New Beauty Product Loves

Why does it always seem that when ever you need a new tube of mascara you find yourself running out of face wash, concealer, lotion, etc. too? Anyone else seem to have that pattern? Last weekend, I made a trip to ULTA to stock up on my usual beauty essentials, but I decided to try some new things instead.

I've talked before about how much I like Maybelline's Lash Stiletto Mascara. Well, they were all out of the regular blackest black mascara, so I decided to try the "voluptuous" formula instead. I like it EVEN better! It stays on longer and the brush is easier to use. Try it out!

I also decided to trade in my COVERGIRL Perfect Point Plus Eye Liner for a much cheaper one. RIMMEL's Soft Kohl Liner was recommended to me by a makeup artist I recently worked with. Since it was less than my usual go-to liner, I decided to take a chance on it. I love it! It stays, but it's also smudge-able.

Lastly, I tried out Yes to Blueberry Brightening Facial Towelettes. I have tried their Cucumber ones, and I loved them. However, the price is usually a lot higher than the Clean and Clear Towelettes. This time the Blueberry version was cheaper than my usual choice, so I took a chance on the the brightening wipes. The smell is SO YUMMY!

You might be wondering why I spend money on the towelettes over regular face wash. I really like the ability of seeing my makeup coming off and knowing that I'm not drying my face with a dirty hand towel. With all of my acne issues it's important that my face is extra, extra clean.

Photo Sources: Chic Style 21, Fabuless Beauty, Yes to Carrots

The Pony

Styling hair is something that has never come easily to me. From birth my hair has been out of control, curly and frizzy. My mom never knew what to do with it, and resorted to the ugly mullet for a time. ACK!

As I got older, I started brushing my own hair and escaping painful brush strokes of death (just kidding...kinda). I found myself always throwing my hair up in a pony tail. It was easy, and it looked good. I don't think I ever really left my hair down until the end of high school or the beginning of college when straighteners became popular.

The pony tail is the easiest up-do in the books. It is finally coming back to rival the bun and top knot, and I think we're in need of change anyway.

Here is some beautiful pony hair inspiration to enjoy, and get you in the mood for changing times!

Images: Dia De Beaute, Previously Owned, Pinterest, Audrey Hepburn, Refinery 29, The Glitter Guide

What NOT to Wear - A Personal Example

Okay, so I'm about to completely make an arse of myself, but it's for YOUR benefit that I'm doing this! This is how much I love you! It was back in 2006 (six years ago mind you) when Ryan and I hired our wedding photographer, Melissa Jill. I'm so glad to say that we're all great friends to this day and I get to work with her all of the time. YAY!!! But back to the story...Our engagement shoot was approaching, and I was freaking at as to what to wear for our session. So, what did I do? I looked online to see what other people were doing.

Mistake #1 - I didn't stay true to myself. I copied other people - other people that had NO style, apparently.

I saw that most people were wearing black and white in the photos. BORING snooze fest colors that are the WORST colors for the camera by far. NEVER, ever wear black or white for a photo shoot. Promise?!

Mistake #2 - Thinking that the only color in the world that is slimming is black.

Both Ryan and I wanted to look our best, so of course, that meant looking our thinnest, right? Sure, black does make people look slimmer, but it's a terrible color for photographers to work with and doesn't pop in a photo. Other colors like red and purple look great with my skin, are dark, and complement the camera. Prints would have also been a fabulous choice because the right one will easily hide any love handles.

Mistake #3 - We MATCHED! M-A-T-C-H-E-D!!!

Why, oh why, did we think this was a good idea?! Just combine mistake 1 and 2, and you have your answer. Thankfully, the fact that I'm Greek and Italian and he's Norwegian kept us from looking like siblings. Praise the Lord!

So, now when I say don't wear black, white, match, etc., you know I'm not just saying that because I read it somewhere. I'm saying it because I made the mistake of doing it myself and confessed it on this blog for the whole world to see.

I seriously can only share this now after having a well established respect among the lifestyle, wedding and fashion photographers in my area and a portfolio to back my taste up! haha!

White Lace

Trend alert! White lace is popping up everywhere. The ultra feminine fabric is ushering in spring and summer in stores like J.Crew and H&M. I've never really been a huge lace fan mostly because my style is simple and clean. And WHITE lace...Well, until now, I've only worn it on my wedding dress, but for some reason I'm really diggin' this pure and flirty fashion statement.

I'm thinking my Easter dress is going to be right up this alley.

Here is some inspiration to get you on the band wagon...

Photos: Unknown, ASOS, Fashion Kingdom, unknown, Because I'm addicted

Red Carpet Favorites - 2012 Oscars

I'm glad that I got to see many of the nominated movies before the big award show, but watching Hugo and The Artist take home most of the awards took away a bit of the excitement. Not to mention, I didn't see too many dresses that were eye catching this year. So, it was pretty easy for me to narrow down my two picks for best dressed at the Oscars this year... In first place, Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton.

Remember, how I talked about the comeback of the peplum? Well, here is proof that it's a worthy fashion statement. She looks completely adorable from head to toe.

In second place, Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford.

Her choice of dresses are always unique and elegant. She carries the tone of "understated glamor" better than anyone out there right now.

Who were your favorites?