love it/hate it: benefit they're real! push-up liner

now I've blogged about my past hatred for the original black version of this product before (check it out here), but when I heard that benefit was releasing a new collection of colored liner and mascara I was still excited (#beautyjunkie). I figured that benefit would take into account the issues that basically everyone and their mother had with the product; maybe the formula would be different in the colored version, maybe the packaging would be better designed, maybe it wouldn't require a special remover to take that shizz off, WHO knows. and when I saw that the sephora app had a promo code for a deluxe sample size, I jumped at the chance to try it out. (side note- if you're not doing your online shopping at sephora using the app, you're crazy. best promo codes, super easy to navigate, and you can track your order right through the app. download it now and thank me later.) I was pleasantly surprised to see that the sample was for the brown version; dark brown is my go-to eyeliner color, so much more natural and flattering for day to day. when I opened the liner I noticed that the new packaging had step-by-step instructions on how to use the product (clicking the product up into the tip, and wiping off the start of the product on to napkin before applying to the eye), and while that's super helpful since most people would assume you could just dive right in and start winging, it still doesn't solve the problem that you're wasting half of the product by the time you use it up. I love the creamy gel formula for gliding easily onto you lid, but forget about building up your wing with more than one swipe. if you do, the product balls up on itself and starts to peel off your eyelid (not cute). for someone who can get a perfect wing in one swipe, that isn't an issue. but most people require at least two swipes to get a perfect line. the lock in place formula is supposedly so strong that benefit had to release a special eye makeup remover specifically for this liner (which I'm sorry- but that seems ridiculous to me), but I found that the thinnest part of my liner (near my inner corner to the beginning of my lash line) completely disappeared mid-day. I want my makeup to be locked into place when I apply it in the morning, and be there until I take it off at night.

so final thoughts- I think it's safe to say I truly hate this product, which honestly really bums me out. I want to love this product because I love the idea of it. the design of the applicator tip is genius, it really does give you the perfect wing without even trying, but I can't get over buying a product to literally waste half of it every single use. the new colors are gorgeous (dying over the bright emerald green), but the staying power just isn't there, and the formula isn't anything special. there are so many amazing eyeliners available that unless you can't do a wing to save your life, don't care about throwing away product, and are fine with a crazy formula- don't even bother. watch some YouTube videos, practice practice practice, and save your pennies; two thumbs down.

what are your thoughts on the they're real! push-up liner from benefit? are you part of the 1% that loves it, or do you think it belongs in the garbage?

xx, marissa 

baubles and jewels

in the cross country trek, certain important items just didn't make the cut (my amazing DVD collection, favorite handbags, and my gorgeous headboard to name a few). editing down and cramming my entire life into two suitcases and a carry-on was not easy, and there was one collection that I was not (under any circumstances) willing to part with. 

I was lucky enough to amass quite the collection of incredible jewelry pieces during my time at a M. Flynn thanks to my incredibly generous (and all around fabulous) bosses, all of which came right along with me to california. while I love the look of a fun statement necklace (bauble bar makes some of my favorites- check out my picks from a past sale here), I also gravitate towards daintier necklaces and rings for day to day and bold earrings.

on top of my burea I keep a few trays to collect my most worn pieces- this one from Hudson is one of my favorites and says "as far as I'm concerned leopard is a neutral" (one of my favorite fashion sayings and a sweet gift from a friend). I tend to have a pretty basic colored wardrobe and love to wear a bold earring to jazz up an outfit or add a pop of color (especially peeking out from my long hair)- emerald green from Les Neréides Paris, bronze and clear crystal from Camilla James, pink and multi colored crystals from Erickson Beamon, and gold and champagne crystal from M. Flynn. when it comes to bracelets I love mixing metals and a touch of sparkle- crystal pavé link bracelet from J.Crew, and rose gold and enamel bangle from Henri Bendel. the three dainty rings are each sentimental and are perfect when I want to switch out from my everyday ring- gold bow ring from Kate Spade, pearl ring from Kauai, and gold palm tree from a friend. my standard necklace switches between this rose gold and diamond bar, a sweet parting and birthday gift from my wonderful bosses, or this "charm" necklace with my baby claddagh ring, a blessed Italian horn from Florence, and a vintage chain from my mom.

and on the other end of the spectrum, are my favorite statement necklaces that make the outfit and are a great way to look effortlessly pulled together (with almost zero time and effort)- gold multi strand necklace from M. Flynn, brass triangular necklace from Camilla James, pink and crystal multi strand necklace from Nordstrom, gold triangle necklace from Karen London, and gold and enamel necklace from House of Harlow.

are you someone that likes to jazz up an outfit with fun accessories, or do you tend to let your clothes speak for themselves?

xx, marissa

love it/hate it: sephora collection cream lip stain

I had been on a mission to find a classic red lip product that would give me the perfect pinup pout, without turning my lips into a dried out mess and without smearing all over my face (tough order to fill). most products that weren't super drying had no staying power and I ended up looking like I had been smooching the Kool Aid man. and if they were a true stain, my lips looked like the sahara desert after a few hours (and don't even think about reapplying).

I had heard great things about the sephora cream lip stains (side note- does anyone else completely forget about sephora collection cosmetics? I'm always so jazzed about other brands that I usually don't even look) and whenever I would go to check them out, so many colors would be sold out. you know a product is good (or at least being buzzed about) when it's sold out at sephora. one color in particular (always red) was never available, so when I saw it a couple week ago I had to snatch it up.

for starters the product is super opaque- no need to apply multiple coats to build to the perfect color. one swipe and you are good to go. I liked that the product had a few seconds where it's wet before it truly sets, giving you a bit to quickly wipe any stray lines before it stains. I did notice though, that even though the product dries, there's still a bit of transfer when you touch your lips or take a sip. forget about applying this once in the morning and forgetting about it all day- it definitely isn't a true stain. but, because of that bit of give, it wasn't super dry and uncomfortable on the lips. the color is great, that perfect true red that can be classic, preppy, rocker, boho, or full glamazon. 

would I say I love the product? no, not love. do I hate the product? definitely not. I like it, really like it. but I haven't given up my quest for the perfect red stain. this one from sephora certainly isn't it, but it'll do for now.

have you ever tried the sephora cream lip stains? what's your favorite product from the store's line?

xx, marissa

no-heat banana curls

while I am most certainly a self professed beauty junky, hair has never been my forte. I've been lucky enough to be born with naturally nice hair (thanks mom&dad), have never dyed it, and keep the heat styling to a minimum- so I never really have to do much to it. with the help of my favorite products (I ranked my favorites here), and this simple trick, I manage to create the look of curls using a curling wand/iron, as it air dries. and the best part? the curls last for days.

normally this is my go to on mornings that I have to wash my hair (I'm totally a shower at night kind of gal, but sometimes...) and have to find a way to look presentable without blow drying. I start by towel drying my hair and twisting it into a towel on top of my head (this is the time when I'll do my makeup, moisturize, or anything to help the towel absorb as much moisture as possible). then I'll apply one and a half pumps of the serum to each side of my hair, parted in a deep side part (of course use more or less serum depending on length/thickness & part your hair to whatever side you prefer). after I'll brush my hair into a low ponytail, secure at the base of my neck (avoid securing it too tightly to stop dents- these are great), and twist the ponytail tightly from the elastic to the ends. once your hair is dry, just break up the twist into banana curls (side note- is banana curl a New England term? I've had people look at me like I have 10 heads out here) and it looks like you've spent serious time with a curling iron. and since this is the way the hair is drying, you don't have to worry about your curls falling out as the day goes on. translation? curls that look great all day, last for days, and can even be brushed out to create glamorous Hollywood curls. win, win, win.

ever heard of this easy peasy way to curl your hair? try it & tell me if it worked for your hair type!

xx, marissa

like it, love it, gotta have it: hair oils

during my teenage years, my thick curly/wavy hair was one of the biggest banes of my existence (#teenagegirlproblems). it seemed that everyone I knew had long, sleek straight hair- and I was willing to do whatever it took to have that same look. my friends and I went to extremes, lining up on our knees to have our hair literally ironed with our mother's clothing irons and our necks pressed against the ironing board, to achieve our dream hair. now that I'm a bit older, and a heck of a lot wiser, I've learned the importance of working with your natural texture- and not against it. for me, the best way to achieve smooth and frizz free hair without heat is to use an oil product on damp hair and let it air dry. I've tried quite a few products, both high end and drugstore, and have rounded up three of my favorites.

Like It: Organix Ever Straight Brazilian Keratin Therapy Anti Breakage Serum. I picked up this product after I tried, and loved, the shampoo and condition from the same line. The oil worked fine at keeping the frizz at bay, but I found that the oil was way too heavy for my hair, and weighed it down. as someone who doesn't wash their hair everyday, I tend to steer clear of products that require frequent washings, and this was definitely one of them. while the price point is great, and the availability at the drug store is even better, it's just an alright product for me.

Love It: L'Oréal Oleo Therapy Perfecting Oil-Essence.  It was quite a difficult decision choosing between Love It and Like It for this product. If we're being fair, both are tied for times repurchased , which to me is the true test of loving a product. But the other just manages to squeak past and take the title. But this oil, was a gift to me from my former boss when it didn't quite work for her. She found it wasn't quite heavy enough to tame her very curly hair (if you're blessed with truly kinky, curly hair this may not be the best for you), but it provided the perfect weight without totally weighing down mine. Unlike the Organix version, which was way too much to use on dry hair for a slight touch up/to smooth flyaways, this product can be used on both damp and dry hair, without feeling heavy or leaving you looking like you haven't washed your hair in days (ie grease ball status). While I love the luxurious feeling of a glass bottle, it made traveling with the product a bit more difficult (but two thumbs up on the pump design). And being able to pop into a drug store and repurchase is always better than having to schlep all the way to a salon when you realize you've run out.

Gotta Have It: Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Styling Treatment Oil. This oil takes the cake- I love the packing (plastic for the win), the pump top, (which makes knowing the exact amount you need/not wasting product possible) and the amazing smell, but besides that the results are holy grail status. It leaves my hair smooth and silky, and my curls frizz free even in the hot, summer weather (including the annoying kinky curls around my temples). I've always had a soft spot for Paul Mitchell products (The Conditioner was the only thing I used on my hair as a little girl), so when my hair dresser used this product on me during a cut years ago, I knew it would be good stuff. His products can be a bit pricey, and not always easily available (even in the "Salon Section" of drugstores), but if you can find it/swing the price point, try it- you will love the results.

what are some of your favorite hair products to create your flawless looks? I always love experimenting with new products, and discovering new holy grails.

xx, marissa

beverly hills whatta thrill

it's been exactly twenty three days since I made the hop, skip, and jump from boston to los angeles, and I'm still in that weird "I feel like I've been here forever" slash "it feels like it's been 5 minutes" phase. I jumped right into work the second day I arrived (#whatwasIthinking), and have been attempting to adjust to the time difference/jet lag/settling in phase ever since. I feel like Thanksgiving, with it's sleeping in/laid back vibe/good food/humbling attitude, has given me just what I needed to get my butt into gear. what an incredible opportunity for me to be here in california, with one of my best friends, in a city with so many amazing opportunities, and limitless adventures. in these twenty three days I've managed to cross quite a few things off my LA bucket list; lunch at Lemonade (order the arnold palmer with mac & cheese- so good!), visit the urban lights at the LA county museum of art (expect a post with pictures soon because it was just too pretty not to have a mini photo shoot), shopping on melrose (surprise visit from my cousin who decided to drive down from san fran for the weekend), santa monica (celebrated a very Persian thanksgiving with Nikki's family at her grandmothers by the beach. less traditional, more rice- but amazing), but there are still plenty of adventures to be had :)

xx, marissa

love letter to boston

dear boston,

you and I go back quite a bit. you were the first city I remember visiting as a kid, and thinking to myself, this is where I want to live when I grow up. driving through you during the hiccup (then shit show) that was the big dig was interesting. you were the place that housed the museums that featured some of my favorite works, and opened my eyes to the beauty of rembrant, degas, and monet. you were where we went for certain foods that couldn't be found in the boonies when we made the move from the north shore to hopedale (pizza from santarpio's and pastries from modern). for an adventure filene's basement was always there to riffle through and score good deals, but it was more the thrill of the hunt that we loved than actually shopping. newbury street (at the time) opened by eyes to the benefits of boutique shopping, and I was introduced to designers and brands that couldn't be found at my suburban shopping mall. you were the home of suffolk- the school that I dreamed of, and hoped and prayed senior year that I would get into. where I thought that my career aspirations of law school would come into fruition, and I would make a difference in the world. you are where I made my first best friendship that I wasn't born into/was a result of location, and where I tiptoed into letting someone into my heart for the first time. you are where I experienced a sense of fear & vulnerability that I had never felt, that ultimately shook me enough to take a good, hard look at my life, and see that it wasn't going where I wanted it to go. you were my home during the quarter life crisis, where I eventually picked myself up, dusted myself off, and moved forward. you are where I found my two bosses who turned into mentors/role models, and opened my eyes to the benefits of having a strong & bad ass circle of female friends. and now, it is where I leave you, to start a new life in a new city. I will forever miss your amazing weather that month and a half out of the year, oh fall why can't everyone have you! I will miss your citizens with brains full of knowledge and mouths full of sarcasm. I will miss your windy, cobblestone streets; your one ways; and your blue book laws that I've cursed forever. you've been good to me boston, and I can't wait until I see you again.

love, marissa