Tango with Tangerine

Tango with Tangerine by hannahrama featuring chanel lipgloss

                     
I might be addicted to this year's hottest color. If you're not wearing this vivid shade, you're definitely missing out.  I realize that we've known Tangerine Tango is 2012's color of the year for a while, but I truly think Summer 2012 will be its shining moment.
I love the way it looks paired with whites, natural shades, and even neons.  It's a great statement nail or lip, but feels just as polished with a comfy tee!
How are you wearing tangerine tango this summer?  Share your favorite pieces with us, this shade is slowly taking over my summer wardrobe!

Stay beautiful,
Hannah

Self Tanners: the Great, the Good, and the Bad

Self Tanner by sprinklesdan featuring a TanTowel sun care

TanTowel sun care, $27 
St Tropez sun care, $30
Kate Somerville beauty product, $45
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs - Medium Glow : Target, $12
Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer - 4 oz. (Medium... : Target, $7.89
Jergens Natural Glow for Face, $7.89
Clinique Self Sun, $21


I'd like to consider myself practically an expert on self tanning because I've tried so many products to create that faux sun kissed glow most are searching for. While I do enjoy the very occasional day laying out or getting some fake color in a bed or a spray tan, protecting my skin is my number one priority. That's where self tanners should make the difference. I'm going to break these seven down into the great, the good, and the ugly to make it simple for you to spend your money where it makes sense.

The Great: 

• Jergens Natural Glow Express- This is my holy grail gradual tanner. It works wonders in just 3 days which is perfect for a last minute glow before a big event or vacation. I almost never get streaks from this moisturizing lotion made for medium to tan skin tones and I see a big difference with everyday. It is gradual, so it will need to be reapplied to maintain color, but it looks natural which is the ideal look.
• Tan Towel- These are a recent find and they're seriously wonderful for instant color! It's literally a moist towelette that you use in circles all over your body and face! They are the instant gratification you're looking for in a self tanner. At Sephora, they're $24 for 10 towelettes in either Fair/Medium or Medium/Dark. But they sell individual towelettes at various locations like Beauty Brands! Even better, there's no streaks for a really even tan!

The Good: 

• St. Tropez Everyday Gradual Tan for Body- This is a really nice, non scented and really moisturizing lotion that is great for building a gradual tan. It works, but it's subtle and takes a lot longer to build up than the Natural Glow Express, but it's a great alternative for those with fair skin because there is one specifically for those with lighter skin tones. It's just pricier at $30, I would go straight for the Self Tan Bronzing Mousse if you're going to fork out the money.
• Kate Somerville 360 Face Self Tanning Pads- These are wonderful. They only made the good category because of the price. ($10 for 2 or $48 for 8!!!!!) They're great, but not that great in my opinion. The pad gently exfoliates while applying the color without streaks. It looks natural, but just not worth spending that much money.
• Sally Hansen Salon Airbrush Legs- This is a bathroom cabinet staple for me, but it should be used with caution because it's literally "leg makeup." I use it not only on my legs, but also on my arms if I want that really deep bronzed look really fast. It's messy and can streak very easily, but if you're looking for instant really dark color in a pinch, this is your guy.

The Bad:

• Jergens Natural Glow Healthy Complexion Gradual Tan for Face- Again, I love the  Jergens Natural Glow line and this one is geared specifically for your face, but it won't give you the color you're dying for. It is best used to maintain color you get from being outside which really isn't a self tanner/gradual tanner in my opinion. It won't really add anything in my opinion. I don't see that much of a difference.
• Clinique Self Sun- $21 should be spent elsewhere because honestly it did nothing for me. It boasts instant color and a deep "tan" in a few hours. I saw nothing even over night or using it for a few days. Save your money.

I hope this was a helpful guide if you're looking to safely look like you've been in Mexico on vacation. :)

Love - Danielle

Makeup in Art

Sometimes, the two of us are on the same wavelength with our crazy obsessions. This is one of those times. I think it's safe to say we both LOVE makeup-centered artwork. We both want to get pieces that will follow us to our next apartments or homes, so we've done a lot of searching. With that in mind, we've fallen in love with perusing  Etsy for artwork centered on our all-time favorite subject- makeup!
Here are some cute pieces and their respective stores.

This saying is so cute!
Shop: thejoiedevivre

The pop art style looks amazing with makeup tools. Plus, the seller will do the background in any color!
Shop: JplusMdesign

These MAC Shadows are so colorful and cute!
Shop: emmakisstina

THIS was made for us! Nail addicts to the core, we're totally obsessed.
Shop: emmakisstina

These little perfume bottles are so darling!
Shop: Cocodraws

This trio is so girly and gorgeous!
Shop: bunnypumpkin

I love the the idea of having this over a vanity or in my bathroom.

Shop: thisgirlgabble

This is so simple and delicate, but perfect for any pink lipstick lover.

Shop: cocodraws

Love, 

Hannah and Danielle 

Design Obsession: Chevron

Chevron is one of the hottest prints this season, and lately I've been obsessed with this simple, bold design for the home! Here are some cute and easy ways to incorporate chevron into your house or dorm.

Also- a lot of this was inspired by Pinterest! Both of us adore Pinterest so make sure to follow us to see what we're loving at the moment!  (Danielle & Hannah)

I love these duvets, and they come in a few fun colors. The teal is definitely my favorite!
Urban Outfitters Duvet

I love these storage boxes and the way this designer mixed chevron with vertical stripes!
(via The Office Stylist) 

This is a great DIY project, and a more understated use of Chevron.

While this is obviously a very bold use for a child's room, I still love this idea.
(via Apartment Therapy)

This is an adorable accent for a home or dorm room.  I love single letter monograms.
(via Prettymod Etsy store)  

Glitter Chevron Canvas- an easy DIY project that takes chevron to a new level of fun! 

I collect H's for my walls- this may need to be my next one!
(via CheekeeMonkees Etsy Shop)

I love this puzzle piece look with several chevron canvases! I want this in my dorm NOW!
(via Decor2urDoor)

Accent pillows are an easy way to incorporate this trend.
(via Decor2urDoor)

What are your thoughts on the chevron craze? Do you have any more fun ideas on incorporating the print into your home decor? Definitely share them, because I'm loving this trend!

Stay beautiful,
Hannah

May Gossip Girl Birchbox Overview

Hi everyone!! I'm definitely late to the Birchbox bandwagon, but I definitely could not pass up the opportunity to sign up for the May box because it was Gossip Girl themed/sponsored. I waited quite a long time to sign up because I feel like these subscription boxes can be so hit or miss each month. I'm a Gossip Girl addict, so I decided it was time to finally give in and try it.

Let me preface this review by saying that these boxes were extremely hyped up. I was so excited for the products that were rumored to be included, but I was unaware how varied the boxes were. I received the "Chic Sunday Brunch," box.

• Arquiste L'Etrog Perfume Sample (full size - $165)
• beautyblender blendercleanser Sample (full size - $17.95) 
• Color Club Nail Polish in Disco Nap Full Size ($8)
• Dr. Jart+ Waterfuse BB Cream (full size - $32)
• twistband Skinny Headband (full size 6 pack - $20)
• XOXO Notecard (full size set of 12 - $10)

I definitely have a lot of thoughts about the products I received in my box. This is my first box, so I have nothing to compare it too, but I feel like it should have wowed me more. There were only two products in this box that I was excited to see: the nail polish and the Dr. Jart+ BB Cream. The perfume  sample was a little too strong for my taste, but hey perfume can't be customized for everyone. I was disappointed to see the Beauty Blender Cleanser included when I don't own a Beauty Blender, but it explains that it can be used for makeup brushes as well even though it doesn't smell very pleasant. I love the nail polish color and it applies really well. I already use the Dr. Jart+ BB Cream in the golden tube and wasn't too excited about shelling out over $40 for a full size quite yet, so I was stoked to see this sample included. Unfortunately the sample was microscopic and only had one squeeze in it, the rest was air, which I read online was a huge issue for lots of other subscribers as well. The Twistband headband was nice. I happened to prefer wrapping it around my wrist instead of in my hair haha. 

I'm very undecided as to whether I will continue to subscribe to Birchbox. It's only $10, so I got my money's worth, but it's so hit or miss. It's that whole premise that keeps people coming back because you really don't know what you're going to get, but I hate surprises. I'll definitely keep you updated on my adventure with Birchbox if I do continue my monthly subscription. 

But if you do love Gossip Girl, definitely don't forget to check out the season finale tonight to see who Blair chooses! SO MUCH EXCITEMENT. 

SWAK - Danielle

Glossy Stains- The newest thing for lips!

Remember our obsession with NYX's Soft Matte Lip Creams? They aren't quite stains, not quite lipsticks. Well, NYX and several other brands have come out with something we're even more excited about: glossy stains!  These are the crossing point of lipsticks, stains, and glosses. Um, we might be in love.

NYX Extreme Lip Creme in Strawberry Jam
 $5.99
The glossy sister to our old favorites! 

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain in 12 Coril Fauve $32.99
 The priciest of the glossy stains, but it's getting huge buzz! 

Maybelline Super Stay 10 Stain Gloss in Ruby Indulgence
$8.99
These look super glossy in photos and Maybelline has great lip products!

Have you tried any glossy stains? What has been your favorite? Would you splurge on YSL or go for a drugstore pick? 

Stay beautiful,

Hannah

With a Little Bow

Don't you just die over the perfect bow? It's youthful, feminine, and neat.  What could be better than a little bow in silver? It dresses up an outfit and adds the final touch, just like the perfect bow on a present.

 Here are a  few to save or splurge on this Spring.

Taking cue from Charlotte, we love a bow necklace! 

Tiffany & Co. Twist Bow pendant $275

 Tiffany & Co. Bow pendant  $200

Dogeared 'Always' Bow Pendant Necklace from Nordstrom $116

Or if you're looking for a less expensive option: 

                                              

Ribbon Pendant from Bauble Bar $28

Juicy Couture Pave Bow Wish Necklace from Bloomingdales $48

Dogeared 'Forget Me Knot' Bow Pendant Necklace from Nordstrom  $60

Sterling Bow Necklace from Handpicked $30

Which is your favorite bow? 

Love, 

Hannah and Danielle