Friday, September 27, 2013

Apartment Inspiration | #1 When in Paris

    With the countdown till my LA move coming closer and closer, I've found myself lost on home decor sites, Pinterest, and deeply entranced in West Elm's newest additions. Seriously though, the highlight of my day was seeing their new coffee tables. Sad? Maybe...But hey, I'm okay with it. 
    I've always struggled with naming my style, whether it's how I dress or how I decorate my bedroom, but I think I've finally got it... While I adore the "Pinterest-Chic" of chevron print, bright colors and glossy surfaces, I tend to favor what I call "Parisian" style. Leaning floor mirrors, lavish chandeliers, mirrored accents and a soft etherial color palette. Here are a few of my favorite photos that emulate the look I'll be going for in my new apartment. I'm giddy to start decorating & furnishing my new place....EEEP! Less than a week left! I can't believe it :)

Can we just take a moment for those mirrors...and the curtains...and the chandelier...my oh my
I love the high ceilings with this, but especially the tufted couch...I have a thing for tufted furniture
Flowers really are a girls best friend. Everything about them makes me so happy. And this fabulous ornate mirror
Hello beautiful photo please be my bedroom. I'm loving this light wood & cream mix 
I have no idea what these tassels are above the bed but I'm totally digging it. 
What's your dream apartment look like? Send me pictures! I'd love to get some more inspiration.










September Favorites



    Another month has come and gone, so alas I've complied a few of my favorite things from September to share with you all in my monthly favorites video! Check it out below:







Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Most Loved This Week | #2

Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Scrub, Clean&Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel, Clinique Stay Matte Foundation, Bobbi Brown Travel Brushes, Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette, Lorac Pro To-Go Palette, Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Icon, YSL in 15 Coral Intuitive, Pink Travelo 

Ah, another week has come to a close, and it's time again to show you my most loved and used beauty products this past week! As you know by my What's In My Travel Makeup Bag post, I'm currently in LA, so this week's post is brought to you from Lauren's apartment! Let us begin!
     I swear every booty-gahroo is all aboard the Michael Todd train & I can now finally say I GET THE HYPE! I got this Jojoba Charcoal Scrub in one of my ipsy bags, and I have fallen in looooove. I'm a huge fan of exfoliants, but because I have sensitive skin I have to be careful that they arn't too abrasive. This scrub is heavenly. Yes it does look like I'm rubbing cement on my face, I kinda like it...weird? It's rare for me to find a skincare product that doesn't dry my skin out, but on top of this this one actually makes my skin feel soft and hydrated!
    I've been a fan of gel moisturizers since Clinique's one I used in high school, and for some reason unknown to me, I stopped re-purchasing it. But then this little baby walked into my life. Wen I went to the Clean&Clear ambassador dinner in New York last winter they revealed their new Hydrating Moisturizer Gel, and I was SOLD. First off the packaging, erm hello is that my favorite color?! WHY YES IT IS. Don't even get me started on the scent (IT SMELLS LIKE STARBURST OH HELP ME) The feeling of this on my skin is really cooling & feels like I've just given myself an invigorating facial treatment. All for a drugstore price. Is this real life? (Yes it is)
    I'm sure you all are sick of me complaining about my skin's recent addition to Team Oily. Me too, oh me too. I'm in front of the camera a LOT, whether that be for my channel, acting things, or other YouTube gigs, and suddenly being a big ball of shiny sweaty-ness is not the most flattering thing in HD. So while I was at Sephora I picked up the Clinque Stay-Matte Foundation, especially targeted for those of us who need to stay matte all day. I will say it does stick to it's claims, paired with my Rimmel Stay Matte powder, I can wear this under blazing studio lights and still look fresh as freaking daisy. (Also, who decided daisies were the freshest of flowers? What about peonies?)
    I'll admit it. I'm a brush snob.   
     As you already know, I'm a massive fan of the classic Lorac Pro Palette, and this Lorac Pro To-Go version of is seriously just as amazing! I look for eye palettes that I can create an entire look with, with 2 shimmery & 2 matte colors as well as 2 'highlight' shades I can create any look I'd want for any occasion! These shadows are SO pigmented, creamy & blendable, I for serious think Lorac might make my favorite eye shadows of all time... And on TOP of that, 2 blushes and a bronzer? This is like true love for frequent travelers, and those of you who like multi-purpose products!
     Can we just talk about how cute this Bobbi Brown Brush Set its? It's classy and leather and satin-y and pink. I feel like Blair Waldorf when I pull this out of my makeup bag. Everything Bobbi Brown touches turns to gold, so naturally these brushes feel like they're made out of angel hair. Mmmm me likey
    This Hourglass Liquid Lipstick in Icon is a brand spanking new addition to my makeup collection and I don't even have the words to describe  my love for it. Really, I don't know how I survived last fall without it. Dark lips are my favorite thing during the colder months, and despite being in LA, I've already whipped it out. While a red is classic and timeless, I tend to gravitate towards deeper shades like plums, or this dark crimson. It's to die for. But really it's like a vampire lip. The formula goes on like a liquid and dries to a matte finish that lasts ALL FREAKING DAY. I can eat, drink, be merry and BAM my lip is staying put. Saying I might check out the other shades is an understatement. This is about to circa Pokemon, GOTTA CATCH EM ALL. 
    Speaking of palettes, meet every girl's new makeup necessity. I honestly don't know how I lived without this in my life. The Urban Decay Naked palettes are probably the most famous palettes out there right now, and the Basics Palette is by far my favorite of the line. There is just something so classy and timeless about matte shadows, they're basically idiot proof! As boring as this may look, I promise you that it'll change your makeup life. You need it. I swear. 
    I know we're into fall & this is a summer color, but let's be honest for a second, it's still in the 80's in LA & I can't get enough of this warm pink YSL #15 lipstick. The formula of these is godly, these lipsticks are SoOoOoOo smooth & moisturizing, but more than that, DEAR LAWWWD THIS COLOR! It's a perfect warm pink without being too coral or peachy, it's one of those staples that I'll be wearing year round. I luff it. 
    You're probably looking at this like, "My oh my Meghan is that a tampon or a sex toy?" and to that I say, NEITHER YOU PERVERTS. It's a Travalo! Basically this little baby is a refillable travel perfume spray-er-thing-er (articulate I know) This is perfect for those of you who don't want to go out and by a rollerball of your favorite scent, or maybe they don't even make it in that form! Right now I've been addicted to Laura Mercier's Almond Coconut fragrance, and now I can travel with it instead of lugging a huge bottle around! Plus it's pink. Who doesn't love pink?

Well that's what I've been loving this past week beauty product wise! If you wanna check out more of my week in LA, make sure to check out my WeeklyRosette vlogs on my second channel!                                      

What did you ♡ this week?


Friday, September 20, 2013

School Spirit: Back to School Makeup Tutorial

Today I'm bringing you guys a fun school spirit makeup tutorial! I remember back in High School for spirit week, the homecoming game & school events, when the spirited kids (not me) decked their faces out in war paint of our school colors. Not that a streak of green and red on your cheeks isn't the most flattering...but let's face it, it isn't. So if you want to display subtle school spirit without scaring off the cute quarterback, check out my new tutorial!


What are your school colors? & if you're out of school, what were yours? Do/did you ever dress up for spirit days?

Thursday, September 19, 2013

What's in My Travel Makeup Bag | #1 | LA ♡


    I love to travel. Not just the experience of seeing new places and exploring new things. I like airports. Airplane food. SkyMall magazine. Packing. Have I totally weirded you out yet? I'm so lucky that YouTube is a job that requires a ton of travel, my frequent flyer miles are singing the praises! I've traveled enough over the years to now be able to say I've gotten packing my makeup down to a science, compact & just the right amount. Right now I'm in Los Angeles for a few top-secret shoots, & I thought I'd give you guys a peek into my makeup bag! 

Recognize the backdrop? Say hello to Lauren's room! 
  
The makeup bag I'm currently using is from Maptote, a birthday gift from one of my best friends, thank you Maralisa!

Pictured from left to right: Benefit They're Real Mascara, Maybelline Line Stiletto Liquid Liner, Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara, Bobbi Brown Travel Brush Kit, Benefit The POREfessional Primer, Tweezerman Eyelash Curlers, It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Correcting Cream, NYX HD Studio Powder, Benefit Brow Zing, Rimmel Stay Matte Powder, Makeup Forever Full Cover Concealer, Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer, Lorac Pro To Go Palette, Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Bittersweet, YSL Glossy Stain in #18
    I've mastered the art of bringing just what I need what I travel (makeup wise that is...I still manage to pack 6 pairs of shoes for a weekend trip...eek!) But a lot of that skillful packing is due to the sheer genius of products that are designed for travel! This Lorac Palette comes with two shadow brushes, 4 shadows, 2 highlights, 2 blushes and a bronzer. Paired with the Bobbi Brown brush set I've already eliminated what would take up the most room when I travel! & my final tip in makeup packing, is using a soft makeup bag! While structured bags look sleek, if the sides of your makeup bag are soft, you can in squeeze more (because YES you really do need one more lip-color) 

What are your makeup essentials when you travel?




Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Travel With Me: NYC Fashion Week


    Last week I took a quick pop over to New York City (and by quick I mean a 6 hour plane ride) for a whopping 24 hours. For most of you that probably sounds like a death sentence of jet lag, but I've become pretty accustomed to not sleeping...like at all (Erm are you listening casting directors of Vampire Diaries?) PLUS it was for fashion week! How could I say no to something like that! Answer- you don't. 
    I attended the Boy Meets Girl show and got to sit front row. Yes, front row. Where like actual real famous people sit. Needless to say I behaved like a child on Christmas day, totally mature and professional. 
    Now here's where I get all sappy and say a bunch of "thank you's" First off a major thank you to BMG & the designer Stacy Igel, for sending me to the show, it really is a dream come true to sit front row at a NYFW show! & an even bigger thank you to all of YOU guys. I hope you all know that none of this would be possible without you guys. The opportunities I've gotten through my YouTube channel are amazing, but I'd be no where without all of your love and support. 
Thank you <3 

Selfies in the taxi before the show! (Yes I did my makeup in the airport shhh)
The BMG designer Stacy and I. This is a horrendous photo of me...oh lawd. I swear I love Stacy! Ignore my face LOL
Front row of Austin Mahone's performance (cue the fangirl screams)

I documented the entire 24 hours of my trip in a video, so it's like you got to come along with me! Check it out below :)



     *You can use code bmgmeghan for 10% off and there's TONS of different ways you can
      personalize one for yourself or your friends!*




Sunday, September 15, 2013

Most Loved This Week | #1

  Bobbi Brown Rich Chocolate Eye Palette- $52 Rimmel Stay Matte Powder- $4.99 Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Bittersweet- $28 Maybelline Falsies Flared Mascara- $5.94 Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler in Rose Gold- $17 Dr. Jart Waterfuse BB Cream- $25

I got this idea from one of my favorite bloggers, Kate from ghostparties. Every week she rounds up her most used products and features them! I thought this would be a great way to show you guys some of my favorite products that maybe don't make the final cut to my month favorites videos! So without further ado, let us begin!
      The Bobbi Brown Rich Chocolate Eye Palette was sent to me in a lovely package from Bobbi Brown's PR a few weeks back, and boy oh boy did it WOW me. I'm ashamed to say I tend to graze on by Bobbi's section at Sephora, and now I know I've been seriously missing out. We all know my love affair with Urban Decay's Naked Basics palette. Think of the Rich Chocolate palette like that palette....on crack.
    With 7 shadows (hey that's my lucky number) inspired by my favorite sweet treat Ryan Gosling Chocolate! Mmmm :) 5 out of the 7 are matte, with one shimmery shade, and one glitter based shadow. The pigmentation is beautiful, the colors work seamlessly well together and I've been loving using this for an everyday natural eye.
       How in the word did I consider myself a beauty junkie and I had NEVER tried the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder. That's like saying, "Oh no, I don't know who Taylor Swift is" or "I'm not attracted to Justin Timberlake" Just. Plain. Wrong. Have I sold you yet on the sheer awesomeness of this powder? My skin has recently decided to join team oily (wooohooo) So when my usual Revlon Naked powder wasn't cutting it, I opted to try this. If you've got oily skin, or you're just looking for a powder that has a matte finish, THIS is the one for you! The coverage & lasting power is amazing, it doesn't budge! Not even on the sweatiest hottest of days, and it's less than $5...does it get better than that?
       I've been a fan of cream shadow sticks for a while, I seriously think I own every neutral NYX jumbo pencil. But oh my my my this Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Bittersweet is in a league of it's own. This is my one stop shop for an instant Kate Moss-esque smokey eye. I apply a tiny bit of this on my upper and lower lash line (it's VERY pigmented), smudge it out and BAM bedroom eyes in less than 3 minutes. But the most amazing part? You don't even need to set it with a shadow, when they say long wearing they mean long wearing, it doesn't move, smear, or transfer through out the day, despite being so creamy! The shade I have is from their rich chocolate collection, it's a simple dark brown, but it's got me lusting for more colors! AH! There just aren't enough words.
       Yes I'm basic. The Maybelline Falsies Flared Mascara seems to be everybody's tride & true, but for the longest time I resisted liking it. Maybe I just didn't want to conform to the masses, but I'm finally admitting it. This mascara deserves every little bit of hype it gets, it creates gorgeous length & volume without getting clumpy. I'm not too sure that there is a major difference between the 'Flared' version and the regular, but either way it's been my go-to this week. 
       I've been using Tweezerman's ProCurl Eyelash Curler (in Rose Gold) since I first started wearing makeup back in high school, and I swear to bob you will not find a better lash curler. I've been through about 5 of these over the years and they're just amazing. I recently picked up a new pair and it reminded me how NICE brand new lash curlers are. This takes my stubby stick straight lashes and forms them into a beautiful curl that lasts. I'm in love. 
       Oh lawwwwd. BB creams. Can we make Kingsley do an Overexposed on this BB trend already? As far as I'm concerned drugstore and high end brands alike will throw 'BB' or 'CC' and, god help us all, 'DD' on to every tinted moisturizer out there. The Dr. Jart Waterfuse BB Cream is one of the only one's I've found that I actually enjoy and that I find DO something. Now if I'm looking for full coverage I'm gonna reach for a foundation, not this baby, but when I'm having a good skin day & I just want a bit of coverage and a healthy glow, this is perfect. Out of the other Dr. Jart BB creams, this 'waterfuse' one has a much more liquid base, and with that it means it's a little more sheer than their 'Premium' one for example. The waterfuse also has a cooling effect I find myself really liking during the warmer months. I find it offers much more coverage than drugstore BB creams I've tried, and it leaves my skin looking very healthy and glowing. And a little of this goes a LONG way, I've been using this on and off for about 2 years now...gross? Yes. That's okay :) 
       
What has been your most loved beauty products this week? 

*Some links are Amazon affiliate links, but only if they are the best deal! Things tend to be at least $3-$5 cheaper on Amazon*


Saturday, September 14, 2013

My Hair Trauma & Disaster


      I envy girls that have the guts to shave half their head, dye it purple, dread it, and get a pixie cut. After all, it's dead hair laying limp on our scalps that grows right back. On a scale from 1-World Peace it ranks negative in importance, and even writing this post I feel guilty for complaining about such a trivial matter when there are FAR worse things going in the world than my botched hair. That being said, this is a beauty and fashion blog, and well, my hair falls right into that category.  
      Now let me first start off this post by saying that my hair is my pride and joy. I've been caught countless times admitting that I find my hair my "only redeeming quality" Morbid and self deprecating? Yes. But true. So I treat my hair how I'd treat a new born baby, with serious love, affection, care, and I spoil it rotten. This being said, the hair trauma I endured this past month left me crying over Facebook pictures of my long blonde locks. Yes I'm pathetic I know.
      I've been getting partial blonde highlights in my hair for about a year and a half now, along with my 'signature' cut, long long layers, I like the length of my hair to rival a Disney princess what can I say. So you'd imagine my surprise when I go to the salon expecting to walk out with an 1/2 inch trim and touched up roots, and walk out with 6 inches off my hair, an all over faded grey/brown with red roots. UHM WHAT. I'd be lying to you if I said I totally didn't sob over Gossip Girl, wailing at the TV "LOOK AT SERENA'S HAIR. THAT IS SO PRETTY. WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS!?!?!" I'm dramatic. I'm working on it. (Not really)
      I seriously debating posting these pictures, but after much persuading from my mother, I did. Because let's face it, we've ALL had bad hair cuts & bad dye jobs. I'm human! I'm not immune from my stylist getting scissor happy. So without further ado, I present the hot mess that was my hair. 
As you can see I really just adored the red roots
& welcome to the TRUE red of my roots...oh boy
& no that is not a filter, that is how dull the color was

      For the next week I "Justin Bobby'd" it. And if you were not a Hill's teenager (Netflix. Go. Now.) I basically stuffed all my hair in a beanie at all points. I even slept in my 'You Can't Sit With Us' Brandy Melville beanie (& the answer is no, you cannot) Thankfully my close friend Marissa came to the rescue, and after 3 hours in her salon we managed to get me back to BLONDE! & I am eternally grateful. MARISSA YOU ARE A SAINT! But because the initial dye job was so red, the color took to be a yellow-toned blonde, which is not too flattering for my skin tone!
      So I went to a new salon in my neighborhood later that week to get it toned & the stylist added a few highlights to the front & roots to balance out the remaining warm tones, and BAM! I'm better and blonder than ever! 

I learned quite a few things on this hair journey.
  1. I cannot pull of red, as much as I want to. True fact, I've always wanted to go a deep red color but I never had the guts! Now I know, that would NEVER work on me! & I'll admit it, I'm sad about it! I think red hair is by far the prettiest! 
  2. Some salons just...lose their touch...but on the plus side, the last salon I went to I fell in LOVE with! Thank you hair gods for sending me Alisha! <3 
  3. True friends will be honest with you when your hair looks like absolute shit. & Help you fix it for 3 hours, cheering you up & calling you Carrot Top. Love you Marissa <3
  4. My hair is my security blanket. Contrary to what people must think with my sheer amount of selfies, I'm ridiculously insecure about my looks. And taking away the one part of my physicality that I actually liked hit me hard, and any shred of confidence I had in my appearance is gone. That's something I need to work on. 
  5. I can't pull off Cara Delevingne brows. 

Of course we had to lighten the eyebrows to match!

So tell me, have you ever had a major hair disaster? Am I the only one this attached to their hair?


Monday, September 9, 2013

Fashion meets Function


Because posing for an impromptu photoshoot in the middle of a parking lot is totally normal.
     Now I'll be the first to admit I can be a slave for fashion. I'll teeter around in 6 inch stilettos and suffer a wedgie for the perfect mini skirt. But this outfit ladies and gentleman, was picked out with purpose. 
    Was I inspired by the pastels gracing our presence at fashion week? Nope, that's not it. Was I salvaging the final weeks of summer in a tribal maxi? No, that's not it either. Give up? This outfit conceals the fact that at this current moment I am 
a hot freaking mess
    The maxi dress has been key for pregnant celebs hiding baby bumps and thanksgiving consequences on the red carpet. & this H&M maxi is ever so gracefully gliding over my boot (see it peeking out in the first picture?)
      Now on to the hat. Shielding the scorching Bay Area sun out of my eyes? Or hiding my un-showered hair? More like covering the absolute 
atrocious dye job that I endured
last week. After hours at the salon
my friend Marissa managed to 
salvage my blonde, but the ginger
roots I got the week before
are leaving my hair looking a bit
"strawberry" which, as I now know,
is so NOT my color.

And thus, this outfit was born!
Dress: H&M, Hat: Kooringal, Sunnies: RayBan





Saturday, September 7, 2013

Summer to Fall | Transitional Fashion |

    I swear the moment we turn our calendars from August to September, a flip goes off in our brains saying, "yep it's fall now." When in reality the 24 hours in time does nothing to the scorching 98 degree weather or my craving for popsicles. 
    Alas, I've already begun to see the swarm of 12 year olds and their "ZOMG STAHP FIRST PUMPSPICELATTE OF THE YURRR" Instagram posts. I want to shake them screaming, "THE AIR OUTSIDE IS HOTTER THAN YOUR BEVERAGE CHILD!" But don't worry, I've restrained myself. 
     This transitional time between summer and fall is my favorite time for fashion. It's still socially acceptable to wear white (and let's be real, Michael Kors said no white after Labor Day is so 2002) but now I get to pull out my favorite fall piece, felt hats! 
    Take a gander at what I'm eying this transitional season,


Summer to Fall



Tan faux leather jacket, $62 / Hollister Co. blue jeans / Steven by Steve Madden ankle booties / Tory Burch leather handbag / Alex and Ani bracelet / Alex and Ani bracelet / Alex and Ani bracelet charm / Topshop floppy hat / OPI nail polish, $28
  1. My family recently had an intervention regarding my leather jacket addiction. But hey, no one said anything about BROWN leather jackets! And this rich tan waterfall style jacket actually has me tearing up...I may or may not have a problem (that we'll address after I own this baby)
  2. My oxblood (is that pompous word for maroon still 'in'?) felt hat got such use last fall that it has me craving its black counterpart. It makes every outfit so "Oh hey I'm Vanessa Hudgens and I'm just casually drinking Kombucha while leafing through an abstract novel while seamlessly engaging in a romantic but not cliche conversation with my sexy sexy boyfriend" Hey, maybe if I get the hat I can land a man like that (a girl can dream)
  3. Can I take one of those "I had it before it was trendy" moments, with boyfriend jeans!? Granted, I was 17 and I just looked like Ellen Degeneres was my muse, but regardless, I did it first! Those babies got lost in my recent ten thousand moves, and I think they'll be perfect to pair with more summery tops this month
  4. OPI came out with a San Francisco collection and it is taking every ounce of self control for me not to run out and buy every single one reppin' my city. This dark maroon may not be the most unique shade, but with a name like 'Lost on Lombard' how can I resist?
  5. My trendy & hippie-chic godmother got me addicted to Alex and Ani bangles last winter and I want to be more iced out than 2 Chainz come this fall. 
  6. THERE ARE NO WORDS. None. Absolutely none. The love affair I have with these booties is unhealthy. Everything about them screams Meghan...aside from the ever so hefty price tag. But as my inner shopping enabler reminds me, they're on sale! For a measly $315 that is. But who needs to buy groceries when I can feast my eyes on these beauties? No? Not justifiable? Brb crying myself to sleep.
  7. I prefer the term "classic" rather than "basic bitch." I find clutches so impractical for day to day use, but this crossbody is perfect for day to day use, and BAM, tuck the chain in & you've got a night out clutch! See?! I can justify quite anything at this point, (if only they had that major at University...)
So tell me, what does September have you craving?