Thursday, July 22, 2010

style & beauty inspiration (pic heavy!)

Blake Lively (filming Gossip Girl in Paris)


Blake Lively (filming GG again)

Blake Lively (Met Gala?)

Blake Lively (mag shoot)

Ashley Olsen

Mary-Kate & Ashley

Mary-Kate & Ashley

How cute are these nails?

Pixie Lott (love her Mulberry bag!)

Pixie Lott

Dree Hemingway

Jessica Szohr (on the GG set, but she has great personal style as well)

Anna Paquin (so beautiful!)

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

fotd, notd, & more posts to come tomorrow!

First of all, I wanted to say thank you to the sweet ladies who left kind comments on my last post. My grandma was released from the hospital two days ago, but the doctors are checking in with her often.  I talked to her today and she sounds great. :)


FACE: Chanel Bronze Universal, YSL Teint Resist, Illamasqua Gleam Cream (highlight), NARS Turks & Caicos multiple tint

EYES: MAC Hey e/s, Free to Be e/s, Old Gold pigment, Stila Topaz eye kajal, MAC Lingering brow pencil, Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara

LIPS: MAC Jazzed l/s

NAILS: OPI Cabana Banana (this is an oooold one!)


I really, really love NARS Turks & Caicos on the cheeks paired with MAC Jazzed on the lips. Summer staples, for sure!

Turks & Caicos (overdid it a bit! haha) and Jazzed again...

I'll be back tomorrow with more -- a collective haul from the past few weeks and a style inspiration post as well (I've been wanting to do one of those for a while!).

See you soon!

<3 Jess

Saturday, July 17, 2010

face of the day & ramblings about my grandma


FACE: Chanel Bronze Universal (as base), NARS Sheer Glow, Topshop Neon Rose cream blush, MAC Pink Bronze pigment (highlight)

EYES: Benefit Stay Don't Stray (base), MUFE Aqua Cream #13, MAC Pink Bronze pigment, Urban Decay Freelove e/s, MAC Lingering brow pencil, Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara

LIPS: Topshop Neon Rose cream blush + YSL Rouge Pur Shine #93

w/Illamasqua Divine sheer lipgloss

Sorry I was absent this past week.  I've taken lots of pics, but I was actually just pretty busy on my days off -- Tuesday I had a luncheon at work celebrating my (and other cast members'!) 5 years with Disney.  Then Wednesday I had to take my car in for an oil change and was out most of the afternoon as well.

Then Thursday night I received some very scary news.  My grandma had a heart attack and was in the hospital.  I was really scared, but she's doing okay now.  They're keeping her in the hospital for a few more days at least to run tests and to make sure her blood pressure stays under control (it had been 200+ over 100+).  I talked to her yesterday and she sounded cohesive, just very tired.  

I'm just trying to think positively about the whole thing.  I adore my grandma -- she's loud, eccentric,  and has stories about nearly everything she owns.  I think she's a bit misunderstood in my extended family sometimes, but I've always felt like she and I are kindred spirits of sorts. I'm a bit oddball myself, if you hadn't guessed! ;)

I think my grandma, along with my parents, has really helped teach me how important it is to embrace who are -- and to always hold your family close to your heart. 

No matter what happens, I hope she knows how much I love and adore her. 

Thanks for reading - love you guys. :)

<3 Jess


Saturday, July 10, 2010

fotd: urban decay naked palette + mac in the groove

I've been playing around with a lot of dramatic eye looks lately (and a lot of different foundations, too!) -- I'm going to be a bridesmaid in my cousin's wedding at the end of the month, and I'll be doing my mother and my brother's girlfriend's makeup as well as my own.  I want to see what photographs best, what bests stands up to hot weather, and just what I most like in general! 

If anyone has any ideas or tips about wedding makeup, please do share! :) 


FACE: NARS Sheer Glow, YSL Touche Eclat (under eyes), MAC MSF Natural, MAC Stereo Rose MSF, NARS Enchanted cream blush (highlight), YSL Poudre Soleil

EYES: Urban Decay Naked palette: Sidecar (lid), Darkhorse (crease, outer V), Sin (highlight), Hustle (lower lashline); Smashbox Heartbreaker liquid liner pen; MUFE Aqua Eyes 18L; Stila Topaz eye kajal; MAC Lingering brow pencil; YSL Mascara Singulier

LIPS: MAC Jazzed lipstick, MAC Fashion Whim cremesheen glass


Friday, July 9, 2010

june favorites!

I was really inspired by beachy, bronze goddess looks in June. Flushed or bronzed cheeks, nude lips, and colorful eyes.



Essie Knockout Pout
A fun bright pink polish

YSL #05 Slate Green eyeshadow
Easily one of the most gorgeous eye shadow shades I own, and surprisingly wearable!


MAC Sand & Sun eyeshadow
This was something I just picked up randomly, but I've used it a TON! I especially love it under my brows.

MAC Get-Away Bronze blush
A beautiful bronze blush that I can imagine being flattering on lots of skintones.  

MAC Dollymix blush
Perfect for a natural summer flush


Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel (a.k.a. Bronze Universal)
I love using this a base/primer under foundation - it makes my face look very naturally tan.  I love the chic packaging as well.

The Body Shop Raspberry body butter
This smells so good I want to eat it, and it's insanely moisturizing, too! I loved it so much I bought a back-up!

OCC lip tar "Hush"
So pretty and pigmented!

Revlon Colorburst Soft Nude lipstick
My current favorite wear-to-work nude - it doesn't get crusty around my inner lips like so many others do (gross!)

J.R. Watkins Raspberry lip balm
The yummiest lip balm ever....

MAC Beachbound lipstick
Love this solo or over coral-y shades - great for summer!

Maybelline The Falsies mascara
I've been reaching for this mascara over my HGs (YSL, Lancome) all month -- it's truly amazing!

MUFE Aqua Eyes 20L
A gorgeous forest green liner for the waterline/lower lashline

YSL Touche Eclat
The perfect undereye concealer & eye brightener

What were your favorites and go-to's this past month?

Oh, and when I took the "favorites" photo on the ottoman at the foot of my bed, guess who was watching at the edge of the bed?


Who else?? ;)

See you soon!
<3 Jess

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

haul from the past week: aldo, nars, maybelline, etsy :)

Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse foundation
Aldo earrings + bracelets
NARS Multiple Tint in Turks & Caicos
The Body Shop Blueberry Body Butter


NARS Turks & Caicos on cheeks + lips

I chose an extra 45 minutes of sleep over a shower this morning before my doctor's appointment, so aside from the Turks & Caicos, all I'm wearing on my face is Urban Decay's Urban Defense tinted moisturizer, MUFE HD microfinish powder, and CoverGirl Lash Blast mascara. I'm the kind of girl who doesn't like to go out without a full face of makeup, but I really liked how light and fresh my skin looked today! Maybe I need to do this more often... or maybe not... haha ;)

I also grabbed two things to take with me on my Chicago/Cincinnati trip at the end of the month (for my cousin's wedding). :)


lightweight sweater w/ruched sleeves from Target

crochet detail on back (it's sheer - the green is from the dress)

top from Target

I think I'll get a lot of wear out of both of these!

And finally, these adorable prints by etsy seller emmakisstina. I hung them above the bedside table -- they look perfect in my bedroom! :)

prints by emmakisstina -- so cute!



face/outfit/nails of the day + a ramble (tonsillitis, grr!)

Today I went to see Toy Story 3  (loved it!).  I was pretty surprised that the theatre was so crowded, since I went at 2:15 on a Tuesday! My favorite part was the "orphans" (*cough*norfins*cough*!) scene! So funny.  I got choked up at the end, too -- twice!  I'd definitely recommend a viewing, especially if you're a toy or Disney lover like me. :) Next on my list is Eclipse...

I'd planned to do lots of posting on my days off, but two unexpected things happened: 1) my boyfriend was off today, so no time for running around taking product pics! haha and 2) I've got tonsillitis again.  Those who know me know that tonsillitis is one of my biggest nemesis..es... (nemesi?) -- I had it four or five times in one year. I was going to have them taken out, but then I hadn't had a bout in almost a year and a half, so I put it off.  And now here I am dealing with it again.

Anyways, I have to go to the doctor tomorrow, and *fingers crossed* it'll pass quickly once I have some antibiotics in my system to fight it.

With that said, I'm still planning on doing a June favorites post ASAP and a haul post as well (got some fun things in the mail this past week!), so keep yours eyes peeled! :)

Now on with the show!


FACE: Chanel Soleil Tan (Bronze Universal), Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse foundation, Givenchy Le Prisme blush In Vogue Orange, NARS Goldmember cream blush (highlight)

EYES: YSL #05 Slate Green e/s, MAC Glamour Check e/s, MAC Sand & Sun e/s, Smashbox Heartbreaker liquid liner pen, MUFE Aqua Eyes #18L, Stila Topaz eye kajal, MAC Lingering brow pencil, Maybelline The Falsies mascara

LIPS: YSL Rouge Pur 148 Tea Rose

lol @ the squinty wrinkly forehead face -- the sun was so bright!




NAILS: Essie Haute as Hello (pretty, but AWFUL application - super streaky!)


DRESS: Target
LEGGINGS: NY & Co.
FLATS: Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa
BAG: Old Navy
NECKLACE: SeaUnicorn (etsy)
RING: Forever21

Be back soon, lovelies! Happy Wednesday!



Saturday, July 3, 2010

another face of the day...


FACE: Revlon Mineral Mousse, MAC Strada blush (contour), MUFE HD blush #14, NARS Enchanted Cream blush (highlight)

EYES: MAC Painterly paint pot, MAC Glamour Check e/s, Black Tied e/s, Lingering brow pencil, Smashbox Heartbreaker liquid liner pen, MUFE Aqua Eyes 18L, Stila Topaz eye kajal, Maybelline The Falsies mascara

LIPS: Rosebud Strawberry lip balm + OCC lip tar in Hush





Thursday, July 1, 2010

fotd featuring my first occ lip tar: hush! + a review


FACE: NARS Sheer Glow, YSL Touche Eclat, Benefit Hoola bronzer, YSL Matt & Radiant pressed powder, MAC Shell Pearl beauty powder, MAC Dollymix blush

EYES: UDPP in Eden, Urban Decay Toasted e/s, MAC Coquette e/s (under brows), Milani Liquif'Eye Metallic Eye Liner in Brown, Stila Topaz eye kajal, MAC Lingering brow pencil, YSL Faux Cils mascara + CG LashBlast

LIPS: OCC Lip Tar in Hush



close-up of Hush lip tar by OCC

Hush is my first OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics) lip tar.  I've been wanting one forever, and I finally broke down and ordered Hush from LeCosmetique.com.  They were marked down, and the total was about $12 w/shipping included. Not bad!  It came really quickly as well -- I'd definitely recommend this shop!

As for the lip tar itself, I am really impressed.  The container is a tiny tube (I'll post a pic soon!), but believe me, this thing will last a looong time.  I only used three tiny dots to get full coverage, then I just blended with my finger.  A lip brush would be a good choice for application, too, but even though I have one, I like to keep it simple -- I don't want to carry a lip brush around with me all day when I need to re-apply!  

It did become a bit dry on my lips after some time passed, and I added a bit of MAC's Florabundance lipglass (a good pairing! I imagine Revlon's Peach Petal would look nice as well -- another pale peachy pink shade).  Next time I'll try putting on a layer of lip balm first.  

The best part is definitely the shade and the coverage - brilliant!  It jumped to the top of my list of favorite nudes, alongside YSL Rouge Pur 148, MAC Creme D'Nude, MAC Hue, and YSL Rouge Volupte #2 Sensual Silk.  I'm always on the hunt for this sort of lipstick shade, and this exceeded my expectations.  I just wish I'd added it to my collection sooner!

Can't wait to try out more OCC lip tars in the future.

Anyone else tried OCC lip tars or any OCC products?  If so, what'd you try and what were your thoughts? I'd love to hear them!

A June favorites post is coming soon.... ;)

<3 Jess