tips to nail your holiday manicure

the holidays call for manicures galore and since i like to change things up fairly often, i’ve taken to doing my nails myself more often than sitting down at the salon. here are a few things making my diy manicure routine a little easier this season:

squeaky clean nail beds: in order to make my at-home-polish last through the shuffle, i have learned to start with extra clean nail beds. instead of using a cotton swab soaked in alcohol, i take one of my simple eye make-up remover pads and run it over all ten tips. each wipe is oil free with skin conditioners, so polish sticks but my nails don’t get dry and brittle.

metallic polish: we all know the pain of trying to remove sparkle-licious lacquers. (seriously, who has time for that nonsense?) select a metallic polish that will give you all the glamour of the season without committing you to a lifetime of glitter. from left to right: clinique indie rock ($12.50, ester lauder brushed gold ($20), butter london petrol ($15), rgb copper ($18).

maximize your mileage: i found this tip in january’s instyle and think it’s kind of genius. when, inevitably, your nails start to fade, dip the tip of a bobby pin into gold polish and neatly dot it on. if you love the look of bordeaux, navy, hunter, or black nails but can’t stand when they go drab, this is the perfect trick to keep them looking sharp.

keep it pretty: you can also file this one under “pretty gifty.” anthropologie’s adorable nidus nail care case ($38) holds four polishes perfectly in place. with coated canvas and spill-safe lining, you can tote your favorite lacquers in style. plus, can you imagine gifting this cutie to your best one (packed with a polish or two, naturally)? such a cute concept!

albeit matte stylo stick

have you spotted these gorgeous new lip color sticks at your local anthro? i am in love with the latest release from the brand’s exclusive lip line. designed with the belief that lip color is the savvy woman’s greatest accessory (i couldn’t agree more), albeit’s products are blended with argan oil,  vitamin e, and papaya.

since we already know that i’m a fan of the lipstick, i had to give these new matte stylo sticks a whirl. i had no trouble committing to geranium – a coral orange with pink undertones – and instantly fell in love with the pigmented, lightweight texture. you can apply this straight from the tube for vibrancy or pat it on with your finger (my preference) for a blurry and more carefree effect. the formula is lightweight and non drying with color payoff that’s creamy and subtly statement making.

the orange shade is spot on for pre fall and i’m thinking this one will be a fast favorite.

think you’ll give these a go?

albeit matte stylo stick ($16) >

pocket vanity

every beauty girl knows the importance of keeping a compact mirror handy. an essential for lipstick reapplication, after-meal teeth checks, taxi cab touchups and flyaway taming, they come in so many adorable shapes and sizes. i’ve rounded up six of my very favorites and even if you’re not in the market, they make a pretty great gift, no?

1 – jetty compact mirror, $28
this vintage-inspired hand mirror from anthropologie is generously oversized,
but still super slim. i love the three different nautical print options
that remind me of summers on nantucket!

2 – squared-away pocket mirror, $25
i’m fairly obsessed with this sunny yellow option from kate spade saturday.
for one, the embossed leather slip pocket is too cute and the simple glass mirror
tucked inside is chic and minimalist, but sure to start a conversation.

3 – stephanie johnson snap mirror, $22
quite possibly my first love, this double mirror is always all done up in the coolest
prints and colors. with 18 (!) options currently available, there’s no excuse not to
“snap” one of these up in every single outfit she comes in.

4 – j.crew liberty pocket mirror, $22.50
i cannot get enough of j.crew’s liberty prints! if you’re not up for investing in a button
down or skinny pant, might i recommend this wallet friendly option that will also keep you looking pretty? (note this print is sold out online, but i have seen it in store!)

5 – lattice rose compact mirror, $13.58
cath kidston is known for her vintage-inspired florals and i adore this twin mirror all
done up in lattice roses. if you need something durable, then this bifold metal choice
could be perfect for you. it snaps up securely and can surely take a beating.

6 – rae lipstick case, $38
technically a lipstick case, this all leather beauty has a little mirror on its flat bottom! hobo is constantly coming up with functional and fashionable ways to keep you organized, but this one takes the cake. slip your favorite balm + stick inside for keeping gorgeous on the go.

this or that: sunglasses

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i read a little interview with heidi klum recently where she said “one of my biggest beauty products are my sunglasses.” i am obsessed with this quote and i could not agree more! the right pair of sunglasses are not only a glam accessory (and a great way to reflect your own personal style), but they are also crow’s feet stoppers and under eye wrinkle preventers – basically an anti-aging shield for your eyes.

i hunt every season for a great pair of sunnies and most years, i come up empty handed reverting back to a pair of classic favorites. this season, i zeroed in on kate spade’s shawna sunglasses for their black frames, pinched arms, and touch of tortoise. i loved the shape and the unique mixed media look, so i treated myself using funds from a spring sales bonus (thanks, hobo!).

i quickly found that gorgeous as they may be, they are not the most comfortable to wear and they are constantly sliding down my nose. no bueno.

i held on to them because i love the style so much! but, $138 is too steep of a price to pay for something that you’re not crazy about. then, when i saw these two-tone audrey shades from anthropologie, i thought they might be a good option. turns out that they are perfect. they’re lightweight, they fit me exactly right with the cat eye flare that i’ve been looking for and at $38 i don’t care if i’m sick of them next season. with $100 price difference, i can no longer justify the kate spades so back to nordstrom they go. don’t you just love a bargain?

keep it pretty: vestige lipstick holder

what a week!

with all of the excitement in boston yesterday, i spent the day glued to cnn. mr. glossarie is out of town for an alumni golf tourney and on a night when i would normally take the opportunity to catch up with the kardashians and a bottle of wine, my nerves were too shot. so, i settled for a cookies and cream milkshake and a little online retail therapy.

i fell in love with this vestige lipstick holder ($28) inspired by anthropologie’s own albeit lipstick collection. i’m hopeful that it will hold my current favorites, because i’ve already cleared off a spot on my dresser.

hope you beauties are enjoying a peaceful saturday!

a happy saturday

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yesterday was a doozy. why the whole week can go swimmingly just for friday to come along and knock you on the head never fails to baffle me! i’m taking it easy today and soaking in the joy from these five sweetly simple things:

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1 – the anthropologie sale (especially this top)

2 – a new lip conditioner, apricot lipstick, and white nails – all from revlon

3 – a little gold kitten for my first knucle from catbird

4 – this bamboo beauty organizer keeping my dailies perfectly pretty

5 – a hilarious audio book – seriously a must read, i don’t think i’ve ever laughed so hard!

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what’s making your saturday bright and cheery? happy weekend to you!

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something scented

1. gimmicky or not, i have to say that i’m kind of entranced with this fragrance jewelry by lisa hoffman. you can fill pendants, bracelets, cuffs and earrings with scented beads for a fragrance experience that takes you beyond the bottle. (tom binns for lisa hoffman studs, $200)

2. my new favorite something scented! mark’s jewel shine perfume is a fruity floral (think guava and peach paired with sophisticated gardenia, a hint of amber and – get this – cocoa marshmallow). the scent really surprised me because it’s equally fresh, blossom-y and almost woodsy all at the same time. the notes are beautifully blended, culminating in a combination that’s perfect for everyday and a formula that lingers without feeling overpowering. yum! (mark. jewel shine, $28)

3. this tiny travel atomizer is a big game changer. the reason being that you can fill it directly from any perfume or cologne bottle with a removable spray head (read: pretty much all of them). there is no funnel necessary and it holds fifty sprays of your favorite scent. (perfume travel atomizer, $7.99)

4. i can’t get enough of these fragrance wipes by nomaterra. single-use and begging to go abroad, these babies are available in packs of twelve. dc beauties can join me tonight to celebrate the new fragrance launch and take these for a test drive! (nomaterra fragrance wipes, $36)

5. if you’re looking for a great way to keep it pretty, anthropologie’s provence society perfume bottle is the perfect addition to your vanity. just fill it with your favorite fragrance, dab on wrists, and watch them swoon. (small perfume bottle, $18)

anthropologie albeit lipstick in peony

i got a few inquiries about the lipstick i’m wearing in my burberry body post. the shade was purchased on a whim at anthropologie and has become a fast favorite. anthro’s own line of albeit lipsticks come in six vintage-inspired shades (two of which are on sale at 50% off!) and i selected peony, a clean, fresh, medium pink that picks up on my fair skin and mousy hair for an almost coral finish. the wear on these is really nice – super creamy and non drying – but it’s the packaging that really seals the deal. in gorgeous boxes and golden cases that evoke the 1920’s, this is one of those products that you reach for again and again just to look at. they go on smooth with a slight shine, perfect for daytime and easy to layer for more impact.

if you’re looking for a lippie with a touch of glamour, definitely pick one of these pretties up before they disappear. you can find albeit in anthropologie stores and online for $18.

keep it pretty: sweet pea soap dish

my dresser is a disaster and i’m starting of 2013 with the clear intentions of getting organized in the beauty department. i think what i really need to catch all of the perfume samples, mane message hair ties and anna beck rings that i have roaming around is a small series of pretty trays. this trio caught my eye at anthropologie this week and i’m definitely going to have to go back and scoop them up.

not only are the patterns feminine without being overdone, the whimsical shapes are absolutely calling to me. i love the way that they go together but not in a matchy matchy way. at less than an inch high and four inches wide, i’m already picturing them filled with lip balms and nail polishes – the perfect way to start getting organized!

the sweat pea soap dishes in neutral, blue, and rose are available at anthropologie for $12 each.

how do you organize your beauty products?

a few lovely links

• i’m craving these zesty curved bobbies to tame my mane
• i’ll be getting my next nyc mani at the essie flagship salon on the ues!
• say sayonara to dry, cracked lips with this diy lip smoothie
• lush launches a makeup line and i think i like it
• where to skimp and splurge on your beauty products