2010 sparkle.

So the new year is approaching us and everyone needs a few tweaks here and there, I've come across a few things that I think would spice up any outfit, brighten up a bleak day, and make most of a night out.  Here's to 2010!

1. Express Wool Belted Military Coat $80 - an awesome daily staple, structured, chic, and versatile, whats not to love?
2. Express Faux Fur Vest ($48) - a great piece that feels luxe for a steal!
3. Express Oversized Square Sunglasses ($12) - very cute, these adorable frames would work for a plethora of looks and come in three great shades.
4. Express Men's Cotton Military Vest ($16) - Comfortable and wearable, this vest works as a staple for the guy in your life and will compliment many of his layered looks.
5. Express Men's Graphic Flannel Casual Shirt in Plaid ($16) - Functional and fun, a really easy effortless look that any guy can pull off.
6. Too Faced Smurfy-Eyed Liquid Eyeliner ($8.75) - glitterly, and available in clear (which would layer over black liner perfectly!) and in the classic smurfy blue.  A fun flirty option for playing up the eyes ;)
7. A Broadway Show! (prices range for on-broadway hits start from $50 +) - May I suggest a classic hit like Wicked or The Phantom of the Opera, popular shows include Billy Elliot and Jersey Boys.  Anyway way you go, its sure to be a smashing success :)
Those are just some way to spice up the new year, and make it more memorable than the last, Happy New Year! (*all images property of their respective owners)

fun reads,

bella

   

p.s.: guilty pleasures to treasure, chase crawford, yum.

  

Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer with SPF 15 review

This is just my personal opinion, but this stuff is doing nothing for me (all products work differently on different people!).  I have pretty normal skin, its a bit dry in some areas but average.  This product moisturizes well enough, but it smells a bit like sunscreen, and left my face too oily.  Even after covering it up with some loose powder it looked a bit oily, I'm usually a pretty big fan of Neutrogena Products, I love their signature anti-acne wash, but this one was just a bit disappointing.  I just wanted to let anyone know that if they have normal skin, opt for something else.

That's just my bit of advice.

fun reads,

bella

*quick addition to the last post

Nordstrom Beauty (and everything else) Markdowns:

They have some lovely gift sets from MAC, Smashbox, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, and YSL on sale, favorites are:
-MAC Lip Bag ($36 to $27.90) - cute and sweet. what girl doesn't love a great pink gloss.
-MAC Lip Kit and MAC 'Miracles Happend-Viva Glam' Lip Kit ($22.50 to $17.90) - flattering reds and neutrals and pinks.

-MAC 'Love's Divine' Lash Kit ($48 to $37.90) - I made this one bigger because i find it to be the better of the deals, your getting what you pay for when it comes to eyes with this company so consider this a favorite.

 -MAC Eyeshadow Palette ($36 to $27.90) - I'm slowly falling in love with this palette, the more I look at it, the more useful it is.  It has a range of colors from cool neutrals to flashy colors perfect for nighttime looks. Thumps UP.

-Bobbi Brown 'Eyes and Cheeks to Go' Set ($60 to $47.90) - good shades, and the quality is top notch. If its in your budget, try it.

-Prescriptives 'Mineral Color All Over' Collection ($45 to $30.90) - since the company is shutting down production in January this might be the last chance you have to experience the line, the colors are beautiful and your getting a pretty decent amount of product for the money, I say why not?

My only other finds at Nordstrom is there a lot of Juicy Couture on sale so if thats your forte, check it out.

Finally, here are some clothing and shoe options:

-Jessica Simpson Studded Gladiator Sandal ($128.95 to $69.90) - they're just so attention grabbing that i can't help but love them.

Theres also a great faux leather jacket called the Collection B 'Zara' Faux Leather Bomber Jacket ($28.90), its a gunmetal grey and would totally compliment any rough and tumble chic look.

The Étagère Blouson Sleeve Cardigan ($18.90) is a little flowly in the sleeves but very feminine and quite lovely.  It's a simple additive that would enhance any outfit.


Oh and the Free People Printed Strapless Knit Dress ($42.90) is a dressy way to amp a boring look, the short dress would look great paired with tights or a boyfriend blazer. 

Those are all my recommendations for Nordstrom, always remember to shop with pleasure!

fun reads,

bella

p.s.: blake and leighton=hot.

sale alert! :)

so here are some that are up for the week:

Sephora's 20% off already reduced sale items ends on the 31st of December, so stock up on those must have beauty items asap! (all images property of their respective owners)

 They also have a bunch of great ten dollar (or under!) steals:

-Benefit Beauty To Go Bestsellers $10 is one that i'm personally trying to get my hands onto, its a great little sampler to try out some of their most beloved products before committing to buying the full sized versions. 
-Stila A Couple of Crushes $10 is a lip and cheek stain combo, seeing as one tube originally sells for upwards of 20 dollars, paying ten for two is a great deal, the colors are wonderful, and seem to be very flattering tones. It's definitely one to check out.
-Nars Custard and Ginger Concealer Duo $10 is really just extremely well priced, get it if you can AND if it matches your skin tone, the label states light to medium so all you lucky L to M ladies, its worth a shot!

I've also heard a ton of good things about the Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo ($8 at Sephora-limited time!) so that's one i would definitely get if your like me and feel lazy about washing your hair every day, which by the way is bad for you (it strips essential oils straight from your roots), this stuff is supposed to work really well so if you are near a sephora, pick it up, give a try :)

Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale!  It began online a week ago but it will begin in the store January 2nd, so mark your calendars, those $3 panty and $15 bra bins are calling your name, the highlights are:

-25 to 50% off of bras

-up to 50% off of panties

-20 to 50% off of clothing

-25 to 50% off of sleep and loungewear

-40 to 60% off of PINK

There are some seriously good deals here if you need to stock up on lingerie ;) and all your other VS needs, try to go early because we all know how fast these things get cleaned out!

And last but not least, drugstore deals...

From December 27th to January 2nd find these deals at your local Walgreens:

-Buy one get one free all Revlon Foundation, Concealer, Powder, Blush, and Eye Cosmetics.

-Buy one get one free Almay Cosmetics.

-Buy one get one half off Covergirl Cosmetics

-25% off Eucerin products

Head out to the stores while you can, refresh your makeup or your wardrobe as a part of the new year :)

oh and heres some coquettish delights

fun reads,

bella

Quick Lip Fix.

I've recently become a big fan of Smashbox Cosmetics:
a) the quality is amazing.
b) there is free shipping on the site.
c) they are very generous with the free samples.
d) free gift during "lunch hours" on tuesdays and thursdays.
Being a student and relatively broke, I bought my stuff on a Thursday, and received a full sized eyeshadow in Pronto, which is a lovely, shimmery, taupe shade.  I also received Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara in Jet Black, along with a sample of the PhotoFinish Primer (which I got in a full size after trying the stuff) and PhotoFinish Primer Light; the latter of the two is nice but the texture just isn't the same as the original.

This whole lip fix is though, is centered on my initial purchase.

Smashbox Lipstick in Eden

It comes in very chic packaging 

and the color payoff is AMAZING.

The lipstick is super creamy and a little bit goes a long way, the color is a beautiful pinkish plum.  It's also moisturizing and looks great alone or with a clear gloss.

To get the quick lip fix:

1. Apply a lip balm, any will do.  This is just to prep your lips and leave long lasting results.

2. Apply the lipstick with a lip brush, which will guarentee better control over color, or straight from the tube.  

3. Apply a clear gloss over for a more glam look, the color is very bright so it just accentuates whats already there.  I used C.O. Bigelow Ultra Mentha Lip Shine, which has a great cooling sensation on top of a gloss.

Thats all there is too it.  

Enjoy those kissable pouts.  

fun reads,

bella

p.s: here's some persian hotness to keep your toasty all night long ;) 

Claudia Lynx. damn.

Five Minute Eye Makeover :)

So on a trip to Duane Reade today i stumbled across somethings i just had to try, Wet n' Wild is probably the most affordable makeup brand i can think of.  I picked up a few things to try out:

Wet n' Wild H20 Blending Eye Pencil in Denim Chrome, a steely blue color, and in Black Chrome, an everyday black liner, they were just $1.99 apiece, something your wallet will thank you for.

This five minute look is inspired by the blue eyeliner :)
It's just a nice way to update an blase look, and i know it seems like a lot of steps, but they just take a few minutes, and practice makes perfect!

1. Prime your eyes with a shadow base or anything other kind of primer you use, i use Smashbox PhotoFinish Primer (the original) and then foundation (if you use it).

2. Use a base shadow, something that'll just even out your skin tone.
    I used Estee Lauder Compact Disc Shadow in Pink.
    Highlight the inner corner of your eye and the brow bone
    with a champagne colored highlight shadow.
    (Clinique Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Like Mink, use the lighter shade)
3. Use the H20 eyeliner to draw a line across the lid, starting from the ends and working your way in.  Use the smudge applicator to gently smudge the line, working upwards.  Follow up with a darker shadow (Clinique Surge Shadow Duo in Like Mink, the darker shade) over the entire lid making sure you don't go past the crease.

4. Use any mascara of your choice, I love layering them, I used Smashbox Lash DNA in Jet Black followed by a coat of Maybeline Lash Stiletto in Brown/Black.

5. Line the bottom waterline with a kohl based liner of your choice, and voila! five minute eyes :)

*The clinique shadow's i used are a bit shimmery, so if you prefer something more on the matte side, mac and smashbox both have great alternatives.

Here's  a swatch of the H20 pencil colors:

finally, some old school glam that never fails to please:

Sophia Loren

all kinds of gorgeous.

fun reads

-bella