I thought I’d kick spring off with a re-post of my favorite summer hair style. I created this tutorial a few months ago and it has once again become my daily go-to look. The Sultra Bombshell is a tool I swear by + recommend to each + every one of my friends. It creates beautiful ‘Victoria Secret’ waves, but even my mom who has short hair now loves it.

I timed it, and with my mid-back length hair, it takes me a flat six minutes from start to finish. I use a heat protectant (also by Sultra), and then follow it by Ted Gibson hairspray. Best is, the curl will hold all day so it’s the best transitional look for work to play! Add a few thin braids here and there, for a beachy boho look.

Let me know if you like this look, or any other tutorials you’d like to see!

Call it the Rooney Mara Effect. One of my favorite dare-it trends for Fall 2012 is the deep, blood red lip color. While pink is safe, red is bold, a deep rich blood red is absolutely daring. Bordering on goth, it’s important to pair your pout with a little bronzer or blush so it doesn’t wash you out but stick to a bare face to keep your lips center stage.

This isn’t for the faint of heart, this isn’t for date night. This black-red is pure fashion. MAC’s artist at the Christian Siriano show layered pencil and lipstick to create a bat-like effect to the lips. And they are stunning. When you look at the images close up it can be jarring, but once paired with high collars or leather the look is nothing but perfection…

MAC used Lip Pencil in Nightmoth under Lipstick in Media with a touch of clear gloss. For those of us who love the look but want to tone it down a bit, try a stain or gloss in this burgundy shade.

Try NARS Volga or Revlon Black Cherry to recreate this trend off the runway into everyday. Would you wear this daring beauty trend? Or will you stick to baby pinks and bold reds?

Happy Valentine’s Day! Today is a holiday I will always embrace. I’m an ultimate girlie girl and feel like this holiday was made for me! I love wearing, red + pink, sparkle, the works. But instead of going straight to the heart-print dress, this year it’s more fun to play with themes in a classic way. Go for either red or pink, base with black, and sparkle in gold or silver.

In college, my sorority had an ‘NBA’ dinner- No Boys Allowed. Regardless if you were single, or taken, we spent one night just us girls to celebrate having fun and the love in our life, romantic or not. I suggest sending a special note, calling a friend, or baking something sweet for someone unexpected! Let them know they’re an important person in your life… and you can look cute while doing so.

It’s finally winter here in New York City. I haven’t taken my beanie off in three days now and yet all I can think about is Spring. The pretty pastels and allure of each day being warmer until it’s sundress weather again!

Here are two pastel packs that are currently on my mind. The first, the EOS trio holiday pack, I received over the holiday. The little balms come in the cutest pod packaging perfect to slip in any clutch or bag. The flavors: strawberry sorbet, sweet mint, and passion fruit give the allure of sweet summer. And well, they’re fun. Any time I pop one out of my bag I get at least one boy-stare confused as all hell to what it is.

The second, not yet released, Spring collection from essie. We all know my absurd obsession with nail polish and I want every. single. color. This collection is ‘Wall Street inspired’ but from what I know, my finance girl friends can choose clear or pale pink as their choice hues but I won’t complain given that I’m most excited by the green in this collection!

The green is much paler than Mint Candy Apple, my other favorite essie. I’ll skip the purple, assuming it’s similar to Lilacism and go straight for the dynamite orange. Pantone’s color of the year is Tangerine Tango and I am fully embracing it!

As soon as the digits dropped a bit, my skin and hair instantly flipped. Just like with a wardrobe, it’s important to switch up your beauty routine with the seasons. Thicker moisturizers, hydrating masks for both face & hair, and soothing formulas to treat drying skin. Especially when testing new products, I’ve never been much of a splurger on beauty. I think most formulas can be remade in a wallet-friendly version. These are my cold weather picks for budget beauty buys…

Mario Badescu Flower & Tonic Mask: I swear by all Mario Badescu products but especially their night creams & masks for affordable but lxue hydration.

Maybelline Baby Lips Balm: is the most hydrating balm post-dry toothbrush exfoliation.

Bath & Body Works Coconut Lime Breeze lotion: is the perfect scent to remember summer during the cold months.

St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter shower gel: Oatmeal is a great ingredient to soothe dry or itchy skin.

Bed Head After Party smoothing cream: will smooth any flyaways or frizz with a simple, sweet scent.

Kiehl’s Sunflower Color Preserving Deep Recovery Pak: is the most amazing smelling super hydrating hair mask to prevent brittle winter hair.

Do you have any budget beauty buys?