Every Christmas, I always end up stumping myself on stocking stuffer gifts ideas for the influential women in my life. Turns out, the answer was a trip to Ulta Beauty! There are so many great beauty gift ideas for every budget—from primers to shimmering powders, I’m sharing a few of my personal favorites from the Young & Fab category, all available at Ulta Beauty.
Maxi dresses, airy fragrances and hot pink lips are just a few of my favorite things to wear in the summer. Earlier this year I rounded up my favorite hot pink lipsticks but I recently discovered a new tube that can be worn in hot and humid temperatures. Lancôme Shine Lover Vibrant Shine Lipstick in 346 Electriscente is like the application of a balm with the attitude of a lipstick (including its sleek white packaging). It’s infused with Rose de Muscat oil to smooth and condition lips. Most lipsticks leave my lips feeling super dry but that’s not the case with this tube. No lip primer needed, my pout feels like butter and look glossy and fabulous. Lately I’ve been wearing liquid black eyeliner, mascara and this lipstick for a modern day Audrey Hepburn look. If hot pink hues aren’t your thing, head to your local Neiman Marcus beauty counter and try on a few shades. I promise, your lips will thank you later.
As a beauty ambassador for Neiman Marcus, the company provided me with a complimentary sample for review purposes.
The holiday party season is the perfect excuse to wear false lashes for your holiday glam makeup look. I’ve sampled a bevy of drugstore and high-end false lashes but nothing comes close to Esqido mink lashes, known for their genuine mink fur that can be worn up to 30 times. Their lashes are so luxe and I never have any problems or snafus when wearing them!
For this look, I wanted the focus to be on my eyes. I’m still loving my NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Phoebe, which can be applied wet or dry. During the day, I prefer separated and defined lashes and at night, I like to kick it up a notch using Lancôme Grandiose Mascara. The Swan Neck Wand proves for an easy application to lengthen, lift and volumizes lashes. Now it’s time for falsies! If you’re wearing a brand new pair of Esqido mink lashes, make sure you measure the length of the false lash so it fits your eye shape. If it’s too long, cut the outer edge with a pair of scissors. Check out my simple step-by-step tutorial on how to apply false lashes like a pro. For this look, I’m wearing Esqido Little Black Lash. I highly recommend checking out their Holiday Lash Guide to help you find the perfect pair. Finally, Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner is my all-time favorite liner and I use it post-application to fill in any gaps or cover up any excess lash glue. It’s amazing how a simple pair of false lashes can make a big difference in a beauty look!
Photography by Kate Ann
Special thanks to Esqido for sponsoring this post!
Despite the sporadic snow flurries and cold fronts in DC, the warm days in-between and my allergies indicate, spring is finally here. Whether you’re enjoying a restaurant patio or weekend getaway, there are a few warm weather beauty essentials no girl should go without. Here are my spring beauty picks:
I’m officially a fan of Iman BB Cream ($20), already included on our Best of Alphabet Creams list, it has become a staple in my routine. With an SPF of 15, it’s protective and and tinted to provide coverage. It’s the perfect on-the-go item, a bit of this under bronzer and my face is finished!
Get ready for another “drugstore gem”…I really am nervous about giving up the deets on this one, it’s the source of my spring glow: CoverGirl Queen Collection Bronzer ($6.99). I’ve had full on arguments with my close group of girlfriends about this bronzer. We all use it and it often gets “mistakenly” taken from someone’s makeup bag, or bathroom counter, or car when someone realizes they’ve run out of their own. It’s that good. The Queen Collection Bronzer (I use the Ebony Bronze shade) has the perfect undertones to provide a warm, natural looking glow. It’s light and doesn’t leave a cakey finish.
If your allergies are anything like mine, you know the importance of waterproof mascara. The pollen in the air causes watery eyes which makes the mascara runs down your face and sometimes actually into your eye (not fun, it burns). Let Lancome Hypnose Waterproof Mascara ($27) save you from the boozy housewife look, it’s a bit of splurge but totally worth the investment. The wand is angled for precise application and the mascara stays throughout the day.
Nail color is my favorite spring accessory. It’s a great time to alternate between natural nudes and bright, eye-catching hues. My go-to line for an extensive range of color is American Apparel Nail Lacquer ($6). The quality is great for the price point and quick tip: purchase the tester polishes at the sale counter for half off. Many of them have rarely been used or are discontinued, it’s a great way to try new colors without any buyer’s remorse.
—Brittney Roberson
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