Spring Beauty Essentials.

With spring approaching its just as important to switch up your beauty

routine as it is to swap out your wardrobe. With that being said, I thought I would do a post on some of my essential and favorite beauty products that will help give you the perfect glow just in time for sunny spring weather. I promise these products are worth every penny!

Nars: Bronzing Powder "Laguna" - $36

Bobbi Brown: Long Wear Cream Shadow "Sandy Gold" - $24

Benefit: Erase Paste "Fair" - $26

Sephora: Classic Mineral Powder Brush #45 - $26

Gift Guide: Under $30.

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Christmas is probably my favorite time of the year. There is nothing I love more than going to all the stores during the holidays and checking out all the cool stuff to blow your money on! The part that makes me the most sad is when people dread going Christmas shopping because they struggle finding the perfect gift.

This is where my expertise comes in. Shopping for other people (aka: gift giving) can be a pretty grueling process because people are picky these days (I'm guilty). Not to mention retailers love to overwhelm us with so many options. (It's called competition-- but im not mad about it.)

So in hopes to make your christmas shopping a little less stressful, I'm going to start a little "Gift Guide" series of posts that breaks down all of my favorite finds right now. (However if you need someone to do all your Christmas shopping for you-- I am your girl. Now I just have to figure out how to turn this into a gig in NYC. (Awww - Spending someone elses money on cool stuff = Dream Job!) Anywho, stay tuned because more "Gift Guide" posts are in the works. One week until Christmas-- Shoppers start your engines!

GIFTS UNDER $30

Stila: "All Is Bright Lip Glaze Set" - $25

(Who doesn't love Stila lip glaze? It is what they are known for. Just one of these (that is not much bigger) would normally cost $22. Such a steal! I actually bought one for myself when they first came out so I will be stocked for the year.)

CB2: Gold Pig Bookends (Set of 2) - $30

ZGallerie: Ipad Cover - $30

J.Crew: Wool-Angora Colorblock Gloves - $25 (On Sale: Orig $38)

Paper Source: 2012 Foil Embossed Desk Calendar - $20

Cheap Thrills: Under $50.

Since I have been slacking at keeping you updating you on all the fun affordable finds I come across while browsing magazines, shopping online, or just happen to come across in a store in NYC in the past few weeks, I thought I would do a quick post of some of the amazing deals and steals I've come across that shouldnt go unspoken about. Because every girl needs a little cheap frill or pointless fashion fix every once in a while (Even if it's just a $5 tube of lipstick)--- It's healthy to reward yourself as long as your not going out and buying a new pair of shoes every week.

Hooray-!!- It's all under $50--- So go crazy!

Zara: City Bag with Flap - $49

ASOS: Swing Dress in Spot Mesh - $37

ASOS: Swing Dress with Long Sleeves - $44.00

Rimmel London: Lasting Lipstick by Kate Moss - $5 each
(I bought a tube a few weeks ago and now I am obsessed. It has a great creamy formula that actually has a long wear and there's not one color I wouldn't wear-- At only $5 each-- No brainer!)

C.Wonder: "C" Logo Print Umbrella - $24
(I just bought this last week when it rained for 3 days straight in the city. My Missoni umbrella from Gilt finally gave out on me and I am very happy with my purchase. It actually opens and closes really well and I love the wooden handle detail.)

West Elm: Stemless Glassware Set - Platinum Rimmed - $25 (Reg. $32)
(I love me some monograms and I can't of a better gift for close friend or newlyweds. I've actually already given these twice to friends as a wedding present.)

Target: The Curiosity Shoppe - America Cutting Board - $17.50 (Reg. $25)

Spring 2011 Beauty Products Must-Haves.

If theres one thing you learn about style when your on a budget... Its how to accessorize.  Luckily, lip color and nail colors are such an accessory now days.  You can update almost any look for spring by adding a pop of color to your nails and lips... And the best part- Its affordable and on trend this season! My best advice is to spend a few more dollars on a name brand instead of experimenting with 2 or 3 cheaper products from the drugstore... I promise it will save you money in the end.


So here are some of my personal favorite products that are on trend for spring and worthy of purchase:
Hot Pink Lips

MAC Girl About Town Lipstick ($14.50 for 0.10 oz.) is a vibrant shade of darkened, bright fuchsia pink. It has an amplified creme finish, which makes it a very creamy, opaque shade. This classic pink from MAC is a personal new favorite of mine and is said to be the best seller from the family of pinks.  I can't believe this was my first Mac Lipstick purchase because it's such a great product that stays on for hours. Oh and only $15... Which is cheap for brand makeup and probably why Mac's lipsticks is their best selling item. Want more pink? Check out Maggie’s post: Pretty in Pink. 
Playful Nail Colors
Here's another budget friendly and trendy way to add some fun to your look for spring! The turquoise blue pictured below is my personal favorite that I just bought last week.  I actually found the whole Nicole by OPI- Justin Bieber line at Walgreens for $7.00. Nicole is a great line by Opi that has some wild new colors out. Other personal favorite brands are Essie and Opi. You can't go wrong with there colors and how well they stay on for $ 8.00 each.

You can get Alexa Chungs nail color at Essie: Mint Candy Apple