The New Blues

Brighten up your vanity with beauty products in shades of blue.  From sultry shadows to gentle exfoliators, check out some of my favorites among the new blues.

1.  MAC Deep Truth is a classic very deep blue shimmer eyeshadow that can update the classic smoky eye by standing in for stark black shadows.

2.  If lighter shades are more your style, try Urban Decay Speed.  This pale blue shadow is a great way to welcome the spring.

3.  Get a mix of blue shades in Maybelline’s Eye Studio Sapphire Siren Quad, the drugstore giant’s latest shadow offering.  A light and dark blue are paired with a frosty white and black shadow to give you a range of eye looks, all for less than $9!  Even if you usually avoid Maybelline’s shadows, try the new Eye Studio quads, they are way more pigmented than their regular line.  Applied wet, they rival department store brands with their rich color payoff.

4. NARS Bains Douches is a bright sky blue glitter pencil that will take your eye look from day to evening.  Wear a pale blue shadow to work and then spice it up in the evening with a darker blue shadow (like MAC’s Deep Truth) and Bains Douches in the inner and outer corners of the eye to add some sparkle.

5.  Stila Black Diamond Mascara in Blue Shimmer will add just a hint of sparkle to your eyes.  The soft blue shimmer in this basic black mascara is perfect for daytime (no disco ball eyelashes here).

6.  Brighten up your shower and your skin with Peter Thomas Roth’s Botanical Buffing Beads!  This scrub has tiny round beads to gently exfoliate your body and even delicate facial skin.  The bright blue color will help you to imagine a lovely tropical ocean while you uncover the bright new skin you’d show off on that beach.

7. Marc Jacobs Daisy in The Air is a limited edition reisssue of the popular Daisy fragrance in a bottle adorned with bright blue flowers.  The perfect gift for the girl who loves floral fragrances,  Daisy has notes of violet, strawberry and gardenia.  This limited edition set includes a daisy chain of blue flowers that she can spritz and hang in her room so she’ll be surrounded by her favorite scent.  It’ll also freshen and brighten up your car -  those little green trees are no competition!

I’ve been awfully restless lately and it’s led me to one conclusion: I’ve developed a bad case of Spring Fever. I’m just itching to throw on some strappy sandals and a floral-inspired dress. Lucky for me, the weather here in sunny Los Angeles is already permitting for such attire! Here are a few items items I’m lusting after this spring.

Kristina's Picks for Spring

1.  Piel Large Yellow Hobo
$210.40 (20% off)

2.  Linea Paolo ‘Jarren’ Sandal
$109.95

3.  Cardigans – shop a variety of styles and shades
Starting at $14.50

4.  Josie Maran Natural Wonders Powders Palette
$35

5.  Maggy London Border Print Party Dress
$138

6.  DV by Dolce Vita ‘Cairo’ Flat
$76.95

7.  Hot Pink Nail Polish by OPI
Starting at $4

While most of the country is preparing for more snow, I can’t help but be a tiny bit jealous here in Los Angeles.  Winter white is one of my favorite colors, and anyone can pull it off.  Below are a few of my favorite things I’m craving right now.  These pieces are highly wearable, and will take you effortlessly from winter into spring.   

White Hot for Spring

 

1. White Metallic Brocade Strapless Mini Dress
New York & Company
$76.46

•   More New York & Company Dresses

2. French Dressing Shapes Emerge Oxfords in Cream
Anthropologie
$288.00

• More Oxford Shoes

3. MARC by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo in Raw Sugar
Saks Fifth Avenue
$398.00

• More MARC by Marc Jacobs Handbags

4. White 01 Eyeshadow
Bobbi Brown
$20.00

• More Bobbi Brown

1. Chloe Hobo, 2. Eurocave SoWine Bar, 3. Illume Monogram Candle, 4. Waterford Ring Holder, 5. Bobbi Brown Brushes

Winter isn’t over quite yet, and I’m determined to make the most out of the final weeks of the season.  Here’s what I love right now:

3. Illume Monogram Candle
$26
With scents of Italian bergamot, lemon zest, pink peppercorn and cedar leaf, this pretty white candle leaves your home smelling winter-fresh.

4. Waterford Crystal Ring Holder
from $60
This is one of my favorite gifts I’ve ever received.  I love it so much that I even gave one to a friend of mine for her birthday last year!  Waterford is known for making the finest crystal, and my pretty Lismore looks darling on my Shabby Chic nightstand. 

5. Bobbi Brown Luxe Brush Collection
$650
Check out Bobbi Brown’s limited-edition Luxe Brush Collection!  My first makeup brushes ever were from Bobbi Brown about 15 year ago, and not only were they my introduction into the art of fine makeup application, but also they lasted me for about ten years solid.  I’m itching for a new set, and while the price is decidedly steep, this is a worthwhile investment for the serious beauty lover.

 

Here are my top picks for products I can’t live without these days:

Mara's Top Picks: 1. MARC by Marc Jacobs, 2. Hanky Panky, 3. Lola, 4. Revlon Sheer Pink, 5. Kiehl's Conditioner, 6. Ray-Ban Aviators, 7. Votivo Candles, 8. M.A.C. Lipglass

When thinking about this week’s post, I turned to my own current must-haves for inspiration.  Here’s what I’m loving right now:

1. MARC by Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal Benny Satchel
$398
“The grape color is fresh and flirty for spring, and I can’t get enough of the dove motif on his latest collection!  Plus, it has plenty of pockets that keep me organized when I’m on the go.”

2. Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong
$18
“The only underwear I buy these days — I must own a pair in every color.  They’re so soft and comfortable, and they never show through my clothing.”

3. Marc Jacobs Lola Eau de Parfum, 3.4 oz.
$85
“One of the best-selling perfumes in the country right now, Lola has hints of fuscia peony, geranium, and ruby red grapefruit.” 

4. Revlon Sheer Pink Enamel
$4.79
“When I don’t have time for a manicure, Revlon’s Sheer Pink polish saves the day.  The smooth formula glides on evenly, and it’s sheer enough so that mistakes don’t show.  Just one coat makes my nails look pretty and even.”

5. Kiehl’s Extra Strength Conditioning Rinse
$21-$33
“I use this conditioning rinse in lieu of my daily conditioner once a week to soften and add shine to my long (somewhat damaged and dry) hair.  Added bonus: the delicious coconut smell!”

6. Ray-Ban Aviators
from $72
“Even on my worst days, the aviator style makes me feel tough and sexy.  I love how Ray-Ban is now offering different lens and frame shades.  My favorite, the classic large style with gold frame and black lenses.”

7. Votivo Candle — Red Current
$25
“Perhaps my favorite candle, it’s clean-burning with a delicious scent that appropriate year-round and not too girly.  Makes an excellent hostess gift!”

8. M.A.C. Cosmetics Clear Lipglass
$14
“The shiniest gloss I’ve ever tried.  This unique formula really does leave a glass-like finish that lasts for hours.  I love it alone or over my favorite lipstick.”