Spring Beauty Essentials

When it comes to makeup and beauty routines, I admit that I'm not the best at having a regular routine. There's more days than not when I go out without makeup (or use very little of it) and days when I don't wash my face and moisturize like I should (you know you do it too!). But when I do get a good routine going, my skin always looks 10x better, without fail. Here are some of my favorite tried-and-true products to get you through spring.

1. [LAVANILLA] Vanilla Coconut 1.7oz Eau de Parfum Spray $58
2. [Philosophy] Supernatural Superbeautiful - Good-For-Skin Makeup SPF 20 $30
3. [Fekkai] Glossing Sheer Shine Mist $21
4. [Dior] Dior Addict Lip Glow $29
5. [MAKE UP FOR EVER] Sens'Eyes - Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleanser $23
6. [Tarte] Clean Slate Primer $30
7. [Philosophy] Hope Springs Eternal- Deep Sea Revitalizing Mask $25
8. [Bare Escentuals] bareMinerals Blush $18
9. [Organix] Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo $7
10. [Benefit] BADgal Plum Mascara $19
11. [Neutrogena] MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray $7
12. [Liken Plant] Unscented Deodorant $4.50
13. [Bare Escentuals] bareMinerals SPF 15 Matte Foundation $28
14. [Bare Escentuals] Buffing Brushes The Essential Collection $49
15. [Murad] Acne Treatment Concealer $21
16. [Avalon Organics] Sweet Orange & Bergamot Lotion $8
17. [Caudalie] Premier Cru La Crème $150
18. [Caudalie] Hand And Nail Cream $19
19. [Benefit] Hoola Bronzer $28
20. [Bliss] Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask $52
21. [Sephora by OPI] Glee Nail Color- Slushied $9.50
22. [Philosophy] Purity Made Simple $32
23. [Benefit] "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer $28
24. [Juicy Couture] Couture Couture Eau de Parfum Roll-On $18


My Reviews:

1. The perfect amount of coconut in this perfume. I look forward to spraying it on. / 2. It's sheer, with buildable coverage and blends in seamlessly. / 3. It gives the perfect amount of shine and brings life to dull hair. Spray it right before you go out. / 4. I use this like chapstick- it's light pink and when you put it on, it automatically adjusts to suit your skin tone. The more you use, the darker it gets, so it's perfect if you want just a hint of color, or if you want a deeper hue. / 5. This is great on those days when I do full eye makeup- eyeshadow, liner, mascara- and need to remove it without much scrubbing. And as someone with sensitive eyes, this one doesn't sting (a big plus!) / 6. I first got this as a sample and it lasted way longer than I expected. A little really goes a long way with this product, so paying the $30 for what looks like a small tube is deceiving. Needless to say, I bought the full size and it will last me until I'm 45. / 7. This is one of the coolest masks I've tried. First, it's made with ingredients from the sea- algae, plankton, spirulina- and it's like a miracle worker for uneven skin tone. Very refreshing. / 8. A great shade and I like that it's a loose powder. I got this in a kit and love it. / 9. My sister first got this and when I couldn't stop smelling her hair and marveling at how nice the coconut smell was (and how long it stays), I knew I had to buy some for myself. Not only will you smell excellent all day, but your hair will look smooth and shiny! / 10. The plum is dark enough to look natural, but not as harsh as black. It's great color for people like me with blue eyes, plus, it's just a great mascara anyway. / 11. When my pale skin needs a bit of color, I always reach for this spray. Haven't been using it lately, but I will now that summer's just around the corner. / 12. Please use deodorant- it's getting hot- be kind to others around you :) This is a healthy deodorant from Whole Foods, and unlike some natural ones, this one actually works- very well. / 13. Sometimes I use this to set my liquid foundation, and other times I put this on by itself when I don't need that much makeup. I've used it for years. / 14. I don't have these exact brushes, but I have some from a BE set and they're awesome! Very soft and they get the job done. / 15. I've never been a big concealer person, so I don't have much to compare it to, but this works well. / 16. I couldn't find this scent online, but I get it from Whole Foods and it's so luxurious. It's not too light and not too thick. The scent is nice for spring/summer. (I've also used shampoo & conditioner from this brand and they're very good as well.) / 17. I just got this as a deluxe sample from the Caudalie rep during Sephora's 'chic week'. It's very thick, but absorbs well and seems to be working wonders (?? time will tell) / 18.  This was another sample I got during 'chic week' and also tried previously. It's a great creamy hand lotion that really hydrates dry hands and cuticles. A+ / 19. I love this stuff- I think I'm on my 3rd box now. For me, it's the perfect matte bronzer without shimmers. I like that I can add color without it looking like a twilight vampire. / 20. This mask is so cool! It foams and it's insanely hydrating (it should be- that's what it claims to do!) It also lasts a long time- a little goes a long way with this one also. It's a gel and when you mix it with water and rub it on your face, it foams. You have to try it!! / 21. As you know, I'm mildly obsessed with nail polish (OPI, specifically). You definitely need to get some kind of bright color on your nails this season. / 22. This facial cleanser makes my face feel so soft and smooth, and really helps even out your skin tone.  / 23. When I haven't had a great night's rest and need to look awake, I reach for this primer. It really works well at brightening your complexion. / 24. This is a nice, light fragrance that you can throw in your bag on your way out and reapply throughout the day when you need a pick me up.

FBFF ~ Favorite Spring Trends

This is my first time participating in FBFF (Fashion & Beauty Friend Friday), hosted by Katy at Modly Chic. This week's question was 'what are your 5 favorite trends to see or wear this Spring?' Here are some of my favorites:

1. Tassels

 (source)

I love these tassel belts that have been seen on the runways lately. (I can think of a new purpose for my cords from graduation!) They're great on anything from shoes to purses.

 2. Feathers

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Feather extensions are a really cool way to incorporate some flair into your look. In an otherwise simple outfit, they add a cool factor that's fashion-forward and unique. I like the extensions, but also one long feather earring or other kinds of feathers incorporated into your look can do wonders for your spring style.

 3. Bright lips

(source)

Bright colors are always the fastest way to liven up your look and catapult you right out of the winter slump. I've only dabbled with bright lipsticks before because I thought they were too much for me, but after wearing it out, I got a bunch of compliments and changed my opinion.

 4. Spikes

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My knees weakened when I first caught sight of Burberry's spiked shoulder trench. Since then, I have a renewed interest in spikes and plan to DIY something soon. Which leads me to my last thing...

5. D.I.Y.s

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I've been getting a ton of great DIY ideas from blogs like the Glamourai and Style Scrapbook this week and can't wait to get creative with my hands (opposed to on the computer). As seen in the street style pics at fashion weeks, DIY items always give you that little something extra and make you stand out against the crowd (same with vintage). And as always, if you can craft something inspired by a designer version for a fraction of the price, more power to you.

Thank you for reading my first FBFF, and please be sure to check out what everyone else posted here!

Have a great weekend!

xx Kara

The Art of Giving

Like me, many of you have already started the gift planning process— getting ready for Black Friday and the holiday sales. Whenever I'm stumped as to what to get for a friend, I remember something my mom told me, "Pick out a gift that you would want to receive." Needless to say, there are tons of things I'd love to get, so that advice definitely comes in handy!

1. [FRED FLARE] Forget Me Knot Ring $54

2. [ANTHROPOLOGIE] Gem-Clasped Jewelry Box $38

3. [HENRI BENDEL] Cheetah Haircalf Gloves $198

4. [KATE SPADE] Taxi Mittens $65

5. [AMAZON] Mad Men: The Illustrated World $10

6. [ANTHROPOLOGIE] Waved Spectrum Scarf $48

7. [KATE SPADE] Deluxe Plush Scottie $225

8. [FRED FLARE] Birds on a Wire Photo Clips $12

9. [HENRI BENDEL] Vanilla Flower Scented Soaps $30

10. [FRED FLARE] Fisticup Brass Knuckle Mug $18

11. [ANTHROPOLOGIE] Inner Circle Necklace $118

12. [ANTHROPOLOGIE] Wintertide Scarf $58

13. [FRED FLARE] Skull Ornaments $18 

14. [FRED FLARE] Glittery Body Art Tattoo Pens $9

15. [AMERICAN EAGLE] Peace Two-Finger Ring $15.50

16. [VICTORIA’S SECRET] Pure Seduction Shimmer Powder $10

17. [AMERICAN EAGLE] V Knit Trapper $34.50

18. [B-SIDE BY KEN + DANA] Rebel Handcuff Bangle Blue $64

19. [SEPHORA] Dior Addict Lip Glow $28

20. [HENRI BENDEL] Glitter Treat Box $68

21. [VICTORIA’S SECRET PINK] Faux Fur Booties $49.50

DVF's Neon Pink Lips

There were a few pops of bright pink on various designers' model's lips this season; one who stands out is Diane Von Furstenberg. I was browsing the Full Frontal Fashion's site and came across some backstage photos from her show. Enter, neon magenta lips. I read that they were inspired by one of DVF's Warhol portraits, and wondered "What does it take to make your lips pop like that?" MAC Cosmetics, that's what. According to Tekbuz.com, the look was created by layering a loose Pigment in Magenta Madness over the Chromagraphic Pencil in Process Magenta.  

Will you be (or are you already) sporting bright lips? 

That's what's on my mind today... I'm getting ready for a weekend of dogsitting for a friend, catching up on some TV, finishing DVF:A Signature Life, and eating the French Chocolate Mint Ice Cream that I just made with the Ice Cream Machine I got with my CSV giftcard that I won on Josie's blog. (I hope it turned out- my first time making homemade ice cream!!)

 ... Diane and the models ...

*Above images from Full Frontal Fashion.com

*Image from NYtimes.com

Have a Fabulous Weekend!

..... xo Kara .....