Beautynomics

While my credit card has been in a deep freeze for most of the summer I have found the one thing that I will make fit into my budget no matter my tax bracket--beauty treatments.  While in the dark ages aka unemployment, I tried to cut back on my hair by getting my cut done by a stylist with little experience-biggest mistake of my life as this led to 90 straight bad hair days.  Though I may not be making a million dollars (yet...) there is something very benefical about looking like you do and that is your personal self worth and esteem.  Sure I could paint my nails myself, but what's the point of working my ass off if I can't enjoy an hour of someone else buffing and moisturizing my tired toes. I have come to the conclusion that I'd rather feed my soul than my fat ass any day, so I choose my monthly mani/pedi over Kashi because really, Ramen is not that bad.

Because It's Not Over Yet

Summer is one of my favorite times of year, it means laying poolside and sipping margaritas (on the rocks with salt, please). However, all the trash seems to come out of the wood work. Just the sight of the bad outfits makes me want to have a bad day. If you have been on the Country Club Plaza, or any other city, on a hot day then you know what I am talking about. The horrific hot pink lip gloss, exposed bras, cut off jean shorts (not in a Jennifer Aniston way), and of course the exposed beer guts (or 24 packs as I like to call them) cause me to have nightmares. In light of this I have composed a list of my three favorite beauty products that are a must have to get through the dog days of summer.

1. There is nothing worse than paying for highlights (I mean soaking them up naturally of course....) than to have them damaged by the sun and chlorine. After endless bitching about how ridiculous I look in a hat my stylist got me hooked on Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil. Just mist this invisible screen onto hair for 16 hours of protection and you can throw out that miserable hat!

2. If you live in the Midwest you are very familiar with the horrid humidity and its affect on your make up. You can put on foundation in the morning, then after walking to your car it is melting off your face. Unless you want to look like Mrs. Doubtfire this is not a good look. So I was thrilled to find my favorite make up line Laura Mercier come out with an illuminating tinted moisturizer. All you need is a thin layer and it looks natural all day. A total life saver for summer!

3. If your natural skin color resembles Casper the Ghost as mine does than you may need a little help in the tanning area. After many trials and errors (some causing my to resemble a leper) I have found the best sunless tanner by L'oreal. The best part is you can find it at Target! Sublime Bronze gives you immediate color and looks very natural when mixed with your body lotion. I could not live without this during the summer!


Now all that is needed is some super dark shades so you won't be caught judging all the horrific summer "don'ts" out there!

Oh Sorry, Is My Bling Blinding You?

Over the weekend my boyfriend of all eternity finally proposed (lots of praise for me!). As the poor sucker already knows I am a materialistic bitch and once the shock wore off wanted to immediately know size (appropriate), where it's from(cute boutique), and if it was insured(thank you State Farm). Once the ring was safely placed on my finger it occurred to me how skeevy my nails looked! With out the bling bling I had no reason to keep my nails painted on a regular basis. It is amazing how unruly cuticles and dull nails can destroy the rock, it's the same effect a '80s permed and feathered hair style can destroy the perfect DVF wrap dress. It just makes you want to scream, "Hello, 1984 called and wants their look back!" I knew Tiffanys would be judging me!

I prefer nails short and square because it's the most practical and the least maintenance. Plus this looks great with both dark and light polish. Right now I am wearing Zoya Adel. With one coat you instantly look as if you have just left the nail salon. Plus it lasts FOREVER and is free of all those icky chemicals.
Another classic you must have in your cosmetic bag is Essie Ballet Slippers. This is the perfect pale pink and always makes you look instantly put together.If you are feeling a little edgy than dark polish is the way to go. I love charcoal grays all year long. Just please keep your nails short if you go with darks, we wouldn't want you looking like a True Blood character now would we? OPI You Don't Know Jacques is the best matte and a totally flattering with every skin tone--a definite must try!

Today's lesson kids: If you have a rock on your hand, please keep your nails nice...and I won't judge you.



*The ring at the top of this post is not mine...as mine is waaay better! This is just an example of a possible ring.