HIGH & LOW: Face Wash

fresh vs. simple

High: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser; Price: $38.00

Low: Simple Moisturizing Face Wash; Price: $4.69
Verdict: Both of these options are great for sensitive skin, a necessary element for any product in my skincare routine. They both also have similar textures, which is creamy and gel-like at the same time. I also love how well the Fresh face wash removes makeup; however, at $38 per bottle, it quickly adds up. So, my trade-off is to use Simple as my day-to-day wash and keep a travel/trial size version of Fresh. It's a nice little luxury when I am traveling and missing the convenience of having all of my products at my disposal.

HIGH & LOW: TINTED MOISTURIZER

laura mercier vs. neutrogena

High: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer; Price: $44.00

Low: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer; Price: $10.49

Verdict: Both options come with SPF 20, which is A+ in my book. The Laura Mercier is great, especially when paired with one of the brand's primers and comes in 12 different shades for a great match. Even though the Neutrogena tinted moisturizer only comes in 6 shades, it's much more affordable and pairs well with many other primers or BB cremes. If you are on a budget, Neutrogena is a great drug store option.

HIGH & LOW: MASCARA

chanel vs. maybelline

Of all the beauty products I use on a regular basis, I am most particular about my mascara. Some people won't leave the house without lipstick or their hair done; I won't leave the house without mascara. If I do nothing else, I'll always do my mascara. In my opinion, the right mascara can transform your face and make you look more awake and alert. So, given my enthusiasm for the product, I've tried just about every brand out there and these two are without a doubt my absolute favorites. Before Chanel, I was an avid Dior Show user. While it was great, I knew immediately once I tried Chanel there was no going back. In terms of drug store brands, I've been a faithful Maybelline user for a long time, and loved the iterations of the Volum Express line. So, today's match up is dedicated to these two brands.

High: Le Volume De Chanel Noir Mascara; Price: $32.00

Low: Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Black Drama ; Price: $7.77

Verdict: If you can manage the price tag, there is no mascara like Chanel. However, I understand that isn't feasible for everyone and Maybelline is a great alternative. Pro tip: if you are a mascara enthusiast like I am and want an ultra-dramatic look, layer the two. Curl your lashes, start with a coat of Maybelline, followed by Chanel. 

Highs & Lows

Introducing a new series on W&W

Welcome to a new series on W&W - High & Low. This series will spotlight two products: one from a drug store, the other from a high-end brand. I'm a product junkie who lives for beauty samples from Sephora and travel size products. While I love a good splurge, I could also raid the shelves of Target for hours. Each high & low will show two products that I think are relatively comparable in quality with a mini- review of each, letting you know when it's worth the splurge and when you shouldn't buy into the hype.  From tinted moisturizers and mascara to face and body wash, I look forward to sharing some of my favorite beauty buys and learning more about yours!

Beauty Vlogger Roundup

Thanks to a couple of my girlfriends, I have become totally obsessed with watching beauty videos lately. It all started when my makeup guru friend sent me a list of beauty vloggers she likes. A few hours [[and many videos]] later I was hooked. I love seeing the transformation from start to finish and I always feel like I'm learning something along the way. After watching many videos I felt inspired to post on my favorites. Keep reading below for the list of my current favorite beauty vloggers with bonus links of my favorite tutorials included.

1. Charlotte Tilbury: After watching her videos I want all of her products. It's probably for the best her line isn't sold at Sephora/readily available in the states because I would be completely broke. Bonus: her video on Amal Clooney's wedding makeup is absolutely stunning.
2. Lisa Eldridge: Currently Eldridge serves as global creative director for Lancome, but her beauty resume is long - almost as long as her list of celebrity clients. Double Bonus: all of her videos are fantastic, but I am partial to her two Audrey Hepburn looks.
3. Pixiwoo: this sister duo has a video for everything. Want to look like Taylor Swift? They have a video for that. What about crazy Halloween makeup? Yep, a ton of videos on that too. Bonus: their video on how to fill in your eyebrows is super fun, especially since they model the brow shapes after some well-known celebrities.
4. Tati Westbrook: I love Tati's First Impressions series. If you ever wondered what La Mer or Tom Ford feels like on your face, Tati has you covered. Because I was just having a discussion about the outrageous cost of Christian Louboutin lipstick, my bonus link goes to her review of it.

So there you have it, my four leading ladies of beauty vlogs. Who are some of your favorite vloggers and what are your must-watch tutorials?

DIY SPA Experience

I love creating little luxuries at home because even though I'd enjoy spending every weekend in a spa, my bank account assures me that is not realistic. To bring the zen home, I recreate a spa like atmosphere in by pouring myself a glass of wine, turning the lights low, putting on a relaxing Spotify playlist, lighting some candles and drawing myself a hot bath. These are some of my most calming moments when I can really be still and clear my mind.

So when it came time to do a little gift swap with some girl friends, I wanted to literally box up my at home spa experience and share it with them. I put all of my favorite little luxuries into one adorable white and gold box from Paper Source with fun little instructions for each. 

Keep scrolling for details and let me know in the comments how you create your little moments of luxury at home!

I always keep mason jars around the house for situations like this. Whether I'm whipping up a new smoothie or creating a DIY beauty product, they are my storage go-to. Also, if you haven't tried a lush bath bomb, stop everything you are doing and immediately try it out. Two words: GAME CHANGER.

When I give a gift I like to stick to themes. Both a color theme for the wrapping and packaging and a theme for the gift. Obviously here I am channeling zen, white and gold (before it was an internet meme). 

#WhiteandGold

The flip side of this cheeky label says Drink Me! 

This lemon sugar scrub comes from another blog I follow, One Good Thing by Jillee (link below). The recipe is so simple and uses ingredients everyone has around the house. Best of all... it totally works.

Spa Contents

Aura Cacia Lavender Essential Oil // Lush Bath Bomb // Lemon Sugar Scrub Recipe // Champagne Candle similar here // Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco

Supplies & Packaging

Gold Dot Gift Box // Burlap Wine Bag // Chalkboard Labels // Mason Jar // Chalk Marker // White & Gold Shredded Paper Filler // Gold Tissue Paper

The Daytime LBD

I'm not a fan of having having one-purpose clothing, i.e. a "work wardrobe" and "weekend wear." I think the key to a functional wardrobe is having multipurpose pieces that you can dress up or down and wear day or night. This strategy has helped me rethink how I style and pair pieces, while also helping stay on budget. I recently purchased this LBD and loved the unique neckline and body conscious fit. While most people think LBD = date night uniform, I'm determined to get more wear out of this dress beyond when the sun goes down. I present you with the daytime LBD, paired down with my favorite army green jacket and styled with minimal jewels.

Who says you can't wear an LBD to brunch?

Sunnies: Ray-Ban// Jacket: J. Crew old, but similar here// Dress: Nasty Gal// Bracelets: Alex and Ani// Watch: Fossil// Shoes: Dolce Vita, similar here// Nails: Essie// Lips: Nyx

LILLY X TARGET: WEARS

Lilly Pulitzer for Target launches this Sunday, April 19 and the ultra-feminine collection has all of the brand's signature looks at a very pocket friendly price. Thanks to Racked, we know that every Target store will sell the collection. That's right, every. single. store. 

But don't get too excited, because even though the line will be sold in stores, many pieces including the lovely gold wedges pictured below, will only be available online. But don't fret, because the online shopping windows are expected to open very early. 

Below are a few of my favorites from the women's look book that I can't wait to sport this spring and summer. Planning on checking out the collection this weekend? Let me know what your favorite pieces are in the comments below!

Crochet White Crop Top - $32.00

Essie Forget Me Nots Polish - $8.49

White Eyelet Shorts - $26.00

Gold Wedge Espadrille Sandals - $36.00 available online only

Crochet White Tank Top - $32.00

Check back on Wednesday for another round of Lilly x Target, where I'll be covering my favorite pieces from their equally delicious home collection.

Pre-Fall: 3.1 Phillip Lim x NARS

Pre-Fall: 3.1 Phillip Lim x NARS by julie-walsh featuring nars cosmetics

I love fall. It is my absolute favorite season. Something about the leather, knits and colors gets me so excited. I love the look and smells of the season, and this new collab with 3.1 Phillip Lim x NARS has got me ready. From the luxe gold viper to the classic, "hell bent" red, I can't wait to try out these new polishes for myself. These are just a few of my faves from the collection, and I have a feeling I will be wearing them on repeat throughout the fall and winter months. What nail color are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments below!

xx

Fashion Meets Technoloy

Happy Monday, all! More often than not lately, I am turning to my iPhone for my fashion inspiration. Apps like Lookbook.nu allow me to see some of the radest street style looks out there, while apps like Pose and Polyvore allow me to shop all the latest looks. And maybe the most fun app of all: Plum Perfect - which allows you to take a picture of your face to match makeup to your skin color based on your desired looks (natural v. glam, etc.) I spent a good 30-45 minutes in Sephora tracking down all the products I saved on Plum Perfect - and also managed to find my new signature lip color.

Links for apps and websites from L to R: Pose // Lookbook.nu // Polyvore // Plum Perfect

Any fashion apps that you use not mentioned in the post? Leave them in the comments below!

xx

Friday Five 3.14.14

     Ikea image courtesy of Calvin Teo

1. Tips for Navigating IKEA in Record Time, Apartment Therapy: as someone who recently moved into a new apartment, I cannot stress enough the importance of having a game plan before going into an IKEA store. Even with a plan it gets overwhelming. I suggest grabbing one of their delicious $1 soft serve cones when you need a time out.

2. ABCs of Oil Pulling: Is it just me or has oil pulling been EVERYWHERE over the interwebs this week? I've read quite a few articles and while it's definitely caught my attention, the verdict is still out for me.

3. Chanel’s Chic Supermarket: Only Karl could make grocery shopping this chic. Enough said.

4. Refinery29 Beauty Products Can’t Live Without: I'll admit it, I'm a total product junkie. I love a good beauty buy. Above are some of my favorite must have products (L to R): Williams Sonoma Lavender Hand Lotion, Vichy Eau Thermal face spray, Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo, Josie Maran Argan Oil and L'Oreal Magic Lumi Primer.

5. 10 Habits of Really, Really Ridiculously Stylish People: Per usual, WWW is killing it with awesome content. I really loved this slide show because it drives home one of my most important style points: you don't need to pay a million bucks to look like a million bucks. Above is a quote from my fave: O.P. on wearing labels, and I could not agree more.

...Until next week! XO,