Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#12) - Drinks and Lipstick

 There are days when only certain things will perk up my mood. Those are the days when I call my closest friends, who always make me laugh, long for the end of the day to see {msL} because she always makes me feel better, make a favorite cocktail and put on my favorite lipstick. For some people that last one seems silly or doesn't fit them.  For me it works every time. If I feel good about myself then that makes me happier. Bright lipstick works every time. It can make a simple outfit more polished. Great lipstick with a t-shirt somehow seems fancier. It's a simple tool in your arsenal.

I'm in love with all of the bright lipsticks out this year.  My latest obsession is the Maybelline ColorSensational Vivids collection. I love all of the colors and already own many of them.

This post on Beautezine has great swatches.

I even wore Hot Plum (far right in the photo above) on my wedding day (photo below).  It's a fantastic bright fuchsia shade.

A great way to jazz up your favorite sweatshirt and cargo jacket. I'm sure the necklaces didn't hurt either.

Now for the drink. On our wedding day we chose to serve beer (2 of our favorites), wine (red and white) and two signature cocktails. My personal favorite was the Lucky 13 (vodka cherry limeade). We also created a drink called the  Rock Star. It's a rum and passion fruit drink. The Lucky 13 was by far the most popular (reddish pink drink below).

 

Lucky 13 (vodka cherry limeade)

vodka
lime juice (fresh is best but bottled is good too for simplicity)
Monin cherry syrup (best I've found, don't use grenadine, it's not the same)
Sprite (or any lemon lime soda)
ice

Fill a rocks glass with ice.

Add 2 oz of vodka
Add two splashes of lime juice (about 1/4 oz, more if you like it tart)
Add 1/2 oz of cherry syrup
Fill the glass with Sprite and stir.

ENJOY!


It's a great summer time drink.  You can make some alterations to the recipe if you are calorie conscious. Use club soda or sugar free Sprite in place of regular Sprite.  There are also sugar free cherry syrups available but we chose Monin because it doesn't have a fake cherry flavor. You could also use cherry juice, like Ocean Spray or Old Orchard Very Cherrie. If you substitute juice you will need to alter the proportions.

If you have a down day anytime soon, try a little pick up. Grab your favorite drink and put on some fun lipstick.  Thanks Elizabeth.

Blue and Gray with some 4th

This week we celebrate the 237th birthday of our country.  In the midst of all of the hot dogs, beer, potato salad, fireworks and fun, many times we forget what we are truly celebrating. The freedoms we enjoy in the United States were won by people who sacrificed so much and also by those who continue to sacrifice. This week also marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. The Civil War was a dark time in American history. I grew up in the south and my mom and lots of my family live very close to Appomattox, Virginia.  I was raised on Civil War stories. If the war had ended differently, we would not be living in the same country we live in today. We would likely not be living in the United States of America.  During this week, I will pause to think of those who built our country. Those who fought hard to give us all the life and freedom we enjoy today. Now enough of a history lesson and onto a little fashion in the form of a manicure.

essie Stroke of Brilliance, Maybelline Color Show Audacious Asphalt

I wore this version over the weekend and early in the work week.

Using my Martha Stewart glue pen, I drew two lines on my ring finger nails.

Then I sprinkled the nails with red glitter, cleaned up each nail and added a top coat.

The finished mani for my 4th of July fun.

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Summer Beauty

During the warm summer months I switch up my makeup.  In the winter my skin needs more moisture.  In the summer, my former teenage skin kicks in and if my makeup is too heavy, I feel greasy. I also gravitate toward less eye makeup, unless I'm going out at night.  Liquid, winged eyeliner doesn't fly at the beach.

Click the photos above for information.

BB cream is my new buddy. I've tried several and this version by Maybelline is my favorite, so far. It's light, gives good coverage and strikes the right balance of moisture and non-greasy. I always wear eyeliner and Revlon's ColorStay pencil, stays put even in the heat. I'm a new fan of Revlon Lash Potion mascara. I received it to try out and it's great. When I'm swimming or at the beach, I use Maybelline Lash Stiletto Waterproof in brownish/black. It gives my lashes color without looking too made up. Revlon's Photo Ready cream blush in Flushed works great on my summer skin. It's a pretty pink (there are two other colors) that lasts.  No matter the time of year, I'm never without my Cle de Peau concealer.  It covers my dark circles and any other issues, it's also water resistant.  During warmer months, I ditch my colored polish in favor of nude and I use bright colors on my toes. I love colorful polish with my sandals.

We have a pool and we spend time at the beach, so I'm outside constantly. I always wear hats but I also add a much higher SPF sunscreen to my routine. Last but not least, I always start with a high level SPF.  Neutrogena is my all time favorite.  The Ultra Sheer Liquid in SPF 70 is light, gives great protection and my dermatologist swears by the brand.

Do you switch up your makeup routine during the summer?

Frugal Fashion Friday - Update Your Look for Under $50

Every season, I want a few new items to help me update my look and I know I'm not alone.  Lots of times, my budget doesn't allow for a ton of new purchases.  I search for items that will freshen my outfits and make them feel new. Remixing items you already have is also a great way to update your look but we'll talk about that in a future post. My spring budget is small this year, due to wedding expenses and other plans for music festivals and our yearly beach vaca.  I'm going to add a few inexpensive items to my wardrobe to update clothes I already own.

Click above for buying information.

For less than $50, you could grab a fun statement necklace, a bright lip color and fun nail polish.  I love these combinations.

A sheer peach lip, a bright orange necklace and a turquoise nail just scream summer to me.  Pair them with shorts and a simple white t-shirt or a pretty sundress. Total - $24.29

A bright fuchsia lip, a tough but pretty ombre chain, and white nails are an 80's throw back. Add some slouchy, ripped jeans, a loose blouse and sandals for an easy weekend look. Or pair them with a simple dress for a no thought office outfit. Total - $17.98

A necklace like this one calls for a blank canvas.  I'd pair it with an LBD for evening or crisp white, men's style dress shirt for day.  The coral nails and pink lip are great additions without going over the top.
Total - $45.58

I'm picturing this combo for my beach trip.  A maxi skirt, some sandals and a pretty tank would be perfect for this fantastic turquoise necklace, plum lip and silver nails.  I wore this exact lip color on my wedding day.  It's an amazing pinkish purple that is bold but pretty. A metallic nail is a great compliment but it doesn't compete. Total - $36.49

How are you going to update your outfits for spring and summer, in a frugal way?

Makeup - Layering Isn't Just for Clothes

One of the best lessons I've learned, in the many years I've been applying my makeup, layering.  To get the best results you need to layer products.  We are constantly taught to layer clothing but layering makeup products is rarely taught.  All sorts of companies claim that their products are "All in One".  They say, you can save time and you only need this one step.  Well, that's a great pipe dream but I've rarely found one product that does it all.  My eyes are the place I do the most layering, on my lashes and under my eyes.

Layering - Concealer

I have chronic dark circles. I've mentioned them before. The battle to cover them has been raging ever since I started wearing makeup. Sleep helps a little but they are never completely gone.  My sister shares this same struggle and my mom has a hint of them, so I know they're hereditary. I could live without blush, eyeshadow and even lipstick but I can't live without concealer. The first step is a depuffing roller and serum.  I use Garnier. I follow with a rich eye cream, like Physicians Formula Intensive Wrinkle Corrector Eye Cream. Moisturizing is crucial for concealer. Then I add Benefit Lemon Aid on the darkest areas.  It neutralizes the bluish tones.  Then I add Cle de Peau concealer, with a brush. It's my miracle product. It covers better than any concealer I've ever used. It's pricey but a tube lasts me almost a year and it's worth every penny. I follow with a long wearing creamy concealer (like Revlon ColorStay concealer).  Then I finish with a light dusting of powder to set it all. This multilayer combination virtually eliminates my chronic and very dark circles, which is an amazing accomplishment.

Layering - Mascara

Mascara is another layering trick.  I heard this tip from a makeup artist and I never gone back to just one mascara.  A few months ago I started using Physicians Formula Eye Booster Eyeliner + Serum.  I was skeptical that it would really grow my lashes.  I'd tried drugstore serums before but to be honest, I wasn't consistent with use.  I use eyeliner daily and got it on sale.  It gets fantastic reviews.  I have to say, it lives up to the reviews and the hype.  My short stubby lashes really are longer and fuller.  I love this product!  I apply my liner first then I begin layering mascara.  I start with Maybelline Lash Stiletto.  It lengthens my lashes and defines them.  Then I add Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume mascara (or another volume type mascara).  Last I use Clinique Bottom Lash mascara to get the inner and outer corners of my eyes.  I know it's for lower lashes but the tiny brush is perfect for the tight corners of my eyes and my lower lashes too. This layering process gives me thick, long lashes without false lashes or extensions. It works great. I love many of the expensive mascaras but frankly, I've found great economical options at the drugstore that work just as well for me as the pricey brands.  I get three different mascaras for the price of one high end brand.  Clinique is a department store brand but the lower lash mascara is only $10 at Sephora.

Do you layer any of your products?

MonoChrome Polka Dot Mani

I can't resist doing Google searches for fun new manicure ideas and new manis are always popping up on my Pinterest feed. I've seen lots of polka dot manis lately and wanted to try out doing one with my silver Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen.  I bought this pen a while ago and frankly, I haven't used it very much. What did I have to lose? If it looked terrible there is always polish remover nearby.  A subtle design was needed, since I have to work with clients this week (government clients).  I decided to go for a  monochromatic look with gray and silver.

 I started with Revlon Colorstay basecoat.  Then added three coats of Maybelline Color Show in Audacious Asphalt.  After that dried I drew in the polka dots with the Sally Hansen pen.  My left hand definitely looks better than my right.  But the right is pretty good.  I'm sure I could get the same look with nail stamping but I don't have a great polka dot stamp. Then I finished with two coats of top coat.

Natural Light

Office Light

It turned out great and I love the monochromatic look.  It's fun but subtle. More colors are definitely in order.

Glitter is My Favorite Color

I might have mentioned my ridiculous collection of nail polish.  I'm trying hard to limit buying new polish and use new combos of polish I already own.  I pinned this nail polish combo from The Nailasaurus on my Pinterest board titled "Nail It!".  Be sure to check out Sammy's amazing polish combos.

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Party of 5 Glitters - The Nailasaurus

I have several gray polishes in my collection and decided to go with Maybelline Color Show Audacious Asphalt. It's not as dark as the polish that Sammy used but it's just a pretty.  Instead of just doing glitter tips, I did an all over glitter using Wet n Wild Spoiled in Trust Fund Baby.

Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer, Audacious Asphalt - CVS pharmacy / Spoiled Nail Color Trust Fund Baby - CVS pharmacy

I love the way the mani turned out.  But I realized two things as I was posting this photo.  My cuticles need serious attention and I am in desperate need of a new eye glasses prescription immediately.  It's hard to pay attention to your cuticles if you can't see them. The gray and glitter combo works and I'm sure I'll be trying it again with other colors.  It was fun to wear to a holiday party on Saturday.

Are you doing extra fun polish combos for the Holidays?

Daily Beauty Tools

I'm a product junkie. Trying the latest and greatest is a priority.  So when I stick with a specific product or type of product for a long time, I know it's crucial and I'm in love. I've had questions about my beauty and skin care and thought I'd share my daily go to routine and products.

Cle de Peau Beaute concealer / Maybelline Mascara / Mary Kay eye shadow /Liquid eye liner / L'Oreal Paris Elnett hairspray/ Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain

I've mentioned before that I'm anal about my skin care routine.  I wash my face and moisturize every night.  I use eye cream and I use sunscreen daily. My sunscreen, moisturizer and eye cream vary because I need more help at different times of the year.  I use Cetaphil to wash my face. It's gentle and cleanses thoroughly without stripping oil from my skin. Clean, moisturized skin helps your makeup look great and last.

FACE
My favorite foundations are those that give good coverage without feeling heavy.  This spring I discovered Revlon Photo Ready Airbrush Foundation.  It's super light but gives great buildable coverage. Dark under eye circles have been an issue for me my entire life.  I tried every product imaginable until I read about Cle de Peau concealer and took the expensive plunge.  I've been using it ever since.  It's hands down the best concealer for dark circles.  It gives amazing coverage and the tube lasts forever. I apply both my foundation and concealer with a brush.

EYES
Most days, I'm pretty consistent with my eye makeup.  I save the bold eyes for evening.  I use neutral colors on my eyes, cream on my entire lid, highlighter on the brow and in the inner corner and granite on the crease. Mary Kay Granite is my all time favorite eye shadow. It's dark enough to give dimension but doesn't over power my eyes and make them look too dark (an issue for someone with dark circles).  I even use it for a lighter version of a smokey eye. I add black liquid liner.  Liquid works best for me because of the great staying power.  I finish with two types of mascara. I learned this from a make up artist. The two types compliment each other. First I layer volumizing mascara. Then I add lengthening mascara.

LIPS
I love a bold lip. Fuchsias, plums, and reds are my friends.  Revlon Kissable lip stain is great. It lasts but doesn't feel stiff or chalk like. It comes it some fantastic bold colors. Crush is my new favorite, it's a pretty plum, for fall.

HAIR
My hair is fine and straight. I use several products to give it volume and texture.  Even when I'm just doing a simple style, like curls, long and straight or a pony tail, I add a blast of  L'Oreal Elnett.  It's a bit on the pricey side for drugstore hairspray but it's the best.  It has staying power and holds my style but never feels stiff. It's easy to redo my hair with a just a quick run of the brush or comb.  Even when I apply it more heavily for an updo, I don't have trouble brushing my hair out at the end of the night.

Those are my must have beauty tools.  What are yours?

Lips and Nails - Fun Spring Colors

Bright lip and nail colors can get me through the dark days of winter.  Since we haven't had much winter to speak of here in DC and this week it's in the 80's, I am inspired to share my lip and nail picks for the spring.  With a mix of brights and pastels, there is something for everyone.

Lips

 A bold lip color can really change up your look.  It can make a basic outfit seem special.  The perfect color can even brighten your face. A pretty pink looks great on every skin tone.  Tinted lip balm, like the one below from Mary Kay, can be worn sheer or built up for a more opaque look. 

Mary Kay NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss - Rock 'n Red

Mary Kay Tinted Lip Balm (spf 15) - Poppy

Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color - Coral Crush

Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color - Fuchsia Fever

Nails

I love these colors for nails or toes.  They are fun and a great way to infuse a bit of color into your look. For spring I'm loving bright pinks, blues, and corals as well as a range of pastel colors.

Revlon ColorStay - Rich Raspberry

OPI - Fly

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear - Mint Sorbet (you might recognize this shade from my sunnies DIY)

essie - A Crewed Interest

Wet 'n Wild Spoiled - Lox-y Lady (sold exclusively at CVS)