Some of My Favorite Fashion Quotes!!

• "Fashion has two purposes: comfort and love. Beauty comes when fashion succeeds". - Coco Chanel

• "Fashion fades, only style remains the same". - Coco Chanel

• "Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable". - Coco Chanel

• "Simplicity, good taste, and grooming are the three fundamentals of good dressing and these do not cost money". - Christian Dior

• "It is unforgivable to do what one doesn't love, especially if one succeeds". - Christian Dior

• "I think we have to be aware that people are allowed to make mistakes in their life". - Christian Dior

Have a great day and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

- AM

NYE Makeup and Hair Idea!!

Like my New Year’s Eve outfit Ideas, here is what I will be doing to my hair and makeup! I go for curls and smoky eyes! I have hazel/ green eyes so green complements them very well, so does mocha browns, gold and purple colors! If you have blue eyes then go for browns, earth toned shades, taupe, rose or purple shades. If you have brown eyes, then go for really any eye shadow but if you want your eyes to pop go for a green, blue, or gold color.  (This look is also my everyday curly hair and go to green smoky eye!)

Makeup: I am doing a green smoky eye and nude lip.



Tarte Clean Slate Poreless Face Primer, Tarte Clean Slate Eye Primer, Maybelline Baby Lips in Quenched



1.       Prime eyes and face and apply chap stick to your lips. By priming you ensure that your eye and face products will be locked in and stay in place.



(Left) Covergirl Intense Shadowblast as my base. (Center) Maybelline Sunbaked Nuetrals Quad as my shadows, I used the last 2 green shades on the far right as my lid and crease color. (Right) Maybelline Color Tattoo in Too Cool as my highlight for my brow bone and inner corner.

 

2.       Apply eye shadow base so that the shadows on the top will be vibrant and appear more opaque.

3.       Sweep a light green color all over lid.

4.       Put a darker green in the outer corner and crease and sweep it on the bottom lash line.

5.       Blend!

6.       Use a matte white color for highlighting the brow bone and the shimmery white to highlight the inner corner. By highlighting you lift and make the eye appear more bright and awake.



(Right) Revlon Colorstay Eyeline in Black Brown as eyeliner. (Center) Revlon Growluscious Mascara (lengthening) in Blackest Black. (Right) L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes (Volumizing) in Blackest Black.



7.       Apply liquid, gel, or pencil liner (whatever you prefer) in a complementary color or the same color as the color on your lid to the upper lash line.

8.       (Optional) apply a black liner to the lower lash line. This will make the eyes appear smaller and more defined. 

9.       Curl lashes and apply mascara to the desired look.

10.   Sweep the excess shimmer off below your eyes with a brush.




(Left) Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer as my under eye concealer. (Center) Covergirl Clean Pressed Powder in buff beige. (Right) Covergirl Clean Foundation in Buff Beige.

 11.   Apply foundation and concealer to the desired places and set everything in place with a setting powder.

12.   Define your eye brows to make a sleek defined appearance. By filling them in with a powder, gel, or pencil you lift and slim the face.




(Left) Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Pink Frosting. (Center) Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer. (Right) Sonia Kashuk Shimmering Highlighter.

 

13.   Apply blush to the cheek bones/ highlighter to the bridge of your nose, center of forehead, and tops of your cheek bones/ and bronzer to the high points of your face (forehead and temples, below the cheek bones, and on the jaw line) to give a natural tan glow.




(Left) Sephora Long Wearing Lipstick in Maniac, it is a nude with shimmer and pink undertones. (Center) Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Illume. (Right) Neutrogena Moisture Shine Gloss in Healthy Blush. (Drugstore and High end choose of lip gloss, I only used the smashbox and sephora lip combo.) 

 

14.   Finish the look off with a light pink or nude lipstick and lip gloss and you’re done!

Hair: I am doing loose curls!

1.       Turn on curling iron.

2.       Apply heat tamer spray and brush hair to distribute product all over; wait 5 minutes to let product sink into hair. Optional, apply gel to hair to hold curl more.

3.       Section hair off by clipping up the top of your hair from the middle of the ear up.

4.       Take 1 inch sections from the back and wrap around curling iron away from your face.

5.       Hold for desired time, I have somewhat easy hair to curl so I hold it for 10 seconds.  Then drop into your hand and hold for 5 seconds. (If you have really hard to curl hair, hold for a longer time on iron then pin curl to head and let sit till it’s cooled.)

6.       Finish sectioning off hair and curling the same way, then hairspray all the curls.

7.       (Optional) tease hair.

9.       I like to apply a finishing crème in my hair to add more hold to the curls and to make my hair softer.

Okay so you are done with your complete NYE look!! Have a great night and see you next year!!!

-AM

https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA

Favorites: Hair Care!!

It is the end of the favorite’s series! Today is my favorite hair products! I do not do a lot to my hair; I leave it natural about 99% of the time. Occasionally I will curl it and, omg if I ever straighten it, something is going on. I do not want to damage my hair so I do prefer leaving it natural so that I keep my hair healthy! I have very thin flat hair so I really like to use things to give me more volume! So let’s begin!

Favorite…

1.       Shampoo: I am using the Big Shampoo from Lush. I just started using it last week though, but I already fell in love with it! It gives me volume, shine, and leaves my hair so soft! This shampoo has seaweed in it to soften the hair and citrus for mega shine! It also contains sea salt which is great for de greasing the hair! It’s natural too! It has a much different texture then regular shampoos but don’t worry, you use it exactly the same way!

       2.       Conditioner: To go hand in hand with the shampoo, I also like Big Solid Conditioner from Lush. It gives your hair mega volume, shine, and softness. Basically you rub it all over the place where you would normally put your conditioner, don’t be fooled by the way it looks.

3.       Fortifying Shampoo: I like the Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Fortifying Shampoo. I remember using it for the very first time and I was like “HOLY MOLY” I do not use a lot on my hair but I felt a difference with the texture of my hair. It felt clean. This shampoo is great for taking all the buildup and dirt out of your hair and deep cleaning it.

4.       Oil Treatment: Bio Silk Silk Therapy is my favorite! I also like Moroccan oil but bio silk is my holy grail! I have been using it forever and it just adds shine and softness to my hair. I also use it as a detangle product; before I brush my hair out I like to put a dime sized amount in my hair and it helps take out all the tangles.

5.       Heat Tamer Spray: Tressemè Heat Tamer Spray is my favorite for blow drying and curling (it also can be used for flat ironing) my hair. I like the pump because it evenly distributes the product all over my hair. My favorite for flat ironing is the John Frieda Frizz Ease Heat Defeat which is ideal for straightening your hair. This product weighs down the hair so that it is easier to flat iron, which means using less heat!

6.       Hairspray: L'Oreal Elnett Hair Spray is the bomb.com! I can spray this all over my head and it won’t get crunchy! My #1 pet peeve with hairspray is crunchiness, I can’t stand it, and I need to be able to move my hair. I usually will spray it right after doing my curls and then run through them to separate and my curls will stay in place and won’t lose the curl, love it!

7.       Dry Shampoo: I like the Batiste Dry Shampoo. I do not like oily roots and this baby zaps them away! Whenever I am running somewhere and I feel like my hair looks gross, (it happens to all of us) I will add a little bit of this all over my roots and my hair will look better! I also like the Sauve Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo which also does the trick.

8.       Blow dry Cream: Organix Moroccan Smooth Perfection Blow Out Cream is great! It makes my hair extra soft and smooth and adds a bunch of shine! I like to use it at night right after my bio silk silk therapy and both of these products just make wonders for my hair!

9.       Sea Salt Spray: Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray. If I ever use anything to get more refined lose curls then I use this product when my hair is damp. I love to put this in my hair at night before bed and twist little sections around my fingers and when I wake up I have nice lose curls! They do look great if I might add!

10.   Finishing Crème: John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Flawless Finishing Creme. This is the ultimate product to hold, add shine, and put the cherry on top of any do. After I straighten or curl my hair I just add this and viola, my look is complete!  

11.   Curling Iron: Hot Tools Curling Irons are amazing! I love them! I just love how they are great quality, and last for a long time!

12.   Flat Iron: KQC Flat Iron. This is supposed to be one of the best flat irons on the market, and omg I can agree! It takes me 5 minutes to straighten my hair when I use this, even though I never do it, but that’s okay. I go over my hair once and it is straight, I love it! I also have used it on my friend who has thick, long, coarse hair and it makes her hair look really good also, so it works on every hair type!

Thanks!! Have a great day!! I hoped you liked this series!! I will have my first makeup and hair tutorial up very soon!!

-          AM

New Year's Eve Outfit Ideas!!

Hey!! New Year's Eve is just around the corner and many people (especially me, seriously) have no idea what to wear! When I think of NYE (new year's eve), I think SPARKLES and SEQUINS!! I love sparkles and sequins all year round but oh, I go cray cray during this fine day! All the pieces that I picked out are from Forever 21’s Holiday Glitz Section. They are affordable and easy to get, just perfect for a quick outfit find! So lets begin!

Outfit 1: Silver and Black! I love this outfit! The silver dress is body hugging and has a higher neck so it is perfect for a peter pan collar necklace. The bracelet is a subtle detail that just adds more to the look. I love that the clutch and the shoes match, in my opinion I feel like that ties the whole look together. I think this is my favorite look.

Outfit 2: This black body con dress with a v-neck back is perfect for people who don’t want to go all out like the silver dress but still want that pizz azz in their outfit. I like the gold that I added; I think that it adds a pop of glam to the outfit! I would add the belt where the sequined bodice ends and the plain skirt starts. For a plus, the belt will cinch in the waist. Now obvi you have to wear shoes, I was going with this gold flat that has the gold for the accessories but also has black to match with the dress. You could wear gold heels also if you don’t like flats. For a plus though you can stand for hours and your feet won’t hurt! The bracelet is also a subtle detail but does go with the mixing metals trend. Finally the bag makes the whole outfit work in my opinion, I love how sparkly it is!

Hair and Makeup: Seriously whatever you want to do/ feel comfortable with is fine. You can do an intense cat eye or sparkly eye shadow or maybe a bold lip, whatever you like! Just remember BALANCE! If you have a main focus on your eyes, then tone down the lips, same for the opposite, if you have a bold lip, tone down the eyes. Make sure you also don’t take away from the gorgeous outfit you pick! For the hair, you could also do whatever your little heart desires, a top knot would look good though or striaght or loose waves pined back to show your face wuld also look gorg!

Thanks! Have a great day/ new year!! Come back for more fun!

-          AM

Favorites: Skin Care!!

Hey!! Part 3!! Today I am talking about skin care, probably the most important part of this favorites series!! I do a lot of research in skin care just to make sure I know exactly what I am doing/ applying to my skin, I mean your skin is really important to you! So let’s begin!

Favorite…

1.      Face Wash: Cetaphil Cleanser is probably the best face wash I have ever had, it is my holy grail. Every time I run out I always end up going right back to Cetaphil. It is a very gentle cleanser made for all skin types that cleanses but doesn’t strip your skin of natural essential oils. I use this in the morning and at night!





2.      Face Moisturizer: I love the Aveeno Daily Moisturizer. It brightens and smoothes the skin, basically it is suppose to improve the tone and texture of the skin. It’s perfect for the morning because it isn’t too thick but just light enough for morning application. But you should always moisturize in the morning and night!

3.      Body Moisturizer: I like the Nivea Smooth Sensation daily body lotion. It’s not too thick for a daily lotion but it absorbs fast and for me it doesn’t leave an oily base on the top of my skin which I hate. I use this right when I get out of the shower.

4.      Under Eye Cream: Lush Enchanted Eye Cream is my favorite. For one thing it is all natural, which means no phosphates or parabens, which aren’t the best for your skin. Also it really is good for soothing the eye area and smoothing fine lines. I like to put this on after my toner and eye roller and just before my face moisturizer. Always Remember, DO NOT put eye cream right under the eye, it will irritate your eyes, always put it about an inch below the eye, the cream will crease up to the desired place and set into the skin. You just need a VERY small amount because a little goes along ways!

5.      Under Eye Roller: Now most of you will probably be saying “what the heck is an eye roller?” Well the Garnier Skin Renew Anti Puff Eye Roller is amazing. Sadly I do have puffiness underneath the eye area so I love to use this product every morning before moisturizer and it just reduces the puffiness and freshens my eye area. I love using this product, seriously it is a life savor! Using this product and the eye cream makes wonders for my eye area!

6.      Toner: I like the Breath of Fresh Air Toner from lush. It’s perfect for soothing the skin and calming it. I use this product at night before my moisturizer. The aloe vera cools the skin while rose and clarifying herbs sooth and balance skin.

7.      Body Wash: Dove Cool Moisture Body Wash. I like the cucumber and green tea scent. For one thing this moisturizes, cleanses, and calms the skin at once! It kills 3 things in one use!

8.      Face Scrub: St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub is my holy grail! I use it about 4 times a week; I like to use it at night. It really just deep cleans and gets all the buildup in my pores out. Apricots are great antioxidants that gently clean and nourish skin! This product brightens the complexion of your skin.

9.      Body Scrub: Ocean Salt from Lush is a great scrub. It really deep cleans your skin; it also isn’t so harsh on the skin which is also an advantage. The sea salt is perfect for really getting into the pores and zapping all the dirt, makeup, and oil build up to reveal fresh skin! It is also a face scrub! This product has avocado and coconut which is perfect for hydrating your skin; the vodka and lime works as an antibacterial property.

10.  Face Mask: My favorite right now is the Freeman Facial Clay Mask. Avocado and oatmeal (which is in the mask) are ideal for deep cleaning and softening the skin.

11.  Self Tanner: (1) St. Tropex Tan Bronzing Mousse is amazing! I love the way it gives such a natural tan and it isn’t streaky for me, they also have a mitten for application so that your hands don’t get that unruly irregular color between the fingers (self tanner’s worst nightmare!). (2) But if I want a gradual tan then I will use the Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Self Tanner.

12. Makeup Remover: I love the Mac Cleanse off Oil and Tranquil. I will use this then right after I wash my face, all my makeup will vanish, this really gets everything off. It also soothes the redness from irritating your eye area from the tugging of the lashes and eyes. It gets off waterproof mascara also, which is a major plus!

13.  Hand Cream:  Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is a great hand cream. I apply it in the morning and at night and my hands are always smooth. I hate when my hands are even a little dry and with the use of this hand cream I don’t have that problem, ever (especially since I am a germ phoebe).

Thank you!! Come back soon for a complete look for NYE (New Years Eve)!! Have a great day!!

- AM

https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA

Favorites: Fashion Edition!!

Part 2 of this series is here! Fashion Favorites! I love fashion so much! (I hope you can tell or I’m failing at this blog). It was hard to come up with my favorites actually, because I didn’t know the topics to choose and I just love so many of my clothes that it was so difficult to choose just one, but don’t worry I did! Success! So let’s begin!

Favorite…

1.       Pajamas: I love this pair of fluffy pajamas! They are so comfortable! The pattern is the best part to, I mean who doesn’t like pink and red! This pair is from Forever 21 lingerie line.

2.       Sweater: (1^st) I like to have a staple color when it comes to sweaters, but they have to be soft and not itchy! This sweater is the best because you can dress it up and down, and it will always look good. This sweater is from Forever 21. Also the Wildfox beach jumpers (2^nd) are the softest, comfiest sweaters ever! I love wearing them on the days where I don’t feel like working to look good but I still want to dress nicely.

3.       Jeans: These jeans are so comfy! They literally are perfect for the times where I have so much to do and I don’t want to be uncomfortable! They are the perfect neutral and are so easy to dress anything with. I got these jeans at The Denim Project – Easton (I have a blog post about this store, definitely my favorite store to go get jeans from, look in the side bar for the post, November 2012).

4.       Shorts: I love these high waited turquoise lace shorts! They are from Forever 21. They are just so different and that is probably the reason why I bought them!  

5.       Skirt: Body con, floral skirt… LOVE! This skirt is from Forever 21 also (I am realizing I shop here a lot)! Perfect for cinching in the waist! You can tuck your shirt into it and just let the band on top show or pair it with a belt for more of a sleek look.

6.       Long-Sleeve Shirt: This rich forest green color is perfect for me! I love the sheerness of it, so it is okay for all seasons! It is a high – low shirt with adjustable sleeves, which is my favorite so you can adjust them to a certain season if you want.

7.       Jacket: I love this denim jacket! It is rocker and girly and just cool! Lol! I got it at The Denim Project – Easton. I love dressing it up and down.

8.       Short-Sleeve Shirt: (1^st) Perfect for any occasion! I love the embellished collar which adds an edginess vibe to the shirt. (2^nd)I like just comfy light weight flowy shirts that are perfect for casual days. The 2 in the back are from Forever 21 and the gray one is from Pac Sun.

9.       Tank top: I LOVE muscle tees! They are the coolest tank tops ever! I always feel hardcore when wearing them lol! I like tees with patterns or sayings on it to add more pizzazz to the shirt! The gray one is from Pac Sun and the white one is from Forever 21.

10.   Dress: Girly comes to my mind when I see this dress. I like the belt that cinches in at the waist, it adds more to the whole dress. I like that there are sleeves and obvi I love the lace! This is from Forever 21.

11.   Shoes:

·         Boots: I like the wedge and the buckle detail, they are so comfy! I get leg pains if I don’t wear shoes with a heel or arch and I can walk in these forever and they won’t make my legs hurt after a while of walking! These are from Target.

·         Oxfords are the best shoes ever! I don’t like wearing sneakers to school but I wear these all the time! These are from Target.

·         Sandals: I like that this pair has a buckle that wraps around my ankle. I have really narrow feet and these sandals work perfectly for me!

·         Heels: I just like these! I like the peep toe so that if I have a pedicure for a special event you can see it and I love the height of the heel, just right for me. I am 5’10” so I can’t wear too high of a heel for everyday use, these are just right!

12.   Bag: I am not a crazy bag hoarder, I only have 2 bags and this is the only one I use really! This is from Nine West. It isn’t too big or too small for me. I don’t hold a lot so it’s perfect and I like the long strap!

13.   Scarf: I don’t own a lot of scarves but I just love this one! Its big and cozy and just cool in general. I just really like it!

Thanks for reading! Happy Holidays! Come back soon for the hair care, skin care, and misc. editions of the this series! Have a great day!

- AM

https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA