Holiday gifts for $40 or less

Posted on December 8, 2012 by 2chicgurls

Well, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has been put up, the winter jackets are coming out, and the sales are starting: the holiday season is officially here. Time to get out the credit cards and start the gift lists. Heres ours for all the girls you know: all for $40 or less.

The Mom

Smitten Kitchen cookbook

Though any cookbook will be a success with most moms, this one won’t just sit on a shelf. Deb Perelman’s delicious recipes will make you very happy, and full. ($17.49-$20, amazon.com)

Old Navy Striped Color-Blocked Gloves

These gorgeous gloves will keep hands comfy and cute. Also comes in Warm Multi and Cool Multi (shown in Neutral, $12.94, oldnavy.gap.com)

The sister

Whether your sis is young or old, a pro or a beginner in makeup, she’ll value this life-saving book with amazing tips answering all of your questions; whether its your complementary shades,which celebrities love what, what types of makeup are best, or, how to take of that nail-polish that never comes off (hint, it involves something minty). It’s ACTUALLY my go-to book for advice. (17.94, amazon.com or your local bookstore

The Sporty friend

Turtle Fur Frost Contoured Liner Hat

No matter what she plays, your friend will be kept warm and comfortable in the cold. ($28.99, turtlefur.com)

Though this hat is on the pricey side, it’ll keep you or your friends head warm and cozy, no matter how cold. ($28.99, turtlefur.com)

Aerie Slim Gym Flare Pants

Aerie Slim Gym Flare Pant - Available In Lengths

Whether she runs, or plays basketball, does gymnastics or yoga, any girl will feel ready to do her best in these form-fitting yoga pants ($19.99, aerie.com)

The Product-holic friend

Sephora Breast Cancer Awareness Makeup Palette

SEPHORA COLLECTION - Breast Cancer Awareness Makeup Palette

This set is a great deal-with 6 blushes, 36 eye shadows, and 12 lip glosses. And while it’s supporting Breast Cancer (with every purchase, $2 gets donated) it doesn’t only come in pink. Hues vary all over the rainbow from white to turquoise to purple to black, this is every girl, or at least my, dream! ($25, Sephora.com)

e.l.f nail polish cube

e.l.f is know for its great polish and cute colors. This collection lives up to its standards with nudes, metallics and several shades of reds. ($10 per polish target.com or your local drugstore)

The Smart/Book loving friend

Knock Knock Actually Reading this Bookmark Pad

This will look hilarious peeking out of any book, whether it be comic, or 500 page novel. As a bonus, it’s a pad, so your friend can take notes on whats happening. ($4.95, Barnes and Noble)

Scattegories

This fun game keeps you on your toes and rushes you to be creative in less than five minutes. Thinking about topics like famous duos and trios, vegetables, things you find at a circus, and state names all starting with the same letter will create crazy and unpredictable memories. ($24, Amazon.com)

What was your favorite holiday present you ever gifted/received? Let us know in the comments below!

How to De-Knotify your hair

Posted on November 4, 2012 by 2chicgurls

We all know the terrible feeling of a hair knot. Trying to brush it out? Horrible. Trying to ignore it. Unavoidable. Trying to disguise it? IMPOSSIBLE. And who should know better than me? My hair is almost reliably frizzy and curly, with some knots and bedhead in the back. Sure, I can get around them and wear a messy bun or a topknot, but it gets a little boring. Heres my tips for not looking like….

This.

Lets start in the shower. Use a shampoo and conditioners that are moisturizing and/or say “knot free” on them. (If you haven’t invested yet, I recommend something by VO5 or Herbal Essences)
After shampooing, put in a generous amount of conditioner in. On the instructions it sometimes specifies certain uses (say that five times fast!) like “Leave in for 5 minutes, lather well, then rinse”. Check the instructions to see if something like that is on. If not, just leave it in for around 2-5 minutes.
On the last minute, take a shower comb. If/when you shop for the shampoo/conditioner, look for sets. (I have a one from BioSwiss with a lot of different combs. The reason I love these is because they can get out every knot, because the little teeth are all different sizes and shapes) Run the comb throughout your hair, gently getting out the knots….

Aristocrat 10 Piece Professional Comb Set- BioSwiss

4. Try brushing through the knot. Depending on the size, it might be easy to get out with a comb. Get out all of the knots that are possible, then wash out the conditioner and brush with the comb some more. If you can’t get a knot out, don’t worry!

5. When you get out of the shower* spray a detangler/leave in conditioner in your hair. I use Keepin’ It Real Hair Strengthening Leave In Conditioner and Infusium 23 Moisture Replenishing Leave In Treatment, but anything will work. Spray it in and work through with a comb. If you have curly hair, I recommend putting in a de-frizzer as well. Now its time to put it in a towel and temporarily forget about your hair.

6. When hair is damp, take your brush (square ones work best) and get your spray ready. Brush your hair through. When/if you find a knot, separate the general area of hair. Holding your hair at the top, gently brush the knot with short strokes. Once the knot is out, brush over it to make sure its gone and repeat until knots are out. If you are going to bed, putting in some spray and braiding your hair will save your work.

Hope your hair is less knotty from now on!

*You can start from step 5 if you want, just ignore the shower-related things and brush out your hair!

Last Minute Costumes

Posted on October 28, 2012 by 2chicgurls

Hey!

If you’re anything like me, you’ll have costume ideas, makeup styles, hair and nail inspiration and every little detail planned out for possible Halloween costumes. But Halloweens a few days away, and I’m not done! Some people I know haven’t even started. For the people who can relate to that, here’s some easy-peasy Halloween costumes, that are effortlessly trick or treat chic!

TREAT

TIGER:

What to wear: Black/Orange dress, cat ears, tail, tights

Makeup:Cat eyes, black nose, whiskers, and stripes (optional)

FAIRY:

What to wear: Pale pastel dress- best if pleated/poofy (try to commit to one color for makeup, dress, etc.) wings, flats/sandals, wand (optional)

Makeup: Natural, SPARKLY, girly

Hair: relaxed curls, flowers and/or headband

FLAPPER:

What to wear: Fringed dress, pearls, kitten heels

Makeup: Smoky eyes, red lipstick, mole

Hair: Faux bob (click here for tutorial), pearl headband

BARBIE:

what to wear: Hot pink dress, high heels, purse, huge earrings, sunglasses (THINK PINK)

Makeup: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4-GRH2nDvw Check out Michelle Phans tutorial. This is perfect!

Hair: Blonde wig, straight hair

TRICK

ZOMBIE PREPSTER:

What to wear: Pearl necklace, polo shirt, khakis (ripped and stained)

Makeup: Bloody green skin

Hair: Messed up bob

like Vivian, only bloodier

WITCH:

What to wear: Black dress, pointy shoes, pointy hat

Makeup: Warts, green skin, you know the drill

Hope your costume stress disapears!

XOXOX

Mermaid

P.S all images found on Pinterest, including this super cute nail pic…

DIY projects

Posted on October 11, 2012 by 2chicgurls

Hey! Sometimes, its hard to keep up with all the new makeup products. Who can keep track of the endless list? Bath jellies, dry shampoo, acne brushes…the list goes on and on. And lets face it, none of these are … Continue reading →

The perfect makeup for every skin, color, and type (no, really!)

Posted on September 14, 2012 by 2chicgurls

Hey!

I’m sure we all know the feeling when we want to get a new (insert brand of makeup here: ___ ). We go to the store, head over to its section, and feel completely overwhelmed. Luckily, when you read on, you’ll find my fix for the problem: the right makeup for every single type of skin, with quick tips included.

SKIN-

Foundation

Oily: Acne is not exactly on good terms with you, but never fear, your super savoir is here! Introducing…

Your foundation: Neutrogena SkinClearing Mineral Powder

Dry: When it comes to moisture, you can’t get enough. Luckily, Bare Minerals has a little helper.

Your foundation: Bare Minerals READY Foundation SPF 20

Normal: Sometimes, when theres no problems with your skin, it can be hard to find a great foundation. But don’t worry, I found one for you!

Your foundation: Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse

QUICK TIP: When testing out foundations, put it on your jawline, versus on your hand or cheek.

Blush

Fair: A pale pink will give you a pretty flush, without looking like overkill.

Your blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Dollface

Medium: All you need for a bright dash of color is a swipe of hot pink, which (surprisingly) doesn’t make you look like a circus clown.

Your blush: Sephora Collection Colorful Blush in Healthy Rose 08

Olive: An orange-pink blush is universally flattering, especially on olive skin like yours.

Your blush: Color of The Year Prisma Chrome Blush in Apricot Brandy

Dark: A purple blush will give you a gorgeously natural glow.

Your blush: Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Tender Mauve

QUICK TIP: For a sweet and girly look, smile in the mirror before blending in the blush with a big brush. For a more dramatic and fierce look, make a ‘fishy face’ (suck in your cheeks) and apply.

Eyes

Eye shadow

Blue/gray eyes: A metallic color (the darker your eyes, the darker the shade) will make you shine- no pun intended.

Your shadow: Sephora Collection Colorful Mono Eye shadow in Engagement Ring 01, Glittering Sand 09, and Baby Blue 36

Brown/Hazel eyes: Pale pastels will turn all the attention straight to you.

Your shadow:Sephora Collection Moonshadow Trio Eyeshadows in Dusk Till Dawn 04

Green eyes: Earth tones will compliment you the best.

Your shadow: Sephora Collection Colorful Duo Eye shadow in 06 Golden Kaki

QUICK TIP: Brushes matter! Using the right (or wrong) brush can affect your look- chic and pretty..or sloppy and ugly.

Mascara

Light Lashes: The one problem of light hair is light lashes. Don’t worry, we have your solution: an all-around good mascara thats super dark.

Your mascara:Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara in Rich Black

Average Lashes: Your in a Goldilocks position; not too strong, not too weak, but do you know what your just right is? A mascara that will draw attention to your eyes without being too showy.

Your mascara: Lancôme DÉFINICILS mascara in Deep Black

Short Lashes: You can use all the help you can get, so try one that will make your lashes crazy, yet believably long.

Your mascara: Benefit They’re real! mascara

QUICK TIP: Don’t wiggle around your mascara brush until its out if the bottle, it’ll dry it up more quickly. Instead, lift it straight up out of the mascara, then wiggle it around to your hearts delight.

Lips

Gloss

Fair: A clear gloss with a hint of sparkle will look pretty and (bonus!) not wash you out.

Your Gloss: NARS lipgloss in Albatros

Medium: Pale green can’t be a lip gloss. Or can it? It turns out that it gives you a pale pink color. So pretty!

Your Gloss: Lancôme Color Fever Gloss in Green Petal.

Olive: A drop of gold will be enough to make you shimmer and shine all day.

Your Gloss: Estee Lauder Pure Color Sequin Finish in Molten Honey

Dark: Magenta is bound to make your puckers perfect (with a little help from a certain moisturizer)

Your Gloss: Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Black Honey

Quick tip: Make sure that you rub your lips together after applying the gloss. Otherwise, it’ll look sticky and messy.

Lipstick

Fair: What happens when pale white meets pale nude? Instant perfection

Your Lipstick: Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint in Exposed

Medium: A coral will be a beautiful- yet unexpected alternative to boring old pink.

Your Lipstick: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Tuuti Fruti.

Olive: A red-orange will instantly turn every eye on you

Your Lipstick: Sephora Collection Color Lip Last in 16 Orange Rocks

Dark: A deep red-brown is surprisingly sophisticated.

Your Lipstick: Nars Lipstick in Autumn Leaves

Quick tip: A little foundation goes a long way! Just applying a little of it on your lips before the stick will keep the color lasting much, much, MUCH longer.

Hope this helps you get a gorgeous look!

<3,

2chicgurls

P.S What are your favorite makeup tools, products, and looks? Let us know with a picture or a sentence or two at 2chicgurlsZ@gmail.com OR right below (see that comment box?)

Tory Burch

Posted on September 6, 2012 by 2chicgurls

The first thing you see when you enter Tory Burch’s showroom is color. Bright carpets, flashy decor, and of course, colorful clothing. How do I know? Because I went there! And I got to interview some of the masterminds behind the chic store. Read ahead for up-coming trends( hint- its green and heavy) , internship how-tos, and fun freebies.

QUESTIONS (to the interns)

-What are we going to see in the new collections?

Green, velvet, different prints together, and lots of jewels.

-How do you get an internship?

Try to get a job in a store, and get promoted, but when you apply, just have a good attitude.

-Whats your favorite part of this job?

The people, work and atmosphere.

Anyway, I had a met a ton of cool people, got to see some amazing desings, and got to keep a bag that i got to decorate (see below) and a silk flower that they made just for us!

Check out her new collection: http://www.toryburch.com/Lookbook-Fall-2012/lookbook-landing-fall-2012,default,pg.html

Backpack 101

Posted on September 3, 2012 by 2chicgurls

Hey!

There’s no point in denying that summer is coming to a close. Some schools have already started! And trust me, I have been keeping my promise by scoping out tons of trends, especially in the bag department. Read on for an adorable backpack for every style…plus some cute stuff to pack in it!

GIRLY-

FOR YOUR BACK: Kimichi Blue Quilted Backpack ($49) urbanoutfitters.com

For your locker:

Silver Mesh Magnetic Vanity Bin ($7) from containerstore.com

Stila – Fiesta Lip Glaze Trio ($12) sephora.com

NEON-

FOR YOUR BACK: Neon Trim Denim Backpack ($35) us.topshop.com

Neon Trim Denim Backpack

FOR YOUR LUNCH:

Gourmet Getaway Mini Lunch Tote ($18) builtny.com

PUNK-

FOR YOUR BAG:

BBACKPACC ($88) stevemadden.com

FOR YOUR PHONE:

Sparkle iPhone Case – Silver ($20) zgallerie.com

CLASSIC-

FOR YOUR BAG:

-JANSPORT SuperBreak Backpack ($35) tillys.com

FOR YOUR NECK:

-Orelia Chunky Star Necklace ($17.03) us.asos.com

Hope this helps!

<3,

2chicgurls

Posted on August 3, 2012 by 2chicgurls

Hey,

Mermaid here, just wanted to let you know I’ll be away for the next three weeks, with no computer access. I’ll be back with lots of new posts, inspirations, and trends.

~~Talk~~ blog to you soon!

Review: Revlon Moondrops Lipstick in Orange Flip

Posted on July 23, 2012 by 2chicgurls

Hey!

Mermaid here, reviewing Revlon Moondrops Lipstick in Orange Flip. When I was having a mini photo shoot with friends, my outfit was very classic, a white dress and a topknot with a denim ribbon. My friend suggested that I’d borrow her lipstick for a dash of extra color. After applying it, then checking out how it looked, I had two thoughts:

WOW!
Where can I get this?

Eventually, I got it, and I am so excited. The bright, firetruck red/orange, smooth, lipstick is amazing! It stays on for a really long time, and the color is crazy cool. It could be worn with anything, from a fancy dress to a casual outfit that needs some flair.

Price: On the more expensive side- $9.00
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ (10/10)

Get Orange Flip and all the other colors here!

Mermaids Beach Essentials

Posted on July 16, 2012 by 2chicgurls

Hey!

I just got back from the Hamptons. After spending a while tanning, playing in the sand, and swimming in the ocean, I think I might have the beach look down pat, and so do celebrities. Do you? If not, read on for head to toe essentials.

Hair: Think beachy waves are the only style acceptable? You’re wrong. Now, Katniss side-plaits, bitty buns, high ponys, and my personal favorite, tiny little braids randomly woven in are making an entrance.

Blake Lively

To get this: Put texturing spray in dry or wet hair. Then, take five small pieces (at minimum) and braid, then secure them. Finish the look of with hair mousse to help your curls.

Face/makeup: At the seashore, a minimal look is key, so all you need to shine (no pun intended) is nude gloss and a little glittery blush/shadow.

Michelle Trachtenberg

To get this: Use a lip and cheek stain to give yourself a little color. Than, mix a few neutral eye shadows. Add a little metallic sparkle, some mascara and powder, and voila! Hello, gorgeous!

Neck{lace}: When wearing a neutral suit, a big and bright necklace can complete your look. But be careful! If any of the outfit, cover-up included, is colorful or geo printed, then a big accessory can be overkill.

Solange Knowles

Get the look with this silver multi-row bead collar necklace

Outfit: A cover-up is obviously necessary, but who says dresses are the only option? Light cardigans and button-down, over any bathing suit, are just as cute.

Kate Moss

Vix front

-Get the look: Whether tied up or left down, buttoned or not, this shirt over a classic white bikini is sure to put all eyes on you.

Nails: Who says your outfit is the only thing is the only thing that can stand out? With matching nails in a cool print, your hands may just steal the show.

Zooey Deschanel

Get the look: Paint nails all white (or any color) , then let dry. Use a nail pen to color the tips black (or, again, any color). Draw 3 small dots down from the center of your nail, and a small bow-tie under the last dot. Let dry, then cover your nails with a top coat.

Shoes: Anything waterproof will work. Flipflops and gladiators are especially cute. Even though I love them, please leave your heels at home!

Can’t go wrong with Haviannas!

Let me know what your beach brings are below in the comments!

Review: Garnier- Fructis Curl Calm Down Anti-Frizz Cream

Posted on July 11, 2012 by 2chicgurls

Hey! Ok, I’ll admit it: When I first heard about a hair cream that tames and un-frizzes curly hair, I was skeptical. But, it was on sale and it looked cool, so I got it. Reading the simple instructions, I … Continue reading →

SKIN-

Eyes

Lips

For your locker:

Follow “2chicgurls”