Lip Looks

I popped into e.l.f cosmetics recently in search of a fall berry lip color with a sheer finish (nothing too bold) for a subtle moody lip. I came across some really good finds that I wanted to share! Not only did I find exactly what I was looking for with this sheer deep berry gloss, but I also found an awesome hot pink lip color too - and all at really affordable prices. 

The pink lip tint color goes on really pale and pearly at first, but with a pH technology that reacts with your skin it turns to a brighter shade of pink for a fun pop of color. the stick goes on super smoothly and is great for a quick touch of color at a moment's notice! 

While the berry lip oil looks pretty rich in the tube, it is really so subtle and yet adds just the right amount of deep berry color for me - it's nothing dramatic but looks great with a fall or winter color palette. The gloss goes on easily and isn't too sticky so it wears nicely for just a hint of a fall lip look. And to top it all off these lip colors were only $6 dollars each! A very exciting find when I wasn't sure I'd be able to find a berry color in a soft and sheer enough finish for my liking. 

e.l.f. tinted lip oil in Berry Kiss ($6)

e.l.f gotta glow lip tint in Perfect Pink ($6)

xoxo

Scorpio Season

Because it's the last day of Scorpio season and my birthday was earlier this month, I put together this outfit comprised almost entirely of birthday goodies; this dress was an early gift and my only purchase in Milan, the adorable Zara bag I purchased with some birthday cash, and this gorgeous matte red lipstick arrived in a birthday card from my mom. To top it all off I wore my birthstone ring!

I first saw this red bug-studded bag on Instagram and was struck by how stunning it looks! I thought for sure it would be an expensive designer piece, and was amazed and thrilled to find that it is actually only $40 at Zara! The little gold bugs all over the bag (I like to think they are bees) add an edgy yet luxe touch reminiscent of Gucci, D&G, or Fendi, and the plump square shape is simply adorable. I'm not usually drawn to red, but I had to make an exception for this exquisite statement piece. 

This time of year I love to cozy up in easy sweater dresses. I love the modern cut of this sweater dress, with a high-low hem, a loose but flattering fit, and the subtle ribbed texture. It seemed to perfectly compliment the style of my new red bag, so I amped up the red details by adding a vivacious red lip and pretty hair ribbon as well. This look just screams NYC style to me, don't you think? 

Dress: COS. Bag: Zara (also love this style). Booties: Steve Madden. Bangle: kate spade. Lip: Make Up For Ever Artist Lip Blush in #941.

xoxo, CC

Dressing Up Prints

Hello! As you're reading this I am currently galavanting around Milan, Italy! I didn't want to leave you with nothing to read while I'm away, so I put together this look featuring one of my favorite new dresses for fall. I took this piece from the capsule wardrobe that I put together last week, and I love that this dress can be worn now with bare legs, or later with tights, tall boots, and a furry jacket.

A berry lip and a romantic low bun dress up the look a bit, since prints often lend a more casual vibe to any outfit. I added a choker necklace since it doesn't compete with the lace up neckline and it also adds a trendy touch to the look. This dress is so unbelievably comfortable that I see myself wearing it regularly all season! Plus I love the fit and the fun lace up details. 

Check out my current adventures in Milan on instagram @charlotteclaraxo, and look out for blog posts on my Italy trip soon :)

Dress: VeronicaM. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Necklace: similar. Bracelet: kate spade. Earrings: Gorjana. Lipstick: Revlon "Plum Velour."

xoxo, CC

Summer Lipsticks

When I reach for lipstick in the summer shades of pink are my definite go-tos. I recently updated my selection with two shades from M.A.C. ending up with a hot pink and a coral which are perfect summer shades. Between the two I almost don't need anything else! But it is always fun to experiment with new colors too and switch up your routine.

For the hot pink I selected Star Magnolia which will replace an old lipstick I had in a similar shade. It is a fun way to add a little pop of color to your look yet because it is a sheer formula it doesn't look overdone. I also really wanted to get a nice coral shade, and I ended up with Flamingo, a sheer shimmery peachy color. Both shades a bit sheer which, while it may need more frequent upkeep, is less noticeable when it fades so I don't have to worry too much if my lipstick is looking weird as it wears. 

I also really like the color Sushi Kiss as a pretty summer coral (which I first saw on some bloggers and really loved!!) but they were out of it when I went into the store! Sad, but I will have to go back and get it another time because it is a really pretty matte coral option. The two new shades I got will go perfectly with my bright summer outfits and add a little fun to my makeup routine!
What are your favorite summer lipstick colors?

Lipsticks: M.A.C. Cosmetics Star Magnolia & Flamingo.

xoxo, CC

Charmed: One Necklace, Three Ways

I bought this charm collar necklace when September's NYFW had me thinking of ways to spice up my outfits with unique and interesting pieces. Chokers have been making a big come back, but they will always remind me the 90's and 2000's when I wore them with bell-bottoms and blue eye shaddow (thanks fashion, for bringing back the awkward memories...). I have mostly avoided the choker come-back, but this particular piece stood out to me. The dangling charms and structured gold wire brings a certain elevated edge to the piece that I like. That edgy yet sophisticated feel adds an element of 'cool' to your outfit, and I'll bet you'd never guess where it's from: Banana Republic!

One thing I was unsure about was what types of necklines I could wear this necklace with. It turns out that it works perfectly with a few different styles. I love the way it compliments a high neckline by bringing a bit of sparkle to the neck and resting just along the fabric. This is my favorite way to wear it, with high neck dresses, tanks, and crewneck tees. I like that it blends in with the neckline when they fall at the same spot, but still adds a unique touch.

For a more statement look that definitely evokes a 90's vibe, I paired the collar necklace with a low scoop neck top. Anything that exposes the collarbone, like a scoop or v-neck tee, will show off a choker and draw attention to the neck. For this look, I paired a long tank with slouchy distressed jeans and ankle booties for a tough-girl look offset by soft curls and hot pink lips. 

The third neckline that I discovered works incredibly well with a charmed choker, is the split-neck or button-down style. The shirt itself comes up high on the neck but with an opening at the front it allows the necklace to peek through and add a little sparkle. I like the subtlety of this combination and the way it incorporates the necklace into a dressier, more formal outfit.

Necklace: Banana Republic (also like this and this). Earrings: Gorjana.
High Neck: Top: Zara. (1/2/3) Jeans: H&M. Booties: Jessica Simpson. Lip: BareMinerals "Risk It All." with Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush "So Jelly" gloss.
Scoop Neck: Top: Three Dots (black/white/navy). Jeans: H&M. Lip: BareMinerals "Risk It All."
Split Neck: Top: Old Navy. Jeans: J Brand. OTK Boots: Sam Edelman. Lip: e.l.f "Pink Umbrellas."

xoxo, CC

Monochromatic Pink

One of the recent projects for my certificate course was to create an editorial-style photoshoot using an iPhone to experiment with different filters and techniques. Starting with some inspiration searching and creating a mood board I came up with the idea of a monochromatic look with a bold and playful vibe. Being both the photographer and model can be super tricky so I decided to shoot the photos in my apartment using my pink couch as the color inspiration. The arch lamp and brick background make this an interesting dynamic space for a photoshoot.

I found some deep pink pieces in my closet to go with the couch and create a monochromatic look. I wanted a playful vibe so I put my hair up in a high bun and added layers of jewelry and a bold pink lipstick. Then I experimented with using different filters in my iPhone camera and trying different poses. While the photo quality is nothing close to usable for an actual editorial, I had fun with the project and learned about the camera settings on my iPhone camera. For this shoot I ended up liking the "Fade" and "Chrome" filters best because of how they played with the colors and saturation.

These are a few of my favorites photos from the project!

Top: Old Navy. Jeans: BDG at Urban Outfitters (similar). Sneakers: Keds. Earrings: Banana Republic. Lip: BareMinerals "Risk It All"

These are a few of the images that inspired my project.
(images from pinterest)

xoxo CC

Frog Prince - Review

By no means would I consider myself any sort of expert when it comes to makeup: au contraire. While I have my daily makeup routine that I love (mostly BareMinerals btw) I know I still have a lot to learn. But, when I discover something new and interesting, like this Frog Prince lipstick by Lipstick Queen, I of course have to share it with my readers! 

My mom actually introduced me to this fascinating lipstick when she gifted it to me on my birthday! I had my gift waiting patiently in its wrapping for my birthday morning so I could open it before I left to catch a plane to California. It is always nice to have a little something special to mark the day even if you can't fully celebrate that day (sitting on a plane all day in my case). Anyway, I'll be honest I was a bit confused when I opened it and found a lipstick in a deep green shade. As it turns out, this intriguing lipstick goes on clear and changes automatically to your best natural lip shade. Using the pH in your skin as a guide it shifts to a shade that compliments your skin tone. I thought that was such a fun idea, not to mention totally useful! No more having to hope a shade will work on you, because you know this one will! On me it turns to a soft sheer reddish-pink, just enough punch of color while still looking natural. It is the perfect color to wear during the day or for a casual event that just needs a touch of something special. 

I love that they went with such a fun whimsical theme calling it "Frog Prince" alluding to its changing qualities and 'perfect match' characteristics, and then shaded it in a froggy green! The box is  just so cute too with a castle scene and lounging frog on the side. Overall, I am really enjoying this color as a great everyday lip shade to brighten up any look. I definitely recommend giving it a try!

Lipstick: $25 at Lipstick Queen/Ulta/Nordstrom. Top: Anthropologie (1/2/3). Necklace: kate spade. Earrings: Gorjana.

xoxo CC

p.s. I've added a new tab called "Student Work" where I am sharing some of the project assignments for the Teen Vogue x Parsons classes I am taking. Check it out if you're interested to see what I'm doing!