Swimwear 2010

Alright, let's talk swimwear ladies. Most of us hate shopping for swimsuits because we feel super pale and self conscious. So, before you go shopping for swimsuits, take some time to remember how beautiful each of you are, don't eat a gigantic meal, wear something that makes you feel confident and take your bff with you for support. (If you don't have a bff, call me up and I'll go with you).

The AWESOME news is that swimwear has come a LOOOONG way and it's just getting better and better.

For bikinis, they are looking and feeling more like your bra and underwear. I mean, how many of us have just said, "Why can't I look as good in a bikini as I do in my bra?!" Well now you can because you have the option of wearing boy shorts, high-waisted retro bottoms and under wire in your top.

As for one pieces, well, one pieces are in style!!! Yay! I love wearing a one piece swimsuit, and I'm so glad people will no longer look at me like I'm some weirdo because I prefer one pieces.

Here are my 2010 Swimwear picks...

What's in My Makeup Bag?

I'm sure many of us gals have a couple free-bee Clinique bags filled with products we think we may some day use, but we never do. And, for some reason, we hold onto these makeup products that are probably expired because we feel wasteful just throwing them away.

Well, I have finally consolidated to one makeup bag that I can grab and know that I have what I need for any occasion. So, what's inside? Here are the main ingredients...

What is all this? Well, it's the basics: foundation, concealer, mascara, lipstick, powder, eye shadow, eye liner, blush and some bronzer. Granted, I don't always use everything all of the time, but when I do have my "full face" on, I use these.

Probably the most significant product in here is Lorac's Eye Shadow Palette. Unfortunately the palette that is shown here is no longer available, but there is one that is similar at Sephora. I can create a day look with the lighter shades and an evening look with the darker shades. I don't really use the blush too much because it's pretty dark.  Instead, I use NARS blush in "orgasm."

NARS blushes are known as being the best of the best, and the color "orgasm," though risque, has been voted the best color for ALL skin types. It goes on skin best with a liquid foundation. If you use mineral foundation, try using their cream blush.

Which brings me to my favorite liquid foundation, Lorac's Natural Performance Foundation. If you have acne prone or sensitive skin, this is a great product. It's water based and is long lasting. Apply this with a foundation brush.

Along with my foundation, I use Benefit's Boi-ing concealer. I have talked about this product in the past because it's the best concealer I have EVER used. It's highly pigmented so it covers scars and red marks well. It's also very creamy, which makes application easy with your finger.

Another Benefit product I enjoy is their bronzer in the color "Hoola." I just lightly dust it all over my face to give my skin a bit of a tan since I haven't been outside much this winter.

To eliminate any shine, I stick with Almay's Nearly Naked Loose Powder. Almay products are hypoallergenic. There's no need to spend a ton of money on powder. I've never experienced a major difference between high end makeup lines and those that you find in drugstores when it comes to powder.

MAC's Technakohl Eye Liner in "Brown Border" rocks! You can apply this liner on the inner part of your lid without irritating your eye AND it stays! This liner is retractable and doesn't need to be sharpened. Plus, it's very creamy and goes on smoothly.

MAC's Zoom Lash mascara is alright. I wrote a review about this product awhile ago. I will say that this mascara washes off easily with soap and water. That's a huge plus for me.

BUT, MAC's Paint Pots are AMAZING! I have also written a post about these little wonders in a pot. I highly recommend that everyone purchase these. They are a great base for eye shadows because they keep your shadow looking fantastic ALL day long.

Lastly, I have been using Lancome's lipsticks lately because my awesome sister-in-law, Nicky, gave me her freebies. I'm really enjoying the shade, "Trendy Mauve." It give my lips a very natural look. I definitely recommend it for olive skin tones. In general, I find their lipsticks very creamy and long-lasting.

If I put all this makeup on, it usually takes me 15 minutes.

Piperlime's Stylist Contest

I just entered a contest where aspiring stylists are called to showcase their fashion expertise using Piperlime's must-have styles for spring. Their task at hand... to play stylist to a "client" for three scenarios: a 10-year high school reunion, office-to-evening for a high-powered executive, and a best friend's wedding. Contestants will then explain how and why each look was put together.

Above, is for challenge #1 - a 10 year high school reunion. My description...

"Her days of being average are over. My client is dressed to impress by showing off her sexy figure, sophisticated style and success in this world by wearing a skirt that showcases her legs, shoes that give her height and an edge, a glamorous cocktail ring and diamond earrings to show off her status, a feminine blouse in pale pink to keep up with the trends and statement necklace that says, "Look at me."

Keep reading to see my other looks...

Items in this set:

Challenge 2: Office to date night... "My client is ready for her big meeting with the VP. She looks professional with her shirt tucked in, a nice gray jacket, flats that keep her comfortable and yet say that she's energetic, minimal jewelry and bag that her laptop can fit into.

With a quick change into her favorite jeans that make her caboose look aMAZing, my client is ready to meet up for a summer date night wearing flats to avoid any awkwardness in height, a colorful tank that shows off her amazing arms and tan, simple jewels to avoid sending any message that she's high maintenance and a feminine bag."

Challenge 3: Friend's wedding "My client is ready to cheer on her friend at an indoor | outdoor wedding in the spring. Nude heels elongate her legs, a feminine, retro style dress is eye-catching but subtle, her jewelry simple, a classic jacket to wear when it gets chilly and an evening bag that is perfect for a little camera and lip gloss."