Top 10 Best Fashion and Beauty Apps

Technology is a beautiful thing; literally in this case! Just because we're always on the go, doesn't mean we should have to sacrifice when it comes to beauty and style. Our little pocket-computers, more commonly known as cell phones, now allow us to have fashion, beauty, and of course a plethora of other things that might suit our fancy right at our fingertips. I have become slightly co-dependent on some of my favorite smart phone apps so I thought I would share some of these little gems with you.

I've compiled a list of what I consider to be some of the best fashion and beauty apps out there and the good news; most of them are FREE!

1. PRIMP (Pretty In My Pocket)-product review app- FREE

It is no mystery that with ALL the beauty products on the market these days we could very well pull our hair out, and empty our wallets, trying to find the right one. This app makes the process so much more pleasant (and cost efficient.) Search virtually any beauty product on the market and find honest reviews from others who have already tried it. It's barcode scanning feature makes it fast and easy to use right in the store. This app also has other great features where you can post pics and give or gain beauty tips.

2. Beautylish -beauty tips & trends app - FREE

Beautylish is an easy way to keep up with the latest beauty trends and find inspiration that fits your beauty needs. This app allows you to pretty much find whatever you're looking for when it comes to beauty products and tips. Shop your favorite products, watch makeup and beauty tutorials, find photo inspiration, and read reviews from other beautylish users, among other things.

3. The Hunt - fashion finder app - FREE

We've all been there, browsing Pinterest or scouring the internet, when we come across the perfect little party dress or a must-have accessory, only to find out the item in  the picture in no where to be found for purchase. Well ladies, fear no more, The Hunt is an app designed to help "cure our outfit envy" (as the creators like to call it,) by allowing users to post pictures of items they desire and help them find it for sale. All I have to say about this app is FINALLY! and Thank you to the kind genius that created it!

4. OPI - virtual nail polish app - FREE

Whether it's just for fun or you like to try before you buy, the OPI app allows you to virtually try on ALL of their playfully named colors. Not just for fun, but also useful; this app is great if you're not sure how a particular color with look with your skin tone.

6. Lookbook.nu -street style fashion app - FREE

Need a little outfit inspiration stat? Look no further. Lookbook is an app designed around streetstyle fashion pictures posted by real people from all over the world. Browse thousands of personal portraits or post your own to inspire others with your unique sense of style.

7. Polyvore -fashion & shopping app- FREE

The possibilities are endless with this little fashion app. Create looks from individual articles of clothing and accessories (all of which are shoppable through the app) OR just browse and shop the never-ending posts and looks of other users. Trust me, once you start creating outfits in the app, you won't be able to stop!

8. Spa Finder -business locating app - FREE

This app is exactly what it claims to be and more. Spa Finder is an app that uses your phone's built-in GPS to find all the spas and salons nearest you. With detailed descriptions and reviews, this app is perfect for traveling, especially when you need a little pampering and don't know where to go. Not only does this app tell you about any specials or deals going on at local businesses, you can even book an appointment.

9. Allwomenstalk - lifestyle/blog app- FREE

Allwomenstalk has been my latest go-to read with my morning coffee every morning since I discovered it. Allwomenstalk is an app where a team of woman write short and sweet tips, tricks, and thoughts on a wide variety of topics such as fashion, fitness, travel, health, beauty, music, and much more...One of the best things about this app; all the posts are in list form, which makes for a quick and effective read.

10. Stylebook - digital closet app- $3.99

Now I know this app isn't free to download, however I've never regretted one of the 399 pennies I've spent on this little baby. This app is not for everyone, but if you're slightly obsessed with organizing your wardrobe like I am (and you have enough patience to photo-catalog everything in your closet) then you will LOVE this app as much as I do. Not only can you digitally store your closet and put together entire outfits and looks, but you can even add them to your in-app calendar so that you can outfit plan your little heart out. Everything in the app is super organized. Stylebook keeps track of everything, including how many times you've worn an outfit. It even tells you how many outfits each piece is used in, tracks the net worth of your closet, and tells you which pieces you wear the most and the least. impeccable closet organization with out the headache...I'll take it!


These are just some of my favorite daily go-to apps...what are some of yours? Let me know in the comments below.

XO.  Brit

February Ipsy Bag Review

 



For those of you who might not be familiar with Ipsy, it's a monthly subscription created by a beauty guru by the name of Michelle Phan (check her out on YouTube) that sends you a beauty bag each month filled with lovely little beauty goodies. The subscription is $10 a month and you usually get 4-5 full-size or deluxe sample size products.

 

February's Ipsy bag was all about "The Look of Love"

The products in these glam bags sent out each month will vary from Ipster to Ipster (that's the fun name Ipsy calls it's subscribers) based on the answers given in the beauty quiz you take upon subscription. If you have commitment issues, never fear, you can change your answers as many times as you desire until your heart's content.  

 

Monthly Ipsy Subscription Cost: $10.00

Total Retail Value of the Products in this Bag: $54.00

Here are the products I received this month and my thoughts on each of them:

POP Beauty Plump Pout Mini

Color: Fushia Freesia

Retails for: $16.00 

Being a fan of Pop Beauty's other products I've tried in the past I had high hope for this little gloss. Upon opening my Ipsy bag this was probably the product I was most excited to try however, my first application of this product brought mixed emotions. First for the good, the color is beautiful, vibrant and goes great with my skin tone. It goes on nice and even without much effort, and the color lays evenly on my lips, which is something I look for in a lip gloss. However, I don't really see or feel the plumping benefits it claims to have. Also, the smell and taste of this gloss is not very pleasant. I may have just gotten a lemon, but I have to regretfully admit mine smells more like a strong chemical of some kind than a pleasantly perfumed lip product. I haven't left it on long enough to find out if it's as long lasting as it claims, so I can't comment in that aspect, but I can confidently say I won't be purchasing this gloss anytime soon.

 

Zoya Nail Polish

Color: Odette

 

 

Retails for: $9.00

Who Doesn't love a new nail polish? I know I sure do! I am not a stranger to the Zoya nail polish so I already know I like this brand's formula. The light plum color I received in my ipsy bag is super adorable. I look forward to using it sometime very soon. This little item gets a perfectly manicured thumbs up from me.

 

Eyetini Cordial Cream Shadow + Base all in One

Color: Spiced Rum

 

Retails for: $18.00

This product is a totally new concept to me as far as eye shadow is concerned; and I think I kind of dig it. When I tried this liquid shadow I was a bit skeptical because cream shadows can be risky business BUT I really like this one. It's got a great pigment to it and it easily blended onto the eyelid. I think I might actually purchase this little magic eye wand in a few different shades.

 

 

J.Cat Eyelashes & Eyelash Glue

Style: EL213

 

Retails for: $3.99

These lashes are hands down my favorite item in my Ipsy bag this month. I can't attest to the glue that's included because I used my Duo lash glue (it's my one and only go-to lash glue and it never fails me.)  I really like the style Ipsy sent me, they look natural and I will DEFINITELY be purchasing more of these lovely lashes in the future.

 

Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Body Butter

2.5 FL OZ

 

Retails for: $7.00

 Before I tell you about this lotion, I have to tell you that Pacifica always wins in by book. 100% vegan products and animal cruelty free; this brand's gotta a whole lot of heart. I'm not a big fan of tropical scents, but this is one I actually like. I look forward to throwing this in may handbag this summer because it's the perfect beachy fragrance.

Drugstore Makeup: 10 Products to Try Right Now

When you step onto the beauty isles at any drugstore or your favorite discount store such as Target, it can be very overwhelming and sometimes all too difficult to pick out products that you are going to use and love. There are so many drug store makeup and beauty products out there, and without any guidance in-store we are very much on our own when it comes to navigating the makeup maze. So I thought I would tell you about a few products I think are worth buying right now.

1. L'Oreal Magic Anti-Redness Correcting Primer

 

This primer truly is magic. Don't let its green color intimidate you, this powerful primer goes on so smooth and will absolutely reduce any redness you might have. You can put this on your face and literally watch the redness disappear right before your eyes.  I find it comparable to the Smashbox color correcting primer; it delivers the same results for less than half the price.   I am super impressed with this drugstore primer. For $7.99 at Target, this is a no-brainer.
 

2.  CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation

 

This liquid foundation claims to be a 3-in-1 foundation, which means it has primer, coverage, and concealer all in one. I purposefully tried this without my primer and was pleasantly surprised at the result. I did however use concealer so to me 2 out of 3 isn't too shabby. This foundation is not only full coverage but it has sunscreen in it. An SPF of 20 in my foundation is ok by me. Personally, I don't like to use a moisturizer with SPF so I love when it is offered in the foundation itself. Overall, if you are looking to try a new liquid foundation, I'd give this one a go.   I bought mine at target for around $10.00.

 

Just a little side note: Liquid foundation at the department store can be tricky business. Finding the right color is not always easy and often times I buy what I think matches my face, just to get it home and be completely wrong. The key to buying something that matches your face is knowing your basic undertone (Cool, neutral, or warm) and your general shade (fair, light, medium, or dark) I for example, fall in the "neutral" category and my general makeup shade is "light." It does very brand to brand but I'm usually in the light range across the board.  If you want to know more about finding your perfect shade in foundation at the drugstore, just let me know and I'd be happy to write a post about it.

3. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser: Dark Circles

 

 

These small concealer sticks pack a big punch when it comes to under eye coverage. Not only does it visibly reduce puffiness right away (which I can personally attest to,) but it also claims to erase the appearance of fine lines and dark circles. It has goji berry and other ingredients that do more for your skin than just give you temporary coverage. Who doesn't love products with added skin benefits?! This little baby delivers the coverage that satisfies my constant need to cover up my dark circles and the sponge at top makes it super easy to apply. You get quite a bit of product for the price, so I think it's totally worth trying out for yourself, especially if you struggle with dark circles like me. I bought this at target for around $8.00.

 

4. L'Oreal Magic Lumi Highlighter 

 

 

 I consider this a makeup dupe for the Mac Prep and Prime Highlighter. This highlighter didn't offer me the full concealer coverage I usually like to have, but it did add the perfect tone for highlighting my inner cheeks and under eye area. If you like to use a liquid highlight in your makeup routine I would definitely try this one. I found it at Target for $10.99. 

5. e.l.f Studio Golden Bronzer

 

 

 When it comes to makeup, you can't get much better then a palette that serves more than one purpose. Although it's called a bronzer it can be used as blush, as a highlight for the cheek bones, and even as eye shadow. You can mix and match the shades to get various colors and looks, or use them individually, all of which come out glowing and beautiful; and it has great pigmentation too. For $3.00 at Target or online, you are practically committing cosmetic theft. I think this is a must have in everyone's makeup bag.

6. Maybelline Master Hi-Light Blush

 

This is brand new to the Maybelline makeup line so of course my curiosity got the best of me, and I just had to try it out. I mean, it's pink and sparkly...I basically had no self-control when I saw it in there on the shelf. I tried this in the color "nude"  so I can only speak for this shade, but I just loved the color it gave to my cheeks. It turns out to be the softest shade of pink once its applied to the face and it has the perfect amount of sparkle to add an understated glow. I suggest you try it in the color that seems prettiest to you; if the formula is the same, you shouldn't be disappointed. I purchased mine at Target for $8.99

 

7. L'Oreal Magic De-Crease Eyelid Primer

 

 As someone who isn't easily impressed by eye-primers, I was instantly excited when I tried this one. In the past I had pretty much written off all eye shadow primers and their false promises to increase pigment, decrease discoloration, and blah, blah, blah. I have never had any eyelid primer to actually do everything it claims to do until this little surprise came along. I've only tried this eye primer once but when I did, I noticed it smoothed out any discoloration on my lid and held the eye shadow in place  I applied over it all day, with out creasing. Thanks L'Oreal, for giving us an eye primer actually worth purchasing. Find it at Target for $7.99

8. e.l.f Studio Makeup Remover Pen

 

 

Someone at e.l.f. Studios deserves a gold metal for this one. Perfect for liquid liner blunders or mascara mishaps, this pen will make your life easier when it comes to applying eye makeup. It's gentle on your skin so it would irritate that sensitive area around your eyes. This has made eyeliner application so much easier for me. Find it at Target or online for $3.00.

 

9. Maybelline Color Elixir Lip Color

 

These glosses go on like butter and are richly pigmented in some of the prettiest shades I've seen this season, as far as lip gloss is concerned. After you apply this product for your pout, it's creamy texture leaves your lips feeling moisturized, not sticky like most color-rich lip glosses. For $8.99 these are a steal; but be careful, once you buy one you're going to want it in every color! (my favorite shade is Petal Plush)

 

10. e.l.f Lip Balm SPF 15

 

I am a lip balm junkie, but I rarely find a tinted one that actually makes my heart sing. This little jewel I found hidden away in Target makeup heaven was so pleasantly surprising to me. It has a cool minty tingle to it that makes your lips feel instantly refreshed. I never have too high expectations when it comes to the color stay of tinted lip balms but this one is truly unbeatable. The color is beautiful (the one I own is in the shade "Pink") and my lips feel completely smooth and refreshed after just one application.This balm with benefits sells for $3.00 at Target stores.

 

 The drugs store today has so many great little beauty gems just waiting to make our faces and our wallets happy. Let me know what products you are loving right now. :)

 

 

Guidelines to a Fabulous & Stress Free Outfit Everyday

Getting all dolled up for special events or date nights with our sweeties is fun for all of us girls, but when it comes to cute outfits on the daily, most of us don't have the time. I know I'd rather have a few more precious hours of sleep then spend my mornings moving every piece of clothing from my closet to the bedroom floor. However, we still want (and deserve) to feel like the fabulous ladies we are right?!

So, I wanted to share with you my little tips and tricks that will help you feel fashionably chic on a day-to-day basis without having to give yourself a morning migraine.

1st: Stick to the basics.

I like to create a base wardrobe for myself. These items are my go-to pieces during the week. I start every quick and easy outfit with these pieces. Everything in my base wardrobe can be considered neutral basics that go with almost anything else in your closet. Once you decide what basics you like best, you can build your look from there.

Back to Basics by brittneyblane featuring Uniqlo

Uniqlo dress / American Eagle Outfitters t shirt / V neck t shirt / Boohoo cap sleeve tee / Boohoo long skirt / American Eagle Outfitters jeans / AG Adriano Goldschmied denim jeans, $160 / Victoria's Secret flat shoes / MICHAEL Michael Kors leather tote / Ted Baker tote bag

When I have no time to think before I dress myself in the morning, I build my outfits with these items:

• Two Pairs of jeans in different washes and cuts (that I never tire of wearing)
•  Classic white, gray, and black Tees (I prefer a more fitted , V-neck style, but you should choose a style that you feel best in.)
• Cotton Black Maxi skirt
• An easy daytime Little Black Dress
• My favorite Leopard print flats (I feel like leopard is an awesome and fail-proof print to use as a neutral. it compliments almost every color and can be worm with black, brown, and white.)
• A taupe or gray tote (these two colors go with just about anything)

2nd: Layer it up

When you pair a plain tee with an adorable pair of jeans or a comfy solid maxi skirt, your outfit possibilities are endless. Play around with your basics and the other clothes in your closet when you have a spare moment or two. I just know you have some fabulous pieces in there just waiting to be shown off.

you can add a bright cardigan or a black leather jacket and a scarf (in any color or print) and you have an instant outfit that's cute enough to meet a girlfriend for coffee and casual enough to run your daily errands.

no-brainer layers by brittneyblane showing how to wear cheetah scarves

Jack wills knitwear / Boohoo cap sleeve top / American Eagle Outfitters v neck top / Imitation leather biker jacket, $95 / American Eagle Outfitters tapered jeans / AG Adriano Goldschmied jeans, $160 / ASOS flat / Lucky Brand flat shoes / Evelyn K cheetah scarve / Brown infinity scarf

3rd: Accessorize

Statement pieces are your new best friends. Throwing on a great necklace or bright scarf with any basic plain tee instantly brings your look alive.

One of my favorite tricks to use: Match your necklace to your shoes. The brighter the better. You have an instant pop of color and I guarantee you will be complimented on your great style sense at least once that day. When you're shopping for these pieces, remember to pick colors and prints you are drawn to, not what you think might be the hot color of the moment or what others may like. It's all about you feelin' fabulous!

Simply Layered by brittneyblane featuring a jersey knit skirt

Uniqlo short sleeve dress / Chesca black top, $205 / V neck top / American Eagle Outfitters ribbed v neck t shirt / River Island gray blazer, $82 / Boohoo jersey knit skirt / American Eagle Outfitters ripped jeans / Barefoot Tess studded shoes / Lord Taylor leopard flat / Monsoon black necklace / Aldo jewelry / Multi color statement necklace

4th: Don’t be afraid...

 Layer your accessories. Two chunky necklaces, that compliment each other won't look overdone with just a plain tee and blazor. Be fearless girlfriend!

If you feel pretty in pastels try one of these little beauties...

Necklace Love: Pretty in Pastels by brittneyblane featuring beading jewelry

Forever 21 beading jewelry / Forever 21 necklace / Gem necklace / Multi strand chain necklace / GUESS by Marciano gold filigree necklace / Forever 21 cluster necklace / Aldo jewelry / Aéropostale bib statement necklace / Coral bracelet / Aldo jewelry / 2b cluster necklace

Or If you love brights, you'll definitely want to rock one of these...

Necklaces: Bright ideas by brittneyblane featuring forever 21 jewelry

Forever 21 chain necklace / Mango black necklace / Forever 21 jewelry / Forever 21 bead necklace / Bib necklace / Kate spade jewelry / Sole Society statement necklace / Colorful statement necklace / Arden B necklace

I Hope this post helps you simplify your morning wardrobe routine. These are the things that help me most when it comes to my style sanity; what helps you? Share your tips and tricks with me in the comment section below!

Kisses & Sugar,
Brittney

Five Beauty Products to be Obsessed with Now

I like to think of February as the month to embrace all things soft, pretty, and feminine, and for me, that goes for makeup too. Here are five products I'm obsessed with right now...

 

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

 

 

 

 

 

A palette that delivers the perfect amount of eye candy.

 

If there ever was an eyeshadow palette to crave this month it would be this baby. Too Faced Cosmetics is known for its deeply pigmented eyeshadows in shades that seem to universally compliment every eye color and skin tone. I have never been disappointed in Too Faced products and this new little number delivers the same satisfaction as all the others I've purchased in the past...Plus, the packaging is just delicious!

Find it: Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eye Shadow Collection

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks

 

 

These shimmer bricks by Bobbi Brown are not new to the make up scene by any means, but they still deliver better than most blush and highlight products on the market that aim to add the perfect glow to the face. If you have one Bobbi Brown item in your cosmetic bag it should be one of these! These cheeky superstars are available in four different colors, (I've only featured 3 today) Nectar, Rose, and Quartz because they are my personal favorites. Each of these shades offers a different look but can be worn collectively as they seem to compliment all skin tones.

Find it: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

 

Laura Geller Colored Enriched Lipstick Collection

 

When it comes to makeup, if anybody gets it, it's this girl! Laura Geller has never failed me. Her products are masterful to say the least. (can you tell I'm obsessed?) Every time she brings something new to the table she delivers. These color gems for the lips aren't only beautiful, they'll keep your lips looking younger too. Wine scented and filled with antioxidants and vitamins, Seriously, every girl needs this lipstick in her life!

Find this Exclusive Collection: Laura Geller Color Enriched Lipstick Collection

 

The NARS Final Cut Collection 

The second I laid eyes on this collection it was love at first site! I discovered this as I was stalking the beauty department on Nordstrom.com and of course took notice because, Hello, its Pink! NARS is known for its pink tones and these, in my book, are some of their best shades yet. If you try anything from this new montage I would go for the Final Cut Illuminator. This liquid light will literally make you look like your skin naturally glows from within. Who doesn't want that right?

Find it: NARS Final Cut Collection

 

L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector

These may be drugstore products but they deliver like a high-end beauty brand. I can not tell you how impressed I've been with all three of these little youthful jewels. I have pores the size of small moon craters  and after a months worth of use I can safely say I see a significant difference in my skin. My pores seem visibly smaller, and when I use the Pore Vanisher before applying makeup, it goes on like butter. If you try anything from this collection go with the Serum. Incorporate it into your daily skincare routine and you will not be sorry.

Find it: L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector

 

 

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My Daily Beauty Routine

I just posted my updated daily beauty routine. Check it out HERE.

Valentine's Daytime Attire

We all want to feel extra fabulous this Valentine's day; so I've put together just a few looks to inspire your daytime style this year. From casual cuteness to sexy sweetness...everything you need to feel like the fabulous doll you are.

If you feel like rocking your favorite pair of jeans this love day, couple it with a cute sweater or swanky sweatshirt. Try one with hearts or hugs & kisses...

Flowers aren't just for your table this heart day; they will look just as lovely on you...

If your feeling feminine, try a soft maxi with classic accessories...

Or, a rich red colored daytime dress with lovely caramel brown accessories...

And if you're a hard working gal, show your softer side at the office with lace and pretty pastels...

Valentine's day gifts for your gals

Valentine's day gifts for your gals by brittneyblane featuring fig candles

Zara Home crochet throw blanket
zarahome.com

Zara Home chenille blanket
zarahome.com

Kate Spade fig candle
$73 - amara.com

Throw pillow
paper-source.com

Kate spade bangle
katespade.com

Kate Spade pink bangle bracelet
katespade.com

Kate Spade beach scarve
katespade.com

Red hair accessory
etsy.com

Face powder
toofaced.com

Eos lip treatment
amazon.com

Eos beauty product
$9.78 - austique.co.uk

Beauty product
thebay.com

Women's Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit For Her, Glitter Red
neimanmarcus.com

Glamour Guide to Valentine's Day

Essentials to make sure you have a very happy heart day.

Wether you're feeling like a sweetheart or a sassy vixen this valentine's day, there's a look just for you. From the perfect makeup to a killer outfit, I'm here to make sure you feel oh so pretty. I've even made a list of essentials you will need to please that special someone this love day.  I've put together a few ideas (via Polyvore) that are sure to wow your main squeeze  or anyone that see's your sweet face this February 14th. I hope you will find the inspiration you need to feel fabulous.  

If you're feeling like a sexy sweetheart...

Where to buy: Stila, NARS, Chanel, YSL

If you're feeling like a sassy sugar...

where to buy: Bobbi Brown, MAC, Benefit

Or if you're just feeling sweet...

where to buy: NARS, Estee Lauder, Too Faced, Stila, Revlon

Kisses & sugar,

Brit