Gifts That Give: Operation Sand Flea

Give that Give: Operation Sand Flea

In light of Veterans Day yesterday, I wanted to highlight a great skincare program with an even greater cause. Washingtonian Sara Damelio, founder of Skincando and creator of Combat-Ready Balm, has been donating care packages to the U.S. troops overseas since 2005. A multi-tasking cream, Combat-Ready Balm soothes sand flea bites, sunburn and dry skin for troops overseas. Also available in a lip balm, bug repellant and bar of soap, these gifts ($4.25-$12.50) do more than just offer immediate skin relief, it sends a sincere note of ‘thank you for serving our country.’ Donated jars are sent to a soldier in need, or a specific service member you may know, not to mention Skincando covers all shipping costs. For more information and how you can donate, click here. Here’s to our troops (and taking care of our skin)!

Link Love: DIY Headpieces & a Must-try Pumpkin Bundt Cake Recipe

Not sure I have the patience to create a jeweled headpiece but here’s to looking at these cool hair accessories. [A Pair and a Spare]

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, particularly because I can never have enough pumpkin baked goods. The Betty Crocker in me needs to try this pumpkin chip bundt cake! [Currently Coveting]

Thanks to Caitlin’s post on the Shopbop sale alert and her picks under $150, I’m all about these wallet friendly finds! [Style Within Reach]

Totally inspired by this style post on cold weather work-wear. [9 to 5 Chic]

I’m loving this feature on boutique owner Marlene Hu Aldaba and her go-to places in the District! [Refinery29 DC]

Bill of Makeup Rights: Eye Shadow Pencils

Bill of Makeup Rights: Shadow PencilsLorac/ Make Up For Ever/ NYX/ Urban Decay/ NARS

When we were kids, we’re taught to always color inside the lines, a task that I usually failed at. The good news was, my ability to be creative and color outside the lines totally paid off in makeup application. Granted when it comes to liquid liner, my hand is anything but steady, but that’s exactly why I succeed in applying eyeshadow. Even if color extends outside the crease, as long you blend, it’s still a masterpiece.

Lately, I’ve been spotting tons of eye pencils that double as eyeshadow sticks and here’s why they’re perfect for the holiday season: instant color, easy application, portability, and you won’t spend any extra time dealing with excess shadow on your lower lash line. I’ve rounded up a handful of eyeshadow pencils including a couple of my tried and true favorites (NARS and Make Up For Ever). Whether you’re looking for a double duty liner and shadow or some sparkle for your eyes, all of these options offer exactly what you want for just the right price. Finally, some crayons for grown-ups!

Drugstore Dash: Covergirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara

I noticed recently I have this never-ending mascara wardrobe that keeps growing by the week. Drugstore discoveries and sample high-end mascara tubes are slowly filling up my makeup bag and now I’m on this giant mascara application rotation. Two coats of Bobbi Brown Long-Wearing Mascara here, one coat of Sephora Outrageous Mascara there, one coat of Cargo Lash Activator mascara while milling around the house… Needless to say, I have a mascara for every occasion, even for the non-existent ones. So when I found this Covergirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara (that boasts volume and length), in a gift bag from a local event, I gave it a try to see just how much it plumps up my lashes. Overall, I think this one adds more length rather than volume (unless you apply at least three coats). The signature wand is easy to use and wiggle through lashes. If you want more volume, coat both sides of your lashes. What I like about this mascara is that it’s easy to remove at night with a gentle makeup remover (read: I wasn’t crazily rubbing my lashes and my eyes weren’t red). If you have short and light lashes, this drugstore buy will totally do the trick.

Covergirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara, $7.99

Mani Monday: Floss Gloss

I’m always on the hunt for off-the-radar nail brands and not long ago, I was gifted with a bottle of Floss Gloss polish in “Party Bruise,” a pretty dark plum shade. Compared to the other mainstream brands, I love the size of the brush, making it easy to apply one or two coats (and trust me, I do not have an artist’s hand) for just the right amount of color. I’m infatuated with the gold cap and vintage inspired glass bottom, not to mention the discovery that all Floss Gloss lacquers are DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde free. Floss Gloss has a cool range of pastels, neons, neutrals, and glitter, so on that note, time to shop!

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