Outfit of the Day 1: Out Shopping!

Hey there everyone! This is my first outfit of the day (OOTD) post, hope you enjoy it :)

I am currently pursuing my second graduate degree and working as a consultant, so I rarely get a chance to wear  fun, casual clothes. When the opportunity does arise, I like to go all out! Today I had plans to shop in the Herald Square area and decided to wear this summery outfit:

Top and skirt - H&M

Belt - Rue 21 Outlet

Shoes - Bamboo brand from TJ Maxx

Sorry about the pic quality...picked a super sunny spot, oops!

Let me know what you think :)

DIY Lip Scrub Review

Lately, my lips have not been their best :( I've been experiencing a lot of dryness and flaking and that just doesn't make for a pretty smile! Though I am a tried and true believer in the magic of Eucerin's Aquaphor for chapped lips, I felt like this particular case required a little exfoliation first. I decided to try Michelle Phan's DIY lip scrub and, let me tell you, it doesn't get much easier than with this little gem of a product :)
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DIY Lip Scrub Recipe: 
- 1 tsp sugar - I used regular white sugar from my cupboard
- 2 tbsp honey - I estimated with 2 squeezes, too messy to measure!
- Small amount of Vaseline - I used about 1/4 of a spoon
Mix all the ingredients together until you get a grainy consistency. Then apply to lips with finger. Wait a bit, then wipe off with a paper towel. Moisturize your lips afterwards.
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I made the scrub in a plastic container and stored it in my fridge for later use. It felt nice and grainy on the lips and I made sure to gently rub it back and forth while applying to remove the flakiness. It took all my resolve to not just eat the scrub off...honey + sugar = yum!! I kept it on for about 3 minutes. After I took it off, I applied some Aquaphor and snuggled into bed. This morning my lips are smooth to the touch, not chapped or flaky at all! 


To all those who'd rather not spend loads of money on expensive scrubs, give this recipe a try! 

Moisturizers and Creams and Sunscreens, Oh My! - Part III - Sunscreen

I am one of those lucky few who has never experienced the pain that is sunburn. I have, however, heard plenty of gory details from my best friend...I think the sun has a personal vendetta against her...Anyways, since all that happens to me after a long day in the sun is a major tan, I never really was concerned about protecting my skin from it while growing up. Enter maturity and the understanding that sunscreen not only protects your skin from burning but also prevents the formation of wrinkles, leathery skin, premature aging, and cancer. Now, I am a card carrying member of the sunscreen fan club, you should be too!

Science Talk:
Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting some of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation (UVR) on skin exposed to sunlight and thereby helps protect against sunburn. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has designated UVR as a known human carcinogen. There are three types of UVR:

1. UVA - stimulates melanin and causes tanning
2. UVB - damages DNA through biochemical methods 
3. UVC - mostly absorbed by ozone layer, can damage DNA

The NTP has classified UVA, B, and C as reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens. The ones to watch out for when sunbathing are UVA and B, so make sure your sunscreen protects against both!

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The SPF is a comparison of the time it takes before the skin will start to redden with and without sun protection. For example, if it would take 20 minutes for an individual's skin to burn without sun protection, then a SPF of 15 means that when applied, that person can remain in the sun 15 times longer, or up to 5 hours, without worrying about burning. The greater the SPF, the longer the protection it offers, but only up to a certain point. SPFs greater than 15 offer only small increments of additional protection.

Tips for applying sunscreen:

• Apply sunscreen about half an hour before you go into the sun - That's how long it takes for your skin to absorb it.
• Make sure that you apply enough - Don't skimp on the sunscreen, the proper amount for the whole body is a handful. There should be a film of sunscreen visible on your skin! Not applying enough can make an SPF 15 sunscreen work like an SPF 8.
• Reapply often - Even if the label says "waterproof", swimming and towel-drying can reduce the potency of the sun protection
• Protect your face, neck, and the back of your hands on a daily basis - these places show early signs of aging 
• Don't rely only on sunscreen - Make sure to cover up with light fabrics, wear a hat and sunglasses and limit your sun exposure!

Sunscreens

Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion SPF 15 Sensitive Skin - Grade: A

In addition to being my absolute favorite face moisturizer, see Part II for full review, the addition of SPF doesn't make the formula greasy or sticky. I use this on a daily basis.

Neutrogena UVA/UVB Sunblock Lotion SPF 45 - Grade: A-

Overall, a pretty standard sunscreen for the body. My only complaint was that the formula was a little runny, so I had to use a lot to get a proper coating everywhere.

Aveeno Active Naturals Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion SPF 85 - Grade: A

Recently purchased this sunscreen as my Neutrogena one expired. Really thick formula which I like! Also, this has a really nice scent, not what I usually find with sunscreens. Haven't spent too long in the sun lately, but I'm really liking this product so far.

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer Untinted SPF 45 - Grade: B

I used this sunblock on my face and neck. It is a nice, thick formula, but that led to lots of oily-ness and occasional breakouts on my skin. This would probably be better for someone with dry skin.

Aveeno Active Naturals Continuous Sunblock Lotion Face SPF 70 - Grade: Incomplete

I have only used this product twice, both times it made my face feel slightly greasy by the end of the day, but nothing too terrible. Need to try it out for a little longer before I can properly grade it. I do like that it is specially formulated for the face.

Burt's Bees 8 SPF Natural Sun Protection Lip Balm - Grade: B

This is an opaque lip balm that comes in the standard Burt's Bee's tube. It is a little hard to apply as it is not very creamy, but feels good on the lips once it warms up to them a bit. Now, as it is an opaque white, it makes me look like the living dead. I like to top this off with Nivea Cherry Tinted Lip Care to get the perfect pink pout! Not sure if that is negating the effects of the lip balm though...Once I finish this tube, I'll be on the look out for a more emollient and less opaque lip balm.

Any good sunscreen recommendations? Stay safe in the sun!

Til next time,

Mani :)

Moisturizers and Creams and Sunscreens, Oh My! - Part II: All about the Face

When it comes to face creams, I haven't done too much experimenting. I was lucky to find my staples early on!

Face Creams/Moisturizers

Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion SPF 15 Sensitive Skin - Grade: A

I've pretty much been using Oil of Olay for as far back as I can remember...my mom always insisted that this was the best lotion for the face and I really couldn't agree more! I've used the Original Active Hydrating Beauty Fluid in the past and switched over to this product for the sunscreen a few years back. This is the perfect lotion for my combination skin! Light, not greasy, but still very moisturizing.  

Pond's Dry Skin Cream - Grade: A

As I mentioned above, I have combination skin with a tendency to get oily around my t-zone, while dry to normal everywhere else. In the winter months, I am more on the dry side and this cream accommodates my dryness perfectly! It is a thicker consistency than my Olay moisturizer, so I reserve this cream for the harshest months of winter or for when I am feeling especially dry. It is moisturizing, but not greasy and has a really pleasant scent. 

Nivea Sparkling Glow Age Control Day Care Fairness Cream - Grade: D

I received this cream as a gift on my last trip to India. It came with a free pair of earrings, I immediately was drawn to it (yes, I totally fall for gimmicks :P) Now, I am not very familiar with fairness creams, not something that I see in the US, but I was intrigued...after all, who wouldn't want a 'sparkling glow'? I used this in place of my daily face moisturizer for about a month and in that time I didn't see any change in my complexion or in my glowiness (is that a word?). I've since gone back to my Olay/Pond's staples. Love the packaging and free earrings, not so keen on the product.

ROC Retinol Correction Eye Cream - Grade - C

I have some occasional puffiness and darkness around my eye and I'd been looking for a convenient solution. I came across Michelle Phan's drugstore skin care video and took her up on her recommendation. While this may have worked well for her, I can't say the same for myself. I've been using this cream for a little over two months and have yet to see any change. The cream has a thin, watery consistency, but does feel moisturizing for the skin around my eyes. It also imparts a pleasant, cooling effect after application. This is one of the more pricier drugstore brands and I really had high hopes for this product. I think I may just finish up this tube, as it is only 1.5 fl. oz., while I'm on a lookout for a replacement. 

Any luck with eye creams? Tell me about it!

Til next time,

Mani :)

Moisturizers and Creams and Sunscreens, Oh My! - Part I: Daily Body Moisturizers

Ah summer! The glorious season where we shrug off bulky jackets, sweaters, and long johns and wear light and airy blouses, tanks, and skirts instead! Baring all this skin really has me focused on making sure that I'm putting my best face...arms, legs, and feet forward! I'd like to do a run through/review of the body moisturizers, face creams, and sunscreen products that I've tried and let you know which ones I can't live without and those which I'm tossing aside.

I'm making this a three-parter, this post's topic: Daily Body Moisturizers.
Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion - Grade: A-
I am currently on my second 18 fl. oz. bottle of this lotion and I whole-heartedly recommend it! My skin is on the dry and sensitive side and this fragrance-free lotion does not leave me with any itchy red areas or irritation. I usually use this right after the shower or before I go to sleep. For the most part this lotion does leave me feeling moisturized all day long as promised. I do find, however, when I am shaving my legs more frequently (i.e. summertime) that this lotion does not do the trick.

Eucerin Original Creme - Grade: B
Eucerin Original Creme is my go-to moisturizer when I have super dry skin or irritation from shaving or waxing. The thick creme consistency lends itself to lasting for a very long time on my skin, usually until my next shower! Unfortunately, since it is so thick, I cannot use this is a daily moisturizer.

Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Lotion - Grade: C
Prior to my Aveeno purchase, this was the lotion gracing the top of my dresser. This seemed to me like a watered down version of the Original Creme and the lotion did last for a long time on my skin. However, it was not so great for a daily, after-the-shower, moisturizer, which is what I wanted. I had to make sure that every drop of water was off of my body prior to applying it, otherwise it would apply too superficially and not be as effective. Not the best option for a lazy girl like myself :P

Jergens Original Scent Cherry-Almond Moisturizer - Grade - D
This lotion is in my childhood bedroom, so every time I go home to see my family, I end up using it. The consistency of the lotion itself is not bad. It is not too watery and not too thick and applies very easily. It does, however, give me some irritation when I use it after shaving. I also completely hate the scent! It sounds like it should smell good...I like the scent of cherry and almond...but for some reason this particular combo, I cannot stand it! I need to get myself an alternative for home-use, pronto!

Equate Aloe Vera Vitamin E Baby Oil Gel - Grade - A-
Yes, I know this is a Johnson and Johnson's rip-off, but I'm a bargain hunter :P This product has been what I have been reaching for lately to coat my just-shaved legs! I have zero irritation or red bumps afterwards and still feel pretty moisturized. The downside is that my legs can feel a little greasy if I apply too much, but it is the best solution I have, so I am dealing with that. Growing up I used baby oil, but now I prefer gel because it has the consistency of lotion while still remaining an oil, which means less mess.

Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere Hand Cream - Grade - Incomplete
So this technically doesn't fit in with this category of daily body moisturizers, but a friend of mine introduced this to me and I fell in love with it! BBW was having a sale on the mini bottle and I couldn't resist picking it up. I am not so sure how much I understand the cashmere extract ingredient, but this thick hand cream really does leave my hands feeling super soft and smooth to the touch. It's a really delightful feeling! It leaves behind a subtle shimmer which I am also a big fan of, though I'd prefer that for my legs as a nice touch when I'm wearing skirts or capris. I've given this product an Incomplete grade because I have yet to spring for the body lotion/body cream, I'm waiting for a good sale :P

I'm still waiting on that A+ product, what daily body moisturizer would you recommend?

Til next time,
Mani :)

Lip Product Haul

My makeup mania is making it really difficult for me to step out for a bit of light shopping without spending the majority of my time in the drugstore health and beauty aisle. I am pleased to say, however, that my last excursion has left me extremely happy with all of my purchases! So let's start, shall we?

1) Revlon Colorburst Lipsticks in Rosy Nude and Peach

Just had to have these lipsticks after hearing HollyAnnAeree's positive review of them. Rosy Nude is the first pink shade that I absolutely love! It goes really well with my coloring and should suit most Indian girls. Peach is a coral-y color that I think is great for summer. These lipsticks are very moisturizing. I don't know about them being that long lasting though, I just might be a lipstick eater...

2) L'Oreal Color Juice Lip Gloss in Peaches-n-Creme

Another coral-y shade that gives your lips a sheer tint of color. It smells amazing and tastes great! It is slightly sticky though, but the feeling goes away shortly after application. Gives my look a summery feel :)

3) Jordana's Gloss Sensations in Mauve Delight and Bronzy Charm

After reading Addicted To Blush's rave reviews, I was dying to try Jordana's lip tints. Unfortunately, they don't carry those in my local dollar store or drugstore. They do however carry these nice glosses, which at 99 cents were too irresistible to pass up! Both go on sheer with a touch of pink (Mauve Delight) or bronze (Bronze Charm) which is nice over chapstick or lipstick. They don't feel that great on the lips by themselves, give a dry, sticky feel. These also smell and taste yummy!

Lately, I'd been finding myself taking full advantage of the drugstore makeup return policy. I was a little bummed that I couldn't find anything that suited me. This haul has really upped my spirits (while lightening my bank account) :P

Are there any products that you have recently discovered that you just want to rave about? Share them in the comments below!

Til next time,

Mani :)

Let's talk Deodorants/Antiperspirants...

Does anyone else feel like there has been an upsurge in deodorant-related articles online lately? I keep reading about how it's better to be paraben- and aluminum-free, how deodorant/antiperspirants may be related to breast cancer and Alzheimer's Disease, etc. I've decided to do a little internet research to get some hard facts on this extremely common skincare staple!*

As many of you may already know, there is a difference between deodorants and antiperspirants. Deodorants are applied to the body to eliminate body odor (just like the name implies). This odor is caused by bacteria that breakdown sweat. Bacteria thrive in hot, humid environments and the human underarm is among the most consistently warm areas on the surface of the body. Underarm hair, believe it or not, wicks moisture away from the skin and aids in keeping the skin dry enough to prevent bacterial colonization and the B.O. that comes along with the bacteria. Now, unless you are a guy, it isn't really ideal to go au nautrel, especially in the summer where sleeveless is the way to be! What's a girl to do? Well, keep reading...

Antiperspirants are a subcategory of deodorants and their main purpose is to reduce sweat production via chemical agents. The main active ingredients in antiperspirants are aluminum chloride and aluminum chlorohydrate. Aluminum-based antiperspirants work by blocking the sweat ducts. Sweat continues to be produced by the sweat glands but it is not able to reach the surface of the skin. Antiperspirants, along with many other cosmetics, also contain parabens. Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in cosmetics and can be absorbed through the skin. Both aluminum and parabens can cause allergic reactions in users!

Recent studies have reported that long-term use of aluminum-containing deodorants/antiperspirants may cause harm. Aluminium salts get absorbed through the skin and accumulate in the body. There have been studies that suggest (read: no causal relationship has been proved at this point) that there may be an association between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease. The FDA does warn, however, that the daily use of antiperspirant drug products containing aluminum may put individuals at a higher risk for renal dysfunction. A study performed in 2002 stated that paraben exposure from antiperspirant use may be linked with breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, there is no direct link between parabens and any health problems, including breast cancer. The use of products with parabens doesn't seem to be harmful unless one is allergic.

In addition to the possible negative (and scary!) health effects that may be associated with antiperspirants, the ingredient aluminum zicronium tetrachlorohydrex gly is a known cause of yellow armpit stains on clothing, ick! For some good tips on getting rid of those stains, click here.

So, back to the original question....what to do?! I, for one, am going to go the paraben- and aluminum-free route. I have long since noticed that antiperspirants don't really do much for me, I'm pretty sweaty (sorry for being crude!) and an ideal product for me would make sure that I smell fresh and clean anyway :) After doing a little bit of research, I have found some products that seem promising, including:

- Arm & Hammer Essentials Antiperspirant/Deodorant

- Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Deodorant

- Herbal Clear: Clear Aloe Fresh Natural Deodorant

I'll keep you posted on what I choose and how it works! Be on the look out for a review :)

Here are some other deodorant tips I found that are worth sharing:

1) Never apply deodorant right out of the shower when your skin is moist and warm as that may deactive the active ingredients. Wait until your underarm skin has completely dried to apply.

2) Do not put deodorant on after waxing, especially if it contains alcohol. It is best to apply powder after waxing and wait til the next day to use deodorants.

3) Roll-on, stick, and perfume deodorants are not less effective than spray deodorants. Perfume collection deodorants are actually milder and more convenient for people who sweat less (lucky you!)

In addition to using deodorants/antiperspirants, here are some other ways to reduce B.O.:

- Bathe daily to remove bacteria from the skin

- Loose fitting clothing allows your skin to breathe better than it does in tight clothes. Also, make sure to wear breathable fabrics.

- Certain foods (meat, onions, garlic, exotic spices, coffee, and alcohol) can lead to B.O. If you are troubled by a constant B.O. problem, you may want to try adjusting your diet. Unfortunately, these are some of the tastiest foods :(

- Tobacco is a major cause of B.O. as it comes through the skin. It may take several weeks for the body to rid itself of the odor after you stop smoking.

Now go out there and bare those lovely underarms :P

Til next time,

Mani :)

*Please note that I am not an expert on this topic in any way. The information presented here was found on the internet and may not be completely accurate. Please consult a healthcare professional for more concrete information.

Snoozing for Healthy Skin

Who doesn't want to wake up more beautiful? Sleeping beauty really had the right idea...but when hectic schedules and early morning meetings get in the way, it really is hard to make sleep a priority!

I have been on the move for the past two weekends, traveling late at night and from the east coast to the west coast, and all this traveling has really affected my sleep schedule! I'm sleeping later and later and even when I wake up after 8+ hours of rest, I feel lazy and lethargic.

The first thing I notice after a few nights of low sleep is breakouts and dull skin :( From what I've read up on, this only gets worse with age, so good to be proactive and start treating your body right ASAP! This is why I have decided to implement a new sleep schedule for myself. Not only will it help me to be more productive in my daily life, but it will also give me healthier skin! Here is what I am planning to do:

1) Pick a set time each night to start preparing for sleep (i.e. brushing teeth, changing into pj's, taking out contacts) -- We are creatures of habit. Performing the same set of activities at the same time each night before sleeping will help to prepare our body for sleep.

2) Make the bedroom "sleep friendly" -- With the summer season fully upon us, getting comfortable enough to sleep can be hard. Make sure your bedroom is comfortably cool, quiet, and dark. Try to reduce as many annoyances as possible by pulling down the window shades and keeping windows closed if you live in a noisy neighborhood. Try using a sleep mask or ear plugs if need be.

3) Relax -- No matter how stressful the day was or how busy tomorrow is going to be, now is not to time to think about it. Nothing is worse than tossing and turning the night away! Use the time before you fall asleep to calm down your mind and remove your tensions. I find that doing this not only helps me sleep better but also reduces the chances that I'll have some freaky work-related nightmare!

4) Pick a set time to wake up and stick to it! -- This is the hardest part for me. On those mornings when I have no set obligations (it is nice to be a consultant, I'll admit it), it is difficult to drag myself out of my comfortable bed. But, since I never really feel refreshed after sleeping in, I've decided its time to get a little firm with myself and force myself to wake up and start being productive every day at a set time. This will not only reinforce the nighttime schedule, but will allow you to increase your morning productivity (clearly, I am not a morning person :P )

In addition to my sleep regimen, I am also going to:

- Hydrate more

Nothing says beautiful, healthy skin like a well-hydrated body!

- Take a daily multivitamin

I don't always maintain the healthiest diet, this way I am making sure I am getting the vitamins that I need

- Exfoliate once a week

Removing dead skin cells helps to brighten skin. Don't over do this though, as newly exfoliated skin is very sensitive! I like to exfoliate my face at nighttime when I won't immediately be exposing it to sunlight or the outdoors. Immediately after exfoliating I apply Pond's Dry Skin Cream.

- Apply sunscreen daily

The sun can really take a toll on your skin, so it's good to protect it with sunblock! I have been using Neutrogena Healthy Defense daily moisturizer (untinted) with SPF 45 on my face every morning and have been applying Neutrogena UVA/UVB Sunblock Lotion with SPF 45 on my arms and legs when I go out during sunlight hours.

Today is my start date, so I'll keep you all updated on how my sleep/healthy skin regimen goes :) Happy Zzzz's everyone!

Til next time,

Mani :)

Hits n' Misses: Lip Products

My latest craze has been collecting lip products. Up until a couple of years ago, my only real exposure to lip products has been tacky and bright red stage lipsticks (I'll do another post sometime on the horrors of dance makeup :P) and clear glosses and balms. I have a teeny tiny collection of colored lip products that range from daily must-haves to the not-so-greats. Here's a run through of my mini-stash:

1) Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer - Being such a huge fan of Burt's Bees Lip Balm, I just had to try out these shimmers. I have four different shades:

- Raisin - a dark reddish, berry color

- Rhubarb - a mauve-y pink color

- Nutmeg - a peachy nude color

- Papaya - a dark coral color

From the left: Raisin, Rhubarb, Nutmeg, Papaya

As advertised, these products are indeed shimmery and give a cooling effect to the lips. They glide on very smoothly and the color intensity is buildable. I personally prefer to mix the Raisin and Rhubarb colors as together they give me a nicer shade then when used individually. I find Raisin to be a little too dark and Rhubarb to be a little too bright for my taste. These two shades are shimmery, whereas Nutmeg and Papaya appear glittery, which I don't like. The Nutmeg shade appears to wash me out, this may be due to my skin color (olive skin with warm undertone) or that I have pretty pigmented lips. Although they were easy to find (drugstore/Walmart) and not very expensive, I do not think I will be repurchasing these Lip Shimmers.

2) Burt's Bees Super Shiny Natural Lip Gloss- Again, my drugstore/Walmart beauty aisle curiosity steered me towards purchasing 2 tubes of this gloss:

- Nectar Nude - clear gloss with golden shimmer

- Zesty Red - reddish-maroon gloss with shimmer

From the left: Zesty Red (less and more product), Nectar Nude (less and more product)

I find these lip glosses work best on top of lip balms or lipsticks because they aren't very moisturizing . My favorite is the Zesty Red as I find it really suits my coloring. They are shimmery, but I do not find them to be glittery, which is a plus in my book! The only downside is that at times the gloss can feel a bit gritty on my lips. I will definitely be repurchasing the Zesty Red gloss

3) Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey - My 1st non-drug store lip product purchase! I got this the first time I went to Sephora and absolutely love it! It's more like a gloss than a lipstick (hence almost lipstick). The color is a darker reddish shade (don't be fooled by the actual color of the lipstick), glides on very smoothly, and is extremely buildable. I did about three or four layers in my swatch, but you can make it a lot darker if that's what you prefer. It has a light, pleasant scent. I will definitely repurchase this even though at $14 my bargain hunter's soul found it a tad bit pricey!

4) Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in Blushing Brunette - Nice creamy mauve-y pink lipstick with a bit of shimmer. Not so sure if this is the best shade for me, I find it a bit too light pink, but combined with my Burt's Bees gloss in Zesty Red, it's perfect! It has a pleasant scent! I will probably not repurchase this one as I'd like to try another.

5) Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick in Rum Raisin - My current favorite lipstick! Can be a bit drying, but I like to cover it with a slick of Eucerin Aquaphor or Blistex DCT and I'm good to go! I really love the brownish-reddish shade as it is not too bright nor too dark. I find it to be a natural color on me, not too crazy a shade for work or too dull for night. Especially love that it is matte and not shimmery/glittery at all! Seems unscented to me. Will definitely repurchase this one.

6) L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Fairest Nude - Last week I was on the search for the perfect nude shade...sadly I am not so sure if "nude" really suits me or my taste. I am not so sure how much I like muting my natural lip color. Fairest Nude is a pinky nude color which really does not suit me at all. I was really disappointed after reading lots of positive reviews on MUA and also seeing a lot of YT Makeup Guru's recommending it. I am considering returning this as I do not think I will be wearing it at all, thanks to Rite-Aid's lenient return policy!

From the left: Black Honey, Blushing Brunette, Rum Raisin, Fairest Nude

So there you all have it, my very tiny lip product stash...my pride and joy :P I am hoping to add the L'Oreal Colour Juice Stick Lipstick in Personali-tea to my collection soon as I've heard good things about it and that it suits all skin tones (my last attempt at nude). Any idea where I can find it, besides online? I've searched a couple of drugstores to no avail.

Any other lip product recommendations?

Til next time,

Mani :)

Mani Meets Blogging

Newbie (/n[y]oo'bee/)- n. someone who is new to a group, place, activity, etc. (www.dictionary.com)

Hello everyone and welcome to Makeup Newbie's Blog!

During the past year, I have spent spending months and months watching and reading countless YouTube videos and blogs about skincare, makeup, fashion, and what can only be described as girl talk. I've finally decided to channel my obsessive energies into a blog of my own, see how original I am? :P

In the spirit of full disclosure, I would like to stress that I am truly a Makeup Newbie (see definition above). I don't own very many products and I don't proclaim to be a makeup expert or fashionista. Makeup and fashion are two fun hobbies of mine and I like to pursue them in my free time. My goal is to use this blog as a place to discuss/review products, talk about new trends, and bounce ideas off of other like-minded individuals.

I'd like to list my favorite blogs/vlogs that I follow weekly and really enjoy:

• Addicted to Blush - cool Desi perspective on makeup n' life
• Clearly Beautiful - great reviews and honest opinions, love her writing style!
• xteeener - my 1st YT makeup guru!
• Michelle Phan - love her DIYs!

Check them out!

Til next time,

Mani :)