Featuring: Lindsay Rogers, Founder of BelleBelle

When friends come over to visit... my makeup room is usually one of their first stops. It's like a grown up version of a "play room" and instead of a world full of Barbies...I have a room full of lipstick, and way too many foundation options. It's fun to see what our friends use, we get inspired, find new favorites, and get to test out new colors (with no purchase necessary). I love raiding my girlfriend's medicine cabinets-but if I had to choose JUST ONE-it would have to be Lindsay Rogers, founder of Belle Belle Social Media. This girl has it all! ...and I really mean, she has it ALL! I could spend hours ooh-ing and ahhh-ing at her collection of beauty items. Her beauty reviews are extremely informative, and she features a variety of price points from drugstore to department store. Over the past few months, I have enjoyed getting to know her likes and dislikes in the beauty industry, and am so excited to share her story with you so you can get to know her too.


1. When did you fall in love with cosmetics?
I have memories of begging to wear red nail polish and playing in my grandmother's enormous eye shadow palette as far back as I can remember! But when I was 14, I bought my first "grown-up" makeup - a Trish McEvoy Makeup Planner full of her goodies. I have been buying makeup like crazy ever since. 

2. How did you begin blogging about makeup, skincare, and fashion?
I was doing social media consulting and decided I needed my own personal online presence. When I was thinking about my passions, it was clear - had to be beauty. As my business evolved, I was able to incorporate my (almost) equal passion for fashion on my tumblr and on Pinterest.

3. What does your skincare routine look like?
It is always changing since I am constantly testing products. But my favorites include Arcona Triple Berry cleansing bar, Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Toner, Retin-A Rx, Kate Somerville CytoCell™ Dermal Energizing Treatment, La Mer The Eye Concentrate and Cle De Peau Beaute UV Protection Cream SPF 50 PA+++.


4. What is your favorite beauty product? 
That's hard! I might have to pick a couple :) Le Metier de Beaute Eyeshadow, NARS 'Pure Radiant' Tinted MoisturizerSPF 30 and Estee Lauder Eye Kohl. 

5. What are the hottest gift giving items you'd want or give to friends and family?
NEST Fragrances candles (the absolute gold standard in home fragrance) ad L'Occitane Hand Cream sets. 

6. Is there a drastic difference in how girls in San Fransisco do their makeup vs. where you live now? When I lived in SF, it was always a natural and healthy approach to makeup. Things were usually paired down to match the casual style. In Texas and Oklahoma, girls aren't afraid to wear more foundation and a more dramatic eye. But I don't see many bold red lips down here.

7. What look/trend to you regret most?
French manicures just irk me but French pedicures completely creep me out. Why did I do that? 

8. What is your favorite trend/look you want to bring back?
I think a eye lined with a tight-line looks so clean and defined. While I appreciate a good smokey or cat eye, there is something to be said for a streamlined approach. 

9. What is your signature scent?
Donna Karen Cashmere Mist

10. Do you do your own nails or go to the salon?
I used to go to the salon for a mani/pedi weekly (yes, weekly) when I worked in finance. After starting Belle Belle Media, I learned to do my own manicures and actually find it really soothing!


Make sure to stalk her on her blog, facebook, twitter, tumblr, and pinterest for all her beauty (and fashion) favorites!

XOXO
Priscilla 

Updated Traditions

Traditions are so nice to have, especially during the holidays like Easter... you can count on that activity to happen ever year right!? What happens when your traditions need to be altered? Do you embrace it or do you hesitate the change?  When it comes to your image, are you more traditional or are you more updated... I tend to be a mix of both. I enjoy adding a bold statement piece to an everyday basic outfit, and I recommend using this method for your makeup bag too-just update one area, whether it's your eyes or lips...it will really transform your image.


Floral prints are a must in your closet this season, and you can't go wrong with this Bellatrix Sheer Print...it has that "old lady" kinda feel that you can't help but love, with a contemporary color palette. Pair it with a chunky bold necklace and bold hot pink lips, or some simple pearls and a light pastel lip...it's the best of both worlds.


I have been obsessed with hair bun's lately-this too can be traditional or it can be trendy depending how you are wearing it... and it's SUPER easy and fast! (Stay tuned I will give in to my secret for the perfect hair bun soon...)


Last but not least, a winged eyeliner is such a classic look that has never gone out of style. Update your eyes by trying new formulas.. maybe you've been using a liquid pen for years-try a gel formula and see if anyone notices?? And vise versa... if you've been using a gel liner or pencil-try a liquid pen next time you replenish your makeup bag. There are always new products in the industry, and when you broaden your options you will strengthen your artistry skills at the same time! To see a tutorial on a simple winged eyeliner look click here.

Happy Easter my friends! Enjoy the beautiful flowers, the wonderful feasts, and the special memories with your family and friends tomorrow!

XOXO
Priscilla

River Veda- River of Knowledge

Entrepreneurs who are evolving the beauty industry are extremely inspiring-especially a woman like, Megan Douglas, who has a story behind her line River Veda. To me, the story is like an inspiration board behind a clothing line-it's insight into the process of how something was created. I was pleasantly surprised to find that she was a fashion designer in London before she created River Veda. Read all about her story here!


Its been over a week now since I've been using The Everyday Evening Primrose moisturizer and the Freshly Free Facial Toner.The toner's key ingredient is Aloe Vera Organic juice, which will heal any skin disturbances. It's suitable for any skin type because it is so gentle. It feels like you are wiping water on the skin because there is no sting or tingle.The packaging won me over before I even opened the moisturizer!! It's shaped like a tooth paste tube...and I loved that I had to pierce the opening before using (I felt comfortable that I was using an extremely fresh product!) The scent reminds me of a sugar cookie, it's not overwhelming, more citrus than than sweet hmmmm. The texture is rich, but blends into the skin pretty fast so there is no heavy feeling throughout the day.

*My skin is more oily, but lately I've been testing out more hydrating products to prevent wrinkles and slow down the aging process of my skin. So far, this has been one of the more effective moisturizers I've used in a long time! If you feel it's too heavy for you, just use it at night.

This vegan skincare line also has a partnership with Indian Community Farms-giving back to our world-which I think is so neat... Make sure to follow on River Veda on Facebook to stay up to date with this New Zealand skincare line!

XOXO
Priscilla

Photoshoot: Fleur Envy

While we all work individually, photographer Ashley Maxwell, hairstylist Danielle Derksen and I are one of the most effective "teams" when combined. Our styles merge beautifully. The last session we worked on together was for BoLee Bridal Couture's gowns...seen here. We captured some delightful moments that day with our 4 beautiful models...Well, we did it again for Fleur Envy! This is a line full of delicate handmade bridal accessories. The pieces were insane with how much detail went into the bead work...the stitching-oh, and there were feathers galore!! Enjoy these breath taking "whimsical" images.

Photography by Ashley Maxwell
Look #1 Earth Tones: Green, Gold, Nude, Brown
Audrey FAUX Lashes
 FAUX Lash
Look #2 Classic Bride: Purple Hues... Plums and Mauves
Lace FAUX Lashes
Look #3 The Sultry Swan: Black Smokey Eyes & Pale Pink Lips!
Bridal Accessories by Fleur Envy
Hair by Danielle Derksen

Makeup by Priscilla Francine
Photography by Ashley Maxwell
Hair by Danielle Derksen
Lashes by FAUX
Bridal Accessories by Fleur Envy

XOXO
Priscilla Francine

Full of 'Prom'-ise: Formal Styles That'll Make You Wanna Dance!

The biggest event of high school is prom! Maybe not for the boys, but prom is like a mini-wedding for a girl... the search for the perfect dress (that no one else has), hair extensions, mani and pedi with your 15 closest girlfriends, tanning,  booking your hair and makeup appointment... finding a location to take pictures, renting a limo... the after party....oh and don't forget about that corsage!

I had the pleasure of dolling up clothing designer, and model, Lily for Modcloth's "Full of Prom'-ise" Shop our outfits photo shoot. 



Look #1 "Romantic" 
-Wear the hair down, create loose curls and set with Hold Firm Hairspray by Living Proof.  
-Use Bobbi Brown's Rich Lip Color, in Bikini Pink for a long lasting chic look.
-Channel your inner girly-girl with a soft glow by using Bobbi Brown's Rose Shimmer Brick.




Look #2 "Beautiful & Bold"
-Pull your hair up and to the side in a pony tail, and go crazy pinning victory rolls wherever your heart desires!
-Pucker up that pout and paint on Impassioned by MAC.
-Bat your Alexia FAUX Lashes at the boys!

Look #3 "Iconic"
-Winged eyeliner tutorial HERE.
-No need to touch-up if you line your lips with MAC's Pro Longwear Lip pencil in What a Blast.
-Make a statement in Morange lip color by MAC.





What will you be wearing for prom this year????

XOXO
Priscilla

Unexpected

Unexpected- (adj.) surprising or unforeseen. Most people hear this word and think something negative, ughh... like an issue with your car-right?? Well, not all unforeseen things HAVE to be bad... they can be good and positive too!

Take home decor for example... While my main statement color in my home is red, I have found that pale pink roses are a great addition to my more "guy" friendly looking living room! Who knew something so unexpected could pair so well!! Maybe I should get an interior design degree!

Lately, I have been pleasantly surprised by those "unexpected" products in the beauty world: Long lasting products, bold lip colors, sultry scents... While your style may be more traditional, or conservative, I challenge you to buy something that may surprise people (and YOU) this week!

Unexpected, yet delicious scent: Coconut Milk & Mango-Anthropologie
Unexpected and iconic- Morange Lipstick by MAC
Unexpectedly  full of Minerals: Evian Spray
Unexpected, lightweight texture-Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
Unexpectedly, stays put all day-Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in What A Blast by MAC
Unexpected cleansing product-Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes
Unexpected shimmer- Orgasm Nail Polish by NARS
Hopefully something "unexpected" will happen in your life soon...a raise, a new opportunity in life to meet that someone special... a trip to a new place.... hmmm??? The possibilities are endless... 

XOXO
Priscilla