Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is coming up shortly (Sunday, May 11) and I still have to pick something out for my mom. Usually my brother and I split the cost of a more expensive gift - he actually gets the credit for picking out her Kindle Fire last year. If you have yet to get your mom something too and are in need of a few ideas, look below! I've picked out a bunch of gifts that I think my mom would love. When in doubt, get her a gift certificate to her favorite hair salon. Flowers are always nice too!

Hope this helps!

xox,

               Meredith

Scarfed Up: Spring Scarves

The weather is getting warmer and we are putting away our chunky, bulky cable knit scarves until next season (my boyfriend likes to refer to mine as neck braces). However, this does not mean that we cannot still accessorize with a light-weight scarf. I love wearing scarves in the Spring because it adds so much extra color and can change the whole look of what you're wearing. For instance, if you are wearing a plain white tee, some boyfriend jeans, and a pair of Converse, adding a scarf with a pop of color or print will give your look that little something extra. Below are some scarves that I've picked out that I would totally wear this time of year. I'm especially loving the floral H&M scarf (first row, second one in), and the striped scarf by Steve Madden (second row, first one in). These are all either $50 or under!

Links below!

xox,

                 Meredith

Friday Five: Favorite Mascaras

Happy Friday!! Today I bring you one of the most critical parts of my makeup routine. The wonderful, amazing, can't live without product (at least in my eyes) of mascara. Now why do I have such a love affair with my mascara? It is because I unfortunately was not blessed with long, dark, naturally beautiful lashes. My lashes are literally nothing without mascara...but you'd never know, right? I owe it all to these wonderful little guys listed below. Over the past few years I have come across some great products that help my lashes look the way they do today. If you know me, you know I like to use a lot of mascara, so definitely apply to your own preference (I usually go for two coats). These are in no particular order - I would be happy with any of them!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

1. L'Oreal Telescopic - This mascara has definitely been a favorite of mine for a while now. I continue to repurchase this specific product because it works great to separate and lengthen my lashes. The wand is small and narrow, which helps coat each individual lash. I specifically use this mascara for my first coat, and also on my bottom lashes. It's extremely affordable too! You can find it at your local drugstore.

2. Too Faced Better Than Sex - This mascara that I purchased from Ulta is one of my current favorites to use for volume. I love using this mascara as a second coat after already applying my L'Oreal. I've gotten so many compliments on my lashes when I am wearing this mascara, and once you get your hands on it, you will too!

3. Lancome Hypnose Star - I love Lancome mascaras! Although they can be a bit pricey, they really work great to lengthen and add volume to your lashes. This specific one has a unique brush that kind of has a triangular shape. When applying this mascara, I like to use the narrow side first, and then on my second coat use the wider side.

4. MAC Zoom Fast Black Lash - I fell in love with this mascara after one lovely girl at the MAC counter gave me a ton of samples. She really only needed to give me one, because I would have gone right back to purchase a full size. This is the only mascara I've tried from MAC and I absolutely love it. I also like to use this with my L'Oreal Telescopic.

5. Maybelline Falsies - This is another great drugstore mascara. If you are looking for volume, but want the drugstore price, definitely pick up this one. It has a nice thick brush to really get the product on your lashes. Two coats of this one, and you're good to go!

 **Look below to see some pics I grabbed from my Instagram of my real lashes!**

**In all of these pictures I am wearing L'Oreal Telescopic for my first coat, and Too Faced Better Than Sex for my second**

Quick recap for best results:

-Always choose the darkest color (usually called blackest black or carbon black)

-Use one mascara for lengthening and one for volume

-Apply two coats

-Don't forget about your bottom lashes

-If it gets a little messy, have some q-tips nearby

-Blink slowly so people get whiplash from your amazing lashes ;)

Have a wonderful weekend!

xox,

                 Meredith

Throwback Thursday: 80s Edge

 Today's Throwback Thursday look is not so much for everyday wear, but is great for a night out. I would totally do this makeup for a rock concert (Bon Jovi anyone?). I took the classic 80s electric blue eye and smoked it out a little with a violet color in the crease and some matte black in the outer corners. I also used a bright pink blush and lip color to complete that 80s vibe. I love taking older trends and transforming them into something wearable today.

bhcosmetics Galaxy Chic Baked Eye-shadow - Neptune

Maybelline Color Tattoo - Tenacious Teal

MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick

Face:
Foundation: Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous - Nude Beige
Concealer: Benefit Fake-up - Light & MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter - Radiant Rose
Face Powder: NYC Smooth Skin Loose Powder - Translucent & MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural - Medium Plus
Bronzer: Benefit Hoola Bronzer
Blush: Bobbi Brown - Pale Pink
Highlight: The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer

Eyes:
Base: Maybelline Color Tattoo - Tenacious Teal
Lid: BHcosmetics Galaxy Chic Baked Eyeshadow - Neptune
Crease: MAC eyeshadow - Star Violet & MAC Soft Brown
Outer Crease: Lorac Pro eyeshadow - Black
Eyeliner: Maybelline Master Precise Pen
Waterline: Milani Eye Pencil - Aqua
Mascara: Loreal Telescopic & Too Faced Better Than Sex
Lashes: Kiss Individual Lashes (just a couple on the outer lashes)
Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - Dark Brown

Lips:
MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick
Milani Lip Flash - Star Flash (right in the center of the lips)

xox,

                 Meredith

April Ipsy

Today’s post is all about my April Ipsy bag. Previously known as Glam Bag, Ipsy is a monthly subscription service that sends out five sample products in a cute little makeup bag for a small fee of $10 a month. I personally love trying out new products and get excited when my shiny pink Ipsy envelope comes in the mail. Although sometimes the products in my monthly bag can be hit or miss, I still find that there are some really great samples in there that give me my money’s worth. Look below to see what came in my April Ipsy bag. The highlights for me are definitely the Urban Decay Velvet Eyeliner and the Cover FX face primer.

                         

             

                                                                     Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm - Apple Pink

Cover FX Matte Primer

Rainbow Honey Nail Polish

Jasmine Roll On Perfume Oil

Urban Decay 24/7 Black Velvet Eyeliner

Become a member here!

Here are some of the other Ipsy Bags I've received over the past few months:

xox,

                 Meredith

Boyfriend's Guide to Gift-Giving

Hello Gentleman! If you ended up here, you probably have a girlfriend, wife, or woman in your life that you need to get a gift for...and you probably have no idea what to get her. Don't get discouraged - it's mainly our faults. I can admit, like many others, I am a tough girl to shop for. I just want something that I can use or wear every day, especially if a person I care about is spending their money on me. Next time you're with your girlfriend or wife, take note of what she is wearing. Does she wear more silver toned jewelry or gold? Does she have any makeup on her eyelids? Does she even have her ears pierced, and if so, what style earring does she usually wear? Just try to be a little more observant, and I promise you, it will spark an idea. As a safety net, you can explore the below items I've picked out for you - I love all of them!

Good luck!



xox,
                  Meredith

Happy Easter!

I just wanted to take the time to wish all of those celebrating a very happy Easter! For the Solimine Family, it was a beautiful day filled with with lots of family, laughs, and of course, Italian food. ;) My mom even made her traditional "bunny cake" with homemade whipped cream! So precious.

And how adorable are these Easter cakeballs that my cousin made?! Not to mention, they are sooo good too! If you live in the North NJ area and want to try these, you're in luck. Check out her website where you can custom order cakeballs for gifts, parties, and special occasions (or just because they are delicious). We even used bride and groom cakeballs as favors for my sister's bridal shower. She's awesome - click the following link for more details and pics: http://jessicakosky.wix.com/cakeballsbyjessica

(look at those bunny butts!)

Hope you all have a great rest of the Holiday!

xox,

                  Meredith

Friday Five: Friends & Family

It's that wonderful time of year again (no, not the Holidays). I'm talking about Lord & Taylor's friends and family promo! For years and years the friends and family promotion has given my mom and I an excuse to buy as much as we'd like from Lord & Taylor. I mean, come on, mostly everything is 25% off! (cosmetics are 10% off!) If there is anytime to buy that expensive bag or watch that you've had your eye on, here's your chance. If you need some ideas and inspiration, below are 5 items that I have and love (some are newer versions) that you can get your hands on from Lord & Taylor.

Links Below!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

 Here are my own items:

Michael Kors Lexington Watch - Large

Nars Blush Duo (Orgasm, Angelika)

Kate Spade Bow Ring

Jessica Simpson Calie Pumps

Michael Kors Large Selma Satchel - Dark Dune

Happy Shopping! ;)

xox,

                Meredith

Throwback Thursday - Old Hollywood Glam

Today I thought I'd have a little fun with the whole "Throwback Thursday" theme. I took one of my favorite kind of classic looks and tried to recreate it using some of my favorite products from today. Using the original Naked Palette by Urban Decay, I wanted to go for a gold tone on the eyes. I decided to keep it pretty neutral on the cheeks, but had to finish with that classic bold red lip. I also used one of my favorite highlighters on top of my cheekbones for some extra glam. All products are listed below! ;)

MAC Pressed Pigment - Blonde Streak

                 

Urban Decay Naked Palette (Original)

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm - Standout

Face:
Foundation: Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous - Buff Beige
Concealer: NYX HD Photogenic Concealer - Fair
Finishing Powder: NYC Smooth Skin Loose Face Powder - Translucent & MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural - Medium Plus
Bronzer: Benefit Hoola Bronzer
Blush: MAC - Prism
Highlighter: The Balm Mary Lou-manizer

Eyes:
Primer: MAC Paint Pot - Soft Ochre
Lid: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Virgin & MAC Pressed Pigment - Blonde Streak
Crease: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Half Baked & Smog
Blending Color: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Naked
Eyeliner: Maybelline Master Precise Pen Liner
Water Line: NYX Retractable Eye Liner - White
Mascara: Loreal Telescopic & Too Faced Better Than Sex
Brows: Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade - Dark Brown

Lips:
Lipliner: MAC Lip Pencil - Stripdown
Lipstick: Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm - Standout

Let me know what other Throwback looks you love!

xox,

                 Meredith