Sale Alert - Asos Mid-Season Sale

With free shipping and returns, you cannot beat Asos's mid-season sale.  I bought the skirt below a few weeks ago.  I ordered on a Monday, and got it on Thursday or Friday!   They have a lot of great maxi skirt options I had to restrain myself from.  Remember what you like or want to hide about your body when choosing the skirt of your choice.  Even though some of the models are super skinny, you can can still see some extra curves due to shapely legs or hips in a tight, unstructured skirt.  They usually try to hide these body bumps with arm and hand placement. 

photo credit: asos.com

Review - Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20

I have to give this product two thumbs up.  It didn't solve all of my discoloration problems, but I am happy with the results.

I used the Even Better moisturizer in the mornings, and did notice an old acne scar fading after 4 weeks.  The 6th week passed on May 14th (almost 2 weeks ago) and I definitely see a difference.  Last year I ran out of some of my tried-and-true skincare products so I had a few very nasty pimples that left lasting marks (imagine this: one didn't go away for a few weeks even after getting a professional facial so I finally squeezed it, and 4 adjacent pores emptied out and it took quite a few minutes to get all of the gunk out) and they are almost gone now.  I also noticed a difference on my overall skintone.  My cheeks are naturally lighter than the rest of my face, which is common with women of color, and today I did notice that there was visibly less of a difference.  This never really bothered me beforehand, so this is a pleasant surprise! 

I will say that I noticed that I  developed a few tiny blemishes here and there, rather than one or two pre-menstruation.  No big deal though - they disappeared quickly.

When I mentioned before that it didn't affect all of my discoloration, I was referring to the area around my mouth.   Immediately next to the side of my mouth it is very light, and then in the smile crease area, it is dark.  So unfortunately, this highlights the hair that grows on my upper lip D=  Realistically, I will probably have to get professional peels and things of that nature to solve that situation because of the skin gathering in that region that causes the shadow...

So I am now wondering when I run out, will I have to repurchase? I am assuming that the blotchiness  won't return, and my night cream (Dr. Eckstein Krauter Supreme)already helps fade acne scars, though it works more slowly compared to Clinique's Even Better day moisturizer.  I apply the cream sparingly, so I barely put a dent in the jar - it damn near looks unused, so I will probably be using this at least through September.  I will continue to use it every morning, but I will be vacationing in a month, so after my skin gets some sun,  I will see if any unevenness comes back.

photo credit: clinique.com

Spring Cleaning - Makeup

I used to be OBSESSSSSSED with makeup - eyeshadows and lipglosses galore.  Earlier this year I started my bedroom on a massive cleanup effort and realized I just liked to buy makeup.  I dumped all but 2 lipglosses, a bunch of palettes I never touched, and a ton of lipsticks I never wore.  I never wear makeup daily, just when I would go out.  Even then, I couldn't recreate the gorgeous and creative looks I had in mind while buying all that makeup! So now I just pared down to the basics and kept some other stuff for fun or if I ever feel like getting into a crazy mood (who am I kidding? lol).

So for a regular night out, here are The Basics:

Uneven skintone:  My skin tone is blotchy and I have dark circles, occasional blemishes, and a few acne scars, but I really don't feel like painting my skin with concealer, foundation, powder, etc., etc.  I've accepted that my face is imperfect, so now I just use a tinted moisturizer.  I've mentioned this before, but I love Youngblood Cosmetic's Mineral Radiance Moisture Tint.

Black eyeliner: This will always be a must for me.  When I first started wearing makeup, it was when I was 12 and it was just liquid eyeliner on my inner rim.  Not exactly a good look, but I learned from my mistakes! I have a few in my arsenal that I use depending on what's sharp or what sort of look I am going for.  I like Urban Decay's 24/7 Eye Pencils, Korres Soft eyeliner, and Guerlain Terracotta Loose Powder Kohl liner.

Black mascara: Like I said on a previous post, right now I am using LashBlast, but will be going back to Korres sometime soon, unless I decide to try another brand.

Lips: When the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars hit the Youtube gurus I was instantly smitten. I bought Tarred (black), NSFW (red), Pageant (bright pink), and Safety Orange.  This was back when they only had a few colors! I never really used them but recently found a combination that looks great on me: I mixed NSFW and Pageant (more red than pink) and added a drop of Tarred.  It created a gorgeous purple.  On a side note, I made the tragic mistake of buying a new blackberry without a flash (I thought a flash was standard, guess not) so I can't really snap any good pictures.

I mix the colors on a paper towel with a lip brush, paint on, blot a few times, apply again and blot again.  They will not stick if you just smear it on and go.



Eyebrows: My eyebrows disappear in photos if I don't fill them in, plus I think that it brings more character to my face when I'm trying to look good, lol.  I use the tools from the NYX eyebrow palette (small, stiff angled brush and a spooly) by touching the brush to black, grey, and dark brown eyeshadows. I actually started using the shadows instead of the eyebrow palette because, like the rest of NYX's products, the packaging broke.  The site says they are using new/different packaging but I would take that with a grain of salt.

photos lifted from: ybskin.com, urbandecay.com, korresusa.com, sephora.com, occmakeup.com, and nyxcosmetics.com

What to Wear with Cropped Pants (Under $200)

Above-the-ankle pants will be pretty hot until about next year, and we can probably expect to see them most with ballet flats and a fitted tee - a very classic look that is very commonly associated with Audrey Hepburn.  But I would like to see a different look that is a little more unexpected.  Suede lace-up shoes will toughen up the look, while the drapey-ness of a jersey top will make the look more feminine, relaxed, and sexy.

Shoes:

Clark's Desert Boot (men's sizes, $100):

Rachel Rachel Roy Lenice ($120):

DV Dolce Vita Pascal ($88):

J.Crew MacAlister ($198):

Tops:

Rachel Rachel Roy  Maggie ($49):

Rachel Rachel Roy Twisted Shoulder Top ($43.99):

TopShop Orange Seventies Stripe Tee ($32):

TopShop Grey Marl Baseball Tee ($50):

Reiss Holly ($115):

Reiss Bluebell (also pictured above, $135):

Mossimo Drapey Tee ($14.99):

photos lifted from: reiss.co.uk, zappos.com, rachelroy.com, shopdolcevita.com, jcrew.com, topshop.com, and target.com

Platforms for Summer (Under $200)

I have my eye on a few pairs of shoes for summer.  For best in show this season, Nine West is the big winner in my opinion.

Colorblock: This style seems to be very popular - the style from Asos is sold out, but I hope it will come back in stock...

Asos Haven ($170.34):

Nine West Stylin ($89):

Espadrilles: My favorite category! If I only get one pair of shoes this year, I would choose Braxton, I love them! I can't wait to buy them and wear them.  I also really love Illy - can't you just imagine a young Marilyn Monroe wearing them?

Nine West Braxton ($99):

Nine West Illy ($140):

Nine West Keenster ($89):

Nine West Nacia ($89):

Rachel Rachel Roy Shiori ($139):

The sexy/tough super-platform: You will be able to touch the sky wearing these heels! I am normally not a fan of mules or peep-toes, but I really love the pair offered by Rachel Rachel Roy.

Rachel Rachel Roy Fenwick ($149):

TopShop Pristine ($195):

Frye Tamara, ($198):

photos lifted from asos.com, ninewest.com, rachelroy.com, topshop.com, and stores.thefrycompany.com

A Post Script on Red Hair

Here is a  hair color care link from a professional:

Antonio Gonzales

I think this has the bulk tips to prevent the fading of hair color, other tips include using lukewarm/cool water to wash your hair, rinsing your hair with bottled water, shampooing less frequently than normal, and mixing a semi-permanent color with your regular conditioner. 

Red Hair Color Maintenance

This weekend I watched Gilda for the millionth time, and while admiring Rita Hayworth as always (although the film is in black-and-white), I remembered that my dyed-red hair was looking pretty brown.  It's been 4 weeks since my last hair color appointment, so yesterday I refreshed my hair color with a cellophane, Stoken Gold in "Canela" (Spanish for "cinnamon").  This is a popular color on Round Brush's site (which specialized in products typically used in Dominican salons), so it is out of stock quite often.  I've only tried this color because my hair is a dark red, and I didn't want it to come out looking like Raggedy Ann's hair. 

Sebastian Cellophanes is probably the most well-recognized brand of cellophanes (which isn't really a big market, I can barely find more brands after searching on google). I have never used them, but  I saw them for sale on amazon.com, but there were no color descriptions.   I lucked out with google and found the descriptions on Ball Beauty, so if I ever purchase, I will probably go with "Red Red."  Here is the description:

Red Red is a deeply real red - nothing is more intense than the spicy shade of this femme fatale shade. Reminiscent of a glamorous, bygone era, this is the red that signals seduction. Depending on the actual shade, reds can intensify their ruby intrigue: darker red can obtain deeper tones: lighter reds can achieve a brighter shade. Golden girls can opt for a true burnished copper. 

The other shades of red that are available are "Hot Red" "Gold Red" and "Red Brunette."  Red hair color requires a lot of maintenance because it fades quickly and the more vibrant, the better.

Stoken Gold is $20 and is about 16 fl. ounces, and the Sebastian Laminates is $25-45 and contains 10.2 fl. ounces of product.  I am on my 2nd bottle of Stoken Gold, and will most likely repurchase.  But if it isn't in stock at Round Brush,  I will give Sebastian a try.  If it lasts longer than Stoken Gold, then it will be worth buying again.

Bill Cunningham New York - mini review

"Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of every day life! I don't think you can do away with it; it would be like doing away with civilization"

I have loved Bill Cunningham's narrated "On The Street" feature for a quite a while now.  I watch it every Sunday while eating breakfast.  He is a witty human encyclopedia of fashion and it is simply marvelous to listen to while hearing what he sees going on in real life.  The point of "On The Street"is to document what he sees going on in fashion and encourages the reader/listener to "have fun with it" - a great thing to think about every morning before facing the day.

I went to see "Bill Cunningham New York" this weekend with my boyfriend (who is not into fashion) and we both really enjoyed the film and loved Bill.  He seems very sweet, grounded, honest, and happy.  He is a man who loves his job as a documentarian and stays true to his values .  I think he is very admirable and I wish I could have such incredible insight on a subject that I love.

It was also very nice to see how he was treated among the fashion heavyweights - with total respect.  Going into what looked like a runway show, Anna Wintour only stopped for Bill to pose for a picture.  While he was patiently waiting to be let in to a show, another man rushed forward to the girl holding the clipboard  to let Bill in because he was "the most important person in the world."

Great movie.  The playlist for "On The Street" can be found on nytimes.com.

A New (to me) Favorite Blog

Into The Gloss is my new favorite beauty blog! I have always been taken with beauty stashes, medicine closets, and the backstage photos of runway shows.  It is always a puzzle to find out what really works.  Beauty editors, makeup artists, and models probably test hundreds of new products every year.  Which make the cut in everyday life?  This blog has DETAILS about the favorite products and techniques  of the beauty experts and enthusiasts of the world.

In the "Top Shelf" category, Into the Gloss provides in-depth first-person peeks into the bathrooms of some of these ladies.  My favorite raid was that of  Eva Chen, the beauty director of Teen Vogue.  She gave a very enthusiastic and funny account of her love of trying new beauty products and services and what she swears by.  The great thing about beauty junkies is how pleasant and open they seem to be!  On the flip side, a few of the women were unhelpful or too pretentious, not really reflecting Eva's enthusiasm about beauty being accessible to all.  But the majority have been GREAT!

The Top Shelf is my favorite category, but the whole blog is a total wealth of information.  Love it!


The picture above is of part  of my hair product stash (yeah, all of my bottles can't fit in that basket!), which is not as glamourous as what can be seen on the blog =)

Mini Reviews - The Bads

Covergirl Lash Blast  Volume - After hearing so many raves about Lash Blast, I bought this after my beloved Korres ProVitamin B5 & Rice Bran mascara kicked the bucket.  My lashes looked good, but it was nothing spectacular.  It also flaked like crazy and smelled like an awful chemical mess! I think Korres spoiled me for life...

Scotch Naturals WaterColors Nail Polish - Fantastic colors, but the formula sucks.  The colors I bought were: Flying Scotsman, a gorgeous almost-black blue, Hot Toddy, a dark true brown, and Ceasefire, a color in between pea green and army green.  My problems are that the colors separate in the bottle, it chips easily, and the paint is watery and bubbly.  The formula is water-based so this is probably why.  All that being said, they are wearable, though I would not recommend using the instructions given.  The card that came with my package said that I could use the colors with no base or top coat, after moisturizing the nails with jojoba oil and washing my hands.  Yeah... my nails looked great up until I showered the following morning! Please use a top coat and base coat like you do with other nail polishes.

Kate Somerville Clearing Mask - I don't think that this is anything special.  It doesn't do anything bad, but I can't say it is better at handling my skin issues than the masks from Dr. Eckstein or Dr. Hauschka.


photos lifted from drugstore.com, scotchnaturals.com, and spacenk.com

Mini Reviews - The Goods

Davines  Lovely Smoothing Conditioner -This stuff is amazing.  I bought it after reading about it on Antonio Golzales's blog, and I have to say that this is the best conditioner I have ever used on my thick kinky/curly/wavy/frizzy hair! It definitely tops my two former favorites, Karen's Body Beautiful Luscious Locks and Massato Treatment with Camellia.  Oh, and it's cheaper too!  I may have to try their Lovely Curl Enhancing Conditioner next =)Warning: this does contain silicones.

Alba Botanica Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask- If you are allergic to papayas, pineapples, or fresh fruit, this may not work for you.  This gently loosens up and dissolves some skin and makes my face feel very nice! Exfoliators are not only good for making your skin feel smooth, but for making the application of your cherished lotions and potions more effective.  And for a bonus, this stuff smells soooo good.  This is more intensive than their Papaya Enzyme Facial Scrub, which didn't do anything for me.  A warning: Sometimes I get sloppy with application and end up with a bit at the area where my earlobe meets my head and it gets SUPER irritated.

In Fiore Lustra - First, the aroma of this cleanser is absolutely divine.  Second, it is bloody expensive.  I got the mini size, and it is about 2/3 full after using it about 5 times.  If I had money, I would buy the full size! Yes, I am a believer.  Makes my skin feel soft and look radiant. The directions say to apply it to a dry face, but that was too much trouble for me - particles go everywhere except for my face!  I scooped out a bit with dry fingers (the company advises to not expose this product to constant moisture, so I was trying to be extra careful), put it in the palm of my hand, then wet my fingers and applied it to my damp face, and massaged it around for 1-2 minutes.

Youngblood Mineral Radiance Moisture Tint - Generally speaking, I HATE foundation.  I have bought several kinds of foundation in the past because my skin tone is uneven, but I hardly ever wear it because it doesn't feel good on the skin, it usually doesn't match my skin exactly, and it's a lot of work to use.  Last year when I went to NYC, I was wrangled in to the Youngblood cosmetic counter at Henri Bendel by a very good saleswoman/makeup artist and after she used this tinted moisturizer (in the shade Warm and I would say that my skin tone is comparable to Tracee Ellis Ross), I had to have it because my skin looked like it was glowing.  Because it is a tinted moisturizer it doesn't cover up all imperfections, but it is easy to use, it doesn't cause skin problems, and  I don't walk around with greyish winter skin!

photos lifted from amazon.com, albabotanica.com, beautyhabit.com, and ybskin.com

Tights for NYE

If you already have plans for  NYE, time to start getting an outfit together.  Every fall and winter I get some new tights and I love the selection offered from British e-tailers.  I am a repeat customer at Mytights.com and I just bought some from ASOS.com last week.  They take a while to ship and clear customs and so forth, so if you are outside of the UK and need some unique tights to wear under a short skirt or dess, ORDER THEM NOW.  Be sure to check if the tights you want are in stock.

Get 20% off your purchase at ASOS with the code:

pswlovesasos

I am not sure when it expires...

HOLD-UP
If you want a solid over-the-knee look, I have and love Transparenze's Jennifer hold-ups.  They are made from wool blend so they will keep your legs warmer than nylon.  Another reason I love them is that they are comfortable, because despite my small-to-medium frame, I have a lot of weight on my thighs.  These fit! $28:

Another warm option are these ribbed angora socks from ASOS. $17:

Henry Holland designed these faux suspender tights. $28:

Another faux hold-up look featuring lace. $14:

BACK SEAM


Classic and sexy.  These were apart of my order. On sale for $7.76.

I am nuts about these hearts as a back seam.  Of course I had to order them.  You don't have to stop at a straight seem when ordering something for a sexy effect.  The gradual increase in heart size makes the eye wander...$10

Looking for some plus-sized back seams? ASOS has you covered! $14

SPARKLE

Love these Pamela Mann black tights with gold studs! $14:

Shimmery tights in 3 size an 4 color options from Jonathan Aston. $16:

SPOTTED

"Champagne Bubble" tights - how fitting for the night! $32:

A classic look with small dots.  $20:

Hearts disguised as small dots! $9

If you are looking for US-based e-tailers, check out Nordstrom, Target, sock-dreams.com (they have a lot of unique looks for great prices!), and barenecessities.com.

photos lifted from mytights.com and asos.com