the glossarie

topshop glow stick1

POSTED ON Posted on June 23, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

it’s officially summer so i’m making seasonal changes to my makeup bag to welcome in the warmer weather and, more importantly, to fully embrace dewy. i tend to put away the powder blushes this time of year because they just don’t play nicely with virginia humidity and they can look a little heavy. you would think that selecting a cream or gel blush would be an easy solution, but since formulas vary so much you really have to be careful or you can still end up with something too thick or too matte for the season.

topshop is making all of my summertime cream blush dreams come true with their glow stick in spotlight. the color is spot-on (is anyone else obsessed with all things coral this season?) and will absolutely flatter more than just fair skin tones. the chubby stick twists up and the lightweight gel-like formula goes onto cheeks without the need for a lot of blending. i have been applying it with this stippling brush as opposed to drawing directly on my skin (a trick i learned from this video featuring meg biram and claire ashley) and the color goes on so silky and natural – no fingers needed. it lasts all day without fading, even on the sweatiest days, and as it wears, the slightest bit of pearly shimmer (not glitter) catches light, giving my cheeks that perfect healthy glow.

i don’t think i’ve committed this quickly to a product in a long time. i love what a piece of cake it is to use and how the effects are instant: a light rosy flush that’s golden, glowy and build able.

so, bring on that summer swelter – because my cheeks are totally ready.

Posted in blush, cheeks, editorial sample | Tagged topshop | 1 Comment

fresh sugar tulip tinted lip treatment7

POSTED ON Posted on June 22, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

fresh has really got something with their line of tinted lip treatments. they leave me hanging just long enough between new shade releases that i am always waiting for the next announcement with baited breath. then, once the new shade is made public, i begin my frequent sephora rounds (where it is always held hostage as an exclusive) asking when it will hit shelves. today, i finally got lucky and picked up the very latest – tulip.

i had actually gone into sephora to restock my signature lip (after reading alina’s tragedy about how her go-to has been discontinued, i started to get a little antsy) but when i caught sight of the unfamiliar bright pink box, i abandoned my mission, found a quiet corner and got to testing.

not surprisingly, the sheer hot pink shade glides right onto lips with the coverage falling somewhere between fresh’s most sheer options (like rose) and their creamier colors (honey and petal). it’s a notice-me pink that doesn’t scream – kind of everything that i’ve been wanting in a tinted lip balm.

the biggest surprise came from how this formula actually feels once it’s on. it’s much more comfortable, less drying, and more long-wearing than i’m accustomed to from this line. i don’t know if they switched up the ingredient list or what, but my punchy pink lip is still going strong after four hours and my lips still feel very slick and moisturized – a welcome change from some of the other shades which i always felt were dehydrating.

the combination of color and formula makes this one of those products that you can put on in the morning for a pop of color and then reapply throughout the day if/when your lips get dry. it’s perfect for summer because of the added spf and i’m imagining it as the ideal poolside and beach-to-bar (where i will be sipping lemonade) beauty accessory for the next couple of months.

so, i’m dying to know: are you a fan of this line from fresh? will you add tulip to your collection?

Posted in lips | Tagged fresh cosmetics | 7 Comments

traveling chic with stephanie johnson0

POSTED ON Posted on June 19, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

i’m over on stephanie johnson’s blog sharing my best travel tips. click through to see my favorite spring sj styles and how they kept me nice and organized while i spent a few days in la!

Posted in bags, tools | Tagged stephanie johnson | Leave a comment

jin soon the color field collection0

POSTED ON Posted on June 16, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

jin soon the color field collection combinations

we know how i felt about essie’s spring collection, but now that summer is finally making itself known, i’ve fallen for a new color palette by jin soon. if you’re not familiar, jin soon is a famed celebrity and editorial manicurist and her own color collection has received lots of attention over the recent seasons since its launch. the color field collection is the first that i’ve gotten to play with jin soon polishes, but i quickly caught on as to why these are such a huge hit.

for one, the color palette is unexpected and fresh. it’s subtly seasonal with a nod to americana, but it’s absolutely got something for everyone. the formula goes on thin (the secret to preventing chips!) but builds quickly so that two coats gives coverage that’s flawlessly opaque. while there endless options on how to wear these colors, here are my three favorite ways to combine this collection into mani/pedi perfection (from top to bottom):

go-to everyday favorites: cherry berry on toes + kookie white on nails
this combination makes me so happy. kookie white is a unique shade that looks white in the bottle, but wears as an ultra-chic blue-gray. polished and understated – it’s a love. cherry berry is a fresh and vibrant juicy berry that looks gorgeous with all of my gladiators.

for the fourth: cool blue topped with polka white on nails + pop orange toes
feeling festive? this celebratory polish combo’s got you covered. start with jin soon’s strong, cerulean blue topped with her pure white speckle topcoat, then opt for a hot, energetic orange-red on toes before hitting the beach to toast our nation’s birthday. usa!

the black swan / naughty ballerina: dolly pink topped with polka black
for your nails only, something about pairing this glam and retro blush pink with a contrasting black glitter topcoat is girly and edgy at the same time. you can really layer polka black onto an accent nail for more contrast or coat it lightly over all ten tips – up to you!

i’m pretty crazy about these seven beautiful lacquers and you can bet that i’ll be coming back for more from future jin soon collections. think you’ll add any of these to your polish drawer?

jin soon the color field collection, $18 each >

Posted in editorial sample, nails | Tagged jin soon | Leave a comment

summer favorites from mark.1

POSTED ON Posted on June 14, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

to me, summer only means one thing: color, color, color!

i for one am totally digging the way that neons have burst onto the scene and no one is doing it better than my friends at mark. their summer collection is full of gorgeous brights – from an electric green lip gloss (not as scary as you think!) to a blazing blue eyeshadow that even i am daring to wear. here are my early favorites from this bold and beautiful group:

nail this look, $28
this might be my favorite mini nail duo to date! pink spark and orange blast make a statement without going over the top, and because these two are almost tone-on-tone, the possibilities are endless. my favorite way to go is bright pink fingertips with an orange-red accent nail, with orange blast on my toes – and just the slightest summer tan.

neon gaze eyeshadow, $10
these little shadow pots are simply gorgeous. they look like candy, but they are also extremely long wearing. the beautiful pigments translate so perfectly onto eyelids and i find that neon gaze (the blue shade) makes my eyes look bigger and brighter when i apply it to my bottom lash line with a super skinny brush.

crushing on coconut body scrub, $12
summer equates to showing a bit more skin, so i stick to a pretty regular exfoliation regimen this time of year. mark’s new body scrubs are full of sugar cane so they slough off all of the dead stuff – especially on my heels! the coconut scent makes my shower smell like vacation (so yummy!) and since the formula foams up, i am actually getting clean while i scrub.

this is big body building mousse, $16
i love that mousse is having a moment – and it’s not the crunchy stuff you remember. mark’s take on volume with light hold is gorgeous, leaving my fine hair frizz-free and conditioned thanks to the addition of black currant oil. i can use this one product for both curly and straight styles, getting shine and texture that’s totally effortless.

neon kisses sheer lip gloss, $12
you’re probably thinking “green lip gloss – has she lost it?” but, hear me out. these go on very sheer, with high shine and tons of moisture, so twisted lime in the tube actually layers onto lips clear with slight sparkle. wild orange is my strong favorite, giving my mouth a pink orange tint that pairs perfectly with my favorite poolside accessories and summer glow.

oh mark, summer looks extra good on you. if you want in on all of this gorgeousness, you’re in luck, because in honor of fellow mark girl lucy hale’s 25th birthday, you can get 25% off any $60 purchase with code BDAY. happy shopping and a very happy summer!

Posted in body, eyes, hair, lids, lips, nails | Tagged mark. | 1 Comment

r+co hair care1

POSTED ON Posted on June 12, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

who says vegan products can’t be insanely gorgeous? case in point, new and notable hair care and styling goods from r+co, a collective of three industry experts. r+co has put forth some of the most beautiful and effective products ever to grace my shower shelves, all backed by the stylists’ impressive hairdressing knowledge and experience. each one is paraben, sulfate, mineral oil and petrolatum free, meaning that they won’t strip your hair, weigh it down, or build up. they are also cruelty free and color safe – there is just so much to love about this line.

i have been testing the dallas group, designed to thicken hair that normally lays fine and flat. aside from arriving in the prettiest packaging, the shampoo and conditioner both perform like a champ. my lackluster locks are left smooth and weightless without a trace of frizz or dryness.

out of the shower, dallas thickening spray is my new best friend. while i opt for a cream or lotion in the colder weather when static is an issue, when the weather warms up i like to lighten my load and style with a spray. this one provides body and shine as well as a little hold. i’ve been concentrating it at the roots and then running my fingers through damp hair to distribute. it plays very nicely with my flat iron, all in all amping up my diy blow dry in the very best way.

far beyond the resulting good hair, i cannot get over how good these smell. the scents are noticeable without being overwhelming and each one layers over top of the other to linger all day – it’s a bit addictive so if you catch me buried in my own hair, inhaling deeply, now you know why.

the comprehensive r+co line has something for absolutely every head of hair and i have a hard time imagining that each product in the collection won’t blow you away. the resulting collaboration from these top stylists is truly special and one from which my hair is happy to be reaping all of the benefits.

Posted in hair | Tagged r+co | 1 Comment

sweat-proof summer lip6

POSTED ON Posted on June 10, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

i’m taking a cue from festival-goers (i.e. all girls cooler than me) and embracing a two-layer system for my summer lip. this time of year, i really start to crave that popsicle-inspired flush of color that comes from a pen stain, but i’ve never been able to make friends with those products because of how drying they can be. this season, instead of layering plain old chapstick overtop, i’ve taken to adding another element of color dimension with a lightly tinted balm. the result is a moisturized and lightweight lip color that feels like nothing, but looks like everything. it pairs well with dewy skin, looks fresh and easy, and when the balm-tint starts to fade, i’m left with a beautiful pop of brightness from the stain underneath.

the combination possibilities here are endless so i have selected a few favorites below. the fun part is that you can really change the look of one stain depending on the balm that you add overtop, and since it’s summer i’m going to stress the importance of spf (because lip burns hurt like hell).

think you’ll give this lip look a go?

image via beautyhigh.

Posted in lips | 6 Comments

ren evercalm gentle cleansing milk5

POSTED ON Posted on June 9, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

on my weekly lap through sephora last week, i was on a serious hunt for a new pm cleanser. i was contemplating this one and this one, reading online reviews mid-aisle when a cast member asked me if i needed help. buckling my proverbial seatbelt (for some reason i feel like asking for help at sephora can always be interesting – some cast members are knowledgeable and others, well, not so much) i told her what i was looking for. she responded quickly that i should look at ren because it is formulated specifically for ladies in “my condition.” (oh.) i let that slide and followed her to the ren wall where she introduced a few options. after learning about my sensitive, breakout-prone skin, we settled on gentle cleansing milk as the best option.

now that i’ve been using gentle cleansing milk nightly, i can tell you that it is exactly what my skin has been missing. two pumps smoothed onto dry skin breaks up all of the day’s makeup (which i should confess is on the light side – heavy eye makeup wearers may also need remover) and is easily washed away with a few splashes of water. after toweling off, my skin is far less red and irritated, and – you guys – it is so, so soft! i follow up with my favorite toner and my cotton pad is picking up less traces of left-behind makeup than with my previous cleanser. can it be that this gentle cleanser is actually good for my skin and getting it cleaner?

since adding this into my routine, i haven’t experienced a single breakout and the ones that i’ve been fighting are disappearing rapidly. because it’s extra gentle, this cleanser actually does minimize the signs of sensitivity and irritation (i.e. redness) that i have been experiencing for as long as i can remember.

adding this cleanser into the mix has reminded me that being kind to my skin definitely has its benefits. sensitive gals and anyone looking to give their skin a break from harsher products will love this product for its calming, soothing, effective cleansing abilities, resulting in happy faces all around.

Posted in skin | Tagged ren | 5 Comments

new mascaras from revlon + l’oreal4

POSTED ON Posted on June 8, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

this is the tale of two drugstore mascaras that landed in the glossarie test lab during the very same week. normally i try extra hard not to compare products directly to one another, but these two are pretty different and will appeal to various customers depending on what you’re wanting in a lash look. the nice thing is that they’re both great in their own way and they each ring it at $7.99 – so the choice is up to you!

revlon bold lacquer length and volume mascara is smooth and lightweight, giving beautiful natural-looking length that’s perfect for everyday. the brush stretches and separates each lash easily with no clumps and the black color is extra shiny (hence the lacquer name). it doesn’t smudge and for being so light (almost gel-like) it holds curl really well. i like the effortless way that it accentuates the lashes i have, but makes them look ten times better than they do without mascara. this option is made for girls who like an enhanced, natural, and glossy lash look that lasts all day.

l’oreal voluminous miss manga is a completely different animal. for one, the brush is conical and flexible so it coats each lash evenly for tons of added volume. beyond being fun to use, i love the way that it distributes product and really amplifies my lashes, from corner to corner thanks to the fine point at the end of the brush. this formula is thicker so it builds more drama, but just like the revlon it lasts all day without smudging or flaking. i was pleasantly surprised that my lashes didn’t feel dry or stiff at all while i was wearing it and that it amps up my ho-hum lashes, making them much more bold and noticeable.

so, what do you think? will you add either of these impressive drugstore performers to your shopping list?

Posted in editorial sample, eyes, lashes | Tagged l'oreal, revlon | 4 Comments

clarins instant concealer0

POSTED ON Posted on June 7, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

why is it so hard to find the perfect under eye concealer?

i don’t know about you, but i just want something that completely erases every trace of blue from underneath my eyes, does not look heavy or cakey, and does not just fall dead on my skin. i have definitely found a few winners through the years – this one and this one to name two – and while they both zap dark circles with ease, i feel like i have to layer highlighter or luminizer over top of them to bring the life back to my skin.

in my search for a concealer that illuminates and reflects light, i turned to the brand known for bringing the glow. clarins’ instant concealer has a strong following and now i know why. it has a moisturizing consistency (almost like a liquid foundation) so it blends effortlessly and you can see the pearly shimmer as soon as it’s out of the tube. one glance and i just knew it would be brightening. the tiniest drop will cover even the most ferocious dark circles and will totally fool everyone into thinking that you are getting hours upon hours of beauty rest.

if that’s not makeup magic, i don’t know what is.

this is one of those products that will have you saying wow after one test. i find myself looking for excuses to check myself out in the mirror because i just can’t get over the fake awake’ness (and healthy glow!) that it brings to my entire face. if you’re needing a little oomph in the under eye area, you’re going to want to go and get you some of this goodness.