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Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
I've been working from home for 7 months now with no signs of going back to the office anytime soon and the height of my daily social interactions is picking up my ordered-ahead iced latte at Starbucks. I haven't gone to a restaurant in ages, let alone a party. I see most of my friends over FaceTime and Zoom calls. A wild weekend night lately is staying up until midnight watching a classic movie on my watchlist, maybe with a glass of wine and some Postmate-d sushi.
Yup, that's how thrilling my life is these days.
Despite all that, though, I've been putting on makeup almost every day, no matter if I'm venturing out to Alfred Coffee or just sitting at my desk doing work. For one, you never know when a colleague is going to spring a Zoom meeting on you, and let's be real, I have a reputation to uphold of looking put together, even in quarantine!
But beyond that, I genuinely have loved playing around with makeup while hanging out at home. I know it seems a bit pointless to get all dolled up with literally nowhere to go (and don't even get me started on the lipstick + mask dilemma) but it's a small little thing that makes me feel put together for the day and genuinely good in the face of depressing times.
My growing obsession with TikTok (you can follow me here if you want!) and learning all about makeup from incredible creators (a few of my favorites to follow for tips are @mikaylanogueira, @bexcxmpbell and @daniellemarcan) has inspired me to try new products, experiment with bold eyeshadow colors, and extend beyond my typical five minute routine to achieve that "barely there" makeup look.
We know I've always loved a bright lipstick, but I've never been particularly skilled at eyeshadow looks. However, after months of experimentation, I'm now pretty adept at a winged eyeliner and have even tried a cut crease look or two. I've pulled out palettes that have been sitting in my makeup drawer for ages and have followed tutorials for no-heat waves and other fun hairstyles. I even purchased the Revlon blow-dry brush that everyone is obsessed with on TikTok.
Sure, I may not be hitting the town in my fancy makeup, but I can always share my looks to social media and use that as a way to make sure my makeup efforts live on beyond my bathroom mirror. And above everything else, it makes me feel happy, and honestly, I think we could all use a little bit more joy these days wherever we can find it.
Here are a few of my favorite beauty items I've discovered during quarantine:
A little concealer under the eyes and a dab across any red spots is usually all I need, and it's a real game changer for looking awake and ready on those Monday morning Zoom calls. I love that this concealer covers redness without feeling too heavy or drying, too.
This hot pink lip gloss is great for achieving that "your lips, but better" look, and I'll usually swipe it on before any video meetings or if I'm filming a TikTok!
Okay, I just bought this hair dryer brush last week but I am already obsessed. It makes my hair look like it was done at the salon, and I went 5 days without washing my hair the first time after using this because my hair stayed clean, fresh, and straight for so long!
I am prone to oily eyelids, so I'll often spot eyeliner melted onto my eyebrows halfway through the day. This Stila eyeliner lasts all day, though, and the felt tip makes it easy to draw on smooth cat eyes and other wings. When wearing a mask outside, you gotta make sure your eye makeup is on point since that's what people will see, so this eyeliner is a must.
What's been your approach to makeup during quarantine? I'm curious to hear everyone's thoughts!
It's hard to think about fashion right now. I love it—getting dressed each day is part of why I get so excited to wake up—but lately the world of fashion seems even more frivolous than usual. How can I think about pretty spring dresses when going outside requires a face mask? How can I dream about spending money on clothes when people are losing their livelihoods and loved ones all over the world?
It is a strange, strange time that we are in, and I know that looking cute is at the bottom of our priorities right now. But still, I can't help but think about how much joy fashion brings me, and how I hope that when our time of social distancing comes to an end (which, god, I hope is soon) I'll be able to spread some joy through fun and colorful outfits. Maybe it will cheer people up, or even just cheer myself up. I hope that's okay.
Anyway, here are some of the things that I hope we'll be dressing up in very soon. Leave a comment, let me know how you are doing, how you are hanging in there while working from home, whatever. I'm here for you! I may be wearing sweatshirts more than usual (I know, social distancing has changed me) but I'm still the fashion-loving Fashion Barbie and I hope to continue spreading positive energy your way!
Post-Quarantine Wish List
I write this with a sniffly nose and sinus infection, but the cold is totally worth it, because I was able to spend Presidents' Day Weekend hitting the slopes in Mammoth.
My family tries to go skiing every year, as it is a favorite activity of ours, even though living in Southern California means we must trek to find snow-covered mountains (except for today, apparently; it snowed in LA today!). I have such a fun time skiing—and après-skiing, of course—but one thing I have learned is that my skin is not always a fan!
The combination of dry air and cold conditions really stresses my skin out, causing it to go into dryness overdrive, so I have found a few wintertime beauty essentials that keep my skin looking gorgeous even during harsh winter weather!
Even if you aren't making your way to the mountains this year, these products are really handy for anyone suffering dry skin in the winter:
SUPERGOOP GLOW STICK SUNSCREEN: first thing's first when skiing: sun protection! Yes, even when you are in the snow, the sun can be extremely harsh; in fact, the snow reflects the sun's rays and can be more intense than a tan on the beach! For athletic activities like skiing, I love using a sunscreen stick for easy on-the-go application. Besides, only your face will really be showing, so you don't need a lot of sunscreen; just enough to protect your face from sun damage!
L'OCCITANE HAND CREAM: my hands are always the first thing to dry out when I encounter harsh winter weather. I keep a small tube of L'Occitane hand cream in my purse whenever I travel so my hands stay soft.
GO-TO FACE HERO: I was skeptical of applying oils to my face for the longest time, but this lightweight oil from Australian brand Go-To is a miracle worker. It keeps my skin smooth and hydrated without overdoing it.
SHISEIDO MOISTURIZER: Moisturizer is a must, obviously! Shiseido's creamy formula is rich and luxurious, making it perfect for a winter skincare regimen.
OGEE SCULPTED LIP OIL: Truth be told, I carried 3 different lip balms this weekend. My lips get soooo chapped when I go skiing, so I kick it into overdrive when it comes to balms and chapsticks. This one is especially hydrating and refreshing, and unlike other lip balms I feel like it actually repairs my chapped lips as opposed to just masking it.
And those are my ski weekend beauty essentials! Do you have any products you turn to in winter? Let me know in the comments!
Shop Winter Beauty Must-Haves:
Stepping inside the world of Chanel
When someone tells you that Chanel is throwing a beauty pop-up in LA full of fun vignettes and Instagrammable moments, you go! Seriously you guys, if you're free this weekend, you need to check out the Chanel Beauty House in West Hollywood.
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| The Glossier Phase 2 Set |
Perfecting that no-makeup makeup look
Yeah, you read that right! I made my first video for The Fashion Barbie in order to show how Glossier's trendy makeup subtly enhances my face. I received the Phase 2 set for Christmas (thanks, Dad!) and absolutely love it, so I wanted to share my thoughts with all of you, and I thought, what better way to do that than with a video?
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| Stand out on New Year's Eve |
Don't be afraid to dazzle!
Sequins tend to make their way into every New Year's Eve soiree, but who says the clothes should have all the fun? This holiday season, I'm daring you to step up your party makeup game with a daring, dazzling beauty look! That's right, I'm telling you to add some glitter to your NYE look.
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| Goodies from the PopSugar September Must-Have Box |
Everything for a stylish fall!
There are so many things in this world that I want to try, so many styles I've yet to wear, so many new products I need to test out. It's impossible to try out everything, but thank goodness for subscription boxes like the PopSugar Must-Have Box that help me sample some of the latest trends and products.
I love makeup. I really do. I love a good bright lipstick and I even enjoy trying to master the high art of the perfect cateye. But there are days when I really just don't want to put makeup on. It's tiring and tedious and I usually end up getting mascara on my eyebrow or messing up my eyeliner or something that is just frustrating. Makeup can be fun, but it can also be horribly annoying.
And yet I make sure I have at least mascara and lipstick on whenever I leave the house. Why? I'd like to believe I am a mostly confident person (a lot more confident than I used to be, that's for sure) but I still am not to the point where I can walk out of the house makeup free. I live by the adage that you never know who you are going to run into when you're out and about and therefore you should always be looking your best.
However, recently I've noticed that women are going to extremes when it comes to everyday makeup. Contouring is super cool and I love it for big events, but personally I don't think people need to be wearing that much makeup everyday. For one, it's extremely time-consuming, and in the wise words of that one lady, "Ain't nobody got time for that." The other issue is that, for me, the more makeup I wear the harder it is to like how my face looks without any makeup on. Yes, it is really cool to look #flawless with a contoured face and eyebrows on fleek, but if you feel like you can't go outside without a full face of makeup on, that could be an issue.
And with Kylie Jenner and makeup bloggers making a name for themselves by constantly looking perfect and contoured, it's hard to not want a perfectly made-up face. There's a weird dichotomy in the fashion world right now between the gorgeously makeup-free minimalists and the perfectly made-up glam Barbie dolls, like the Kardashian Krew.
So to have Kim Kardashian, a celebrity who is in part responsible for the rise in popularity of contouring and other extreme makeup trends, appear on the cover of a major magazine with next-to-nothing makeup, is really empowering! Kim is gorgeous always, and I love her perfect beauty looks and her edgy fashions. But I also love that she is confident with what she looks like beneath all that makeup and saying, "Hey, makeup or no makeup, I love what I look like, and you should too!" If you love doing your makeup and want to try out the newest contouring method each day, go for it! But know that you should be doing it because you love it, not because you feel like you have to look flawless and perfect for the world. Because you are beautiful no matter how much makeup you wear! And if Kim Kardashian can rock the no-makeup look and still look gorgeous, we all can.
See the rest of the photoshoot here:
What do you think about this Kim Kardashian photoshoot?
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| Rocking the natural texture of my hair |
In the age of photoshop and Instagram filters, it is so easy to look at perfectly polished celebrities and glamorous fashion bloggers and strive to achieve that same level of beauty perfection, even when said level is virtually impossible without the use of some editing and retouching. And when you're like me, someone who is still dealing with the occasional acne outbreak and still figuring out how to do my hair and makeup like a pro, it can be easy to get discouraged and feel inadequate when constantly looking at perfect fashion faces all day long.
My hair, in particular, has been quite the struggle. I've always loved the color, of course, but never the texture. Since middle school I religiously blew-dry my hair to get it stick straight, and then I would style it with a flat-iron. I would curl my hair almost every day, and even now I spend a great deal of time trying to achieve Victoria's Secret Angels-status curls in front of a bathroom mirror, but lately I've been mixing up my hair routine a bit more. I've been air-drying my hair more, letting its natural texture reveal itself instead of trying so hard to suppress it.
And you know what? I actually like how my hair looks naturally! I like how it looks when it's perfectly done and curled too, but it's important to feel comfortable with my normal hair and not feel like I have to hide what it actually looks like. It's good to know that I can wake up, dab on some makeup, and feel confident with what I look like without spending hours to feel that way. Sometimes you just don't want to do your hair, so I'm glad I've learned to embrace it.
Luckily, all the cool French girls seem to be embracing the natural hair look, too. Here are some of my favorite French style stars who love to rock their hair as-is.
Natural Texture Inspiration
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| Caroline de Maigret |
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| Clémence Poésy |
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| CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Chloé Fall 2015 hair | Jeanne Damas via Byrdie Backstage at Rachel Comey Fall 2015 via Byrdie | Lou Doillon |
What do you think about the undone, natural look?
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| Image via asos.com |
We've all been there: you wake up late with no time to shower and the sudden realization that today is just not the day for your hair. Or, you know, you're just too lazy to style it for a half-hour. No matter what the scenario is, we've all had days when we just don't want to deal with our hair.
So what's a girl to do? One of my favorite trendy solutions as of late? The half-bun.
It's exactly what it sounds like; you take half of your hair and tie it up in a tiny bun. The half-bun is the perfect fix for a bad hair day because it works best with some second-day hair texture. Usually I just spray some dry shampoo on the roots to get a little tousle going and twist the top section of my hair into a tiny bun. Like so:
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| Me, rockin' the half-bun |
Here's some more half-bun inspiration to get you through your next bad hair day!
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| Clockwise from top left: Love Blair via Byrdie | Treasures and Travels | WhoWhatWear | Frida via Byrdie |
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| Kate Mara rocking the half-bun via popsugar |
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| Nasty Gal has a great tutorial on how to get the perfect baby bun |
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| Perfectly undone via Nasty Gal |
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| Margot Robbie in a sleek half-updo via Byrdie |
What do you think of the half-bun?
Since I became interest in makeup (once I entered middle school, I believe) I've been searching long and hard for the best lipstick in the world. I've scoured countless fashion magazine and online beauty edits that all claim that they have found the elusive #1 lipstick in the world; I've spent hours at department store makeup counters and Sephora sampling colors and testing different formulas. I've debated the pros and cons of lip liners, or the differences between glosses and sticks and stains. It's safe to say that I've spent a fair amount of money and resources on lipstick, only to come to a rather fascinating conclusion:
Sometimes, drugstore lipsticks do the trick just as well as the designer versions.
But how could this be? Surely the extra $30 you pay to get a tube of Chanel Rouge Coco over a plastic-wrapped Maybelline lipstick must mean something? There has to be a reason why designer lipsticks are so much more expensive, right? RIGHT!?
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| So long as it looks good, who cares where your lipstick comes from! |
And in terms of colors, I typically find that drugstore lipsticks have more vibrancy. What's more, if I'm nervous to try a new shade (say, a dark purple for a vampy look) I'm more likely to test out an $8 version than dropping $35 on a color I might only wear occasionally.
That's not to say that there isn't value in the designer lipstick. I'm a huge fan of Make Up For Ever for super-matte colors, and I know people who will wear NARS and Tom Ford until they die. There are virtues of these pricier lipsticks, and every so often I will find one that I really love, but in most cases I would rather put that money towards buying a new dress or a cute pair of shoes than on rather ephemeral lipstick. And unlike designer clothes were brand labels are often visible and you can flaunt your designer duds, no one will ever be able to tell if your perfect red lip is courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent or CoverGirl.
So the next time you're at CVS picking up your allergy medication, don't be afraid to test out a bold new color from Revlon or L'Oreal. You might just find your next signature color!
What are your thoughts on drugstore and designer makeup?
Did you know that I had a Tumblr blog too? Check it out for more of the things that inspire The Fashion Barbie!
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Looking for a new 'do but not sure which direction to head in? Consider an intricate braided hairdo. I'm not talking no boring braided pigtails or Pinterest-style complicated princess updos; rather more modern twists on the classic hairstyling technique.
Consider brands Antonio Marras and Christian Dior, who for their respective pre-fall collections turned to a Heidi-meets-Princess-Leia type for beauty inspiration. The end result: a both folksy and futuristic hairstyle that is at once unique and très cool. Braid your hair into three or four sections, then loop them around and pin them up to create your own take on the look.
I also am really digging the reverse French braid pigtails that Refinery29 recently did for one of their editorials. This is not your average playground hairstyle; no, this is an edgy look for a tough lady who just also happens to love pigtails.
If you want to avoid looking like you're ten, try a smoky eye or thick sweep of eyeliner to edge up the look, or wear a minimalist outfit with clean lines. You won't look like you're trying to be ten years younger than you are, but you will be looking like the coolest girl in the room.
What do you think of braided loop hairstyles? Will you be trying this look out?
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| Photo Source |
The key? Moisturizer. Shocking, right? But really, adding moisture and hydration wherever you can is key to fighting off dry skin.
Below are some of my favorite makeup products that I rely on in winter and how I go about my beauty regime during winter.
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| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Lips: You shouldn't have to forgo bright, bold lips just because your lips are flaking. I always carry a tube of Burt's Bees chapstick in my purse but during wintertime I am even more reliant on it. Lipsticks and glosses can dry out your lips even more, and since I am a fan of colorful lipsticks I know I need to supplement with plenty of moisturizing balm. Once or twice a week, apply a sugar scrub to clear away any flakiness. Your lips will feel smooth and kissable!
Face: During wintertime I'm not afraid to double up on moisturizer. In the morning I start out by applying a luxe moisturizer from Clarins (with anti-aging benefits, too!) on my face and neck. Then, I use Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer to clear away redness and even my skin tone. I'll powder my nose and chin to get rid of any lingering redness but try to keep the powders to a minimum. At night I use hydrating cleansers and gel masks like this Fresh hydrating gel cream in order to make sure my skin is always feeling fresh and moisturized.
Hair: I know, I know, dry shampoo seems counterintuitive when battling dryness, but hear me out. Because it's so dry out I usually only wash my hair twice a week during the winter, and I usually avoid blow drying it since that strips your hair of even more moisture. A spritz of dry shampoo (I highly recommend Drybar's wonderfully-smelling "Detox" dry shampoo) keeps your hair looking voluminous and smooth in between washes.
Body: Never underestimate the power of a good lotion! Hands, elbows, legs, etc. Your body will thank you for keeping it smooth and soft. Nothing beats L'Occitane lotion, another go-to that I always try to keep in my purse.
What are your wintertime beauty go-tos?
Sometimes you need a bit of a change! Nothing too drastic, just a good four or five inches off to breathe some new life into my hair. Looks good with a red lip, doesn't it?
What I'm Wearing:
- Laura Mercier Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Tinted Moisturizer ($20.50) in Nude and Beautyblender Sponge ($19.95)
- Boscia Clear Complexion Blotting Linens ($10)
- Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ for Face/Body ($36)
- Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 ($22.50) in Sugar Tulip Tinted
- Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray ($26 for 4 oz.)
- Dior Vernis Gel Shine and Long Wear Nail Lacquer ($25) in Wonderland
- NARS Duo Eyeshadow ($35) in Key Largo
Summer is in full swing, which means you should make sure your beauty routine is in tune with the season!
In the hotter months, I like to switch to a more sheer tinted moisturizer (1) that corrects redness without leaving my face feeling caked up and heavy. For an extra dewy effect, wet a Beautyblender sponge before applying. If you are in a humid region or are just prone to some extra glistening in the heat, make sure to carry around blotting pads (2) to dab away any unwanted perspiration. You want to be glowing, not melting!
Skin protection should really be a year-long thing, but make sure you are extra vigilant about applying sunscreen (3) in the summertime! A fresh tan is lovely, but believe me when I say you would much rather have to deal with pale skin than skin cancer. If you have sensitive skin like mine, it's okay to splurge on a skincare-line sunscreen. Normally I use Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer for my face and the classic Banana Boat for the rest of my body. Make sure you are purchasing a sunscreen that is above SPF 30, and reapply often!
Your lips need extra love too! I am a die-hard fan of Burt's Bees chapstick (partial to the mango flavor) but this tinted lip balm (4) is another awesome pick because it provides moisture and nourishment to your lips while also giving them a subtle hint of color.
It doesn't matter if you spend every day at the beach this summer or are stuck miles from shore throughout - you can get beach-worthy waves with this surf spray (5). I love applying it to soft curls to add some crunchy texture. It also comes in handy when trying to create updos with my naturally stick-straight hair, as it provides texture so strands can stay in place.
Update your mani/pedi with a vibrant coral nail polish (6). Dior polishes are gorgeous and easy, and this color is the perfect way to give yourself an instant tan - no harmful sun rays necessary!
The best summer looks are almost makeup-free, but if you are looking to add a bit of sparkle this nude eyeshadow palette (7) is the perfect way to add a glow. Bonus points: this duo palette can also be used as a makeshift bronzer palette!
What are your must-have summer beauty essentials?
I'm trying to be more "adventurous" with my hairstyles and experimenting with looks that go beyond the simple straight-down style. After washing my hair I tested out a take on the milkmaid braid that consisted of making two French-braid pigtails and then pinning back the ends at the nape of my neck.
I thought it looked pretty cute and while it didn't turn out perfect the first time I will definitely try this hairstyle again. Plus, it gave me cute beachy waves since my hair dried in this hairstyle.
Would you ever try milkmaid braids? What hairstyle should I test out next?
The Spring 2014 runways were ripe with fresh hair and makeup looks to try. The Fashion Barbie is sifting through all the best beauty looks and teaching you how to adapt these runway styles to your everyday beauty look!
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| Rouge lips at Helmut Lang, Prabal Gurung, and Altuzarra |
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| NARS Velvet Lip Pencil (in Dragon Girl) | Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick (in Matte Bright Red) | Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment | Bite Beauty Lip Rouge (in Apple) | Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine (in Danger) |
Red lips are as classic as the Little Black Dress, but there's no better time to try out the bold lipstick if you've been nervous to before!
Make sure your lips are smooth and silky before applying any color; reds tend to saturate the lips extremely well and can dry them out, so use a balm (like the Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment) before adding the color.
Next, pick if you want a matte or glossy color. Mattes are bold and make a huge statement, whereas glossier colors work as a more subdued, vampy look. Personally, I feel that orange-red hues look better as mattes, while darker reds with blue tints look great with a bit of iridescence to them.
With such a bright color, precision application is key. Apply with a lip brush (like this one) for liner-like precision.
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| Graphic eyeliner featured at Marc Jacobs and Missoni |
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| Urban Decay Liner (in Electric) | Stila Liquid Liner (in Emerald) | Marc Jacobs Magic Marc'er Precision Pen |
Makeup artists at the Spring runway shows were thinking way outside the box with eyeliner. No longer just in the usual black or brown, eyeliners have gotten as colorful as a spring bouquet. Brands like Urban Decay and Stila have great colorful options, and Marc Jacob's Marc'er eyeliner pen is the graphic jet black liquid liner we have been waiting for.
Don't feel like spending thirty dollars on an electric blue eyeliner that you'll only use once or twice? Transform a colorful eyeshadow into a liner by wetting an eyeliner brush and dabbing some powered shadow on it. A quick, DIY version to the colored liner trend!
In addition to playing with the color of eyeliners, makeup artists mixed up the usual shapes. At Marc Jacobs, models rocked extended corners (both inner and outer) for an eye-widening, anime-inspired style. At Missoni, thick black lined the entire upper lash line but only the inner corners, creating a unique graphic look.
I will totally play with liner shape and color the next time I go out, and so should you!
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| Eyeshadow got technicolor-ful at Burberry, Armani, and Marc by Marc Jacobs |
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| Urban Decay Primer | Diorshow Eyeshadow (in Fantasie) | NARS Duo Eyeshadow Palette (in Mad Mad World) | Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Brush |
Colorful eyelids were all the rage this season, with every color of the rainbow making an appearance on the runways. A dusty pink is a perfect daytime punch of color, while a vibrant blue or green make for perfect going-out looks.steither make your bright shadow totally graphic, or tone it down a bit by blending the color with a flesh tone shadow.
I've been wanting a super cool 70s style hat for a while now, and finally at Anthropologie this weekend I was able to find the perfect one - a burgundy felt topper by Genie by Eugenia Kim (the offshoot line of chic NYC milliner Eugenia Kim) - and the second I placed it on my head I felt ten times cooler than I did pre-hat.
Fedoras and wide-brim hats (but not of the cheesy straw variety) have made a major comeback recently.
Wear them while reading Hemingway and sipping a cappuccino in the corner of a small cafe, or whenever you want to have a Serena van der Woodsen moment (and if you're anything like me, you strive for those moments always).
The right hat can make you feel like an out-and-about celebrity - I'm just doing my grocery shopping, trying to hide myself from the constant paparazzi with this chic hat - or a model out of a Free People catalogue. Take your pick.
A well-placed hat is an excellent solution for bad hair days or times when you don't have time to wash your hair in the morning. Use it to make a cool downtown-style outfit even cooler, or tone down a fancy frock with an askew hat.
No matter how you style it, the wide brim hat is the perfect winter accessory!
SHOP FEDORAS AND WIDE-BRIM HATS
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