In Review: Lipsense

I do NOT sell Lipsense. I will never sell Lipsense (or anythign else). That's just me. I have been, however, super intrigued by this product popping up on my news feed, Instagram and everywhere else I look. And since I rarely pass up the chance to try a new beauty item out, I gave it a go and ordered a few from a social media 'friend', and one from Amazon.

So here's the deal. They go on in 3 coats, like paint, and you let it dry. You then seal the color with a top coat lip gloss. I have heinously dry lips, from constantly licking, peeling, and picking them. But despite this, the color still went on pretty well and lasted a long time. The caveat is you have to reapply the gloss a million times a day, but the underlying color itself only goes on once in the morning. You also need an actual makeup remover to get it off at day's end (I used olive oil as they recommended at first, but it didnt work too well, so I got Almay waterproof eye makeup removing pads and use these).

The cons: Not the easiest to apply the first few times, takes practice. Once its on, you're committed to that color for a full day, no changing your color for lunch or dinner dates (if, unlike me, your meals don't consist of you standing over the sink, washing down goldfish crackers with a glass of wine). And it takes a little bit of work to remove.

The pros: Doesn't budge. Doesn't transfer to coffee cups or wine glasses, teeth, or anything else. The gloss feels nice on, they say it moisturizes through the color but I have no idea if this is true or not. And at $25 per tube, its less costly than my favorite YSL which, at $37 a pop, has to be reapplied 100+ times a day, so it adds up. The gloss is $20, and really you'll need several to have on hand at all times. If you don't reapply the gloss, it gets tacky and will start to come off. But in my opinion, still better than having to completely redo lipstick.

So overall, a total hit for me. best colors so far are 'Roseberry' and 'Cappuccino'. I can see not wanting to wear this everyday, when I'm short on time, but generally I will stick with this when I'm going to a meeting, client meal, or the rare date with the hubs (or maybe even while eating those crackers over the sink for dinner to glam it up).

Lips to love

Please, oh please, stop with the matte lipsticks! Are these really flattering for anyone? They make my lips look like dried, shriveled prunes left out in the sun and feel like my son's school glue. I am all about smooth, hydrating products and generally opt for neutrals. But I do love a pop of color to brighten a look, and these picks are among my favs and stand the test of time.

Beauty Routine: Evenings with kiddos Edition

Since I became a mom a little over 6 years ago, evenings take on an entirely different meaning for me than they once did. long gone are the days of leisurely drinking wine while watching as many shows as I want (I now binge watch on my iPad while the baby sleeps on top of me, and chug wine with one hand while feeding him with the other). Nighttime beauty and sleep are the same way, they need to be fast, efficient, and not too expensive.

I NEVER sleep in my makeup. It doesn't matter if I spent 2 hours unsuccessfully trying to coax my littlest baby into his crib at night, I will not skip face washing. Right now I'm using BeautyCounter's balm ($80), and then Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Micro Cleanse ($30). I tone with a variety of toners depending on the night (Clinique, Estee Lauder, Biologique Recherche) and use eye cream (love this one).

I spend less time on my mattress now than ever. Having a new baby reminds one never to take sleep for granted. So when I actually am in my bed, I need to be comfortable. The Leesa trial is great- 100 nights- so if you chose wrong, no worries. The baby likes it too, since he basically only sleeps on top of me, in our bed. (Maybe Leesa should try crib mattresses and we can trick him into thinking hes still in our bed.)

Spring Wish List

When you hit 30 and realize your 20-something closet doesn't quite hit the mark anymore, a re-haul is in necessary. Then, when you have your second baby, move to a new state, work primarily from home, and frequent the gym at midday, a complete wardrobe makeover is in order. A wardrobe shift of this magnitude is a process for me, not a single event. I still have client meetings, days in my NYC office, and event at my son's schools to attend. So its a tall, versatile order for my closet to fill. Here are some picks I am eyeing for the Spring season.

Holiday Wish List

Its never too early to begin a wish list for the upcoming holidays! And with Nordstrom's amazing holiday gift sets, I've been in the spirit since early October :)

1. Makeup

I am loving the YSL Rouge shine formula, So I'd love a few more in my stocking, like No.48 (plum) and No.49 (Rose St. Germain). You also can't go wrong with this trio of glosses from YSL so add that to the list. Finally, I'd like this concealer from Cle de Peau, which I can't buy for myself with its $70 price tag. When the baby arrives Ill need the best under eye concealer money can buy.

2. Body

Who doesnt love Kiehls? I would love the large size of this body lotion which is worth every penny of its $48. My pregnant skin deserves it.

3. Accessories

On the daily, I lug my LV never-full, and I really do love it. But I'd like a new tote for 2017, with a more palatable price tag, like the Tory Burch Perry Tote in a fresh color like navy. Id also like another gold bar necklace with our new son's name engraved, like I have for my Tuck.

Insta-Snaps: Fall Edition

Fall fire pit, distressed maternity jeans

Apple picking at the local orchard

Boden dress, J.Crew necklace, Sole Society suede sandals for 7 year wedding anniversary dinner 

Home office nook, pillows and bench from Wayfair, file cabinet from pottery Barn

My little love and a floor puzzle

Casual look for errands and some work, Loft top ans scarf, Banana vest, 29 weeks pregnant

Make-up bag for Vegas work trip, Mac lippie in Syrup, BeautyCounter Lip Sheer in Scarlet

Plane threads, Vine Camuto loafers, Sole Society 'Cassidy' tote

View from the Delano, Las Vegas

Paris in Vegas

Ceiling at the Bellagio

Dinner and a show in Vegas, Talbot's blouse, Gigi New York clutch, Dior Addict lipstick in Gotha

Linking up with The Mix! Happy Thursday :)

Essie Finally Got it Right

I have always been an Essie polish fan, I find the colors are unparalleled in the market, and can never find another brand I like more. However I have never found the polish to last, chip-free, for more than a few days. And chips are a pet peeve, I literally cannot handle chips, nor can I get a manicure any more frequently than once every one to two weeks. I've tried many brands and formulas over the years, CND's Vinylux was a recent favorite for its longevity but I was not a fan of the limited color selection, or how dark the colors seemed to lean after application. Enter Essie's Fall 2016 Gel Couture line.

Top coat, Rock the Runway, Bubbles Only, Gala-Vanting, Twill Seeker and Fairy Tailor

The polish should be applied to bare nails (no base coat), and followed with the special top coat. I bring my own polish to my nail salon, and the manicure lasts a full week plus the extra days in between regular manicure appointments (when my usual weekly lunch slot fills up with client calls). It removes easily with acetone, and there's no staining even after using dark shades for weeks on end. I can't see every using a different polish again- I'm that obsessed. You can find nearly all the colors on Amazon for about $11, and its well worth the price. Has anyone else tried this line?

In My Bag

I've parred down what I tote around on the daily, since I'm also carrying multiple snacks, hot wheels, and at least 1 box of crayons at all times (the joy of having a 5 year old!). My essentials include my Louis Vuitton wallet, Marc Jacobs sunnies, Tory Burch mirror and business card holder (gifts from my hubby), and a few beauty items which I rotate periodically. Currently, I'm loving: 

YSL Oil In Stick in No. 47 'Beige Blouse'

Mac satin finish in 'Faux'

Clinique Chubby Stick in Roly Poly Rosy

Clinique intense lipliner in Sassafras

Tory Burch's roller-ball perfume

Nars gloss in Dolce Vita

Nivea balm for all day hydration underneath any lipstick

Whats inside your bag right now?

Summer Skin Routine

Though I can't complain too much recently, I've had a life long battle with my skin. High school years were actually fine, an occasional dab of Clearasil (remember Clearasil??) did the trick. College brought more troubled areas, I suppose a diet consisting mainly of diet coke with raspberry Smirnoff and pizza didn't help much. Then law school, don't even get me started. I finally had to bite the bullet and take a course of Accutane, which completely changed my facial life. Now, 8 years after the fact I still treat my skin with the utmost care, read product labels, change pillow cases 2 times a week, and forget chemical sunblock.

As the summer sun rises and temps climb, I change up my routine a bit. Replacing thicker cream with lighter essential oils is the first step. 

I use BeautyCounter Lustro Oil number 3 morning and night after cleansing to tone, balance, and prevent pimples

I also swap out my medium-thick BB (I love Tarte) for a light weight tinted moisturizer with higher SPF.

Dew Skin in shade number 2 is my perfect everyday hint of color and chemical-free sun protection

Make up is generally minimal to begin with, so I stick with my favorites year round. A touch of under-eye concealer, pop of blush, swipe of mascara, and taming of the brows.

Nars the multiple is a long time favorite for cheeks, lips or highlighting

It Cosmetics bye bye undereye is the best for my serious, genetic dark under eye circles

BeautyCounters' brand new mascara is a cannot miss

Benefit gimme brow in brunette is worth every penny of its $24 price tag

To shop the full BeautyCounter line with my friend Sarah using my social, click here anytime between now and June 6th!

Any summer favorites I should try?

New Discovery: Beauty Counter

I am forever in search of new makeup and skin products to try. The older I get, the more concerned I've become with health (but not to the point I'm giving up pizza or alcohol, lets be reasonable). My friend Sarah introduced me to Beauty Counter, and once several glasses of wine loosened my purse strings, I splurged on several new products. I am in love with everything, and already ordering more. If you want to get your feet wet with some natural skin care and makeup that is actually not just Eco friendly, but actually better than some of my popular brand faves (Clinique, YSL, etc) here are some good items to try.


The Cleanser (amazing smell) and good no matter what type of skin you have (I'm oily and it works well for me)

The pen Concealer is easy to apply, and manages to hide my epic dark circles easily. It also looks super chic on my makeup counter.

The eye cream is light and helps keep my under-eye concealer in place all day. It can be applied anytime of day which is nice for a mid day pick me up.

The prices are all very reasonable for the products, which is a big bonus for for me these days. Be sure to use 'Sarah Hawkins' as the consultant if you shop the site.

Insta-Round Up

baby shower ensemble

dont ever call him predictable

Loft medallion print dress

desk to dinner look

client ball

new Clinique Lip Pop, love!

grey day