Help Me!

I'm finally breaking my second hiatus! I have some no-poo updates and other winter beauty tips that I'll be posting soon. Speaking of winter, does anyone else get HORRIBLY dry skin?

For as long as I can remember the winter and I have been enemies, not to mention the split lips that are painful and unattractive. I drink tons of water, slather my face in oils and lotions, exfoliate with sugar, salt, corn meal, and baking soda. I've tried washing my face with a cream-wash and with a gel. I take fish oil or flax seed oil, but nothing seems to cure the flaky skin on my face!

I've done some research and read that rose water is great at moisturizing. My question is do any of you have any tips or routines for me to try? How can I get plump, soft, dewy skin in the winter? How can I beat the dryness?

No Poo!

I've always been a self-proclaimed quasi-hippie. Yes, I love peace and rock and roll; but to a greater extent, I think it's very important to eat naturally and eliminate as many chemicals from our environment as possible. What is "sodium stearoly lactylate"? I have no idea, but it doesn't sound nearly as delicious as "herb encrusted salmon with a side of grilled asparagus" to me.

Speaking of salmon, the fatty omega-3 oils naturally found in fish are an incredible cure dry skin and hair and brittle nails. Recently, I noticed that my skin and hair had become dryer than it ever has been. No amount of moisturizers, hair and nail products, or conditioner did ANYTHING to remedy this. I did research and talked to my doctor and he gave me flax seed oil capsules and after two weeks my skin changed drastically. I don't need to moisturize any more, I don't get pimples, and my nails don't break after one little bang! In addition, the keratosis pilaris or "chicken skin" completely disappeared!The only problem was that my hair was still incredibly dry. I tried eggs, olive oil, expensive deep conditioners, leaving on regular conditioner for 20 minutes, and NOTHING was working.

Yesterday, I was at a friend's house and being the girly girls that we are, the topics of beauty, hair, and makeup naturally came up. One of the girls mentioned that she had been going "no poo" for weeks now. "No poo"?

I had researched "no poo" before but was always too afraid to try it. I do try to go a few days per week only using conditioner, but this had really weighed my hair down and I saw no improvements in my hair. Soon, two of the other girls there chimed in and admitted to their "crime". Just looking at their beautiful, long, wavy hair convinced me in a heartbeat.

So what exactly is "no poo" and why should I try it?

These days, shampoo is made with a lot of harsh chemicals. Our shampoos contain the same ingredients as dish washing and clothing detergent! Don't believe me? Compare the labels! These sulfates and silicones strip our hair of the natural oils thus triggering the body to create even MORE oil to compensate. This is why our hair gets so greasy after only one or two days without washing it. Removing these chemicals from your daily routine helps to restore the natural levels of oil production leaving your hair moisturized, shiny, and absolutely gorgeous.

Today is day one. I just used a simple solution of baking soda and water to cleanse and apple cider vinegar mixed with rosemary oil, vanilla, and cinnamon to conditon. Although my hair doesn't feel so great, (it was very stiff and straw-like in the shower) my waves are more defined and beautiful and the frizz is much less! I will continue to update

It's time for me to be true to myself and embrace the natural texture of my hair. I don't have straight hair, nor will I ever. I promise to no longer treat my textured hair as straight. I won't use products with alcohol, sulfates, or silicone which dry it out. Let's hear it for curly haired girls!

Are any of you ladies going no poo? Would you consider it? Post below any questions, comments, or tips.

For more information on how to embrace and care for curly hair go to www.naturallycurly.com

I'm a CRAZY Woman!

For those of you who don't know me, I'm a big fan of changing my style. The past three years I decided to switch things up and keep my hair long. Let me tell you, I loved it! It could do so much with it: braids, curl it, straighten it, pony tails, etc. However, recently I looked into the mirror and saw something disgusting. My hair was thin, limp, and falling out due to some health issues. I've also been going through many personal changes and decided it was about time to cut off those long locks!

Here is the before:

total length: about 10-12 inches

And the after:

My incredible boyfriend and me

What a drastic change! I love it though. I will only trust ONE woman with my hair and her name is Paula. Yes, it's a little pricey but to me it's worth every cent.

Originally, I was really worried about what others would think. To many, long hair is a sign of femininity and naturally I wondered if people would mistake me for a boy. I think that having short hair is kind of like being the superhero Daredevil. Allow me to explain.

Daredevil is a comic book superhero who was blinded by a radioactive substance. Since he is devoid of his sense of sight, he has to compensate by intensifying his other senses. By cutting off my obvious sign of femininity I must let it shine through in other ways: my speech, the way I dress, and the way I act. I think if you have short hair you have nothing to hide behind. It's just you and your face for the world to see. I have gotten so many compliments and positive reactions. I know that most of you may not have the courage or the desire to cut your hair as short as I have. Nevertheless, I encourage you to switch up your look! Maybe get some bangs or add layers. It's important to keep your style up to date.

What do you all think? Do you like the cut? Does one need to have long hair to feel or be feminine?

Love,

Anna

Blue-Eyed Beauty

Today I was running around frantically thinking of what to post, when I happened upon this makeup look in my archives. I really like this look for the summer/ spring. It makes me feel so fresh and light! I would especially recommend this makeup for you ladies with blue eyes. Let me tell you why.

Color Theory tells us that complementary colors are across each other on the color wheel. A complement makes the other color seem more intense. If we look at the blues, we can see that reds/oranges are directly across. Therefore, if you really want your blue eyes to POP, I would suggest an orange-y/brown color on the lids.

Eyes: Using my Endless Eyes Pro Eyeshadow Palette by e.l.f I took a light orange-y brown and swept it from the lash line to the crease. In order to make the orange more "quotidiano" I blended a caramel brown in the crease. If you want to make this a lot more funky, I would suggest layering deeper shades of orange in the crease. For eyeliner I used my trusty Ulta automatic eyeliner in cappuccino.

Tip: When I apply eyeliner for daily wear, I start from the center of the eye and extend it towards the outer corner of the eye on both the top and bottom lash lines. Just like wearing that LBD (Little Black Dress) makes you look smaller, rimming the entire eye with a dark eyeliner (especially black) will make the eye appear smaller.

Lips: First I lined and filled in my lips with a light pink lip liner by Rimmel (I lost it though so I can't tell you which color it is). Again, I used the Not So Innocent Pink by jane and went over the lined lip.

Cheeks: Just a quick sweep of Joy by e.l.f. to finish off the look will do!

Love and thoughts of summer!

-Anna

P.S. Find my page on facebook and become a fan. Then post your pictures, comments, questions, etc. It's your space!

Clubbin'

Hello my beauties!

Life is just passing me by too quickly! Only about two weeks of school down and I'm up to my eyelashes in work. However, not too busy to post a new look.

Back in December I went to celebrate my friend Michelle's birthday. Boy oh boy was it fun! We ate at a Puerto Rican restaurant called Sofrito and I have nothing but good things to say about the food (we even got into some of the photographer's pictures). It was worth the hour wait. Anyways, I will fondly name this look Clubbin'.

Eyes: Shadows: Blunt and Oil Slick by Urban Decay and an unknown light bone color.

1. Apply the bone color just under the brow.

2. Sweep Blunt all over the lid to just under the brown bone.

3. Make a C-shape with Oil Slick and blend blend blend with your blending brush.

Eyeliner: Any black eyeliner you may have laying around.

1. Apply half way around the bottom and top as close to the lash line as possible and smudge smudge smudge!

2. Take Oil Slick on a thin angled brush and press into your freshly lined eyes for long-

lasting eyeliner.

Mascara: loads and loads of it.

Lips: I'm actually not exactly sure which colors I used. It was a combination of several light,

blue-based pinks.

Cheeks: e.l.f. mineral blush in Joy.

Currently listening to (500) Days of Summer Soundtrack

Now you're ready to tear up the dance floor!

-Love, Anna

My Favorite Things: Olive Oil

This may seem like the strangest blog post ever, but I love Olive oil. Maybe it's because my last name comes from the Italian meaning someone who grows olives.

Olive oil has many important uses. It has many health benefits including preventing colon cancer and heart disease and lowering the incidence of gallstones. Extra Virgin olive oil, which comes from the first round of pressing also has high levels of antioxidants, Vitamin E, and fatty acids which are extremely important for healthy skin, hair and nails.

My List of Uses for Olive Oil

1. Salad dressing (with a little bit of balsamic vinegar YUM!)

2. Moisturizer

Pour some into your hands and massage onto your face and body. Let it soak in for about 5-

10 minutes and then wipe excess off with a napkin or rag.

3. Hair Treatment

When my hair gets dry and damaged I massage some into my hair and scalp. Let sit for

about 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition.

4. Eye Makeup Remover

Soak a q-tip or a cotton ball in olive oil and gently rub to remove any remaining eye

makeup.

5. Cooking

So many uses for it in cooking! Use as a substitute for butter when cooking eggs or sauteing vegetables. Drizzle on pasta for a quick and easy sauce. The possibilities are endless.

Follow in the path of the Ancient Greeks and Romans and utilize olive oil!

Love, Anna

Pep Talk

Happy New Year to you all!

I don't know about you, but I happen to love this time of the year! I feel like I'm pulling out a crisp, white piece of paper to write on. It's a time to start over, a time to make yourself a better person. As much as I like starting over, I am ashamed to say that I haven't started thinking of resolutions for 2011 until, oh, right about now and I think I will share some of them with you.

1. Get back to the gym. Last year I started an intense workout routine. I was going nearly every day for about an hour and a half. Over the summer I really slacked off and and currently suffering the effects. I used to have so much energy, my clothes fit well, and I just felt incredible overall. Call me cliche, but this is my number one for a reason. Remember, when you look good, you feel good!

2. Post more regularly. I apologize for my lack of consistency! I could list my excuses but at the end of the day, I still only posted once for the month of December. I'm running out of ideas so please, let me know what you would like to see (preferably in writing because I tend to forget). Post something here, send me a message on facebook, or post something on the Mi Trucco page.

3. Do more things that scare me. I would love to try more things. However, sometimes I let that nervousness get in the way. Not this year! "I'm too scared" is not an excuse.

4. Get on a more consistent sleeping schedule. Last semester I was going to bed at 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 in the morning and waking up at 6:30. Other days, I was going to bed at 11:00 or 12:00 and waking up at 8:00. I think I'll have a lot more energy if I go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day.

Also, I found this video a few months ago and thought I would share it with you all. This little girl is just the sweetest thing and when you're feeling down take a hint from her: look in the mirror and tell yourself what a good person you are! Pump yourself up!

Wishing you all the best in 2011!

Anna

Pin-Up Inspired Makeup

The Pin-Up look is probably my favorite one to both wear and apply. I don't know why it's taken me so darn long to put one up! I just absolutely love everything vintage, the women were the epitome of elegance. Sometimes I feel like I am living in the wrong decade.

They key is to not make yourself look too costume-y. You want to have that vintage look with an understated modern twist.

Step 1. Start with prepping the face. You can see how to here.

Step 2. Using my all-time favorite Good Girl color palette buy Ulta I took the lightest bone color and applied it all over from the lash line up to the brow bone. Next, I took the medium shade which is a bronze milk chocolate color with flecks of gold and blended it in the crease.

Step 2a.Then I took my Espresso eyeliner by Ulta and applied it to the top and bottom lash lines, concentrating the color at the outer corner. Smudge. Once the eyeliner was to my liking I took my angled brush and pressed the darkest brown from the previously mentioned palette and pressed it into the eyeliner. This will guarantee it to last all day without smearing or bleeding.

Step 2b.Finally, curl the eyelashes and apply a couple of coats of mascara.

Step 3. After prepping the lips (tips can be found here) I applied Cheerful Cherry lip color from the Mineral Makeup collection by E.L.F.

Step 4. Using your favorite shade of blush, sweep a little color on the cheek bones.

Hot diggety! You look like you're from the 40's, doll face!

The Perfect Nude Lip

I will admit it, this post is a fashion repeat! However, I will be focusing on a different aspect of the look: those luscious lips! For the eye tutorial check out "Prom/ Girl's Night Out".

October was Italian Heritage Month at my university and we closed with a formal dinner. I was embarrassingly overdressed however, I still had a great time. There was great food, good music, and beautiful people!

My room mate Katie and I.

The first step to the perfect nude lip is exfoliation. I like to get a handful of sugar, mix it with a little bit of water, and then rub it vigorously on my lips for a few seconds. Another tip is to brush your lips with your wet toothbrush. Both options work great!

Next, take a little bit of concealer and spread it all over your lips. This helps neutralize the color in your lips in order for them to look more nude.

Recently I was turned on to lip liner. It really is as amazing as they say it is! Unfortunately mine is MIA so I can't tell you what brand or color I used. First line the lips in the pencil (I would recommend staying inside your natural lip line because drawing outside of it will look very costume-like) and then, fill in the entire lip-just like a coloring book.

Then, using a lip brush I went over the lip liner with Not So Innocent Pink by jane. When choosing a nude color, get something with a hint of pink. I've found that anything too brown makes my teeth look yellow.

Optional step: swipe a thin layer of pink or clear gloss for extra plumpness! I used Lip Inflation in Sheer Pink by Sally Hansen.

Love an poofy lips!

Anna

Day of Natural Beauty

Last month I happened upon a Facebook event called Day of True Beauty. The mission of this day was " a worldwide celebration of true, natural, and inner beauty..." At the time I clicked "attend", I didn't realize what an impact this would have on me. No concealer, eyeliner, mascara, lip tint, NOTHING. While reading this, I'm sure most of you are thinking "big deal, I go without makeup all the time" or " she doesn't need makeup anyways." I assure you, this was one of the most difficult things for me to do. When I do something, I do it right; so this meant no foundation, concealer, eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow, blush, lip stick, gloss, or nail polish.

When I woke up this morning I was excited because I really hoped to get a lot out of this day. However, as the day wore on I became less and less enthused. I realized that the view I have of myself is completely warped and for so long I have been hiding behind a mask of chemicals. Getting ready went a lot quicker since I only had to dressed! As I started walking around campus I became a increasingly paranoid because I noticed that I was getting a lot of glances. I couldn't help but think, "Oh my gosh he thinks I'm ugly because I'm not wearing any makeup" or "Ahh! She is staring at the discoloration in my skin." I was trying to reason with myself but the bad thoughts were in control.

After the day was about half-way finished I happened to pass by a mirror and I literally startled myself because I didn't recognize the face looking back. I was saddened when I realized that I no longer saw myself as I was, but for whom I pretended to be. The persona of "perfection" had become me and the real me had become the persona. I tried to think back and figure out when, why, and how this happened but I couldn't.

Upon further reflection a series of thoughts came to mind. As previously stated, I wondered why I didn't feel comfortable without makeup and when and how this came about. Most importantly, I conquered one of my greatest fears. In addition, I thought about what changes I would make for the future. While I will not be giving up makeup entirely, I think I will definitely be wearing less as well as have my own days of natural beauty more frequently. I will also be smiling more. It instantly makes you more beautiful because it is a physical manifestation of your inner beauty. With that, I encourage those of you who can't go without makeup to try au naturale for a day; and to those who already let their natural beauty shine, maybe try to go one day enhancing that beauty with a little makeup!

Have a lovely day you natural beauties!

Anna

Little Red Riding Hood

This look was requested by my very dear friend. I think there are a lot of routes you can go regarding Little Red. I thought I'd break away from the typical "sexy" costumes that seem to be all too popular this time of year. I inspired by an old storybook watercolor of this fairytale. Something vibrant, yet subtle with soft, blended lines.

The first and very crucial step is prepping the face. Since this is a costume look you're going to be applying much more makeup than you normally would.

I began by exfoliating my face. You can use something from the store such as St. Ives, or a home made concoction of sugar, salt, or cornmeal. Make sure that you get your lips too!

Next, I applied a facial moisturizer. I like to use Oil-free moisture for sensitive skin by Neutrogena.

Really freaky looking, I know. I promise it gets better.

In order for your foundation to look even and last all night, apply a thin layer of primer all over the face. I used Smashbox's Photo finish bronzing foundation primer. I have very porcelain skin so I like that it gives me a hint of color. If you have redness, dark spots, or sallow skin the primer also comes in green, apricot, and purple to neutralize any discoloration.

Then comes the foundation. I used L'Oreal's Infallible make-up in Classic Ivory and applied it using a makeup sponge. Fingers and brushes also work! I cannot stress the "F's" enough... Foundation First before concealer! After the foundation, apply concealer under the eye and on the lid, on the chin and lips, in the creases of the nose, and anywhere else you might have redness or uneven color.

Finally, powder your face with a light or translucent powder to set everything into place.

Now for the fun part! As I said earlier I was inspired by watercolor paintings so for the eyes we will be making a color wash. First, dip your brush in a little bit of water and then into your first color. I used a shade of medium blue and applied it all over the lid. Then, I smudged it up to the crease using my finger. Then, using the same brush, I applied a white wash to my brow bone and took a lighter blue and applied it from the inner corner to the center of the eye. Blend blend blend! Finally, using a fluffy brush I contoured the eye by making a c-shape with a navy color. For an application refresher course click here.

Next, I took my trusty grey Ulta eyeliner in Charcoal and applied it to both the top and bottom. Then smudge smudge smudge! With this look there shouldn't be any distinctive lines.

I didn't have any false eyelashes on me, however, I would highly recommend using some since it is Halloween after all! Who wouldn't want a little more glamour? If you don't know how to apply falsies watch this amazing video by makeup guru, Kandee Johnson.

For the cheeks, I just took a little blush and applied it only to the apples of the cheeks. I think this gives it more of a doll feel.

Then for the best part, the lips! I used E.L.F's Mineral Lipstick in Cheerful Cherry. I think an even brighter red would have been better, but this was all I had.

Now for the unveiling of the finished product!................................................................

I hope you all like this look. Let me know what you think! If you decide to recreate this look you can post the pictures on my facebook page. I'd love to see it.

If anyone else has a look that they'd like me to do let me know soon so I have enough time to complete it for you before Sunday.

Love, Anna

Costume Ideas

Hey guys!

As I'm sure you're aware, Halloween is next weekend and I am really desperate for costume ideas! I honestly have NO idea what to be. Please comment below or on my facebook page with your ideas.

Love, Anna

Halloween

Hello ladies!

One of my favourite holidays is rapidly approaching...Halloween! I hate being scared but I love dressing up!

Some of my previous costumes: A die (one dice), Poison Ivy (from Batman), Snow White, a pumpkin, Esmeralda, and Belle. I'll have to ask my mom to send me some pictures so I can show you all!

Anyways, I just wanted to know if any of you had any requests for makeup tutorials.

Also, see if you can guess what I am going to be!

Feel free to comment below, or on my facebook page.

My Favorite Things: e.l.f Makeup

About three years ago I made a discovery. While I was in the pharmacy I saw a rack of makeup with items costing only one dollar. That is right, ONE DOLLAR.

dolla dolla bill ya'll

I thought to myself, "this has to be too good to be true, or some kind of sick joke". But oh no, I was completely wrong. This was the start of a beautiful romance between e.l.f and me. One of the things I really like is that they have three product lines so you can shop according to your budget.

First there is the e.l.f. Mineral Makeup with prices starting at $5 for both makeup and brushes. The pigments are beautiful and very long lasting. I especially like the lipsticks.

Next, there is the Studio Makeup with prices starting at only $3! Last week I bought the most amazing color palette. For $15 I purchased 100 eyeshadow colors, which comes down to $0.15 per eyeshadow!

Finally, there is the Essential Makeup like for all you girls on a tight budget with products starting at $1!

The best part about e.l.f. is that there are always send me coupons. Free shipping, buy one get one free, 50% off my purchase, free eyeshadow with the purchase of a brush... yay for deals!

I bought ALL of this for only about $25! 100 eyeshadows, mineral mascara, mineral lipstick in Nicely Nude, and lip and eyeliner brushes. Seriously, such a deal. I really cannot stress how much I love this company.

Have a lovely day and shop smartly!

Anna

New Hair!

Any of you who know me, know that I love to change my hair. I've had pink streaks, half brown half fire engine red, light brown, dark brown, ginger. You name it, I've had it (except for blonde)! Another part of my personality is that I am often spontaneous! Last week I had an itch to change my look so I grabbed the scissors and went to work! You really can learn anything from Youtube, as well as from your friends (Thanks Maggie!). This look is the sum of my craziness, spontaneity, and inspiration from one of my fashion idols, Zooey Deschanel.

Ok, so you all know what I looked like before. If not, just look back at my other posts!

Here is the after...

Please tell me what you think!

Have a lovely day,

Anna

An Afternoon in Bryant Park

As I said in my previous post, my dear friend Jasmin came into town for a quick visit. The day she left we found out there was a free opera concert in Bryant Park, an opportunity we could not say no to! I felt so cultured eating my Italian-inspired food whilst listening to the beautiful arias.

A quick snapshot of the park I took while waiting for Jasmin and John to return.

We had SUCH a nice time together eating our amazing sandwiches from a little cafe and of course Red Velvet cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery! Writing this post is making me so hungry!

Prosciutto e mozzarella with pesto...simply amazing

Perfection in a pint-sized cake!

Ok, on to the purpose of this post. To give you another look!

I wish that I had some more pictures of Jasmin because her makeup was flawless. I absolutely loved her look.

This makeup look was actually very simple to create. It's a variation on my Fast Face #1. Same eyes, different lips!

For the eyes, I used the Good Girl palette by Ulta.

All I did was use one of my favorite brand, e.l.f.'s Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 in Pink Kiss.

Simple as that!

Questions, comments, ideas. Please post! I think I'm finally getting back into this whole blog thing and I'm in need of some ideas!

Have a lovely day!

-Anna

Singin' in the Rain

This week my dear friend Jasmin came into town for a visit! We had planned to spend the day walking around Manhattan until I looked out the window...RAIN! We didn't let the somber forecast ruin our day! Here is a quick look I threw together that was weather-proof but still metropolitan- girl approved!

The key to rainy day makeup is to keep things natural. The last thing you want is your eyeliner and mascara streaming down your cheeks!

For the eyes I did a basic neutral which can be found here!

I decided to play up my cheeks a little more since I was keeping everything else simple. I used New Clover by Clinique. It's a blue-based pink with a hint of shimmer!

The lips I also kept simple. I applied a thin layer of foundation to neutralize the color of my lips and then swept a layer of Covergirl Outlast All-Day Lipcolor in Nude.

Have a lovely day, rain or shine!

Zebra Nails

I usually tend to be very traditional when doing my nails. I stick with pinks, reds, browns, and the occasional French manicure. However, as soon as I saw this funky nail art it was love at first sight! The best part about it is that it's quick and easy!

I began by prepping my nails. I quickly filed them and cut away the excess cuticle. Then I applied a thin layer of Chip Skip by OPI. Let me tell you, this stuff is AMAZING and worth the investment. I can wear my manicures for at least two weeks without any chipping or peeling. Next, I put on a base coat. I used Double Duty by Sally Hansen for the first time and it's holding up so far! For the base I painted on two coats of Alpine Snow by OPI. Typically, I only use OPI because it has incredible coverage. In my opinion, it's worth the $8.00.

After that dried completely, I took a Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in Black and made abstract lines starting at the edge of each nail. The best part is that you can't mess up (though in my opinion a couple of my nails look like black chromasomes on a white background)! To finish it off, apply a thin layer of the top coat of your choice.

And there you have it! A really quick, easy, edgy way to accessorize your outfits!

Best Friends

Ok, it's time to get down with the nitty gritty-the thing that no woman wants to discuss, acknowledge, or admit to- bras. We all wear one and it's nothing to be ashamed of, except if you're wearing an ill-fitting one. Bra's should be comfortable. They should make you feel like the beautiful woman that you are! So throw out the old, stretched-out training bra from junior high and invest in something classy. I assure you that finding the right one isn't as hard as you think!

Step 1: Get Measured

Don't be embarrassed! Just walk into a department store like Nordstrom's or Macy's or even Victoria's Secret and they will do it right then and there for free! You don't even have to take any of your clothes off to get fitted properly. Really, there is no need to be shy. The women are so nice and only want to help you feel your best! Do yourself a favor and get properly sized.

Step 2: Choose A Few Styles

Underwire, padded, demi, balconette, minimiser... not every bra will be the right style for your body type. This is why you should try several different ones. There are so many adorable bras out there in a plethora of colors. It doesn't matter how large or small you are, I guarantee you can find something fashionable and supportive that make you happy and feel amazing!

Step 3: Try it on

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT leave the store without trying said bra on. Just because you are a 34 B in one brand doesn't mean you will be that size in another brand. Don't ever spend money on something that doesn't fit right then and there.

Fitting tips: 1. Straps should be snug and not fall off or cut into shoulders.

2. Breasts should neither bulge out of the top or sides, nor should the cup be puckering.

3. Back should remain snug well under the shoulder blades.

PLEASE check out this list of common bra problems and their solutions. These are the greatest and most in depth diagnoses I've ever seen! I highly recommend it!

Tip: Always buy a bra with SOME padding in order to avoid an extremely embarrassing moment.

Have a lovely day!

- Anna

My Favorite Things: Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm

Most girls have a shoe or bag obsession, I have a makeup obsession. The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem, right? During one of my recent sephora.com binges I happened upon the most amazing lip balm I have ever found.

I have very dry skin as it is and the Chicago weather can be extremely harsh on my poor lips! Never fear Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm is here to save you!

It's made with Shea butter, Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Lemon Peel, Chamomile, Green Tea, and Vitamin E. It also has SPF 25 to protect your lips from those damaging UVA and UVB rays. Most importantly it smells absolutely incredible.

I've found that most lip balms such as ChapStick and Burt's Bees only temporarily condition until the product is absorbed. When I use Jack's my lips continue to feel soft long after it wears off. It's a little bit pricey ($7), but in my opinion is a quality product that is worth every dollar!

Jack Black's comes in 3 flavours: Natural Mint, Lemon and Chamomile, and Vanilla and Lavender and is available here.