We fell hard for Natalie Alcala last fall, when the LA-based writer and blogger spent a week guest blogging for us. In fact, we loved her posts so much that we asked her to be a contributing editor. In addition to blogging for us once a week, she’ll also be writing for the Birchbox Magazine and keeping us up to speed on all things fashion, beauty, and fun.
Although my go-to party look is a super-smoky cat eye and a rich rouge pout, some occasions deserve more experimentation. While perusing for New Year’s Eve beauty inspiration, I stumbled upon this brilliant editorial in French magazine Madame Figaro. Although the feature is meant to promote three of the season’s fiercest headbands, it also showcases three fantastic makeup options for this year’s ultimate party.
(Photo: Madame Figaro)
1. Victorian Vixen: Channel your modern Marie Antoinette by dipping into your spring pastel palettes for this look. After filling in brows, lightly apply Make Up For Ever’s #93 Irish Green (an exact match) or Stila’s Night Sky (a charming blue alternative) around the entire eye. Complete the look with a few coats of Alicia Silverstone for Juicy Beauty’s Pure Kissable Lip Color for the perfect pink pucker and a swipe of a creamy blush, like Jouer’s Poppy. Top your messy bun with a standout bejeweled headband and you’re good to go!
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When it comes to holiday parties, we love getting dressed up, but we usually want to wear something different and exciting to each special occasion. That can be a bit straining on our wallets so if you’re like us, Rent the Runway is your jam. We’re obsessed with the site, which lets you rent designer dresses for either four or eight days at a fraction of the retail price. What’s more, they give you a free backup size, you can also rent accessories, and returning is a breeze (just pop your items in the mail using the pre-paid padded envelope that’s provided). And here’s another reason to browse the site right now: You can take $50 off your next rental of $125 or more by using the code BRCHBX50 at checkout.* (Definitely don’t wait to use this deal, it expires on February 28th, 2013.)
To get you inspired for your next festive fete, here are two ultraglam looks with corresponding beauty recommendations:
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Ah, the holidays—the greatest gift-giving time of the year. We know how tough it can be to come up with the perfect present for every friend, acquaintance, co-worker, and loved one in your life, which is why we’ve turned to our favorite tastemakers to tell us what they’ve got their eye on this season. To help us kick things off, this week Grace Atwood of fashion and DIY blog Stripes & Sequins shares a few of her favorite picks.
Hi Birchbox readers, it’s Grace here. I was honored when Birchbox asked me to participate in this fun series because I’ve always been a huge fan of the brand. (In fact, I was a beta member back when Birchbox only had twenty subscribers!) Click through to check out my holiday gift picks.
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We fell hard for Natalie Alcala last fall, when the LA-based writer and blogger spent a week guest blogging for us. In fact, we loved her posts so much that we asked her to be a contributing editor. In addition to blogging for us once a week, she’ll also be writing for the Birchbox Magazine and keeping us up to speed on all things fashion, beauty, and fun.
Following my roundup of London Fashion Week beauty, here are four beauty looks that caught my eye in the City of Lights. Although the garments were as decadent as ever, it was refreshing to see a more natural, wearable beauty look on the runways this season.
Lanvin: Alber Elbaz’s spring 2013 collection was surprisingly minimalist this season. To complement a black-white-nude palette punctuated by the occasional jewel tone, the French fashion house’s creative director opted for a smudged smoky eye and nude pink lips. I love that the lower eyelid gets all the drama and the upper is mostly bare. For this look, I’d reach for a nice smudge-ready liner like this one by Noir.
Balmain: Blink and you’ll miss the super subtle sparkle at the Balmain show. Just a teeny-tiny bit of glitter on the lids adds a light punch to an otherwise bare face. To nab a similar dewy glow, I’d lightly swipe on a bit of Benefit’s Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow Liner in R.S.V.P., a sparkling champagne hue.
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We fell hard for Natalie Alcala last fall, when the LA-based writer and blogger spent a week guest blogging for us. In fact, we loved her posts so much that we asked her to be a contributing editor. In addition to blogging for us once a week, she’ll also be writing for the Birchbox Magazine and keeping us up to speed on all things fashion, beauty, and fun.
After covering New York Fashion Week, I jumped across the pond to catch the cutting edge looks at London Fashion Week. As expected, the trip was filled with inspiration both on and off the runway, and left me eager to experiment with my look more often. From bold brows and red lips at Burberry Prorsum to severe side parts and plum pouts at Jonathan Saunders, here’s a roundup of some of my favorite British beauty looks of the season.
Issa: This was by far my favorite beauty look at LFW. I love how the exaggerated cat-eye thickens as it gets closer to the outer corner of the eyes. The shiny red lips, tight top bun, and gorgeous floral accessory complete the enchanting image. To get this retro eye, I’d definitely reach for my trusty Stila All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner.
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Based in Washington D.C., Ayren Jackson-Cannady is so savvy that we wished she lived closer to NYC so that we could swap products with her. This beauty writer knows what’s up (she’s written for Fitness, Glamour, and Gloss Daily) and we’re excited to have her sharing her know-how and multi-culti beauty expertise as a contributing editor.
It’s been quite some time since I’ve participated in the whole back to school thing. Yet, this time of the year still brings back a rush of good-feelings, since it reminds me of being a school girl and prepping for my first day of class. While other girls fussed over outfits or debated what sneakers they’d rock, I was always thinking about picking the perfect mascara to make my lashes look longer and fuller than they did last year.
I’m still as much of a beauty dork now as I was then. I’ve been inspired (and a little jealous) of all the students hitting the books, so I compiled a few of the coolest fall beauty trends that we all should try:
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When it comes to figuring out what makeup to invest in right now, think beyond your New Year’s Eve beauty look. Picking winter makeup for daily use is a much tougher challenge. At this time of year, you’re in danger of looking either washed out or too made up during the day. That’s why we love this simple but beautiful look with just a bit of eye liner and some punchy red lipstick. If you’d prefer a pucker that’s more of a stain, simply blot your lips after applying your shade of choice.
To get the look:
blinc Eyeliner, $24
Beauty is Life Lipstick in Kingdom, $28
Photo: The Sartorialist
We’re less than a week away from New Year’s Eve, which means you better start stocking up on noisemakers and kitschy party hats now. Whether you’re spending the night at home with your besties or going to a glitzy bash, you’ll want to look even more gorgeous than usual. (After all, if New Year’s Eve is good for anything, it’s photo ops!) This week, we’re helping you out with five days of party essentials. Today’s topic: getting a gorgeous flush.
Photos: Style.com
Whenever I am getting ready for an event or party, I am inevitably running late. Since I refuse to attend any sort of fete without styled hair (ie: blown dry) and a cute outfit (why does this part always take so long?), it is my makeup that usually pays the price. Enter my biggest time-saver: Red lipstick.
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Color Theory is a weekly post about home decor and beauty. Because we can’t always make over our homes at the drop of a hat, but we can make over our faces. Check back weekly for a new room and a new set of products we love.
I’m crushing pretty hard on this room with navy walls, built-in bookcase, window seat, and zebra print rug. It looks eccentric and cozy, but not too cluttered. To match my makeup to it, I pulled out my favorite navy liner by stila (smudgy but easy to apply), a creamy cashmere eye shadow by Jouer, and a great red lipstick to match the flowers on the table. Perfect for a chilly first official week of winter.
stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Blue Ribbon; Available at Birchbox.com
Jouer Creme Eye Shadow in Cashmere; Available at Birchbox.com
Beauty is Life Kingdom Lipstick; Available at Birchbox.com
— Lorelei
Photo: Pink Wallpaper
‘Tis the season, which can mean only one thing: You are in search of great holiday gifts. Well, look no further. Whether you’re stumped about what to get a co-worker, your dad, or your bestie, we have something for everyone on your list. Check back every day this month for a new dose of gift-giving inspiration — and get ready to deck your halls with much more than holly.
Why This Makes a Great Gift: Anyone who has hunted for the perfect red lipstick knows that it’s an arduous task. After trying a zillion shades from a gazillion different brands, we are unanimously smitten with this cheerful Beauty Is Life crimson. The color is sophisticated, classic, and wears well on every skin tone.
Perfect For: Any woman, whether it’s your sister, your best friend, or yes, even yourself (after all, you deserve a gift too). Not only is the shade is universally flattering, but it even has blue undertones that help make teeth look whiter.
Price: $28, available on birchbox.com
For more great gift ideas, visit our Holiday Gift Guide.
