Blog Archives
Rockstar Bronzer: Kat Von D Everlasting Bronzer
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Kat Von D’s Everlasting Bronzer promises up to 24-hours of color and the rich pigment offers buildable, custom coverage for every skintone. This I had to try.
Available in two shades:
1. Shady Business 1: pearlized brown with gold shimmer
2. Shady Business 2: pearlized dark brown with gold shimmer
The fade-proof formula is smooth, velvety and blendable. It glides onto the cheeks effortlessly and provides a radiant glow.
The color is the real ‘hero‘ of this product. It leans more red-toned than orange, avoiding “oompaloompa face.” It has tiny gold sparkles that create a subtle glow, boosting the complexion and mimicking the rays of the sun.
Boasting 24-hour wear, the formula is absolutely long-wearing. It lasts an entire work day and remains true-to-color without oxidizing.
These bronzers are very comparable to NARS Laguna and NARS Casino. However, I find the Kat Von D version to add more warmth to the skin while NARS bronzers can look “muddy.”
Brush on sun-kissed radiance with Kat Von D Everlasting Bronzer.
Four Favorites: Flip-Flops
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Flip-flops are not only a staple in my summer uniform, but year-round. I own way too many to admit to. I have also tried too many to admit to.
My two basic needs when choosing a flip-flop: comfort and style. I do not like a lot of bells and whistles or intricate design. I stay simple and natural in color and design. These shoes should last forever and never compete with seasonal trends. Here are my four forever favorites:
J.Crew ~Vineyard Leather Flip-Flops: $49.50
Rainbow ~ Black Leather Narrow Strap: $49.00
TKEES ~ Flip-Flop: $47.95
Havaianas ~ SLIM: $26.00
Tried & Tested: Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35
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The newest BB Cream to hit our counters is Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35. Exclusive to Nordstroms, the formula combines moisturizer, skincare, foundation and SPF into one.
Features & Benefits: Water-attracting molecules boost hydration. Light-reflecting pearls brighten dull skin. Botanical extracts and caffeine reduce discoloration and redness. Pore-reducing peptides minimize fine lines. Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and antioxidants fend off future damage.
Bobbi Brown’s BB Cream SPF 35 is available in five shades: Extra Light, Fair, Light, Medium and Medium to Dark. I was certainly intrigued by this, due to the fact that Bobbi Brown Cosmetics are primarily yellow-based shades. Many BB Cream (especially asian brands) are based on cooler-tones, such as pinks and greys.
As I sampled the different shades, I was persuaded by a sweet Bobbi Brown representative to try the darkest shade, Medium to Dark. This shade looks quite dark, almost bronzer-like. But, I took her advice and purchased.
APPLICATION: Smooth and easy to apply. Goes on quite dry, but feels nice and extremely light on the skin. (Unless you have very oily skin, a moisturizer is needed in addition to this BB Cream.)
COVERAGE: Sheer.
FINISH: Skin appears matte with a subtle sheen. Very healthy-looking. However, like most BB Creams, after a couple hours the oils will come-out and skin will look too glowing. A finishing powder is recommended.
COLOR: Initial application, the color appeared too dark. Let dry and after a couple minutes, the color adapts to the skin and the color is perfect. It might be a smidgen too dark – but I am loving the subtle-tan look for summer.
VERDICT: Like many of the US BB Creams, this is much like a tinted moisturizer. But, I love the finish it leaves on the skin and the feeling is remarkably lightweight. For a high-SPF product, this cream wears like you have nothing on. The shade choices are great and warm-up the complexion beautifully. Leaves skin looking fresh and healthy. A great option for the summer months – SPF, lightweight, easy.
(When testing these BB Creams, before deciding on a shade, I suggest waiting at least 5 minutes for the color to oxidize and adapt to your skin tone.)
For other BB Cream reviews:
Summer Favorite: White Maxi Dress
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The versatile white maxi dress is a summer essential. Worn day or night, these dresses are light, breezy and comfy.
For daytime, play with some detailed sandals and fun accessories. Gold looks great with white – try-on a ton of gold bangles or bracelets. For nighttime, switch it up with some wedges and a statement accessory. A bold necklace or vibrant earrings will shine against the all-white canvas.
To avoid looking matrimonial, accessorize wisely. Add some color or texture with a belt or scarf. Try to steer clear from head-to-toe white.
Ella Moss ~ Havana Voile Convertible Maxi Skirt/Dress: $168.00
Splendid ~ Maxi Dress: $128.00
Haute Hippie ~ T-Shirt Dress: $195.00
Young Fabulous & Broke ~ Sydney Strapless Dress: $145.00
Mara Hoffman ~ Embroidered Maxi Dress: $192.00 (sale)
Perennial Swimwear: J.Crew String Bikini
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The string bikini is a staple of summer. Comfortable and versatile this style of swimwear will never stray from trend or fashion.
I purchase at least one J.Crew String Bikini per season. They are simple, honest and perennial. A straight-forward style that fit the same each year and continue to be available in trendy colors and patterns.
A string bikini combined with a mix-and-match approach to swimwear is a great combination to find your perfect suit. First, decide what you want to hide or flaunt and go from there. For instance, if you are trying to minimize a large bottom, purchase a dark color. If you want to draw attention to a flat chest, tie the string bikini in front rather than the back. If you want to elongate the legs or torso, adjust the ties on the sides accordingly.
There are so many ways to make this bikini work for you, just bite the bullet and try-it-on. Ugh… “The Dreaded First Swimsuit Try-On of the Year”. The best advice I have been given: Before you step foot into a dressing room with bikini-in-hand, make sure you are tan. Fake-it with a quick spray tan or at-home application. Trust me! It will make the experience less terrifying.
Classic Wedge: STEVEN by Steve Madden Banndo
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STEVEN by Steven Madden Banndo is the perfect wedge to have in your collection. This shoe will pair perfectly with any color, pattern or style it is coupled with. The sandy suede texture has a soft, comfortable feel while the lightweight synthetic wedge adds support.
Pair these shoes with Spring florals and pastels. They are the perfect height for flared denim as well as a flattering shape for cropped. Available in leather or suede, black or tan, this classic wedge will wear perfectly all spring and summer long.
5 under $50: Electric Belts
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Add some color to an outfit with a brightly-hued belt. From pastel to neon, a solid-colored belt will add dimension to an outfit as well as a pop of color. A simple belt accentuates not only the ensemble but the figure. Cinched at the waist, these belts provide figure-friendly curves. Pick your favorite color pattern, then pick up one (or a couple) of these electric belts, all under $50.00.
J.Crew ~ Patent Leather Skinny Belt: $36.50
Asos ~ FLURO Skinny Belt: $10.74
Mango ~ TOUCH Two Buckle Belt: $34.99
Banana Republic ~ Skinny Lizard Belt: $34.50
Old Navy ~ Skinny Faux-Patent Belt: $15.00
Glow-T Gift Guide: Lips
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Glow-T’s Gift Guide continues with lips. Give the gift of kissable lips just in time for mistletoe. These holiday sets will moisturize, repair and color lips with a fantastic compilation of products. From a beautiful anniversary palette to a collection of must-have’s, here are a few ideas for the lipstick lover in your life.
TIP: Stretch these holiday sets by divvying them up. Use the lip products as gift-toppers to add something extra. Or make each one into tiny ornaments by adding a simple bow and hand out to friends and family.
Nordstrom ~ Bobbi Brown ’20th Anniversary’ Lip Palette: $60.00
Sephora ~ Fresh Mini Sugar Kissing Trio: $28.00
Macys ~ Bliss Fabulips Collection: $45.00
Sephora ~ Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip: $25.00
Sara Happ ~ The Gift Set by Sara Happ: $40.00
Denim Expedition: Seven For All Mankind
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Shopping for jeans is an exhausting experience. Hauling 15 pairs of denim into the dressing room, hoping that at least one is the perfect fit, style and color.
Seven For All Mankind Classic Straight Leg in California Coast is my current blue ribbon-winner. Wanting to test-drive a new style and vear away from the skinny jean, I went looking for a pair of jeans I could live-in. Don’t get me wrong I do love the skinny, however, sometimes I want jeans to look like jeans and not second skin.
The Classic Straight Leg is exactly that…classic. Form-fitting in all the right areas to accentuate the body, but leaves room for comfort, detail and style. These jeans are soft and comfortable and have an amazing stretch. The dark inky-blue wash is my favorite for everyday jeans, polished and perfectly worn-in.
Get Naked! Urban Decay Naked Palette
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Everyday makeup couldn’t be easier with Urban Decay’s Naked Palette. Great for back to school, this palette contains every shade needed for neutral makeup looks.
This palette arrived for Fall 2010 and flew off the shelves. Now available as a staple in Urban Decay’s collection, the Naked Palette can be found wherever the brand is sold.
Urban Decay Naked Palette contains twelve shades, ten with shimmer or glitter and two matte. The two matte shades, Naked (beige-brown) and Buck (dark beige-brown) are two of the best shadows I have ever used. They can perform as eyeshadow, contour or even to fill-in light to medium colored brows.
Each of the twelve shades are soft, buttery and richly pigmented. Shades range from delicate champagnes and warm golds to rich chocolates and dark charcoals. The colors are universally flattering and can can be used on all skintones.
Included with the palette is a mini Urban Decay Primer Potion and a pro-quality “Good Karma” eyeshadow brush. This is an essential palette to have in your collection. With twelve beautiful neutral shades to choose from there are hundreds of looks that can be created.