Tuesday, May 28, 2013

HOLIDAY WEEKEND

I hope that everyone had a lovely Memorial Day Weekend! A big *HUG* goes out to all the men and women in are Armed Forces- especially my brother who serves in the Army. I am very proud to be an American! Here is a sampling of what I did- it was a super relaxing weekend spent with my family in San Diego.
 
 Colorful Pesto Pasta Salad

Rusted Horse Sculpture at Galleta Meadows in Borrego Springs
 
Vintage Motel Sign in Borrego Springs
 
Champagne + Sunset=Perfection
 
New Discovery! Mustela Baby Lotion: My new favorite light lotion for summer.
It smells wonderful and is even paraben free!
 

Friday, May 24, 2013

FABULOUS FRIEND FRIDAY #2 EDGY PRETTY

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It's GLOW TIME!

The search for the ultimate luminizer/ highlighter is a tricky one in my opinion. People have different qualifiers, but mine are as simple as this: it must look as if your skin is glowing from within and have a dewy sheen. I have discovered it is difficult to achieve that " lit from within" look with pink or yellow based highlighters- which give me a frosty, obvious look.
I was drawn to Josie Maran Argan Luminizer because of the natural , light amber color, light sheen and fluid texture.
 
This is how the product looks in the sunlight- as you can see a little goes a long way!
 I usually just need one pump for one application- and then pat lightly with my fingertips to apply on the tops of my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose and in my cupid's bow
 
      This is a picture of me wearing the Luminizer, as you can see it photographs
       very well and looks dewy but not greasy or overdone
 
What are your favorite highlighters/luminizers?

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

For the past 2 years, my company has been a beauty sponsor for an amazing event
called The Gracie Awards. The Gracies strive to encourage the realistic and faceted portrayal of women in entertainment, commercials, news, features and other programs.
The Alliance for Women In Media (AWRT) work to celebrate and honor programming
for women by women.  I always walk out feeling so inspired and invigorated.
I chose to wear a dress I just purchased that reminds me of an updated take on
Alice in Wonderland paired with a bright red lip.

Dress: TopShop
Shoes: Zara
 
 
 
 
Hair:
I created these loose waves with my hot roller set & a spritz of Soy Touchable Hairspray


Photo Credit: Gina Huff


Monday, May 20, 2013

SOUTH BEACH DREAMIN'

When I saw these flirty little shorts, I grabbed them without thinking and had to go back and get my correct size! Like a moth to a flame, I was drawn to these whimsical "pink birdy shorts". I adored the vintage print, high waisted silhouette and casual cotton fabrication. I think I will get much more wear out of these once Summer starts. My boyfriend said my look was very "South Beach" and I have to say I agree...

Forever 21 shorts, Target wedges & T-shirt, Guess denim jacket, Gucci sunglasses
 
 
 
 



Photos by Charles Sewell

Sunday, May 19, 2013

THIS WEEKEND

This weekend was focused on truly embracing Spring - spending as much as possible outside, eating the delicious fruit coming into season, and arranging gorgeous Spring blooms!Who else is as excited for the transition into Summer?
    The best Chai Latte ever and catch up with my ladies at Jones Coffee, Pasadena.
     Oh - and a little Game of Thrones Book #4 never hurt anyone!

    Life is just a bowl of cherries! Fresh cherry season - YUM!
 
I never get tired of taking long walks around my neighborhood with these beautiful trees!
 
 
Peony season is the best season! I arranged mine this time in a vintage carafe acquired at the flea market.
 
 

Friday, May 17, 2013

FABULOUS FRIEND FRIDAY #1 FRUIT LOOP

This will be the first segment of Fabulous. Friend. Friday. I feel so lucky to have so many beautiful, inspirational friends in my life. Every Friday, I will be doing a segment on a fabulous fashion ,make-up or hair style with one of my friends. This week it with Lindsay, my gorgeous friend who works in the ECommerce Dept. at my place of work. I LOVED the super bright colors she used on her eyes and lips and thought they looked beautiful with her skin tone. I also really liked the fact that the whole look was polished and fun with color without being overdone. It really inspired me and gave me courage to add more color into my make up look for Spring!

 
A POP of Spring color on the nails too!
 
 
Tropical Fruit Loop Look
Products Used:
Foundation- Tient Idole Ultra, Lancome
Blush- Desert Rose, NYX
Lipstick- Girl About Town, MAC
Lip liner- Magenta, MAC
Eyeliner- Prescriptives Lucky Stroke
Eyeshadow-  Lavender Shadow/ No name
Nails- Gel Polish in Lilac

 

Thursday, May 16, 2013

INSTA-SNAPS!

Spring Blooms & Sunshine= Heaven!

My fave Audrey Hepburn on Vanity Fair! I had to scoop this up!

The AMAZING Xx show - one of the best shows EVER!

Lazy mornings with Digby- we don't wanna wake up!

Henri and I love our long walks in this gorgeous warm weather!
 
Loving my shorter bangs!
 

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

SPRING FLING

I can never get enough of the "Little White Dress" for Spring! I have several versions- but this look is what I like to call my  Taylor Swift Look. I bought this dress after seeing it on a coworker, but I am wearing it in a completely different way. I chose to wear it without the belt, and with boots while she wore it with heels, the belt and pearls. I love taking the same piece of clothing and making it your own in a completely different way.


Forever 21 dress, Guess by Marciano boots
 

 
 
Orly "Kiss the Bride" gel polish

Photos by Erika Themaras
 

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

AU NATURAL

I used to be the person who thought "natural" beauty products and remedies didn't work.  Honestly, a couple of years ago I really couldn't find any natural beauty products that worked as well as my synthetic ones did! Fast forward a couple of years , and now with the Organic / Natural craze there are so many effective natural products out there that I think work even better than their synthetic counterparts. I find that often are more gentle on my sensitive skin, smell better and are toxin free
I have become a believer!
Here are a few of my favorites...
 
(Counter Clockwise):NYX Green Tea Blotting Paper, LUSH Sweet Lips Lip Scrub, Dr Haushka Lip Care Stick, Source Naturals Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Capsules, REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask 
 
 
1. NYX Green Tea Blotting Paper: My skin gets really shiny in the T Zone during the day and it is beyond crucial that I have these papers to "de- grease" my skin! I love these because they are a super absorbent and light paper, but only contain soothing green tea powder not mineral oil which so many of these blotting papers tend to have as an ingredient.
 
2. LUSH Sweet Lips Lip Scrub: Chocolatey and delicious AND it scrubs away flakes and plumps up lips! This is like a homemade lip scrub only better with jojoba and vanilla extract. This scrub also comes in a bubblegum and minty flavor, but in my opinion the chocolate is by far the best!
 
3. Dr Haushka Lip Care Stick: My favorite lip balm of all time. This is the only balm that truly heals my painfully chapped lips. I have tried every balm under the sun and this silky rose scented balm is the one I always come back to. I usually only need one silky swipe per day and do not need to constantly re-apply.
 
4. Source Naturals Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Capsules: My mom and I both now take these Coconut Oil capsules and our hair has never been shinier! The gel capsules are large but are fine when taken with a meal. They make a HUGE difference.
 
5. REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask: This delicious apricot scented mask had me receiving compliments on my skin's even tone and glow after only using it twice! It really exfoliates and improves skin texture with fruit acids while still being uber gentle. It says that it is not suitable for sensitive skin , but I find this product incredibly gentle. No parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes or fragrances. I am dying to try more of the REN line
 
 
Do guys have any natural products you love?