MAC Cosmetics Paint Pots

My new makeup go to product in the morning is MAC Cosmetic's Pro Longwear Paint Pot. I bought it more for the color, and not because the MAC rep told me it would stay on all day. 

I was a skeptic at first. I've never had good luck with eye shadow staying on without a proper primer. Well, there's a first for everything! I've never had a shadow last this long. No primer needed. From 7am to 7pm, a full days work, this stayed on. 

My go to eye make up for the past few weeks has been Paint Pot in Rubenesque, black liner, and mascara. Super easy for early mornings when I need to get to work quickly and for traveling. I've been using a shadow brush to apply Paint Pot to my lids. It goes on super smooth and even. 

On my wishlist: Paint Pots in Let's Skate (pinkish pearl), Camel Coat (muted beige) and Painterly (nude beige). I love how versatile the nudes are. You can wear them alone during the day, and you can play them up with liner for night. You can also use these along with other shadows as a base shadow. These retail for $20 a pot. It's a little pricey, but you pay for the quality of product. I've been using mine for the past month, every day, and have barely made a dent in the pot. A little goes a long way! Purchase at maccosmetics.com or
shop.nordstrom.com.

Have you ever tried Paint Pots? If so, what did you think? What's your favorite MAC Cosmetic product? Please share!

Ellie Malta Capri pants

I heart new workout clothes. It motivates me to go to the gym! My new favorite workout pants are from Ellie.com. The Malta Capri pants, from their Bon Voyage collection, are ridiculously cute and unique. One of the coaches at my gym said, 'they look pants from the future!'

These pants are so different, you're bound to be the only person wearing them at the gym. Hitting mid shin, these grey capris have a fuchsia band across the top and fuchsia straps at the bottom of each leg. There's also the added convenience as hidden inside pocket for a credit card, cash or a key. I was a little worried about how these would wash, but after 3-4 washings they remain just like new.

Early morning Divvy bike ride in Chicago

Early morning run in Chicago

Fall walk in Michigan to check out the changing leaves

 Additional info from Ellie.com for the Malta Capri pants...

• Moisture wicking pre shrunk fabric
• UPF 50+ protection
• Open side detail, contrast waistband 
• Natural waist, hidden pocket inside waistband
• Designed for running, yoga, outdoors 
• Material – Eclon, Supplex contrast

Ellie releases a fashionable new line of workout gear each month. October is themed Lightspeed and is releasing today! 

Use this link to get 20% off your first order - Happy Shopping!

Have you tried Ellie gear out yet? If so, which pieces? What did you think?

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Clean Eating Apple Crisp Recipe

As much as I love Summer, as soon as October hits, I'm all in for Fall. Bring out the tights, bold nail colors, and cider mills. Last year we went to the orchards in Long Island and it was SO MUCH FUN. We brought back two huge bags of apples and I made a large bowl of apple sauce. But after one serving of it, as good as it was, I was kind of over it. So when my neighbor dropped off a bag of apples from a Michigan orchard, I hit the interwebs and researched some clean eating recipes.

Apple Crisp it is! I found several clean recipes but many still called for butter and brown sugar. I found this recipe on The Slender Grapefruit that looked good, and did my own variation.

Here's what I used:

7 small green apples
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup natural honey
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
3/4 cups oats
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup granola (I used Nature's Path Organic Coconut Chia Granola from Costco)
2 tbs of ground flax
1/4 cup plain greek yogurt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Wash and chop up apples into cubes, toss with vanilla extract, and set aside
3. Mix honey, cinnamon and nutmeg, set aside
4. Mix oats, almonds, granola, ground flax and Greek yogurt in separate bowl
5. Spread apples in a 9x13 banking dish.
6. Coat with honey mixture, and then top with oat mixture. Cover apples evenly.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until apples are soft

I served this over a little bit of Greek yogurt, instead of the usual ice cream that comes with crisp. Just keeping it clean! This got rave reviews from my husband and brother in law.

What are your favorite 'apple' recipes? I'd love to hear about them in the comments below! Please share!

Jessica Cosmetics A Night at the Opera

One of my favorite things about Fall is deep, dark nail colors! Here are swatches from Jessica Cosmetics A Night at the Opera collection. Details on the shades are below from JessicaCosmetics.com... 

Velvet & Pearls - a brand new definition of black
Opening Night - a debut-worthy fuchsia (similar to Zoya's Mason)

Standing Ovation - a green guaranteed to get glowing notices (I will be sporting this for St. Patty's Day for sure)

Overture - the start of something big in iridescent copper (fun to wear with neutrals)

Blue Aria - an unforgettable song in cobalt (Love the name! This is a dark blue. Looks black in most lights)
Prima Donna - a violet celebration of the inner diva (fun purple for fall!)

I'm a huge fan of Jessica Cosmetics nail polishes. This line is perfect for the Fall we're having in Michigan. It's 80 degrees! But I can still get away with wearing some of these colors (Prima Donna, Opening Night, and Standing Ovation) since they aren't too dark, and could pass for a Spring/Summer shade.

What colors are you wearing on your nails this Fall?

Friday Favorites

This is a style themed Friday Favorites. I usually keep an eye open for fun styles that I can wear to work and transition to night. I normally don't buy stuff that I can't wear to my office (we have a casual dress code, but I usually dress business casual). The past few weeks I've found some really great Fall pieces from H&M, Target.com and at Marshalls that are work and date night friendly :)

Top: H&M, Pants: Piperlime.com Blank NYC, Necklace: Etsy.com, Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target.com, Shoes: Franco Sarto from Marshalls.com

Top: 3.1 Phillip Lim from Target.com, Jeans: DL1961, Shoes: Steve Madden, Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target.com, Necklace: Wantable.com

Normally I'm not a Target clothes shopper (they usually fit me weird) but I've been super impressed by their designer partnerships to date. Phillip Lim has been the best one yet!

 Dress: Marshalls, Jacket: boutique in Chicago, Shoes: DSW Nine West, Necklace: Francesca's

 Dress: Marshalls (old!), Jacket: boutique in Chicago, Necklace: RocksBox, Shoes: Marshall's Aerosoles (extremely comfortable!)

Dress: Vince Camuto from Marshalls, Shoes: Aerosoles from Marshalls

I'm a huge Marshalls fan. I find the cutest dresses, tops and shoes there. I'm kind of obsessed with my new beige suede booties from Marshalls. Because they are Aerosoles and have extra padding inside, they are super comfortable, even with the heel. I have been wearing them with both jeans and dresses.

Where are your favorite places to shop for work and weekend clothes? Please share in the comments!

NARS Bold Lip Tutorial

Want to rock a bold lip this Fall? Check out this video tutorial by NARS head makeup artist, Cindy Rodriquez. All products used are inspired by Guy Bourdin's Holiday collection. Details on the collection coming soon!

Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup

Mama Fashionista: Get some celebrity endorsed swag AND contribute to a worthy charity! Quinn tells you how to give back with Burt's Bees.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blushes in Fresh Pink & Pink Plum and not only gorgeous, but they are also so much fun to use!

BeautyTidbits: Pamper your pout with Savannah Bee Beeswax lip glosses - all natural & deliciously glossy with a beautiful color payoff!

Painted Ladies: Sheila has found her newest favorite copper eyeshadow - it's Vegas Lights pigment by Makeup Geek.

My Highest Self: Tina reviews Shower Steamers from Fortune Cookie Soap!

D.G.S.Beauty: Curious about the Ageless Derma Anti Wrinkle Cream? Check out D.G.S.Beauty's review here.

Slashed Beauty: Miranda lets us peek into the 2013 Emmys Gift Bag that all the stars took home!

TheFabZilla: What exactly causes dark under eye circles? How do you conceal 'em? TheFabZilla shares how.

A Little Polish: Looking for the perfect vampy nail color for fall? Check out Stephanie's review of OPI's Muir Muir on the Wall

Pammy Blogs Beauty : Have you scoped out any new Fall beauty collections? Pammy Blogs Beauty shares her favorite Fall beauty items from Target!

Beauty by Miss L: Perfect fall manicure.

Peace Love and Glitter: A color bomb explosion for your lips!

Advice Sisters Beauty?Fashion/Lifestyle Website: It's pricey, and precious, feminine, and seductive --Juicy Jasmine by Krigler, that is!

Dove Intensive Repair Haircare Review

All of my life I’ve been obsessed with Dove products. I’ve used Dove body bars and body wash as long as I can remember (a 12pack of Dove body bars is usually in my cart every other Costco trip I make). Multiple dermatologists have told me that Dove’s Deep Moisturizer body wash is best to use for my eczema, so I use it pretty religiously.

Over the years Dove has really expanded their product offerings. I recently tried out Dove’s Intensive Repair hair care line and really liked it! Its creamy texture is just like the Body Wash.  It also has a really clean scent just like the body wash. 

Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo and Conditioner system contains Keratin Repair Activates, and according to Dove.com, it “repairs proteins at the cellular level.” I know, super scientific, so let’s break down the other benefits…according to Dove.com, this line:

• Strengthens hair and prevents split ends
• Leaves hair silky to the touch and easy to manage and style
• Contains gentle everyday moisture and doesn’t weigh hair down

After using Intensive Repair Shampoo and Conditioner my hair not only felt clean, but it was super soft and manageable. Normally I struggle getting a comb through my towel dried hair, but after using this conditioner and towel drying, the comb just glided through my hair.

Since I highlight my hair I like to use hair products that are geared for reviving tired and dry hair. Dove's Intensive Repair line is focused on fighting breakage and split ends, basically the most intense damage you can imagine. I definitely feel my hair is in good hands with this line. 

If you want to try out some Dove products for yourself, you have a chance! Enter Dove's Great Hair Affair Sweepstakes. There are thousands of prizes up for grabs!

Dove understands that having beautiful, healthy-looking hair gives you the confidence to feel your best. Whether your hair is dry or damaged, Dove has a tailor-made solution for your hair care needs.  After just one wash hair is shiny, healthy-looking and full of life. Thanks to Dove, you can look and feel beautiful from the inside out.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Dove via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Dove.

Soap.com Allure Best of Beauty Sale

This is a fun promotion! Soap.com is offering $5 off when you spend at least $25 on Allure's Best of Beauty winners. Now's the time to test out a new beauty product you had your eye on! Use code ALLURE25 at checkout!

Friday Favorites

This picture was taken while coming in for our landing in NYC. I was surprised at how good it came out. I seriously want to get this printed and framed. I was on my way to NY Fashion Week so I was a very happy camper. 

 Workout with Mike in Bryant Park. We did a HIIT workout and got some weird looks, but it was still a blast. 

 Phillip Limsanity! 3.1 Phillip Lim line at Target.com was a hit in my opinion. I scored most of the pieces I wanted (more pics to come). The large black tote that is pictures is my new work laptop bag. I get so many compliments on it!

Dinner with my team at Vellum in Ann Arbor. Hot new restaurant. I loved how they placed the veggies on my plate. All about the details!

Another team trip, but to shop! I purchased Sugar Paper journal from Rock Paper Scissors in Ann Arbor. It matches my new work bag :) I had no idea this store existed and now that I do, it could be dangerous! 

Please share your favorite things from this week in the comments! You can follow me on instagram.com/lipglossbreak to see more things I love :)

Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup

Mama Fashionista: It's that time again! Quinn shares her favorite products for the month of August!

My Highest Self: Get gorgeous fuchsia lips with these Urban Decay lip products!

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Armani Sheer Blush No. 10 + Guerlain Rouge G Lipstick in Gabrielle= Perfection Incarnate

TheFabZilla: Are you subbed to Wantable box yet? Check out what TheFabZilla picked for her September box.

Painted Ladies: Sheila is getting her bright neon shadows on with MYO Makeup's 10 Piece Ultra Bright Eyeshadow Pigment Collection.

D.G.S.Beauty: Does your man need some new shaving products? Check out what my husband has to say about the HYD for Men Shave Cream, Buffer Stick, and Razor Shield

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog shows you have to be prepared in case of a Minimergency!

BeautyTidbits: Looking for a Wonder Cream to stave off the signs of aging? Check out Harshleen’s new skincare fave over at BeautyTidbits!

Beauty by Miss L: Julep Facial for Hands is Miss L? favorite hands scrub.

The Dark Side of Beauty: Check out some swactches of the Fall 2013 Wet n Wild Tough Girl textured nail polishes!

Advice Sisters Beauty, Fashion & LIfestyle WebSite: The Advice Sisters are SO excited to offer their readers a brand new makeover widget. Upload your own photo or use one already on the site, try on makeup, hairstyles and more. Fun and FREE!

Slashed Beauty: Miranda compares NYX's Collection Noir Matte Black Liner to CoverGirl and Urban Decay liners!

Geniabeme: I am loving my teal-ish mani with Sinful Colors!

Icy Nails: OPI Muir Muir On the Wall from the San Francisco Collection is dark and sexy and perfect for fall and winter.

D.G.S.Beauty: Here's a fun mask to try to help and get rid of your blackheads!

Biore Warming Cleanser Giveaway: Enter to win Biore's Warming Cleanser Giveaway!

Outdoor Workouts

A physician's assistant (and friend) once told me that the shape you're in when you're in your 30s has a direct correlation to what you'll be like 'fitness-wise' when you're in your 50s and beyond. I don't know if this a scientific fact, but it makes sense, and is why I prioritize fitness so much in my life. Not only does working out make me feel good, but I want to be able to set good examples for my children some day by living a healthy, active lifestyle. 

I travel a lot with my current job as a sales account manager, and sometimes its hard to find time to fit in a workout. Even worse, sometimes we stay in hotels that don't have gyms or if they do, it's one treadmill. So, I usually have to get scrappy when it comes to fitting work out in, because I believe in NO EXCUSES! I always pack my shoes (adidas Springblades) and a sports bra (adidas Techfit is my new fav), and now that it's getting colder out in the midwest, my new adidas Ultimate long tights and adidas Ultimate short sleeve top.

Sometimes I'll do a circuit in my hotel room, but that can get kind of cramped and limited, so I started taking my circuits outside. I'm not a huge runner (can't just lace up my sneakers and run for 5 miles). So I incorporate run/walk intervals, with other body weight moves, to get my heart racing and a good workout in. For example, here's what I did last week in Chicago:
30 second sprint/30 second walk x 30 rounds (30 minutes)
50 body weight squats (in a park)
50 knee ups on park bench
Stop in a park (or back in hotel room) and jump rope (20 seconds jump/10 second rest x 8)

Not only am I getting a massive amount of cardio in the morning, revving up my metabolism for the rest of the day, but I'm getting to see a new city first hand! 

I also do workouts like these at home. If I know I have late work night coming up, I'll usually wake up early and workout. Here's another example of an outdoor workout I'll do at home and around my city:
30 second sprint/30 second walk x 30 rounds (30 minutes)
Break in between sprinting and do 20 alternating lunges (every 10 rounds)
Run down and up hill in my backyard x 3
Jump rope on back patio (25 seconds on, 10 seconds rest x 8)

Yes, sometimes I get weird looks if I'm on a street and a car drives by, but it really doesn't bother me. There's something very rewarding to me about being awake and working out as the sun is coming up in the morning! 

Now I want to know, what are your favorite outdoor activities?  What do you do to make working out fun?

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adidas Women designs innovative performance products to help women commit to their best self and conquer their fitness goals.   We inspire women to look and feel their best - be pretty, be tough & be confident.

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Disclosure: Compensation was provided by adidas via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of adidas.

Giveaway Break - Bioré Warming Cleanser

What a long week! How about we end it with a giveaway? How about something that brings warmth to the chilly days we're about to have...

Biore has launched a new warming cleanser that sounds like a day at the spa! Biore's soothing, self heating formula effectively cleanses your pores, getting rid of dirt and oil to help control blackheads and prevent acne. This cleanser contains salicylic acid and pore-opening warming clay. 

Ever since I can remember I've been washing my face 2x a day. It's so important to clear your face of makeup, dirt, and oil each night. I'm looking forward to trying out this cleanser, especially now that it's getting cooler out, I'll take all the warmth I can get!

***Giveaway***

Enter to win a full size Biore Warming Anti-Blackhead Cleanser!

Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, add me to one of your Google+ circles, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day!

This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Sunday, October 20th. I will randomly select one winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!

Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup

Mama Fashionista: Summer's end is no reason to let your tan fade away! Quinn shares her fave products to keep that glow year round.

Blushing Noir: GIVEAWAY! September 2013 Fall Into Beauty & win an amazing prize pack! Open Internationally!

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Aftelier Perfumes Wild Orange Face Elixir with Cedarwood and Patchouli is the most unique and sumptuous luxury face oil that will soothe your skin and soul!

TheFabZilla: Love or leave? TheFabZilla reviews Marc Jacobs Highliner in Ro(cocoa). Come check it out.

My Highest Self: Tina reviews Viva La Juicy Noir Eau de Parfum, the bold side of Viva La Juicy!

Beauty by Krystal: New York Fashion Week is here; all the gorgeous Spring 2014 collections are hitting the runway. Check out these Zimmermann inspired nails, easy to DIY in just minutes!

Painted Ladies: Sheila's newest favorite budget buy is The Natural Eyeshadow Palette by NYX Cosmetics - silky smooth and utterly blend able.

The Dark Side of Beauty: Nancy from The Dark Side of Beauty creates another look inspired by House Ravenclaw from Harry Potter.

D.G.S.Beauty: Love MAC products? Hurry and enter my MAC Lightscapade Giveaway!

Beauty by Miss L: Do you know how looks antique bronze & turquoise glitter combo?

The Stepford Witch: This week's feature is Etude House Bling in the Sea Proof 10 Color Eye Stick collection. A definite must-read for eyeshadow junkies!

In Her Makeup Bag: Stephanie shares how to get the "oxblood" lip trend for fall in two easy steps!

BeautyTidbits: Had too much fun in the sun? Check out 7 Easy Ways to Fix Sun Damaged Skin & Hair over at BeautyTidbits!

Lipgloss Break: Swatches from Zoya's Cashmere Collection - Just in time for Fall!

Slashed Beauty: Miranda determines if Stila's Lip Glaze is worth splurging on!

A Little Polish: Looking for the perfect shade of polish for the Fall season? Check out these two great fall shades from Seche Nail Color!

Phillip Lim for Target

It sort of feels like Christmas Eve...so excited for tomorrow that I probably won't be able to sleep! Phillip Lim for Target launches and I can't wait. I have my eye on a few bags, the black/leather dress and the leopard blazer.

Check out the collection here.

Few tips:
 - The collection MAY be available at midnight online. Can't hurt to set your alarm and check!
 - I called the Target in my city and they said they weren't carrying the line, but a neighboring city was. Good thing I checked, that would have made me so mad first thing in the morning!
 - If shopping online, make sure you know your Target.com username and password (or create an account now) so you can checkout quickly.
 - If you're in store and can't find your size, check the fitting rooms for discarded items. People will be grabbing multiple sizes to try on and discarding what doesn't fit, which may be your size!

Sweater + Dress Layering

H&M Sweater, Dress from Marshall's, Nine West wedge ankle booties, Very Jane bracelet

I've been feeling very inspired after Fashion Week. We saw so many people on and off the runway who had unique, crazy and wild outfits, but at the end of the day, they all made it work for them, because it was their own style. All the fashionistas oozed confidence which made people (especially photographers) gravitate towards them. It was a lot of fun to watch but also very inspiring.

On to my outfit of the day...I normally don't layer sweaters over dresses because I don't like the way they lay on my hips. But when I woke up this morning and it was 60 degrees out I knew I couldn't wear the dress I had set out alone.

I just purchased this sweater from H&M in Soho over the weekend. The black tank dress underneath was a staple for me this summer. So instead of packing it away for the chilly weather, I decided to try layering a sweater over it.

The suede ankle booties are new as well (NYC inspired!). My friend at work has been rocking ankle booties for awhile, so I'm taking a cue from her fashion sense.

Now that I know that this dress layers well I will definitely be trying out other sweaters with it. I love being able to transition summer clothes to Fall/Winter.

RiRi (Hearts) MAC Fall

Rihanna + MAC makeup = a recipe for fierce style. Rihanna premieres her palette for fall September 26th in stores, and September 30 online. Her palette contains daring, but classic, shades, finishes and tools, all encased in rose gold packaging. By the way, I'm totally in love with the rose gold touch. Check out a few of my favorite items from this collection below....

Entire Collection

Brush

Eye Shadow - Her Cocoa

Lipglass - RiRiWoo

Liquid Last Liner - Pointblack

ShopStyle Contest - Win $1,000!

Have you been on ShopStyle before? ShopStyle by PopSugar brings you everything shoppable all on one site. You can sort by designer, product, trend, and more. They've recently launched a great review feature, so you can read what others are saying before you buy!

To inspire readers to share their thoughts, they are giving one lucky reviewer a $1,000 Visa gift card! Entering is super easy. All you have to do is sign up for ShopStyle, search the items in your closet or vanity, and tell them what you think before Septemeber 26th. You will receive one entry for each review you make, so review all that you can! Few things to share:
 - the style of the item
 - the fit (your size and the size you purchased)
 - the quality (how long did it last you?)
 - what others said about it while you were wearing it
 - if it's an accessory, what you paired with it

Review as many items as you can to increase your chance to win. You never know, you could win some money to fund your next shopping spree!

Angelo David Salon in Midtown (Giveaway alert!)

Today I was fortunate enough to visit Angelo David Salon in Midtown. It's a hidden gem on the 2nd floor of a building, right outside Grand Central station. They specialize in extensions, but offer a full range of salon services. They are all about creating a unique, private experience, and have a cozy atmosphere where you can relax while getting pampered.

I received a manicure (Essie in Merino Cool) and a hair blowout. The stylists knew I'd be wearing my glasses tonight so they made sure that my hair wouldn't be in my face. I usually blow dry my hair straight so I was excited to try something new, and I love how it turned out! Very old Hollywood glam!

Angelo David Salon also has their own line of hair products and brushes that they sell in the salon and online. And I'm excited to announce that I'm teaming up with Angela David for a Fashion Week giveaway!

***Giveaway***

Tweet to win! Angelo David salon is sponsoring a giveaway for one of their paddle brushes and a full size bottle of their Vital Complex Leave in Conditioner.

To enter, make sure you are following Angelo David at twitter.com/ad_salon, and LipglossBreak at twitter.com/lipglossbreak, and tweet the following: 

NYFW giveaway! Angelo David paddle brush & Vital Complex Leave in Conditioner. Tweet to win! @AD_salon @lipglossbreak http://goo.gl/rsuIuB

Tweet as much as you want...the more you tweet, the better the chance you have to win! We'll be selecting a winner on Thursday, September 12, 2013. We'll private message you on Twitter. This contest is open to all US residents. Good luck!

Note: This post includes services that I received compliments of the salon. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.