Gift Guide: The Definitive Best Beauty Gifts to Give

December 14, 2025
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)

July 29, 2025
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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

March 12, 2025
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

March 1, 2025
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

07.13.2012
My Debut On Clevver Style TV!

I had the best time filming a Trend Talk segment for Clevver Style the other day.  In my opinion, there’s really nothing more fun than sitting around with a bunch of cool girls talking fashion and beauty, right?  Make sure you watch my Clevver debut so you can hear us dish on Britney Spears, Demi Lovato (hint: I hated her hair), Victoria and David Beckham and, of course, the man of the hour: Channing Tatum.

You can check out the Trend Talk video HERE and make sure to comment and subscribe to Clevver’s channels and follow them on Twitter.

 

 

07.11.2012
Guest Post: Kenra Platinum Straightening Gelee

My friend/co-worker Melissa is definitely not your typical beauty girl, which is exactly why I wanted her to write a beauty product review on my blog.  I’m obsessed with her new super shiny, glossy locks…check out her thoughts below.  And side note, apparently this post is her face’s internet debut!

If you knew me in real life, you might be surprised to read this–a known Star Wars geek (wow, is that the first time anyone has said Star Wars on this blog???), {editor’s note: YES} book-worm, stranger to fashion and beauty n00b, I have no right reviewing a hair product such as the Kenra Platinum Straightening Gelee…but no matter how much I may pretend I don’t care about how I look, I so do. #confessions

While I usually try to politely dismiss Jamie’s beauty advice, which she generously shares with me over the cubicle wall, I find her knowledge is often valuable when it comes to my skincare and hair care. That’s why when she popped over the invisible threshold to my professional sanctuary with a large silver tube touting “align & shine!” I gratefully took the bottle and excitedly rushed home to find out what the hell a hair gelee is.

Curious? it’s awesome.

The directions are simple: apply evenly throughout damp hair and blow-dry straight in sections using a round brush. So nothing astray from my usual upkeep. What was drastically different, however, were the results. Not only was I met with a handful of compliments at my hair’s glassy shine, but my tresses managed to maintain their glossy finish through a foggy weekend in San Francisco–Best thing yet…NO FRIZZ!

If you have super-curly hair, like me, you are probably used to using multiple products to keep your frizz at bay–and you also know that a humid day can be the stuff of nightmares. I’ve resorted to hoods and hats, hairspray, or paste to keep the moisture-induced volume from transforming into medusa-esque serpentine strands—DON’T LOOK! After using this product, I didn’t require any of that. My hair glistened and stayed put. – Melissa Pardo

 

07.10.2012
Not Photoshopped with StyleCaster and Feel More Better

When I was asked to be one of the 28 bloggers participating in this Not Photoshopped campaign with Feel More Better and StyleCaster, I was genuinely excited.  We’ve all seen and read the tons and tons of press that photoshopped celebs and models have garnered over the past few years, and with the increasing number of eating disorders, especially among teens, I feel passionate about the cause at heart.  As women, we need to teach our children that there is no perfect woman; Barbie isn’t real, celebrity x doesn’t really have legs that great (unless it’s Gwenyth Paltrow!) and lastly, everyone has what they might consider “flaws” but it’s our flaws that make us unique and beautiful – I truly believe this.  I’ve blogged before about my body and how staying thin is a constant struggle for me…but regardess of weight, at 29, I’ve truly accepted my body shape.  I love the fact that I have curves.  I’m not a 5’11, 100lb. runway model, I’m a 5’6, 135lb. woman.

If you want your own “Not Photo Shopped” tee, you can feel good about your purchase, not only because you’re spreading a good message but also because the company donates a new book to an underprivileged girl for every shirt purchased.  And, if you feel really passionate about the cause, you can also sign the Media and Public Health Act, which aims to pass legislation requiring advertising and editorial that meaningfully change the human through photoshopping or airbrushing to carry “Truth in Advertising” labels.

Update: Here’s the link to the StyleCaster story!

photo credit: Preston


07.03.2012
La La Anthony’s Birthday Brunch with X-Rated Fusion Liqueur at Bagatelle LA

 

If you haven’t been to Bagatelle yet, you are missing out…so naturally, when I was invited to La La Anthony’s birthday brunch I was excited one, because I love La La and two, because the brunch was being held at Bagatelle and they were serving X-Rated Fusion cocktails.  Duh.  

“La La’s Birthday Bellini” was a hit and my friends and I dined on delicious french toast and caprese salad before competing in a “cake off” where my team created the below masterpiece.  Sydne Summer, the little artist that she is, drew La La’s face on the cake and the rest of decorated it with objects on the table.  We were all crazy competitive and totally obsessed with our creation, for obvious reasons.

our cake creation for La La

 

the scene at Bagatelle (we’re in the back right corner)

 

07.02.2012
The Monday Rundown: Chateau Marmont Edition

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.

Dior Garden Clutch Makeup Palette For Glowing Eyes and Lips: The outdoor garden at Chateau is one of the most coveted areas to hang out so clearly this makeup clutch is a perfect fit for the look and feel.

Topshop Peplum Scuba Pencil Dress: As you probably read, I recently discovered my love of the white peplum dress.  So chic, so classic, so Chateau Marmont.

06.28.2012
Summer Soiree with Refine Mixers

Last night I attended Refine Mixers‘ Summer Soiree at their insanely awesome house in Venice (right off the famous Abbot Kinney), hosted by the gorgeous Ashlan Gorse.  I’m sure at this point you know about my obsession with Refine…I mean their mixers are ZERO calories and all natural, so what’s not to like?

Refine also teamed up with Joico Hair Care and Gjelina in Venice, which, I am also now obsessed with and, side note, my friend just told me it takes 3 weeks to get a reservation there…naturally, this only makes me want to go there even more.  Back to the event: guests were shuttled down from Los Angeles to Venice beach and enjoyed Refine cocktails and treats awaiting them as they entered the shuttle.  Editors and tastemakers alike came together for a special intimate dinner where they learned how to pair special mixed drinks (five, to be exact) with healthy food. At dinner guests were educated on the history of Refine Mixers, by CEO Patrick Castles, and learned and how to muttle and shake several different cocktails with the Refine Mixer flavors. Joico had a fun braid bar downstairs, where women were able to get their hair braided OR get fun, beachy wavy by the amazing celebrity colorist, George Papanikolas.

 

My favorite cocktail of the night: The Venice Peach Bellini (which always makes me think of studying abroard in Venice, ITALY)

  • Muddle a peach slice
  • One part Prosecco
  • A splash of Refine’s Mojito Mix
  • Garnish with a peach slice and serve

 

06.26.2012
Perfection = Blake Lively At the “Savages” Premiere

I saw this absolutely ridiculous photo of Blake Lively from last night’s LA premiere of Savages and nearly passed out.  Utter perfection.  Blake is wearing a stunning Zuhair Murad dress that she, not having a stylist, probably selected on her own.  The dress is from the Couture “Casino Fever” Spring Summer 2012 collection, which I love, but even more…can you believe her hair and makeup?  She is just stunning.  I did a little search to see if I could find the “get the look” from her makeup artist and/or hairstylist but no dice.  Here’s my take on how you can get the look:

Hair: For this style, you need volume.  I recently attended a Dove and Dailycandy.com event at DryBar and the stylist used Dove’s Style+Care Nourishing Amplifier Mousse and I was totally impressed.  Once hair is blown out and dry, use a 1-inch curling iron around your hair and brush out the curls for this old Hollywood glam look.

Skin: Blake definitely has a bronze goddess glow happening.  Apply your regular foundation and then use a summery bronzer to highlight the apples of your cheeks, nose and forehead.  I like Stila One Step Makeup Primecolor in “Bronze Babe” since it allows you to play with the countouring a bit and also serves as a primer, cheek color and eyeshadow.

Eyes: Keep eyes minimal, as it’s really all about the lip (see below).  Try a simple black eyeliner like Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in “Perversion,” a personal favorite, and, of course, some false eyelashes.  I’m loving Makeup Forever’s eyelash strips since they’re easy to get on.  Then top it off with a dramatic black mascara like Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes, which I’m also currently loving.

Lips: As my friend Nadine Jolie said, any time a celeb is wearing a draw-dropping red lipstick, it’s probably MAC “Russian Red.“  Enough said.

Nails: Blake is sporting a pretty serious red and Essie’s “Well Red” would definitely foot that bill.

 

 

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