4 Trends to Try This Holiday

….because why not, right?

We’re sure you’ve got your velvet picks, your fancy dresses, your block heels all picked out. But have you got your accompanying makeup look planned? It’s likely you do, and if not, we’re not judging. However, we’ve just got a few suggestions to switch up your routine. And maybe incorporate some of this season’s latest trends…as one does.

1. Oh So Glossy 

Ultra-wet and lacquered lip looks took over the runways and it’s safe to say, also might be coming to your dining rooms and event spaces as well this holiday season. Put on a glossy lip and pair it with a shimmering eye look. We’re not saying that gilded metallic eyes are as equally trending, but maybe we are. A little subtle gloss is an easy, no-fuss way to incorporate a trend. If you’re not into making a big scene, this more subtle look might be for you. We recommend trying Guerlain’s KissKiss Tinted Lip Balm (was $37, now $35.95). We’ve got a collection of 6 different shades, so take a look at our lipstick/hair pairing guide and find your match-made-in-heaven shade!

2. It’s Electric! Boogie-Woogie-Woogie 

The 80’s are big and back! Electric makeup in the form of a touch of neon from the lips to the eyes are a-okay, in-trend and the perfect amount of strong and feminine. If you’re interested in trying out this trend, we recommend Dior’s 5 Couleurs Couture Colours & Effects Eye Shadow in Candy Choc for your eye candy (was $62, now $59.95). If you wanted to do a pop of neon on your lips, we’re crushing on Guerlain’s Rouge Automatique Lip Color in Shalimar (was $37, now $32.95). Pair these bright lips or eyes with a bold black liner and you’re ultra chic and ready to go.

3. Just a Hint of Goth 

Add an easy and immediate tone with a dark lip this holiday season. Black or plum or even matte or glossy, you can’t really go wrong with a statement lip. While a bold red is often the classic go-to lip, a darker shade is often more moody and less “prissy.” Let them know you’re in business with a berry, plum or even brownish-red. Because all eyes will be on your lips, we recommend giving them a little extra TLC moving towards the big holi-day. Exfoliate, don’t forget to line and be careful with application. Pair this lip with a minimal eye look for an ultra-trendy look. We’re personally loving Dior’s Addict Fluid Stick 893 in Trompe L’ceil to fulfill this trend (was $35, now $33.95).

4. A Little Twiggy Lash 

Just in time for your dark lip, the doll-like lashes of Twiggy are back and stylish! Perfect for a no makeup eye look, extend and curl those lashes to really make your eyes pop. It’s never a bad idea to do dual-use with your mascara, some might call it ‘cocktailing’. We recommend firstly, lengthening and defining. For this, we recommend Sisley’s Phyto Mascara Ultra Stretch in Deep Black (was $67, now $59.95). Go for round-two with Lancome’s Grandiose Wide Angle Fan Effect Mascara. in Noir Mirifique (was $32, now $29.95). They’ve incorporated the first swan neck brush to work with the shape of your face and unprecedented access to your lashes for a full, fanned-out effect.

 

So merry trending ladies! Be the star of the show at your New Year event and save on all of these amazing products with our New Year Sale. Use code NEWYEAR17 for an additional 18% off.

Gigi Hadid Inspired Look

….because you woke up like that.

Where do you not see Miss Hadid these days? When she’s not out with boyfriend, Zayn Malik or buddying up with Kendall Jenner, you’ve probably seen her heading up her collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger, Tommy x Gigi. You’ve been thinking it, and we’re just going to say it. She always looks 100%. Smokey eyes, plump lips and a perfect contour easily give us makeup envy.

Envy no more! We’re going to break down a few iconic Gigi looks:

 

Everyone loves a good smokey eye, and Gigi rocks it like a pro. We love how she’s paired a dramatic eye look with a subdued lip. However, she wasn’t afraid of shying away from a little shine in her gloss. To replicate her eye look, we recommend trying out Guerlain’s Captivating Colours Palette in Les Cendres. First use a medium-sized round brush to apply the darker color just above the crease of your lid. Then, trace the upper lash line with a soft black pencil and smudge just a little with your fingertip. With a smaller, more firm-bristled brush, press the darker brown shade into your lower line. Then apply your lighter colors to the inner corners of your eyes to finish the effect. (was $65.00, now $59.95) 

To balance out the look, we also recommend a neutral lip. To replicate Gigi’s, we recommend our favorite from Sisley, their Phyto Lip Shine Ultra Brilliant Lipstick in Sheer Nude. Not only will it work the effects of both lipstick and gloss, but it will also hydrate your lips at the same time. (was $52.00, now $39.95) 

We thought this look was only appropriate since Gigi wore it for Harper Bazaar’s Icons Events, and we love the bold double liner for an Egyptian inspired beauty look. It’s both edgy and high-fashion at the same time and easily to replicate at home if you’re looking to impress.

Start the look by beginning a floating crease with a thin liner. We recommend, Lancome’s Plume High Definition Long Lasting Eyeliner in Black. Start the line along the natural crease of your eye lid, keeping the line towards the outer half of your eye. Along your upper and lower lashline, you’ll want a liner with a little more flex to join the lower and upper lashline at the outer corner, creating a triangular-like shape. (was $30.50, now $28.95) 

To finish the look, curl your lashes and pop on a strong black mascara to add to the drama. For this, give Shiseido’s Full Lash Volume Mascara a little try. (was $24.00, now $23.95) 

We’ve focused a lot on Gigi’s dramatic eye looks, so we decided to pop one more in where we can take a deeper look at those gorgeous lips. As you can see here, you’ll notice that Gigi went with a cleaner eye look, so that she could draw attention mainly to her bold lip color. Her lengthened, curled lashes serves to just brighten up and widen her eyes with a small pop without distracting.

To really lengthen your lashes, we suggest La Prairie’s Celullar Treatment Instant Curl Mascara.  This mascara is a triple threat – lengthening, curling and volumizing. If there’s one thing every makeup lover should embrace, it’s a multi-tasking tool like this one. Did we also mention that it severs as a hydrating and nourishing conditioner for your lashes as well? (was $40.00, now $36.95) 

Replicate Gigi’s lip look by 1) not forgetting to line those lips first and 2) trying Dior’s Addict Lipstick Hydra-Gel Core Mirror Shine in Power. If the color name doesn’t say it all, the sheer benefits of this lipstick should. It’s hydra-gel core adds a top-coat effect for sensational mirror shine for an extra dost of color contrast and unbelievable comfort. The comfort oil used within the stick improves moisturization of the lips while the shield oil ensures color will not only adhere, but also last. (was $35.00, now $33.95) 

 

So happy replicating, ladies! Remember that if you purchase one of our lipsticks, you’ll get one free Rimmel Lipgloss while our supplies last. Also, try code THANKFUL for 20% off amazing, site-wide savings.

What Fall Lipstick Goes Best With Your Hair Color?

…because who would’ve thought they’d be the ultimate pair.

Welcome the new season, say hello to new colors. For Fall ‘16, we’ve got a palette of choices ranging from grapes to a 90’s brown revival in the form of coffee shades. But the real question is, how do you choose which trend you’re jumping on. Our suggestion? Try pairing. We all know we should choose our shades based on complexion, but we maybe we should be taking that a step further and also considering our hair color.

Here’s a little cheat sheet:

1. Light Brown 

Brunettes have such a large arsenal of options that it can be a little daunting sometimes. Because your hair is neither too light nor dark, the options are even more endless! Luckily, because of this, you also have the luxury of experimentation. You can try pretty much any color until you figure out what you are most comfortable in. When it comes to fall colors though, we recommend the classics. Think berry, beige and brown. The berry and brown can add a nice fall pop to your wardrobe while beige can be used for a more subtle and soft look. We recommend Maybelline’s Color Whisper Lipstick. It’s the perfect go-to traditional color. (was $7.50, now $4.95)

 

2. Blonde 

Red lips will always be a classic pick for the blonde bombshell. If paired with minimalistic makeup, red lips and shining blonde hair will always ring “Classic Hollywood.” To achieve this look, try Christian Dior’s Rouge Diorific Long Wearing True Color Lipstick for its satin smooth finish that will keep your lips hydrated all day. (was $38, now $36.95)

If you want to switch things up, we also recommend trying a purple or brownish-nude lip. When it comes to purple, keep it dark. You want to go for a plum hue and not a neon hue. When wearing a brownish-nude, feel free to go heavy and dramatic with the eye makeup. Dark, smokey eyes would look great paired with this lip.

 

3. Red 

Have you ever tried a wine-stained lip? If not, you absolutely should. However, you don’t want to go heavy on the face makeup when venturing into this lip color territory. Lucky for you, there are a wide range of wine-stained hues and your hair color can keep up with the best of them. You can do a matted out lip or even wear it glossy and shimmery. We’re personally crushing on Sisley’s Hydrating Long Lasting Lipstick. (was $57, now $49.95)

Another fall go-to color for our favorite redheads is beige. Beige also tends to go very well with every skin complexion.

 

4. Dark Brown/Black 

Just like our light-haired ladies, you have the luxury of getting to play with many colors and luckily, the added bonus of every cosmetic company catering to your coloring. For this season, instead of applying nudes and beiges, we recommend trying more bold colors – plum, brown, wine-stain red or berry hues. These shades will not only accentuate your dark brown locks, but also be a very welcoming pop in your makeup look. You can keep it simple with a dark lip or go all out and do an intense smoky eye look. The Borghese Eclissare Color Eclipse Colorstuck Lipstick is a must have. It’s the perfect berry lip to add to your fall look. (was $25, now $19.95)

 

So happy pairing ladies! Remember that with every purchase of lipstick on our website, you will receive a free Rimmel ‘Oh My Gloss’ lipgloss while supplies last!

Real Talk: Am I Washing My Hair Right?

….because it’s a real question.

Cold weather can be especially damaging to our hair. So with the colder weather moving in, what better time to ask this question than now? Forget the pumpkin spice lattes, the cozy sweaters and the candy corn – we’ve got more important things to worry about.

The guide to washing your hair correctly in the 5 following steps…

Step One: Chill with the Shampoo Overload

Sometimes less is more, and that is exactly the case when it comes to shampooing. You should only be applying about a dime-size amount. Granted, if you have very long, thick hair, you should apply a bit more. Since the first round of shampooing only gets rid of build up, you’ll want to repeat once more in order to leave it properly cleaned. Avoid washing your hair every day though, since with every wash, you are stripping it of its oils and nutrients. Try Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day Shampoo which creates a weightless shield around each hair strand. (was $25, now $22.95)

Step Two: Make sure your hair is soaking wet before shampooing

Usually, when we’re getting our hair washed at the salon, we’re too zoned out in scalp massage heaven to notice that they’re actually continuously wetting our hair throughout the wash. So, before applying shampoo, make sure your hair is drenched. Then, after applying your dime-size amount, run more water through your hair. Once your hair is properly saturated, you’re ready to begin gently massaging your shampoo.

Step Three: Be gentle with your scalp

Sometimes, hair washing can be a bit of a mindless activity. It’s a part of our everyday routine and just like getting dressed in the morning, we can sometimes forget to pay it the proper attention it deserves. We can start by reassessing how we scrub our scalps during the washing process. Put away those claws and gently massage instead. Don’t forget to massage right behind your ears and then work your way down your hairline.

Step Four: Time to condition those freshly cleaned locks

Conditioning your hair helps detangle and smooth out the surface of your hair’s cuticle layer. However, it’s hair-washing best practice not to apply conditioner to the top of your scalp. Actually start conditioning at the midsection and continue all the way down to the ends. Your roots produce oil much faster, so applying conditioner will weigh it down and increase oil. The ends of your hair have been with you for the longest time, so we need to condition and take good care of them. Feel free to be generous with the amount you apply towards the ends if you have rather damaged and dry hair.We recommend a new favorite, L’Oreal’s EverCreme Sulfate-Free Nourishing Conditioner. If you’ve been searching for an effective hydrating conditioner (especially in these colder months) then we think you’ll find this one a winner. (was $7.99, now $6.95)

Step Five: Combing/brushing wet hair is a major no no

When your hair is wet, it’s in its most vulnerable state… meaning, more prone to breakage. When your hair is dry, it is best to use a bristle brush to detangle it. If you’re really hard-pressed for time and in a hurry, apply and oil or serum and use a wide tooth comb. If you have dry hair, you can even try oil application in your everyday routine, like L’Occitane’s Body and Hair Fabulous Oil. It’ll leave your skin moisturized while adding a smoother and shinier finished look on your hair. That’s what we call a win win. (was $38.00, now $35.95)

 

Happy washing ladies! Make sure you have a beautiful, healthy head of hair for all of your upcoming holiday celebrations!