Fall Daily: What's in My Make Up Bag?

Over the years, I have learned that "simplifying" is the key to success. We all probably own more make up than we can handle, and the only way to actually use it, is to carefully edit. 

The system that has worked for me, is to take a moment when you have time and carefully pre-select key pieces to create a gorgeous look. They should be minimal enough that they comfortably fit into a normal size beauty bag. 

You can change it out per occasion, or by week, but all essential pieces are right at your finger tips. There is no need to shuffle through piles of lipstick, or panic over a certain pink blush. Everything is waiting and ready to go. 

Having good make up brushes is the difference between having a good day and a bad one. 

Think about it, the first thing you do in the morning is skincare, then make up. Good brushes, set your morning off with positivity. The ultra soft bristles, and well made grip are sure to get you smiling.

My personal choice is a travel brush set by AERIN. Interestingly, the case is not by AERIN but by Lisbeth Dahl and originally contained a nail kit. 

Chanel is my favorite make up brand, and travel palettes are my beauty weakness. Not only do you have quality at your finger tips, it is also a great way to take a day look into evening. 

This particular palette was a gift and is sold only online or duty free. It contains mascara, 5 eyeshadows, 5 lip colors, blush, and powder. 

My favorite day time lip is CHANEL Rouge Allure, 17 Emotion and lip liner, 49 Rose Corail.

My favorite spicy lip is COVERGIRL, 307 Seduce, with NARS lip pencil, Cruella.

For natural looking skin, I am currently loving tarte, full coverage Amazonian Clay foundation. As a concealer for spots I use physicians formula. For a soft glow, I use Too faced, Candlelight. 

For eyebrows, I am currently loving, Dolly Wink, brown and my favorite eyelash curler is by Cle de peau.

Join me tomorrow for more Daily Fall Style!

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily: Seductive Style of Chocolate

Why is chocolate Sexy?

Lately, everything CHOCOLATE has been on my mind. It has literally, melted into my fashion psyche and infused itself into my daily style.

What is it about chocolate that feels so good?

Scientists would probably describe my slight obsession with chocolate as a chemical response to phenylethylamine (PEA) and serotonin found in chocolate. These are natural "feel-good" substances that mimic body reactions similar to falling in love.

However, how would they explain the fact, that chocolate itself, is quite seductive visually? Before even tasting it, the color, texture, and consistency oozes with seduction. The tiniest glance at a tub of melted chocolate or a box of mixed chocolates makes me immediately, lustful.

How to dress like Chocolate:

1.) Color: 

Visualize a chocolate palette. The basics are dark, milk, or white, however, the vast color array of chocolate is endless.

2.) Think texture: 

Chocolate can be decorative and fancy, chopped, melted, etc. If you love the look of melted chocolate try a brown silk scarf, or satin dress. If you fancy a chocolate bar, think leather clutch.

3.) Are you Bitter-sweet?

In my opinion, chocolate is sexy because it is unnoticeably powerful. It combines the bitter flavors of cacao, with the ultra sweetness of sugar, melting two worlds into a blissful harmony. 

There is depth to its character and a quality that should be remembered when styling Fall outfits. There is no need to try too hard when wearing this seductive color. It is not within the color that is sexy but the mixture of wearing "bitter" and yet being sweet. The contradiction is what is seductive. 

Join me everyday for more Fall Style!

xo,

Maya

What's in My bag? *Summer Edition*

This Golden Yellow, Christian Dior bag was a gift from my grandfather when I graduated High School. It is by far my most favorite, and cherished bag. My grandfather passed several years ago, but It's amazing  how such "things" can bring back such fond memories and some how make him feel very near to me. 

The bag itself is not very large, and is perfect for my off days. I have a bad habit of carrying way too much and so a smaller bag is always a smart idea when you really do not need much. 

This little embroidered pouch is from France, and inside, I carry my iPod, card case, perfume case, and heart shaped "Marie Antoinette" case.  

The butterfly case is actually a lipstick case but I use it to carry one of my most prized purchases. It is a parfume snuff box from the 18th century, France. I purchased it while I was in Belgium, at a Antique store,and I always imagine some 18th century French Princess once carried it in her silk laced sleeve. The details are truly amazing and it contains my favorite scent. 

A bit of sad information. The day I purchased it, I was so excited, I showed a friend and dropped it. The crystal cap is forever cracked, and it brings a twinge of regret every time I see it. 

This is my book of Ideas. Sketches, designs, ideas, quotes, sonnets, or anything that inspires me is always jotted down in this very book. 

ABAHNA is one of my favorite hand lotions from UK. It is rather difficult to get in the US but I somehow managed to find it. For my lips, I love this tinted lip balm from DIOR. 

Since my bag is quite small, I do not bring my usual wallet and instead use this pink coin purse. I bought it at "Harrods" in London a couple of years ago.  I usually just put some cash, and a card or two, and that is honestly all I need. 

I always have pens and pencils with me and each one is actually collected from  somewhere, and brings back a memory. 

I never leave home without my business cards. 

This Marie Antoinette case is meant for pills. However, I have opted for candy instead, and it always carries exactly two. 

DIY Ombre Lips

OMBRÉ

Ombre lips are all over the runway and sign, make up is transforming into a true art form.  No longer simply adding color, now you have the option to play with shading! Mixing and matching different colors, and creating variation in shades, can greatly change your face and mood of an overall look.

Achieving all these ombre lips are super easy. All you need is a lip brush, at least two lip glosses, and powdered glimmer. The next step is just blend, blend, and be creative!