5 FAVORITE THINGS: Beauty Products

They say your body changes every seven years, and I find this to be remarkably true. Seven years ago, I was seeking out beauty products for dry skin, tangled hair and unruly eyebrows. Nowadays, my beauty product collection seems to consist of too many lipsticks, blemish creams and mascaras. Through all the phases one goes through concerning personal appearance, we all know that trial and error seems to be the best method in establishing your essentials. I've compiled a list of beauty products that have worked the best for me throughout my teenage years and twenties. I can thank my mother, a former Avon and Mary Kay sales lady, for teaching me about makeup at an early age and consequently informing me that pounds of makeup doesn't make a girl beautiful; it breaks out her skin and is a huge pain to wash off. The right products can enhance your natural beauty and correct any imperfections that make you uncomfortable. I stand by the mantra "less is more," but I shudder to think of how much money I've spent on useless products when the cheapest items are often the most effective.


Neutrogena Body Lotion - Light sesame formula

This is hands down the best lotion I have ever used. It makes my skin so silky and smooth, and the fusion of oil and light lotion leaves your skin feeling soft all day. The light, clean scent smells wonderful and won't overpower if you choose to wear perfume. This is a great warm-weather lotion that dries quickly and won't sweat off. I also love pump lotion bottles, so that is an added bonus. This formula is great for dry skin and will not leave oily skin clogged.


CoverGirl Aqua Smoothers Foundation

I have a very pale complexion, so finding an inexpensive, quality foundation that matches my skin tone often poses a bit of a problem. However, I was pleased to find that CG Smoothers (in 705 ivory) matched my skin flawlessly. Not only was I pleased with the pigment, I was also surprised at how lightweight this formula is. This a great foundation for days when you want good coverage of any discoloration or dark circles but do not want to cake your face with makeup. The foundation feels like a lotion and does not dry with a chalky finish. You may need to pair this with a concealer for blemishes because the coverage is not thick or matte. I love this foundation for summer. Covergirl also uses the Aqua Smoothers formula in a tinted moisturizer for maximum smoothness and slight coverage.


Pixi Succulent Lip Twin Lipstick/Lipgloss

This lip color combo is awesome for traveling light and transitioning from a day look to a more formal night out. The gloss is shiny and the tint is translucent. The color in the gloss can be seen, but it is not bold like its lipstick partner. The lipstick color is matte and opaque and looks lovely on its own, but when paired with the gloss, lips appear fuller and more dramatic. The gloss is great for summer days, and the lipstick is perfect for nights out. Together, the two make a statement. I purchased the shade Poppy Red, but I am very tempted to try every hue. The only downfall to this compact lip color is the taste - While the shades may look like fruity delights, don't expect them to taste like Lip Smackers.


Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Body Mist

I stepped into B&B to find a giant half-off sale on tons of the store's aromatherapy products. Because the chain is changing its label design, it is practically throwing away some of the best products. Hence, I purchased the Lavender & Chamomile ("Sleep" - The above is a modified version in Lavender Vanilla) body mist for half off. While most quality perfumes will run you anywhere from $30-$100, I purchased this glass bottle of bliss for a mere $7. One spray of the fragrance lasts all day, and the scent smells like a combination of incense, tea, sweet flowers and clean laundry. I love wearing it because I feel relaxed whenever I catch a whiff. The aromatherapy collection is great to spritz on your bedsheets, body or clothing. Natural scents like orange ginger increase energy, black currant vanilla stimulates sensuality and eucalyptus spearmint decreases stress. I think each of these scents is amazing, and they remind me of drinking tea on a rainy day. I was surprised at how long the body mist lasted on my skin and how inexpensive this great product was.


Eggs!

Yes, you read that correctly. Eggs. More specifically, egg yolks. I've read that egg yolks do wonders for blemishes, and I never really tried it until recently. Let me tell you something - It works! What I like to do is separate the yolks from two eggs, mix them up with my fingers, then apply a thin layer of the yolky goop to my entire face like a mask. I leave this on for about 15-20 minutes until it hardens and becomes difficult to move my mouth or lift my eyebrows. Then I wash it off with a gentle face cleanser and moisturize. The yolk has significantly reduced the size of my blemishes and made my skin incredibly smooth. I've heard that you can also use the egg whites to give you a "temporary face lift," but I just prefer to toss them in a pan with some seasoning and make a tasty egg white omelet.

The second round of my 5 Favorite Beauty Products is coming up! Stay tuned.

INSPIRATION: Clarissa Darling

If you were a child of the '90s who took breaks from your busy days of playing with pogs and rollerblading to watch TV, you probably had your first "OMG ROOM DECOR!" moment with Clarissa Darling's boudoir. Clarissa Explains It All was the perfect Nickelodeon sitcom about a sassy preteen girl, her dorky and annoying brother and the sweet, seductive boy-next-door Sam. (I, for one, wanted a ladder going up to my bedroom window and my own multicolored phone before I realized that's just one big illegal booty call waiting to happen.) Clarissa's kaleidoscope room, with its wacky found objects as wall art and iguana named Elvis, was reflected perfectly in Ms. Darling's closet. Her outfits were wild, unpredictable, but still totally cohesive and wearable. She was the anti-Clueless, bringing a chainsaw to Cher's closet and constructing some of the most admirable '90s fashion to date.


A vest OVER an oversized denim shirt? What a '90s staple. The combat boots are killer, as are the '60s retro scarf and bracelet. I'm not sure if printed bike shorts will ever make a comeback, but Clarissa pulls it off by pairing the skin-tight leggings with a long top that will cover any unmentionables.



I love when Clarissa wears these big, thick black headbands. They recall the 1990s' fascination with the 1960s (I remember owning a pretty groovy pair of flared jeans with smiley faces and peace signs all over them). The black turtleneck is very chic, as is the red vest (Perhaps it's a dress? Either way, I dig it.) But the DINOSAUR EARRINGS are what really sell this look. Perfect.


I adore Clarissa's DIY wallpaper pattern: Painting a checkerboard over her mother's handpicked matronly floral print. Clarissa's baking outfit parallels this wall pattern: A striped, jumbled plaid tie-dye button down with checkerboard suspenders and a floral apron. I like to imagine Clarissa used her room as outfit inspiration. Also, let's take a moment to admire Sam's oversized mint hoodie and, of course, the sexy chef's hat. He looks like American Apparel's dream muse.


This may be my favorite look of the bunch. It's so classic Clarissa. The polka dot swing babydoll top, earrings and hat are a matchy-matchy glimpse of perfection. The combat boots add a touch edge, and the rolled jeans and hot pink tights are a shock of originality.


Like many of today's hipsters, Clarissa tries on a pair of black-rimmed glasses in order to appear "smart." I think this lady's pretty intelligent on her own (she explains it ALL, remember?), but the spex suit her. Her '70s peasant top, giant watch and awesome earrings are what I like best. Below, she pairs the top with a floral skirt and black leggings. I hope she topped it off with combat boots.


Cher may have had a computer program that picks out her daily outfit, but Clarissa had software to help her solve everyday dilemmas. She had the creative edge to come up with these genius ensembles herself. And for that, she is my favorite '90s style icon.

INSPIRATION: Romantic Reds

I recently celebrated my one-year anniversary with my special fella, and I wore a fitted red mini dress that I was drawn to for the Joan Holloway vibes. I've always loved bright reds paired with dark hair. It's a sexy, classic and vampy look that always drops a jaw or two. Although summer is quickly approaching and 'tis the season for vibrant tees and floral sundresses, night time always calls for a stunning cocktail dress and flashy accessories. I'm mad in love with romantic crimsons and pops of cherry (excuse the creepy connotations) for wild summer nights.



Catherine Zeta-Jones | ELIE SAAB
__________________



LANVIN
__________________



PRINCESS POLLY
__________________



GUCCI
__________________




BETSEY JOHNSON
__________________



MOSCHINO
__________________



Rachel Bilson | FRENCH CONNECTION
__________________

SPRING SALE

With summer creeping closer each day, spring cleaning is an essential. Feeling lighter and a few dollars richer is necessary for summer travels, garage sale finds and saving for school. I'm selling some of my gently used clothing and accessories. All items are in very good to excellent condition, unless otherwise specified.
To purchase, please e-mail me at bnader@kent.edu. I accept cash, money order or PayPal.
_______

ACCESSORIES:
_______





PLUM CROSS-BODY PURSE
Perfect for hands-free shopping, concert-going or strolling along the sidewalk on a nice day. This purple leather purse is surprisingly spacious, fitting everything from your wallet, sunglasses, waterbottle and more. Leather shoulder strap provides added comfort.
$10





VINTAGE NECKLACE TRIO
These three unique necklaces were purchased at vintage/antique shops. The leftmost necklace is a handpainted glass peace sign with doves on a long gold chain. The center monogrammed gold pendant rests on a gold chain. The far right black velvet choker with ivory-esque flower pendant.

$5 (for all)



WHITE & SILVER BEADED HANDBAG

This 1920s-style handbag opens on the front and back sides and is held by a double silver chain. Note: This was purchased at a vintage store and had several rips on the interior lining. I can hand-stitch these if preferred.

$5
_______

CLOTHING:
_______



CHOCOLATE STRETCH KNIT MINI DRESS

This ultra-comfortable knit frock can be worn as a top, tunic or short dress.
3/4 sleeves roll up to shorter lengths and can be secured with side buttons. Size: M

$10

{Click for detail}



TOKIDOKI FOR HELLO KITTY STRAPLESS DRESS

An adorable kawaii dress with cute suede Hello Kitty decal on the red & white striped skirt. This dress has gotten so many compliments! Note the cherry red heart buttons. Size: S

$10

{Detail I}
{Detail II}



DELIA*S MULTICOLOR PRINT SKIRT

This highwaisted, 90s-inspired skirt even comes with pockets! A perfect summer piece that can be paired with any top and can also be worn with tights and boots in the winter. This is a fun, carefree skirt with a hip aesthetic. Size: S

$8
{Click for detail}

_______

To order, please e-mail me (Brittany) at bnader@kent.edu specifying which item(s) you wish to purchase and preferred payment method. Thanks for browsing!

LITERARY INSPIRATION: The African Mistress

In Joseph Conrad's novel, The Heart of Darkness, the reader is introduced to a greedy English imperialist who exploits the native Congolese in order to obtain ivory and wealth. While in the Congo, he takes a mistress whom he adorns with beautiful ornaments and baubles. The woman brings to mind tall, Amazonian models and stunning tribal queens.

"She walked with measured steps, draped in striped and fringed cloths, treading the earth proudly, with a slight jingle and flash of barbarous ornaments. She held her head high; her hair was done in the shape of a helmet; she had brass leggings to the knee, brass wire gauntlets to the elbow, a crimson spot on her tawny cheek, innumerable necklaces of glass beads on her neck; bizarre things, charms, gifts of witch men, that hung about her, glittered and trembled at every step."

The woman wears golden military accessories and gladiator shoes. She glitters with charms and gifts from voodoo men, like a gypsy dancing through the night sky.

"She opened her bared arms and threw them up rigid above her head, as though in an uncontrollable desire to touch the sky, and at the same time the swift shadows darted out on the earth, swept around the river, gathering the steamer into a shadowy embrace."

Her allure, strength and power is overwhelming. She is like a golden statue amidst the wild greenery, beckoning men, causing them fall to their knees in admiration.

MUSIC: Writing In My Diary [a mix]

“The act of writing requires a constant plunging back into the shadow of the past where time hovers ghostlike.” — Ralph Ellison



Writing In My Diary: A Mix

"Seafarer" - Tennis
"When The Sun Don't Shine" - Best Coast
"I Really Do" - Seapony
"Fallen Snow" - Au Revoir Simone
"Our Deal" - Best Coast
"Rest Of Our Lives" - Dum Dum Girls
"She's My Baby" - Mazzy Star
"Dead Shark" - Liz Phair
"Go Outside" - Cults
"Rainbowarriors" - CocoRosie
"Is It Wicked Not to Care" - Belle and Sebastian
"All Dressed Up in Dreams" - The 6ths
"My Love" - The Bird And The Bee
"A Sunday Kind of Love" - Beth Rowley

LISTEN HERE