Beauty

I thought I'd try something a little different today and do a beauty post instead of fashion. One of my favorite parts of the day is when I'm "primping" in my room getting ready for the day. I can sip on my tea, get myself put together, and start the day feeling like a million bucks.

I always start out with Simple Moisturizing Face Wash in the morning and night to rinse off any oil or makeup. It takes both off fantastically without leaving any residue behind and most importantly not causing any breakouts. I've used this since it came out a few years ago and have never looked back. Secondly, I use Proactiv Step 3. As someone who has suffered from acne most of my adult life, this has been a life saver more times than I can count. I know it works for some and others claim it does nothing, but for me, I need it to keep my skin smooth and I do notice a difference when I stop using it. Only a small amount is needed, about the size of a dime. The other steps I find unnecessary and too costly. Lastly, for both morning and night, I use Philosophy's Hope In A Jar original formula. I have never used a better moisturizer than this, which my mom actually got me to start using. It has a whipped consistency and only the smallest amount is needed for your face, neck, and chest. I feel that Proactiv and Hope In A Jar combination is the only thing that has kept my skin clear. Before I used the Hope In A Jar along with Proactiv, I would still get my monthly breakouts.

Now onto the fun part! I've used Neutrogena products since college and have found they work just as well as the higher priced items. Mostly everything I use, except Proactiv and Philosophy can be sound in your regular drug store like CVS or Rite Aid. Anyway, I use the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup and their Healthy Skin Bronzer. The foundation gives my skin a little glow that I love and the bronzer is matte without any shimmer so it looks very natural. Next, I apply the Loreal True Match concelar, in "light cool", to my cheeks, forehead, under my eyes, and chin to hide any shadows or post acne marks. This blends quite nicely into my skin and does not feel cakey at all. I use a beauty blender sponge for any blending with the concealer and bronzer. Blend, blend blend!!! After the concealer I use the Neutrogena bronzer and Revlon Highlighting Palette to add some warmth to my face. Both are applied to the hollows of my cheeks and the bronzer to my forehead, sides of my nose, and under my chin. The last product I use for my face is Revlon's Photo Ready Blush. It is a cream and blends fantastically with a blush brush. It gives me the nicest flushed appearance. 

Lastly are my eyes. I started using Maybelline's The Nudes Eye Shadow Pallete when it came out and fell in love. I use the nude and champagne sparkle shades on my lids, and a darker taupe in my crease. Next, I curl my eyelashes with E.L.F.'s Eyelash Curler. It's only $1 and works perfectly! I then apply Mark's Liquid Eyeliner in Cleo, the only one that I have ever used because of how preciously it works without much hassle, to create my winged cat eye. It's the one makeup product I would say is my signature item. I look very different without it! Lastly, I apply two coats of Circa Beauty's Absolute Icon, wait about one minute, and then apply two coats of Maybelline Lash Sensation. The Circa line is new, but I've been using the Absolute Icon for about two months now and can say that it feels great on my lashes. No clumps or stickiness and it even has avocado as an ingredient for moisture. Love that!

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***Nothing has been endorsed. All opinions are my own.

xo, Amanda

Soft Lips with Epic Blend

Lip Balm: Epic Blend c/o || Ring: Pink Peonies || Blazer: Target|| Blouse: LC Lauren Conrad, sold out (SIMILAR) || Watch: Boutqiue, (SIMILAR) || Clutch: Shoedazzle || Mirror: antique ||

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today I wanted to share with you my secret to getting incredibly soft lips while using epic blend lip balm. I'm always on the lookout for brands that use all natural ingredients in their products and was pleasantly surprised to find out epic blend uses only the top-shelf natural ingredients without any of the harsh chemicals or synthetics. This was right up my alley and I loved all of the yummy flavors they have in their lineup. The formula's are petroleum-free, gluten-free, non gmo, not tested on animals, and only include natural flavors. My two personal favorites are the citrus kick and pineapple-mint.

The balms come in three categories:

Hemp: Using organic hemp seed oil, which is a great anti-oxident, super-nourishing, and quickly absorbs into the skin.

More Moisture: A total of seven moisturizers are used, including organic shea butter, to come together to provide a generous dose of moisture to your lips while having a long lasting staying power.

Vegan: 100% plant-based and beeswax-free. All natural grade candelila was is used, which gives these balms an incredibly smooth texture.

The Hemp Collection Includes:

Vanilla, Coconut, Mint, and Citrus Kick

The More Moisture Collection Includes:

Unflavored, Cherry, Grape, Green Apple

The Vegan Collection Includes:

Pineapple-mint, Wild Berry

Don't Forget to visit my online Pop Up Shop which opens today and closes this Friday! Click on the post below for all of the pretty details. Make sure to use the pop up shop link and let me know if you'll be attending. Hope you enjoy all of the sparkly goodness!

Scarves

A Little Something Extra

Sweater, LC Lauren Conrad, (Similar) & (Similar) | Chiffon Shirt, LC Lauren Conrad, (Similar) | Jeans, LC Lauren Conrad, (Similar) | Scarf, Vintage, (Similar) Locket, Mark, (Similar), Pink Heels, Payless, Similar)

I was getting some house work done and had this outfit on. While I love the soft layering, I wanted to focus on the scarf tied around my bun. I usually like to put my hair up when I'm busy, but thought, why not step it up a notch and add a little something extra? The scarf belonged to my mom and has the prettiest shades of pink, green, and purple in it. This elevated my bun and proved that adding a little something can completely change a look. Hope everyone is having a lovely Tuesday!

Inspiration Friday

Light Blue Hues

Inspiration Friday by amandabrezovsky featuring a pearl necklace

Happy Friday everyone. Lately I've been craving some light blue hues for Spring and beyond. Here are some lovely inspiring pieces that are currently available and everything is under $100. Notice the Disney Cinderella shirt? Lauren Conrad is coming out with a Disney inspired line for Kohls, along with her LC Lauren Conrad line, for the upcoming live action movie Cinderella. I can hardly wait! The line is available on February 22nd.

Styling Your Vanity

Pretty Little Things

My favorite time of the day is when I'm sitting at my vanity and getting ready for the day ahead. It's a time to relax and primp, which to me has always been quite fun. I wanted my space to reflect my personal loves and have a feeling of delicateness and romance. I knew right off of the bat that I wanted white furniture. It feels pretty and clean. Next, adding antique dishes for showing off some of my jewelry. I really loved the idea of having my jewelry out and also using it as a decoration. It's much easier getting ready when you can actually see what you own. Along the same lines, I wanted my makeup brushes to be out and keep them in a pretty candle holder and also a little decorative stiletto shoe my mom surprised me with. What vanity would be complete without a mirrored plate to keep perfume, little mementos, and flowers on? Really, anything can be stored on the plate and makes it feel oh so very feminine. Scattered here and there are little personal items such as a framed photograph of Justin and I along with little photos I place on my mirror, seashells from family vacations, a cork from my birthday in Hyannis Port last year, a crystal bear from my grandmother, and lastly a wand that has purple and blue stars, moons, and star dust. The wand was given to me as a child from my dad. It's something I've always loved and treasured and keep it in a prime spot where I can always see it. One of the last items on my vanity is an antique mirror and brush set my mom gave me. Having an extra mirror to hold up close comes in handy when you're applying eye liner and mascara.

Styling Your Vanity by amandabrezovsky featuring Pier 1 Imports

Valentine's Day Gifts for Her

A little Inspiration for your Tuesday morning!

Valentine's Day Gifts for Her by amandabrezovsky featuring scented candles

Miracle Oils

A Radiant Boost

Shop the Products:

Sonia Kashuk Radiant Boost Facial Oil

Pur Minerals Hydrate & Setting Miracle Mist

As the air starts to cool down and the humidity lessens, one thing that never fails is my skin getting a bit dry. Enter the extraordinary oils that not only replenish the much needed moisture back into the skin, but also protects and repairs the skin to give it that natural glow from within.

Now, there are hundreds of facial oils on the market right now, and many do wondrous things for the skin, but cost a pretty penny. When I found the Sonia Kashuk Radiant Boost Oil, I was beyond thrilled. The price tag, only $14 and can be found at Target. From their website, the oil has, 9 oils including Sweet Almond Oil to soften, Bergamot Essential Oil to purify, BerryFlux Vita to boost skins moisture, Sesame Seed Oil to condition, Evening Primrose Seed Oil to nourish and regenerate, and Black Currant Seed Oil to soothe the skin. Stabilized Retinol protects against photo-aging and reduces lines and wrinkles over time while Para Cress Flower Extract works to improve skins density and firmness and Vitamin E delivers antioxidant properties. I usually mix in a couple drops with my moisturizer and then apply to my face, neck, and chest. I can already see a difference in one weeks use of the product. This is a keeper!

The next beauty buy I found was Pur Minerals Hydrate & Setting Miracle Mist. This can be found at Kohls and is priced at $19. I love using this mist to hydrate my skin throughout the day when I need a little pick me up and also misting it on after applying my makeup. It has a lovely citrus scent and no wonder, since it contains oils from oranges, lemons, and tangerines. From their website the mist has, over 70 essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids. Active ingredient fulvic acid to help soothe and refresh your face, hair and body.

Miracle Gel Polish

Miracle Gel to the Rescue!

I always find myself painting my nails every other day due to chipping. Most likely the culprit of this is the hot water I use to scrub the dishes with. No dishwasher for this girl! I recently read your newly painted nails need at least twelve hours to set before any hot water should touch them. While I try to do that, it simply is not feesable with all of the dishes or even taking a hot shower. Enter the new product from Sally Hansen called Miracle Gel. This does not require a light to set the gel, an absolute major plus, and only has a two step system. Basically, a color polish of your choice, and then the gel top coat. Supposedly, this should last one full week before any signs of chipping occur. I was able to go about four days before I saw a chip, but that's a big improvement over one day. Looks like I've found a new go-to polish.

Moody Eyes

Fun for Fall

Happy Friday everyone! I thought it would be fun to try something new for a change. I wear the same eye makeup all the time. A shell base all over the lid, brown in the crease, liquid black eye liner winged out at the corner, and two coats of brown/black mascara. It's my signature look and if something works for you then stick with it. Every now and then I get the urge to change it up a bit though and the perfect place to try new makeup is the eyes. I really liked this look, especially the light wash for a daytime look. To compliment the eyes, pair a neutral pink lipstick.

1. Apply a gunmetal shadow to your lid, this will make the products we put on later pop that much more.
2. With a fluffy brush, apply a tangerine color to your crease.
3. Using that same fluffy brush, apply a charcoal brown shadow into the crease.
4. Take a flat stiff brush and apply a silver pigment all over your lid.
5. Take a smaller blending brush and a matte black shadow and apply this on your outer lid and into the crease just a touch.
6. Taking whatever is left over on that blending brush, run this on your lower lash line, tapering in as we go.
7. Apply a glitter-y gold shadow (wet it first) to the inner third of your lower lash line. This color is going to play off of the silver really well because it is not too warm of a gold.
8. Apply a shimmering light gold shadow on the inner corner, but you can totally use a matte color. This is going to attention to your eyes.
9. Apply a mechanical black gel pencil on your lower lash line.
10. Apply black mascara and you are good to go!

I decided to go very light with all of the colors since it was day, but for nighttime, see more below!

Eye shadows

Moody Eyes Nighttime Look

For the nighttime look, follow the same steps as above, but use more pigment instead of a lighter wash. I also added a black shadow eye liner right before the mascara to deepen and intensify the look. Again, I stayed with a neutral pink lip, nothing too harsh since the eyes are the main focus here. My eyes seem to get lost in pictures if I do not have some kind of eye liner on so I felt a little more comfortable with this addition to the look. Have you tried any new beauty looks lately? Remember, it's only makeup so it will wash off at the end of the day. Try something new if only for one day. Have fun!

Wine Tasting

Summer to Fall

This was such a fun photo shoot to do. My idea came from the old saying of never wearing white after Labor Day. It's one of those rules that some stick to religiously and others say rules are meant to be broken. I never liked the rule per say. Yes, bright whites do look best in the summer sun, but who says you cannot take your bright summer whites and transform them into Fall appropriate pieces? There came there inspiration to take my LC Lauren Conrad white lace dress and carry it from a Summer style into a Fall. A few key accessory changes and the look was updated. As for that old rule about Labor Day, I saw wear your whites year round. A creamier winter white looks absolutely divine during the colder months and ever so chic.

1. The first look is the bright Summer white with red shoes, a gold bag, and a pink stone necklace.
2. My update for Fall look one incorporates an LC Lauren Conrad wine colored blazer. Next, a brown bow bag, a red rhine stone necklace and purple sparkly heels.
3. The update for Fall look two incorporates the same wine colored blazer, only this time I added leopard heels from LC's line and a leopard purse from Mark. Leopard is one of those neutral prints I adore. My favorite of all the animal prints. 

Here we have some of the accessories used from the photo shoot.

A close up of the two necklaces worn. The pink summer style is a replica of Jackie Kennedy's and the red rhine stone heart is from my mother's collection. The pearl earrings in the title photo were used in all the shots. They are also from my mom.

Twisted Sister

Braids really are one of the go-to's to be kept in any girls repertoire of hair styles. This braided style only takes about five minutes and is great for those days when you simply cannot do anything with your hair. I personally like to keep my hair down, but feel I need to change it up every now and then. As mentioned before, buns are another go-to, but so is a simple braided style. All you have to do to achieve this is to section the hair into two sides at the back of the neck as if making pig tails. Take the one section, braid it, then form the braid into an S shape at the back of the neck and pin. Repeat on the other side, spray hair with hairspray, and you're done!

Love Your Tresses

Hair Care

One question I get asked the most often would be about my hair. What I do to style it and how I take care of it. The best starting point would be my daily shower routine where I basically shampoo with Herbal Essences and condition with OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco. In the shower I have a wooden comb that I brush the conditioner through with, leave in for the duration of the shower, and rinse out at the end. Next I towel drive my hair for a few minutes and then apply a spray on leave in conditioner from the middle to the ends of my hair. The one I use is Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri Wheat Leave In Conditioner. After that I use a spray gel from Garnier. Finally, from OGX, I apply a small amount of Argan Oil to the tips of my hair to keep them smooth and shiny. I brush all of the products through my hair and then simply let it air dry over night. I was blessed with naturally wavy hair, thank you mom!, and use the spray gel to keep the hold throughout the day.In the morning I put my hair in a small bun while I wash my face and put on my makeup. After that, I let it out, and brush the top to keep it smooth. I've always adored my hair color and natural wave and truly believe my hair has stayed so healthy because I do not use heated hair styling tools on it.

Afternoon Glow

Sunshine filled boudoir

Just a quick post to show how lovely the afternoon sun is in my room. I was sitting there getting ready to go on a date with my husband and saw how nice the light was coming into the room. I quickly grabbed my camera to take a few shots to share.

The Top 20 Stylish Movies of all Time

Let's be honest, when it comes to clothing style, its the silver screen that we collectively look to for inspiration. I myself have been heavily influenced by the greats revealing their style genius for all of the world to see while glittering upon the movie screen. Both of my prom dresses were influenced by Grace Kelly in two of her three Hitchcock films, "Rear Window" and "To Catch a Thief." I was so inspired by Faye Dunaway's character in "The Thomas Crown Affair," that I started to wear plum eye shadow for a good period of time, including my senior pictures. As a whole, my own style evolved from the screen goddesses of yester-year. Do you own a little black dress in your closet, because if you do,  (if not then you absolutely need to go get one!) you can thank Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast At Tiffany's" for that. For all of you gents out there, how about the ever popular grey suit? That goes to Cary Grant in North By Northwest. Styles and trends were born with the fabulous actors gracing the silver screen and will continue to do so for as long as fashion and movies are around. Below is a list I created of the top stylish movies of all time. Note, not fashion, but style. The two are different beyond measure. Yves Saint Laurent said it best, "fashion fades, style is eternal."

Listed are number 20 all the way through number 1, which is a movie that not only has great style, but also some of the best actors that have ever lived, not to mention the best director. Be inspired and enjoy!

20. The Godfather Part II (1974)

Yes, there were three Godfather movies, but this one shines above the rest with the stunning three piece suits and ascots worn by Al Pacino.

19. Designing Woman (1957)

Lauren Bacall really delights in this comedy as a high society clothing designer with her chic 1950s clothing and her dreamy feminine apartment with white trimmings in gold and splashes of pastel color throughout. Helen Rose created the costumes for the movie with Lauren going through 30 clothing changes, all perfectly coordinated of course.

18. A Single Man (2009)

Tom Ford, famous menswear designer, directed this stylish movie and created looks for the characters with the help of Arianne Phillips. Quint essential 1960s silhouettes, and that pink cigarette, take the audience back to the swinging decade.

18. American Gigalo (1980)

Two words, Giorgio Armani. He was just starting out at the time and was chosen to do the wardrobe for the movie. Trench coats and the chic business casual attire set the pace for the 1980s mens look.

16. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

The film, filled with the likes of Chanel, Calvin Klein, and Yigal Azrouel, splashed onto the big screen showing the audience the inner workings of a high fashion magazine while dazzling the eye with contemporary and classic styles all the employees wore. Mostly Chanel by the way, which, needs no further reasoning.

15. Clueless (1995)

No film had a bigger impact on 90s teen styles more than Clueless. Knee socks, simple spaghetti strapped dresses, and white collarless shirts became the cool style to have.

14. Casablanca (1942)

Orry Kelly created the costumes for the film. Let's just say white jackets come to mind when thinking of this movie. Humphrey in his white dinner jacket and Ingrid Bergman in her white skirt suit.

13. The Awful Truth (1937)

As soon as Irene Dunne enters through the door with her white fur coat engulfing her petite frame, you simply cannot take your eyes off of her. Robert Kollach created the perfect picture of 1930s glamour style from silky evening gowns with nipped in waists to topcoats and tux's.

12. The Philadelphia Story (1940)

Adrian Adolph Greenberg created the glamour and goddess, independence and self-possession style themes throughout the movie. The highlight is a floor-length white silk gown with Art Deco inspired gold sequin beading across the sleeves and bodice. The embellishment recalls Greek key motifs, a visual reference to the untouchable goddess theme that underpins Tracy’s character. The sleek silhouette draws from popular 30’s styles, with a nipped-in waist and tapered sleeves with extended, fitted cuffs. Understated and sophisticated, the dress exudes aristocratic old money and modern independence.

11. Dr. No (1962)

The first Bond film to launch the franchise, Sean Connery's James Bond embraced his signature brand of sportswear in a palette of pale blues and navy, as well as his black tuxedo. Costume designer Tessa Welborn created the look which still is carried out today.

10. North by Northwest (1959)

An interesting note to this movie is the input both stars, Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint, had in picking out their wardrobe. Hitch disliked the costumes MGM picked out for Saint, so he took her to Bergdorf Goodmans for a shopping spree. Grant had direct input  with Kilgour in London, to specially create the silver-gray, slim-cut, ventless suit he is seen to wear mostly in the film. The suit which GQ rated as the best suit in film history.

9. Sex and the City (2008)

Patricia Field, who also worked on the tv show, mixed high fashion with low in creative ways, instructed us that an outfit starts with the shoes, and that flower pins are really cool. Two labels that lead the pack in the movie, none other than Manolo Blahnik and Chanel.

8. Breakfast At Tiffany's (1961)

Audrey Hepburn wore the little black dress and the rest, as they say, is history.

7. Skyfall (2012)

Tom Ford's suits were front and center in the 50th anniversary movie of the Bond franchise. Jany Temime wanted to create a slightly different feel for Bond in the cut of the suit and the way they fit Daniel Craigs body, but also have the same look since it is such an iconic character.

6. The Great Gatsby (2013)

Catherine Martin worked along side the likes of Prada and Brooks Brothers and put the Great in Gatsby. She won the 2014 Academy Award for her work in the film. 1920s glitz and glamour, vibrant and full of energy, feathers and diamonds, tailored suits and tuxes, all make up the feel of excess for the style. Tiffany & Co supplied the never ending jewels.

5. The Women (1939)

A movie about men and fashion, with no men in sight. Adrian Adolph Greenberg created the look for each woman in the film, even going as far as to have a fashion show sequence in color apart from the rest of the black and white film. Smart tailored suits, country chic, frills and bows, and gaudy gowns make up the look for this classic.

4. Funny Face (1957)

Audrey Hepburn. Need I say more? Costume designers Edith Head and Hubert de Givenchy were Academy Award nominated for their work which featured monochromatic ensembles paired with striking Parisian gowns.

3. Vertigo (1958)

Edith Head created one of her most talked about looks for this movie, the white full length coat Kim Novak wears. The clothes represent each characters identity, specifically Judy/Madeleine. Judy wears the sophisticated frocks, while Madeleine, her "other half" wears unflattering pieces. Scottie's obsession in recreating Judy, makes Madeleine change her entire look and wardrobe to appear as Judy. The famous gray suit, though Kim was against it, represents modesty and Hitchcock was insistent about having it in the movie.

2. The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)

Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway shine on celluloid with debonair 3 piece Gatsby-esque suits and sexy skirt suit outfits, mini dresses, and incredible hats. Why do we not wear hats anymore?? Theadora Van Runkle created more than 29 costume changes for the leads, giving them each a distinct look they would carry with them for the rest of their lives.

1. Rear Window (1954)

Costume designer Edith Head and Grace Kelly make for one dynamic duo in this masterpiece of suspense and style. Grace's elegant 1950s wardrobe is timeless and effortlessly chic inspiring countless numbers of celebrities today. With her pearl necklaces, and "straight off the Paris plane," her style is of class and wealth. The black, deep v neck dress, with white frothy chiffon, is arguably one of the most famous of the 50s decade. Her other looks of a black chiffon dress, celery green skirt suit with a silky halter top, exquisite silk negligee, printed day dress with a nipped waist, and her final mens wear inspired watermelon colored shirt, jeans, and Gene Kelly type loafers, complete one of the most perfect and elegant wardrobes in film history.

Photo credit: IMDB.com

Beauty Basic

The Braided Bun

Once the dog days of summer finally hit I always find myself inevitably pulling my hair up and off of my face to keep cool. Rather than hap haphazardly doing this, I prefer to keep a styled look whether it be the classic ballerina bun, top knot, classic pony, sock bun, vintage roll up and so on. Today I wanted to show you the braided bun, another way to keep your hair effortlessly stylish.

I first pulled my hair into a classic pony and secured with a hair tie while leaving the top half of my hair out and secured with a pin until ready. Braid the pony and tie with another hair tie. Start twisting the braided pony into a bun and secure with pins. Take the top half of hair left out and wrap that around the base of the bun to hide the elastic tie. Pin the hair underneath the bun. Simple, chic, and lets you stay cool in the warm summer sun.

Brooching the subject

Hair Brooch

This star burst brooch is a replica of one Jackie Kennedy had. I got the idea of using it after seeing some of her own pictures with a brooch in her hair at some of the famous Kennedy White House state dinners. It's a unique idea to try and why not??

Here, Jackie wears a sun burst brooch in her coiffed hair. Image source:  https://onlyjewels.wordpress.com/tag/jackie-kennedy/.

Blushing Beauty

Lipstick Confidential

To go hand in hand with yesterday's post, the blushing beauty trend continues with Luscious Lips to perk up your day. My favorite lipsticks tend to be on the pinker side, but do not get me wrong, I love a good classic crimson as well. Another great way to brighten up the day or mood is with a simple swipe of lipstick. Not only will this make your teeth look whiter, but it also makes you look more polished and put together. Win win in my book!

The Lipstick brands and names in order from left to right are:

• Revlon: Pink Cognito
• Sonia Kashuk: Hit of Pink
• Sugar: Rose
• Sonia Kashuk:Blushing
• Mark: Sweetie Pie  (I wore this on my wedding day!)

Nothing feels more ladylike than twirling up the lipstick in the tube and then gently gliding it onto your lips. Pure perfection.