the glossarie

glossRx: benefit stay don’t stray8

POSTED ON Posted on January 12, 2012 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

beauty ache from cheryl at a peek of chic:

i’m on the hunt for an under eye concealer that lasts all day. i use a concealer that i do like, but half way through the day i need to reapply! i don’t have dreadfully dark circles, so they are easy to cover, i just don’t want to have to touch up.

glossRx:

cheryl’s email came hot on the heels of a dinner chat with seven ladies about under eye concealers and their shortcomings – the top two complaints being lack of staying power and a tendency to settle into fine lines. i introduced benefit stay don’t stray back in january of 2010, but since then it has built up quite a reputation for being long lasting and color correcting (meaning that although it’s billed as a primer, you really don’t need a concealer). it’s light and creamy, crazy brightening and will not, i repeat, will not, settle into fine lines. this stuff really works and i highly recommend using it before your foundation, for all 360 degrees that it’s intended for. three dots on the under eye zap dark circles dead in their tracks and a dot or two on the lid will keep your foundation from creasing. finally, blend a bit into your inner corner and all traces of last night’s tequila and vodka binge on a rooftop bar in nyc the night before a 12 hour work day (whoops) are undetectable. benefit cosmetics stay don’t stray is $26 at sephora.

got a beauty ache of your own? submit it to theglossarie@gmail.com for a glossRx!

Posted in eyes, lids | 8 Comments

dance the tangerine tango: max & chloe coral and gold teardrop earrings6

POSTED ON Posted on January 9, 2012 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

by now you’ve likely heard that tangerine tango is pantone’s 2012 color of the year, which means we’re about to see it everywhere. i’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for ways to add it to my wardrobe and fell in love with these glamorous baubles from max and chloe. aren’t they stunning? i can’t wait to wear them with a crisp white button down, a basic tee, an lbd, my pajamas…

think you’ll be adding something(s) tangerine to your closet for spring? i’d love to hear if and how you plan to wear this bold, bright hue!

Posted in jewels | Tagged max & chloe, pantone | 6 Comments

oribe dry texturizing spray6

POSTED ON Posted on January 8, 2012 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

my hair is pretty low maintenance, and because i find heat styling to be so damaging to my tresses, i rely heavily on what i like to call “day 2.” it’s easier to rock second-day hair when it’s longer – the messy ruffled look just hangs a little nicer when you’ve got more to work with. when i go shoulder length, my hair tends to look a little like a helmet on day 2, and that just doesn’t fly. i need a miracle product that is going to help me extend the life of my blow dry and deal with the aforementioned helmet situation.

enter, oribe dry texturizing spray.

i don’t know where this stuff has been hiding all of my life, but hear me when i say that it is some kind of wonderful. the insanely good smelling spray serves as volumizer, holding spray (excellent for adding day 2 scrunch and twists or piecey day 2 topknots), and texturizer (excellent for adding day 2 “grit” and shape). it also serves as a serious oil zapper – just aim it at your part, around the hair line, and voila! day 2 looks almost better than day 1.

oribe dry texturizing spray comes in a big huge can for $39 and the cutest travel size version for $19.50.

Posted in editorial sample, hair | 6 Comments

pattern body wash3

POSTED ON Posted on January 6, 2012 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

in 2012, i am really trying to be more aware of the ingredients in the products that i use on my face and body. i noticed a remarkable difference when i stopped using hair products that contained sulfates and it led me to wonder if there are other things with fewer chemicals that work better than what’s currently in my shower. i have been looking for a new body wash forever, so when pattern offered to send me a sample of theirs, i jumped at the chance to give it a test.

now, for a $20 bath product you’ve got to have a lot going for you to get my attention, but the cucumber moisturizing body wash from pattern provides benefits way above my current dove. my biggest gripe with body washes is that the ones that really clean well are too drying and those that are moisturizing don’t leave me feeling clean. well, pattern has changed all of that with their line of antioxidant packed washes with yummy scents and incredibly effective formulas. plant extracts break through even the worst post-power yoga sweat and essential oils leave my skin feeling supremely pampered, so soft (like, can’t stop touching my arms and legs soft) and insanely hydrated. i finally found the best of both body wash worlds and i am super pumped.

as a side note, i have been working with beauty brands for two and a half years now and this is the first time that a founder himself reached out to me regarding his product. jim’s industry experience has created a thriving brand based on direct communication with his customer (along with an impressive 100% satisfaction, no questions asked, money back guarantee) and my inner business of beauty geek is very impressed.

pattern’s line of washes come in six scents – citrus moisturizing, cucumber moisturizing, the very couple friendly black pepper, eucalyptus, nutmeg moisturizing, and sage. you can try all six and their sage body lotion for $95 and free shipping with code FS71111. but if you’re not prepared for that kind of commitment, you can also shop the single scents online for twenty bucks apiece. i think your skin (and your husbands, significant others, roommates, overnight guests, and other strangers who might also be using your shower) will thank you!

Posted in body, editorial sample, natural beauty | 3 Comments

urban decay dew me moisturizing makeup setting spray9

POSTED ON Posted on January 5, 2012 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

do you change up your makeup dependent on the time of year? i’m all about the light freshness of a tinted moisturizer in the summer and fall, but winter calls for more coverage as that tan starts to fade slowly away. (i also don’t like the way tinted moisturizer sits on my skin when it gets drier in the frigid temps, but i digress.) i’ve switched my foundation from this bobbi tm to my favorite hydrating powder foundation from smashbox and while i’m loving the familiar and flawless coverage, i miss the dewy glow from my tinted moisturizer.

dew me is a moisturizing setting spray from urban decay. it’s super light (we’re talking micro-fine) and instantly takes away the powdery look that blushes and other things can leave behind. it gives a soft glow and locks things in place for the days when you need a little extra mileage from your makeup. even for those of us who aren’t too concerned with long wear will find that it’s a little boost of moisture and defense against the whipping wind and freezing cold. overall, it’s a love for me.

if you work in a dry office environment, you’re a bare minerals or other powder gal, or if you top your foundation with powder but don’t like the dusty look, give this a whirl. i think you’ll be pretty pleased with the oomph it gives your whole visage and the natural glow you’ll be sporting ’til spring.

urban decay’s dew me moisturizing makeup setting spray is $29 at sephora and beauty.com.

Posted in face, primer | Tagged sephora, urban decay | 9 Comments

a neon pink manicure brings mid-winter cheer13

POSTED ON Posted on January 4, 2012 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

do you read matchbook magazine? it’s pure delight from cover to cover and my favorite part is the “the matchbook girl…” series that opens each issue. one of this month’s isms states that “the matchbook girl knows a neon pink manicure brings mid-winter cheer” and i couldn’t agree more! if you’re headed to the nail salon in january, consider picking one of these beautiful brights to warm things up.

clockwise from top: china glaze in pink voltage, $6.50; illamasqua nail varnish in collide, $14; cnd shellac in hot pop pink, check your local nail salon for pricing; essie fiesta, $8; revlon scented nail enamel, $4.79; avon nailwear pro nail enamel in viva pink, $5

do you have a favorite shocking pink that i missed?

Posted in nails | Tagged avon, china glaze, essie, illamasqua, revlon | 13 Comments

josie maran argan illuminizer8

POSTED ON Posted on January 2, 2012 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

my skin starts to look a little sad in january. winter has sucked any precious remaining drops of summer sun-kissed bronze from my body and everything just begins to fall a little flat. it’s a good thing that i recently picked up a trick to de-drab my appearance and thought you glossy gals might like to be clued in!

a tiny drop of highlighter can take your face from flat to fabulous in an instant and i’m loving josie maran’s argan illuminizer. the possibilities are endless depending on your preferences. i’ve been adding a drop to my tinted moisturizer for a subtle lit-from-within-glow that’s still appropriate for daytime. if you’re a powder foundation girl, you can mix a drop with your moisturizer for a similar effect. you can also dab it in the inner corners of your eyes, on your brow bone, cheek bone, or even over eyelids in lieu of shadow (especially try this if you use a liquid foundation or TM – it’s so pretty!). oh, and it does wonders for dark circles.

the results are warm and bright without being flashy making this a power product and a great buy to start the new year off with a bang.

josie maran argan illuminizer is available at sephora for $28.

Posted in face | 8 Comments

beauty resolutions17

POSTED ON Posted on January 1, 2012 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

(via)

visit a dermatologist to get this 30-year old acne under control

discover (and stick to!) a skincare regimen that works

find my signature scent, toss the rest

not pick at my pimples (hopefully won’t be an issue – see resolution #1)

experiment with eye makeup and learn to confidently craft a few different looks

maybe take a makeup class?

master the at-home manicure

drink more water!

take my vitamins

work on my horrendous posture

what are some of yours?

Posted in lara | 17 Comments

the best blog moments of 20110

POSTED ON Posted on December 31, 2011 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

this has been the most amazing year for the glossarie and for me. i never would have anticipated meeting so many wonderful people or receiving such incredible recognition. to celebrate the new year, i’m taking a look back at my five favorite blog moments of 2011.

february 2011: new york fashion week

it really goes without saying that my first new york fashion week was a ball. i took my sister and one of my best friends along for the whirlwind ride and we had the best time. the highlight was covering beauty backstage at the lela rose show and shooting this interview with stila’s sarah lucero:

june 2011: cabFABB

lacey from a lacey perspective, me, casie from whippedSTYLE, liz from so much to smile about

i joined an absolutely stunning group of ladies this summer by attending my first capFABB event. capFABB is ‘capital area fashion & beauty bloggers’ and we are over 200 members strong. who knew dc held so much blogging talent?! i have come to know a group of girls who quickly became my most favorite people on the planet.

july 2011: the glossarie gets a makeover all its own

remember this?! i can’t believe how far we’ve come. let’s just say that i know my limits and when to call in an expert. i thank my lucky stars all the time that i stumbled upon tabitha and her remarkable skills!

september 2011: the lucky fabb award nomination + conference

being chosen as one out of five nominees for ‘best beauty voice’ at lucky magazine’s fashion and beauty bloggers conference was a thrill beyond words. the conference itself was unbelievably fun and i came away so many blog friends richer – grace from stripes & sequins, meg from mimi+meg, and stephanie johnson to name a few!

december 2011: the glossarie named one of ten washington fashion and beauty blogs to watch in 2012 by washingtonian magazine

it’s been one heck of a fabulous whirlwind, but rounding out the year was another big honor from dc’s own cultural magazine, the washingtonian. i’ve been pondering how i will ever top 2011, and being named a blog/ger to watch could not inspire me more to attempt some even bigger, more exciting things in 2012!

there have been tons of other incredible and special things from this year, but these for me were the cream of the crop. the truth is that i love this blog and everything that goes into writing it. so while all of the excitement is completely buzzy and wonderful, the glossarie would be nothing without your visits, comments, and emails. i can’t thank you all enough for the love and support and i wish you the very happiest of new years!

Posted in lara | Leave a comment

my ten favorite product finds of the year11

POSTED ON Posted on December 30, 2011 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

it was really fun to see which posts were the most popular among you lovelies yesterday. i thought i would do my own spin on it and choose ten posted products still making an impact in my routine at the end of 2011. in no particular order:

1. butter london nail nail foundation is encouraging me to do more at-home manis (a beauty resolution of mine for 2012!)

2. bobbi brown tinted moisturizer oil free is my everyday ‘foundation’ – i love the fresh dewy look it leaves me with. it gives enough coverage to hide my flaws, but is sheer so i don’t look too done up.

3. use me products have been a godsend! i love the low foaming scalp cleanser, soft and light hair moisturizer, and the get it straight gelee. my hair is forever changed and there is no turning back!

4. technically never posted, but i write enough about stephanie johnson that i thought it would be ok to throw this one in there. her multipurpose medium flat pouch in rodeo drive silver is the perfect sweet, slim beauty bag for on the go. i don’t leave home without it.

5. eos lip balm leaves my lips the smoothest they have ever been. i keep one at my desk, one in my purse, and one at my bedside. it’s the $3 miracle that i can’t get enough of!

6. clinique bottom lash mascara has been a top-shelf find. even though i use it only on my top lashes, the tiny brush and smudge-proof formula keep me coming back for more.

7. the bare escentuals ready eyeshadows are incredible! the application is so smooth, the duo pairings foolproof, and the staying power impressive enough to make me want to experiment with more eye color. and for a nude shadow addict, that is really saying something.

8. the sephora microfiber hair turban has done amazing things for me. for one, it stopped what i had always assumed was a receding hairline (in fact, my heavy hair towel was pulling the baby hairs out from around my face). it also stays in place sans slippage, cuts drying time in half and is a dream to travel with!

9. nars pure sheer lip treatment in lara not only has the best of names, but it’s the ultimate in easy lip color. i call it a little slip of nothing, adding just the right boost to your natural look.

10. jane iredale’s retractable lip brush has opened me up to a whole new world of lip products! i despise sticking my finger into pots of gloss and balm, but this little beauty has changed all of that. i love the way it snaps shut for toting around – you never know when you will need it!

have you discovered anything through the blog that has found a permanent home in your beauty bag this year?