How about you - what do you think of this trend? Is this something you might wear? Tell me what you think. I'd love to make a few statement necklace for my shop but I wonder if this is really a wearable trend or not.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Statement necklaces - what do you think?
Statement necklaces seem to be "the thing" right now. I see them everywhere. JCrew, Banana Republic, Macy's, Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft, all the magazines. . . . Funny thing is, I don't actually see anyone wearing them! Me personally, I love this trend. I like to mix up my jewelry. Some days I might wear a simple sterling silver pendant and my diamond stud earrings. Another day I might wear big chandalier earrings in flashy colors and a bold bracelet. But as much as I love these big statement necklaces, I haven't actually purchased or made one for myself yet! I guess that's partly because I have two little girls that would be very attracted to a large necklace like that and would constantly be tugging on it. Still, I could always put the necklace on after I dropped them off for the morning. So I wonder what's holding me back?
How about you - what do you think of this trend? Is this something you might wear? Tell me what you think. I'd love to make a few statement necklace for my shop but I wonder if this is really a wearable trend or not.
How about you - what do you think of this trend? Is this something you might wear? Tell me what you think. I'd love to make a few statement necklace for my shop but I wonder if this is really a wearable trend or not.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Don't forget - giveaway!!
Don't forget that tomorrow is the last day to enter the giveway for the freshwater gray pearl necklace from my shop. Stop by Adore by Nat and enter to win!!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
I love shoes!!
I'm shoe shopping when I should be working. I need to get both the girls some shoes for Easter, which is approaching faster than I can believe!! Both girls have small, wide, fat feet so I always have to order their shoes online.
While looking for their shoes, I fell in love with these for myself.
While looking for their shoes, I fell in love with these for myself.
Born Hydranga Sandals, available at Nordstrom.. I think I must have these. They're by Born, so should be incredibly comfortable even with the high heel. Maybe if I get them in silver I can justify the expense because they would go with everything, right? I do LOVE this fushia pink color though!!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Makeup tips - when to save and when to splurge
I've always been a devotee of high end cosmetics and skincare. In years past, I probably could have taken myself on a fancy spa vacation for the amount of money I spent in a year on makeup and skincare!! But now money is tight. So I'm trying to find less expensive solutions for my daily beauty routine.
I read magazines, asked friends and even strangers and tried a lot of different products. And I have been successful in replacing most of my daily beauty routine with less expensive products, many of which are nearly as good (and sometimes better!) than the expensive department store brands and premium lines of makeup and skincare that I've used in the past.
A few of my favorites:
1. Moisturizer: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, SPF 15.
This is actually one of the best moisturizers I've ever used. And its the only moisturizer with sunscreen that I've ever tried that doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy.
2. Cleanser: Olay Gentle Foaming Face Wash
OK, my favorite cleanser of all time is Purity by Philosophy. Nothing beats that cleanser for gentle but deep cleaning! But this inexpensive cleanser from Olay is a close second. Its not too drying yet leaves my skin clean and removes makeup, including mascara (assuming its not waterproof mascara).
3. Face Scrub: Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub
Another great product from Aveeno. This scrub is gentle enough to use daily, even for my occasionally fickle and sensitive skin. If your skin is super sensitive, you can still use this gentle scrub. Just limit use to 1-2 times per week.
4. Makeup: Revlon, Cover Girl, Sonia Kushuk (or whatever your favorite drugstore brand is!)
Here's where you can really save some money. High-end makeup brands often offer innovative new technologies and ingredients. But eventually, most of these innovations reach the less expensive drug-store brands too. And for things like eye shadow, blush, eye liner and even mascara, you really can't see that much of a difference between high end and drugstore brands.
But there are a few steps in your beauty routine where I think its really worth spending more money for quality products.
1. Foundation: In my opinion, the best product to spend a little extra money on.
If your skin looks gorgeous, you will look gorgeous and all the rest of your makeup will look better. Whether you use tinted moisturizer, powder, liquid foundation or some other version, spend more money on your foundation. The higher end brands tend to have better color options, blend more naturally into your skin and give better coverage while maintaining a light and natural feel. Stila is my all-time favorite for foundation.
2. Makeup brushes: A little investment that will last a lifetime.
Ok, maybe not a lifetime. But many, many years. I've had most of my makeup brushes for over 15 years and they are still in perfect condition. Good makeup brushes can make even the cheapest cosmetics look more expensive and professionally applied. Don't be intimidated - they really aren't that hard to use! Just remember, you're not painting a masterpiece. You're just putting on your makeup.
This is a great set with all the basic brushes you need for just $65. Its available at Sephora. And bonus - these brushes are cruelty free and do not use animal fur like many other high-end brushes.
Remember to wash your makeup brushes at least monthly with a gentle shampoo. I actually do not recommend baby shampoo, at least not J&J which is very drying. I have used my girls organic baby shampoo. But really, any regular shampoo is fine as long as its not a clarifying shampoo. I've even used conditioner on my powder brush before since it gets more use and therefore more washings!
I read magazines, asked friends and even strangers and tried a lot of different products. And I have been successful in replacing most of my daily beauty routine with less expensive products, many of which are nearly as good (and sometimes better!) than the expensive department store brands and premium lines of makeup and skincare that I've used in the past.
A few of my favorites:
1. Moisturizer: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, SPF 15.
This is actually one of the best moisturizers I've ever used. And its the only moisturizer with sunscreen that I've ever tried that doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy.
2. Cleanser: Olay Gentle Foaming Face Wash
OK, my favorite cleanser of all time is Purity by Philosophy. Nothing beats that cleanser for gentle but deep cleaning! But this inexpensive cleanser from Olay is a close second. Its not too drying yet leaves my skin clean and removes makeup, including mascara (assuming its not waterproof mascara).
3. Face Scrub: Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub
Another great product from Aveeno. This scrub is gentle enough to use daily, even for my occasionally fickle and sensitive skin. If your skin is super sensitive, you can still use this gentle scrub. Just limit use to 1-2 times per week.
4. Makeup: Revlon, Cover Girl, Sonia Kushuk (or whatever your favorite drugstore brand is!)
Here's where you can really save some money. High-end makeup brands often offer innovative new technologies and ingredients. But eventually, most of these innovations reach the less expensive drug-store brands too. And for things like eye shadow, blush, eye liner and even mascara, you really can't see that much of a difference between high end and drugstore brands.
But there are a few steps in your beauty routine where I think its really worth spending more money for quality products.
1. Foundation: In my opinion, the best product to spend a little extra money on.
If your skin looks gorgeous, you will look gorgeous and all the rest of your makeup will look better. Whether you use tinted moisturizer, powder, liquid foundation or some other version, spend more money on your foundation. The higher end brands tend to have better color options, blend more naturally into your skin and give better coverage while maintaining a light and natural feel. Stila is my all-time favorite for foundation.
2. Makeup brushes: A little investment that will last a lifetime.
Ok, maybe not a lifetime. But many, many years. I've had most of my makeup brushes for over 15 years and they are still in perfect condition. Good makeup brushes can make even the cheapest cosmetics look more expensive and professionally applied. Don't be intimidated - they really aren't that hard to use! Just remember, you're not painting a masterpiece. You're just putting on your makeup.
This is a great set with all the basic brushes you need for just $65. Its available at Sephora. And bonus - these brushes are cruelty free and do not use animal fur like many other high-end brushes.
Remember to wash your makeup brushes at least monthly with a gentle shampoo. I actually do not recommend baby shampoo, at least not J&J which is very drying. I have used my girls organic baby shampoo. But really, any regular shampoo is fine as long as its not a clarifying shampoo. I've even used conditioner on my powder brush before since it gets more use and therefore more washings!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Enter to win this beautiful gray freshwater pearl necklace!!!
Today's the day! Adore by Nat is hosting a giveway for this necklace from my shop.
Run on over to Adore by Nat's blog to sign up to win!! Giveaway ends one week from today on March 13th and the winner will be announced on Sunday March 14th.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
I'm featured on Adore By Nat today!!!
Check it out!!!! I'm featured on this really great blog today called Adore by Nat. Go read her feature on me. And be sure to check back at her site tomorrow when she'll be hosting a giveaway for one of my pieces!!!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
No crease eye shadow
I hate it when I take the time to make-up my face in the morning, only to find most of my makeup has rubbed off by mid-morning. So I'm always on the lookout for products that will help my makeup last longer. Here's one that works for me.
Mac Paint Pots
I use these Paint Pots as an eye shadow base. It really helps my eye shadow last all day and has virtually eliminated the creasing and oily lids that used to plague me. As an added bonus, the effect of layering the Paint Pot and powdered eye shadow adds depth and dimension to the colors and gives a professional look. Paint Pots are super easy to use - just gently run a finger in the pot and then rub the color onto your lid. The formula is super creamy and blends well, but dries to a smooth, budge-proof finish. These are awesome on their own too for just a touch of color when you don't want to wear a full-face of makeup.
Mac Paint Pots
I use these Paint Pots as an eye shadow base. It really helps my eye shadow last all day and has virtually eliminated the creasing and oily lids that used to plague me. As an added bonus, the effect of layering the Paint Pot and powdered eye shadow adds depth and dimension to the colors and gives a professional look. Paint Pots are super easy to use - just gently run a finger in the pot and then rub the color onto your lid. The formula is super creamy and blends well, but dries to a smooth, budge-proof finish. These are awesome on their own too for just a touch of color when you don't want to wear a full-face of makeup.
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