Summer to the Max

Maxi dresses are one of my favorite summer, go to, outfits. They are just so easy to wear and a no brainer when it comes to styling. I think they are one of the most versatile items in your closet. By just changing your shoes and your accessories, one dress can be worn multiple ways, dressed up or down. I love all types of maxis.



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I was lucky enough to snag this caftan at the Goodwill spring trunk show. I'd been searching for a fun summer maxi. I had a flowy option in mind but at $6, it was an amazing buy. I'll be adding my new crystal green mirror Ray-Bans, these easy gold gladiators and a matte pink lip. All of  these items are all recent purchases and were great deals.



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A flowy, halter maxi is definitely on my summer must list. This one reminds me of the DC cherry blossoms. I'd pair it with my black Birkenstocks, sheer pink lipstick, and pink mirror aviators. I could also change out the Birks for heels and add some sparkly jewelry for evening.



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If you're headed to a summer evening party, you could switch out your little black dress for a little black maxi. Silver flat shoes will be dressy but let you stand and chat. A sheer red lip says sophisticated in a easy summer way. Matching mirror shades will greet the sunset in style.

There are so many great maxi options, in every style imaginable. They work at the beach or at a cocktail party. I love them most because the look pulled together, with minimal effort.

Will you be wearing a maxi dress this summer?

Latest Drugstore Beauty Favorites

I'm a self-professed product junkie. I love trying the latest and greatest. Needs and wants change and because of that, I am flexible with my beauty routine and the products I use and try. There are some items that I stick with, no matter what (like my Cle de Peau concealer).  Some new products disappoint but others are standouts. I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you.




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1. Revlon Age Defying CC Cream - A favorite magazine raved about this CC cream. I love the coverage but it's not too heavy. I like CC creams in the summer because they are lighter than the traditional foundation I tend to use during the winter months. They are also one step with color, moisturizer and sunscreen, all in one. I've tried BB creams and CC creams. This is my favorite, so far.
2. Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stain - This isn't a new product but I love the bright pink of the color, Lovesick. It has staying power and is a perfect bright summer pink. If bright colors aren't you, there are some pretty neutrals and lighter pinks.
3. Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream - It's super moisturizing for my dry cuticles and it smells great.
4. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover - I think this is the holy grail of drugstore eye makeup removers. It removes even the most stubborn waterproof mascara without pulling. Even though it's oil-free it's still moisturizing.
5. Goody Tanglefix Brush - My fine hair tangles easily. When I was a kid my Mom battled with the horrible tangles in my hair. There were always tears. Now, due to the medicines I take and coloring my hair (getting gray sucks), my hair breaks easily. This brush is amazing! It works on dry or wet hair, with very little tugging. A friend who is African American told me that it also works great for her.
6. Tea Tree Oil - I mostly use this for my dry scalp. I mix a little with my conditioner, massage it in and rinse. It's also great for dry skin, sun exposure and many other things. A little goes a long way.  My first bottle lasted forever.
7. John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo - Adding blonde into my hair is great but it is drying. This shampoo helps to tame the fly aways and keep my hair strong.
8. L'Oreal Total Repair Extreme Recovery Mask - This is the thickest conditioner I've ever used. After my latest ombre coloring, the ends of my hair looked fried. Instead of giving in and getting the damage cut off, I tried an old technique. When I was teen, on the swim team, I used to douse my hair in conditioner at night, wrap it in a bandanna and rinse it when I woke up in the morning. I tried this technique on just the ends of my hair, using this treatment. It's working. My hair is looking better. It's shiny again and doesn't look damaged.

The most expensive product on the list is the Revlon CC cream. It's $13.99 but a small amount does your entire face. All of the rest of the products are under $10. I love beauty at a bargain!

Do you have any favorite drugstore products?

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?

My Search for a Good Long Wearing Lipstick

About a year ago I realized that I should start searching for a good long wearing lipstick.  I wanted one that would stand up to our wedding day of eating and drinking and wouldn't leave bright lipstick all over {msL} every time we kissed. I thought I'd have to go with a stain to get what I wanted. Frankly, I've always hated long wearing lipsticks.  I've tried a few but I've either returned them or tossed them.  They didn't live up to their claims, many left my lips feeling tight, flaky and gross.  Very few had no transfer when eating, drinking or kissing. If they did, I had to constantly apply a second step balm or gloss and then my lips got this weird texture as the day went on. My hopes weren't high. I got suggestions from a few friends. I didn't love the ones I tried and most of them didn't have great color choices.  Spending a ton on a high end version didn't seem practical because I didn't think I'd wear it after our wedding day.  About a week ago I saw and pinned this article from Everyday with Rachel Ray.

Everyday with Rachel Ray isn't known for their beauty tips, however, I thought that a group of ladies who are constantly eating and drinking for their jobs might have some insight on lipstick that can stand up to lots of use.  They rated Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede lipstick, their best drugstore lipstick.  I checked out the Revlon color options. I prefer lipstick to a gloss for my wedding day. So I decided to try Revlon over their two other drugstore picks, L'Oreal Paris Colour Caresse Shine Stain and Wet n' Wild Megalast Liquid Lip Color. I'm not a fan of liquid lip color.

I started by scrubbing my lips with a wash cloth to remove any dry skin.  I decided not to use any balm or primer and just put the lipstick on my naked lips.

 

It took about thirty minutes for the lipstick to stop feeling tacky. It was still a little sticky when I pressed my lips together but that went away if I licked my lips. I tested transfer by drinking out of a can.  I was shocked, no transfer!  About an hour and half after applying the lipstick we had lunch.  I had a veggie burger with cheese.  No lipstick on the bun (which has happened before, if I forgot to wipe off my lipstick before eating) and no signs of lipstick on my straw.

This is what my lipstick looked like after eating and drinking.  Not perfect but still pretty impressive. There is some fade but it's presentable. I tried a couple of other tests.

I kissed {msL}on the cheek.  No sign of lipstick anywhere!  This looks promising for our wedding day.

I tried the napkin test.  I pressed pretty hard to see if there was any transfer. I didn't wipe or scrub but pressed.

Nothing!  No lipstick at all.  I couldn't even see a faint trace of color.  Even after a veggie cheese burger! Oil is usually the death of long wear lipsticks.

Color me sold on Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede lipstick!  It's pretty great for one step long wearing lipstick. Below are my pros and cons. I purchased Trendsetter which is a vivid red color. 


PROS

• One step application.
• No flaky or lumpy texture.
• Lasted through eating and drinking.
• No transfer onto a napkin, even after eating.
• No transfer onto my Honey when kissing.
• Can be used with lip liner. I would suggest clear if you want to avoid color transfer.
• Lasted all day with just minor deterioration.

CONS

• Takes about thirty minutes to set.
• Feels smooth and moisturizing going on but dries out like a matte lipstick.
• Dark colors last but I've read that the lighter colors don't last.  I haven't tried any light colors myself.
• Lips feel sticky when pressed together.

I'm going to keep trying long wearing options but I really like Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede lipstick as a possibility for my wedding makeup. Have you tried any long wearing lip colors that you love?

UPDATE:  I tried Muse, which is a bright pink.  It lasted just as well as Trendsetter did.  I've worn both shades to work and they've lasted most of the day.  I'm pretty sure this is going to be my wedding day lipstick.  Thanks Revlon!

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?

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Bordeaux

The beauty of the bordeaux trend is that it looks great on all skin types.  It's a flattering color. There are so many items to be found in this rich, deep red.  You can take your pick. Select a little with a scarf, shoes, or a top or go all out with a dress, or skirt.  Try a hint of bordeaux with deep red lips or nails. It's simple to make this trend work for you.  I'll be embracing the bordeaux trend every weekend during football season.  My favorite team, the Washington Redskins, is all about the burgundy and gold.  If you still own a vintage Etienne Aigner bag or shoes, now is the time to pull them out.

Express Ruffle top / Asos Peplum top / Ann Taylor skinny pants / ASOS lace skirt / Chinese Laundry platform heels / Elie Tahari smoking slippers / ASOS cross body bag / ASOS studded clutch purse / Vigotti ballet flats / Asos Textured Knit Snood / Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, Crush / L'Oreal Polish Haute Couture Red

I selected a few items that are perfect for fall.  They are an affordable way to embrace the trend without blowing your budget.  You can select an item or two and still have money left to try out the other fall trends, I'll be featuring this week.  Go girly with a lace skirt or stay menswear comfy with smoking slippers.  A simple top is an easy way to wear bordeaux.  Just throw it on with your favorite jeans. Work or weekend, everyone looks great in bordeaux.

Silver Summer Accents

Summer always brings out the gold accessories.  I know gold looks great with a tan but personally, I love silver.  I've always preferred it to gold and that doesn't change for me in the summer months.  In about a week and half we are leaving for our annual summer beach trip.  I've started thinking about the things I'm going to pack and how I want to be more simple than in years past. A few great accessories can carry me through the whole week. These silver beauties fit that bill perfectly.

1) Stella & Dot Valen Pendant Necklace, $39 - This necklace is the perfect mix of class and beach.  The coral like branches are pretty but not over powering for a beachy outfit.
2) Wayfarer Style Sunglasses with Metallic Finish, $5.99 - A fun alternative to the traditional black wayfarers and so affordable you can buy them in more than one color.
3) Stella & Dot Devi bangles, $44 - These are the perfect compliment to the necklace or you can wear them alone with shorts and a tank.
4) Nars The Multiple in Copacabana, $39 - Make up that does double duty is a must for me at the beach. I never wear foundation and like to only carry a few products with me. This can be used for eyes, lips and cheeks and it has a pretty sheen to it that brightens your skin.
5) Silver Sequin Canvas Tote Bag, $20 - A roomy but pretty beach bag is a must. The house we rent is about a block from the beach. I always cart my book, towel, sunscreen and water with me.  This bag is perfect.
6) REVLON Colorstay Nail Enamel in Sequin, $4.40 - I love this metallic silver polish. It's neutral and it's long wearing, which means it will survive the week on my toes, fingers or both.
7) Candie's Thong Sandals, $36 - A great silver sandal is my perfect beach footwear. You can wear it to the beach during the day or out to dinner at night. 

As I get closer to leaving for our beach trip, I'll tell you more about what I'll be taking with me.  What are your favorite beach accessories?

Just Simple

There are many times that I get dressed and ask myself, "Do I want to take pictures of this outfit for the blog?"  I don't want to bore all of you with jeans and a t-shirt or a skirt and cardigan.  There are mornings when I get up and don't feel like putting lots of thought into my outfit so I go for the easy options. I gravitate toward those old standbys.  I love getting dressed up but sometimes jeans and a top make the perfect outfit.  This outfit is one of those. It's a simple t-shirt style top with some oomph paired with my fave pair of straight leg jeans.  I wasn't wearing any jewelry when I originally put this outfit together.  Well, except for the jewelry I wear every day (my engagement ring, the bracelet that was gift from {msL} and earrings).  Then I received an amazing package in the mail, from Kristin, my friend and Stella & Dot stylist. Of course I had to add more jewelry.

Top - Calvin Klein (similar here), Jeans - Lane Bryant, Sandals - Simply Vera Wang Kohl's (no longer available), Bag - Fendi (gift), Sunglasses - D&G via Loehmann's (also here), Bracelets (on right)- c/o Stella & Dot, Ring - c/o Stella & Dot, Bracelets (on left) - gift and vintage, Watch - Timex via Target, Earrings - Target (no longer available), Toes - Wet n' Wild Spoiled in Tip Your Waitress, Nails - Revlon ColorStay in Bare Bones, Lips - Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Lovesick

I received these lovely gifts from Stella & Dot stylist Kristin.  I'm in love!  They are the perfect combo of tough and pretty (Soiree Trio Ring, Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Revival Bracelet, and Toujours Bracelet) .  If you own some Stella & Dot bracelets yourself or want to grab a few, Stella & Dot is holding a contest right now.  If you snap a photo of your arm party via Instagram and upload it with the hashtag #SDarmparty, you could win a $500 Stella & Dot shopping spree!! (Details here)

Search for your own gold sequin top via Shop Style.com

gold sequin top

M is for Makeup and Monday

It's supposed to rain for the entire week here in DC.  I guess I can't complain since we had a beautiful weekend and it's supposed to be beautiful next weekend.  Rain really makes me feel blah so I'm going to try to boost my mood this week with some fun and color.  Today I thought I'd share with you some of my new favorite products.

I've made my love of the (fairly) new Revlon ColorStay Longwear nail enamel well known. It's truly the longest wearing nail polish I have ever found. I love the colors they have. Unfortunately, I'm a bit of a nail polish slut and I need more options than just those provided in this line.  I have however, been using the base and the top coat with all of my nail polish and it helps them all last almost as long as the Revlon Colorstay nail colors.  It's amazing!  Right now CVS is selling this polish for $4.99 and you will get $3 in CVS Extra Care Bucks with your first bottle.  It's like getting the polish for $1.99!  If you can find an in store tear pad coupon then it will cost just 99 cents! If you don't live in the DC area, check your local ad for details.

Since I've been wearing Revlon Photoready Airbrush Mousse Makeup, I've had lots of people ask me about my makeup.  I need a little extra coverage to even my skin tone as I've gotten a little older.  But I hate foundation that feels thick and heavy, especially as the weather gets warmer.  It's so light and still covers amazingly well. It gives my skin a pretty finish and I only use a grape size amount. I apply it with a brush.  I got this amazing foundation through a huge deal, using two coupons and also got ECBs back. 

I've been using the Revlon Photoready foundation with L'Oreal Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer. I don't use it as an all over primer because I like it more as a highlighter.  I put a tiny drop on my finger and blend it on my upper cheek bone and above my brow.  It gives my skin a pretty glow without looking sparkly.
 

From top:  Show Me Some Skin and Jewelry Heist

Jewelry Heist over Show Me Some Skin - LOVE this combo

Back in the winter, Wet 'n Wild came out with a new line of polishes called Spoiled.  They are sold exclusively at CVS for $1.99.  For inexpensive polishes they are good quality and come in an amazing color selection (link to the selection on vampyvarnish.com).  CVS has had quite a few sales recently (Buy Two get One Free and 99 cents each, on different weeks).  I've tried out several colors and I'm loving them for the quality and price. When I apply them along with the Revlon ColorStay base and top coats, they have great staying power. Without Revlon, they tend to last about the same time as the average polish.

Those are just a few of my new favorites.  Which products are you loving right now?

Frugal Fashion Friday - Casual Sparkles

Fridays always make me think of versatile outfits that I can wear while I'm out doing errands and then go out to dinner and drinks later.  This outfit is just that. It combines casual day time elements with night time sparkle. You don't have to limit your sparkly pieces to evening.  My favorite way to wear sequins during the day is by dressing them down with tough and casual pieces.  Today I'm also doing another link up with Friday's Fancies on {long distance loving}. The challenge today was chambray and it fits perfectly with the casual sparkle of today's outfit.

The tunic style and roll up sleeves on this chambray shirt from Target, give it versatility.

I love the rose gold color of this sequin skirt by Lela Rose for HSN. 

Frye 8R Engineer boots are a classic. I love how they lend a casual rocker vibe to the sparkly skirt. They are a bit on the pricey side but these boots will last for many years and you know I value quality and cost per wear.

Mixing metals, sparkles, and adding tough spikes and a snake are a compliment to the boots.

Stella & Dot Renegade Cluster Necklace

Stella & Dot Sidewinder Ring

Stella & Dot Revival Bracelet

A lady like bag with motorcycle boots is fun and this Twist Lock Crossbody bag from Forever 21 will make running errands or standing at the bar easier.

I'm loving Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter. Sweet Tart is my favorite color.

With temps in the mid 70's lately in DC, this outfit will be perfect from day to night. I can't wait to wear it!   How do you wear chambray?

I'm sure you noticed that all of the jewelry I picked for this outfit is from Stella & Dot.  They have great jewelry and the quality is fantastic. I've just partnered with stylist Kristin Biggs of Stella & Dot to bring you some great new jewelry and some surprises.  I can't wait to share them with you.  Check out my instagram feed followgram to see the Femme Fatale necklace and Nouvelle ring I was sporting yesterday.  I'll be featuring them in an outfit post soon.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Have you ever thrown a fistfull of glitter in the air?

You know I'm loving pastels this season. Revlon ColorStay nail polish in Provence is the perfect lavender color.  Of course I had to add a little glitter.  Two coats of Provence, one coat of Essie luxe effects in Pure Perfection on every nail, except my ring finger and one thick coat of Ulta polish in Starstruck. Of course I followed with Revlon ColorStay top coat.

 

The title of this post is a line from the song "Glitter In the Air" by Pink.

Dripping Dots Mani

I've gotten so many great manicure ideas from Pinterest that I don't know if  I'll ever be able to try them all.  Recently I pinned a great tip from The Beauty Department. To make polka dots on your mani just push a flat head pin into a pencil eraser and dip it into the polish you want to dot. It makes a perfect dot tool.

My love of Revlon ColorStay Longwear nail enamel continues. For this mani I used Sequin as the base and Stiletto for the dripping dots. I painted two base coats of Sequin. I dripped a small amount of Stiletto onto a disposable plate. Then I dipped the pin head in and created a dotted line across the tip of each nail and added random dots dripping down each nail. I found that bending the pin gave me more control of the dotting tool.

They turned out better than I'd hoped. The sparkly sequin base is a perfect backdrop for the black dots. Using the pin dotting tool was surprisingly easy. The best tip I have is to dip lightly. You only need a small amount of polish on the pin head to create a dot. Too much makes a glob. It also helps to clean off the pin head occasionally with some polish remover. You can use any color combo to make fun polka dot nails. If you try it with different colors, I'd love to see your mani.  Please post it to the Real Girl Runway facebook page.

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)

Inspiration - Manicures for a Monday

Lately, I've really enjoyed playing with neutral bases and glitter in my manicures.  My cousin and I even had a fun girl's night recently with our glitter manis.  We drank wine, created our own glitter mani's and watched The Bachelor.  It was fantastic!  I'm still in love with Revlon ColorStay Longwear nail enamel and I've been adding glitter to their neutrals. A few weeks ago I tried Bones as my base with Nicole by OPI glitter tips.

This week I tried Stormy Night, covered about half of each nail with Essie Luxe Effects in Pure Perfection and then added Spoiled, I Have No Reception to the tips.

These nails, from my Pinterest boards were my inspiration. To get the details for each of these manis, go to my page and click on the picture.

My own glitter inspired mani turned out like this...

left to right - Revlon ColorStay  Stormy Night, essie luxe effects Pure Perfection, Wet n Wild Spoiled I Have No Reception

Finished Product - Fun but neutral enough to pass at work!