The $8 Beauty Product I Somehow Lived Without For 22 Years

We've all heard of primer right? Primer is what you put on before your makeup to ensure a smooth base for foundation (if you haven't tried it yet, I suggest this one.) But what about what goes on after your makeup to keep you lookin' like a babe all day long? During a random trip to Ulta this past weekend, I discovered NYX's Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray and had a "WHAT HAVE I EVEN BEEN DOING WITH MY LIFE BEFORE I FOUND THIS" moment.

It holds your makeup on for an insane amount of time — my makeup looked the exact same after 12 hours yesterday, and that was tested in 90 degree heat. Important tip: don't go hog wild spraying all over your face, one or maaaybe two sprays should do the trick. Did I mention it was only $8?

Three beauty products we need to discuss

Three beauty products on my radar recently:

1. Anne Hathaway's perfect red lipstick in The Dark Knight. 

Did you see how WOWZA her lips were in that movie? Okay, pretty much everything about her was wowza, I walked away justifying to myself that I needed a leather onesie for crying out loud. If you haven't seen the movie yet, here is Catwoman in all her glory: 

Right? So my internet scouring lead me to believe it's Russian Red from MAC, which you can find here. 

2. Benefit's "They're Real!" Mascara. This product just came out and is already atop pretty much every beauty editor's must-have lists. 

3. The new "it" polish color for Fall 2012. Butter London's "Shag". Don't mind if I DEFINITELY DO. 

How do you feel about...

Neon nails? I'll admit I'm not very adventurous in the polish department, I tend to stick to the classic red and corals, maybe paint my ring finger a different color if I'm feeling crazy. I would never think to paint my digits anything fluorescent or neon, but these girls look pretty effortlessly cool. 

1//2//3

The newest spring beauty trend

Matching your nail and lip color. This would work with cherry red, orangey-reds, nudes, burgundy, light corals; so many choices! You in?

Photo: Elle.com

Watermelon Fingers and Sea Foam Swirls

Just when you think the company couldn't get any more adorable, Kate Spade goes and designs the cutest set of spring nail polish colors I've seen yet. Available in April from Kate Spade. Is it just me or do they even look like a dresser accessory?

Photo via: Refinery 29

A Buffet Post, If You Will

With a little something for everyone...

Cool Find — Diamond lights. No, look. 

I Want — This "Love You" print.

Culture Yourself — The shooting of the TIME 100 honorees.

Wedding — A hanging floral centerpiece.

Guy Fashion — How to layer your clothes in the winter. 

Song — Bei Major "Bout that Life". 

Beauty — Art deco inspired nails (and how to do them!)

Animal Cuteness — Toronto's Polar Bear Club ... and it's newborn. 

Baking Time — Dulce de Leche Banana Bars

5 Things I Found Today (The February 12th Edition)

• How to give a manicure staying power.

• Google flights search is a powerful, intuitive, lightning-fast tool for finding cheap tickets. 

• Download the "NevermindTheLowEndMagik" mixtape.

• In The Door is the job search engine for the Facebook generation.

• Every recipe on this food blog is five ingredients. 

Red Lips Tutorial

If there's anyone I trust giving me a red lips tutorial, it's The Girls With Glasses. I think they came out of the womb with red lipstick on. 

Holiday Nails

Dark green + gold = pretty. Perfect Christmas day nails. Have a great day everybody, enjoy your loved ones :)

From Cheetah is the New Black Instagram

Pucker Up.

Coming this fall to Kate Spade. If you think I wouldn't buy one of these just for how cute the tube is, you crazy. 

"It's fun to look beautiful, but it's more beautiful to look fun."

{photo: fuck yeah fit hair}

Get All Bridget Bardot on Your Hair

1. Using a large-barrel curling iron, create loose curls around your head from your ears down.

2. Part your hair in the middle. Use your fingers to separate and loosen the curls.

3. Starting halfway down the part, begin spritzing your roots with hairspray. Continue to the crown.

4. Tease the sprayed hair with a fine-tooth comb, to create height and volume.

5. With a brush gently smooth the teased hair. Gather the sides up into a half ponytail.

6. Secure the sides with pins, then use your fingers to gently shape curls into place.

{everything fab via Martha Stewart Weddings}

LC Goes Vintage Glam (And Gives You the Step-By-Step)

from beautydepartment.com

Oh Ms. Conrad, you've come such a long way since your Laguna Beach days. Now you teach me how to do useful things, such as style my hair all 1930's-ish. 


TOOLS:

-1″ barrell curling iron

-large setting clips

-flat/paddle brush-light

-medium hold hairspray

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Find your side part. Either side will do.

2, 3, 4 & 5) You’re going to curl ALL of your hair inward toward your face (as Lauren does above) and clip the curls in place with large setting clips. Mist all over with a light-medium holding hairspray. Let them cool while you put on your makeup. Multi-Tasking!! Give it atleast 15 minutes to cool and set.

6) Gently pull the clips out and let your hair fall.

7) Using a flat or paddle brush, brush hair back and away from your face and then let it spring back. The wave pattern will automatically start to appear. Keep brushing gently until it shows up. We like to help it along by molding the waves where you want them by hand and then adding one more veil of hairspray.

{via: beautydepartment.com}

Bobbi Brown Tutorial

The queen of all things beauty gives her two-minute-face tutorial.

50 Things to Put You in an Instant Good Mood

Stumbled upon this on Glamour.com. I think I will take these all down, checklist style. Join me?

5 0  t h i n g s 

To Put You in an Instant Good Mood

1. Exercise - Even a single workout (cardio, strength training, yoga—take your pick) can give you a boost, relieving stress and releasing feel-good endorphins

2. Eat Breakfast - It will prevent grumpiness and help you perform. No, a single cup of coffee (or tea or soda) does not count.

3. Speak Up - “Being assertive enhances self-confidence and shuts down feelings of helplessness,” says Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., the author of A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness. Plus, there’s that little perk of actually getting what you want!

4. Do Less - “So many people think, If I do more, then I’ll be happier,” says celebrity life coach Sherri Ziff Lester. “There’s too much doing. We need to do more nothing—just take time to be.”

5. Focus on Making Memories - Researchers found that 57 percent of people reported they were happier when they spent money on an experience (like a vacation or a class), while only 34 percent reported being happier after buying stuff.

6. Go Outside - Remember that big room? With the blue roof and the fresh air? Sometimes the floor is green? Just five minutes walking in the great outdoors has beneficial effects. Notice we said “walking,” not “walking and texting.”

7. Hug It Out - “It’s critical to have some kind of physical affection in your life,” says psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D., author of The How of Happiness. “It doesn’t have to be a hug. It’s about the power of touch.”

8. Face Your Challenges - New concept: Actually doing the things on your to-do list. That work thing, that guy thing—whatever it is, get it over with. Studies show that the more you put things off, the more anxious you’ll feel about them.

9. Say Something Nice - Tell that woman on the train how much you love her dress. Look, she’s happy! Now you’re happy! It’s a mini joy explosion caused by her good taste and your nice compliment.

10. Be Grateful - Do not. Roll. Your eyes. Write down the things you’re grateful for. Yes, it’s hokey. But it works—by forcing you to focus on the good things in your life.

11. Set a Smarter Bedtime - DVR The Daily Show (Jon Stewart is just as brilliant in the morning), and get at least seven hours of sleep. You’ll recharge your body and mind to get you ready for the next happy day.

12. Savor Your Snapshots - Those photos of your friends on the refrigerator door and the inspirational quotes taped to your computer? You put those there to make you happy, so you shouldn’t need a scientist to tell you to look at them!

13. The Happy Diet - “Food has a huge impact on your mood,” says L.A. dietitian Ashley Koff, R.D. Here’s what the happy diet includes.

14. Regular Snacks - Eating every three to four hours (no skipping!) keeps your body satisfied and your blood sugar stable.

15. Less White Stuff - Sugar and white flour can lead to an energy and mood crash. Every meal should have whole-grain carbs, protein and a little healthy fat.

16. But No Deprivation! - “When you feel like certain foods are completely off-limits, it’s like one awful, unending diet,” says Koff.

17. Variety, and Lots of It - Say no to the same salad for lunch every day. Our bodies don’t want us mono-eating!

18. The Happy Face - “There have been probably a hundred studies that have shown that if you simply put a smile on your face, even when you’re sad, you can actually produce a happy feeling,” says James Laird, Ph.D., a psychology professor at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts.

19. The Happy Back - Good posture actually elevates your spirits, says Laird. Instead of slumping, roll your shoulders back and down, stand up straight and pick your chin up; positive feelings will follow.

20. The Happy Foot - About 64 percent of Americans wear shoes that hurt, and close to a quarter spend six or more hours a day on their feet. “If your feet are sore, you’re going to be grumpy,” says Keith Wapner, M.D., president of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. He prescribes a good foot rub at the end of the day (research shows it boosts mood all on its own) and stretching out the back of your ankles, which can get overly tight from switching between heels and flats.

21. Know Your Face - “This comes to me courtesy of my mother: Know your face well and love it, flaws and all.” —Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter

22. The Power of Touch - “I’m a big believer in the power of touch, so we give our clients a great massage—it’s transformational.” —Ted Gibson, owner of Ted Gibson salons

23. Change Your Lip Shade - “Pink lipstick! I almost always wear red, but when I switch to pink, people smile and tell me I look great. Pair it with a rosy blush—instant happiness.” —Felicia Milewicz, Glamour beauty director

24. Go On, Get Pampered - “A great mani-pedi can make a woman happier because it’s pampering, it’s relaxing—and it forces everyone to put down their phone for a little while!” —Essie Weingarten, founder of Essie Cosmetics

25. Oranges Are Key - “Scent! Citrus in particular is known to boost happiness.” —Mary MacLean, Glamour executive beauty editor

Be sure to read the other 25 right here! 

{photo via Kate Spade}

Want, Need, Must Have

Where, oh WHERE is your makeup from Rachel Bilson?? SO. AMAZING.

{photo via: Elle.com}

5 T H I N G S I L O V E T O D A Y

• Not that I would KNOW, (though attending Coachella is at least in the top 3 on my bucket list) but apparently Kanye's performance at this year's hipster fest was pretty epic. Here's a few clips: 

"Runaway" 

"Lost in the World"

"Power"

"Hey Mama"

• Where has this product been? Enter the "Split The Rent" calculator. It estimates price per square foot and tells you who the f should be paying more between you and your roomies. 

• Gap released the lookbook for its Fall 2011 collection. Leather pencil skirts, oversize sweaters, long flowing skirts, and mary janes. See the rest of the collection here

• The most beautiful wedding in (wouldn't-cha know it?) Florence, Italy. Go escape to romance dreamland for a few minutes on Style Me Pretty 

• Who doesn't love a little 2-in-1 action? Elle gives 25 beauty tips reusing household items. Using two hole buttons to keep pairs of earrings together? Uh, "why-didn't-I-think-of-that?" geniusness. 

{Top photo via Stylish Thought}

5 T H I N G S I L O V E T O D A Y

• Lucky magazine has gathered and disclosed 100 tips, tricks, and edicts that its editors have learned over the years. Blow-dry side to side rather than (or in addition to) upside down for volume? Who KNEW?! See the rest here

• This guilty dog is so, so, SO ashamed. 

• Acoustic Eminem? I like this and am a tish annoyed with it at the same time. Lyrics were obviously switched due to Mom's presence. 

• The cutest prints of three famous cities. 

• MOST LEGIT BOOKSHELVES EVER. PERIOD. 

Spring's Hottest Lip Color

Tangerine was the popular lip hue seen on numerous Spring/Summer '11 runways this past winter. Bright lips may seem like an intimidating trend to pull off, but it can work for anyone; it's all about coordinating the color with your skin tone. A little confidence doesn't hurt either.  

If you have a rather fair skin tone like Chloe Sevigny, you can pull off a brighter and bolder color. Try M.A.C.'s Morange Lipstick 

For a sheer and shiny tone like Liv's try NARS Capucine Lip Lacquer 

Olive skin tones look best with a peachy shade, and her metallic eye is a great compliment! For a similar look try Clinique's Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Balm in Mega Melon. 

{Via Stylecaster}

2011's 6 Coolest Nail Polish Trends

This year is all about rich, sheer, creamy colors in the nail polish world. Take a dabble in the trend guide I found from Refinery 29 & then polish up your digits. 

Back to Nature Nudes—Nude-as-naked nails look refreshingly demure, yet provocative. Make sure your polish comes in a high-gloss formula so you don't end up looking like you have mannequin hands. Featured: Karen Walker Spring 2011 image via CND; Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Naked, $16, available in mid-January; Essie Nail Polish in Sand Tropez, $8, available in February 

The Blues Clues—Whether it's Robin's Egg or Tiffany's Box, this pale blue shade has got "Spring" written all over it. Featured: Nicholas K Spring 2011 image courtesy of Dashing Diva/Eric Yu; Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Barracuda, $6.99, available in February; Priti NYC in Forget Me Not, $12.50, available at Priti NYC.

Peachy-Keen Pink—Need a polish that'll make your tan shine? This is it, ladies. Featured: Dior Nail Vernis in Pink Boa, $21, available at Nordstrom; Priti NYC Nail Polish in September Charm, $12.50, available at Priti NYC; Behnhaz Sarafpour Spring 2011 image courtesy of CND.

Lovely in Lavender—Dusty purples, saturated lavenders, and shiny heliotropes look great with most skin tones. Featured :Nicholas K Spring 2011 image courtesy of Dashing Diva/Eric Yu; Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Violet Diva, $19, available in March at Estee Lauder; Priti NYC Nail Polish in Geisha Girl, $12.50, available at Priti NYC.

Gun-Metal Grays—Don't forget about those metallics! Give your digits the full metal treatment with pearlescent polishes. The future is now! Featured: Chanel Le Vernis in Black Pearl, $25, available at Chanel; M.A.C. Champale Nail Polish in Very Important Platinum, $13, available at M.A.C.; 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2011 image courtesy of CND.

The Can't-Miss Topcoats—Give your polish an extra edge with a striking top coat that cracks over your color; one that adds a slick, holographic shimmer; or one that adds a gilded layer of nude shimmer. Featured: Chanel Pearl Drop, $25, available at Chanel; CND Copper Shimmer, $9, available at ENail Supply; CND Perfectly Barely Shimmer, $20 (with Perfectly Bare Colour), available in March at CND; OPITopcoat in Shatter, $8.50, available in January, visit OPI.com for locations.

All photos & words from Refinery 29