Beauty 101: The A List: Lips

LIPGLOSS

1. Smiths Rosebud Salve $6

(Lip Balm)

I feel so fancy pants when I use this. I think it’s the luxe rose scent and the petal soft texture. I wear this before I go to bed and sometimes before I apply lipstick. Leaves your lips soft and smelling amazing.

2. NARS in Odalisque $26

(Lip Gloss for Olive Skin)

Milky and semi-opaque, this gloss drenches lips in a peachy beige that looks gorgeous alone or layered over nude lipsticks.

3. MAC in Oversexed $20

(Gloss for Darker Skin)

This plum gloss is perfect for darker skin. It’s not too strong and goes well over any lighter lipsticks for a more natural look.

4. YSL Golden in No. 2 $30

(Gloss for Light Skin)

A swirl of high-gloss rose with a trace of pink.

5. L’Oreal Color Riche $8

(Inexpensive gloss)

Full of argan and omega-3 oils, this nourishing gloss comes in 16 creamy and shimmery hues: corals, nudes, pinks, and reds, including the popular Nude Touch.

6. NARS in Chelsea Girls $25

(Gloss for fair skin)

This juicy nude makes lips luscious and full, no matter their true dimensions.

7. Chanel Glossimer $30

(Best Lip Gloss)

This sheer, nonsticky glossy gives lushness, and fullness. It comes in 32 different shads that offer frosty, glossy and extra-shimmery tints.

8. MAC Pro Longwear $23

(Best Long Wearing Lip Color)

Answered prayers, people—this lipstick won’t hang your lips out to dry. The two-in-one (rich pigment on one side, high-shine gloss on the other) is perfect for stay put color. And no dryness. That’s the best part.

9. Josie Maran Argan Lip Treatment $18

(Eco Friendly Lip Balm)

This apple scented balm is both pretty and perfect for the pout.  It heals delicate lip skin with argan oil and leaves a pretty pink tint.

10. Revlon Super Lustrous $7

(Inexpensive lip gloss)

The high-shine formula is available in 14 shades, each with a sheer finish and SPF 15. Amazing for a drugstore brand.

11. Dior Addict Ultra Gloss $27

(Best Gloss)

As much eye candy as lip gloss, this nonsticky, astonishlingly shiny formula feels amazing on the lips.

12. Lancome Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin $18

Formulated with honey, royal jelly and beeswax, these limited edition glosses celebrate the cult product’s ten year anniversary. Preservative free and flavored with notes of vanilla, apricot and raspberry, the four springy colors taste as sweet as they look.

13. Giorgio Armani Lip Shimmer in #1 Peach $27

(Fair Skin gloss)

A touch of shimmer adds to the natural color of this gloss. It’s also nonsticky and leaves lips plump.

14. NARS in Orgasm $16

(Gloss for Fair-Medium skin)

This raspberry scent is tinged with flecks of shimmer just like the cult fav blush.

15. Yves Saint Laurent Shimmering Lip Gloss in Golden Amber $30

(Gloss for Medium-Dark Skin)

This spicy toffee gloss makes lips look full and plump.

16. MAC Tinted Lipglass $14

(Gloss with the best color range)

This pigment-drenched gloss is available in a variety of dramatic shades—from pale, silvery pinks to wickedly intense plums. Pros also praise the sponge tip, which ensures a quick, even application.

17. CoverGirl Wetslicks Amazemint $6

 This lightweight gloss delivers breath-freshening peppermint oil and comes in blue-based red, plum and pink shades designed to make teeth look whiter.

18. Estee Lauder Pure Color Crystal Gloss in Honey Glaze $18

(Gloss for fair skin)

Gives a subtle, toffee colored shine without being sticky.

19. Go Light On My Lips Lip Gloss $25

Outfitted with a built-in mirror and internal light, this sheer, non-tacky gloss is the ultimate nightclub accessory: Just click a button on top of the tube and everything is illuminated.

20. Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Therapy $17

(Lip Balm)

his nonsticky, SPF 15 balm has pomegranate extract (a powerful antioxidant that combats sun damage) and exfoliating salicylic acid.

21. Tarte Inside Out Borba Vitamin Gloss $21

This lip gloss contains the same skin-enhancing vitamins (A, C, E and K) and extracts (green tea, lychee and chamomile) found in Borba’s popular vitamin drinks.

22. NARS gloss in Chihuahua $24

(Gloss for Med – Fair skin)

23. Blistex Lip Infusion SPF 15 $3

(Lip Balm)

Made with squalene, jojoba oil and aloe, this rich formula offers long-lasting moisture without a waxy feeling. It’s hydrating and still lets you put lipstick over it for a nice glide on application.

24. Bourjois Effect 3D $15

(Lip gloss)

A lip-softening gloss that manages to strike just the right balance between shiny and soft.

25. CoverGirl Outlast Smoothwear Lip Color $10

This formula works all day—even through lunch. The Permatone color comes in 21 flattering and durable shades. And the sheer, protective top coat contains conditioning and moisturizing ingredients that make it a great glossy lip balm even on its own.

26. Mario Badescu Lip Wax $7

(Lip Balm)

This softening, not waxy balm is perfect for sun protection. It includes Vitamin C, E and SPF 15.

27. Kevyn Aucoin Lip Gloss in Molasses $27

(Gloss for Med – Fair skin)

28. Buxom Full On Lip Polish $18

Sheer, high-shine lip polish creates the look of fuller, more voluptuous lips. Vitamins A and E in this lip polish help keep lips soft, smooth, and protected with a refreshing tingling sensation .

29. Anastasia Beverly Hills Hydrafull Gloss $22

This long-wearing lip gloss features “Kiss Me Quick” plant extract that helps to increase volume and fullness in lips, Brown Algae , a key ingredient that smoothes, firms, hydrates, and revitalizes the appearance of skin, and Balkan Botanical Infusion—Anastasia’s exclusive antioxidant-rich complex that helps soften, soothe and hydrate skin.

30. Philosophy Tube Gloss $8

By far the best tasting lip gloss to ever be on your lips. Plus it’s not sticky.

LIPSTICK

1. NARS in Tanganyka $26

(Shade for Dark skin)

Unbelievably balmy, this brick red gives lips just the right amount of drama.

2. Tom Ford in Pink Adobe $48

(Shade for Fair skin)

This pink has a hint of coffee for a unique and natural coloring.

3. Hourglass in Grace $30

(Shade for Fair skin)

The shade of satiny pink your lips would look like…if they were a bit more genetically blessed.

4. Make Up Forever Rouge Artiste Natural $20

(Best Lipstick)

Lips just don’t get more cushioned than this. All 50 choices, from sheer nudes to shimmery reds, are laced with fatty acids and light-reflecting mother-of-pearl for a plush-looking finish. I’ve replenished No. 32 and No. 34 over and over again. This should be enough proof.

5. Obsessive Compulsive Lip Tar $18

(Eco Friendly)

Never mind the petite tube—this lip paint packs crazy amounts of rich color. You need only a pin-size drop on the brush it comes with for hours of opaque wear. Did I mention they’re spiked with peppermint? Yeah.

6. CoverGirl Lip Perfection $7

(Inexpensive Lipstick)

Despite the nice price, these silk protein–enriched formulas don’t cheap out on pigment. The top-selling Fairytale, a bright red-coral, is universally flattering,from porcelain complexions to the richest dark skin tones.

7. Tarte Lipsurgence $24

(Lip Tint)

As fast to flatter as it is to apply, this cushiony gel pencil “defines, moisturizes, and colors your pucker in two seconds and stays put. Loaded with peppermint oil and vitamin E, the stain offers lush, flattering color, like the best-selling Enchanted, a soft rose.

8. Tom Ford $48

(Best Lipstick)

Svelte packaging and saturated colors, among which Casablanca, a plummy rose, is a favorite. Absolutely flush with exotic butters and oils, the long-lasting shades practically babysit your pout from morning till night. Ridic. For this price – it’s well worth it.

9. NARS in Honolulu Honey $24

(Shade for Olive skin)

It’s the smart matchup to sultry, smoky eyes—a caramel hue that neatly enhances your pout.

10. Exude Lip Creme $29

(Best Lipstick)

No more melting lipsticks. This ingenious bullet is protected by a plastic barrier, and all nine colors are infused with vitamins C and E to leave lips lush. And you’ll never overapply—one click delivers the perfect amount of color every time. So innovative, I love it.

11. NARS Lipstick $24

(Overall Best Lipstick)

Experts are always praising this winner—and that’s not just a lot of lip service. Loaded with pigment and antioxidants, it goes on smooth and fades evenly, never leaving behind a ring around the mouth.

12. Revlon Colorburst $9

The smooth and luxurious feel of these babies are amazing for the price. I’ve tried a couple of hues in this line and they’re easy to apply, stay on, and don’t dry out. Love.

13. Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick $14

(Eco friendly lip product)

Shea butter, jojoba, and carrot extract provide intense hydration in a lush, moist bullet. Use it to restore chapped, flaky skin or slick it on at bedtime and wake up to plump, pillowy lips.

14. Fresh Sugar Rose’ Tinted Lip Treatment $22

This is the lip color you wish you had been born with—and because the sheer, rosy hue flatters all complexions, people might believe that you were. Bonus: The pigment is delivered in an oil-rich bullet that hydrates every bit as well as your thickest balm. I’ve been using this stuff since Sephora gifted it in a Birthday sample kit a couple years back. Approved. Big time.

15. Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick in Splendid $22

(Shade for Fair skin)

16. Lancome Color Fever Lipstick in Brick House $25

Most reds tend to look pink on dark skin; this chocolate-cherry hue won’t.

17. Chanel Rouge Allure $30

What Godiva is to chocolate, Rouge Allure is to lipstick: Rich, creamy and decadently luxurious. Each of the 44 shades contains silicone for an easy glide-on and shea butter and canola oil to soften your pout. I can’t wait to try this stuff, especially with the wide range of colors, I’m going to be in heaven.

18. Stila High Shine $22

(Glossy Lipstick)

Silky texture and just enough shine to make it look ultra modern and slick.

19. Giorgio Armani Sheer Lipstick $26

(Sheer Lipstick)

These lipsticks moisturize like a balm but still give you a gorgeous hit of a sheer hue.

20. Chanel Rouge Hydrabase Creme’ $29

(Creme Lipstick)

Pros like Iris Moreau praise the lip-softening properties of the vitamin E and chamomile it contains. It’s the ultimate classic lipstick.

21. Vincent Longo Lip & Cheek Stain $30

(Lip Stain)

You can choose from five sheer shades (divided into warm, cool and neutral tones) and achieve those ever sultry popsicle stained lips.

22. Estee Lauder Pure Color Crystal $18

(Glossy Lipstick)

The texture of this fig-scented lipstick is lightweight, not goopy. And the color doesn’t bleed or disappear the way some formulas can. Plus, it comes in fresh, tropical-fruit-inspired shades that offer the right blend of rich pigment and shiny gloss.

23. MAC Lipstick $20

(Overall Lipstick)

From pinks to browns, MAC’s 200-plus shades are bleed-proof. From Frosts, Shimmers, Mattes to Cremes – MAC has it covered. I find that the lipsticks get dry after 4-6 hours but that’s just it 4-6 hours. A little gloss on top is a great tip. And MAC signature scent from each lipstick is a nice little plus as well. My favorites right now are Please Me, Ruby Woo, Lady Danger and Girl About Town.

24. Laura Mercier in Sparkling Pink $22

(Med – Fair Skin shade)

25. Bobbi Brown in Chocolate $22

(Dark skin shade)

LINER

1. MAC Liner in Stripdown $13

(Shade for Olive skin)

The fleshiness of this brown looks delicious (not dirty) against olive complexion.

2. MAC in Spice $15

(Shade for Fair skin)

Incredibly plush, and the creamy cinnamon plays off the peach tones in pale skin.

3. MAC in Chestnut $13

(Shade for Dark skin)

Plays nice with red, plum, and brown lipsticks, and the cocoa liner is creamy enough to wear on its own..

4. MAC in Subculture $13

(Shade for Fair skin)

Lips look fuller and more luscious, not obviously outlined.

5. Rimmel London 1000 Kisses Stay On Liner in Tiramisu $3

(Shade for Med-Dark skin)

A rich caramel for a natural look.

6. NARS in Rosebud $20

(Shade for Fair skin)

7. Chanel Precision Lip Definer in Nude $28

(Shade for Fair Skin)

8. Clinique QuickLiner for Lips $20

This all-day liner traces the lips while preventing lipstick from feathering and bleeding. Or cover the entire surface of lips to extend the wear of lipstick. This non-drying formula is water- and transfer-resistant.

9. Hourglass Panoramic Long Wear Liner $28

Few things evoke glamour like a bold red lip. This universal, classic red shade lays down a beautiful opaque weightless color that stays put all day.

10. Shiseido Smoothing Lip Pencil $20

offers a light, comfortable, smudge-resistant formula that delivers rich pigment and maintains a refined look all day.

The Skinny: Is It Worth It?

Halloween is around the corner, and so are the 3-5 lbs you may gain by popping mini chocolates like pills. I’m going to take the roles of both Debbie Downer and Miserable Melinda (what?) and ingrain some sh*t into your minds that’ll take years to forget.

Here goes.

1. Starburst – 8 pieces = 160 calories.

Sounds okay right? NO. Misleading all over the place. Boasting “flavored with real fruit juice” these little suckers are loaded with corn syrup and hydrogenated oils—AKA sugar and fat. AKA the kick in the ass that sends you flailing into Christmas like, 10 pounds heavier than you were this past summer. Since each Starburst square is 20 calories, to burn off a recommended serving of eight pieces, you’d have to do about 50 minutes of Pilates. If you so choose to pop until you can’t stop then make sure you’re eating them on the treadmill.

2. York Peppermint Patties – 3 minis = 150 calories.

These motherf*ckers are made to ruin my life. Yours too. They may be a low-fat food, as their package claims, but each miniature Peppermint Pattie still contains about 50 calories. “The dark chocolate on the outside isn’t so bad, but that creamy filling is all sugar. Unless you can find a way to eat around the filling, you’re f*cked. My advice? Add some peppermint to your mocha or tea. I mean, it’s nothing compared to the real thing, but I’m trying my best here. Peppermint Pattie is getting a beat down from Slim Sally.

3. Candy Corn – 19 pieces = 140 calories.

Again, the caloric amount doesn’t sound so bad. If you’re planning on stuffing your face with these addictive candies then tack on an minute to your workout for each one you guiltily eat. Of course, that’s not even taking into consideration the fact that the body won’t burn 140 calories of pure sugar as effectively as it would a balanced 140 calories of protein and fats. Yes this is obvious. But if you’re eating candy for protein you need to go stop reading this and open a f*cking book. Shameful.

4. Reese Peanut Butter Pumpkins – 2 cups = 350 calories.

Okay. It’s karma that my absolute favorite chocolate ever made in life would carry the highest calorie count. F*ck you. The seasonal, Jack-o-lantern-shaped version of this PB and chocolate staple is larger (and more caloric) than the plain old circles sold year-round—350 calories in a “King Size” pack of two, versus just 210 for one. Okay, well that makes me feel better. Candies with nuts or peanut butter have more protein, so they may satisfy you a bit more—but they’ll also have more fat and still plenty of sugar, so you shouldn’t really think of them as healthy options. This seems like common sense but common sense is usually put on hold when it comes to chocolate. Especially these.

5. Caramel Apples 1 apple = 250-350 calories.

Wow. Just when you thought it was safe. The cold, hard facts come to bend you over. I mean, It depends how thick you pour on the caramel coating and whether it’s dipped in extras like nuts or sprinkles, but most caramel apples will run you about 300 calories or more. To burn it off, you’re looking at about 40 minutes of moderate effort on the rowing machine, or something similar. Considering I like mine covered in half the candy isle at Target it looks like I’ll be getting a nice long back workout this Thursday.

6. Hershey’s Milk Chocolate 3 snack size bars = 190 calories.

God. The “snack size” usually makes me feel a little less gluttonous and a little more in control than actually eating a full sized bar, but the small print begs to differ. Perhaps that’s why the suggested serving size is three bars, or 190 calories—a snack that will take about 59 minutes of light to moderate weight lifting to burn off. Okay so if you plan on eating the allotted serving size, take a few and put the rest away. Or try and give away all your Halloween candy instead of hoarding it under your pillow for 3 am snacking. People do that right? Right??

7.Skittles 1 pack = 250 calories.

On sh*t son. This is brutal. I don’t know anyone who refuses a pack of skittles. Those gross round sugary candy necklace things? Sure. But Skittles? Heck no. Your innate desire to “taste the rainbow” better also come with a desire to spend at least 30 minutes on a stair climber. Without stopping. Seems fair to me.

Anyways, now that you’re aware of the calorie content (and associated fat and sugar content) in your favorite Halloween candy you’re free to gorge on anything that isn’t included on this list. I don’t see any Twix minis, Snickers or bags of chips on here? Do you? In all honesty though, Halloween comes once a year, but be picky. These treats may say “fun size” on the wrapper but I’m dead serious when I say that there ain’t nothing fun about having to lie down on a hard surface in order to zip up your jeans. Nothing.

Happy Halloween xoxo

(Oh, and I was obviously kidding about the gorging.) This should be self explanatory but you never know.

Style: Looks Of The Week

Here are my picks for the best looks of the week. I remember when I used to pick up fashion mags just to flip to the celebrity best/worst dressed sections. Here’s hoping I save you a few bucks. Remember who had your back during your next Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Jessica Alba, a weekly staple, in a Wes Gordon white mini with peekaboo stripes and matching accessories. How can I not include her every time? Flawless.

 

Another staple, Nicole Richie, in a insanely chic twist on Catwoman’s duds. She’s wearing a heavily beaded dress over leather skinnies, and classic black Louboutin pumps. Those little ears are to die for on her.

Naomi Watts in a casual chic look that she’s less known for. It’s Georgio Armani – the billow blouse, and the velvety maxi skirt.

Ashley Madekwe in a tiered striped navy shift dress and red satin minimalist sandals. I love the navy and red together. Her whole look is so clean.

Freida Pinto in probably one of my favorite looks on her. She usually plays it pretty safe with feminine pencil skirts and flowy blouses, pantsuits, and beaded gowns for A list events, but this is a total turnaround. Rocking prints on prints, with an Ikat topper and blue and white mini, and slouchy fringed booties, she has the modern boho look on point. More please.

Victoria Beckham in one of her own designs. Although the blouse isn’t my favorite, that flippy tailored skirt is all I want to be wearing EVER for the rest of my life. Amazing. And the peeptoe satin booties? Perfection.

Although Miley looks like she’d just been playing dress up in her mom’s closet, this look is gorgeous on her. Like a little twerking pixie. The beaded Marc Jacobs backless dress is a great choice for her lithe frame, and the slicked back ‘do and glittering shadow are the perfect accessories.

Doutzen Kroes in a V neck, see through Missoni gown. Perfect for her figure, and I love the knit panels. I need this hanging in my closet. I’ve already styled it with various items in my closet. Swoon.

Lea Michele in a strapless Calvin Klein Collection creation. It’s a cut out dress with a flowy bottom. I love how she chose to style her hair, the strappy Brian Atwood sandals and the white clutch. Clean yet not so simple.

Sandra Bullock (my everything) is making Best Dressed lists all around town. She looks absolutely freaking ah-mazing in everything she puts on. This woman is a goddess. She’s wearing a DSquared2 midi with a see through lace bodice, strappy lace up Jimmy Choos and a red lip that puts every other red lip on the planet to shame.

Nikki Reed in a skirt and top ensemble that has made my jaw drop for at least 1.5 minutes so far. I need this skirt. The green, leather banded double slit maxi is by Rae Francis and the satiny T is Guishem. I love everything about this look, polished yet effortless. And the studded DVF clutch is the perfect accessory.

I know Rachel Zoe is a tiny, frail, Gnome-like thing, but nobody does this look better than her. I love the flowy designs she’s made her own signature look. Loose – fitting, bohemian and long. Tis everything Zoe. Take note – blush hues are everywhere for the next few seasons.

Reese Witherspoon in an Elle Woods approved strapless Calvin Klein Collection midi. The red, the colorblocking, and the strappy sandals are perfection with her tan and her messy ‘do. I love these clean, chic looks on her.

 

 

Wear Me: Kate Bosworth for Topshop

Not to be confused with Kate Moss, Although both are coming out with collections for more affordable retailers like H&M and Topshop, they’re both twiggy blondes, and they both have fairly similar styles, individuality is key. Okay, not so much here, but whatever. Two different collections = two different lines to shop from. 

This will be Kate’s 2nd line for Topshop. Her first was more boho Coachella chic than her direction this time which has taken an edgier, more minimalist look with structured yet feminine pieces.

There are so many pieces I can’t wait to get my greedy little hands on. From tailored leather T shirts to feminine sweatpants and wrap skirts.

Her collection debuted today, and will contain 46 insanely wearable pieces to satisfy fashionistas all around town.

Here are some of my favorites:

Leather T Shirt $160

Foil Asymmetrical Skirt $170

Stretch Leather Trousers $590

Poem Premium 2 Part Shoes $160

Pistol Stiletto Boots $170

Metallic Foil T Shirt Dress $100

Leather Sweater $170

Prism Premium Court Pumps $120

This Little Piggy: Pumpkin, Chocolate Chip & Raisin Cookie Drops

This happened again. When? Last week. State of mind? Unstable. End result? So f*cking good. Minus a hefty fat/calorie content. Comments: I’m not lying when I say that I’ve had 3 cookies for dinner instead of a balanced meal of protein, greens and healthy carbs.

What I used:

1 cup Becel

1/5 cups brown sugar

2 tsp vanilla

1 cup milled flaxseed

2 cups gluten free flour

1 cup organic pumpkin

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

2 cups quick oats

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup slivered almonds

A dash of sea salt

How I Did It:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In the KitchenAid, cream together Becel, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add pumpkin, beating well. Combine flour, oats, flax baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg into it and mix well. Add chocolate chips, raisins, almonds & sea salt. Drop rounded teaspoon fulls onto cookie sheets. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove and cool. Try not to stuff 2 into your mouth at a time. Makes approx 5 dozen cookies. A more than sufficient amount to satisfy any craving.

 Enjoy. And please don’t blame me for any subsequent weight gain. These are basically carrots sticks disguised in cookie form. Look for sympathy elsewhere.

xoxo