beauty

Nosing around: why I haven’t had my nose “fixed”

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vada0283.jpg
Photo by de Belle Photography 

I recently saw Barbra Streisand in concert, and since then I haven’t been able to get an anecdote she recounted out of my head. Mrs. Streisand told the audience how one of her album covers was retouched to remove the bump from her nose. She was infuriated she said, because, ” this nose and I have been through a lot together”. I’ve always admired Streisand’s career (she’s one of the few to have an Oscar, a Golden Globe and a Tony!), but more than that — I’ve admired the fact she’s gotten to where she is without succumbing to the pressure to change how she looks.

There have been moments in my life when I’ve considered eliminating the bump in my nose only to decide against it. Each of those times I’ve reminded myself that it’s this very nose that’s gotten me to where I am today. I remind myself that I personally don’t have an issue with my nose but I’m sometimes fooled into disliking it because I realize it doesn’t conform to society’s so-called standards of beauty. I see images of  “beautiful” women with their small, smooth noses, only to look at myself in the mirror and notice my own nose looks nothing like theirs. This in turn makes me insecure.

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Beauty on the brain Part II: my love hate relationship with makeup

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The five makeup products I’m using this summer

My first experience with makeup was in the fifth grade when my best friend and I decided to smear the contents of her mother’s bathroom drawers onto our faces. I was 11 years old and for some reason I thought mocha lipstick with brown lipliner and gobs of fuschia blush was a good look for me. I still recall being awestruck by how it took only a couple of products to make my features “pop,” although I’m not quite sure I would’ve used that word back then. Needless to say, I was completely seduced. Continue reading →

Beauty on the brain part 1: a 20-something ponders wrinkles

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Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+ is light and doesn’t give me breakouts. 

I’m well aware I’m only 26-years-old, but lately I’ve managed to add something to my compendium of fears: aging. More specifically — and superficially, I’m referring to the aesthetic aspects associated with getting older, i.e., wrinkles, dark spots, sagging, etc.

Ever since moving to Miami, the harmful effects of getting too much sun exposure has been on my mind like never before. Just recently I read an article on Refinery 29, where Dr. Craig Kraffert, a board certified dermatologist said, “sun exposure is the main cause of aging of the skin — it isn’t age.”

In a way this is reassuring, because if you’re 20-something you have most of the tools at your disposal  to ward off visible signs of aging: wearing broad spectrum SPF daily and limiting time spent in the sun. Easy, right? Incidentally, however, the more I load up on the block, the more it makes me think about the very thing I’m trying to prevent. Next thing I know I’m buying a dark spot diminishing serum and checking for wrinkles.

What’s more, it doesn’t help that Miami, more so than Montreal or Manhattan it seems, is a youth obsessed city. I don’t have statistics to back this up, but I would dare to say that after tourism, plastic surgery is the second largest industry here. And whereas in NYC women generally gravitate towards more “natural” looking cosmetic procedures — in Miami I’ve seen some faces that couldn’t possibly exist in nature. I’m not talking about Botox here, but the real McCoy my friends.

If anything, seeing some of these frightening ladies — and gents — turns me completely off plastic surgery, but the mere fact they felt the need to do this to themselves makes me utterly horrified re aging. It didn’t help that when I pointed out some exaggerated examples of cosmetic work to my boyfriend, his response was: “maybe they look better like this than if they didn’t do anything.”

I don’t know, but I believe that a wrinkly face still looks better, not to mention more elegant than one that bears a permanent expression of shock and that’s so obviously been nipped and tucked every which way. Reminding myself of this comforts me to a degree. So does thinking about women who look beautiful because they’re embracing aging naturally and are living life to the fullest.

No one is a more fitting example than my own mother. Her approach to beauty and aging has always been less is more, and her minimalist grooming routine never ceases to impress me. I pray I got her good genetics, and more importantly — her positive attitude. In the meantime, I’m slathering on the SPF and focusing on not thinking about the “A” word.

Words of wisdom from a 26-year-old

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Doling out wisdom from my high horse 


Twenty-six. I’m officially closer to 30 than I am to 20, but you know what? I’m A-ok with that. Why you ask? Well firstly, I eat a lot of “superfoods,” so really, I’m actually getting younger by the day, perhaps even by the minute. Secondly, 25 was better than 24, therefore basic math dictates 26 has to eclipse 25, right? Right? And last but certainly not least, with each year that goes by, I continue to amass more wisdom, meaning it’s only a matter of time before I’ll reach Dalai Lama status, and what more could one want out of life than that?

Though I am not quite on the level as His Holiness, yet, I love using my birthday as an excuse to get on my high-horse share some of the knowledge and insights I’ve gleaned over the past year. So now, without further ado, here are some words of wisdom from a 26-year-old (FYI: that’s me!).

“Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.“ In case you’re wondering, the answer is no, I did not come up with this quote, it’s actually from J.F.K’s inaugural address. Basically, over the last year, with the help of inten-sati classes (the affirmation shouting mind- body workout), I’ve realized how often I play the victim card. I’m constantly getting upset over something someone did or didn’t do, said or didn’t say, and I get so wrapped up in placing blame on others that I forget to stop and think about what I can do to affect the situation.

This can mean a seemingly trivial gesture as smiling at the rude coffee shop cashier, or something bigger like calling up your best friend to see how she’s doing instead of fretting over why she hasn’t bothered to ring you. Since we can only truly control ourselves, why not make like Gandhi, and “be the change [we] wish to see in the world.” Trust me, you’ll never feel badly about doing something good for others. 

The grass is always greener on the other side, and the sooner we can accept that, and move forward, the better off we’ll be. When I was working full-time, all I could think about was how I have no time to get anything done and how annoying it was to have each day follow a similar pattern. But sure enough, as soon as my contract was up, I found myself missing my routine and wondering how I would fill up my days. Sound familiar? 

For many of us, having the grass-is-always-greener syndrome is a normal facet of life, and I’ve come to understand there’s no need to feel guilty about it. Once I accepted there’s nothing wrong with missing the very things I was complaining about, I was able to focus on my present situation and think about what would suit me the best going forward. At the end of the day, there’s always one patch of grass that’s just a little more green than the other. 

Coconut oil works wonders on dry, damaged hair, and Argan oil makes your skin glow. As much as I love my ombré hair, after coloring it for the third time, my ends were seriously fried. Desperate, I decided to do a coconut oil hair mask which has been all the rage since Miranda Kerr admitted to being a fan. The result: aside from making my hair smell delicious, it totally salvaged my damaged locks, now if only I can stick to doing it regularly.  

The key is to buy extra virgin organic coconut oil, and to put about 1/2 a tablespoon’s worth on your ends (preferably on dry hair), then tie your hair back and cover with a shower cap and a warm towel. Leave it in for 20-30 minutes and make sure to wash your hair very thoroughly afterwards. Do this treatment once a week to once a month depending on how dry your strands are. 

Living Foods Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is amazing for dry, damaged hair


A little Argan oil (I like Josie Maran’s Organic Argan Oil), goes a long way. I’ve started applying a couple of drops to my face each night before moisturizing, and I swear the next day my skin has this dewy glow. I also like to rub a little on my split ends and cuticles, though I can’t say I’ve seen results just yet. 

If you’re not excited to go on a second date with someone, don’t bother going. I think that one speaks for itself. 

Fear is the enemy. Every day, the toughest challenge for me is overcoming my fears. Apart from being terrified of pigeons and falling flat on my face down a flight of stairs, I fear failure, change, of offending someone, and a host of other things. My knee-jerk reaction in most circumstances is to say “I can’t”, or “I’m afraid,” or “what if.” 

Being in a relationship with someone I love is amazing, but sometimes I get so overwhelmed by my fears of things going wrong that I turn into the pathetic version of myself I so deeply despise. The thing is, fear is not the path to personal or professional happiness — quite the opposite. For me, it all boils down to catching myself when I’m about to act out of fear and reminding myself that nothing good can ever come of it. It’s about changing my inner dialogue from “I can’t” to “I will” and focusing on the present. Easier said than done, but I be tryin’. 

Surround yourself with people who support you and inspire you to be better. You know that friend who is always a Negative Nancy and is constantly trying to bring others along for her miserable ride? Yeah, you should try to see her as little as possible because you’ve got bigger things to do, namely focusing on how you can be the best version of yourself. 

Ditch the dating rules and listen to your gut. It didn’t take me too long to arrive at the conclusion that following some arbitrary dating rules was futile, but sadly it didn’t mean I stopped second guessing myself entirely and wondering whether I was doing the “right ” thing. 

For instance, after going on an incredible first date, the guy asked me to come out with him and his friends the next night. Worried I might come across as too available, I wasn’t sure if I should go. When I asked a trusted advisor, his answer was: “Val, it’s your life, not a game of chess; do what you want.” The bottom line was I wanted to go, and so I did. Five months later, we’re still together and I couldn’t be happier. So there you have it. 



The big bang theory: or why I’m jealous of Lauren Conrad

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Lauren Conrad’s chic new look is giving me serious bang envy

I’ve never looked to Lauren Conrad for fashion inspiration, but her recent Marie Claire cover stirred a longing within me: to bring back my bangs. Seeing LC in her full fringed glory made me miss the days I too had bangs. I’ve gone without for about six months now, but like an ex you can’t seem to fully let go of — such is how I feel about bangs.

I had bangs throughout most of my childhood, but following a traumatic experience before the fifth grade when I decided to play the role of hairdresser, they didn’t return till I was 16. Who was my inspiration then? Why Mischa Barton of course, she of “The O.C.” fame. Since part of the reason my boyfriend at the time was attracted to me was his major crush on Ms. Barton, the bangs stayed and I never looked back.  They danced around from full frontal fringe to side bangs and back again, but a constant they remained. And then it happened; between a summer of hellish NYC heat and their owner’s laziness (bangs are a B%&$# to maintain), they grew out, and — poof — just like that they were gone.

We women have such an attachment to our hair; one might go so far as to say it acts as a protective helmut from the dangerous world surrounding us. But as I “grow up”, I find myself wanting them less to hide under (oh those wonderful teenage years), but rather to add structure to my face and give me a more distinct look. Also, about twice a year I simply get bored with my hair and start itching for a change; my last big move was lightening the ends, and like a good addict I keep wanting to go back for more — i.e. go lighter and lighter.

Part of what’s stopping me from making the cut now is the high maintenance aspect, as well as (hold the judgements), the fact lately I’ve been getting the sense bangs fall under the category of “girl pretty” and not “guy pretty”. You know, kind of like boyfriend jeans or Peter Pan collars. Deep down I believe none of that should matter if you’ve got confidence and a killer smile (and it’s not like I remained chaste while having bangs), yet it remains a deciding factor.

At the end of the day, I’m simply unsure what look suits me better, so I’m asking YOU for input. In fact, you’ve already helped, because in writing this I’ve realized perhaps my main problem is taking life too seriously (umm, I compared bangs to an ex-boyfriend). Thankfully, hair grows, and having an on-again, off-again relationship with a hairstyle is significantly less perilous than a romantic relationship of a similar nature.

Full bangs
Side bangs
Bye bye bangs (I realize this isn’t the greatest shot) 

Beauty breaking point: why I’m reaching for cream bronzer this season

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This post goes out to all the ladies out there who have spent a pretty penny on bronzing powder only to have it shatter into unsalvageable pieces in their purses or suitcases. With summer on the horizon, and with it (hopefully) many weekend jaunts –- I decided there was no time like the present to try a cream bronzer. Being fair skinned, I worried a cream would be too pigmented and would make me look greasy rather than Gwyneth Paltrow lit from within –- the ultimate goal.
Well, a quick consult with a Nars makeup artist was all it took to settle my doubts. A cult favorite, the brand’s multi-purpose stick for eyes, cheeks, lips and body known as The Multiple ($39) comes in a plethora of shades, including St. Barts, i.e., my new summer bronzer. Pale-friendly, with only a faint shimmer, fears of looking too dark and shiny were tossed out the window.
Little did I know, since cream bronzer’s applied with your fingers, you actually have morecontrol over the intensity. Simply dab a bit where the sun naturally hits like the top of the forehead, chin, the cheeks, a little down the bridge of your nose and even on the brow bone, and blend down. While my summer travels won’t be nearly as glamorous as her Lady of Goop’s, at least I’ll arrive at my destination with my bronzer intact and ready to glow.

Nars’ multiple in St. Barts is perfect for fair-skinned gals

Winter beauty essentials: or how I survive the cold

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New flash: it’s winter in New York, and while it’s tempting to go into full-blown hibernation, it’s kiiind of not feasible for most of us.  That said, never has the saying “I get by without a little help from my  friends” felt more apropos. And any friend of mine should at minimum be introduced to you dear readers. Herewith, my latest winter beauty essentials. Bundle up.

xoxox

Val

My winter beauty bff’s 

1. Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Serum 

It’s not like I needed another reason to say “merci” to the French  (have you tried a Laduree’s macarons?), but Caudalie’s products are nothing short of fantastique. Harvesting the healing properties of organic grapes, the hypo-allergenic line is designed for those of us with sensitive skin. While I’ve been devoted to Caudalie’s gentle makeup remover and eye cream, I’ve only recently discovered the wonders of serum. A serum is to be applied after cleansing the face but before moisturizing — providing a little extra hydration and allowing moisturizer to absorb better. That, or it’s another clever marketing ploy I’ve succumbed to with no escape in sight. Jokes aside, I use it because it feels soooo good and I find it actually helps combat winter dryness and dullness. An added bonus is that it’s free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

2. CeraVe AM and PM moisturizing lotion.

If like me you suffer from dry skin that can sometimes veer into eczema territory, you should acquaint yourself with ceramides, i.e. a type of lipid that enables the skin to retain moisture. CeraVe products use ceramides and some fancy-pants patented controlled release MVE technology to essentially make dry skin a thing of the past. Recommended to me by my trusted dermatologist because it’s also ideal for sensitive skin, CeraVe gets the job done without feeling greasy — a complaint I had regarding Cetaphil.  It’s more cosmetically elegant if you will, and the AM lotion offers the added bonus of 30 SPF. I like to  buy the classic Moisturizing Lotion too (not AM or PM) and put it on my body (it’s cheaper). Together with the Hydrating Cleanser, I use these products year-round.

3. Johnson’s Baby Oil

Why should babies have all the fun? A little dab of this on your person post-shower, followed by some body lotion for an extra level of softness, and you and yours will be sending me hand-written thank-you notes in no time.

4. Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil 

At last I have found a weapon to ward of winter-static for good. Pump a drop into your palms, rub, and smooth from roots to ends so that your hair will never know what season it is. If only everything else in life were this simple…

5. Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder in “Aruba”

Given my paleness, and in an effort to avoid deceiving anyone, I often end up opting out of wearing bronzer in the winter months. However, that paleness I speak of is also precisely why I ought to not  opt out of wearing bronzer this time of year. Enter Bobbi Brown’s Illuminating Bronzing powder. To quote the brand’s website, the secret lies in the “innovative blend of sheer powder and micro pearls” that combine to create “a seamless and sheer natural-looking glow”. Sample it and your local beauty counter and see for yourself; I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Better late than never: 2013 resolutions

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Me in “guru pose” (as my friend Pam called it) on New Year’s eve in Saint. Martin. 


Happy 2013 dear readers! I’ve finally come up with some New Year’s resolutions I think I can actually keep. What was that? Disbelief? Oh no you didn’ttttt (insert mandatory finger waving and snapping). Besides, putting my resolutions on the web for all to see already implies a certain degree of accountability, right? I think so anyways.

 What are your resolutions? Send them my way and we can keep each other in-check. Thank you again for reading, it means the world to me as this blog is truly a labor of love. 

1. Blog more. Duh. 

2. De-clutter. Cabinets, closet, desk — the works. I find I breathe easier when there’s less “stuff” around me. It’s also a major time-saver, especially for someone who is perennially late. That brings me to my second resolution…

3. Be on time. Stop under-estimating how much time I need to get ready and arrive at my final destination. 

4. Get together with friends more often during the week. Drinks on a Wednesday despite having work the next day? Yes please! Life’s too short to not take advantage of NYC’s vibrant nightlife which some argue attracts better crowds (ahem, eligible bachelors) on weekdays. 

5. Eat less sweets. Moderation, moderation, moderation.

6. Keep changing up my exercise regime to avoid getting bored and to keep my muscles on their toes so to speak. Last year I fell in love with the ballet inspired barre-burn classes and the heart-pumping, affirmation shouting inten-sati classes at Equinox. In 2013, I’m trying pilates on the megaformer at SLT. It has been described as “pilates on steroids”, and while I’m scared, I’m also kind of psyched. I’ve also just gotten into Mary Helen Bowers’ ballet-based dvd workouts. The former ballerina and Natalie Portman’s trainer for Black Swan helps you get that long and lean ballerina body. Her quick, targeted workouts are perfect when you’re traveling or pressed for time. 

7. Sport a bold lip more often. It’s an instant winter pick-me-up on days when I’m looking Edward-Cullen-esque. My current favorite is Nars’ Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in “Dragon Girl”.

8. Smile more at strangers. As Gandhi said, “be the change you wish to see in the world”, and I would like to live in a more positive, upbeat world. And also because you never know who will smile back… 

9. Reap the benefits of living in New York City by attending more art exhibits, plays, comedy shows, musicals and concerts. 

10. Remain calm. I almost want to cross this one off the list because calm and me don’t exactly go together, but I really, really, really want to try to keep my cool in the face of  stress this year. I can and I will try and that’s the most we can ever ask of ourselves — to try. And if we fail — there’s always 2014.

Xoxo

Val 

Words of Wisdom from a 25 year old

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Toasting 25 years of wisdom (yeah right!) at Kingswood 

Twenty-five. The big 2-5. Quarter. Life. Crisis. Any Sex and the City devotee likely recalls the episode where Carrie goes to an Italian restaurant to celebrate her 35th birthday (or maybe it was 34th?) and none of her friends show up. And if the situation wasn’t dire enough – the girl next to her loudly proclaims: “25 – f#&% I’m old”. Ouch. Well today I’m 25, and for some reason, that’s all I seem to want to say right now. Now I know 25 isn’t actually old, especially in today’s world where the notion of age is constantly being redefined. I need not look any further than my 82 year-old grandfather who walks at such a brisk pace, few 25 year-olds (cough, cough) can keep up. Besides, with age comes wisdom, and just like I did last year, I want to share some of what I’ve learned over the last year with you. Having lived in New York City since January, this past year has been quite the whirlwind; I’ve often found myself exclaiming: “I feel like I’ve lived 10 years in the last year”.  I’ve always had a flair for the dramatic, but needless to say – I’ve got lots to share, so let’s get on with it.


1) Two words: emerging adulthood. Yup, that’s the name developmental psychologist Jeffrey Arnett calls the period between ages 18-29 — a period his research shows ought to be recognized as a distinct developmental stage that occurs between adolescence and full-on adulthood. His theory is supported by findings that the area of our brain in charge of planning, prioritizing and controlling impulses isn’t entirely developed until our late twenties. Jackpot. I’ve been reading a lot about Arnett and similar research, most recently in the November issue of ELLE, and I couldn’t agree more. Neither Arnett nor I am saying we should put off growing up and decision making, but given the changing society twenty-somethings live in today (globalization, changes in corporate culture, delaying marriage and having children), there’s nothing wrong with taking this time to explore various lifestyles, career/education paths and relationships. It’s nice to know that science supports — even encourages us to make mistakes and figure things out during these formative years, which is why why we shouldn’t get down on ourselves when we have to stop, re-think and reboot. Can you hear that? It was a sigh of relief.

2) We are all works in progress. Harking back somewhat to my first point, I’m slowly learning results don’t come overnight — they hardly ever come over lots and lots of nights
 — sometimes even years. I’m someone who want to see the fruits of my labors very quickly; I start working out more, well I want to see some definition within weeks, or I start dating and I get discouraged when I don’t meet the man of my dreams on the third try. Well, I’m slowly learning life just doesn’t work that way — it really is a constant fight. When all we think about are results, what we’re really doing is setting ourselves up for disappointment. On the other hand, if we tell ourselves that we’re a constant work in progress and that it’s okay to lose track of our goals, or that we might not get what we want when we want it, we’ll be able to enjoy the journey. The important thing is to keep trying and to not waste time chastising yourself if you fall off the horse, but rather get back on it and charge ahead.

3) Never under-estimate the importance of looking put together. I’m not referring to having your hair blown-out daily — I’m a weekday bun-wearer myself, however, you always feel better and have a happier, more productive day when you take that extra step. That means wearing a touch of makeup, a little jewelry and some nice shoes. Oh, and for gods-sake NO Lululemon’s unless you just worked out or are planning on doing so within 2.5 hours, are nursing an abominable hangover, or if there’s a hurricane approaching. And don’t even get me started on leggings as pants. 

4) You can’t please everyone, so just stop trying. Stop it. Now. I’m the epitome of a people-pleaser, and let me tell you — it’s exhausting.  I mean I have lost sleep worrying about whether I had hurt someone’s feelings, someone who wasn’t even a good friend, only to later learn they had no recollection of the conversation. My mom has always said: “you’re not a $10 bill — not everyone will like you”. Wise words spoken by an even wiser woman. Between dating, working in different offices and socializing,  I find myself interacting with an increasing number of people, and I know if I continue over-analyzing whether my words and/or actions might’ve negatively affected someone, or worse — their view of me —  I’ll look 50 by the time I hit 30.  Now there’s food for thought.

5) When a guy tells you he’s bad at relationships, isn’t a good communicator and doesn’t know what he wants in his life despite being in his thirties — run. Fast. Never look back. I know I’m regurgitating words from a previous post about dating, but it’s something I had to learn the hard way this year, so if I can spare you a lil pain — than all the better. In fact, I’m considering putting these words on T-shirts. Thoughts? 

6) Be flexible. I’m not talking about the yoga-kind of flexibility, even though I think it does wonders for the mind and body, but rather being flexible in life. I’ve never been good at either, but as I get older (gaaaaa), I realize the importance of being able to go with the flow and the need to shake things up from time to time. I’m a stickler for routine, but some of the greatest nights of the past year took place when I abandoned my “plan” and did something unexpected, or that I didn’t necessarily want to do. 

7) Read. Books, newspapers, magazines, blogs — the more the merrier. Reading is exercise for our brains and it’s never too early to start thinking about ways we can stave off the horrible disease that is Alzheimer’s. What’s more, reading makes us smarter, more well-rounded humans — yuppie! It’s also the best way to become a stronger writer and a better conversationalist, plus, it’s enjoyable and a great way to unwind.  I always start my day by reading a couple articles from the New York Times and New York Magazine, while ensuring to check my style blogs (duh). Below are some  books I’ve read and liked recently:

– This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper
– The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides 
– The Starboard Sea by Amber Dermont
– Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

8) Dating isn’t easy. Throw that notion out the window and enter the dating world helmut in hand because there will be bumps and you will sustain bruises along the way. I promise though, it will be fun too. Another bit of wisdom: go into every date open-minded. To quote my mother: “you may not like him but you might just like his friend…” Life is full of surprises and you literally never know who’s waiting around the corner which is why I think it’s  important to get out there and date — as daunting and painful as it might be. After all, it’s kind of hard to win the lottery if you never bought a ticket in the first place. 

9) Throw out the dating rules. When I first forayed into the Manhattan dating world, I was  so focused on how things “ought” to be according to some arbitrary “rules”  that were ingrained in my head, that I spent an inordinate amount of time obsessing over whether I had done something “wrong”. With time and a little experience, I’ve come to believe that rules are stupid, and that when it’s “right”, no one’s going to care who made the first move or who over-shared on the first-date. If you want to call him — do it! If you’re scared, then maybe that’s all the more reason to do it. I didn’t always think this way, but I’m learnin’.

 10) Listen to your body. Just because your friend can workout six days a week and feel perfectly fine, doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Take cues from your body because it’s always communicating with you. I said this back when I was a young lass at 24: our health is the most important thing we’ve got in this world, so we have to take care of our bodies and our minds. If something doesn’t feel right, stop. There’s nothing wrong with trying again, but take it easy. And always remember to inhale and exhale. I tend to forget so I figured I’d remind y’all. 

And one more for good luck: Don’t knock online dating until you’ve tried it. All you skeptics out there need to step into 2012 and realize it’s not your mama’s dating world anymore. Trust me on this one. Just give it a try. Just one — or two, or three. I’ll shut up now. 

Happy Birthday Me!

xoxox
Val

What better time to try a bold lip than on my birthday?
Nars Lip Lacquer in Hot Wired 
Kisses to y’all! 







Five summer beauty products I’m loving now

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1. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner $22.00 U.S.
C’mon ladies, we’ve all been there — that glorious moment mid-evening where we go “freshen up” only to realize our eyeliner is everywhere except where it should be. Sexy, right? WRONG! Well this eyeliner is water-resistant and keeps smudges to a bare minimum (the barest I’ve ever experienced at least). Plus, it comes in a range of colors that are easily applied with an ultra fine eyeliner brush. I like it in “Chocolate Shimmer Ink”.

2. Nars Multi-Protect Primer SPF 30 /PA+++  $32 U.S.
Put a dab of this on your face pre-makeup application and you’ll be matter than matt! Trust me, I’m the queen of summer time t-zone shine and this primer gets the job done. And not to sound like an infomercial or anything, but I really do find it makes my makeup go on smoother and stay on longer. I’m not so sure about its claims to keep the effects of pollution at bay, but it doesn’t have parabens and me thinks that’s a good thing.

3. Bumble and Bumble Brilliantine $22 U.S.
I’ll use any excuse to try a new beauty product and in this case it was quite simple: Olivia Wilde uses it, and doesn’t she have the most perfect beachy waves like all the time??? Luckily my $22 didn’t go down the beauty drain because I’ve been using Brilliantine almost daily since May. Put an edamame size amount in your hand (maybe a bit more if you have lots of hair), scrunch, and say hello to your just-got-out-of-bed-after-a-day-at-the-beach-hair.

4. RMS Living Luminizer $38 U.S.
At last my prayers have been answered — God (a.k.a. makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift), has created a luminzer that’s entirely edible. Okay, I’m kidding, I’ve never prayed for anything of the sort, but I’m sure sleeping better at night knowing at least one product I’m applying on my face is made with raw, food grade, organic ingredients. Place a little on your brow bone, the inner corners of your eyes, across the bridge of your nose, and make a “C” shape extending from the end of your brow to the top of your cheekbone, and voila — a radiant glow from within minus all that yucky chemical crap.

5. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
If you a) don’t have a home in the Hamptons and/or b) fear sun damage and or c) turn bright red at even the slightest interaction with sunlight, then Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer ought to be your new best friend. That is of course if you’re in the market for that ellusive I was just on vacation don’t I look rested look. Seriously though, who isn’t? Joking aside, if you can get past the slightly off-putting scent, this lotion does the job and is streak free when applied properly (don’t be dumb and pay attention). That’s all…