How To Get Makeup From Fashion Week

With the end of the New York fashion week festivities and as Spring rather slowly creeps upon us, I thought it would be great to spotlight one key supporting member on the runways- makeup.

Take beauty cues from one of my favorite fashion-forward fashion chicas, the adorable Gwen Stefani, and her L.A.M.B. 2011 Spring collections and some of my other favorite designers. This year’s beauty and fashion looks in a word: bold.

So don't be shy about experimenting with a bevy of color palettes on your face and your wardrobe, and you don't need high-end products to achieve a strong look. Take a look and get inspired:

                            L.A.M.B. Spring 2011:

Betsey Johnson:

Zac Posen:

Dior:

What fashion/beauty statements do you want to make come Spring?

Be a Two-Timing Beauty

In the world of dating, two timing is usually viewed as completely and utterly unacceptable. Lucky for us girls, however, the opposite is true in the world of beauty and cosmetics. Nothing beats the sheer delight of discovering that your favorite beauty product possesses other secret powers that you can call upon in a pinch. And let’s face it, in these economic times, we all have to put in a little extra over time and our beauty products should not be exempt. Here is a list of inexpensive beauty products that can serve more than one purpose, saving you time and much-needed money.

Covergirl Wetslicks Amazemint Lipgloss ($6.50, Walgreens)

Not sure what took so long, but the marriage between a breath freshener and lip gloss is a natural fit that equals perfection-not to mention convenience. The latest evolution in lip products, Covergirl Wetslicks Amazemint, infuses peppermint oil into your favorite lip color leaving your pout alluring and your breath minty fresh. The 2-in-1 product comes in 13 shades and is a definite date night must that should carried with you at all times.

The Original Moroccan Oil ($40, http://www.moroccanoil.com/)

Everyone is raving about the benefits of Moroccan oil and it is completely understandable. The contents in this little bottle do it all: hair restorator, frizz and flyaway tamer, skin moisture, and cuticle softener. A little goes a long way with the lightweight oil, which can also be used pre-color treatment for a more intense color pay off. It is made from the kernels of argan tree fruit, which is almost exclusively in Morocco, hence the name.

Oral B Vitality Precision Clean Electric Toothbrush ($22.99, CVS/Pharmacy)

Alright, maybe not the most exciting or most obvious pick at first glance (though some would argue fresh breath and clean teeth are the ultimate beauty accessory), but this tool in oral health also doubles as a spa treatment for your face. When used with your favorite exfoliating cleanser, the soft-bristled toothbrush gently buffs out your skin and encourages skin cell turnover, which in turn reveals bright, beautiful skin. You can also use this with a hydrating lip balm to exfoliate your lips before your favorite lipstick for a smooth application. Quick caveat: Purchase two separate toothbrush heads, one for your face and one your teeth.

Pur Mineral’s 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup ($24.50, http://www.purminerals.com/)

Dubbed the “The One Minute Mineral Makeup Miracle,” the title alone sells it. Few ladies would argue with a product that is an all natural mineral foundation, concealer, powder and SPF 15 protection all in one that leaves your complexion flawless. Available in 10 varied shades and rated by dermatologists as the number one mineral makeup formula, this delivers on everything it promises. Think of all the time and space you will save having this in your arsenal.

Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara ($4.99, Target)

A kin to the beloved industry favorite Maybelline Great Lash in black, this clear version can be used as a conditioning mascara and an excellent eyebrow shaper. What is great about this product is you won’t have to worry about the messy smudging, clumping and smearing that can be quite annoying with traditional mascara. Bonus tip: Spray an old wand with hairspray and use on your eyebrows for an added hold that lasts all day or on your hair to tame flyaways.

Hope this helps you ladies the next time you are out looking for your next great product. What products do you use that have double the use?

I Need Help With My Foot Fetish!

Cannot believe it’s already the end of July; goodness this summer has gone by in a blink. Soon it will be August and before you know it, fall will be in full swing.

Well I am beating autumn to the punch as I have been daydreaming about boots for a minute now and on the hunt for one boot in particular.

I spotted theses Rogeri boot from Forever21.com a little too late, just as the spring began. Of course they were completely sold out, especially given the price point. Ever since I have seen similar boots but not for the same price and I REFUSE to pay more knowing they exist somewhere for the cheap (Ya'll can feel me #recessionprogession). I am totally keeping my eyes peeled for the boots once again but now I am asking for help. Any suggestions on where I can get these boots from?

(Pics courtesy of Polyvore)

Happy Belated Anniversary Mom and Dad!

I realized I have not blogged in a month of Sunday’s (woopsie?), but how befitting that my first blog in months is of my Mom and Dad,  back in the day when they were dating.

This picture is one of my most treasured possessions. I love so many things about this photo: my Dad’s silly grin, my mom’s chic 70’s look, the fact that it’s a black and white photo. It had to be taken when my parents were around my age, how smitten they look.

Now 30 plus years later, two kids, grandbabies and more memories to count, my parents are still as in love now as they were then and my Dad still has a way of making my Mom laugh. I truly thank God for their union.

I know love because I come from love. Thanks Mom and Dad for the gift of truly unconditional love.


Love you both,
Lenora

Death To The Acyrlic French Tip

   WACK !!!!!!!!!

Ladies, I am so sorry but I HAVE to get this off my chest because I cannot even take it. I realize I may get stoned for this from all you nail enthusiasts out there but I refuse to let another summer commence without making my sentiments plain: I need that damn french tip acrylic nails to DIE. SLOW.

Back in the day as a young whipper snapper, who didn't flock to nail shop to get that very first manicure with the few pennies you scrapped up from working that part-time gig at the mall. You probably thought you were grown, too flouncing out of the shop with that fresh french manicure. I know I personally wore those babies out, knowing I was too broke to get them refreshed any time soon.

Now, however, nothing nettles me more than seeing a woman over the age of 18 rocking those square, long white tip nails, especially after they turn into dingy, chipped white after a few days...ugh. It is just so tacky and dated.  And I won't even mention how I feel about those acrylic french tip toe nails but the name Barney Rubble does comes to mind.

More naturally-shaped nail looks are where it is at and I encourage all of to go there because I would hate for any of you to go out like this:

or this:

A shame...would never want to catch you in the streets like this, but you do what you feel. Just a little tip (pun totally unintended-partially :) ) from me to you.