Thursday Beauty PSA - Fast Fresh Face

Because on Wednesday I couldn't get out of bed in the morning.

If you read my blog, you should already know the following things about me:
- I love beauty products
- I often choose lazy over everything

Putting on one's "face" seems like the anti-lazy person's ideal, but let me tell you that there really are some simple and easy steps to look instantly pulled together, even on a tight schedule.

You know the scenario: the idea of sleeping for just 30 more minutes sounds way more enjoyable than showing up to work with curled hair and perfected eye makeup. In situations like these, I rely heavily on the following:

- Pssst Dry Shampoo. I have touched on this product in a previous post, and whichever brand you favor, dry shampoo is a lifesaver for me. A few spritzes and I instantly feel better. After almost 30 years of hiding unwashed hair, I no longer fear oversleeping. I now clearly embrace it.

- Conair's Bun Maker. As someone with fine hair and not a ton of it, most of my attempts at buns just seem sad and small so I have NO shame when it comes to using a little filler. There are a lot of products out there (Hot Buns anyone?), but the Conair Bun Maker is easily purchased at any drugstore, Target, Ulta, etc. Not to mention that a Bun Maker bun looks much more "done" and fools coworkers into thinking you tried harder than you did. Trust me on this one.

The Hair Necessities

- Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in Nude. There's a not-so-secret-beauty-trick that lining your waterline with white eyeliner gives the appearance of being more awake, but I recently learned that the same can be achieved with nude eyeliner, and in a far less dramatic way. Every time I would rim my lids with my NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk, it just felt...scary and unnatural. But when I read about the Rimmel eyeliner, I realized there was a far more natural way to get that doll-eye look. I tend to pair mine with a simple winged cat-eye, but if you are more pressed for time, I recommend Maybelline Color Tattoo in Tough as Taupe for a no-primer-needed, gorgeous wash of color.

- Bright blush: I don't really have a "go-to" blush, but these days I reach most often for Maybelline's Master Glaze Blush Stick in Pink Fever. A few swipes in a pop of pink instantly adds life and energy to your face.

- Highlighting powder. Now, this is a new one for me. I didn't own a highlighting powder until last week but since purchasing one I've been using it every day. I do have a free sample of Benefit's Watt's Up and am definitely a fan, but when I stumbled upon Maybelline's Master Hi-Light Powdered Blush (can you see I have a thing for Maybelline these days?) in Nude (Permanent) and Natural (LE), I was wooed by their shimmer and color (and the reviews online weren't bad either!). Brush a bit of this shimmery goodness over your cheekbones and temples (hell go for the nose and cupids-bow if you are so inclined) to get that "oh-so-rested" glow.

3 Products is all it takes!

- Pink Lips. A matte, creme, or even glossy light pink lip is my first choice for a fresh face. Yesterday morning I chose Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate in 17 because it's a soft, creamy, neutral pink. I tend to prefer something light and easy to keep anyone from catching on to the fact that I haven't showered in over 24 hours...

On Wednesdays we wear pink. Check out the pocket mirror that I bought in '99!

So next time you see me in the office sporting the above products/makeup look/hair, you may want to steer clear. Just kidding guys, I don't smell.

Right?!

Insta Gratification

As strange as it may seem, it took me quite awhile for me to adapt to a world with Instagram. While most of my friends had begun scrolling and snapping fiendishly, I hadn't even opened up the app.

To be perfectly honest, I have never been great at taking pictures, even with the convenience of a smartphone. This is clearly evidenced by my meager number of postings, and a small crew of followers. Nevertheless, I am trying to become a better blogger by being more engaged with this whole social media thing, so check out some recent pics and follow me @Gift4Style!

Purple is the New Everything

Because apparently I can't stop buying and posting about lipstick these days, I am here to tell you that purple is IT.

Forget the red, orange, and neon pink, I cannot get enough of a bold violet, lavender, or eggplant lip. Maybe it's the weather, maybe it's Lorde, but this winter I went on a serious purple lipstick binge. Four new tubes later, I think that maybe--just maybe--the craving is finally satiated. You be the judge: 

My attempt at Instagram artistry

L to R: Nars Full Frontal, MAC Flat Out Fabulous, Lancome Rouge in Love Violette Coquette, MAC Heroine

While Nars "Full Frontal" is Limited Edition, you can purchase the other 3 colors here:
- MAC "Flat Out Fabulous"
- Lancome Rouge in Love "Violette Coquette"
- MAC "Heroine"

Also, I may have changed my mind since I started this post and am now seriously considering adding MAC's "Up The Amp" to my collection. What?! A lot can change in just a few paragraphs!

But don't just take my word for it, Buzzfeed also understands the relevance of this daring lip trend. I mean, purple is the color of royalty, so, you know, it totally rules.

Well I'll Be Damned.

As it has already been established that I have an addiction to lip products, it is safe to assume that if there is a lipstick I want, I will do everything in my power to ensure that I get my grubby manicured little hands on it.

Case in point: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "Damned."

The color has been around for years, but due to much internet publicity in the past few months (I mean, the deep matte magenta screams "Fall!"), it became nearly - if not completely - impossible to procure. After going into every Sephora I could (yes, even the one at 99th Street and Columbus Avenue), stalking every department store website, and checking in on Nars.com; Sephora.com finally notified me that it was back in stock, so obviously, I ordered it on the spot.

And here she is, in all her glory.

And dammit, she's perfect.

Metallic Mani Monday

(Yes I know it's Tuesday but I painted my nails last night, so the title totally counts.)

The Polish Possibilities

While I do not know how it was determined that New Year's Eve was the most appropriate time to break out all the glittery and sparkly items in our wardrobe and cosmetics case, since it's pretty much the only thing I like about the holiday, I definitely take advantage in as many ways possible. From my outfit to my makeup and down to my fingertips, I make sure to be decked out in head to toe sparkle.

My first Guess purchase in over 15 years (and on sale!)

After weighing my gilded options (and holding each polish up to my sequined party dress of course), I decided upon Essie's "Hors D'Oeuvres" from the Holiday 2013 collection. I am loving this polish right now 

Holy Shine, Batman!

If you happen to be struggling with what to do for your own NYE manicure, Vogue.com has a slideshow of perfect polish pairings for your predicament. 

Here's wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and glamorous 2014!

A Right to Choos...and Blahniks, Louboutins, Zanottis...

While it is easy to take issue with many of the story lines in "Sex and the City," and I would never utter the words "I'm totally a Carrie," I can't say there haven't been a few quotes that resonated with me. 

Truth be told, Carrie Bradshaw and I do share some superficial commonalities. I happen to live on the same block her address claims she resided (since we all know that brownstone is actually in the West Village), I daydream about being a writer (different topics of course), and my little Upper East Side rent stabilized studio comes with an over-sized closet stuffed to the brim with shoes. So it won't come as a surprise that the message in Season 6's "A Woman's Right to Shoes" hit a little close to home. 

At the end of the episode, Carrie explains that "The fact is, sometimes it’s really hard to walk in a single woman’s shoes. That’s why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun.” 

And because this isn't a dating blog, I will not go into detail about the trials and tribulations of being single in New York City; but it is certainly no secret that I could write an entire book based solely on those experiences. It will suffice to say that Carrie Bradshaw got it right, sometimes an exceptional pair of shoes is just what a single girl needs to put a little extra spring in her step. 

Luckily for me, I was able to combine my patience for a sale and my work discount to snag the perfect pick me up. 

My lovely leopard cobalt creatures

Peek-A-Blue

As the New Year approaches, I have the satisfaction of knowing that whatever 2014 holds, I will be hitting the mean streets of Manhattan in some fierce and fabulous footwear.

A Crème de Rose by Any Other Name

When it comes to lip products (okay, and nail polish), I hoard. Hoard, perhaps, is even a bit of an understatement. Let's just put it this way, I own a lot of lipstick, lipgloss, and lip balm. More than a person would need in a lifetime. I know, I know, trust me. You don't have to say it.

Nevertheless, despite a never-ending supply of color and moisturizer, I am always tempted by a product that offers just a slight variation on a red, or a smoother touch to my dry winter lips. So when I read about Dior's Crème de Rose balm on Runway Hippie, I knew I had to try it, especially knowing I had a discount cosmetic event coming up though work (ah, the perks of working for a department store).

Dior Crème de Rose, front and center

So, a few too many dollars later, I am here to tell you that it was worth it, maybe even at full price. I am usually a Palmer's Cocoa Butter advocate (still am), but for the high end set, this balm is so smooth and rich and, I mean, it smells like roses. Now that's sweet.