Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Nail Polish of the Day!



         Pastels are trending this spring, so to incorporate the latest style, I applied this custard color nail polish to my nails. The polish is in the color Sorbet by Sally Hansen. It is part of their Smooth & Perfect Color+Care nail polish line that came out earlier this year. I have been obsessed with this color ever since I bought it. It is such a simple, subtle color that compliments any outfit. For those of you who don't like making a huge statement with their nails, this color is for you! It comes with a wide brush that allows you to evenly coat each nail without making a mess. 

"...the colors are great and perfect for summer"

         You can purchase this polish at any drug store (CVS, Rite-Aid, Walgreens, Target) for around $4-$5. It is an affordable price, though the quality of the polish isn't great. It takes a long time to dry, and I find that even if I wait 10 minutes it never fully dries. But the colors are great and perfect for summer.
Here are the colors from the line:
  1. Fog (creamy white)
  2. Linen (creamy beige) 
  3. Dune (light pink/brown) 
  4. Satin (creamy pink) 
  5. Whisper (light purple) 
  6. Air (light blue) 
  7. Sea (light green) 
  8. Sorbet (custard) 

         Overall, the polish is "good". It does the job of coating my nails and is a nice color, but the formulation and quality of the product is below average. I will not be re-purchasing this polish or buying any of the other colors. I actually prefer the quality of the NYC nail polishes, which you can find at any drugstore for no more than $2. They are much cheaper and give better results.

The Beauty Belle

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Get The Look: Rachel Zoe



         With all the new trends coming this spring, it is hard to keep track of what's in and what's out. But if there is one thing I know, it's that black is ALWAYS IN. In this picture, Rachel Zoe is wearing an elegant maxi dress, a structured blazer, and a stylish handbag. To recreate this look, you would need thousands of dollars. But I of all people know that the average person can't afford to spend so much money on clothes. Here is a way to get Rachel's look without breaking the bank. 
          Start off with a black blazer. I found an identical one at forever 21 for $32.80. A black blazer alone can make any outfit look more polished. This piece is perfect for you working ladies or anyone who wants to look more sophisticated. A blazer is one of those pieces that makes a woman feel like a million bucks. If you don't have one, I would recommend making the small investment. Try shopping around at forever 21 or Target because they always have great deals.


         Next is the most important part of the outfit, the dress! A black maxi dress is a great dress to own because they can be worn up or down. Here Rachel Zoe, dressed hers up with a blazer and leather bag. If you want a more casual look, throw on a denim jacket and some fun wedges. Now you are ready for your morning classes or a lunch out with friends! I found this maxi on sale at theoutnet.com for $82.50.

         In the picture, it appeared that Rachel's dress had two straps tied together in a knot. I couldn't find a dress with that exact neckline, so instead I opted for a silk scarf. To achieve her look, place the scarf around your neck with the two ends in front of you. Cross the two sides half way down the ends and secure the cross into a knot. And viola! Now you have a dress that is identical to the one Rachel Zoe is wearing. I found the skinny black scarf at Lord and Taylor for $38. 


         When I saw this look, the first piece that caught my eyes were the sunglasses. These round rimmed sunglasses are so cute and original. They are perfect for woman who have a more structured, long face like Rachel. They come in a variety of different colors and styles. I found these black ones at BCBGMAXARIA for $25. 

              


         No outfit is complete without a bag. I wasn't able to find an exact replica of Rachel's bag for an affordable price, but this handbag completes the look perfectly. The snake skin material and gold hardware add more visual appeal to the simple outfit. This bag is great because it can be used as a handbag or a shoulder bag. You can purchase it at awear.com for 30 euros ($39.35).


         To match the gold hardware on the bag, Rachel finished off her accessories with some chunky gold bangles. I found these at Charlotte Russe for only $6; what a steal! 
         Since Rachel's dress is so long, I can't tell what shoes she is wearing. But you can never go wrong with a pair of black pumps. I found these at amazon for $18.99. If you want to purchase them, I will have the link down below. I personally love these shoes! They are elegant and classy, plus they have an added platform for height! They can be worn with a dress to prom or with some skinny jeans on a first date. They are versatile, trendy, and a must for your closet! 

          So the grand total of this outfit came out to $242.64. If this is still too pricey, look through your closet for pieces you already own. You will be surprised with what you find lying on the floor of your room. If you are still missing pieces, go out and buy the ones you don't have. Put all the pieces together and you are an instant fashionista! One important lesson to remember: black is always in. When in doubt about your outfit, wear all black and no one will question your fashion skills. 

Buy the black pumps here!


The Beauty Belle

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

This or That?! Beauty Tag

     Over the past couple months, I have dedicated my blog to beauty articles, reviews, and segments. But you might be asking yourself, who is the girl behind the computer? In order to incorporate myself more into my blogs, I decided to write some more personal segments . I recently saw Stilababe09 (a well known beauty guru) do this tag on her youtube channel and thought it would be a fun way for my readers to learn more about me. This is a very popular beauty tag and I encourage you to do it too! Copy these questions and tag your friends! Contact me on instagram, Google+, or comment so I can read your responses! I would love to hear your answers to these questions and compare them to mine. 


MAKEUP:
blush or bronzer: blush!
lip gloss or lipstick: lipstick
eye liner or mascara: MASCARA
foundation or concealer: hmmmm...concealer
neutral or color eye shadow: neutral
pressed or loose eye shadows: pressed--I don't think I own loose! 
brushes or sponges: brushes


NAILS:
OPI or china glaze: OPI all the way
Long or short: somewhere in the middle?
Acrylic or natural: natural
Brights or darks: neither? pastels 
Flower or no flower: no flower
BODY:

Perfume or body splash: perfume
Lotion or body butter: lotion 
Body wash or soap: soap
Lush or other bath company: Bath & Body Works addict right here

FASHION:
Jeans or sweat pants: jeans
Long sleeve of short: depends...probably long
Dresses or skirts: DRESSES! 
Stripes or plaid: stripes
Flip flops or sandals: sandals 
Scarves or hats: scarves scarves scarves
Studs or dangly earrings: $tuds
Necklaces or bracelets: bracelets  
Heels or flats: flats 
Cowboy boots or riding boots: riding boots
Jacket or hoodie: jacket
Forever 21 or charlotte russe: I will always pledge my loyalty to Forever 21
Abercombie or Hollister: Abercrombie (and Fitch)
Saks 5th or Nordstrom: Nordstrom 

HAIR:
Curly or straight: That's tough...both?
Bun or ponytail: I would have to say ponytail 
Bobby pins or butterfly clips: bobby pins
Hair spray or gel: hair spray 
Long or short: long 
Light or dark: completely depends on who 
Side sweep bangs or full bangs: I prefer side swept 
Up or down: down 
RANDOM:

Rain or shine: SHINE
Summer or winter: I would say winter because of the cute clothes! (sweaters are my life)
Fall or spring: spring 
Chocolate or vanilla: vanilla
East coast or west coast: EAST COAST (but I love California)




     Let me know if there are any other beauty tags you would like me to do! I would be happy to read your comments and suggestions. Contact me through my blog, google+, or instagram. Stay tuned for my next article! I'll give you a hint: it will be featuring a well known celebrity. Can you guess who?


The Beauty Belle

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Too Faced Naked Eye Shadow Collection Review!



         For those of you who are new to makeup, the Too Faced Naked Eye Shadow Collection is the perfect palette for you! It brings 9 shades that are coordinated in groups of 3 by row. Each group of 3 comes with a card with step by step instructions on how to use each color. The shadows are good quality and the colors are beautiful. Each look is targeted for a different purpose. The first look is a neutral day time look. The second is a more sophisticated, classical look for work or for a date. The third look is a daring smoking eye perfect for a wild night out. However, the colors all go well with each other, so you can mix and match however you like. I love coming up with new combinations; there are always more to discover!  

"I first got this palette when I was entering the makeup world and it help me learn about different techniques and looks."

         The only con to this palette is the formulation of the shadows; I was surprised of how powdery they were. There was a lot of fall-out as I applied my makeup (more fall-out than I was ever used to). My suggestion is always to tap  the excess powder off your brush before you apply it to your lid. I don't always do this step with other eye shadows (MAC, Urban Decay, Covergirl) but I found it crucial when working with this palette. 
     You can purchase this palette at Sephora, Ulta, or www.toofaced.com for $36. It is a little pricey, but bear in mind that each individual Too Faced shadow costs $15-$18. If you do the math, this palette should come out to $135-$162, so you are saving around $99-$126! 

       
                          
                             (From top to bottom): In the Buff (matte), Birthday Suit (shimmer), and Pink Cheeks (shimmer) 
                                
                                   (From top to bottom): Pillow Talk (shimmer),  Satin Sheets (satin), Lap Dance (shimmer)
(From top to bottom): Like A Virgin (matte), Unmentionables (shimmer),  Stiletto (matte) 
Ratings: 
(1=worst 10=best)
  1. Colors: 9 
  2. Formulation: 5
  3. Cohesiveness: 8
  4. Packaging: 9
  5. Price: 5
  6. Smell: 10 (none)
  7. Availability: 10 (easy to find)
  8. Variety (of color): 7 
  9. Originality: 7 
  10. Overall: 7.77 


3 step by step instruction cards that teach you how to use the shadows.
         Is is worth buying? Yes. In general, this is a good palette. It has great colors for many different uses. Plus, it is small and perfect for traveling. I would recommend it for beginners who are experimenting with makeup and would benefit from instruction cards. I first got this palette when I was entering the makeup world and it help me learn about different techniques and looks. I will definitely be re-purchasing this palette. 

***There are more makeup reviews on the way! Please leave a comment if you want me to review a specific product. :)


The Beauty Belle 

Friday, February 8, 2013

Get the Look: Miley Cyrus



         Whether we like it or not, winter is here. Its time to get out our scarfs and sweaters from the back of our closets and start layering up! And what better way to stay warm than with a chunky sweater and knit scarf? Miley mastered the art of staying warm while maintaining her style with this cute winter outfit. Her casual, bohemian look is easy to recreate, all you need is a couple key pieces!
          First, lets start with the biggest part of the outfit, the sweater! This chunky, maroon sweater is the statement piece of the outfit and is definitely a head-turner. I found a similar one on Piperlime for $89. The color is different but it has a similar drape front style, which is perfect for winter! 


         Next is the shirt. Here, Miley is wearing a simple army green top. The neutral color of the shirt brings out the more substantial pieces in the outfit, like the sweater and boots. I found a similar top at sheinside.com for $31.84. 

    
         Lets move on to bottoms. In this outfit, Miley is sporting a pair of denim skinny jeans. This is a piece that everyone should have in their closet. They are flattering, versatile, and inexpensive (well, sometimes). I found an identical pair at Old Navy for $29.50. 

         Now lets move on to accessories. Here, Miley is wearing a chunk, knit infinity scarf. Adding a scarf to your outfit is an easy way to stay warm while staying chic. They are comfortable and you can find them practically anywhere. I found a similar one at Old Navy for $14.95. 


          To finish off the outfit, Miley is wearing a pair of light brown combat boots. They add style to the casual look while without overwhelming the clothing pieces. Combat boots were very popular this fall and are continuing their run through the winter. If you haven't already, I would recommend investing in a pair. I found a cute pair at Sears for $39.99. I like how these boots  have a funky tribal print on the inside, so when you fold them, they instantly add visual appeal to your feet. 


         So the grand total of this outfit comes to $205.28. But always remember to look through your closet before you go shopping! You may already own some of these pieces. And as you can see, it isn't hard to look like a movie star. Just remember to stay warm and stay safe! 

The Beauty Belle

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss Review




         I recently purchased several NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss from Hautelook. They came in a pack of six, but they can be purchased individually at nyxcosmetics.com or amazon.com. They cost $5.50, though their prices usually range from $5.50-$7.10 on amazon. Each tube comes with 0.53 fl oz/15 mL.
         Personally, I think these lip glosses are great for the following reasons:
  1. A lot of product: I have been using these glosses everyday since I got them and I still haven't made a dent. 
  2. Highly pigmented: There is no need to wear lipstick underneath these glosses; the color you see is the color you get.
  3. Creamy formula: The gloss glides own smoothly on your lips creating a rich color without looking heavy.
  4. Great applicator: Each tube comes with a fuzzy doe-foot applicator that evenly distributes the product on your lips without streaking.
 
From left to right: Golden Pink, Beige, Salsa, Sweet Heart, Natural, Miami Babe 
Fuzzy, long, doe-foot applicator 

Ratings:
(1= worst 10=best)
  1. Stickiness: 10 (none) 
  2. Pigmentation: 10 
  3. Glossiness: 8 
  4. Color Durability: 4 (no longer than an hour) 
  5. Smell: 2 (like a cherry candy)
  6. Price: 8 (affordable) 
  7. Packaging: 7 
  8. Applicator: 9 
  9. Formulation: 7 (creamy) 
  10.  Overall: 7.22 
         One thing to keep in mind is the amount of ingredients each tube has. The lipgloss contains chemicals like Polybutene, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, and Silica Dimethyl Silylate. My rule is: if you can't pronounce the names, don't put it on your lips! Try opting for a lip gloss with less ingredients. Next time you are at the drugstore or sephora, check the label before making the purchase. 
          Overall, I would recommend this product to all my readers. It is great for beginners who want to try out new colors, but don't want to spend too much. Personally, my favorite color is salsa because it is subtle, pink, and versatile. But don't be afraid to take a risk and try a new color. These glosses are perfect to where by themselves and they are affordable enough to by seasonal colors. Comment or tweet me any requests for future articles!

The Beauty Belle

Monday, February 4, 2013

Covergirl Foundations: Regular vs. Natural



Covergirl Natureluxe Foundation 
        Have you ever wondered what makes a foundation natural? I know I have. That was the first question that ran through my mind when I saw Covergirl's Natureluxe line at CVS. The packaging was very "natural" looking; all the products were green and simple, but the packaging doesn't make the product. When I flipped the bottle over and looked at the ingredients, I was shocked. The list went on and on with names of chemicals I had never heard of. How is this natural you ask? Well, out of the 31 ingredients, 4 of them are natural: water, fruit water, seed wax (jojoba), and rosa canina fruit extract. Only 4! The other 27 ingredients are all chemicals I can't pronounce like methicone,  niacinamide, and dimethicone crosspolymer. So I began to wonder, how is this different from the other foundations? I looked around the Covergirl makeup and found the Trublend foundation. Like the Natureluxe foundation, it also contained an ingredient list full of chemicals--I counted at total of 25. Out of all the ingredients, the only natural one was water.

   

           
Covergirl Trublend Foundation
          So, even though the Natureluxe has more natural ingredients, it also has more chemicals. In fact, it has more chemicals than the foundation that doesn't claim to be natural. Thats crazy! That just shows that you can never trust the labels. Next time you are on the hunt for a good foundation, don't trust everything the packaging says. Be your own judge and check the label, you might be surprised on what you find!

***Both these foundations can be found at any drugstore in your area. The Natureluxe foundation costs $11.98 and the Trublend costs $9.59.

The Beauty Belle

Get The Look: Emma Watson


Hello beautiful,
         Are you a Harry Potter fan? I know I am. Even if you aren't I am sure you are familiar with Emma Watson. The young, british actress is known for her blond locks and great fashion sense. She is among several of the Hollywood actresses who inspire my wardrobe. What I like about Emma Watson is her laid back style. She looks beautiful in this photo and it doesn't even look like she is trying. I decided to do a "Get The Look" article on this outfit because it is great for the fall and winter season. 
         Lets get started on the outfit! First, I found a similar striped shirt to the one Emma is wearing at overstock.com for $25.49. Overstock is a great online shop because they have fashionable pieces at affordable prices. I would recommend that you all check it out! This plain, striped shirt is a key staple piece in any girls closet because it can be worn in so many different ways! If you want to dress it up, try tucking it in to a high-waisted, pleated skirt and throw on some heels. Now you have an instant girls night out look! 


      My favorite part about this outfit is the chunky, oversized, wool cardigan. It is perfect for the winter time--it looks so warm! I found a similar one at romwe.com for $72.99. I think this cardigan is great for roaming the city on a cold day or cuddling up by the fire with a good book. What ever the occasion is, this sweater will help you fight the cold in style! 
        For jeans, I found an identical pair at Old Navy for $29.00. What a steal! For jeans this cute, I would pay way more. Like the striped top, jeans are an obvious staple because of their comfort and versatility. If you are in need for some back to school denim, check out Old Navy. They have some great deals going on right now that will get you a lot for you buck.

    
         No outfit is complete without shoes. Here, Emma is wearing a cute pair of brown combat boots. I found a similar pair of boots at Target for $34.99. These boots look great tucked into a pair of skinny jeans. For the winter, try using a long pair of socks under your boots and curl them up at the top of the boots for a stylish touch! Its a great way to look good while staying warm.

         And that concludes the look! The grand total came out to $162.47. If you don't have any of these stores near you, don't worry! All these items are available online for purchase. If you want to see more Get The Look articles like this, please comment below! I also love reading any recommendations or requests so contact me--I take all comments into consideration :) 

The Beauty Belle