Beauty on So Much to Smile About

Winter Skincare

Sat, 23 Jan 2016 17:06:51 +0000

Taking care of your skin in harsh winter weather is not always easy, but with most of the East Coast currently in the middle of storm Jonas, I thought I’d share some of my favorite winter skincare products! Specifically, I had to share more about my latest find – Alchimie Forever. I’ve known of the brand and its DC founder, Ada Polla, for years. Besides the fact this beauty brand is based in DC, I’ve always admired their focus on healthy, youthful skin. But I just recently tried their best-selling brightening moisture mask, which is perfect for winter weather – and instantly, my skin felt super hydrated and smooth. I’m also obsessed with anything that can help decrease redness and brighten my skin (so I can wear less makeup), and this product definitely did the trick. If you haven’t tried any of their products, this is a great one to start with! Find other Alchimie Forever best-sellers here.

Creating a Concealer Wardrobe

Sun, 18 Oct 2015 20:56:09 +0000

As much as I love makeup, I like to keep my every day look pretty simple. Usually, this meant relying on a full coverage foundation, bronzer, and little else. These days, I’m trying to take better care of my skin (love this post on The Everygirl) and be more deliberate about my makeup application – using little or no foundation but utilizing multiple concealers and a simple blush/loose powder to finish. I end up looking “done” and polished but more natural. Why multiple concealers? They serve different purposes!

Bluemercury Celebrates 15 Years

Sat, 13 Sep 2014 02:59:48 +0000

If you are not already familiar with Bluemercury, you absolutely should be. Bluemercury is a fantastic luxury beauty products and spa retail chain that actually first launched in Georgetown – gotta love the local connection! And tomorrow, they are celebrating their 15h Anniversary with complimentary makeovers, mini facials and treatments at all their shops, including a special celebration at the Georgetown location (3059 M Street, NW). The first 15 customers in each store will receive a gift from Bluemercury’s proprietary skincare line M-61: a full-sized cleanser of their choice (up to a $34 value). Also, Bluemercury will have some amazing beauty exclusives to celebrate the anniversary including deluxe sample bags available all month long and the launch of the Best Seller’s Collection.

Spring Beauty Buys

Thu, 24 Apr 2014 15:11:53 +0000

I think we can all agree that it was a particularly brutal winter – and that it’s finally looking like spring! While I still have to get through finals (just two more weeks!) before I can really start enjoying it, I’ve been making a serious effort to get my skin back in shape for spring and summer.

For me, this means exfoliating (I use my Clarisonic every night), moisturizing (Dr. Dennis Gross for face, Amlactin for body), toning and treating acne (loving all Mario Badescu products lately), and using serums to boost brightness and get rid of any dark spots that accumulated over the past few months (cold weather + crazy stress = skin disaster). Perricone MD’s Vitamin C Ester serum has been an absolute necessity… the ultra-brightening properties together with anti-agers have seriously brought my skin back to life. I use it every morning (and would also recommend their Blue Plasma for evenings), then try to keep it simple with tinted moisturizer, a bit of blush, winged eyeliner, natural nails, and a great lip balm.

Bluemercury Celebrates 15 Years

Sun, 01 Sep 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Beauty Faves

Mon, 01 Jul 2013 12:00:00 +0000

In this heat, I feel like my skin has really been suffering. On top of that, makeup is so much harder when it’s a million degrees, right? Thankfully, I’ve been using a handful of new products that are really saving me, including this Hourglass foundation I picked up after reading amazing things and this bareMinerals tinted powder I purchased for touch ups during the day. Additionally, if you are in need of a new concealer, powder, or any acne treatments, these guys below are all really wonderful, I promise!

Hairstyles From GHD

Wed, 01 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Since putting together this post, my hair has changed a bit dramatically (photos to come). But prior to my new cut, I had a pretty consistent look – loose, long curls. So when ghd asked if I’d like to try a straightener, I was so interested! I wore my hair straight to a White House Correspondents’ Dinner event (see here) and loved it. But I also loved learning that I could get curls easily with the straightener!

Summer Beauty

Wed, 01 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

I’ve posted on summer beauty and summer skincare before, but guys, there are some great new products out there. From lightweight foundations, to bronzing products and new face wash, I have a number of summer beauty picks to share! Be sure to continue reading for all the details!

summer beauty

Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation – As you know, I’m a fan of Perricone MD products. This one is new, and provides natural translucent coverage for even the fair skinned, while protecting the skin with non-chemical SPF30 broad spectrum UV protection. Perfect for summer skin.

Spring Hair & Beauty

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

I know I posted earlier about spring beauty trends (and spring skincare products too) but though it might be fun to share some inspirational images! I’m sure a bold, bright lip is nothing new to you, but I just love the red, pinks, and especially the purple looks below. These days I’m wearing nothing but Bite Beauty lipsticks (in violet and lilac especially) and I’ve gotten so many compliments. It stays in place for hours and the color doesn’t fade. Trust me. I wore it last night during a champagne and food tasting and didn’t have to reapply even after 5 hours!

Spring Beauty Trends

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:00:00 +0000

I love spring beauty! Seriously, with warmer weather, it’s time to shed the winter dreariness and embrace the fresh faced, bright lipped looks for spring. So I’ve outlined my favorite spring beauty trends and the products I’m currently obsessing over – I’ve tried them all and am telling you, spring is looking amazing.

Spring Beauty Trends

lipstick / foundation / eyeliner / hairspray / root lift spray / brow and hair color / bronzer / bag / brow kit

Spring Skincare Products

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Yes, it did just snow yesterday, but hopefully spring will be here (weather-wise) before we know it. Regardless, last week I shared some of my favorite beauty products for spring that will have you feeling spring-like even if it’s still cold! But even before you put your makeup on, you’ll want to make sure your skin is ready. I’ve never had the best skin (dry but acne prone is a not fun combo), but I can honestly say that these last few months I’ve found a routine that has my skin in the best shape ever.

We See Beauty

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:00:00 +0000

I love learning about new beauty products, and MAKE, a new cosmetics brand devoted to cross-disciplinary artistic collaborations, not only has quality makeup, but they set aside one-third of all sales to help women’s start-up cooperatives via the We See Beauty Foundation. Pretty amazing, right? They partner with artists (from film and design, to music, gaming and art) and makeup professionals to showcase the “wide range of colors and unite art, beauty, and culture” (read more here). I love their concept collection with London-based interior and furniture designer Faye Toogood – the looks are created by makeup artist Ayami Nishimura and captured in beautiful cinemagraphs by one of my absolute faves, Jamie Beck of From Me to You. There’s seriously so much pretty on the site to explore.

Get The Look: Red Carpet Hair

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 12:00:00 +0000

I love the Oscars. The movies, the dresses, the drama – and don’t forget, the beautiful hair and makeup! And while you may not be able to wear the exact gowns (find my favorites from Oscars night here), you can recreate the red carpet beauty looks! I partnered with Bella Bethesda Salon, an absolutely fantastic hair salon in Bethesda, MD, to bring you step-by-step instructions for achieving the red carpet hairstyles from Jessica, Charlize, JHud and Naomi! HUGE thanks to the Bella Bethesda Salon stylists who lent their expertise – if you are in the area, I highly recommend stopping by to see them!

Parma Spa Review

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Just before fashion week, I had the opportunity to try out Parma Spa in Tysons. As much as I wish I could, I don’t get to spas very often at all, so this was such a treat! The very kind and knowledgeable Dr. Ather showed me around the gorgeous space and answered a few spa/skincare questions before I settled in for an amazing facial. Keep reading for more on Parma plus some skincare tips!

Beauty Resolution Products

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 12:00:00 +0000

If you happened to make a New Year’s resolution involving skincare or beauty products, I have some ideas to get you on your way! From finding the perfect red lipstick, to wearing sunscreen daily, I dug through my files and sample piles for some recommendations that may help you (and me too) out.

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beauty resolution products

1. Find, and wear, the perfect red lip. This Chanel lipstick in 99/Pirate is absolutely perfect, and I’m told, works for everyone. Try it for yourself and report back!

Hair Products To Try

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 12:00:00 +0000

I love my hair, but every few months, it starts to drive me crazy and I think about doing something drastic. I never do, though. My long hair is pretty easy to take care of, but I’m loving the shorter looks (below, right) too. Maybe all I need is a change of products? Here are some that come recommended!

hair

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T3 Voluminous Hot Rollers Set / Kerastase Shampoo / Herbal Essences Smoothing Hair Serum
Big Sexy Hair Hairspray / Bumble and bumble Surf Spray / TRESemme Dry Shampoo
Ojon Blowout Perfector / L’Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray / Garnier Hair Color / T3 Curling Iron

Gift Guide For The Beauty Junkie

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 12:00:00 +0000

First, I’m so excited to share that the #toandfrom holiday gift guide is officially launching today and you won’t want to miss it! Meg and Katie did an incredible job putting it together, and SO many amazing bloggers contributed – you can check out my “rocker chic” gift guide along with guides for just about everything! But just in case you need a bit more (and because I have so much fun putting them together), my gift guides are officially starting today with a gift guide for the beauty junkie!

Stephanie Johnson Giveaway

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 20:21:33 +0000

As you may already know, I love my beauty and skincare products (latest evidence here). I also love taking them all with me when I travel! Thankfully, it’s actually pretty easy to do that with my fave Stephanie Johnson cosmetic case – I love the fun colors and chevron! I also have a couple flat pouches from SJ that go in my purse and hold my necessities for the day (concealer, hair spray, mascara, powder…). If you’re not already familiar with Stephanie Johnson, I suggest you check her out. I swear, you won’t find cuter cases anywhere! Plus, see below for how to win your very own!

How To Get The Best Brow

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 05:06:24 +0000

Full, well-shaped eyebrows add SO much to your face (and are very much on-trend). But I didn’t always pay attention to my brows! In fact, it wasn’t until a couple years ago I started using an eyebrow pencil at all. These days, I’m loving products from Billion Dollar Brows, including their Brow Boost that thickens brows and their Brow Powder to fill in. Keep reading for more tools and tricks to get the best brows!

September Beauty Buys

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 15:04:37 +0000

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know I love trying new products (evidence here). So I’m really excited to share a ton of new products I’ve been obsessing over lately – some you can grab for as little $5! Keep reading for some seriously great beauty and skincare buys.

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1. Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo and Conditioner, $5 each – I’ve been using this shampoo and conditioner duo from Dove exclusively for weeks now, and am always amazed how soft and smooth it leaves my hair! I even brought it to NYC with me! Seriously great for getting rid of dry, frizzy hair at a seriously great price.