Party Makeup from TBD!

I always have trouble with the smokey-eye makeup look. It's hard to get it just right, without looking too dramatic or intense. The post below from TBD is the perfect alternative to the classic look, incorporating glitter for a much less dramatic, but still glam effect!

Lapiz of Luxury

I was at the drugstore today and fell victim to the colorful rainbow that is the display of new Essie nail polish colors! After a serious internal struggle, I finally came to a decision and picked "Lapiz of Luxury" as the color to purchase. It's a soft purple-ish blue, the perfect color for the the final fading days of summer. Most of all, I was reminded of the beautiful sunsets that we've been having: I love the way this purplish color mimics the deep hughes of the sky as the blue of day mixes in with the pinks and yellows of sunset. Poeticism aside, when I got home I was sad to realize that I've never been very good at nail art, so I decided to come up with something simple enough for me to master, but artsy enough to give this color the appreciation it deserves. Turns out, I came up with an easy fix, as detailed below!

I started off with a simple Sally Hansen base coat, then painted my nails as usual with my new color! Then, I grabbed a skinny brush bottle of white (one of the silly ones intended to help you master the at-home-french-mani), and literally just layed the long brush down along my nail to create a straight line! This works way better than attempting to paint a straight line, which is practically impossible. I did this three times on each thumb, then decided to leave well-enough alone! It looks super cute and is beyond easy! Of course, follow up with a good top coat... my fave is Essie's "No Chips Ahead" topcoat.

And voila!

Back To School Hair

It's back to school in the summer, and that mean's nothing is more important than deciding on your new look! It's been soooo hot recently, so I've done some research on some of the quickest, cutest up-dos to make your mornings fast, easy, and fabulous!

The Beauty Department, as usual, knows their stuff! My favorite is the bow behind your bun look! For a simple vid on perfecting the messy-bun, click here!

And of course I'm into the lazy pony that looks like it was styled by Hollywood's best! Go here for the full tutorial.

This post certainly wouldn't be complete without a shout-out to my favorite look of all, the braid! This idea is super simple and looks really great! Just braid a piece of hair on each side of your head, close to the ears, then bring them around to the opposite side and pin them under!

Thanks again to TheBeautyDepartment for your inspiration!! Happy hair styling everyone!!

Pucker Up Buttercup!

It's amazing what a little lip color can do! My biggest tip: don't always go with the behind-the-counter makeup brands. Most of my favorites have come from endless experimentation, and now I get to share all of my trial-and-error with you!

For chapped lips, try Guerilla Beekeepers Lip Sentry! I met these guys at my local farmer's market, and I simply can't get enough of the all-natural, so-organic-it's-edible lip balm! The stuff's awesome, check it out at http://guerillabeekeepers.com.

If you haven't jumped onto the BABYLIPS bandwagon, it's time. 'Nough said. Just try it. I love the plum because it leaves lips a soft, sheer, deeply sophisticated color (plus it tastes so yummy!)

Next on my list: LIPSTICK QUEEN! I get mine at Anthropologie, but check out the website (www.lipstickqueen.com), because her stuff can be hard to find. Be sure to try both the Saint's line and the Sinner's line, which come in sheer and opaque to please all tastes!

Fresh. I'm obsessed. Who wouldn't be?! This magical little stick leaves lips beautifully colored and literally feels like your rubbing on silk. It's pricey, but worth the splurge.