simple ways to wear Pantone Marsala

bonjour, beauties! the first month of the new year is almost over ~ can you believe it? if you didn't notice, i took a bit of a break... hope your 2015 is going well for you thus far!

in any case, i'm sure by now you've heard that Marsala is the Pantone 2015 color of the year. described as a stirring and flavorful shade for apparel and accessories that is flattering against many skin tones, this shade, appealing to men and women, encourages color creativity and experimentation; if you're like me, you've already adopted it. it's a fab go-to color in your beauty routine as well; you can highlight your cheeks and eyes in Marsala, give the perfect pop of color on nails and lips, and will make a great tint for your hair as well!

this hue all over the place, beauties, and i hope you you'll have fun with it {btw, one very cool thing i'm loving about this year's color selection is that it's so very close to my daughter's main school color, maroon. she's on the basketball team, so i already have an excuse to incorporate this color into my lifestyle…you know, school spirit. ;) }.

here are some items of inspiration i found across the web...

as perfect examples of how to make Marsala part of any ensemble, Jennie Mai rocks leather pants while and Taylor Swift dons a lady-like handbag. 

more examples:

1. Oasis Embellished Textured Lantern Dress
2. Oasis Heart Print Three Quarter Sleeves Top
3. Oasis Plain LS Skater
4. Visible Interest Rainbow Quartz Pendant Necklace by Lumo
5. Jamberry Pomegranate Pop Nail Wraps
6. Jamberry Red Currant Nail Lacquer
7. Jamberry Vintage Deco Nail Wraps
8. Prescriptives Medium U-Pick Refillable Compact (shown: Eye Shadow in Canyon and Campfire, Cheek Color in Wine)


...and here are some items i own:

i found two cropped jackets at Forever 21 {decided to buy the one on the left, and the top, btw}…

 this e.l.f blush palette {in dark} is a fabulous example of how Marsala can be incorporated into your beauty game…

and of course, nail polish! pictured: wet 'n' wild Haze of Love {left} and SpaRitual Fall in Love* {right}.

Marsala is a fabulous shade to incorporate drama, but still keeps an earthy, grounded vibe. how will you be making Marsala part of your life in 2015, beauties?

product sent to me by the brand for feature consideration; pics taken by me :)

JINsoon x goop nail polish collaboration

bonjour, beauties! as we all know, nail polish {and for many, nail art} are an important part of our beauty lifestyles. on the same level, lifestyle blogs and websites that feature and inspire gorgeous ideas, suggestions and how-tos {including nail-related things} are in someway part of daily life.

that said, i'm happy to share details regarding the latest collaboration between the nail polish brand JINsoon and lifestyle brand goop {created by Gwyneth Paltrow}...

"for me, goop has always represented the bes of living and style, integrating simple luxuries into everyday life, which is synergetic with the JINsoon philosophy," Jin Soon Choi says.

so, here are the details:

there are 2 limited edition nail lacquer sets that have been created and each contain must-have colors that easily fit into any polish collection. aptly named Classics 1 and Classics 2, you'll find staple nail lacquers designed to add an elegant touch to fingertips any time of year...

Classics 1
Demure {pale nude} *new to the JINsoon collection
Dul·cet {toffee beige} *new to the JINsoon collection
Risque {black red}

Classics 2
Vanity {hot red} *new to the JINsoon collection
Coquette {true red}
Audacity {deep red}

gorgeous, right?


check out this easy tutorial, created by Jin Soon Choi:


1. apply a base coat.

2.  apply two coats of Coquette.

3. using Demure, draw curving lines with a thin brush throughout the nail. 
{this look is easy to do, looks great and allows you to use your imagination to create different types of lines!}

4. apply a high-gloss top coat to finish the look and give it extra shine.*


tell me what you think! i am a fan. these polishes apply beautifully and look great on nails. the colors are opaque and wear well {this is so important for me since i don't always have time to change my polish every other day.}

the JINsoon x goop sets are currently available on goop.com

products featured and manicure image courtesy of JINsoon; other pics taken by me :)

add glam & glitter in 2015 with SpaRitual polishes

with the new year coming up, you may have plans to glam it up by attending a soiree or two. and since  new year's eve has never been known for its subtlety, it's "the perfect opportunity to indulge in the glitz and glamour of the holiday season," says Shel Pink, SpaRitual Founder. "these 5 SpaRitual glitters are the perfect complement to ring in the New Year and showcase your personal style for 2015.”

i couldn't agree more: ring in 2015 with glitter! 

Shel has graciously shared her 5 must-have glitter polish shades to ring in the new year. each will certainly add flare to your evening {not to mention, seeing a fabulous manicure to complement the dress and heels that you’ve had picked out for months will make the event better, wouldn't you say?} and they're fabulous…

 Home, a green glitter

Living, a purple glitter

Beyond Love, a pink glitter

Soul, a yellow glitter

Snow Globe, a white glitter top effect 

these polishes allow for you to step away from your go-to nail shades, or enhance them, so venture outside of your usual nail polish and dab your nails in glitter!

visit sparitual.com for more info. 

winter beauty: MAC introduces Studio Conceal and Correct

available online december 23, 2014 and in stores december 26, 2014, the new Studio Conceal and Correct range, features Studio Finish Concealer Duos, highly-pigmeted, complementary pairs that are highly concentrated, yet lightweight, and promise to conceal everything from dark circles, blemishes, moles, birthmarks and even tattoos. also included in the line are Studio Chromagraphic Pencils that can also be used as eyeliner or aid in sculpting the face and body.

MAC Studio Finish Concealer Duo:

NW10/NC20
NW20/NC25
NW25/NC30
NW30/NC35
NW40/NC45
NW45/NC50

MAC Studio Finish Conceal & Correct Duo
Mid Peach/Mid Yellow
Pale Yellow/Pale Pink
Rich Yellow/Burnt Coral
Pure Orange/Ochre

MAC Studio Chromgraphic Pencil
NC15/NW20
NW25/NC30
NC42/NW35

visit maccosmetics.com for more info


tell me: are you as excited for this new collection as i am?!!

info and images courtesy of MAC Cosmetics PR

holiday 2014: beauty gifts under $25

whether you're on a budget or just have a long list of recipients, it's always a good option to consider gifts that won't break the bank! and in case you're wondering, these gifts are just as fabulous as their luxe counterparts and will be appreciated by the lucky ones who receive them...

Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip is a sampler set with coveted glosses, sticks, tints, and lacquers ~ Urban Decay Mini Naked Revolution Lipstick, Nars Deluxe Orgasm Lip Gloss, Buxom Mini Full On Lip Cream in White Russian, Marc Jacobs Mini Lust for Lacquer in Kissability, Deluxe Bite High Pigment Lip Pencil in Meritage, Full-size Smashbox Be Legendary Gloss in Pout

Beauty To Go Mini Gel Effect Collection is fabulous for the gal who is always put together, but in a no-fuss way. the set includes 2 classic shades and a fun glitter: Kensington High Street Gel Effect Nail Polish in Deep Berry, Camden Road Gel Effect Polish in Multicoloured Glitter, Colville Mews Gel Effect Polish in Delicate Nude

Essie Spa Holiday Gift Set includes two pampering products for hands and feet that can be used all year long! leg & foot crème offers extreme hydration with ingredients like royal jelly extract and shea butter, to leave skin feeling soft and supple. intensive hand lotion is formulated with a nourishing blend of coriander and glycerin to help replenish moisture and promises to leave hands soft, smooth and supple.

Maybelline The Nudes Palette is the must-have drugstore palette on every beauty girl's wish list {if they don't already have it, that is…}. every shade is highly pigmented and long-wearing, and can be used to create an endless amount of looks that are wearable on everyone for every occasion.

Carol’s Daughter Marula Curl Therapy Collection 3-Piece Starter Kit : for pampering curls and training them to spiral into long-lasting perfection, this kit features products formulated with super-softening, rich marula oil. includes Marula Gentle Cream Cleanser, Diffusing & Styling Lotion and Softening Hair Mask. 

Molton Brown Festive Body Wash Bauble ~ these festive baubles make gift-giving easy. featuring fan favorite Molton Brown scents, these body washes are perfectly sized for travel and of course, any holiday stocking!

tell me: do you stick to a budget when shopping for holiday gifts? 

info and images courtesy of featured brands