Keep On Moroccan Me Baby

I think it’s safe to say that yours truly is the exact opposite of brand loyal.  To be completely frank, I’m more like a marketer’s dream; I’m easily intrigued by flashy packaging and constantly seek out the newest of the new.  There is one product line, however, that I am ready to commit to for the long haul:  MorrocanOil. 

I purchased the treatment oil a while back (seriously, one bottle lasts FOR.EV.ER.), and fell head over heels in love.  I was shocked that the oil did not weigh my hair down or make it look greasy – in fact it did just the opposite.  My hair looks shiny and healthy – and frizz is tamed (FYI, my hair is thick and a little wavy/frizzy/confused). 

I just had my hair done last week – and my lovely stylist (hello, Jenise) used MoroccanOil Shampoo and Conditioner on my locks.  First, I was mildly obsessed with the scent; they smelled perfectly soapy and clean.  Second – I couldn’t stop touching my hair as Jenise was blow-drying it…it was SO soft and shiny.  Third and final observation – my hair had fantastic movement and was super light and touchable. 

All of the above to say:  I’m sold.  What about you gals, have you tried any of these? 

xoxo.

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Not Just Another Pretty Boutique Owner: Allison Rechter

  Allison is the adorable owner of Bella Bridesmaid, a boutique in Broad Ripple catering to all things bridesmaid.  She was kind enough to answer our 5 questions here:

1. Tell us about yourself in 140 characters of less:

Owner of Bella Bridesmaid, DePauw Alum who grew up in Southern Kentucky. I love fashion, peonies, blogging and finding a great deal.

2. What, in your opinion, is special about what you offer?

Not only are the dresses chic, but they are all custom – you pick the fabric, style and color that’s best for you and/or your bridal party!  The options are practically endless.

3. The beauty product I cannot live without is _______________.

 CO Bigelow Lipgloss. Love that stuff!

4. What is your favorite beauty/hair/style trend for summer?

Summer – wavy beach hair, done right. Printed maxi dresses – cool, comfortable, and can be worn from daytime errands to drinks with the  girls!

5. Please keep Indy pretty, and stop: your man or guy friend from wearing skinnier jeans than you!  Jeggings on men is a total NO.

Thank you, Allison!  You can follow her fabulous blog here.

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No Zit, Sherlock

To say that I have struggled with my skin would possibly be the understatement of the year.  I don’t even want to think about the amount of money I have spent on skin care (and neither does the hubs) - each one promising to be the miracle that gives me that pristine complexion I’m looking for.  Many, many frustrating tries later…I happen upon my miracle, No “Zit” Sherlock by Bliss. 

A little background – I’ve never had full-blown acne, which might seem thankful to some, but to me – it’s almost more frustrating.  I’ve tried to be some sort of skin detective, figuring out the exact nature of my skin issues…thus no zit, Sherlock is quite fitting – no?  Typically, products with potent acne/blemish fighters (salicylic acid, glycolic acid, etc) seem to make my skin freak out even more (yes, I wait for my skin to “purge”).  This line, however, not only cleared my skin rapidly, but has made my skin even and soft.  I’m pretty sure I hear angels singing from heaven.  

I don’t know if the magic comes from this line’s probiotics, but whatever it is, consider me sold.  And very, very happy.  Try the kit (about 1-2 month supply) for $35.

xoxo.

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Julie’s Pretty Perspective

Thick, full, dark lashes!  Have you noticed this beauty trend like I have?  How could you not, with so many new mascaras promising just that, along with prescription eyelash product like Latisse.  For the most part, I am satisfied with my eyelashes.  They are moderately thick and full – and thanks to my Yugoslavian heritage, there is no doubting they are dark!  However, I like enhancing my lashes with a curler and a good coat of mascara.  I think it opens up my eyes.

I am usually very particular about my mascara.  I prefer the rubber bristle brushes to the normal wire brushes.  The wire brushes seem to make my lashes clump up and that is not pretty!  For a while I was loyal to CoverGirl’s Lash Blast.  The size and texture of the brush was just right, and the mascara itself seemed to do the trick in a few coats.  But after receiving a sample of Sephora’s  Lash Plumper I bought a full tube right away.  What surprised me about this mascara was that the brush was wire and it didn’t clump my lashes together.  It really did a great job separating and adding volume to my lashes!  No, it doesn’t beat the CoverGirl mascara price wise, but I don’t mind spending just a little extra for a product that does what it actually says it does.

I too have been sucked into this trend of buying mascara that claims it will help lashes grow thicker and longer.  I was at Target (yes, again) and picked up Revlon’s Grow Luscious mascara just to try it out.  My Sephora mascara was out so I decided to test it out.  In the commercial, Jessica Biel seemed to get great results (and no, I don’t really believe she used it).

Stayed tuned for eyelash results!

P.S. If you were able to make it out to our Summer Social, I hope you had a great time! You ladies are what keeps  Pretty Indy going, so thank you!

~Julie :)

Smashbox: Fall 2010

One thing that gets me super excited for fall is seeing and anticipating new makeup collections.  The gorgeous colors, rich textures – and well, just the new-ness, it all makes me look forward to crisp days and caramel apple ciders.  Here is a sneak peek of Masquerade, Smashbox’s line-up for fall 2010. 

This gorgeous eye palette contains rich fall colors – and some of those olives we talked about earlier in the week.  Many pretty looks can be created from these 9 colors.  $35.

Who doesn’t want a glowy complexion - especially when it is complimented by a fresh-from-the-outdoors flush.  This Baked Fusion Soft Lights Palette will give you the prettiest of glows.  $32.

And speaking of those rosy, glowy cheeks – I am really digging this creamy cheek color and brush combo.  Cream blushes can create some of the most believable flushes – and the built-in brush helps blend to make you look even more naturally radiant.  $29.

To complete the look for your fabulous peepers, use Smashbox’s new liquid liner and lash overlay in either teal or bronze.  Both are metallic, and promise to amp up your eyes.  I love the fact that these are multi-taskers!  $19.

Of course, a collection wouldn’t be complete without lip treats.  These lip enhancing glosses come in golden nude and golden pink – the perfect finishing touch for a polished, fall look.  $19.

What are you loving/not loving about this collection?

xoxo. 

Not Just Another Pretty Pro: Kate Roth

This week’s featured pro is Kate Roth of Kate Roth Beauty.  She does it all – hair, makeup, nails – and has recently opened her very own space at Sola Salon (11801 Commercial Drive, Studio 5, Fishers).  You can book an appointment with her by calling 317.370.4863.

1.  Tell us about yourself in 140 characters or less.

I am full service cosmetologist and I do hair, nails and makeup.  I’m a born and raised Indiana girl and I love making Indy pretty!

2.  What, in your opinion, is special about what you offer?

What’s important to me is to be honest and forthcoming about my professional opinion.  I always try to teach my clients how to maintain their color and style, and encourage them to change their look every now and then.  It’s amazing how a simple change can make you feel totally new!

3.  The beauty product I cannot live without is It’s A 10 Shine Spray.

4.  What is your favorite beauty or hair trend for summer?

Fun and easy updo styles!  It’s HOT outside so throw your hair up in a bun, a twist, or even a braid.

5.  Please keep Indy pretty, and stop using tanning beds!!  It’s so unhealthy and unattractive.  Protect yourself from the sun!

Fall Trending Color: Rustic Olive!

We love olive! We wanted to draw attention to this hot on-trend color that we’re seeing everywhere – in clothing, accessories and even in home decor. This rustic green hue is so versatile that it goes with almost anything – and it works great as a neutral, too.  Add a pop of color (think a bright orange necklace or cocktail ring) to a monochromatic olive dress and you’ll be pulling off one of the season’s hottest color trends.  The best part about this color?  It looks great on everyone, no matter what your hair color or skin tone.  Check out some of our fav olive finds…

Jeffrey Campbell Olive Suede Clog, Lorisshoes.com, $138.00

Silk Shift Dress with Ruffle Neckline, Ann Taylor LOFT, $128.00

Bow Adorned Skirt in Olive, Forever21.com, $15.80

Cadet Buckle Clutch, HandbagHeaven.com, $47.95

Military Zip-Up Jacket, UrbanOutfitters.com, $68.00

Happy shopping, ladies!

- Kelly

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Little Luxuries

Looking for a more affordable way to get more Burberry in your life?  Look no further than Nordstrom, who just launched Burberry’s new makeup line.  This lust-worthy collection proudly displays the signature check on every piece (love that it is imprinted on the actual cosmetics as well).  Right now, I’m coveting the Lip Cover Soft Satin lip color in Union Jack – touted to be one of the most wearable reds available.  I have always wanted to pull off a red lip color – but usually end up wiping it off in a mad frenzy because I think I look like a lady of the night.  I am also intrigued by their Warm Glow Bronzers – 4 shades to choose from – and Soft Glow Blush in Rose. 

What are your thoughts on desinger label makeup – a little slice of luxury or not worth the price?

XOXO, t.s.

Julie’s Pretty Perspective

I feel like last year my life came to a cross-road, and since then I have really begun to figure out who I am.  I believe that part of knowing who you are comes from your sense of style.  It is the way you express yourself and at 22 I realized that I was on the verge of entering the real world and I needed to start dressing that way.  Not that I was a slob before, I just have found myself leaning toward a softer, more sophisticated look.  More “grown up” I guess I would call it.

I took a look in my closet and I noticed how many dresses I have acquired during shopping adventures from this spring and summer.  To say the least, I am loving dresses this season.  They are an easy way to add girly flair to your everyday look and sure helps beat the heat in this Indiana weather! 

Von Maur is currently my store of choice for shopping for summer dresses. However, while looking though a friend’s photo album on Facebook I immediately noticed a cute dress she was wearing and obviously needed to know where it was from.  I always find myself asking people where they got their outfit from if I think it is cute.  Not that I am a copy-cat, just curious and love finding new places that I haven’t checked out.  This was the case here too; she told me it was a boutique named Francesca’s.

I checked out the website and already decided that once pay day rolled around, I needed to make a visit to their store.  And I was in luck; they have a boutique located at Clay Terrance and the Castleton Square Mall! Francesca’s clothes reminds me of Anthropologie, (but more reasonably priced!) as it has that vintage and girly feel to it.  I definitely recommend you check this store out!  They are also on Facebook  and Twitter.

Happy Shopping!

~Julie :)

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Practice Safe Sun.

If you haven’t fully embraced the idea that we should be protecting our skin from the sun, you have most likely been living under a rock – in which case, skin cancer is probably not a real concern for you.  For those of us who do not live under said rock, here are some amazing (and excuse-proof) options for sun protection. 

 Supergoop! SPF 30 Sunscreen Swipes($34):  These pre-moistened towelettes are super easy to use – just swipe them over any area you need to protect!  Great for sensitive skin, these are formulated without lots of harsh chemicals and irritants found in other products.   

Mario Badescu Eye and Lip Sunscreen ($20):  Specific, I know – but if you are a 30-something like me, odds are good that you are starting to see some signs of aging in these areas.  The eyes and lips are the most delicate areas of the face, and this SPF 15 cream helps soften skin while protecting it. 

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder ($30):  The ultimate no-excuses SPF, this brush can be tossed easily into your handbag for those marathon summer days.  Simply brush the mineral powder over any area you want to protect – as an added bonus, the powder will actually soak up any oil on your face, leaving you with a refreshed and glowing complexion.  

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion ($9.99):  How could I not list one of my old favorites?  Yes, it takes a little more time to apply the lotion – but the smell!  It takes me right back to the beach.  This is also a grown-up version of the classic – not nearly as heavy and difficult to rub in. 

Sephora Sun Safety Kit($25):  As a kid, I always liked goodie bags.  This is like a goodie bag for grown-ups; 15 trial sizes that help protect you against the sun’s harmful rays.  Not to mention, it’s a great way to try some new brands/products you haven’t tried before. 

XOXO.

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