Pop. Fizz. Clink.

When it comes to New Years Eve, there is never too much sparkle. I have found my favorite NYE inspiration pictures on Pinterest that could easily be copied for the perfect outfit. Many online stores are having sales, so you can now afford that really expensive express shipping! Tobi.com is one of my favorite go-to online boutiques that is offering 40% off site wide right now.

When it comes to makeup on NYE, I love the traditional smokey eye with a hint of gold on my eyelids. What do I say to false lashes? YES. YES. YES. They are so fun and boost confidence! They are the perfect final touch. I know false lashes tend to be hard to put on, but many how-to videos can be found on youtube that will show you the whole process! NYE is one of the only times that I will wear a red lipstick with a smokey eye. Usually, it is too dramatic and will take away from your amazingly smoked eyes. If red just isn't your color, try a light pink that will match perfectly with the black and gold.

No, of course I didn't leave out hair inspiration!! My NYE hair ideas will always be down, curled and teased, BIG. I love love love when my hair is down and it gives me extra confidence when it isn't flat on my face. Tease it, spray it load it down with Sebastian Dry Hairspray and I promise it will stay! Slip a teasing rat comb in your purse for any extra boost on bathroom breaks! 

Nail time. If you already went with a girlfriend to get your nails done, then you're set and ready to go! If you are still bare, go with a dark color of your choice and add a touch of gold sparkle. 

And always remember, you're never fully dressed without a smile.

If you have any questions about tips and ideas for NYE, please comment below and I will respond!! 

XOXO

All images via

Holiday Giveaway!

Holiday Giveaway 2013

The moment you've all been waiting for… 

The winner of my Instagram giveaway that will be receiving this box of holiday goodies is Angie! 

Thank you to everyone who entered in and don't forget to check out my blog occasionally for more fun things! 

P.S. Angie, please email me at mimosasandmascara@gmail.com to set up delivery! 

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It's here, my 2013 holiday promotional giveaway!!!

I'm so excited about this fabulous giveaway, and I can't wait for one lucky winner to receive this box of goodies in the mail - just in time for NEW YEARS EVE! I am hoping this giveaway will promote my blog and you can inspire my blog post ideas! I hope you love this as much as I do!

Here's the scoop:

-When getting all beautified for this Holiday party season, one should never leave the house without some STATEMENT JEWELRY. Say hello to two perfectly pretty crystal jeweled necklaces to mix or wear together!! That's right, TWO! 

-It's totally okay to overload the jewelry this season, so there are TWO pairs of earrings from Francesca's to do the trick! 

-Who doesn't get excited to use new nail polish? A bright red with a gold glitter top coat is a must this holiday! I mean, come on! So cute!!

-It isn't Christmas time until you illuminate a candle with a holiday scent wandering through your home. And of course, Mimosas and Mascara is giving you Bath and Body Works party collection in Spiced Apple Toddy!

-E.L.F. has become a fave of mine. Put the glitter eyes set in your makeup bag and it will be your total life saver this holiday season. I would NEVER send you out to a party without making sure you were extra sparkly! This three eyeshadow palette comes with primer to make sure these favorite shades keep you all kinds of fancied up throughout your night!

#VSfashionshow

Yes, that's right! The 2013 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has come and gone; leaving all women envious of their absolutely killer thighs and perfectly sculpted abs. Whether you watched the fashion show and suddenly thought you would get a gym membership, or you had a watching party and stuffed your face with pizza, you were probably in awe just like me! There's so much more that goes into the annual runway spectacular than it appears. From the intense model casting sessions, to the backstage beauty stations and the strict health and fitness routines the models endure, the final runway walk is just a small part of what goes into the set up of the sexiest night of the year. 

I'll share some of my favorite pictures from the night:

As you can tell by my overload of the SnowAngel section, I. WAS. OBSESSED. This section was stunning and breathtaking. I'm really not sure what I love more, the white, the shoes, or the glittery catwalk. 

I also LOVED that they chose Taylor Swift to perform not only once, but TWICE! She was perfect for this fashion show and rocked the runway, too! 

See how they stock their gym bags, here. Find out their beauty secrets from model's go-to beauty expert, Mzia Shiman, here.

And last but not least, the 10 MILLION DOLLAR FANTASY BRA!

VS Angel Candice Swanepoel was chosen to wear this year's Fantasy Bra, created by Mouawad jewelers. The bra and matching belt featured over 4,200 gems, including diamonds, rubies and yellow sapphires set in 18 carat gold. The bra featured a 52-carat ruby drop centerpiece. Yes, a fifty-freaking-two carat ruby! Now, all I need to do is marry a trust fund baby who can afford my dream 3-carat diamond wedding ring.

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VS Angel's Beauty Secrets

Mzia Shiman, the model's go-to beauty expert, has shared her top skincare secrets behind the model's flawless complexions! 

1. Facial

Mzia Shiman says that a facial customized to your skin type is must! You should get your facial at least one week before your event to truly see all the benefits.

I go to Facelogic. It is a membership-based facial clinic, where an aesthetician will perform a facial monthly! One session of a signature facial will include a cleanse, steam mask, exfoliation, extraction and relaxation massage. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my facials! Since, I am still in school, I can no longer get them monthly, but really look forward to my facials when I can go. I feel as though facials should not be done only before events. They should be done regularly to look out and prevent any damage to the skin, to clear the pores and for ultimate relaxation and pampering. 

2. At Home Regiment

Mzia champions the use of the KeSARI clay mask, especially in the winter. She loves Decleor's Hydra Floral moisturizing team, which she says works well for everyone as it's light and super hydrating. 

I will mask my face at least twice a week. This is my "me" time. It is at least ten minutes of my day where I just put on a mask, light a candle, lay back and enjoy the quiet ten minutes of my busy life. They do wonders for my skin. I will use any mask from a clay mask, de-stress mask, or a pore-cleansing mask. I use all brands from Mary Kay to small packets that can be found at Walmart or Ulta. And as I've said this before, it is extremely important to keep your skin moisturized. No, I don't use a fancy or expensive product. I use St. Ives, and it has done the trick. This larger sized container costs around $5 at Walmart and I apply it daily before I apply makeup. This will not only benefit short-term, but also it prevents wrinkles!!

3. Exfoliation

Leading up to your big event, Mzia says to exfoliate! Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin radiant and smooth. It also promotes new skin cell growth. Mzia loves to exfoliate with a gentle scrub an then use a pore refining mask, like the KeSari Indian Clay Masque. 

I too exfoliate at least 2-3 a week. Again, I don't find it necessary to use a fancy or expensive product. Olay has plenty of different types of exfoliating products that will get the job done. Olay also has a variety you can choose from, depending on your skin type. I also will use my Olay spin brush that is similar to the technology of a Clarisonic, but saved me more money! This gives me a boost to my exfoliating scrub and gives a deep-clean feel!

4. Hydration and Cleanse

Mzia believes in drinking extra water prior to your big event and that you are cleansing your face avidly. Hydrate from the inside out. She is partial to Smart Water, but obviously any water will keep you hydrated and your skin feeling and looking its best. 

I would love to lie to you all and say I never go to sleep with my makeup on. But it is super important to not put aside cleansing your face before going to bed at all, any day. I really wish I could always abide by this unspoken rule, but sometimes I feel too lazy to completely wash my face before I hit my soft sinking bed. But I do put a small glass of water on my bedside table, so that must count for something. 

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Stock Your Gym Bag Like a VS Angel

In order to have that dream body, we of course have to follow fitness guru's health guidelines for perfect workouts and diet plans. But here, I can at least show you what are considered VS models gym bag essentials. A well packed bag is key to ensuring an effective, hassle-free workout. Here's the model's workout necessities, including their music playlists, and post-workout munchies.

Starting with my favorite model, Alessandra Ambrosio. In her bag, she carries toe socks for Pilates, sunblock and a hat, in case she wants to workout outdoors. She also packs plenty of water in order to stay hydrated, and a good lip balm. During her workout, she listens to rock, such as the Arctic Monkeys and Arcade Fire. She said that her good friend is a DJ and has a great playlist on Soundcloud. She will go there and download the latest playlist- usually a two-hour mix of electronic and Lana Del Ray. Post-Workout she will eat nuts or fresh fruit. She loves coconut water and fresh green juices with cucumber, ginger, lime and lemon for something refreshing. 

Lily Aldridge always carries a set of 1 lb. weights for her Ballet Beautiful workout. She always has her VS Sport Incredible Bra packed and ready to go, too! She listens to Queens of the Stone-Age, Kings of Leon and Arcade Fire to get her through her workout. She eats Larabars after workout to stay fueled.

You will find a good makeup remover, a water bottle and a Victoria's Secret Angel Sports Bra in Lindsay Ellison's exercise bag. She will play Drake and all kinds of Hip-Hop during her workout. After, she will dig trail mix out of her bag and add cacao nibs to the mix. 

Buy a small bag that you can pack up and take anywhere, whether it is for an after work exercise, lunch time stretch or a morning pre-shower sweat. If you have a packed bag, ready to go by the door, it will give you increase motivation to step outside that front door and get your fitness on! 

Print out all the pictures from my #VSfashionshow post, and use them as gymspiration! 

It's My Party

And I'll drink if I want to. Yesterday was my 21st birthday! Of course I popped a little bubbly before my legal day, but if you're reading my blog I'll assume you're like me and did the same. But being 21 legally is a little different than sneakily stashing your fake in your purse and praying you didn't lose it the morning after. 

This is a day I had been looking forward to as long as I can remember. Twenty-one is not only a feeling of freedom, but a slight feeling of bittersweet adulthood. 

Top of mind all day was what drink was going to be my first legal one. We did dinner at the Funky Door, a wine bar and fondue restaurant with fiesta cheese fondue to die for. Of course I had a couple glasses of Moscato, but those were still not my first legal drinks. After dinner, I was in the mood to celebrate at Louie Louie's Piano Bar - which was probably the best choice I had made yet. It was extremely entertaining and a rather crazy evening. My first drinks I ordered were called Starf*@!r$. They were a mixed drink of God knows what that tasted just like a starburst. Sweet and alcohol free, or so I felt. Three hours later, they sure caught up to me. I had a fabulous time with friends and family and am so blessed for such amazing people in my life. 

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Make-Up Must Haves

Everyday Make-Up Must Haves

Above are my fave make-up products I use for everyday wear. When I go out, I will add more make-up, but for daily wear, I like to keep it simple and neutral. 

I'm a big fan of both inexpensive drug store brands and higher end brands - it depends on the product! My daily make-up routine consists of covering my face, eyes, and lips.

FACE: I love to try different foundations and BB Creams, but right now this is what I currently use. 
-To prep my face, I always wash my face before applying make-up with one of my many cleansers. 
-MOISTURIZE. MOISTURIZE. MOISTURIZE. My grandmother always tells me the key to being wrinkle-free is a little moisturizer everyday. I don't believe it matters what kind you use, as long as you are using one. I use St. Ives Timeless Skin Collagen and Elastin. I really like this moisturizer because it is really cheap, has a smooth texture, and it gets the job done. Apply this to your face and neck. 
-After, I prime my face using M.A.C. Prep & Prime. I use this on my face, lids, and lips. Many people don't use primers, but they really help in filling in small lines and pores, to create an even 'canvas' of your face. It makes your makeup a little more flawless to have that base. 
-I apply M.A.C. Mineralize Foundation with SPF to even out and cover my skin. Since this foundation is a "build-able," meaning you can apply as little or as much as you want, sponges or wedges work best for application. I will usually apply a more subtle amount for everyday wear, and more for when I go out at night or for special occasions. 
-I then add Mary Kay concealer for under my eyes and blemishes only. Mary Kay offers many colors, and this color is a lighter shade than my foundation, so when I do my evening makeup, I also double it for a highlighter!

CHEEKS: I have a couple different shades of blushes I use, depending on the season.
-For this fall/winter season, I am wearing M.A.C. Pro LongWear Blush in the shade "Stay Pretty." This is a light pink shade that I swipe across the apples of my cheek, along my cheekbone to my hairline. A contour brush really helps for this look. I use an elf brush because it is cheap, but nice quality. The blush shade is a very subtle color and gives me a nice glow. 

EYES: I always wear eyeliner along my top lashes.
-First, I will swipe the lighter cream shade of eyeshadow across both of my eyes, and then add the light brown shade to my lids. For everyday wear, I usually do not use the darker shadows, because it is too dramatic. 
-I use Maybelline EyeStudio Gel Eyeliner. I LOVE gel. It glides on so smoothly, allowing me to create that perfect line so easily. It also dries so quickly, and is set for the rest of my day. It is all I use along my top lash line. I start in the center and work my way outward. I like to "wing" my ends a small bit for everyday wear. I will then go back to the center and make my way inward to the corner of my eye. This technique allows me to get a perfectly even line across.
-After, I will apply one to two coats of Loreal False Fiber Lashes to finish off my eyes. I am a mascara junkie and will sometimes wear other brands, but I use this brand the most. I also apply mascara to my bottom lashes, by holding the brush upright and softly moving it from left to right.  

LIPS: I don't always have a lip color on my lips. Sometimes, I just use a Chapstick, but it depends on the day and occasion. I do however have a crazy obsession with lipsticks and will try any color and any brand. 
-For my everyday look, I will usually just swipe on a gloss like my M.A.C. Pro LongWear Lip Glass shown above. I am not a fan of "sticky," so I tend to shy away from cheap lip glosses.The long wearing M.A.C. products are great for completing my look for my day-to-day make-up.

Hope this helped you find new products to check out! 
Tell me some of your fave products for me to check out! 

Beauty on a Budget

Ipsy Bag for November 2013

Join me on ipsy and subscribe to the Glam Bag! You get 4-5 products every month delivered to your door, for just $10, for my location, the shipping is included and Michelle Phan curates the bags! 

After two months of being on the wait list, it is an understatement to say I was excited to finally receive that big pink envelope in the mail. It's Ipsy time! I reviewed many subscription boxes and fell in love with the concept of Ipsy and decided to see what the hype was all about. Ipsy (formerly My Glam Bag) is a monthly subscription service where you receive a cute makeup bag full of 4-5 deluxe, and often full-sized products. They also provide exclusive offers from the brands featured in that month so you can buy more if you like it. It's a really good way to try out new products and brands that you might not otherwise be able to, much less even heard of before! 

November's theme was "Glam it Up" and contains six great full sized products that I love! From Ipsy: "As invites to holiday events and parties start pouring in, we are excited to say that your November Glam Bag will be filled with some go-to products to help get you glam." 

The Products:
Be A Bombshell | Lip Crayon in Shameless - Full Size $14
"A glossy lip crayon with a smooth texture that is perfect for travel and touch-ups on the go."

I really love lip products, so I was really excited to try this one out. It is a beautiful raspberry pink shade and has a tint of sparkle. I really loved this color on me. When I used it alone, it is a glossy color for a little bit and then the glossiness began to fade. I swiped on a nude lipgloss over it and the color was so pretty. It wears like a chapstick, so I was glad it wasn't sticky. Great for the upcoming holidays and parties! Love this product. I will be buying more. 

BH Cosmetics | Galaxy Chic Baked Eyeshadow in Neptune - Full Size (18 Shadow Palette) $14.95

"This Galaxy Chic Baked Eyeshadow Sample will take you from Plain Jane to an infinite trendsetter, inspired by the moons and planets of the universe, eyeshadow shades range from hot sun-orange to cool earth-blue and colors of the Milky Way. Be as chic as a sparkling star!" 

          

I am a huge fan of baked eyeshadows, and am really eager to try this out. I usually wear neutral shades, so I haven't had a chance to try this one out yet. I swatched the shadow on my skin, and it is a really pretty color. The pigmentation seems great!

Starlooks | Gem Eye Pencil in Topaz - Full Size $14

"The Starlooks Gem Eye Pencils provide a magnificent metallic finish and are so versatile, soft, and creamy that they can be used as a liner or eyeshadow base! Each highly-pigmented, unique pencil has a gorgeous, micro-glitter finish."

When I saw that the color was Topaz, I thought it was going to be a blue shade. It is actually a metallic silver. I blended this eye pencil along my brow line as a highlighter. It wasn't overly metallic, and looked great with neutral eyeshadows. 

Pixi Beauty | Bronzer in Subtly Suntouched - Full Size $18 includes Kabuki brush

"This bronzing powder gives your complexion the warmth and luminosity of naturally sun kissed skin. Hydrating, silky-smooth & long-wearing, it also protects against free radicals. Contains Vitamin E to protect the skin and mica, which provides dense natural pigment."

The bronzer I normally use just ran out, so this product came at the right time. I am currently using this in the "C-shape." This is close to my hair line, crossing my temples, and dropping near the end of my earlobe. It is the perfect shade on my skin to give that "sun-kissed" shade. It doesn't look unnatural or too summer-y. Great product. 

Nailtini | Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in Champagne - Full Size $13

"Glamour is an attitude as much as a look, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't look the part…all the way down to your fingertips! Just in time for the year's most glamourous season, nailtini is serving ipsters gorgeous nails in two shimmering shades - icy golden Champagne and molten pewter Caviar Cocktail. The perfect finishing touch to glam it up head to toe!"

This nail polish looks like it would be a copper colored shade, but actually comes off in the color describing it name - Champagne. It is a great nude color with the perfect amount of shimmer for a fun holiday party. I cannot wait to paint my nails! Cheers to beauty, and apply responsibly. 

EM Michelle Phan | Lash Gallery Mascara in Dramatic Volume - Full Size $20

"Inspired by the girl who wants to rock out with her lashes. Amp it up and create instant lash drama with a single coat. Uniquely-designed spoon brush "cups" and quickly builds lashes with rich color and volume."

I have semi-long eyelashes and really love to experiment with different mascaras. I usually only use black since brown doesn't show up on me well. This mascara has been great so far. I really like how think the brush is and how fast the mascara sets. I cannot use this on my bottom lashes because it tends to smear underneath. I am impressed with Michelle Phan's makeup line, but I don't know if I would pay $20 for this mascara. 

It is so fun to be surprised with the products the bag contains! I cannot wait to see what my December Glam Bag holds!!!

Images via

Stress-Free Season

While we all picture the holiday season as a time full of fun and festivities, we all have those moments that we find ourselves getting stressed out. Whether it be from school finals, holiday finances, work, or doubled up traffic, stress can turn into a big Grinch! Follow these tips to ensure a Scrooge-free season. 

1. Say no to credit cards.

Sliding the plastic card through a magnetic scanner can give off a feeling of power and wealth. It seems as though the employees can lure you right in with the mention of a discount. You can buy whatever you want with a 40% savings? Wrong. This season, stick to cash or debit so you aren't left paying a huge bill with added interest at the end of the next month. 

2. Get a Head Start.

Start searching for gifts early. Make a list of who you need to buy for and establish a budget you're going to spend this season. To break it down further, determine what portion of that budget can be spent on each person. Sometimes stores will have special deals in earlier months. If you don't mind the craziness of Black Friday, shop then! Better yet, shop online to beat the bumper to bumper traffic, packed parking lots, and overly long lines. Hint: Mint.com Personal Finance app lets users track their spending and create holiday budgets!

3. Give Back.

Volunteer for the Salvation Army and ring the bell for donations. Pick an angel off the tree in the mall and purchase gifts for someone in need. Make a holiday meal and deliver it to a food shelter, a personal friend in need or a church member. Send holiday letters to our troops! Whatever the tradition, start one this year, giving yourself something to look forward to every holiday. 

4. Don't Worry.

Don't over analyze if you didn't buy someone the right gift or if it is good enough. Everyone hates hearing, "But it's the thought that counts," but it's true. Your gift is enough. Hint: You can't go wrong with a gift card or wine! If you are throwing any holiday parties this season, don't worry about it being better than Sally Sue's. The season is about being with friends and family. Hint: Check Pinterest for fun and creative ideas!

5. You can't spell "MERRY" without "ME."

Give yourself a break from decking the halls. Whether you schedule a stress-reducing aromatherapy massage, catch a Rom-com, soak in a candle lit bubble bath, or a nice paraffin wax manicure, a little "me" time can go a long way. Hint: Bath and Body Works has fabulous scented bubble bath! 

6. Work it out.

We all know that exercise can do wonders to our stress levels. Try a holiday fun run, hot yoga, or a simple stair master to stay in good spirits! Don't over-eat at holiday parties to prevent feeling bloated and tired. A healthy lifestyle is always stress-free!

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These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

1. This Don't Sweater It nail polish from Essie is the perfect nude shade for the fall. 

2. My Aztec cardigan is a go to when I am rushing out the door. It pairs with any top well and looks great with tall riding boots. It is a sure boost to any outfit!

3. I am obsessed with this candle from Niven Morgan. It is a signature fragrance with warm top notes of vanilla and floral amber. It is a subtle scent, perfect for the sensualist.

4. My favorite fall drink from Starbucks is a cold one. The Java Chip Frappuccino is a mocha flavored coffee drink with chocolate chips mixed in. Although the sweetened whipped cream and chocolate drizzle make for an artsy Instagram pic, I usually ask for non-fat milk and skinny (meaning no whipped cream or drizzle.) Also, if I need an extra pick-me-up, I add a shot of espresso. 

Roasted pumpkin seeds are my new favorite fall snack. There are many different recipes that can be found online. It is actually quite shocking that I like these, because I do not like pumpkin flavored foods. I have tried honey roasted, but what I really like are salt roasted seeds covered in chocolate!

I Would Walk 500 Miles

And she would walk 500 more. Cheryl Strayed is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the memoir Wild. She is also the author of the advice essay collection Tiny Beautiful Things and the novel Torch. This past summer, Wild was chosen for Oprah Winfrey's first selection to her Book Club 2.0. Wild has earned many other recognition awards as well. At the bottom of this post, I have shared the segment of the memoir found on cherylstrayed.com.

Wild is the journey of Strayed's eleven hundred mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. Hollywood actress, Reese Witherspoon has purchased the film rights to the book and will produce and play the role of Strayed in this film.

In my Creative Writing course, our last reading assignment was to read an excerpt of her essay The Love of My Life featured in The Sun Magazine. I loved this reading. I love how Strayed is blatantly honest about the chaos and madness in her life after her mother's death. She began cheating on her husband, using titles for the people she slept with. I absolutely loved that small but distinct detail. Closer to the end of this short non-fiction essay, she decides to go on a 1,638 mile walk, which later turns into eleven hundred miles in Wild. I feel like it is pure insanity to set off on a journey with your life in complete shambles. I cannot wait to read Wild! If you would like to read The Love of My Life essay, the link is http://thesunmagazine.org/archives/2192?page=3.

I encourage you to read Wild and let me know what you think. 

     At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life. With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State—and she would do it alone. Told with suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, Wild powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her.

Well Hello There

Hi and welcome to Mimosas and Mascara!! I am really excited to finally start a blog. Mimosas and Mascara will feature product reviews, thoughts on makeup and fashion, craft ideas and reviews and anything else on my mind. A lot of the things I will post about are listed in my About Me tab. This will be a place for me to share the things I love and hopefully inspire readers!