Maybelline Red Revival - Best Kept Drugstore Secret

I have a guilty pleasure...drugstore makeup. The problem with that is though, I usually buy it for the thrill of cheap makeup and usually never wear it, forget about it or the throw it away because the quality isn't up to par.

 

Well, let me  introduce you to Duane Reade's (or CVS... whatever) best kept secret, the ultimate blue based red lipstick. Now you know, I am a nude lips girl, ALL. THE. WAY. However, there are sometimes those mornings I wake up and want a pop of color on my face. Usually when it is very sunny, or I am wearing jeans and a white t shirt. Anyway...

 

Ladies, meet Maybelline's Red Revival.

 

 

Perfect consistency, not drying, super pigmented and a perfect true red, coming in at $7. There is nothing to even think about here. Go get it.

If you are lazy and don't want to hunt this baby down, you can order it at Drugstore.com http://bit.ly/13hxpYi


xx

Sunglasses Du Jour: Aviators

Now that it is warming up (ok it is already sweltering in NYC) I wanted to do a post on my newest sunglasses obsession. I posted these on Instagram quite a while back (beginning of April) but I thought I would share now, my two must have sunglasses right now.

The ones I am wearing are the rayban mirrored blue and Stephanie is wearing the red mirrored. They are called the Flash lenses to be specific and you can grab them here : grab them here! They retail for $160.

However, there are a bunch of knock offs and to be honest, I love a good pair of cheap-o sunglasses...for a few reasons. One being, I lose my sunglasses like it is my job. The second, I like to wear a different pair every day almost, and if I spent upwards of $150 each time on a designer pair... well you do the math That would be a lot.

I found a few very cute alternatives for you.

These are by Cheap Monday for ASOS. Love the flash color here. Very hippie-chic and for $59 great price for quality. http://bit.ly/15wAkwp

Another favorite pair are these that I wear winter and summer. Another aviator style. Can you tell, I love aviators. These are polarized dark grey Raybans as well, can be found here http://bit.ly/16FmxZ7

Looking for the cheaper alternative?  Love these! May just order these myself right now, available here http://bit.ly/14cxXjf and they are $28, major win!

Looking for an even cheaper alternative? Try your local H&M, I always scored amazing sunglasses there. Also, if you are from NYC, look at the street vendors, I know, usually I don't like street vendors but the sunglasses are a NYC best kept secret.

Shhh....

Wedding Venue booked... Wedding Journey Update

Quick update for you all, I have received tons of messages, tweets and emails that you wanted to come along with me on my wedding journey, so I will be posting some snippets and sharing some fun details.

My first to-do, and quite honestly the one that was stressing me out the most is checked off and completed. The venue.  

I had head very different wedding scenarios in my head that I loved equally.  A beach wedding with a flower crown in the bridesmaids hair, and old rustic barn but flamed out and an old Mansion. 

I crossed off the beach idea because I hate hot weather and sweating (Hello, frizzy hair!), so I didn't want to chance it. Additionally, I LOVE fall, true fall. the crisp air, the colors of the leaves, the smell, everything. I was born in November, so maybe I am biased. However, that left me with the two above.

I didn't get very far in my search because the second venue I found I absolutely fell in love with.  I got that gut feeling that I just knew it was the place.  As soon as I walked in. I just knew. Then my Fiancee said, "This is where we are getting married" and I knew.  And mind you, it was pouring rain and I still fell in love. 

It is an old mansion on the north shore of Long Island overlooking the Long Island sound and lighthouse.  It is a very private area and surrounded my woods.  It is perfect. 

The arched always and rooms were the cocktail hour will take place. 

The entrance:

Some outside details:

The theme I am going to go for I think is that feeling of all white magical wedding. However, I really am not there yet.  I am just so thrilled that this is locked in and now I can kind of sit back relax and enjoy! 

Andddd.... The date is set, November 1st 2014. 

Would love to hear what all of your weddings were like! Any recommendations? 

Xx

I am... ENGAGED

I know, I have not been very good (okay, thats an understatement) about updating my blog with personal events, I guess that was never the point of my blog. But I feel like I wanted to share this big moment with all of my readers, especially as you have been following along since the beginning in 2009.

 

I am engaged!

 

If you follow me on Instagram and Twitter, you already know this of course, but I wanted to do a more in-depth post. I wanted to share a bit of the proposal and some photos, and of course, the first thing everyone wants to see is the ring!

 



 

 

 

I wasn't feeling well last Friday, a combination of being exhausted, allergies (these are new this year... great!) and a cold. We were supposed to have a "date night" at my favorite restaurant ever, Mr Chows. Being ill, my boyfriend at the time (now Fiance... weird to say that), decided he would bring my favorite food to me and we ordered in.

The dinner was normal and just as usual (although, I should have known something was up as Adam, was dripping sweat throughout our dinner). Desert is always something I love, well I just need something sweet at the end of a meal. Always. So as usual, right on cue, I reached for the fortune cookie. Adam mentioned whatever numbers were in the cookie, we should play the lotto with.

I grabbed the cookie and opened it, first thing I saw was a bunch of ???, then the rest slowly came into my vision, the first words out of my mouth were "What the F"? I couldn't believe it, I was BLOWN away and I turned around and he was on his knee.

I was speechless, I couldn't speak for 20 minutes. I kept saying I don't believe this.

Personally, for me, this was the IDEAL way he could have proposed, Adam knows, I hate when people are staring at me, and I am such a homebody, that this proposal really took into account my personality traits and wants. I was just beyond surpised and thrilled.

 

Out that Saturday night celebrating with a friend (This is not my Fiance)You can see how sparkly the ring is...

 

A few pictures of my Fiance and I

 

 

Now, what you are all waiting for... the ring!

More pictures on Instagram @DaraKaye

A quick note about the ring, I never thought I was a "pear" girl, I actually never even liked pears at ALL. I always thought I wanted a cushion or emerald ring. Adam and I looked a bit together a while ago, like 6 or months ago. We tried cushions, but after all of the looking I realized I had no idea what I wanted, I couldnt even fully commit to a cushion. There are things I didnt like about it (very trendy and everyone has it now) and every cut of a stone I looked at there was something about. Anyway, I am so thrilled with this ring, and every time I look at it I love it more and more. Just goes to show, sometimes its good to let yourself be surprised and have your boufriend not listen to you. I am very happen that he didnt listen to me this one time (I doubt I will ever say that line again).

This ring has a very special meaning and that give it so much more weight and meaning to me.

And that's it and now the craziness commences with booking a venue.
We are thinking Sept/Oct/ November 2014 on either Long Island, Westchester, Hudson Valley or Connecticut.

I was thinking of doing some wedding planning posts.. Would you guys be interested in this?
Let me know below!

xx

New Daily Hair Holy Grail Du Jour: Davines

Coming to you live from the land of soft hair, I know, that is very unlike me, my hair is usually dry as the day is long. Now you have probably heard me complain for years about my dry skin and hair. I know, I know, sorry! However, I finally found a product that is perfect for me, actually its perfect for every girl on earth, because every girl on earth needs a little bit of TLC on their ends. Mine just happen to need A LOT of tender, loving care.

Meet my new favorite hair care product from Davines. If you are like me, you probably have never heard of Davines, however, as soon as I saw the packaging I recognized it immediately. They carry Davines at Barneys and on their retail site http://www.davines.com/ , I knew I had seen it before. Personally, I had never tried any of thier styling products, I am a wash and go kinda girl, I like oils but thats about it.

Anyway, I was sold on this product as soon as I was told is it like a daily moisturizer but for your hair. You can apply it throughout the day on the ends of your hair, like you would a hand cream on dry hands. Hello, that has my name written all over it.

I throw this tube in my bag and have been applying it around 3 times a day, my hair is incredibly soft, and lets talk about the scent. AMAZING. It smells like a mix between Body Shop's White Musk and my little ponies, I know you know what I am talking about!

Have you tried Davines? Will you give it a shot?
xx

Cherry Bombe Magazine Du Jour 5.7.13

Ladies, I have exciting news, well in my world, magazines are very exciting news in gerenal, but a magazine that is about Fashion AND food? Well, you mind as well tell I have been sent 5 Hermes birkin bags free of charge, thats how exciting Fashion and Food are to me (Okay, that might have been a teeny exageration).

Anyway, Cherry Bombe Magazine is just that, from thier mouth to my ears " a new magazine that celebrates women and food—those who grow it, make it, serve it, study it, enjoy it and everything in between. It is about sustenance and style and the things that nourish the mind, the eye and, of course, the stomach.

Cherry Bombe features a variety of cultures, cuisines and voices—chefs and servers, food stylists and scientists, culinary icons and up-and-coming entrepreneurs—as documented by some of the most interesting food and fashion writers and photographers around. Almost all of the subjects and contributors are women. "



Full Disclosure here, Kerry Diamond, the genius behind Cherry Bombe is THE woman who urged me and quite frankly, convinced me to start this whole Beauty Channel deal on YouTube. You can kind of call her the Beauty Whisperer. Her career includes opening resturants, being a Harpers Bazaar editor, launching WWD Beauty Biz, Lancome, Coach and more... I mean... this woman is a power house.

Check out the below beautiful imagery from the first issue. Mine should be arriving within the next few weeks.

 

 

Will you be picking it up?

xx

Obsession Du Jour: Rodin Olio Lusso Face Oil 2.20.13

Another skin care review, I know, I know, I am totally on a skin care kick. We all know that good skin is the foundation for any and all good makeup. This once is a total splurge and has reached cult status level at this point. I am sure a lot of you have heard of this precious luxury oil, Rodin's Olio Lusso.

I love the whole story and philosophy behind the Rodin. A little background, Creator Linda Rodin is from the world of Harpers Bazaar and Henri Bendel. Rodin has dressed the most gorgeous and charismatic women in the world—from Madonna and Halle Berry. Despite access to ultra-exclusive skincare lines in this heady milieu, Rodin became disillusioned with their anti-aging claims and complicated regimens.

“What I longed for was something far simpler—that caress the skin noticeably and without any delay. Nothing out there did quite that.” So she brought her style smarts, her instinct for beauty to the skincare arena. After experimenting with essential oils in her kitchen for nearly two years, Rodin put the finishing touches on her first dream elixir, the original RODIN olio lusso face oil, in 2007. (The name—which translates as luxury oil —is in honor of the easygoing Italian beauty that has long inspired Linda’s own style). The models and makeup artists she worked with tried and loved it, and soon RODIN olio lusso was selling to a cult following at a few select stores.

Fast forward to now and me (scintillating topic, I know!)- I tried the oil about 6 months ago, in the middle of trying about 12374 other products. Recently, I have been paring down to basics and trying to be a bit more simple. I opened up my massive beauty arsenal and saw this baby staring at me so I went for it. I am LOVING it, it is almost like a religious experience every morning applying it. The smells transports you to a spa or lavender field in Italy. 

It's simple, feels good and does what it says its going to do.  The ingredients are simple, only oils: Jasmine, Rose Hip Seed, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba, Evening Primrose, Apricot, Arnica, Calendula, Neroli, Sunflower, Argan, Rosemary and Juniper.

This is an  ideal  moisturizer for anyone seeking a simple solution to hydrated skin and a luminous, light-reflecting complexion. It works on complexions that are “normal,” oily, dry- and does not leave ANY greasies behind. I, being the driest of dry, need a moisturizer after for the day time just for a little extra protection in the winter.

I have been applying about 3-4 drops on a moist, freshly washed face in the morning and night! Follow with makeup—or not.

Now, the only thing is, it is quite pricey at $150 for 1 fluid Oz. Yes, this is a bit steep but the ingredients are premium and really is quality product. You can buy directly at http://oliolusso.com/products/rodin-olio-lusso-face-oil or Barneys http://www.barneys.com/Rodin-Olio-Lusso-Luxury-Face-Oil/00505002969763,default,pd.html!

Have you tried yet? Thinking about it? Would love to know!

xx

Where Have I been? And an anticipated review of Dr. Perricone's Blue Plasma

First things first, where have I been? Oh, I dont know, just so busy that this is the first time I have sat in front of my computer to write in my blog. In December I took a well needed break and vacation for a few weeks. As soon as I got back in Janruary I flew to Dallax Texas on business and here I am. January 30th, finally sitting down, right before New York Fashion week. Ah well, better late than never right?

Well, I am back now and I am committed to reviewing the best of the best in beauty (and dont forget my favorite, jewelry) and sharing my little journey in the world with you guys.

Now onto it, I have gotten so many questions and requests for this review and I now know why. I just picked up Dr. Perricone's Blue Plasma Daily peel two days ago and I can officially say I am in love. I know that iss crazy only after two days but its true. This stuff is actually, I dare to say, miraculous. A quick run down on my skin for any new readers, dry as the sahara desert. No matter, how much I exfoliate and moisturize (and trust me I do, Revive, La Prarie, SK-II... I have tried it ALL) it is never smooth, hydrated and forget about glowing.

Well, its only been two days so I can say I have had a 180 turnaround yet, but let me tell you there is a NOTICIABLE difference in texture and hystration. The first day I used, I woke up with softer and smoother skin. There was even a slight shine to my skin (which I am always after, as my skin is super dull and dehydrated).

This is a daily peel, but I think of it more as a serum. I put on in the nightime after cleansing before and bed and thats it. I love that you dont need to wash it off. It is kind of priey at $95 dollars but you only need like 4-5 drops for your whole face. It should last you a while.

The details from Dr. Perricone's Website are:

A unique, non-acidic daily peel designed to deliver all the benefits of a traditional peel without redness or irritation. This cutting edge liquid treatment works with Bio-specific Peeling to attack only dead skin cells, Micro-extraction to lift surface debris, unclogging and purifying the skin of build-up and finally Hydro-fusion to rebalance skin's hydration with enriched water. No rinsing needed. Apply and follow with your daily skincare regimen.

Benefits:

- Resurfaces and unveils new skin.
- Achieves luxurious luminosity & glow.
- Smoothes, hydrates and plumps lines & wrinkles.

 

Consumer Studies:

- 90% agreed their skin was visibly more luminous after just one application.
- 87% agreed they preferred this treatment to a chemical peel or exfoliating scrub and this product gave them professional results.
- 82% agreed this is the best resurfacing treatment that they have ever used.
- 87% agreed their skin felt like it has been replaced with “new skin” after 4 weeks of use.

So, in short do I recommend this? Well , do I really need to answer that. It is a RESOUNDING YES!
Let me know if you have tried or you are going to?

xx

Review: Tarte Maracuja Oil 11.8.12

My second review of the week is a skin care item, but more than just that, it is truly multipurpose, Tarte Maracuja Oil. I have been using this every morning as a facial oil, using it as a cuticle oil, using it on the ends of my hair. I even have been mixing it with my body lotion for some extra oomph.

A little background info on Maracuja oil, also known as Amazonian Passion Fruit oil.  Tarte's Maracuja oil is hand pressed without the use of heat to guarantee the maximum amount of  essential fatty acids and vitamins. Maracuja oil is said to target individual skin concerns and delivers harmony, restoring skin balance and aiding in recovery and rejuvenation. The oil rebuilds and repairs skin while brightening, and never leaves skin with a greasy or filmy feel. I believe this to be true, I see this working on Oily and Dry skin skin.

It is touted as being for anyone who wants brighter, firmer, and smoother skin. I personally have found it has been extremely moisturizing with out being oily, major plus. I have also been really liking this for the ends of my hair.

You can buy it at Sephora.com and it retails for $46.00, which can be pricey but, this will last you a while, as it only takes three drops to cover your entire face and neck. It comes in a good sized bottle and contains 1.7 Oz, which is a decent size.

Have you tried? Will you?
x

Obsession Du Jour: Equinox LE shirt, proceeds go to Hurricane Sandy relief 11.6.12

I wanted to share a T-Shirt that was designed by Equinox to raise awareness and help the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Equinox is selling limited edition T's for $35 and 100% of the proceeds will be going to the American Red Cross. I like that 100% is going to be donated, I have seen a lot of companies only donating a portion of sales. Equinox is donating ALL.

Let's do what we can and show our support in anyway we can. Either by purchasing products that are donating 100% of proceeds or donating to the Red Cross. If you cant help financially, please consider donating your time.

I hope everyone is safe and warm tonight, whether you are in NYC or not.

x

Obsession Du Jour: Dior Hydralife BB Creme 11.6.12

In anticipation of Sephora F&F, I will be doing a product review a day, which I have purchased from Sephora. As you can see from my last post, I got a nice little box filled with goodies.

First up is my absolute, newest "obsession", more than an obsession really, it is a complete must have. I got a little baby sample of the new Dior HydraLife BB Creme about 3 weeks ago and fell completely in love. I used it every day for 3 weeks, I squeezed every last drop out of it before decided to splurge for the full size.

Yes, it is pricey at $56 but it is worth every penny, for me, this BB creme gives as much coverage as a foundation but with the benefits of actually moiturizing and be light as a feather. I can not stand the feeling of foundation on my face and suffocating me. This does not do this.

Consider me a lifer.

Do I recommend this? 100%. However, remember mileage will vary depending on your skin type. I happen to have very dry skin. I would assume if you are very oily, you might not like this, or at the very least have to set with a powder. I also have heard this can be a bit dark for some people, for me this color is absolutely perfect.

Have you tried this? Will you?

x

Sephora Product haul Du Jour 11.4.12

In anticipation of Sephora friends and and family sale (which I know you all are looking forward to, as you have told me on twitter), I am going to be doing a sephora product per day this week.

I made a nice "healthy" order this week for the true friends and family sale, the one where the employees send out codes. Don't fret if you did not get one, the general sale is coming up mid- November, so rev your engines.

Anyhow, I am going to be sharing a product per day with a full in-depth review of each up until the sale. Either to help you decide, if whether to, or not to buy.

Here is a sneak peek, first review coming up tomorrow. What's on your F&F sale list? Share below.

Enjoy!
X

Deborah Lippmann Santa Baby Du Jour 10.28.12

Topping of my wish list for nailpolish right now. Love the metallic peacock hues. Total must have.

An exclusive for Neiman Marcus.

Anyone grabbed this yet?

X

Kate Spade iPad Case Du Jour 10.28.12 (Hurricane Sandy Edition)

This is a sort of random post, but you will see why this came to my mind. I love techonology, and I love my iPad. It is currently charging JUST IN CASE we lose power due to the lovely mistress, Hurricane Sandy.

Anyway, I have been on the perpetual hunt for the perfect iPad case. I have tried out a ton. I have a rhinestone encrusted one (not practical), I have one with the wireless keyboard attached (too bulky and heavy for a handbag), I have that one you can buy at apple, the front flap one (doesn't protect enough)... and so on. You can see finding the perfect iPad case can turn you into goldilocks quite quickly.

I went on a serch for an orange leather case, I know, kinda obtuse of me, I never expected to find one. Lo and behlod, I was wondering around Soho last saturday, about to indulge in a boozey lunch at Lure Fishbar on Mercer street with a dear friend and I happened to peep into Kate Spade.

Kate Spade is usually not my style, I err on the boho/ rocker/ glam end of style, i love oversized, neutrals and leather. Kate Spade can run you quite preppy. Anyway, I saw a bright orange lether case and excatly the style I was looking for. Slim, compact and bright. 

Long story short, I am so thrilled with my orange leather ipad case that I was motivated to share it with you all. It has a hot pink lining of leather with a gold accent on the outside which is a nice fashion touch.

 

Do you have an ipad? Are you like me, always on the hunt for the erfect case?

If so, try out www.KateSpade.com and see if they just might have something for you!

xx

PS- Everyone that is in the path of Hurricane Sandy, Stay Safe! Remember, all shelters are pet friendly, so please dont leave your furry babies at home!

And I am off to Kennebunkport, Maine...

What's a city girl to do when she wants to escape the honking NYC taxis, subways and wants to relax and Spa-aaah?

Naturally, take a road trip, rent a mustang and book a girls trip to spend a quiet 3 days in Kennebunkport, Maine at Hidden Ponds, of course.
Fine dining, spa's, bike riding, antiquing, s'mores and more awaits just a few hours away from the hubbub of NYC.

5 hours later... And I am here in Maine.

Will fill you all in after my girls getaway! Hey you never know who is close to Maine...

Xx

Fresh Du Jour 10.9.12

Having a total "Fresh" moment in Sephora right now. Stay tuned.

Xx

Obession Du Jour: Jack Black Lipbalm in Grapefruit and Ginger

I am sure you have all heard about Jack Black, no, not the actor, the brand of skincare. I had been hearing about the lip balm for a few YEARS, I will go as far to say. I dont know why but it just never interested me. I dont know, judge me if you must but yes, I judge a book my its cover.

The packaging never drew me into the product. However, after hearing raves upon raves for this lipbalm, being the lipbalm junkie (errr... addict) that I am, I gave in. 

The first one I picked up with the Lavendar flavored one, and ew. Seriously, I put it on and make that lemon face. I couldnt even believe I picked this flavor because it smelled and tasted putrid. I usually love lavender. I guess I never thought that I might not like to rub it on my lips.

Anyway, I spoke about it on twitter and everyone recommended the lemon flavor. I picked that one up and I liked it, a lot. Now I could maybbbeee see what all the raving was about. I like the consistency, its thick but not sticky and definitely is hydrating. This makes a great overnight lip treatment. I like to pile on, go to bed and wake up with super soft lips. Great. However, still the scent was not mind blowing.

Fast forward to 2 days ago, I was in Blue Mercury and I saw the display case of all the flavors and for some reason, a little voice in my head said to buy the grapefruit flavor. I LOVE grapefruist scents, I like the zing!

Lo and behold, I now am a believer. I am in LOVE with this scent. This scent makes me want to put it on everyday, all day. Who know the scent could make that huge of a difference? Anyway, I am now in love and recommend this lip balm (I dont think I have to tell you which one to buy...pretty obvious).

I will be picking up a few more of these in the same flavor to litter around my apartment. Have you tried? Which is your favorite flavor?

xx

Blue Mercury Haul du Jour 10.5.12

I just got home from a wonderful facial at Blue Mercury in Union Square (more on the service later, I got dermabrasion- major thumbs up) and you know that I could not walk out with at least a FEW goodies. The Chanel lipstick in La Provocante was a separate little purchase from Bloomingdales and my attempt at stepping outside of my nude lipped box.

I wanted to share the below with you, obviously reviews for each will be coming up along with a video.

Have you tried any of the below? The m-61 cleanser and the Caudalie was recommended by the facials and used during. I liked them a lot, so to my house those babies came!

Have a great weekend! Any fun plans?

xx

Obsession Du Jour: Blinged out iPhone case for under $20

After my last post and video about my crystallized iPhone case I got tons of questions about it. 

Exciting news is that my girl Gina is doing a huge promo for this week. You know I never post about sales or what not, but this is something I love!  I have these cases and they normally cost $50- $200 and Crystal Icing charges up to $400 for celeb blinged out phones.  

So basically, now you can get a crystallized iPhone case for under $20. Who doesn’t love some sparkle?That is a good price, I am going to snag a few for holiday presents!

ENJOY! No code or anything, you can just order it on their site here http://crystalicing.com/products.asp?cat=98

 

xx

Holy Lashes, Obsession Du Jour: Givenchy Noir Couture Mascara 9.28.12

This is something I have been meaning to post about forever, but actually it is right in time for the elusive upcoming Sephora friends and family sale (I do not know exactly when it is, but it usually hits sometime around October 20th).

I posted about this on Instagram and I got tons of interest, feedback and validation that this product is basically the best thing since sliced bread. 

I love eyelash extensions, but I can not stand the feeling of them. Now, now, I am not saying this will mimic fake eyelashes and in 2 minutes you will have Kim Kardashian eye lashes buttttt its pretty dang close. This really thickens and elongates you eyelashes without clumping. It gives very long fluttery lashes. I was asked if it does hold curl and I never noticed that, because my lashes are I guess, pretty curly naturally, but I curled them and they stayed all day, so the answer is yes on that (That's for you Rae!). Additionally, it says that it is a 4 in 1 mascara providing, length, volume, curl AND lash care! Cool!

This is my personal favorite mascara I have used as of yet, previously Yves Saint Laurent's Faux Cils has that title. Funny, that I never liked any of the previous Givenchy mascara's until this one. I am glad I got this sample from Sephora or I would have never tried it.

The below is the sample from Sephora, but I have recently gotten the full size (I actually have three now. One for home, one for my makeup bag and one for my desk. Yes, that is HOW much I like it).

So, do I recommend trying this? YES. If you can still get a sample from Sephora, definitley take advantage of that and if not, it is worth the $30 somesthing plunge. Trust me!

By, the way, Sephora is the only retailer you can grab this from currently, check it out here!

Have you tried? Will you?

xx