Objects of Obsession: Tiffany’s Weekly Top 5

There are so many products I try and love…I always make myself a mental note to write about it and it never seems to happen.  This new weekly top 5 report is the result – my method for sharing my most favorite things of the moment.  And yes, it does differ from week to week.  ;) So, let’s get it started (cue the Black Eyed Peas, please).

1.  Fresh Soy Face Cleanser:  I received a sample of this recently and am so glad I gave it a shot – it has quickly become one of my most favorite cleansers ever.  It smells like fresh cut cucumbers (if you don’t dig this smell, skip this one) and removes every trace of grime from your face and eyes.  I adore its gel consistency that lightly foams upon application, and it works beautifully with the Clarisonic if you’re a devoted user.  I find that I am left with perfectly cleansed skin that feels soft and smooth, never tight and dry.  Love.  As always, you can request a sample from Sephora or snag the 1.7 oz. bottle for $15 to give it a try before investing in the larger bottle.

2.  Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Foundation:  I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever been head over heels in love with a foundation prior to this one.  I’ve tried so, so many – and pretty much every time I come back to tinted moisturizers because I just love how light they feel on the skin.  In addition, I have had difficulty finding a good match to my skin tone – I swear the lights in stores have magical properties that make every foundation look all perfect and glowy on my skin but not so much when I get home.  Then there’s this new Smashbox foundation.  It promises to last 15 hours, and frankly I don’t have a need for my makeup to last that long on a regular basis, but it sure does stay put throughout the day.  It looks totally natural and, SCORE, I found a perfect match for my skin tone.  The description says that it “blurs imperfections using light diffusing, encapsulated pigment spheres” and that it is a “sweat-free, transfer-proof, humidity-resistant formula.”  Sounds like a lot of promises, no?  I assure you, it delivers.

3.  Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask:  I color the hell out of my hair.  There, I said it.  It’s also quite thick and frizzy and requires a good amount of moisture to stay healthy.  Once a week, I indulge in this intensive treatment by Moroccan Oil and my hair loves me for it.  The thick, butter-like mask melts into my hair and scalp leaving me with healthier looking hair – much smoother, shinier, and easier to manage.  An added bonus is the amazing smell that is Moroccan Oil; I find that it sticks with me unlike other yummy smelling hair goods that seem to fade quickly.

4.  Essie Damsel in a Dress:  Like it or not (and if you know me, you know I happen to LOVE it), fall is coming.  As a result, my nails must reflect this change of seasons via the use of darker polishes – and one I’m loving right now is Essie’s Damsel in a Dress.  Essie describes it as an “oh so deep iridescent currant” but I just describe it as gorgeous.  I think it will look fantastic wrapped around a carmel apple cider or pumpkin spice latte, personally.

5.  L’Oreal Colour Riche Le Gloss in Nude Illusion:  In all honesty, I kind of love every one of these glosses so you really can’t go wrong here.  I talked about Golden Splash earlier in the summer as a perfect warm weather color, and now I’m loving Nude Illusion for its ability to pair beautifully with those fun, bright eye colors we’re seeing for fall this year.  Let’s be honest, you can never go wrong with a nice nude lip color.

Have you tried any of these products?  Let me know what you think!

xo.

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What on Earth is BB Cream?

If you’re anything like me, you go to Sephora or peruse beauty products like it’s your job.  Maybe you’re not quite as insane about it as I am, but perhaps you’ve noticed the recent slew of products called BB Creams from trusted brands (Clinique, Boscia).  I had no idea what this stuff was, so I did a little digging.

BB Creams, otherwise known as Blemish Balms, have long been popular in Asia where the women are very well known for their flawless skin.  BB Creams are huge multi-taskers; many of them include moisture, sunscreen, brighteners and a slew of other treatments.  They are well known for their skin rejuvenating properties and promise to even skin tone and protect the skin with excellent UV protection.  What does all this mean?  It means that the creams are  a no-brainer for people like me who attempt to get ready in approximately 10 minutes every morning.  Many women report that they don’t really need foundation once they’ve applied the cream – and I am all for lessening the amount of stuff I’m putting on my face.

Dr. Jart has recently debuted at Sephora and comes to us from Asia as one of its most popular BB Cream lines.  There are 2 creams currently being sold at Sephora, rated at 4/5 stars each.  Boscia and Clinique have also recently released their own versions of BB Creams – and Clinique is the clear winner scoring 5/5 stars from reviewers.  Clinique’s version appears to be the only one that offers a choice of tint, and that seems to win users over.  I most certainly have this on my “to try” list – what do you think?

xo.

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Indy Getting Hitched Giveaway

Have you taken a peek at Indy Getting Hitched?  It’s a fantastic and very comprehensive wedding resource for Indy – a perfect site for those of you in the process of planning a wedding!  To celebrate the premiere of their website, Indy Getting Hitched is hosting a fab party – and they want to see YOU there!  The only two words I needed to hear were cocktails and giveaways to know I was in…but of course there will be a slew of Indy’s best wedding vendors with tons of helpful information to give you as you plan your big event!  They’ve given us a nice little bunch of tickets to give away – all you need to do is tell us why you want to go!  Click for more event details.

Good luck – we hope to see you there!

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Kimmie’s Pre-Weekend Pretty-Up: Matte vs. Metallic

Rarely do we get to experiment with totally different trends in a single season.  Cheers to Fall 2011 for letting us work a bunch of trends — mixing metals, neon nails, winged eye liner — into one gorgeous look.  I’ve been snooping around for fall trends, and two of my faves are this season’s signature eye shadow looks: matte and metallic.  These looks each have a super-distinctive and equally glam result, and are pretty easy to create.  Here are my tips and product picks for the most sultry eyes of the season.

Matte:  When I say “matte,” I mean super-duper, no-shine, totally flat color.  In this case, flat definitely doesn’t equal boring!  Matte colors can be some of the most highly pigmented shades on the planet, and allow you to pull off pops of bright color without looking like the captain of a cartoon spaceship.  I recommend starting with a traditional smoky eye — dark on the outer corners and creases, medium on the lid and brow bone, light on the inner crease — and play it up with some dark smudging around the lower lash line.  Neutrals like Too Faced Matte Eye Shadow Collection are superb for this effect (and the included cheat sheets don’t hurt, either!).  Feeling outrageous?  Add a pop of color at the outer corners and lower lash line.  Check out any of Kat Von D’s shadow palettes for crazy-bright matte hues.  Note: If you’re going neutral on the eyes, pair with a bright lip — another super-trend for fall.  If you’re going bold, stick to a light lip or clear gloss.

Metallic:  I’m not talking shimmery or shiny.  This season’s metallic eye looks are more Cadillac chrome than subtle silver.  “Foiling” your lids may take a little work, but you’re going to end up with a dramatic look that’s worth the effort.  Apply eye primer — any brand that’s good and creamy — to your lids and let it dry for a minute.  Using your finger or a small sponge applicator, gently pat (don’t rub!) a metallic shadow on your lids.  For a user-friendly product, reach for Bare Escentuals Foiled Eye Tutorial or the brand’s High Shine Eye Color.  If you’re going for all-out drama, your best bet is Illamasqua Liquid Metal.  It’s high-shine and comes in seriously rich shades, but is tricky to apply and can require re-application.  As with other bright colors, pair your chrome eyes with barely-there makeup.

Which of these looks do you prefer?  Do you have a makeup go-to when the weather cools down?

Cheers!

@KimmieTrubiro

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{Guest Post – My Best Friend’s Hair} Hair Trends as We Look ahead to Fall

As we look ahead to the new season, we begin to mentally evaluate our wardrobes.  Are we well-stocked on coats, jeans, scarves and sweaters?  Sometimes we might not think about getting our hairstyle ready for the cooler temperatures as well.  Just like fashion, hair trends change dramatically from season to season.  So what can we expect for fall?  We’re glad you asked.

Taking a cue from the past, we welcome back bangs.  No, we’re not talking about the overly-teased and hairsprayed poofs of the 70’s but rather the fringed bangs often paired with a bob that were more popular years before.  Old fashioned?  Outdated? Absolutely not!  In general, a big trend as we enter fall and winter this year will be paying homage to the past and still being fabulous!

When it comes to upkeep, your current hairstylist might suggest you go in for a cut and color every few months or so.  But this fall, you might be able to add a little bit more time between appointments!  This is made possible by a trend we can’t decide if we love or hate, the ombre!  Grown out roots of dark browns and sandier blondes create a halo of pop around the head, while the lighter color continues an inch or two down from the roots.  We started to see this trend back around the same time last year and into fall of 2010 and this look (love it or hate it) isn’t going anywhere.

As a little girl, we remember getting excited to put on a bright, bowed headband and skipping off to school.  While we’d like to think we’ve matured a bit since then, we can’t help but still love headbands!  Big designer names like Fendi are going bold and bright when it comes to headbands.  These accessories are inexpensive and versatile and hey, they’re the perfect bad hair day solution!

Whipping wind and heavy snow makes for some less than loved-looking locks.  That’s why we’re especially excited about this trend: big but easy updos!  Beehive-like monuments stood high on the runways, and while we don’t expect everyone to pull off those dramatic looks, we do expect updos to no longer be reserved for swanky social events.  Be it loose buns, big, messy bunches of hair or hair knots, this trend will allow for us to keep our dos in place even if harsher weather hits.

Let’s go back to color.  Sure, the blondes typically go a little bit darker as that summer tan fades, but this season we think color is making a comeback… and we’re not talking about calm carmel colors.  Streaks of pink, purple and even blue could act as accessories by themselves!  The celebs are already on board, but it seems like this trend is yet to take off in our area.  Still, we’re feeling confident that Indianapolis hair stylists are going to get their hands wet offering up this trend soon.

Want to look slick this fall?  Bring out the old aerosol can!  Starting late this summer, we’ve seen celebrities slicking their hair back in chic ponytails or low buns and we can tell from the pictures, these dos aren’t going anywhere!  And from a trend standpoint we don’t think they’re going anywhere either!

The theme this fall for hair: don’t be afraid to break away from the norm!  Whether it’s a pink streak or beehive updo, sleek is chic and old fashioned is back!

Guest Post from My Best Friend’s Hair

Launched in July 2011, My Best Friend’s Hair helps Indianapolis residents find their perfect hairstylist by allowing users to browse non-biased reviews and information about local hairstylists.

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Kimmie’s Pre-Weekend Pretty-Up: The Everlasting Pedicure.

Everyone loves a professional manicure or a long-lasting gel pedi, but who has the time (or dough) to hit the salon all the time?  Not me!  I’ve been curious about nail polish strips and other decorations for awhile…they promise super long-lasting results, easy application, and a big break for your wallet compared to professional jobs.  I took the plunge last week and purchased a variety of nail embellishments: gemstones, stickers, polish strips and crackle polish.  Since then, I’ve put this nail art [seriously] to the test.  Here are my winning — and losing — picks.

Winning: I found Sally Hansen Salon Effects Polish Strips at Walgreens and had to try them out.  I gave myself a pedicure using the strips in “Kitty Kitty”  (so cute!) and then really put them through the wringer.  Since my at-home pedi, I’ve worked out (in tennis shoes) four times, showered, been swimming twice, and painted a house (scrubbing spilled paint off my feet).  It’s day 8 and these strips aren’t budging!  Needless to say, I’m ridiculously impressed.  For $10, you get enough polish strips for three or four pedicures that last for 10 days, plus a nail file and cuticle stick.  That’s a beauty expense I can afford!

Good Bet: Now that it’s coming in tons of different colors, I’m loving crackle polishes.  There are just so many possible combos, plus the self-crackling polish makes it look like you put a lot of work into your nails.  Last weekend, I gave myself a manicure using Avon Nailwear Pro in French Tip White and OPI for Sephora in Blasted Black.  So classic yet trendy!  My advice?  Don’t go cheap on the crackle polishes.  I got some discount ones (Wet n’ Wild and Sally Hansen) and my mani only lasted one day!  My Avon/OPI mani has been going strong and chip-free for four days!

Not So Cute: Out of all the nail art I tested, the biggest disappointment by far were nail stickers and gems.  I tried stickers from the drugstore all the way to Sephora’s line of stickers, gems and animal-print appliques.  I’m sorry to report that they were all awful!  The gems get caught on hair and clothes and fall off and the appliques and stickers last a maximum of two days.  Not worth the cash.  Bottom Line: stick to polish-based nail art!

Give yourself a crazy mani-pedi this weekend!  Do you have a current nail-decorating obsession?

Cheers!

@KimmieTrubiro

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{Cool Event Alert} TOMS Style Your Sole at Castleton Square; Sunday, August 14

A huge thank you to reader Taylor for alerting us to this fantastic event – she let us know that this Sunday, August 14, TOMS Style Your Sole will be rolling through Castleton Square Mall.  Simply purchase a pair of TOMS shoes ($44) from either Shi or Journeys from 12-5 and take them to one of the local artists on hand to help make those shoes your own unique pair.  The personalization is completely free, and all proceeds still go to the TOMS’ mission to provide a pair of shoes to needy children for each pair sold.  If you participate, we’d love to see your unique TOMS – feel free to send us pics!

xo.

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Paige & Jill Beauty on a Budget – Try It Before You Buy It

There is nothing more exciting and exhilarating than purchasing a new beauty or bath product and racing home to try it out.  Whether it’s the latest eye cream that promises to banish those dark circles forever or the lip gloss you saw on Drew Barrymore in a Covergirl ad, the anticipation of trying it for the first time is always a rush….until you realize the color of that lip gloss is all wrong for your complexion or that eye cream doesn’t make your purple bags looks any less intense.  Talk about money out the window.  That’s why we’re huge fans of the “Try It Before You Buy It” approach.  Whether it’s Beauty, Body, or The Best of Both Worlds, testing out new products is a sure way to spend that hard-earned cash on the things that make you look and feel your best.

BEAUTY – If ever there was a Mecca for beauty supplies, Sephora would be it.  But it’s also no secret that some of their products can put a dent in our wallets.  (It’s expensive to look good!)  Luckily, if there’s one thing Sephora does well, it’s customer service.  Not only do Sephora stylists offer free makeovers to show you how products would look (pressure free!), but they are also great about giving customers samples of bath products, perfumes and most make-up products to try at home.  So instead of dropping $28 on a bronzer that makes you look like you rubbed your face in dirt, you can take it back and exchange it for a better shade.

BATH – The Body Shop customer service is one to rival that of Sephora.  The Body Shop is known for their body butters, face creams, and soap, but most do not know of their amazing make-up line.  We have found this staff to be very knowledgeable about all of their products.  Often times we go in with an ailment such as super dry skin or oily hair and ask what they suggest.  From there it is best to ask for a sample to take home and try.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS – In a recent issue of Cosmopolitan magazine, there was a little blurb about a company called Birchbox.  We wanted to mention it in this post in case you ladies missed it!  Birchbox (www.birchbox.com) is a beauty product delivery service.  You join Birchbox by paying $10 per month and then once a month you will receive a birch box of filled with luxury brands to sample.  The brands include everything from NARS to Kiehl’s to Cargo.  The box also comes with tutorials on how to use the enclosed products.  If this price is too steep for some consider splitting the cost with a girlfriend!  That would mean $5 per month and then splitting the products with your friend!

So there ya have it ladies.  You now have a great excuse to try a new product and pamper yourself a little without wasting money on bad beauty products!  No matter where you purchase your beauty supplies, don’t ever be afraid to ask for a sample.  What’s the worst that could happen?

- P & J

@PaigeRittgers
@JillMcElheny

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