Hello Winter

Hey everyone!! 

I've been slacking on updates recently. Since our South Africa trip, I haven't posted anything. I'M SO SORRY!! I know you all just DIE for my tips, tricks, reviews, pictures and random nonsense that I think is fabulous! 

There's really no purpose to this post other than keeping my blog alive. So here are some random thoughts... 

Did you guys watch that AMA's last night? I love red carpet fashion. Taylor Swift and Nicole Richie won best dressed, in my opinion. 

I don't know where you're reading from but, I live in Philadelphia and today the temperature dipped to a seriously cold 20 degrees fahrenheit. YIKES! Apparently it was a record low, only beating out 21 degrees recorded sometime in the 60's. If the wind didn't blast you in the face every corner you turned, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. Eh. I swear I'll live in Florida eventually. 

Oh! Red lipstick. It's been my not so new thing for the past few months now. Like, I need to wear it every day, even with sweat pants. I used to do a red lip when I went out or if I had simple makeup on, like just a clean, black cat eye. Otherwise usually wearing a nude, pinkish lip. But I've been channeling my inner grandmom and wearing a true, retro, blue based red lipstick every single day for months now. And I love it. I feel like I'm not complete unless I have a lipstick on and I feel like a true red complements me best. Muah* 

...So I bought this leather dress the other day for a party I was running late to. I bought the dress, didn't try it on, cut off the tag and packed it my bag and headed out. I never actually wore the dress that night. The next day while unpacking, I decided to try it on. WOMP WOMP. It's too big. UGH. This dress is super hot. Tight fit, mid length, V'd back and long sleeves. DIE. Well, I have the receipt but sadly the tag was thrown away on trash day. The receipt clearly states that returns will not be accepted without tag and receipt. I guess I'll be putting it up on ebay sometime soon. Maybe I'll write a follow up with the link. Look for it. 

Know what I'm totally craving? A nude pair of pointy toed slingback pumps. I've been dreaming about them for like a week now. I need to go find a pair to wear with EVERYTHING.

...I plan on posting some Africa pictures soon so stay tuned :) 

-R 

Testing Our Camera for Africa

I acquired a nifty professional camera for our upcoming trip to South Africa so today I decided to play around with the zoom and focus for a little while. Here's some pictures of my fabulous pomeranian Bella and our little Eagles gnome. 

-R

Wispy Lashes

Hi Dolls! Today I decided I wanted to pump up my look a little so naturally I added a pair of lashes to my morning makeup routine! I used Red Cherry lashes in #WSP.

I love these lashes because they have such a natural look and feel to them, totally appropriate for any daytime look. Even better, you can double these lashes up to add extra drama for a super glam evening look! 

-R

Red Cherry Lashes!

Guess what came in the mail yesterday?! My Red Cherry lashes!! Wooo!!! My favorite! 

Hand made from human hair, these lashes are super soft and easily blend with your natural lashes. I swear, although similar, not a single pair is identical. I ordered mine from ebay.   

I'm SO excited to wear them!! I ordered #523 and #WSP. Check them out below. I originally wanted #43 which are very similar but, I guess because of their incredible fabulousness, I was only able to order #523 as an alternative. #WSP was a first choice and thankfully, they were in stock. #WSP lashes are great because they're so wispy and natural. 

-R

Balmain Embellished Leather Shorts

Oh my gosh, stop. Check out these fabulous Balmain embellished leather shorts! I die. 

-R 

New Buys

I was walking past Macy's yesterday and saw their not so new makeup window which is right on street level. I couldn't resist so I finally went in. I've literally walked past it so many times but never stopped to check it out. The area is basically like a mini Sephora. Only a few brands but enough to compare and find something you like. There was even skincare. 

I played with some BB cream from Too Faced and checked out Urban's new foundation, both of which I liked. And prior to leaving, I scoped out some Smashbox blushes.

I made my way over to the Mac counter knowing that I wanted a new foundation. If you didn't already know, this is huge. I have faithfully used my Make Up For Ever HD foundation for a few years now. While doing a demo the other day, I used Mac's Studio Sculpt foundation and absolutely loved it's finish. Naturally, I had to go buy it and at what a perfect time... earlier that morning I was literally tearing apart the Make Up For Ever bottle trying to get just one more use out of it. 

I made my foundation purchase and also picked up a new mascara (everyone knows I'm a sucker for a mascara. Probably the thing I buy most of) I decided on the Opulash Optimum Black because I liked the wand and the formula. I used a tester wand and applied some to my already dolled up lashes. I have yet to try it on clean lashes so I'll write an update to this post and let everyone know how I liked it. Of all my mascara's, (none of which I have EVER liked from Mac) I would say Dior still takes the cake with Sephora's Outrageous super close behind. I'll let you know if this ends up in my makeup bag or in my kit. 

Stay fabulous :) 

-R

Quickie: Strip Lashes

So, yesterday I had to spice up my look for a demo I was doing and obviously went for lashes. I chose strips because they're more intense. 

Nothing too crazy, just a pair of from Ardell. Side note: I usually go for Ardell wispies because they tend to be dark at the base and more natural looking overall. (Not what I used in the above picture) My favorite lashes ever are definitely Red Cherry. I'm also dying to try Lilly Galichi's lashes... I'll review those later.  

Strip lashes can initially be intimidating and time consuming however, practice makes perfect. After a few tries, you'll be a pro. Every makeup artist has different tips and tricks. These are my tips and what works best for me. Enjoy :) 

1. First, you can either roll the strip off the package by pressing down on the lashes with your thumb or gently pull the strip from the inner corner at the base. 

2. Measure the strip to your eye before applying glue. I think the easiest is to measure by the outer corner in and trim any excess. I usually cut excess from the inner corner. 

3. Apply a thin layer of glue along the base of the strip. Let the glue sit for about 15 seconds, just enough time to allow the glue to become tacky. 

4. Holding the lashes by the center/ middle of the strip, apply in 3 segments. Start by placing the center of the lash to the center of your eye, closest to the base of your natural lashes. Then attach the outer and inner corners. 

5. Using tweezers, press the strip as close as possible to the base of your natural lashes. It's really important to not have any gaps between the strip and the natural lash line. 

6. Once the strip is secured, allow for some dry time. 

7. Apply a layer (or two!) of mascara, blending your natural lashes into the strip. 

Bat those lashes ladies :) 

-R