Back to the Glamour

Most red carpet events hold an element of glamour all on their own.    But this year at Cannes, it seems as though celebrities are taking steps to ensure their attire might be something that came straight out of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel.  This extravagance isn't coincidental (this Gatsby fever is downright congtagious!) and I'm loving it.

Cara Delavigne in Burberry Gown

Georgia Jagger in Roberto Cavalli

Frieda Pinto in Gucci

Images via. 

Beauty Crush Monday: Batiste Dry Shampoo

I’m a big fan of “fresh” hair.  Having skin and hair that is anything but dry, I’m a wash my hair at LEAST once a day kinda gal – much to the dismay of pretty much every hairdresser I’ve ever talked to.  Tips I’ve heard in the past?  Use baby powder (umm my hair looks grey now?) Just don’t wash it as much, it will get less greasy over time (I’ve tried it, did nothing).  

So of course I’ve experimented with dry shampoos.  But they always left a residue, or perhaps they worked for an hour, then my hair would look dirtier than when it started.   Being an avid beauty blog reader, rumblings across the Internet pointed me in the direction of Batiste’s Dry Shampoo.  And it really does wonders.  This product comes in a variety of smells (some say they can be a bit strong, but I have found them to be quite pleasant – I’ve tried Original Scent as well as the Rich & Elegant.)  The best part is how much volume this product adds to my hair – it really is the key to getting that big hair look.  I highly recommend Batiste to anyone look for a mid day hair refresher, as well as those looking for extra volume. I've saved e a ton of time by not having to wash my hair as often and at $7.99 a can, it’s a product that’s definitely worth trying 

Kate in Color

Kate Moss is vibrant on the pages of Vogue Paris’ April 2013 issue.  Shot by Mario Testino, Kate looks Peruvian chic in mixed patterns and  elegantly angled hats.    There certainly are some fun trends to be pulled from her looks to add some spice to your style  this spring and summer.   

Oh, Summer, Whereart Thou?

Some photos  don’t need any explanation.  This is one of them.     

But, I am going to ask summer to hurry up and get here. 

Beauty Sleep

There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to fall asleep.  My recent bouts with insomnia have lead me to take proactive steps to ensure I get a fitful night's rest. Below are some tricks to prevent evenings of tossing and turning.

Wake up feeling fresh as a daisy by following the simple tips below...

• Unplug:  Winding down isn't an easy thing in our technology driven, go-go-go world.  A half hour before bed, put away your phone.  Turn it off, put it on sleep mode, don't bother with it.  Log off the computer.  Switch off the T.V.    Looking at the short-waved blue lights produced by our favorite gadgets keeps our brain stimulated and in "on" mode, making it more difficult to fall asleep.

• Routine:  Having a bed time ritual is a vital step in teaching your body to fall asleep quickly.  Do something every night before bed that gives you the mental cue that rest is on the way.  Whether it be reading a chapter of a  book, having a cup of chamomile tea, or taking a bubble bath, any relaxing activity that is done repeatedly before bedtime will teach your body to shut down.

• Stretch:  Allowing your body to relax is an important part of falling asleep.  Even if you're mentally prepared for bed, your muscles might not be quite there.  Try these yoga poses to relieve tension and put you in a perfectly sleepy state.  I've been doing these simple poses for a few months now, and they truly do work.  

• Cut Caffeine:  This is *so* hard for me to do.  I love my Diet Coke and I rely on a cup of coffee around 3 pm to get me through the rest of the day.  You might even be one of those people who dub themselves "immune" to caffeine. Studies show you're not - you might not be "feeling" that energy that caffeine gives you, but it's stimulating your brain.  Cutting caffeine out of your life has lots of health benefits, including better night's sleep. 

• Relax:   Try your best to avoid anything overly stimulating a few hours before bed.  Don't work out in the evening (those endorphins will keep you up), don't eat too late (bodies aren't meant to digest food lying down), and avoid any overly stimulating tv shows or books.  Let the mind and body be at peace.  

•  Melatonin:  I was really hesitant to take any sort of sleep aid (be it natural or not) because I didn't want to have to rely on it to fall asleep.  I've found melatonin to be a really helpful supplement that not only helps me get to sleep quickly, but stay asleep.  It also doesn't leave me groggy when I wake up the next morning.  I take this kind about 45 minutes before bedtime. 

My Rant on Inspiration

Inspiration is such a fickle thing.  

There are some days when I'm completely overwhelmed by it - everything has a meaning and the most obscure things can stir a plethora of creativity from somewhere deep inside me.   The way sunlight shines through my windows and plays on my perfume bottles has inspired stories.  (See here.)  So has that favorite song that comes on the radio at just the right time - putting you in that perfect mood.  And there was a time when magical editorials were all the vacation I needed.  

Lately, inspiration has been a bit harder to find.  And maybe it's just me.  Maybe I read too many blogs.  Too many fashion magazines.  Spend too much time pinning.   Maybe I'm jaded because lately it's been harder for me to find things that are day-dream worthy.  When I first started my blog I was *so* passionate about everything I wrote and so excited to share my stories and experiences.  I want to get back to that.  I know these creative ruts are part of being artistic in any form, but think about  it - so much has already been done, seen, and written about I think it's time to get back to the roots of why we all write our blogs, or tell our stories in the first place. 

Beauty Crush Monday: Clarisonic Plus

I pondered the purchase of a Clarisonic Plus for months before I actually bought one.  Because let's face it - they're pricy lil' buggers.  I read countless reviews on Amazon, Sephora, and other beauty blogs until I became convinced that this really was "the miracle beauty tool" everyone claims it is.     I've never been someone with terrible skin - but I wouldn't call my complexion enviable either.  I have an oily t-zone, the occasional acne, and clogged pores were a problem I just thought I'd have to live with.  I've always worn a foundation and powder and have desperately wanted to be that person that could go naked-faced and still feel confident.     I've had my Clarisonic Plus for two months now and it really has lived up to all the hype.  After using  it my face glows.  I've found that products like moisturizers and serums absorb much better into my skin, and best of all is I've ditched my foundation for a tinted moisturizer I would have only dreamt of using in the past. Overall, my skin is just much more clear.  It's been a life saver this winter and shluffs away dry skin so my complexion is bright.  I am more impressed with it capabilities on my face than on how it exfoliates my body - but still it's very effective.  If you've been on the fence about buying one - I highly recommend you do - it really is one of those products that can completely change your beauty routine.