Smart Travel #2

On our previous post we gave advice on how to select travel friendly makeup products that would get you through the security check-points faster.  Who wants to wait in line?  You could be sipping on a Mai Tai until boarding.  But what about perfume?  Bringing the entire bottle with you is too risky.  It may break when you carry on or in storage.  Here are a few ideas that will make travel easy.

1.  Solid Perfume

 Solid perfumes are nice for a couple of reasons.  The first being that you won't need to remove the perfume from your luggage for screening.  There is no chance that it will spill on your clothes or other items.  Also, they are not drying to the skin as they have zero alcohol.  To wear, simply press your finger into the solid and apply to your pulse points such as your wrists and neck.  For a more intense scent, apply a second layer.

We like the Rose et Reines Solid Perfume by L'Occitane cost $12 (0.35 oz). 

 

Bella Solid Perfume by The Soap and Paper Factory is another great option.  A mix of bergamont, grapefruit, and black pepper.  This citrus infused scent is available for $18 (0.5 oz). 

If you are looking for a more musky smelling scent, try Diptque's 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Solid Parfum for $50 (0.13 oz).


2.  Rollerball Perfumes

If you still prefer the liquid perfumes, we suggest bring on board a couple of rollerball perfumes.  Sephora has a wide range of perfumes that will capture your perfect signature scent.

We enjoy the Marc Jacobs Fragrance Daisy Rollerball Trio for $44.  This will give you multiple options on your trip.

Be sure to swing by Ulta.  We like the Coach Poppy Dual Rollerball.  Two great scents for $24.

Swift into Style-Get the Look

Taylor Swift might be saying shake it off but fashion isn't it.  Get this casual look in plus-sizes.

1.  Fashion forward black and white strip shirt.  The eye is immediately drawn to Taylor's simple but fashion forward blouse.  To get the top in plus-sizes, check out Lane Bryant's Striped High-Low Tee (in sizes 14-28) for $39.95.

2.  Red Hot Jeans.  Taylor adds a great pop of color by wearing red jeans.  We like the Woman Within 5 pocket jean in Bali Red.  The jeans come in sizes 12-38W for $34.99.

3.  Yellow Headband.  Pile on the color with a thick yellow headband.  Check out L. Erickson 'Bermuda Bow' Headband in Marigold, cost $48.00.

4.  Classic Shades.  If you're out shopping or enjoying the sun, pair this outfit with a nice set of classic black shades.  We like Target's Flat Top Sunglasses cost is $12.99.

5.  Cute purse.  Taylor selects a minimalist crossbody purse.  Take a look at Oasis Sandy Cross body in Tan for $41.69.

Creating an Air Travel Friendly Beauty Kit

We all know that travel through the sky can be stressful.  The long lines, getting to your gate on time, and above all else security check points.  One way to make going through security easier on you and the TSA officials, is to create an air friendly beauty kit with minimal liquid components.  This means less time fumbling through your luggage to collect pesky bottles for the ziplock bag.  Also, learning how to consolidate a few items leaves more room in your carry-on for gifts for your return trip.  Here are a few tips for creating an air friendly beauty kit:

Shampoo and Conditioner

Hotel shampoo and conditioner will never be as nice as the ones you have from home.  Bringing a small amount of your liquid products is too much of a hassle, and may end up spilling all over the inside of your luggage.  We love the idea of bringing solid bars of shampoo and conditioner that can fit into a small soap dish,

We like LUSH's  line of solid shampoo and conditioner bars.  Try the Godiva shampoo bar ($11.95) for a jasmine scent and the Jungle conditioner bar ($8.95).  Can't find a soap dish that will fit the shampoo and conditioner bars.  Have no fear!  Tins can be purchased on the LUSH site and in store for $3.95  An added benefit is that all LUSH items are vegan.






Facial Cleanser

A bar based cleanser is best for air travel.  Mary Kay's TimeWise 3-in-1 cleansing bar creates a nice foam without drying out your face.  Cleansing bar comes with a soap dish for easy storage.  Bar retails at $20.








Face and Skin Lotion

This is rather ingenious.  Pacifica offers lotion towels that can be used for hands, body and face.  We like Malibu Lemon Blossoms available at Ulta ($7 for 30 wipes).

Remember to bring sunblock with at least an SPF of 30.  Even if you are traveling to a place with snow, this is a must as the sun's rays still shine.  Try MD MOMS Baby silk Babysafe Sunscreen Towelettes, SPF 30 ($25.99).


Face Primer

The best powder face primer that can be worn under make-up as a primer (can be work over as a finishing veil as well) is Too Faced's Primed and Poreless Skin Smoothing Priming Powder and Finishing Veil.  This translucent powder is ultra-fine and a small dusting over your face lasts all day.  Available in pressed and powdered  forms for $30 each.



Foundation

It's hard to find powder foundations that equal liquid formulations.  Mary Kay's Cream to Powder Foundation does a great job of providing full coverage.  The Cream to Powder Foundation comes in 10 different shades and runs $18 each.

Another fantastic pressed foundation is IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation Illumination.  This silky formula comes in five shades for $35 each. 

Blush

We like packing a cream blush.  Tarte's airbrush maracuja blush goes on smooth and is highly pigmented; $26. We also like Clinique's Chubby Stick Cheek Color Balm, available in four colors for $21 each.

Eye Shadow

Your best bet is to bring an eye shadow palette with a combination of neutral and fun colors.  Try the In the Garden palette by Stilla.  Palette costs $20 (orig.$39).

Face Brushes

Travel size brushes are best.  We like Sigma's Color Pop Brush kit.  Kit comes with a contour brush (for foundation and blush), eye shading brush, and blending brush.  Kit sells for $29.  Also a great way to test out Sigma's brushes to see if you want to purchase an entire set.








Lipstick

A solid lip tint that you can build for more intense color is the way to go.  Bring a couple of shades to wear in the day and the night.  Check out the Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm by Clinique.  Chubby sticks cost $17.00 each.  You can also try Revelon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain for $6.84 each or Neutrogena's MoistureSmooth Color Stick for $8.49 each.

Mascara

Bring travel-sized mascara for easy transport.  Look at bringing Benefit's BADgal Lash Mascara for $10.  

How to Further Condense My Makeup?

If you want to lessen the amount of makeup to carry-on further, give Urban Decay's Naked on the Run kit for $54.00.  The kit comes with six iconic Naked eyeshadows, bronzer, blush, lipgloss, travel-sized mascara and eyeliner.  We would try the palette out a week before bringing it on vacation to make sure the look will work for you throughout the duration of your stay. Also, you will still need to bring face brushes with as the kit does not have these.

Flash Sale-Ann Taylor Loft

Ann Taylor Loft has a fantastic flash sale--60% off sale items and select new styles.   We love the Leopard Jacquard Sweater Dress  (cost $33.95; orig. $89.50) available in sizes XXS-L.  Sale ends this Monday Jan. 19, 2015.  Happy shopping!

Baby You're Smokin'

Whether your going to a rock concert or to the office, make your eyes front and center with the Smoked Eye Shadow Palette by Urban Decay.  The Smoked palette comes in a range of colors such as sultry nudes and glamours jewel tones.  These velvety smooth eyeshadows come in a sleek zippered case and includes the must-have full-sized 24/7 glide-on eye pencil in Perversion.  For $20 this deal can't be beat (orig. $49).  The glide-on pencil alone is worth $19.  The palette also includes a step guide book with 12 looks to help you achieve the smoky perfection!

Pretty in Python

Transition in winter and spring with the hottest fashion pattern-SNAKE!  Here are a few sale items that are on trend.  Be sure to grab them or they will slither away.

1.  Python Print Shoes.

If you want a subtle snake print, try it in your shoes.  It will give a sophisticated pop to any outfit.

Gianni Bini Becca Snake-Print Pumps (cost $59.99) in sizes 5.5-11M in red, black. or sander. 

Steve Madden Heaven Snake Ballet Flat (cost $39.95; orig. $50) in sizes 5.5-10 M, W.

2. Bold Snake Tops.

Try the faboo print in a bold top.

Monroe Snake Print Tee (cost $72.36; orig. $108.00) in sizes XS-L.

Adelyn Rae Snake Print Shell Top (cost $19.97) in sizes M, L.

3.  Slinky Pants.

Snake print pants are super sexy and can make an otherwise ordinary top pop!

Gianni Bini Sasha Snake-Print legging (cost $39.00) in sizes S, M.  

Lysse metallic snakeskin print faux suede leggings

(cost $98.00) in sizes S-XL and available in colors metallic gold and metallic silver.

4.  Stunning Snake Print Dresses.

Turn it up a notch with head turning python print dresses. 

Laundry by Shelli Segal Metallic Snake and Ponte Dress (cost $138.00) in sizes 0-14.

Marc New York Snake-Print Cap-sleeve Dress (cost $41.62, orig. $158.00) in size 14.  

Jennifer Lopez Snakeskin Keyhole Sheath Dress- Women's Plus Size (cost $32.00, orig. $64) in sizes 1-3X.  

Give Me Some Lip

Add a bit of pop in your wardrobe by featuring your lips front and center.  Stilla has their Putting On The Glitz Lip Glaze Set on sale for $35.00 (orig. $42, valued at $138).  The set includes 8 deluxe lip glazes in Glamour, Gleam, Glint, Glow, Glitter, Glimmer, Glisten and Glory.  Set also has rose gold leaf headband.

Sweet Tooth

Valentine's day is fast approaching.  Why not give your sweetie a sweet that won't cause cavities?  Macy's is having a fantastic clearance sale on fashion and fine jewelry.  We like the Red Crystal Pendant Necklace by SIS Simone I Smith.  This necklace is 18K gold over sterling silver and displays a red crystal wrapped piece of candy in the center...simply delicious.  At $53.70 (orig. $250) with an extra 15% off (use code SUPER at checkout), you can't go wrong.  Sale ends today!

Apple of My Eye

Looking for a new signature scent?  Try out DKNY Red Delicous Perfume.  This scent is a mix of sexy oriental floral notes, sweet undertones of lychee, and the crisp bite of a red apple.  Sephora is featuring Red Delicous Perfume at a special price (cost $39 for 1.7 oz spray; orig. $69).

Glow in the Morning

Wake up in the morning to the scent of fresh oranges and magnolia.  Origins has an amazing gift set that has the GinZing brightening mascara (full size), GinZing energy boosting moisturizer (1 oz), GinZing refreshing eye cream (0.17 oz), Berry Splash Hydrating Lip balm (0.25 oz) in a cute 100% recycled cotton bag.  The Let Us Glow kit costs $28 (orig. $52.00).  The set makes a great gift for family, friends and even yourself.  It's also a good way of trying out the lip balm and eye cream before committing to the full size options.  Let Us Glow is a limited kit so hurry and purchase your's today!

A Little Bit of Spring to Carry with You

ShopHQ has a great sale on jewelry.  We like the Sweet Romance Dome Ring (cost $7.99 WHOA! $22.80; orig. $72.00).  This sweetie of a ring displays a 18mm glass bead over a bright, pink rose.  A feature that will surely bring a smile to everyone.

Minute Tip- Making the Most of a Fast Shower

Hit the snooze button too many times?  Just five more minutes of sleep?  We've all been there, one moment is 6:00 am and the next you need to be at work in an hour.  You can save some time by fast

tracking your shower routine.  Here are a few tips:

1.  Warm up the shower and begin multitasking.

Take the time to brush your teeth while the water is warming to the right temperature.  Once teeth are cleaned and rinsed, hop in.

2.  Before anything else, shampoo your hair.

Cleaning your hair will take the longest so get started on it first.  Suds up your follicles and rinse.

3.  Condition hair and multitask.

Message conditioner into hair.  While the conditioner is sitting for 1-5 min, wash and shave.

4.  Rinse and cleanse out. 

Rinse conditioner out.  Finally, wash your face.  This way your face won't clog up from the shower.

Plus-Size Bra and Panti Sale

Lane Bryant is having their semi-annual bra and panti sale (sizes 14-28).  Panties are 5 for $29.  Bras are buy 2 get 2 free or buy 1 get 1 50% off.
Sale is until Jan. 15, 2015.

Going, Going, Gone on Manolo Pumps

Nordstrom is having a great sale on women's and men's fashion as well as home gifts.  The best buy is on a pair of Manolo Blahnik BB Plaid Pointy Toe Pumps.  Pumps have a 3 1/2" heel, leather lining in the sole, and cute plaid pattern.  Pumps only come in US size 6.5.  Cost is $277.98 (orig. $695.00).

How to Do a Pedicure in the Comfort of Your Home

We can't count how many times we would love a pedicure when we come home from work.  Try an at home pedicure to save on money in between professional ones and quiet those puppies!  Here are a few tips to get you started:


1.  Prep Feet

Remove dry skin, yellow spots, and calluses from the soles of your feet with a foot file.  We like the Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Pedicure Foot File and Callus Remover (cost $39.99).  Be sure to place a towel underneath your feet to collect dry skin and avoid a mess.

2.  Soften feet

Soften and soothe by messaging foot softener all over your feet.  Rinse off with warm water.  Try Blue Goo-Cracked Heel Foot Softener with Emu Oil and Beeswax (cost $3.99) or Lemony Flutter by LUSH (cost $16.95).

3.  Slough off dead skin cells

Use a pumice based foot scrub to get the tops of your feet super soft.  Rub gently into the tops of your feet and rinse with warm water.  Check out Peppermint Cooling Pumice Foot Scrub (cost $8.40).

4.  Soak feet (optional)

If you have time, take a load off and soak your feet in a nice, warm foot bath.  During step 2, turn on your foot bath, like the Conair True Messaging Foot Bath with Bubbles and Heat (cost $ 36.12), and add one half of a bath bomb.  Try the Butterball bath bomb (cost $4.95) to soothe.  Relax feet in bath for 30 min.

5.  Moisturize feet.

Dry off feet from the bath.  Message a nice foot lotion into feet.  We like LUSH's Fair Trade Foot Lotion (cost $23.95).  This pink beauty smells like peppermint and makes sore feet feel cool.

6.  Buff toenails and treat cuticles.

Prep toenails for nail polish.  We like the SEACRET Nail Care Collection Kit (cost $ 49.95). Although this set is labeled for hands, we find that it works amazing on feet as well.  Use the nail file to smooth out the ends of toenails.  The buffing board can be used to smooth out the tops of nails and to create a shiny finish.  Apply cuticle oil on the base of toenails and work into the nail bed.  You now have glamours looking toenails!

7.  Paint on your favorite nail polish.

You may not want to since your toenails will look fantastic from the kit described in step 6.  In case you are in the mood to flash your puppies around, start with a natural base coat, let dry for 3 min and then apply your favorite color.  New colors we are excited for this month are the OPI Collection of 50 Shades of Grey (cost $14.50).  Finish your nail treatment with a layer of top coat.

8.  Take a pedi selfie and admire!

Get the Look-Color Blocking

Love Kate Beckinsale's Color Blocking Look that she wore to the Total Recall primer in Dublin (on the left)?  We show how to get the look in plus sizes so that you are ready for this spring.

Let's start with the skirt.  Kate is wearing a sky blue pencil skirt. We like the Xclusive Collection Jersey Stretch Midi BodyCon Pencil Skirt in Turquoise.  Skirt costs $17-25 depending on size (sizes range from 12-22).

Kate is also wearing a smooth top in blush.  Check out the AOS Curve V-Neck T-shirt in blush for $28.85.  Cinch the shirt with a skinny black belt.

Pair outfit with nude pumps and gold spike earrings.  Try Vince Camuto's Caprita Leather Pointy Pump in Cashmere Cream for $97.95 (sizes 5-12) and spike earrings for $20.  



If the sun is out (fingers crossed), wear Fossil's Jacey Aviator Sunglasses in Matte Brown (costs $80).

I Want You to Stay - Rihanna Perfume Sale

Macy's is having a perfume sale on Rihanna's Rogue Love Perfume.  Rogue Love Perfume Set

comes with 4.2 oz and 0.5 oz Eau de Parfum spray.  Perfume set costs $41.00 (orig. $69.00).  Sale ends today!

Shampoo and Conditioner Liter Sale

ULTA is having its famous liter sale on professional shampoos and conditioners (prices range from $12.99-21.99; orig. $19-49).  Now is the time to stock up on product lines such as Sexy Hair (healthy, big, curly and smooth formulations), Kenra, Chi, Sebastian, Bed Head, Wella, Catwalk, Goldwell, AG Hair Cosmetics, Hempz Couture, KMS California, Rusk, Redkin, JOICO, Paul Mitchell, American Crew, and Matrix.  Each liter bottle comes with a free pump (orig. $3.99).  Purchase in-store or online.  All online purchases over $50 ship free.  Sale ends Jan. 24, 2015 or while supplies last.  

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Celebrate 2015 with the Best of 2014

Baublebar is having an amazing sale on jewelry created in 2014.  Jewelry is up to 70% off!  We love the Potpourri Bib Necklace (seen on the left) for $10.00 (orig. $36).  An addition 20% off sale items are taken at checkout.  Sale ends Jan. 4, 2015 at 11:59 EST.  So save on 2014 items that will carry you all the way into 2020!

How to Wear a Red Lip

Red lipstick is bold.  It's fun.  It's sexy.  But one wrong move and you could look like the Joker from Batman....yep, the Jack Nicholson Joker.  Here are the rules to play by:

1.  Make sure those teeth are nice, bright and white.

Nothing like red lipstick to bring out those coffee stains in your teeth, eh?  Before wearing a bold lip in red, whiten teeth two weeks before. Use at home whitening kits like Crest 3D Luxe White Strips Professional Effects (cost $39.99 for 20 strips) to achieve a photo ready smile.


2.  Polish lips. 

Get rid of flaky skin on lips using the Mary Kay Satin Lips Set (cost $18.00).

3.   Fill in fine lines around lips.

Red lips also highlight fine lines around the corners of your lips.  Fill in fine lines using a wrinkle filler such as Lancome's High Resolution Refill-3X (cost is $84 for 1.7 oz).  Free 2-day shipping included with this product.

4.  Line lips in lip pencil.

Red lipstick will bleed and feather past the lip line.  To prevent this, line lips in clear lip pencil and do

not go over the natural lip line.  Use clear lip liner, we like The Sephora Collection Universal Lip Liner (cost is $10).

5.  Put on Red Lipstick...FINALLY!

Red lip color should match your natural skin tone.  Our favorites are:

Fair Skin: Urban Decay Cosmetics Revolution Lipstick in F-Bomb (cost is $22).

Medium/Olive Skin: Revlon HD Lipstick in Poinsettia (cost is $9.99).

Dark Skin: Nars Lipstick in Red Lizard (cost is $26).

Red lipstick still too much?  Take baby steps by replacing one of the choices in step 5 with Revlon's Color Stay Just Kissable Balm Stain in Romantic (cost is $9.49).


6.  Have Fun!