Beauty Secrets Revealed Volume V

By now, you know how much I love all things beauty! Well, I am sharing yet another post with my secret tips! You read them in volume one, two, three and four. Now it's time for Volume V. I even have a tip from a reader, Ashley from VT. Do you have your own secret tip? Email me at SobbingOnFifth.com and share the wealth.

1.) Readers Hair Tip

     Ashley sent in this great hair tip! She says "I brush my hair every night from scalp to ends. This makes the oil from your scalp also reach your hair shafts". Thanks Ashley!
 

2.) Longer, Thicker More Radiant Hair

     Massaging your scalp promotes blood circulation. This will stimulate your hair follicles and your hair will grow in faster, thicker and more radiant. Who doesn't want that? Now I don't expect you to walk around massaging your head all of the time; you can do it in the shower. After you put your shampoo in, just use your finger tips to massage your head for 20 to 30 seconds. Just like a hairdresser does.
 

3.) Perfectly Smooth Lip Liner

     Before you apply your lip liner, like you do when you apply red lipstick, gently pinch the end with your (clean fingers). This will warm the pencil up so it will glide on smoothly.
 

4.) Impeccable, Smudge Free Manicure

     When you paint your nails, start with your pinkie finger. This way there is no chance of dragging your hand across your just polished fingers. Even if that isn't a problem for you it will make polishing so much easier.  

 

5.) No More Cakey Makeup

     I will admit many a morning I am running late and am in a big hurry. There are many things you can rush but perfecting your face isn't one of them. After you put on your moisturizer, (with SPF please!) you should wait a full five minutes before applying your powder or foundation. Cakey makeup is a major no-no.

Perfectly Glossed Kisses,

Sutton

Why the Ultimate Luxury of Moda Operandi Can Work for Gals on a Budget - A Lesson in Saving

 

Exhibit A: Del Toro shoes, full price $340, but that means you'll only pay $170 now, THEN $170 later!

You know I'm obsessed with Moda Operandi. Oh, you didn't know that? WELL, THEN, I GUESS YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW ME AT ALL, DO YOU? Sorry. Got carried away. It's just that I'm very passionate about this topic.

I know what a lot of you are thinking when you're cruising Moda. If you're like me, you do a lot of shopping on sites like TheOutnet, Barney's new permanent warehouse sale, or the sale sections of your favorite sites, from Matches to The Corner. You - we - even do a lot of poring over eBay pages in search of the designer swag we're after at discounted prices. You look at Moda and think "full price? Wish I could, but...laterz."

I can't lie and say Moda is great for discounted-price savings, because then you'll just click from here to there and see no such thing and hate me for being one whose pants are quite on fire. What I can tell you, however, is that Moda is an amazing option if you're looking for an incredible investment piece and you're either good at or wanting to become good at saving. It can make you a responsible shopper! It's not an oxymoron, people. Think about it. Because of the the pay half now, pay half later set-up of their pre-orders, or "Pre-O"s, there's another way to be savvy about owning fresh-from-the-runway fashion besides pulling your hair out looking for slashed prices, or missing out all together and opting for last-season wares at sample sales.

You may have heard the word on the street - that I'm not so good at saving. I don't know what kind of streets you hang out on, it's pretty weird that's what the people are talking about, but whatevs. I plan on using Moda to remedy the situation without me having to give up shopping. And you can, too. Stay tuned on their trunk shows, find the item you're in love with, and BUY! Have you ever ordered anything right from the runway? It's the ultimate in luxury, you'll feel like the kind of person who bathes in Veuve Cliquot. (And then bathes again, because that would be...sticky.) But, really, you'll be being all responsible. Because you'll be paying just half the price of the item now, and then you'll be putting aside the other half for the six to eight weeks or so later when you'll owe that second chunk.You'll be able to lay down the moolah for this statement piece because it's only 50% of the price. You'll learn patience, responsibility and saving. And to reward yourself, you'll have a runway piece. Congratulations!

Handbags and Hugs,

Astor

What We're Wearing

Today I'm wearing Chanel's Ultra Light Skin Perfecting Makeup. It is SPF 15, so I didn't need to apply any underneath it. This product is so light I don't feel like I have caked-on makeup all over my face; but it DOES give me even coverage. I love the light fresh scent and that it's oil-free. Because it comes in ten different shades, you're sure to find your perfect match. While a bit more pricey, it is totally worth it; I recommend you stop by a Chanel counter to test it out and find your exact shade.

Perfectly Glossed Kisses,

Sutton

Listen, just so you guys know, I have an application in for an apartment with a backyard. You WANT me to get this apartment, so that I never have to post a sad, badly lit, in-my-kitchen What We're Wearing shot. All of my shots will be in the sunshine of my backyard! So, please send positive vibes my way. In case you're thinking "eh, kick rocks, I have my own problems," you're right. Maybe I'm being selfish. But living in New York as anything but a millionaire can be MADDENING - I currently have a completely caved-in ceiling in my bathroom and the application for the new apartment is almost more intense than that of adopting a child - people will more readily give you a HUMAN BEING than an apartment in New York. So, positive vibes my way and you can demand positive vibes of me for whatever your heart desires?

Anywho, this jacket. This is an ongoing DIY that I'm really excited about. In high school, when I became a goth/metalhead/punk/misfit, I started a denim jacket with band patches. It was like Astor and the Amazing Technicolor Dork Coat. It ROCKED. You couldn't even see denim, it was so covered in patches. And it was the only thing my horrified "I-offer-you-Bergdorf-and-you-want-Trash-Vaudeville" mother and I could bond on. She got totally into the crafty spirit and we hunted patches together for three years, geeking out over rare ones and running home to add to the jacket. I loved that it was never done - until it was done. Welp, where is this mystical "Sisterhood of the Traveling Jacket"...jacket, you ask? GONE. I don't know where, you guys, but I didn't see it for a few years, then I went to look for it TO NO AVAIL. I am still devastated. That jacket might have been dorky but it was also amazing, and this is even a 3.1 Phillip Lim FW13-endorsed trend now! So, I am starting over! And I hope my mom will still help. :)

Handbags and Hugs,

Astor

Sally Hansen Insta-Gel Strips Starter Kit

I love gel manicures. While you can't achieve the same designs you can with regular nail polish, they do come in different designs. And there is no drying time with a gel manicure, (my least favorite part of doing my nails) they last twice as long as a regular manicure and are so shiny. Do I wear gel all of the time? No, I don't. Who has the time and money to go to a nail salon every other week? Well I just got a gel mani in my apartment. No, my mother did not send over Olga to my apartment; her weekly at-home, manicurist. I used Sally Hansen's Salon Insta-Gel Strips Starter Kit.

This kit has everything you need to give yourself an at-home gel manicure. And unlike other kits, it's affordable and small - so you can easily store the LED lamp and don't need a giant box that takes up valuable closet space.

First, you want to push back your cuticles with the included stick. You then will use the included nail file to file your nails to your favorite shape, soft square for me. When you're done with that, use the other side of the file to buff your nails. Don't worry, you won't be buffing your nails like salons do before applying tips, in turn damaging your nails. This is just a light buff to remove shine.

Then you use their polish remover packet to make sure your nails are completely clean and bare of any oil. When you run out of these pads for future gel manicures you can also use polish remover on a cotton ball.

 

Now for the application: apply the strips to nails. They come in different sizes, so choose the best fitting strip for each nail. Start at your cuticle, just below it, be sure to not cover your cuticle. When applying ,stretch the strip a little bit to smooth it out. Use the stick to push down the edges so it's bonded to your nail.

After you have applied strips to all ten nails, you will apply the gel top coat to your first nail only (make sure you shake it up really well). After applying a thin layer of the top coat to one nail (if you get it on your skin just remove it with the stick), you will place that nail into the LED lamp. Press the button to turn it on, after 30 seconds it will turn off automatically. Apply the gel top coat to the next nail and use the LED light, then continue for all ten fingers. 

Lastly, use the other included cleaning pad to remove any residue. Voila, you're done. You now have a gel manicure!

Once it has been around two weeks you will want to remove this manicure. Similar to removing a glitter polish, gel polish takes a bit longer to remove. Use cotton balls and tin foil to remove it, which I already explained to you. If you need to, you can also use the stick to peel off any extra polish after you remove your tin foil fingers.

Sally Hansen also posted a how to video on this kit.

 

Perfectly Glossed Kisses,

Sutton

Ring Party - Find Your New Favorite Rings on this Sweet Relish List

Another Sweet Relish list! This time, to help you - and me - assemble one cool ring party. You may have gotten the hankering for a ring party from today's accessory post, so hopefully this helps! These days, some regular ol' normal-sized rings ain't gonna cut it. You need rings for each knuckle! So I started assembling some (affordable!) picks on this list.

$18 at Hysteric Co.

$25 at Etsy

Handbags and Hugs,

Astor

Favorite Accessories for Spring

Hi. Spring is coming, I SWEAR. To celebrate, I pulled out all my favorite spring accessories - some old, some new - that I'll be using to spring-ify my wardrobe, especially in this transitional time when we're wearing sundresses with biker jackets over them. From new trends to the tried-and-true pop of color, accessories are your effortless, instant update, so I hope these trend groups inspire you! If you're wondering where any of these are from, just comment or email!

Edgy Spikes:

 High-Voltage Hues:

Ring Party:

 Heavy Metal:

 Glitz & Glamour:

Handbags and Hugs,

Astor

Spring Trend: Hot Pink Lips

QUESTION: I keep seeing hot pink lips everywhere. But I am really pale and not sure I can pull off this look without looking like a clown! Any advice? -Jessica, CT

 

 

As you can see, hot pink lips are one of this seasons biggest beauty trends. Fun and exciting or over the top? Well, it's actually both! To answer Jessica's question this look CAN be worn by anyone - if done correctly.

 

Follow these tips and I promise you will look gorgeous, no matter who you are.

 

First, keep in mind what other makeup you will wear while you're rocking this trend. Your eye makeup should be very subtle. Use a light or nude color and mascara on your eyes. Shimmer, winged eyeliner, a smokey eye, anything bold or stand-out is not going to work with bright pink lips. You will also want to forego the blush - unless you are a tiny fairy you do not want pink lips and pink cheeks.

 

Secondly, you need to apply this color correctly. If you don't know what exact shade you should wear, stop by a makeup counter and try some out. Once you have your complementary hot pink shade, you need to prep your pucker before applying. Unlike red lips, this shade does not need a lip liner. To stop the color from bleeding outside of your lips, you can apply a bit of foundation over your lips. After you apply the first coat of lipstick, blot your lips - a tissue will absorb the moisture in the lipstick so the color will last longer (this tip applies to all lipstick shades). Now you can apply the second coat (that you won't blot). Using a lip brush will give you a more precise application.

Lastly, have fun with this trend! Like a short dress enjoy your summery look. With confidence you will pull off the hot pink lipstick look.

 

Perfectly Glossed Kisses,

 

Sutton

Thematic Dressing: Focus Your New-Season Shopping on Set Trends

Okay, real talk: I know I'm not the most responsible shopper. I may have even lead a few of you astray. I am the devil on your shoulder (the angel being Suze Orman, I suppose), telling you that you don't really need a savings account but you do need Charlotte Olympia slippers.

But listen, people, I am trying. Daddy didn't just cut off the credit cards, he also cut off our access to the accountant who would cook the books. What? Accountant? I have no idea what you're talking about. Did you just huff some Thierry Mugler Angel?

Anyway, I'm trying to be responsible. Gone are the days I'd just say "I'll take it all, bitch!" at a store and take everything home to try on, promising myself I'd return the cast-offs but really just use the stacks of them as mixed-media bean bag chairs. What helps is getting to know your body and your style. I can look at something and instantly assess how it will look on me. I know I can't do bodycon anything, nor can I do tenty trapeze dresses - a happy medium works for me. And I don't even bother with maxi anything unless it's worth the tailoring bill.

I've upped the ante this season, though. Not only am I shopping for my body and my sense of personal style (for example, I just will never be a jumpsuit fan), but now I am also shopping by my favorite trends. Listen, I love this spring's cutout look as much as the next refined hoochie mama, but geometrically spliced pieces aren't such a great deal for me since I can't wear them to work anyway. And I die over how cool some girls look in sporty ensembles, but I just look like a gym class reject (which is historically accurate). Therefore, I've chosen two trends to shop, and lemme tell you something: it's really helping me save. I'm buying black and white pieces, and grunge pieces. If it doesn't somehow embrace one of those trends (trends I am obsessed with, and trends that are actually totally timeless - black and white happens to be tres-freaking-fashionable right now, but when will it ever be passe?), I don't buy it.

I strongly encourage you to do the same - with whatever trends you want. In case one of the trends I picked does strike a fancy with you, here are some of my favorite pieces.

Black & White: 

Tibi
bergdorfgoodman.com

Alexander Wang t by alexander wang dress
$465 - farfetch.com

Each X Other striped jacket
$1,415 - net-a-porter.com

White skirt
windsorstore.com

Zara leather pumps
zara.com




Grunge:

Grunge by courtleigh featuring brian lichtenberg

Dress
pixiemarket.com

Colorful t shirt
etsy.com

Brian lichtenberg
$99 - brownsfashion.com

Madewell camo jacket
madewell.com

Urban renewal
urbanoutfitters.com

Torn jeans
$23 - newlook.com

Floral print boots
gojane.com

Pull Bear leopard sneaker
$76 - pullandbear.com

Gathering Eye spike earring
$16 - generalpants.com.au

Mawi spike earring
stylebop.com



Handbags and Hugs,

Astor 

What We're Wearing

I just couldn't get up to shower this morning. I hit snooze on my alarm until even my Chihuahua started to get annoyed. Being that I obviously didn't have time to shower, I knew I needed to do something with my greasy hair. Wrapping it up in another tight bun was getting old. I have always loved the idea of a dry shampoo but hadn't found the perfect one; some make my hair white and I am often not in the mood to use a powder. I want a spray! As you know, I went to Salon Ruggeri. Cassie recommended I try evo's Water Killer. This product has become my lifesaver. A few quick sprays and I am ready to go. No messy powder, no white residue, just clean, bouncy locks. Not only does it absorb oil and remove product buildup, it also gives my hair volume.

Perfectly Glossed Kisses,

Sutton


This dress isn't my most fashion-forward, highest end, most expensive - but it's my favorite. I can't explain it, it's just The One. It's Free People, and it's about five years old. Almost vintage! I have been on a quest for other printed/colored dresses in the same exact fabric and silhouette ever since I found this one - I want to wear it everyday and yet it's too memorable to do so. Today is the first day it's been warm enough to bust it out, which is a true cause for celebration in my book. I grunged it up with my leather jacket and boots, which kinda mesh with its babydoll cut. I apologize to you and to my dress for the drab background - you deserve better, both of you, but I overslept and here we are, so there. 

Handbags and Hugs,

Astor