beauty trend: nude lips.

I am such a fan of a beauty trend that makes your eyes pop while your lips take a back seat {in neutral, though}. Take note: this doesn't mean your lips won't look beautiful because trust me, I am a lipstick/lip gloss/lip crayon junkie! In fact, the lip carries the trend. The big spring look is a nude lip. It is so chic, it pairs beautifully with a night-time smoky eye, and it looks stunning with a little bronzer and mascara during the day.Some tips:For those of you that have lighter to medium skin tones, a pale pink nude color will be the best bet. Top it off with this lip gloss in 'Nude Pink.'For those of you that have medium to dark skin tones, a creamy nude shade will fit you best. I just bought this, and I am so excited to try it out. Other nude shades in this lipstick are available and fitting to any complexion color.How to apply:1. When you are applying your foundation, include the lip to tone down it's natural shade. {or you can use your concealer for this step}.2. Line the perimeter of your lip with a nude lip liner. <--Color suggestion: 'Naked Liner.'3. Fill in the entire lip with you nude lipstick or crayon. {several options below}.4. Optional: top your lip with a gloss for shine or a lip liner to keep it matte while adding subtle color (such as pale pink) to the natural lip.Have fun and play with these shades! Experimenting will lead you to the perfect match.P.S. This lip maximizer is always a great addition to your routine as well. #fullerlips

my makeup go-tos.

If I'm honest, I would rather spend an hour on my hair and five minutes on my makeup when I am getting ready. My sister has always been so talented at the art of blending eye shadows and making your face a masterpiece, so my focus remained on curling my hair with a straightener and round brushing my locks. I have started getting more into makeup the last few years, although I generally prefer more of a natural look. Buuuut...I still have my all time favorites (some I use every day; some are saved for special occasions).Clockwise from the left:'Diorskin Airflash' Spray Foundation: I wear this on night's when I want my make-up to last. This makes your skin look like porcelain yet still looks natural. I use this buffer brush to blend it into my skin.MAC Eye Brow Brush: Filling in eye brow gaps and naturally shaping them makes a world of difference.MAC Paint/Brown Script Eyeshadow/Sketch Eyeshadow: Putting on this MAC paint will keep your eyeshadow in tact all night. These are my go-to shades that I wear to a dinner out with friends, a fun event, or a work meeting.MAC Select Cover Up: On the sleepiest day, this will make you look fresh and bright. I use this brush to apply.Chantecaille 'Hi Definition' Perfecting Powder: I always put this on after my everyday foundation using this brush, and it makes your look skin flawless.MAC Powder Blush/MAC Bronzing Powder: Most of the time I use only the bronzer, but at times I use the blush on my cheek bones to add some color and dimension.

gift guide: stocking stuffers.

Yes, I am 25, but I would tear up if my parents stopped filling up our stockings. It's a sweet reminder of childhood and a tradition that should never end. Not to mention: what a fun way to give creative little adorable presents. Check out my favorite picks!1. Cute knee socks never fail to make Christmas mornings extra fun. 'Holiday-big spot' Pompom Knee High Socks2. New MAC lip gloss is a dream, especially when they are in holiday colors. MAC Nocturnals Coral Lip Gloss (Limited Edition)3. Such an adorable gold polka dot case for wintery days. Le Pavillion iPhone 5 Case4. I can't even get over how adorable these are. Bow Push Pins5. A necessity in my handbag. 'Holiday' Shea Butter Hand Cream6. These are just as cute as their classic rain boots! Hunter Faux Fur Cuff Welly Socks7. I saw this the other day at Nordstrom and almost caved.  Jonathan Adler 'His' Luggage Tag8. Perfect for any Christmas occasion. Kendra Scott 'Niko' Long Earrings9. Christmas morning is always a great time to get new jammies. Wildfox Dreamer Sleep Shirt10. Four flavors of this fabulous lip balm? Yes please. Kiehl's Since 1851 Lip Balm Set11. Crayon lip color is my newest obsession. Jumbo Lip Crayon Set12. This case is so cute it almost has the power to make your passport pic look good. 'This is Mine' Passport Case13. This alone makes me want to plan a trip.  Jonathan Adler 'Hers' Luggage Tag14. Any girl could always use a new cosmetics case. Tory Burch 'Brigitte' Cosmetics Case15. Interior design on a wine stopper. Woodland Park Owl Bottle Stopper Set16. Gorgeous eyeshadow shades. Dior Couture Eye Palette17. I can't fall asleep without this. Mary Green Sleeping Eye Mask18. My all time favorite hair ties. They truly don't leave a crease in your hair. Peacock and Moss Hair Ties

Eyeshadow Craze: The Color to Buy for Fall

To be glamorous and earthy at the same time is the name of the game this fall season, and one specific color makes that quest gorgeously possible. It's hard to pick and choose when a million and one hues fight for your attention at the make-up counter, so which color is the perfect purchase for an approaching autumn? The answer: metallic green. When I say metallic, I don't mean bright and obnoxious. I am talking about that warm forrest green that has a touch of sheen.Scroll through these options to find what best suits you.[galleryview id= 29]Chanel Illusion d' Ombre in Epatant, $36 at nordstrom.com; Dior 5 Couleurs in Green Design, $58 at dior.com; bareMinerals Eyeshadow in Envy, $13 at bareescentuals.com; MAC Eyeshadow in Swimming or Humid, $15 at maccosmetics.com