Editor’s Picks: August 2012 Favorites

I’m so excited to share with you my first (and definitely not last!) YouTube video featuring a handful of new and recently purchased products that I just can’t get enough of. Whether you’re a vegetarian makeup maven or a lipstick hoarder, I love that all of these beauty picks can be worn now and later. I’d love to hear what you think! Oh, and a small disclaimer: I was not a broadcast journalism major, so don’t be too harsh on me!

You can follow more of my YouTube adventures on my new channel, here.

Scents & Sensibility: 4 British Fragrances Worth Trying

1. Burberry Brit Summer ($67). A staple British brand’s summer rendition is available for you and your man. With notes of crisp green almond, white peony, fresh lime and icy pear, bottled in the iconic Burberry check pattern, this is the perfect addition to your fragrance closet that holds a fresh and playful scent that will get you through the dog days of summer.
2. Jo Malone Plum Blossom ($55 or $110). Words can’t express just how obsessed I am with this floral woody musk scent. With top notes of fresh notes and plum as well as floral and green notes, this leaves an alluring scent of sandalwood and white musk. I’ll take two!
3. Jimmy Choo Shimmering Body Oil ($44). Sometimes a fragrance body oil works just as well as a spritz of perfume (not to mention, it won’t break the bank). The London-based designer kicks it up a notch with this “dry touch” formula. Apply on pulse points (think wrists, inner elbows, behind the knees) for a sensual scent of sweet almond, hazelnut, argan and macadamia oils.
4. Stella McCartney ‘Stella’ ($92). For the organic-obsessed, Stella McCartney’s Eau de Parfum only uses the best natural materials while protecting the natural life force of plants. Top notes include rose, peony flower, mandarin, rose absolute, amber. Basically, sweet, sweet seduction. On a budget? Try the travel size ‘Stella’ rollerball perfume for only $20.

Weekend Recap: Birthday Beauty

This weekend I turned the inevitable 2-4 and my weekend was nothing short of fantastic. Complete with an ah-mazing blowout from Nival Salon & Spa, a pedicure and eyebrow wax at Sandy Nails and some beauty goodies courtesy of IPSA for Hair & BrandlinkDC.

Salon Nival’s master stylist and education director Conseulla Lopez treated my tresses to a moisturizing treatment when I told her I was heading to the beach for the week. She gave me gorgeous waves before a night on the town.

A fresh pedicure at Sandy Nails. Color: Cute as a Button by Essie

I love care packages! Especially hair care. Thanks to BrandlinkDC and IPSA Salon, I can try this Deva Towel, a product that will help fight frizz when you want to embrace your natural curl. You can read more about it in an article I wrote for Washingtonian.com here.

Probably the closest I’ll ever come to a outfit post. Top: Nordstrom; Necklace: Nordstrom; Bangle: J. Crew. This is why I’m not a style blogger. Too lazy to link.

The Politics of 95 North

So I’m road trippin’ it from Ft. Lauderdale, FL back to the DMV. As someone who’s done this type of extra long car trip before, I know Route 95 traveling north isn’t so pretty. So, while you wait for me to get back with some bangin’ new beauty posts, check out my latest article on Washingtonian’s Shop Around blog on tips and tricks to taming your tresses with the help of four DC hair gurus.