Trend Watch: Fur-ocious

Disclaimer: I know this may be a bit of a controversial and risque topic for some, so first and foremost, before any PETA members jump all over me, let me just say that I am in no way advocating the killing of animals, nor am I defending it. The purpose of this post is merely to comment on the current fur trend that is undeniably a fashion favorite this season. That said, let the critique begin.


Victoria Beckham showing a variety of fur style options.


Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen rocking the fur.

Whether your yay or nay about this trend, truth be told that is nonetheless a staple fashion trend this fall that is being featured in mostly every fashion magazine around the globe. As I have mentioned in a post Trend Watch: Lush Velvet Crush, it seems that presently, the look to have is soft, cozy garments full equipped with the contrasting studs, buckles and fringe. With this in mind it is no doubt that fur has become one of the leading looks for most fashionistas this fall because well, come on, what's more luxe than fur?

The problem with the fur trend however, resides in two issues: a) money, b) ethics. Luckily there is sure way around both of these problems that allows you to capture the trend without burning a hole in your paycheck and moral code. That being FAUX FUR! I know it may be a little obvious, but I can't stress enough how the right faux fur can be just as chic and rich looking at the real deal. And of course, faux corresponds well with animal rights supporters beliefs, if of course one doesn't have a problem wearing anything animal related in the first place. More so, I find that going faux can stretch your dollar more than real when it comes to wear and tear. With real fur, you run the risk of it being moth eaten and have to keep it in a cool, non-humid climate to avoid molding. But with faux, there are little risks involved, only that you of course keep it in nice condition since the "fur"can fray due to its synthetic fibers.

Aside from this look being deliciously refined, having the ability to juice up any look no matter if you're wearing Dr. Martins and ripped nylons, it also has a bit of a throw-back to the 70's vibe. Every time I see a fur vest in particular, I can't help but think how awesomely Bohemian it is. Very John Denver or Stevie Nicks singing in a winter-y wilderness, no?

And if I have hopefully inspired any of you fur-adorers out there, here are some faux ideas I have found to help you get this look...for cheap!:


Awesome shaggy faux fur vest embellished with beads and studs on the shoulers, $44, Forever21.


Lush cropped 3/4 faux fur coat with jewel button, $30, Forever21.


The perfect silhouetted faux fur to show off curves, $248, White House Black Market.

Whooga Ugg Boot Giveaway!

Attention all ugg boot lovers! If your current pair of uggs are wearing thin and are in desperate need for replacements, look no further.

For a limited time only Whooga Boots, one of the fastest growing ugg boot companies in the world, is advertising an ugg boot giveaway sweepstakes! There is no fee, no strings attached. All you need to do is click the link below and enter the asked information to become an eligible winner of a free pair of Whooga uggs!

As mentioned on Whooga's web site, Whooga Boots are famous for their special "ThermoFleece technology," that not only makes their boots one of the most comfortable uggs on the market, but the best insulators. The secret behind this is due to the extra padding of merino sheepskin in the boots which keep your toes at a constant 22 degree temperature, come winter or summer.

So get clickin' and win a new pair of uggs just in time for winter!

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Rimmel London 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Liner Pencil Review

The quest for the perfect lip liner is a always a struggle. There are so many variables a girl needs to consider when searching for the perfect one, such as if it bleeds easily, if it smudges, if it dries your lips, etc.

I've tried countless ones ranging in price and labels, having most of which be complete disasters. The biggest issue of mine is finding the perfect shade, that goes on smooth and STAYS PUT. Also, my lips are on the fuller side, so I need a liner that holds in place, especially when I'm wearing lipstick on top. Recently for me 'the quest' is all about finding the perfect nude lip liner that subtly outlines my lip's natural curves without smudging or fading.

Thankfully, I came across Rimmel London's 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Liner. Typically, I am L'Oreal Paris girl when it comes to drug store makeup, but for a while now Rimmel London has been surprising me with their new products (I LOVE their Volume Lash Mousse Mascara), so I thought I'd put this new lip liner to the test. Because I wanted a matte nude color that matched my lips, I chose "011 Spice." The shade is the perfect balance between rose and peach, which is just the right amount of red to match my natural lip color, but give it some color enhancement. Before I put it on, I made sure my lips had nothing else on them in order to accurately test how well the liner glides on. Much to my surprise, it went on very smooth and creamy, leaving a faint, but defined, trace of color behind. It also did wonders when I lightly colored in the rest of my lips as a base for my lipstick, going on just as smooth without any caking.

Now, hence its name, 1000 Kisses is supposed to stay intact for several hours without smudging, bleeding or wearing off. After each hour I made sure to check in the mirror and see how it was holding up. I am happy to report the product lives up to its standards! Not only does it stay on, but the way the formula seeped into my lip's skin gave them a smooth, perfectly matte impression. I also found that it somehow made my lips look a tad larger, but without looking fake.

Overall, I would definitely suggest purchasing one of Rimmel London's 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Pencils if you're looking for a cheap liner that goes on smooth, doesn't bleed and stays on for hours. The only thing I have yet to test is whether or not the liner stays on after 1000 kisses Perhaps a follow up review is in the works? But I wouldn't count on it. I never kiss and tell. ;)

Purchasing Rimmel London's 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Liner is available at most mass drug retailers for anywhere between $3-$5.

Arrojo Hair Repair Masque

About a month ago I received a bottle of Arrojo's Hair Repair Masque, along with several other Arrojo products, from my boss at NYLON. Not really paying too much attention to it, I carelessly through it in my giant bag 'o NYLON goodies, thinking "when am I really going to use this?" Of course one day when I passed by a mirror on my way to class and saw how unbelievably stressed-out my hair was my thoughts quickly changed. Some Arrjo usage was definitely in order.

Usually I'm a bit skeptical with trying new hair products, for I'm the type who likes to stick to what I know works well on me. Why chance it otherwise? But my dire hair situation called for reinforcements and luckily for Arrojo, I was in a creative mood.

Following the bottles instructions, after shampooing I squeezed about a quarter-size dollop into my hands and worked the lotion into my ends, and worked it up gradually. Good thing too, since the product has a dense consistency. Then I tacked up my now very heavy strands with a clip and went on with my usual bath time routine. I should probably mention that before I condition my hair I use hot water. Apparently, hot water opens up the hair shaft which then allows conditioner to enter your strands for intense moisturizing--though don't make the water too hot, for it can actually be very damaging to hair. Try to set the temperature a little above luke-warm. When a good time has passed (approximately 2-5 minutes should do it), I rinsed my hair with cold water. Doing so has the opposite effects of washing with hot water by closing the hair shaft and locking in the moisture you just put in. Also, it adds incredible shine!

After all was said and done I got out of the shower and was pleasantly surprised at how bouncy and silky my hair felt! Fortunately, the heavy consistency of the masque didn't weight my hair down at all, but actually made it feel light and clean (such a good feeling). The reasons for this is due to the protein-packed formula, as implemented in most Arrojo products. But this special blend of moisturizers, oils and proteins creates an even more nourishing effect, without the greasy residue many other hair masques tend to leave.

The suggested retail price of Arrjo's Hair Repair Masque is $15. Ordering is available online at
arrojoproduct.com

Review: RapidLash Eyelash Renewal Serum

Photo courtesy of wwd.com

Every woman has a own makeup obsession. Some can't get enough blushes, for others lipsticks are crack, and others may opt for eyeliners more than anything. For me, its all of the above. But perhaps my latest beauty obsession are loooong, full, bed-roomy lashes.

Therefore, when I stumbled upon the very press-acclaimed RapidLash Eyelash Renewel Serum
(for only $50!) at BJ's (I know, I know) I had to give it a whirl. Usually, I am very skeptical about items like these, especially when it comes to hair growth promotion, but much to my surprise this stuff works!

According to Rapidlash's website, the product is designed to stimulate the hair cuticles with faster blood circulation. The result, faster-growing hairs that double in quantity and thickness. What's more, the serum consists of proteins and vitamins that coat the lashes for added conditioning and elasticity.

The packaging is a cute wand-like bottle, similar to a mascara bottle, and as directed, one should very carefully line the top of the eyelids where the hair meets the skin as if applying eyeliner. Rapidlash also advises to use the serum ONCE at night, so that you do not contaminate the product with makeup. Noticeable results take take approximately 4-6 weeks, but many users on the website have claimed significant hair growth within 2 weeks.

As for me, I noticed results into my second week as well. The first couple of times I applied it I felt a slight tingling and tightening feeling on my eyelids, but it was nothing unbearable. Just odd. Come approximately the fifth night of use, I noticed the presence of small purpley veins around where the hairs meet my lid (obviously, since that's where the serum is applied). Though noticing such is a tad alarming, I read up in the directions sheet that tiny veins forming tells you that it's working and the blood flow is moving 'rapidly.' The next morning when I went to apply my eyeliner I noticed my lashes did look dramatically fuller and definitely longer! (yay!)

AND WHAT'S EVEN MORE RapidLash can be used on brows as well for those desiring fuller, longer brow hairs that have suffered the effects of excess plucking.

Typically, RapidLash is priced at $100+, but like I said, I found mine for $50 at BJ's in a joined combo pack with some dark circle repair cream (not so good) and I even saw it on Amazon.com for cheap as well. SO CHECK IT OUT! I promise you it's worth it!!

C.

Busy, Busy!

Sorry for the delayed posting. Will be reviewing some amazing products I just got as soon as I find a free moment!

-C.

NYLON

I reek of Chanel. I love NYLON. Okay bye.