For the 4th of July, I thought about trying to recreate the flag. When it comes to the American flag, however, I really think that Betsy Ross did it best. Creating tiny, intricate stars and perfectly balanced stripes is no easy task, especially if you’re downsizing it to your fingernail. There are so many options when it comes to red, white, and blue, but I decided to go with an easier – but still patriotic and pretty! – manicure. Want to see how I got the look? Read on!
Manicure Monday: Red, White & Blue
A Beauty Review: Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow
Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow in “It” List ($19)
A deep, matte black shadow.
Warning: this shadow is black. Perhaps the deepest, darkest, truest black shadow I own. Which is why I absolutely love it.
I use this shadow mainly to set my black gel eyeliner. I always like to set my eyeliner with a similar shade shadow because it helps to soften it and look more natural, regardless of what color I use. This shadow, compared to others, actually even seems to set my shadow better and help it to last longer than other shadows I use. Continue Reading »
1D x OD: One Direction’s Anti-Bullying Project
We ladies of The Collabor-eight have actual industrial storage containers devoted to organizing our nail polishes. We’ve bought them at the mall, salons, and beauty supply chains. We have never purchased them at Office Depot. Until now. The school/office supply store and the boys of One Direction are teaming up for an anti-bullying product line that includes, curiously enough, bright neon nail polishes along with a line of boy-band inspired school supplies. Continue Reading »
Mascara Roundup: 8 Formula Reviews
Photo: Vogue UK
At any given moment, there are at least ten different tubes of mascaras bouncing around my makeup drawer. There always have been, and I estimate that there always will be. My mascara collection most likely started on my quest to find the perfect formula — and remains to this date because, as we have all probably discovered, there is no one-size-fits-all mascara. Some days we want bold, inky-black lashes for days, and other times we crave naturally pretty. Check out my completely honest review of 8 of my tried and true blends — from brushes to formulas to the advertising’s promises, I’ll let you in on which products deliver and which to skip. Continue Reading »
Moods of Norway
Pink tractor-driving fashionistas, unite! Wait, there are a lot of those? (Or any?) Even if you’re not a glam farmer, you may find yourself wanting to sport the logo of Norway’s cleverest fashion line. Because don’t you love it when fashion has a sense of humor? “Moods of Norway has been doing the hibbedy-dibbedy on the fashion dance floor since 2003, and our main goal is to make happy clothes for happy people around the world!” claims the brand’s woefully under-developed Pinterest page. You’re in love with them already, aren’t you? And I haven’t even gotten to the awesome clothes. Continue Reading »
Manicure Monday: Watercolors
Admittedly, I’ve been getting pretty technical with my manicures lately. From chevron to tribal print, some of these manicures really require a steady hand. With today’s manicure, that’s not the case. While the look may have been inspired by the gorgeous paintings of Monet and Cézanne, you don’t need to be a famous artist to pull it off. All you need to be able to do is breathe – and if you’re having trouble with that, you should probably stop reading now anyway.
Download This: 10 Songs for Summer 2013
Photo by Margaret Durow
Happy official summer! In honor of the new season, we have a 10 song playlist for all of you to download. For me, summer = making memories = music that goes along with those memories. If I’m doing something cool, I want to be listening to something cool. Check out songs from artists like Haim, Phoenix, Martin Solveig, and more:
ncLA x Clueless: As If You Wouldn’t Wear This
ncLA Nail Lacquer in As If!
The 90s are having a major fashion flashback moment — which makes me wonder about the old saying: if you wore it the first time around, you’re too old to revive the trend. If that is truly the case (although I’m young enough to swear it’s not a steadfast rule!) you can still get in on the fun with stylish nail stickers! Cali nail brand ncLA has teased us with As If!, a gorgeous lavender hue, but now they are coming out with a full-on Clueless themed nail wrap collection! I’m talking colorful plaids and argyles that match every 90s girl’s favorite fashionista Cher Horowitz’s mini skirts to a T. Read on to get the 411 on this totally bitchin’ launch, due out this September — it really is all that. Continue Reading »
Read Along With Our Summer Reading List
We’re not in middle school anymore, so the phrase “summer reading list” has no business dragging up old anxieties about deadlines, essays, or teacher mandates. The best summer reading list is equal parts educational, relaxing, and fun. From indulging in beach reads to catching up on the year’s hottest new titles, summer gives you every excuse to settle down with an old favorite or new advanture. The empowering part of making your own reading list is that it is constantly subject to change! Bored by the first chapter? Move on. Learn about a new author midway through July? Add another paperback to the list! Whether you’re looking to snag some summer reading inspiration or follow a structured set of titles, check out what I’ll be reading this season. Continue Reading »
A Beauty Review: FIX Malibu’s Wish Wash
I don’t know about you, but when I think of facial cleansers, I think of a clear liquid or gel-like substance. When I heard about FIX Malibu’s Wish Wash Exfoliating Powder Wash — yes, a powder cleanser — I was immediately intrigued. As a beauty fan, when I hear about a new or different kind of product, I have to try it. Read on to see what I thought!
The Collabor-eight 