40 of My Favorite Beauty & Makeup Products

I find it fascinating and fun to learn about the beauty regimens of other women... I'm always on the look out for quality/affordable products that ladies swear by. So I thought it would be fun to share with you everything I use from lipsticks, face masks and makeup to quick fixes and my go-to products. Here's the list in no particular order. Oh and please feel free to tell me about any products that you use too! I would love to know your fav's and try them out!

1. Arbonne Lip Polish in Hazel This stuff is amazing. It's my everyday go-to for a little lip color. It's the perfect lip shine without the sticky mess. Plant extracts and peptides leave lips feeling moisturized and smooth.

2. Burberry Lipstick Kisses in Union Red This is the lipstick I wear when I feel like getting fancy. It lasts long and looks velvety. I read somewhere that if you have blonde hair and fair skin, then a cool blue-hued red lipstick will look best on you. If you have darker skin with brown or black hair, red lipstick with warm orange-hues will suit you best.

3. Coconut Oil is so versatile. I use it for oil pulling -- swish a spoonful in your mouth every morning for 3 minutes. Then spit it out (in the trash). It's supposedly good for your gums + skin and helps keep your teeth pearly white. Follow up with brushing. My friend Dany swears by it, so I've adopted the practice this past year. So far so good. I also use coconut oil as a hair treatment once a month --> massage a tablespoon of coconut oil into your hair and let sit for 30 min. Wash out with shampoo. And lastly I use this oil as a body moisturizer for my arms, knees etc. basically anywhere I have dry skin. It smells so yummy!

4. Nubian Goats Milk and Chai with Rose Extract all natural and organic lotion. It's the thickest lotion I've ever used...and it's divine. I can't wait to get more of it! The smell is out of this world fantastic - creamy, vanilla rose with woodsy spices. Awww I love this stuff. And the fact that it's all natural makes me love it even more. Nubian has ton's of different ones too, like Indian Hemp & Haitian Vetiver, Honey and Blackseed, Coconut & Papaya and Mango Butter etc. I want to buy all of them! It's so luxurious and affordable, oh yeah!

5. 6. & 7. Lavender oil, Neroli oil (orange oil) and Peppermint oil. My BF Shan and I went to a day spa last year and they had these amazing herbal towels that they kept in a mini fridge. We would spend 20 min the Eucalyptus steam room and then come out and place a cool herbal towel on our face. Ooooh my lordy...this combo of lavender, neroli and peppermint is fabulous! First of all, it smells wonderful and secondly the cooling sensation from the peppermint oil is so relaxing. So I decided to bring my spa experience home...mix 1 cup of water with 1 drop lavender, 3 drops neroli and 1 drop peppermint. Soak a small face towel in the herbal water and then place in the fridge. After you take a hot shower, ring-out the herbal towel and place it on your face/neck and shoulders. Instant spa day!

8. Seche nail polish Hands down the best fast dry top-coat nail polish. Glossy, smooth and easy to paint.

9. Butter London Nail Lacquer Vernis - Tea with the Queen. A Great nail polish brand that is formulated without formaldehyde, toluene, DBP or parabens and it's safe and gentle on your nails. This color is classic and goes with any outfit. I'm a neutral nail kind of gal :) I usually stick to nude or pink colors...sometimes I'll get crazy and do a dark red in the fall or winter.

10.Goody elastic hair tie  Clear ties for braids and up-dos. 

11.Delorme Boar Bristle Brush So no...I don't own the Mason Pearson Brush -- in my dreams, right? But I did get one that is very similar while in Paris. The hub and I found Delorme, a beauty shop on Passage de l'Industrie during a morning walk. I was drooling over the English made Mason Pearson behind the counter and the girl working there pulled out a Delorme Boar Bristle Brush just like it. She said it was basically the same thing and much more reasonably priced. My brush and I have been inseparable ever since. Unfortunately it's only sold in Paris or you'll need to speak French and have a beautician's code to access their online order form, so I found you a similar one here and here.

12.Tangle Teezer Hair Brush I keep this tiny hand brush in my purse. It does a good job + doubles as scalp massager. Mmmm yes.

13. Ojon Damage Reverse Resorative Hair Treatment So I'm not the biggest fan of how this product smells, but who cares because this treatment will work miracles on your hair. Every  time I use it, I'll get compliments on how soft and shiny my hair looks. And plus you only have to smell it for 20 minutes while you let it work its magic and then you wash it out. So worth it! Soft, fluffy, shiny hair!

14. Dr Bronner's Peppermint Liquid Soap I first was introduced to this soap at the tender age of 10. My best friend and I would go to this far out hippie camp each summer and this soap was used in every bathroom. I originally bought it because the smell reminded me of fun summers, but I've become quite attached to it. It's all natural eco friendly stuff. I personally like the peppermint to use as body soap in the shower. It leaves a cool refreshing feeling on your skin. 

15.Nexxus Youth Renewal Elixir A few drops will do ya. I put this in my hair after I shower. The hub loves the smell of it. Honestly I can't tell a difference if it "renews" my hair, but the smell is fabulous. Worth it.

16. & 17. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay and Apple Cider Vinegar My friend gave me a jar of this a few years ago. Wow this stuff is good. I mix a spoonful or two with a dash of apple cider vinegar and then paint the clay on my face. Leave on until dry and then wash off with a warm wash cloth. I usually do this routine once a week. The next morning my skin feels super smooth. I also us 100% pure Dead Sea clay. I managed to bring home a mason jar of this liquid gold from Israel. If you can get your hands on this stuff, I HIGHLY recommend it. But the Aztec Clay is the next best thing and easier to find.

18.Eos Lip Balm OK so I bought it because it was cute...but it turned out to be an awesome product as well! + you can recycle them like this!

19. Burt's Bees Lime Cuticle Cream Love it! I wash my hands a lot and sometimes my cuticles tend to dry out, so this little tin is quite handy ;)

20.Exfoliating Cotton Rounds A staple amung my nightly routine. I use a cotton round and a bit of Bio Oil to take off my makeup.

21.Rose Petal Witch Hazel Witch Hazel can help tighten pores and to smooth skin. Moisturizes and cleanses. I apply it with a cotton round after I've washed my face. It feels wonderful and smells amazing!

22.Bio Oil this stuff is a miracle oil! Helps heal scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, aging skin and dehydrated skin. I use it every night as my makeup remover. I also use it on my arms when they're dry.

23. Clarisonic The shizzz. This brush is a must. Pricey but worth it! I've seen a visible reduction in my pore size and smoother skin!

24.Cetaphil Face Cleanser I use this along with my Clarisonic. It's a gentle formula for sensitive skin.

25.Embryolisse Concentrated Lait Cream I bought a tube of this when we were in Paris. It's a nice light cream. I like to put it on at night before I go to bed and after I wash my face in the morning. A great moiserizer that works well under your daily makeup routine. 

26. Kai Body Glow A dry oil mist that smells like gardenias, jasmine and some yummy exotic flowers. Paradise! I love wearing this in the spring/summer or on vacation in the BVI.  I REALLY REALLY dig this scent. Every time I wear it, someone will ask me about it + it's affordable too! ~ $28! Spray away!

27.Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner or Inglot 77 (not pictured) both of these eyeliners are A+ products! The Stila is easy to apply with a inky fine tipped felt pen and the Inglot is a waterproof pot cream that needs to be applied with a fine brush. Both are great and last long, but I personally love the Inglot. It takes a bit more time to apply, but once it's on it stays on! My friend Camille (and talented makeup artist!) used this on me for a wedding I was in....woooza! This stuff stays on forever!

28. Because every girl needs a good affordable Brush Set.

29. Urban Decay Naked Pallet Eyeshadows. I use this pallet every single day! Sometimes I'll even use the black shadow as an eyeliner when I don't have enough time to use the Stila or Inglot. It's a perfect neutral pallet.

30. M·A·C Studio Face & Body Foundation. I really like these three M.A.C. products (#30, 31 and 32) on my list. I use this face foundation first...it's water based and the coverage is minimal. It's basically a great product for evening out your skin tone. My nose a cheeks tend to be more red than the rest of my face so this does a good job of making my color even.

31. M·A·C Studio Sculpt SPF 15. This stuff is heavy duty and WONDERFUL! I wouldn't recommend using it as an all over foundation, but more as a spot corrector. It's great for hiding blemishes or tiny red patches. I usually use less than a pea size each day, just to cover any red spots or under my eyes.

32. M·A·C Studio Fix Powder (C3) Lastly I use this powder to set any shiny areas. Ever since I've been using these three products (together) I have had a lots of comments on how nice my skin looks. I couldn't be happier with these 3 products! Good job M.A.C.! It's sounds like a lot of make up, but it's not... a small dab/pat of each will do ya! 

33.Borghese Artista Exact Match Concealer. A perfect trio pack for taking with you when you're out and about. I throw this in my purse when I don't have time for the M.A.C. products above. You can mix and blend the three cream colors to create your exact match. The coverage is great for red spots or under eye circles. It's a convenient product to carry in your purse and do a quick touch up in the bathroom at work or wherever!

34. Colloidal Silver I use this stuff for everything. It's a natural antibiotic and antiviral. I use it whenever I feel a bug coming on (sniffles and what not). I also use it on blemishes and cuts and as an anti inflammatory for achey joints. Use with caution and only buy from a reputable source. As always, ask you doctor before using topically and or consuming. 

35.Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit So I don't actually own this one, but my best friend Melissa does! I borrowed it for a wedding we were in and I really liked it! It makes contouring so easy! I don't do contouring makeup everyday, but this pallet is fabulous for fancy occasions. I think I'll save up for this and get one soon!

36. Bahama Mama Bronzer This is a great bronzer to brush on under your cheek bones.

37. Shiseido Eyelash Curler A+ curler right here!

38. Full Soft Thick Healthy Waterproof Mascara Great product for those of you who use waterproof mascara...I love swimming in the summer time and I hate worrying about raccoon eyes, so this mascara will be your best friend.

39. L 'Occitaine Foot Cream I wear sandals almost everyday so my feet get dry. I try to use this cream at least once a week. I'll rub a dollop on my feet and then cover them with socks while I sleep at night. It the morning my feet are silky smooth! It's a rich cream with shea butter and  lavender oil! Mmmm.

40. Tiger Balm Tiger Balm tins (no bigger than a coat button). I have a white and red balm set that I keep in the car. My nanny kids love to put it on their temples when I pick them up from school. Z says it calms him down. Ha-ha. I just like to use them when I have a headache or stuffy nose. They are awesome. 

Bonus Product: Avibon...(not pictured) this vitamin pommade is spectacular. I only have a title left! So sad. It's hard to find in the states. I bought mine at a pharmacy in Paris. G Paltrow uses it on her skin  "Avibon is hard to find outside of France, but it’s one of my very favorites. It’s full of Vitamin A, which is wonderful for the skin, getting rid of blemishes, tough dry spots and preventing wrinkles (they say). I know an older movie star who uses this every night and she has the most amazing skin!"  If G uses it, it must be good stuff right? I agree. It's a tad goopy, but I like using it under my eyes and anywhere that I might develop wrinkles. It's a vitamin A pommade with other goodies added in. I've seen it on Amazon once but they were asking way too much money for it. I think I paid around 10 Euros for it in Paris. I saw it selling for $100 US on Amazon. Crazy. So if you happen to be on vacation or have a friend in France...pick it up!

That's about it! What products do you guys use? I would love to hear about them!

30 Fresh Healthy Juices + Benefits

I have become a little obsessed with juicing over the passed year. Fresh juice has done wonders on my skin and health (reduced the puffiness under my eyes and improved my skin tone and complexion etc.). It's a great way to incorporate extra vitamins into your diet. My 90 year old Uncle Phillip wrote a book called Codes for Longevity. He talks about the importance of eating leafy greens and other fruits and veggies to alkalize our bodies, stay strong, prevent disease and premature aging. I try my best to lead a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes it's hard to eat tons of veggies + boring for my taste buds. So, my solution is juicing. Spinach, kale, parsley, mint, dandelion ( FYI dandelion is a rough one. good luck), rapini, carrots, apples, beets, pears, grapefruit, lemons, ginger, peaches, limes etc. you name it. Anything that is juice-able and healthy I will juice it. Here are a list of my top 30 juice combos that I love and drink as often as possible. 

For optimal health benefits, drink the juice as soon as you juice it. I usually make 6 bottles every 3 days and drink 2 per-day on top of a semi-healthy diet (I will never be able to give up my occasional sweets ;). Store your juice in the fridge. I suggest using glass bottles with a cap. Drink your juice within 3 days or it may turn a tad funky on you...

Happy juicing my friends!

*I use a Krups Juicer. I also use a Ninja Blender for incorporating frozen fruits and goodies like avocados, passion fruit, maca and wheatgrass.

Here they are in no particular order:

1. juice spinach, lime, kiwi and green apple. blend in 1 frozen banana and 1 tbsp. wheatgrass powder.

2. carrot, cucumber, ginger

3. beet, pineapple, mango, kale

4. mango, pineapple, peach and coconut milk

5. pineapple, blood orange, lemon, lime, and grapes 

6. kale, spinach, lemon and apple

7. mango, peach, cumquats and kale

8. kale, apple, ginger, romaine, spinach, parsley and lemon

9. orange, lemon, ginger, plum, peach and turmeric powder

10. juice apple and pineapple. stir in 1 tsp. chia seeds and 1 tsp. maca powder.

11.  juice kale, spinach and orange. blend in  1/2 avocado, frozen mango and banana, 1 tsp. chia seeds and 1 cup almond milk

12. papaya, pineapple, apple cider vinegar and ginger <-- not the best tasting but great for colds.

13. cucumber, celery, tomato, lemon, ginger and apple

14. spinach, romaine, chard, orange, pineapple and cilantro

15. pumpkin, apple, nutmeg, cinnamon and 1 tsp.vanilla bean paste

16. strawberry, apple, pomegranate seeds and lime

17. cucumber, pineapple, lemon, aloe vera (remove the spines before juicing)

18. carrot, apple, spinach and ginger

19. grapefruit and mint (mince mint and add to the grapefruit juice)

20. carrot, dandelion, kale, apple, grapes, spinach, romaine, parsley, cucumber and celery (this one is a tad rough but worth the vitamins!)

21. coconut water and rose water <-- don't need to juice this one but I had to add it to the list. fabulous.

22. guava (guava seeds are a bit rough on some juicers...make sure your machine can handle it) romaine, lettuce, green apple and pear

23. tangerine, mango, apple, passion fruit (stir in after juicing. it's OK to drink the black passion fruit seeds.)

24. pineapple, ginger, pear and mint (mince mint and add to juice)

25. kiwi, kale, apple, honeydew, 1 tbsp. wheatgrass powder

26. pineapple, apples, oranges, dandelion and ginger

27. watermelon, passion fruit, guava, pineapple and spinach

28. apple, spinach, grapeA + blend with frozen banana and berries

29. peach, mango, blood orange and carrot

30. watermelon, lemon and mint (mince mint and add to juice)

Healthy Benefits

-I stumbled across this awesome website that lists all the wonderful benefits of fruits and veggies!-

aloe vera - delays the aging process, cures dermatitis, alleviates menstrual problems, reduces arthritis pain, heals wounds, cures nausea, eliminates ulcers, lowers blood sugar levels, prevents diabetes, reduces oxidative stress, inhibits cancerous growth, promotes hair growth, and soothes acid reflux symptoms.

apples - quercetin, an antioxidant abundant in apples, helps reduce LDL/bad cholesterol oxidation. apples are rich in a fiber called pectin and may help reduce levels of toxic heavy metals in the body.

apple cider vinegar - helps with weight loss, detoxification, relief from arthritis, high cholesterol, diabetes, indigestion, depression, asthma and cancer. improves skin clarity and balancing the pH in your body.

avocados - high in potassium and contain monounsaturated fats which help to lower blood pressure. good source of vitamin K, which has been indicated to promote bone health.

bananas - a good source of B vitamins, which may help to remedy sleeplessness, mood swings, and irritability. They also contain vitamin C, as well as magnesium and potassium, which make them a great electrolyte replenisher, particularly after exercising 

beets - numerous studies have shown that beets can help oxygenate blood. they are a good source of folic acid and also contain vitamins A, C, choline, iodine, manganese, organic sodium, potassium, and fiber.

blackberries -an excellent source of vitamin C, blackberries have substantial amounts of fiber, iron, calcium, manganese, and potassium. berries are the highest source of antioxidants from fruits.

carrots - excellent source of vitamins A, B, and C. rich in beta-carotene and carotenoids; they help protect the body from cancer, cardiac disease, cataract and macular degeneration. They also contain iron, calcium, potassium, and natural sodium. 

celery - a great low calorie food, high levels of silicon in celery strengthen joints, bones, arteries, and connective tissues. high in minerals.

chard - high in vitamin K, which assists with blood clotting, and protects bones from fracturing. anti-inflammatory.

cilantro - has eleven components of essential oils, six types of acids (including ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin-C), minerals and vitamins. helps reduce skin inflammations, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. high in iron and can benefit people who suffer with anemia. rich in calcium, vitamin A and C

coconut water/milk - promotes healthy digestion, protein, dietary fiber and natural sugars. mineral content includes calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. vitamins B-6, C and E.

cucumbers - contain potassium and phytosterols which can help lower cholesterol. 

dandelion - high in vitamin K, which is important for blood and bone health. it's a diuretic, and is very beneficial for the kidneys. supports the liver and gallbladder as well.

ginger - anti-inflamatory, nausea relief, protects against certain cancers, immune boosting properties

grapefruit - high in vitamin C and limonene, which may help protect against breast cancer. grapefruits have soluble fiber which can help to lower cholesterol.

grapes - vitamins A, B, C and folate, and contain many important minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium. The flavonoids found in grapes have antioxidant properties that can lessen the damage caused by free radicals, making them a great anti-aging fruit.

guava - promotes healthy eyesight, skin, brain health, thyroid health, cancer prevention and digestion. good source of vitamin C, copper,  B-3 and B-6.

kale - the highest vegetable source of vitamin K and may help the risk of developing certain cancers. it’s a fantastic source of calcium, chlorophyll, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C. kale is low calorie and yet incredibly dense with nutrients. it’s also a good source of minerals, copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus, as well as compounds which promote eye and skin health.

kiwi - excellent source of vitamin C. vitamin C helps heal cuts and wounds and keep teeth and gums healthy.

lemon - vitamin C and also contain smaller amounts of different vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate and vitamin E. Soothes sore throats, treats and prevents kidney stones. improves liver function, immune system, weight loss, gum disorders, blood pressure, balancing pH, detoxification and skin care.

lime - contain vitamin C, vitamin B-6, folic acid, potassium, flavonoids and many other phytonutrients.

maca - rich in vitamin B vitamins, C, and E. It provides plenty of calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and amino acids. Boosts libido and may alleviate anxiety, stress, depression or mood swings. maca supplies iron and helps restore red blood cells, which aids anemia and cardiovascular diseases. maca keeps your bones and teeth healthy and allows you to heal from wounds more quickly. when used in conjunction with a good workout regime you will notice an increase in muscle mass.

mango - excellent source of vitamin A and C, which is very beneficial to maintaining a strong immune system. has been found to protect against colon, breast, leukemia and prostate cancers and is a good source of potassium, which is important in assisting to control heart rate and blood pressure. mango contains a great deal of flavonoids like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin.

melons - antioxidant and anti-cancer. reduces the risk of cancer and stroke, due to a naturally occurring chemical called adenosine.

mint - aids in digestion, nausea, headaches and coughs. Helps boost mood and fatigue, soothes skin and respiratory system.

oranges - excellent source of vitamin C. vitamin C helps heal cuts and wounds and keep teeth and gums healthy.

papaya - antioxidant, anti-cancer. promote healthy digestion and can reduce constipation with their potent enzymes. high in vitamins A, C, and potassium.

passion fruit - antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, fiber, and protein. improves immune system, cancer prevention, eye health, digestion, blood pressure, insomnia and respiratory system.

peaches - excellent source of vitamin A and potassium. peaches also contain boron and niacin. antioxidant and anti-cancer.

pears - great source of fiber. contains vitamin C, boron, and potassium.

pineapples - great for improving digestion. a good source of potassium and has vitamin C and iron. contains anti-inflammatory compounds such as bromelain.

plums - 2nd highest source of antioxidants from fruits. good source of vitamin A and contain some calcium and vitamin C. antibacterial.

pomegranates - rich in tannins and flavonoids. pomegranates hold promise in helping reduce the risk of prostate cancer due to their lycopene and other phytonutrient content. They are the 3rd highest fruit source of antioxidants.

pumpkin - strengthens metabolism, promotes healing, boosts mood, protects bones, prevent cancers, eliminates kidney stones. helps with inflammation, immune system, defense against parasites and detoxify the body. impressive levels of manganese, tryptophan, magnesium, copper, phosphorous, zinc, iron, and protein, as well as smaller amounts of B complex vitamins, and   vitamin A. anti-cancer properties and components, including phenolic compounds that have directly been attributed to scavenging free radicals

romaine lettuce - contains calcium, omega-3's, vitamin C, iron, and B-vitamins. romaine is also rich in minerals.

spinach - excellent source of vitamins A, C, and E. good source of calcium, iron, potassium, protein, and choline. choline supports healthy mental function.

strawberries - excellent source of vitamin C, which helps heal cuts and wounds and keep teeth and gums healthy. antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-cancer.

tangerines - contains similar properties as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits. lots of vitamin C 

tomatoes - excellent source of vitamin C, as well as antioxidants that may prevent cancer, such as lycopene. lycopene promotes overall mental and physical health. good source of potassium. antioxidant and anti-cancer.

watermelon - antibacterial and anti-cancer. Contains vitamin A and C, as well as iron and potassium. 

wheatgrass - rich in chlorophyll, which is excellent at fighting infections. high in vitamins C and E, and beta carotene. antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antibiotic.

Nutrition information found on Rebootwithjoe Fruits and Veggies A to Z, The World's Healthiest Foods and Organic Facts

Gifts For Her

 

Olive Wood Bread Board / Capri Blue Paris Candle / Black + Blum Thermo / Royal Doulton Espresso Cup / Milk Marc de Champagne Truffles / Lavazza Super Crema Italian Espresso / Toast wool socks / Clinique Black Honey Lipstick / Kai Perfume Oil / La Compagnie de Provence Truffles / Aveda 'Comforting' Tea Bags / Essie Nail Polish in Bordeaux / Sabon Body Scrub / Lamy Safari Calligraphy Fountain Pen

Birchbox Monthly High-end Beauty and Lifestyle Samples

One of my friends gave me an awesome subscription to Birchbox for my birthday. This company will send you a box of high-end beauty and lifestyle samples each month. So cool huh? You get to try-out all those expensive products for a fraction of their price! The only bummer is you have to be invited to the program...but lucky for you guys I have a code!

Click ---> My Invite To Birchbox and sign-up for however long you want (1-12 months of goodies)! Each monthly box is $10 and every two friends that you refer with your code is a free box! Yay! So be sure to share your invite code with your friends...just as I am with you. What a fun treat!

Nail Polish: A Stripe of Gold

{Add a stripe of gold to your manicure}

Just for fun.

Nail Party

 My fabulous neighbor invited Shan and me to a ladies night -- tanning and nail party. What a fun party! I thought I should share the idea with all you.. Call all your girls, bring a bottle of wine, your favorite nail polish and an hors d'oeuvre to share. Good clean fun.

Deb's sis getting her toes done.

My attempt at a more modern look.

Red Lips: Burberry Union Red No.17

 I treated myself to a really awesome lipstick this week. I can't wait to show this baby off on our honeymoon! Shall I wear it to a Parisian café or dinner in Venice? Oh getting so excited! Don't red lips make you feel sexy?

Tricks For Getting The Perfect Red Lips by Burberry Makeup Artists

- Get a great lip liner similar in color. This will prevent your lipstick from spreading (aka bleeding).
-Use a lip brush to apply color
-Apply extra color to the center of your lips, it will make your lips appear fuller. This is the first place where lipstick tends to fade, so lay it on thick!
-To avoid the dreaded lipstick teeth...put your index finger in your mouth and gently close your lips around it, then pull your finger out. Any extra lipstick will come off on your finger. Keep those pearly whites bright!
-POWDER! Carefully apply facial powder just beyond your lip liner. This will help keep everything in place and give you lips that extra pop.

Burberry Union Red No. 17 Lipstick

I really love it. It glides on smooth and lasts for hours. Burberry lipstick is on the pricier side but I think it's well worth the money. They have several rich colors to choose from and each lipstick is blended with rose extract, which smells amazing!

Picture:Cafe, Kiss

Hairstyle: Romantic Half Up Half Down Braid

Super Easy Braided Ponytail

Hair: Cute Messy Bun

I found this great "How To" video for the perfect messy bun the other day. I tried it out for myself and even got some compliments on the doooo.

Try it. You'll like it!

 

 

 

My Style: Summer Lovin

Monki shiny dress, €35

H&M leather flat shoes, £7.99

Ray-Ban ray ban sunglasses, £105

Tom Ford bronzing powder, $90

Butter London lip gloss, 19 CAD

Butter London clear nail polish, $14

Picture: Summer Lovin by brittany

Cute Vintage Hair! Curls Without Heat.

Learn how to recreate this beautiful hair.

Picture:bridalmusings

Orange Lips

I got myself a lovely orange lipstick yesterday (Revlon in Siren). What do you think about orange lips? A do or a don't? Personally, I think it looks fun and beachy as well as intriguingly sophisticated. I guess it just depends on what look your going for. For me, I like the sunkissed look with messy hair and some awesome orange lips! It gets me in the mood for summer.

Pictures: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

$5,000 Nail Polish! Say Whaaa?

This is hilarious... who has $5,000 to throw down on a bottle of nail polish?

Cracks me up.

"The polish, Red Carpet Manicure’s Amor 24, runs $5,000 per bottle!

 It contains over an ounce of gold dust was used to create the limited-edition polish." - Luuux

The Dry Bar

Last weekend, Dan and I took some engagement photos! I thought it would be fun to get my hair done at The Dry Bar so I could look extra snazzy in our soon to be save-the-date photos.

I think I've found my go-to place for a hair pick me up! The Dry Bar is so great, beautiful, fun and I felt like a million bucks when I walked out. They even have complimentary cucumber water, coffee or mimosas to sip on while you sit in your white leather swivel chair. The place is gorgeous and the hair results are amazing!

 

Here are a couple of our engagement pictures!

Vanilla Olive Oil Scrub

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vanilla Olive Oil Sugar Scrub

1/2 cup granulated (white) sugar
2 cups raw sugar
1 Tablespoon honey
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 Tablespoons coconut oil (optional...I like to add this to make my skin feel extra smooth)
1 Tablespoon Vanilla extract (or your favorite essential oil)

Directions: Combine the two sugars in a bowl and mix to incorporate. Add olive oil and coconut oil and stir. Mix in honey and vanilla. Store in an airtight jar and enjoy!

* This is a coarse scrub, if you would like a more gentle scrub you can substitute brown sugar for the raw sugar.

* Oil will settle in the jar so stir before using.
* I do not recommend using this scrub on your face. It is intended for use on the body only.

Pictures and (altered) version of recipe via (freutcake)