Red Accents

I wasn't really planning on doing a Valentine's Day theme look this year, but I guess this will do!

If you don't want to go with the typical red or pink dress, then you can incorporate those colors into your outfit in other ways.  I decided to do some red accents with this cute little clutch/wristlet and a bold lip.  I got this skirt a few months ago and wasn't really sure how I wanted to style it.  I love the black and white print.  It's very similar to a dress that I have.  When I got this cut out top from L&F, I knew it would look great with this skirt.  I was getting the cold shoulder, literally!  haha It actually was in the 50s so wearing this without a coat was not too bad.  But I decided to use my scarf as a shawl in some of the photos.  I really wanted to show off the cut outs and the earrings, so I went with a big high bun.

Aren't these earrings gorgeous? When you make a purchase on Daisy Gem using code CCA10, you will get 10% off your order and 15% of proceeds will go to Colon Caner Alliance.  It's an organization that I hold close to my heart.  When my father was first diagnosed, I ran a 5k with them to help raise awareness and money for colon cancer.  Colon Cancer Awareness month is actually in March and I hope to do something special for it.

I'll be going to some shows again this fashion week which starts on Thursday and I can't wait to share it all with you.  I realized back in September that I took way too many photos and most of them didn't even come out that great lol This time I want to focus more on the shows and only take a couple of snaps (hopefully good ones). I will definitely be posting on instagram during it all.  It snowed again yesterday and it's supposed to snow more later this week so I am really curious to see how this is all going to pan out.  I'll be staying at my friend's apartment for the whole week so I am just excited for a mini getaway.  I still have no idea what I will be wearing so hopefully I can figure that out within the next two days! Lots of love <3

Red Carpet Inspired For Real Life Moments

It's time for another beauty post and this one was really fun to create.  As one of the New Voices Of Beauty, I will be sharing some new beauty content on the blog over the next couple of months and this was the first challenge.  We had to pick one of our favorite red carpet looks and recreate it in our own way #IRL (in real life).  This definitely took me out of my comfort zone a little bit because I tend to do the same makeup look every single day.  I've really wanted to switch things up and try new looks so this was the perfect opportunity to start.  I am in no way, shape or form even close to being a makeup artist, so I have to say that I am proud of myself for being able to do this!

 My favorite red carpet look was Taylor Swift at the Grammy's.  

Metallics have been such a huge trend lately and I loved this look head to toe.  If you look closely at her makeup, she has both black and blue eye liner on which really inspired me.  I've never thought to wear blue liner before. I also love how she played up the silver dress with the highlight in the corners of her eyes.   I like that she pulled her hair back in a ponytail with soft waves.  It's very glam but there is also a playfulness about it which I thought made for a great transition for a fun girl's night out or date night!

Let's talk skin care first because before applying any makeup, we should always be moisturizing.  I think I have finally nailed down a daily skin care routine and I have actually been sticking to it :)   I've been using Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream (here).  For use both day and night, this cream instantly brightens and smoothes skin, while reducing the appearance of dark spots over time.  Skin is energized and hydrated to encourage the natural production of collagen.  It has truthfully left my skin super smooth and I have already noticed improvements with a more even color and skin tone.  Before using this cream, my face looked a little dull in the mornings.  But now after using this twice a day, my face has been coming back to life.  My makeup has also been going on so much smoother too.

I tried to copy Taylor's makeup but also put my own spin on it.  I used a mixture of grey/dark shadows since I don't have silver and used some white in the corners of my eyes.  I also put blue liner on top of the black like her, but I made it more noticeable.  I used to wear false lashes all the time for special occasions and events, but lately I have been trying to keep it natural.  I have tried out so many different mascaras and I think I finally found one that I love. COVERGIRL Bombshell Volume by LashBlast Mascara (here) features a first-of-it's-kind Boost System that has two brushes and two formulas: mega volume and dramatic intensity.  Step 1 is a base coat that loads on volume and step 2 seals the look with a dark finish.  I've definitely noticed the volume and it's clump free which is a plus in my book!

Now on to the hair.  It all starts with a great shampoo and I just started using Pantene Pro-V Weekly Deep Cleanse Purifying Shampoo.  It's part of Pantene's new Damage Detox collection.  The shampoo formulas deeply cleanse and purify with 2x the Anti-Oxidant technology.  It gently detoxifies to remove more damaging impurities at the surface and core.  After blow-drying, I was surprised at how smooth and shiny it left my hair. It made it more manageable to style also.  I just curled my hair a little bit to create some waves, pulled it back into a ponytail and then wrapped a piece of hair around the rubber band.  I think this will be a new go-to hairstyle for me!

When you're always on the go, especially when you have a special event or occasion, it's extremely important to wear deodorant that does not leave behind any white marks and you also want one that lasts all day.  The New Secret Destination Collection is specifically meant for all the epic adventures in your life! It's combined with a superior 48-hour odor protection and is designed to work even in the most hot, humid, and stressful situations.  I loved the Paris Romantic Rose scent. 

I'm wearing an embellished top from Dynamite which I thought was perfect since it has pretty silver stones like Taylor's dress.  And here is a closer look at the products that I used. 

Hope you liked this post! 

The fashion week craziness is about to begin.  Enjoy the day loves.

Beauty Tips for Women

We all want to look as youthful as possible and this is why most of us go to the extreme to make sure this happens. There are many beauty tips you can adhere to so as to maintain your youthful appearance especially if you are a woman. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding sodas is the first thing you need to do if you want to look beautiful always. This is because water has been found to burn extra calories especially iced water. Beauty tips also include the food eat as you will need to take fresh fruits and vegetables before each meal as this ensures you eat adequately without packing on your pounds.

Another one of the beauty tips you should follow is changing your lip color by going for a lighter shade and this will give you an instantly younger as well as a youthful mouth. You can go a step further and add a dab of gloss on the middle of your upper and lower lips especially if you have thin lips as it gives you fuller lips. Another one of the beauty tips you should follow is using self tanning lotion on your legs. This helps in masking cellulite, spider veins and gives your legs a slimming appearance.

You can follow this up with a highly absorbing lotion containing Aloe as this helps even out the lines that the tanning lotion might have left out. Another one of the beauty tips is the usage of a cream highlighter on the eyes corners as this helps in hiding crows shadows and feet that are in most cases forgotten. This will give you a wide and bright eyes appearance that will not look tired. This will give you a slimmer face appearance.

Another thing you should follow in the beauty tips is using oil blotting sheets especially if your face becomes oily often as it soaks up excess oil. You can also apply mascara as a way of maintaining your youthful appearance. If you apply the black one go over with a blue one which will give you a sparkling white eye illusion. If you are one of the people who have tired looking eyes you need to use a peach colored pencil for lining the eye's inner rims.

You should also use firming body creams as well as moisturizers which should include mushroom, ginseng, seaweed and caffeine as this keeps your skin well toned. This is best done in the morning, before bed or after showering. Another one of the beauty tips is ensuring that all your eye moisturizers and creams are kept in the fridge to make them more beneficial. Practicing good posture will also go along way in giving you a youthful appearance. You can also do some experiments with your hair style or color as well as your clothing.

Beauty Tips Will Help You Look Stylish and Glamorous and Stand Above the Crowd

Everyone wants to look good and you are also not an exception. To look beautiful is not always about looking good but it should bring out that inner confidence to make you look unique among all. To make you look stylish and glamorous, you need to have some idea of the various beauty tips. Proper beauty tips should be a blend of natural and cosmetic therapies and cures to give the best look in town.

There are plenty of books, websites, magazines and other relevant sources from you can get handy beauty tips. You can also visit various beauty treatment clinic to get useful advice on the type of beauty treatment that suites you the best. Get tips on a number of topics like skin care, hair care, age removal and lots more and get the added glow in your body.

Skin in an essential part of our body and as such you need to have idea of some beauty tips to take care of your skin. Dark spots, freckles and skin-damage are some of the most common disorders of the skin and using some handy beauty tips will help you minimize the problems. There are a number of natural beauty tips that you can follow to have a glowing and stylish skin. Rub the peel of avocado on your skin to make it oily and shiny or you can also use a foliating mask made with banana or honey with oatmeal to get that soft feel. Also apply olive oil while sleeping and use it as a moisturizer for your skin.

Hair is also precious to everybody. It is a major part of our style statement. To get the most attractive hair, you need to follow certain beauty tips. Get the latest hair colors today and make a great style statement. A vital tip to remember while you put hair color is to know whether is matches with your texture and appearance. Always try to use the hair color which goes with your appearance and suites you the best. It will not only make you look good but will also prevent any scalp damage or allergies.

Apart from these, there is also some more beauty tips that you need to follow to make that style statement. While going out in the sun in a hot climate, always use a sun block or moisturizer. Use a perfume or deo-spray which properly mixes with the temperature and texture of the body. Try to apply Vaseline on the lips at least twice to get a smooth lip. Use neutral shades over the eyelids and add a bit of shimmer to make your precious eyes glow at night. Try to use eyeliner brushes rather than pencil liners. Curl the straight and short eyelashes prior to applying mascara.

Short Hairstyles Have a Long History in Fashion - Try One!

Think Audrey Hepburn

Short hairstyles, like most styles, come in and out of fashion regularly, but they usually spend more time "in" than out.

Recently, a long layered hair style was at the forefront of the beauty industry, but more recently, women have once again embraced the freedom and surprising versatility of short hairstyles.

If you look at a picture of short hairstyles from the 1920's, you'll see that the hair is "marcelled." This was a process by which women's hairstyle was coaxed into tight, head-hugging waves. But if you look at a picture of short hairstyles from the 60's, you'll see that the women's hairstyle of that era was straight...often rolled on giant coffee cans to achieve the right effect.

The decision to trade in a long-layered hair style for one of the new short hairstyles should be one that any woman makes with the help of her stylist.

Many women choose short hairstyles to add height...something that is especially becoming when middle-age creeps in and things begin to "sag" all over. However, rather than short hairstyles, it's often true that an updo hair style is a better way to achieve "lift" and height.

Another "plus" about the new short hairstyles is that they can easily be "lengthened" temporarily by the addition of weaves, braids, and hairpieces. It's easy to change your hip 2004 hairstyle into retro 80's hair style with just a few hair products...and then change back to your regular short hairstyle.

To help your stylist select one of the new short hairstyles that would be best for you, be sure to bring any photo of the 2004 hairstyle that you've seen that "captures" what you'd like to achieve.

What Does Beauty Really Cost?

Yes! We all want to be beautiful no matter what. We are shown what is classed as as beauty on a regular basis by the media. Fashion models who look like bean poles and who cant possibly eat chocolate or cream cakes as this would be the ultimate sin.

In reality they probably eat very little!

We are all made to be beautiful in our own way! it might not necessarily be in the way the media portray.

This is a good thing as it would be a rather boring world if we all looked exactly the same.

Time is also a big factor as we struggle to fight against it,nobody likes growing old, but are we really winning or delaying the inevitable?

What is all of this really costing us? we spend millions of pounds a year in the UK on beauty products and treatments.

How many of us know what we are really using in these products? We heard recently about parabens possibly causing cancer yet manufacturers still produce products containing them which we buy and use!

We need to look at what we are buying and what they contain!

Would you knowingly eat something containing poison or harmful ingredients? I know i wouldn't,yet we regularly buy and use thing to so called make ourselves more beautiful without reading the labels.

Here are some of the many things to look for:

DEA,MEA,TEA(not the kind you drink) are irritants which dry the hair and skin ,also known as allergens

METHYL,PROPYL,BUTYL & ETHYL PARABENS: are food grade preservatives-used to preserve products and extend there shelf-life. considered to be highly toxic and have been found in cancerous tumors ,also allergens.

ISOPROPYL:poisonous solvent used in many products.

IMIADAZOILDINYL UREA:formaldehyde-forming preservatives,known to weaken the immune system.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL: wetting agent and solvent main ingredient in antifreeze and brake fluid.

POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL(PEG): is a caustic substance used to dissolve grease. found in oven cleaner and most skin cleansers.

Are we taking unnecessary risks by not doing a simple thing like reading a label?

Is it worth risking your health for the sake of beauty,when these days there are more and more natural alternatives available in our retail stores,supermarkets and online so we can have a more natural way to enhance our beauty. Without the extra costs!

Is Being Obsessed With Beauty Vain and Pointless?

Am I Vain Because I'm Obsessed With Beauty? If you are reading this you probably love beauty products and fashion like I do but I admit I may carry it to the point of obsession at times. Many times people who have this drive to make themselves pretty are considered vain, conceded or overly self involved. Believe me, there are plenty of people that are vain that are not into fashion and beauty!

So what drives us to this passion for fashion if it isn't vanity? For me personally it is an art form. I love the unique, different and sometimes bizarre because it fuels creative passion inside. I see something beautiful in every woman I come in contact with. I don't mean "internal beauty" B. S. Lets just face it that is a load of crap. There are "beautiful" and "ugly" people who are horrible human beings and the other way around. I'm talking about actual physical appearance. First impressions only. So many women don't see their actual physical attributes for many reasons. They may have the most beautiful personality on the inside but they take a look in the mirror and see nothing they find attractive about themselves. The blow to their self esteem can impact who they are inside and how they react to others.

If you know someone or see someone who looks a little low on the self esteem department finding something attractive about that person and letting them know can make their day and possibly change their outlook on themselves.

My absolutely favorite thing to see is a 90 year old lady who's looks have long gone walking down the street in her bright red lipstick and matching red orthopedic pumps. You know when she was getting ready to go out she felt pretty and young. After all its really about how you feel about yourself.

Don't compare yourself to 90lb super models who are barely 18 years old. Look at what you find attractive in other women in your same age and size range. What are they wearing or doing with their makeup or hair that you like? Treat yourself to a new lip gloss in a similar shade, a trip to the salon for a new do, or a cute shirt in a style you've seen that you like.

Don't be afraid to look in the mirror and say yanno what I like my lips or eyes. Or god forbid... I have nice boobs! We all tend to see the worst in ourselves and focus on hiding those parts instead of enhancing the parts we like. It isn't vanity, its self love and awareness. When you exude confidence and feel attractive others will see you that way too.

Treat yourself like the princess you are and demand others to treat you the same as you treat yourself. This doesn't mean you need to be a glam queen and wear glitter and a tiara! (although that would be a nice touch) You just need to celebrate your beauty every once in a while. Enjoy being a woman! We have enough crap to deal with in the PMS department we all deserve a little vanity and self love from time to time. And if you already a diva, ROCK ON!! Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for it. Be a good person and make others around you feel good too and you got the total package.

Beauty Secrets - The Ultimate Guide

We've all experienced a fashion emergency or wished we could improve out beauty regimen with easy, inexpensive adjustments. So here are some quick and easy ways to stave off that unsightly pimple, keep under eye bags at bay and have gorgeous skin all year long.

Pimple Rx

Feel a pimple coming on and can't walk around with chalky white toothpaste on your face? Try dabbing some of your perfume on the blemish a few times throughout the day. The alcohol in the perfume will help dry it out (plus you'll smell great!).

Sleep better

Have trouble falling asleep but you've exhausted your sleep aid prescription? Why not try to catch some Z's the natural way? Lavender is known to promote alpha waves, which are necessary for restful sleep. Try soaking in a bath before bed with Lavender salts or Lavender oil.

Here's another idea: take a Lavender face pillow and pop it in the microwave on low for a couple of minutes, then place inside your pillowcase. Put your arms over your head and clasp hands, then stretch your clasped arms as far to the right as possible (make sure you remain comfortable) and then back over your body to the left. Repeat about five times. Breathe in deeply as you do these stretches, which will get the oxygen flowing.

Perfect that Pout

We can only dream of having lips like Angelina-well naturally anyway. Most of us have at least thought about using a lip plumper, hoping to look in the mirror and see gloriously luscious lips smiling back at us. The key is getting lips ready for lip plumper, so it can penetrate and do its job.
Here's a little trick that won't cost you a dime. Apply a small amount of Vaseline on a soft bristle tooth brush that's been moistioned with warm water. Ever so gently brush lips for about 2 minutes-you might want to do this while watching TV, two minutes can feel like forever. Remove the Vaseline with moistened towelette or soft washcloth and then blot dry. Apply moisturizer, sunscreen and lip plumper. Then go show off your beautifully plumped lips.

p.s. If you don't want to splurge on a store-bought lip plumper, dab a tiny-and we mean tiny-amount of Cayenne pepper on your lips. It'll sting a little, but what's a little pain in the name of looking gorgeous?

Baby Soft Skin

Wonder why some women appear to have plump, hydrated skin even in the middle of winter while yours is so dry it hurts to smile? Chances are those other ladies are doing a few things differently-or else they are genetically perfect and we don't like them anyway.

When it comes to keeping your skin hydrated it only makes sense to drink lots of water. Water keeps the cells in your body quenched, so your skin looks luminous and your appetite is curbed (great skin and a trim figure-it's too for the price of one!). You've heard it before but we'll say it again, get eight 8oz glasses a day. Your skin will thank you.

Here's something you may not have heard before: distilled water is the best for drinking because chlorine and other contaminants are greatly reduced when the water is boiled. To hydrate your skin throughout the day try a purified water mister.

Moisturizing Basics

The best time to moisturize is immediately after bathing when your body is damp and moist. Smooth on Body Butter, Body Cream, or Body Lotion to lock in moisture. And you don't have to spend a lot of money.

Some may think the more expensive a moisturizer is, the more effective it will be against dry skin. But this really is a myth. That's not to say expensive lotions don't make us feel more luxurious (even if it's just because we know how much it cost). But the good news is-especially if you don't have a $200 a month beauty budget-is that you can still yourself to radiant, glowing skin for the cost of your daily Starbucks and muffin, just by visiting your local drugstore. There are lots of great moisurizers that hydrate and condition dry, thirsty skin with natural ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E.

In addition to applying lotion daily, here are some other helpful tips to keep skin smooth during the winter months:

• Keep your shower times shorter and limit your exposure to hot water. Try turning on the radio and limiting yourself to just 2-3 songs as a guide.
• Avoid intense scrubbing while showering. Choose a soft soap rather than an exfolient. Here's an idea. The SALUX Beauty Skin Cloth gently exfoliates the skin with a special texture that stimulates blood circulation, while requiring you to use less soap.
• Don't forget your sunscreen! Sun damage can still happen with clouds in the sky, so it's very important to continue to wear no less than SPF 15 every day.

Frizz-free hair

On the go and forgot your hair pomade? Don't freak out-and certainly don't let your hair freak out. Apply a small dollup of hand lotion in your hands, then gently smooth hands over your hair. This will help to tame unruly hair. You can also use a tiny amount of Vaseline on the ends of your hair.
For future hair emergencies, make sure to pick up one of these great products to keep on hand and in your medicine cabinet: Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream , Biosilk Silk Therapy, which also doubles as a great skin salve, and Aveda Brilliant Emollient Finishing Gloss.

De-puff eyes

Trust me I've become a pro at de-puffing eyes. Computer strain, too little sleep, too much sleep, stress-you name it and it makes my eyes puff up like a cream cheese wonton. If you're looking for a quick fix that's more effective than cucumbers, try a green tea or black tea bag (it must contain caffeine). Dip it in hot water then toss it in the freezer for 5 minutes. If you have some foresight pop an anti-histamine like Benedryl the night before and you'll wake up bag-free. Supplements can help with puffiness too. MSM with Glucosamine, Flax Oil and Evening Primrose Oil seem to help alleviate puffiness.

Fake tan streaks

With all the publicity about skin cancer you feel guilty getting a tan the old fashioned way. So you tried a self-tanner or maybe you opted for the Mystic Tan booth. Unfortunately you ended up with the telltale streaks on your arms, legs, feet ... okay everywhere. Don't worry, you don't have to wear a turtleneck and pants until it fades. Hop in the shower right away (some will inevitably come off anyway) and generously rub down with an exfoliating body scrub followed by a rigorous scrubbing with a loofah. For really bad cases around the ankles, feet, elbows and hands (usually the driest parts of your body), you can use a callous file to eliminate unsightly streaks. We don't recommend incorporating these measures into your regular routine but if you've got a hot date or a big event you can't exactly show up looking like you got in a fight with a can of orange spray paint either.

Better yet--avoid rubbing your skin raw with St. Tropez Self-Tan Remover. Like magic it removes unsightly stains from your palms and other body parts if you mess up (the only caveat: it only works up to 4 hours after you apply self tanner). Find it at Sephora, Bath and Body Works, Victoria's Secret and Red Door Salons.