We all know about my Gwen Stefani obsession so, naturally, when I watched No Doubt’s brand new video for their first single “Settle Down,” I was like PAUSE. WHAT lipgloss is she using? Gwennie is a spokesperson for L’Oreal so after doing some digging, I discovered that she’s using L’Oreal Infallable 8 HR Le Gloss in “Red Fatale.”
It’s been 11 LONG years since No Doubt’s last album and I’m super pumped for the release of “Push and Shove” on September 25th and, of course, for the tour. Duh.
Ever since I moved to LA, I’ve been obsessed with the famous Chateau Marmont. This week, I decided to dedicate The Monday Rundown to the iconic LA hotspot where so many amazing moments have happened…to Hollywood and us “regular” people. As 1930s producer Harry Cohn said, “if you must get in trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont.”
Chateau Marmont Signature Candle: There’s something very homey about Chateau so, naturally, I wasn’t surprised when I discovered their signature candle.
Cade Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc: I’m a big white fan, in general, but there’s something about the wine they serve at Chateau…it’s just chic.
Everyone has them…they’re your dark little beauty secrets that you don’t share with anyone. There are certain things that a woman has to stick to, even when society (or a highly acclaimed stylist/makeup artist) tells you differently, and guys, I’ve somehow convinced some of the top beauty and style bloggers to share their dark secrets right here on my blog.
As for me? Well, I absolutely REFUSE to bleach my eyebrows or use an eyelash curler…oh, and I wear makeup to the gym. Yeah, I said it. Let’s start with eyebrow bleaching. I’m not a natural blonde (and it is NO SECRET) but, for some reason, certain colorists become obsessed with trying to convince me that my brows need to match my hair color. NO, just no. Back in my formative blonde years, I let myself get convinced once or twice and every time, you know what I got? Orange eyebrows. So now, whenever some celeb colorist tried to change my mind I just simply ask “have you ever heard of a little rock star/fashion icon named Gwen Stefani? Thank you and, yes, I’ll take another glass of champagne.” Eyelash curlers – I consider them modern day torture devices. I always thought that I just didn’t really know how to use one or the one I had wasn’t good quality — NO. I bought the Shu Uemura version that everyone raves about and you know…I still hate curling my eyelashes. Granted, I am blessed with naturally long, dark lashes (poor me, I know) so perhaps I would deem it necessary to curl them if I was in a different sitch BUT, for now, I’m down on eyelash curling. Lastly, I look my derm straight in the face when I tell him that I wear makeup to the gym. Countless derms and beauty editors will tell you not to do it. “It will clog your pores!” “You will break out!” Well you know what? I have rosacea and post-acne marks (aka hyperpigmentation) and there are hot dudes at the gym. So what if I wear a little mineral foundation or a tiny bit of tinted moisturizer (with SPF!)? Last night’s eyeliner is only included by default, mind you. In the famous words of Deena from Jersey Shore, “Get off me.”
I have a million cleansers I could/should use, but two or three nights a week, I come home tired/drunk/lazy and don’t wash my face before going to bed. (Shameful, I know!)
I RARELY wear body lotion. Only when I know I’m making out or on the weekends when I have time to let it fully absorb before putting on clothes. Jeans over damp lotion makes me want to DIE.
I refuse to wear blush.I hate it. I will highlight the shit out of my cheeks with bronzer and illuminating powder but that’s about it. I feel like that’s all I need in life anyways. Blush just makes me look clownish. Ew.
I wash off everything but my eye makeup when I have a sleepover with my (newish) boyfriend. I don’t know if seeing me without my eyelashes curled and whatnot is a dealbreaker for him, but I’m not taking any chances. #freshandsexy
I hate conditioner. My hair is fine and without a little texture and damage, it can’t hold a style. I have relented a bit and use it on my ends, but woe to the person who comes near me with a hair mask.
I’m admittedly blessed with hair that just sort of does what it does, if you know what I mean. That said, I DO use a flat iron on my bangs daily, and god forbid I ever a) use a heat protectant or hey, b) wait for them to dry. Patience is not a virtue in my world.
I never use hand cream. I’ve self-diagnosed myself with hyperhidrosis, so I fear adding any hydration to my already clammy palms, thus my cuticles suffer, but acetone is the best.
Sometimes I get lazy and instead of removing my nail polish, I just paint over it. By the time I get to the salon the manicurist is shooting me major side-eye as she’s removing layer upon layer upon layer of different nail polish colors.
I will never get laser hair removal on anything but my face– Someone told me that Kim Kardashian gets her whole body lasered. YIKES. No, the chin and jaw line are enough for me, thanks. I cannot image the pain. You’d have to dip me in aloe vera from my armpits afterwards. NO THANKS.
I haven’t used shaving cream since college. Back when I was younger and more precious about my skin, I’d run a hot shower, let the steam and water do its thing, use a fresh razor every 2 or 3 shaves… Now, I swipe the razor (inevitably a month and, like, 20 uses past its prime) all over in about 8 seconds and then call it a day. My thighs, meanwhile, have not been shaved since I was 16 (thank God for blonde hair). I haven’t downgraded to shaving in the sink yet, but it’s probably the ghost of Christmas future.
Even though it’s a major faux paus, I always leave my apartment with my hair wet. Hardly ever sopping, but always a tiny bit wet. I have curly hair and spending time diffusing it in the morning is just time I don’t want to waste.
I refuse to use eye makeup remover. I don’t even own any! I secretly love waking up with night-before-makeup. I just wipe the smudges under my eyes away and bam! It’s a Kate Moss smoky eye without trying.
Tell me and the girls, what are YOUR beauty rebellions?
I love a good brand collaboration and, of course, a good red lip. BareMinerals just announced that they partnered with Virgin Atlantic to give passengers a “taste of the high life” with the release of their signature Pretty Amazing lipcolor in “Upper Class Red.” According to the press release, the new shade is a spin on the iconic Virgin Atlantic red, which gives passengers the chance to experience the jet-set glamour and style synonymous with the airline’s distincitive cabin crew, known for their signature red lips, suits and shoes.
Passengers who want to purchase Upper Class Red can do so on board any Virgin Atlantic flight, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Spa at Heathrow, Gatwick and New York’s JFK International Airport.
Strawberry Margarita Popsicles: Summer is approaching and the combo of strawberries and margarita makes me dream of laying poolside on a lazy Sunday.
Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20: My girl Maura wrote up this product in Lucky a few months back and I decided that I needed to try it. She was absolutely right- it goes on light and it’s super moisturizing. I DO need to add concealer on top since it is so light and I have a few hyperpigmentation spots that need some extra coverage but I’m really enjoying this clay-based tinted moisturizer.
Diane Von Furstenberg Harper Connect Day Bag: Genius. Pure genius. Diane created this bag so that you can insert your iPad into it and, by design, use it while it’s still actually in your purse.
Coco CHANEL Silver Art Print from Etsy: I’ll always have a special place in my heart for anything CHANEL after interning at New York corporate headquarters while in college. This print is subtle yet still incredibly chic. It will live in my living room.
The other day I found a lipstick in my makeup drawer. From high school. It was Mary Kay and an amazing frosty pink, which I LOVED…but um GROSS THAT I STILL OWN THIS LIPSTICK. This got me to thinking about exactly how long you’re really supposed to keep your makeup; I mean, I get it – sometimes we get attached to certain beauty products, when they are fantastic, but it’s actually pretty important to make sure that you don’t use these products for too long because they build up bacteria and you can actually really get sick (e.g. eye infections!). Here’s the general rule of thumb:
Foundation: 6 months (or if you can literally see it being weird, then a new bottle even sooner)
Powder: 2 years, as long as you clean your brushes! (see below)
Makeup brushes: once a month (use a baby shampoo or mild bar soap)
Eyeliner: I’ve read a few different opinions on this. Some say 3 months but others say you can use it down to the nub as long as you sharpen it with every use, which cleans it and keeps it fresh
Lipstick: 2 years (yes, I’m totally guilty at a good TEN years! Yuck!) It’s also recommended that you cut off the edge with a razor blade to keep it fresh
Coty Prestige just announced that the iconic ck one is launching ck one color cosmetics, a full lineup of more than 130 products! Personally, I’m excited. ck one was one of my favorite scents growing up and, from the photos in the press release, the color collection is going to be fab. The line will roll out with limited availabilty starting in April and will then go nationwide in September.
I love a good brand collaboration and, of course, a good red lip. BareMinerals just announced that they partnered with Virgin Atlantic to give passengers a “taste of the high life” with the release of their signature Pretty Amazing lipcolor in “Upper Class Red.” According to the press release, the new shade is a spin on the iconic Virgin Atlantic red, which gives passengers the chance to experience the jet-set glamour and style synonymous with the airline’s distincitive cabin crew, known for their signature red lips, suits and shoes.
The other day I found a lipstick in my makeup drawer. From 
Coty Prestige just announced that the iconic ck one is launching ck one color cosmetics, a full lineup of more than 130 products! Personally, I’m excited. ck one was one of my favorite scents growing up and, from the photos in the press release, the color collection is going to be fab. The line will roll out with limited availabilty starting in April and will then go nationwide in September.
