As much as I love attending music festivals, there are a few things that I believe could make my experience much more pleasant. Sure, the festivals I go to have porter potties stationed throughout the area, but if it were to me – I would choose a regular restroom. Unfortunately, that decision isn’t up to me so Urban Outfitters is now selling a little package called “Festival Essentials” that will include everything you need to keep things sanitary for your weekend out. The package includes an air freshener, two lip balms, toilet seat covers, tissues, wet wipes, and face wipes. I think this is a genius idea and just perfect for any music festival.
How Did I Find It?: I wasn’t technically wearing real makeup until I got to high school, but this was the first product I bought on my own. By then, I was a sophomore in high school, 15 years old and attending my first semi-formal dance. Not knowing any better and wanting to be like every one else, I called into a department store and scheduled an appointment for whatever counter would have me. MAC, Chanel, Benefit, Dior – I didn’t know the difference then. I landed at MAC and after loving the shimmery glow left on my face, (I thought I looked sun-kissed, but in photographs, it looked like the sun had taken a big ‘ol dump on my face. I was an oompa loompa w/o the artificial tanning) I purchased the bronzer. It is safe to say that I now have some self control when using it and can use it in moderation. It wasn’t until recently that I learned that using bronzer was not all that appropriate for the fall/winter and more for summer, but for six years I completely ignored that fact. Do what you want – as long as it looks okay. Godspeed.
How Did I Find It?: I believe I decided on my own that I wanted to try this product after reading recommendations for it in a few magazines. There was a period of time though, however, when I also used Dior ‘Diorshow’ Mascara. Both are great. One is a little bit more expensive than the other, but it’s been tricky for me. I guess I’m not exactly ever sure what I am looking for in a mascara. For one, it should do what it says – make my eyelashes appear longer and it shouldn’t be clumpy. At the same time, both brands get rave reviews so now I’d like to ask you guys what kind you use and what you could recommend to me.
How Did I Find It?: This product was recommended to me by my mother! She’s got great taste when it comes to beauty products slash I am always willing to try them through her first because that means I don’t have to buy it myself. Sorry mom! In my routine, this is the second kind of eyeliner that I use. The first one as previously mentioned before is a Stila one that I use in emerald for my lower waterline while this one is a black liquid eyeliner used only for my top. What I love about this eyeliner the most – aside from it being inexpensive – is that it dries so quickly after application. The biggest problem that I have run into in the past w/ previous eyeliners is getting that excess eyeliner stamped on my eyelids or leaving a noticeable mark after using it. With this, I don’t have to worry about that…unless I’m crying or my eyes get wet for whatever reason.
I know it’s a little strange for me to be using two different types and colors of eyeliner on my eyes, but it’s whatever. It is what it is. I mean I think with beauty routines, you get so comfortable in what you’re using that there isn’t much of a need to change that.
“Less is more,” my mother always said to me. It has taken me nearly 21 years to fully grasp the meaning behind that. Through high school and in my scene phase she watched me from behind my mirror as I doubled – sometimes even triple lined my liquid eyeliner and as she watched me with concern, I always sort of brushed it off. Ugh teenagers, right? While I am glad that I have since moved on from that stage in my life, I do believe in experimenting with different beauty and makeup products.
Now, I am no where near to being a pro when it comes to the products I use, but through following in my mother’s footsteps, I have learned a lot about what I am comfortable with and what I need to toss out. First things first – samples ARE your best friend. Every time you have a chance to grab a sample, take it. It’s the best way to test drive a product without emptying your entire wallet.
My routine in the morning is probably the most disorganized part of my day and it is always confusing to some people because I use an array of products that were purchased both at drug stores and at department stores. This past weekend, I made what I like to call an investment purchase on two products from the Chanel counter. The Chanel compact is a product that I have been using for at least four years and was a product that I was introduced to after getting my makeup done at their counter for my senior homecoming dance. What I love most about this compact is how easy it is to apply and how natural it looks against my skin tone. Since I’ve been using it as my main foundation for years, I have never really considered branching out to any other kind. The Chanel foundation brush is new to my makeup family and was recommended to me this past weekend from the person that sold me my usual foundation. Remember when I said I was no pro? Well, for as long as I have known, I had been applying my same foundation with a brush that was once given to me in a sample that may or may not have been designated for just powder. Out of sheer laziness, I never thought to change that. However, the compact is a product that I value and if I have the opportunity to make it last a lot longer, why wouldn’t I choose that? I had to have it. I didn’t intend on buying it on my visit, but that day – Minus the Bear was playing throughout Nordstrom as I was sitting in that chair – and that was just the sign I needed. No, I realized that if I didn’t buy it then, I would probably forget about it and continue to ruin my skin with the wrong brush.
I was recently inspired to write this post after reading one of my favorite blogs, The Formula, and following their series “You Are A Babe.” The series features women in the fashion industry revealing some of their best kept beauty secrets and product recommendations. I would love to continue discussing some of the products I use, but would love to hear your feedback on whether or not this is of interest to you. Please share your response with me by participating in the quick poll below!
- The nominees for the 2012 Bloglovin’ Awards have been revealed. [Source]
- Alexa Chung will take on the role as creative director for Superga’s next campaign. [Source]
- Celine will not be showing at Fashion Week this year because Phoebe Philo is taking time off for her pregnancy. [Source]
- Victoria’s Secret is launching their new high-end lingerie line, “The Victoria’s Secret Designer Collection.” Some pieces were even featured in last year’s fashion show. [Source]
- Karl Lagerfeld’s capsule collection will debut tomorrow on Net-A-Porter. [Source]
Music
- Prefix reveals their list of 100 Most Anticipated Albums for 2012! [Source]
- Katy Perry has launched a line of false eyelashes. [Source]
- iHeartRadio has chosen 14 colleges to represent their sponsored stations. Seattle is not on the list. [Source]
- 2012 exhibits at the EMP will include AC/DC and Jimi Hendrix. [Source]
Television
- Jimmy Fallon is caught in a strange lawsuit involving female domination on his set. [Source]
- Summer Glau will join the cast of Grey’s Anatomy. [Source]
- ABC has ordered a pilot to reboot Beauty and the Beast. [Source]
Seattle
- 2011 Sound Off! winners Tomten has just been signed to Flat Field Records. [Source]
- Everyone can breathe easy now – Everyday Music will be moving across the street in March where the Diamond Parking Service Garage currently lives. [Source]
- Sea-Tac Airport is partnering with PlayNetwork and the Seattle Music Commission to bring travelers in-terminal music. [Source]
Others
- If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon for Facebook’s new Timeline format, you better act soon or else Facebook will do it FOR you. [Source]
- Demi Lovato has checked into rehab once again reportedly for addictions to alcohol, drugs, and cocaine use. Get well soon Demi :( [Source]
- Demi Moore has also been rushed to the hospital earlier today for substance abuse. [Source]
-The Kids Are All Right actress Mia Wasikowska is the new face of Miu Miu and featured in their latest campaign. [Source]
- Paul & Joe’s new beauty campaign is all about cats! [Source]
- Whitney Port will have her first runway show at New York Fashion Week. [Source]
-Viva Model Management has signed Lykke Li. [Source]
- Kristen Stewart is the new face for Balenciaga Fragrance. [Source]
Music
-Lana Del Rey covers Billboard. Have you heard of her yet? Dis girl be blowing up! [Source]
-Tavi gets even more cooler; featured in a Wilco music video. [Source]
-Lil Wayne will publish a memoir about his days in prison. [Source]
- Katy Perry’s parents try to play matchmaker and want to set her up with Tim Tebow. [Source]
- WELP! Coachella sold out in three hours for both weekends. [Source]
- The Sasquatch lineup will be revealed Feb. 2nd and City Arts Fest 2012 will be Oct. 18-20th, 2012. [1 and 2]
Movies
- Emma Roberts has pulled out of Spring Breakers due to a conflict in creative differences. The movies stars Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez, and James Franco. [Source]
Television
- Kim Kardashian will host Live With Kelly! on Jan. 23rd. [Source]
- MTV’s Teen Mom 2 star Leah Messer is expecting twins again. [Source] Oh what’s up Kate Gosslin 2.0
- Zooey Deschanel and Channing Tatum will host Saturday Night Live. [Source]
-ABC’s “Work It” about two men cross dressing to find work was cancelled after two episodes. [Source]
Seattle
photo cred. | Seattle Times
- Congratulations to former Coffee Haus performers Champagne Champagne! The hip-hop trio will open for Wu-Tang Clan on their Seattle date. [Source]
- Philadelphia is the most depressing city to live in, and unfortunately, Seattle is in the top 5. [Source]
- Homegrown’s Turkey + Bacon + Avocado Sandwich is their best selling sandwich for 33 months! [Source] This is actually my favorite and I can vouch for it. If you haven’t tried it yet, you must!
Other
- Michelle Obama is officially on Twitter. [Source]
- Nevermind Sinhead ‘O Connor ends marriage again. [Source]
- The dessert for the Golden Globes will have gold flakes dusted on top of it! [Source]
I’m kind of loving their holiday videos. It’s a cute way for people to get to know the Angels better whereas in the past, I really had no clue at all unless I took my questions to Wikipedia.
Pink highlights or honey blonde, this look works for Katy Perry! I love that she has since toned it down in her hair, makeup and outfits at appearances. Less is most definitely more in this case. This lovely bob is such a great look for her that for a second I debated getting the same hair style. What do you guys think? Do you prefer this simple look or her outlandish ways?
- Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are covering Vogue’s second annual best dressed issue. The issue highlights the best in fashionable sisters including the Olsen twins, Kate and Pippa Middleton, Dakota and Elle Fanning and many more. [Source]
- Dakota Fanning’s ad for Marc Jacobs’ “Oh Lola” fragrance has been banned for being too sexual. [Source]
- In Chloe Sevigny’s recent cover shoot for Candy Magazine photographed by Terry Richardson, the two of them collaborated in…another way. [Source] Must be weird for Terry to make out with someone that completely looks like him.
“There are a lot of pop stars making fashion collections – Kylie and J.Lo, Puff Daddy and Kanye West…Maybe next season, [Domenico Dolce and I] should sing a song.” – Stefano Gabbana
- The lovely and talented Dia Frampton will be releasing her first debut album on December 6th. [Source]
- To celebrate Christmas at the Rockefeller Center, Tony Bennett, Justin Bieber, Michael Bublé, Cee Lo Green, Faith Hill, Carole King, Katharine McPhee, Javier Colon and The Radio City Rockettes will be performing for the live broadcast. [Source]
- Justin Bieber is definitely taking the paternity test in two weeks and Maury is trying to recruit him to be on his show when he reveals the results. [Source] I would love to hear Maury announce, “YOU ARE NOT THE FATHER!” or vice versa.
- An acoustic performance by Fun of “We Are Young” featuring Janelle Monae. [Source]
- EMI Music has been sold to Universal for $1.9 Billion. Sony bought out EMI Music Publishing for $2.2 Billion. [Source]
- Taylor Momsen’s band, The Pretty Reckless, will support Guns ‘N Roses on tour. [Source]
Television
- Showtime has renewed Weeds for an eighth season. [Source] I can’t believe this show isn’t over yet.
- Billy Crystal will be hosting the Oscars this year replacing Eddie Murphy. [Source]
- Lifetime TV is planning a new reality series called “Starving Secrets” to highlight the effects of having an eating disorder. [Source]
Movies
- Breaking Dawn fans are camping out for the premiere of the movie in Los Angeles. [Source] Wow, that doesn’t sound like fun at all.
Seattle
- The Chihuly Gardenand Glass Exhibit will open next spring at the Seattle Center and will be the world’s largest Chihuly exhibit to ever exist. [Source] Above is a photograph of our Chihuly sculpture on campus in Pigott.
- Cupcake Royale has made Breaking Dawn cupcakes to celebrate the release. [Source]
- Meet Seattle’s most influential people of 2011. [Source]
- Seattle made the list for being the 8th shopaholic city. [Source]
Other
- These are the worst action figures of Kate and Pippa Middleton I have ever seen. [Source]
- Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves are finally following in the footsteps of their previous characters and are dating! [Source]
- 25- year old Kyla Pratt (One-on-One, Proud Family) has a one-year old daughter. [Source]
- Ex-pornstar, Sasha Grey, read children’s book to elementary students yesterday and parents were not enthused. [Source]
- A 10-year old girl from Mexico gave birth to a baby boy in a 31-week pregnancy. [Source] OH MY GOD.
- A straight rugby player suffers a stroke and goes into a coma – wakes up gay and fabulous! [Source]
I’m not the most skilled when it comes to makeup, but I’ve got my favorites. I’ve got a wide range of products such as my Covergirl lash blast mascara found at the drugstore to my Chanel compact purchased at department stores. Oh yeah – I also like my freebies too – you know the little samples you get when you purchase a “gift.” Just kidding – that totally just ruined the definition of free, but you know what I mean. Karl Lagerfeld will be collaborating with Sephora to release his new line of beauty products out next week yesterday and Fashionista had the first look! How adorable is this eyeshadow palette in the shape of Karl’s silhouette?
I’d also like to own this Karl Lagerfeld doll that has no beauty product power whatsoever.
- Former Quadstock performer, Dan Deacon, has signed to indie label Domino. [Source]
Television
- What the series finale of Greek could have looked like with this alternate ending. [Source]
- Lady Gaga will sit down w/ Katie Couric for a holiday special called, “A Very Gaga Thanksgiving.” [Source]
- FOX has decided to renew The X Factor for a second season. [Source]
- 60 Minutes’ Andy Rooney passed away last night at age 92. [Source]
Movies
- Is “Project X” our modern day “Can’t Hardly Wait?” Ehhh probably not.
Seattle
- Could a “Bruce Lee Action Museum” be moving into the International District sometime soon? [Source]
- EMP’s Sound Off! entry deadline is Monday! [Source]
- Is anyone else aware of how many restaurants are popping up in Seattle recently? There’s way too many to count for me to post about all of them so just check out Seattle Met’s Nosh Pit blog for everything that you need and more.
- Seattle rock group, Visqueen, will be playing their last show ever on Saturday, Nov. 26 at the Neptune Theater. [Source]
- The New York Daily News decided to place a media ban on The Kardashians. [Source] I’ve only had to do that for Heidi and Spencer and Jon and Kate, but I adore the Kardashians too much.
- On a related note – Kendall Jenner is getting a Sweet Sixteen special on E! Not shocked. Still excited. [Source]