MOH Hairstyles - Life is Full of Tough Decisions

One of my favorite beauty blogs out there is Glamour's "Girls in the Beauty Department." I just adore Petra and Beth's beauty, fashion and trend observations and how they convey them back to readers.

Recently, Petra featured a post asking how her maid of honor should style her hair for her wedding. I thought to myself, "YES!", I'm having the same discussion about my hair for my sister's wedding. I love the braid idea she included - my attempt to grow out my bangs didn't really go as planned and I'm a couple of inches short, so this could be a great solution. However, I'm not sure my sister (or more importantly, my mother) would go for it (too trendy for her UBER conservative nuptials).

I'm thinking I'll probably go with a side bun style. Maybe a little on the messy side and maybe a sneaky braid in there somewhere. We're going to need to get creative on how to get the bangs secured down so any suggestions on that beast are welcomed!

My last thought that I need to run by the bride is hair flare. I'm really into the idea of some sort of flower or jeweled accessory adorning my bun. After all, I am the MOH (maid of honor), so I feel like I should stand out a little. But the day isn't about me, right?

I'd love to hear about MOH hair ideas, to accessorize or not to accessorize and the POV on braids if you have it.

You Know You're a Beauty Junkie When ...

This morning I popped into the new CVS by work today to pick up an umbrella in anticipation of these "crazy storms" Ginger Zee has been so eloquently updating us on. As I wandered around the aisles looking for something cuter than the black banker-type umbrella, I found myself gravitating towards the beauty section. It was like a magnetic pull. The closer I got, the more excited I got. It didn't matter that I needed to be at work in 5 minutes or had my weekend travel bags with me and not a free hand to spare. I NEEDED A FIX.

I was able to muster up some self-control and focus on the mission and revert myself from the direction and bright lights of lip glosses and hair accessories. However, at that moment it became very clear to me that I am now a full blown beauty junkie. I think to welcome myself to the club, officially, I'll by that NARS Multiple in Orgasm I've been coveting. After all, I need it it, I'm a junkie.

The September Issue! Anne, Andre, Vogue!

Um, yes please. You know where we'll be on September 11.

Elnett Error

Why do I keep forgetting to buy Elnett? Is the US version as good as the European version?

Product Review: Tarte Clean Slate

I'm shocked that in my 20-some years on this planet that I JUST started wearing primer. When and where did I miss this primer memo?

My first introduction to primer was from Tarte Clean Slate. I decided to give it a go based on it's natural ingredients. My consultant was very knowledgeable on it and she sold me (clearly, I'm a Sephora Sucker - I think that's a new term we are going to need to implement on this blog). When I got home, I did some reading and learned that it has natural fruit and plant derived extracts to treat, protect, soothe and hydrate the skin. Hydrate - key word for me as my skin goes from dry to oily to normal to semi-dry and back again all in a week.

A few weeks ago I decided to do a test - I put primer on half my face and left the other half bare. I applied make-up as usual. Throughout the day I would examine my face, touch it (not a lot) to decipher if there was a difference. To the touch there was a difference, noticeably. The side with primer felt softer and smoother whereas the other side felt a bit dry and rough. I had Lauren and Melissa get up close and personal with my face to see if they could tell a difference and they both nailed which side I had primer on.

Maybe it's the Sephora Sucker in me or maybe it's my lack of experience in primer, but those two "tests" confirmed that I need and love primer.

Any other great primer recos a newbie should know about?

Product Review: Blinc Mascara

Problem: Long eyelashes that "shed" mascara and cause faux under eye circles.
Solution: blinc Mascara

I.Love.This.Stuff. It has saved my eye make-up sanity. My frustration levels would go through the roof as I'd stand in bathrooms trying to remove what looked like sickly dark eye circles caused by flaking mascara.

Until one fateful Sephora trip ...

I presented my problem to my consultant. He immediately took me to the blinc display and simply said, "girl, this will solve all your problems." Oh was he right. Now, this isn't ANY mascara, let me enlighten you.

According to blinc's Web site, "the mascara blinc is the original mascara invented to form tiny water-resistant "tubes" around your lashes rather than painting them like conventional mascaras. Once applied, the tubes bind to your lashes and cannot run, smudge, clump, or flake, even if you cry or rub your eyes. Whether your daily activities take you from the office, to your sweaty workout and then out to dinner, your lashes will look as good in the evening as they did when you first applied blinc in the morning."

It's true. It works. And I'm in love. The one downside is that it is kind of messy in the removal process. The tubes even freak my mom out a bit, but that's her problem.

I HIGHLY recommend blinc mascara if you suffer from flaking issues like me. Unless someone can show me something better, I'm a blinc lifer.

Girl Crush: Elle MacPherson

On my way in to the office today I was flipping through the June issue of Lucky thinking about how I love everything but can afford nothing (PR salaries aren't your shopping friend).

On page 42, I came across a photo of Elle MacPherson taking her son to school and I swooned. She looks A-MA-ZING. From her hair to the Egyptian-Hieroglyphic-esqe dress she is wearing the crap out of to her gladiator sandals and aviators.

Maybe it's her oh so adorable son in his school uni or the classic bike she's pushing (way to go green, Elle!) but that photo makes me want to be her. The whole supermodel thing helps too.

Love at First Sight

It was love at first sight when I spotted these Loeffler Randall ruffle suede sandals recently at Hearst Tower...I'm not even a "pink" person but I can't stop thinking about them...too bad I can't afford them!

Nine West and New Balance Walking Billboards

Nine West and New Balance have paired together to create fashionable sneakers for your pair. I really liked two of the pairs, but then noticed the blatant branding on the back - "Nine West for New Balance." Really? I don't need my shoes to serve as walking a billboard, literally.

Product Review - Sarah Happ Lip Slip

As you are aware from my previous post, I was so excited to order and receive Sarah Happ's Lip Slip . I'm the girl that has lip gloss, chap stick and tubs of Vaseline EVERYWHERE in case my lips need a motorization moment.

When Sarah came along and touted "leaves no color, just the richest, glossiest hydration imaginable" for my pout, I was sold, even at $24.00. I've had my Lip Slip for a little over a week now and the overall verdict - I like it, verging on loving it.

Here are my thoughts:

• It truly stays on for a long time. Longer than most glosses or even my trusty Vaseline. I can eat and drink without having to immediately reapply


• It really doesn't have a color and my lips look insanely glossy. Overtime, the glossiness wears off, but the moisturization stays (even after drinking something)


• It doesn't have an overwhelming smell. It smells good, but it's not the first thing you notice


• A dab'l do ya. A little goes a long way and since it stays on so long, it really goes a long way


• The packaging it came was amazing (yes, I judge a book by its cover). A Tiffany-esqe gold box and ribbon. I can't seem to ditch the box, so I still carry the jar around in the box. Might be time to cut that cord ...


• One downside - it is a tad bit sticky. Not too sticky that I don't want to stop wearing it, but I definitely notice it upon first application but overtime it wears off
  

All in all - I'm sold. LOVE the Sarah Happ Lip Slip, definitely worth the $24.00. I think my next purchase is going to be her lip scrub, the question which variant? I'm thinking Peppermint. Loving beauty products is tough.

Sara Happ's lip slip - Yes, Please!

I’d be thinking and pining over Sara Happ’s newest lip venture – lip slip – and today, I bit the bullet and ordered the $24 pot o’ gold.

Even though I wouldn’t normally pay $24 for lip gloss, I couldn't resist. I'm so excited for it to come and to try to it out! The super cute packaging was also a huge selling point. Once it comes and I give it a go, I’ll be sure to put up a post about my (hopefully) new lip love affair!

These Genes Don't Fit

My parents have given me a lot of things throughout the years, most of which I am grateful for. There are however, a couple things I’m NOT happy about, like some genetic traits. There is a list of genes that I wish weren’t swimming around in my pool, but today I’m going to focus on one – my dark under eye circles.

I hate them and unfortunately, they stem from genes, not from lack of sleep. I’ll always stop to read about how to make them go away, prevent them, etc. so when I heard about Garnier’s new Skin Renew anti-eye puffer I bought in. Anything to make it look like I wasn’t suckered punched in the nose when I don’t have make-up on.

Here are the Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller .5oz. claims:
- Puffy bags deflate
- Dark circles diminish
- Eyes look brighter

You are supposed to start seeing results in one week. It’s been a little over the week since I started using it. I thought I started to see results a couple of days ago. And by results I mean I think my eyes started to show crows feet and wrinkles, which I don’t recall from before and am pretty pissed about. Perhaps I never really paid that much attention to my surrounding eye area.

So, to be fair, I’m going to give this thing another week then I’ll make a final decision. Stay tuned …

- K

Carpet Tape Face

I just got done with an interview with my client's derm spokesperson and I learned something VERY interesting.

You know those strips brands like Biore and Clean & Clear make to remove blackheads? Well, turns out that what makes up those strips is essentially the same thing as carpet tape!!! She also said that they can cause skin tears and even *gasp* make your pores bigger. Right, just want I want, bigger pores.

I would definitely think twice about using those. Or if you are looking for a quick fix, dig around the junk drawer for some carpet tape - same thing.

- K

Skyn-tastic

We love Sephora, this is something you will come to realize as we continue to post and talk about beauty products. Recently, I received one of those free gifts with purchase Sephora gives you when you spend an exorbitant amount of money. I ended up choosing a travel size sample of Skyn Icelandic Glacial Face Wash. And you know what? best.choice.ever.

I'm obsessed with this little tube of refreshing, cooling, soft face wash. All you need is a teeny tiny dab and you're golden. I use Skyn face wash every morning to give me the kick I need. It's a really soft formula that gets smoother and softer as you lather. The best part is is that it doesn't dry my skin out, which can be a big problem for me. I use prescription products and this meshes amazingly with the harsh ingredients found in prescription face meds.

Thank you for your little goodies, Sephora. I feel better for spending an inappropriate amount in your store because you introduced me to a gem of a face wash that I now need more of and will buy from you. Sephora = 1, K = 0.

- K

Update: Another blog I read, Jack & Hill: A Beauty Blog, posted the below about another Skyn Iceland product. It focuses on a sunscreen and I'm always looking for a good face SPF. However, at $55.00, I might stick with my drugstore brand. I am a PR girl after all.

http://www.jackandhill.net/jack_and_hill_a_beauty_bl/2009/01/skyn-the-antidote-sunscreen.html

Retail Therapy

I have no use for this gorgeous Trina Turk dress. But the moment I laid my eyes on it this week, it was a match made in heaven. Super on sale. The last one. My size. I had to have it.

After rationalizing with myself for a good couple days of how even though I didn't need to spend the money yet it was a good investment for upcoming weddings, social functions, etc...it hit me. Why rationalize? Its a Valentine's Day gift for myself! I had no one to buy for or no one to make even the slightest effort to make me feel special. So I took control of the sitch this holiday and marched on down to Mark Shale and bought it. And I love it. And despite it not being able to love me back, it fits perfectly and somehow makes me feel special. It will be the gift that keeps on giving every time I wear it!

Be jealous.

My Valentine’s Day weekend is going to be so amazing. I couldn’t be more excited about my plans. I get to go to the Suburbs (gag) to ... get ready for it … SHOP FOR WEDDING DRESSES WITH MY LITTLE SISTER!

Yep – my little sister decided it would be a good idea to get married and make me her maid of honor. Since apparently being single means I won’t have any plans this weekend, my dear Mother made appointments all over Chicagoland to start the hunt for the perfect dress. Shopping for your little sister’s wedding dress all weekend … in the suburbs … I really can’t imagine a way to make a city girl feel better about herself on the most depressing holiday for singletons.

To make sure I’m “helpful” – here are some options I’ve got my eye on – I sure hope my sister likes them!

- K

There's Always a Theme

We LOVE “The Office.” Every Friday, we come in, discuss our favorite parts of the show over our wall and laugh about our favorite paper company.

Here are our top five best moments of last night’s “The Office”:

1. Angela licking her cat, then getting a hair ball
2. “Really, two? I didn’t eat lunch today. OK, half of my lunch”
3. “I’m too excited to sleep!” … under the conference table
4. Crawling out of the conference room. That’s a move we’ll be trying in the near future
5. It is your birthday.

Hi Blog. It is your birthday.