Tribal Trends

Beach bum be damned, I have a soft spot in my heart for Southwestern tribal print... style that is way more reminiscent of cacti and cowboy boots than coastal breezes and surf.

So imagine my excitement to find that the Spring/Summer 2012 trends are all about the tribal.  In fact, some of my favorite surf clothing companies, Roxy, Billabong and O'Neill were first on scene mixing the desert-based classics with cool beachwear.  There's just something so visually appealing about the milky neutral color palette paired with faded denim and breathable fabrics that makes it SO summer chic.  No matter what the statement: bold or accented, tribal print adds energy to any outfit and is a fabulous alternative to the bold florals that dominated Spring.

With that being said, I grabbed a few essentials on my last shopping trip that incorporate the trend without being too over-the-top.

Roxy Vagabond Purse - 100% cotton crossbody purse, with a rope drawcord cinch top and adorned with wooden beads.  "Chic, stylish, and totally Roxy."

O'Neill Ikat Shorts - Distressed wash demin shorts with destroyed detail and tribal inset sides.

O'Neill Chantilly Shirt - Heather gray, 100% Cotton French Terry with crochet insets at sides.

Pair this with some bangles or some cute accessories, but keep it simple.  It's easy to over-do it and have your accessories and outfit in competition.  You want the focus on the details, let the clothes speak for themselves. 

Malibu Heat

Oh the mall... you are a tricky one.  The other day I headed over to the mall on a mission to get in, go to Victoria's Secret, and get out.  Somehow... it never seems to turn out that way.  So anyways, while walking down the florescently lit walkway, I happened to glance up from the tacky tile floors just in time to walk by the Bath and Body Works.  Like a lovely ray of sunshine on an otherwise rainy day, there it was:  Malibu Heat.

Now I very rarely go to Bath & Body Works but I admit I was powerless against the gravitational pull of a Malibu-inspired collection and after completing my mall-mission and pulling myself away from the overly-helpful Victoria's Secret saleslady (really, though, I don't know what was up with her) I meandered over and got my smeller ready.

Malibu Heat: a fresh blend inspired by hot pink sunsets and twenty-seven miles of beautiful beach.

My Judgement: Summer in a damn bottle.  An amazing mixture of sunblock and fruity beverages on the beach.  It's a light fragrance that is slightly sweet and a touch tropical with  a vague... bubblegum/cotton candy undertone?  hmmm.

 The Haul: They were running a special where if you purchased *any* Malibu Heat you could get the little sampler complete with a 3 oz body wash, lotion, and shimmer mist in a cute little makeup bag for $14.50.  SOLD.  So I grabbed a lip gloss and the Surf Hair Mist and ended up with a fragrant mix of products.  Here it goes:

Malibu Citrus Hand Sanitizer: Not part of the collection but still worth writing about.  I'm not huge into the whole... hair sanitizer phenom, but summertime is most def a time when it is worth having on hand.  This little bottle is on-the-go clean.  It's a pocket sized cleanser that contains "natural ingredients and powerful germ killers...Tahitian Palm Milk leaves hands feeling conditioned" and it smells just fab; light and fruity, a mix of mandarin, wild cherry, and fresh mango.

Malibu Heat Body Lotion & Malibu Heat Body wash: On top of the smell, I like the lotion a lot.  It's very smooth, not heavy and greasy and sinks right in.  The body wash?  Well, it's body wash.  What more can I say?  It suds... and then you and the room smell like a summery cocktail.  Double bonus?  Both the lotion and body wash are BLUE.  Too cute.

Malibu Heat Shimmer Mist: A body spray with a little bit of sparkle.  The bottle's spray nozzle is actually pretty precise and the delicate mist falls only where you want it to.

Malibu Heat Lip Gloss: This lip gloss is a little watery for my taste, but it is absolutely moisturizing and the neutral, baby pink is very sheer and gives just a touch of shine and shimmer.  I like it, but I'm not *in like* with it it... I probably won't buy another.

Malibu Heat Surf Waves Hair Mist: This is a winner.  This sea salt spray gives your hair sexy, beachy texture without making it crunchy... Hair is left soft and lightly scented.  It also does wonders to keep your hair in lose, messy braids. 

Overall: First of all, anything that smells like this ---> is okay in my book.  This fragrance smells just as awesome on your skin as it does out of the bottle, so really, you can have your cake and eat it to.  It is fresh, fun and fruity... the trifecta of fragrance "f" adjectives.  I am absolutely going back for more... they have a scrub and a regular body mist in addition to the items I've listed, plus these dinky 3 oz bottles are simply not going to make it through the summer months! 

"I hope you always have a shell in your pocket and sand in your shoes."

Ahhh!  Sunshine, sandy toes, shells in your pocket: the promise of summer begins to coax the winter-weary masses out.  Here's some products for instant summertime fab!

Summer is all about on-the-go easy, chic.  Every product I've picked is meant to make you fabulous with minimal effort.  When you're done, throw on your favorite shades and some island jewelry for an effortless summer look.  At the bottom of this post is a link to an easy summer make up look!
DKNY Be Delicious Perfume: My recent fragrance obsession.  Many perfumes are too heavy for Spring and summer, but this one is light and fresh blending cucumber, white muguet, violet, magnolia, apple, grapefruit, tuberose, woods, and rose.

Burt's Bees Radiance Body Lotion: My all-time favorite moisturizer.  This thin lotion is super moisturizing, absorbs quickly and instantly gives your skin a radiant look and feel.  Because its so light, you aren't left feeling slimy or greasy when summer temps have you..."glistening".  To boot, it has a heavenly smell that lingers all day. 

Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer: This moisturizer will give you light coverage with a just a hint of tint, with the added bonus of SPF 30.  Just enough coverage to mask imperfections while letting your natural beauty shine through.

Secret Clinical Sport Deoderant: Keep your underarms dry and odor free throughout the day, or a killer beach-body workout.  This "clinical strength" deo has a minimal, neutral smell so while you sweat you don't walk around smelling like a field of flowers, a bottle of baby powder, or some cheap cologne.

theBalm Bahama Mama Bronzer: This matte bronzer is lightweight and has some serious staying power... and won't melt off my face during the day.  Everyone looks better with a little sun-kissed glow!

Sun Bum Continuous Spray Sunscreen: This stuff is the best.  End of story.  Sprays on easy, perfect light, non-greasy "texture" and has a great beachy-smell.
Sex Wax lipblam: From Mr. Zogs Sex Wax Surf Board wax.  This Lip Balm is awesome! SPF 23, smells great (coconutty-light menthol... freshness) and it stays on your lips throughout drinking, light snacking, or catching a wave.

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Spray: This spray is wonderful and smells like pure-summer.  "Beach Babe has everyone fooled into thinking you just left the beach (you little liar!). It adds sexy, tousled waves and a light matte finish to any hair type."
Essie Polish: You can't go wrong with Essie, and with all the toe-baring opportunities we are giving in the summer a pedi is a must.  My summer choices are turquoise and caicos and Action.  Although I'm on the look-out for Essie's summer collection: "Bikini So Tiny".*
Stila Lip Glaze Lipgloss: I love this gloss... Natural, long-lasting, non-sticky.  The sheer finish gives you just a pop of color that's just perfect for summertime.  Pictured is Grapefruit

Easy Summer Makeup: http://beautyconfessions5.blogspot.com/2012/03/this-time-every-year-i-start-getting.html
Another fun summer look: http://beautyconfessions5.blogspot.com/2012/04/pink-its-my-new-obsession-part-2-of-3.html
Essie's Summer Collection, Bikini So Tiny: http://beautyconfessions5.blogspot.com/2012/04/i-really-do-have-problem-colorful.html
Essie's Turqoise & Caicos: http://beautyconfessions5.blogspot.com/2012/04/fancy-feet.html
Essie's Poppy Razzi with Action pedi: http://beautyconfessions5.blogspot.com/2012/05/i-like-color.html
Last Years Picks, still great products: http://beautyconfessions5.blogspot.com/2011/04/here-comes-sun.html

Rebellious color

I like color.  No... I effin' LOVE color.  And frankly, bright colors like this make me want to squeal like a schoolgirl.

As always, Essie is at the forefront of nail trends with their Poppy Razzi collection with four vibrant neon shades: Lights (pink), Camera (red-orange), Action (light orange), and Bazooka (?)  (orange) Okay.  So I don't get the last one either, but it's still gorgeous.

Wanna rock a bright mani? Start with a base coat of milky-white, like Essies Blanc. This really makes the color pop. A sure fire way to make sure neon fingers look classy and not trashy is to keep 'em short. A short square or rectangle nail with curved edges looks super-chic.

Don't fear the bold! Feeling a little to chicken for a full-on neon manicure?  Put it on your toes!  Neon's are perfect for summertime tootsies.

Say What!?  Neon nail polish is illegal?  (and we aren't talking about crimes of fashion)  Yup, it's all over the Internet, but Fear not, ladies, you won't be taking away in handcuffs for being fabulous.  CND's chief scientific advisor, Doug Schoon explains: Neon nail polishes are just illegal to produce in the U.S. ... which means the polish you're buying has either been imported, or are just "super-bright-not-exactly-neon".    Without knowing the reason why, one couldn't help but assume that there was something harmful in the chemicals, however this ban has NOTHING to do with safety but rather that the neon colorants in your polishes have never been registered with the FDA and before production, nail colorants must be registered.  It's that simple.  Why has no one bothered to register them?  Probably because registration is expensive and just too much work for nail polish manufacturers.

So paint away ladies and feel a little rebellious while you do it.

Lights Review: http://beautyconfessions5.blogspot.com/2012/04/tickled-pink-part-3-of-3.html

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