DIY Matte Nail Polish!!

Hey Lovelies!! I love nail polish, I always get so happy when I get to paint my nails a different color, and it is always so refreshing!! Sometimes I like really glossy and shiny nails where I can see my reflection, but other times I really want matte nails. I have seen so many pictures of matte black nails but I never knew where to get the polish. So I did some research and found out a way to make your own, at home matte nail polish!! So let’s begin…

What you will need:

-          Nail Polish of choose, I am using a black nail polish.

-          Cornstarch or you can use Backing Soda.

-          Lid or mixing palette, you can use the top of a jar also.

-          Base coat (optional)

-          Tooth pick to mix ingredients

Steps:

1.      Take the mixing palette and pour a few drops of nail polish onto the palette.

2.      Put the same amount of cornstarch or baking soda onto the palette. (the more cornstarch or baking powder, the more matte the nail polish will be).

3.      Mix with the toothpick evenly, you do not want clumps.

4.      Apply to nail with the nail polish brush head. WARNING: you need to apply quickly because it will clump a lot and be harder to apply, it will even out when drying though. Also, it will be glossy at first but when they dry they will dry matte.

You should not put a top coat on your nails because that will ruin the purpose of mattifying your nails, but to add a little pizzazz you can add a clear top coat to the tips of your nails to make it seem like a french manicure with a twist.  

I hope you liked this post, sorry for not posting for a while, so much going on! If you try this out, send me a pic on twitter (Click Here)!! Have a great day!!

- AM

https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA

Spring 2013 Beauty Trends!!

Hey Lovelies!! So today I will be talking to you about the Spring/ Summer 2013 Beauty Trends that you should definitely try out! You may like one trend more than the other but have no worries, there are plenty to choose and experiment with!! It was all about the eyes, either bold or minimalistic, the eyes were the center of attention!! So let's begin..

Intense Eyes: Jewel Tones, Metallics, Bold Color, Long Lashes:



Chanel



Improved "No Make-up" Look: Perfecting the skin, "Blushing" color to the cheeks, Curl to the lashes to open up the eyes, Contoured figured:

Balmain

Lower Lash line Spotlight: Smudged liner, no more neutral:

Diane Von Furstenberg

Pop of Color:

Giles

Sixties: Filled in brows, nude lip:

Marc Jacobs

Matte Look: lips, and, face:

Alexander McQueen

Burberry Prorsum

All Things Pink:


Donna Karan

Browns:

Roberto Cavalli

BIG Lashes:

Gucci

Source:Vogue Beauty Trends
Pictures: GoRunway

Thanks!! I hope you try out some of these trends, I know I will!! I really like the matte look and bold eyes and lips!! Don't be afraid to try out new things and come out of your comfort zone, that's what beauty and fashion is for, to try new things and experiment!! Come back for more fun!! Tweet me a pic of you trying out any of these trends, I would love to see! Have a nice day!!

- AM
https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA

NYFW Trends!!

So New York Fashion Week is coming to an end (sadly) so I decided to do a a post about the fashion trends I have been seeing through out the shows. So let's begin!!

'90's  Reference: plaid, beanies, grunge, layers and dresses over pants were big this week for designers.


Left: BCBG Max Azria. Center: Milly. Right: Elizabeth and James

 Camel: sophisticated chic portrayed through these classic camel coats.


Left: Marc Jacobs. Center: Donna Karan. Right: Derek Lam.

Slim and Structured Bag: Less is more.


Left: Proenza Schouler. Center: 3.1 Phillip Lim Right: Rag and Bone.

Winter White Head to Toe:

Left: Tibi Center: J. Crew. Right: Helmut Lang.

  Metallic Shine:

Left: Christian Siriano, Center: Marc Jacobs, Right: Milly

Military:

Left:  Michael Kors, Center: Prabal Gurung, Right: Calvin Klein

 Detail from day to night:

Left: J. Mendel, Center: Jenny Packham, Right: Carolina Herrera

Skirt Suit:

Left: Thakoon. Center: Oscar de la Renta. Right: Jason Wu

 Texture:


Left: Elizabeth and James. Center: Donna Karan. Right: 3.1 Phillip Lim

So I hope you liked some of these trends!! Make sure to come back for more fun!! Tweet me a pic of any of your recreations of any of these trends!!

- AM
https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA

Source: Fab Sugar

Valentine's Day Outfit Ideas!!

Hey Lovelies!! I have a lovely (get it, love, like Valentine’s Day), posts for you today! I have 3 outfits for every occasion!! No need for a date to wear these outfits on the 14th, your friends, or maybe even alone time is exactly what you will need on Valentine's Day!! I love getting dressed up even if I will be watching the movie Valentine's day at home cuddled up with my dog!! You can wear these outfits everywhere and feel gorgeous!! So let’s begin…


Foreign Film Red Dress


This outfit is for a date night, maybe with someone special or your best girlfriends celebrating singleness!! Love It!! I like the color, and the longer sleeves, since we still are in the winter season it will keep you a little warmer. I like that it is body con so it will show off your curves. I like the V neck that isn’t too low but perfect for showing a little decollate skin! I would pair this with gold jewelry and nude heels.

Someday Sweetheart Strapless Blush Pink Midi Dress

Next outfit is a little more casual but perfect for date night like the first outfit. I like the sweetheart neckline, a very girly appeal. The color is perfect for everyone! I would wear gold or silver jewelry on this outfit, you can be daring and wear red heels also, or stick to nude for a very sweet look.

Red Cropped Pants

The last outfit is casual dressy. I would wear this to a movie date, or a less casual affair. It is girly but still gorgeous. I like that the red pants are incorporated to stay with Valentine’s Day colors. The black blazer is an essential and gives a more dressy appeal to the outfit. I would wear flats or go with wedges/ heels to make it more glam; nude or black is perfect. Like every look here, you can wear silver or gold jewelry. Whatever you think works well with your complexion and style!!

All the outfits here today are from LuLu's; a great store for everything girly and glam!!

I hope you liked all the outfits and try them out!! If you do take inspiration from any of these outfits, tweet a picture to me!!

-         AM

https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA

NYFW!!

Hey Lovelies!! I just wanted to inform you that New York Fashion Week is here!! Today was the first day! This week is hitting off the Spring and Summer collections, so that means short shorts and gorgeous bathing suits!!

- AM
https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA

OOTN

Hey Lovelies!! How are you today on this fine Saturday!! I attended a party last night for my friends birthday, so I decided to share what I wore!! So lets begin...

I was going for sophisticated glam and I think I achieved the look. My dark grey tanktop is from Sugarlips. My essential blazer that every girl should have, its a staple, is from Forever 21. My black sparkly skirt was a gift, so I don't know where I got it. I am wearing black tights with my nude heels. I really didn't add any pop of color, I really wanted to go for neutrals. My bracelet and Necklace are also from Forever 21. I wore my hair straight and my nails are Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips in kitty kitty, it is just cheetah print, I love them!!

Thanks, and sorry for not posting in a long time, I think I will start posting blog posts on Sundays and Wednesdays. So look out for 2 every week! I swear!! Come back for more fun!

P.S. If you attended a party tweet me a pic of your outfit, I would love to see it!

- AM
https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA

OOTD

Hey Lovelies!! I feel like a Tommy Hilfiger model today! When I woke up and put my outfit on I just felt European, I just don’t know why. LOL. But back to business, so I am going to start posting pictures of my outfit of the day (OOTD) when I feel like it is special!! I love the trend of collared shirts under sweaters and today I finally did it! So here’s my look:

I like how I rolled up the sleeves to show some of the ombrè part of the button down shirt which is from Target. I love this sweater, definitely my favorite sweater that I have in my wardrobe, it is a cable knit sweater and the contrast against the blue just seems cool to me, I got this sweater at Forever 21. My jeans are from Hollister. My boots are brown and black contrast and I love how chic and refined they look. To me they give off like a polished and sophisticated feel. (Sorry don’t know where they are from! I got them for Christmas.) I just went with my everyday jewelry; the bangle is from Henry Bendel. My earrings are just silver cross earrings from Forever 21. My nails are Sally Hansen hard as nails in gunmetal. I just wore my hair in a messy side braid.

So this is my completed look! Hope you liked it! Come back for more fun!

-         AM

How I Curl My Hair: Everyday Curly Hair!!

Hey Lovelies!! So I haven't posted a new blog post in such a long time and I am so sorry for that; I have been in love with curling my hair for an everyday look so I decided why don't I show you how to do it also!! I like to use a regular curling iron to get looser and more "natural" curls, when using a wand I seem to get more tighter curls which I don't prefer for an everyday look!! I love the Conair Instant Heat 1 inch Curling Iron. I got it from Target last year and it is still going strong. I personally think Conair curling irons are great, I have another one that is 1/2 in and that also works great!! I think the 1 in just makes amazing curls!!

Before I curl my hair I always use heat protectant, I use the Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray, it works with all heat products but I primarily use it for just curling my hair. If I do straighten it I will use the John Frieda Straight Heat Protectant. It is really important to use a heat protectant, it is essential to shield it from over heating and damaging or breaking the hair. I like to flip my head over and spray this on the front and back of my hair then brush it through with a wide toothed comb to distribute it all over my hair evenly.

When I curl my hair I split my hair into 2 parts, from the top of the ear and up; I first work with the bottom section. I like to wrap the hair around the curling iron away from my face. I keep the hair smooth on the surface of the iron, if you keep it like bunched up it will come out with a different curl. I like to keep my ends out of the curl so I don't damage them and get split ends.

I hold it for 10 - 20 seconds, on 9 which is probably 200 - 250 degrees.

After I am done I like to drop the curl into my palm and hold it there for 5 seconds while it curls off.



Usually I don't like to put any product on my hair after I curl it but if I did I would put a pea size amount of the John Frieda Secret Weapon Finishing Creme. I scrunch it into my hair and it just tames frizz and adds some more curl and shine. I would also spray some Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play Volumizing Hair Spray to add volume and keep the curl all throughout the day. I also like to scrunch this after spraying to add more of a curl.



First picture is when it is completely done (without hairspray and finishing creme). I flip my hair over and shake it a little and this is the complete finished look in the second picture. Now I am completely done!! You can add a braid, twist, clip or any hair accessory to add more glam!!

Thanks!! Hope you try this out!! If you do, send me a picture on twitter!! https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA

- AM

Have a great day!! Do you have any techniques or products you love to use for curling your hair, let me know in the comments!! 

Bloglovin!!!

Hey lovelies! I just joined Bloglovin!! You can go sign up and follow my blog to make sure you never miss the next time I post a new blog post!! Thanks!!

- AM

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4672987/?claim=4hmjrv3kdcu">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Say What: Lemon Water

I drink alot of water every day, and just drinking plain water gets boring, I have done my research and learned a great tip about lemons!! Not only do they add flavor to your boring water but they have amazing benefits also!!

1.      Lemons have a lot of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and Citric Acid which help boost your immune system, and increases collagen for smooth glowing skin!

2.      Lemons will actually reduce hunger and it is also amazing for detoxifying your body which will get all the toxins out and keeping all the good stuff in! Also it is great for digestion!

3.      Research has shown that it will actually keep you more alert, which is a plus for those Monday mornings in class where you’re just too tired to pay attention!

I like to put a lemon slice in my water every morning and just drink it while I get ready in the morning, which will keep me hydrated for the day! Fun fact: when you wake up you are actually dehydrated since over night you have not drank any fluids so drinking water right when you wake up will help, like I said, in hydration! Finally, water can also clear your skin, so say bye bye to breakouts!

Hope you drink a lot of lemon water today! Thanks and come back for more!

- AM
http://twitter.com/FashionForwardA

Color of the Year!!

Pantone has announced the color of the year!! I am so in love with this years color! Emerald Green! Every year Pantone chooses a color for the year to inspire fashion, beauty, and anything else! Last year was tangerine tango and this year is the "Ultramarine Green" or emerald!! I think emerald is such a gorgeous color! So here are a few inspirational ideas, and how others incorporated the hot color of the year!



Essie Nail Polish in "Going Incognito"



So, I hope you like this color because you probably will be seeing alot of it this year! I definitely will be on the look out for more of this color to incorporate into my style!! Have a great day! P.S. I got a
Pose, my username is FashionForwardAM!! Go follow!!

- AM
https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA



Can Your Nails Do More then Look Good?!

I read a post on laurenconrad.com that wowed me and probably will be wowing you also! Have you recently given your nails a good look, and I mean fresh, bare, non polished nails. If you haven't, next time you take your polish off, you have too! Your nails can actually tell you how healthy you are!! I know that sounds really weird but it's true!! So...

If your nails are Peeling. It may mean your diet is lacking an important nutrient like linoleic acid. You need to increase the cooking oils you have in your diet like, vegetable oil, olive oil, or peanut oil.

If your nails are Yellow. Girlllll you need to callllmmmm down! Stop with the polish for a while! You need to let your nails breathe for a little, it is okay, just for a few days, I swear, they will restore!

If your nails are Brittle. Are you eating enough iron-rich foods in your diet, because I think you are not! Eat more lettuce or any leafy green vegetables and eggs! Also, drink ALOT of water every single day! To find out how much you need, take your body weight and divide it by 2! That is how much fl oz of water you need to consume every day. It may seem like a lot but don't you worry, when you get into the habit, it will be really easy! Or you could drink 8 glasses a day.

If your nails have Ridges. Every thing is alright, it is totally normal! You may be stressed, anxious, or just sleep deprived. Calm down, do some yoga, and get a good nights sleep and everything will be okay! No need for being stressed.

If your nails are Blue. Go to the doctor, you are not okay. You probably are not breathing right or are not getting enough circulation throughout your body.

Okay, well there you go! Nails can do so much more!! Thanks and come back for more fun!!

- AM

Spring 2013 Fashion Trends!!

Hey Lovelies!! I didn't know what to type about today, but don't worry, I got an idea!! Since it is the winter and spring is next, I decided to tell you some of the trends that will be going viral next season!! I knew I had to tell all you fashionistas about it so that you can go on a shopping spree, or look through your closet to make sure you're ready for this spring!! So let's begin!! All the trends and pictures are from Marie Claire Top Spring 2013 Fashion Trends Straight from the Runway!!



Helmut Newton Effect
BCBG Max Azria





Water Trend
Proenza Schouler





Stripes
Oscar de la Renta



Peek-a-Boo Midriff
Jill Stuart

  



All-White Slice and Dice
Alexander Wang

 




Sheer
Timo Weiland

 


Chambray and Denim
BCBG Max Azria


Thanks!! Have a geat day!! Hope you will be showing off some of these trends!!

- AM
https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA

Drugstore Makeup Favorites!!

Hey Lovelies!! Today, I was thinking what I should do for a post, and I was thinking, since I do alot of high end favorites, I decided to do a favorites for the drugstore. This tag is perfect because the drugstore is affordable, and close to really anyone. Over the years, drugstore makeup has become amazing quality! So lets begin!!

1. Favorite drugstore makeup brand!
- I would have to say, it is a mix between Maybelline, Revlon and L'Oreal. I like all Maybelline products. I like the Revlon Colorstay/ Photo Ready products and from L'Oreal I like their lip products.

2. Favorite face, cheek, eye and lip products!
- Foundation: Revlon Colorstay is by far my favorite! It stays put ALL day and it does not fade, look cakey, or crease. It is also super build able which is great for everyone because you can put just a little on for light coverage or build it up for full coverage, suited for all skin types.

- Concealer: Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer! I put this under my eyes to camouflage my dark circles and just by putting this on over my foundation it looks like I got a full nights sleep (but really who ever does)! You can also highlight your features (top of cheekbones, bridge of nose, cupids bow, below lips, forehead) with it which is great, it is basically a 2 in 1 product.

- Setting Powder: Maybelline Dream Matte Powder! It really locks in your concealer and foundation and keeps it in place all day. It is really perfect for anyone that has combination/ oily skin types. I like to pat my settingpowder onto the skin because, once you put your foundation and concealer on, it isn't exactly into your skin and if your sweep the powder on you can move your foundation and concealer; so i pat it into to really lock in everything!

- Bronzer: Physicians Formula Bronze Booster! This product is amazing for contouring, it gives you an all over glow that wont make you orange but gives you just the best tan! It also has some benefits like, carob tree extract which helps to naturally enhance a healthy-looking bronze glow. Vitamin C and E are potent antioxidants which help to improve skin's clarity and radiance. If you use it daily it helps to boost skins natural luminosity.

- Blush: Revlon Photo Ready Cream Blushes! They may only have a few colors but they are really great for a natural blushing color! Blush is basically a way to brighten the face and this is just great for that!

- Lip Balm: Maybelline Baby lips! They are so nice! They come in clear and have some colored balms if you want a little color on your lips. They last well and just make your lips so smooth and soft, even in the winter season! Also I love the L'Oreal Color Riche Balms!

- Lip Sticks/ Gloss: Really any L'Oreal gloss or lip stick is nice! All of the ones I have are smooth and apply nicely! I love the 8 hour Infallible Le Glosses from L'Oreal though, they are amazing! They have great color, are opaque, and last for such a long time! They also have plumping lip glosses that do the trick for any one who just wants to enhance there lips and make them fuller!

- Lip Stains: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains.

- Lip Butter: I Love the Revlon Lip Butters! They are amazing, that's it, just amazing!

- Cream Eye Shadows: Maybelline 24 Hour Cream Eye shadows are amazing! I have some of the Makeup Forever cream shadows and the Maybelline ones are just as amazing for a fraction of the cost! They stay on great, don't crease and are perfect for eye shadow bases for any eye look. I like Bad to the Bronze the most, it is just an amazing product!

- Mascara: I like any of the Maybelline mascaras, they all are great and just make your lashes look fantastic!

- Eyeliner: I like the Revlon Color Stay Eye liners, they are creamy, stay in place, and are pigmented!

- Gel Liner: Maybelline gel liners! I like to put this on my lower lash line to pull a look together and it just gives me the neatest line ever! I just love how nicely it applies!

- Liquid Liner: Revlon Color stay Liquid Liner Pen! I love just putting this on my upper lash line and it just makes them look so much thicker and great!

Thanks! Have a great day!!

- AM
https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA