Uncategorized

So MIA…

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

It has been months since I wrote a post…where have I been?? Pretty much completely swept away in wedding planning. I’ve found the process super stressful and all the details overwhelming. This past weekend I realized, I miss my hobby of blogging about girly things (like make up, jeans, toiletries, and cupcakes!)…if I’m going to be staring at a computer screen, I’d rather it be to share new tips, tricks, and products…than mull over a guest list or stalk down my florist via email. So here I am! Back in action! Here is a recent pic of my mascot Howie Moore and my future husband, Nick – who is clearly exhausted from all the wedding planning he is (not) doing

Howie & Nick snoozin

 Feel free to send post ideas! I look forward to hearing from you guys

glad to be back 🙂

The gifts you shoulda’ gotten (under $40)

/ BethonBeauty / 1 Comment

It’s been too long…I realized the other day how much I miss posting – so I am back at it. Right in time for New Years Eve and the post-Christmas sales, I’ve pulled together a list of the stocking stuffer you shoulda’ gotten. If you’re anything like me, there are still a couple of things on your wish list – let the below round it out!

Under $15

  • The bomb LIP BALM (say that cheesey-ness 3x fast) – Korres Lip Butter($12 @ Sephora, link below)
    • This is the BEST winter lip balm. Yes, that’s right…I’ve declared this the best lip balm to use when your pout is in dire need of moisture. The best times to use: before bed and before or after you hit the slopes or find yourself out in the cold for a long period of time. I should caveat that this is a thicker balm, and the flavor I like the most (GUAVA) goes on a bit white…BUT, it rubs in well and it leaves your lips feeling moisturized for hours. The pot lasts awhile – smells great, feels great (think, silky smooth lips – the texture is really luxurious, that’s the best word to describe it!), and Paraben free
    • Sephora link: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P199109&categoryId=B70
  • Room refresher – as much as I love candles, sometimes I need something more constant to freshen my hallways. That’s why I swear by, Bath & Body Works Wallflowers (link below). The plug-in unit is $6.50 and there are a ton of different scents. Another good thing is, the Wallflower refills go on sale often. Some of the Holiday scents are currently on sale for $3 each. My fave is ‘Twisted Peppermint’ it is a light, sweet smell, and it’s not too Holiday-ish so you could use it any time. I find that one Wallflower scent bulb lasts around 3 weeks – the good thing – scent isn’t too overpowering, but it really freshens up a good-sized area

Under $25

  • Girls-night in – BRIDESMAIDS on DVD. I didn’t get this in my stocking because I bought it the day it was released. BUT, for those of you who haven’t seen it – (wtf?!) or for those of you who have only seen it once – (really?!) You need to get it on DVD – this is the type of movie you need to watch multiple times…it gets funnier, believe me. It is on Amazon.com for <$20…so, go get it! The beauty is – can be watched alone or with friends and still just as funny

  • Brush up your concealer routine – despite all the make up I own, it has taken me this long to invest in a Concealer Brush. A concealer brush is smaller than a foundation brush and is a great way to apply concealer to under eyes and/or blemishes. The main reasons to invest in a concealer brush: 1. better coverage – concealer will go on smooth and spread easily, it also helps avoid caking which can sometimes happen with finger application 2. it helps you use less concealer – therefore, saving you in the long run! So, invest in a concealer brush – it’ll make life easier

Under $40

  • Cozy and cute gear – or shall I say, cozy and sexy…those words rarely work together – but this sweatshirt by Make + Model (found at Nordstrom) is the perfect merger of a cozy soft sweatshirt with a touch of cute sexy. The slightly off the shoulder style shows a bit of skin (without being too 80s). The fabric is teddy bear soft…I find myself lounging on the couch in this number – or throwing on a pair of black leggings and wearing it to run errands. My color of choice is ROSE TEA…because it adds a bit more girly-ness – check it out:

your day/week-after Halloween mask

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

This was a pamper-me weekend…but, not everything I did was healthy (aka good for the body) – such as the record consumption of Reese’s peanut butter cups. Ever tried putting them in the freezer for a couple of hours? Well, if not – try it…it makes the experience that much more delicious.

Besides consuming large amounts of sugar and reading bridal magazines (eeek!) – I also applied an enzyme mask to my face. I originally tried this following Halloween weekend after I fell sleep in full face make up (i.e. pink cat nose, black whiskers, pink glittery eyes and extra cover up all around)…I woke up looking like The Walking Dead. I knew I needed to do something for my skin…so for the first time I tried – Mario Badescu’s Enzyme Revitalizing Mask

 

not as scary as when I woke up with yesterday's Halloween face on!

I picked up a tub at Ulta for $20. After the first application it was clear, this tub is going to last me awhile because a little goes along way. Why did I pick this up? Well…I read the main benefits and I was sold:

  • Hydrate And Revitalize Skin. This product is a moisture intensive Alpha Hydroxy mask ideal for dull, dry or mature skin. Papaya and Grapefruit Extracts are the natural exfoliants blended with antioxidant Vitamin A and E oils giving the skin a refreshed, glowing appearance

I read some great reviews on this product and I found that – after letting it sit for ~20 minutes and rinsing with warm water and a clean face towel, my skin felt clean and soft. It didn’t feel dried out or greasy. I used it a couple of times during the week including this weekend – so far, my skin is thanking me. I’ve tried masks that are either too drying or too moisturizing and I break out…but so far, this is a keeper.

Over the summer I wrote a post on Mario Badescu…this is one of my favorite product lines and I continue to discover new products Mario offers. Link to original post below

If you fell asleep in your Halloween make up – or if you consumed large amounts of peanut butter cups on the couch and then fell asleep – try this mask, it’s a little pick-me-up for the complexion!

Original Mario Badescu post: http://wp.me/p1kq6s-8i

 


Gym bag must-HAVES

/ BethonBeauty / 1 Comment

This post is dedicated to Robyn! What a great suggestion.

Everyone has gym essentials…and what better place to share those essentials but here on CC&N (cupcakes&nailpolish!)

Below is my list of 10 gym bag essentials! In no particular order…oh and I added a couple extra, I had to!

  • Mini Deodorant($0.99 find in the travel section at Target, CVS, etc.)
    • Why? – it is possible to forget to apply deodorant before work…hey, I am tired in the AM! But I don’t want to forget to apply before or after a sweaty work-out. So I carry a travel size Dove deodorant at all times. It smells nice too…so I get wafts of nice smelling air during my work-out haha
  • Oil absorbing sheets ($10 for Boscia Fresh Blotting Linens found at Sephora)
    • Why? – sometimes I don’t have time to shower after yoga…I can admit it. However, to ensure I keep control of tha’ shine on my face – I use one of these sheets to absorb excess oil and avoid shine. Plus, this tiny box takes up no room!
    • Link to Boscia linens on Sephora.com: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P247600&categoryId=B70
  • Extra pair of socks (~$5-$10 a pack, depends on brand. I’m not loyal to any particular brand – my one requirement is they must be ‘no show’ )
    • Why? – sock-less sneakers are the worst. Especially if you’re doing spin…or something with cardo. I always carry an extra pair just in case.  I swear by the ‘no show’ socks that hit below your ankle and are essentially hidden by your shoes…sorry, I can’t stand ankle biting socks
    • Link to some Puma no-show socks on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/PUMA-Womens-3Pk-Ext-Lowrider/dp/B001AK34R0/ref=pd_sbs_a_32
  • Extra sports bra (~$17, I like the Champion sports bras found at Target, they have a nice ‘seamless’ version…that keeps its shape really well, link below)
  • iPod ($149…I have a Nano, it’s currently busted…therefore, no running for Beth)
    • Why? – I am one of those people who cannot run without music. I always put my iPod back into my gym bag because I refuse to run without it…and I don’t need any more excuses not to exercise!
  • mini body lotion ($5, I love the mini Pacifica body lotion in Hawaiian Ruby Guava…sold at Sephora, link below)
    • Why? – although the gym offers free lotion, I prefer this delicious smelling, paraben free lotion. It’s doubles as a light perfume…because it smells so yummy. I like to apply after the shower @ the gym when my skin tends to feel dry from the hot water
    • Link to Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava lotion on Sephora.com: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P274508&categoryId=B70
  • extra disposable razor (any kind, doesn’t matter)
    • Why? – I occasionally forget to shave under my arms…and that can get embarrassing in the weight area at the gym. Always good to have in case you need a quick touch up!
  • mini hair brush($5 Target, CVS, etc.)
  • Tampon(s) ($8-$9, and not just any kind…I swear by Kotex U brand – see pic below)
    • Why? – these are so compact…the individual packaging does not break open in your bag like some tampon wrappers, seriously. And they come in funky colors…they are bright…you can spot them easily at the bottom of your bag in an emergency. Literally, the only cool thing to happen to ‘your period’ in a long time (ew)
    • Link to Kotex U on Drugstore.com: http://www.drugstore.com/conair-brush-velvet-touch-brush-77201c/qxp58196
  • Make up removing face wipes ($12 for 25 wipes – I like the Korres brand from Sephora, link below)

    • Why? – carrying these wipes is much easier than carrying face wash and eye make up remover. This is an ‘all in one’ cleaning system. No one wants to leave the gym with raccoon eyes. I like this kind by Korres, they are paraben free and for combo skin. There are a bunch of drug store brands that are great too! I have hung onto Korres because of my sensitive/eczema prone skin
    • Link to Korres wipes on Sephora.com: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P211625
    • There is also a Sephora brand that is paraben free $9 for 25 wipes: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P276322&categoryId=B70
  • Extra hair elastics ($3 I like the Scunci no-damage elastics…sold in big packs…CVS, Target etc., link below)
    • Why? – as if I need to explain…I do not work out with my hair down, ever. I literally get annoyed at people who do. It’s like watching a wild cavewoman. Oh and, without a hair elastic my work out is toast…and it always feels good when someone is looking for one and you can save the day!
    • Link to Scunci elastics on Drugstore.com: http://www.drugstore.com/scunci-elastics-small-black/qxp193478?fromsrch=hair+elastic
  • Extra mini hair clips (~$4-$5 CVS, Target etc.)

    • Why? – I hate when bangs or fly aways get in my face during a work out…they tickle! And it’s so distracting. I throw a couple extra mini clips in my bag to keep these babies BACK
  • Mini bottle of dry shampoo ($13 at Sephora, I swear by the Ojon brand)

    • Why? – I don’t have time to wash and dry my hair after a mid-day work out…so I SWEAR by dry shampoo. I carry this mini bottle in my gym bag like it’s a piece of pure gold. After a particularly sweaty work out…I shower (obv!) but instead of washing my hair…I use the dryer, and brush, and a few sprays of the Ojon dry shampoo to rub out the oils…and freshen my hair before returning to work. DO IT…it’ll change your life.
    • Link to the Ojon to-go spray bottle on Sephora.com: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P209113&categoryId=B70

Last but not least…

  • Mini bottle of PERFUME (free w/ purchase at Sephora, or just ask for samples at Sephora/or a dept store)
    • I carry a mini bottle of Chloe with a secure pop top…I got it free with the purchase of the regular size from Macy’s. Chloe is such a light, girly smell, love it!

Chloe perfume

    • Why? – after a good work out, everyone needs a little spritz of freshness. I don’t like to carry a normal size bottle of perfume…I’m scared of leakage, and it can be heavy! A couple dabs on your wrist and neck…boom, you’re fresh
    • Also – if you live or work in Boston – The Perfume Corner carries MANY mini perfumes – see my post on this awesome store: http://wp.me/p1kq6s-aH

Clearly, I am an overpacker…but maybe I’ll give you guys some ideas.

What are your gym bag essentials?? Please share!

Shedding (pardon the pun) some light on seasonal hair loss

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

A friend recently suggested I write a post on ‘why we lose more hair in the summer.’ First, I wasn’t even sure this is true…so, the best I could do to shed some light on this topic was to do some research online, look for consistent reports, and compile some info here for you. I hope you find this helpful!

Some hair loss is completely normal:

  • Most people lose anywhere from 50 to 100 strands of hair each day (that’s alot!), according to the American Academy of Dermatology. On the days when hair is washed, people can lose up to 250 strands. But don’t avoid washing in an attempt to keep the hair, as it will fall out eventually, anyway

Other hair facts:

  • Hair has a life span of about 6 years, and some people experience shedding during the summer or winter months
    • Hair grows faster when the weather is warm. Not only does hair grow faster in the summer, but it goes through cycles of growth and rest all year long. Each complete cycle typically lasts several weeks
    • Hair grows in three different cycles: anagen, catagen, and telogen. About 90% of the hair on the head is in the anagen, or growth phase, which lasts anywhere from two to eight years. The catagen, or transition phase, typically lasts 2-3 weeks, during which  the hair follicle shrinks. During the telogen cycle, which lasts around two to four months, the hair rests
  • The myth that ‘stress can make your hair fall out’ is true…although your hair is falling out all the time, it’s possible that you may lose a few more strands when you’re “catastrophically” stressed, meaning you have had a major life change such as a divorce, lost job, or surgery. Other culprits are pregnancy or antibiotics. After a few weeks, it will almost certainly grow back
  • Hair growth rate is genetically determined, and varies from person to person. It also grows more slowly with age, and is affected by both internal states and environmental conditions

Things to remember:

  • Don’t Be Afraid to Wash Your Hair: it won’t lead to hair loss
  • Avoid (heavy) Brushing or Teasing: both can lead to hair loss. Use a wide-toothed comb instead
  • Try a New ‘Do: a style with layers will help your hair look fuller. You can even perm or color your hair; medically, there’s no reason not to. Just avoid a weave or any other style that can put prolonged tension on your hair or cause it to break, which can lead to further hair loss
  • Am I Losing It?: the truth is, you are–everyone is. Most of us shed 50 to 100 hairs a day. Once a hair is shed, a new hair from the same follicle replaces the lost strand
  • Here are two for-women-only causes of temporary hair loss.
    • Giving Birth: during pregnancy, the rise in hormones sends hair into its resting phase, so hair that would naturally fall out doesn’t. Several months after delivery, hormones return to normal, and some women experience an increase in hair loss (all over the head, not just at the top). This can last between 1 and 6 months; then, it usually corrects itself
    • Starting the Pill: some women lose hair while taking birth control pills. The reasons: shifting hormone levels (caused by the Pill) and heredity. If this happens to you, talk to your gynecologist about switching to a different Pill or birth control method.

Sources: WebMD, eHow.com, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health