Face Time!

I've been searching for a new foundation/powder for a while now.  I'm a loyal customer of the MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, however I've been noticing a change in my skin which prompted me to hit the beauty counters again (what a drag...ha).  I'm always hesitant to try new face products because 1) I'm sensitive 2) I HATE breaking out and 3) I'm not a huge fan of returning items if they don't work for me.



MAC Studio Fix Powder
Photo Courtesy of www.nordstrom.com



The good thing is, most beauty counters will apply the foundation you are inquiring about.  My advice is to not buy right away, even if you look like you are ready to hit the red carpet.  The reason for this is because usually, your skin will not react to a product right away unless you are HIGHLY allergic to it or you have SUPER sensitive skin.  For instance, one night I tried my sister's Proactiv mask and about an hour later my face was burning and bright red....not a good look.  My advice is to wait it out, walk around a bit do some shopping and if you are feeling good after an hour, your skin is probably going to work well with that product. 

Being the beauty junkie I am, I have researched a ton of foundations lately.  I did have some requirements for my "perfect match" and they were:

1) Lightweight formula

2) No tools needed (i.e I can put it on with my fingers and it will blend accordingly)

3) Must have SPF!

The one that I have had my eye on was a Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer.  I looked into tinted moisturizers because I do not like the feeling of anything pancaked on my face, plus I don't mind a few of my freckles peeking out every now and then! ;-)  I had swatched the product on my face a couple of times at Sephora, and I didn't have any sort of reaction.  I then had a Laura Mercier rep apply the product all over my face and I fell in love.  The formula felt ultra moisturizing, and it was easy to apply with my fingertips.  (For me, I'm always running late..so this is a good thing!) The moisturizer enhanced my skin, but did not hide my skin.  It also gave me a little glow, and was easy to blend with my concealer.

Image Courtesy of www.nordstrom.com

The product comes in a sleek tube and comes in 12 different colors.  It also has SPF 20, which is very important for MANY reasons.  The product runs around $42.00 and can be found at any boutique/beauty department selling Laura Mercier.  I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus.  I bought the color "blush" which is great for me, as I have fair skin but most of the lightest colors wash me out, and the next step up is usually a bit too orange.  Blush has pink undertones which is perfect for pale girls who have a little bit of pink or redness in them.  Laura Mercier is known for having a variety of colors that fit a range of skin tones. 

If you look at the reviews for this product, it is hard to come across a bad one and now I know why.  For $42 it may be a little bit of a splurge, but face products are the one area I allow myself to indulge a little.  I mean your skin is the biggest organ on your body, it makes sense!!

What are some of your favorite foundations?

-Charlotte xoxo

P.S: If you have any requests or inquires about what you would like to see on here, leave a comment below! :)

P.P.S: Happy Fashion Week! xoxo

Polish Perfection

Hi everyone!  I am so sorry for neglecting this blog, I've had so much going on (job transitions, working a second job, life!) that I have had no time to post.  This is going to change though, as I love having this blog as my creative outlet and to share my beauty/style obsessions!

I've been reading so many blogs lately, and I've been SO inspired.  My dream is to have a blog that will be accessible to everyone, all over the world! A daily escape for people wanting to have a little glamour in their life! ;-)

Moving on to the title of my post....

I have been obsessed with nail polish since I was a little girl.  I love that painting your nails can make you feel so "polished" ;-) and done up.  Lately, nail polish has evolved into gel polish which has evolved into nail art! So many different ways to dress up your fingers and toes!  The colors available are endless, and you can really never go wrong...(maybe there are some questionable "green's" out there :/). 

However, if you are on a budget (holla!) and can't afford a weekly mani/pedi, I suggest investing in some great colors and creating your own spa at home.  All you need is a nail file, hand lotion and your favorite bottle of polish.  Here are some of my all time favorite colors:

OPI Lincoln Park After Dark:

This is the perfect fall/winter color.  It is not black, rather a deep plum/maroon color.  My go to color for nights out on the town as well! Works well on short-medium legnth nails, anything more looks a little "Elvira" like.

Photo Courtesy of www.dailycookie.net



OPI On Collins Ave:

This was my first OPI buy.  SO awesome for summer! It's a perfect orange/red, and its shine makes you feel like you must have a skinny margarita in hand while wearing it! ;) Works well on any legnth of nail.

Photo Courtesy of http://www.e-polishblog.blogspot.com

OPI Mod About You:

I recently tried this color after seeing it on my co-worker.  I tried it out, but I must admit this color is better suited for people with olive skin tones or a golden tan. It washes us pale girls out! Still a very fun color for ladies with darker complexions and is such a girly pink-perfect for bridal/baby showers! Better for shorter nails.



Photo Courtesy of www.hausofpolish.wordpress.com

 Nicole by OPI All Kendalled Up:

Oh those Kardashians....its hard to escape them.  BUT this color surprised me from their line that recently launched for Nicole by OPI.  This bright pink has been on my nails recently as a fun summer color.  The color is a real hot pink with a creamy finish. Works well on most nail legnths.



Photo Courtesy of www.auroranails.com



 Essie Turquoise and Caicos:

I love any color from the blue family, but especially love the tiffany colored blue of this polish.  Another color perfect from Spring to Summer.  It does need about two or more coats as it goes on light.  If you are looking for a less expensive version "For Audrey" by China Glaze is awesome and almost exactly the same color. Works well on shorter nails.

Photo Courtesy of www.thislittlefinger.blogspot.com

OPI Samoan Sand & OPI San-Tan-Tonio

Nudes are also a great color to have in your polish collection.  They go with any outfit, and are totally office/service industry appropriate.  Another plus is they last a little longer (when they chip you can't tell as much as a bright polish!)  The first color is great for fair skinned ladies.  The latter color is better for darker skinned ladies. Works for long or short nails.

Photo Courtesy of www.prettyseaeagle.wordpress.com

Photo Courtesy of www.anotherbottleofpolish.blogspot.com

So there you have some of my favorite polishes that can be found in my beauty cabinet.  I haven't even touched the universe of nail polish colors, and the brands for that matter!  There are plenty of dupes for all OPI, Essie and Deborah Lippman polishes in drugstores.  A favorite low cost polish line for me is Sinful Colors sold in Walgreens and CVS for only $1.99!! Can't beat that.

No excuses now, ladies!  Buffer up those hands and feet, splash some color on and throw on your favroite sandals for a polished look!

-Charlotte xoxo

P.S: Follow me on instagram for my nail polish posts-I try to post every time I try a new color!! Username: char28x

Eyelash Candy...

Mascara is a MUST have for me.  I'll admit it, I do wear mascara running errands, grocery shopping and the gym.  Yes, I just said the gym ;-).  For a girl with light eyelashes, when I put mascara on its an instant makeover and I'm all for that!

With that being said, I have tried many different mascara's over time.  From drugstore to designer, here are my top picks:

Drugstore Brand:

Maybelline Falsies Mascara

This eyeliner is definitely true to its name.  The curved brush makes it easy to reach your lashes from root to tip.  Its formula elongates your lashes while separating each one.  This mascara is great for a flirty look on a date or a night on the town with your girls.  Its not so clumpy the first few times, but after a couple of weeks the formula does start to clump.  For only $8 at your local pharmacy, it is worth the price!

Maybelline One By One

One By One mascara is great if you already have long lashes, and just want a mascara to define them.  This mascara's brush seems to reach every lash and gives them some volume all at once!  Great everyday mascara for the office, class or lunch with friends.  The only downside I have about this mascara is that it does leave some flakes after 6 hours of wear. At around $7 its a beauty bargain that can be found at any major convenience store.



Designer Brand:

CARGO Texas Lash Mascara

Texas Lash Mascara by CARGO was one of my first "luxury" mascara's that I purchased.  At $21 it is definitely worth the investment.  The big fat brush glides on lashes and gives you the VAVOOM look.  Its brush also allows for very easy application.  You can reach all lashes with one swoop.  Layering is also easy with this mascara, as it doesn't clump.  One of my favorite designer brands.  It can be found at ULTA, and Sephora.

Yves Saint Laurent Faux Cils Mascara

I recently purchased this eye candy from a Nordstrom beauty counter.  Everything from the packaging to the wand is luxurious.  While wearing this mascara I have been asked several times if I was wearing falsies.  This is definitely a mascara for girls who like to have that faux lash look without all the pain that comes with falsies.  It doesn't flake, and separates each lash perfectly.  This is definitely my new go to for day, night, gym...(haha)!  Anyone who wants a dramatic look..this is for you!  At $30 it is a little bit expensive, but worth every penny!  This gem can be found at any YSL beauty counter.

These are just a few of my favorites among many mascaras!  What are some of your favorites?

-Charlotte :)

Summer's Ending...

Hey there! ;-)

I'm such a slacker with my blog, but I really am inspired to start posting more!

Today I went into Boston, and whenever I come back from the city I am inspired by all the different looks/outfits I see from everyone.  Living in a city is a lot different from the suburbs, I feel like people get a lot more creative and think outside the box a little more.  For myself, this is a work in progress...plus dressing for seasons now is a whole other game!  

There are a lot of cute boutiques and shops in Boston that I still haven't checked out, but the one store in Boston that I go into and never leave disappointed or empty handed is H&M on Newbury Street.  For some reason, this H&M is ALWAYS up to date on all the trends and has LOTS to choose from.  I've been to some H&M's in malls and its just not the same variety.  Anyway, today I found they had LOTS of fall trends, and in very reasonable prices.  I couldn't buy anything today, but I will definitely be back in the near future for some cute pieces! :)

For now I'll just leave you with my wish list for fall... 

military jacket

urban decay naked palette

thigh high boots

trench coat

skinny cargo pants

xoxo

She's Not Broken...

...she's just a baby ;-)

I have caved to the lady gaga craze.  When I first heard "Just Dance" I loved the song, but then I saw GAGA.  And I was WAWHA?  I thought, how strange??  Why is she trying so hard to be so different???  I made fun of her costumes and presence and everything that she stood for.  However, after I saw her perform live at some award show...(can't remember which one, shoot me) and I saw her raw talent and her LIVE singing...I was blown away.  I mean, pop culture today is full of fake look-a-likes.  WHO since Britney, has been so original and so out of the box and so talented that people actually become little "monsters" for their idol?  I would say not many since the Queen, Madonna.  Anywho, she just got me thinking, I should EMBRACE myself, my hair, my body, my personality, MYSELF.  Who gives a shit if you are not like everyone??? I do not want to be like everyone else.  I want to be Charlotte Elizabeth.  And that is why I call myself one of Gaga's "monsters" because I'm allowed to be myself, and not give any apologies along the way.

This has flown over into my creative side as well.  With summer coming, I'm coming out of my winter slump and have fantastic ideas running through my head with fashion, make-up and everything in between!  I'm also moving into a new much nicer apartment...lol ;-)  This horrible made me feel-like-a- failure semester is coming to an end and I'm ready to just MOVE ON.  These past four months have not been the best...but once you reach the bottom you can only move on up, right?

So, I will be hopefully posting more entries once these stressful hectic 2 weeks pass by.  I can't wait.

Stay True,

Charlie xoxo