I really do have a problem... a colorful problem.

After being all tied up all winter long, her layers unlace to reveal the bright bikini so teeny days of summer. Shimmering color takes
center stage as she reigns in her seductive off the shoulder look, inspiring fear or desire in those who admire her. Suddenly, mojito
madness sets in and it’s time to be carefree. Even on hot summer days, she knows how to be forever cascade cool.

Now is the time to suit up. Whether you prefer to strike a pose poolside or relax at the beach, the myriad maillot varieties provide endless inspiration for this season’s haute couleurs. Wherever you may fall on the swimsuit spectrum, there’s a color for it – and it’s invariably Essie.

Fear or Desire—bright orange

Off the Shoulder— hot pink

Cascade Cool—shimmery carnation pink

Bikini so Teeny— sky blue

All Tied Up—molten bronze

Mojito Madness—lime

I've been stalking my local drugstores for a "early" appearance, as these aren't scheduled to appear on shelves until June 2012.  Although I have full intentions of taking home the whole collection, I've especially got my eye on its namesake, Bikini so Teeny and Mojito Madness.

"Tickled Pink" Part 3 of 3

Pink nails can be super chic and neon nails are all the rage this season.  They are bold and fantastic and the perfect accessory this spring/summer.  As always, Essie is at the forefront of nail trends with their Poppy Razzi collection with 4 vibrant neon shades.  Since this is a pink themed post, I'll focus on "Lights" which is a electric, bubblegum pink, and is absolutely fabulous.  This color goes on smooth and has killer staying power. 

Things to keep in mind:  After you apply a good basecoat, reach for a white.  I know it sounds funny, but it makes your color super vibrant.  Also, to each is own, but I find that neons look best on a shorter nail.  Think, more square with curves edges.  Keep it classy!

Pink is amazing!  It is feminine and romantic, affectionate, thoughtful and caring. It tones down the passion of red and replaces it with a gentle energy.  It is a positive color inspiring warm and comforting feelings, a sense that everything will be okay.

Learn more about the color pink: http://www.sensationalcolor.com/color-messages-meanings/color-meaning-symbolism-psychology/all-about-the-color-pink.html

"Everything's Rosey" Part 2 of 3

Pink is great.  I think most girls would agree.  On this gray day in New England, I can think of no better way to brighten the day than a 3 part, pink spectacular.  Here's a simple, pink inspired makeup idea.

1.  Moisturize!  It's so important to moisturize, it keeps your skin happy.  I like Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion.  It's fragrance free, light, absorbs quickly, and is non-irritating.

2.  Since spring is here, and summer is just around the corner, try a tinted moisturizer for a light coverage that lets your natural skin shine through.  I used Aveeno's Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer: medium. 

3.  Add a little sheer color on the cheeks.  I'm a big fan of theBalm Staniac: Beauty Queen.  Gives just a touch of long-lasting sheer color, is totally buildable and can also be used on the lips for a stain.  Keep it handy, we'll use it again.

4.  Once that sets give your cheeks, and the spots that the sun would naturally hit, a gentle dusting of some bronzer.  I used theBalm Bahama Mama Bronzer.  It's light, matte, and buildable, making it universally flattering for most, if not all, skin tones.

5.  Finish with a pinky peach blush applied with a light hand.  theBalm's Frat Boy is a perfect natural looking pink that gives you the perfect blush of color.  Keep it out, we'll use it again.

6.  Keep the eyes super simple.  I used an earthy gray-tone as a base, theBalm's Just This Once Jamie and then I used my blush Frat Boy on top to warm up the color.  This ties in really nicely with the pink tones in the face.  I used a thin line of dark brown liner to define the eyes.

7.  Here's where the Staniac comes into play again, (you can use any pink stain you feel like... Revlon Just Bitten has a shade of pink that will give you a similar effect).  Apply it to your lips, you can build color or just do a single application; either way it will give your lip color come staying power.  I finished with theBalm's AutoBalm: Posthaste.  It's a pretty, slightly iridescent pink, that really enhances your lips nicely.  theBalm has some fantastic, non-sticky lip glosses, but you can use any pink gloss that you like.

This whole look is super easy to pull off and only takes like, 15 minutes tops.  You can really swap out any of the products I used with your favorite products.  The key is a light hand and BLENDING for a natural overall look.

Want my earrings?  Ron Jon Surf Shop Plumeria Blossoms
 http://www.ronjonsurfshop.com/women/accessories/jewelry/plumeria_earrings_pink_center.aspx?DepartmentId=804

theBalm Frat Boy review http://beautyconfessions5.blogspot.com/2012/01/fake-it-dont-bake-it.html
theBalm Staniac review http://beautyconfessions5.blogspot.com/2011/12/stainiac-for-sure.html

"Pink, it's my new obsession..." Part 1 of 3

Pink, pink, pink!  I've had an obsession with pink hair since I was in the 5th grade.  No Doubt's Return of Saturn had just come out and Gwen was looking super cool with pink locks.  Throughout the years, my hair has been pretty much every *natural* looking color, reds, browns, blondes, blacks... the works, but I've always kept pink at the back of my mind.  With the emergence of Pintrest, I've seen a million girls rocking pink and looking fabulous, and I couldn't resist the pink any longer.  Not to mention the inspiration of the fabulous Charlotte Free.

Gwen Stefani

After a lot of research and thought, I settled on a more "cotton candy pink"... something a bit more muted.  I had done a shocking pink "highlight" last summer, but for a more all-over pink I felt it a better decision to go a bit lighter.  I also chose to let a lot of the blonde peak through.

My pink: My hair was already super blonde so I didn't pre-lighten.  If your hair is darker, a bleach kit is necessary.  If you are not already well-versed in the world of lightening... you may want to consider going to a professional.  There really aren't any "permanent" pinks, so keep in mind if this is something you want to last, you really need to keep up with it.  I used: Manic Panic Cotton Candy Pink and left it in for 3 hours.  I then rinsed it quickly, NO SHAMPOO, and left in some of the dye.  I then blow dryed my hair on high heat to *seal* the color.  It makes your hair feel a little dirty until you finally wash it out, but trust me, it's totally worth the results!

Fancy Feet

Spring is in the air!  and with Spring comes green grass, baseball, and the ability to show a little toe!  That's right.  If you've been letting your tootsies go over the colder months, the time has come to kick off those shoes and apply some color.  My favorite right now: Essie's Turquoise and Caicos.

This color is so gorgeous I can't even stand it.  Perfectly pretty for Spring...or summer... or your vacation to someplace sandy... but seriously?  It's pretty good for anything, after all, it's a perfect turquoise with a hint of mint.  A shade that refreshes and brightens any skin tone.

Unfortunately, it's kind of a nightmare to apply.  The consistency is what can be expected from just about any creamy pastel color... thin and streaky.  HOWEVER, with a little patience, and the application of 3 thin layers to build up the color, you will have compliment-worthy toes (or fingers) that lasts.  That's right.  This color has a staying power that rivals a gel polish.

*Wondering where to get the nifty flower decals?  Cina Nail Creation Nail Art Decals "Hot Tropic".