I took this instagram last night after I’d “put my face on” (as my Grandmother Rita says…) and had a request to share my favorite makeup products. I’m a bit of a beauty junkie so I hope I don’t bore you to tears. Let me know if this is helpful and I’ll post more makeup/skincare/beauty content! Oh and everything I know I owe to Kevyn Aucoin’s lovely book Face Forward. He made so many women feel beautiful and was a true artist. I highly recommend it.

1/ Foundation – Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation Medium Beige / I love liquid foundation as well (Make Up For Ever for full coverage, Laura Mercier for light coverage), but this stuff is so easy. Simply layer it where you’d typically use concealer.
2/ Bronzer – Benefit Hoola / A great matte bronzer. If you like a hint of shimmer try NARS Laguna, love it as well.
3/ Tweezers – Tweezerman Slant Tweezer / I’ve never had my eyebrows “done.” I just keep them tidy with these.
4/ Eyebrow Pencil – Cover Girl Browshaper & Eyeliner in Soft Brown / Have been using this since high school. As you may have gathered, I love a strong brow.
5 / Eyeshadow – bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 4.0 in The Truth / A recent purchase — the perfect brown palette. Also love Cover Girl’s Eye Enhancer in Swiss Chocolate.
6 / Eye Liner – Cover Girl Perfect Point Pencil in Black Onyx / I also have an Armani pencil, but honestly, I can’t tell a difference.
7 / Liquid Eye Liner – Almay Liquid Liner / The waitress at our local diner has the perfect cat-eye and this is her trick. I found it at the drugstore and love the wand. Also a fan of Bobbi Brown’s gel liner.
8 / Eyelash Curler – Tweerzerman Curler / An essential step.
9 / Mascara – Stila Glamoureyes / A new favorite. Also love the tried and true Diorshow mascara.
10 / Blush – NARS Blush in Orgasm / The perfect peachy-pink. A cult classic.
11 / Highlighter – Benefit High Beam / For the inside corners of my eyes, a small dot at the top of my eyelid, my browbone, etc.

What products do you swear by? I’d love to hear!

I was just thinking as I read Heather’s lovely post about the upcoming AERIN line (so exciting!) how much I admire Aerin Lauder (granddaughter of cosmetic icon Estée).  She always appears so polished and effortlessly chic — the epitome of class and grace.  I consider her a great role model for young women like myself interested in business, beauty, and fashion.  Judging by her success in the industry and general high regard she’s clearly quite savvy at all three.  Which creative business women do you admire?

(image 1, 2, 3)

I usually stick to just red or pale pink when it comes to nail varnish, but these shots from Swedish Love Affair have me thinking differently.  Aren’t her bold color choices terribly fun?  Lovely.  Do you have a signature nail color or are you adventurous?

I just love the model’s short bright nails in these new shots for The J.Crew Collection.  I’m inspired to do something similar before I fly out to New York tonight.  Fun fact: I almost always do my nails myself.  No time for manicures these days, le sigh.

P.S. My dress for Matchbook’s launch party on Wednesday begs for a belt of some sort, any suggestions?  A little sparkle could work or I could even go the punk chic route and wear something with studs…?  It needs to be high-waisted.  A girl must look chic for co-hosts John Derian, Rita Konig, Lela Rose and Coach (ahhhhh!).  Where should I look???

Love these shots of Kirsten Dunst for Lula Magazine.  Her nude lips, long lashes and short red nails are tops in my book.

(via Let’s Pout)

While in New York this past week I received several compliments on my grey-brown hued nail varnish (at top).  Rarely one to stray from light pinks or red, I had gone out on a limb and snatched up a bottle of “mouse” from American Apparel.  The best part?  A week has past and still hasn’t chipped!  Now that it’s received the neo-trad stamp of approval I can’t wait to invest in more colors.

What nail varnishes are your favorites?  I’m always looking for new brands/hues!

These shots from J.Crew have me searching for the perfect red lipstick for fall.  I have such trouble getting my lipstick to stay on…it’s always melting away.  Any tips???

I had my pixie cut trimmed last week and it’s shorter than ever before.  These photos of a stunning, young Jacqueline Kennedy were my inspiration.  Short was never so chic!

(images: at its best)

I just adore the bright hues of this nail varnish collection by NailEZEE.  Founded by three sisters in Miami Beach, their products not only look chic, but also promote nail health and natural growth.  I have my eye on the moody Eden Rock-N-Roll (bottom left) for fall!

Are you daring enough for frolicking flamingo or key lime pie?

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My friend Ashley’s blog is impeccably curated and the addition of these Christina Henderson photos was no exception.  Published in the LA Times, the accompanying interview is fantastic as well—did you know the Mad Men bombshell plays the accordion?  Unexpected and somehow, hopelessly cool.