10.01.2012

September is my birthday month, so I'm a little biased when I say that it's my favorite time of year. Another favorite? Definitely October! I'm patiently waiting for the weather to cool down. Then it'll feel like Fall finally.

This month's question: What bath products are you currently using?


1) Pureology Pure Volume Shampoo - I've used this line off and on since the beginning of college when my hair stylist introduced me to it. I had no idea what sulfates and parabens were, and I think this was right around the time when consumers became aware that sulfates really strip and damage the hair.  Although I do love Pureology, I also enjoy other brands like Unite and Aveda.

2) L'oreal Ever Sleek Smoothing Conditioner - Proof that you don't have to spend a lot of money on fancy products, this is a great sulfate free line. My hair is naturally wavy and frizzy, and this really does add moisture and shine to my temperamental locks.

3) Macadamia Deep Repair Masque - The best deep conditioner I've ever used. I will continue to repurchase this, as I'm down to the bottom of the jar. Talk about moisture! I love this, and definitely recommend it for any girl that uses heat or colors their hair.

4) Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash - I have really dry skin. The itchy, bumpy kind. This body wash has a really soft and soothing scent, and it leaves my skin moisturized.

5) Lush Ocean Salt - This is another amazing product that I am being spoiled by! I have heard so many great things about Lush, but locations are pretty scarce in this area. When I went up to Santa Barbara, I was finally able to experience it for myself on State Street. Not only do I love the scent, but I love how it exfoliates my skin. I feel like I'm playing in the sand on the beach. I use it all over my body, but I concentrate on my arms and legs. My skin feels like heaven afterwards.

6) Refresh Facial Cleanser - I'm on the last few drops of this cleanser by ElevenSkin. I have used this for quite a few months now, and I just love how gentle this is. It leaves my face feeling fresh and clean, but it doesn't strip the skin of natural oils. No breakouts either. I need another one ;)

 
What bath products are you currently using?
 
 

Question of the month:








♥ Noelle

9.29.2012





Dress - Forever 21 (recent), Cardigan - Halogen, Belt - H&M, Heels - Jessica Simpson (old), Necklace - Similar, Watch - Fossil, Bag - Chanel, Lips - YSL Le Orange


Although Summer is over, I'm still carrying two trends that I loved over into Fall: Chevron and the bubble necklace. Instead of bright turquoise, I decided to go for red. I think it pairs well with the stark black and white dress I scored at Forever 21, and this definitely reads more Fall. I'm not typically a fan of super flowy dresses. They have a tendency of swallowing me up in too much fabric. But for some reason, I like this one. I could wear this dress on so many different occasions.
 
In other news, Summer sun and ocean water have taken a toll on my brunette locks. I have the ombre look going on without even trying! I'm going back to a rich brown today, and I can't wait! I've strongly considered going lighter, but it just doesn't feel right at the moment. My main goal for the next few months is to get my hair in tip top condition so that it looks healthy, soft, and shiny for the wedding next year. *Fingers crossed*
 

♥ Noelle

9.27.2012

I'm a sucker for highlighters. No, not the kind you write with in neon yellow, but the kind you carefully place on areas of your face that you want to... well, highlight! After finding Dior's Amber Diamond, I'm not sure what compelled me to purchase this one from Too Faced. I walked by a display of them at Macy's, and they immediately caught my attention.





I think the reason why I love this Candlelight Glow is because it has that same silky texture of Amber Diamond. It provides just enough of a sheen to highlight the tops of my cheekbones ever so softly. When the light catches its tiny shimmer particles (not glitter), it really smooths the appearance of your skin. I wish I had swatches for you, but I just couldn't capture its beauty no matter what lighting or camera setting I tried. One side of the powder is a white gold, the other a golden pink that picks up different colors, almost like an aurora borealis crystal. When swirled together, the two sides blend beautifully into a warm golden sheen. It's very, very flattering and pretty. I think it would work quite well on most skin tones.

If you happen upon Candlelight Glow, I highly suggest swatching it for yourself! Dior is still my number one, but this comes in a close second.


Reminder: My Stella & Dot online trunk show is still happening here


♥ Noelle



9.24.2012





Skirt - J. Crew (similar), Blouse - Old Navy, Pumps - J. Crew, Watch - Michael Kors, Bracelets - Etsy, Necklace - Target, Bag - Chanel, Lipstick - MAC Dish it up




I love how flattering this skirt from J.Crew is! It cinches in the waist, and you don't even need a belt. The pretty navy color was the perfect backdrop for fun shoes in a shade that matched my lipstick. I wore this Saturday night to a comedy show, where I proceeded to laugh my head off for two hours straight! After a rough week, I needed it!

♥ Noelle

9.21.2012



For a few months, I have been on the quest to find the perfect little crossbody bag. Although I love shoulder bags, my arms often get sore from lugging around what seems to be the entire contents of my life. I drive long distances for work, and so I like to keep everything I could possibly need in my bag. I'm trying to change this now, and maybe this will force me to condense things a little.
So ladies...the crossbody of choice is Rebecca Minkoff's Mini Mac. Functional, versatile, and the perfect size - I see myself carrying this to work, running errands, shopping, and on weekends when I'm out and about. Now, the only problem I'm having is choosing a color. A little help would be greatly appreciated!






So what do you think? I'm not really leaning either way because ultimately they are both neutral. I like the black because it's classic. I won't baby it like I do with my Chanel. I also love the elegant gold hardware. Black is timeless, as well as basic. On the other hand, I like the charcoal because it is less expected than black, and I will still be able to pair it with many of the pieces hanging in my closet. Both will be great for Fall and Winter.

Help me choose! I'd really love your honest input.

Happy Friday! Enjoy the last day of Summer!
♥ Noelle

9.19.2012



A birthday trip to the mall included stops at Sephora, Macy's, and Aveda. For the first time in months, I absolutely adore every single item I got, and would dare say these products are HG worthy. It's always nice to treat yourself to some luxury beauty items, and even more satisfying when they work for your specific needs.

1. Aveda Pure Abundance Style Prep - "infuses all-day weightless volume". I used this on my damp hair after I washed it yesterday, and not only did it smooth my hair and made it feel super soft, it also did add some extra volume.

2. Chanel Natural Finish Pressed Powder - Okay, so I've always wanted a Chanel compact. My intent was really the mirror displayed inside. Sleek, polished, and sophisticated. However, the powder is great as well! I use it to blot my t-zone throughout the day, and it just leaves my skin looking less shiny. It isn't heavy or cakey at all. I love pulling it out of my bag when I need a quick touch up :)

3. Sephora Pro Smudge Brush # 29 - I use this to smudge eyeshadow along my lash lines, top and bottom. It's also great to smudge out pencil liner.

4. Laura Mercier Baby Lips  - This is an amazing lipstick. The texture feels like a balm because it is so soothing and moisturizing. The color itself is sheer, and in fact, it very closely resembles my beloved MAC lipstick in See Sheer (a light wash of red). I like Baby Lips even more, and that says a lot! This is a great color for anytime, anywhere. It really does remind me of a sweet baby's flush-stained lips.

♥ Noelle