JLo Glow

I am so sad that Mother nature did not give the big apple a scorching hot summer this year. We are now in the middle of August already experiencing September like temperatures, don’t get me wrong Autumn is my other favorite season but I still needed some more sun in my life! Ok, enough with the rant, if you’re like me and did not get the chance to visit the beach here is how I created a faux tan or that JLo glow as some would call it before summer officially ends.
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To achieve this glowy bronzy look I used all of these products below:
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From the Mac palette I used Brown Script (lower left) on my crease and lower lash line. I used Amber Lights (top right) on the entire lid From the Lorac palette I used Buff (top row left) for my brow highlight and Mocha (4th from the left on the bottom) to touch up the outer v and lower lash line

From the MAC palette I used Brown Script (lower left) on my crease and lower lash line. I used Amber Lights (top right) on the entire lid
From the Lorac palette I used Buff (top row left) for my brow highlight and Mocha (4th from the left on the bottom) to touch up the outer v and lower lash line

– One of the main products in making the skin appear more dewy is to add a liquid illuminizer to your foundation. I opted for the Gerard Cosmetics BB plus illumination crème, a pea sized pump is all you need to mix into your foundation and it will cover your entire face.
– Another key component in creating a bronzy effect is of course bronzer. I used my L’Oreal true match powder in the shade Cocoa to warm up my entire face. I also took a contour brush and very lightly carved under my cheek bones.
– Lastly what will give you the ultimate glowy effect is a highlighter. For this particular look I chose the Sonia Kashuk illuminating bronzer in the shade goddess. This color is really golden and gives you the perfect sunkissed glow.
* This is an extra step, but since I wanted to mimic Jennifer Lopez’s all over bronzed look I also placed a mixture of brown and bronzy shades on my eyes and finished the look with her signature peachy nude lip.

I leave you all with a photo of the woman who not only inspired this look but also inspires me to work hard.

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Here’s a detailed list of the products I used:

Benefit Porefessional face primer

Bare Minerals Bare Skin Foundation in the shade Bare Caramel

Gerard Cosmetics BB Illuminating crème

Tarte Maracuja creaseless concealer in the shade Medium Tan

NYX blotting powder in the shade Medium/Dark

Anastasia Brow Whiz in the shade Brunette

Lorac Behind the Scenes eyelid primer & Pro Palette 2 colors: Buff and Mocha

MAC Eyeshadows Brown Script and Amber lights

Too Faced “Better than Sex” mascara

L’Oreal Privee lipsticks in the Jennifer Lopez and Eva Mendes Shades

NYX Butter Gloss in the shade Cherry Cheesecake

*Products can be found in your local drugstore , Sephora or Ulta.

Hope you all enjoy what’s left of summer!

-Gwen

The “Ugly Sandal” Part 2

As mentioned in my previous UGLY sandal post I am currently obsessed with the comfort of and albeit stylishness of the new wave trend of sandals. The previous feature on my “faux birks” led me to continue to search for other ones in different shapes and colors. I came across these babies at TJMAXX and instantly fell in love. They are from the brand Italian Shoemakers. The gold stood out as functional for everyday neutral use, and the cushy cork provides the comfort I fell in love with from my original pair. They are exactly what I wished for and Im so glad Im trading in some of my extremely flat -no support sandals and giving my feet some tlc. Links below!

gold, sandals, faux birkenstocks, cork, thong, casual

gold, sandals, faux birkenstocks, cork, thong, casual

gold, sandals, faux birkenstocks, cork, thong, casual

Inga Leather Heel Strap Sandal

Italian Shoemakers

Birkenstocks

Deborah Lippmann Summer Lacquers

One of my favorite parts of summer is being able to brighten up not only your wardrobe and makeup but also your nail polish. Bold colors are an instant pick me up when looking down at your hands and toes. You can all imagine how excited I was when I received the Deborah Lippmann 80’s rewind summer collection nail lacquers. These colors are super pigmented and the crème formula has a great consistency. There are some lacquers that are a bit runny or too thick but these are very easy to work with. I actually painted my own nails which is something I cannot do with every nail polish.

Here’s a closer look at these gorgeous colors
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Left to Right: Whip it, Walking on Sunshine, Don't stop believing, She drives me crazy, Maniac, Video killed the radio star

Left to Right: Whip it, Walking on Sunshine, Don’t stop believing, She drives me crazy, Maniac, Video killed the radio star

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I am currently wearing "Don't stop Believing" the perfect red-orange color

I am currently wearing “Don’t stop Believing” the perfect red-orange color

These Nail Lacquers are available online or at your local Sephora, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom.

Quick Links:
Deborah Lippmann
Sephora

* Special Thank you to Diana from Deborah Lippmann’s PR department for reaching out and being so kind to send samples over.

Happy weekend everyone!
-Gwen

Nueva York

This crop top is everything! Once I saw the “Nueva York” graphic I knew it had to be mine. Anything that can remind me of home is always a win, plus the rainbow/holographic colors are fun for the summer. This top is final sale on Nasty Gal so go before its gone forever! I paired it with my grey trouser shorts and leopard boots (both old season forever 21). Links to items below!

blog, new york, nasty gal, nueva york, crop top, fashion, leopard, boots

blog, new york, nasty gal, nueva york, crop top, fashion, leopard, boots

blog, new york, nasty gal, nueva york, crop top, fashion, leopard, boots

blog, new york, nasty gal, nueva york, crop top, fashion, leopard, boots

blog, new york, nasty gal, nueva york, crop top, fashion, leopard, boots

Nueva York Crop Top

Grey Shorts

Similar Heels- Here & Here

Toodles

Ari

Orange Lips

Hello lovelies today I will be talking about a fun lip color trend, and I’m sure you’ve already guessed what it is due to the title of this post. I am a girl who loves a bright lip, especially during the summer months. Whether you have a fair complexion or a deeper one there is an orange that will work for you. Below you will find product names and swatches. I have a mix of drugstore and higher end options giving everyone an idea of what would work for their budget. Lets begin!

Top four hand swatches from left to right: NYX butter gloss in  Peach Cobbler NYX lip butter in Hot Tamale Maybelline Vivids in Vibrant Mandarin Milani in Sweet Nectar Bottom hand swatches from left to right: Revlon Just Bitten balm in Rendezvous MAC amplified lipstick in Morange Limecrime lipstick in Cosmopop

Top four hand swatches from left to right:
NYX butter gloss in Peach Cobbler
NYX lip butter in Hot Tamale
Maybelline Vivids in Vibrant Mandarin
Milani in Sweet Nectar
Bottom hand swatches from left to right:
Revlon Just Bitten balm in Rendezvous
MAC amplified lipstick in Morange
Limecrime lipstick in Cosmopop

NYX Butter Lip Gloss in Peach Cobbler

NYX Butter Lip Gloss in Peach Cobbler

NYX Lip Butter in Hot Tamale

NYX Lip Butter in Hot Tamale

Maybelline Vivids in Vibrant Mandarin

Maybelline Vivids in Vibrant Mandarin

Milani lipstick in Sweet Nectar

Milani lipstick in Sweet Nectar

Revlon Just Bitten lip balm in Rendezvous

Revlon Just Bitten lip balm in Rendezvous

MAC amplified lipstick in Morange

MAC amplified lipstick in Morange

Limecrime lipstick in Cosmopop

Limecrime lipstick in Cosmopop

NYX, Maybelline, Revlon and Milani products are sold in your local drugstore as well as Ulta. MAC products are sold in MAC stores or online. Limecrime products are sold online only. Links can also be found above under the first picture!

What are some of your favorite summer lip colors? Leave your suggestions in the comments section.

-Gwen

60’s Beachside Blouse

As some of you may know I was featured on Willow & Clay’s clothing site on their quirky “I spy” series. I wrote about the city of Orlando and styled some pieces from their site. They were kind and gracious enough to send me a beachside blouse and I am in love with the boho feel of it! The bell shaped sleeves and empire waist gave off a 60’s vibe perfect for the summer. I wanted to pair this feminine piece with edgier items to mix up the look. I went with my favorite faux leather shorts, and my cutout booties (both old season Forever 21). This shirt can be cinched in at the waist for a more polished look or worn as is for a boho vibe. This shirt is breezy and fun for everyday casual wear or can be spruced up for a festival look paired with the right accessories (i.e floral head crowns and boots). Thanks to Willow and Clay for their awesome opportunity to collaborate and Im in love with my new shirt! Links below for the top and similar items.

beachside blouse, boho, bohemian, booties, 60's, mod,

beachside blouse, boho, bohemian, booties, 60's, mod,

beachside blouse, boho, bohemian, booties, 60's, mod,

beachside blouse, boho, bohemian, booties, 60's, mod,

beachside blouse, boho, bohemian, booties, 60's, mod,

beachside blouse, boho, bohemian, booties, 60's, mod,

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Willow & Clay Beachside Blouse

Faux Leather Shorts- Here & Here

Cut out Booties- Here & Here

Peace & Love

Ari

4th of July nails

What better way to spruce up your 4th of July look than by adding a touch of fun to your nails. Below are some fun and easy ways to decorate them for this upcoming weekend.

4th of July nails

 

A simple red, white and blue nail polish can go a long way, all you need is some scotch tape and you can create all sorts of designs with it. Touches of gold, silver and glitter nail polish can also add a festive pop to your look. If painting your own nails isn’t your thing another alternative is nail stickers, they are super easy to apply onto your nails and the best part is there is no need for drying!

The most important part is to have fun with your creations and enjoy the fun filled weekend!

Happy 4th of July Everyone!
-Gwen

Chiquita Banana

What a long over due post from me! After coming back from Puerto Rico my sister Gwen has been putting in so much work and has posted so many amazing things. Keeping with that momentum here is an outfit of … Continue reading

Flower Headband a la’ Lana Del Rey

Fall has only now begun to rear its ugly head here in Sunny Fl but not even a week ago I was still able to enjoy a warm look for my new favorite item ie. this red rose head band. I purchased this on ASOS (still available on the site) and I thought it could go well with my year round summer attire and also be tweaked to go with fall looks since the red would also look great with jewel tones and fun stockings or tights. This rose garland has XL flowers attached to a woven wire band and sits perfectly (even tried it with my curly hair). The only con I could think is that it eventually became a little uncomfortable with long day wear (such as any other headband I suppose) as the woven wire puts slight pressure after a while. This could have been due to my clip in extensions as well (stay tuned for a post on those babies). Overall I received so many compliments/comments and concerns over this look. I felt very Lana Del Rey and effervescent. If I had the funds I would have definitely made my way over to Orlando’s Electric Daisy Carnival (hosted last week) and fit right in with the throngs of hipster chicks in cutoffs and fringe and been a happy unicorn. This maxi skirt and tank top look is great for an event like EDC (or any other musical festival of any kind), causal day outing, or even paired with warmer attire for a completely different take on the roses. Links below. Enjoy!

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ASOS XL Rose HeadBand

Other Floral Option w/Stretch Band

Deeper Red (Similar Style)

Cheaper Forever 21 Pink Version

Single Black Rose Headband