Pastel Pretty with ELLE Cosmetics

Posted on July 3, 2012 by dcshopgirl

Usually in the summertime, my makeup routine suddenly goes from flirty and glam to light weight and low-maintenance (I blame the humidity). It’s rare for me to use eyeshadow (I usually prime my eyelids for coverage) but recently I tested out ELLE Cosmetics and since then, I haven’t stopped wearing eyeshadow.

I tested out a couple pastel shades on eyelids just to see if I could manage a few hours of color without the creases. Turns out this affordable department store buy ($16, available at Kohl’s and Kohls.com) lasted many hours without having to desperately dab away any creases with my fingertips.

And it looks like I’m not the only ELLE Cosmetics fan… below, Shenae Grimes spotted shopping the makeup line.

ELLE Cosmetics, $10-$16; kohls.com

Pucker Up: Benefit Beauty Ultra Plush Lip Gloss

Posted on June 19, 2012 by dcshopgirl

Just when I thought Benefit Beauty has done it all (except for maybe nail polish, which I will patiently wait for), the ladies behind Benefit’s ultra ah-mazing line of powders and tints, develop an uber soft formula for our lips. Complementing their box o’ powders, their new line of ultra plush lip glosses (available in six shades) offer an abundance of soft, silky gloss; perfect for those summer nights.

My first go-to? My personal favorite, CORALista. After applying a thin coat of this sheer coral, it instantly made my lips feels smooth. So what did I do next? I kissed my boyfriend. Kidding… kind of. I applied another coat and then I kissed my boyfriend. His response: “Mmm not as sticky.”

Available in July, $16 & boyfriend approved.

All Things Fashion DC & Politics of Pretty

Posted on June 14, 2012 by dcshopgirl

My June guest post is up on the fab All Things Fashion DC! Check out my favorite tinted lip balms for summer…. teaser here, full post there!

Dark Shadows: Correct and Conceal with Perricone MD

Posted on June 12, 2012 by dcshopgirl

I’m not a huge fan of two- or three-step applications when it comes to under my eye (I mean I’m only 23!) and when time is not on your side, it’s always about the essentials. Lucky for me, Perricone MD came to my makeup rescue and I was able to test out its No Concealer Concealer ($45). I pumped a small amount of concealer on my finger tips and gently patted this smooth texture around my eye and it instantly made my dark circles disappear. This tiny bottle is packed with vitamin C Ester (this helps brighten and boosts collagen), Hyaluronic Acid (an anti-aging ingredient that locks in moisture), Phospholipids (a barrier to protect skin from environmental stressors), Neuropeptides to minimize fine lines, and SPF 35. Talk about a multi-tasker! It’s a universal shade, so you can avoid the extra time testing out different types on your hand and it’s great for treating other blemishes or using it as an eye primer for those extremely long days (or nights).

At the Beach with Bobbi Brown

Posted on June 5, 2012 by dcshopgirl

Bobbi Brown Beach Eau De Parfum, $68; Bobbi Brown Shimmering Fragrance Oil, $34
Bobbi Brown Beach Body Scrub, $35.

If I could smell like one scent every day for the rest of my life, I’d choose the beach. And thanks to Bobbi Brown I can. I’m obsessed with this salt water meets sunscreen and sandy beach scent and I love how the collection includes more than just your typical lotion and shower gel. I purchased the bottle but I already know it just won’t be enough. The shimmering fragrance oil and body scrub are both on my beauty shopping list. If you sample this fragrance at the counter and can’t get enough of it, or if you’re on a budget, purchase the lotion and shimmering fragrance oil for a long-wear type of day.

Here’s to the beach!