Valentia Even Glow Serum

Guys, I have to tell you about this awesome new skincare product I recently tried. I had never heard of the brand before, which isn't necessarily a deal breaker, because I love trying new brands, but it definitely surpassed my expectations.

This serum is from this skincare brand called Valentia, and it's an antioxidant treatment that supposedly evens your skin tone, boosts collagen and gives you a lit-from-within glow. It sounds like big shoes to fill, but it really delivered. The best part (in my humble opinion, anyways) is that the serum smells like a creamsicle. Yes, like orange and vanilla ice cream had a baby. DE-LICIOUS. Just try not to eat it.

Needless to say, I'm a fan. You can buy Valentia serum here or here.

My 8 Favorite Skin Products of 2014

2014 was a big year for my skincare regimen. I've never been one for wearing foundation, so I try to take care of my skin the best I can. Some people find an entire line of skincare products that work well for their skin. I'm not one of those people. After much experimentation last year, here are my 8 favorite products on the market right now. 

Nude oil// Boscia mask// Shiseido softening concentrate// Retinol serum & concentrate// First Aid Beauty facial polish// Kate Sommerville cream// Evian facial spray

The Perfect Smoky Eye

A smoky eye is a great going out look, and it's especially great for holiday parties. I've partnered with Signature Minerals to show you how to achieve it. Enjoy!

Pantone's 2015 Color of the Year

If you're a fashion or design darling like me, you count down the days for the unveiling of Pantone's color of the year. And I have to say, this is the second year I've been disappointed with their choice (Read more about last year's radiant orchid catastrophe here). I mean, seriously, Pantone, you have every single color swatch at your disposal...and you choose...marsala. Ugh. Woof. No.

The fact that it's named after a pasta sauce should be inclination enough that it's terrible. This color looks like dried bodily fluid or a soccer mom's 1990's lipstick. Actually, I'm pretty sure we had a couch in this color when I was four (circa 1995). Essentially, this color is oxblood's ugly stepsister. Pantone, I can't even with you right now. But I will not shame the color bible -- so I have come up with some cute ways to wear marsala (other than on a shirt at an Italian restaurant). Behold...

Winter Skincare Must-Haves

It goes without saying that I'm addicted to beauty products. And I tend to change mine out quite a bit. But if there's one thing I do every single day, it's my skincare regimen. I don't typically wear foundation, so I try my best to stick the products that work for me. Here are the products I'm loving for the winter season. These bad boys all slough away dead skin, repair cells, and keep your face baby-soft -- all musts during the harsh winter weather.  

Lip balm// cleanser// mask// scrub// toner// serum// eye gel

Wavy Hair Tutorial

I have naturally wavy hair, but it's not like Victoria's Secret waves -- it's this half-straight/half-curly hybrid that never sits how I want it to. So if I want wavy hair, I have to use hot tools. The irony is not lost on me. 

I've had success with flat irons and different-sized barrels, but I've always been curious about the automatic feeder curling irons. When Kiss Instawave sent me this iron, I was a little scared because my hair is veryyyy thick. All I could picture was a massive tangled mess and my hair burning off. Comforting, right?

Well, I braved it and let me tell you -- this bad boy is awesome. It does all of the work for you and grabs your hair as it goes without tangling. So, you get the perfectly imperfect mermaid waves, without lifting a finger.  I was very pleased with the finished look. Here it is. 

2014 Halloween Costume Inspiration

Growing up, Halloween was always a HUGE deal in my house. Like, it was second only to Christmas on the “Ritter’s most important holidays” list. Every year, my mom would throw a massive Halloween party. She would decorate to the nines with a graveyard in our front lawn (note: no one was actually buried, but it was awfully convincing), spider webs, smoke machines, black lights and a life-size grim reaper.

That’s not even the full extent, but you get the picture. Although I’ve moved away from home, Halloween still holds an important place in my heart. In my opinion, you’re never “too old” to dress up – and although I’m 23, I still look forward to picking out my costume every fall. 

Here’s my inspiration board for this year’s costume. Can you guess what I’m going to be? Hint: It's going to involve some seriously transforming makeup. I can't wait.

How to Get Perfect Eyebrows

If there’s one thing I do makeup-wise before I run out the door in the morning, it’s my eyebrows. They have the transformative power to completely change the way you look. Eyebrows not only frame your face, but make you look instantly more polished. Check out my tutorial below. I'm using Billion Dollar Brows Best Seller kit, which you can purchase here from Kohl's. 

Also, this is my first YouTube video in a long time so #dontjudge. Enjoy! ;)

This fun kit officially hits stores in October and it's only $34.99, so scoop it up while you can. Head to Kohl's or click this link: Billion Dollar Brow Best Sellers Kit

To find the most flattering eyebrows for your face shape, use this handy dandy guide:

Fall 2014 Nails

Admittedly, I'm the worst at doing my own nails. The WORST. Like, Helen Keller could honestly give you a better manicure. But that doesn't stop me from looking at -- and occasionally buying -- the cutest nail polishes at Sephora. This Fall, I'm all across the board with colors. I'm loving everything from deep blues and purples to skin tones and metallics. Get your hands ready for pumpkin picking, latte sipping, and football cheering with these cute polishes, ladies!

Click the images above for buying information

Throwback Thursday- Hair Color Edition

Experts say that to find your most naturally flattering hair color, you should refer back to a picture when you were in Kindergarten. I went back before my days of chemical processing and blow drying, to the yesteryears of when the word ombré referred to tie-dye t-shirts and not your hair.

This...is what I found.

I've since lost the brown vest, but kept my penchant for eating clown ice cream cones.

Despite the grainy Kodak camera film circa 1996, you can see that my natural hair color more or less matched my Brownie vest and had some golden/peanut butter colored highlights sprinkled in. 

I decided to replicate the look 18 years later and here's how it came out. 

Overall, I'm happy with it. It's still dark enough to set off my Snow White winter's *tan*, but the highlights break it up and add some much-needed dimension. Would you all dare to take beauty advice from your Kindergarten selves? 

DIY Coffee Scrub

Admittedly, I'll try any natural beauty product once. I've experimented with jello mix, honey, mashed bananas, mayonnaise, beer, avocados, you name it. Some things have grossed me out (mayo...*gag*), but others have earned permanent fixture in my beauty repertoire. Plus, why drop money on products that you probably already have in your pantry?

This is one of my all time favorite scrubs, ever. Any kind of coffee grounds work, but I take the used ones out of my K-Cups. Why coffee you ask? In short, coffee wakes up your skin just like it does you in the morning. Caffeine, when used topically, can temporarily reduce cellulite, improve blood flow, and make your skin absolutely flawless and glowy. This may be totally made up in my head, but I also feel like I look tanner when I use it. 

To make:

I brew a cup of coffee using my K-cup and take the leftover pod out*

Then, empty the grounds into a bowl (I usually use ~3 pods)

If you're using regular grounds, just eye it. 1/4 c should be plenty

Stir in 2 tbsp of olive or coconut oil

Bring it into the shower, scrub all over, wash off & enjoy!

Notes:

You will look like you just rose out of a grave. Coffee tends to look like dirt, but if you're mindful about washing it all off, you'll be fine.

Your shower will most look like something out of a Halloween movie. Again, water solves this problem. I promise, it's so worth it.

*If you're saving K-cups that have been brewed, don't let them sit out for more than a day or two, the moisture can breed mold and you definitely don't want that on your skin. 

A Romantic Look

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and although it's not my favorite holiday, I think that there's something romantic about this time of year. The snow starts to melt and you can feel spring just around the corner. Whether you have a significant other or not, I think it's important to incorporate a little romance into your life.

This look was inspired by the ultimate chick-flick movie, Pride & Prejudice. Kiera Knightley looks so fresh-faced and romantic, and I was determined to recreate her makeup in a modern way.  The result? A look that's wearable from work to cocktail hour. 

{cream blush: Bobbi Brown pot rouge in raspberry, lipstick: Maybelline Color Sensational Plum Perfect, eyebrow pen: Anastasia Beverly Hills in Universal Deep, mascara: Benefit they're real! mascara}

This simple beauty look takes just minutes. It's amazing how a vampy lip, lots of mascara, and a little brow definition can transform your face into looking like you were personally courted by Mr. Darcy. 

*For some extra romance, I styled my hair into a low chignon and left out some curled, face-framing pieces. This is a great tutorial on how to achieve the look.

The Best Beauty Looks from the Grammys

As previously mentioned, I'm so sketchy when it comes to watching awards shows. I always seem to forget what time they're on, but I'm obsessed with the beauty and fashion looks. It's my albatross.

Luckily, Twitter keeps me posted with minute-to-minute updates on who is wearing what. After a good chunk of time spent sifting through various social media, I've narrowed down my favorite Grammy beauty looks (and how to achieve them!). 

Chrissy Teigen is equal parts sexy and sophisticated with her slicked-back hairstyle and daring cutouts. Here is an awesome tutorial on how to achieve that fake-shave hairstyle a la Chrissy.

Colbie Caillat is that girl who always manages to look effortlessly cool, like she just rolled out of bed that way. Here is a video showing you how to get her braided bun look.

I love how Julianne Hough let her natural beauty show through with a swipe of black mascara, filled-in eyebrows, glowing skin, and bright red lips. Here's how to get her glowing skin. 

Rita Ora slayed the red carpet in her metallic dress, purple smoky eye, and Marilyn-esque waves. I love how her colorful (yet understated) makeup brought out the jewel tones in her dress. Here's how to nail the purple smoky eye without looking like a street walker.

Lastly, on my naughty list...

Madonna...

Reasons why:

1. She is wearing a grill and she's not Nelly. 

2. If she's gonna wear that Colonel Sanders outfit, at least do everyone a decency and bring a KFC bucket.

3. She looks like Reverend Kane from Poltergeist. #NONONONONO

Pantone's 2014 Color of the Year

Each year, Pantone (the color expert of the universe) flips through their infinite number of color swatches and decides which lucky hue gets to be the year's prom queen. This year, it was Emerald, and for 2014, it's Radiant Orchid.

Now, when I first saw the color, I immediately thought...

Well, sh*t.

Luckily, as more and more trend reports came out, I realized that it's a lot easier to pull off than I originally gave credit for. Personally, electric purple isn't my favorite color, so I'm going to choose to stick with individual pieces (like a top or shoes) rather than head-to-toe monochrome. 

I've found that the beauty products are the silver lining of this travesty on Pantone's part. I have green eyes, so I have always been encouraged to wear purpley-pink makeup. I promise, it's a lot more flattering on than in the jar or tube. Don't let it intimidate you. I've created my top 10 favorite Radiant Orchid-colored beauty products, so you can be on trend, without kids begging you to do a sing-a-long song.

Click on the image to enlarge it.

1. Lollitint from Benefit is Benetint's candy-coated younger sister. It gives you that childlike glow and makes your skin look dewy fresh.

2. Butter London nail lacquer, for those who want to dip their toes (or fingers) into the trend  pool before making a commitment.

3. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar -- For the brave only. I tried this bad boy out in Sephora and it didn't come off for 8 hours despite tireless scrubbing. Tip: Make sure you love the color.

4. This fun Wahl Supadryer tames your tresses and comes with a diffuser for curly girls.

5. This Laura Mercier eye stick can be used as a liner or all-over shadow and would be so perfect for a pretty purple smokey eye.

 6. Bite Beauty has the best lip pencils. They're versatile because one layer looks like a pretty stain, but with a few more layers, they look like a matte, pigmented lipstick.

7. Sephora's Pantone collection liquid liner is ideal for those who want a fun approach to changing up a classic cat eye.

8. Dolce & Gabbana nailed the color here. They can really do no wrong in my book.

9. Love Spell from Victoria's Secret is a classic. I like to keep one in my gym bag to freshen up on-the-go.

10. Sephora's Pantone collection lipstick would be so gorgeous with a bare face and a little mascara.

What a Lush

I know that I've been posting a ton about beauty stuff lately, but LUSH is definitely a company worth mentioning. First off, their products are all-natural. Like, made of seaweed and cinnamon and roses natural (okay, maybe not that specific combo, but you get the idea). Also, their salespeople try products on you, and they don't scrimp. I hate when salespeople give you a tic tac-sized sample of lotion and you have no idea what it really feels like. LUSH wants you to know what you're getting, and their products never upset.

How cute is their Palm Beach store?

Bath bombs, face masks, and bubble bars oh my!

I walked out with the BB Seaweed face mask (so fresh that it must be stored in the fridge), Flying Fox shower gel (guaranteed to put you in a good mood), peppermint foot scrub, The Comforter bubble bar,  a mud bar, and in-shower body conditioner. All day I've been practically begging for people to touch me because it's made my skin so soft. Sorry I'm not sorry.

Beat the Heat Beauty

During the summer, I live in south Florida where it ranges from 100-100,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Okay, so despite the slight exaggeration, it does get seriously hot, and I found myself in need of a new beauty routine. So, I tackled Sephora [Read: Heaven on Earth]. These products have made their way into my heart and onto my face and will be permanent fixtures in my summer rotation.

Going from left to right and top to bottom: Too Faced cocoa bronzer, Guerlain summer line cream blush in coral, YSL Shocking mascara in black, Dior lash primer, Stila lip and cheek stain in passion fruit, and Hello Kitty cream eyeshadow sticks in Friendship and Cupcake. These can all be found and purchased here.

Here's the finished product (pardon the Myspace-esque car pics)

I'm not wearing foundation, but you could start off with some if you want. Next, apply Birthday Cake, a shimmery beige shade, all over your lid and into the inner corners of your eyes. Blend. Then, take Friendship, a slightly darker taupe, and bring it into the outer third of your eye and onto your lash line. Next, apply your lash primer and mascara. (Side note: I'm in no way endorsed by Dior or YSL, but I should be, because they have made a HUGE fan out of me. My wimpy lashes look awesome with this killer combo. They are a must-try for any beauty junkie). But, I digress. Finish off the look by putting the coraly-pink stain on your lips and cheeks and dusting the matte bronzer into the hollows of your cheekbones, the side of your nose, and around the perimeter of the face. Viola! 

Now you look hot, but in a good way. ;)