Big Eyes & Pink Lipstick

I think that if I could look like anyone it might be Amanda Seyfried.  Those big green eyes, and pouty lips have me a bit envious.  And although her looks are other-worldly, she proves to be quite down to earth in her interview with British Glamour.   Love these shots and just had to share them.  

Rimmel + Kate's 10 Year Anniversary

I like to think that for the most part I don't let ads suck me in and I rarely buy makeup or clothes because a certain person is their spokesperson - but Kate Moss makes this lipstick look so good, I'm going to have to try it.  The line was created by Moss to celebrate her ten years as the face of Rimmel.  A few days ago was the launch party and Moss looked incredible in an all grey ensemble that made the bright red color she sported in the ads absolutely pop.   Will you be trying the new Kate Moss for Rimmel lipstick?

Getting Lippy

Lipstick.  I've always worn it.  I've actually worn it since I was about 7.  But I always was always when I was showing horses.  So to translate the look away from the show ring has taken a little work.  Wearing lipstick always seemed so fancy, so over the top.  But as of late, I've been working to make the look more everyday appropriate.  I knew my lips were being neglected and they needed to become a party my beauty routine.  My friends used to yell at me, "You look unfinished, you need something on your lips."  Okay, okay.   Maybe they were right.  Something was missing when I had on a full face of makeup - cheeks bronzed?  Always.  Eyes lined?  Of course.  Mascara applied?  Duh.  Lips?  Naked.  So I started small. I bought  Estee Lauder's lip pencil in Fig.  My friend Kristin actually got me hooked on it, and I loved the fact that it made my lips look fuller without looking like I was actually wearing lipstick.

From there, I made it my point to perfect the nude lip.  I blame that obsession on last years most prominent beauty trend- smoky eyes and nude lips anyone?  Finding the right shade of nude lip is difficult.  If the beige doesn't match your skin tone, you can literally look like a corpse.  I found my perfect match in Chanel Rogue Allure's Mythic lipstick.  If I was rocking a tan, it was a little light, but then I would top the lipstick with Chanel Glossimer in Beige Guitar and have a slightly warmer hue that was perfection.

Then of course, it was time to tackle the grand-daddy of them all - Red Lips.  A trend I've always loved,   Something about crimson lips paired with a tan is so beautiful, I was bound and determined to find a red that I could wear.  My problem (which was probably partially in my head) was that I though I looked so much older wearing red.  Or a street walker.   With some playing around I discovered if I wore an orangey red, the look felt far less formal.  Pairing that orangey-red with no more than some bronzer and a dash of mascara, and I had the exact look I was going for.  I've found that Revlon's Orange Flip is the perfect bright hue - young, fresh, and slightly funky.

Now that I've shared my lipstick diaries, here are some inspiring photos that make me want experiment even more.   Up next?  The perfect berry-hue for fall, and a lip stain that doesn't make me look like a four-year-old who just ate a popsicle.

Starry Eyed Over Spring

I want to do with you, what spring does to the cherry trees

Pablo Neruda

Spring is here!  You can just feel it in the air, as the world slowly defrosts, trees start blooming, and our front lawn is filled with robbins instead of snow banks.  Spring is always a time I've liked to experiment with my beauty routine (during the months of winter I keep things simple, and my philosophy is less is more.)  Here are some trends I either use or am very excited to try.

Eye-Lights-  Although I don't think I'll ever stop wearing eyeliner completely, I love this bare yet sparkly trend.  Touches of gold on the inside corners of lids make eyes pop in an unexpected, fresh way.  I use Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips ($8.99)  and  a coating of dark brown mascara for a fun twist on the bare faced look.

The Voluminous Half Up Hair-  In high school I loved wearing my hair half up - I recently tried the look again, and felt I looked like I was stuck in 2001.  Figured out how to modernize it thought - messy and voluminous ala Brigitte Bardot.  Such a sexy look, and so simple.

Barrette On the Side -  I haven't worn a barrette since I was in grade school - but that's going to have to change.  A few strands swept to the side look surprisingly chic when paired with a blinged out barrette.  So fun and unique, I'm in love.

Nude Nails -  I've always been a fan of light colored nails but for some reason never go for nude.  This spring, I'm on the hunt for the perfect nude polish.  I'm also loving how most celebs are ditching the square shaped nails and going for more rounded looks - it really enlongates fingers.

Pretty Pouts - I have only recently started to wear lipsticks and what a difference that added pop of color makes!  I've been wearing bright pinks and orangey reds and they are just perfect for spring.  The shockingly bright colors also make skin look a little tanner.