August 29, 2011

Product Review: L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara - Carbon Black, D

Gaaah, I don't like writing less than stellar product reviews. And mind you, I've used L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara many times before. But something has radically changed about the formula...maybe it's because of the new "Carbon Black" shade...who knows.

L'Oreal at ShopStyle

Details from L'Oreal:

Uniquely formulated to resist clumping, soften lashes and build lashes to 5x their natural thickness. Unique maximizing formula quickly thickens and builds lashes in a single application for a full and dramatic lash look. The patented volume maximizing brush thickens lashes evenly and smoothly, leaving them soft with virtually no flakes, smudges or clumps. Formulated with panthenol and ceramide-R, protects and conditions lashes leaving them supple and soft to the touch resisting clumping and flaking.
  • Ophthalmologist and allergy tested
  • Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
  • Fragrance-free
Made in USA Place brush at base of lashes and gently sweep up to tip - no need to pump the wand. Removes easily with water.


My review:

The Good: The black is really really black. The brush does ensure volume and nicely separates the lashes.

The Bad: Holy raccoon eyes. Inside or outside, hot or cold, this mascara starts on my upper lashes and bleeds to my lower lashline. And not in an attractive way. In a, "Oops honey you have mascara running all across your under eyes."

The Verdict: D. I thought I would love this product again but the new color or formula has me throwing out a new tube of mascara after only a few uses. Sad mascara.

August 23, 2011

Fall Fashion Preview #2: Polka Dots

I have a few friends who hate polka dots. HATE polka dots. While they are most certainly entitled to their opinion, I adore a lady like polka dot blouse with some tailored paints or skinny jeans.

That being said, layering over polka dots would definitely minimize any Minnie Mouse issue you may have with the print. Or you could even toughen up the dots with chain jewelry, a leather jacket, vest, etc. Styling is pretty damn critical with a polka dot print.

So, how do you feel about polka dots?

August 20, 2011

Product Reviews: Short Hair Edition

Since it's been three or so weeks since I went for the big cut, I've been experimenting with a bunch of different products. As with most ladies' hair, mine usually looks better on day two vs. freshly washed.

Here's a quick & snappy list of what I've been diggin' on my locks!

1. Frederick Fekkhai Nonchalant Piecing and Forming Wax: $24 for 1.7 oz.
  • After my hair is dry I'll typically grab a tiny bit of wax, warm it up in my palms and massage it through the ends of my hair. This works especially well when I add a bit of "scrunch" at the ends of my tresses.
  • Expensive? Yes. But you really don't need to use much product and the scent and finish are fantastic. Soft, pliable yet structured.
Frederic Fekkai at ShopStyle

2. Suave Touchable Finish Hairspray: $2.74 for 9.4 oz.
  • Less than $3 and perfect for a quick, light hold
  • Even though I love Bumble & Bumble de mode, saving $17-$20 per bottle is most certainly worth a try
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3. Kevin Murphy Hair Resort: $22 -$32 for 5.1 oz.
  • Some lovely friends at Shine Salon gave me a sample of this incredible gel-like product.
  • Smells delicious and leaves incredible texture, shine and a great curl.











4. Garnier Fructis Glossing Spray: $3.34 for 3 oz.
  • For the occasions I do straighten my hair, sometimes I'll use a bit of the Fekkhai wax and other times I'll just add a touch of this product for softness and shine.
  • Instead of spraying directly on your hair, spray a very small amount on your hands so you can control the distribution. 
Garnier at ShopStyle

That's what I've been using as of late...any great hair products that we must know about?!

August 17, 2011

Celebrity Style Stalker: Emmanuelle Chriqui

Happy Wednesday to all!

It's been a while since I've put together a celeb style stalker post...and the lovely Emmanuelle Chriqui models a great ensemble to stalk!

Photo via:
Jimi Celeste/Patrick McMullan/Sipa
Effortless, chic and a big ole pop of '70s.

I've already added red skinnies to my fall fashion list but I really love these wide leg, cranberry pants. So let's recreate, shall we?!


So, red pants. Would you wear wide legged cranberry trousers? Red skinnies? '70s inspired gear?

August 9, 2011

Product Review: Stila Natural Eye Shadow Palette, A

Happy Tuesday to all!

It's been a little while since I posted a product review and I just have to positively rave about the new Stila Natural Eye Palette. I've heard pretty good things about this pretty little palette, so during my last trip to Sephora I went ahead and plunked down the $39 plus tax for this beauty.

You see, Stila makes some of my most favorite eye shadows and I see they're moving back towards "old school Stila" with well made, thoughtful palettes of all kinds. 

Stila at ShopStyle

Details from Sephora:
Natural Eye Shadow Palette ($118 Value)

What it is: A beautiful palette consisting of 10 natural Eye Shadow shades (including the best-selling shade Kitten) and a limited-edition Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner.

What it does: The new Natural Eye Shadow Palette is a beautiful collection of Stila's award-winning Eye Shadows in wearable, neutral shades for every skintone that can be worn wet or dry. The palette also includes an exclusive Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Damsel, a matte chocolate brown, and an eight-page lookbook with detailed how-to tips and tricks.

This set contains:
- 10 x 0.49 oz Eye Shadows in Bare (matte ivory), Kitten (shimmering nude pink), Bliss (matte nude), Sunset (copper shimmer), Sandstone (matte neutral brown), Champagne (pale gold shimmer), Gilded Gold (bronze with gold shimmer), Luster (deep gray with gold shimmer), Night Sky (slate blue with silver shimmer), Ebony (matte black)
- 0.01 oz Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Damsel (matte chocolate brown)

My Review:

The Good: I am so impressed with this palette. Sometimes awesome makeup companies put together palettes like this and skimp on the quality. I did not find that with the Natural Eye Shadow palette. Each shadow wears beautifully and is totally blendable. I honestly think any skin tone would do well with this palette. Plus, there's a sweet little how-to book included.

The Bad: Normally I'd whine about the $39 pricetag, but in this instance it's worth it because the shadows (and pretty smudgestick) are of great quality so you truly don't have to pile on the product to achieve the desired effect. I would, however, have loved an included mirror and/or brush in the palette...but that may have pushed up the price tag.

The Review: A all the way. If you like Stila shadow, want to try some beautiful neutrals, like to experiment with colors that are soft and easy and like palettes, you'll love it. I do.

August 3, 2011

Fall Fashion Preview: Trend #1: Mod

Even though I know many of you across the country are positively melting, fall is on the horizon. Yes, fall fashion trrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrends are comin'...whether mother nature is listening or not.

Trend #1 is a throwback to '70s mod. Shift dresses, wide trousers and brights! While shift dresses can hide a myriad of insecurities, I also dig the cool fabrics, patterns and overall gusto that comes along with these little dresses. On the runways, shift were paired with everything from bare legs to bright tights to skinny jeans, boots and turtlenecks. Yes, turtlenecks.

I'm a fan of shift dresses but always make sure that it's short enough on me. Sounds obvious, but a long shift on a vertically challenged lady looks all sorts of wrong. I'd even be game pairing said shift with opaque tights, a long sleeve tee and heels come fall.

What say you - are you shifting your mindset to fall fashion?