Manicure Monday: Essie 'Big Spender'

'Big Spender' is an interesting cream finish polish that makes your nails look polished and changes from shades of red to shades of violet in varying lights.


Buy it here.

Beauty Sales Week of December 29th

Gilt:

• Pamper Yourself: Must-Have Beauty Buys (Sale begins Noon ET 12/30)
• Upgrade Your Skincare: Sjal & More (Sale begins Noon ET 1/1)
• Refresh Your Routine: Hair Care & Cosmetics (Sale begins Noon ET 1/3)
• The Ultimate New Year Makeover (Sale begins Noon ET 1/4)

HauteLook:

• BIBASQUE Hair Tools, Brush On Block (Sale begins 8am PT 12/29)
• BECCA Cosmetics, Freeze 24-7 Cosmetics (Sale begins 8am PT 12/30)
• Nicole by OPI (Sale begins 8am PT 12/31)
• ISO Beauty Hair Tools & Accessories, V.swish (Sale begins 8am PT 1/1)
• New Year, New Glow (Sale begins 1pm PT 1/1)
• Crown Brush, Luxe Locks: Hair Brands We Love (Sale begins 8am PT 1/2)
• Cortex Platinum Series Tourmaline Dryer, Tarina Tarantino Cosmetics (Sale begins 8am PT 1/3)
• Faces Beautiful Cosmetics, MyChelle Skincare (Sale begins 8am PT 1/4)

MYHABIT:

• Kevyn Aucoin, Natural Beauty…Will Be MyHabit (Sale begins 9am PT 1/1)
• Treating Myself…Will Be MyHabit (Sale begins 9am PT 1/2)
• CHI Hair Tools, Clarins (Sale begins 9am PT 1/3)

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things: December 2013

Bound 2 by Kanye West // Chella 'Ivory Lace' Highlighter Pencil // Sara Happ Crème Brûlée Lip Scrub // OPI 'Glove You So Much' Nail Polish // Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette // Secret Agent Beauty Secret Lip Affair Nourishing & Plumping Lip Gloss // Alex and Ani Bangles

Bound 2 by Kanye West: This song is too catchy, and while I'm not a fan of the music video (it kinda weirds me out!), I love the song!

Chella 'Ivory Lace' Highlighter Pencil: I received this in my November Birchbox, and since trying it out, I've been using it every day! It blends so smoothly into my skin and matches my skin tone very well. I love using it under my eyebrows and in my inner corner to brighten up my eye area.

Sara Happ Crème Brûlée Lip Scrub: I have been a huge fan of this scrub for a few years, and especially in the colder months, this works wonders on combatting dry lips when paired with a great lip moisturizer.

OPI 'Glove You So Much' Nail Polish: I've been a huge fan of this polish since its release a few years ago. It's a gorgeous deep red with shimmer and so festive for the season!

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette: I never got into the Urban Decay Naked hype, but after seeing this palette, I decided to give it a try, and I've been loving all these colors over the past month.

Secret Agent Beauty Secret Lip Affair Nourishing & Plumping Lip Gloss: I've been loving this gloss since I received it in this months Birchbox. It provides such a pretty sheen while adding just a little bit of color.

Alex and Ani Bangles: I had never seen these around before attending school in Boston where they are as common as snow boots in New England. While I don't plan on stacking them up to my elbow like I see daily, I do have a few more in mind that I want to get.

Home for the Holidays: Despite the fact that I celebrated Hanukkah when I was home for Thanksgiving break, it is so nice being home for the Christmas season. I love working at my family's store where everything is bustling, and even though I have been exhausted due to working every single day since I've been home after a very troublesome day of traveling from Boston to Philadelphia, I have loved every day since I've been home.

Quote du Jour: Blake Lively as Serena van der Woodsen

Blake Lively as Serena van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl

I fall asleep thinking about guys named Louboutin and Laurent.

The problem with fairy tales is that they set a girl up for disappointment. In real life, the Prince goes off with the wrong Princess.

I'll just stay home, eat lots of gelato, and write about how true love is nothing but a myth. 

Beauty Sales Week of December 22nd

Gilt:

• Luxury Beauty: Up to 80% Off (Sale begins Noon ET 12/25)
• Cosmo Skincare: Up to 75% Off (Sale begins Noon ET 12/26)
• Get Gorgeous: Ultra-Glam Beauty Picks (Sale begins Noon ET 12/28)

HauteLook:

• Argan Magic: Hair & Body Care, Bellezza Hair Tools (Sale begins 8am PT 12/22)
• France Luxe, Ready To Wear Beauty (Sale begins 8am PT 12/23)
• Dara Z Cosmetics, Epilady, M Lab Skincare (Sale begins 8am PT 12/24)
• Dermabrush, Eve Pearl, Kiehl's (Sale begins 8am PT 12/25)
• Gifts You Didn't Get: Laura Mercier Holiday Sets (Sale begins 1pm PT 12/25)
• Ahava Skincare, Naked Princess (Sale begins 8am PT 12/26)
• Amore Classic Wet To Dry Flat Iron, DECLEOR Paris Skincare, Orly Smart Gels (Sale begins 8am PT 12/27)
• Fusion Beauty, Sibu Beauty (Sale begins 8am PT 12/28)

MYHABIT:

• Pamper Yourself (Sale begins 9am PT 12/27)

Link Love: December 15-21

Holiday Look Book [Lauren Ellizabeth]


18 Fashion Items That Someone Needs To Invent [Huff Post Style]

American Hustle's Stylish Lies [The Atlantic]

Dealing with Holiday Stress [Corporette]

Reader Question: How Much Do I Tip For Beauty Services? [Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis]

Welcoming 2014 with Radiant Orchid Fashion Finds [College Candy]

Review: December 2013 Birchbox

36 Birchboxes and 3 years later, I've decided to stop receiving my Birchbox subscription. I'll continue to support the company, but for now, this is my last Birchbox. 

This month's box includes:

BeeKind Body Lotion- This natural hydrator from the eco-friendly line softens with honey and organic chamomile. Massage into skin, focusing on dry areas like elbows and knees.  

betty&ko The Betty Polish- A yummy vanilla-almond scrub that leaves skin glowing. Pinch a small amount and massage into damp skin. Rinse away with warm water.

Number 4 Non Aerosol Hairspray- Earth-friendly, botanical-rich spray that gives you flexible hold (read: no crunchiness). Sprtiz daily to keep final style in place, or apply during styling for texture. 

Secret Agent Beauty Nourishing & Plumping Lip Gloss in 'Foreign Intelligence Flirt'- Shimmery formula that plumps with sacha inch oil, peppermint oil extract, and menthol. Wear on its own, or layer over lipstick. The slight tingling sensation means it's working. 

Lifestyle Extra: Emily's Chocolates Milk Chocolate Fortune Cookies- A festive twist on the best part of Chinese takeout - with a creamy milk chocolate coating. Break apart for a playful glimpse at your future. After that, you know what to do. 

Check out Birchbox:

Blog

Facebook

Pinterest

Sign-Up

Twitter

Youtube

What to Wear Where: Holiday Party

Prepping for last minute holiday parties? I've pulled some of the most festive and stylish looks of the season via pinterest that are sure to keep heads turning wherever you go. 

Beauty Sales Week of December 15th

Gilt:

• Dr. Hauschka, Winter Skincare Feat. Erno Laszlo (Sale begins 9pm ET 12/16)
• Gorgeous Holiday Hair Feat. Alterna (Sale begins 9pm ET 12/18)

HauteLook:

• Mirabella Beauty (Sale begins 8am PT 12/15)
• Kate Somerville, Koh Gen Do, T3 Featherweight Luxe Dryer (Sale begins 8am PT 12/16)
• Bourjois Cosmetics, Oscar Blandi Haircare (Sale begins 8am PT 12/17)
• Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories, Lisi Cosmetics (Sale begins 8am PT 12/18)
• HerStyler Hair Tools, Pure Brazilian Keratin Treatment (Sale begins 8am PT 12/19)
• Cortex Pro Supro Ionic Dryer, Perricone, Stila (Sale begins 8am PT 12/20)
• gelliebeans Gel Nails (Sale begins 8am PT 12/21)

MYHABIT:

• Kevyn Aucoin (Sale begins 9am PT 12/16)
• $29 & Under: Skin Care (Sale begins 9am PT 12/17)
• Hydroxatone (Sale begins 9am PT 12/19)
• Gift Picks: Our Favorite Sets (Sale begins 9am PT 12/20)

Crave or Save: Basic Blazer

Topshop Tailored Suit Blazer // Stella McCartney Iris Wool-Twill Blazer

Blazer's are a fall and winter fashion staple and finding the right one can be hard, but one in a classic style and fit can last you many years with proper care.

Style Icons: Leighton Meester

I've been a huge fan of Leighton Meesters style for years every since her days as Blair Waldorf in season 1 of Gossip Girl. She's definitely no Blair Waldorf in real life, but her street style always looks impeccable.

Manicure Monday: OPI 'Sweet Memories'

Although this applies pretty sheer, this polish is really pretty and I'm sure you can tell by some of my past Manicure Monday posts, neutral shades are some of my favorites to wear.


Buy it here.

Beauty Sales Week of December 8th

Gilt:

• The Gift Shop: Editors' Picks & More (Sale begins 9pm ET 12/8)
• Designer Fragrances (Sale begins Noon ET 12/9)
• Top Pro Beauty Tools (Sale begins Noon ET 12/12)
• Deborah Lippmann & More (Sale begins Noon ET 12/13)
• Beauty Gifts Under $50, Vichy Skincare (Sale begins Noon ET 12/14)

HauteLook:

• bmr Beauty Toning Devices, Edward Bess Cosmetics, Flirty Eyes Mink Lashes(Sale begins 8am PT 12/9)
• Butter London, Serious Skincare Cosmetics (Sale begins 8am PT 12/10)
• Blend Mineral Cosmetics, Crown Brush, Hairdo & POP, Proliss Hair Tools (Sale begins 8am PT 12/11)
• David Evangelista Haircare, Mirenesse, UV Nails (Sale begins 8am PT 12/12)
• Laura Mercier Holiday Sets, Napoleon Perdis, Whitening Lightning (Sale begins 8am PT 12/13)
• blowpro, NEO Hair Tools (Sale begins 8am PT 12/14)

Link Love: December 1-7

Do It Yourself! - Giving Back #DIYDecember Day 6 [missglamorazzi]


Captain von Trapp's A Tyrannical Dick And Other Things I Learned Watching The Sound of Music [Crushable]

Holiday Party Uniform [Cupcakes and Cashmere]

How to Tell the Difference Between Quality Products and Cheap Imitations [Beauty High]

Take Loungewear To The Streets [Refinery29]

Wardrobe Organizing Apps That Make The Closet From Clueless A Reality [the gloss]

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2013 Details

The Victoria's Secret 18th Annual Fashion Show airs December 10th at 10pm EST on CBS. Performances this year includes Taylor Swift, Fall Out Boy, A Great Big World, and Neon Jungle.

The themes this year were "British Invasion," "Birds of Paradise," "Parisian Nights," "Shipwrecked," "Snow Angels," and "PINK Network."

This year, Candice Swanepoel was the lucky model chosen to wear the $10 million Fantasy Bra. Created my Mouawad, this years "Royal Fantasy Bra" and matching belt feature over 4,200 precious gems, including diamonds, rubies, and yellow sapphires set in 18 carat gold, and boasting a 52-carat ruby at the center. Make sure to keep a look out for it at the very end of the show.

photo credits: huffingtonpost.com, victoriassecret.com

Products I've Used Up #1

Many beauty vloggers have been posting "empties" or "product i've used up" videos, so I'm following the trend and will be bringing to you every 2 months products I have used up. Enjoy! 

Victoria's Secret Sexy Little Things Noir Body Mist: This smells delicious, but it was time for it to go since I've had this same bottle for over 3 years, so I've been working hard to just use this over the past couple months so I could use it up. I probably won't re-purchase this because I really don't like body mists or sprays, I prefer my perfumes instead.

Neutrogena SkinClearing Shine-Control Blotting Sheets: These work wonders on getting rid of oil before re-applying makeup midway through the day, I'll be repurchasing them once I finish up a few other packs I have in my stash.

MAC Stud Eyebrow Pencil: This is probably my third brow pencil, and I just can't get enough. It works perfectly and blends nicely in my brows, and the color matches me perfectly. I've already re-purchased and begun using a new one because this is a staple in my everyday makeup.

MAC Fix +: I can't even remember when I purchased this, which meant it was time to use it up. I had been using it over the past few months in place of my makeup setting spray, just to use it up and it got the job done. I probably won't re-purchase because honestly, who needs fancy water in a bottle?

LUSH Cupcake Fresh Face Mask: I recently stopped back into a Lush store, which is something I haven't done in a while, with the idea in mind to pick up a fresh face mask to combat my skin which has been breaking out a lot lately. It cools, calms, and cleanses your skin to leave it breakout free. I'll probably re-purchase this in a few months, but it's not a regular item I own.

Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Lotion: I'm absolutely obsessed with this lotion! It smells delicious, doesn't irritate my sensitive skin, and does a great job of moisturizing my skin. I've already repurchased a backup of this and I'm loving it.

Benefit POREfessional Primer: This was probably my 3rd POREfessional Primer, and I always go back for more! If you think you're at the tail end, I recommend cutting a bit off the top and you'll see you probably have enough to last you at least a week left in the tube.

Ketancolanzole Shampoo Prescription: I really hate this, but I've got to use it to keep my scalp flake-free (gross!) but it's a necessity when washing my hair. Obviously, I'll be repurchasing.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector: I've been a huge fan of this product for years! It really penetrates dark spots to fade them, but I'm debating on repurchasing this because something a little less expensive may work better.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes x2: These have been a staple in my nighttime skincare routine for years because they work well at removing all my makeup before washing my face. Obviously, I'll be repurchasing.

Anastasia Clear Brow Gel: This works great to set your brows and keep them in place all day, however it's not without leaving them looking slightly unnatural and a little gross. I've decided to be a little more practical and purchase the Maybelline clear mascara, because that's really all an eyebrow gel is.

Skintimate Shave Gel: I've been using these shave gels for years, probably along with the majority of the female population. No question here that I'll obviously be repurchasing it.

Maybelline 'Peppermint' Baby Lips: I love this lip balm! It smells refreshingly minty, has SPF 20, and moisturizes your lips. I already have a backup of the original flavor, so maybe when I run out of that plus a few other lip balms I'll re-purchase this.

CVS Regular Nail Polish Remover: Just your run-of-the-mill nail polish remover, it's nothing special but I'll re-purchase this because it's affordable and easy.

Bath & Body Works PocketBac Hand Sanitizer: I've been using PocketBac's for years and I always keep one of these in my purse and one in my desk drawer. I'll be re-purchasing more of these once I run out of the few I have left.

Beauty Sales Week of December 1st

Gilt:

• Miracle Skin Transformer (Sale begins 9pm ET 12/1)
• T3: Up To 75% Off (Sale begins Noon ET 12/2)
• Dr. Hauschka, Nuxe (Sale begins Noon ET 12/4)
• Stocking Stuffers: Beauty Under $50 (Sale begins Noon ET 12/6)
• Beauty Gifts: Up to 75% Off (Sale begins Noon ET 12/7)

HauteLook:

• Demeter Holiday Fragrances, Kinerase, MicrodermMD and LED Anti-Aging Beauty Tools (Sale begins 8am PT 12/1)
• American Crew, Coach Love Fragrances, Dr. Brandt, LORAC (Sale begins 8am PT 12/2)
• Hair Tools Blowout, Holiday Fragrances, NuFace Facial Toning Devices, ProBody Anti-Cellulite Massager System, Stila Countless Color Pigments (Sale begins 8am PT 12/3)
• Belletto Studio Airbrush Makeup, La Fresh, Laura Mercier Holiday Sets (Sale begins 8am PT 12/4)
• Kiehl's, nailuv Gel Nails, NUXE Skincare, ProSonic Cleansing & Exfoliating System (Sale begins 8am PT 12/5)
• ANSR Sole, Beauty Most Wanted, LaLicious Bath & Body, NuMe (Sale begins 8am PT 12/6)
• Amir Argan Oil, Donna Bella 24K Gold Skincare, The Mane Event: Professional Hair Tools (Sale begins 8am PT 12/7)
• Nailbuds Gel Polish, Million Dollar Tan, Rodial Skincare (Sale begins 8am PT 12/8)

MYHABIT:

• Dr. Brandt Skincare, Great Gifts: Fragrances, The Spa Gift Shop (Sale begins 9am PT 12/2)
• Amal Oils, Beaute Basics: Palettes & Brushes, Clarins: Gift Sets & More (Sale begins 9am PT 12/3)
• 360 Skincare (Sale begins 9am PT 12/4)
• Great Gifts: The Beauty Basics (Sale begins 4pm PT 12/5)