Author Archives: McKennaRishmawy

the Fragrance stuff., the Me stuff.

The carrot.

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What do you do to motivate yourself through a Master’s course where you are composing the first parts of your thesis in education? What do you do to motivate yourself through a course that has caused you to miss two awesome birthday parties (one with a 1920s-40s theme … I can’t even think about it, I had my outfit all planned out and everything), as well as spend countless hours frying your brain in front of a computer screen doing …… research?

You employ the rewards system, of course!

When I’ve got such a task ahead of me, I’ve found that the easiest way to help myself through it is to put a little something at the finish line so that it’s waiting for me when I, um, finish. It could be anything. Sometimes it’s not even a thing, sometimes it’s just an event to look forward to. However, in this case my reward at the end of the finish line came in the form of the newest Lancome fragrance- La vie est belle

I bought this baby a couple months ago in a manner not unlike how most of my fragrance purchases go down. I smelled it at Ulta one day and I literally could not … get it … out of … my brain. It was just so warm and sweet, like a delicious vanilla musk. I instantly knew that this would be my scent of Fall 2012. “But so soon?!” I asked myself, in the sweltering heat of early August. It just seemed like a little too much instant gratification to have it right then, and I had two perfumes that I was trying to get through anyhow! So I made a deal with myself- finish your next course for your MA (by October), and then you can open it. And in the meantime, finish one of your other perfumes.

Well, the coursework is finished as of tonight (finished early!) and I’m aaaaalllmost done with my Givenchy Ange’ ou Demon Le Secret. So, I’m not quite ready for it yet, but the plan is to unleash The Beautiful Life at the commencement of October. So be warned- if you’re around me at all this week I’m likely to be drenched in Ange’. I gotta make room!

For now, here is the most extravagant, hilarious fragrance commercial ever created, just for this “groundbreaking” perfume I’m about to bathe in. Man, is there anything better than a ten-trillion-dollar fragrance commercial? Well, maybe this.


xo, MR

the Magazine stuff., the Makeup stuff., the Review stuff.

My eyelids look exactly like Kate’s eyelids.

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Ever see red carpet makeup, or makeup in a movie, or makeup on a magazine cover and you think, “Hmm, I’ll bet I could do that”? And do you ever get even more excited when you’re able to find out what products were used on the look? That’s like striking gold for me. A lot of times websites or magazines will simply suggest items that they claim will “recreate” the look, but they won’t list the exact products. This always left me feeling a little cheated. I mean, come on! If it’s good enough for fill–in-the-blank-celebrity-name, it’s good enough for me … right? So anyhow, when I’m able to dig up the exact products used for whatever look it is that I’m loving, I know I’m that much closer to really looking like Jennifer Aniston. Uh huh.

Just kidding. I don’t really want to look like Jennifer Aniston.

But I did find myself quite enamored with this beautiful shot of Kate Beckinsale as the August cover girl of Allure magazine. She’s been on the cover for this magazine more than a couple times, but hey, why not?

Allure always features a page in every issue that gives the details on their cover shoot, including the makeup that was used. Now, to be honest, I’m still not sure if the products referenced are the real goods used for the shoot. They may still have me fooled after almost ten years of reading this magazine (yes, ten). But I decided to make a run down to my drugstore and try out the eyeshadow they referenced because it looked easy, gorgeous and it was cheap. And I try not to buy drugstore makeup too frequently, however tempting it may be. The suspect- L’Oreal 24HR. Infallible eyeshadow in “Bottomless Java”.

We’ve all got a million brown eyeshadows (especially if you have brown eyes like me), but I’d really recommend this one for your “best bargain” category no matter what eye color you’ve got. The color is incredibly rich without too much fall-out, it builds well, and is highly pigmented. While it’s decidedly neutral (I mean, it is brown), a couple layers of the stuff make for quite the smoky eye.

While I don’t quite look like Kate Beckinsale post-shadow application, I’d say it’s a pretty good match to the shade observed on her cover look. Hopefully this means Allure really is giving their most accurate information and we can all have Kate’s eyelids together. xo, MR

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All up in my face.

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So, by now you know I love hair. I’m crazy about the stuff, and I’m finally at a place where I really enjoy my own. But even prior to honing my affections for my locks, I had developed a very special relationship with my face.

Throughout high school I’d gone through the typical battles against the occasional breakout, but my consistent involvement in sports with all the sweating, washing, and protein consumption probably helped to keep a real acne problem at bay. Anyhow, I began reading books and articles about natural body care during my late college years. The facts regarding most of the ingredients in what we wash and cover our skin and hair with scared me. I figured that it’s bad enough that I enjoy makeup so much, with its frequent use of animal testing and weird preservatives and mineral oil-based emollients. So, I decided to try and at least make changes in what I use on my skin and hair and the results have been nothing short of awesome. I’m at the point where I read the ingredients on the bottle, and I know that words like “natural” or “organic” pretty much mean nothing unless they’re backed up by a clean list of ingredients.

I love Desert Essence products so much that I now recommend that brand first when asked about switching to natural products by anyone. They’re almost 100% clean and they’re also really reasonably priced. I use their Daily Defense SPF 15 moisturizer and their Thoroughly Clean Face wash. I buy the giant bulk-sized bottles of the wash and pour it into a dispenser bottle for the shower. For the past four years or so my face has been consistent trouble-free since doing this routine. It’s never dry, never oily, and any breakouts clear up quickly. And when I do encounter a little flare-up, the pink sediment of Mario Badescu Drying Lotion works a small miracle in clearing it up pretty much within 48 hours.

For a night moisturizer I’ve been using Korres Yoghurt moisturizer, but I’m not sure about how sanitary the jar it’s packaged in is (you have to dab your fingers into the moisturizer instead of using a pump, which is more sanitary). I’m going to try Acure‘s night cream next, and it’s about seven bucks cheaper anyhow. And I usually don’t “wash” my face at night so to speak, but I use a Yes to Cucumbers face wipe instead. I like that kind better than the blueberry or tomato ones the brand has.

Eye creams have been tough because a good, natural one is usually concentrated with expensive ingredients, but because the amount of product is rather small they don’t seem to be worth the price. I love Weleda Intensive Wild Rose eye cream, but I’ve gotten lucky and found it on clearance each time I’ve had to repurchase it. I’m on the look-out for a new one that doesn’t cost thirty dollars, but the high-quality natural ones aren’t cheap.

For a face mask, I like Aubrey Organics Sea Buckthorn and Cucumber Moisturizing Mask. It doesn’t smell as delicious as others you may find, but it’s completely trustworthy on your skin. And when I exfoliate I use Origins Never a Dull Moment, which smells like a big, juicy apricot.

Most all of my stuff can be found at Sprout’s, Whole Foods, or even Target. I’ve loved taking care of my skin so much more since going natural because I know I don’t have to worry about shady chemicals with names I can’t pronounce being in charge of how my skin looks. I submit that your skin will experience similarly awesome results if you give your routine a green spin. Now if I can just stop eating Takis and ruining my insides with mercury and lead … seriously …

the Hair stuff., the Makeup stuff., the Me stuff.

Ooh dang, she look fine! … or, my celebrity beauty crushes.

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Everyone’s got a favorite celebrity when it comes to fashion. We follow their style, pin all their outfits on Pinterest, and are most excited to see them on the red carpet. Sometimes, we even like a somewhat questionable outfit on them because, well, it’s on them. But have you ever thought of who your favorite celebrities are when it comes to beauty? You always love their hair, or you know they use great products, or their makeup is always different and fun in every photo. Perhaps they aren’t your favorites for style (or vice versa: you love what they wear but their makeup is always the same), but from they neck up, they always seem to get it right. Here are my three that I’m always ecstatic to see a close-up shot of:

1. Diane Kruger

Diane’s hair and makeup change dramatically with nearly every appearance. The German beauty is reminiscent of Grace Kelly and is never easily predicted, and she’ll take risks that’ll keep you on your toes. Pin curls, fishtail braids, easy topknots, bright red lips, dramatic winged eyeliner- you never know what she’ll do. And the coolest thing is that Diane’s known for frequently doing her hair and makeup herself!

2. Olivia Wilde

It probably doesn’t hurt that she’s a Revlon spokesmodel, but Olivia always looks so chic in the beauty department. She had an incredible cut with bangs and beautiful ombre color for a while that I loved, but her new cut for 2012 (pictured above) served as one of the most inspirational looks for this year’s ever-popular long bob cut. Her stunning blue eyes are so easy to play up with colorful shadow, too.

3. Jessica Biel

I’m mostly into Miss Biel for her locks. This exact picture served as inspiration for my hair leading up to my wedding, and I continue to obsess over every style and color Jessica tries with her crowning glory. Her mane just seems so healthy, and the health of my hair has taken priority over its everyday appearance partly in thanks to seeing incredible locks like Jessica’s. She’s commonly known as one of the most fit celebrities that maintains a stellar diet and exercise regimen, and dedication like that tends to manifest itself everywhere in your body, including your skin and hair.

There are, of course, other ladies that I’m crazy about including Kate Beckinsale, Jennifer Connelly, Thandie Newton, and Mila Kunis. The originally mentioned ones, however, seem to be the most consistent in impressing me both on the red carpet and sometimes off, too. And I love my listed three specifically for what they do with their hair and makeup, not because I simply think they’re the prettiest celebrities. For instance, Miss Connelly’s features are so striking that I enjoy her more for how she naturally looks rather than what’s done with her makeup (though that raven shade of hair is greatly complemented by those rose-colored lips). I appreciate it too when a celebrity’s hair and makeup is translatable and easy to relate to. My counterexample of this would be the 365-days-a-year goddess known as Miss Beckinsale. Kate always seems to look just a tad too perfect. There’s no ease to her beauty; it’s immaculate glamour all the time with no hair (or, ahem, hair extension) out of place. However glorious and coiffed she may always look, such beauty can be hard to relate to.

The three featured in this post are those that I look forward to seeing the most at every awards show, in every magazine, and on every website. Their beauty isn’t so other-worldly that I feel I can’t take inspiration from them, and they each try new ideas that any other girl can try. So tell me, who are your favorites?

the Makeup stuff.

If you add one thing to your Fall 2012 beauty repertoire …

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So, I realize it’s been quite a bit since I’ve posted (and by that I mean maybe a week) but I’m trying to space out my entries a little more. It may have something to do with the fact that I am about to enter into an extremely busy season consisting of the following: incessant research and writing for my Master’s thesis, a destination wedding and a couple makeup opportunities, two jobs with inconsistent schedules, and my husband’s ministry. Fall 2012 is going to be a blur, and it’s going to be over in a minute.

But while we’re at Fall of 2012, might I mention that it is September? August has always been one of my least favorite months for various personal reasons (although this past one was my best yet), and so each year I crave that stretch into September, when everything finally begins to transition ever-so-slowly. Out here in Orange County things really transition slowly (it pretty remains summer out here until mid-October), but I think that’s the reason why I love the transition into fall so much- we get so little of it here that I relish every crisp, chilly bit. I savor every red-orange leaf that I see falling off a tree and every evening I step out and feel the slight need for boots. But of course, what makes this seasonal transition even more delightful is advent of fall fashion and fall beauty.

This particular season’s offerings consist of the usual suspects when it comes to colder weather: red, matte lips, smokey eyes in earthen tones, burgundy nails, and flushed cheeks. But my personal favorite for this go-round of autumn is what I like to call the bold, bordeaux lip. It’s dark and mysterious yet still warm … ugh, just makes me drool for autumn even more. It’s like the perfect companion for a mug of hot tea on a November Saturday morning at some quaint sidewalk cafe … while wearing faux fur.

This is, by far, the season’s easiest beauty trend to try. You can spend six bucks at the drugstore or up to thirty at Nordstrom and come out with the same awesome results. I also love that it’s a small, subtle way to add just a touch of goth to your look. I’ve had this L’Oreal Colour Riche lipstick in Spice for some time and it’ll be yielding itself quite handy. It’s a deep wine shade with some hints of brick-red. I also love Laura Mercier‘s lip stain in Mulberry for a lighter, slightly more pink-infused take on the look. This shade would be better for my fair-skinned friends (because with colors like this, it’s wise to test out various shades on your skin before committing to one). Also, you don’t have to layer on the stuff- you can apply one layer and then blot for a stained effect.

Kate Bosworth’s look seen here from this year’s MET Gala has seemed to provide the most memorable piece of evidence for the trend (photo provided by InStyle magazine). If you aren’t into how this looks, remember that you can always choose a less dramatic shade (and don’t be giving Kate the face … it’s the MET Gala. You’re supposed to go bold or go home). xo, MR

the Hair stuff., the Magazine stuff., the Review stuff.

It … could … work!

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So, you know how sometimes you’ll be looking at some ‘How To’ tutorial article in a magazine that shows you (in three easy steps!!) how to blow out your own hair into goddess locks? Seriously, it’s so easy, right? And then they’ll recommend, like, one miracle product that will do just the trick to get you from Point A to Point Z. Seriously, just a little dab of Moco de Gorila and BAM- your hair be lookin’ like this.

I think we’ve all felt a little mislead at some point by tutorial articles. The work it truly takes to achieve that kind of red carpet hair can have a team of stylists clocking in literal hours on one head of hair. However, every once in a while one little feature is found to be so helpful and accurate, like a precious golden nugget.

Enter this ever-so-tiny feature in the July 2012 issue of People StyleWatch. My recent haircut had rendered me somewhat anxious as to how to style it in it’s more natural state (read: wavy/curly). This little gem recommended just a couple cheaply-priced products and the fabulous, super-convenient suggestion of air-drying your hair overnight! I chose to purchase the Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly spray gel because I’d never tried a spray-gel before, and the novelty only cost me five bucks. I followed Strahan’s instructions, covered my hair in heat-protectant spray the next day, misted with the spray gel, and then used my 1-inch iron to create waves in different directions. I had good feelings about this one. It could work!!

Voila! I’d say it was a success! You’ve gotta love successful little tips in a world full of useless beauty information. The spray gel has a nice scent, but for how much I touch my hair I find that I have to use quite a bit for the waves to really hold strong. No harm in that, though. Cheers! xo, MR

the Makeup stuff., the Review stuff.

Drugstore vs. Department Store: Undereye Concealers

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Under-eye concealer can be tricky. Even at the spring chicken age of twenty or so, our eyes are usually the first place to show signs of any aging and are almost always the first place to show signs of fatigue. Makeup artists have used various types of concealer in the under-eye area to conceal dark circles and even out the skin tone around the eye. The overall effect is one of being more awake and more … um … spring chicken-ish. However, pick the wrong shade and you possibly wind up looking something like this. Or choose an iffy formula and it winds up creasing into your tiny wrinkles found in your lower eyelid. And I just hate relying on heavy-duty concealer under there for everyday, because it literally looks like you’ve painted cake batter on your lower lids.

So anyhow, pictured above are two versions of the aforementioned product. One costs about four times as much as the other (Oh please, do guess!), and one has not worked as well for me as the other. Now, perhaps I just didn’t land on the right shade, but I have to say that the famed Yves Saint Laurent Touche’ Eclat has wound up as somewhat of a disappointment. It just wasn’t the miracle that it was prophesied to be by blogger after blogger, magazine after magazine. The brush applicator it uses is incredibly soft, but I actually prefer applying concealer with my finger because the warmth of my skin seems to do a much better job at blending as opposed to a brush. Oh well. I’ve been using that L’Oreal True Match stuff for years and I continue to prefer it over other formulas for everyday use. I’ve found it more brightening and more creamy in texture.

Hey, every once in a while the drugstore really pulls through. xo, MR

the Makeup stuff., the Me stuff., the Skin stuff.

She sells sea smells by the seashore.

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I’d never been much of a girl for summer, but since my appreciation for fashion in all its seasons has grown, I’ve begun appreciating the varying climates and environments that inspire designers more and more. I’ve evolved into a woman for all seasons these past couple years, and now I can’t enough of whatever it is … sunshine, rain, crisp breezes, fog (just not wind).

My favorite times of summer consist of taking a drive to the beach by myself, packing a couple mags, and bringing a couple favorite beauty products of mine that tend to do simply two things: moisturize and smell like vacation. But other than that, I won’t wear a drop of makeup to the beach. Slather on the sunscreen, and brother that is it.

Monoi Tiki Tahiti Tiare is an oil product that smells nothing short of divine. I found it at a Mother’s Market and it’s a little escape in a bottle. I’ve only recently fallen in love with the idea of tropical places (because for so long I was strictly a forest girl), and now I can’t get enough of scents that transport me to pristine beaches of golden sand. You can put this stuff in your hair and all over your skin, and it solidifies under 68 degrees. Deeeee-lish.

I typically favor neutral nail colors, as seen here on my fingers (Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Honey Whip). I chose a similar color for my wedding day and just used it instead of French tips or acrylics. I don’t know why, but I just can’t get into what I call ‘add-ons’, like hair extensions or acrylic nails. I even had a hard time with false eyelashes at first, but I couldn’t argue with what they did for pictures.

I’ll go a little more dramatic on my toes for some pop. This one’s Chanel Le Vernis in Black Pearl, from the Spring 2011 collection. And that’s a picture of Jessica Alba with a faboosh topknot. Can’t get enough of those things. xo, MR

the Hair stuff., the Me stuff.

Hair today ……..

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This is me, waving a fond farewell to my long locks (the longest they’ve been, I believe, since high school). They’ve made for some of the greatest summer hair I’ve ever had, complete with ombre’ color, and they’ve not been cut since … February? Yup, February. They’ve maintained their health thanks to my regular routine consisting of washing just twice a week, cold rinses, deep conditioning with every third wash, air-drying almost 100% of the time, and a little miracle product from Kerastase called Fibre Architecte, which probably extended the life of my ends by at least two months.

However, it is now late August, and the children shall be returning to school which means that I’ll be returning with them. I’ve also begun my usual routine of incessantly picking at my split ends that probably weren’t as bad to begin with until I got my paranoid hands on them. And then there’s also the fact that I just love a good cut to transition into a new season (even though it’ll continue to seem like summer out here for at least two more months, probably).

And so, I bring you the long bob as styled by the great Justin Kamm over at Salon 9 in Orange:

Inspired by one of Anne Hathaway’s cuts from the not-quite-so-recent years, I decided to steer away from layers and go for a more blunt look. I love it unquestionably, but I also love how my hair was less than five hours ago. That’s a good thing though, right? I like it most any way these days, and that should be enough to shut me up and keep me pretty satisfied. Thanks Justin! xo, MR