To say I'm a bit of a beauty junkie would be, how might I say it, an understatement.  All kidding aside, I am a true aficionado of the art of pampering and making the absolute most of one's individual loveliness.  Hair is such a personal part of one's beauty regime and the image you want to present on any given day.  For me right now, I find myself absolutely loving all things 60's a la Jane Birkin.  To me, this is one of those eras of chic from which today's elements of classic glam were born.  Those long and lush locks with a flash of fringe are everything with me right now.  Add in a gorgeous mix of subtle highlights and lowlights and it's essentially hair nirvana.  Taking care of your tresses is just as important as caring for your skin.  Luckily, there's no shortage of incredible products that will smooth, straighten, shine and satisfy your every styling need.  Oribe is probably my favorite line.  From their luscious Signature Shampoo to the revitalizing Masque for beautiful color, everything I've every gotten my hands on has been other worldly.  With that, I can't wait to try their Gold Lust shampoo and conditioner next.  Ahhhhh. When it comes to styling, I've recently discovered this little gem  from Phillip Kingsley.  Just as the name implies, it gives volume, softness and hold all within three sprays pre-blowout.  What's not to love about that?  This brush and this hair dryer are always at the ready in my bathroom because truth be told, a great blowout is a must in order for your look to last all day.  You can shop these beautifiers along with a few of my other haircare must-haves below.  Hope your having a beautiful Wednesday!

SHOP THE POST:

Haute Hair

bangs

To say I'm a bit of a beauty junkie would be, how might I say it, an understatement.  All kidding aside, I am a true aficionado of the art of pampering and making the absolute most of one's individual loveliness.  Hair is such a personal part of one's beauty regime and the image you want to present on any given day.  For me right now, I find myself absolutely loving all things 60's a la Jane Birkin.  To me, this is one of those eras of chic from which today's elements of classic glam were born.  Those long and lush locks with a flash of fringe are everything with me right now.  Add in a gorgeous mix of subtle highlights and lowlights and it's essentially hair nirvana.  Taking care of your tresses is just as important as caring for your skin.  Luckily, there's no shortage of incredible products that will smooth, straighten, shine and satisfy your every styling need.  Oribe is probably my favorite line.  From their luscious Signature Shampoo to the revitalizing Masque for beautiful color, everything I've every gotten my hands on has been other worldly.  With that, I can't wait to try their Gold Lust shampoo and conditioner next.  Ahhhhh. When it comes to styling, I've recently discovered this little gem  from Phillip Kingsley.  Just as the name implies, it gives volume, softness and hold all within three sprays pre-blowout.  What's not to love about that?  This brush and this hair dryer are always at the ready in my bathroom because truth be told, a great blowout is a must in order for your look to last all day.  You can shop these beautifiers along with a few of my other haircare must-haves below.  Hope your having a beautiful Wednesday!

SHOP THE POST:

Read more »

from my lips:  ysl // lancome // becca

eye appeal:  naked palette // it cosmetics // lancome

good hair day:  purely perfect // michael van clarke // j.crew sachajuan conditioner // bumble and bumble // living proof // j. crew sachajuan oil

Like so many well-known things, beauty really is a girl's best friend.  There's so much to love that it never gets old.  Today I'm highlighting the basic three elements that are the essentials when it comes to any beauty routine (skincare aside, as that is a whole other ballgame).  Lips, eyes and hair, those are the focal points everyone sees when they look at you.  I say let's make sure they always shine, sparkle and flow.  

As somewhat (ok, a major) self-proclaimed beauty junkie, I find myself routinely reaching for the latest innovators while incessantly following the instagram of Eva Chen.  That girl knows a thing or two about beauty for sure.  Through it all, I am always finding new items fit for falling in love with.  This leave-in conditioner  from J.Crew is definitely on that list.  What started with RMS beauty is steadily evolving into a cult following for the much-loved by me brand.  These little charmings are also hard to resist.

Another up and coming brand that I'm really into right now is It Cosmetics.  Born out of a true entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality, this little powerhouse is making major headlines and gaining speed.  Everything I've tried from the line so far is fantastic.  I'm especially enjoying this brilliant little face framing brow tool.

Finally, my favorite of the moment beauty crush is the YSL lip.  It lights up the face like nothing else and looks just runway perfect.  I simply adore it.  What beauty all-stars are you loving lately?  Hope you're having a great week so far and thanks for visiting!

BEAUTY TRIFECTA

beauty

from my lips:  ysl // lancome // becca

eye appeal:  naked palette // it cosmetics // lancome

good hair day:  purely perfect // michael van clarke // j.crew sachajuan conditioner // bumble and bumble // living proof // j. crew sachajuan oil

Like so many well-known things, beauty really is a girl's best friend.  There's so much to love that it never gets old.  Today I'm highlighting the basic three elements that are the essentials when it comes to any beauty routine (skincare aside, as that is a whole other ballgame).  Lips, eyes and hair, those are the focal points everyone sees when they look at you.  I say let's make sure they always shine, sparkle and flow.  

As somewhat (ok, a major) self-proclaimed beauty junkie, I find myself routinely reaching for the latest innovators while incessantly following the instagram of Eva Chen.  That girl knows a thing or two about beauty for sure.  Through it all, I am always finding new items fit for falling in love with.  This leave-in conditioner  from J.Crew is definitely on that list.  What started with RMS beauty is steadily evolving into a cult following for the much-loved by me brand.  These little charmings are also hard to resist.

Another up and coming brand that I'm really into right now is It Cosmetics.  Born out of a true entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality, this little powerhouse is making major headlines and gaining speed.  Everything I've tried from the line so far is fantastic.  I'm especially enjoying this brilliant little face framing brow tool.

Finally, my favorite of the moment beauty crush is the YSL lip.  It lights up the face like nothing else and looks just runway perfect.  I simply adore it.  What beauty all-stars are you loving lately?  Hope you're having a great week so far and thanks for visiting!

Read more »

Bobbi Brown Eye Palette // Creme de la Mer // Sultra // NARS // MAC Look in a Box // Julep Nail Trio // Volupsa Candles // T3 'The Party Couple' // Beauty Blender // Kate Somerville

One of my favorite daily treats is reaching into my makeup bag and pulling out something fun and new to play with.  Great colors, fun kits and new products are always so enticing!  Of course, I have come to love certain products and brands that have become my favorites because of the incredible job they do.  Some of my tried and true must-haves include the iconic Bobbi Brown and her gorgeous palettes.  What I love about Bobbi is the way she makes it so simple for everyone to achieve that natural beauty look.  Her colors are always flattering and the pigments hold true.  Every palette is so well-crafted that even the make-up shy novice can achieve pro-looking results without looking made up.  That being so, I am beyond excited to use her latest Nude on Nude kit made exclusively for Nordstrom.  The twelve mix and match shades can give you everything from a fresh-faced at the beach to a smokey eye that meets him for drinks look.  In order for any make-up line to look its best, you really want your skin to be its healthiest too.  In order to make that happen, proper hydration is a must.  Few creams work more miracles than Creme de la Mer.  Worth every penny.  Other top contenders in my skincare routine are these three pieces from Kate Somerville.  I use the trio whenever I want a vibrant healthy glow.  Naturally, no beauty roundup would be complete without a few results-oriented haircare tools.  I'm personally head over heels for my T3 hairdryer.  Light, quiet and quick, my only regret is that I didn't get it in this lovely shade of pink.  Once my hair is dry, a few quick passes with this single pass compact iron are all my (newly short! more on that another day) hair needs to be styled with sass.   If you're really ready to fall in love, then I recommend getting both pieces with The Party Couple.

Shop more of my beauty favorites below and at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this weekend.  Sale starts on Friday with early access for Nordstrom card holders happening now.  Enjoy!

Bobbi Brown Eye Palette // Creme de la Mer // Sultra // NARS // MAC Look in a Box // Julep Nail Trio // Volupsa Candles // T3 'The Party Couple' // Beauty Blender // Kate Somerville

NORDSTROM, YOU'RE SO PRETTY

beauty

Bobbi Brown Eye Palette // Creme de la Mer // Sultra // NARS // MAC Look in a Box // Julep Nail Trio // Volupsa Candles // T3 'The Party Couple' // Beauty Blender // Kate Somerville

One of my favorite daily treats is reaching into my makeup bag and pulling out something fun and new to play with.  Great colors, fun kits and new products are always so enticing!  Of course, I have come to love certain products and brands that have become my favorites because of the incredible job they do.  Some of my tried and true must-haves include the iconic Bobbi Brown and her gorgeous palettes.  What I love about Bobbi is the way she makes it so simple for everyone to achieve that natural beauty look.  Her colors are always flattering and the pigments hold true.  Every palette is so well-crafted that even the make-up shy novice can achieve pro-looking results without looking made up.  That being so, I am beyond excited to use her latest Nude on Nude kit made exclusively for Nordstrom.  The twelve mix and match shades can give you everything from a fresh-faced at the beach to a smokey eye that meets him for drinks look.  In order for any make-up line to look its best, you really want your skin to be its healthiest too.  In order to make that happen, proper hydration is a must.  Few creams work more miracles than Creme de la Mer.  Worth every penny.  Other top contenders in my skincare routine are these three pieces from Kate Somerville.  I use the trio whenever I want a vibrant healthy glow.  Naturally, no beauty roundup would be complete without a few results-oriented haircare tools.  I'm personally head over heels for my T3 hairdryer.  Light, quiet and quick, my only regret is that I didn't get it in this lovely shade of pink.  Once my hair is dry, a few quick passes with this single pass compact iron are all my (newly short! more on that another day) hair needs to be styled with sass.   If you're really ready to fall in love, then I recommend getting both pieces with The Party Couple.

Shop more of my beauty favorites below and at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this weekend.  Sale starts on Friday with early access for Nordstrom card holders happening now.  Enjoy!

Bobbi Brown Eye Palette // Creme de la Mer // Sultra // NARS // MAC Look in a Box // Julep Nail Trio // Volupsa Candles // T3 'The Party Couple' // Beauty Blender // Kate Somerville

Read more »

Summertime entails a lot of what we love....laid back days, easy styles, dress it up or dress it down events and all the fabulous hairstyles you could want to complement each of these moments.  Whether going casual while heading to the beach or glamming it up for your best friend's wedding, these hot summer hair looks are going to be just what you want.

1.  Braided:  Perfect for the sun and sand, a loose side braid is carefree and simple to pull off.  A beautiful benefit of this look?  Those loose and tousled waves you'll get when night falls and you're ready to turn it up a notch.  To get back from the beach waves try:  Bumble and bumble Sea Spray Set, $28.

2.  Pony Up:  Nothing says summertime chic better than a sleek ponytail.  Simple and to the point, this classic look shows off your beautiful features while keeping you cool.  Bonus points - you can work this one everywhere from barre class to date night by simply changing how high or low you go.  Keep your pony full of shine and swing using:  Nexxus Humectress Hydrating Deep Conditioner, $15.

3.  Long and Loose:  Sometimes the moment calls for us to simply let our hair down.  When that is the case, let your natural beauty shine by embracing your hair's texture and style.  Make hair happy and always protect your tresses with a great on-the-go repairing spray:  Rene Furterer No Rinse Moisturizing Spray, After Sun for Dehydrated Hair, $23.

4.  Angled Lob:  This year's of-the-moment cut, the long bob (aka "the lob") is being seen on women everywhere from L.A. to NYC and all the great places in between.  This cut is so fresh and appealing, I've been tempted to give it a try myself.  Easy to wear and simple to style, the lines of this look flatter almost any face shape.  Talk to your stylist to see which length and version work best for you.  No matter your choice, you can keep it looking its best with a fantastic styler:  Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray, $28.

5.  Sleek Bun:  Sophisticated yet simple, this is a favorite style not just in summer but all year round too.  So easy to pull off, a few twists and pins and voila, hair perfection.  Beside being a chic and effortless look, this style also allows you to treat your tresses to a little extra TLC.  Before securing your bun, spray in a nourishing hydrator:  Sally Hershberger Hyper Hydration Super Keratin Spray, $14.

Wishing you a beautiful Monday and thanks so much for reading!

XO,

HOT Summer Hair

angled bob

Summertime entails a lot of what we love....laid back days, easy styles, dress it up or dress it down events and all the fabulous hairstyles you could want to complement each of these moments.  Whether going casual while heading to the beach or glamming it up for your best friend's wedding, these hot summer hair looks are going to be just what you want.

1.  Braided:  Perfect for the sun and sand, a loose side braid is carefree and simple to pull off.  A beautiful benefit of this look?  Those loose and tousled waves you'll get when night falls and you're ready to turn it up a notch.  To get back from the beach waves try:  Bumble and bumble Sea Spray Set, $28.

2.  Pony Up:  Nothing says summertime chic better than a sleek ponytail.  Simple and to the point, this classic look shows off your beautiful features while keeping you cool.  Bonus points - you can work this one everywhere from barre class to date night by simply changing how high or low you go.  Keep your pony full of shine and swing using:  Nexxus Humectress Hydrating Deep Conditioner, $15.

3.  Long and Loose:  Sometimes the moment calls for us to simply let our hair down.  When that is the case, let your natural beauty shine by embracing your hair's texture and style.  Make hair happy and always protect your tresses with a great on-the-go repairing spray:  Rene Furterer No Rinse Moisturizing Spray, After Sun for Dehydrated Hair, $23.

4.  Angled Lob:  This year's of-the-moment cut, the long bob (aka "the lob") is being seen on women everywhere from L.A. to NYC and all the great places in between.  This cut is so fresh and appealing, I've been tempted to give it a try myself.  Easy to wear and simple to style, the lines of this look flatter almost any face shape.  Talk to your stylist to see which length and version work best for you.  No matter your choice, you can keep it looking its best with a fantastic styler:  Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray, $28.

5.  Sleek Bun:  Sophisticated yet simple, this is a favorite style not just in summer but all year round too.  So easy to pull off, a few twists and pins and voila, hair perfection.  Beside being a chic and effortless look, this style also allows you to treat your tresses to a little extra TLC.  Before securing your bun, spray in a nourishing hydrator:  Sally Hershberger Hyper Hydration Super Keratin Spray, $14.

Wishing you a beautiful Monday and thanks so much for reading!

XO,

Read more »

Hello girls!  There's nothing I love more than a great beauty post.  Except for maybe a summertime Friday.  Today I get to delight in both and so do you.  Every summer we all seem to covet the same few things when it comes to looking our best.  The top three:  A Flawless Glow, A Fresh Face and Lush and Healthy Hair (aka Your Crowning Glory).

Here are a few of my favorites from each category.  All are worth your time and money.  My top picks, however, are the standout favorites that I find work the best for me, are most worthy of their price tag and have earned a reserved spot in my beauty arsenal.  Here's what works...

YOU WANT:  A Flawless Glow

      A Few to Try:  Kate Somerville Towelettes provide a beautiful amount of believable color and are super convenient as the come packaged in single-use, sealed packets.  The only problem I find is that because they are colorless (think of a baby wipe), you always inadvertently end up missing a spot and are left with a telltale streak of "Oooops".  Neutrogena Micro-Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan had me curious before giving it a go.  I never understood how an aerosol delivery could evenly coat and color your skin.  I needn't question its ability, as this one just somehow miraculously achieves an evenly applied sunkissed glow.  Dalton Cosmetics Golden Pearl Bronzer is quite alluring with its promise of a hands-free, no dry time, non-transferrable tan.  While I discovered the first two to be true, I cannot say that my white clothes ever really fell for the third claim.

        One to Buy:  Neutrogena Micro-Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan, $10.  I am quite fair and I use the number two version.  The depth of color is enough to be noticeable, yet subtle enough to look real.  

YOU WANT:  A Fresh Face

      A Few to Try:  Laura Gellar is so good at creating the products you want and need to help you look your loveliest.  Her cult favorite primer, known simply as Spackle, targets fine lines, pores and uneven skin surfaces to give you a smooth, makeup ready canvas.  All be told, this primer is hard to beat.  Mally Roncal gives it a go, however, with the creation of her Mally Poreless Face Defender.  As the name implies, this product aims to keep your skin flawless and fresh without even a hint of any cakey or powdery residue.  This one is another great bet.  MAC  is never one to be left out of a cosmetic competition and the shine-prevention wars are no exception. Their Skin Refined Zone Treatment from the 'Prep + Prime' line is fantastic.  It goes on unassumingly under makeup and holds oil, shine and make up meltdown at bay all day long.  Facing an exceptionally hot and humid kind of day?  Not to worry, simply dab a small amount of this liquid wonder atop your skin and voila, you are instantly and beautifully refreshed.

        One to Buy:  MAC Skin Refined Zone Treatment, $21. While all three of these choices are fabulous in their own right, my summer go-to has to be this miracle liquid from MAC.  One tube will last you the entire season right into the fall, at which point, you'll addicted to its magic and wanting to wear it all year round.

  

YOU WANT:  A Crowning Glory

      A Few to Try:  Ojon Volume Advance Volumizing Conditioner.  Straight from the rainforest, this hydrating conditioner will infuse your hair with lush, supple moisture and leave out the heavy, weighed down feeling that can have us never wanting to condition ever again.  When your hair has enjoyed a few too many days at the beach, call for help from Phyto's Phytolisse Express Smoothing Mask.  As a fine haired girl, this is one I only use every now and again but when I do, my hair happily thanks me by behaving its bouncy best.  MIT science powerhouse Living Proof  has come up with some of the most innovative technology the beauty world has ever seen.  Their Restore Conditioner is just one more example.  Expressly formulated with Living Proof's moisture-controlling molecule, this conditioner restores the top layer of dry, damaged hair and brings it back to the smooth and shiny condition you once knew.

       One to Buy:  Ojon Volume Advance Volumizing Conditioner, $23.  The title of this one does not disappoint.  My fine hair never felt better, right after the first use.  I've even found that on days when your hair is looking dry or acting blah, sweep it up into a ponytail and apply a quarter-sized dollop of this conditioner before heading to the gym.  Afterwards, simply rinse and shampoo and you are ready for a great night out.

Go ahead and try these few for yourself and see which are your "Ones to Buy".  No matter your personal preference, you won't be disappointed by these picks and you'll end up with a few new fabulous favorites.  Have a beautiful weekend and thanks so much for reading!

XO,

SUMMER BEAUTY: A Few to Try, One to Buy

beauty

Hello girls!  There's nothing I love more than a great beauty post.  Except for maybe a summertime Friday.  Today I get to delight in both and so do you.  Every summer we all seem to covet the same few things when it comes to looking our best.  The top three:  A Flawless Glow, A Fresh Face and Lush and Healthy Hair (aka Your Crowning Glory).

Here are a few of my favorites from each category.  All are worth your time and money.  My top picks, however, are the standout favorites that I find work the best for me, are most worthy of their price tag and have earned a reserved spot in my beauty arsenal.  Here's what works...

YOU WANT:  A Flawless Glow

      A Few to Try:  Kate Somerville Towelettes provide a beautiful amount of believable color and are super convenient as the come packaged in single-use, sealed packets.  The only problem I find is that because they are colorless (think of a baby wipe), you always inadvertently end up missing a spot and are left with a telltale streak of "Oooops".  Neutrogena Micro-Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan had me curious before giving it a go.  I never understood how an aerosol delivery could evenly coat and color your skin.  I needn't question its ability, as this one just somehow miraculously achieves an evenly applied sunkissed glow.  Dalton Cosmetics Golden Pearl Bronzer is quite alluring with its promise of a hands-free, no dry time, non-transferrable tan.  While I discovered the first two to be true, I cannot say that my white clothes ever really fell for the third claim.

        One to Buy:  Neutrogena Micro-Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan, $10.  I am quite fair and I use the number two version.  The depth of color is enough to be noticeable, yet subtle enough to look real.  

YOU WANT:  A Fresh Face

      A Few to Try:  Laura Gellar is so good at creating the products you want and need to help you look your loveliest.  Her cult favorite primer, known simply as Spackle, targets fine lines, pores and uneven skin surfaces to give you a smooth, makeup ready canvas.  All be told, this primer is hard to beat.  Mally Roncal gives it a go, however, with the creation of her Mally Poreless Face Defender.  As the name implies, this product aims to keep your skin flawless and fresh without even a hint of any cakey or powdery residue.  This one is another great bet.  MAC  is never one to be left out of a cosmetic competition and the shine-prevention wars are no exception. Their Skin Refined Zone Treatment from the 'Prep + Prime' line is fantastic.  It goes on unassumingly under makeup and holds oil, shine and make up meltdown at bay all day long.  Facing an exceptionally hot and humid kind of day?  Not to worry, simply dab a small amount of this liquid wonder atop your skin and voila, you are instantly and beautifully refreshed.

        One to Buy:  MAC Skin Refined Zone Treatment, $21. While all three of these choices are fabulous in their own right, my summer go-to has to be this miracle liquid from MAC.  One tube will last you the entire season right into the fall, at which point, you'll addicted to its magic and wanting to wear it all year round.

  

YOU WANT:  A Crowning Glory

      A Few to Try:  Ojon Volume Advance Volumizing Conditioner.  Straight from the rainforest, this hydrating conditioner will infuse your hair with lush, supple moisture and leave out the heavy, weighed down feeling that can have us never wanting to condition ever again.  When your hair has enjoyed a few too many days at the beach, call for help from Phyto's Phytolisse Express Smoothing Mask.  As a fine haired girl, this is one I only use every now and again but when I do, my hair happily thanks me by behaving its bouncy best.  MIT science powerhouse Living Proof  has come up with some of the most innovative technology the beauty world has ever seen.  Their Restore Conditioner is just one more example.  Expressly formulated with Living Proof's moisture-controlling molecule, this conditioner restores the top layer of dry, damaged hair and brings it back to the smooth and shiny condition you once knew.

       One to Buy:  Ojon Volume Advance Volumizing Conditioner, $23.  The title of this one does not disappoint.  My fine hair never felt better, right after the first use.  I've even found that on days when your hair is looking dry or acting blah, sweep it up into a ponytail and apply a quarter-sized dollop of this conditioner before heading to the gym.  Afterwards, simply rinse and shampoo and you are ready for a great night out.

Go ahead and try these few for yourself and see which are your "Ones to Buy".  No matter your personal preference, you won't be disappointed by these picks and you'll end up with a few new fabulous favorites.  Have a beautiful weekend and thanks so much for reading!

XO,

Read more »

Here are the hair, skin and nail innovations I'm currently coveting.  Each one will enhance what you already love about yourself.  Pick your faves and enjoy the beautiful you.

Have a gorgeous Tuesday!

XOXO

What I'm Loving Now.....BEAUTY by chicsaturday 

What I'm Loving Now.....BEAUTY

art

Here are the hair, skin and nail innovations I'm currently coveting.  Each one will enhance what you already love about yourself.  Pick your faves and enjoy the beautiful you.

Have a gorgeous Tuesday!

XOXO

What I'm Loving Now.....BEAUTY by chicsaturday 

Read more »