Is it just me, or has this year's "holiday season" been lacking the Christmassy spirit? My friend Danny put it very well saying that finals "ruin the lead up to Christmas," and I have to agree with him. So, today, to pump up the holiday cheer I decided (with the help of my family) to kick the festivities into full gear by whipping up a batch of cookies and slipping into some cozy attire. Read on for my a few of my essentials (all product information at end of post).
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Photo courtesy of NBC Universal Television
Yes, you heard me. More than likely, most of you have A. Not seen a minute of this show or B. Care to, but let me assure you, I was hesitant before a few friends of mine had me watch the two part miniseries that serve as a prologue of sorts for the series, but I was sorely mistaken and I have become quite taken with the show. I guess "quite taken" isn't the best way to describe my relationship with "Battlestar", I think obsessed is probably a more apt description. It's gotten to the point where I resort to streaming it on Netflix on my phone during lectures... But alas, the days of me streaming Netflix via the Netflix iPhone app will soon come to end (as all good things do.) I woefully declare that Battlestar Galactica will no longer be streamable starting tomorrow. Photo courtesy of NBC.
In an attempt to fulfill the gaping whole that was my entertainment life sans "Parks and Recreation" (until the next season airs) I decided to take a stab at "30 Rock." For the longest time I was hesitant to start watching it, yes, I had heard scores of wonderful things, but I had seen an episode or two here and there and it never really stuck. One night (about a week ago I'd say), my boyfriend's apartment-mate had "30 Rock" on and I decided to take another shot at falling in love with the show and I most definitely did. I'm not sure what did it for me this time, but something clicked. Ask any non-fashion-devotee who Phillip Lim, Helmut Lang, or Isabel Marant are and you’re most likely going to get nothing but a confused stare, cocked head, and silence. Now, ask about Chanel and suddenly you’ll see a hint of recognition flicker through their glossy eyes. Over the past century Chanel has become a household name –the “McDonalds of the fashion world” if you will (not to be confused with Moschino’s Fall 2014 RTW that did in fact feature McDonalds themed clothing).
Taking a trip to Chanel’s Soho Store on Spring Street, one gets a small glimpse into the empire. Before entering the shop the trendy SoHo streets prepare you for what you’re about to feast your eyes upon: decadence and luxury at its finest. In fact, street vendors lined along Soho’s trottoirs taut Chanel knock-off sunglasses and other designer brands by the bucket load – further propelling the coveted designer image. If any of you have had to battle of the horrifying combination of summer heat and humidity, you've more than likely tried your fair share of mattifying products by this point in life. I'm happy to report that I've found a combination of mattifying products that have proven their worth in the crazy hot box that is New York during the Summer.
The first is, Embryolisse's Emulsion Hydra-Mat. Bought during my stint abroad in Paris, this moisturizer is definitely on the pricey side ($40) but it really does the trick when it comes to combating shine. It's a gel formula so feels really cooling and smooth on the skin. Honestly, what attracted me when I was looking at this in City Pharma (a must-go if you're looking for discounted French pharmacy brands) is that it's formulated without parabens and also doesn't seem to have any silicones in it based on its ingredients list. Plus, it's not tested on animals which is a huge plus! It contains a lot of really great moisturizing ingredients like Apricot Oil so it nourishes my skin while mattifying it. The only downside to this as a daily moisturizer is that it doesn't contain any SPF, so definitely remember to apply some before you go out! Next up is Tarte's Aqualillies for Tarte Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder, quite a mouthful, but definitely great for really eliminating shine. I use this product when I really want my skin to stay matte throughout the day and often dust a light layer of this powder on after applying liquid or even powder foundation. It leaves a really matte but not powdery effect on the skin. Sometimes I even think it gives a nice airbrushed finish too! I tend to save this one for really hot, sweaty days because it can be a tad drying at times, but overall, it's an amazing, super shine-nixing formula! How do you battle the summer heat? |