I was inspired by my Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk Eyeshadow Palette to compile my most worn rose and rose gold earrings to share with you, since I get asked about the brands and styles I wear often. My current favorite? These gorgeous vermeil Large Connection Earring Hoops by Au-Rate.
I almost exclusively don earrings since my tiny fingers are a size 4.25 to 4.5, making most rings impossible for me to wear, and necklaces tend to irritate my neck and get caught in clothing. Hence, I consider earrings easy and low maintenance and accentuate my makeup as much as my clothing does — case in point, the Pillowtalk palette on my eyes in the photo above. I'll share my other favorite earrings after the jump!
As some of you may have heard in my Evening Skin Care Routine video, I am in esthetician school and have been rather preoccupied learning about skin and practicing facials. As much as I am obsessed with skin care, it is exhausting to be a 30 year old in school for five days a week for 8 hours a day. That’s why I look forward to nights out more than ever!
Reformation dresses are impressive in quality and flow beautifully, but do check out brands like Ali & Jay and Bardot for more affordable options that are equally pretty and offer an impressive selection in prints, sizes, and lengths. I luckily didn’t have to hem this dress because the flounced skirt of the “midi” length stops right at my ankles, but I highly recommend starting your night out search at Nordstrom early so that you can take advantage of their alterations department!
I was hesitant to order a dress so expensive sight unseen being that it’s an online exclusive, but the fluttery feminine sleeves won me over. Reformation's dresses tends to run on the smaller side, so I sized up to a size 2 and it’s still a bit snug around the rib cage. It is, however, more comfortable than I expected since my arms have full mobility. Petite women like me, 5’0 tall and fluctuating at my heaviest around 115 or less pounds currently, are generally advised against wearing large print patterns or prints whatsoever because they can overwhelm our frames. This dress, however, has a botanical print that is whimsical without leaning bohemian, and I don’t think it is visually distracting at all!
Now I’m a traditionalist when it comes to heels because I mostly own pumps, but I really wanted to try something trendier. My friend Rachel, the Beauty Professor, raved about the Steve Madden Camille Clear Sandals, so I figured they would be a good investment for summer outings. They are so versatile and the block heel makes them both stable and comfortable! I normally wear a 5.5 in most pumps so I ordered those online first but went to #nordstrom to exchange them for a size 6. My toes are slightly longer than my big toe so sizing up gave them ample room without hanging over, and the clear straps subtly elongate the look of my legs in shorts and skirts.
One thing I’m rather gutted about since starting school is that I no longer maintain acrylics or even gel manicures, although seeing how sadly damaged my bare nails had become the first couple weeks were tough. It is a blessing in disguise; they are able to breathe and recuperate for a few months plus I found a solution to temporarily dressing up my nails without mess. Nordstrom recently started carrying Static Nails so on special nights out, I have been using press-on nails instead!
I kept my expectations low, but they really are perfect for dates and weddings or just a feminine pick-me-up. They’re offered in multiple shapes and colors and finishes which keeps things interesting! I do think the Pop-On Reusable Manicure Set in Sugar Floss Stiletto shape and length is much more wearable and manageable straight out of the box. This is all preference, but I rarely get my nails done longer than 1/4 inch past the end of my fingertip for maneuverability’s sake.
Plus, the pink-nude Sugar Floss color is so flattering, with just a hint of translucency that makes the set look convincingly natural. 24 reusable nails in twelve different sizes per hand are provided, so I’m able to create a short set and a longer set by trimming and filing.
It took me approximately 15 minutes to cut and file the black Conjure set which is sold out everywhere. The glossy black nails are edgy but after gluing them on, I laughed because they looked like Halloween claws on my petite nails. This set has nails that are not only longer, but wider as well, which is not ideal for my extra narrow nail beds. I kept the right hand’s nails extra short and super round for the ease of contact use and skin care application, but I filed the left hand’s nails to a pointy oval shape at a length I normally get my acrylics to show versatility in this post. It was quite a massive reshaping so application to end took about one hours. Removal is quick with a hot water soak, and these nails can be easily reapplied with more glue, and even painted.
Nails are sort of a given on nights outs, but I hesitate to accessorize due to my tendency to lose things. Thanks to my twin sister, however, I’ve been converted to Kendra Scott! I have been known to have a strong preference for (overpriced) designer costume jewelry but I have to say, Kendra Scott is new go-to brand for earrings. People randomly drop me compliments whenever I wear them, and I have to admit, the quality is consistently good and the price point very reasonable.
Nordstrom recently ran an online-only Kendra Scott promo so I jumped at the chance to receive a third pair for free! I chose a classic — the Tessa Stone Stud Earrings in Iridescent Drusy/Gold — to wear to school. Then I selected a fancier evening pair — Circe Drop Earrings in Lustre Glass/Gold — to match the Venezia dress, and the promotional pair is another lustre glass drop style with silver hardware but more casual. Personally I love translucent touches and have since the ‘90s so I felt it was only appropriate that the earrings matched my footwear selection! When it comes to accessories, shoes, makeup, and outfits I prefer to take a holistic cohesive approach (including matching hardware) to keep my look visually appealing especially if I plan to take photos for Nights Out.
Again I apologize for being away so long, but as school becomes more manageable, I’ll be back full time to share everything I’ve been learning. Even though my heart will always be devoted to the luxe brands I’ve used my entire life, I have been researching and testing the best in affordable skin care. I truly believe good skin should be accessible to all, so I hope you’ll allow me to help you guide through the madness that is beauty nowadays.
Last but not least I am wearing my favorite new everyday lipstick by Charlotte Tilbury called Bond Girl and my clutch is new from Senreve, called the Aria Belt/Convertible Bag. Many thanks to @Nordstrom for sponsoring this post and allowing me to share some new favorites!
In case you missed the announcement, I launched my very own jewelry collection with my friends at Motif! There are a total of six pieces, each designed with love, care, and thoughtfulness. Since most of you have probably caught teasers on social media, I wanted to share the photos that I shot with my talented friend Sharon here.
My first video back from abroad was naturally a favorites episode! I spent a lot of time in the humid climate of Asia so many of my picks are great for those of you with oily skin and flat hair. More importantly, though, I was finally able to share a big project that I've been working on. On October 5th, I'll be releasing my very first jewelry collection!
Please download the Motif app so you can be notified first if you're interested in any of the pieces below. The collection launches October 5th, 2016!
June has been an incredibly productive month for me, with lots of exciting new changes! I am completely sleep deprived and feel like a zombie, but it has all been worth the effort and time to set up my new apartment. There is still some cleaning and organization left to complete, but I couldn't wait any longer to share the exciting news! I had actually planned to post this video yesterday, but there was miscommunication on the cable company's end, so my internet installation had to be rescheduled. Now, I did manage to misplace my Benefit and Dior eyeliners that I wanted to include in this episode, but they will have to wait until next month. So sorry if you were waiting for an update!
The most obvious change to my videos is in my filming set-up, since I am no longer using my vanity as the backdrop. Instead, I am using my new couch! Please let me know what you think of the change. I do plan to switch up the scenes occasionally, so your feedback would be greatly appreciated! I hope to incorporate more lifestyle videos in the future. Office tour, anyone? xo
P.S. Don't forget to get your entries for the Bauble Bar Pearl Earrings Giveaway [not sponsored] in as soon as possible. It ends in just two weeks! All rules and guidelines are listed on the video's page HERE, so please click the link to submit your comments.
October was a relatively relaxed beauty month. As some of you may have noticed, I was unable to post twice a week as I generally aim for. I experienced a few issues with my stomach and body aches the past couple weeks, but I am finally getting better! It feels good to film again, so I hope these favorites will be useful. Guerlain nail polish formulas are really giving my Chanel collection a run for the money, though I will always prefer Chanel's color selection. I am also loving Benefit, especially the new lip gloss I reviewed and the Gimme Brow Gel that I will use in a video later this week (please stay tuned)! I had to cut the Gimme Brow out of the video due to time constraints, but I know many of you are looking forward to a tutorial so I will feature it in action.
And if you haven't read my Best of 3LAB Review, please do check it out HERE because I think I have discovered my Holy Grail skin care brand. The products are expensive, but I have never been so pleasantly surprised by anti-aging skin care in years! Many of my readers and viewers think I still look young, but I am nearly 25 and can see slight signs of aging on my forehead. I am doing what I can to prevent the wrinkling from deepening as best as I can and reduce pigmentation/scars while I am at it! Last but not least, do check out the EM Cosmetics Waterliner eye pencils, which have incredible staying power on the waterlines. I am so thrilled with how budge-proof the metallic shades like Ro's Gold and Turquoise are!
Hello, everyone! This is my first fashion video in ages, so I hope you will enjoy the slightly different route I took this Spring. Due to the hot weather we are experiencing in Southern California, I turned this into a transitional look book featuring outfits appropriate for a warm spring and sunny summer. All makeup worn is listed below the outfit breakdowns!
FOURTH OUTFIT:
DailyLook Rhinestone Collar Tank in Ivory - old
Simone Bandage Skirt in Light Aqua - http://bit.ly/12I0hrh
Stingray Wrist Wrap in Taupe - http://bit.ly/14yOVH9
Vera Wang Lisa Ballet Flats in Nude/Crystal [old]
*I purchased mine through Hautelook! http://tinyurl.com/795prda
Hair:
Jonathan Create Smooth Hair Serum - http://bit.ly/10POael
For Bun - Japanese Donut Bun with Velcro Grips
Nail Polish:
OPI Here Today, Aragon Tomorrow
MAKEUP WORN:
Dolce & Gabbana The Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation in Warm 100
Tom Ford Illuminating Pen in 05 Natural Bisque
L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Crayon Concealer in W4-5
Lancome Translucence Mattifying Silky Pressed Powder in 300 Bisque with MAC 109
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Light/Medium Matte Bronzer with Hakuhodo Angled Brush
Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush with Shu Uemura 20h Brush
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204
by Terry Eye Primer in 002
Lorac Pro Palette Eye Shadow Palette with Shu Uemura Kolinsky 10, Sigma 35 and 47 Eye Brushes
Lancome Artliner in Noir and Lancome Oscillation Intensity Mascara
Velour Lashes in Lash in the City
Lips - Please see below for lipsticks
FIRST OUTFIT
Le Metier de Beaute Lip Creme in Ginger Snap
SECOND OUTFIT
Le Metier de Beaute Lip Creme in Framboise Creme
THIRD OUTFIT
Le Metier de Beaute Lip Creme in Ginger Snap
FOURTH OUTFIT
Too Faced La Creme Lipstick in Fuchsia Shock [see tutorial video below]
Hello, everyone! I'm back with another jewelry haul, and this is quite a large one.. I've just been loving jewelry shopping these days. Make-up has, for once, taken the back seat and to be honest, I'm having fun ignoring beauty! Granted, I just filmed the Dior Summer 2012 collection video, but it was nice to take a respite for a couple weeks :) Anyway, hope you enjoy the review and the giveaway!
Jewelry Shown:
JewelMint Plume Paradise Earrings, Chain Reaction Earrings, Mod Glam Earrings
JewelMint Gehry Cuff Bracelet in Silver
Forever 21 Spike Chain Earrings [Threw out the tag, sorry!] $6.80
Forever 21 Pink/Gold Necklace [SKU 00013533011] $7.80
Forever 21 Natural Floppy Hat in Coral [SKU 00037498041] $10.80
Forever 21 Natural Floppy Hat with Hot Pink Trim [SKU 00038941021] $12.80
Make-up Worn:
Dior Forever Foundation in 031
Dolce & Gabanna The Powder Foundation in 110 Caramel
Shiseido The Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Armani Eyes to Kill Waterproof Mascara in Black
Dior Summer 2012 Eyeshadow Quint, Bronzer, Lipstick, Lip Gloss [All details to come on Thursday!]
Ardell False Lashes [Can't recall the model number, so sorry. They're very old, though!]
Lancome Artliner Waterproof from Summer 2011 in Scorched
Nails:
Chanel Distraction
Dior Bikini [only on right index finger]
Hi, everyone! Sorry I haven't been able to keep up with the product reviews here on the blog recently.. life has been a whirlwind lately. I'll try to get back on track this week! In the meantime, here's a little apology giveaway. It's a dual winner jewelry contest! Please don't post your entries on this page; click the video and post your comments on the YouTube video's page :)
Jewelry Shown:
JewelMint Atlantis Pendant
JewelMint Royal Ascot Ring in 6
House of Harlow Oval Drop Earrings [from GlamHouse.com]
Belle Noelle Resin Tiger's Eye Ring in 5 [from GlamHouse.com]
*Giveaway is for the JewelMint Atlantis Pendant and Belle Noelle Ring! I will be selecting two winners!
Make-up Worn:
Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation in 6.5
Dolce & Gabanna The Powder Foundation in Caramel
Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in Barley
Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencil in Rehab
Lancome Artliner in Black & Lancome Hypnose Drama WP Mascara
Chanel Waterproof Eye Pencil in Rose Platine
Benefit Boxed Blush in Coralista
Dior Addict Extreme in Riviera
