like it/love it/gotta have it: glam glow

if you've been in the beauty world for a hot minute, then the glam glow line is no stranger. they have a variety of masks that will suit any and everyone's skin care issues, each with a different type of mud to target your needs; exfoliation (try youthmud tinglexfoliate treatment), purification (the supermud clearing treatment- their claim to fame) or hydration (thirstymud hydrating treatment). my favorite trick with masks? I used a bit of each one to target the different problems in each area of my skin- exfoliation for my forehead and purification for my nose and and chin. perfect mask for my specific skin every time.

like it: youthmud tinglexfoliate treatment

I like this mask, I really like it. but my super sensitive skin can only do with so much exfoliation. I bust this out when I have drier patches of skin (the dry air in LA and weekends in vegas do not help) and it works perfectly at slogging off dead skin. 

love it: thirstymud hydrating treatment

when I reach for this mask, my skin is having some serious hydration issues. usually after a bit too much time in the sun (I know, I know) or after/during a long flight. after a day at the beach it feels cool and soothing (even better if you pop it in the fridge), and is my best friend on a red eye flight when the moisture in the air goes to 0% (goes on and dries clear so no one will even know!). may or may not have used it as an intensive moisture treatment all week after spending the fourth in Malibu and leaving just a wee bit pink, and it saved me from a dreaded sunburn (and subsequent snake-ish shedding) #blessed

gotta have it: supermud clearing treatment

this mask is their claim to fame for a reason. nothing works like it at getting gunk out of your pores, and leaving everything feeling tight and clean. it satisfies my inner esthetician since it dries down to a light green and stays dark in the areas with the most gunk- I love seeing a product really working. I have used it all over my entire face before, but I definitely prefer it for more targeted areas (nose and chin) and spot treatments. If I feel a blemish coming, I will sleep with a dab of this and it calms the spot.

have you tried any of the glam glow line? which mask would target your specific problem area?

xx, marissa

love it/hate it: maybelline the rocket volum' express mascara

now I don't know about you, but mascara is hands down my favorite/desert island makeup product. forget the rest of your face- lashes are the piece de resistance of any look. I love the look of long, dark, and curled lashes- the longer the better. while some people are all about volume, and love the look of a super thick lash that is full through the base and along your lash line, that really isn't my cup of tea. when I'm trying out new mascaras I want one that is going to separate all the way down to the root, give me long stretched out lashes that make people second guess if I'm wearing falsies, and that are patent leather black. mascaras like benefit they're real and maybelline colossal cat eyes are some of my favorites and give me that perfect flirty lash look- long throughout, with just the right amount of something special in the outer corner. usually mascaras with rubber wands and short spikey bristles (like any of the covergirl lash blasts which I've forever sworn off, but to each their own) leave me with short stubby lashes and mascara streaked across my eyelid (not a good look), so when I first opened this tube of maybelline the rocket volum' express mascara I was immediately disappointed. the wand looked almost identical to the covergirl versions, and after one horribly awful failed attempt, I cursed it and put it away. fast forward to a few weeks later when I was testing out some Halloween makeup looks and decided to layer it with my other current mascara, and I realized that the formula had changed (going from super wet and messy to drier and stiffer). I was left with thick roots that could be combed through (thanks to the short spiked plastic wand) to create separated, super long lashes. normally when a formula changes it isn't for good (nail polish separating, top coats thickening, foundation oxidizing, or perfume changing scents), but with mascara it seems to usually be the opposite. take a wet and impossible formula and give it a couple weeks to dry out with the help of a little air to the tube, and you have yourself a whole different product. what started as a hate it, turned into a love it- a makeup miracle.

what mascara works best for your lashes- a wet formula that you can rake through, or a drier formula you can really build up?

xx, marissa 

makeup madness- sephora VIB sale

as an official card carrying member of sephora's VIB program I finally get to take part in the fun that is their annual shopping event (i.e. 20% off of items that are never on sale!) I've been poking around the interweb, and the super snazzy holiday catalogue that arrived in my mailbox, for the past few days and have narrowed my must haves down from just about everything to a select few. now for those of us that are more forward thinking/less selfish, this would be a great time to start your holiday shopping (starting early and getting things on sale = win, win) and pick up some pretty things for your makeup obsessed bestie, you newbie little sister, or your 'never indulges herself' mom.

the holiday sets are always my go-tos this time of the year. they offer you opportunities to try a bunch of different products a single line (like this option) or a variety of products from a mix of different brands (like this one). last year I opted to try the Tarte holiday gift set and was turned on to an amazing eyeshadow formulation (with an entire pallet of everyday to smoky colors to choose from), and test out a few of their other best selling products that had been on my list. this year the Too Faced Le Grand Palais definitely caught my attention (with its mix of products for eyes/cheek/face and minis of its most popular mascara, primer, and lipgloss) and the Le Grand Chateu would make a great gift for a few girlfriends since the mini pallets can be split up and shared! the packaging is seriously the cutest- tie on a pretty bow and you're good to go (I'm picking this up for my younger cousins and splitting the three pallets out amongst them!) if you're more in the market for a set that will let you sample a little bit of this and a little bit of that from a bunch of sephora heavy hitters, the Sephora Favorites Superstars is the MVP. every year they compile the best selling products throughout the store to offer a mix of full size and deluxe sample sizes to try out. it hits every note- from mascara to primer, and contour to highlight, from many of your favorite brands (like nars, tarte, smashbox, benefit, and laura mercier), in shades that you actually want to try. we see you monthly subscription companies and "gift sets" that are dumping grounds for all the colors that were flops- no one wants a bunch of those, kthanks. sephora offers a gift set for every type of beauty junkie; slave to skincare, eyeliner officianado, mascara fiend, lip product lover, or hair goddess. do you self a favor and take a peek at the sets from sephora- check, check, check on that shopping list.

there are also those products that you find yourself always repurchasing- the perfect liquid eyeliner (I'll be picking up a backup of my holy grail since I know I'll be needing a new one eventually), your go-to foundation (either in the color you're currently wearing or shade/two down to prepare for the coming months and impending paleness), a rollerball of your signature scent (I try and keep this one from Elizabeth and James always in my purse), or the first step for any look (primers for face, lips or eyes- I'll be picking up this one from Too Faced to try). these are the products that you know you'll be buying in the new future, pick them up now for 20% off and it will be like shopping your stash when you finally need them.

the VIB sale is also a great time to invest in the more expensive beauty products you use/have been meaning to try- quality skin care (I'll be picking up the moisturizer from my like it, love it, gotta have it post about sensitive skin moisturizers), fragrance (you know you'll be going through a perfume within the year. use this as the time to stock up on your signature scent, or explore and try something new. layering scents is always fun, or picking a special occasion/nighttime scent), or beauty tools (beauty blenders, clarisonic/brush heads, or new brushes) and save some pretty pennies.

have you ever shopped the VIB sale? what's on your list for beauty goodies this year?

xx, marissa

shopping 101: missing wardrobe pieces

for most people, shopping usually ends up being the hunt for a certain something, retail therapy, or "just looking" that ultimately turns into buying. impulse shopping or picking up random pieces is a great way to find fun gems for your wardrobe, but I like to think of mine as a collection of things that I love. and while that collection is constantly evolving, a trendy piece from forever21 or h&m here and a random find at a vintage store there, there are key basics and solid foundation pieces that make getting dressed every morning super easy and and create an unlimited combination of looks to choose from. as super type-a as this sounds, I love to keep a running list of the pieces I've found are missing from my wardrobe. it makes me treat shopping as a sport, always on the hunt for that elusive something that's missing, and I get such a sick satisfaction out of checking something off the list when I take it home. there are some things that seem like they should be easy finds (a soft, semi-slouchy v-neck t in white & black), but being the perfectionist that I am, if something isn't perfect, I won't even bother. my list is full of investment pieces (a black leather moto jacket, taupe suede desert booties, and a structured leather handbag), but also pieces that could go high end or budget friendly (DVF wrap dress or one that just fits amazing). and with the holidays coming up, I always find myself stumped when people ask something that I would love. clothes shopping for another person can be super tricky, but it provides a great jumping point for someone, and for specific items (like white low-top chuck Taylor's or matte black folding wayfarers) that's pretty impossible for someone to screw up.

do you keep a list of pieces you're on the hunt for, or am I alone in my type a-ness on this one?

xx, marissa

currently craving: fall

usually this is right around the time the air is at its perfect crispness, the leaves are looking pretty spectacular (but also equal parts crunchy beneath your feet), and one of the best holidays is so close you can taste it. I say usually because what I'm describing it pretty particular to a place that isn't Los Angeles, and not that it's the end of the world, but this girl misses fall. I'm sure it sounds crazy to someone who hasn't grown up their entire life with it as your favorite season and what you straight up wait for all year (and put up with the bs that is snow in the winter and the humidity in the summer/all year long), but it really is the best. not to mention the fashion (hello layering and knits and boots and sweaters!), the activities (apple picking and corn mazes and pumpkin patches and haunted hayrides), and the tastes (apple cider and cider donuts and caramel apples and sugar rim on my pumpkin beer). did I say I was missing fall?! the year I was in madrid was the first and only time that I missed it, and it's just as horrible now as it was then. and thanks to the creation of instagram (that was back in the day when all the cool young people were using facebook), I have the daily reminder of just how much beauty and fun I'm missing out on. I know when it's January and New England is dealing with the raw, grey horribleness that is winger, I'll be counting my blessings that I jumped ship and headed west- but right now, autumn on the east coast is looking mighty good.

love it/hate it: bioderma

there are few products that I will give "holy grail" status to, and bioderma is definitely at the top of that list. back when I was studying abroad in Spain, I loved poking around the department stores and pharmacies to see what products these beautiful women used and loved. I picked up a small bottle of bioderma and was immediately obsessed with its ability to cut through my waterproof makeup (specifically my holy grail eyeliner) and was instantly a convert. it wasn't until I was back in the states, and realized just how difficult it would be to get my hands on this amazing product, that I cursed falling in love in the first place. there was always amazon, which charged ridiculous prices/shipping fees, but I just couldn't bite the bullet. fast forward to two years ago when one of my bosses took a trip to Slavonia and popped over to Italy to snag me a bottle of this miracle worker. I was instantly hooked again and savored every last drop of that bottle (which side note lasted quite a bit since I only use it to take off my eyemakeup and a little goes a long way). thankfully, the makeup gods have spoken and bioderma is easily available from the website beautylish (#hallelujah). as soon as I heard that they were the first US distributor, I hoped on the website and ordered a bottle (with a cute travel size too) and it is still just as amazing as before (sometimes when European products jump the pond the formula is different and it's not the same product that you know and love- this was not the case). there are plenty of micellar water products out on the market now (I'm looking at you simple), but none compare to the original. the best, and only product, that cuts through my waterproof eyeliner like it's nothing, doesn't leave my skin tight after using, and unless I get it directly in my eyes- doesn't sting them. the only thing that would make bioderma better, is if it were a bit more easily accessible (I love being able to pop into sephora, target or cvs to pick up my favorite beauty products), but online vs. over seas? I'll take it.

have you ever tried bioderma? are you a fan of micellar waters?

xx, marissa

neighborhood faves: Beverly Hills

spending the last eleven months in beverly hills (with a stellar resident tour guide bee tee dubs), I definitely have my fair share of favorite places. whether it's the perfect chicken sandwich, or the best rooftop for drinks, I've got you covered. I've founded up a list of my favorite places & spaces that are must sees the next time you're in the neighborhood.

food:

honor bar was the first restaurant we hit when I visited LA last summer, and home of the best chicken sandwich (currently tied with another neighborhood favorite, but that's for a different day). love the ambiance, the great location, and of course the food. their french fries are amazing, and there's even a liquor store attached where you can buy a bottle of bubbly and share it at your table. I've heard great things about their sushi, but you'll have to take other people's word on that (my relationship with the whole raw fish thing is touch and go.)

urth caffé can be a total zoo (equal parts tourist trap & hip spot) but totally worth it for brunch and great people watching. inside is cutesy, but try and snag a table outside in the sun. 

il tramezzino is a tiny little panini restaurant not too far from work that makes a nutella and banana croissant that will make you weep (pressed in a waffle maker to melt the nutella and bananas, crisp up the outside, and then topped with powdered sugar- holy yum.) I'm pretty partial to the chicken dijon (avocado & dijon/honey mustard is always a winning combo in my book), but the chicken special is also great (hint hint it's the basil garlic sauce that seals the deal).

sirtaj was the go to spot after a grueling day of soccer practice all season. amazing indian food, great servers (the bartender on Monday nights was the best), and mellow vibe. order the chicken tikka masala, garlic naan, and the potato croquette (but make sure it's a Monday & ask for it to be extra spicy). and if you have room (ie make sure you have room) order the chocolate samosa- so good.

mulberry street is the LA equivalent to Boston's Ernesto's (check out my north end neighborhood faves here) and THE place to go to for a slice. chicken parm is my favorite, but be sure to try the garlic knots with a side of sauce to dip.

shop:

planet beauty is california based beauty boutique that is like a baby sister to sephora. less total brands, but amazing quality. shop big names like stila (my favorite eyeliner of all time here), OPI, Essie (check out my favorite picks from either brand here), Sarah Happ (amazing lip scrub and treatment), sigma brushes (rival MAC quality brushes), or smaller like ahava (great line from Israel made from Dead Sea minerals) and nuxe paris (their dry oil is my go-to for taming my curly hair post brushing, and the shimmer version is amazing for summer goddess skin). plus they have amazing buy two get one free deals (jump on that bandwagon sephora!) that are perfect for stocking up on your favorite products or trying something new.

kyle by alene too is the boutique owned by real housewives Kyle, which would usually make me run in the other direction, but their window displays always draw me in. they carry typical LA girl wardrobe staples, but also manage to incorporate amazing pieces from Elizabeth and James, Mara Hoffman, Tolani, and Rebecca Taylor to keep it interesting. the boutique space is the former home of a bank, so the back room features a vault loaded with past season goodies that they open up for sales at different points of the year. 

planet blue is great for fun bathing suits, cheeky wild fox pieces, and dainty accessories. while I'm not the biggest fan of the shopping experience there (think sales associates who are more interested in appearing cool vs. helping customers), their buyer does a great job having a good mix of trendy pieces and lust investments.

go:

SIXTY Beverly Hills (formerly known as the Thompson hotel) has my favorite rooftop for cocktails and enjoying a beautiful day. it's the go-to spot for showing out of town visitors (amazing views of the hills and all of LA), bungalows and a great pool for lounging, and mellow music & people. my go-to is the Beverly Hills lemonade, but swap out the vodka for tequila- amazing.

the Beverly Hills farmer's market is every sunday morning/early afternoon and is such a fun way to start a sunday funday. great people watching (may or may not have seen a celeb or two before), picking up fresh and organic fruits & veggies for the upcoming week, tasting some amazing food (the chilaquiles are RIDICULOUS but literally the hottest thing I've ever eaten. get their early, before the guacamole is gone, or else you'll be crying like a little baby), and jamming out to the live music on a beautiful morning.

xx,
marissa