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Why Did or Why Don’t: Blame the French

By |October 10th, 2012|Beauty Buzz, Why Did or Why Don't?|

chanel hula hoop bagChanel’s Srping 2013 show was much buzzed about in many thanks to the biggest Chanel bag you’ll never own.  Yes, that hula hoop she’s carrying is actually a very expensive beach tote.  I mean, why not?  How else are you gonna get your towel to the sand?  It’s not going to carry itself.

Well, what was most shocking to me was not the circus like accessories, but rather the manicures on the models’ lengthy fingers.  Oh yes, that’s right, they were sporting a little something that we like to call a French manicure.  Now, tell me I’m not alone here when I can only associate this particular manicure with acrylic tips and tanning beds.  Basically the only thing worse than a French manicure… is a French pedicure.  But alas, Chanel took it there.  Sure, some may call it a “classic” but to me, there is nothing modern about this classic and I’m not thoroughly convinced that this particular trend ever needs to make it back into the rotation.

Chanel French Manicure

A bientot.

xx,

WhyDid

images via Style.com and Elle

Beauty Buzz: Stay Put

By |October 4th, 2012|Beauty Buzz|

kiss on a napkinLast week I went ahead and decided to take some of my own advice (for once) by taking fall’s big beauty trend, wine lips, for a test drive.  I spent a solid twenty minutes perusing my local Sephora (complete with live DJ) looking for the perfect shade of wine lipstick for my pout.  I went from Buxom to YSL to NARS… There’s gotta be a better way than testing on the back of my hand, right?  Anyway, fifteen shades later and I decided on one from Makeup Forever

wine lipstickOh, whoops.  Shall we just say that shade #13 (Purple) was not exactly the look I had been going for?  I know I joke that my new darker locks are a bit goth, but it’s a bit early for Halloween.  There was no way in the world I was going to head out on the town looking like Marilyn Manson.  So, I attempted to wipe off my less than beautiful mistake.   Ruh roh.  This lip lacquer wasn’t budging.  It took a couple of makeup wipes and a pinch of patience before I was able to get this goop gone.

24 hour lip color

Makeup Forever  Aqua Rouge, $24

Had this shade been one that worked for me, I would have been ecstatic.  Finally a product that does what it says.  I’m telling you, this lipstick would have made it through a six course dinner, serious makeout sesh, or an entire evening of karaoke.  So, let’s just call it a happy accident.  I may have gotten the wrong shade, but I certainly will be swapping it out for a more flattering lipcolor sure to last me through the evening… and maybe even til morning.

xx,

WhyDid

P.S. manicure is OPI gel manicure in Malaga Wine

Beauty Buzz: Straight Shooter

By |September 13th, 2012|Beauty Buzz|

frizzy to straightAs you may recall (seeing as it’s only now just begun to cool down), this summer was one for the record books in regards to heat and humidity.  That made it nearly impossible for me to keep my tresses even the slightest bit tame.  I’d walk out the door feeling all fair maiden and fifteen minutes later looked like a crazy pirate.  I’d tried just about every sample I’d ever amassed but to no avail.  It was clear I was going to need some reinforcements.

When I walked into Sephora, I hadn’t planned on asking for help.  I am more of an adventurer.  I like to weather the storm solo for the most part.  However, after looking at labels and comparing ingredients, it became clear that I had to get some assistance.  Mayday!  Mayday!  The woman whose attention I caught was every bit delightful, but when I evaluated her closely cropped haircut, I figured I’d enlisted the wrong first mate for this voyage.

She giggled at the fact that we both knew she didn’t suffer from the same hair woes, but she did lead me over to Bumble and bumble Straight Blow Dry and assured me that it was a store favorite.  I took her word (and a sample sized version) and made my way to the checkout counter before docking back at home.

I was most certainly skeptical as I stared at my freshly washed locks in the mirror.  I squeezed out a bit of the creme and worked it through my hair.  First thing I noticed was the very pleasant smell, followed by how easily it combed through my hair after application.  My tresses blew quite straight without the help of a flat iron (which I did use after my hair was completely dry).  Raising my left eyebrow at my now stick straight hair, I knew it was time to put this product to the real test.

Off I went into the muggy August evening, expecting my hair to soon make me two inches taller in frizz.  To my delight, not only was my ‘do still in tact after reaching my destination, it stayed straight all evening without feeling sticky or stiff.  The real testament to this miracle potion was the fact that I arose in the morning with hair just as (okay, nearly) lovely as when I’d gone to bed.  Ahoy!

bumble and bumbleBumble and bumble Straight Blow Dry, $28

xx,

WhyDid

Would You Wednesday: Like Fine Wine

By |September 12th, 2012|Beauty Buzz, Why Did or Why Don't?|

wine lips fall 2012Red lips have reigned supreme for the last few seasons, but this fall, crimson goes a bit goth.  Fire engine red gets a bit deeper and takes on the tone of dark berries and plum wine.  Not only are apparel and accessories in the shade of fermented grapes going to be all the rage for fall, but makeup trends follow suit.  From lips to fingertips, it seems we’ll be opting for shades of deep red and burgundy.

like fine wineEllis Faas Creamy Lips in Deep Plum Wine, $35, Too Faced La Creme in Divine Wine, $21, NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Volga, $25, Sue Devitt Balanced Matte Lipstick in Australian Bight, $20, Sunday Riley Modern Lip Color in Wine Stain, $32

It would appear celebrities and fashion addicts alike have already taken to this trend, but will you be swapping out cherry for grape?

And yes, as a matter of fact, I am drinking a glass of red while I write.  For inspiration purposes, of course.

xx,

WhyDid

 

 

 

Would You Wednesday: Claws Are Out

By |September 5th, 2012|Beauty Buzz, Why Did or Why Don't?|

pointed nail trend 2012Nail art has fast become a girl’s way of expressing herself on the cheap.  Well, cheaper than a closet full of Lanvin.  Long gone are the days of the mundane Ballet Slippers and neutral nail.  We’ve graduate from glitter to full blown graphic designs.  But what happens when things go a little too far… as in too far from your cuticle?

celebrities pointy nail trendCelebrities from Beyonce to Fergie have been seen with nails that resemble those of Lee Press On’s gone rogue.  I was just hoping this would be one of those trends that catches on like wildfire in a rainstorm.  Sadly, it’s only gotten more popular and I’ve seen more than a few fashionistas walking around with sharpened claws.  As a matter of fact, the other day I saw a young lady with nails so long she could have retired her utensils and just speared her steak with her fingernails.  Better yet, they probably could have used her assistance back in the kitchen.  Here’s to hoping she doesn’t wear contact lenses and has an iPhone with Siri to transcribe her text messages.

Listen, I’m all for funky phalanges, but I’m worried girls are catty enough without claws.  What do you think of this extended trend?

xx,

WhyDid