STYLE BY EMMA

Pink Glitter Tips

Emma — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:03:47 +0000

I’ve been into nail art a LOT lately. Trying new color combos, putting glitter everywhere, and polka dots galore.

I must say, I’ve always loved a good glitter tip. Previously, I stuck to simple finely milled silver.

But why not pink? And why not chunky?

I used two coats of Essie Kisses & Bises for the base color, a sheer pearl with cranberry duochrome. A classic barely-there-but-with-something-extra polish. For the glitter tip, I globbed on a messy bit of Essie A Cut Above, a beautiful multidimensional pink glitter. If you are more into silver, I highly suggest Essie Set in Stones, which is equally stunning. Last week I paired that with OPI Yoga To Get This Blue, and it was amazing. These Essie Luxeffects polishes work really well for glitter tips. I promise, you need not possess any special skills to accomplish.

I topped it all off with my new favorite topcoat, Orly Won’t Chip. Pictures were taken on day four or five of this mani, for reference. It doesn’t. Chip.

Would you wear this nail look?

xoxo, Emma

The Unboxing of my Teen Vogue Birchbox!

Emma — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:16:11 +0000

Birchbox Day is always a a good day in my book. This month, my excitement was kicked up a few notches as I knew that the collab with Teen Vogue would not disappoint. I knew Ms. Eva Chen would not let me down. Hints were dropped about Essie, and that the box would be appreciated by anyone “young at heart” (I suppose I fall into that category, as I’m certainly beyond my teenage years…!)

Yes, definitely young at heart. Glitter is still one of my favorite things.

Back to the box. It was amazing– full size Essie, full size Tarte! I uploaded an unboxing video on my YouTube channel, so do subscribe and check it out.

And now for pictures. Enjoy!

Kate Spade Twirl. A sparkling spring perfume… my second sample vial (first came in a previous Birchbox), which I appreciate having as I’d LOVE to own the full size. Someday soon.

Kérastase Elixir Ultime. A multipurpose hair oil. I love hair oils. Can’t wait to try this one.

Essie luxeffects topcoat in Set in Stones. STUNNING silver glitter. Happy to add this beauty to my polish collection.

Twistband hair tie. I love these, I previously purchased a few from the Birchbox shop. This bright orange one is a welcome addition.

Tarte LipSurgence natural lip stain in Amused. Full size. Imparts a beautiful berry gloss to the lips. Gorgeous!

Coupons for Teen Vogue and Modcloth, feel free to redeem, beauties!

Thanks Birchbox, you hit this one out of the park. My 20 something self approves.

Do you subscribe to Birchbox? If not, feel free to use my link to sign up! If you’re already a member, what did you get in your box this month? Leave a comment and let me know!

xoxo, Emma

A Valentine’s Lush Haul

Emma — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:05:25 +0000

As promised, here are the lovely Lush close ups from my Valentine’s haul.

Cutest bath goodies ever, right?

A more detailed haul video is uploading to my YouTube channel as I type. Be sure to check it out, too!

xoxo, Emma

Weekend Snapshot

Emma — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 04:58:28 +0000

Snaps from the weekend.

My blush of the moment: Tarte Glisten.

White acrylic.

Cobalt and coral.

Weekend Face. Bright lips (MAC Watch me Simmer).

Pink champagne.

Hope that your weekend was just as beautiful!

xo, Emma

First Impressions: February Birchbox!

Emma — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 04:33:05 +0000

Birchbox is on a roll for 2012. I’m super impressed with everything that I’ve received thus far for the year.

Without going into much detail, (see the video for that!) below are a few pictures of what I received in this month’s box.

Enjoy!

Do you subscribe to Birchbox? Let me know what you got this month, and your thoughts on the products!

xo, Emma

PS- If you are interested in signing up: click on over to Birchbox here.

Dipped in Glitter

Emma — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:35:04 +0000

Last week I tried something new with my nails. I knew that I wanted glitter (as I often do) but opted for a bit more subtle of an effect.

A bit messier, too. Many times before I’ve embraced the glitter tip, a fun twist on the classic french. This time, I went with a more haphazard, asymmetrical tip. If you could even call it a tip. I prefer to call it a dip.

I started with Zoya Lo, a lovely medium pink. For the dip, I used a holographic glitter, Snowglobe by China Glaze.

More varieties of glitter dip coming soon! The best part is, it’s quite hard to mess up. The more uneven the pattern, the better the effect.

Have you tried this on your nails?

xoxo, Emma

Weekend Snapshot

Emma — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:39:43 +0000

After a somewhat frenetic week, we were very much in need of some R&R this weekend. Aside from a little shopping (which for me is arguably relaxing) we hung out at home and enjoyed good food, wine (well, beer for the fiancé) and caught up on some reading. Totally perfect.

While these will be the subject of another more in-depth post and video coming soon, I want to give you a sneak peek at the drugstore beauty goodies that I picked up.

Both of these have enjoyed quite a bit of buzz lately. After trying them, I can see why and fully endorse the praise!

First up, the L’Oréal Infallible eye shadows. The texture of these is like silk– like a pressed loose shadow pigment with incredible metallic color payoff. I initially purchased two. I’m positive that I will be grabbing more. These are rumored to be comparable to Giorgio Armani’s Eyes To Kill shadows, which I’ve been lusting over for the past year. The two colors that I picked up are Amber Rush and Iced Latte.

I was equally excited about trying the Maybelline Color Tattoo cream shadows, which are comparable to MAC paint pots. I picked up four. They’re awesome. Highly recommend them!

Clockwise from top, I bought Bad to the Bronze, Pomegranate Punk, Bold Gold, and Too Cool.

I also swung by Lush, and grabbed another Cupcake mask (which you know I swear by) and two new products: No Drought Dry Shampoo and Phoenix Rising bath bomb.

I enjoyed Coconut Water this weekend. It’s amazing for you, and I LOVE how it tastes.

A new candle… never saw this one in store at Bath & Body Works, but purchased it online a while back for half off! Smells amazing.

And last but not least, a nice shot of bling, by request. I know that instagram and twitpics are just not the same, so here is a proper engagement ring shot. (And yes, I still find myself staring at it during the day!)

On that happy note, have a beautiful week!

xoxo, Emma

Nostalgia Nails

Emma — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:18:29 +0000

This weekend I painted my nails with quite possibly the coolest polish combo ever. If you were in elementary school in the late 80s or early 90s, I think you will appreciate it too.

As you know, I’m a big fan of polish combos. I love accent glitter. Polka dots. Color blocking.

My latest find to feed my need for combos? Essie luxeffects topcoat in Shine of the Times. A flakie polish with no glitter.

Underneath, I chose a sparkly, multidimensional royal purple, Zoya Mimi.

Together, they look like this:

And like this:

Admittedly mesmerized by the holographic finish, I was reminded of something. In certain angles, almost of neon cheetah print (see first layered picture).

And then it hit me.

Lisa Frank. Hunter the neon cheetah who graced many a Trapper Keeper and holographic glitter sticker back in the day. (Speaking of Trapper Keepers, can we please just pause for a moment and cherish?) This look also would have been an appropriate background for folders covered with smiling golden retriever puppies, jumping dolphins, and rainbow mane unicorns. (Yes, I owned all of those classics.)

I think this nail combo fits Ms. Frank’s design aesthetic perfectly. And I love it. With every ounce of my 1991 heart.

xoxo, Emma

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Holiday Snapshot

Emma — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:01:52 +0000

A peek into my holiday vacation. I hope that all of you had beautiful celebrations as well, surrounded by loved ones (perhaps with some glitter thrown in, too).

xoxo, Emma

Feed Your Face with Lush Cupcake

Emma — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:41:48 +0000

I have to be honest, Lush’s Cupcake Fresh Face Mask might be the best mask I’ve ever used. Really.

First impression (and we know how important those are)… the mask smells like mint chocolate brownies. I kind of wanted to eat it.

I was able to get four (generous) applications out of this little 2.1 oz, pot. I have since thrown out my receipt, but I believe this cost around 7 bucks. A fair price for four luxury face treatments. The only catch: these babies are FRESH and thus expire within 3-4 weeks. Check that date on the bottom, and be sure to store your mask in the refrigerator. Fresh Face Masks are only sold in Lush stores, not via mail order. (Bless you Lush Eastview.)

The texture of this mask is rich (thanks to the Rhassoul mud). There is something that I just love about a nice, thick mask. It feels like it is working better, somehow. I left Miss Cupcake on for 10 minutes per use, and washed her off with warm water and a washcloth to help with extra hardened bits along the hairline. Be forewarned, after removal, it might look like chunks of mud are in your sink, and all over your washcloth. Small price to pay. A little mud is fun every once in a while, right?

Cupcake also contains spearmint, peppermint and sandalwood oils, cocoa powder, white cocoa butter and linseed. It’s touted as a great mask for congested, oily skin. After a month of use, I have to agree. Not only is my skin SUPER SOFT, but it seems less congested and dare I say, more even toned. Happy skin = happy girl. As with everything skin, it’s often hard to pinpoint which of the many products in a given routine are responsible for each positive or negative impact. In my case, Cupcake was the only new addition, so I’m giving her a bit of extra credit in the improvement department. And that mint chocolate smell. yum yum yum.

Since everyone has different skin, I suggest that you mosey on into a Lush shop (if you are so lucky to have one nearby) and check out the mask offerings in person. There is a mask (or two) for every skin type!

Have you tried Cupcake?

xoxo, Emma