Bobs, braids, & buns -- oh my! Summer's hottest hair trends

The modern "bob" is just so girly I could faint. I just love them. And there are so many different styles: edgy and frayed, pixi-like and whispy, wavy and longer, etc. etc. etc.! There really is a bob for every personality whether you're a rocker or a housewife, I kid you not. It is the perfect hairstyle to kick off the summer with, and if you have super long hair (like me), then it's a perfect excuse to chop the locks and donate them to Locks of Love. Plus, it'll help keep you cool, get a little breeze on that neck. I've collected some inspiration for you from Pinterest. Hope you find something just right for you: 

Create beachy waves with your bob with these easy steps from Cosmo: http://www.cosmopolitan.com/hairstyles-beauty/beauty-blog/how-to-get-beachy-waves

Braids, braids, braids ... where to begin with braids? Any occassion, any style -- just throw in a braid and you're good to go. Effortlessly sexy and and feminine, I have been smitten by the braid. It's my go-to when I'm in a rush. Here's some gorgeous inspiration:

 Leave the braid(s) in overnight with a few spritzes of Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. Take out in the morning for laid-back waves.

I've been a fan of buns for a long time, from years of ballet classes and plenty of mornings when I didn't have time to dry my hair so I threw the wet hair into a messy bun. They are so simple and take only a few minutes -- and a loose, care-free bun is sizzling hot right now. Being hair lazy and being on trend? I'm definitely OK with this! You like?

 Keep hair soft and touchable with It's a Ten Miracle Leave-in Conditioner.

 Summer lovin, had me a blast...
A change of season is just the right time for a change in personal style. Update your look, tweak it or totally revamp it. Keep an eye out on the Pretty in Prestige blog for summertime hair ideas PART TWO, coming soon!

MAC HEY SAILOR BRONZING POWDER (Refined Golden) -- Hello summertime!

               

Here's an up-close-an-personal for ya! You can see a little bit of the gold; it's very subtle. Adds a healthy glow.

MAC-LOVERS! How cute is the packaging for the Hey Sailor products?! With navy and white nautical stripes and gold writing, what's not to love? The bronzing powder I picked up to kick off summer (Refined Golden) cost me $24, and it comes in a pretty circular compact. I applied using an Eco Tools Bronzing Brush, but if you like a very subtle application of bronzer, try a fan brush.

The shade is a perfect bronze -- not orange, not littered with chunks of glitter. It's got small flecks of gold that add just a hint of luminosity to the face, or should I say, a summer sun-kissed glow. It looks pretty by itself instead of using blush, or you can use it to contour your face, drawing a 3 on each side of your face, letting the brush sweep from the top of your forehead, along the temple, just under the cheek bones and along the jaw. I give this MAC bronzer my kiss of approval for a great summer buy.

Happy Memorial Day! Try a navy smokey eye.

Hope you are all enjoying your Memorial Day! It's been a gorgeous day here in Florida. Most importantly, let's not forget to remember those who have served in our military and lost their lives defending our freedom. Well, on a lighter note, since this is a beauty blog, I'm curious -- what'd you wear for Memorial Day? Breakout the classic Old Navy flag t-shirt? Or did you show a lil American pride via your makeup? I went for a navy smokey eye.

How I did it: Here's your quick navy smokey eye tutorial. There are different ways to create a smokey eye, the classic being: 1) Put the lightest shade all the way up to the brows, 2) Put the medium shade all over the lid, and 3) Blend the darkest shade in the crease and along the outer lash line.

But, I didn't use that classic method today. I went monochromatic. This look is popping up all over the red carpert wtih cobalt and navy blue shades catching eyes and attention.

1. I simply swiped on some eye primer to start, and then used a flathead brush (Urban Decay Shadow Brush) to tap on some navy eye shadow across the whole lid.
2. I used my blender brush and blended the shadow up just a little bit beyond the crease.
3. Then, I wet my flathead brush, dipped it into my navy shadow, and used the wet shadow like eye liner, drawing along my upper and bottom lash lines. I didn't finsh the lines because it can close up the eye. The liner should be thickest toward the outside, end about three-quarters the way in (just my own preference).

Obviously, finish with a fabulous mascara. Try it with a light pink or nude lip!

Bold summer hair: hot streaks of color

OH EM GEE. I'll admit, ever since I saw Avril Lavigne with pink strands back when she came out with her album The Best Damn Thing, I was sold. Pink hair is hot. And it's never been more "in" than it is now.

The first four photos are from Oscar de la Renta's resort 2013 runway show, proving that color streaks aren't just for punks, rebels and teenagers. Color streaks paired with ballet buns flaunt the perfect ratio of class to edgyness.  Beneath those, you'll see Lauren Conrad with her fuscia-dipped pony (paired with gorgeous retro pinup-style makeup) and January Jones with a softer pink hue that makes you wonder if she was born with that color -- so girly, subtle and natural.

If you're looking to try this look but worried about post-dye regrets, there's an easy way to try it: clip-ins. Ulta has them for 10 bucks. This way, you can wear it around for a day and take that color for a commitment-free test drive. Or, try out a wash-out tint (like Streekers $11, or Splat Washables $7). If you love it, head over to the salon! Dark-haired beauties will need to bleach the strand before adding the color. It's the perfect way to show off your confidence this summer. And hey, all ages are doing it. If you're worried about it looking "too young" for your age, look to January Jones for inspiration. Baby pinks and rose golds can add that flare without looking neon. Cosmopolitan magazine had a usefil tip on picking colors: Blondes should go with pink, orange or teal, and brunettes look best in purple, periwinkle and blue. But more importantly, go with a color that's so totally you.

 Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, remember our fallen heroes and thank a vet, and of course ... Stay beautiful from the inside out.

Derma E Fruit Enzyme Facial Scrub!

So I have been doing some research, reading reviews mainly, to try to find a new exfoliant. Requirements: keep skin clear, soft, doesn't leave skin feeling stripped, results noticable. One that's stood out to me is Kate Somerville's Exfolikate. The raving reviews really piqued my interest, until I popped into Sephora and saw the $65 price tag. I'm still interested, and might purchase the $19 trial size eventually, but in the meantime, I thought it'd be better to find a more wallet-friendly alternative.
Enter Derma E! I found the Derma E Fruit Enzyme Facial Scrub in a natural food store called Nutrition S'Mart, but you can also find it at Whole Foods. I think I paid a little over $12, but you can also purchase it online on Vitacost for $9.50.
Like Exfolikate, this exfoliating scrub has fruit enzymes which will help break down those dead skin cells naturally, and the fine polishing beads buff away dead skin and leave it feeling baby smooth! Since I haven't used Exfolikate yet, I can't really tell you if this $12 natural facial scrub is comparable, but it certainly suits what I was looking for.
It's got dead sea salt, which is very therapeutic for a variety of conditions and is known for its healing properties (read more here). The exfoliating beads are small and fine but definitely not wimpy. If you like to feel the scrub really working, you'll enjoy this. It's not harsh though. The bottle says it's gentle enough for daily use. If you've got sensitive or inflammed skin, I'd probably stay away if I were you. However, it's very suitable for most skin types. I'm on the oily side and prone to clogged pores, and occasional breakouts that can include cystic acne and regular ol' zits. However, this would be great for dry skin to refresh it and buff away that dead skin, as well as on aging skin, to  keep it soft and supple. It can be used dry, then rinsed off, or used on a wet face (which I prefer).
Health nuts of the world rejoice -- it's organic, cruelty-free (not tested on animals)/vegan, paraben-free, and eco-friendly. Overall, I'd recommend this facial scrub as it's effective (even after the first use), makes skin look radiant, contains beneficial ingredients like dead sea salt and fruit enzymes, and has an incredible price tag. Oh, and did I mention it smells like a pina colada?!
If interested, here are the ingredients:

Ingredients: Water (aqua), glycerin, carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil, stearic acid, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, cetyl alcohol, citric acid, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, magnesium oxide (dead sea salt), macrocystis pyrifera (sea kelp) extract, organic chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract*, organic camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract*, organic simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, xanthan gum, prunus armeniaca (apricot) seed powder, stearyl alcohol, organic aloe barbadensis leaf extract*, peg-100 and glyceryl stearate, zea mays (corn) kernel meal, carica papaya (papaya) fruit extract, titanium dioxide, potassium sorbate, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, natural and fragrant oils. *Certified organic by Quality Assurance International, USDA or Guaranteed Organic Certification Agency.

Review: Maybelline The Falsies Flared Volum' Express

Tonight, I was planning on picking up some Cover Girl Lash Blast 24 hour mascara from Target.  It usually costs me about 8 bucks. Then I noticed Maybelline's "The Falsies" mascara right across the isle for around 6 bucks. Now just to be completely honest, I have no problem spending $20+ on a good mascara (I love Benefit's They're Real!), but it's pretty great when you find a mass brand that offers something just as good for a fraction of the cost, and that's what I love about Cover Girl Lash Blast 24 hour. If you haven't tried it yet, I highly recommend it! The brush is fat but has comb-like bristles and it really, really lasts.

But anyways, the Falsies mascara was beckoning me with it's cheap price tag and rave reviews (I mean really, SO many girls have told me this is their all-time favorite go-to for super deluxe lashes) so I decided to give it a try!

My first impressions: Its brush is curved so it really covers all the lashes at once and is super easy to use. With one coat, my lashes looked naturally long and flirty (see photo, above). With the second coat, you really get that false-lash effect. I felt like the second coat looked a bit clumpy when you examine the lashes up close, so precede with caution when layering this mascara.

After a few uses: Though I liked it all right the first couple of uses, after about a week of using Falsies, I have decided I don't like it. At all. It does look pretty clumpy and it kind of makes my eyelashes look brittle and weird when you look up close. It doesn't really keep each lash defined the way my Cover Girl does.

I don't know if it's something about the formula that makes it best when first opened or if it was just my excitement to try it. I thought it was a good value and overall pretty nice mascara, but now I only use it from time to time, simply because I spent money on it and don't want to be wasteful. It smells strongly of chemicals or something, but it does in fact give the huge mega-lash look that I love. Though it looks rockin', the formula is not for me. Sorry Falsies!

Natural remedies for acne

If you've been struggling with acne and you wanna shed those spots, read on.

According to acne.org, adult acne affects 50 percent of adult women at some time in their adult lives. A 2004 article in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science said, "Recent epidemiological studies show that there appears to be an increase in post-adolescent acne, and that the disease is lasting longer and is requiring treatment well into the mid forties." The stats are staggering, considering we typically associate acne with the teen years and puberty! I thought I was the exception to the rule, still struggling with acne in my 20s, but it turns out, it's very common and it's not unusual to be dealing with acne as an adult.
The causes range from hormonal breakouts (usually show up on the chin and jaw), to stress-related breakouts, resistant bacteria, or reactions to cosmetics. There's no magic cure-all for acne-sufferers, but there are plenty of options out there. While many people have had inspiring success using phsyican-strength products, traditional acne products with salicylic acid or benzyol peroxide, and prescriptions, I prefer natural or organic solutions, so that I know I'm not causing long-term damage to my skin and I'm using nature's best.
So, here are some natural options for beating out acne:

1. Ingest cod liver oil (liquid or capsules). As with any ailment, cleansing from the inside out is important and helps to solve the issue, rather than simply masking the symptom (concealer-a-holics anonymous, anyone?). I've heard of drinking green tea and eating produce rich in antioxidants, but I hadn't heard of ingesting cod liver oil as a cure until recently. I just stumbled upon this incredible blog, which has inspired me to try this method. Once I buy some, I'll be sure to update on my results.

2. Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil kills bacteria and, in my opinion, smells delicious and herbal. It's remedies are countless, from whitening teeth to disinfecting wounds. As an antiseptic, it can really help disinfect your skin, gently. Just be sure to follow up with a moisturizer as it can feel drying, depending on the product. Use it straight as a spot treatment, or pick up a cleanser. Try the Body Shop's tea tree line or Desert Essence's Thoroughly Clean Face Wash (found at Whole Foods).

3. Willow bark. Willow bark has been used to decrease pain and inflammation for thousands of years. It's no wonder that it's popping up as an alternative to salicylic acid in many natural products. In fact, salicylic acid is derived from willow bark, so you're going straight to the source. It's known for deep cleaning pores effectively and safely, without harshness and drying. Try Burt's Bees Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub or check out Boscia's Willow Bark Breakout Treatment.

4. Calamine. Calamine lotion has been used to treat poison ivy, and it's starting to catch on that it can also do wonders for zits. In fact, Mario Badescu's famous Drying Lotion, known for drying up spots overnight, contains calamine (that pink stuff at the bottom) and that's part of what makes it such a great product. But there are less expensive alternatives. Many drugstores carry calamine lotion -- CVS has their own store-brand calamine lotion. Just dap a cotton swab in the lotion and use as an overnight spot treatment after cleansing. Or, try Lush's Fresh Farmacy cleanser which contains calamine, giving it the pink color. It's in a bar form and you can order it online or go into a store (which I recommend because the staff members at Lush are ALWAYS soooo helpful and friendly).

5. Fruit enzymes. Fruit enzymes exfoliate and clear skin. They're an organic alternative to traditional acids that exfoliate and clear like salicylic or glycolic. You'll find them in leading organic skincare brands like Juice Beauty (check out their Blemish Clearing Cleanser) or MyChelle (Fruit Enzyme Scrub). Many dermatologists and skincare professionals will advise you to not use physical exfoliants, like scrubs with the beads or crushed almonds. These types of products exfoliate without scrubbing or irritating. Win!

6. Oil cleansing method (OCM). You'll see it all over the message boards -- OCM using EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), Jojoba oil, Castor oil, mixes and blends, and more. The reason many suggest you cleanse with oil, or at least remove makeup with it, is that oil fights oil, so it actually helps balance your skin. It deep cleans your pores in a way regular washes can't. You skin feels baby smooth and it removes even the most stubborn makeup. To try this, take the time to massage the oil into your skin and get your circulation flowing. After a few minutes, run warm water on your wash cloth and hold it over your face to open up the pores. Then, use the wash cloth to buff your face clean, gently. Repeat if desired. I recommend doing this nightly. Here's a link for more info (or just search it because there's a lot of info on this online) http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/.

7. Homemade treatments. Your kitchen is like a medicine cabinet for your skin. There are so many wonderful products that can dramatically improve your skin tone, texture and clarity -- baking powder, olive oil, oatmeal, lemon, tomatoes, strawberries, milk, yogurt, honey ... there are tons! Some people tone their skin with slices of tomatoes or a wedge of lemon. Others mix baking powder into their face wash once in a while to exfoliate. It also works as a spot treatment when mixed with a little water to form a paste. Speaking of spot treatment, honey is commonly used as a spot treatment too. I follow @AcneSkinSite on Twitter, and they tweet out some great ideas for masks and homemade treatments to try. For example, crush 4 strawberries, mix with 1 tsp of honey, let sit on face for 15 minutes, and rinse with warm water. You can even mash up half of an avocado and apply it straight to your skin as a mask. Or try this drink they call the "Acne Basher" -- 2 lemons, 10 spinach leaves, 3 carrots, ½ honey melon, ½ pineapple. Put all in a juicer and drink the acne away.

What are your secret weapons for naturally clear skin? What ingredients work for you?

What's on sale this week in the beauty world...

Here are some beauty bargains, beauty steals, beauty deals, discounts, whatever you'd like to call em. We love to save money, so here are a few links to help you out:

On Hautelook.com, Mario Badescu and LORAC are deeply discounted until Wed., May 23. The only problem I had is when I went to check out, when the cost of shipping and tax was added, it really wasn't any cheaper than simply buying it in a store. So I decided not to get anything. Even still, check it out for yourself. There are other interesting flash sales coming up, like Dr. Brandt starting tomorrow and NYX on Thursday! http://www.hautelook.com/events#beauty

On Target.com, try out this 5-in-1 goody for face, body, bubble bath and shampoo: Bubble Shack Hawaii Tuba Rose 5-in-1 Aloe and Shea Wash - 16 oz, less than 5 bucks! Sounds super hydrating and calming. More Target beauty deals here: http://www.target.com/c/clearance-health-beauty/-/N-5tg3w

On Dermstore.com, you can snatch up Boscia's Intensive Eye Treatment for 29% off -- $34 instead of $48. Click here. And grab Bliss' Steep Clean Mattifying Moisturizer for 19% off -- $38.80 instead of $48 here.

On Sephora.com, they not only have the 15 days of beauty where you get promo codes for free stuff with your purchases, they also have a bunch of other cool sales, like a Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle kit ($138 value), normally goes for $68 but get it for $49 online. Or grab a  Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil Mini Refillable Buffing Brush for $15, normally $26. Those and others here.

That's all for now, but check back next week for more beauty bargains!

Beauty necessities for the office

If you work at a 9-5 job in an office, spending most of your week in a cubicle at a computer, you probably fall into a monotonous routine, and that includes your beauty routine. It can be easy to let it slide because who's going to notice or care? But by keeping just a few key products handy in your desk, you can still feel pretty and pampered. Instead of that plain hand sanitizer, swap it for a scented one from Bath & Body works. If the cheap bathroom soap dries out your hands, try an awakening, brightening lemon hand cream to moisturize and revitalize your hands. And, don't go into that meeting with remnants of your lunch on your breath -- keep a few wisps nearby to freshen your mouth after lunch. Here are my top ten beauty necessities for the office:

CO Bigelow lemon hand treatment, Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer in cucumber melon, boscia green tea blotting linens, Burt's Bees lip balm, Ms. Manicure emery boards to-go, bobby pins, Murad acne spot treatment, Physician's Formula Gentle Cover concealer stick, Q-tips, Colgate Wisp.

DIY: Create, customize your own BB cream!

If you've been wanting to try out BB creams, the best way is to go into your favorite beauty store and actually try them out on your skin. There are a variety of textures, shades, purposes, and benefits so it's up to you (and the beauty consultant) to pick one that suits you (post coming soon on recommendations based on skin type!). But until then, why not try making a BB cream right at home? You probably have all the products you need. BB creams generally contain coverage, SPF, primer, moisturizer, and some added benefits like anti-aging or oil control. I just mixed these products on a plate and applied to clean skin. It worked! The consistency was more creamy than my foundation but still a gorgeous, lighter coverage that felt soft on my skin. I encourage you to experiment on portions -- more foundation in the mix = more coverage, and adding more primer changes the texture. I start with a pea size of everything and a penny-size of foundation. The type of  products will change the BB cream; for example, I used Sue Devitt's gel foundation, a light aloe cream moisturizer, and a mattifying primer because I tend to be more oily. The jojoba oil mimics your skin's sebum production, so it actually tricks your skin into thinking it's already oily and doesn't need to produce more oils. Even though I'm about oil control, I still like a little glow so I added some of my Dr. Brandt Glow Retinol that has a subtle shimmer to it. Start with your favorite products, combine, and experiement a little! It's fun to create an at-home beauty balm!

Tarte's achiote collection and conealer = HOMERUN!

I made a trip to Sephora yesterday and came home with a few summer essentials thanks to Tarte, one of my favorite brands, known for long-lasting formulas and natural ingredients. I've never been disappointed with their products, and these are no exception. I made two purchases: the new "Gifts from the Lipstick Tree" collection with correlating blush, gloss, and Lip Surgence lip color, and a Smooth Operator concealer stick in the color Light.

The Lipstick Tree collection features gorgeous, warm shades of coral called "Achiote," which really has a cool story behind it! I would've loved to travel with Tarte on this trip (or any, please!). Here's what they say on their website:

Our most recent finding from our Rainforest travels is achiote, a secret amongst Brazil's beautiful women, Achiote is known for the honeysuckle shade produced from the seeds of the fruit it bears.

With natural pigments derived from this "lipstick tree," the warm, shimmering golden pink shade is universally flattering, so this limited-edition set is sure to complement your skin tone and deliver a glowing radiance.

The blush glides on, soaks up oil with its Amazonian clay, and lasts for a full work day, but probably not the full 12 hours it claims if you have more oily skin like me. No layering necessary -- in fact, your brush needs to only graze the surface to pick up plenty of noticeable pigment. This shade is universally flattering and screams "I'm ready for summer" from the rooftops. The Lip Surgence lip color has an orange twang to it, but still sits in the pink family and feels cool and moisturizing, with delicious peppermint. The gloss has a slight tingle to it and lasts about as long as Buxom glosses, which for me is perfect. I don't like reapplying every half hour and I don't think there are many ladies out there that do. The gloss is sheer but the Lip Surgence packs color when applied to the lips. For some reason it does look kind of light on my hand and bright on my lips. Either way, it's a perfect shade. I can't wait to wear it on a cruise this summer, prancing around the Caribbean.

Now onto the Smooth Operator concealer. Oh man, I have been eyeing this one for a while. I've applied it to many customers (back when I worked at a beauty store) both under the eyes and on blemishes. It works wonderfully on everyone, packs enough pigment to cover anything, and best of all ... it's WATERPROOF. Yeah, I've never seen a waterproof concealer myself, so when I saw that, I just about fainted. Hello summer swims without a worry! You can see the swatch on my hand in the photo above. I have to say, Tarte did not disappoint. Their products are a little pricey but seriously worth it. You pay for the quality. Overall, these are the best summer buys because of the gorgeous coral color and waterproof concealer!

Note: the photo of me wearing the achiote blush and lip surgence were taken toward the end of the day, so I took one this morning with the makeup on fresh so you could see what it looks like when first applied.

Ulta Baked Eye Shadow is gorgeous but not packed in pigment

 Ulta Baked Eye Shadow in shade Plum Gorgeous: $8.00, right now on sale for $4.00.

I love the look of these eye shadow duos, with the swirling colors. I tried out the shade Plum Gorgeous because I think lavender looks fabulous on everyone. While I love the pairing of the two colors, when it comes to actual application, these eye shadows are nothing to write home about. They aren't terrible, but I certainly would not consider them to be a "prestige" product. It's probably just the baked formula that I don't like, and I should try their regular shadows for comparison. The lavender and plum shades are gorgeous but I really had to dig my brush in and layer this stuff on to get it to show. I prefer highly pigmented color that calls attention, not a faded version of what I hoped for. If you want just a trace of color, these shadows will be right up your alley. I pair my Ulta Baked Eye Shadow with an Urban Decay eye primer to get it to last long. By itself, it's sure to fade quickly, so if you don't mind layering it on to see the pigment and you have a good primer, then these baked shadows are usable.

Product reviews: 2 products that make your eyes pop

Today, my eyes look more awake and stand out thanks to two products that I'll be reviewing for you: Paula Dorf Eye Glimmer in Nymph & Anastasia's brow gel.

I'll start with the Paula Dorf shadow. It's a radiant light blue, but it's got a gold tint to it, which I've never seen in any other shadows. The combination of the cool blue and warm gold seem unusual, but it's absolutely stunning. It reminds me of a bright golden sunrise over the turquoise waters of South Florida (yes I'm lucky to live here!). When it comes to bright colors or pastels, it's pretty easy to cross the line from trendy to trashy.
So, to make sure your pop of color looks classy, please don't bring the color all the way up to the brows. Trust me here. It looks best just on the lid. What I did (see photo, below), is just brush some along the lash line and blend up, so it's not even over all of my lid.
From my crease to my brow bone, I used Anastasia's Cooling Eye Brightener. I recommend using a brightener, highlighter or light neutral color in that area.
I was very satisfied with the pigment in this shadow. I'd say it's not quite as pigmented as Urban Decay eye shadows, but still very nice and rich, and silky smooth. It applies very easily and works well with my Urban Decay eye primer.
I have blue eyes, but I think this would look stunning on brown eyes (blue and brown complement each other perfectly). The size of the product is great and I've had it for at least 6 months, and I see it lasting a very long time, especially because I'm not wearing this daily.
I'll probably start wearing it more often because it's a great time to break out those summer hues! Just be cautious about pairing this shadow with a lip color, because a bright shadow with bright lips can look over the top. Try to emphasize one feature -- the eye area or lips, not both at the same time. Bright lips with neutral eyes or bright eyes with neutral lips = you're in the clear. I paired it with a pink lip gloss that wasn't much different from the natural shade of my lips.

Now onto the Anastasia brow gel. If you love sculpting your brows, definitely check out the line-up of brow products Anastasia offers: everything from brow gels to pencils to stencils and more. This particular brow gel is clear so it won't add any color to your brows. It can be used over powder, pencil, or simply by itself. It works well for unruly brows or tame brows that need a little sculpting (like mine!).
The wand is just like a mascara wand, so it's perfect for combing your brows into an arch while smoothing them into place. The gel works marvellously and holds your brows in place all day. If you use too much, they will feel crunchy so less is more here. I combed my eyebrow hairs upward to try to dramatize my arch and I was surprised how much of a difference this gel made. My brows aren't particularly noticable since they're blonde and not very thick, but just taking the extra few minutes to comb my arch into shape really opens my eyes up, especially since my eyes are hooded. It adds youthfulness and brings out the eyes, so I definitely recommend adding this product to your beauty routine.

Summer Olympics = Metallic Eyes!

The London Summer Olympics kick off July 27, 2012, and that's not far off! I've already seen commercials on TV! My husband is all pumped up to watch, and I am too -- but for different sports and different reasons. For example, his favorite sport in the world is soccer, but I'd rather just tune in for the gymnastics. Oh, and it's a great excuse to play around with metallic makeup! I recommend experimenting with gold, silver or bronze looks. I've numbered the photos above to show you two different looks -- day and night.

In photos 1 & 2, I simply used a champagne shadow as my base color on the lids, and used a shimmering gold in the crease and along the lower lash line. The important thing to note is that I wet a flathead brush to line the lower lashes with eye shadow. If you don't wet the powder, you may end up with powder flying into your eyes, and that's never pretty.

In photos 3 & 4, I took the look up a notch. I lined my upper lashes with a dark brown liquid liner to make my eyes more defined and my lashes more full. I used an Urban Decay liquid liner because it lasts so long, and it's super easy to use. Then, I found a really cool, deep brown eye shadow that has a very slight tint of gold in it: Urban Decay's Dark Horse. I used my crease brush and blended Dark Horse into the crease, going about three-quarters in. Those two simple steps (the darker color in the crease and the liquid liner on top) is all it took to take this look from day to night.

My summer wishlist from Target!

With summer approaching, it's time to stock up on summer must-have beauties goodies! I'm always in Target so it's pretty convenient to pick up some nice products for cheap, especially if you're trying to stick to a budget. Let's be honest, when you walk into a Sephora, that budget is out the window. And those sales people, they're just too good. So, here are some of the products I've had my eyes on for summer!

Sonia Kashuk Beautifying Blush in Flamingo, Yes to Blueberries brightening wipes, Essie nail polish in Turquoise and Caicos, Pixi Succulent Lip Twin in Poppy, John Frieda Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray.

Get Dianna Agron's sultry Met Gala look

Though Glee's Dianna Agron was just one of many in attendance at the star-studded Met Gala in New York, her look was one of the most memorable. With her face-framing layers, regal emerald green dress, and sultry plum eye makeup, it's clear she wanted to bring out her gorgeous green eyes and of course, she succeeded!

To draw inspiration from Dianna for a regular ol' day at the office, mimic her glowy summertime cheeks, and complement them with a baby pink gloss. My work place is very casual, so a smokey eye is a little out of place. So, I put on my tarte maracuja divine shine lip gloss in amused and created glowy cheeks like Dianna's by simply following two steps:

1. Smile, and swipe on a warm-pink blush that complements your skin tone onto the apples of the cheeks and blend out.

2. Brush on some bronzer with a touch of shimmer (I heart tarte's bronzer in Park Ave Princess) just under the apples of your cheeks, with a little overlap on the blush. This adds definition to your face and that shimmer. (Extra tip: use the bronze just under your jaw for more definition!)

For a hot date or night out with the girls, try out her smokey eye and finish the look with these products:

1. LORAC Starry Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Starstruck -- create smokey eye and trace over eyeliner (after priming the area with a trusted eye primer!)

2. LORAC eyeliner in plum -- line the eyes and smudge with the smudger on the end, and add plum shadow over for a soft, sultry effect

3. Smashbox Full Exposure mascara, for full black lashes

4. NARS Bronzing Blush Duo in Orgasm and Laguna, contour with bronzer and add a peachy glow with the blush

5. Benefit Brow Zings, for defined brows create the shape with the wax and fill in the color with the powder.

6. Dior Addict Lipstick in Taffetas, a sheer petal pink, topped with Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss in Negligee Pink

*If you're not sure how to do a smokey eye, check out all these tutorials here.

Smokey eye with tangerine -- Learn this look!

So this look was pretty easy to do and it works great for summer nights out on the town. To start, I brushed Benefit's ChaCha Tint stain on my lips and used a foundation brush to apply it to the apples of my cheeks.

I lighted dusted Bare Mineral's loose powder foundation over my entire face to blend, soften and mute the cheek stain a bit.

Next, I focused on the eyes with Urban Decay's Naked palette. As a base, I patted on the color Sin, a shimmery champagne, on my lids. Then, I brushed Virgin, even lighter than Sin, from crease to brow and into the inner corners of my eyes. With a crease brush, I swiped a glittery cool brown called Sidecar into my crease. Then I dipped my crease brush into Smog, a warm chocolate brown, and blended it only into my outer crease.

I used Ulta's bronze automatic eye liner on the top lid and used a wet flat brush to brush a light black Creep along the lower lash line.

 I know it probably seems odd to use a bronze on top and light black on the bottom. One of the reasons for this is (as you can see in the third photo), I have hidden lids so I liked using a lighter liner on top. Also, the soft effects of using a shadow makes it easier to mix-match colors on top and bottom because it's very blended and smokey anyways. This took me about ten minutes or less, so it's great if you've gotta get ready to go out with friends in a jiffy. Hope you enjoyed!

10 fabulous drugstore finds under $20

I'm sure the name of the blog is a dead giveaway -- I love prestige makeup, the high-quality stuff. However, that doesn't mean I snub the cheap stuff. After all, I love a bargain! It takes a lot of trial and error to find the best products at the drugstore. Here are some of my discoveries (top photo, from left):

1. L'Oreal True Match Naturale blush (color shown Sugar Plum 490). This loose-powder blush has rich pigments, so use sparingly. I hate having to swipe on layer upon layer of blush to see the color, so this is perfect. It comes with a brush right on it, which is nice, but I prefer to use a smaller blush brush with this or a fan brush. It stays amazingly well throughout the day. $12.49 at Target.

2. L'Oreal Infallible lip gloss (color shown Undeniable Mauve 515). This full-color gloss looks like a lipstick with shine. It stays almost like a stain, which I love, but when it begins to wear off, it will feel dry and a little sticky. But, up until that point, it's a wonder product. Like the L'Oreal blush, the color is impeccable. $8.49 at Target.

3. Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer (color shown Rhubarab). If you love Burt's Bees lip balm, you'll love the lip shimmer. I actually wore this at my wedding! It looks like a softer lipstick, with gorgeous color and a soft, hydrating feel. It doesn't have long wear, so keep it in your purse, but overall it's probably one of my favorite lip products for day-to-day or dress-up. I love the colors Watermelon and Rhubarb. $4.99 at Target.

4. Pixi Eye Bright Liner. Once you use this, it's hard to live without. I use this nude-colored liner to line my water line and instantly look more awake. It opens the eye, brightens, and brings out your eye color. It seems like such a small thing, but it truly makes a huge difference. $17.00 at Target.

5. Eco Tools brushes (brush shown Bronzer Brush $9.99). The Eco Tools brushes are soft and pretty and there's really not much else to say. I don't like the idea of dropping $30+ on a brush, so if I can get the job done with a $10 one instead, then I am totally on board. Brush kits range from $7.99 to $15.99 at Target.

6. Cover Girl Cheekers (shown in True Plum 185). I've used Cheekers ever since I can remember, when my mom would give me makeup she didn't use to play with as a kid. Now, they're my go-to if I want to try a new shade (I was using a coral shade but decided to try a plum look) or if I'm strapped for cash. They're super affordable and they last extremely well, especially for the price. Note: the e.l.f. professional bronzing brush fits perfectly with these. $4.49 at Walgreens.

7. Cover Girl mascaras in general --Lash Perfection, Nature Luxe, Lash Blast. These three mascaras I have tried by Cover Girl have surprised me. Lash Blast 24 hours can be difficult to take off (try olive oil), but it looks like a million bucks. The other two have a more natural look but don't flake off and are insanely cheap. About $5-8 at WalMart.

8. Physician's Formula. I've loved everything I've tried by these guys lately! Their Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Powders smell lovely like roses and add a nice glow to your face. The Multi-Colored Pressed Powder in Translucent  is perfect to swipe over my Garnier BB Cream to mattify my face and blend. Their concealer doesn't clog my pores, so if you've got blemishes to hide, here's one that can actually do the trick without irritating them further. I really want to try out their mood-boosting blushes next.

9. e.l.f. Professional Brushes (white brushes above, showing eye shadow brush, bronzing brush, brow comb & brush, and total face brush). I bought these about a year ago, when they were on sale for about $1 each at Target, just on whim since they were so darn cheap! Now, they go for around $3 at Target, and I have to say, these are a great buy.

10. Studio Tools Crease Makeup Brush. Oh my goodness, I needed a crease brush and came across this at Target for $2. It perfectly blends color into the crease and helps create a smooth, effortless smokey eye. It works wonderfully and is dirt cheap. It's a steal.

Drugstores are interesting places. When it comes to cosmetics and skin care, they have a range of crappy to snappy, but it's worth digging through to find the hidden gems. Maybe the next drugstore post will be on cleansing wipes since there are sooo many (Yes To, Burt's Bees, Neutrogena, Pond's, Simple, etc.). Thanks for reading! Comment and let me know what you're fave drugstore picks are!

Bare Escentuals Prime Time Brightening Foundation Primer review

Bare Escentuals, known for their Bare Minerals foundation, makes everything from fabulous lip glosses to skin care. Whether you're looking to make you're Bare Minerals foundation last longer or try a new primer with the foundation you're already using, you may have considered Prime Time. There are three primers to choose from, one for oily skin, a regular one for any skin type, and lastly, the brightening primer.

The effect of the brightening primer is shown above on my right hand. The texture feels different than many primers I have tried; it's more runny and a little oily feeling, unlike the silicone feel of most primers. However, this isn't a bad thing! It absorbs into the skin very easily and does in fact improve the appearance and wear time of the foundation. Best of all, yes it really does brighten and diminishes pinkness. You look more awake and radiant, without clogging pores or irritating skin. I'm very break-out prone so I tend to be pretty cautious with primers. If you're like me, you should be in the clear with this brand. Side note: Pur Minerals primers are also great for all sensitive or break-out prone skin types. If you can get past the unusual texture, you'll love the luminosity and radiance this primer offers.