Almost 7 weeks. It’s the longest I’ve ever gone without blogging and the length of time I’ve been away on a quasi maternity leave after having Lola, my 3rd, right before Thanksgiving. I really wanted to enjoy the holidays without the need to write hovering over my head. But here I am, anxious to get back to my computer with the baby asleep in her chair all milked out and Mike and the girls at Costco and my all time fave Pandora station- Cher radio in the background. I almost feel like myself again (but this extra tight binder I’m wearing reminds me that I’m not quite there yet.) Anyway, I have some time so let’s do it.
Because it’s a new year many of us are cleaning out closets to purge things we don’t use or wear and grabbing something new that will keep our look fresh. (If you’re still wearing a frosted nail color or lipstick, this is your wake up call to toss it out.) It’s not about a huge overhaul, just replacing a few things you’re already using with modern versions that will instantly update your look.
1. A Mani With Depth and Personality
Nails inc is known for 2 things; their spray paint nail polish which recently launched in the UK (available here in March) that had every beauty editor going bananas, and their Snow Globe polish (pictured in the middle) that you shake up to get the glittery bits all mixed together which makes a really fun top coat. I like the combo of the dark vampy color on all nails except for the ring fingers where you’d apply the nude, then the Snow Globe over just that finger. It’s an especially perfect way to highlight that new sparkler if you got engaged over the holidays (like my sister did- yay!!) You can also personalize the lids with crystals or initials (mine is a C for Carissa- get it?) which makes these gorgeous bottles even more special. They’re the only polishes I keep next to my makeup and not hidden in a closet somewhere with the others.
2. A Bright Matte Lip
Lancome completely nailed the lip trend that looks like it’s here to stay- bold mattes. Their new Color Design lipsticks (shown from top; Afraid Not, Out With a Bang, and Seal the Deal) are bright and non-drying which is exactly what a matte lipstick should be. Remember those flat grey lip colors in the 90’s that made everyone look like the walking dead? Matte and muted is not a good combo. What I love most about these lipsticks is how they can make your whole look. Throw on some concealer and mascara with one of these bold shades and you look so put together without even trying. Best of all is the wear time, they’ll stay put through most of the day so you won’t have to worry about re-apply every 15 minutes like you do with a gloss.
3. A simple (yet effective) hydrator
Heavy creams and lotions are so 2015. Have you noticed the serum and oil boom in the last year or so? It’s because a skin oil doesn’t contain water or any fillers the way creams do so you’re getting more bang for your buck with pure ingredients and nothing else. If you’re confused as to which moisturizer you need for your skin, stick to something simple like Banish’s 100% Grapeseed Oil or 100% Pure Avocado Oil, both vitamin rich and great for inflammation especially if you experience breakouts. Desert Essence (center) recently launched this trifecta of powerful Moringa, Jojoba, & Rose Hip Oil which contains tons of natural antioxidants and fatty acids which makes skin remarkably soft and glowy without any trace of a grease left behind.