flushed

I have had my eye on Josie Maran's Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée for a while now. I am a huge proponent of cheek stains because they are the easiest to apply and last the longest, compared to cream and powder blushes. I have had Benefit's Cha Cha Tint for almost two years now, and even though I love it I also love experimenting with makeup (if that isn't obvious).

Like any Sephora trip, I spent two hours trying on and experimenting with makeup even though I knew I wanted this blush all along. I read countless reviews on it so by the time I got there I already knew which shade I wanted - Poppy Paradise. I was so giddy with excitement when I found this Josie Maran cheek color then touched it because it FEELS LIKE HEAVEN. Seriously, Heaven. As soon as I dipped my finger in the pot I knew I was in love - it feels like silky, packed in jello-butter (I realize this doesn't sound like Heaven but it is pretty damn close).

Shade: Poppy Paradise

Besides the amazing texture, I love this blush because it looks so natural. There's no shimmer and it delivers an even layer of color that makes me look perfectly flushed. To make this cheek stain even more amazing, it lasts forever because it is waterproof. Literally - it lasts all day until you want to wash it off (which it does so easily). 

Barely there - just the way I like it.

Words cannot describe how much I am obsessed with this cheek color! The color, packaging and even the name are so chic and reminds me of a tropical island with endless coconut drinks and happiness. Overall, this cheek color is perfect for everyone from the makeup-shy to the makeup-obsessed and is too good to keep it a secret.

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?