the glossarie

a simple skincare pinterest giveaway2

POSTED ON Posted on September 11, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

are you as in love with pinterest as i am? while tons of social media platforms come and go, my fondness for the bookmarking site is still going strong after what feels like eons. i hope you’ll follow along over there if you’re not already! refinery 29 has graciously recognized the glossarie twice as a pinterest star and i love interacting with my 15,000+ followers in what i call my happy place.

when i heard that simple was joining the party at everyone’s favorite inspiration wonderland, i knew that it was going to be good. simple is marking their pinterest launch with a fun giveaway and you can get in on the action. they are giving away gift bags, each filled with the complete simple product range (!) and a $50 american express gift card.

here’s how to win:

create an original pin by pinning something from the simple blog or simple youtube page, using the tag #simpleinspiration
repin something from my simple inspiration pin board, using the #simpleinspiration tag
repin something from the simple skincare pinterest page, using the #simpleinspiration tag
this contest is only open to the u.s.

the contest runs through 9/27 at midnight EST and there will be seven winners. so get to pinning! and good luck :)

Posted in skin | Tagged simple | 2 Comments

butter london x libertine3

POSTED ON Posted on September 10, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

katie hughes, global colour ambassador for butter london, created a crazy cool fantasy nail look for last night’s libertine show. starting with union jack black and layering in several colors of holographic foil, crystals, studs, and even teeny tiny red pom poms on accent nails resulted in a 3d nail art effect that i am still dreaming about.

while this might not be one that i’m rushing to recreate anytime soon, it is a gorgeous reminder of the cutting edge creativity that comes out of new york fashion week. i mean, hello, is that crystal finger art that i see dancing down her middle fingers? so freaking cool.

i hope you have a glorious tuesday, beauties!

Posted in nails | Tagged butter london | 3 Comments

gilding the lid13

POSTED ON Posted on September 8, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

i have been dreaming about this rosy gold glitter eye look from the jason wu runway show ever since it graced my instagram feed via allure magazine. it’s slightly smoky and all girly and it’s one that i need to recreate now. wu created this look in collaboration with lancome (with whom he has also created a makeup collection, launched this week), combining a series of metallic shadows and pressing gold glitter over top. stunning.

i’ve been looking for an excuse to use stila’s new magnificent metals foil finish eye shadow ($32) and this is the perfect inspiration. these metallics are striking and deliver high-impact shimmer the likes of which i have never seen. the tiny bottle holds a prepping priming adhesive that you combine with the shadow to create a lasting finish. you can wash these all over lids for a sheer shine or build to a high-metallic opaque like above. my favorite look to create with these so far is to use a matte(ish) shadow in the same color family (a gray or a taupe) and concentrate a dot of shine in the center of the lid, near the lash line. for a bit of extra pop, you can shimmy a metallic liner in the center of your lower lash line, for ultra eye opening effects.

are you into these heavy metals?

Posted in eyes, lids | Tagged jason wu, new york fashion week, stila cosmetics | 13 Comments

september beauty wishes6

POSTED ON Posted on September 6, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

casa ramos (aka glossarie hq) truly is a revolving door for beauty products. i am on a first name basis with my ups man, and the fed ex guy knows that i work from home so he just knocks once and leaves packages at my door. you will never hear me complain about the generosity of the brands that support the glossarie. it is because of their kindness that i’m able to test and review as many products as i do! all of that being said, i am still an avid beauty shopper. my reach goes way past the limits of things that are sent to me for consideration and this month i’m craving a handful of pretty products:

prabal garung for sally hansen in loden green: this one graced the runways in february and it will finally be available this month! army green is going to be my go-to nail shade for fall. i love that it’s unexpected, more interesting than navy, and so surprisingly chic. this particular shade is limited edition, so once you see it, do not wait!

diorshow fusion mono eyeshadow in meteore, $30: this coppery gold will be perfect for creating a sophisticated gilded eye. the metallic finish is so on-trend and the darker shade is a nice update on my usual champagne shadow. i plan to concentrate this shadow all over my lid for a glowy little halo, adding a few coats of mascara for impact.

trish mcevoy instant eye lift concealer, $38: word on the street is that this wonder product goes far beyond the triangle of light. beauty editors have touted its powers in concealing everything from blemishes to around-the-nose redness, and even the occasional scar (arms and legs not excluded). i’m thinking there’s nothing it can’t do.

oribe creme for style, $35: i have been nursing a sample of this stuff since the neiman marcus fall beauty event. i am nearing ever closer to the last drop and it has dawned on me that i will need the full size. when i use it, my hair is full, shapely, and well, perfect. style lasts easily for two days. this might be the best blow-in creme ever.

almay smart shade blush, $11: call me a sucker for cute packaging, but those polka dots are speaking to me. plus, i have never been known to resist a self-adjusting anything and i love the different shades of pink in this one. also, kate hudson (allegedly) wears it and she’s kind of a goddess.

paul & joe limited edition lipstick cases, $5 each: you can pair these with any paul & joe lipstick for the ultimate in beauty accessorizing. i especially love the tribal print, but those peach-toned roses would look so nice on a tangerine orange like once upon a time. any of the three are sure to look so good coming out of my new favorite clutch.

now, which to buy first?

Posted in mixed bag | Tagged almay, dior, oribe, paul & joe, sally hansen, trish mcevoy | 6 Comments

mac sheen supreme lipglass tint10

POSTED ON Posted on September 4, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

sometimes i think lip gloss gets a bad rap. it’s a little fussy, your hair gets stuck in it, i get it. but the right formula can add a pouty fullness and flawlessness by masking any fine lines. plus it’s girly and this blog is called the glossarie.

mac is bringing some big game to the land of lipgloss with their new sheen supreme lipglass tints. these brush tip applicator glosses are such a pleasant surprise. the formula is easy and comfortable with gorgeous color payoff ranging from bold red to bright purple and pale pink. the look is fresh and pretty, so wearable – like a little layer of stained glass. these add just the right finishing touch to my face, making me feel done, but not done up. application here is effortless and the gloss itself is unsticky. (hooray!)

if you’re looking to add a little pop of color and irresistible kissability to your makeup routine, scoop these cuties up before they’re gone. at $20, i’ve already got my hands on two shades (k-wow and kiss, kiss) and have been wearing them nonstop!

mac sheen supreme lipglass tint ($20) >

Posted in editorial sample, lips | Tagged mac | 10 Comments

labor day lovin’ : pantene keragloss oil mist7

POSTED ON Posted on September 3, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

if you know me, you know that i’m into flawlessly fuss-free hair. i rely on a strong cut and quality products to keep my lovely locks looking their best for as many days in a row as possible. that being said, i do put my hair through a lot. my natural curls are beat back with a blow dryer and flat iron every couple of days and that kind of regimen can do some serious damage if you’re not careful.

when i found out that pantene was launching a hair oil mist that promised to repair hair for 48 hours of continuous shine, i had to get in on the action. i have been playing with pantene expert collection keragloss oil mist for a couple of weeks, but put it to the true test over the long labor day weekend.

this product is amazing for dull/damaged hair. it locks in moisture for a smooth, frizz-controlled shine that’s not heavy or greasy. i spray it into damp hair before blowdrying and it absorbs right in. i was so surprised by its lightness! i’ve been wary of oils before because my hair is on the thinner side, but this product delivers hair that is healthy, strong, and shiny.

the goodness lasts for 48 hours and then some, which left me with plenty of time to enjoy every bit of the long holiday weekend. i love that less time locked in my bathroom blow drying and straightening, means more time sunning myself and enjoying the beautiful weather.

my hair has never been happier and i can’t get enough of the gorgeous results that pantene is delivering with this nicely-priced product. if your tresses need a little rescuing before we launch forward into fall, i strongly recommend this handy little hair saver.

this post was created in partnership with pantene. all photos are by my very talented friend, kate headley.

Posted in editorial sample, hair | Tagged pantene | 7 Comments

sephora collection 8 hr mattifying moisturizer sunscreen4

POSTED ON Posted on September 2, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

don’t get me wrong. i’m happy that we had a hot and sunny holiday weekend to say farewell to summer, but blistering heat can pose problems for a weekend that demands outdoor activities (even if those activities are strictly drinking and lawn games). i spent saturday sitting in a gorgeous winery celebrating the birthdays of one of my favorite people and sunday was set aside for a rowdy family barbecue. after getting shiny and slightly sunburnt in a matter of minutes at the winery on saturday, i had to revisit my makeup strategy for sunday.

sephora’s 8 hour mattifying moisturizer sunscreen was the perfect solution. i love this product. it kind of acts as a primer/spf/moisturizer all tied into one. it gives my skin plenty of hydration, soothing the sensitive and sun-kissed areas, and i noticed a difference the second that i applied my tinted moisturizer over top. it glided on and settled into a more flawless finish than usual, giving me what may be my best skin ever. the mattifying effects are real and i was seriously impressed with how this stuff held my oft oily shine at bay for the entire afternoon/evening yesterday. my skin was comfortable, protected, and matte though a very humid situation.

oily skinned gals will definitely rejoice in this little miracle worker. at $22 it’s a big-time multitasker that delivers major results.

sephora collection 8 hr mattifying moisturizer sunscreen ($22) >

Posted in skin | Tagged sephora collection | 4 Comments

nyx le frou frou mascara4

POSTED ON Posted on August 31, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

wanted: long, glossy black and wispy lashes that look like they’re growing right out of my own eyelid. this has been my eyelash goal for as long as i can remember. since i’m such a lover of lashes, i try more mascaras than any other type of beauty product, so i like to think that i know a good one when i see it. nyx le frou frou is my latest love and for so many reasons that go beyond its incredible $6 price tag.

for one, the formula is gorgeous. it’s whipped and mousse-y, extra light which helps to deliver volume to lackluster lashes. it actually nails decent scores for length as well, without a single clump and no dry or brittle feeling. as it wears throughout the day, i am yet to find any flakes or smudges, sending it right to the top of my list.

the wand seems simple at first glance, but the plush bristles are densely packed meaning that it grabs every single lash and doesn’t let go until they’re fully coated. since the wand is on the thin side, you get easy access to inner corners and outer edges and it also leads me to believe that it would work well for all eye shapes (a big bonus).

the finished look is long and glossy, naturally tapered. if you take a second to use the brush to your full advantage, you’ll discover lashes that you didn’t know you had and enjoy a very wide fan of feathery fringe. it’s perfect for everyday and i really can’t get enough of the extra wallet-friendly price tag.

nyx le frou frou mascara ($5.99) >

Posted in editorial sample, eyes, lashes | Tagged nyx | 4 Comments

how lindsay of belle belle beauty keeps it simple3

POSTED ON Posted on August 30, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

you guys might already be aware, but i absolutely LOVE my partnership with simple skincare. never before has a more accessible, high-quality and sensitive-skin-friendly brand captured my heart. as much fun as i’m having talking about the brand here in the glossarie, i thought it might be nice to bring in some fresh perspective. i chatted with one of my fellow brand ambassadors (and dear friends!), lindsay of belle belle beauty, to find out how simple has been working for her skin and to see if she loves the brand as much as me. (spoiler alert: she does.)

hi lindsay! tell us a little bit about your skin.

i’ve been lucky enough to avoid blemishes and oiliness even through my teenage years, but my drier skin is prone to redness and hyper pigmentation. i have quite a bit of sun damage that i am working to reverse. i have a light-to-medium complexion and rely on heavier moisturizers and lots of sunscreen.

how has your skin changed since you started using simple products?

i’ve noticed a definite decrease in redness and irritation. because the products are designed for sensitive skin, my skin feels calmer and looks more radiant. plus, the wipes keep me from lazily going to be with makeup on. it’s amazing how keeping skin clean at night can make such a difference.

what are your favorite products from the line? which one surprised you the most?

i have always loved wipes so wasn’t at all surprised that i fell hard for the radiance cleansing wipes. i was surprised that i loved the vital vitamin cream. i always thought richer creams had to be expensive, but this drugstore version is just as luxurious as more expensive versions. i also love the revitalizing eye roll on. nothing can make me look more awake quicker after a late night!

does your skincare routine change seasonally? are you making any changes for fall?

my skincare definitely changes with the seasons. this summer, i relied on the lightweight protecting light moisturizer, but as it cools, i will be using vital vitamin day cream. i also might switch out the foaming cleanser for a more nourishing moisturizing facial wash.

why do you love working with simple?

simple as a brand is backed by science but straightforward at the same time. their products play so well with my drier and more sensitive skin. plus, their brand ambassadors like lara and allison williams are people i respect and look up to. it feels great to be in great company supporting a brand that i love!

Posted in skin | Tagged simple | 3 Comments

deborah lippmann turn back time4

POSTED ON Posted on August 29, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

last night i attended a fabulous fall beauty event at neiman marcus. i made the rounds to all of the beauty brands to learn what was new for fall, stopping by to chat with representatives at oribe, bobbi brown, trish mcevoy, lancome, laura mercier and estee lauder. i have to say that i had the most fun chatting with the gal from deborah lippmann. not only did we get into all of the nitty gritty on the new jewel heist collection (seriously so gorgeous – you guys are going to die), but we talked about gel lab, stripper to go, and rich girl (a handbag must-have for fall and winter). it was glorious.

as i was saying goodbye, she touched my arm and said “deborah would want me to tell you that your nails are like accessories and that you should never go bare.”

busted.

i didn’t want to tell her that my nails had been painted that morning (with my current favorite – butter london’s pistol pink), but that i had to strip them down for a photo shoot. she told me that if i absolutely must go sans manicure, the only thing to do is to swipe on a coat or two of turn back time. like a cc cream for your nails, this treatment is a gorgeous nude packed full of diamond core powder that works to enhance tone and smooth ridges. just a couple of thin coats gives nails a flawlessly beautiful glow. it’s stunning on its own and it also serves as a to-die-for pre-color canvas. if you’re looking for something to brush over top, might i recommend one of these lovelies for a sophisticated and luxe look that’s surprisingly wearable for everyday.

deborah lippmann turn back time ($20) >