2013 Hair and Beauty Resolutions

Photo from Beautifully Superfluous

Happy 2013!  Have you made your New Year's Resolutions yet?  How about including a couple of hair and beauty related ones?  Need some to get started?  Here are five things to start doing, stop doing, and vow to try in 2013:

• Try new trends in hair and makeup!  Have you always stared longingly at that display of purple eyeliner pencils or continuously dog eared the same type of hair styles in your magazine pages? Now is the time to try them!  If a trend looks interesting and suits your coloring or faceshape: go for it!  There's no time like the present.  Need an extra incentive?  Challenge yourself to one beauty dare each month where you try something you've never tried before.
• Stop picking...everything.  Do you pick at your nails, your pimples, or your split ends?  Now's the time to stop!  Need some help?  Check out Allure's Solutions for 7 Emotional Skin Issues here.
• Stick with what works.  Go through your facebook photos....do the ones you look most fabulous in have any patterns?  Your killer winged eyeliner, curly hair, or that great green top?  Make an effort to repeat those looks.  If you love the way you look with tousled hair, wear it that way more often.
• Moisturize!  One of the easiest ways to look glowing and fabulous is to keep your skin moisturized.  Hydrated, happy skin is healthy skin.  Apply a moisturizer right after you get out of the shower and for double duty make sure it includes SPF.  Don't forget to hydrate from the inside out too - drink plenty of water.
• Upgrade your routine.  When you clean out your makeup bag, take a look at your products.  Are you using the same face cream since 1997?  It may be time for an upgrade.  Visit your local beauty counter for a consultation.  Looking for a new hair style....call patrick for an update to your look.  Even a simple cut change or some highlights can instantly change the way you look and feel.  

As for me?  I vow to toss out my expired beauty products (including that half empty eye shadow palette at the bottom of my drawer) and take better care of my nails ( ie - more frequent manicures).  What are your New Year's Resolutions?  

~Kirsten

10 Beauty & Hair Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Need a tiny gift or cool products to stuff your friend or loved one's Christmas stocking?  There's a reason beauty products make great stocking stuffers - they're small and everyone wants them!  Here are some great little presents for any beauty lover in your life.  Best yet?  They al fit in your stocking or purse (except for one!) and are budget friendly!  Everything is under $30!

Stocking Stuffer Ideas (Clockwise from top left)
1.  An oh, so cute Owl Contact Case for your friend no longer called "four eyes."
2.  Luxe feeling hand cream in pretty designs by L'occitane.  These make perfect tie ones for gifts too.
3.  A jumbo wand of lip colors from Sephora is fun and functional.  Gift the whole thing or break them up into six mini gifts.
4.  For your friend who always wants more volume, a Kirsten and Patrick favorite: Big Sexy Hair's Powder Play.  A few sprinkles instantly lifts roots and adds texture and volume.
5.  This one probably won't fit in the stocking, but it's super cute.  E.L.F.'s Nail Cube contains 14 nail colors for $10.
6.  Another fashion and function gift - a cute key chain lipgloss from Victoria's Secret.
7.  Makeup brushes are the perfect shape for fitting in a stocking or being tied on top of a gift as a gift topper.  A brush everyone is sure to love (it's my personal favorite) is the Expert Face Brush designed by European makeup artist Samantha Chapman for Real Techinques.
8.  Another Real Techniques brush, this Stippling Brush is sure to be new to even an advanced makeup buff.  Plus, it's flat bottom means it stands on the counter during makeup application time.
9.  Here's a perfect gift for the girl that's always reaching in her bag for chapstick or lip balm, Sugar's mini lip trio feels ultra luxe and is packaged in these holiday only set of three.  Available at Sephora.
10.  Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but faux ones are just as good.  Grab a pair of cute fake sparkle studs in a fun shape like these bow stud earrings from Charlotte Russe.

What's your favorite stocking stuffer of this bunch?
~Kirsten

Luxe Beauty Lust List

from Pinterest

It's officially the season of gift giving...and wish listing!  Someone on Instagram said jokingly, it's never to early to put out a wish list so people can start saving to buy things for you."  So in the spirit of wishing for little gifts to improve your day to day makeup routine, I put together a list of my luxe beauty wants.  All things that I think look fabulous but wouldn't buy myself.  Leave a comment if you'd like my address to send a gift :) or take note for the fabulous lady in your life that might enjoy some of these products.

Starting clockwise from the top left: Nars Orgasam Blush which all the beauty blogs and magazines sing the praises of.  It's one of those elusive "looks good on everyone" blushes.   Coach Sunglasses, because nothing says "I don't want the paparazzi to notice me" then a pair of fabulous sunglasses on a winter day.  Mary Kay Eye Makeup Remover - this is one of the best eye makeup removers I've ever used.  Yes, I even like it better than Lancome's and Elizabeth Ardens.  Clinique Chubby Stick I love these cute as can be sticks and would love to try out the real deal.  They look like they go on as smooth as butter.  Speaking of smooth, I haven't tried many primers, but the Smashbox Photo Primer is said to be a good one.  I love that they have several different colors to solve different problems, but at $17 for a sample size, it hasn't made it into my collection yet.  Flower Bomb Perfume by Viktor and Rolf is my signature go to scent.  I bought a mini bottle for my wedding day and haven't worn another perfume since.  I'd love to add a full size bottle to my collection.  Moving onto eye liner, Tarte Smolder Eyes Eyeliner comes in a variety of colors, uses natural ingredients, and is completely cruelty free.  Of course what eye look would be complete without mascara?  I love using my luxe Lancome concealer (a once a year treat), the tube I"m currently crushing on is their Hypnose Mascara.  And lastly, to round out my luxe face, the Naked 2 Eye Palette, a gorgeous mix of neutral, brown, and pink eye shadow colors all together in one chic set.

Check out all the products and links on Polyvore

What products are on your luxe beauty wish list?
~Kirsten

Go for Gold: Holiday Makeup

Are you looking for a smashing holiday look?  Go for gold!  Gold is said to increase personal power, promote courage, confidence and willpower according to Crystal-Cure.com.  It's bling-y, fabulous and not for the faint of heart.  Try this look for your next cocktail or holiday party...or at the most fabulous holiday event of all, New Year's Eve.  Pick one or two features to play up in gold like eyes and cheeks, lips and eyes, or lips and cheeks paired with a neutral eye.  Swathing yourself in smashing black?  Then go for all three!  Just don't pair all gold with an all gold ensemble!  Here's how to get the look.

A gold eye is a sure bet if you want to have one feature swathed in gold.  Start with a neutral, matte shade for the whole eye and then use a shimmering gold shade on the lid.  Apply lots of layers or work with a cream shadow or wet powder for more intensity.  Create a cat eye or line your lids in black for a more dramatic effect.  When it comes to lashes, don't forget to curl, this is the number one eye opening trick!  You can even do that in gold with this pretty eye lash curler from Shu Uemura or apply false lashes with some gold built in if your event is extra swanky.  The same is true for foundation, use the golden self standing expert face brush from Real Techniques to flawlessly apply a shimmering foundation or top your normal foundation with an illuminator or shimmering powder.  Lips aren't left out either...top a nude lip color with a gold gloss or find a lipstick in a shade that's flattering.  Don't forget your nails, Essie is Good as Gold is subtle but shimmering at the same time.

Check out the polyvore board for prices and more links!

Will you be going for gold this holiday season?
~Kirsten

Holiday Sparkle: Makeup for your holiday season

'Tis the season!  It's time for feeling cozy and giving to others!  But it's also time for holiday parties, cocktails, and family gatherings.  Why not add a little extra glitz and glamour to your season?  I love all things glittering, sparkly, and fabulous, so I've gathered some wishlist worthy sparkly items.  Grab these to create a perfect holiday look whether you're headed to Christmas dinner, an office holiday party, cocktails with friends.

Start with your eyes!  Purple is  surprizingly flattering on most complexions.  Pick a sparkling purple shade,  I've had great success with Purple Pop from Cover Girl (it's one of the only shadows I use that tiny sponge applicator with.  Get it wet, then sweep a couple rounds of the shade onto your lid).  Pair purple shadow with a black eyeliner and pile on mascara for a more dramatic effect.  You'll want to keep your cheeks polished but not too pink, so pick a highlighting blush like the one above from NARS to give you subtle shimmer.  A loose shimmer powder can be a godsend for dreary wintery skin too!  Apply it with a setting brush (like this pretty pink one from Real Techniques) to your brow bone, contours of your cheeks, and collar bones.  You can also use a body shimmer if you're wearing a strapless dress to accent your shoulders, just don't go overboard.  Finish your look with a shimmering lipgloss on top of your favorite berry lip color (berry lips blends with purple eyes quite well).  Don't forget to grab your diamond (or faux diamond) studs and a sparkling clutch to stash your touch up makeup in.  Voila!  You're ready to sparkle for the holidays!

Where do you wear your sparkling makeup?
~Kirsten

Holiday Hair Add Ins

If you're looking for an instant way to add some oomph to your updo, you're in luck!  Pretty pieces to slide and clip into your hair are easier to find than ever.  Sliding a glittering clip or fluffy flower into your hair is an easy way to take your pony tail from ho-hum everyday to extra special or special occasion.  I use hair add ins as secret trick to fix updos that go up slightly off center.  Bun not quite round enough?  Stick a flower next to it and it will look just fine.  Did you curling pull your pony tail to the right?  Slide a jewel encrusted stick next to the base and no one will notice.

Haven't ever indulged in an extra hair accessory?  Now that the holiday season is upon us it's the perfect time to try.  I've rounded up some of my favorite ideas for adding a little extra sparkle and special-nesss to your next hair occasion.  Find these pieces online or in stores...but don't forget to check your jewelry box (you can pin in a brooch with a handful of bobbi-pins) and check your childhood jewelry stash.  You never know what you'll find, I found a pair of cute red and white "Kirsten" barrettes.  If you want to buy though, check these out:

Shabby Chic Hair Flower  - These small flowers are super easy to work with.  Just pop in place with the attached prongs and pin down any layers that are sticking up.  Great for sides of buns/pony tails, nestled in curls, or fixing off center work.

Glam Girl Baretter Flowers - If you don't want to deal with prongs, these snap barrettes are a "snap" to put in.  If you have a pony tail, wear on on each side of it so the flowers touch at the top of your head.  If you're sticking them both near a bun or messy up do, wear them side by side so they look like one piece.  These are also great for pinning back bangs.

Softies Stars These new soft barrettes from Goodie promise to "make hair styling fun and easy for girls to use too.  Softies are free of snaps and clips delivering a comfortable, no-fuss styling experience."  I've never tried them, but they seem to go on almost like velcro.  They would make a fun, playful addition to just about any hair style and since they're flat can go almost anywhere.  Just be careful pulling them out.

T-Shirt Headband - I'm not a big fan of headbands, but these cute DIY t-shirt ones are easy to use and you don't have to worry about pinching.  Don't want to do it yourself?  Check out this cute satin wrapped headband from Forever 21.

Glitter Bows - Bows are back!  Curl your hair and pop these in for a totally cute effect or add one to a super sleek 'do to take the edge off.

Swooping Feather Hair Clip - This Urban Outfitters piece has a decisively vintage feel and would be perfect for a holiday party.  Clip back your bangs, or let it peek out from an updo or next to a French twist.

Adorn Jewelry Bobbi Pins - Want to go simple and chic?  Try these little gold bobbi pins.  You could also create your own version by gluing crystals of glittery baubles or beads to your own bobbi pins...just make sure the glue is dry before you try it!

Multi Flower Head Wrap - Head wraps are like the chic-er sister of the headband.  They'll look perfect and slightly flapper inspired with sleek strands, but don't be afraid to tuck the band part underneath the flowers and pin it in place at the back of your head for a more fascinator feel.  What is a fascinator?  Check out this blog post I wrote a few years ago here.

Debbie Lee Long Comb - If you have an extra special event, like a wedding, charity gala, or black tie ball, you'll want to spend a little bit more to get a piece with staying power.  Look for pieces made with real crystals and metal combs (the plastic ones are easy to break).  Smaller combs are easier to work with while longer ones look beautiful coming out of French twists.

Need some help with creating your updo?  Check out this post.

~Kirsten

Thanksgiving Inspired Nail Art

Be honest...every holiday there's a little part of you that loves the cheeky celebration of wearing thematic colors and paying homage to the day with nail art!  Since we're two days away from turkey day, here are some of my favorite nail ideas for showing your support for Thanksgiving.  Just know the formality of where you're going.  Turkey nail art might be fun and funky at a family dinner back home, but if you're meeting his or her parents for the first time or dinning along Michigan Avenue, it might be best to stick with a classy neutral or more elegant design like a swirl or marble.  Don't be afraid to sparkle though.  Holidays are a great excuse to get dressed up and feel fabulous.

Want to see tutorials and polish ideas?  Check out this Polyvore set here for links.

If you do decide to try one of these you MUST upload a photo to Patrick's facebook page so we can see your handi-work.  What color will be on your nails this Thursday?
~Kirsten

Halloween Makeup Tutorials

Are you still searching for the perfect Halloween Makeup?  Check out these cool video tutorials we've rounded up all from British makeup artist duo Pixiwoos.   They make great, high quality video tutorials that are full of tips and tricks for getting gorgeous makeup.

Practice tonight, perfect for your Halloween event tomorrow!


Barbie is a classic! Alter this look with different colors depending on what kind of barbie you're feeling like.  Under the sea?  Go aqua blue.  Classic glam?  Grab bright pink eye makeup.


Want to look fabulous but aren't wearing a costume?  Try color blocking!  Create a fabulous eye and no one will even notice you're not wearing a costume.

With season three of The Walking Dead premiering two weeks ago, zombies are more popular than ever!  Plus it's an easy DIY costume.


Superhero?  Doll?  This makeup look will compliment a number of costume ideas.

What are you doing to celebrate Halloween?

Halloween Costume & Makeup Ideas

Halloween is next week!  But don't worry, there's still time to pull together a smashing costume and makeup for whatever event you may be going to, whether it's this Friday, Saturday, or on actual Halloween itself.  I came across this great blog by Ecouterre with seven last minute Halloween ideas you can pull from your closet...and they're all adorable.  With the right makeup, no one will know you only thought it up now!  Here are my ideas for makeup and hair pairings for this great costumes.

Cat Burglar

Even if you don't have a striped shirt, throw on all black, some bling, and a bag and voila: you're a burglar.  Of course every good cat burglar needs a smoky, cat eye.  Make sure to add some silver shadow, black liner, and lots of mascara.  If your party is extra swanky, make sure to add some sparkle into that eye shadow.  You can go Cat Woman style with long curled locks, or slick your hair into a sleek pony tail or side braid.  After all, you wouldn't want your hair to get in the way of all those diamonds.   Don't forget the diamond stud earrings!
Check out our makeup suggestions below.  See a product or look you love?  Click here to see the Polyvore Set.

Morton Salt Girl

If I didn't already have a costume idea, I'd totally do this!  Pair this so cute idea with a poppy yellow eye.  Glam it up by adding a smooth black liquid liner and tons of mascara.  Add a pop of pink blush on the apples of your cheeks and keep you lips neutral.  Making this costume more easy?  Simple hair.  If you have long locks and want to fake a bob, straighten your hair then fold it under and pin the ends to your scalp, straighten again if it's looking too puffy.
Need the makeup products below?  Click here to see our Polyvore Set.

Dora the Explorer

Go all out with color and cuteness by dressing up as our favorite Spanish cartoon!  Pick the color that goes best with your complexion and play up your eyes.  Match that purple backpack or magenta top.  Dora is a youngster, so don't make your look too adult, go easy on the mascara and keep your bright pink blush to the apples of your cheeks only.  This is another classic bob look for hair, but a pony tail will look great as well.  Try these makeup ideas below, see the products here.

Who or what will you be dressing up as for Halloween?

~Kirsten