The Ultimate Beauty Guide, From A-Z: The Letter B, decoded

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

A while back, Trends & Tribulations started the ABC’s of beauty to help educate readers on the many weird, bizarre, and overall unknown ingredients and products on the market. We continue on this segment with the letter B.

BB CREAM

Image via uh supply

Essentially a supercharged foundation, this tinted “beauty balm” blends moisturizer, sunscreen, primer and foundation into a do-it-all complexion product.

BENZOYL PEROXIDE

Image via NYC Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is a bacteria-fighting ingredient found in skincare products to treat acne. It’s made in the scientific laboratory by treating hydrogen peroxide with benzoyl chloride. It is usually found in 2.5 to 10 percent concentrations in acne treatment products.

BETA HYDROXY ACID (BHA)

Paula’s Choice BHA Spot Treatment, $43 for 0.3 oz., via Paula’s Choice

BHA is a oil-soluble substance that works by exfoliating deep into pores to make room for regeneration of new skin. It is generally less irritating than alpha hydroxy acid. It works best for acne prone skin, since it is soluble in oil, vs. its counterpart, Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), which is water-soluble. It can make skin sensitive, so be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen when using it (keep scrolling for more info).

BLACK TEA

Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Traditions kit, $98, via Sephora

A tea containing vitamins, (B2, C, E), minerals (magnesium, potassium, zinc), polyphenols and tannins. vitamins (B2, C, E), minerals (magnesium, potassium, zinc), some essential oils, polyphenols and tannins. Polyphenols are natural antioxidants that neutralize free radicals. Tannins protect our bodies and skin from environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV radiation and are known to fight bacteria.

BIOTIN

Vibrance Biotin & MSM Capsules for Long Hair, $29.99, via Amazon

Part of the B complex vitamin, also known as vitamin H, it aids in cell growth and production of fatty acids, promoting healthy hair, skin and nails. It is found in products, but can also be taken in pill form.

BOTANICAL

Fig + Yarrow boasts botanical beauty products, image via Fig + Yarrow

Botanical means plant-derived ingredients in skincare products, haircare and cosmetics. The types of plants they originate from include herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, leaves or seeds. They are most notable for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit sensitive skin with rashes, breakouts, sunburn, eczema, redness, and uneven texture. They are also beneficial to use post-procedure, whether that is a chemical peel, laser, or anything else.

BRIGHTENING

From left: StriVectin Instant Revitalizing Mask, $62, via StriVectin; Clinique even better Brightening Moisture Mask, $36.50, via Sephora; Shiseido White Lucent All Day Brightener Broad Spectrum SPF 22, $57, via Sephora, image via Livingly

“Brightening” is a term for products that reduce skin redness and uneven pigmentation, typically using ingredients like salicylic or kojic acid.

BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN

Image via SBA blog

Product that protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. The SPF number essentially measures how much a sunscreen protects you from sunburn, which is caused solely by UVB rays. UVA is a longer wavelength of sunlight & it consists of 95% of all ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth. Therefore, a broad-spectrum sunscreen is an extremely important product to have to protect your skin from wrinkles and sun spots.

Image via LionessMagazine

Do you have any other questions about products beginning with B? Share in the comments section below!

xo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Charlotte Olympia

Posted on August 18, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

Charlotte Olympia is inarguably one of the most innovative shoe designers of today. Diana Vreeland is recognized as “The Empress of Fashion”, and was a fashion icon of her day. These sandals by Charlotte Olympia are inspired by the late and great Diana Vreeland and her unique and fashion-forward style. The architectural details and luxurious textures make these sandals truly remarkable.

Diana Vreeland, via 40plusstyle

Pair ’em with ruffled black shorts and an off-the-shoulder black crop top for a show-stopping look.

Charlotte Olympia Vreeland Crocodile-effect Leather Sandals, $910

diana vreeland vulgarity quote

What do you think of these sandals? How would you style them?

xo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Monolo Blahnik x Rihanna

Posted on June 23, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

via Vogue UK April 2016

Rihanna launched her limited-edition shoe collab with Manolo Blahnik on May 5, and her fans managed to crash the designer’s website (again and again and again). The collection features six different shoe styles, including a pair of $4,350 thigh-high denim boots with an embellished garter belt attached. So, yes, denim assless chaps that are more expensive than most people’s monthly rent payments.

Oh! But they come with a sketch signed by both Rihanna and Blahnik, so they basically pay for themselves (or something like that….right?). Check ’em out for yourself below, and see how an editor at Racked styled them (before she was asked to leave the store) here.

Monolo Blahnik x Rihanna 9 TO 5 Denim Thigh-high Belted Boots, $3,995

Personally, I happen to detest western-inspired embellishments, denim boots, and, the real clincher, assless chaps, so I will not be snagging a pair of these bad boys anytime soon. But hey, that just means one more pair available for those of you who love them. On that note, I leave you with a shot featuring Jennifer Lopez donning a pair in her new “Ain’t Your Mama” video.

j_lo_i_aint_your_mama

Have a beautiful weekend!

xoxo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Miu Miu

Posted on March 17, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

Miu Miu is totally killing it in the shoe department lately. First, the glittery retro heels that dreams are made of, and now… Pink, yellow, and grey color blocked cowgirl boots with their logo and KITTENS (they are always kittens, never cats, to me…) emblazoned on ’em. These badass boots scream IDGAF… in the cutest way possible. Wear ’em with a pair of denim jeans and a white button up, or with an all black ensemble for a chic look that lets these boots stand out on their own.

Miu Miu Leather Boots, $1,600, via MyTheresa

What do you guys think of these pink cowgirl boots? Would you wear them?

xxo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Gucci

Posted on March 10, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

Up until 2014 when Alessandro Michele took the reigns as the new creative director of Gucci, the label had lost some of its luster in recent times (aka: post the reign of Tom Ford). Sure, they had maintained a luxury status due to their monogram and the loyal customer base, but essentially, it just hadn’t kept up with the ever changing world of fashion.

Alessandro Michele walking the runway at Gucci’s Autumn/Winter 2016 show

Enough lingering on the past. The point being, is that Alessandro Michele is a freaking genius, and he’s dolled up the fashion house real pretty since coming into office. After his first Gucci presentation in February last year he said, “It’s been 20 years since Tom worked his magic at Gucci. The world is completely different. What women want is completely different.” Amen.

After their fashion-forward September catwalk show last season, they became Net-a-Porter’s second best-selling brand. Naturally, the shoes have become a game-changer once again, with sky-high platforms, and enough studs to officially dub them a lethal weapon. See the almost-sold out (albeit still in pre-order) Malin Spiked Leather Sandals below, with the signature Gucci colors, and adorned with dangerously alluring details. Style these sandals with a boxy skirt and geek-chic details to balance out the look.

Gucci Malin Spiked Leather Sandals, $1,500, via Saks

What do you think of these sandals? How would you style them?

xo,

stay lovely

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Paul Andrew

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

All of this buzz about Paul Andrew‘s “comfortable” shoes has made me seriously eager to try out his stilettos, while visions of days where I walk miles and miles in heels, not thinking twice, run through my head…Sigh.

Okay, okay, they’re probably not that magical, but I guarantee I’ve worn worse. But, hey, since we’re on the subject, check out these bad boys from the man himself. The classic closed-toe shape of these heels balance out the quirkiness of the decorative design. Inspired by New York City, they are emblemed with key words that come to mind when thinking about city life, such as “Subway“, “Brooklyn“, “Taxi“, “Run“, and, my favorite, “Hustle”.

Paul Andrew, $795

Pair these heels with cropped denim trousers (bonus points if you fray the hems) and a crisp, white blouse for an urban chic look.

How would you style these heels? Have you ever tried out Paul Andrew’s shoes?

xo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Emilio Pucci

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Funky suede boots are seriously trending right now in the fashion world, and these blue suede boots by Emilio Pucci are no exception. With a gold colored heel, embellished with beads and luxe embroidery, and with a zodiac motif ford decoration, these bad boys are a serious statement boot. I’d balance out these bold boots with a feminine, short, and flowy navy blue printed dress, or take the look up a few notches with a gold cocktail dress, like this one from Herve Leger.

Emilio Pucci, $5,575, via Luisaviaroma

They do come with a hefty price tag, but…look at the detailing ~~(cue dramatic ooh’s and ahh’s here)~~!

See? Totally worth a few months rent.

What do you think of these Emilio Pucci blue suede boots? What would you wear them with?

xo, loves

7 Overnight Beauty Secrets to Wake up Looking Gorgeous

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

7 Simple Overnight Beauty Fixes to Wake Up Looking Beautiful

They call it beauty sleep for a reason. You’re ready for soothing rest but your skin is preparing to work hard overnight so you can look gorgeous. Here is how to enhance your skincare routine before bedtime to improve your complexion while you dream.

via Glamour

1. //

Get Your Beauty Rest

While you are sleeping, your skin is regenerating and repairing itself. During sleep, the cortisol, or stress hormone, of the body decreases, which is a good thing because it’s associated with weight gain, skin discoloration, and thinning skin. On the other hand, the melatonin hormone is increased, which not only makes you sleepy so you can recharge, but fights wrinkles and age spots.

via Shutterstock

The best way to ensure these hormones work effectively is to get enough sleep every night. Follow a relaxing routine before bedtime, such as by having a warm bath or drinking herbal tea, so that you train your body to establish a daily sleep routine.

via Shutterstock

Read on for more overnight beauty tips:

Continue reading →

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Paula Cademartori

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Paula Cademartori made headlines when she debuted her first collection of handbags in 2011. Since, the Brazil-born, Milan-based designer has flourished, while staying true to her roots. With colorful prints and designs, the Brazilian influence is strong, while the fine Italian craftsmanship of her handbags is clearly evident.

Recently, the designer made her forte into shoes. These Lotus Lace-Up Sandals are inspired from Paula Cademartori’s Nouveau Risque bag series, as they celebrate the beautiful shape of a lotus flower. I love the seductive lace up front, and bright colors that blend seamlessly with the neutral tan colors. These would look ultra-chic paired with a pair of cuffed boyfriend jeans, tan button-up, and a bright purple bag.

Paula Cademartori Lotus Lace-Up Sandals, $1,053

What do you think of these sandals? Do you prefer Cademartori’s handbags or shoes?

Ultimate Fashion Bloggers Reveal Their Secret Tips

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Trends & Tribulations

Fashion Union, a shopping destination for chic apparel and accessories, recently approached me with a couple questions about blogging. With questions on topics from designing a website to finding inspiration, the answers bloggers gave are very helpful to fashion bloggers that are not only starting out, but also to many who have been at it for years. Read on for answers, and be sure to check out the fantastic blogs featured!

What tips do you find to be most helpful? Also, if you have any other questions to add, feel free to send me a message or post a comment!