xoxo
Urban Decay Naked Illuminating Beauty Balm; bareMinerals Original Foundation ; Urban Decay Naked Flushed Face: Of all the BB creams I've tried, this illuminating formula from Urban Decay definitely takes the cake. It blends in super smooth and non-greasy, and the look is like my skin but better. (In general, I'm loving the new NAKED skin collection from Urban Decay.) I've used bareMinerals since moving to California, and well if it ain't broke, don't fix it. It's just the perfect amount of coverage for my skin. When it comes to bronzers and blushes, I switch them out all the time, but for now, I'm loving the "just spent my afternoon at the beach" flushed look of this one. Urban Decay Original Naked Palette; CoverGirl Flamed Out Mascara; Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Liner Eyes: For daytime, I go with a quick swipe of gold shadow and mascara to keep things pretty minimal. To amp things up at night, I'll add in a couple more shadows from this NAKED palette (you really can't go wrong with this one) and line lightly with black eyeliner. This "24/7 Velvet" version from Urban Decay is seriously the easiest, smoothest liner I've tried. Body: These days I'm religious about sunscreen, and for a day at the beach, I usually use SPF 70 on my face. Neutrogena is definitely my favorite line of sun protection. This Beach Defense lotion (also available in a spray) is my current staple, but I'll pretty much try anything new they come out with. This new body balm by Urban Decay adds the perfect amount of bronze to disguise my level of pale. Olay Fresh Effects (Everything Off) Makeup Removal Wet Cloths; Olay Fresh Effects (Dew Over) Hydrating Gel Moisturizer; Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater The Extras: I am addicted to makeup remover cloths, and these are great. It's so quick and easy to just wipe off the day. The hydrating gel is perfect for morning or night and feels amazing on my skin. I really love it for the hot weather because it dries completely grease-free. The Mario Badescu spray is something I recently picked up on a whim, and I'm loving it already. During a hot day, a couple of spritzes over my makeup is so cooling and refreshing, and the smell of rosewater lingers for a while. I keep it in my purse at all times. While fall is my favorite season for fashion, summer is my favorite time to experiment with skincare and makeup. I look for lightweight products that give a slightly dewy finish and can withstand the heat. Above I'm sharing a few of my tried and true products for the warm weather ahead, but I'd love to hear from you. What are some of your favorite skincare or makeup must-haves? xoxo
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It's no secret around here that I'm a big fan of Olay, and their new line of Regenerist Luminous products are probably some of my favorite ones yet. The three products in the line (featured above) work together to reveal beautifully glowing, healthy, pearlescent skin in just two weeks. While I've been a fan of the moisturizer for a while, the other two products were new to me, and I quickly became a fan. After testing these out for a couple weeks, my skin is more even-toned and moisturized, just in time for summer. The three products include:
xoxo In my handbag:
For Brunching: Banana Republic skirt; Cabi shirt (c/o); Sam Edelman heels (sold out, but love these) In my makeup bag:
For the Pre-FABB Cocktail Parties: Equipment blouse; Sanctuary leggings; Joe's heels; Karen London bracelet In my suitcase: BCBGeneration heels; Pantene Pro-V Blowout Extend Dry Shampoo; Pantene Pro-V Root Reboot Dry Shampoo; Nine West blue suede heels This week I'm gearing up for my fourth Lucky FABB (Fashion and Beauty Bloggers') Conference, and I'm just as excited as ever. This time I'll be joining my fellow New Voices of Beauty bloggers and COVERGIRL, Olay Fresh Effects, Pantene, and Secret to take in the conference and then chat beauty and blogging on a panel during day two. While my outfit for day one is still in the works (no minute like the last minute), I've definitely begun setting aside my beauty essentials and a few fashion staples. I'm so, so excited to see old friends, meet a few new ones, and take in Lucky FABB #4. Who else is going? xoxo Disclosure: This post is sponsored by COVERGIRL, Olay Fresh Effects, Pantene, and Secret, but all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make My Style Diaries possible.
When it comes to beauty products, I've definitely tried out my fair share. What can I say? I'm a beauty junkie, and I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to test out a ton. Products can come and go; lipsticks will be in and out of my favor; but these few goodies are constantly in my makeup bag and, well, on my face. So I figured I'd share, but I want to hear from you! What eye products are on your gotta-have-em, can't run out list? xoxo 1. Urban Decay Naked Palette $52 - My everyday go-to for eye shadow and liner is a gold and brown palette, and this one obviously has a lot of them. The pigment is rich, and the powder formulas stay put. By now there are three different versions of this palette, and while they're all good, I'm still partial to the original. Depending on what you're going for, you can layer on a little or a lot, and I like to wet the brush and use it for lining. 2. Olay Fresh Effects Bright on Schedule Eye Awakening Cream $13 - As I get older, dark circles and puffiness under my eyes are definitely some of my main concerns when it comes to my beauty regimen, and travel, late nights, and early mornings definitely don't help. This Olay eye cream is something I never skip. The cream feels amazing, and the metal rolling balls on the applicator stay pretty cold to help with the under-eye puffiness. Love it. 3. Marc Jacobs Beauty Remedy Concealer Pen $39 - I scooped this up on a whim a few months ago and never looked back. It's an amazing under-eye concealer that actually has an eye treatment in it, and the effect is hydrating, smoothing, and brightening. Plus, the metal tip also helps to de-puff. On a day when I'm "wearing no makeup", I'll wear it alone with a little powder and mascara, and although it's a bit pricey, it's a definite keeper. 4. CoverGirl LashBlast Bombshell Mascara $9 - Double-ended and equipped with two types of brushes, I really do think that this mascara lengthens and volumizes. (I know, I sound like a commercial.) It's one of those formulas that you can build and build without clumps, and when it comes to mascara, you pretty much can't ask for more than that. Images via Getty Images I've mentioned it a time or two, but I'll say it again: I love awards season. And while the dresses (and shoes and jewels) tend to be the main event, there's also a ton of inspiration to be drawn from the hair and makeup statements throughout the night. The fun part is taking a dramatic red carpet beauty look and incorporating it into your everyday routine, so I'm teaming up with CoverGirl, Olay, Pantene, and Secret to bring a little Hollywood glamour into your real life. At this year's Golden Globes, Reese Witherspoon was doing her classic, girl-next-door thing that she does so well, and I thought her makeup was so understated and pretty. Her bronze-y, copper-ish liner seriously brought out her blue eyes, but the star of the show was definitely her flawless skin. As I get older, I'm paying much closer attention to my skin and the products that I use, and Olay products have become a true ally. Recently I've been religiously using Olay's Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream, and I can already see a real difference in my skin. When you feel good about your skin, the rest of your makeup is a breeze. After a bit of blush, a pinkish-nude lipgloss, and a coppery shadow used with a heavy hand as liner, I finished off the look with CoverGirl's new Bombshell Volume by LashBlast Mascara. It's a two-step mascara that can be layered and layered to add maximum drama. In the hair department, well, I never met a heat styler I didn't like, and product overload doesn't scare me. Thanks to Pantene's new Damage Detox Deep Clean Purifying Shampoo, I'm getting the gunk out and working on taming my mane a la Reese. Final step before heading out? Secret's new Destinations Collection in Paris Romantic Rose - smells amazing and lasts forever. (48 hours is the promise, and I'm a believer.) To take this look out for dinner with the girls, leather skinnies, an easy tee, and a few gold accessories are all you need. Which red carpet beauty looks will you be recreating this season? xoxo Disclosure: This post is sponsored by P&G Beauty, but all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make My Style Diaries possible.
Wearing: Blank NYC leather pants; LOFT tank; Gap jacket (similar); Report Signature flats; Kristin Perry necklace (c/o) VAULT This year, P&G and Walgreens are teaming up with Tim Gunn and the 2014 People's Choice Awards, and recently I had the chance to meet with Tim Gunn and Marsha Chilko, North American Beauty Training Manager & Ambassador for P&G, to get an exclusive look at some of P&G's new and exciting products and trends. Along with a few other bloggers, I met at a Walgreens in LA and took a little tour of its seriously stocked beauty section. We then got to have a little sit-down with Tim to talk about all things beauty and fashion, and I must say, he's just as kind and interesting to chat with as you might expect. Overall, it was a really great morning, and I'm so happy that P&G and Walgreens gave me the chance to attend. We left with a super sweet "Fab Bag" stuffed with products from P&G and Walgreens, from makeup to razors to toothpaste, including my five favorites above. 5 Fab Favorites: 1. Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter $5 - This body wash smells amazing and gives a great lather, leaving your skin smooth and moisturized. 2. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream $30 - When it comes to hydration, it's hard to beat Olay Regenerist products. I use this one morning and night and have seen a huge difference in my skin since I started using it. 3. Crest 3D Whitestrips 1-Hour Express $55 - Whiter teeth in just one hour - what's not to love? 4. CoverGirl TruMagic The Skin Perfector $10 - Because I want my skin to be hydrated but never shiny, this is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. It's a clear formula creates instant matte perfection and works alone (for those minimal makeup days) or on top of your normal makeup. 5. CoverGirl Bombshell Volume Mascara $10 - This two-step mascara builds and builds for serious volume and length. And now for the fun part. Thanks to P&G and Walgreens, I'm giving away one "Fab Bag" (like the ones being given out at the People's Choice Awards) packed with goodies to one lucky reader. Use the entry form below to enter, and one winner will be chosen on January 8th. Also, mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 8th at 9pm ET and watch Tim Gunn live on red carpet one hour before the People's Choice Awards (8pm ET) to see all of the fabulous looks. Good luck, everyone!
xoxo With all the shopping and shindigs and general hustle and bustle of the holidays, the winter weather and stress can really take a toll on your skin. Above are a few of my favorite products to fight the winter blues beauty blues and get back your glowing skin, just in time for the new year. Plus, one lucky reader will win three of the products, so don't forget to enter below! Happy Friday! xoxo Get Glowing! 1. mum + bub soothing ointment $16 - This naturally-derived ointment from trusted baby brand aden + anais is the end-all cure for skin problems from chapped lips to cracked feet (and diaper rash, for the babies in your life). During the winter months, my lips are constantly dry and chapped, so I use this ointment every night before bed to soothe and protect my pout. (Enter to win below!) 2. Kathleen Neilson Ultimate Scrub $32 - Created by a Newport Beach-based aesthetician, this scrub is a gentle and effective way to buff away dead skin and general garbage that has settled on your face. Kathleen and her clientele have some of the best skin that I've ever seen. Seriously, she knows what she's doing. (And her facials are pretty much to-die-for if you're in the Orange County areas.) (Enter to win below!) 3. Manna Kadar Sheer Glow $29 - This one I received as part of my last Wantable box, and I'm hooked. (If you aren't familiar with Wantable, it's a really great subscription or one-time beauty, accessories, or lingerie box. You take a quick quiz, and they send you a box with only the things you're interested in. It's a great way to discover new favorites, like I did.) One little pump of this stuff is all you need for cheeks, the bridge of your nose, eyelids, and brows for an allover glow. 4. Kathleen Neilson Radiance Boost $32 - Use this topical exfoliator on its own or in combination with the Ultimate Scrub. This solution contains fruit acids to help lift skin discolorations, minimize pores, and reveal clearer, more radiant skin. (Enter to win below!) 5. Intelligent Nutrients Anti-Aging Total Body Elixir $52 - (Because your face isn't the only skin that needs a little love.) I was never one to use oils on my face or body, but this one changed my mind. It's pretty thick and doesn't leave me greasy. I use it as an amazing body moisturizer right when I get out of the shower, and the smell is amazing. Enter to Win These! Enter to win the products above using the prompts below. Don't forget to leave a comment! Good luck!
When it comes to holiday (and birthday) gifts, nothing rocks my socks more than a gift card to one of my favorite places, and the happiness level really goes through the roof when it's beauty-related. This season I'm so excited to partner with ULTA to round up a few favorite gifts for the beauty lover in your life (and let's be honest, a treat or two for yourself). I headed into ULTA recently armed with a gift card and quickly went beauty buck-wild. When I walked in, I was immediately distracted by a table of gift sets. Who can resist beauty gift sets packed to the brim with everything you "need"? Not me, sister, not me. Probably my biggest score of the day was this ULTA Beauty Box filled with 74 different products - 48 Eye Shadows, 3 Eye Primers, 6 Cream Eye Liners, 2 Dual Ended Eye Liners, 3 Brow Definers, 2 Mini Lip Gloss Shades, 2 Lipsticks, 6 Cheek Powders, 1 Shimmer Powder, 1 Bronzer - all for under $20. It's perfect for any makeup lover, from your little cousin who's just starting to dabble to the full-blown beauty junkie in your office. The Urban Decay palette is just as versatile, with a full range of colors that'll please any eye makeup aficionado. After the gift set table sucked me in for longer than I care to admit, I cruised around looking for new lipsticks (which I need like a hole in my head, but hey, it's all about the gifting, right?). Swipes of 100 colors on my hand later, I came across this little duo from BareMinerals. It's the perfect little pink and berry combo, and the price is perfect for giving. In Southern California, a good bronzer or highlighter is pretty much a safe bet for anyone, and I love these two versions above. If makeup isn't really your thing (or, ahem, the people on your list), then perfume is always a welcomed little treat. If you know someone's preferred scent, then a bottle of their favorite is the clear way to go, but if you're unsure, I love the idea of surprising them with something new in the form of a rollerball or purse spray. It's a small investment that could lead to them finding a new favorite. Oh, and bonus, if you spend over $40 on any frangrance, you'll take home the coziest, yummiest robe for free. (To give or keep, up to you.) I left feeling like the happiest kid running out of the biggest candy store. If you're still feeling stuck for ideas, check out ULTA's holiday gift guide for the perfect gift for everyone on your list. xoxo Shop These Gifts: 1. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue $69 2. Philosophy Amazing Grace Satin Finish Oil Mist $26 3. Smashbox Baked Fusion Softlights $26 4. Urban Decay Vice 2 Eye Palette $59 5. Ulta Beauty Box in Red $18 - Super Steal! 6. Marc Jacobs Honey Perfume $92 7. Urban Decay Naked Shimmering Powder for Face and Body $29 8. BareMinerals Pout Loud Set $19 ULTA Beauty is not just another store for holiday shopping; it's an exciting wonderland of beauty products that make great gifts, stocking stuffers and personal treats. This year, ULTA is filled with a dazzling variety of holiday treasures that are sure to delight your friends, family, loved ones, and even yourself! Disclosure: Compensation was provided by ULTA Beauty via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of ULTA Beauty.
Guys, I'm freaking out here. I'm so beyond thrilled to be one of eight finalists in the New Voices of Beauty campaign from P&G and Lucky Magazine. (If you're not familiar with P&G, you may have heard of a few of their brands: Olay, Pantene, Cover Girl, Secret... ringing a bell? I thought so.) It all started a few weeks ago, right before Lucky FABB. Lucky sent out an email looking for style and beauty bloggers to audition for the contest. No brainer, I signed up. On Day 2 of Lucky FABB, those of us who wanted the opportunity to interview found ourselves outside the Lucky offices, patiently (nervously, really) waiting our turns. (This is also when I scored my Anna Wintour sighting, chronicled here. So thanks for that, P&G.) Fast forward to this week, and I found out that I made the final round. (Super sweet birthday present. Thanks, Lucky!)
A beauty junkie and longtime fan of P&G products (shoutout to Olay's CC Cream, my everyday face regulator), I'm so excited to be a part of this contest. It would be amazing to win and become one of the New Voices of Beauty. (Has a nice ring to it, no?) In order to win, I need your votes, so please head over to the contest page and vote, vote, vote! (Oh, and you can check out my slightly shaky and fully honest interview video above. I had just seen Anna Wintour. Give me a break.) Thanks so much to everyone who has already voted! I'm so excited by the votes so far. xoxo I've had an obsession with makeup and all things beauty since high school, but experimenting with colors is something I've recently started trying. My grandma was an "Avon lady" back in the day (and I hear she was your go-to gal for all your makeup needs), so I'm really excited to team up with the iconic brand to check out The New Collection, their latest line of makeup that is filled with bold colors that pop (and last!). Avon's promise? The New Collection will help you achieve a fresh, ready to wear look that won't fade over time in under five minutes. Hands-down my favorite product in the mix is the Ultra Color Lipstick in Rich Ruby. The bold red makes such a strong statement, and the color lasted all day. While I usually stick with golds and browns for shadow and liner, I really love how this purple palette makes blue eyes pop. I used shade 1 as a highlighter, shades 2 and 3 on my lids, and lined my eyes with shade 4. The mascara applicator is definitely unlike any I've seen, but works really well. It bends to whatever angle you'd like, and I applied with sort of a paintbrush motion. My lashes were separated, lengthened, and just like I like 'em. The gloss is an easy product to throw in your bag and use anytime you could use a little midday pick-me-up. Overall I really loved all the products that I tried and had to choose a colorful outfit to match. Playing with bold colors in makeup adds a whole new dimension to getting dressed and rocking fall trends, and I think my grandma would be proud of the Avon of today. xoxo We make it easy, you make it beautiful. “Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Avon via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Avon.”
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