N.Y.E. HAIR & BEAUTY LOOKS

The focus for these N.Y.E. perfect beauty looks are definitely the eyes. The first look features a bold pigmented copper while the second is all about the lashes and that awesome winged liner. Achieve these looks easily with these product recommendations:

1. Lip Bar Lipstick in Mochajito, $13 (thelipbar.com)

2. Eyelure Defining Lashes No. 121, $5 (ulta.com)

3. touch in SOL Metallist Liquid Foil & Glitter Eye Shadow Duo in Champagne, $25 (sephora.com)

4. Makeup Revolution Radiance Palete, $15 (ulta.com)

5. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Berlin, $6 (ulta.com)

6. NYX Ombre Lip Duo in Ginger & Nutmeg, $6 (ulta.com)

7. Eyelure Lengthening Lashes No. 35, $5 (ulta.com)

Two of my favorite products from this line-up are the Eye Shadow Duo and the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams. I used both to pull together a Holiday Look of my own (check it out below). The thing I love most about the touch in Sol Eye Shadow Duo is that it was very easy to wash off. Typically cream based products are harder to wash off after they dry but this product washed away with ease with just water. 

**Beauty Tip: Using a primer for both of these looks is key. For the first look you want to prime the eyelid and for look number 2 you want to prime and line the lips**

While the eyes on both of these looks are breath taking there's something about the lip shades chosen that take the whole look to another level. 

1. Beth Bender Beauty's Eye Candy Adhesive Eyeliner Stencil Starter Kit, $10 (bethbenderbeauty.com)
2. ittse Eye Shadow in 'Sol la Plage' and 'Buena Vista', $8ea (ittse.com)
3. NYX The Curve Liner, $14 (ulta.com)
4. Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in 'Crimson Red', $20 (sephora.com)
5. Rimmel London Magnif'Eyes Double Ended Eyeshadow & Liner, $7 (walgreens.com)
6. Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick No. 41, $6 (walgreens.com)
7. Physicians' Formula Butter Bronzer, $15 (ulta.com)
8. Eyelure Defining Lashes No. 121, $5 (ulta.com)

I absolutely loved using the Rimmel Magnif'eyes Duo. That Gold was perfect and made it super easy to recreate V  Bozeman's eye look at the 2016 Soul Train Music Awards. See how I used the product in this look below:

And now that you've got your N.Y.E. makeup look chosen; what about your hair?

Whether your hair is naturally curly or straight, pulling together an old Hollywood Glam beauty look always wins. Smooth sleek hair is the key to achieving both of these looks. Use these product recommendations to make achieving this looks simple:

1. Angelo David Medium Round Brush, $60 (angelodavid.com)

2. Organic to Green Liquid Coconut Oil, $36 (ulta.com)

3. Conair Infiniti Pro Brushless Hair Dryer, $99 (ulta.com)

4. Art Natural Argan Oil Hair Mask, $13 (artnaturals.com)

5. Bobby Pins 

6. Madam C.J. Walker Jamaican Black Castor Oil, $26 (ulta.com)

7. Madam C.J. Walker Jamaican Black Castor & MuruMuru Oils Defining Butter Creme, $26 (ulta.com)

8. Dare Care Coconut Infused Edge Control, $16 (darecares.com)

Here's my Hollywood Glam look for the United Way of Delaware Photoshoot I did last month (this is obviously BEFORE I got dressed for the shoot lol): 

Here's one more set of hair inspiration for your N.Y.E. Beauty Look, this one is for my Boho Babes! 

1. Kardashian Beauty Pure Glitz Hair Spray, $11 (target.com)

2. STEETV Hair Vine, $24 (amazon.com)

3. xtava 5-in-1 Curler w/ Temperature Control, $75 (xtava.com)

4. Bobby Pins

5. Foliage Rhinestone Hair Pin Set, $3 (forever21.com)

6. All Caps Sleep and Shower Cap, $52 (allcapshair.com)

**Preserve Your Pretty! Once your hair is styled keep it in place with zero affects from humidity with the All Caps shower and sleep cap. I have been using this cap for about a month now. Usually I would just get in the shower with my hair wrapped in a scarf and the occasional $3 shower cap; but the humidity from the shower would still cause my roots to swell. Since I have been using this cap I have not had not one instance where my roots have swelled in the shower.**

I hope all of you ladies have an amazing New Year's. I am so excited for what 2017 has in store for us. 

CHRISTMAS GIFTGUIDE - TOYS

Whether you have children or not, chances are you might have a little one on your holiday shopping list this year. Check out some of this year's most popular toys for the youngsters on your list.

1. Tomy Pokemon Throw & Pop Ball, $30 (toysrus.com)
2. Xbox One S 2TB Console, $350 (gamestop.com)
3. Shopkins Black Box Mystery Edition Figures, $30 (target.com)
4. Super Star Stage, $300 (thelandofnod.com)
5. Mary Had a Little Glam Book, $10 (amazon.com)
6. Disney Moana Singing Moana and Friends, $30 (walmart.com)
7. Doll Stroller Pram, $112 (littlecitizensboutique.com)
8. Hatchimals, $70 (toysrus.com) - This product is such a hot commodity you will have difficulty finding it online. Your best bet is to check in stores and if you really need it; ask a manager when their next shipment will be. They usually receive another large shipment before Christmas Eve.
9. Nabi SE Tablet, $80 (shop.nabitablet.com)

MY CHRISTMAS WISHLIST - FASHION

Check out some of the fashion items I have on my list this year. What's on your list to update your wardrobe this holiday season?

1. Stance Socks x Rihanna Bad Girl Socks, $16 (karmaloop.com)
2. Leather Dad Cap, $13 (forever21.com)
3. Mirrored Tassel Phone Case, $9 (amazon.com)
4. Acciarella Handbag, $45 (aldoshoes.com)
5. Siena Choker, $228 (lionetteny.com) 
6. Unapologetic Body Statement Necklace, $75 (krownher.com) 
7. Sequined Skirt, $35 (hm.com)
8. Gathered Hem Dress, $40 (zara.com)
9. Light Grey Mongolian Faux Fur Aviator Coat, $180 (riverisland.com)
10. Mono Python SK8-HI Slim Zip DX, $90 (vans.com)
11. Sam & Libby Eve Patchwork Over the Knee Boots, $70 (target.com)

HOLIDAY PARTY DRESSES

It's that time of year where your social calendar is lit up brighter than the sky on the 4th of July (hopefully haha). Check out these gorgeous dresses perfect for the holiday party scene.

1. Frock & Frill High Neck Embellished Midi Skater Dress, $203 (asos.com)

2. Crush Hard Velvet Plunging Wrap Dress, $36 (gojane.com)

3. Cut-Out Shoulder Dress, $70 (zara.com)

4. Self Portrait Prairie Mini Dress, $480 (shopbop.com)

5. Short Sequined Dress, $70 (zara.com)

6. Sequined Velvet Bodycon Dress, $38 (forever21.com)

7. Mad Ruche Mini Dress, $88 (nastygal.com)

What holiday parties are you attending this year?

MY CHRISTMAS WISHLIST - LIFESTYLE

1. Erin Condren Life Planner in Blossom, $60 (erincondren.com):  I am pretty sure I feature the Erin Condren Life Planner in my gift guide every year and I'm okay with that :). With other planners I find that when I first purchase it I am really good about using it and constantly updating it but at some point I sort of fall off and then I just stop using it. This hasn't happened when an Erin Condren Life Planner is involved; it just literally makes life so much easier there's no way you could STOP using it.

2. Pilot FriXion Clicker Erasable Gel Pens, $11 (walmart.com): This item goes hand-in-hand with the Erin Condren Planner. For a long time I've always been the type to only use pencil in my planner just in case I needed to make a change; the problem with that is that the pencil often smeared. I recently came across these awesome gel pens that are erasable so I can kiss those pencil smears good-bye!

3. Pompidoo Tokyo Camera Messenger Bag, $311 (pompidoo.com): At first glance you would think that this is a fashion item and doesn't really belong in a "Lifestyle" giftguide; BUT this isn't a purse it's a rather stylish camera bag. And, since I'm in the market for a new camera it is only fitting to find a new camera bag as well. This bag is trendy and minimalistic which means it will blend in with your everyday attire easily. I love that these bags don't SCREAM "camera bag".

 4. GOATsquare, $15 (goatcase.com): I know you're probably thinking, "That just looks like a black box/square." And you'd be right, BUT it's not just any black square. The Goatsquare attaches to the back of most phones and turns it into an "anti-gravity" device. I came across this on Facebook via a video where the girl in the video stuck her phone to a bathroom mirror with ease. This would be a great gift for someone who loves taking videos or selfies.

5. Rachel Allene Glass Coffee Mug, $18 (racheleallene.com): There something about a glass mug and I'm loving this hand lettered one by Rachel Allene.

6. Pardon My Fro Ella Shower Curtain, $60 (pardonmyfro.com): I came across this brand a little while ago and fell in love. This is only one of many boldly designed and colored prints by Dana (the designer behind Pardon My Fro). On her site you can find shower curtains, 2017 planners, woven blankets and much more. 

7. "Divine Minds" Art Print by Terrance Vann, $40 (terranceism.bigcartel.com): Art is huge and it's even bigger on the underground scene. I came across this artist when his latest piece was unveiled in Wilmington, DE. I saw a picture of it posted on Facebook and two days later my kids and I were in front of it, taking it all in. With everything going on in the world it's important to teach our young boys their value and how to value others and this piece spoke to me and I used it as a learning tool for my own son. Now the piece is available in print form to be hung in your home. 

8. Hauptstadtkoffer Luggage Set, $170 (amazon.com): It really pains me to say this but, I have not been on a vacation since before having kids :(. The last trip I took was to Los Angeles, CA in 2010 (sad I know). Needless to say...mama is due for a trip. I'm in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Vegas (or Cancun...TBD) for my birthday in March and with this trip a NEW more sophisticated set of luggage is in order. This 3-piece set features 4 multidirectional wheels with a more efficient design. It has a TSA combination lock with a resettable code for security.

9. Samsung NX2000 20.3MP CMOS Digital Camera, $430 (amazon.com): This camera easily backs-up to your smart phone using Blue Tooth. It has the largest touch screen in its class (3.7"). You can also make your stills and movies come to life with the True 3D Creator. Since I've been a Samsung phone user for a few years now this camera is at the top of my list because I feel like it will be very easy for me to adjust to the settings because the setup mirrors that of the phone.

10. SOCIALITE Mini LED Ring Light, $25 (socialite-lighting.com): For the serial selfie taker on your holiday list this light is perfect. Simply attach the light to the top of your phone or tablet and get lighting perfect for a selfie every time.It features three light settings (low, medium, high) so you can get the perfect lighting for you.

11. Wall Pops Shiplap Peel & Stick Wallpaper, $50 (wallpops.com): I think I've been watching way too much "Fixer Upper" because after 3 seasons of that show I'm addicted to Shiplap and distressed wood. This new Shiplap wallpaper from Wall Pops is perfect for testing out your Joanna Gaines interior design skills.

12. ban.do Getaway Bundle in Lady of Leisure, $28 (bando.com): I just love how these tags compliment the Erin Condren Blossom planner so well. Features leatherette design with metallic green foil, metallic gold lining, and 3 card slots.

What's on your lifestyle wishlist this year?

MY CHRISTMAS WISHLIST: BEAUTY

If you have someone on your holiday shopping list this year that is beyond obsessed with all things "Beauty"; take a look at these beauty gifts no makeup maven would want to be without.

1. Instyler Straight Up Ceramic Straightening Brush, $50 (ulta.com): This brush's 65 powerful ceramic heaters evenly distribute heat and provide instant heat up and recovery to deliver straight, shiny hair in one pass. The cool tip Ionic Bristles allow you to style hair from root to end without burning fingers, ears or forehead.

2. SWEET LIKE CANDY by Ariana Grande, $49 (ulta.com): This cute and flirty fragrance combines blackberry, pear, honeysuckle, and vanilla for a subtle yet sultry scent. And how adorable is the fragrance bottle?

3. Ultra CHI Brilliant Gold 1' Hair Styling Iron, $80 (ulta.com): This Limited Edition iron features tourmaline ceramic plates for even heat distribution. And right now it comes with a FREE stylish white and gold tote bag.

4. TOO FACED Sweet Peach Glow Kit, $42 (ulta.com available starting 12/15/16): This illuminating, blushing, and bronzing palette gives your skin the appearance of being bathed with a gorgeous peachy golden light. It's infused with the essence of peach, smells like peaches, and compliments all skin tones.

5. Wen Pomegranate 5-Piece Gift Set, $156 (chazdean.com): What can I say about WEN. I know a lot of people who have raved about the products for a while now but I've been hesitant to try. Needless to say, I got over it. I not only tried the products on myself but I tried the children's products as well and I'm a fan for life! When I used the products on my kids I loved that here was no lather so I didn't have to worry about soap getting in their eyes. The next morning when my daughter woke up I could immediately see a difference in her curls; her ringlets were a lot more defined and her hair was less frizzy.

6. Benefit Cosmetics Majorette Cream-to-Powder Blush, $29 (ulta.com): This cream to powder booster blush can be worn alone or under your favorite blush for an added boost.

7. Makeup Revolution Precision Eye Set, $22 (makeuprevolutionusa.com): The design of these brushes are the hottest new thing in the world of beauty and makeup. If you have a beauty junkie on your Gift List this year I am sure they would be overjoyed to receive this set. It includes a Rounded Blending Eye Brush (smoothly blends powder and cream eyeshadow), a Precision Eyeliner Brush (allows firm and precise application of eyeliner), and the Oval Eye Brush.

8. Claus Porto Deco Gift Box, $50 (clausport.com): This Gift Box comes with 3 soaps from the Deco collection - Banho, Ilyra, and Madrigal. These soaps are blended with shea butter and I don't know about you but I am a sucker for product packing and these bold and bright wrappers look amazing.

9. Fizz & Bubble 9-Pack Bath Truffle, $20: These bath truffles are dipped and drizzled in shea butter. Not only do these bath truffles fizz when submerged in water but they foam as well. 

10. IT Cosmetics City Chic Brush Set, $68 (ulta.com): I've been using these brushes for about two weeks and they are super soft and apply product flawlessly. The bag has been a life saver with keeping makeup organized in my purse.

11. NYX Cosmetics Liquid Suede Vault Set, $50 (ulta.com): I've been a huge fan of NYX Cosmetics for the past year. It all started when a girl walked into my job with this amazing lip color on. Of course I couldn't let her leave without finding out what the color was and she shared that it was a NYX Soft Matte color. When I got off of work I went straight to ULTA and bought a few shades of the Liquid Suede line and I've been buying them ever since. I love a matte lip and these dry with a matte finish without drying out your lips. They also last pretty long because you don't have to worry about constantly reapplying your color throughout the day. I probably apply my color twice a day and that's it. This set is the perfect way to find which colors look the best on you and then you can gift the other color shades to your friends as stocking stuffers. :)

12. Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked Ultimate Basics, $54 (ulta.com): This all matte eyeshadow palette comes with 12 NEW neutrals. Each shade in this palette is exclusive to this palette only so if you have the other Naked Basics Palettes you won't have these shades. Each shade features Urban Decay's proprietary Pigment Infusion System, which gives the formula its velvety texture, rich color, and blendability.

WEEKLY STYLE LUST: M.E. X REEBOK

 

WHAT'S GOT ME LUSTING?: This happens to me every single year. -_- Right before the Christmas holiday Melody Ehsani does some ridiculously sick collaboration with  Reebok and I am left kicking myself because I'm focusing on Christmas presents for the kids. Today she dropped her latest collab with the sneaker giant and I'm loving every bit of it. I lucked up last year because two of my friends pitched in together to get me the black and white polka dot sneaker wedged collabo; this year I think I'm on my own lol. 

I'm beginning to see a pattern because my last Weekly Style Lust post featured a sneaker as well and it was ironically the same color. Clearly I just need to buy a shoe this color so I can get it out of my system (haha). This year's collaboration is for the Ai Question to celebrate the shoe's 20th anniversary.

WHY YOU SHOULD BE LUSTING TOO?:
- Made with natural vegetable tanned leather in 3 different textures
- Classic Hexalite Midsole cushioning
- Each pair comes with 2 different color laces
- Each pair comes with 3 sets of velcro patches that attach to the back panel (the patches feature a different one of Ai's tattoos)
- Interior lining is an image of Ai's cornrows

PURCHASING DEETS:
Price: $160
Where to buy: MelodyEhsani.com, Reebok.com. The shoe is almost sold out on the Melody Ehsani website but there seems to be more availability on the Reebok site but act fast.