What I've Been Reading: April

Hi ladies, happy Monday to you all. I hope you enjoyed your weekend and are having a good morning. I can't believe how quickly the month of April went by! That means it's time for monthly must-reads. April's question is: What's your best beauty tip/secret (aside from: drinking lots of water, wearing sunscreen and taking off your make-up at night).

For me, it's all about moisturizing, moisturizing, moisturizing! I think I look and feel my best when my skin is fresh and dewy. Although I use Makeup For Ever's HD Powder to set my makeup, I finish off with a good spray of Urban Decay's All Nighter or MAC Fix+. Not only does my makeup last longer throughout the day, but it also gives me a dose of hydration that leaves my face glowing. I don't like looking shiny, but I also hate looking dry. Taking good care of your skin and moisturizing every morning and evening is so important to me now that I'm in my late twenties.

Clinique Moisturizing Gel, MAC Fix+, and Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

Now for this month's must-reads:

• Beautygirl24 - Noelle has been discovering new beauty products. See what she recommends, and one product she thinks you should avoid.
• Ella Pretty - Ella's reviewing lip balms - find out which one tops her list.
• Lilly's Style - Lilly's keeping it simple.
• Pearls and Green Tea - Jiye shares her favorite make up essentials!
• Saltwater Dreams - See Andi's favorite inspirations for Spring.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle has re-invented the traditional button-up: wearing it open and belted instantly transforms it from dressy to casual.
  
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette knows to add a bright color to punch up a "Casual Friday" look.

What are some of your beauty tips?
♥ Noelle

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Over the rainbow

Coral pleated skirt & Green lace pencil skirt from Francesca's

Merona Sandals from Target

Pretty jewelry from Francesca's

New candy colored pieces that I've been adding to my wardrobe. I've never seen so much color in my closet. It's true what they say, you know. Bright colors really do lift your mood! You can't take life too seriously when you're wearing the rainbow.

♥ Noelle

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To the Max

One of my favorite looks for Spring and Summer is the maxi - both in dress and skirt form. They are just so easy to throw on and go. They can be dressed up with a chic handbag and plenty of jewelry or dressed down with a bathing suit underneath to lounge by the pool. As a petite girl, I never wore a maxi until last year. It's true that shorter hemlines are more flattering when you don't have long legs. But actually, I find that as long as I choose one that is less flowy and more form fitting, I can absolutely get away with wearing more fabric on the bottom half of my body. The right maxi can create the illusion of length by drawing your eyes up and down.
I am on the hunt for a maxi skirt in a bright color, one that I can pair easily with just a plain tee. And I'm also on the look-out for a simple black maxi dress. Pretty jewelry to accessorize is required :)

Maxi Dresses

Maxi Skirts

Images courtesy of Google and Pinterest

Will you be wearing a maxi this season? How will you style it?

♥ Noelle



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lollipop

Blazer - Frenchi, White dolman top - Express (old), Jeans - BR, Heels - Zara (no longer available online, but check stores), Turquoise necklace - H&M (old, but similar here), Ring - YSL arty, Lips - Lancome (seriously my favorite lip color ever), Nails - Chanel's May

What color is more feminine then pink? I'm a fan of three variations: a soft Victorian blush, an electric neon, and a hot fuchsia. Anything in between and I shy away. For years I steered clear of the girliest of colors altogether. I think my best friend and I boycotted it.  But looking back, I'm actually perplexed as to the real reason why. It lifts the face and brings out my dark features. It pairs well with neutrals, as well as other brights including turquoise and orange. It brings out the rose in my cheeks and lips, and brightens up my skin.

What can I say? Tastes change.

I'm a convert.

Just don't expect to see me in head to toe pink. Now that, I could never do!

♥ Noelle

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California Coral

Coral top - Old Navy, Skinny jeans - Banana Republic, Leopard flats - Steve Madden (old), Gum Drop Earrings - Sonya Renee, Necklaces - Kris Nations & Sonya Renee, Bracelets - J. Crew (similar), Stella & Dot renegade, Michael Kors 

Old Navy has really been surprising me lately. It was never on my radar until I started noticing other bloggers wearing some great ON finds. Sure, I'd pop in to the store here and there, but now it's a regular shopping destination. On a break last week, I dropped by and found this breezy gauze top in a punchy neon coral (it comes in other colors too).  Although it's long sleeved, I rolled them up for an even more casual look. It's 100% cotton, so it allows my skin to breathe. Good thing since it has been incredibly warm! Mixed with denim, leopard flats, and gold jewelry, it's starting to look a lot like Summer in California.

I hope you enjoy your weekend!

♥ Noelle

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Fresh Picks

I couldn't be happier that it's Spring. That means that Summer is right around the corner! I love all of the ripe, juicy colors that makeup companies put out around this time of year. There's nothing as fun and youthful than hot pink toes, coral cheeks, and bronzed skin (of the fake variety of course. Always wear your sunscreen girls)! After Fall and Winter's dark moody colors, Springtime breathes new life into me.

I've accrued some great Spring and Summer items that I consider essential. Some of them I've had since last year, and some are brand new. Here are my top picks to keep you looking glowy and fresh.

Lancome's Corail in Love & MAC Dish it up

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze & Chanel Illusion D' Ombre in Epatant

Bronzer!

(This one gets great reviews) & (This one is gorgeous!)

NYX Mosaic Blush in Love, Benefit's Coralista, and M.A.C. Pink Swoon

Bright Nails!

This one is so on-trend

What are some of your Spring beauty picks?

♥ Noelle

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Zara Heels

Zara Basic Heel Court Shoe (Similar)

After seeing these pretty, practical heels on Veronika and my favorite blogger from Paris, I knew I had to have them. It was hard to justify another pair of black shoes, but then again, I don't own any with a pointy toe. Pointy toe heels and I never mix well, mainly because I can' t become accustomed to their severe look. These however are anything but severe. See how the toes are just a tiny bit rounded? And, at their modest height, they are really easy to walk in.

I had such a great time up north. It rained for the first two days, but the last two were gorgeous because the sun finally came out. I wish vacations lasted longer :)

♥ Noelle

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Point and Shoot

Here are some random snapshots from the past few days. Tomorrow, my fiance and I are going up north to Pismo Beach and camping, so I won't be blogging again until we get back. Have a great rest of your week!

I picked up two eyeshadows over the weekend from one of the new MAC collections. Sweet Heat is on the left and Havana is on the right. These are really pigmented, shiny (not shimmery), and smooth. It's like liquid metal on your lids. I have been wearing them non-stop.

My cousin Mimi and I at Disneyland. She was visiting from Guadalajara, Mexico. It was my first time seeing her since I was 10! I love her, we have so much in common. She loves fashion and beauty products too. 

It was the most beautiful weather. I think we got a little color.

My Easter mani: Essie Mint Candy Apple and a glitter top coat on two nails.

I had to see Titanic in theatres again. It's one of my favorite movies of all time. One word - Leo :)

Check this video out:

Tell me this isn't hilarious

♥ Noelle

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Remix

Skirt - Old Navy, Cream top - F21, Blazer - Frenchi via Nordstrom (old), Peep toe heels - Zara (old), Gold necklace - Lisa Taubes, Bracelets - J. Crew, Michael Kors, Stella & Dot, Lips - Lancome Corail in Love, Nails - Essie Mint Candy Apple

As a fashion lover, it's so tempting to go buy new clothing all the time. However, as a girl who is working and saving up for a wedding/honeymoon/new home, it's just not possible for me to go on major spending sprees every week. That's when the remix comes in. Using your wardrobe and what you already own to your advantage, and coming up with new ways to wear a piece is such an enjoyable part of fashion. I love styling, and now that I have a rolling rack, it's easier then ever to pick things out of my closet and play around with color, texture, and accessories. I took this hot pink pleated skirt from Old Navy (originally seen here) and again used it as the focal point of the outfit.

I love this skirt.

 ♥ Noelle

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Mini Beauty Reviews

I know I've been very focused on fashion lately, but don't for a second think that the beauty addict in me has disappeared. It's alive and kicking! I've been interested in trying a lot of new products, so here is an overview of what I'm loving...and one product I don't recommend you waste your money on.

Real Techniques - Blush Brush

This line was created by a YouTube guru, and can be found at Ulta. What I love about it is the shape. Most brushes that are designed for applying blush are much flatter and much wider. This one is tapered and comes to a point. It's very precise when you want to apply blush just on the area you need, instead of all over the place. It's also great for contouring cheekbones, or applying a highlight to the tops of your cheeks. It's ultra soft, so I grab for it all the time!

I highly recommend

Oh, and did I mention it was only 9 dollars?

Salon Grafix Dry Shampoo

As much as I love having dark hair, it can be a disadvantage in the dry shampoo department. Who wants to walk around with a white powder in their hair? I was on a mission to finally find one that didn't create that unfortunate problem. I bought the SG dry shampoo at my CVS, and tried it out the next day. I wash my hair every other day, or sometimes every two days if I can get away with it. When I do, I reach for this. It doesn't leave any, I mean ANY, residue. I don't even need to rub this stuff in! The smell is faint, and it leaves my locks shiny, soft, amd most importantly, looking clean. Well, as clean as unwashed hair can look.

I definitely recommend

Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray

After using up most of my MAC Fix+, I decided to try the Urban Decay version. Love this! I feel like Fix+ doesn't even compare. If you want your makeup to actually last, then try this! I have been using it to set my makeup every single day, and I've really noticed a difference in how long it wears and lasts. I think the MAC is good for a cooling, refreshing mist. I like to use that one at night before bed, or now that the weather is warming up, I'll use it when I want to cool down. But the UD is truly meant to keep you looking flawless without any effort.

Highly recommend

Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer in "Brightening"

After reading so many stellar reviews on blogs, including one from Veronika, I decided to try it out. It was a wise choice because I am in love with it! I still use regular concealer (Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Palette), but I make sure to pat some of this creamy pink brightener on top. I think this would certainly be comparable to the YSL Touche Eclat. However, this is a fraction of the cost and can be found at drugstores. My eyes have never looked more awake. I kind of have that Kim K. look going on underneath my eyes. I mean, I can only dream right?

Highly recommend

Now onto the product that I regret. In a word, this one sucks. Sorry, but it does.

Revlon Photoready Mascara

Oh, mascara. What a fickle cosmetic you are. You either love a particular mascara, or you hate it. It's hard to be inbetween. This one does nothing it promises to. It doesn't give my lashes very much volume, much less 3D (whatever the hell that means). It isn't buildable. One hour after application, and my lashes are limp and lifeless. You can't even tell I'm wearing mascara.

The wand is good, because I'm a huge fan of plastic brushes. But the top of the wand where you actually hold it is big and bulky.

The opening is really odd because it's so huge! It's too wide, therefore, I can't wipe off excess easily.

Bottomless pit.

The cap doesn't screw on tightly, which leads me to believe that the mascara will dry out quickly.

This is a loser in my opinion. That's what I get for buying something on impulse.

Do not recommend

Have you tried any of these products? If so, do you agree with my reviews?

♥ Noelle

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Bethenny

Does anyone watch Bethenny Frankel's reality show on Bravo? If you haven't, I dare you to ;) Besides her witty humor and sharp quips, I love seeing what she's wearing. Last week's episode, I died over a little tweed jacket she had on with a white tank, great jeans, and beautiful heels. I tried to find a picture of it, but no such luck unfortunately. I never really paid too much attention to her style when she was on The New York City Housewives, but now that she's on her own, I really find myself loving everything she wears. Her shoes are the best.

P.S. If you haven't read her book, A Place of Yes, do yourself a favor and pick it up. I read it from cover to cover, and my mom is actually borrowing it now. It offers some great advice.

♥ Noelle

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