Merry Christmas 2016!

I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas filled with happiness and love!  

Gift Tip: Hard Candy Holiday Sets Make Flawless Easy

If you're looking for a quick last-minute Christmas gift, a fun and functional makeup kit is always a safe bet for your favorite girls.  Check out Hard Candy cosmetics holiday sets.  They're all super affordable and come in special edition tins.  I've tried the Contour & Sculpt collection, which includes a palette of contour colors, a blending sponge, and strobing highlighter.  It makes flawless contouring easy with a diagram to show you where to contour and highlight.  It also makes a cute Christmas gift.  Check them out! 

Color Your Way to Calm in Parisian Chic Style

Lately I've been trying to make the most of my time and take advantage of opportunities to unwind.  The hottest hobby to hit the relaxation scene since meditation is coloring, who would have thought, and I'm really into it.  If you think about it, coloring for relaxation makes sense.  I loved to color when I was little, when times were simpler.  They say it's being "mindful" but it's kind of mindless and that's part of the calming effect.

 
You've probably seen a lot of coloring books out there with patterns and mandalas and while those are super fun, I love fashion.  So a coloring book that has the words Paris Street Style is right up my alley.  The book is full of beautifully drawn cityscapes, outfits, and couture storefronts.  And of course, all in Paris!
 

With the holidays coming up, keep in mind that this is a great gift for your favorite stylistas.  In fact, I need to chill out right now.  Au revoir, I'm going to color some Parisian chic street style pictures.

SinfulColors: King Kylie Nail Collection

The DIY gel manicure is the new nail trend.  Just as the nail decal swept the nation a few years ago, gel mani kits are everywhere.  Shiny, un-chipped nails are at your fingertips with 2-step systems by basically every nail polish brand out there.  SinfulColors has a limited edition [kollection] of polishes designed by Kylie Jenner.  Whether you love Kylie or hate her, these nail polishes are fabulous.  And even though the Kardashians can afford every beauty product out there, SinfulColors products are super-affordable and made in the USA without harmful chemicals.  Kylie's [kolors] look super-rich and luxe.  They go on smooth and last for a week, which is way better than using regular polish.
 

Rocking my memere's vintage ring and #gold nails 💅🏻👑 @sinfulcolorsprofessional @kyliejenner #kingkylie collection 😍 #goforthegold #sinfulcolors #kyliejenner

A photo posted by Alex Small (@alexsmall4style) on May 25, 2016 at 5:16pm PDT

The collection has been such a hit so SinfulColors has released two more Kylie lines.  Check them all out on the SinfulColors site!

New Beauty: Korean Sheet Masks by When

Like lots of girls around the world, I'm totally on the Korean beauty bandwagon.  One of the trendiest skincare regimes in this category is the sheet mask.  You've probably seen the little packets with face-shaped masks saturated in serums everywhere lately!  There's a new face on the K-beauty scene: When is a Korean sheet mask line that's made for easy 30-minute spa pampering at home.  I've tried several sheet masks over the past year or so.  It's one of my favorite new skincare trends.  Most of the masks I've used have similar ingredients and promise similar results as the When masks.  But When masks have a few features that I think make their products unique.  What I really like about them is that they are made of bio-cellulose, which is made of coconuts and is good for helping the mask serums absorb into the skin.  They also have solutions for skin concerns that I haven't seen too much in masks.  Here are When's five signature masks...

Glamour Base ~ When you want the perfect makeup primer
The Last Choice ~ When you need to quench your thirsty skin
Snow Magic ~When you want clear and brighter-looking skin
10:00 PM ~ When you need to recover after an all-nighter
Travelmate ~ When you need a refresher after a long day on the road

After using When masks, my skin was definitely smoother and brighter.  The soft material make them more comfortable to wear than some of the competitors.  When masks are great, and I highly recommend them.  Would I ever buy another sheet mask brand in the future?  Yes, but I really do enjoy When and like the results!  You can find When masks at Ulta and Sephora.

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New Beauty: Korean Sheet Masks by When

Like lots of girls around the world, I'm totally on the Korean beauty bandwagon.  One of the trendiest skincare regimes in this category is the sheet mask.  You've probably seen the little packets with face-shaped masks saturated in serums everywhere lately!  There's a new face on the K-beauty scene: When is a Korean sheet mask line that's made for easy 30-minute spa pampering at home.  I've tried several sheet masks over the past year or so.  It's one of my favorite new skincare trends.  Most of the masks I've used have similar ingredients and promise similar results as the When masks.  But When masks have a few features that I think make their products unique.  What I really like about them is that they are made of bio-cellulose, which is made of coconuts and is good for helping the mask serums absorb into the skin.  They also have solutions for skin concerns that I haven't seen too much in masks.  Here are When's five signature masks...

Glamour Base ~ When you want the perfect makeup primer
The Last Choice ~ When you need to quench your thirsty skin
Snow Magic ~When you want clear and brighter-looking skin
10:00 PM ~ When you need to recover after an all-nighter
Travelmate ~ When you need a refresher after a long day on the road

After using When masks, my skin was definitely smoother and brighter.  The soft material make them more comfortable to wear than some of the competitors.  When masks are great, and I highly recommend them.  Would I ever buy another sheet mask brand in the future?  Yes, but I really do enjoy When and like the results!  You can find When masks at Ulta and Sephora.

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ImPressive! ImPress Gel Manicure

I have to tell you about a fabulous nail product that has the staying power to keep your tips looking pretty.  Taking the time to get my nails done has just not been an option lately because I'm so busy.  So with imPress nails, I just peel off the backing and put them on like a sticker and they'll last for a whole week!  It's a salon-quality manicure at home.  Pretty impressive.

When imPress nails were first released a few years ago, the technology wasn't quite perfect.  I loved the convenience and look, but when my nails popped off because water would "un-stick" them it got a little annoying.  Now they really do last up to a week with the gel adhesive that doesn't damage your nails.  At about $8 each, it's a great way to do your nails quickly and easily.

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Small is Beautiful: Prada Introduces 3 Mini 'Candy Kiss' Fragrances

Small 4 Style's signature fragrance Prada Candy has recently released a set of 3 new, mini limited edition perfumes called "Candy Kiss."  The original Candy scent you fell in love with is now accompanied by the "florale" and "l'eau" versions in small-sized bottles.  This sweet and fresh fragrance is my favorite because it's not overpowering AND the bottle is pink!  Graphic artist Vahram Muraytan also made the most adorable GIFs to go with the collection.  Besides all of these amazing attributes, their slogan is "small is beautiful" which is not surprising of course!   

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2015 Starts Today!

The sale like no other starts today.  What are you waiting for, go shop!

When Life Gives You Lemons

Lemons may be sour but they look really sweet on the latest clothing and accessories this spring.  The look is very European and very in this season.  Click on your favorite lemon fashion item to shop it!  So when life gives you lemons, wear them stylishly!

Eylure: Bat Those Lashes!

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, which would mean the lashes are the frames, right?  What I mean with my attempt at a witty analogy is that a little lash (or a lot) can help open up the eyes and draw attention to your gorgeous face.  When mascara isn't enough for me, I wear false eyelashes.  Over the years I've used a few different brands but I always go back to Eylure.  If you've seen the cute Katy Perry lashes in stores, then you're already familiar with Eylure.  These British lash experts have lashes on all levels of the intensity scale, and for a great value.  

False lashes aren't an every day accessory for me, but that doesn't mean I can't have a little fun sometimes.  From natural to totally dramatic, there's an Eylure lash out there for every occasion.  Lashes are easier to apply than some may think.  Check out this fabulous video tutorial from my friend Stephanie Koh.  She's practiced so many times that it's like second nature to her.  Another thing I like about Eylure is that some of their sets include an extra "practice" lash and glue.

I tested two Eylure lashes: one dramatic (#101) and one natural (#20).  Wearing the Naturals #20 falsies to class added a little extra daytime "pop."  Then I wore the Volume #101 to the Fashion Stars for a Cause gala.  They complemented my pink gown beautifully (similar here).

These are the natural ones.  I usually put mascara on my real lashes before gluing on the fakes.  I love adding some glam to my school day!

This is where my lashes got dramatic with the Volume #101 set.  Can you tell the difference between my eyes?  One has Eylure and the other has just mascara.

Blushington: Pure & Simple Makeup is Naturally Beautiful

Minimalistic makeup is sweeping the nation this spring.  A recent article in The Wall Street Journal highlighted the "woke up like this" makeup look that women want and the new products cosmetic companies have been coming out with.  The natural face can fool people into thinking you're not wearing any makeup and it's super easy to achieve.   

The makeup artists at Blushington Makeup & Beauty Lounge in Dallas have mastered the Pure & Simple makeup look.  Jojo Uhrig gave me a makeover and showed me how do the naturally beautiful look on my own.  All it took was a little neutral makeup and the fabulous Beauty Blender sponge to get a great look.

Thanks for my natural makeover, Blushington!  Book your next makeover at Blushington and they'll get your face ready for your next big event.  And ask for Jojo because she's awesome!  She also told me about the hands-on Blushington makeup training classes where a makeup artist will do half of your face and you'll do the other side.  

with the fabulous makeup expert Jojo Uhrig

Oscars 2015 Glam: Get the Celeb Look

A few weeks ago was the pinnacle of awards season, the Oscars.  Everyone watches it and they're great, but let's be honest, it would get pretty boring without the fashion.  There's something about couture gowns, diamonds, and impossibly perfect makeup that puts me in the spirit of the season.  $7.5 million worth of diamonds walked down the red carpet this year!  Get the stars' looks - red lips, statement necklaces and lots of diamonds. 

Click on the pic to enlarge...  Shop the links below ;)

Chanel Lipstick in 444 Gabrielle, Nordstrom

Black and White Kate Spade Dress, Kate Spade New York

Monique Lhuillier Floral Lace Fit and Flare Dress, Neiman Marcus

YSL Mascara, Nordstrom

Kate Spade Stud Earrings, Piperlime

14th and Union Scattered Stone Necklace, Nordstrom Rack

Kendra Scott Statement Necklace, Nordstrom

Natasha Couture Pearl Cluster Bomb Necklace, Nordstrom

Brut Prestige Rose, Harrods

Natural Beauty Counts: InstaNatural Skin and Haircare

My latest skincare discovery of 2015 is InstaNatural, a line of organic and affordable skin and hair products.  I'm a big fan of cosmetics and skincare so I'm up for trying anything, especially when the products are healthy and not full of chemicals.  I've been testing a range of products from InstaNatural for the past few weeks and here's what I've experienced.   

About 80% of women have stretch marks, including myself.  I grew way too fast for my skin to catch up and I've never found a product that really gives me long-term results.  I started using InstaNatural's Stretch Mark Cream about a month ago and have noticed a difference.  Of course, with products like this it often takes months to see significant improvements, but so far so good.  I like the consistency of the cream - it's not too heavy or greasy.  Plus, the price is awesome!  Finding a product like this for around $20 for a good-sized bottle is pretty much impossible.  This cream is also great for fading scars, which I have my fair share of as a klutz.  

InstaNatural's Cellulite Cream is also another interesting product offered on Amazon.  This cream is great for little touch-ups, and it works.  It has caffeine and retinol, the key ingredients for an effective cellulite cream.  Again, the price is excellent.  The only negatives are the strong scent and the thickness, but these qualities aren't bad enough for me to stop using it.   

I've heard a lot about Argan oil for soft and shiny hair, and I'm sure you have too.  I LOVE the InstaNatural Argan Oil Hair Mask.  Use this once a week for 5 to 15 minutes to deep condition your hair and get silky strands.  Argan oil is also beneficial for skin.  Swipe some of the serum on your hair to prevent frizz or on your face to improve the appearance of acne and scars.

A good vitamin C serum is helpful for treating most skin ailments.  Its most notable features include correcting wrinkles and skin discoloration.  This one's a no-brainer, everyone needs this in their beauty bags.  

InstaNatural products are available on Amazon.  And of course, if you have Amazon Prime you get free shipping on InstaNatural products.
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