Kitten Eyes

An ode to the dramatic 60's style cat eyeliner, kitten eyes are popping up everywhere.  I am not a huge fan of tons of eye make up, as I like more natural looks, so I think this is the perfect way to wear eyeliner.

Here is a pic of Nicole Richie sporting the more dramatic version. I think it looks good, but it's not so much an every day look.  She is at the Oscars in this pic.  Obviously a dramatic look like this would be a bit over the top for most situations.

As you can see below, the played down version is so pretty! Still defines your eyes and gives them a little pop but looks much more natural!

To get this look, you need a liquid liner (or fine tipped liner pencil).  Paint it close to your lash line and flick it up at the corners.  Careful not to go back and forth too many times because it will get messed up.  You can use a Q tip and some eye make up remover to perfect the shape.  At the end it should look something like this:

Here are some other celebs sporting the look!

Alicia Keys

Probably the biggest connoisseur of winged eye liner, Kate Moss

Jessica Alba



My personal favorite, Gwen Stefani

Practice makes perfect!!

New Eyeliner

I am such a sucker for cosmetic ads on TV and in magazines. They always make the products look like such miracle workers and I fall for it every time! Argh!

About 95% of the time the products suck and don't do what they say they do, but once in a while you find a good one. And guess what, I found one! Maybelline Master Drama Eyeliner.




See, how can you say no to an ad like that!? Other than great target marketing, it is just an all around great eyeliner. It is reallllly easy to apply (applying eyeliner definitely is NOT my strongsuit), goes on so smooth and doesn't run or smudge at all. You can create a dramatic look or a daytime look but just applying above the top lash.

I think it's the best drug store eyeliner I have used, and I have tried a lot. Seal of approval! Click on pic to buy.

Current Obsession: Ombre Hair

The "e" in ombre is supposed to have a little accent mark over it, but I don't know how to do that on a keyboard (and I don't feel like googling it) so just bear with me here.

Is ombre hair not the cutest, smartest hairstyle ever invented?? I am pretty sure it's one of those hairstyles where in 20 years we will look and be like WTF were we thinking! But for now, I think it's sooo cute. For starters, it adds an element of style to otherwise boring haircuts. It also allows us to get our hair colored way less often which is a huge plus! Cuts down on cost and helps your hair's health because of less processing.

I am in the beginning stages of my ombre (only like a year too late). I am just growing out my blonde for a few months and then I will have to get the root colored blended to the outgrown blonde. The key to the ombre is to not look like its grown out roots, hence the term "ombre" which refers to the graduated or shaded effect of color. Think of it like a rainbow, all the colors blend together, you can't really see where one starts and ends.

Another cool thing about this hair style is that you can vary the versions of it. It can be subtle like Jessica Biel's above, or more drastic like Guliana Rancic below.


Cute, right!

My goal hairstyle is below. Here's to hoping!

MAKE UP FOR EVER Waterproof Mascara

What woman wants to be seen with no make up on? Not me, that's fosho! Even at the pool. Obviously you can't keep your make up on if you dunk your head under, but there if there is one thing that can save you, it's waterproof mascara.

I found this AMAZING one at Sephora. It.works.wonders. I wish I could wear it every single day, but it is too hard to get off for that.





It's an absolute must for summer. Click on link to buy from Sephora. It's a little pricey but well worth it.

Ole Henriksen Ultimate Eye Lift Gel

Well, since I wake up every morning with a new wrinkle, my skin care regimen is getting crazier as the days pass. I am always on the prowl for anything to help me look younger.

I went to Sephora a couple weeks ago to buy some much needed lip gloss (because I only have 250 tubes in my collection) and when I was leaving, they were handing out free samples of this eye gel. I of course put some on as soon as I got in my car to leave and immediately fell in love. It gives a little cooling sensation and instantly depuffs and brightens your eyes.

As soon as I ran out of my sample, I went and bought it from Sephora. I have been using it every morning for 3 weeks now and I see a major difference. It is a miracle worker. All my crows feet are almost gone and I have no dark circles. When used under eye primer, makes your make up sooo smooth. Click on pic above to purchase.


Stamp of Approval!

Smart Idea

L'Oreal One Sweep Eye Shadow. Kind of genius, right? Well, in theory I suppose. I haven't tried it yet (I am not a big eye make up girl), but I am curious to see how it works.

It really is a great idea, taking the guess work and artistry out of applying eye shadow. Let's face it, only like 5% of the female population knows how to do it good. Another cool thing about it is (presumably), it only takes a few seconds to apply. I know when I do eye make up, it takes AT LEAST 20 minutes.

They have a label on the package with eye color and that's your key to picking which color palette you should get. They have "natural" and "playful" choices.



I am kind of an eye make up snob and don't like to wear drug store brands. I am sure one of the high brands will come out with something like this soon. I might just try this L'Oreal one to see if it actually works. I must admit I am little skeptic of that eyelid pad thingy, how will it blend? Might have to doctor it up a little with a real brush.

If anyone tries it, let me know how it goes!

Cuticle Cream

Gosh, my self maintenence is really starting to become a full time job. Found another thing to add to the list!

I always have dry cuticles, I think it is because I wash my hands too much. I thought going in for manicures was the best way to get rid of them, but my dry cuticles would be back the very next day. I got to the point where I was getting a manicure like every 7-10days which is ridiculous! I am pretty good at painting my nails so all I really needed was a solution for my dry cuticles.

I found this cream at Walgreens by Sally Hansen. It literally works wonders on dry cuticles and also nourishes your nails. It's really cheap and you can carry it with you in your purse.

Best. Mascara. Ever.

Finally God has shed his light on me and I have found "the one." I am so ecstatic. My happiness has increased by 100% the last 2 days because my lashes are bangin! It's the little things in life :)



That's kind of a crappy picture but I used it so you could see the brush. It has a million little rubber bristles so it fans and separates lashes perfectly. The tube also has this special thing in the opening that takes the excess mascara off of the wand so it doesn't clump. Brilliant. The formula is really thick too. I of course use 2 coats but it honestly looks fine with only 1. AND, drum roll, it only takes like 15 seconds to apply it. Heaven!

Dry Shampoo

I have oily hair and I hate it! Unfortunately, I can't wash and blow dry my hair every day because it's too fragile so I am always looking for ways to keep my hair looking "fresh" on the 2nd day.

I have tried MANY things in the past. I use baby powder a lot because it works well to soak up oil but it has some draw backs. The smell can be pretty strong, sometimes it makes your hair look gray, and it doesn't help with styling. I have also tried a bunch of dry shampoos that haven't been great. But it seems like lately, dry shampoos are gaining popularity and the quality has gone up a notch and there are some really good ones out there now!

This is my new favorite one from Tresemme. I like it because #1 It's cheap (I'm a sucker for a good deal!), #2 It smells good, #3 It adds volume, #4 IT WORKS!



I have learned the KEY to dry shampoo is after you spray it on, you must let it sit for atleast 2 minutes without touching it. And then comb it through and style as desired. If you don't let it sit, it won't work.

I got this from Target but I have seen it at Walgreens too. It really is a great deal, other brands I have tried run around $20.

Winter Skin

One annoying thing about the winter, beside the frigid temperatures, is what it does to your skin. I don't know about you guys, but my skin gets very dull, dry and lifeless in the winter. I always want a bright glowing complexion so here are the winter rules I follow:

1. Exfoliate 2x per day. I use this wash because it combats acne and sluffs off dead skin. It smells really good too.



2. Do anything and everything to get an even skin tone. This moisturizer is great from Clinique. Works wonders on sunspots and uneven skin tone and isn't greasy.



3. Don't wear too much make up. Foundation dries out your skin and can make you look dull so be careful with that. It's better to use a combo like this one from Jane Iredale. Concealer, foundation and powder all in one.


4. Secret Weapon. High Beam from Benefit. Can't live without it. I think I discovered this when I was 14 and haven't gone a day without it. It's a miracle worker, especially in the winter!


5. ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN. Always always always!!

Time to Update Your Hair!

I see women all the time with the most outdated hairstyles. It kind of drives me crazy. I mean, if you have had the same hair style for more than 20 years, you might want to contemplate a change.

I totally understand how a woman could fall into this trap. You found a hairstyle that's trendy, that looks great, that's easy.. what's not to love? So you keep that hairstyle for a year, for 3 years, for 5 years and before you know it, it is 20 years later and you still have that crimp perm with bangs.

I know it's is hard to break out of your comfort zone when it comes to hair, but trying something new usually ends up making you look and feel great! And remember, it's hair, it grows back!!!

So go for it ladies!!!!


JK

How to Look Cute in Pictures

And by cute, I mean skinny. Well, there's the obvious answer, Spanx, but there's also ways to pose that that can minimize you!

I am certainly not an expert on this topic, so I went searching and I found this helpful advice on about.com:

"Secret No. 1: Turn partially sideways to the camera, planting one foot in front of the other. Point your toe to the camera and place your weight on your back foot.

Secret No. 2: Pull head forward slightly to minimize any appearance of a double chin.

Secret No. 3: Hold arms slightly away from your body. This keeps upper arm flab from flattening out and therefore appearing flabbier (much like thighs do when one sits on a couch).

Secret No. 4: Pull shoulders back, chest forward and gently suck stomach in. Be careful not to suck stomach so far in that your ribs show, thereby causing those who later see the photo to cluck to themselves in a bemused, sing-song voice, "She's sucking i-in."

Secret No. 5: If you can get away with it without looking like a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Girl wannabe, try the look away trick. To do this, look away from the camera, then turn towards it, breaking into a smile just before the camera clicks. Your smile will appear fresh, not frozen. This trick takes practice behind closed, locked doors."

More tips for pics:

Dont take pics from the below. That will automatically make you look 50lbs heavier than you are.

Keep your fingers loose. I have been guilty of the stiff hand myself, it just looks weird.

Don't be too toothy-throw in a half smile now and again, they are cute and seductive!

It was touched on briefly above, but don't hold your smile before the pic. Smile at the last second because it looks more natural. When you hold it for too long, it looks totally fake.

The oldest trick in the book- wear black!

Mascara

Well those eyelashes are obviously fake but that is beside the point. We all want and, well let's face it, NEED thick and long, beautiful eyelashes. It's something that people always first notice when they look at you and having great lashes makes your eyes pop.

I have been on a life long quest to find the perfect mascara. I found it a few years ago but it was taken off the market about 6 months ago. Talk about a tragedy. Since then I have been on a mission to find a replacement that is just as good or better. This was the one I used before, people used to compliment me all the time and it was literally the perfect mascara. Great formula that elongated, thickened and separated perfectly, easy to apply and easy to wash off. Oh how I miss you Volume Shocking (tear).


I have tried almost everything out there. I buy atleast one new mascara per week. Though I haven't yet found "the one," I have found 3 that are decent that I would recommend. So here goes:

#1. Diorshow Blackout- Everyone knows this is one of the best mascaras out there. It's dark and dramatic and goes on pretty thick. The applicator isn't great and sometimes it can clump. I also feel like it dries out pretty quick, which sucks because it's expensive.


#2. Rimmel Max Bold Curves- This is the best one I have found so far. It goes on really thick, you only need one coat (even though I use 2) and the applicator is curved so it gets every lash. Also, it makes your eyelashes curl a little bit too which doesn't hurt ;)



#3 Rimmel Glam Eyes- Good mascara but needs a primer. It's not thick enough but if you put a primer on underneath your lashes will be huge! It has a pretty good applicator that is a straight brush but its made out of rubber or something so it bends a little.


If anyone out there has any recommendations for a dramatic and flake free mascara, please enlighten me!

Gel Nails

I am in love :) This product has been out on the market for a while but I have only had it done 2 times (once last night). It is nail product that is similar to nail polish except it's actually gel so it lasts wayyy longer and doesn't chip. What more could a girl ask for?

I am leaving for vacation tomorrow for 2 weeks and I don't want to have to worry about my nails while I am gone so I decided to opt for this instead of a regular manicure. It's a little pricey that's why I don't always get it but I had to splurge for this special occasion.

So I went last night to Elegant Nails on Lombard St (I am sure there are other places in the city that have it). This salon uses Axxium, which is OPI's brand of gel polish but there are other brands as well. I have seen 2 other brands, Shellac and Gelish at other salons. So they put the clear base coat gel on first and the color. Each coat has to dry under the UV light for like 2 or 3 minutes and when you take your hand out, it is COMPLETELY dry. Amazing right? One of the great things about it is that the polish comes out perfectly smooth and so shiny!! You can almost see yourself in it! The absolute best thing is that is lasts 2-4 weeks.

If you are in the East Bay want to try it out, they have Shellac at Bollinger Nails in Concord and Gelish at Livery Nails in Danville.

Teeth

Why do people walk around with yellow teeth? I ask myself this everyday. It's not the 90's anymore, there's plenty of great, cheap teeth whiteners out there.

I think it is disgusting when people don't take care of their mouths. Like, do you not realize you have dragon breath! And anyone within 3 feet can smell your nasty mouth. I wish that people would take more care of their teeth, it doesn't take that much effort. Brush at least 2x per day, floss 1x per day and throw some whitening strips on every once in while. Is that too much to ask?!?!?

So let's take a stand against dirty mouths! Every time you come across someone with bad mouth, offer them a piece of gum, recommend a great toothpaste or mouthwash, and drop a few lines about the importance of flossing. Hopefully they will get the hint!

Urban Honey for a clean mouthed America. This blog and it's readers must stand for something! Next step- Goodwill Ambassador!

Review on Neutrogena Clinical

I posted a few weeks ago a free trial of this stuff and if you didn't get it, YOU MISSED OUT.

I have been using it for almost 4 weeks, and I am seeing a major difference. My forehead wrinkles are shrinking AND so are my eye wrinkles. My eye wrinkles are almost completely gone! I am really surprised that it's working. People pay hundreds of dollars for wrinkle creams and this one was only $40. Well worth it! I got it for free so it makes it even sweeter! Bellissimo!!!

Nail Polish

I am obsessed with painting my nails. I paint them at least 3 times a week. My boyfriend thinks I am insane! (you know how guys can't stand the smell of nail polish) I absolutely cannot stand having chipped nail polish, it's pretty much my biggest pet peeve.

I used to have acrylic pink and whites for the longest time, but then I started to feel like they were so 90's and old school. I would always see celebs with cute colors and short nails so I decided to ditch the fakes. I like not having fake nails but it's definitely a lot more work to keep them looking nice.

So one conundrum I always run into is what color to paint my nails. I always want to paint them bright purple, pink or even blue but I hesitate because it doesn't seem really professional and I don't want to get dirty looks in the office. But is it not professional to have bright colors on your nails? I don't know!?!?

I usually will end up painting them a nude or light pink on the weekdays and then something bright and fun for Saturday and Sunday (that's about the extent of fun on my weekends ;) ) .

I think Revlon polish is really really good and it's not as pricey as OPI. It lasts a long time and it has a nice brush that makes it easier to paint. If you don't want your polish to chip you MUST use a good quality base and top coat and make sure your color coat and top coat are smooth, and try not to make it too thick. You are only supposed to put 3 brush strokes on each nail, one down the middle and one on each side. My experience with nail painting (which is quite extensive) has taught me that the KEY is to make the polish smooth and even, especially on the tips.

Try these base and top coats. I bought them from a nail salon but I have seen them both at CVS. They both run around $10.

Orly Rubberized Base Coat


Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

My award for best celeb nails goes to the one and only Lauren Conrad. You will never see her without perfectly painted nails :)

Jane Iredale Cosmetics

The picture may seem a bit extreme, but this line of make up seriously works miracles. It isn't that well known but it has been around for a while, since 1994. It was actually the very first line of "mineral make up."

I discovered it about 6 years ago when a friend introduced me to it. I had problem skin and would use MAC pressed powder and believe me, that wasn't helping at all. As soon as I started using Jane, my skin began to improve and look healthy. The pressed powder is honestly one of the best products I have ever come across. It is a concealer, foundation, powder and SPF all in one. It goes on beautifully and makes your skin look flawless. And trust me, it is a large task to make my skin look flawless.

Every person that I know that has tried it has fell in love with it and has never gone back to whatever crap they were using before. TRY this. It is amazing. It can be hard to find, but it is sold at a lot of skin spas and high end salons.

In the City: Beauty Network on Geary bt 21st & 22nd
East Bay: Hair and Make Up Studio at Vic Stewart Plaza in Brentwood (ask for Marla)

www.janeiredale.com

Neutrogena Clinical

I am always looking for new products to make my wrinkles go away. I don't have that many yet but it's good to nip them in the bud when they start to pop up so I use all kinds of wrinkle reducers.

I got this free trial for new Neutrogena Clinical. It's a $40 value! If you want to try it, you pay up front and then send in the receipt and UPC and they send you your money back. Kind of a lot of work but worth it, I think.

So you have 3 choices: You can get either the day cream, night cream or an eye treatment. I am going to Walgreens on my lunch break today to get the night cream.

Here is the link for the certificate. You must purchase by July 18th and return the receipt by July 31st so hurry up and get it!!

http://www.neutrogenaclinical.com/sites/default/files/NeutrogenaClinical_TryItFree_Rebate.pdf



xoxo

Toes

Poor little toes. Most of the time you are not cute, sometimes you are hairy, you get weird stuff stuck between you, you get stubbed, smashed, cut, blistered. Once in a while you get pampered but it doesn't really matter because after 2 days in heels you are back to your ugly selves. What to do??

I have noticed over the last few years, my feet have really taken a beating. Smashing then in tight shoes, tromping around the city in 4 inchers, what do I expect. I am always trying to find ways to take care of my feet because years of mistreating them can lead to painful problems like bunions and other bone problems. So I found this product that works wonders.



They're called Yoga Toes and they pretty much just stretch your toes and bones back to normal after they've been smashed in stilettos. When you first start using them it's a little uncomfortable but once you get used to them, they really relax your feet and ease tension. It will keep your feet from becoming disfigured because of constricting shoes.

I think these are about $40 but they have a knock off brand at Walgreen's for $10 bucks.

Give them a try, your feet will be happy!