Ball Preparation

I finally have everything together for the ball.  My sister-in-law loaned me this bridesmaid dress.  I love it!

The only things I have had to buy are jewelry, fashion tape to ensure the dress doesn't fall down in the back, heel grips for some shoes I had and some red lipstick.

As a side note, I got this red lipstick for $2!  I got a birthday coupon from Victoria's Secret for $10 off a purchase.  I really like their lipsticks and glosses.  The $12 lipstick was only $2.  Ah, the satisfaction of a great deal.

Lip Liner

Ok, so I've been really wanting to create a better nude and pale pink lip.  I tried buying a lipstick, tried using concealer on lips like I've read...but short of actually wearing a lipstick, nothing has really worked.

Back when I was in 8th grade, I wore Wet'n'Wild #666 lip liner under Carmex--just like all of my friends.  I recently busted out my MAC Spice (cult favorite liner) and layered it under some Burt's Bees chapstick.  I loved the look, and it reminded me of my junior high days.

I have been wanting to try the Cover Girl lipstain since I really like my Styli Style one, but all the reviews say that they all come out bright.  I wanted a really pale lip.

Well, today I headed to Sephora and bought two Sephora liners.  They are $5 each.  I am SOOOOO pleased with my selections that I fully recommend them to you.  You get to try them on in person, and they are cheaper than most drugstore options.

I got two very similar shades-
Native Mauve




Candid Candy




I love each of them with just a touch of balm or chapstick over it.  I also have a plethora of sheer glosses I can't wait to try over them.  Such a steal for long lasting, ultra pigmented color.

It's Here

Finally, an Essie version of the uber popular Chanel Jade is here!!!

I want it.  But currently have been TOTALLY exhausted!!  I have so many things I want to write about, but all my energy has been spent chasing around a 3 year old boy, and getting a bit of a workout.  Also, seeing my wonderful man every single weekend, and getting all the details together for the big Marine Corps Ball coming up next weekend.  Black halter gown, check.  Red lipstick, check.  Generic Spanx, check.  Jewelry, check.

David Babaii Bohemian Beach Spray Review

For about a year, I have been reading rave reviews about this spray.  I finally decided to try it, as I'm running low on the Sunsilk Waves of Envy Spray that I wrote about last year.  I love the oils and conditioners in that stuff.

Anyways, I purposely bought the David Babaii at Rite Aid since they have a return policy.  The pros: that stuff smells AMAZING.  I love the fragrant oils in it, but the sea salt counteracted that for me.  My hair isn't normally super frizzy, but this just created frizz for me.

I think I'll stick with my Sunsilk, and save my $10 to go toward the Moroccan oil I want so badly!

Fall Nails

Sorry to only be giving out very pricey new trend options, but I can't resist passing on the info about these two new shade.

MAC "For Fun"
$12

Photo from vampyvarnish.com

Chanel Jade

$25

I'm Back

Sorry for the lack of shallow information lately!  I had a special visitor, and then was on vacation for a week without computer access.

I am going to be writing about my ideas for my gown/makeup/hair for the Marine Ball in November.

In the meantime, I did a bit of birthday shopping...early.  This trench my aunt got me--the absolute perfect fall jacket.  I'm loving it.  The boots the boyfriend is getting me for my birthday.  I have been looking for the perfect black equestrian boots for a few winters now.  Last winter, I ordered some rubber ones from Urban Outfitters, but ended up returning them.  I have searched online, and tried on many pairs whenever I happen to be shopping. I went to outlets with my aunt, mom and sister-in-law and found some good ones on sale at Gap.  They were suede, however, and weren't well made.  I was perfectly content with them until my SIL saw these ones at Anne Klein of all places...and I knew they were THE ONES.

Looks I Want to Be Able to Pull Off

I am in love with all of the red and pink lips going on this season.  This look is so difficult for me to pull off.  First, because I don't usually wear dark lips...I'm more of a balm/gloss kind of girl.  Second, I hate anything that looks trying-too-hard.  Third, my lips are so freaking dry that most regular lipsticks flake off me.

However, I want to find some sort of balm or super moisturizing lip color with extra pigments. That, or here are a couple of ideas I have to pull off these lip looks.

• Get a little tube of Aquaphor that everyone raves about, and use it every night before bed to keep the dry lips away.

• Use sugar, a toothbrush or washcloth to regularly exfoliate my lips before applying a darker lip color.

• Use my little-used red or fuscia lipsticks as stains.  Instead of painting on the color, use a finger to smudge the color on the lips.  Blot with a tissue to stain, and apply a little balm on.

On a splurge note, I found out I'm going to the annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball at Camp Pendleton with the boyfriend in November.  I think I can re-use a dress I have and dazzled heels, so might splurge on one of these new Bobbi Brown Rich Color Gloss--a full color lipstick, balm and gloss in one! Check out the hot red in this video...it could be my ball color!

Or a hot hot hot new pink that Whitney Port designed for CARGO, sold at Sephora.