spring makeup essentials

1.  rosebud strawberry lip balm 2. bahama mama bronzer 3. sonia kashuk sheer magic  mineral face palette 4.  nars  pure matte lipstick 5. mac fix+ finishing spray 6. urban decay liquid liner 7. jemma kidd lash xtension mascara

you'll have to forgive me if i seem to be getting ahead of myself with all of my recent spring posts. while i am aware that most of the country is experiencing cold and snow, it has been in the 80's for a while here in los angeles and i am already feeling springy. 

my list of spring makeup essentials helps me to achieve the goal of a natural, sun kissed look. sonia kashuk's sheer magic concealer, powder foundation, and blush trio is affordable and provides coverage that rivals  more expensive mineral makeup. bahama mama bronzer is simply the best bronzer i have ever tried, and lacks shimmer, assisting in the natural beauty look and can be used for contouring. of course, a good pink lipstick is necessary and i have found that nars pure matte carthage lipstick is perfect. rosebud strawberry lip balm is perfect to put over the lipstick for a more glossy look at times, or to wear by itself for, again, a natural look. recently i have been wearing jemma kidd lash xtension mascara, which gives an impressive amount of volume and length to my lashes. also for my eyes, i have found after trying many different liquid liners, urban decay liquid liner is easy to apply. there is time to fix any mistakes before it dries, and then it lasts all day and night. to finish it all off, i like to apply mac fix+ finishing spray, for a dewy and radiant look.

i would love to know your favorite spring makeup as well!

spring trend: hot pink lips

i love when trends easily suit anyone, no matter their hair or skin color or tone. i believe that pink lipstick is one of those things. i personally am looking forward to wearing it with dark patterns as a little pop of feminine color.

above images via pinterest

is this a trend you'd like to try? do you already have a favorite pink lipstick? 

since i don't have resources to go out and review all of the pink lipsticks, i will rely upon Real Style Network, who reviewed several pink lipsticks in several price ranges, to lead you to your perfect pink.


1. Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipstick, $12.00 – This beauty store brand gives you that needed pop of neon pink.
2. Stila, 24kt Gloss, $10.00 – For some sparkle, a pink gloss with gold shine will give you the look.
3. Nordstrom, Dior ‘Spring Look – Rouge Dior’ Lip Color, $31.11 – Dior offered up a lighter pink in their spring collection for a less dramatic look.
4. Beauty.com, Nars Lip Gloss in Easy Lover, $24.00 – A shiny pink gloss gives you the right shade for spring.
5. Bloomingdale’s, Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Lipstick in Fuschia Pink, $30.00 – This bold pink lipstick will put you in line with spring’s top beauty trend.

Happy Birthday!

Double meaning alert. This is the christening post of my new little adventure that is Its the Little Things, but also the name of my recent obsession: Deborah Lippmann's Happy Birthday nailpolish.

During my sophomore year of high school, there was a list going around in my class to vote on who had the best various physical attributes, such as hair, eyes, etc. Well, I won the obscure category of "Best Fingernails." Quite the honor. All this to say, I am very credible in this area.

I have been coveting this particular nailpolish since approximately August of 2010. I finally gave in and bought it the other weekend, and the little party in a bottle has been providing me with a great deal of happiness and entertainment since. It is a very chunky, multicolored glitter that isn't too flashy, but so fun.

I have tried it the following ways and lu lu loved every single way.

• Over black
• Over teal
• Over matte gray
• Plain, with about three layers
• Pretty much beginning to think it will look stellar on anything

Happy Painting!

cw

deborah lippmann- happy birthday $18