the glossarie

south moon under 20th grand opening1

POSTED ON Posted on June 24, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

i had so much fun hosting the south moon under 20th grand opening event last thursday! there’s nothing i love more than a good party and those south moon under girls know how to throw a real good party. this one was especially up my alley, complete with a beauty bar that featured makeup touchups by stila and gorgeous manicures by butter london.

before things got rolling, i plopped myself promptly into the makeup chair for a touch up – falling quickly in love with after glow lip color in vivid violet and countless color pigment in lyric for beautiful pink-orange cheeks.not surprisingly, the makeover stool was a popular spot and beauties lined up, waiting patiently for their turn. this sweet shopper had the most beautiful skin! i love the teal eyeliner and fuchsia lip combination here.

butter london manicures were also a hit and the accent nail was definitely a popular request. featured shades: kerfuffle (opaque pink creme), molly coddled (lavender creme), jaffa (bright orange), champers (rose gold shimmer), and bobby dazzler (silver chrome). the possibilities were endless and i loved seeing each unique combination.

while the beauty bar held my attention for most of the night, of course i found time to do some shopping! i walked away with the dress i’m wearing in the top photo and this awesome chevron midi ring which hasn’t left my finger.

(my own butter london manicure – jaffa and bobby dazzler accent nail – paired with sarita‘s gorgeous ombre mani, and matching midi rings)

thanks for such a fun evening, south moon! can’t wait to party with you all again soon.

Posted in my DC days | Tagged butter london, south moon under, stila cosmetics | 1 Comment

kevyn aucoin the sensual lip balm11

POSTED ON Posted on June 20, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

i have found the best under-lipstick lip balm ever.

you see, my lips are often dry and nothing makes that more apparent than a coat of lipstick. truthfully, i need a solid foundation of lip balm to moisturize and plump my lips before applying color, but anyone who has ever tried to apply lipstick over a moisturizing lip balm knows that it can quickly become a slippery mess – and on top of that, color tends to fade pretty quickly. so, i usually skip it and i’m left with dry, matte lips (whether that’s the look i’m going for or not).

yesterday, i was doing a little pre-photoshoot primping at gorgeous local beauty boutique bellacara. when it came time for lip color, i begrudgingly asked for some lip balm knowing that flaky lips and a long lens would not make a nice pairing. adorable makeup artist allison baird handed me kevyn aucoin’s the sensual lip balm touting it as the perfect thing to go under lipstick because it’s a little waxy.

and she was not wrong! this hydrating, lip enhancing, lip balm is actually masquerading as a primer because while it goes on clear and seals in moisture, it also grips on to lip color for dear life and left me with beautiful, smooth lips for a good two hours of shooting and wine sipping.

so please excuse me while i go purge all of my other lip balms and stock up on this one. if there’s anything i’ve learned over the last four years, it’s that when something works on a life-changing level, you stick with it!

Posted in lips | Tagged kevyn aucoin | 11 Comments

pretty little hair things0

POSTED ON Posted on June 19, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

i don’t have a lot (ok, any) talent when it comes to my hair. i can basically wash it, blow dry it, and smooth it out / shape it with a flat iron so that it looks cute and fine. but, cute and fine is as good as it gets – so i’m always on the hunt for something simple to dress it up a bit. i absolutely adore these options from mark. and mane message. whether you prefer a soft and fluffy ponytail or a chic way to adorn your top knot, these brands have brought some seriously gorgeous flair to the art of effortlessly good hair.

olivia from mane message has truly outdone herself this season with her adorably playful prints! i’m partial to the whimsy package (pictured) but you have to see her adventurous chevrons, sweet bows, and strong arrows. she never ceases to amaze me and i just cannot say enough good things about her pretty and practical product! i mean, have you ever seen more gorgeous hair ties in your life?

my affection for mark. grows stronger with each passing day and when these hold it right there pins arrived this month, i couldn’t break into them fast enough. the feather has become a favorite as it goes with absolutely everything and i love the vintage feel. these pins are HUGE and you can wear them separately or together to accent an exaggerated part or to tuck in stray ends. (they look extra cute underneath a pony or a bun, too.)

if your hair needs a little something extra this season, might i recommend one of these sweet sets? i promise that your hair will never be happier.

Posted in accessories, hair | Tagged mane message, mark. | Leave a comment

pocket vanity2

POSTED ON Posted on June 18, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

every beauty girl knows the importance of keeping a compact mirror handy. an essential for lipstick reapplication, after-meal teeth checks, taxi cab touchups and flyaway taming, they come in so many adorable shapes and sizes. i’ve rounded up six of my very favorites and even if you’re not in the market, they make a pretty great gift, no?

1 – jetty compact mirror, $28
this vintage-inspired hand mirror from anthropologie is generously oversized,
but still super slim. i love the three different nautical print options
that remind me of summers on nantucket!

2 – squared-away pocket mirror, $25
i’m fairly obsessed with this sunny yellow option from kate spade saturday.
for one, the embossed leather slip pocket is too cute and the simple glass mirror
tucked inside is chic and minimalist, but sure to start a conversation.

3 – stephanie johnson snap mirror, $22
quite possibly my first love, this double mirror is always all done up in the coolest
prints and colors. with 18 (!) options currently available, there’s no excuse not to
“snap” one of these up in every single outfit she comes in.

4 – j.crew liberty pocket mirror, $22.50
i cannot get enough of j.crew’s liberty prints! if you’re not up for investing in a button
down or skinny pant, might i recommend this wallet friendly option that will also keep you looking pretty? (note this print is sold out online, but i have seen it in store!)

5 – lattice rose compact mirror, $13.58
cath kidston is known for her vintage-inspired florals and i adore this twin mirror all
done up in lattice roses. if you need something durable, then this bifold metal choice
could be perfect for you. it snaps up securely and can surely take a beating.

6 – rae lipstick case, $38
technically a lipstick case, this all leather beauty has a little mirror on its flat bottom! hobo is constantly coming up with functional and fashionable ways to keep you organized, but this one takes the cake. slip your favorite balm + stick inside for keeping gorgeous on the go.

Posted in tools | Tagged anthropologie, cath kidston, hobo international, j.crew, kate spade saturday, stephanie johnson | 2 Comments

avon mega effects mascara10

POSTED ON Posted on June 17, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

i spotted this crazy cool new mascara in this month’s instyle and it’s as if the avon pr gals were reading my mind, because it appeared on my doorstep not two days later. i couldn’t break into it fast enough, but because i was so intrigued by the design, i watched this video before getting started so as not to lose an eye.

the applicator concept is definitely changing the game when it comes to applying mascara. for one, it’s a completely different shape (so easy to hold) and the brush bends at different angles so that whether you’re a lefty or a righty, you can make it work for you. the wide brush has a slight curve so that it’s a natural fit to your lash line. you can opt to start with the shorter bristles on the side of the brush, or the longer ones at the tip. i’ve been kind of rolling it outward as i apply it so that i get a really thick, dark lash but still the separation and definition that i’m partial to. it’s surprisingly easy to use and the final results are very va va voom. unlike anything i have ever used before.

avon has really nailed the innovation factor here with the brush, but the formula is impressive, too. even though it delivers incredible thickness and drama, you still feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. it wears all day without a single smudge and it comes off easily with face wash. it’s one of those products i just want to carry around with me all of the time so that i can show it off to all of my friends. it’s that cool.

if you like a super dark, extra thick, almost spidery (but in the best way) lash – or if you’re just hot to try the latest mascara trend – then this is definitely your next new toy. mega effects mascara will be available next month for $10.

Posted in editorial sample, eyes, lashes | Tagged avon | 10 Comments

everyday eye essentials5

POSTED ON Posted on June 14, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

it has taken me a long time to learn how to dress up my eyes each morning, but the little tricks i have learned over the years really make a big difference in brightening my face and polishing off my whole look. my go to eye wardrobe is soft, neutral and sparkly. here are the essentials that help me give the windows to my soul their own special treatment:

simple’s revitalizing eye roll on, $11
this is the first thing i put on my face in the morning and i let it soak in / work its magic while i straighten my hair. the cool rollerball de-puffs as it massages my under eyes while cucumber, b5, and glycerin work to wake up my sleepy peepers.

chanel precision eyelash curler, $34
superior shape and spongy pad have made this my holy grail lash curler for over a year now. combine the perfect curler with these tips that i learned from refinery29’s recent video with james vincent and my lashes have never looked better.

mac paint pot in painterly, $18.50
i put this creamy shadow / lid primer on whether i am wearing shadow or not, because it prevents my foundation from creasing. layering shadow overtop locks things down until you’re ready to remove. (at which point i might recommend these little beauties!)

josie maran argan beautiful nudes, $36
this shadow quad features rich neutrals and one shadow liner. the shadows offer a variety of finishes (matte, iridescent, satin) in beautifully coordinated nudes so i can create endless looks that always look good together. it totally takes the guesswork out of eye makeup!

sephora collection pro visionary lash fan brush, $18
finally! a brush designed to make tightlining easier. dip this mini fan into your favorite black cream liner and stamp it right into your lash line for precise and simple definition. it emphasizes lashes and also doubles as a lash separator. you need this!

clinique instant lift for brows, $16.50
the ultimate in finishing touches, this double-ended product from clinique houses a natural-looking pencil to give fullness and intensity to brows and a pearly highlighter that creates contrast and adds a magic lift to your arches.

Posted in editorial sample, eyes, lashes, lids, skin, tools | Tagged chanel, clinique, josie maran, mac, sephora, simple | 5 Comments

incoco nail polish appliques4

POSTED ON Posted on June 13, 2013 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

i’ve had these garden party nail appliques by incoco on for 48 hours now and i don’t think my nails have ever gotten more compliments! let’s just say that i have tried a lot of nail strips since they hit the market and incoco’s might just be my favorite.

for starters, the number of prints and styles they offer is unmatched by any other brand. they have everything from solids (creme, frost, glitter, neon, shimmer, sheer), to prints (graphics, florals, animal skins, dots, and more!), and even french tips in every color, design, and texture you can imagine. selection aside, i’m highly impressed with the variety of sizes in each pack of 16 strips. you get two each of eight sizes, from one suitable for your big toe (and i am loving the statement toe!) to one tiny enough for your pinky, so there’s something for everyone.

the incoco strips are extra easy to apply and to smooth because they are stretchier than other options out there. but maybe best of all, they are a total piece of cake to shape. excess almost falls away so there’s no awkward fits – it’s awesome.

to get the job done, i use sally hansen’s ahead of the curve sapphire nail file to round out the edges. it’s amazing! once things are in place, i add a coat of deborah lippmann’s ‘flat top’ matte topcoat to seal the strips in place and to extend wear. i like that the finish isn’t shiny so you’re left with a satin effect over the sticker print.

the end results are so much more fun than a traditional manicure! and at $8.95 it’s a cheaper option, too. all in all, it’s the easiest way for me to get a nail art look without having to sit through the painting process.

i’m kind of dreading the day that these will have to come off!

Posted in editorial sample, nails | Tagged incoco | 4 Comments

lips with moxie from bareminerals0

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

it’s not often that exciting developments come along in the lip department. for the most part, lipstick is lipstick, liner is liner, and gloss is gloss – but bareminerals is shaking things up with their new marvelous moxie collection and color me (and my lips) impressed! i’ve been playing with all three formulas for a couple of weeks now and i’ve settled on three standout favorites:

marvelous moxie lip liner in liberated, $15 – bareminerals calls this one a “blushing almond” but i’m here to tell you it’s nude, with the slightest pink undertone (ie perfect for fair-olive skinned chicks). it’s the best lip primer under any and all shades in your color collection and i love this color so much that i’ve even been wearing it on its own with just a touch of gloss over top.

marvelous moxie lipstick in never say never, $18 – this fearless fuchsia is creamy and super saturated. it goes on like a butter and feels like satin as it wears all night. this particular color is a total outfit maker. (i’m wearing it this evening with a cobalt blue strappy tank and white linen pants.) it’s sophisticated and so comfortable to wear – i’ve been keeping it close at hand.

marvelous moxie lipgloss in rebel, $18 – i have not stopped reaching for this pretty pinky mauve. it’s gorgeous with nothing else underneath and it’s moisturizing enough to finish off my makeup with kind of a “bare lips plus” look. the extra long applicator and minty flavor give this one extra credit in the wearability department. it’s too pretty not to have with me at all times!

have you tried any of these new bareminerals lippies? any favorites?

Posted in editorial sample, lips | Tagged bareminerals | Leave a comment

south moon under grand opening party7

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

do you have a south moon under by you? chances are if you live on the east coast, then you are definitely familiar with the fashion-forward boutique and its surf shop roots. i even find that my friends in the middle and west parts of the country know the brand and shop it online because their styles are just that good. i’ve been shopping SMU since college when my roomie and i used to drive an hour to the closest one in richmond. since graduation (ahem, 9 years ago) i’ve been lucky enough to always have a south moon close by and i find myself popping in almost weekly to see what’s new.

the brand has absolutely blown up over the last five years and they are getting set to open their 20th location in woodbridge, virginia. the team has asked me to be a part of the celebration and to host a beauty bar at the big party on june 20th. i’m so excited! carrying brands like fresh, stila, butter london, deborah lippmann, nyx (and many more!) makes south moon one of my favorite places to discover new beauty. on 6/20 we’ll be doing mini manicures by butter london and touch ups by stila. giveaways will be going on all night long and gorgeous gift bags will be on hand for the first 50 guests.

i hope you can join us!

Posted in my DC days | Tagged south moon under | 7 Comments

benefit the rich is back! makeup kit2

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

few things make me happier than discovering the very best of one season’s trends all wrapped up into a palette. this palette from tarte had me singing spring and now benefit’s collab with brit designer matthew williamson has everything that you need for summer. the gorgeous boxed set is one of the coolest cosmetic collections that i’ve seen come along.

three of the eyeshadow shades are neutral enough to wear everyday and the pop of ‘feel so teal’ is just begging to be dusted on your lash line (top and bottom) for a flash of retro glam. the palette also packs benefit’s best-ever mascara (seriously this thing still gets rave reviews from everyone i meet) and an exclusive ruby lip gloss called inferno. finishing things off is ‘gimme fever cheek powder’ in a subdued rosy bronze. i think the strategy here was to keep the cheeks more mellow (staying true to the 70’s inspiration) and really let your eyes and lips do the talking.

this box o’ beauty is high fashion and fearless, but the colors truly celebrate individuality and each product is done in such a way that you can amp it up or dial it back as much as you want. all in all, it’s fun-loving, light-hearted, and right up my alley. so very summer!

benefit cosmetics matthew williamson the rich is back!, $34
(*free shipping* with code JUNESALE)