Excersize-and Look Excellent!

Hey!

The air is warm, the sun is shining, and there is not a drop of snow or ice on the ground. It’s the perfect time to start your ideal exercise regimen. Mine is running. And since I’ve been running so frequently, I decided to buy myself a few more running pieces.Okay, a lot more running pieces! But still, no matter how materialistic it sounds, clothes are a major part in how you exercise: would Eli Manning score a touchdown in jeans and a tee shirt? No. So, thus being said, here are some sporty and stylish pieces to carry you to 1st place. (personally tested by yours truly)

Headbands:

Keep your hair off your face with a girly, yet useful headband. Both of these ones have tiny grips along the side, making sure you never have to push your hair away.

Cheap:

Girls UA Mini Headbands-$9.99 underarmour.com

Expensive:

Fly Away Tamer Headband

Fly Away Tamer Headband

Fly Away Tamer Headband- $12, lululemon.com

Shirts

Athletic shirts have high standards: they must be sweat resistant, comfortable, and (lets be honest) stylish. Luckily, a few of mine exceed all of this criteria.

Cheap:

Under Armour Girls' Big Logo Tech T-Shirt - Dick's Sporting Goods

Under Armour Girls’ Big Logo Tech T-Shirt-$19.99, http://www.dickssportinggoods.com

Expensive:

Nike Pro Hypercool Compression Girls' Shirt

Nike Pro Hypercool Compression Girls’ Shirt-$16.97, store.nike.com

 

UA Girls Victory Tank Top-$19.99, underarmour.com

Shorts-

Get the best of both worlds with shorts that are equally waterproof, and fitting. Gotta find something to show your impossibly toned legs, right?

Cheap:

Girls Active by Old Navy Running Shorts

Girls Active by Old Navy Running Shorts-$9.94,oldnavy.com

Expensive:

Under Armour Women’s Escape Running Shorts – $17.97, dickssportinggoods.com

Accesories-

iPhone/iPod Window Armband

iPhone/iPod Window Armband -$21.95

Adidas Diablo Small Duffle Gym Bag-$24.90,ebay.com

Hope this post helps you find the perfect running outfit to give you the confidence you need: whether you have to run a 10k or score 10 more points.

XOXO
2chicgurls

The Allure Trilogy: Part one

Hey!

Recently, I went to Allure Magazine with Liana Schaffner (Beauty Department). Not only did she let us interview her, tour the magazine, and ‘shop’ in the beauty closet, but she gave us her tickets to a Gemma Kahng presentation (For those of you who don’t know, is an exclusive preview of a designers new collections). The next few days will be devoted to all of our adventures. Read on for part one: Discussing the must have products, and getting the secrets on the best brands (hint: it’s something you could easilly get at CVS) with Liana Schaffner herself!

After we toured the stylish halls filled with stylish girls typing on mac laptops and buzzing around, we sat down with Liana. Wearing a black leather motorcycle jacket, burgundy lace top, and leggings tucked into booties, she proved she looks just as nice as she is.

2chicgurls: If you were stranded on a desert island and you could only five products, which ones would you choose?

Liana Schaffner: Oh my gosh, only five? Hmm… I’d take drugstore mascara (some of the best are so sophisticated these days)  and tinted moisturizer. I don’t use foundation a lot because it gets cakey and after all, if you’re gonna be on an island, you don’t want your makeup to melt easily. I’d also take cream blush, because you can also use it on your lips (her favorite is Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge). I’d definitely take a brow pencil, ’cause when your brows look good, the rest of your face does too, and then I’d bring a brow pencil to blend it all in.

2CG: What is your all time favorite makeup and brand?

LS: All brands are so good, and I love blush and mascara, but I’d have to say lipstick, and Chantecaille makes this lipstick called Cassiopeia. It’s just like this perfect coral, bright, beautiful pink. If you wear it, your just…set!

Chantecaille Sheer Lipstick in Cassiopeia

Chantecaille Sheer Lipstick in Cassiopeia

2CG: How would you describe working at Allure?


LS:
Theres definitely a glamour aspect of working in a beauty magazine, and its very exciting, but it’s hard work. You don’t just show up and play with products. There’s a lot of writing and editing. With beauty especially,you have to talk to many chemists, dermatologists, research and development people, because beauty is like science. Even the simplest, whitest cream has science behind it. You have to be sure the products you recommend are good.

2CG: Whats your favorite part?

LS: I’m a writer, so it’s exciting that I get to write so much (right now, we’re working on the May Issue!) But it’s also pretty exciting to know the best makeup and trends. I get to be really creative, because you can’t recycle the same information over and over.

2CG: We feel your pain! Anyway, final question. What advice would you want to give to people who want a career in beauty and/or fashion?

LS:  Well, what you guys are doing is great, having a blog is an awesome way to start your own profession. Keep on top of things and apply for internships! Learn anything from the ground up!

Thank you so much, Liana! Also, follow to stay posted for our huge haul, reviews included!

XOXO,

cropped-2chicgurls-logo-header3.jpg

FOUR MINI REVIEWS: Revlon products

Hey! I recently bought four Revlon products: Colorburst Lip Gloss, Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, Colorstay Longwear Enamel, and Revlon Colorstay 16 hour eye shadow. They’re all super awesome, so I decided to write a review on them. (Click the picture to buy them)

1. Colorburst Lip Gloss in Sunset Peach

I got this gorgeous lip gloss as a present from my sister and I LOVE it! It looks amazing with olive skin and totally makes lips look super full. The foam brush spreads gloss easily and isn’t too gloppy or sticky. All in all, I would reccomend this yummy smelling, peach lip gloss to anyone and everyone.

PRICE: $7.50

RATING: ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ (10/10)

2.  Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

 I got the next three from a Secret santa. The first is a SUPER BRIGHT balm stain. It’s really pretty, and stays on forever. Like I said before, it’s really bright, very barbie-ish. It’s fun for a night out and looks cute on. The only (slight) problem is its very delicate.  I love it and I’m very glad i got it :)

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable™ Balm Stain

Price: $9

Rating:  ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤- (9/10)

3. Colorstay Longwear Enamel in Fall Mood

My second gift from my Secret Santa was this polish. It might be one of my favorites. It’s sparkly but covers your nail, and complements your skin to make it look tan. Its’s a really good brush but a teensy bit gloppy, but dries smooth.

Revlon ColorStay Longwear Nail Enamel - Fall Mood

Price: $8

RATING: ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ (10/10)

4.  Revlon Colorstay 16 hour eye shadow in Inspired

This was my final gift from my Secret Santa. It’s nice quality and is easily applied. I haven’t gotten to use this one as much, but I have to admit that this is my least favorite.  It’ s a little bright, and it doesn’t look very good (at least on me) when I follow the look on the back. However, when the I use just one color in a look, it looks pretty!

Revlon® ColorStay™ 16 Hour Eye Shadow

Price: $5.62

RATING: ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ (8/10)

Whats your favorite Revlon Products? Have you bought any of these products? Do you like them? Let me know below!

mermaid

Holiday gifts for $40 or less

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)

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)

Screen Shot 2012-12-01 at 11.18.59 PMScreen Shot 2012-12-01 at 11.19.06 PM

The sister

InStyle Ultimate Beauty Secrets: The Best Tips, Tricks, and Shortcuts to Create Your Perfect Look

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. Nail Polish Cube - 14 pc

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

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!

xoxox

How to De-Knotify your hair

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.

  1. 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)
  2. 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.
  3. 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!

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

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?)

Review: Revlon Moondrops Lipstick in Orange Flip

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:

  1. WOW!
  2. 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

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

Silver Multirow Bead Collar Necklace

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

Bdg Printed Flannel Button-Down ShirtVix  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!

Image

Mermaids Monthly Makeup

Hey!

Everyone has a go-to makeup look goal, whether its pretty, edgy, or bright! But c’mon, its hard to actually, well, find the makeup. But never fear, mermaids here! Here’s some gorgeous makeup, tested, and approved by me, thats cheap ($30-under) and pretty awesome.

For the natural look:

  • Clinique Color Surge Eyeshadow Quad

EYES: With four different colors, this palette has an infinite amount of beautiful look-possibilities.

  • Revlon Lip Gloss
Colorburst Lip Gloss

Even though the color here is red, this yummy, shiny gloss comes in amazing colors like ‘crystal water’ and ‘sun baked’. My personal fave is Pink Ice.

  Bronzing Powder

The M.A.C. Bronzing Powder is perfect at giving you a gorgeous glow!

For the smoky look:

L’Oreal One Sweep Eye Shadow

It’s been popping up everywhere, and lets just say, it’s so worth the fuss. Easy and simple? Yes please.

Dior Addict Lip Balm

Dior - Dior Addict Lip Balm

When wearing a smoky eye, you don’t want the lips to be too bright, so a coral smooth balm is your fix!

Nyx Glitter Pallet Ice Queen

With a smoky look, a little bit of sparkle is key. This affordable ($5.49!) pallette is my hero!

For a bold look:

SEPHORA COLLECTION – Colorful Duo Eyeshadow

SEPHORA COLLECTION - Colorful Duo Eyeshadow

Blue brings out every eye, and this duo is a perfect example. The colorful pair tastefully (no tacky looks here!) makes your eyes practically scream “notice me!”

Lip Smacker&reg; Cotton Candy

If anyone wears bright lips and eyes, they’re doomed. Thats where yummy-tasting, clear balm comes in, and believe me, you’ll be applying it like there’s no tomorrow!

Ôscillation Intensity

The brush? Amazing! The product? Better than amazing! This guarentees to give you lonnnngg luscious lashes.

Any products I should’ve put on? Do you have dream looks you need help on? Just comment below or email me at mermaids2chic@gmail.com and I’ll help you!

Heart,

Sleep tight, Let the fashion bugs bite!

Hey!

Here at 2chicgurls, we live, eat, breathe, and…sleep fashion? That’s right, even our PJs are in style! Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for everyone. Some people, like a commenter, can “can never chose what to wear at a sleep over”. But don’t worry, we have that trouble too! So here are your nightly newbies (from head to toe:)

Head: Who likes when your hair is keeping you awake? Not us, we like using terrycloth headbands, especially ones by Betty Dain. As a bonus, you can use these for spa days!

Eyes: When you can’t keep your eyes open  in the middle of the day, whether you’re studying or just had a loooong day, the sun is hard to block. Don’t worry! With Dream Essentials Snooz Silky Soft Eye Mask in Black, you’ll soon be zzz-ing!

Neck: When you’re in the backseat after a day of traveling, falling asleep is usually the best thing to do. Don’t worry about neck cramps, the Memory Foam Car Neck Pillow saves you!

Torso: We’re not gonna lie – we do sometimes fall asleep in our clothes. (Hey, it’s only human!) But when we remember-we opt for cute tanks in pretty colors.

Arms/hands: When our hands are dry (not from typing all day or anything…..) we pack in the moisture with fuzzy gloves, but first, we stay soft with lotion.

Legs: Now that it’s spring, we have to say goodbye to our fuzzy pants ( :( ) but, we can still wear cute boxer shorts, especially ones with cute cartoon characters like Tweety-Bird!

Feet: When our feet our shivering, we stay warm in stylish slippers!

Yawn…we’re kinda tired now….goodnight!

<3,

2chicgurls

p.s: Check out our tumblr for the new polyvore post!

P.P.S: 2 more weeks until the CONTEST is over!