Fall Beauty Trends 2012 - Budget Options

The runway shows don't just start fashion trends, they also start beauty trends.  Designers use hair, makeup and nails to compliment their designs and create a complete look.  There are lots of trends to try this fall.  I selected a few of my favorites from the runway.

You don't have to spend a fortune to try a new beauty look.  There are products and tools available at your local drugstore or discount store. 

Texture and Volume
Many of the same tools and products that work for texture also work for volume and vice versa.  A root volumizer, dry shampoo, and a teasing brush topped with hair spray can create a style with texture or with retro volume. The techniques are also similar. With volume, you'll just need to smooth the outer surface layer.

Flushed Cheeks
Cheeks that are flushed have the look that you've been in the sun or out in the cold.  The color looks like it's coming from within.  Using a cream or gel blush or a stain will give you this look better than a powder.  These products will also last longer.

Deep Red Lips
Rich plums, burgundies and maroons are the colors of fall lips.  Prep is key when wearing dark lipstick.  Exfoliate your lips using a lip scrub or just your wash cloth.  Then add a light coat of lip balm.  These steps will help your lipstick to wear longer and will reduce feathering.  If you are wearing lip stain, exfoliate but skip the lip balm.

Winged Eyes
The beauty of a winged eye is that you can go subtle or bold.  You can get the same effect with liquid or gel eyeliner, depending on your personal preference.  This tutorial from The Beauty Department will help you with the basics. The drama is up to you.

Hair Accessories
Statement hair accessories are an easy way to dress up a simple hair style.  There are lots inexpensive options at discount and accessory stores.  Select something that fits your personal style. Sparkly or geometric, clips or headbands, the possibilities are endless.

Sophisticated Nail Art
This fall nail art is all about metallics, classic colors, reverse french manicures and half moons.  Nudes, navys, and chrome dominated the options on the runway.  The designs were sleek and simple. They'll fit in at the office as well as a night out. If you've shied away from nail art because it was too young and cutesy, these fall options may be right up your alley.

They key to any trend is to make it work for you.  It's also a fun chance to try something completely new.  Pick up some inexpensive products from your local drugstore and try a trend on for size.  I recommend CVS (if there is one in your area) because of their extremely liberal return policy. You can return any nonprescription item within 30 days, with your receipt (open or unopened).  I just tried out a new deep red lip stain.  After trying it out, I knew the color wasn't right for me. I returned it to CVS and got a full refund.  That's no risk shopping!

I'll be trying out lots of these trends over the next few months.  Will you be trying anything new?

The Color of Love...

Red and pink have always been part of Valentine's Day for me. I remember sitting for hours cutting paper hearts out of red and pink construction paper.  I think it was just an excuse to be creative. I created all sorts of decorations.  Both red and pink symbolize love but red represents passion and pink represents romance and charm. They are both great colors alone or even better when worn together.

Pink Lip - Maybelline Fuchsia Fever

Red Lip - Maybelline Red Revival

 

There are times when I would have thought that this outfit was too matchy matchy but some how it all works together.The colors in the skirt work with the rest of the pieces to create a combo I love. It's so bright and fun, it makes me happy and isn't that what fashion is all about?

Sweater - Target (no longer available), Skirt - Lane Bryant (no longer available), Shoes - Coclico via Simply Soles, Scarf - Goodwill, Belt - Target, Tights - Avenue, Bracelets - vintage, gift, Until There's a Cure, and DIY (red beaded), Earrings - Sakes off 5th, Watch - Timex (gift)

My photographer Honey wasn't available to take my picture, so my wonderful co-worker helped me out.

I've mentioned that I'm on the quest for the perfect red lip.  The whole truth is that I'm a bit obsessed with all kinds of lipsticks, lip glosses, lip balms, and on and  on.  I was thinking that I should count how many colored lip products I own.  I'm a little scared to do that but at least I know I have a bit of a problem. Many years ago my friend Kim and I stood in the bathroom at work, after we both applied lipstick, and counted the number of lip colors in each of our bags. If I remember correctly we tied at eight each. Both of us have the habit of starting the day with one color and changing it up as our mood changes during the day. Hey a girl needs variety.

Before I started on my red lip quest, I owned one red lipstick and one red lip balm.  I now own ten. My Mary Kay Rockin' Red lip gloss isn't in the picture below.

Clockwise from the top: Mary Kay Tinted Lip Balm in Cherry, Revlon Colorburst True Red, Maybelline Red Revolution, L'Oreal Target Red, Maybelline Red Revival, MAC Ruby Woo, Revlon Cherry Ice, Sephora Collection Hot Tango, Smashbox Legendary

The pinks are fast approaching the same crazy level.  There are six in the picture below but I've added three more since I took this photo. My three new colors are Maybelline Fuchsia Fever, Maybelline Fifth Ave Fuchsia, and L'Oreal Heavenly Berry and I'm sure that won't be the end. I love bright pink lipstick. 

Clockwise from the top: Mary Kay Tinted Lip Balm Peony, L'Oreal Sea Fleur, Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter Lollipop, Revlon Colorburst Candy Pink, Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter Cotton Candy, Mary Kay Tinted Lip Balm Berry

My post today is part of two blogger challenges.  I'm participating in Everybody Everywear's Red and Pink challenge and the Pretty Shiny Sparkly's Bloggers Do it Better Red challenge.

 

70's Influenced

I know that this outfit isn't really 70's style but for me, pairing olive and orange together always reminds me of the 70's.  Maybe it's because I really loved the home of our family friends, the McLeod's, that was very modern, mod and full of orange and olive colored furniture and appliances. The color combo always reminds me of that time.  I also decided that Polaroid style pictures would fit with today's 70's theme.

Today I'm sporting two of my favorite wardrobe pieces.  The olive army influenced jacket from Talbots that I snagged at the outlet.  The other is this fantastic orange skirt, a gift from Fashion to Figure.  Orange, as you know, is the color of the season. Unfortunately, the skirt is no longer available. I love that the clothes at Fashion to Figure are so on trend and modern.  They know that curvy girls want to accentuate our curves, not hide them and they always offer the latest in fashion forward clothes.  If you live in the DC area, Fashion to Figure is opening a brand new store on February 12 at the Mall at Prince Georges in Hyattsville, Maryland.  They just opened a new store in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and their grand opening party is this Saturday. If you don't live close to one of their brick and mortar locations you can always shop online.

Jacket - Talbots, Shirt - Kohl's, Skirt - c/o Fashion to Figure, Boots - Silhouettes, Bracelets - Craft Show and Gifts, Watch - Kohl's, Necklace - Gift, Nails - Revlon ColorStay Longwear in Sequin

I'm still trying out all of the lipsticks I purchased in my search for the perfect red lip.  I thought it would be good to test each one by wearing it for at least a day.  I think just trying it once doesn't really give me a fair picture.  This color is L'Oreal Color Riche in Target Red.  It's sold only at Target stores.  It's a semi sheer bluish red.  I really like the consistency and the semi sheer finish.  It's also not as matte as some of the other reds I've tried.