Home On the Range

Guess who’s back, back again? No, not Slim Shady ya’ll, it’s me. The past few months have been a dream-like whirlwind: I got a new job that I adore as a fashion assistant at Moda Operandi, meaning my wardrobe game has been upped majorly, and basically, one of the biggest lessons I have learned is that Valentino rockstuds are the most comfortable shoes around (not ideal for your bank account, but trust me). Now that I’m finally settling into my new flow of walking to work, daily Bar Method, than back home, I’ve finally found sometime to blog, reinvigorating my passion for writing.

 I’ve decided that my first post now that I’m back on the radar should be about a long-time love of mine: cowgirl-inspired fashion. I’m not sure if it was the tremendous amount of time I spent at Cowgirl Hall of Fame from ages zero through five, or if it was the rendition of “Home on the Range” by James Taylor would lull me to sleep with as a wee one, but for as long as I can remember, I’ve adored the world of Western wear. I’m talkin’ about the real deal: cowboy boots, suede, fringe on fringe on fringe, turquoise belt buckles, basically Annie Get Your Gun stuff, but as imagined by Isabel Marant.

While I’ve never been to a dude ranch, I’m pretty sure several of my wardrobe pieces would fit in just fine there, as long as they didn’t get dirty, in which case, the dry cleaning would be quite pricey.

I’m basically obsessed with this image of Amber Valetta in Alaia from the mid-90s:

I would wear this daily in my pseudo-cowgirl life, complete with my Isabel Marant Milwaukee boots that I love so dearly (maybe in a different color). The more fringe, the merrier. This look would be right at home at the rodeo, albeit a caviar-and-champagne rodeo.

This Prada tote is also calling my name. I love how they weirded-out the classic silhouette with the absurd fringe. Plus, it’s on sale. Although still out of my budget for the moment.

I don’t think there is anything that better completes an outfit than a big, beat up belt with a cool vintage buckle. I collect them from cheap vintage stores near my mom’s house in San Francisco (Pretty Penny in Oakland always has an amazing selection). The more worn the leather is and the more matte the buckle is, the better. If vintage ain’t your thing, this Ralph Lauren is a good bet.

So please, excuse me while I ride off into the sunset with Armie Hammer in Lone Ranger garb on my stallion. 

In Like a Lion...

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."

- Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

Beauty and the Beaux

It’s February 13^th, which means love  in the air. Regardless of how you feel about tomorrow, otherwise known as Valentine’s Day, you must acknowledge that couples are everywhere, and that they are kinda awesome. This morning I saw two people snuggling on the subway and while I would never personally take part in that sort of lovey-dovey behavior, I think it’s wonderful that two people can find each other that god damn adorable.

While you will obviously be pulling out all the stops with your lingerie choices tomorrow, there are some other lovely gifts you can bestow upon your significant other that are sure to please in the long run.

Most men take little to no care of their skin and hair when they are single, unless they have sisters or a really savvy mom. The typical male medicine cabinet contains cheap shaving cream, overly-scented deodorant, toothpaste, a plain, used-up bar of soap, the same hair product they’ve been using since they were thirteen, and maybe some mid-end cologne or after shave. The scene in the shower is even more dismal – Suave shampoo, more used-up soap or rusty body wash, and of course, a serious lack of conditioner. Despicable, boys.

So, this Valentine’s day, get your beaux some beauty products. They deserve soft skin, luscious locks, and elegant fragrance just as much as you do.

If you don't have a boyfriend, you'll like this post if only for the photos of hunky men that I have hand-selected and scrutinized.

If you live in NYC, head over to Min New York on Crosby Street. Describe your boyfriend and they will pick out the perfect mix of products in no time. He’ll adore the masculine, non-frilly feel of everything they sell and maybe even head there sometime to surprise you with an imported French-by-way-of-Morocco candle and dolled-up matches to light it with.

If that isn’t exactly an option, here are some picks to beautify your beaux:

Sorry, dudes, but the stubble only works if you can pull off a ruggedly handsome look like this guy all the time.

Kiehl’s Ultimate Brushless Shaving Cream

Buy this for your boyfriend if only to steal it right back. Seriously, it’s one of the best shaving creams on the market. With its mentholated tingling feel on skin, it raises the follicle for a seriously close shave. It doesn’t have an “old man smell” as reviews note, and looks really cool on the counter. Kiehl’s selection of mens products is the furthest thing from dandy, and they all work supremely well.

Uber-hunk Sean O'Pry clearly uses conditioning shampoo to achieve these feathery locks.

John Allan’s Sport Conditioning Shampoo

Obviously your boyfriend is athletic and on-the-go. What other way could he possibly be? That’s why he needs this 2-in-1 shampoo enriched with Panthenol to give hair moisture and shine while keeping the scalp balanced and deodorized through those long days at the office. The retro-inspired bottle is oh-so-chic and eliminates the need for multiple products, which is something most guys are seriously averse to. The blue color also screams “baby boy”.

The best Bond (Connery) obviously would buy his GF a Cartier bracelet.

Exchanging serious gifts (Cartier love bracelet, ladies?) on the 14^th ? Set him up with this luxe shaving brush and matching stand by the Art of Shaving that simultaneously improves his bathroom décor’s elegance. He can use it to suds up his new Kiehl’s lotion and forget what days before his lovely girlfriend’s gifts were like, therefore making you irreplaceable (which we know you are, for many other reasons, of course).

Furry guys: so hot right now. I wouldn't mind trimming his nose hair.

True fact that no one likes to talk about: men need to trim their facial hair. And by facial hair, I mean eyebrows, nose hairs, and ear hairs. Kind of disgusting. Maybe even some creepily long chest hair that hangs out of the top of his shirts….I’m looking at you, Nev from Catfish. Make it less of a disgusting task by bestowing your man with these goof-proofscissors that ensure he doesn’t slice all of his brow hairs off (it’s okay if he “accidentally” removes all the nose and/or ear hairs, right?), leaving him to resemble Whoopi Goldberg (but if he does, let him know you will still love him).

This surfing hunk totes knows the importance of SPF (and if he doesn't...I think some ladies would be happy to teach) 

If there is one lesson you should teach your boyfriend, it is the power of daily SPF. If he starts now, he will look eons younger than his buddies in ten years. Make it simple for him by getting a lotion that contains high-quality sunscreen, such as Clinique Age Defense Hydrator SPF 15, even if he thinks he’s too young for “age defense”. For night, give him a luxe gel-cream like Givenchy’sMan-Pro Energizing Massive Moisturizer. Those rough patches you secretly want to put your super-feminine La Mer on will be a thing of the past in no time.

Smells like....Clark Kent super hunt hero

I have finally come to the true classic: cologne. While most men seem to be partial to the same damn one, I’ve decided that the following are the chicest choices: Jo Malone Lime, Basil & Mandarin, Byredo Mister Marvelous, and Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur. The latter two are in packaging so manly that a Harley Davidson could feel a little emasculated. They are all uniquely spicy scents that no other bro at his office will be wearing. Don’t be surprised if you see gals sniffing him in jealousy when you go out on the town together.

Unneccessary Essentials

How New York City feels...

I’m pretty sure that January is the worst month of the calendar year for basically everyone. Not only are you exhausted and broke from the holidays, but you also freeze half to death on your way to and from work daily. The shopping assortment is also awful. Everything from fall that you didn’t want is on sale, while spring clothes have yet to arrive. Sure, you can purchase “resort”, but unless you are one of the lucky few that get to jet off to Palm Beach, those clothes will just sit on your shelves for a good two or three months. Plus there are no holidays to look forward to. On the whole, it’s just horrid.

So, to make January a bit better for you all, especially the unlucky few who may have January birthdays and are clueless on what to tell your friends and family you want, I’ve curated a list of “unnecessary essentials” – products you never knew you needed that will change your life once you start using them. Put those gift cards from X-Mas to good use (if you are one of the conservative few who have yet to spend them) and start shoppin’.

Nuxe Reve de Miel

I’m the first to admit that I am a lip balm whore. From the cherry chapstick to the $50+ By Terry rose balm, I’ve got them all. The first thing I do when in a foreign country is check out their assortment of lip balms. Why? I’m not really sure. But I always feel like in some obscure corner of the world I’ll discover the miracle treatment.

As soon as a tinge of chill hits the air, my lips become cracking, peeling, bleeding disasters. Any lip product with color looks horrendous on top of dry skin. Sure, you can exfoliate your lips (I recommend tarte’s maracuja lip scrub), but sometimes, they are so dry that scrubbing is horribly painful. So its back to the balm stash.

My newest addition? Nuxe’s Reve de Miel Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm. The French always get me. This lovely honey-chocolate-yum (I know, I’m so good at describing fragrance) treat melts onto lips leaving a matte finish and makes the perfect base for color. It’s ideal for men who are terrified of looking like they are wearing gloss for this reason as well as possibly getting girls to want to kiss you (that I can’t promise). Sure, it’s expensive ($19.00 for a pot) but you get a ton. I’ve been keeping the pot next to my bed and my lips are looking pretty pouty and well nourished right now.

Do you need expensive “Parisian pharmacy” lip balm? No. But once you’ve experienced it, I don’t think you’ll want to be without it.

Foundation Primer

Foundation primer is sort of a ridiculous product. You don’t really “need” one if you are already applying moisturizer before foundation or tinted moisturizer and properly powdering any areas that tend to get oily through the day. However, there is something about a primer that just seems so luxurious. And it does have its benefits – additional SPF, pore minimization, additional moisture, and even skincare benefits.

Right now, my love is alternating between two primers, two that do entirely different things. I'm kind of a playa. The first, Hourglass No. 28 PrimerSerum, a cocktail of essential oils, smells absolutely divine. I actually wish I could wear this lavender-y, herbal-y serum as a fragrance. But more importantly, it does beautiful things for those of you with dry skin. It makes an ideal base for a more matte foundation, as it will give it a dewy sheen, and provides an environment shield.

The second obsession of mine is tarte’s BB tinted treatment 12-hourprimer SPF 30. At this point, everyone and their mom wants a BB cream. The South Korean (by way of Germany) miracle tinted moisturizer/treatment/sunscreen/etc. has swept the makeup world by storm. Well tarte’s new BB is different, since it is a primer, not just a one color fits all cream. It comes in four shades, applies like a dream, and leaves skin feeling like silk with redness and imperfections diffused and sheerly covered. This works for all skin types, as it will help mattify oil but also keeps skin looking healthy and moisturized. If you tend to be drier, I would put a moisturizer, or even the Hourglass No.28 mentioned above, beneath it. I love buffing it in with their buffer airbrush finish bamboo foundation brush, putting a touch of maracuja creaseless concealer under my eyes, and being done with my skin for that “no makeup” look. When topped with my usual foundation (Nars Sheer Glow), I look like I’m walking around yielding special Instagram skin blur filter powers.

Rodin by Recine Olio Lusso Hair Oil

I’ve previously discussed my obsession with hair serums and oils – Kerastase Elixir Ultime and Moroccan Oil Light turn the parched bottle blonde sass growing out of my head into tamed, shiny locks. So you ask, “well Charlotte, if you already love those products, why try another one?” Because I’m a product addict, damnit!

My wonderful stepbrother gave me an Amazon.com gift card for Christmas (um, basically the best gift ever. You can find ANYTHING on Amazon) and I went buckwild purchasing products I probably would not have spent money on otherwise. Okay, that is totally a lie because I spend lots of money on products, but whatever, I think it’s a decent explanation.

So onto Rodin Olio Lusso. Started  by legendary stylist Linda Rodin, this pricy line has won rave reviews from the who’s who of the glitterati. Since I obviously want to be a part of the aforementioned exclusive clan, I have to try it too.

Turns out, this oil is a dream. After I shampoo and condition with Alterna’s Caviar Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner (new favorite), I brush out my hair (I know, I really should comb it) and apply the smallest dab of this stuff to the ends. Seriously, the smallest amount you can get out of the dropper, because there were several days when I applied far too much and I looked sort of expensively dirty. It smells essential-oily and awesome, and leaves frizz flattened, ends smoothed, and a gleam of health behind.

By Moonlight

"...the moon is always jealous of the heat of the day, just as the sun longs for something dark and deep."

Alice Hoffman, Practical Magic

"Lemme Upgrade 'Ya!"

         Beyonce is truth. Besides singing about the joys of being a single lady and putting your cheating ex-man's stuff to the left, to the left (duh!), Queen B also croons about helping to upgrade her man's style. Not quite sure what I'm talking about? Let me refresh your memory:

         The holidays will soon be upon us, and what would be a better time to upgrade your better half, friend, family member, or other (friend with benefits, cat sitter, psychic healer, personal shopper...the list goes on) with newer, more glamorous beauty products? The bottom line is that people rarely buy ridiculously luxe beauty products for themselves, which make them the PERFECT gift/stocking stuffer/greasing the wheels present. I made sure this list was [basically] unisex to further ease your shopping woes.

Carmex ------> Dr. Harris & Co. Ltd. Lip Balm

Carmex is a classic. The waxy texture, camphor-y smell, and pot-style application are nostalgic for me, as I not only used it as lip balm, but to keep my chronic childhood bloody noses at bay, glamorous, I know. But the bottom line is that Carmex is like, a dollar. It would be offensive if you gave it to anyone as a gift, since you are basically implying that they have dry lips. So upgrade to this teeny pot of camphor-spiked balm from British mainstay Dr. Harris & Co. While it has that same tingling effect, it has a lovely violet scent that won't seem even slightly medicinal. And even though it is an upgrade, it's still totally affordable, so it is the perfect Secret Santa gift.

Head N' Shoulders  ------> Phillip Kingsley

Dandruff has never been, and will never be (at least I hope so), sexy. But at least Phillip Kingsley's powerful and beautifully-scented shampoos keep your shower from looking like that of a pityriasis capitis (yes, that is the scientific name for dandruff) sufferer. Head N' Shoulders is basically the showerside equivalent of wearing socks with Birkenstocks: just not cute. So help your ailing friend by giving them a bottle of shampoo that doesn't scream "I have dandruff" when you go into their bathroom and snoop on their grooming products (admit it, you totally check out the medicine cabinet too).

Irish Spring ------> Lush Shower Gels

Drugstore shower gels basically suck. Honestly, the men's selection is much better than the women's, at least the scents are somewhat classic. If you are a girl, your choices are as follows: Pretty Pretty Princess Bubblegum Candy Cane Crack shower gel, Sexy Hot Lady Spicy Fake Musky Vanilla shower gel, and my personal favorite, the knock-off Bath and Body Works selection that are even more false-scented than the original. Really, it is possible. Treat your pal to something that they actually want to use. Are they a chocolate lover? Gift them Sonic Death Monkey. Are they a chronic insomniac or an RPatz fan? Send Twilight. Sweet as the bee's knees? It's Raining Men (I'd recommend not giving this to a straight male unless it happens to be a gag gift). Pricey, but all perfect. Plus, you are encouraging them to be clean, which is like, a gift to all that come into contact with them.

Secret ------> Donna Karan Cashmere Mist

You are not the only person who ever wondered why in the world perfume companies make anti-perspirants of their scents. Yes, 99% of them fail to cover any sort of odor. But in that small 1% is a product that is especially beloved by the gay male population of New York: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist. This stuff seriously works. It keeps armpits from getting outrageously sweaty, prevents foul scents, and doesn't stain clothing. Waaaaay more fabulous than Dove or Secret, and I can basically guarantee that your friend does not already own it because really, who buys $20 deodorant for themselves.

Bath & Body Works Antibacterial Soap ------> Aesop

I'm pretty sure the only holiday gift that teachers receive is anti-bacterial handsoap from Bath & Body Works, and sometimes, if they are reaaaaaaaaaaaaaally lucky, a matching hand cream. Do people assume teachers have chronically dirty and simultaneously dry hands? Regardless, I think they've had enough of the "Pink Symphony" and "Poodles in Paradise" scents. In fact, they probably have a lifetime supply if they've been teaching for more than five minutes. Do them a favor and upgrade them to Aesop's sophisticated, simple, and regal-smelling hand soap. Men using your powder room will not by put-off by the graphic packaging or the lavender scent. Most importantly, those teachers will no longer suffer from filthy dry hands as it is supremely moisturizing and germ-eliminating.

Bonus Beyonce-inspired video (and one of my all-time favorite Youtube vids):

This Side of Paradise

"What a wonderful song, she thought-everything was wonderful tonight, most of all this romantic scene in the den with their hands clinging and the inevitable looming charmingly close. The future vista of her life seemed an unending succession of scenes like this: under moonlight and pale starlight, and in the backs of warm limousines and in low cosy roadsters stopped under sheltering trees-only the boy might change, and this one was so nice." 

  F. Scott Fitzgerald, This Side of Paradise

Latest Obsessions: November Edition

Aquazzara Shoes 

         True life: I’m in love with lace-up heels. Ever since seeing the Alaia pair from several years ago on the feet of every street style star from New York to Paris, I’ve coveted some for myself. Unfortunately, the Alaias are nowhere to be found on Ebay, and other brands iterations are just not as cute. Thankfully (well, thanks to the fashion gods), I discovered Aquazzura’s resort shoe collection in both November’s Marie Claire and Harper’s Bazaar. Available at Saks and Shop Bop, this expensive but not outrageous shoe line is just what I’ve been looking for. Some of the best lace-ups I’ve seen. Now, just to save my money and patiently wait for resort to hit stores…

Jennifer Fisher jewelry

        I’ve been lusting after Jennifer Fisher’s jewelry for years, her make-your-own charm necklaces and slightly morbid charms are unique and perfect for everyday wear. Now that she is a CFDA/Vogue fashion fund finalist, I expect her pieces to be popping up at stores all over. While I save up for the perfect charm necklace, spider bangles, and several of her super cool rings, (probably for the next few years), check out her pieces at her appointment-only SoHo boutique or Barney’s Co-Op stores nationwide.

Sachajuan Volume Powder 

        I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: I’m obsessed with dry shampoo. High to low, I’ve tried them all. Just a few days ago, unpacking my mammoth beauty product collection into my new bathroom shelving, I unearthed this gem. While I later found out its quite pricey ($32 a can), it is easily one of the best I’ve used. It’s a spray powder that mattifies, and really stretches your blowout for a few extra days. Sachajuan is a Swedish brand that is carried at salons, I recently saw their products and Fox + Boy Salon on Mulberry Street when I got a hair cut.

Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain in Gothic

         I believe in beauty destiny. What does that mean you, ask? Well, if I read about a certain product in multiple publications, see it on Youtube, have it pop up on Facebook and on some of my favorite blogs, then I am meant to own it. The latest product to find its way into my hands via “beauty destiny”? Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain in Gothic, which is not even a new launch so if I’m reading so much about it, it must be amazing. And it is.  After storming the Duane Reade across the street and finally finding the only Gothic stain on the furthest reaches of the shelf, I’d say I worked hard for it, too. This dual-sided lip marker in a deep cherry red is ideal on its own for a Snow-Whiteish stain (with just a touch of mascara and dewy skin to modernize), or layered underneath a deeper red lipstick to extend lasting power and darken the tone.

My Custom Bedding

I saved the best for last. When I was in Delhi in April, I went to an amazing fabric bazaar and went a littttttle crazy. Well, not that crazy if you consider I spent under $100 and got stunning wedding sari fabric that would go for far more here. As I was frantically buying it, I came up with a plan: I would make it into bedding. Mostly since I don't have any fabulous events coming up to wear custom made gowns to (that would have been nice). So, I found a woman who created a duvet cover and some pillows for me. There are still a few more coming, but I'm so happy with how they turned out!

 I'm now on Tumblr. Check it out here: 

http://charlottespiderlashes.tumblr.com/

A Leather Jacket (or Two)

       For years, I've lusted after leather jackets. Unfortunately, as I hope you are aware if you are reading this, the good ones can get expensive. Quite a chunk of change for a college student. And also almost impractical as it is bound to end up with sticky beer spilled on it by clumsy males and the odor of chain smokers that stand outside the bar.

       This year, I've decided to tone down my shopping, and only buy classics. What does that mean? I'll spend more money on something that isn't a one-season wonder. Things I can pull out in two years and not hate. It's not to say that I haven't purchased a few trendy items, but they've been from stores like Zara, so if I wear them once and the next Prada knock-off is all the rage, it's okay.

         I figured a leather jacket was one of those classics. I mean, I have been trying them on since high school. Well, leave it to me to buy not one, but two leather jackets. I am currently still trying to justify why I bought two.

         The first is made by Mackage, a company that makes gorgeous coats. I've had one for years that has held up beautifully. They just get jackets. I'm so happy I bought this. It's the perfect color of beat up deep indigo (instead of black), and goes with absolutely everything. It's buttery soft, not overly cropped, and well...perfect.

         The second? The sale guy. BUT I didn't just buy it because it was on sale (a mistake I'm ashamed to say I've made): it was honestly attracting me before I even saw the price. Made by eternally-perfect brand Theory, it's a deep hunter green and black motorcycle-style jacket with quilted sleeves. Perfect to give something a little too girly some edge.

        Boy oh boy am I excited to wear these. Of course, there was a Noreaster this week and I instead had to rock my absolutely stunningly stylish (sense the sarcasm), but super warm bulky parka. But the weather never listens to my fashion preferences.

        Now, onto some inspirational leather jacket photos. Styling!

Braving the Storm

Well, I did it.
I managed to survive in Manhattan last week, pilgrim/camping style. I never thought I'd use Oribe shampoo (and NO CONDITIONER!! the horror) in my kitchen sink. But I just couldn't bare a cold shower...

I also managed to walk approximately 30 miles throughout the island of Manhattan, stay in a 5-star hotel, and generally, toughen up.

However, many were not as lucky as me. Hurricane Sandy was an absolutely devastating event, and a real wake up call for many people. Always keep matches, candles, canned food, a flash light, playing cards, apples to apples, and most of all, faith, in one of your cabinets.

My friend Madeline sent me this email and I encourage you to donate.

"My friend, Megan, is from the Rockaways and was hit hard by the hurricane.  She's from a large family and many of them lost their homes entirely.  My family and I spent the weekend in the Rockaways and saw first hand how far-reaching the help is needed.  People are mostly fending for themselves without the help of FEMA and the Red Cross. If you have anything you're willing to donate please use the link below.  100% of donations will go directly toward families in need in Broad Channel, Rockaway, and Breezy Point."

https://www.wepay.com/donations/2107251105

Peace and Safety,

Charlotte

SOS: Save Our Skin





           It’s that time of year again – the air is brisker, the coats are essential, and unfortunately, your skin is suffering. Well, mine is at least. As soon as that snap of cold hits, I suddenly transform into something quite similar to a snake – the skin on my cheeks and forehead is so dry it begins to flake, my lips crack, my hands ache from dryness, and my body is as soft as sandpaper. Lovely, right? Thankfully, in my years of beauty product obsession, I have found some incredible healers that prevent the dramatic molting from occurring.

Contrary to the look of this slightly spooky black and white photo, oils are not to be feared.

          I have very dry, sensitive skin, but I get an oily t-zone. In a humid climate, such as India or NYC, my skin does fairly well in the spring and summer – it appears moisturized, and even has a slight glow. In a dry climate, like California, or basically anywhere during the fall and winter, I look like I’ve aged more than a few years. Thankfully, I’ve found a magic combination that seems to keep my skin supple and healthy-looking rather than dehydrated and parched. I only cleanse at nighttime in the shower – I first remove my makeup (pre-shower) with Amore Pacific Cleansing Oil, which is a splurge and a half but absolutely amazing, and afterwards, cleanse with Mario Badescu’s Acne Facial Cleanser. I finish my routine by mixing several drops of tarte’s pure maracuja oil with Sanre Organic’s Siesta Sunset face cream, which contains avocado and seabuckthorn oils. I religiously wear eye cream (currently tarte’s C-brighter maracuja eye treatment) for its “preventative aging” properties. I wake up with the soft, redness-free and dewy skin that I have always dreamed of. In the morning, instead of cleansing, which I find dries me out immensely, I simply tone with Thayer’s Rose Petal Toner, to get rid of oilies on my t-zone, and smooth on a light layer of whatever day cream I’m using; at the moment it is Mario Badescu’s A.H.A. and Ceramide Moisturizer. I follow with my makeup application. If I happen to get a breakout, I spot treat, rather than using an all-over acne serum, which I find dries me out. I use the classic Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. The lesson here? To “winterize” your favorite cream, add facial oil, like the aforementioned tarte product. Don’t believe the common misconception that oil will break you out. In fact, it will help acne. Facial cleansing oils (R.I.P. Shu in America) are some of my favorite products to try on the planet.

Are my lips chapped?!

          Lip balm is essential for everyone – men, women, and children. I probably have enough to supply them all. I think my lips are the first thing to feel the cold, as they go from kissable (or so I’d like to think) to pathetically dry in a matter of minutes in the brisk air. I can’t deny my love for classic Spearmint Chapstick, but if you want something a little more special, and much more pricey, By Terry and Sara Happ both make incredible products that smell divine. If it’s color I’m after and I will be walking for miles on the chilly streets and braving the windy gusts in Manhattan, I go for tarte’s LipSurgences, since I’m partial to matte lips if I wear a bright and basically every other matte dries me out to the max. Lively, a deep bright pink shade, flatters seriously everyone. The peppermint scent and tingle of these is quite addicting as well.

 I am almost as picky with body creams as I am with my foundation. There are only a handful of products that I’ve found that actually bestow immense moisture, don’t cause sensitive skin breakouts and flare-ups, and do not offend my nasal passage to the highest degree. Kiehls Crème de Corps Body Butter is my ultimate, but the high price tag can be a bit off-putting, so in a penny-pinching move,  Aveeno’s Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream does the trick.

While this hair looks awesome in editorials, the same cannot be said for it in real life.

         Friends, I’ve recently discovered a miracle for my seriously fried hair. What is it, you ask? Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner. I’m fairly certain it is not intended for my lame white girl hair, but boy does it penetrate and leave my strands soft and silky. Preceded by Oribe Moisture Shampoo and followed by one pump of Kerastase Elixir Ultime, I can actually see light bounce off my hair, which is a feat that I have been unable to complete since going blonde.

Obviously, I glow this much, if not more

          Last but not least, a product that helps you fake it (til you make it): RMS Beauty’s Living Luminizer. Formulated without any harmful chemicals and choc full of coconut oil, this super organic highlighter is a god-send for skin that has been pelted by the elements. Worn on the tops of cheekbones, beneath the brow bone, on the cupid’s bow of the lips and the tip of the nose, people will never guess you’ve basically been suffering from pneumonia since October 1^st hit. It’s not obviously shimmery, either, so guys, feel free to apply and get compliments.  

It goes without saying that a healthy diet will help your skin as well. Right now I'm loving Green Monsters - Spinach/banana/cocoa/flax/protein smoothies that I make daily in my beloved Vitamix and look quite putrid but taste delicious and are full of nutrients to heal you from the inside out.

P.S.: I would have done a proper product photoshoot for this, but I have been beyond busy between moving, work, and school. I'm quite pleased with the shelving I've installed in my bathroom. Here are some instagram photos; official shots to follow soon.

 

Butterfly

“I am a happy camper so I guess I’m doing something right. Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.” 
- Henry David Thoreau
 

 

New Site Alert: Beauty Cirque

          I want to introduce everyone to a new online beauty shopping site - Beauty Cirque. Selling only natural, eco-friendly products, Beauty Cirque was born out of a desire to present independent beauty brands with great ingredients and stories to a larger consumer audience. The new site was kind enough to send me a few products to try!

          I'm basically obsessed with the shower gel they sent me, Juara Candlenut Hydrating Shower Gel. It smells like a softer cocoa butter, and left my legs so hydrated (probably because it is free of moisture-stripping sulfates) that I didn't need body lotion when I shaved with it this morning in a hurry, after deciding to wear a skirt at the last minute.

          The product selection at the moment is small, but there are plenty of tempting products. I'm especially intrigued by One Love Organics Chia Whip face wash, since I eat chia seeds in my oatmeal every morning and would love to see if they do as much good for my face as they do for my digestion.

          You can get the same products I tried in this fun sample box. Enjoy checking out the site!

Carine Roitfeld for MAC

           I have a horrible secret to admit: I don’t buy makeup. Well, I haven’t for the past few years. Interning at magazines, I got to take home so many new and amazing products that weren’t shot, and obviously, at tarte, I get whatever I may need. My kit is fully stocked and my drawers are overflowing. So something has to REALLY catch my eye for me to go out and buy it. And what was that something? Carine Roitfeld for MAC.

          Oh, Carine Roitfeld. The fabled former editor of French Vogue, she now has her own magazine, CR Fashion Book (with Kate Upton [!!] onthe cover  “mothering” baby chicks), and basically is the authority on all things cool – not just breasts and cigarettes. Her partner, Christian Restoin, started Equipment (a SoHo boutique is coming within the next month), so essentially, everything this woman gets involved with has an air of understated, I’m-not-trying-at-all perfection.

Perfect hair, perfect coat

          While Roitfeld’s style is obviously flawless, her beauty look is also of  note. I’m actually contemplating copying her current hairstyle (a sharp, shoulder grazing style with subtle shading to the ends), and in the meantime, actually copying her makeup. Her eyes are always shaded with matte, warm shades and lined to smoldering perfection with liner, almost like she slept in the makeup, but better. The rest of her face is softly contoured and finished with a sheer nude lip.

          As a former MAC whore (I used to buy every item from every limited edition collection), I now barely keep up with their releases, but somehow stumbled upon news of Carine’s collection just last week. And on a walk through the West Village, at the world’s tiniest MAC store on Bleecker Street, I took the plunge, buying both the lipstick and the Desert Camouflage Palette.

The Verdict?

          Tropical Mist Lipstick looked like the typical “goes well with smokey eyes opaque nude” upon first glance – something I have iteration after iteration of in my kit…from MAC’s famous Myth to Revlon’s ColorBurst inSoft Nude (an AMAZING budget pick) to Lancome’s Color Design in Pale Lip. Upon swatching, however, I realized this one is different. With its luster texture, it is super sheer and just gives lips a hint of pale peach color and shine, instead of wiping out the lips a la [new mama] Snooki. It would pair beautifully with almost any look, especially those with a deeper eye.

          Desert Camouflage is the perfect palette to create a matte, warm smokey eye and contoured cheek, much like Carine’s go-to look. The colors – Sahara Dust, Cactus Thorn, Desert, and Carbon – are all super neutral, allowing you to create a subtle day time look that can be kicked up a notch for evening by smoking it out a little. I’m also loving the cremeblend blush that is on the bottom of the palette, Sand Storm, as an eyeshadow as well as a contour color, putting a little on the lower lids for dimension and some sexy mystery. It’s also essential to mention that the layout and look of the palette is subtle and minimalist, making it a super-chic addition to any bathroom counter.

        It is safe to say that I am utterly obsessed with this palette and will be using it until I run out of the colors. While in-store, I also picked up the Dark Side lipstick, an amplified crème that is ideal for that gothic-y beauty look I’m loving for fall. AND, I think I’m going back for the Azealia Banks lipstick in Yung Repunxel, a super-deep purple that you can sheer out to create a berry stain. So unfortunately, I may be a MAC addict, once again.