Category: Uncategorized

lovely lips

February is the perfect month to celebrate love, and we’re going to start by dressing your kisser in this month’s colors– pink, red, and sparkles!  I dug around my makeup drawer to share my top picks for lovely lips.

lovely lips.jpg

From left to right by row: 

  • Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Stain in No. 7 Corail Aquatique $36.  I bought my first YSL glossy stain a couple years ago, and I’ve gone through a few since.  I’m not a huge fan of the packaging, but the formula is good and there are a ton of color options.
  • Burberry Kisses Lipstick in No. 17 English Rose $33.  As I’ve mentioned before (see “smokey” post), I love Burberry products and this lipstick is no exception.  Be sure to let the product sit on your lips a couple minutes before you judge it.  As it warms it melts into a creamy smooth texture in the most perfect soft rose color.   consistency.
  • Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Stain in No. 27 Peche Cerra-Cola $36.
  • Tarte LipSurgence lip gloss in Blushing Bride $19.  (Or it comes as part of a cute little “wedding day essentials” set currently on sale for $39, originally $49.)  The gloss is a bit sticky on the sticky side.  I admit, it’s not my favorite texture-wise, but I love the color and dewy shine.
  • Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Honey $24.  Kind of pricey for what is in essence a tinted lip balm, but lovely nonetheless.  The texture is great and they smell ah-mazing!
  • Giorgio Armani Ecstasy Lacquer in Color 302 $38.  This was one of my Fall/Winter 2015 purchases, and it quickly became a favorite (see it here on the @juniperlemons Instagram!).  It is a wearable orangey-red color with the slightest hint of gold shimmer and awesome staying power.
  • Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Yu (bright pink) $26.  Bold, bright, statement-making color. Yass!
  • Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Cherry $24.

lipcolors.jpg

xoxo

@juniperlemons on Instagram!

ash2 Comments

Whimsies

Ah, Target.  Your powers are undeniable.  It is utterly impossible to run in and out without finding items I didn’t know I needed.  This week I picked up these great bits-

target whimsies

Kale sweatshirt $19.99.  A lighter weight soft and cozy, cute and quirky, sweatshirt perfect for running around town or lounging at home.

Blanket scarf $19.99.  A cozy plaid blanket wrap scarf by Merona.  I’m usually not an acrylic fan, but this is a lovely soft midweight scarf.

Revlon Gel Envy in Wild Card $5.59.  A spunky bold blue in a quick-dry long-lasting formula.

Happy shopping!

xoxo

 

 

 

ashLeave a comment

Valentines (for her)

Here it is! The much anticipated Valentines sequel. Just a few suggestions on how to make this Valentines – or any day really – extra special for the woman you love. Awww…

valentines for her pic.jpg

  • Lush products.  The aromas and silky textures of Lush massage bars and bubble bars are intoxicating.  And I feel that if you give a massage it’s totally reasonable to get one in return. #winning    Lush Massage Bars $8-$14 and Bubble Bars $8-$12.
  • Lingerie/Loungerie.  Yes, it’s somewhat cliché, but she wants to look charming/sexy/irresistible to you.  So help her out and get her something you’d like to see her in on the regular.  Just make sure you don’t buy it too small… awkward.  Shown above is the BHLDN Translucid Lace Romber $80.  Plum Pretty Sugar also has some beautiful robes, cami dresses, and other adorable lounge pieces.
  • Say it with Bangles.  Kate Spade has a line of idiom bangles and statement jewelry with just the perfect about of classy cheese.  Some favorites are the Kiss a Prince, I Adore You cuff $68, the Heart of Gold idiom bangle for $32, and the Tell All Happy Together emoji bracelet on sale for $40.
  • Cozy Throw.  Nothing says lasting love like a snuggle under a soft throw while watching a rom-com.  So wrap up a cute and cozy throw with a red bow and a romantic comedy DVD (or download, duh), and watch her light up.  Anthropologie has several throws ($68-$148) to choose from including the Aldalora throw for $128 pictured above.  And check out Vulture’s 25 Best Romantic Comedies for some solid movie suggestions.
  • Godiva Truffles.  Godiva truffles are heavenly little pieces of magical goodness, and the Valentine truffle flight $16 is perfect for sharing with a bottle of wine or bubbly.
  • Win her heart via her Pet. Don’t underestimate the power of pet gifts.  Watch her swoon as you present her beloved little furball with a special valentine treat.  Definitely one of the best and most cost-effective ways to make a BIG impression.     Martha Stewart Pets Valentine’s Bear Dog Toy $4.79 
  • Starlight Picnic.  What’s more romantic than a picnic? One under the stars where you can show off your limitless knowledge of the universe courtesy of SkyView stargazing app.  Offering both free and $1.99 versions, SkyView boasts that it brings stargazing to everyone.  Simply point your iPhone or iPad at the sky to identify stars, constellations, satellites, and more.  Make sure to bring along a warm blanket for snuggling, and up the ante with hot chocolate or other tasty treat.
  • Diamond studs.  Want to go big but not sure what to get?  Diamond studs.  Simple, classic, wear-with-everything all day every day diamond studs.  Diamond studs come in a wide range of costs based on a number of factors.  Educate yourself with online information before shopping.  Jewelry websites like Blue Nile are a good starting point.

Hope that helps!  Looking for gifts for him?  Check out the Valentines (for him) post.  Would love to hear what you think!

xoxo

ash1 Comment

Valentines (for him)

Valentine’s day is less than a month away.  I try not to get sucked into all of the commercial buzz, but to ignore the holiday completely is lame.  Even if you’re flying solo this year, go on and treat yourself — e.g. a new pair of shoes or a relaxing day of pampering…   Why not!?!  And if you find yourself fretting over what to get your guy this year, read on for some ideas.  [Stay tuned for the next post for girlie gift ideas!]

valentine for him.JPG

  • Superhero Underoos.  Think of it as lingerie for him.  It may sound silly, but that’s kind of the point.  Lighten up, have a giggle, and get him to model them for you.  My faves are the Batman and Superman; and while I like the Flash, being the fastest man on earth is not a brag for the bedroom, if you know what I mean…  Buy them at Underoos.com for $24.99.
  • Scotch.  A particularly good gift for the yuppy guys.  Prices vary greatly, but good ones can be found starting around $40.  Here’s a good little article on scotches for less than $100 to help get you started.
  • Lush products.  Lush carries a moisturizer called Cosmetic Lad that is ah-mazing.  It smells faintly like an orange creamsicle.  My guy uses it and I’ve been known to borrow it on the regular.  And while you’re at Lush, pick up a massage bar or two for a super sexy holiday rubdown.  Cosmetic Lad is $24.95, and the Massage Bars range from $8-$14.
  • Cologne samples.  Cologne is kind of cliché and can be a bit expensive.  And some guys are super particular about their signature scent.  So what I suggest is picking up travel size bottles or sample size bottles of a few that you like and wrap them up in a little box with a cute red bow.  As he tries them on throughout the weeks to come, be sure to tell him which ones you like.  And then for the next birthday, anniversary, or holiday you can treat him to a full size bottle of the one you like best.  Sephora sells some travel size colognes, and you can usually get free samples of colognes from department stores.
  • The candy bar sneak.  Buy a couple of his favorite candy bars and during the week before Valentine’s day slip them in his bag or briefcase with a sweet short note.  The small but unexpected token of affection oozes with understated cheesy cuteness.
  • Fire pit.  Because apparently nothing says manly more than lighting a fire in a pit.  Oh, and it is super cute to cuddle under blankets next to the fire while sipping a Zin or roasting marshmallows for smores.  Fire pits come in a range of costs and sizes.  Home Depot seems to have a good selection of fire pits starting at $49.
  • Case of beer.  If he’s got a favorite beer, then a case of it is sure to make him happy.  And it’s a gift that is certain not to go to waste.  Just tie a red bow around it or one of those helium balloon hearts to match the holiday.
  • Make him dinner.  No need for a fancy reservation.  Pour some wine, light some candles, play some music, and whip up something… And if cooking is too stressful for you, order in!  Order delivery or take-out from one of you guys’ favorite restaurants and enjoy it in the comfort of your living room.  Très romantic!  But even if you order in, make sure to have a good bottle of wine (or two) to enjoy.
  • Fire extinguisher.  Because it’s about to get HOT!  In all seriousness, a fire extinguisher is a great gift!  If he doesn’t have one yet, he should; and if he does, an extra never hurts (especially if you got him that fire pit).  Plus it’s red, which goes with the holiday color scheme; and there are so many cute things that could be said and photo ops to be had!  “It’s getting hot in here…” “You’re so hot…” “I’m going to make you dinner tonight, bring this just in case…” “Looking forward to your cooking! #safetyfirst”.  The pictured fire extinguisher is available at Home Depot for $18.98.

Hope that helps!

xoxo

ash2 Comments

resolved

Happy New Year! I know I’m a bit late to the resolution game this year, but it’s still January so close enough.  If you haven’t set any 2016 resolutions yet, feel free to borrow some of mine.  I’ll try to memorialize them here in a way that could be broadly applicable.

  • Drink better wine.  Particularly if you’re 30+.  Get with the program.  And while you’re at it, sip don’t guzzle.  Now watch me sip sip my chardonnay-nay.
  • Soak up culture.  I’m planning to get me some at least bi-weekly in some form or another.  Go to a museum, see an opera, attend the theatre, learn a language, travel… Unsure how to get a dose of culture, or even what that means?  Check out How to Become a Person of Culture (with Pictures).  There are more options than you might think!
  • No f@ talk.  Delete “fat” from your vocabulary particularly when talking about yourself or other people.  Self-deprecation is so over, and talking about other people is just rude.  But if you really need to talk about f@, pick a better word.  There are tons to choose from!  i.e. pudge, marbling, fuller, soft, round, voluptuous, stout, extra, padding, plump, large, portly, substantial, bulky, etc.
  • Only buy clothes that fit.  And if you buy something that needs hemming or tailoring, get it done straight away.  Otherwise it’s a waste of money, takes up room in the closet, and adds more stress to getting dressed.  Ain’t no body got time for that!
  • Regular pampering.  Plan something lovely just for you at least once a week.  A bubble bath with a glass of good wine, a mani-pedi, a massage, an extra long coffee break with a new book- set aside time for you and mark it on the calendar.
  • Get rid of stuff.  No more piles of unused stuff taking up space in the house, at the office, in the garage, in the car.  Get rid of it!  Plan to spend one day a month getting rid of stuff and/or organizing.  Embrace the Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up.  As Mary Kondo teaches, if it doesn’t “spark joy”, thank it and get rid of it.
  • Read more.  So many books I want to read!  And yet too often I end up mindlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching Netflix instead of reading.  Read more, it’s good for you.  For real.  10 Reasons Why You Should Read More Books.
  • Get outside.  I’m not talking about camping, that’s not for me.  I’m talking about making a conscious effort to just be outside for at least a little bit every day.  Walking, standing, jogging, or even sitting on the patio with a glass of (good!) wine.  Apparently there’s tons of benefits to getting outside, and I really have no excuse.

And in case you were wondering where this whole New Year’s resolution tradition came from, apparently it dates back 4000 years ago or so to Babylon.  The Romans carried it forward, and here I am doing my part to keep it going.

Cheers to an amazing 2016!  It will be what you make it.

xoxoresolutions

ashLeave a comment

smokey

I recently discovered Burberry cosmetics.  It all started when I was looking for the perfect cream eyeshadow for my garden wedding and a wonderful makeup artist at Nordstrom introduced me to the Burberry Eye Colour Cream in Gold Copper and Mink.  Beautiful color, soft and creamy but not greasy, and solid staying power.  I was hooked.

So when I stumbled upon the the Burberry Runway Makeup Tutorial for Autumn/Winter 2015 and saw the most beautifully wearable smokey eye, I bought nearly all of the products mentioned in the tutorial and then some.  (I skipped the mascara because I’m currently hooked on Diorshow Iconic.)  I’ve been using the products for a couple months now, and while I think there are maybe some practical aspects to the packaging that could be improved, I’m still LOVING them.

IMG_1117

For the smokey eye:   Contour the lid crease with the Burberry Face Contour – Effortless Contouring Pen (I use the Medium No. 1).  Then line the eyes with the Burberry Blendable Kohl Crayon in Jet Black.  (I also really like the Effortless Liquid Eyeliner for a classic black line.)  Then smudge smudge SMUDGE with a smudge brush.  The smudge brush is new to me and I’m sad I didn’t know about it sooner.  And then (IMO) the key to what makes this smokey eye super wearable is that the waterline is done in a STORM GREEN with Burberry Effortless Kohl Eyeliner in Storm Green No. 6 (instead of the usual black).  Follow up with the Eye Colour Cream in Mink and Charcoal, finish with mascara, and a voilà!

For a glowing complexion:  Burberry Fresh Glow – Luminous Fluid Base in Nude Radiance and Golden Radiance.  I often layer both, or mix a drop of the Golden in with the Nude before smoothing over my face.  I find the Golden on its own to be a bit dark for my fair skin, but just a tad adds a healthy warmth to my skin.  And the Burberry Fresh Glow – Highlighting Luminous Pen is by far my favorite highlighter.  I use it on my brow bone, cheekbones, cupid’s bow, and the bridge of my nose– and anywhere else that needs a little brightening!

For the lips and cheeks:  The Burberry tutorial uses the Burberry Kisses Lipstick in Nude Beige.  I adore the color and also have the liner and the gloss, but I do think it works best for fair complexions.  My sister has a slightly darker complexion and the Cameo Nude No. 21 is bomb on her.  And for cheeks, I’m quite fond of the Burberry Lip & Cheek Bloom in Rose No. 1.  Feels like a gel consistency that glides on and doesn’t crease or cake.  Love it.

Have fun!

xoxo

ash1 Comment