want to try more face make up from NARS! Any recommendations? NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer can be found at Sephora and other retailers. Have you tried this concealer? What do you think?!


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Monday, July 29, 2013

My bathroom turned MTA Transit Museum


Since I moved in with my boyfriend several months ago, we've made some changes to make it more "ours." Even before I moved in (like every other girl, I hope), I made mental sketches in my head of what I would do as far as decorating when the time came for me to move in. The bathroom was always a struggle because it's small and outdated. And since there's talk it may get redone sometime soon, I tried to think of temporary fixes until that time comes.

I tend to gravitate towards themes when it comes to decorating the bathroom and this is no exception. My boyfriend fell in love with the subway map shower curtain and I can't lie, I kind of love it, too. So, we've had that up for a while without a serious plan of what to do next. Then it hit me - why not go balls to the wall with a NYC subway themed bathroom? It's obnoxious but it's my way of being a tourist without ever having gotten the chance to be one. I'm proud to live in New York City and I want everyone who relieves themselves in my home to know it. 

I tried to pick one color in the map and play off of that. Since "our" train is the yellow line AND our bathroom tiles are a beige-ish yellow, I thought it would be the perfect starting point. After seeing this post on Young House Love, I knew I had to at least attempt to make this sign. I played around with text and colors and came up with this:

Last weekend, I finally got some wood and paint and put this thing together. I had a glass shelf lying around so I thought it would balance it out and I could free up some space on the sink. These candles take up some prime real estate in my house. As if that wasn't enough, I found this subway car in a museum gift shop one day AND I HAD TO HAVE IT. At first, I couldn't find the N train but once I did, I felt obligated to buy it because fate had intervened.

Since I had gone this far, I figured why stop nowLately, MTA has adorned the new subway cars with really cool pieces of art. I've always admired this one simply because there is so much detail. Every time I sit on the train and see this print, I always find something new that I haven't noticed before. And I hope to make this true in my bathroom, as well.

I think I'll stop at this unless I find something small that I can't resist. I wouldn't want my already small bathroom to become just as congested as an actual subway car.

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Friday, July 26, 2013

IOPE Air Cushion XP: Review + Swatches

Like the rest of the beauty world, I've fallen into the BB cream hysteria. After trying a couple drugstore brands and not falling in love, I've been dying to discover an Asian beauty store and get the real deal.

While shopping today, one of those shops fell in my lap and I was elated. It looked a little high-end which intimidated me because I had no idea what I was looking for and I was afraid I'd drop money on the wrong product. I was greeted right away and the saleswoman was very friendly, translated packaging, and answered my questions. They had two BB creams, one $40 and the other $60. After swatching them, I wasn't impressed nor persuaded to spend the money.

Seeing that I wasn't sold, she brought me over to the IOPE Air Cushion compacts and I was intrigued just by the packaging. She explained that while BB creams are popular, that "these" were also gaining attention. What she was referring to, I had no idea but I was interested. It blended flawlessly onto my skin and smelled amazing. I don't know why, but I have a habit of smelling makeup and this satisfied my curiosity.

The compact is reusable, you just pop out the pot that holds the product. The best part is that each box comes with a refill so at $40 each, you're getting two products for the price of one - or so I told myself to justify the somewhat impulse purchase. She threw in a box set with 4 samples inside. She did explain the steps in which to use the products but my excitement clouded my ability to retain the information. I'll have to google it and get back to you. She also gave me extra puff applicator (I don't know it's actual name but that's what I'm calling it, okay?) and a $5 coupon off my next visit. Did I mention this shop has a salon where they do manicures? Score.

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