VS Obsessions...

I remember in Junior High and High School I was OBSESSED with Pear Glace, Strawberries & Champagne and Vanilla Lace lotion and spray from Victoria's Secret. It was the perfume before perfume! I graduated from those smells to the likes of Heavenly, Body by Victoria, and along the way have been seduced by their Heidi Klum's Supermodel collection before it was--as I like to call it--de-shelved (Bring it back!!!!) and of course Very Sexy. It's safe to say Victoria's Secret has not only been the go-to place for sexy apparel but also for our beauty needs. I have a few favorite's I'd love to list, all perfect for the summer goddess you'll soon unleash....

Secret Moments - Island Escape Sheer Fragrance Mist - $12

This smell is amazing! Tropical and sexy without being too overpowering. That being said it has lasting power so you won't have to re-apply a million times which is perfect when on the go.

Beauty Rush - Appletini Hypergloss Shampoo & Conditioner - 2 for $20

If you're looking for a little hair pick me up give this a shot.... makes your hair incredibly shiny, clean and has a really fresh scent.

VS Makeup - Limited-edition Spring 2010 Mineral Bronzing Powder - $14

This is the perfect bronzer. Not too orange, not too dark and just the right amount of shimmer. Get creative with your applications to get a full body glow.

Naturally Victoria's Secret - Grapefruit, Lime & Mint Energizing Body Polish - $18

My favorite body scrub hands down, smells fresh, and just as it says it completely polishes your skin to it's true form. Also, use this before getting a spray tan or using an at home tanner...you'll have less smudges and gathering of color that would normally adhere to dry skin.

VS Makeup - PRO Matte FX Blotting Gel - $16

Use this neat little compact to freshen up your natural skin in the heat, or use to keep your makeup flawless when you start getting a little shiny and oily without adding any extra product.

Beauty Rush - Luminous Shadow in Glow Nude - $7

Small enough to throw in a tote for a beach day, and just enough color to glam up your eyes without looking overdone. Try using over an eye primer if you'd like it to last all night.

Naturally Victoria's Secret - Vanilla & Sandalwood Hydrating Body Lotion - $12

Intoxicating smell, and leaves your skin soft and smooth. I love to pair this with the Grapefruit, Lime & Mint Energizing Body Polish.

All perfect for the simple and undone look of summer, give some of these a whirl, and i'm pretty sure you'll be pleased. Have a favorite I didn't mention? Share below! :)

Ye ole Book of Face....

Hey Facebook addicts... "Like" me and we can chat makeup, fashion, tips and questions!

Photography - Melissa Kosswig

Makeup - Me

Hair Stylist - Bill Schrlau

Model- Valerie D.

Floral Jewelry - Stylish Blooms

(Search on Facebook for more information)

Hag-to-Fab

The shocking truth is....I'm a closet frump-a-lump.

I could peruse fashion magazines all day, I know the hottest looks for hair and makeup and chances are I could name every designer you're wearing. However if you stopped by my house on any given day unannounced--err okay, I'll be honest, even announced-- I will be rocking bed head, and sweats.

Somehow after noticing my first fine line, and having 2 children I lost the desire to make MYSELF look beautiful. My attention has been fully directed to other women at shoots, runway shows, wedding days, or consultations. After I work with a woman I love watching her stand just a little bit taller, walk with just a little more swag, and smile because she feels on the outside, the way she knows she is on the inside. That is really what drives me to be a makeup artist. So, why don't I do that for myself when it's so easy? I'm starting a new section of this blog to bring myself from hag to fab and I'm going to document it the entire way. Weight, hair, skin, clothes--it's all getting revamped. Lord help me. ;)

In the same rut? Feel free to join me, and share with me your tips/struggles/hopes..... I'm excited!

Check back this Monday!

Boo!

I haven't written a THING since October?

Time to change that.

I have a whole bunch of things coming! New fave products, easy-to-do looks, trends for this season and more.

Let me know if you have any requests. xOx

M.A.C Halloween looks!

Okay, I have to give credit where credit is due. Typically i don't post other peoples work, but i couldn't resist! This is hands down one of the most creative uses of makeup i've EVER seen for a costume. *picking up jaw off floor* I'm so inspired now for Halloween. It's one of my favorite days of the year! Maybe i'll go as Brenda Star using a similar idea to this comic strip girl. Kuddos to the amazing minds and talent of M.A.C senior artists: Bianca Alexander, Luc Bouchard, Keri Blair, Sandy Joseph and Chantel Miller. Honestly, amazing!

Photo Courtesy of M.A.C Cosmetics Facebook page

check out the other Halloween looks here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=324057&id=16126780553&page=2

What are you going as this year!?

For my penny-pinching diva's!

When new things arrive at the department/makeup specialty stores yours truly flock's there like a Zombie in the night, it's just instinctual. I know I'm not alone here, women are predisposed to be drawn to beauty. What can make us a better version of ourselves? Our eyes wide open searching for the perfect products. $30 nail polish, $40 mascara's, $70 eye shadows, $300 face creams! I mean, when does "this is too much money" come into play? If your like me it doesn't. I'm amongst the beauty obsessed, I venture to say I'd sell my soul for a Le Mer face cream. Okay, maybe not, but I WOULD work a lot of overtime, and probably forgo electricity for the month. However, my love for all things beauty does not speak for the "everyday woman." I know most women out there love to window shop these items, but could never fathom spending obscene amounts of money on products. If you're a penny-pinching Diva this one is for you.... Great beauty buys for a natural look. All $6 or less. Hug me if you need to...

Ponds dry skin cream - $4.89

Think of it as I.V fluid for your face, this will hydrate you and leave you as soft as $300 Le Mer face cream, some would say it's even better, and you won't become sick with buyers remorse.

2. Rimmel London Hide the blemish concealer - $5.19

Be prepared to be amazed at what this will cover, be gone dark circles and pesky pimples.

3. Maybelline pure makeup foundation - $5.49

I've used this, and I must say the coverage is flawless, and will not leave you looking overdone. I'd compare the effects to Stila's Illuminating Liquid Foundation for $38.

4. e.l.f All over color stick in Lilac Petal- $1

Much like NARS The Multiple, this can be used just as their brand name states on your eyes, lips, and face (e.l.f) I would use this as a blush, but on days when you're in a rush plop this all of those areas for a pretty subtle and youthful look.

5. Cover Girl Eye enhancer 3 kit shadows in Shimmering sands - $4.69

This gorgeous palette comes with 3 pans, the colors have a great pigment, and are very natural with a light shimmer. A great look especially when similar colors go for $15 a piece at m.a.c.

6. mark. On the edge hook up liquid eyeliner in Cleo- $5.50

Because mark. is only sold by an avon/mark Representative I consider it a hidden gem, I use this eyeliner religiously it's also a fave of reality show alumni turned fashion designer Lauren Conrad.

7. N.Y.C Classic brow & Liner pencils in sable - $0.99

You can use this on your brow, or for liner! It lasts forever and come on.... nothing is less than a dollar these days!!!

8. Boots Botanics volumizing mascara - $5.94

Another hidden gem adorned by most in the UK, this gives great length to your lashes, and will not clump!

9. Milani Crystal gloss in

Tantalizing 11A-$3.49

For a little bit pinker of a shade than just a nude lip, this is flattering, simplistically sexy also shiny without being sticky.

10. Wet N Wild craze nail polish in Inferno- $1.99

I know what you're thinking, Wet n Wild??? You'd be surprised how this apply's, and looks when all finished. Their products have come a long way since I was in junior high. Definitely comparable to Chanel's polish without the accompanied sounds of your wallet draining.

There you have it, now you can get a whole face and nails using great products for less than $40!! What I typically spend on an eyeshadow palette. Hmm...maybe I should take my own advice? Check back soon for another $6 or less post for a Dramatic evening look.

Beauty-book-buy of the week

“It is said that no star is a heroine to her makeup artist”

- Richard Corliss

It's that time of the week again! Another great book to check out, by a great makeup artist.

Mary Quant has had much to do with fashion world since the 50's. From Stores, and her own iconic clothing and makeup line "Mary Quant LTD". This eccentric woman has done, and seen it all. Not to mention her own claim to have invented duvet covers, the Mini-skirt and Hot pants. You can't argue her knowledge, so learn from it! Using her 'self-analysis' chart you can figure out what makeup will look best for your face shape, color, and complexion. Includes great "How-To's" for day and evening, and useful tips for skin care, and massage. Extremely fun, inspiring, and informative, you'll most certainly enjoy this read.

You put what, where!?

So, it's the night before a big day and you spot a mammoth volcanic mass on your face. You search and riffle through your drawers and cabinets for your Clearasil, and nada. It's either grown legs and ran away from your recurring acne, or dried up into a useless zit fighting pile of dust. Just then...you spot the Colgate Toothpaste hanging out by the sink and smack it on that sucker as fast as you can. By morning your face is clear, and you have this little improvised secret to smile about. Truth is, we all have our little tips and good lord are they useful! So here are some of the ones I love!!

Vaseline - If I was stranded on an island and could bring one thing, this would be it. I swear I ALWAYS have a tub of this in my house. Combats dry lips, ashy elbows, knees and chapped cheeks. Aside from those common uses, here are my tricks:

- Shimmy a coat of this on your eyelashes at night, it serves as a great conditioner and makes mascara apply more evenly in the morning.

- Hair masks are messy and time consuming, so try adding some Vaseline to the ends of your hair at night. When your hair is washed, conditioned and blown out, those straw-like ends will be hydrated and softer.

Q-Tips - Bless these little cotton ended sticks of gold. So many different ways to use them, aside from the wax in your ears!

- After you apply your eyeliner, stroke a tip of one of these babies with an eyeshadow close to the same pigment, then use it to smudge and set your liner. Also works great as an eyeshadow blender. No need for expensive brushes.

- Ever get makeup gunk in the corner of your eyes? Not a good look. Dampen a tip with water and use it lightly to catch the makeup for a flawless eye.

- Dip one into translucent powder, then use it to clean up any areas of your face after you've applied your makeup, such as the ashes of dark shadow your smoky eyes leave behind, etc...

Waterproof mascara- Not just your pal on a beach day.

- Have a few gray hairs and missed a coloring? No need to pluck 100+ hairs until your hairdresser rescues you. Stroke a color of mascara that is close to your hair color along the grays for a temporary camouflage no one will detect.

Baby Powder - I love this stuff. Seriously, the list could go on for what you can do with it.

- Woke up late! It's hair washing day! Why didn't I buy that dry shampoo? Crap. Take a SMALL amount of this powder and use your fingertips to slowly work it into your oily roots. Remember to use a little at a time or you will end up looking like George Washington. When done correctly, it will fluff up the volume, absorb oil, smell fresh and won't alter the color of your hair.

- Leave your makeup bags at home! It's all about a low maintenance mid-day freshen up. Use a travel size baby powder, then take a tissue, lightly pick up a dab of powder and brush it over the spots you're most oily. Works like a translucent powder, without all the bags and equipment.

- Hate sand all over you at the beach? Rub this powder on any areas covered in wet sand and it will slide right off. Leaves behind NO cakey mess.

Deodorant - This isn't just for the pits!

- For any major event where you NEED your makeup and face to stay PERFECT: Take clear roll on deodorant, put some on a makeup sponge before applying foundation, and then dab around your hairline. Let dry. Pat softly with a paper towel. Then apply your makeup. This will prevent drops of sweat to run down your face or ruin your makeup.

Cold water - We all know drinking this gives you a great glow, and running some over your hair will make it shinier. But what else?

- At the end of your shower, run cold water over your body to temporarily tighten the appearance of your skin, works wonders on your face. This will also help makeup to be applied and blended more evenly and look better than ever!

- In a rush and your nails are wet? Dip them in cold water to dry them faster, it's neater than a hair dyer which may leave smudges.

Hairspray - Not just for your tresses...

- Unruly eyebrows before a wax can be a nightmare! If you don't want to buy brow gel, or you're out, spray a brow brush with a maximum hold hair spray and then brush them in the direction you'd like them to be in for a great hold!

What are your favorite tricks?

Beauty-book-buy of the week

“It is said that no star is a heroine to her makeup artist”

- Richard Corliss

It's that time of the week again! Another great book to check out, by a great makeup artist.

I'm a huge Bobbi Brown fan, she's a beauty pioneer who made it possible for women to look amazing without slapping on the makeup with a kitchen spatula! In fact I remember passing her books in Barnes & Nobles when I was in high school and flipping through the pages in complete awe, it's where I first learned of my passion for makeup, and the reason why i wanted to pursue it. This book is a favorite because it gives you a new fresh take on application and technique in addition to helpful tips for the trickiest times. Such as days where you may feel a little frumpy, makeup during pregnancy, and an overall "honest approach" on how to make others, or yourself look best naturally. Also, a great read for anyone a little fuzzy on how to correctly wear foundation! She's an influence to me, and I know she would be one for you if she isn't already.

Purple Lust

My trademark is purple. I'm not really sure when this obsession kicked in, especially since I spent the majority of my high school career solely dressed in black. Now I've obtained everything from Amethyst sweaters, to lilac eye shadows, eggplant walls in my house and I rock smokey purple eyes like nobody's business. To me the color not only compliments my skin tone, but puts me in a better mood. Okay, I'm not crazy, it's been proven that colors can do that! Though my makeup suitcases are stashed with every variation of the Indigo genre I have a few little crushes (old, and new) that I need to add to the family.

1. Stila- Barbie Loves Stila Smudgepot in Purple Pumps - $20

I have a Barbie complex, and I love her. I imagine this is a playful and vibrant cream to wear as a base, shadow or liner. It will be a little 80's punk rock, but I enjoy that in makeup from time to time. Break away from what's "norm" and mix it up!

2. Dior- 5 Colour Eyeshadow in Night Butterfly 173 - $56

This palette is a dream. Perfect shades for both days in, and nights out, long lasting, and lustrous! Come on we all know Dior shadows are to die for! (They better be for almost $60 a pop!)

3. M.A.C- Mattene Lipstick in Night Violet (matte) - $14.50

Part of the new "Style Black" collection This lipstick is so sexy on both pale skin, and dark. Which is why I adore it. Lightly dab your lips then smooth on a chapstick topcoat for a muted sex appeal or let your freak flag fly by putting on a full application and top it off with a new must have right below...

4. M.A.C- Glimmerglass in Bling Black- $18

You can apply this to virtually any of your favorite lipsticks for a steaming "bad girl" look. I know some people will be deterred from purchasing these because of how dark the "Style Black" colors are. So if you're curious, but a little too shy to just gun it go to one of my favorite sites "Scandalousbeautyonline.com" for a great video on what these colors look like outside of the box!

5. L'Oreal HIP- Shocking Shadow Pigments in Fiery 124 - $12

I swear this has been on the market forever, and everytime I pass it in CVS visions "dance in my head" of all the looks I could create. (yes, that's how my mind works. sad, huh?) Also, it's a great alternative to M.A.C pigments that usually go for about $20.

6. Chanel Le Vernis nail colour - in Vendetta $23

This reminds me of mysterious and romantic purple silk you may see in a high end fabric store. A great glam shade for long and short nails for any time. Not to mention the fact that in my personal opinion Chanel's coverage and smooth finish is like NO other.

What's your signature color?