Look Tan Without the Sun

I am probably one of the whitest white girls.  I just don't tan.  I freckle, sometimes burn and my definition of tan is more like a cafe au lait color than bronzed.  H laughs every time I say I'm tan because it is usually on par with his version of pale.  Still, I like a bit of color and I don't want the sun damage so I use a lot of self-tanners and bronzer during the warm months.  And a few of these tips don't hurt either. The LOWDOWN 1. Wear white.  A lot.  It keeps you cool and makes you look tanner. 2. Consider a new nail polish that goes beyond the trend of white nails.If it is lighter than your skin tone it will accentuate your tan.  Golds, neon and bright corals are also good. 3. Soft colors like mint or pale pink add pop so load up on the pastel accessories this … [Read more...]

Just Add Fireworks

When it comes to make-up over the holidays I always tend to be a bit understated. My toes are painted a glossy OPI red this year and I'm sure my nails will be in a white hue. Navy fingertips are too hard to keep fresh for a few days when you are busy having fun. I might throw in a navy eyeliner though or a red gloss to play up the day even more. Then I'm done and all we need to do is just add fireworks. Pick one or all of these super cute shades to add a little sparkle to your look.   All Made Up for the Fourth by victoriamason featuring a red lipstick SHOP THE LOOK Lipstick Queen in Medieval/Essence EU Cosmetics Nauti Girl Palette/Essence EU Cosmetics Nauti Girl Eyeliner/Lauren B. Beauty Nail Polish in Malibu Beach, Rodeo Drive & Hollywood Land (so LA!) Happy … [Read more...]

Summer Travel Essentials

School's out! It's Summertime! Summer travel has officially begun and with the July 4th weekend right around the corner it is time to start thinking about packing. Whether you are traveling by train, plane or automobile (I'll be cruising down the highway with a 100lb. Doberman as one of my traveling companions. I think that is a separate blog post in itself.) you are going to need to pack and probably do it lightly.  When I have to take a bag for make-up and a bag for toiletries I get cranky. I love my stuff but I don't like hauling it. Neither do the airlines. Instead I've found a few tried and true products that make packing fast and easy while still being able to look good while I travel.   TSA Travel Goodies by victoriamason featuring Josie Maran Burt's Bees … [Read more...]

Skin Deep

It's Monday.  Spring break has come and gone and the weather finally seems to have turned the corner.  Can I get an Amen?! How about a dose of sobering reality?   No filter.  No touch ups.  Pre-workout photo from last week.  In my in-need-of-a-makeover office. How about this one?   I was totally going to make my annual skin screening at my dermatologist, I swear.  Another mole was not playing nice. Except I just kept putting it off with lots of excuses.  It's a long drive, it sucks up work time and I can't find a sitter. Blah, blah, blah. All excuses. All the time.  Then the triple threat, as I am now calling it, appeared.  It doesn't look so bad in the photo, except that it was.  SO BAD.  It was painful, large and two days before so swollen I looked like I … [Read more...]

BUSTED! Beauty Myths Exposed

  It is time to fight back against the damage that winter waged with its war on your skin. Now is the time to seize the spring day and bring on some beautiful renewal with your skincare routine. Find out what is true and what is a downright lie when it comes to taking care of your skin. It’s a beauty myth smack down! True or False? Your Clarisonic brush is your exfoliating BFF.  Want the answer?  Read more on my Social Moms post. And to kick the weekend off right I'm including some of my FRIDAY FINDS True&Co. Bra of the Year + 40% Off Select Styles!   The bra that Marilyn Monroe made famous is having its moment once again! The Balconette is True&Co.'s Bra of Year! And for good reason! Truthfully, the balconette is almost too pretty to cover up with … [Read more...]

ColorProof My Workout

When it comes to keeping up with my fitness I can be pretty serious. I eat right and give my body the fuel it needs per workout and pack healthy snacks to get through my day. I carry water with me everywhere to stay hydrated and healthy. If I'm running I'll wear my running shoes instead of my cross-trainers. It's all about using what you need and meeting the demands for that level of exercise. That means that even the products I use pre and post-workout have to work hard too. ColorProof 'DrySpell' Color Protect Dry Shampoo is my go-to product on the mornings I head to the gym and don't have time to wash my hair but just grab a quick shower after. I use it on the days I have to run out the door to get the kids to school and run errands but have no time to dry and style my hair. It's a … [Read more...]

Winter Survival 101

Source: Milford Patch My Facebook feed is full of photos depicting my New England friends and family being crushed by Old Man Winter.  Blizzards abound and while the snow hasn't hit us yet here in the DC area we are still being subjected to frigid temperatures that suck all the moisture out of the air.  Everything is drying out, including our skin and hair.   … [Read more...]

Sephora Gift Card Giveaway

No, it's not Black Friday and you haven't even stuffed your turkey yet but we are kicking off the holiday season early with a few other blogger friends by giving away a $160 Sephora gift card to ONE lucky reader!! Maria/Victoria/Jennifer/Nicki/Lisa/Crystelle/Brooke a Rafflecopter giveaway Winner will be chosen at random on December 1, 2014.   … [Read more...]

#MyHCLook

This time of year I am always desperate for a hair cut (anyone else have hair that grows super fast in the fall?) and I'm short on time.  Between all the activities the three girls have with school and outside of that and work and life during the holiday season the last thing I want to do is spend a few hours in my stylist's chair. Then last week I decided enough was enough.  My hair was too long and I needed a cut STAT.  I stopped into one of the many Hair Cuttery's located in my town.  I haven't visited one since I was in college and I'm always a bit shy on switching things up but I was a woman in need. BEFORE #MyHCLook I never actually style my long angled-bob hairstyle before a hair cut.  Does anyone go through all that trouble? After I checked into the salon as a walk-in I … [Read more...]

Beauty Trifecta

My latest fun beauty finds, tests and new product love are pretty great.  It's all about hair, face and body this week.  A little trifecta.     Fun Beauty Finds by victoriamason featuring a body moisturizer   Korres Wild Rose Instant Brightening Eye Treatment/Briogeo Blossom&Bloom Volumizing Conditioner/LaVanila Body Butter … [Read more...]