"SOMETHING BLUE"

(clockwise: OPI in "The Umpires Come Out At Night", Sally Hansen in "Blue Me Away", Revlon Sun Candy in "Sun Shower", Essie in "Mint Candy Apple", Rimmel in "Breakfast In Bed", Essie in "Bikini So Teeny", Sinful Shine in "Alfresco" and Sinful Colors in "Endless Blue")

For all the 'brides-to-be' (including myself) out there having a hard time deciding on how to incorporate that "something blue" into their big day...GET A BLUE PEDI!!! You can find that perfect blue to incorporate into your big day by simply choosing the right shade for whichever season you're having your wedding in. 

- Dark/navy blues for Fall & Winter

- Periwinkle blues for Spring

- Bright/vibrant blues for Summer

It's such a fun and cute way to show off that "something blue" on your big day and who doesn't love a good pedi?! I know I'll be enjoying a blue pedi before my big day ;)

"THE NATURALS"

SKIN CARE 101 

(from left to right: Organic extra virgin coconut oil, Lush's Mask of Magnaminty, Josie Maran Argon oil, 100% pure tea tree oil, TN. Dickinson's Witch Hazel toner, African black soap (pink box))

For YEARS I bought over the counter products from the pharmacy to high end skin care products to help keep my skin clear and free from acne. After trying hundreds of products, hoping that they would help clear up my skin, I found that over the counter skin care products were filled with harsh chemicals that are very hard on your skin and will make your skin worse. 

I decided to do some research, reading articles, reviews and so on, I found that all natural products were really my last resort. I never once thought about going down the all natural path but, I figured I would give it a shot (I had nothing to lose). Let me tell you that it has CHANGED MY LIFE AND SKIN FOR THE BETTER. I will never purchase over the counter products ever again. My skin has never looked so healthy and I couldn't be happier :)

Here's a list of products that I use and why:

1. Organic extra virgin coconut oil:  $15 (Remove makeup)

- to remove eye makeup

- lighten age spots

- helps skin heal faster

- anti-aging 

- helps fight acne

2. Lush's Mask of Magnaminty: $25 (Weekly mask)

- natural exfoliating properties 

- cleans out pores

- calms acne

- leaves skin silky smooth 

3. Josie Maran's Argan oil: $16 (Moisturizer)

- everyday moisturizer 

- dewy glow

- improves elasticity and hydration in skin

- improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

4. 100% Pure Tea Tree Oil:  $10 (Spot treatment)

- clears up acne

- mix one part tea tree oil with 3 parts tea tree oil 

5. TN. Dickinson's Witch Hazel: $3.99 (Toner)

- treats acne

- reduces puffy eyes

- reduces redness

- helps with inflammation

6. African Black Soap: $3 (Face wash/cleanser)

- clears up acne

- heals skin

- leaves skin soft and refreshed 

* I purchased most of these products at Whole Foods, Target, Sephora and Costco

"LITTLE RED LIP"

Current favorites for: RED LIPS

( from left to right: NYX Matte Lipstick in "Alabama", NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in "Montre Carlo" and NYX Lip Pencil in "Cabaret")

My obsession with red lips is REAL at the moment. I believe a red lipstick is a must have in any makeup junkies collection. It's like the "little black dress" of fashion, we all need one! It's such a classic, elegant look you can not go wrong with! NYX has some amazing products and some of my favorites by them are their lips products. Not only are they great quality but the price is spot on! Like seriously, you can't go wrong with a Matte Lip Cream for $5.99!!!

NYX Matte Lipstick in "Alabama" $5.99

It's time to start thinking outside the box when it comes to red lipstick. This shade isn't your typical red and it's GORGEOUS. Alabama is a brick red/brownish-red, which leans more on the warm side. Not only is the color beautiful but the formula of the Matte Lipsticks by NYX are amazing. They're not drying at all and you still get that matte lip look. This lipstick is a must have for fall and winter!

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in "Monte Carlo" $5.99

When I think of a classic red lip, this shade comes to mind. I love this color!!! Lets be honest, it's just straight up perfect. The color payoff with the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams are fabulous. The formula is a mix between a lipstick and a lipgloss (This product will stain your lips too). It's very comfortable to wear and it will not budge. So eat and drink the day away! I can definitely see myself purchasing more colors in this collection.

NYX Lip Pencil in "Cabaret" $3.49

This lip pencil pairs perfectly with the Alabama lipstick (photographed above the Monte Carlo lip cream). A perfect brick red/brownish-red color that will make its mark in the fall and winter season! Great quality!!! You can NOT go wrong with NYX products.