February 2015 | MUST LOVE LIPSTICK

Fashion February 26, 2015

Anaimon’s Ink Candy Metallic Jewelry Tattoos

Metallic tattoos have been popular for at least the past year or so. I have tried several brands that have not really wowed me to say the least. I LOVE the idea of being able to apply a gold or silver tattoo that almost looks like jewelry. But the problem I find, is most of these tattoos lack in the design department. I had the opportunity to meet the owner of a company called Anaimon’s Ink Candy. She told me about her line of metallic tattoos and I quietly squealed. Better yet, when she pulled the packages out of her purse, I was even more impressed. Not only are the designs amazing and unique, they even included a few quotes, which you know how obsessed I am with quotes. The designs are a mixture of gold and silver and range from large to small. What I love about these tattoos is you can also cut them down in size and use them in creative ways. Even the outer packaging of these tattoos are unique and beautiful. It somewhat resembles an “Old School” record sleeve. The tattoos are super easy to apply and last for at least four days. You can quickly remove them at any time with a little bit of nail polish remover. I have extremely sensitive skin and had absolutely no adverse reaction from these what so ever. Last but not least, 30% of the proceeds 0f each sale of Anaimon’s Ink Candy goes to UNICEF. Not only will you look beautiful, you will also be supporting a beautiful cause. Who doesn’t love that?

Beauty February 25, 2015

NIP + FAB Bee Sting FIX Lifting Mask

Can I just say this aging thing is NOT fun! Trying to defy the laws of gravity is usually an uphill battle. I’m constantly looking for treatment masks, serums etc. that will help me on my quest for the “Fountain of Youth.” I don’t want to resort to fillers and Botox, (which quite frankly, scare me!) I had been searching online for the best effective and affordable firming and plumping masks when I stumbled upon NIP + FAB. I quickly became entranced with their line of products. They seem to have a full line of skincare from body creams, face serums, scrubs, face creams and masks. What interested me the most was that all of their masks can be left on overnight for a more intensive treatment. BINGO! This was exactly what I was looking for. It appeared that my local ULTA store carried this line, so I quickly jumped in my car. I was on a mission to find a quick fix mask to help refresh my tired looking skin for the Oscar weekend and parties that lied ahead. I decided on the BEE STING FIX LIFTING MASK and was impressed by it’s claims. But i’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting too much. This mask claimed to plump and firm the skin and also claimed it would help retain moisture. This mask does contain Bee Venom, so if you are allergic to Bee’s, please stay away from this mask! This mask was a bargain at only $9.99 so I quickly snatched it up and thought I didn’t have much to lose if I didn’t like it. I washed my face that night and used my favorite Eclos scrub before applying a generous layer of the mask before going to bed. The mask itself has a bit of an odd smell that quickly disappeared after a few minutes. When I woke in the morning, I found my skin to be virtually line free and a bit more radiant. I was actually super impressed. I also used it the following day prior to getting ready for my Oscar party. It kept my skin looking fresh and line free all night. I truly believe this will become one of my basic staples for years to come and I’m eager to try more of the NIP + FAB line. It is super affordable and contains interesting and cutting edge ingredients. Even if your’e on a budget, every woman has the right to be beautiful! I LOVE it.

**( Now, keeping my dress in place with Hollywood Fashion tape the entire night was a bit more of a challenge! Not everything in life is easy-)

Anti Aging February 21, 2015

Shine Brighter than an OSCAR with Alexis Bittar and Dolce & Gabbana

Let’s just say things get a little crazy in this town around Oscar week! The roads seem to be extra congested, there are parties galore and of course you want to shine as bright as an Oscar itself! It doesn’t matter if you live in Hollywood or not, it’s fun to actually get dressed up and embrace the Oscars. You guys all know by now how much I love a dramatic look, and for me, I wouldn’t feel glamorous if I didn’t wear BOLD, red lips. I feel the key to nailing a cocktail hour (or hours) look, is to make sure your skin is perfectly highlighted from head to toe. So first things first. The best way to apply your highlighter is with the perfect brush. I am lucky enough to have received this Alexis Bittar brush as a gift for Valentine’s Day. This gem of a brush is the perfect synthetic hair powder brush and is 24 karat plated and adorned with Swarovski crystals. This brush is so amazing that it even comes with it’s own black velvet and gold case. It’s the perfect brush to use with your setting powder, or in this case, a highlighting powder. Since I really wanted to amplify my look and make sure my skin is super reflective and polished, I applied my favorite highlighter by Dolce & Gabbana in a hue called Eva. I lightly dusted the powder across my entire face and concentrated on my temples, the bridge of my nose and right below the corners of my eyes. Eva has the perfect pearlescent finish that makes your skin look as though it’s glowing from within. It is not at all glittery, which is one of the hardest things about finding a great highlighter. This makeup also photographs beautifully. With your skin shining so bright, everyone will want to know your name. You might want to start preparing your speech now- And the Oscar goes to…..You!

Aging Gracefully February 20, 2015

RIMMEL Match Perfection 2-in-1 Concealer & Highlighter

I happen to pick up this concealer by Rimmel not expecting much. I was at CVS and went to buy a lipstick and they were having a buy one get one half off sale. So I quickly scanned the Rimmel section and spotted this 2-in-1 Concealer and Highlighter in fair 230. I was intrigued because it is called Match Perfection and claims to adjust to any skin tone. Since my final cost was only $3.50 I didn’t have high expectations but I must admit that I LOVE this concealer. I have been wearing it daily now for a week. I have pretty dark circles and with my lack of sleep, my eyes often times look extremely tired. I have dry skin and fine lines that are creeping up with the years and I always avoid concealers that with accentuate it. This concealer is light in texture but does and amazing job at concealing my dark eyes. I love the brush applicator as well. It makes it super simple to quickly apply midday when I want to brighten and refresh my eyes. I love that it helps keep my eye area virtually line free all day too. You have to snatch this little gem up! For less than the price of a latte, you can have beautiful eyes that look like you’ve had a full eight hours of sleep! Amen-

Beauty February 13, 2015

Valentine’s Day: Best Lipstick choice whether you’re taken or single!

I have a love/hate relationship with Valentine’s Day if I’m being honest. I’ve encountered many Valentine’s Days obviously, and there are a handful that just stand out. A few good ones and a ton that were total disasters! Don’t worry, I won’t be naming names. Leading up to Valentine’s Day, my single friends are complaining about being single and the taken ones are complaining about what gifts to give, what the night or weekend might entail etc. It’s a lot of pressure. There is one thing I know I have total control over, my lipstick! Whether you are taken or single, you can still wow the room or make sure your man can’t take his eyes off of you. I will say, if you’re single, you are gonna nail it tomorrow. Not having to worry about smudging a bold, bright lipstick is something I’m quite envious of ladies…with that being said, I’m going to highlight my two favorite lipsticks for Valentine’s Day, and the taken girls choice wasn’t easy. I’ve tried numerous lipsticks through the years that claim to have staying power. Being a wearer of RED lipstick , men often times are intimidated to go in for that kiss, and rightfully so! I will say the men that have won me over are the guys that just go for it, regardless if they are about to look like Ronald McDonald! It wasn’t until now that I actually discovered a product that lives up to it’s claims. Rimmel’s NEW Provocalips in Kiss Me You Fool..duh! Is absolutely amazing. It claims that it is 16 Hours of Kiss Proof color, although I never keep my lipstick on for 16 hours (or kiss for 16 hours for that matter), so I can’t quite speak on that. But, what I can tell you is this lipstick didn’t budge. No smearing on my man, no lip mark on my glass, no coming off while eating…nada. The key to making this lip color work is the application. You need to not touch your lips together for at least 60 seconds before applying the sealer coat on top of the main color. I used my clear lipliner and then layered this on my lips and cleaned up the lip line with a brush, then waited 60 seconds before applying the top coat. The color is intense and long lasting. I had a bit of trouble removing it at the end of the night, but a little bit of coconut oil took care of that. Now on to the single ladies. You have it a bit easier in the lipstick department. I say go for that super bright and pigmented pout! After all, you never know who’s attention you might catch. One of my all time favorite fun colors is VIOLET by BITE Beauty. I wear this color at least a few times a week. It always brightens my complexion, makes my teeth look super white and it’s just all around perfect! It definitely has a fun and sophisticated vibe that looks amazing with any outfit. BITE lipsticks are top notch. They are super creamy and just look and feel beautiful on your lips. They are absolutely worth every penny and then some. Whatever your Valentine’s Day has in store, rock your favorite lipstick with confidence! Who doesn’t love a confident women? Love you guys! xx