5 Beauty Products I Can't Wait to Get My Hands On...

There was a time before kids that I had a full blown obsession with makeup. Maybe it was working in the industry, maybe it was because I had no kids- I had nothing better to spend my money on, or maybe there was just something completely magical about swiping on a new shade of lipstick, something totally transforming and mood altering that I just had to have more. Makeup became my crack. My obsession became out of control and finally reached a point where I had dominated every single drawer space in our tiny bathroom (I mean really..are 96 lipsticks necessary!?!). Fast forward...the kids came, priorities changed and my obsession was quietly put to rest...until now. It seems I have awaken a sleepy giant within. This is not good!!! But none the less, here are 5 beauty products I cannot wait to get my hands on!

1. Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray

I've not yet tried a dry shampoo but have been very curious to do so. My hair tends to be on the dry side, so my hair stylist suggested I do a good blowout twice a week tops to prevent damage. This one caught my eye for two reasons: 1) i like the ease of a spray and 2) unlike alot of others on the market, this is invisible! According to Sephora:

"When applied, it instantly boosts volume and cleanses the hair without water. Ingredients such as gentle starches absorb excess oil and product build up, while Vitamin E and wheat proteins strengthen and protect the hair shaft. The end result is hair that looks and feels freshly shampooed, without a trace of residue."

2. YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch

Ok, I have heard soo many great things about this product that I cannot wait till my concealer runs out to try! Loved by models, artists and women everywhere the award winning formula is supposed to be equivalent to 8hrs of the best sleep you can get. According to Sephora:

"A luminizing pen that brings radiance and light to the skin, immediately erasing any signs of fatigue and brightens the complexion. With a few strategically placed strokes, the complexion immediately looks rested, radiant and rejuvenated."

3. Urban Decay Ink For Eyes

I am not typically a big fan of the Urban Decay line BUT let me tell you this is a fantastic product! A friend of mine had in her makeup kit so I had a chance to use and I was in love. This is not your run of the mill creme liner. This is smooth and dark and the application is flawless...no dragging or skipping or smearing. The liner comes housed in a sleek little case complete with mirror and (love!) double ended brush (angled liner on one end and smudger on the other). I'm about out of my black eyelining pencil and I will be replacing it with this in Zero (black). I'm also thinking Demolition (chocolate brown) would be great for creating an earthy, smudgy eye, so I may need both!

4. DuWop Private Red

I'm always on the look out for the perfect shade of red lipstick for my skintone. I read about this one on a blog and I'm very intrigued. A little throw back to the 60's maybe, this lipstick is supposed to adapt with your body's chemistry providing the perfect shade of red for you. Hmmm...we'll have to see!

5. Les Tentations De Chanel Fuchsia Tweed Blush

All I can say is WOW!!!! When I first got a glimpse of this to die for blush I immediately called the Chanel counter to find out when it will be available and I've gotten mixed info. I was told today that it would not be available till November, however I've read some stores already have! Regardless, this blush is a work of art! If you know where I can buy now, please comment where!

What beauty products are you dying to get your hands on this Fall??

Follow Up: My Version of the Winged Eye

Ok, guys! So sorry for the delay but here is my version of the winged eye. I really tried to upload a video but for some reason I am having major issues doing so! I'm really surprised at how much I liked this look! Normally, I am not a liquid liner kinda gal which was why this was a look I wanted to tweak and make work for me. So I followed the directions that the article had (the one's I blogged about last week) to the tee and as you can see in the 4th picture is what I was left with :/. The result that I had is exactly the reason why I do not usually like the liquid liner! Unless you have a very steady hand, I think it verge on looking cheap and trashy, hence picture 4. However, I do love the instense look you can only get from a liquid liner (done right, that is!). So I decided to also use a black eye lining pencil to line the inner lower lash line and fill in any gaps. I LOVED the combination of the 2 liners together! I live in a very hot area and by the end of the day pencil liner alone has usually smudged off but with this combo I got the rich intensity that I love from a liquid liner but it still looked clean & precise! And better yet, it wore all day without any smudging!

As you can see from the pic, I opted to not do a real exaggerated wing but now that I got the application down, I'm thinking I will!

If you are not a fan of liquid liner but love the intensity you get from one, try this technique-you will love the results!

Products I used:

Maybelline Line Stiletto in Blackest Black

Maybelline Lash Stiletto in Black

Powderliner Pencil in Coal

MAC Shadow in Amber Lights

Laura Mercier Undercover Pot Concealer

Makeup Trends for Fall I Can't Wait to Try: Subtle, Nude Lipstick with a Dramatic Winged Eye

With the launch of MAC's Venomous Villains just around the corner, I'm really inspired to once again have fun with makeup. As a mom of 2 and no longer a"20-something" I have found that there is often a fine line between "playful" and "hooker". While I intend to interject more color this season, I think this is a great neutral, yet fun look to start out the season with. This was a look that was used for Blumarine's runway show using the above shown products with the following step by steps:

1. I love the hair as it looks completely effortless.

"To create, scrunch dry hair with a beach or salt spray [such as Fekkai's Marine Beach Waves] and twist sections around your fingers"

2. "For eyes use a liquid eyeliner with a marker like lip tip and follow the curves of your lower lashes. Line up and out. Finish by lining top lid as well."

3. "For lips, choose a creamy nude lip color [Dolce & Gabana in Delicate] to finish off the look."

And that's it! Tomorrow, I will recreate this look and post pics. I need to make a stop at Target for a beach spray and I think I will try Maybelline's Line Stiletto (my bf blogged about it awhile back and loves..I don't use liquid liner enough to splurge on the Chanel just yet). Stay tuned! :)

I think I'm in Love..

I've been on the hunt for a foundation that I absolutely LOVE for some time now. Now, please note, despite having worked in the cosmetics industry for years and knowing all the benefits wearing foundation provides- it still was never on the tops of my lists. But that all changed the minute I hit 35.

While on a business trip to Las Vegas I griped to my bestie about how my skin seemed less vibrant and more dull than usual and she oh so graciously suggested that maybe I needed to revisit the whole concept of "foundation". Btw-thanx :)

After trying a few different kinds I finally decided on Chanel's Teint Innocence and let me tell you.. I am in LOVE!!

This foundation is amazingly light-it literally melts onto skin, covers flawlessly and yet still appears natural! I used a flat top blush/contouring brush (pictured above) to "buff" foundation on which seriously gives it an almost airbrushed quality. It's officially described as a "naturally luminous fluid makeup" and that's a perfect description. It contains the subtlest amount of luminous pigments that work to even out your complexion and make skin appear even toned and radiant (which is exactly what I was looking for!). This is the first foundation product in the Chanel line that I've tried and it did not disappoint. Once again, thanks to my bestie Jenn for reminding me that sometimes youth can come in a bottle (temporarily at least!). :)

Some of favorite things for Fall: Part II

I am soo loving the Military Inspired Looks for Fall! I love the earthy-ness of all the muted, understated tones and how the work together in a monochramtic way that's still manages to be edgy and chic!

Pic 1

The first pic is a look that I am dying to create! I love how model/dj Leigh Lezark rocks this look...army green utilitarian dress paired with a black biker jacket and black heeled booties. The taupe fingerless gloves and cozy olive neck wrap finish the look and keep it looking effortless. Love it!

Pic 2

Another on trend look that doesn't manage to feel "trendy". Camoflauge jacket tops a basic black dress, but what keeps this from looking boring is the punchy knee-high socks (in purple!) and knee high boots.

Pic 3

This is a definite must for Fall in my book. It's a simple way to add the season's "utilitarian chic" to your wardrobe. Besides, most times it's the simple things that have the biggest impact!

Pic 4

Ok, I had to post this picture because 1)I'm always looking for different ways to dress up my favorite boyfriend jeans and 2)the jacket is from Kmart! Yes, Kmart. Actually the entire outfit is from there. I went last night but they didn't have in stock yet, but seriously, who would have guessed Kmart?

Les Khakis De Chanel

When I first caught a glimpse of Chanel new collection Les Khakis De Chanel I feel in love with the muted understated colors. Here's the official description directly from Chanel:

Exclusive new urban-chic khaki shades of LE VERNIS Nail Colour were developed by Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of Chanel makeup, in celebration of Vogue's Fashion Night Out. Three limited-edition hues -Khaki Rose, a dusty pink beige, Khaki Vert, a mossy foam green; and Khaki Brun, a pale stony taupe- are edgy when all three are painted on nails in an alternating pattern.

Definitely edgy and cool, what do you think?

Some of my favorite things for Fall: Part 1

I love capes...and what's not to love about them?! Their warm and cozy, chic and stylish and a great example of effortless dressing.

Top Pic:

Nichole Richie shows the versatility of the cape by pairing it with skinny jeans and boots for a casual look and then pairing the same cape with heels and a dress for a look that's very classic and proper.

Bottom Pic:

I love how this navy hooded cape and heeled booties add a dose of style to otherwise simple leggings.