Gift Guide: The Definitive Best Beauty Gifts to Give


Because these gifts are sure to impress just about anyone... (more…)
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Gift Guide: The Definitive Best Beauty Gifts to Give

My essentials for Gemma’s 15th birthday (and her cancer treatment)


(more…)
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My essentials for Gemma’s 15th birthday (and her cancer treatment)

4 (super easy!) things you can do to help the planet


Because we all need to help save our planet, and these are four easy (and also fun) ways to do
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4 (super easy!) things you can do to help the planet

Two Lip Products That You Need in Your Life


You guys know I’m picky about lip gloss, but I recently tried two new (to me) products and had to
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Two Lip Products That You Need in Your Life

02.19.2014
Hydration Day

Hydration day

When I found out that tomorrow, February 20th is national HYDRATION DAY I had to do a post.  For one, I’ve actually made it a goal in my life to drink more water one, because it’s good for your bod, and two because it’s the best thing you can do for your skin during the winter months.  Sure, I live in Southern California so I’m not exactly in the Polar Vortex, but it does get pretty dry sometimes and since dehydration can lead to fine lines and wrinkles, you’ve gotta nip it right in the bud.  Here are three of my favorite things to stay hydrated:

Bkr water bottle// I’ve found that having a super cute and environmentally friendly water bottle helps me actually remember to drink more water throughout the day and this version IS super cute.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream Instense Hydration// To shed light on the importance of year-long hydration, Kiehl’s has teamed up with Fiji to celebrate February 20th as HYDRATION DAY, to educate customers about the effects of hydration, and dehydration on the skin.  They came out with their newest product, the Ultra Facial Cream Intense Hydration which was “torture-tested” under extreme conditions. It was tested 1.) In the arid climates of Phoenix, and 2.) On a group of avid swimmers, daily exposed to damaging chlorine.  Intense, for sure.  Oh, and in honor of Hydration Day, on February 20, Kiehl’s will offer its shoppers complimentary hydrating facials and Fiji water in store, no purchase necessary.

Avene Thermal Spring Water// I’ve been using this hydration spray for years. Seriously, it’s fabulous for travel, especially on planes, and does a great job to really soothe and soften the skin.

02.18.2014
Tuesday Web Candy

tuesday web candy

 

If you love JayZ as much as I do, then you get the reference here. LOVE. – NYMag.com

My latest piece for Brit.co is a good one for anyone, like myself, who is clueless when it comes to baking – Brit.co

The Budget Babe has the latest LC Lauren Conrad look book and I’m way into it – TheBudgetBabe.com

Let’s face it, most people are really excited to watch Olympics figure skating, and this round up of heinous 80s skating offensives is pretty amazing – TheLuxurySpot.com

I’m alllll about foot comfort which is why this round up of anti-blister products is true perfection – Byrdie.com

My secret self-tanner trick is featured in this beauty blogger story, along with some other really awesome tricks and tips from my ladies – iVillage.com

02.17.2014
Hannah tries vampy nails

hannah nails 2

After trying purple lipstick and cat eyeliner, I was feeling a little vampy.  Maybe my quarter life crisis is bringing out a darker side in me?  Who knows.  What I do know is that I wanted to explore this edgier side of my adult self a little more.

After seeing images from New York Fashion Week (they must’ve lost my invite in the mail?), I knew exactly what trend I wanted to try next.  From Rebecca Taylor to Charlotte Ronson, from Tess Giberson to Rebecca Minkoff, vamp nails were a dark and sexy standout from the pièce de résistance of the clothes.

nails at NYFW

Now while DIY nail art of any kind is a legitimate fear of mine, I decided to suck it up and attempt the vamp French manicure, seen above at Rebecca Minkoff.

Once I picked out my colors, OPI “Lost on Lombard” and NYC “Black Lace Crème,” panic sunk in as to how I was ever going to create this look and avoid my nails looking like a kindergarten art project.  Then, I found this nifty (yes, I said nifty) trick on Pinterest using hole reinforcement labels and went for it.

hannah nails

I painted two coats of the OPI color and then waited for them to dry (fully!) before placing the reinforcement labels on to make the perfect French tip.  I then applied one coat of the black tip color, pealed off the labels, and covered the whole look with OPI topcoat.

I absolutely love how this twist on the classic French manicure turned out—it’s dark, edgy, and totally different from your everyday mani.

Have a beauty trend you’d like to see me try?  Tweet me @han_cran, #beautynewbie, with your suggestion!

Hannah Cranston, Assistant Editor

 

02.13.2014
The fifth annual ANTI-VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Valentine's Day

 

Ahhhh, VALENTINE’S DAY.  It’s a day when people are either really, really happy and giddy or like realllly sad and depressed, which is just really dumb, in my opinion. REALLY.  I can’t even believe that this is the FIFTH Anti-Valentine’s Day gift guide that I’m doing (first, second, third, fourth)…and I want to be clear, I don’t hate Valentine’s Day, I just think we should celebrate our loved ones (and ourselves!) EVERY DAY, not just on February 14th.  This gift guide is really just a little list of what I want/what I’ll be doing on the day where florists make most of their money every year…get at it.

1. I Love U More Than French Fries Card// French fries are my weakness and I would totally buy this card for myself…but it also makes sense to send to anyone in my family or one of my BFFs.

2. Jayson Home Pyrite Heart// I’ve always been amazed at the fact that people actually buy paper weights…does that mean they don’t have enough random shit already to hold down their papers?  Maybe. Regardless, I think this pyrite heart is super pretty and I want it for my desk.

3. Victoria’s Secret Rose Lace Bralette// I’m all about the bralette lately and cobalt blue is one of my favorite colors to wear.

4. Pasta and Wine// I feel like this one needs no explanation, but I’m reminded of what LADY GAGA once said about Valentine’s Day…and you can fill in the blanks.

5. Never Have I Ever: My Life (So Far) Without a Date// I recently finished reading this book where the author tells tales about her close call relationships. It’s funny, and relatable, and will make you less suicidal if you’re single on Vday.

6. DIY Terrarium// I included a terrarium in my own holiday wish list this past Christmas and yeah, it hasn’t happened yet but I’m thinking Friday (Valentine’s Day) might be a good day to get down to business.

02.13.2014
VIDEO: How to use the beachwaver

Before I tried out Sarah Potempa’s BEACHWAVER, I was completely terrified of the idea of a hair tool moving by itself into my hair.  Truth.  But after trying it out, I’m completely obsessed.  Check out my how-to video and let me know what you think.  Have you tried the BeachWaver?

02.12.2014
The Shandy

the shandy

After an event like the Super Bowl, depending on your guests, you very well might be left with an extra six-pack or two in the fridge. Solve this dilemma with THE SHANDY, a traditional English drink that mixes beer with “lemonade” – actually a lemon-lime soda. You’ll drink half as much alcohol in each drink, but get to customize your flavor with every glass, turning that boring six-pack into something far more fun. You can find The Shandy style pre-mixed by lots of brewing companies, but when it’s so easy to make, you might as well try it yourself and have some fun with it.

Ingredients:

  • Beer*
  • Citrus soda
  • Fruit, optional

Directions:

  • Use a large beer glass
  • If using fruit, muddle in the bottom of the glass before you add any other ingredients
  • Fill about halfway with soda, then top with beer, adjusting the proportion to taste

The Shandy is best made with a light beer. I used a hoppy, light German pilsner and muddled fresh raspberries into it, which gave my Shandy a lovely pink tinge, with a bit of extra sweetness. Use whatever you have on hand – although I prefer it with a wheat beer, IPA, or any light ale.  Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges work especially well with wheat beers, and all types of berries add a nice flavor.

If you don’t have a muddler, it’s worth investing in one. You can use them more than you might think – I love to muddle fresh fruit or herbs into my water for a tasty everyday drink. Here are some of my favorite muddlers:

Jo Walker, Intern

02.11.2014
Tuesday Web Candy

Tuesday Web Candy

This recycled Tiffany bag DIY is so genius – TheBudgetBabe.com

I laughed out loud after spotting this guide to drugstore razors, mostly because I don’t even know what kind of razor I’m using right now and it’s about time someone reviewed all the options we have! – Byrdie.com

It’s kind of incredible that this teen girl started a petition for Disney to create a plus size Disney princess. Proof the world still has some hope – Shape.com

These Valentine’s Day manicures are fab and fun – glo.MSN.com

I don’t know how this photo surfaced but I’m sure glad it did.  A starstruck, young Gwen Stefani getting Sting’s autograph LAist.com

How CUTE is Jess’ Valentine’s Day outfit? I’m into it and she is brave to wear it in the Polar Vortex…fashion is pain – BowsandSequins.com