Glow-T Reports: Lip Trends

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Trending for 2013: saturated lip colors in matte reds, neon pinks and electric tangerines. Neons and bright florescent hues will still be going strong into summer. We will continue to see a ton of ‘pop of color’ on the lip – just exceedingly more bold and bright.

With new formulations and highly-pigmented hues, both high-end brands and drugstore brands provide the tools needed to wear these trends.

In early March, Givenchy is releasing a high-pigment, long-wearing matte lipstick – Givenchy Le Rouge Lipstick. Super chic, this lipstick arrives packaged in a leather and silver case.

The Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars come in every color conceivable. A great way to create the color you want but just can’t find. Full Review: HERE.

Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick delivers intense, vibrant color with exceptional longevity. Feels great on the lips and is available in a variety of wearable colors.

Drugstore brands are really stepping into the trends these days. They are creating innovative and quality lip products equal to that of their high-end counterparts.

L’Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Aqua Lacquer combines the power of a lip stain with the luster of gloss. These lacquers can be compared to, my favorite, Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain.

The Maybelline Colour Sensational Vivids Collection is one to swipe-up immediately. A limited edition line of  crazy bright, electric colors – and extremely affordable.

2013 will be a year of new categories in lip products. New Lip Oils, (explained in an upcoming post) colors and formulations will provide the consumer with millions of options to create their own trends.

Gift Guide: Holiday Palettes

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For a beauty junkie, there are few things prettier than a palette, and the holiday season creates some of the most charming examples. This year’s crop are as lovely as can be, with ornamentation and colors to match every taste. Give as a gift or keep for yourself, they do only come but once a year. Here are a few favorites:

Lancome ~ 2012 Holiday Color Collection: Color Design 5 Shadow & Liner Palette: $49.00

Dior ~ Grand Bal Lip and Eye Palette: $85.00

Laura Mercier ~ Color-To-Go Portable Palette for Eyes, Cheeks & Lips: $48.00

Aerin ~ Holiday Color Palette: $70.00

Pixi ~ Early Bird Kit: $34.00

e.l.f. ~ Studio Endless Eyes Pro Eyeshadow Palette: $10.00

In The Know: Kate Spade Saturday

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This Spring, Kate Spade will launch a budget-friendly line, appropriately titled Kate Spade Saturday. The collection is meant to “capture the spirit of Saturday, every day of the week.”

Featuring everything from dresses and jackets to handbags, jewelry, home decor and eyewear  – all bright and bold in true Kate Spade fashion. The new lifestyle brand is targeted towards the younger fashionista – and priced 50% lower than the brand’s current offerings ($30 to $130).

While no stand-alone U.S. stores are planned as of now, you will be able to nab all the Kate Spade Saturday line at www.saturday.com – launching early next year.

Affordable Accessories: H&M

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Update your look for less with affordable accesories. H&M covers all the trends, basics and frills you could possibly need. From cold weather necessities to staples, H&M is a one-stop shop for inexpensive items.

Leather Gloves: $29.95

30-Pack Bracelets: $5.95

Necklace: $24.95

Cap: $5.95

Chain Necklace: $5.95

Brown & Black Leather Belt: $12.95 (each)

Tube Scarf: $9.95

Spike Necklace: $12.95

10-Pack Rings: $4.95

Headband: $6.95

Heavy Metal: Metallic Trend

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The runways for Fall 2012 were ablaze with molten-like metals in gold, bronze, silver and jewel-tones. Metallics glimmered in the form of dresses, denim, skirts, shoes and bags. Interpreting runway looks into everyday life can be tricky. Embrace this trend with wearable pieces that will make an impact all season long.

Since metallics create such a bold statement, wearing too many at once can cheapen a look. Choose one key piece (cigarette pant, pencil skirt, statement bag) and let it be the star of the show. Pair these pieces with basic neutrals. Try a cozy knit sweater/slouchy boyfriend sweater for ultimate comfort and understated style. For a dressier look, pair with a structured blazer that will not draw attention from the showcased piece. Keep accessories basic or forfeit them completely.

Metallics offer a fun way to freshen up your look for Fall and update your wardrobe for a new season. Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

J Brand ~ 9202 Low-Rise Metallic Coated Legging: $249.00

Alice + Olivia ~ Connie Metallic Flounce Coat: $798.00

Tibi ~ Lurex Jacquard Strapless Dress: $485.00

AllSaints ~ Metal Pencil Skirt: $95.00

Diane von Furstenberg ~ Tonda Metallic Clutch: $395.00

Jimmy Choo ~ Anouk Metallic Leather Pumps: $650.00

Topshop ~ Jacquard Metallic Shorts: $60.00

5 under $50: Summer Shorts

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Stock up on summer shorts now. Available on the cheap everywhere, great sales and deals makes this easy. Here are 5 under $50.00:

J.Crew ~ Stretch Twill Shorts: $49.50

Delias ~ Garden Flower Shorts: $29.50

Quiksilver ~ Chambray Stripe Shorts: $39.60

Old Navy ~ Twill Cut-off Shorts: $18.97

Topshop ~ Floral Texture Runner Shorts: $36.00

GLOW-T AWARDS: Jergens Natural Glow Express

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BEST DRUGSTORE SELF-TANNER: Jergens Natural Glow Express

Jergens Natural Glow Express is a gradual self-tanning lotion that delivers hydration, dark color and leaves skin glowing. Even better… it is available at the drugstore.

Formulated with antioxidants, this thick lotion has the same consistency of a body butter. It is available in two shades: Fair to Medium and Medium to Tan. The Fair to Medium is much too light and develops a yellow-based tan. In just one to two applications, the Medium to Tan creates a natural-looking, dark tan. It leaves a nice sheen on the skin and reflects a healthy-glow.

This lotion has a slight “self-tanner” smell but nothing too evasive. It can be mixed with your favorite moisturizer to mask the scent and extend the life of the small 4 oz tube.  I have used this product for years and always bring a bottle when I travel. It is quick and easy and I never worry about streaks or stains.This gradual tanner will extend and preserve the life of your tan all summer long.

Read my post: Application Tips & Tricks

5 under $50: Summer Dress

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Take the guess-work out of summer outfits. With the simple summer dress, one can quickly and casually throw it on all summer long.

Look for universal prints and colors. If you choose a more trendy version, i.e neons and/or bold prints, it will be more recognizable and you will not get as much wear out of it. Let the summer dress be the base of any ensemble and change it up with different pairings: jackets, scarves, layers (crop-tops/slouchy tees) and accessories. These dresses will be in your closet for numerous summers to come. Here are five favorites all under $50.00.

Volcom ~ Festivus: $45.00

Element ~ Robin Striped Dress: $44.50

BB Dakota ~ Dora Stripe Dress: $49.00 (sale)

Hive & Honey ~ Floral Blousant Dress: $39.99 (sale)

Forever 21 ~ Casual Chambray Dress: $15.50

5 under $50: Wedges

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A warm-weather staple, wedges are comfortable, stylish and wonderfully chunky. Available in multiple textures, colors and prints at these prices you can have them all. Live on the ‘wedge’ with 5 under $50.00:

Charlotte Russe ~ Cross-Front Strappy Cork Wedge: $35.50

Charlotte Russe ~ 2-Band Wooden Wedge Sandal: $36.50

Piperlime ~ Qupid – Katrina:  $49.00

ALDO ~ Ellingwood: $35.00

Piperlime ~ Michael Antonio – Goldy: $49.00

Drugstore Find: Spoiled Nail Color

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While picking up a few necessities at CVS, I stumbled upon a promotional stand for Spoiled Nail Color. Manufactured by Wet-n-Wild Cosmetics, these polishes are exclusive to CVS and retail for $1.99…

I was immediately attracted to a color called Flamingo Pink. The formula is opaque and very true to color. One coat was all that was needed, but due to the price point I thought two coats might have more staying-power. Applied on toes and fingers, one week later, my toes are unblemished and my fingers are just now beginning to chip.

The only setback is the brush. A thick brush, (similar to Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure) but with a weird tapered end. The edge of the brush can be a little awkward, but ignored, due to the $1.99 price tag.

Available in 72 colors, Spoiled Nail Color is truly a great buy. From trendy neon shades to glittery sparkles, one is bound to find a shade worthy of the $1.99 investment.

Back to Basics: Layering Favorites

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Layering articles of clothing is not only practical but stylish. The art of layering will create insulation to keep you warm but will also lay the foundation for a very versatile wardrobe.

Start with your favorite basics. When shopping for basics, buy for comfort and quality. This will ensure getting the most wear out of the article of clothing. Then… buy in quantity. If you love a particular piece – purchase in different colors, patterns or styles.

For instance,  H&M tanks and camis are great – they are cheap, come in an array of colors/patterns and are made long in length. It is quite difficult to find a good tank, long enough to cover the bum when wearing leggings or tights. These tanks will also layer beautifully under just about anything, without any added bulk.

Old Navy is another great place to find layering basics. I love the light-weight v-necks and crew-necks. They are soft, comfortable, inexpensive and come in great basic colors. I wear them everywhere from the gym to work. On their own, accessorized with a great scarf or layered under a sequin/leather/boyfriend blazer to create a textured-casual look.

When it comes to quality, Splendid and KAIN Label, are unbeatable. They both provide silk blend basics that are extraordinarily comfortable and styles that are continuously on trend each season. These are the best basic pieces to collect each season, that will last a lifetime.

What are your favorite basics?

Skinny Belts: H&M 3-Pack Belts

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H&M 3-Pack Belts

H&M 3-Pack Belts are an inexpensive option to incorporate in everyday style.

The skinny style belts are available in two separate sets, Lion Yellow and Mole. The neutral set, Lion Yellow, come with brown, black and mustard. The pastel set, Mole, come with rose, dusty blue and taupe.

Cinch these belts around dresses, tunics or skirts. Or pair with new Fall denim trends like cognac or wine-dyed denim. No matter how they are worn, these 3-pack belts are a great option to have available in your closet.

Drugstore Find: Goody Spin Pins

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Goody Spin Pins

These clever little styling tools are quick and easy. Marketed to “do the work of 20 bobby-pins,” Goody Spin Pins help create simple up-dos in seconds.

Simply gather hair into a high or low bun and spin pins through the hair to secure. It’s that easy. The hold is tight and secure and easy to take out (just spin pin in opposite direction).

After a stylist informed me of a substantial amount of breakage at the crown area, due to securing hair in high-ponytail with elastic while sleeping, I thought I would give these a try. They keep hair out of my face all night and in the morning, I wake up with nice wavy hair.

Try out these little inexpensive hair savers for yourself.

5 under $50: Statement Necklace

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A statement necklace is an ideal and easy way to embellish any outfit. Use color, texture or shape to decorate your look. From metal fringe to brightly colored baubles, here are five fun statement necklaces all under $50.00.

Forever 21: Crescent Fringe Necklace – $14.80

Asos: Talullah Tu Beaded Collar Necklace – $41.37

Free People: Fringe of Colors Pendant – $9.95

Topshop: Textured Disc Collar Necklace – $40.00

Kenneth Cole: New York Modern Citrine Yellow Jade Frontal Necklace – $45.00

 

Drugstore Find: Maybelline Great Lash Mascara Royal Blue

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Maybelline Great Lash Mascara Royal Blue

When experimenting with bright colors and new trends, purchase an inexpensive version to test. Blue mascara is a fun and beneficial option when exploring bright colors.

Inadvertently recognized as 80’s makeup, blue mascara has come a long way. This intriguing color and technique has many benefits and uses.

Most people have yellow and red tones in their sclera (whites of the eyes). The color blue counteracts these colors to make the eyes look whiter, brighter and wide-awake. Blue mascara will also enhance any eye color. Primarily, green and blue-colored eyes but it will also bring-out the gold flecks in brown eyes as well.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Royal Blue is an inexpensive option to test this technique. But, it is also simply a great mascara. I use this on just the bottom lashes for a slight hint of color. It is a beautiful royal blue that makes any eye pop.

5 under $50: Summer Sunglasses

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Must-have summer accessory… sunglasses. Available in a superabundance of styles, colors and designs, determining the right shape for your face structure can be exhausting. I have chosen five universally flattering designs that will look fantastic on anyone. From classic aviators to fun heart-shaped lenses, here are some options to change up your look without breaking the bank.

Topshop – Knot Detail Large Sunglasses – $32.00

Asos – Gold Mirrored Sunglasses – $20.69

Forever 21 – F6689 Sunglasses – $5.86

Blue Moon – Heart Shaped Sunglasses – $22.00

Urban Outfitters – Candy Beach Two-Toned Cat Eye Sunglasses – $12.99

Beach Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Shopper Tote

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Marc by Marc Jacobs Shopper Tote

A great alternative for this summer’s beach bag is purchasing a shopper tote. Made primarily of waterproof materials, shopper totes will protect items from environmental damage.

Shopper totes can be found everywhere and almost every designer makes one. From low to high-end brands, the beauty of this product is they are all affordable. Available in an assortment of colors and patterns, these bags hold just the right amount.

This Marc by Marc Jacobs Shopper Tote is colorful and bright. The sunny style will be a vibrant accessory for a day at the beach/pool. Coupled with an ‘itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini,’ you will be ready to shine.

5 under $50: Summer Sandals

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Available in an assortment of styles and colors, a fun pair of sandals can perk-up any ensemble. Like an accessory, this item can enrich a look, simply and affordably. Sandals can take the place of a flip-flop to refine a casual outfit or beautify a more polished look. On trend for this summer, choose bright colors, from neon to pastels. Or adopt a pair of sandals with quirky and flirty embellishments like beading, studs, tassels or rope. With so many options, a lovely pair of flat sandals can define your style personality. Here are a couple choices all $50 and under:

Topshop Hatty2 Tellow Bow Sandals – $50.00

Rip Curl Gladiatress 3 Sandal – $38.00

Forever 21 Mosaic Leatherette Sandals – $19.80

Mia Plaka Braided Sandal – $44.50

Alloy Bella Sandal – $29.90

Drugstore Find: Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil

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Palmers Skin Therapy Oil

Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil is a multi-purpose moisturizer that improves the appearance of scars, uneven skin tone, stretch marks, aging, dry and damaged skin.

The oil formula is non-greasy and lightweight. The oil soaks into the skin immedietly and leaves the skin with a soft glow. Skin feels instantly hydrated and incrediably soft.

When I first tried this product, my initial thought was… average moisturizer/nothing special. After a weekend baking in the sun, I used this oil twice a day and noticed my skin was incredibly hydrated, radiant and dewy. Even a couple areas where I had failed applying sunscreen, healed almost instantly.

Palmer’s products use a Cocoa Butter Formula that smells reminiscent of sweet chocolate. The fragrance is a little potent but does not last on the skin.

This is a great summer moisturizer to replenish the skin from the sun’s harsh rays. Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil is an inexpensive option for healthy skin.