I just wanted to take a minute to remind everyone that beauty isn’t just about what’s on the outside, but what’s on the inside too. Take a few minutes each day to appreciate everything that you have in your life. Weigh your issues in life and choose your fights. Some really just aren’t worth the hassle, and sometimes things are better off when you accept them as they are and move on. Treat others with the respect that you would like them to treat you with. Take the time to find the beauty in everything. It’s there, it’s just up to you to find it. Realize that beauty often isn’t conventional, and that conventional beauty can be boring.

Life’s too short. Find something that you love and do that to your fullest every single day.

Despite rumors over the weekend that long-time Rimmel Cosmetics representative Kate Moss was going to be replaced by pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Coty Inc. released a statement today that stated otherwise. After appearing in Rimmel advertisements as early as 2002 (such as the one featured on the left), Kate Moss became the official face of the cosmetics giant in 2005. This is not the first time in recent weeks that there has been a rumor of Moss being replaced as the face of Rimmel Cosmetics. In response to this weekend’s rumor, Stephen Mormoris, the vice president of Coty Inc., stated what couldn’t be more true, “Kate Moss is a worldwide inspiration and leader in fashion and beauty, and has been an iconic face for Rimmel London.”

One item sure to have the fashion and beauty blogs buzzing is the upcoming release of the Chanel Robertson Boulevard Polish Collection. This collection of four nail polish colors is the perfect color combination for spring and summer nails. Colors included in this collection are Melrose (a bright bubble gum pink), Rodeo Drive (a boysenberry shade of purple), L.A. Sunrise (the perfect buttery bright yellow), and L.A. Sunset (a reddish-orange shade). These polished were designed specifically for the Chanel boutique located on Los Angeles, California’s famous Robertson Boulevard. They are being released in limited quantity and are sure to sell out fast. In July 2008 they will be available online. You can sign up to be notified of their release.

While I’m not a fan of Ashley Tisdale’s career, I must say that she does have a great sense of style. I recently found a picture of her out and about in an incredibly simple, but incredibly cute outfit. Since Ashley’s original look is going to cost you a bundle, I decided to browse Forever 21 and create a more affordable version of this look.

The Forever 21 Frayed Denim Short would be a great start for this outfit. They are a good basic denim short in a great wash. If you want the longer length like Ashley Tisdale has, un-cuff the legs and toss them in the dryer to remove the cuff lines from the fabric. Tanks are a great staple to wear under every thing in your wardrobe. For this outfit, go simple with the Forever 21 Stretchy Ribbed Tank. While a plain and basic button up makes this outfit a bit more sophisticated, don’t be shy of printed tops as well. The Forever 21 Plaid Woven Shirt would work well for those who are just starting to work prints into their wardrobe. Leave most of the buttons un-done, and button only the middle two or three. Then cuff the sleeves at your desired length.

Simple gladiator style sandals, such as the Forever 21 Braided Sandal are going to be every where this spring and summer. Sticking with a basic pair gives you more room to have fun with prints and bright colors in other areas of your outfit. The Forever 21 Cupcake Necklace was just too cute to not include. Everyone needs a great pair of aviator sunglasses. They can be easily dressed up or down and look good on a large majority of face shapes. Splurge on a pair if you can, because you will wear them forever. In the mean time, and if you’re a sucker for cheap sunglasses like I am, pick up these Forever 21 Aviators instead. Everyone needs to have at least one great leather handbag in their closet. I love the vintage inspired look of the Forever 21 Distressed Faux Leather Satchel.

Since this post was done using only items from Forever 21 in order to create a more affordable look, let me know if you’d like to see a higher end version as well.

One of my favorite things do when I’m out beauty shopping is to peruse the racks of lip gloss. It doesn’t matter if I’m at a drugstore, a department store or Sephora. You’ll find me there. Plus, it’s pretty obvious from previous posts that I’m addicted to the stuff. I start with a lip balm (my personal favorite is Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm) and then load the gloss on. Right now, I’m favoring Philosophy Soul Mates Grapefruit Lip Gelato. I like glosses that moisturize, add shine, add just a hint of color, and don’t leave my lips feeling waxy. In my opinion, there’s nothing worse than a gloss that makes everything that comes in contact with your lips, especially your hair, stick to them.

What is your favorite lip gloss? What specific things do you look for in your lip gloss?

Since I’ve had a request for more outfit posts, I decided to post my outfit for today since I love it. It’s incredibly simple and basic - something that you can throw on and go. But, the simplicity of it also makes it easy to dress up or down. I’m going to visit family that I haven’t seen in some time today so I wanted to make sure that I looked casual but nice. I feel like this is the perfect outfit for that. Especially considering that it’s warming up outside and is the perfect sunny day today.

For this outfit, start with some basic jeans. I picked the Abercrombie & Fitch Erin Skinny Destroyed Jeans in Medium Wash. If you wanted to dress the outfit up, go with a dark wash pair. You could even wear this with shorts or a denim mini skirt. Long time readers of this blog know that I layer my tanks and shirts like no other. For this look, I’d wear the Abercrombie & Fitch Allison Tank in Heather Grey, Navy, White. Over this, add a simple white button up shirt. I love the sheer look of the Abercrombie & Fitch Naomi Shirt in White.

Personally, I like to keep accessories simple. I’d wear a belt slung low on my hips, and over the tanks, like the Wet Seal Washed Braid Belt in Brown. Since I live in sandals, I love how the Forever 21 Twist Thong Sandal in Brown look with this outfit. Silver bangles like the Forever 21 Grooved Bangle Set in Silver are a great way to add a bit of flair to any simple outfit. They allow you to add detail without it being too overwhelming. And, you can’t forget sunglasses! Which are another thing that I’m constantly buying. I may need to go into a drug rehab like center for them since I bought 3 pairs this past weekend. Right now, I’m really into these Forever 21 Sunglasses in Brown.

With summer on it’s way, now is the time to start working on getting a flawless and safe tan. With the wide range of natural looking self tanning lotions available, you have no excuse to be wasting your time (and health) in a tanning bed or out by the pool every day to get great results. When used properly, self tanning lotions can help you achieve a great natural looking tan without sacrificing your youthful looking skin or putting you at risk for skin cancers. Here are some of the most important Tips For A Flawless & Safe Sunless Tan :

1. Exfoliate : This helps to remove any dead skin cells on your body. If left behind, these dead skin cells will absorb extra color for your sunless tanning lotion, leaving you with streaks and blotchy areas. You can exfoliate your body in several ways. The easiest is by washing with a shower puff or a washcloth, gently rubbing in circular motions. You can also use an exfoliating scrub, you can buy them in the store or make your own out of oatmeal and olive oil. Make sure to get all areas of your skin where you are planning to apply sunless tanner. This includes ankles, knuckles, between your toes, etc.

2. Moisturize : Apply a liberal amount of lotion to your skin before you apply any self tanning lotion. Even if it’s a gradual tanner. Any dry areas on your skin will absorb this lotion and allow the tanning lotion to go on smoothly and evenly. Pay special attention to your knees, elbows, feet, and knuckles. This will greatly reduce your chance of streaks and blotchy areas since those areas will not absorb excess self tanning lotion. To help keep your sunless tan looking it’s best, frequently moisturize your skin after it has dried by applying moisturizer head-to-toe at least once a day.

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