M.A.C. to the BEACH
Okay, it’s not really makeup created specifically for the beach (although you can if you want to), but the new M.A.C. to the Beach collection will give you that golden, bronzy, sun-kissed glow. With bronzers, shadows, blushes and lip color that will have you looking like you’re fresh off an island tour.
Mac to the Beach lipstick
My fave from this collection is the lipstick which comes in three colors – Funbathing, Thrill and Lazy Day. While Funbathing is perfect on darker skin, all three colors would work for caramel or lighter skin gals. It gives the lips a soft neutral look that also work well with bold, bright eyes.
BEAUTY DEALS WE LOVE
Sephora never fails when it comes to great beauty deals. On sale right now is the Sephora Collection Colorful 9 eyeshadow palette for just $15! Originally priced at $28, these shimmering shadows come in 9 high-pigment shades that will definitely give you soft, sexy eyes for a evening to night time look. What I love about Sephora’s eyeshadows is that they glide on easily and last for hours.
Sephora Collection eyeshadow palette - $15
Summer Flutter…
This summer we’ve gone completely retro with nail color! It’s bold, playful and inspired by butterflies? OPI’s new collection, Summer Flutter, was stimulated by the whimsy of butterflies and comes in four hot colors from the 80s (and 70s). All four colors, Catch Me in Your Net, Flit a Bit, Flower to Flower and Wing It, are fun and flirty for a weekend or party look.
Old Faithful
Palmers Cocoa Butter for Stretch Marks - starts at $3.99
During my pregnancy, so many women kept telling me about different methods to prevent stretch marks and now that I’ve had the baby, a lot of my friends will ask “did you get any stretch marks?” Honestly, stretch marks have been a part of my life since puberty, so getting them during pregnancy was inevitable. The good thing about it is that they are usually smooth in texture and fade over time. However, I knew that nine months of belly stretching was nothing compared to a little growth spurt at 12 years old. So, I prepared for the worst.
I spent around eighty bucks a month on a cream that promised to prevent and reduce stretch marks, and while it worked for about eight and a half months, I started seeing those zebra stripes on my lower abdomen towards the end of my final trimester. That’s when I decided to skip the expensive stuff and try Palmers Cocoa Butter for Stretch Marks. After all, it’s been around for years and used by generations of pregnant women before all the pricey “miracle” creams hit the market.
After two painful days of sitting hours at a time and taking breaks to ease my aching back or just calm the 6 pound baby that seemed to be practicing self defense in my uterus, my extensions are finally done! These half braided, half wet and wavy extensions are exactly what I need in my life. The only maintenance required for the next couple months will be keeping my scalp clean and keeping it tangle free and shiny.
One must-have product that I’ve always used for extensions is Fantasia IC Herbal/Vitamin Braid Sheen.
Fantasia IC Herbal/Vitamin Braid Sheen - $5.99
I’m desperately in need of a low maintenance, quick and easy DO (especially going to into motherhood)! So, I’ve decided to try wet n’ wavy hair extensions for the next few months. I’ve worn this style years ago and one major challenge is keeping the hair moist overnight and detangling in the mornings. I was excited to find this Tangle Teezer Professional Detangling Brush on ASOS.com!
Tangle Teezer Professional Detangling Brush - $16.57 on asos.com
e.l.f. 5pc makeup brush set - $10 at Target
According to my pregnancy books and all the other Mommies I run into, I should be preparing the nest for the arrival of my little one and have my hospital bag ready to go! So in my typical disorganized…I mean spontaneous…fashion, I have yet to get a jumpstart on either one. So, yesterday I headed to Target to pick up toiletries and other necessities for my hospital stay.
Although it was not on any of the checklists that I’ve seen, I thought it absolutely necessary to purchase a travel makeup brush.
Warm Vanilla Sugar anti-bacterial hand wash (Bath and Body Works) - $3 on sale
As if I wasn’t a big enough germaphobe, this whole swine flu thing has me washing my hands twice as often and constantly applying anti-bacterial lotions when on the go. Although (I think) it’s kept me healthy this season, the only negative result is extremely dry hands.
More…
FRAGRANCES AND GIFT IDEAS FOR HIM
I’m not a sports body spray kind of gal. I prefer the scent of fine designer fragrances on my man and cologne is always a nice stocking stuffer or standalone gift (for that new, not-quite-there-yet relationship).
Here are three fragrances that I love to sniff on MB and also a great gift idea for your man or man-to-be…what’s your favorite scent on a man?
Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme - around $70
It’s officially cold and, as if that’s not enough, the super high winds is starting to dry out my skin. A good moisturizer under my makeup always helps, but I also find that using intensive treatments like a moisturizing masque gives my skin a healthier glow. I’m currently trying Queen Helene’s Apricot Moisturizing Masque and love it for two reasons: it leaves my face feeling soft and smooth without any oiliness, and it’s available at most beauty supply stores and pharmacies for only $4 - $5!
Queen Helene Apricot Moisturizing Masque - $4 - $5
