Monday, April 23, 2012

These are a few of my favorite...products!

Like most twenty-somethings, I'm very loyal to the beauty products that I use on the daily (as a PR and Advertising student, I know all about brand loyalty). Once I found the perfect moisturizer for my skin type, perfect shade of pink nail polish, or voluptuous mascara, I can never let it go. I love to share my favorite beauty products with my sorority sisters and friends in hopes to "convert" a few ladies to my favorite products - here are just a few of my favorites!



1. Redken "Fashion Work 12" hairspray
My hairstylist uses this as a finishing spray every time I get a haircut, and I loved it so much that I splurged around $16 to get the same salon-quality look at home. This hairspray does wonders for those who straighten their hair on a daily basis (like myself).  At first, I was a little shocked at that price, but I can't get enough of it! I normally spray my hair with the Fashion Work 12 before straightening because it protects from heat damage, split ends, and those little white spots on the end of damaged hair (yuck!). Additional bonuses: adds shine and smells great!

2. Mary Kay "Botanical Effects" moisturizer
Summer is approaching, which means dry, oily, and sun damaged skin. During the warmer months, I like to use an extra hydrating moisturizer to protect my skin from drying out. This moisturizer is from Mary Kay's new "Botanical Effects" line and is definitely my new go-to skin care line. This is lightest moisturizer I've ever used and will definitely be replenishing my supply when I run out. I would highly recommend this moisturizer if you're looking for something light and airy and leaves your skin refreshed and renewed!

3. Maybelline "Dream Liquid Mousse" foundation
I've used this foundation for 4 years and I just can't get enough. The coverage is impeccable, the shade matches my skin perfectly, and it doesn't clog my pores. It also leaves my skin feeling light, natural - not like I have foundation globbed all over my face. I've experimented with many different foundations, but nothing comes close to this Maybelline product. If you have issues with unnatural-looking makeup, give this foundation a try! I stand by it one hundred percent!

4. Revlon "Just Bitten" lipstain
I prefer lipstain to any kind of lipstick or lip gloss - especially Revlon's "Just Bitten". Not only are there dozens of colors to choose from, but the stain also comes with a moisturizing lip balm that leaves your lips silky and shiny. I wear this lipstain to every sorority social function and it lasts all night long - no smudging, fading, or re-applying!

7. Bumble and Bumble "Styling Creme"
If you haven't jumped on the Bumble and Bumble bandwagon, you'll want to hitch a ride now. I'm a HUGE fan of their "Styling Creme". Essentially, it's an all-purpose hair creme that acts as a mousse, styling cream, and hair protectant and can be applied to damp or dry hair. I usually apply it to my damp hair before I blow dry and straighten. It leaves my hair full of body, shiny, and silky. I love Bumble and Bumble's products and they're worth every penny (they range between $20-$30). I'm looking to try their new"Surf Spray" - it's meant to give you that beachy waved, wind-blown hair instantly!

6. Essie "A Crewed Interest" nail polish
I'm usually not a big risk-taker when it comes to nail color and I typically stick to a clean, classic, nude color. I purchased Essie's "A Crewed Interest" last week and I fell in love instantly! Instead of a boring and bland nude, this is a pastel peach and looks great an any skin tone and is perfect for the spring and summer! The bright and cheering color looks great with any outfit. You'll definitely catch me on the beach with this on my nails. 

7. Covergirl "LashBlast 24HR" mascara
Typically I'm a sceptic to mascaras that have big claims as their marketed name, but Covergirl's "LashBlast 24HR" is a whole other story. It (surprisingly) leaves my lashes long and voluminous all day long with no flaking, spider eyes, or smudging. This new line of mascara comes with an extra sparkle added within the formula - I purchased the "Very Black" with a gold tint. The tinted color isn't especially noticeable, but I notice the extra sparkle in the sunlight. If you're a fan of dark, defined, and lushes lashed, invest $8 in this fabulous mascara. You'll become a believer!


Sunday, April 22, 2012

My famous sorority sisters

Throughout history, there have been many notable Chi Omegas nationwide: To Kill a Mockingbird author Harper Lee (Nu Beta, University of Alabama), actress Lucy Liu (Eta, University of Michigan) and Susan Helms (Pi Gamma, University of New Mexico), the first woman to live in the International Space Station.
There is one Chi Omega, however, that has made an international buzz. Cindy Chiang (Pi Alpha, University of Cincinnati) and her then fiancĂ©, Ernie Halvorsen, won the nineteenth season of the popular CBS reality show The Amazing Race. These Chicagoans raced around the world for one month testing their mental and physical strengths through rigorous challenges.  In the end, the couple’s competitive attitude earned them the title of Amazing Race 19 winners and a prize of one million dollars.
Shortly after the season finale of The Amazing Race aired, Cindy and Ernie exchanged vows at the Chicago Cultural Center with a vintage travel themed wedding. There was even a small Amazing Race cake displaying Cindy and Ernie in their signature yellow t-shirt and backpacks.
The married couple hopes to establish a charity that will benefit worldwide health education with their remaining winnings. In an interview with TVGuide, Cindy explaines more about the organization. “We're still in the process of getting the paperwork going”, Cindy said, “but we're hoping to use this organization to bring awareness to and to fight childhood obesity through education, fitness and nutrition programs.”
 Cindy and Ernie continue to live happily in Chicago where they work in brand and project management. 

Cindy and Ernie on season 19 of The Amazing Race.
(Source: CBS)
Cindy and Ernie with host Phil Keoghan at the finish line of The Amazing Race.
(Source: CBS)
Cindy and Ernie on their March10 wedding.
(Source: Cindy Chiang Halvorsen)
Cindy and Ernie's Amazing Race-style wedding cake.
(Source: Cindy Chiang Halvorsen)
Meet Cindy and Ernie!