Between The Sheets... Of InStyle

The White Hot Manicure

From time to time I come across some pretty interesting info during my “beauty reads”. I decided to start a new "Between The Sheets" series to keep all of my fellow Glammers in the know.

This month InStyle has named "White Nails" as the go to mani trend for the Summer. White nail polish has been a staple of mine for years. It goes with EVERYTHING and provides a great base coat for funky designs just in case you wanna spice things up!

Here are InStyle’s tips for a flawless white mani:

1. Apply a quality base coat to help with the smooth application of your polish and for the ultimate chip control. I still love my CnD base coat. Instyle raves about Nails Inc. Kensington Caviar Base Coat.

Nails Inc. Kensington Caviar Base Coat; $10 at Sephora

 2.  In between coats, brush on a mattifying base coat to help minimize any streaking in your final coat. InStyle's Pick: Essie Matte About You topcoat.

Essie Matte About You; $10 at Ulta

3. Apply your final coat and paint on a shiny topcoat for a flawless finish! 

Nail polish crush: Deborah Lippmann nail lacquer in Amazing Grace. 

$17; deborahlippman.com

Glam-fessions

In case you have been wondering if I was snatched up by the Glam Fairy, I must confess that the way I have been feeling for the past few months has been far from Glam. Life caught up with me Glam-ettes. Sheesh! Even Glam Girls have to pause for the cause from time to time! 

I made it through my most difficult year as an educator. There were so many days when I barely made it out of bed to take on my sometimes 14-hour work days (Not Joking!). My personal life also left much to be desired. I could share some stories with you that would have you SMH-ing till tomorrow.

With that said, I am only human. I lost my motivation and drive. I became my own worst enemy and before I knew it, fear took over. I feared that my blog posts weren’t good enough anymore and that you, my faithful Glam-nistas would not approve. As a result, my baby {The GlamDiares} has suffered these past few months.

Now that I have a moment to re-group and just enjoy life again, I am back like I never left! (WooHoo!) With more Glam tricks up my sleeve just in time for us to have a FAB Summer! So let’s get back to business Glam-ettes! Glam waits for no one!

True Love #3: The Bag

You girls all know I’m a satchel fiend. So imagine my excitement when I spotted this beauty from Banana Republic. The Evan Satchel is a dream come true for all my Classic Glamnistas. They’ve updated this timeless satchel in the prettiest Spring/Summer colors! I totally heart this purse and the price tag is not too hefty either. For a piece we can certainly get some mileage out of, $220 is not a bad deal. Here are a couple of my fave shades.

Evan Satchel in Mint

Evan Satchel in Chalk

True Love #2: The Beauty Treatment

Number 2 on my True Love Hit List is a deep cleansing treatment that really delivers.  Kiehl’s Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores, and cleans deep down to leave your skin feeling refreshed and with that glow every GG loves.

I decided to try this product out after feeling like my dull winter skin needed a wake-up call and fell in love. I loved the appearance of my skin after just one use. My skin felt softer and appeared brighter. Another added bonus, A little goes a long way. Just a thin layer is all you need to get great results. Woot woot for our pockets!

True Love #1: The Shoe

So since I am Valentine-less yet again this year, I decided to share some items that I’ve fallen completely in LOVE with instead. Sounds a lil’ materialistic I know but what’s a Glam Girl to do? LOL.

             

Today Glam Girls, I give you Theee Shoe of my dreams, The Jimmy Choo ‘Anouk’ pump. These beauties have stolen my heart completely. So are you ready to put those chunky platforms up and embrace the pointy toe pump with me? I hope so.  I can't get enough of this classic that pairs so well with skinny jeans and pencil skirts. If you plan to rock out with me, stay clear of wide leg pants which are an unflattering match for these beauties.

Lust with me Glam-ettes!

Jimmy Choo 'Anouk' Pump

Jimmy Choo 'Anouk' Perforated Pump

Toss or Keep: The Sequel

As we quickly approach the end of the first month of 20-13 it’s the perfect time to purge that make-up bag, bathroom counter, and medicine cabinet. So just what should you toss or keep? Here is an updated version of last year’s post to help you out.

1. Face Moisturizers – Toss after about two to three years. If your moisturizer is stored in a jar, this shortens the life of the product because of icky bacteria from our hands.  

2. Mascara – This is a scary one we must pay close attention to since the eye area is super delicate. Give your mascara the boot after about three months to avoid infections and such. No sharing with the BFF either.

3. Nail Polish – I’m always tempted to go crazy with nail color but never do when I remember my fear of commitment to one particular color. But if your nail polish collection is everything to you, hold on to each bottle for about two years. Most can go much longer but watch for drying out. Keep bottle tops closed tight.

4. Lipstick – Two years is standard time for this beauty favorite. Try to keep yours in a cool place to get the most out of your product. 

 

5. Liquid Foundation – These can last the same amount of time as most face moisturizers (two years) and powdered foundation is said to last even longer. Essence suggests, tossing foundation within twelve months of first use to be on the safe side however. 
 

If you’re still unsure about whether to Toss or Keep Glam Ones, most beauty products come with an expiration date.