03.10.2014
The Gilded Eye

hannah

I have a confession to make.  I, Hannah Cranston, am a gold digger.

No, it’s not what you’re thinking—I’m not that kind of gold digger (although it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for my barren wallet), but I AM a self-professed beauty gold digger. 

As a #beautynewbie, I cannot just settle for any old make-up trend.  I’m on the prowl for the biggest and best trends and products to add to my beauty arsenal.  And this week, I struck gold…literally.

hanna3

From The Grammys to NYFW to the Oscars, the gilded eye has become the golden rule for rocking one of the hottest beauty trends of 2014.  I was absolutely inspired by AMY ADAMS at the Oscars…this look is almost as good as when she got up to dance with Pharrell, btw.

Naturally, I couldn’t pass up being a part of this cosmetics gold rush, so I decided to jump on board and get my glitter on.

hannah2

I first covered my eyelid in URBAN DECAY EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION IN SIN.  I then used STILA BAKED EYESHADOW TRIO CHAMPAGNE on my outer eyelids to give my gilded eye a smoky effect.  To cover my inner eyelid, I used L’OREAL PARIS INFALLIBLE EYE SHADOW IN BRONZED TAUPE to really start bringing the gold into the equation.  Finally, shiz got real when I used URBAN DECAY HEAVY METAL GLITTER EYELINER IN MIDNIGHT COWBOY to line my eye.  Let me just tell you, this product is definitely worth its weight in gold; the brush is easy to use and provides major glam.

I feel as good as gold (had to get one last “gold” pun in there).

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

 SHOP THE POST:

02.03.2014
Beauty favorites from Walgreens Beauty

Sometimes the drugstore beauty aisle can be a little overwhelming, it’s true, but I was recently introduced to the fact that WALGREENS has the most amazing sales on beauty and personal care products. And by amazing, I mean 20% off amazing…every week.  I’m obsessed so spread the word.

Products featured:

 

walgreens logo

 

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Walgreens Beauty through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Walgreens Beauty, all opinions are my own.  

10.30.2013
Because Blake is Worth It

Blake+Lively+Savages+Premiere+W5nP1BnP7V1l

If anyone ever asks me which celeb I’d LOVE to look like, the answer is always, hands-down, Ms. Blake Lively.  It’s not surprising that she was just announced as the newest brand ambassador the L’Oreal Paris, and I, for one, am pretttty excited to see her ads once they come out.  Blake = perfection.  Also, I love the fact that they made the announcement on the brand’s French Instagram account…tres original.

What do you guys think about Blake being the latest L’Oreal celeb?

08.14.2013
Three Questions With Maria Menounos

Maria Menounos-1

Q. What made you decide to partner with Philips Sonicare and Zoom?

I believe in the product and am obsessed with the toothbrush!

Q. If you could give your 22-year-old self any advice, what would it be?

Life and career is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Prepare yourself mentally and physically AND BE PATIENT while running the race.

Q. What are your top three must-have beauty products and why?

Cargo face powder, L’Oreal Paris mascara, and Too Faced cream blush. These are great to have while on the go, because with just a little bit of each (including using the cream blush also as a lipgloss), you get a fresh look instantly!

06.04.2013
The best sunscreens for summer

the best sunscreens

Best physical–SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50: Physical sunblock is one of the best options for sun protection and I really love this version from SkinCeuticals.  With SPF 50 and a little color-infused technology, the water-resistant block uses titanium and zinc oxide to protect you.  It’s good stuff, trust me.

Best for the beach–Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70: I feel like so many of my friends hate putting on sunscreen once we’re already at the beach, so this is the PERFECT option for those picky few.  The spray form prevents sticky sand hands and the technology provides salt and water-resistant sun protection that’s also broad-spectrum.

Best for hydration–L’OREAL Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil Spray SPF 50+: At first glance, I thought this was tanning oil, the most insane product in existence.  But at second glance, I realized that L’OREAL had the foresight to create a sunscreen oil (e.g. NOT for tanning), which is actually quite genius.  You get all of the benefits of oil (the moisture, vitamins, etc.) but are also protected with SPF 50.  If only this existed when I was in high school…Also, for every Sublime Sun product sold in the U.S. (through the end of this year), L’OREAL will donate $1 to the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) for the L’OREAL Paris-MRA Team Science Award. Over the next three years, they will donate over $750K to the MRA.

Best for touch-ups–Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick: It’s always good to keep a little SPF stick like this in your purse, for those “ooops, I forgot” times.  A stick like this is perfect for those tiny spots that are hard to cover like your ears, nose, cheek bones, etc.

Best for the face–Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30: So this isn’t the traditional sunscreen, per say, but going with the fact that you should be wearing SPF every day (especially on your face), I really recommend this version from Kiehl’s.  It’s a powerful, skin fortifying anti-wrinkle cream that goes on nicely and doesn’t feel greasy.

Best high end–Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection SPF 50+: I’ve blogged about Shiseido sunscreen a few times before.  While a little pricey, yes, this is hands-down the most luxurious sunscreen that I’ve ever used. I hoard it.

Best natural–Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen SPF 30: Perfect for anyone who likes to do the natural skin care thing (OR has sensitive skin).  This mineral-based formula provides SPF and also contains soothing ingredients like aloe and cooling cucumber…plus you can use it on your face and body and won’t have any breakouts.