Cleaning Up Sandy

Well, Hurricane Sandy still ravaging through the Northeast. And instead of feeling completely and utterly helpless, I did a bit of research as how we can best help out our friends who are affected by this horrible storm. If you're looking for a few ways to lend a hand from afar, see below.

You can check out an extensive list from abc: How To Help Hurricane Sandy Victims

How you can help Hurricane Sandy victims:

• Donate blood: If you're in the vicinity of the storm (and all is safe - i.e. you are completely out of harm's way), donate blood. This is especially needed for residents who live in New Jersey, and if you live in NY, please consider donating blood to help out. To donate, call 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org.
• Donate funds to The American Red Cross: To donate, visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 
• And don't forget about our furry friends! The Humane Society of the United States and American Humane Society are seeking donations to help rescue stranded pets and help animals in shelters.

I hope you're staying safe and healthy, wherever you are!

Cap That!

I've been spying a whole lot of cappin' going on. Cap toe heels, that is. Various shades from ombre effects to super shiny gold capped black pumps. And I like it.

I especially like when said cap pumps are showcased with ankle length trousers, a smart top and a slightly more structured bag. Proper lady style with a bit of sass. I'm especially craving a capped wedge...there's a goodie at ASOS that you can spy below.

And even though I haven't been sporting too many heels as of late, I'm really digging the options available. With the weather turning, you can even cap that with a super cute boot.

Pumps
Boots

Tips & 6 Products for an Awesome Wedding Face

I truly enjoy putting on makeup. I find it therapeutic. I also enjoy purchasing makeup and applying it to others' faces. Odd? Maybe. Awesome? Surely.

Regardless, my lovely sister-in-law entrusted her pretty face to me for her wedding day makeup application. I was seriously stoked to pull together a fresh makeup look for her. Natural but glowy and gorgeous.

Since I also put together my own makeup face for my big day, here are a three tips and six products for a gorgeous wedding face.

Tips:

1) Do invest in a really good base for yo' face. This includes foundation, concealer and powder. Trust me, the last thing you want is your face lookin' a different shade than the rest of your body. Not cute for memories. Check said makeup in various lights and with and without a camera flash!

2) Take a bit of a heavier hand on your eye makeup and blush. Not only is this so you look extra vibrant in photos, but as you hug, kiss and dance throughout the evening, makeup can and will wear off.

3) Unless you have a super themed-type wedding (black and white, New Years Eve, etc), keep your makeup neutral but with a punch. Super dark, kohl rimmed eyes or red lips are gorgeous, but it's tough to maintain those looks throughout the day. 

6 Products for an Awesome Wedding Face: Behold, my set of goodies!

Mascara
Makeup Sets

Product Review: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, A-

Another day, another lip product. As I've mentioned before, I often hoard lip products in my purse. Just ask anyone who's spied the inside pocket of my bag. At any give time you'll likely find some type of lip balm, two or three glosses, two or three lipsticks and some other type of random lip product. Excess? Sure. But admitting you have a problem is the first step, no?

So, yes, I love lip products and a few weeks back one of my work buddies whipped out Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain. Oooh...I must investigate. The next time I found myself at Walgreens, I spied said product and took a gander. And hey, buy one get one 50% off doesn't hurt. I left with two - Honey Douce (a pretty neutral rose) and Sweetheart Valentine (a vibrant pink).

Revlon Color Stay Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

About Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain (that's a mouthful):

Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain gives softer, smoother lips with a perfect flush of color that lasts hour after hour. The gel formula comes in 12 vibrant shades that match any look or mood.

Lightweight Lipstain + Moisturizing Balm

100% of women who tried it felt their lips were instantly moisturized with a soft stain of color

Retractable chubby crayon, no sharpener required

My Review:

The Good: The color payoff and texture are very on point. Revlon's not lying when they say this is a stain and balm - a tough line to toe (well)! I found the lippie moisturizing and both colors very pretty. Plus, no sharpener required - bonus!

The Bad: Well, $9 for a drugstore balm/stain is a bit on the pricey side, but it's remedied with a coupon or BOGO.

The Verdict: A-. This product fits in nicely with my arsenal of lip goodies. The shades are pretty and versatile and the stain is lasting without looking like you just nuzzled a Tootsie pop. Nice work, Revlon.

Fall Nailed It!

I go through fits of painting my nails. I love how my digits look all glossy and sheeny-shiny. Thus, there will be weeks in a row when said fingers look quite polished and pretty. And then I'll fall off the proverbial bandwagon and showcase naked nails for a month or two.

Currently, I'm on a nail upswing...with a few of my fave brands being Zoya, Butter and OPI. Sure, I like Essie too, but I find that particular brand chips a bit more than the others. With fall fulling encasing the fashions, it's time for me to temporarily retire a few of my summer shades and dive into the autumnal colors. Here are a few that I'm keeping my eye on...

1) Butter Chancer: A deep, crushed glitter red that will be bangin' for the holidays. I have to say, even though Butter's laquers are pricey ($14 ish per pop), the brush is like no other. The polish simply glides on...swear!

3 Free Nail Lacquer Vernis - Chancer

2) Butter Yummy Mummy:
This was a fall-release shade from last year, but I love this color for all seasons. It's a shimmy greige and pretty on toes and fingers. Plus, for those who need to keep a neutral nail, this keeps things just a bit more interesting.

3 Free Nail Lacquer Vernis - Yummy Mummy

3) Butter Knackered: For those who seek something a bit psychedelic, this purple/green/silver metallic looks incredibly fun. I would say this polish should be reserved for short nails as it's a bit much for the ladies with talons.

3 Free Nail Lacquer Vernis - Knackered

4) Zoya Monica: From the NYFW designer collection, Monica looks dramatic and dark. A kind of upper end goth with its "dark, soft blue-toned purple with a glossy cream finish."
 

5) Zoya Gilty Pleasure Box: Um, 18K gold flakes on yo' nails? Ok, sure, I'll bite! Too bad this hot little collection is sold out already. Maybe, just maybe, they'll bring 'er back?!

 

6) Zoya Blaze: Described as "a full coverage, cool undertone plum with a high concentration of micro fine diamond holographic glitter," this shade sounds like a red plum disco ball. YES.
 

So, which polishes are you crazy for this fall?!