Life Update: Summer Post Graduation

Wow I can't believe I haven't written in over a month! Thats so crazy because I love to write and share beauty things with everyone online through this blog and with YouTube. In the last month I have graduated which is sort of sad because I can no longer really claim to be a "College" cosmetic *tear*

Instead I am in this funny in between time in my life where I have not started my full time job yet but I am out of school. This is really my last summer vacation! I am starting my position with Nielsen doing market research in July. Its not a career in beauty but I am really excited to start with such an interesting company. I have always been super interested in marketing data and the random facts that help marketers make better decisions and now I will be able to help translate those facts for different client companies! How much fun!

Another little update is I changed my hair right before graduation. It was made darker with the help of Revlon die and I added bangs a-la the Aveda institute. The darker color was inspired by who else but Kim Kardashian. How can you not love their long exotic locks! When everyone else is adding highlights for summer I went the total other direction!

My summer past time is getting in shape and doing DIY projects that I will bring into my new apartment... where ever I end up. It is still up in the air at this point. Two websites I have been heading to every day to look for fitness tips and decorating ideas are www.fitsugar.com and www.casasugar.com. They are both from the same company (sugar.com) but are different sections of the website. Both sites are really easy to navigate and filled with tons of ideas. They even have a beauty page called bellasugar!

I have a few new products to take pictures of and post on that I will do this week. I can't wait to get back to posting more regularly! I miss it so much!

XOXO
Kelsey

What's that Glow?! Pearl Glow Primer of Course!

A few weeks ago I remembered I had a travel sized Tarina Tarantino primer stashed away somewhere and I wanted to bring it back out and see what it was all about. It came with a holiday set I use as a jewelry box. The first day I wore it I received loads of complements noting how I looked radiant, not a word I usually hear. This new found radiance is addictive! If I can find a little product that can land those types of complements, its worth blogging about!

My Pearl Glow Primer is a trial sized (0.33 oz) like I said but the full sized is 1 oz. and retails for $32. you can find it here at sephora.

I like to apply 1 1/2 pumps all over my face after my moisturizer and before my foundation. I have heard other people like to mix it with their foundation but I much prefer them separate. The funniest thing about the primer is that is smells exactly like boiled peanuts. I do not see any allergen warnings that it actually contains peanuts (an odd ingredient to put in makeup to begin with) but it definitely has that smell. The good news is that it does not make your face smell like the floor of the bleachers at a baseball game.

If your looking for something to add in your routine that will give you that coveted youthful glow, give Tarina Tarantino's Pearl Glow Primer a shot.

Off to finish writing a paper for business policy. Can you believe it? This is my last paper of college. This year has gone by so fast. 

XOXO

Kelsey

Easy Day Old Hair Style: The Braided Bun

First before I start this post let be give a massive apology to everyone who looks to my blog regularly (and  an extra big one to myself) for not posting in weeks. I love looking up new things to write about and what beauty trends are hot etc. BUT as my senior year comes to a close (1 more week!) I have been hustleing to...
1. find a job (PS I will be working with Nielsen after graduation!!)
2. get all assignments completed
3. pass on the title of President to my organization (American Marketing Association)
4. spend as much time as I can with my friends before I leave them forever. This has been the hardest part for me as I know I will miss everyone so much when I head off into the real world.

On to the post about hair!

Since I've been so busy I find myself washing my hair less and less. I am constantly finding ways to extend day old (and 3 day old) hair in ways that still look polished and clean. A few favorites to help with this are my trusty Oscar Blandi dry shampoo and Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-in Conditioner. These two together help to make your hair smell amazing and soak up excess oil. 

But sometimes even this dynamic duo needs a little styling support. This style is a take on my go-to super high bun. 

Step 1: Comb your hair into a slick high ponytail and secure with a hair tie. I like to use a round brush because it gives a really smooth texture to the ponytail. 

Step 2: Secure any loose ends with bobbi pins and use hairspray as needed.

Step 3: Braid the ponytail and secure with another hair tie. You could stop here for a Kardashian/Princess Jasmine style.

Step 4: Loop the braid around the base of your ponytail and secure with another hair tie or bobbi pins. I like to use a hair tie personally. 

Step 5: Admire how cute you look in the mirror!

You can skip the last step if your in a hurry. 

What hair styles do you gravitate towards when your hair is feeling a bit dirty? Those are usually the best days to use a curling iron but that also involves time investment. Let me know in the comments! I would love to check out your posts on easy hair styles. 

I'm contemplating changing before heading out to happy hour to bond with a long time friend over margaritas but its unseasonably cold outside today and my fugg boots (fake uggs) are oh so warm. Hopefully no one will care that I am wearing oversized flannel and look like I could cut down a tree at any moment!

XOXO

Kelsey

Quotes From Estee A Success Story

I recently started reading a new book after finishing One Fifth Avenue over spring break. This month's non-school related book is Estee: A Success Story written by Estee Lauder. 

I picked up this gem while thrift store hunting back in December with my mother. It cost me a whole $1.50 but the pearls of wisdom I have gleaned from the first chapter are priceless. I actually find the author, Estee Lauder herself, to be incredibly shallow and cocky but in an endearing way. I find myself enjoying her blatant confidence and conviction.

Here is a quote I particularly love:

Beauty is the best incentive to self-respect. You may have great inner resources, but they don't show up as confidence when you don't feel pretty. People are more apt to believe you and like you when you you know you look fine. And when the world approves, self-respect is just a little easier. The pursuit of beauty is honorable.

I'm just a few chapters into it but I would already recommend it to beauty and business students alike. 

Back to reality! Its time to start writing that personal selling assignment due tomorrow. 

XOXO,

Kelsey

Gym Makeup Tips

I have been getting into some new fitness classes/DVDs lately. I love how empowered you feel after an hour of shaking and dancing at Zumba or 20 minutes of circuit training with Jillian Michaels. What I'm not a huge fan of is how sweaty and gross you are. If you are like me and always on the run, pulling yourself together after a workout can be a challenge. I recently saw this article on FitSugar.com about quick makeup tips for the gym. (Read article here).  In a nutshell, here is what they recommended to help freshen up.

1. Use a makeup wipe to remove all the sweat and dirt that accumulates during a workout. I love the Target UP brand makeup removing wipes.
2. Use a tinted moisturizer. Save room in your gym bag by eliminating the need for moisturizer, foundation and concealer. I highly recommend Origin's VitaZing tinted moisturizer.  
3. Multi use tinted lip balm. Multi use because you can not only add color to your lips but also to your cheeks as an instant blush. I like Bobbi Brown pot rouge for added color on cheeks and lips. 



Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge



Origins VitaZing tinted moisturizer 

4. Dry Shampoo. Use a powered shampoo to help absorb sweat and grease in your hair while it refreshes. I highly suggest you check out Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo from Sephora. It as a precision tip to aim at the roots. 

What workouts have you been getting into lately? How do you stay fresh after?

I'm off to bed after a quick stop at Hulu to catch up on my Thursday night shows I missed yesterday.

XOXO

Kelsey

Glitter Gel Manicure

While in Miami... yes I know I have used that same opening for the past few blogs...while in Miami my friend and I decided to get our nails done. We went to the SoBe spa (short for South Beach not the drink which is what we first thought haha!) and had an amazing mani-pedi. I fell in love with the new gel nails that have different colored glitter inside of the gel. 

The glitter gel was more expensive the the traditional gel manicure... a staggering $90! The nail technician was super sweet and gave me a "spring break" deal but even with the discount, the price was hard to chew. What I love about the glitter is that it is part of the gel (like I said before) so it does not chip at all. Its like having permanent glitter polish on.

Now to be honest these nails are not my usual pale pink and short (read they are not my style) but I really loved how festive they were for spring break and I'm happy to know that I can paint over them just like real nails for my interview this Thursday. If you love getting fake nails and you don't mind a little glitz I would highly recommend you check into the glitter gel.

Does anyone else have trouble doing simple activities with fake nails? I'm having the hardest time taking out my contact lenses and picking small thing up haha!

Off to the book store to pick up some page dividers. This is not really beauty related but I'm going on a no spending pledge that started Monday where I won't spend money for the entire week in hopes of saving up a bit. The page dividers are for a class assignment so those do not count. I gave myself $20 in emergency money that the dividers will be coming out of. I'll report back at the end of the week and let you know how much I ended up spending on this frugal challenge of mine. 

XOXO

Kelsey

Candle Love: Yankee Candle in Lavender Vanilla

Did you know that smell is the strongest link to memories? One whiff and you instantly remember an ex-boyfriend or how your childhood friend's house used to smell growing up. I am a big believer in having your personal space smell amazing so when others walk into your room they know instantly that it is a reflection of you. Its also a great way to cover up the random smells that end up drifting in from the dorm hall ways (Our hallway always seems to smell like someone is getting high a few rooms away! Not my idea of how I want my personal space to smell).

Vanilla has always been one of my favorite fragrances in anything from perfume, lotions, even cupcakes smell better when they are vanilla. When I saw this Lavender Vanilla at Yankee Candle I fell in love. Its the perfect balance of calm and cozy. The vanilla is the main scent in this candle but the lavender helps to make it unique and feminine. 

This candle is the 12 oz. size and it retails for $20. You can find it at Yankee Candle retail locations and  I have seen them at Bed Bath and Beyond as well. Here is a link for Yankee Candle buy one get one 50% off online.

Do you have a favorite candle? What fragrances are you drawn to?

XOXO

Kelsey

Carol's Daughter Gelee de Soleil Browning Oil Review

The blue waters of South Beach called to me this past week. Every morning started with a visit to the white sand and crashing waves. The best part was the ever-shinning Florida sun. I am all about getting a tropical glowing tan whenever I can and I brought Carol's Daughter Gelee de Soleil Browning Oil with me in hopes of achieving just that.

Carol's Daughter browning oil is a thick cross between oil and Vaseline made with palm kernel oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, mango butter and avocado butter. It smells tropically divine! I immediately think  of Hawaiian tropic suntan lotion when I smell the browning oil. It also gives the skin a sexy sheen. I would recommend using this even when your not in the sun to moisturize your skin and make you smell amazing. 

The real question is... does this product help you tan? The answer... if used with caution, Yes. Unfortunately for me, being super pale and unexposed to the sun for months, it caused me to burn pretty severely. Than goodness It was just on my back and I was able to cover it up for the remainder of the vacation. I would recommend applying the browning oil after you apply sunblock to prevent burning. If you do not burn easily, you can probably get away with just the browning oil. 

Carol's Daughter Gelee de Soleil Browning Oil retails for $15.00 and can be found online at carolsdaughter.com (click here for direct link) or at Carol's Daughter retail locations and select Macy's. 

Gotta run... celebrity apprentice is back on!

XOXO

Kelsey

Maybelline Spring Launch: I Named These Colors!

While I was in Miami for spring break (I just got back this morning) I stopped into Walgreens and look what I saw... the Maybelline spring fashion week display. 

Why is this display so special to me? Well if you look closely on the top row you will see five eye shadows called color pearls. What you can't see here but you can see if you pick up the product is that each shadow duo as a fashionista floral name and yours truly worked on creating each name over the summer. It was honestly one of my favorite tasks while interning. I even helped with some of the lipstick names too!

My favorite names in the collection: 

• Lilac Lolita
• Clover Couture 
• Va Va Violet 
• Strike a Posey 

It is extremely rewarding to see the end result of something you put your mind to. Seeing this was a huge push to keep chasing my dream of working in the beauty industry. With graduation fast approaching I can't wait to see what life has in store!

XOXO

Kelsey 

Blogging Spring Break Edition

Today I leave for spring break in Miami and I'm disconnecting from the outside world. That means no laptop, limited email checking and close to no phone. It also means minimal blogging :-(

I'm going to be testing out the blogger app for iphone this week and I'll do mini posts while in Miami.

Heading to the airport now!
XOXO
Kelsey

Urban Outfitters Sunglass Haul

 Last week I placed an order on UrbanOutfitters.com  for a pair of cat-eye sunglasses that I saw featured in a retro accessory article in OK magazine. I love urban outfitters because they have edgy, hip, and unique clothing, accessories and home goods. As I was about to check out I saw that if you order $50, you get free shipping... so back to the sunglass section I went and I continued shopping for some other affordable sunglasses I could take with me on my vacation to Miami (we leave this weekend)!

 I ended up picking up 3 pairs that totaled $50 (Yes! Free shipping!). 

 This vintage inspired metal tipped cat-eye was the pair I had originally went online to buy. Can you believe they were only $16? I love when the thing you fall in love with is super affordable to boot. You can pick them up here.

 I have always loved oversized glasses and big dark frames are right up my ally. My past two pairs ended up breaking in my purse because I never used a glasses case to protect them. I am much smarter and much wiser now. These bad boys were only $18.

The last pair I picked up was this modified cat eye with this sort of lace like detail on the top. Its actually my favorite of the three. I could see myself wearing these with so many outfits and no one else having the same pair of sunglasses. Do you think these will leave a funny lace tan line on my face?! I'll report back and let you know. 

Pulling on my cowboy boots, packing up my leopard print tote, and adjusting my cat eye sunglasses... The only way that I wear animals HAHA!

XOXO

Kelsey 

February Favorites

I'm actually not one to pick "favorites" each month because I tend to use most of the same products from month to month and then I try out some of the new launches at work (Macy's). If its extra awesome I will pick one up and take it home with me but even then, I rarely will start using it every day. Instead I have narrowed down the products that I noticed myself reaching for more than usual or more than my usual alternative. 

Bronze Goddess by Estee Lauder

I can truly vouch for the fact that I have reached for this perfume every day since it came out earlier this last month. Bronze Goddess by Estee Lauder (retail price: $49.50) smells exactly like Hawaiian Tropic sunblock. Its a warm sexy beach fragrance that I can't wait to take with me for spring break in 2 weeks!

Coconut Dry Oil Mist by Carol's Daughter 

 Coconut Dry Oil Mist (retail price: $21) is the perfect product to rub into your skin to lock in moisture after a shower. It is  a light and fresh blend of coconut and water lily. The best thing about the Carol's Daughter dry oil mist is that it does not leave a film or oily residue. It also gives your skin a nice healthy glow and the coconut blends perfectly with the Bronze Goddess fragrance.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

 I typically don't reach for mascara's that don't give lots of full thick dark volume however this month I have been using the classic Great Lash mascara to complete "no makeup" makeup looks. The best part about this mascara is that it is really gentile on the lashes and easy to remove.

Origins VitaZing tinted moisturizer 

Now I have been a VitaZing fanatic for months but I had to include it in my February favorites because I have reached for this in place of my foundation more than its fair share of days this month. I love that it adds a nice rich color with light coverage plus it has built in SPF 15 sun protection. Whenever I wear it I always get complements on my skin because it "looks so healthy and fresh." Those are complements a girl could get used to!

Origins GenZing Eye Cream

 I use many different eye creams because every cosmetic line always gives away samples of the latest in their skin care line so I take advantage of free eye cream (who wouldn't!?). Origins GinZing (retail price: $29.50) is the only eye cream that I loved so much that I went back and purchased it after my sample was completely gone. Its a great day cream because it is light weight and has light reflecting particles that make you look awake and alert. It also helps to depuff and hydrate. I would not recommend it to anyone with any existing lines around their eyes however its a great preventative starter eye cream.

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Perversion 

Its no secret that I'm addicted to the Urban Decay 24/7 eye liners. They are so creamy and long lasting. I used to stock up on zero, their old black, but now that I've tried Perversion I'm never going back! Perversion is even blacker, darker and more long lasting than zero. In fact, the swatch on my hand has not completely come off even after washing my hands twice. This is hands down the best eye liner I have ever come across.

What products are you obsessed with this month? I would love to know what your think about the things I've talked about too. Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

I'm off to read this month's SELF magazine (gotta get ready for spring break) 

XOXO

Kelsey

Lipstick of the Day: YSL Rouge Volupte in No. 7 Lingerie Pink

I'm back again with another lipstick of the day post. Again I'm drawn to the Pepto-Bismal pinks that have been finding their way back into my makeup bag as of late. This one is another beautiful soft pink from YSL. 

 YSL makes several different lipstick formulas ranging from super soft and hydrating (the one I'm sporting today) to more long wearing. I chose to get my first YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick about three weeks ago when I went shopping at Sephora. I had heard about the color "Lingerie Pink" from another beauty YouTuber and wanted to check it out. It really is a flirty soft color and it had to come home with me!

YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in No. 7 Lingerie Pink is a super slick and hydrating lipstick. It has a slick feeling on the lips and smells/tastes like mangos (Yumm!). The only downside is that it moves around quite a bit on the lips and you will need to reapply after 2-3 hours. I noticed it settling into the lines of my lips after 3 hours.

It retails for $34 at http://www.yslbeautyus.com/makeup/makeup,default,sc.html if you were interested in picking it up. You can also find it at Sephora and select department stores.

I love the gold packaging of this lipstick. Its right up there with the Tom Ford and Guerlain packaging. 

hugs and KISSES,

Kelsey

Hunger Games Submission

I promised a Hunger Games surprise yesterday. Check out this video that my friend Darian and I made as a video entry to a contest to win tickets to the Huger Games premiere.

Enjoy!

Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus & Sumptuous Mascara Review

 

One thing that I'm always on the hunt for is the perfect volumizing mascara. I recently reordered the Bronze Goddess perfume (review coming shortly) and as a freebee I received this Lash Primer Plus & Sumptuous mascara from Estee Lauder. I have never tried any of the Estee Lauder mascaras and I was really pleased with the results. The star product in this duo is the Lash Primer Plus without question.

Duel ended sample

Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus Retails for $20.00 in the US 
 
The primer alone helped to build length and volume before adding the mascara to darken the lashes. I have tried other primers and the biggest difference between a drugstore primer such as Maybelline XXL and a department store primer like Lash Primer Plus is the consistency and the thickness. The department store primers tend to be thinner yet they produce a naturally voluminous result. The drugstore primers tend to get thicker over time which can result in really heavy handed applications. Both are great options and make a noticeable difference in the end result of your lash look.

Right Eye with Primer+ & Sumptuous mascara

As for the Sumptuous mascara, I would say pass on it. It did not stand out as anything special or better than other mascaras I have tried, especially with the department store price tag. It clumped slightly after several applications and I ended up using a plastic bristle wand such as L'Oreal Paris Million Lashes to comb through and separate. 

If you are in the market for a primer check out Estee Lauder's Lash Primer Plus here.

I have a special treat for hunger game fans tomorrow! I'm just finishing it up this afternoon. 

XOXO
Kelsey

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge Review

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge is a multi-use cream color product. They are designed to be used on the cheeks as a blush and also on the lips as a lipstick/balm. The product recently went through a makeover and now comes in new packaging with a mirror. Check out the new packaging here. The colors are and formulation are the same so I thought I would give a quick review of the product in case you were thinking about picking up the repackaged Pot Rouge. 

The new Pot Rouge retails for $24 and is 0.13 oz worth of product.

Cabo Coral is a muted orange-coral with buildable color. To use it dab your finger in the product and work into your cheek. Pot Rouge gives a soft sheer finish that can be built up to a bright heavy blush. 

I really like applying this product over a tinted moisturizer because it gives the look and texture of glowing skin. If you use a traditional foundation, apply Pot Rouge before you apply any setting powder or powder product as it is harder to blend on top of a powder. I would recommend this product to those with dry or normal skin. Ladies with oily cheeks may notice the product slipping off over time. 

On my skin (normal) I was able to get 10 hours of wear out of the blush without fading. The Pot Rouge is a great product and perfect for anyone that loves to apply products with fingers in a apply-and-go type of way. 

Off to another day at Macy's,

XOXO

Kelsey

LUSH Fresh Face Mask: Love Lettuce

By now I'm sure you already know I'm mildly obsessed with LUSH, the homemade bath and beauty products company. One of my many obsessions is the LUSH fresh face mask, which come in a slew of "flavors". I usually pick up the honey face mask but two weeks ago when I went to the LUSH store, they were all out! It was the perfect opportunity to try some of the other masks that I usually pass up, so I took home Love Lettuce. (Unfortunately they are not available online at www.lushusa.com because they are so fresh, they would not last through shipping.)

Packaging-Love Lettuce Fresh Face Mask

You know the mask is fresh because you have to keep it refrigerated once you get it home and it expires after only 2 weeks. One jar usually yields 4 applications.

 Love Lettuce is a hydrating mask and has ground almonds to help exfoliate your skin after it has dried. I like to take a wash cloth with cold water and message the mask off. It works like a charm!

Love Lettuce-Texture 

The fun thing about this mask is its color. Its the iconic green mask that all the rich women wear in movies when they scare the children. I tried to make a scarier face but I have to tell ya, its HARD to move your face when its stuck in place with a dried mask!

Before (semi-scary!)

And here is the finished product! Here I am without makeup having just washed off the mask. I feel like the skin glows after and if only you could feel the baby bottom-ness of my cheeks. I really would recommend you try any of the LUSH fresh face masks out if you get a chance. 

After

From my Fresh Face to yours,

XOXO

Kelsey

Highly Anticipated Launch: Mad Men for Estee Lauder

Have you heard about the latest collection to rock our vintage loving hearts? Estee Lauder is launching a limited edition collection inspired by the popular show Mad Men. 

The LA Times reports "The Estee Lauder Mad Men collection features a satin finish lipstick in a cherry hue ($25) and a cream rouge in a color called evening rose ($40), both packaged in gold-colored cases and boxes inspired by Estee Lauder designs from the '60s."

Read full article here

I'm already getting my pearl studs, circle skirt, and white patent leather flats ready in anticipation. The mini collection hits stores March 2012 with a second part to the collection launching in 2013. 

XOXO

Kelsey

Capital Area Blogger Event: Networking, Floral Arranging & Sangrias

I recently joined an organization called CapFABB which stands for Capital Area Fashion and Beauty Bloggers http://capfabb.com/. In a nutshell its a network for all fashion and beauty bloggers in the Washington DC area. Last night CapFABB hosted an networking event for its members to celebrate their 1-year anniversary and yours truly was in attendance! I thought I would bring you along to the event...

Me modeling the corsage H Bloom made me

The event was sponsored by H.Bloom a floral delivery company in major cities across the country including DC, NY, Chicago and San Francisco. I will totally do a plug for this company because I think its the coolest idea since liquid lipstick. Not only does this company offer weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly flower subscriptions; you can also choose what style of arrangement you like and they have floral designers come up with the perfect arrangement for you. The best part is that its super affordable-subscriptions start at $29! What a cute idea for a gift that keeps on giving.

The "Bloom Bar"  

H.Bloom constructed a "Bloom Bar" at the CapFABB meet up where H.Bloom floral specialists assisted bloggers in making their own corsages, flower necklaces, fascinators and headbands. I still have superglue on my fingers as I type this! 

Tony- the amazing floral specialist who helped me- gave me some tips to help keep your flowers blooming longer. 

1. If your cut flowers are from bulbs (ie tulips) add a few pennies to the bottom of the vase of water and it will help them stay fresh and in bloom for longer. 
2. If the flowers you buy don't come with the little packet of flower food you can make your own. All you have to do is mix together...
• Water
• Table Sugar
• 7-Up Soda
• Bleach (just a little bit)

Guests stocking up on flowers as the night wraps up

It was awesome meeting some really driven bloggers last night and I can't wait to meet more of you at upcoming events!

Off to take another exam, this time in sports marketing... wish me luck!

XOXO

Kelsey