Fashion Trend: Neon Brights

Hello ladies, I thought I'd whip together another fashion related post for you all. My blog isn't turning into a fashion blog or anything but I love putting sets together and figured I should talk to you about this summer's trends before.. well summer is over!

Today I'm talking about another extremely popular trend for this up and coming summer season - NEONS. Whether you use a bright pop of color to liven up an outfit or you mix and match to create a color block look, nothing screams summer like neon hues especially when you have a killer tan.

Neon Love by deevine1217 featuring platform high heels

As you may know, I usually tend to dress pretty simple. I love solid colored clothing and staple classic pieces. What I do enjoy though, is to add a pop of color to my outfits which is why neon accessories such as a pair of shoes, bag or even nail polish is my preferred way of sporting the trend.

I also really love neon bathing suits. Victoria's Secret and Forever 21 has a multitude of options for you to mix and match if you like the trend just as much as me. I purchased a neon purple bandeau bikini (perfect for tanning and avoiding tan lines) the other day from Forever 21 for only $11!

If you're going to be a little more daring and incorporate bigger neon pieces to your outfit, such as a skirt, blouse or even a full out dress, I suggest pairing it with a nude shoe that matches your skintone. The shoe will be neutral and will keep the attention on your bright outfit all the while elongating your legs and who doesn't want that?

Here are some great examples I've found on how to rock the neon trend:

Quick Post: Twitter

Hey everyone, I just wanted to post quickly about my Twitter account. I know some of you have been following me for quite some time and if you've noticed that I've been MIA in Twitterland lately, it's because my account has been deactivated.

I had deactivated it temporarily with every intention to come back but then realized that once deactivated you lose all of your followers and everyone you used to follow as well. With that said, I'm getting to a busy point in my life and won't have much time to contribute to the social network so I won't be making another account for the time being. I promise I'll let you all know if and when I come back to Twitter though!

-xoxo-

Sparkle With My April 2012 Favorites + Exciting News!

Wow, this month just flew by and I am so sorry I've been MIA lately! I have a few new favorite products this month and I thought I'd share with you lovely readers some SUPER exciting news (scroll to the bottom if you want to get straight to it!!!

Eye Shadow
Mascara

Makeup Products

• They're Real mascara (Benefit) - I've already reviewed this mascara (read it here) and I liked it but definitely didn't love it then the way I do now. I feel like I've just rediscovered it and it is now my every day go-to mascara. I love the length, thickness and definition it gives my lashes and the staying power is amazing. I would definitely recommend this mascara to anyone that doesn't like clumpy lashes but wants to add some drama.
• Casino bronzer (NARS) - I posted some swatches of this bronzer a while back when I showed you guys my NARS blush collection (so check it out here if you want) and I've found myself using this bronzer daily as an all in one bronzer/contour/blush. I've cut down my makeup routine for work - let me know if you want me to post about what I do - and this bronzer just gives me the perfect natural looking glow. I like to apply mine with a large stippling duo fiber brush like the MAC 187.
• Groundwork paint pot (MAC) - Like I've mentioned above, my daily routine is pretty simple so I often just apply a light wash of this paint pot all over my lid and then slap on some mascara. I love the tone of this paint pot as it matches my warm toned skin really well. It applies smoothly and I feel like it lasts nicely throughout the day. If you're lighter than me, I would suggest checking out Painterly for a similar effect on lighter complexions.
• Naked palette (Urban Decay) - I know you guys are probably tired of everyone talking about this palette all the time but I definitely had to mention it this month. Although I've toned down my daily work makeup routine, I've been stepping up my eyeshadow game on the weekends. Although I do love color when it comes to nails, clothes and lips, I usually tend to stick to the more neutral tones on my eyes. This palette is so perfect for people who want a more neutral look so I definitely recommend you guys to check this one out if you have warm toned skin and the Naked Palette 2 if your skin is more on the cooler side.

Skincare Products

• Glycolic Toner 10% (DDF) - I've heard SO MUCH about the amazing results people have gotten by using this toner that I just had to try it myself. This stuff is amazing. Although I did break out for a the first week I used this (my skin was getting rid of the impurities), it was so worth it! The toner has glycolic and lactic acids to gently chemically exfoliate the skin, leaving it smooth and removing and unwanted pigmentation over time. My skin has been de-congested since using it and my cheeks feel so amazingly soft. Unfortunately, the Sephora near me doesn't carry the toner in stores but you can purchase it online or try checking out some local spas. If you have sensitive skin, I'd try it out first due to the nature of the ingredients.

Nail Products

• Tart Deco nail polish (Essie) - I have this beautiful peachy tangerine cream color on my toes right now and I love it. I usually tend to gravitate towards pinks but with the summer weather coming soon (I hope!), I opted for this shade the last time I have myself a pedi. Although I think this polish is limited edition from a collection that came out last year or the year before, there are many dupes whether it be by OPI, Orly, Essie or China Glaze. If you have warm toned skin, definitely try a similar color next time you do your nails and I guarantee you'll feel ready for summer!
  

CLICK BELOW FOR EXCITING NEWS!

Fashion Trend: Everything Coral

Loving Coral by deevine1217 featuring bikini bathing suits

Coral jacket
$36 - maurices.com

J Brand medium rise jeans
$325 - mytheresa.com

Mara Hoffman bikini bathing suit
$243 - matchesfashion.com

Assad Mounser gold plating jewelry
$300 - net-a-porter.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs lock jewelry
$128 - couture.zappos.com

Van Peterson 925 dark jewelry
£25 - debenhams.com



Although my blog isn't geared as much towards fashion as it is to beauty related posts, I've been a total shopaholic lately and figured I might as well whip up a few posts on what has caught my eye lately. Let me know if you'd like me to post more fashion related articles!

To me, nothing screams summer like the color coral and it seems like 2012 definitely is the year to rock it. If it's coral, you can almost bet certain I'll love it! I am officially obsessed (in case you didn't know already). I personally love a nice coral dress, top or even jeans. If you're not as brave, you can always incorporate the color by adding pops of it throughout your outfit.

For instance, I purchased a cropped coral jacket similar to the one posted in the set above from Forever21 (buy it too here) and would pair it with a simple white tank, skinny jeans and a nude pump with matching nude bag. As far as accessories go, you can't go wrong with basic colors like a black or white dress and a pop of coral in your jewelry or shoes. If you're not willing to spend more than a thousand dollars on a bag like to Proenza Schouler posted above in my set, check out Kate Spade and even Aldo for some summery brights!

I also love coral bikinis, they look absolutely amazing with a tan! I got a neon coral one from Victoria's Secret last year and it is definitely one of my favorites. You can check it out here.

 You don't have to stop at your clothes either, coral nails, lips and cheeks are all the rage this season as well!

China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy

And now I leave you with some cute outfit ideas for your inspiration:

 

FOTD: Naked Bronze

Lately I've been forcing my lazy butt to venture out with makeup looks and start experimenting like I once did. Today's look is another bronzey one and features a few colors from the Naked Palette by Urban Decay.

 *PRODUCTS USED*

Face:

Maybelline Fit Me concealer - 20 Sand 

Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer - Light 

L'Oreal True Match foundation - W6 Sun Beige

NYC Bronzer - Sunny (to contour)

MAC blush - Margin

Eyes:

Maybelline Color Tattoo - Bad to the Bronze (all over lid as a base)

Urban Decay Naked Palette eyeshadow - Virgin (to highlight brow bone and tear ducts)
Urban Decay Naked Palette eyeshadow - Sin (inner 3rd of the lid + lower lashline)
Urban Decay Naked Palette eyeshadow - Half Baked (middle 3rd of the lid + lower lashline)
Urban Decay Naked Palette eyeshadow - Smog (outer 3rd of the lid + lower lashline)
Urban Decay Naked Palette eyeshadow - Buck (crease)

Clinique Brush on Cream Liner - True Black

Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner - Whisky (lower waterline)
Benefit They're Real mascara 

Lips:
Clarins Rouge Prodige lipstick - Rosy Coral

Review: Bellini ColorBurst lipgloss by Revlon

I sometimes come across products that just left me so disappointed and unfortunately, this is one of them. I have a lready posted a more in-depth review of the ColorBurst lipglosses (read it here), so today's review will be somewhat quicker with a few swatches.

Photo taken indoors without flash with accurate color representation.

When I first saw Bellini at the drugstore, I was so happy that Revlon had come out with new shades of their ColorBurst glosses since I really like the one I already own. Bellini is a gorgeous -medium-peach/coral shade with some silver micro glitter - perfect for summer!

Photo taken indoors without flash.

 Words cannot express how dissapointed I was when I applied this stuff to my lips. Although the consistency is great, it looked clear. Now I know my lips are fairly pigmented so I wasn't expecting the gloss to be bright but I at least expected it to show up somewhat (just like my Life's A Peach Super Lustrous gloss does). I layered it over Peachstock (pictured below) and even then it does barely nothing. I tried it on top of a barely-there nude, MakeUp ForEver's lipstick in shade 221 Lacquered, and it barely showed up.

Gloss on bare lips.

MUFE lipstick + gloss.

All in all, I will definitely not be repurchasing this gloss shade nor will it be a go-to gloss for this summer. If you have really pale lips, this might work for you though so I wouldn't cross it off the list for everyone.

FOTD: Sultry Bronze

Here is a super easy face of the day I did today because I didn't want to do my usual winged liner look. I wanted my eyes to be neutral and soft which is why I chose a bronze palette to work with and opted for a smokey liner look. Let me know if you have any specific questions about the look but I have pictures and the products listed below!

 *PRODUCTS USED*

Face:

Maybelline Fit Me concealer - 20 Sand 

Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer - Light 

MAC Studio Careblend powder - Medium-Dark

NYC Bronzer - Sunny (to contour)

MAC Extra Dimension Highlighter - Glorify (applied lightly on cheeks instead of blush)

Eyes:

MAC eyeshadow - Copperplate (brows)

Maybelline Color Tattoo - Bad to the Bronze (all over lid)

Urban Decay Naked Palette eyeshadow - Virgin (to highlight brow bone and tear ducts)

Cover Girl Liquiline Blast - Brown Blaze

Urban Decay Naked Palette eyeshadow - Smog + Darkhorse (to smudge liner)
Benefit They're Real mascara 

Lips:

Wet n Wild Mega Matte lipstick - Just Peachy (903C)

Revlon Colorburst lipgloss - Bellini