how to: more luscious lips

I was totally obsessed with E's Eric and Jessie show this season and stumbled upon Jessie's Sex Kitten Makeup Tutorial while googling her. She explains how she makes her lips appear larger by over-lining them with a nude lip liner. Naturally, I had to try it.

I have small lips and often express my envy of my boyfriend's luscious lips much to his annoyance. I have had a nude lip liner from The Body Shop forever but have never had the desire to line my lips before. I used this lip liner, in Beech, and over lined my lips then applied lip balm. It's difficult to capture the transformation via selfies at work in the bathroom, but I enjoyed the subtle difference whether or not anyone else noticed!

before

after

santa baby

Is it too early to start talking about Christmas? Probably. But I'm going to do it anyway because I can't keep my beauty wish list to myself anymore!

This is Part One of the beauty products I want pray to find in my stocking or wrapped up under the tree this year:

all images from www.sephora.com

• Clinique All About Eyes - I have used this before at the Clinique makeup counter, and nothing even comes close for me. I don't struggle with super dark under-eye circles, but often lack sleep and need some help with "puffy eye bags." I don't even care if this stuff doesn't make me look more awake because I feel more awake. And that's all that really matters, right?

  
  
• Stila Stay All Day liquid eyeliner - I've come back full swing and am obsessed with mastering the cat eye, once again. It's a classic look, looks awesome during the day AND night, and is simply pretty. I usually buy super cheap liquid liner from the drugstore, but I think a higher-quality liner stays on longer and will ultimately look better. Meow.

• Benefit They're Real! mascara - This is my holy grail mascara to date. I got it by surprise for Christmas last year and fell head over heels for it (don't tell my boyfriend), and have to have it for my stubby/short eyelashes.

I will probably add half of Sephora to my Beauty Wish List before Christmas, but these are the three products I have to have. I'm going to be extra nice the next month...

purple lips or die

Do not fear purple lipstick. Or, do not fear lipstick in general if you're anything like me (the fear is real).

I have always loved the dark lips for the Fall/Winter, but have only been brave enough to sport red lips on occasion -- and by 'occasion' I mean a couple times a year.

I'm trying to be more open to lipstick, so I picked up The Body Shop's new Colour Crush Lipstick in 240 Damson in Distress. It says 'matte' but I would say it's more 'almost-matte'. This means it is not a shiny lipstick and is mostly flat but has a touch of sheen to it -- it's pretty normal for "matte" lipsticks to have a tiny bit of sheen to them.

Not too dark, not too bright - "all you need is a light jacket!" Kidding.

Verdict: I'm obsessed! The color looks super dark and plain in the tube, but the purple/dark fuchsia/I-don't-even-know color really comes alive once it's applied. And as always, it's important to take it easy on the rest of your face when rocking a bold lip.

Have you tried dark lips for Fall yet?

my newest obsession: Bumble and bumble

I recently went on a trip to New York with my parents to re-visit my Summer stomping grounds. We had a ton of fun but the coolest part of my trip was visiting the Bumble and bumble corporate office. I met a woman who is in charge of marketing there when I attended Parson's School of Design Fashion Campus NYC event in July. I got in touch with her and was super pumped when I was lucky enough to get a meeting with her and a product developer at Bumble. It was awesome talking with both of them and getting a better insight into the beauty industry -- also the office is amazing!

view from the 4th floor of bumble's 8-floor building

After visiting Bumble's corporate office, I immediately went to Sephora to check out their latest products. I feel in love with their spray chalk! I have always loved hair chalk but haven't found one that doesn't require a lot of time to apply - until now. This spray is so easy to use AND has the best color payoff - not to mention it comes in four different shades. FOUR!

can't wait to buy this

boo

my Halloween makeup

The lighting doesn't even do it justice.

mini me

Last week I impulsively placed an order at Sephora.com because I won a free, mini Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow. I've been wanting to try a new BB/CC cream lately, but haven't been able to decide on which one just from reading reviews. I'm also extremely indecisive so any type of "sampler" really appeals to me. 

already obsessed with this little box of happniess

I decided to get the BB Buzz because I didn't want to commit $50 to a BB cream I hadn't used multiple times before, and I love to sample products. This little box is perfect! First of all, I am obsessed with rose gold right so the rose gold packaging is awesome. Also, I like all the brands in the box but have never had anything from Dr. Jart + or boscia before, and have only tried a product or two from Tpo Faced, Stila and Smashbox. This BB box was only $25! If you do the math (I did) you get more ounces of product than one standard tube of BB cream (1 oz.) for half the price - great deal.

The BB creams in this box are like a "one-size fits all" so it's really only for gals with fair skin. I am going to try the boscia BB cream first because it seems to be the tannest one and I still have a faint tan leftover from Summer (tear). I'm really hoping I fall in love with at least one of these so I know which one to purchase in full-size when I'm out.

I redeemed my Sephora points to get a sample of Benefit Benetint, a classic I've always wanted to try, and also picked up three perfume samples. Everything I got is miniature and perfect for traveling!

true life: I have eczema

I have had eczema since I was a baby and countless prescription creams later (applied every day), the eczema that covers my ankles is still there. It's gross, embarrassing, and worst of all -- itchy. 

The solution seems so simple. People tell me all the time, people who don't have eczema, "don't itch and it'll go away." It's not that simple. It's not an itching like a mosquito bite that is on the surface of the skin, it's deep under my skin and lasts for hours. If I don't itch it makes my skin crawl because it's such an uncomfortable sensation. 

The itchy reality

I hate despise when my eczema is visible. Kids are brutally honest and the little swimmers I used to coach always asked me what's wrong with my feet; adults do it too. It doesn't seem like a huge issue to be self-conscious about, but I am. Sure, the issue is exaggerated in my mind, but don't all physical issues seem worse to ourselves than anyone else? It's not a secret that nobody is perfect, yet we're all guilty of focusing on our imperfections. 

Eczema is just one of my physical imperfections. Even Miranda Kerr has physical imperfections (I think?), so we should all have more self lovin' and not focus on trivial things no one else notices!

"Beauty, to me, is being comfortable in your own skin." -Gwyneth Paltrow

lust at first sight

I am completely lusting over Smashbox's CC Cream. I want it. I have to have it. 

I have been using my current BB cream generously so I can run out and have an excuse to drop $42 on this CC cream. It's a ridiculous amount of money for a tiny bottle of essentially tinted face moisturizer, and I think this may be a contributing factor to the reason why I feel like I can't live without it (even though I don't even own it yet).

I've read countless reviews of all the best CC creams and tried on Smashbox's CC cream one day at Sephora. It had good coverage, but also felt lightweight on my skin and my face didn't turn into an oil factory like BB/CC creams usually do! I am trying to justify to myself that spending so much money on CC cream when there are a lot of cheaper options, but I have been using a cheap drugstore BB cream and it does nothing for my skin.

Always on my mind now-a-days

I am so in lust with this product because I actually think it will help to even out my skin tone and actually provide coverage. I guess there's only one way to find out...

Has anyone used a CC cream and seen results?

back to basics

American Pie is gracing my TV screen tonight. In between attacks of laughter, I notice how simple, natural, and pretty the girls look and I'm inspired by the fresh-faced 90's look.  These girls have got the ' 'no makeup-makeup' and the 'girl next door' looks perfected.

Mena Suvari in all of her innocent-teen goodness.

Buying a LipSmackers Dr. Pepper chapstick ASAP.

"hire me" beauty

I had my first Big Girl interview yesterday! (Big Girl = job)

I was really nervous for it. I wasn't nervous about what to say or what to wear, but what the right move for my hair and makeup was. I think I nailed it -- the interview AND the beauty. 

It's difficult to decide how to do your hair and makeup for an interview because you don't want to look too conservative and boring, but you also don't want to look like you spent more time preparing your beauty regime than your interview material.

Strike a balance by erring on the conservative side, but still aim for pretty! Looking good will also give you a confidence boost that will show when you're speaking. Here's what I did:

• Aim for simple: this is not the time to experiment with hairstyles or makeup! I wore my short hair plain-- down and straight. Wearing your hair in a clip half-up, or in a low non-messy bun works too (especially for my curly-haired friends).

• Keep it neutral: only use makeup products that enhance your natural beauty-- we're going for the "no-makeup-makeup" look here. This means no color. No blue eyeliner, no red lipstick, no shimmer. I wore BB cream, concealer, a hint of blush, thin brown eyeliner, mascara and lip balm.

• Less is more: if you're deciding whether to add more eyeliner, blush, or whatever the answer is: don't. Even if you feel like your face is more bare than usual, you want the interviewer to be listening to you and not be distracted by your looks. Put enough makeup on so you look pretty and feel confident, but don't overdo it.

Have you ever given thought to interview-appropriate hair/makeup before?

splurge vs. steal: when is it worth the $$$?

If you look in my giant, cluttered makeup bag you'll see a mix of drugstore and higher-end products. Friends have asked me what my favorite brands are for specific products, and I always surprise myself by the variety in price of products I love equally. If I need to replace a number of items in my makeup bag, I would have to go to at least a couple different stores.

People often associate expensive cosmetics with better quality. SO not true! Even though there is something to be said for the way owning a specific high-end product makes you feel, and some more expensive products are better, not all of them are.

I appreciate good quality AND love a good steal so, where do you strike the balance? This is how I sort it out:

1. Do your research. I will rarely buy a product without doing research on it first! This means that if you're looking for something specific, such as a new mascara or blush, read lots and lots of reviews then decide if a more expensive product seems worth the price. If you're a newbie, try the Allure Beauty Product Finder. You can select the specific type of product you're looking for, and a list of products will appear that are suited to your style, type and price. If you know a little more about makeup, head over to Sephora.com and search for the product you want or under your favorite brand. Read the customer reviews -- these are real people with real experiences!!! Most of them are great, but the reviews that seem to 'go against the grain' and contradict the majority may be a little untrustworthy. If you're a beauty expert, sign up at MakeupAlley to read countless reviews on every product you can imagine.
2. Think about commitment. If you really want to try red lipstick and never have before, trying a cheap drugstore option is a good place to start. You don't want to splurge on 'trendy' makeup or products that you're not sure you'll love because it might end up sitting around unused and that's a waste of money. On the other hand, if there's something you know you want and love and will use all the time, go ahead and spend the money!
3. Compare with other products. Take advantage of all the testers at department stores, Ulta and Sephora! If I'm trying to decide between different options of the same product, I'll test them on my hand (or sometimes face) and look at the end of the day and see which one stayed on the longest and looks the best. 

The atrocity that is my makeup bag.

Sometimes it's simply trial and error, or listening to your friend's recommendations. I really enjoy reading reviews on products and testing them out at the store before buying, it makes me even more excited when I actually find 'the one'!

How do you decide when do splurge or save?

friday fave

Concealer is my secret weapon. It's so underrated -- it covers stubborn zits, masks under-eye bags, counteracts redness and is even a great eyeshadow or lipstick base. 

This concealer from The Body Shop is my favorite because it does literally everything, is so easy to use and is so conveniently-sized. I hear of "the best under-eye concealer" or "the best concealer for blemishes" or "the best concealer for red spots." Ain't nobody got time for 3 different concealers. This concealer does it all: I use it to cover my under-eye bags because it is smooth and easy to blend, but it's also thick enough to cover my blemishes without being cake-y. Also, if I'm traveling and didn't pack primer I'll use concealer as a base for eyeshadow or lipstick to make the color pop and stay on longer.

Buttery-smooth 

I carry this little nub around with me everywhere! 

What's your favorite concealer?

back at it

I don't have a good excuse for my two-month hiatus from blogging, but I have vowed to myself to not take any more breaks. I have too many tips, looks, products and beauty thoughts to keep them all to myself! 

The inspiration behind my blog

short hair, don't care

Everyone thinks that girls with short hair can't pull their hair up, which is problematic especially during a workout and the Summer. Except it isn't true! With a good great hair elastic and some bobby pins, short-haired girls can pull their hair up into a pony tail or messy bun that is great for any occasion.

Let a few hairs hang loose

I don't like to wash my hair every day during Summer, so on the second day I usually pull it up. I used a Kitsch hair tie, and 3-4 bobby pins to pin back loose hairs (but keep some hairs loose to make it look relaxed). 

Perfectly messy after work

Casual but cute

This hairstyle is awesome because you can wear it dressed up or dressed down! 

brushes need loving, too

Ever thought about taking care of your makeup brushes? I usually forget to because my brushes don't ever look that dirty, but there is actually a TON of gross stuff that builds up and they need to be cleaned. I clean my brushes once every couple of weeks months, which isn't often enough but at least I'm doing it...right? 

Cleaning makeup brushes is always a lot easier and less time consuming than I think of it to be. All it takes is a mild soap/cleanser, warm water, and overnight drying.

I use Philosophy Purity cleanser because that's what I use to wash my face and it's super gentle but effective. Use a pea-sized glob of cleanser and "massage" the brush with warm water.

Let the drying process begin

You want to really use your fingers to shampoo all of the gunk out from your brushes (note: it is very satisfying to watch all the brown/pink water come out of the brush from your makeup). Once the water runs clear, squeeze all of the water out and lay down FLAT to dry overnight. 

That's it! It feels amazingly good to use a clean brush on your face even if you can't always see the difference.

p.s. All of my super soft brushes are from The Body Shop and liner brush from MAC.

something blue

I'm not new to wearing colored liner, but electric blue has always intimidated me even though I've been wanting to try it for...ever. Being the poor college student that I am, when I saw a SALE sign in the cosmetics section of Duane Reade the other day I was naturally drawn toward it. Turns out the sale was for a blue liner, so I bought it because it was actually only $2.

I. Am. Obsessed.

I haven't gone all out and lined all around my eyes with it, but I've been wearing it on my bottom lash line recently and it's amazing. The blue really makes my green eyes pop and adds a unique touch to my usual, go-to makeup routine. 

Now I am inspired to splurge on more bright eyeliners! 

beachy waves (without the beach)

I have heard so many girls say they are scared to cut their hair because then they won't be able to put it up or do anything cool with it. Definitely not true! I have had short hair (an angled bob, to be exact) for almost five years now and I have experimented with more hairstyles than when I had long hair.

Recently, I've been inspired by Julianne Hough. Not only is she super-talented, but she is g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s. She has been sporting a shorter 'do for a while now and I am totally obsessed.

Her barely-there waves look effortlessly cool.

If you always sometimes wake up feeling too lazy to get ready like me, try this! I let my hair air dry while getting ready, eating breakfast, etc. then rubbed a tiny bit of volumizing mousse in my hair and blow-dried what was still wet. I made barely-there waves by using my straightener and twisting it around a piece of hair. That's it!

Around lunchtime, when my waves had fallen out slightly

Perfectly messy

Pulled back 

It took all of five minutes, looked great, and is perfect for Summer!

P.S. beachy waves make for the perfect texture for the post-work/happy hour ponytail!

NC meets NYC

I haven't used this blog in a long time and have been feeling nostalgic for my blogging days so....I'M BACK!

I recently moved to New York City a few weeks ago for a summer internship in fashion at a public relations firm. I've already fallen head over heels with this city. I love everything about it, especially the daily fashion and beauty inspiration that is a constant here. I've always been a beauty addict, but am learning more about fashion and life every day.

Taken during a walk on the East River at dusk

I've always been eclectic in my fashion style, I'm constantly switching things up, but don't have an in-depth knowledge of fashion like I do beauty. Join me on my journey to discover my fashion style, experiment with beauty, and love life!

New York City at night. Have I mentioned that I'm in love?

Documenting my experiences and looks with an iPhone because, why not?

xoxo Chandler