So I Got Eyelash Extensions And Here's What Happened

So y'all, I've been curious about eyelash extensions for quite sometime. I do wear false lashes, but not that often because I don't want to deal with them. I find them fascinating and the results just look amazing, so when the The Lash Lounge of Sandy Springs contacted me to try them out, I couldn't wait! I thought I'd share my experience since I know many of y'all would be curious as well!

The staff was very warm and welcoming and the facility was so gorgeous. I met my stylist Quiana, and we discussed the process and how I wanted my lashes to look. They can use mink or silk and have different lengths and styles. I have decent lashes already and wanted them to look natural.

Then it came time to apply them. You arrive makeup-free and the process can take an hour or two, depending on the look you are wanting to achieve. You lie down on the spa bed with headphones while they apply the lashes. Most people go to sleep! It didn't hurt at all--it felt like someone was brushing my lashes over and over. They use an adhesive to apply them and they typically fall out like regular lashes do, within a couple of weeks or longer. Results depend on how you treat them--no waterproof mascara, no rubbing the eyes or oily makeup removers. You can wear shadow, eyeliner, mascara, etc. like normal. They are COMPLETELY SAFE for your eyes. They do NOT cause your lashes to fall out. They don't itch or feel different in any way--I don't feel like I'm wearing falsies. It's wonderful!

Here is a before and after of my lashes--can you see how fuller and longer they are in the pic on the right? Note: I am wearing mascara in the before pic, but there are true before/after at the end of the post.

Here's another after--don't they look gorgeous?? When I wear false lashes, I can feel them, and depending on the type, I can kind of see them in my vision. But with eyelash extensions, they didn't feel like anything, just my regular lashes, no heaviness at all.

I love how low maintenance they are! I don't have to wear mascara! In fact, I've been asked what mascara I'm wearing and I'm not wearing any when I've been asked. I did want to show a pic of my left eye with mascara vs just extensions on the right.

More before/after pics! Please excuse my no makeup and all.

I'm just so thrilled with the results and cannot recommend them enough! I'll be updating this post with answers to your questions, so please leave them below.

Would you get eyelash extensions?

Extra Elle:

Lots of beauty testing has been going on for me--hasn't been time for much else! This week has flown by for me.

What's Her Secret With RESTYLANE®

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Restylane® Lyft and Restylane® Silk. However, the thoughts and opinions are my own

I had the opportunity to learn about Restylane® and since I found it so fascinating, I just had to share it with you. Restylane® Silk and Restylane® Lyft are injectables that help correct, or smooth, out certain wrinkles.

And after this event, I'm fascinated!

And as I get older, I am more and more curious about being wrinkle-free in certain areas.

First I got to mingle with fellow Atlanta bloggers and enjoy some light bites. Then we got lots of information on Restylane® Silk and Restylane® Lyft. We met the lovely Dr. Anna Pare and her talented team. You can learn more about her here. I'm completely being serious when I tell you it was a super fun event! This beauty guru was a little too excited to see what was out there. I like to keep up on what treatments are available.

And then the best part came when we got to see Dr. Anna Pare treat clients! First up was a treatment for Restylane® Silk. This smooths the lines and wrinkles around the mouth. There was a subtle change that looked simply natural. Lips looked fuller, not "duck lips" or anything crazy, just natural. Had I not seen the before/after live in person, I would have never known.

Then was Restylane® Lyft.  This is the first and only FDA approved filler for cheek augmentation and the correction of moderate to severe smile lines (nasolabial folds). This was the treatment that impressed me the most. The client looked 10 years younger. We all gasped in amazement at how great she looked. Again, it was natural.

The results, the amazing staff, and the extremely talented and knowledgable Dr. Anna Pare all assuaged my trepidation towards injectables.

Bonus: If you’d like $20 towards your next treatment, visit AspireRewards.com/WhatsHerSecret. The ASPIRE Galderma Rewards Program allows you to earn extra benefits when using Galderma treatments. If interested in a treatment, visit www.dermatologyconsultants.org/


Important Safety Information

Indications: The Restylane family of products includes Restylane®, Restylane-L®, Restylane® Silk , Restylane® Lyft with Lidocaine, and Perlane®. Restylane, Restylane-L, Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine, and Perlane are indicated for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. Restylane and Restylane-L are indicated for mid-to-deep dermal implantation. Perlane and Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine are indicated for implantation into the deep dermis to superficial subcutis. Restylane Silk is indicated for submucosal implantation for lip augmentation and dermal implantation for correction of perioral rhytids in patients over the age of 21. Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine is also indicated for cheek augmentation and for the correction of age-related midface contour deficiencies in patients over the age of 21. Restylane and Restylane-L are also indicated for submucosal implantation for lip augmentation in patients over the age of 21.

Products in the Restylane family contain traces of gram-positive bacterial protein and are contraindicated for patients with allergies to such material or in patients with severe allergies that have required in-hospital treatment. These products should not be used by patients with bleeding disorders or by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Restylane and Restylane-L for lip enhancement and Restylane Silk should not be used by people under 22 years. Restylane-L, Restylane Silk and Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine should not be used by anyone with a known allergy to lidocaine. Products should not be injected anywhere except the dermis, superficial subcutis (Perlane and Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine only), or lip submucosa (Restylane, Restylane-L, and Restylane Silk only).

Use of products in the Restylane family at the site of skin sores, pimples, rashes, hives, cysts, or infection should be postponed until healing is complete. The most commonly observed side effects are swelling, redness, pain, bruising, headache, tenderness, and itching at the injection site. These are typically mild in severity and typically resolve in less than 7 days. Serious but rare side effects include delayed onset infections, recurrence of herpetic eruptions, and superficial necrosis at the injection site. Do not implant into blood vessels. Use with caution in patients recently treated with anticoagulant or platelet inhibitors to avoid bleeding and bruising.

The Restylane family of products is available only through a licensed practitioner. Complete Instructions for Use for Restylane, Restylane-L, Restylane Silk, and Perlane are available at www. RestylaneUSA.com. Complete Instructions for Use for Restylane® Lyft with Lidocaine is available at www.RestylaneLyft.com

Elle's All Day Beauty Tools With Neutrogena (Giveaway)

These products were provided to me by Neutrogena® . Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Think about all of your activities in a typical day--what if you had an all day beauty kit that could take you from one activity to the next? Neutrogena^® and ABC’s hit show Nashville created an exclusive 3-part digital series, Nashville All Day Beauty, featuring Hayden Panettiere. Whether she’s performing, enjoying a night out, or just kicking back with friends, this series gives us a glimpse inside Hayden’s daily life in Music City and the Neutrogena^® products that help her maintain her flawless glow. Check it out here.

Inspired by the products that Hayden uses to look and feel beautiful during her days, I wanted to let you in on one of my days--from day to night! Check out my All Day Beauty Tools Kit from Neutrogena that I use for every part of my day:

Two facts about this pic: I love mint and here I am with no makeup, wearing a shirt that's 20 years old. Um.

Check out that snazzy blog! Charlie is over the sun and is hiding out!

Morning: 

• I start my day with a cup of coffee, endless emails, and commenting on blogs.
• After an hour or two of this, Charlie wakes up, and taps me three times, signaling it's time for our morning walk. It's his 4th birthday today, by the way!
• Since it's daylight in the mornings when we walk, I make sure to put on my Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sunscreen (don't forget the hands, too!) before heading out. It's perfect for dry skin, but check out other formulas for your skin type. I know the walk is over when Charlie heads for the shade. ;)
• But it's time to get ready for work! I take a shower using the classic Rainbath Refreshing Bath & Shower Gel. I debate washing my hair--the Triple Moisture line is awesome--but decide to do it later. 

My All Day Beauty Tools from Neutrogena, me and this amazing bubble blaster, and the 4 year old's rainbow

Noon:

• I'm so lucky that I get to dress super casual for work. I'm a nanny to an awesome 4 year old and 1 month old. We are always running around from activity to activity, so my beauty routine varies. Today, I knew we were going to be outside--a lot--after an unpredictable winter, we grab every opportunity we can. I kept my makeup very simple today, with the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Primer--it has SPF 15 and can be worn with or without makeup. I added foundation, mascara, and finished the look with one of my FAVORITE lip crayons, the MoistureSmooth Color Stick, in Bright Berry. Then I threw my hair into a quick fishtail braid. If you'd like a tutorial, let me know!
• Here's a peek into my busy day: We headed to the park for a picnic (baby sis is at home with her parents) and play. I added more of the Oil-Free Moisture Sunscreen before our bubble popping adventures. Bubble popping is the 4 year old's specialty. She was not into the picnic on the blanket nor taking pics, but she thought it was hilarious I was using the timer and trying to smile AND not look awkward. Fun day.

Waiting on dinner (turkey burger and fries) and then The Grand Budapest Hotel--I loved it!

Night:

• I head home, walk Charlie, and start getting ready before dinner and a movie. Before applying foundation I again used the Healthy Skin Primer, but for my eyes I used the Neutrogena Crease Proof Shadow, which instantly brightens my eyes. Next, I took the Nourishing Eyeliner in the outer corner in a sideways V, then blended it with the smudge tip, giving my eyes that almond shape. Thanks to celeb makeup artist Amy Oresman for the tip! Once again, I used the MoistureSmooth Color Stick. I'm making it my mission to get one of every color.
• I walk Charlie one last time and then it's time for wind down. Before showering, I remove my makeup with the Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover--it even gets rid of waterproof mascara with no oily residue. I like it because I have super sensitive eyes and it doesn't irritate them.
• Shower time! Rainbath again and this time I wash my hair with the Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo, skipping the conditioner but instead I use the Deep Recovery Hair Mask. I agree with celeb hair stylist Sam Leonardi's suggestion of using plastic wrap around your mask-covered hair to further intensify the moisture. I've done that for years and it works. What I find so crazy is how much my natural wave is enhanced and how much frizz is gone. Try this!
• I end the night at midnight after finishing the next day's post. A sleepy Charlie is passed out on my pillow and he sighs when I move him. Does your dog sleep on your pillow, too? 
• All in all, a fun and busy day!

So that's just a peek into my day, and how I use tools from Neutrogena for all day beauty.

And now FIVE of you will get All Day Beauty Kits similar to mine!

Simply leave a comment telling me a Neutrogena product you love or want to try.

Also, leave me a valid email to contact you! You may enter twice if desired.

The winner will be chosen May 18, 2014.

Open to US only. Good luck!

Lacoste in Atl!

(new location)

I was recently invited to attend the opening of the new Lacoste store in Atlanta. The event was held at its new location in Lenox Mall last month. Come along with me as I share my evening!

(shoes; Natalie and me; Ali, me; Natalie, invite)

I admit, I previously thought Lacoste primarily sold their infamous polos with that crocodile logo, but since I was able to attend their new store opening, I found out they have so much more! For example, Lacoste generously sent me a pair of shoes for the event (see pic above). I'll share more clothes in a minute--keep reading! 

(croc carpet, blue polos, dj infamous, patron on ice, win shoes, the crowd)

Upon arriving on the green carpet, I was greeted and offered a delicious "croc-tail:, thanks to Patron (bottom left). Celebrity dj "Infamous" (top right) kept the club vibe going all night. I got to meet and mingle with others, including bloggers. Check out myself with Natalie getting our picture made with the socially-sharable custom Lacoste photo booth!

(Ed the Artist, his creation)

So in addition to getting pics made, I got to see renowned sneaker artist, Ed the Artist creating live shoe graffiti--several were given away. I loved seeing his custom-branded Lacoste creations.

(so many colors)

Finally, I got to check out the clothes. Of course they practically had one of every color of polos--a classic piece Lacoste is known for. Attendees got to shop the new Lacoste fall/winter 2013 collections in-store.

(a little bit of the collections)

But I was really excited to see the whole range of items they have, including accessories. Lacoste has a Lacoste L!ve line, full of wearable, contemporary pieces. They have so many cute things I want. I highly suggest checking out the L!ve line. 

(M&Ms!)

As a parting gift, guests were offered M&Ms with the Lacoste logo--too cute! Check out my croc thumb drive! Special thanks to Ali, Austin, and Colin for inviting me and being so wonderful and helpful! And if you're in the Atlanta area, be sure to check out the new Lacoste store in Lenox Mall!

Rants + Raves

Hey you! How was your weekend? Mine was too fast, as always! Check out my week in review with my Rants + Raves:

Rants:

• Ok, these aren't really rants, just minor annoyances. My car's Check Engine (aka Start Panicking) light came on. Since I have a huge drive ahead of me, I need a working car. I couldn't find a place to change my oil or check my car that was open on a Sunday. I'll be heading there at 8am before work.
• Gas is so expensive that I couldn't justify driving back home for my nephew's bday and then coming back three days later for Thanksgiving. But I'll get to see him this week!
• So I made this huge list of everything to get done--there's a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff that goes into this blog. Lost said list. Grr!

Raves:

• I had Friday off! Still didn't complete everything on my list, but I made a huge dent.
• Getting my hair done is just about the best thing ever. I always feel brand new.
• I had some great events I attended this week, like the opening of the new Lacoste store in Atlanta, and a fashion event to raise thyroid awareness. I'll be recapping the Lacoste one soon, but both are on my Instagram. I got to meet more bloggers as well! Everyone is so much prettier in person.
• I was sent some of the most beautiful makeup from Dolce & Gabbana. That sounds like a silly thing to make me happy, but it does! I'll share it soon, too.
• While cleaning my makeup brushes, cleaning out makeup, etc, I watched Madonna's Truth or Dare documentary on Netflix. I'd never seen it! It was made in 1990, but has held up very well. Still provocative. 
• My little sis was named a Wendy's Ambassador! I'm so proud of her!
• This is random, but I feel like customer service lately is just awful. The employees sit around and talk to each other, and aren't doing their job, or helping the customer. The Target by my house is an example of that. I can't stand it. But I randomly went to one in Druid Hills, and everyone was so helpful and nice!

Share your Rants+Raves below!

PS: More links you might have missed:

--$100 Giftcard--ends 12-1

--$50 Giftcard--ends 12-18

--GE Reveal Lightbulbs Giveaway--ends 12-1

--I finally joined the rest of the world and started a Facebook for the blog. Add me if you like.

Girls' Night Out: Fall Fashion With Clinton Kelly and Macy's

I am a member of Everywhere Society and Everywhere has provided me with compensation for this coverage of Clinton Kelly at Macy's. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.

This past Friday, I had the chance to attend an event at Macy's with Clinton Kelly! It featured food, fashion, and fun for a Girls' Night Out. Check out my recap below:

Clinton Kelly, makeover master and co-host of What Not to Wear and The Chew, and author of style books, started off with giving fashion makeover advice to audience volunteers. 

Next, came the fashion show, with all clothes, shoes, makeup, and accessories from Macy's. Clinton Kelly narrated and explained why each outfit worked for each model.

I loved how the models were all sizes and ages. There was truly something for everyone.

The holiday dresses were my favorite part--so gorgeous!

Next, Blair Patterson, Director of Global Makeup Artistry for Estee Lauder (he recently headed up the makeup team for Derek Lam for NYFW) gave some great beauty tips. He showed how to use Estee Lauder's Illuminating Perfecting Primer as a highlighter on tops of cheekbones--perfect for that holiday glow. Blair also talked about finding the perfect red lip color by using the undertones in your teeth! He also discussed Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair, a great moisturizer.

Then Clinton Kelly answered style questions from the audience. He gave such great advice and not the same standard style tips I always hear. I had the best time and learned so much! Even when he was told to wrap it up, he kept going and answering questions. There was a meet-and-greet afterwards. He was charming, warm, genuine, and exactly like on tv. And just in case I wasn't a big enough fan already, he "favorited" my Tweet! I think that pretty much means we're Besties, right? ;)

And here's my outfit I wore that I shared on Instagram. Note, this is before I headed into traffic and got all upset, hehe. I got to meet several Atlanta bloggers, too, like the lovely Mz. SavvyStyle! Can you believe her husband's family is from the same tiny town (5 hours away from Atlanta) that I'm from? Small world! It was such a fun night. Thanks Everywhere Society for this opportunity!

But don't worry if you missed the event! If you have a question for Clinton Kelly, be sure tag #helpmeclinton and ask him on his Twitter @clinton_kelly and his team will get back to you!

Toast It and Post It With Tiziano! Win The Ultimate Party!

I love to entertain, and yesterday I had a little get together with three of my girlfriends. All of us are big UGA football fans, and the UGA vs. FL game is one of the biggest of the year, so it was a perfect occasion. I didn't want it to be a like a regular football party. I wanted it to be a relaxed, fun evening, with light hor d'oeuvres. Luckily, Tiziano Wine sent me some Piniot Grigio and Prosecco to try. They've got an awesome contest going on, which I'll get to in a moment. Onto the party! This took me a few minutes to prepare and I was able to do this very inexpensively.

First, I started with decor. I used autumn as my inspiration, and purchased these cute napkins and plates that were on clearance. I grabbed an autumn mix of flowers for a couple of dollars, and used a wine decanter as my vase, fitting with the Tiziano wines! I used trays from the dollar store to display the food.

For food, I served filo cups strawberry cream topped with a strawberry slice, and cups with black pepper and chive cream cheese. There were crackers and cheese cubes, which went well with the Tiziano Pinot Grigio. Of course, there had to be a reference to the South, with boiled peanuts. Have you ever had them? I also had veggies and hummus. I purchased mini brownies that I topped with sea salt for dessert. The brownies were a perfect companion to the Tiziano Prosecco.

Pinot, cheese, crackers

Sea Salt brownies and Prosecco

Food and drinks!

We all loved the Pinot and the Prosecco from Tiziano. They were delicious! The latter received the highest score in the entire sparkling wine category! You can find where to purchase Tiziano here.

About to start the party! And time for dessert!

But what about the game? After a great lead in the beginning, it became a nail-biter at the end. Luckily, the Dawgs squeaked by and WE WON! Charlie was worn out at the end, as you can see in the bottom right photo. Also, note me supposed to be smiling, but distracted, as usual!

How they arrived--so gorgeously packaged! 

My #TiztheMoment wine stopper, and info on the contest!

Tiziano has a contest called Toast It and Post It, that ends on November 7, so HURRY! All you have to do is follow @TizianoWines on Instagram and post a photo of your favorite Tiziano Wine Moment on Ig or FB. Be sure to hashtag #TiztheMoment. And that's it! Extra points are given for featuring Tiziano in the photo.

So what are you waiting for? 

Post your favorite Tiziano Wine moment and good luck! 

Contest ends November 7!

The 52 Project: March in Review

How was your weekend/Easter? More on mine, below. So for every week in 2013, I'm doing a different resolution. I used to do this monthly, but decided to mix it up this year. I share my resolutions on Instagram with a monthly roundup here! Let's get into this month's results! March was the Month of the Sickness. I completed one resolution. ONE! Here's to hoping next month is better.

• Eat Alone
• Result: I was sick, so I didn't do it. 
• Would I Do It Again? Yes!
• Sick in Bed, forgot about resolutions...didn't make any...does "getting well" count? ;)
• Read a Book/Eat Alone
• Result 1: Didn't read the book, which is disappointing, as I'm a fast reader. I've got to work on carving out a life for myself, instead of being so obsessed with blogging. 
• Result 2: Finally! I did it! It was weird, and I was constantly checking my phone, but it got easier as the dinner went on.
• Would I Do It Again? Absolutely!
• Get Better at Time Management
• Result: Horrible at this, especially when it comes to blogging. I've got to be more efficient at this. I failed miserably!
• Would I Do It Again? It is on my repeat list

Past Resolutions and If I'm Still Doing Them:

• Make Bed Daily
• yes!
• Write Down Everything You Eat
• no
• Attend a Blog Event
• yes!
• Go to Bed an Hour Earlier
• only when I was sick
• Drink only water
• no
• Spend no money
• no
• Walk with my chin parallel to the ground
• yes!
• Exercise 5 days a week
• no

March in Review (clockwise l-r): 

• Charlie, the cutest pup ever
• Coconut Grove candle from Target, because I've got beach-fever
• Mint nails, mint watch for spring
• Iwi Fresh Spa blogger event
• I love stripes, headed to another event
• I have Lemsip sent over from the UK because I swear it works when I'm sick!
• Quick fishtail braid before brunch
• Spring is finally here!
• Me, before I got sick! :/

Cutest bunny ever

Yesterday was Easter, and it was Charlie's third birthday. He doesn't like natural dog treats, so he didn't have a cake (although I would have). For Easter, I wore this dress I was sent from Eshakti. You've heard of them, right? They're a website of women's fashions that you can customize and that are affordable. This dress is similar. I added wider straps and added pockets, because who doesn't love pockets? Seriously though, I recommend them!

Thanks, Eshakti

Windy Easter, but look at our hair!

Outfit of the Week: Neon Chevron

I've got a teeny cold but I didn't let it keep me down this weekend. In fact, by using my zinc tip, my cold is just about gone. To make myself feel better, I put on the brightest shirt I own (do you do this?), grabbed a cute wristlet, and headed to a casual brunch date with friends.
Here's what I wore:

W H E N : Sunday
W H E R E & W H Y : Gilbert's Cafe (great for people watching & Mediterranean);             Brunch with friends...these pics were taken once I got home!

W O R E :

• Bright pink tee from Target 
• Glasses c/o Firmoo
• Black skinnies from Old Navy
• Neon yellow skinny belt DIY
• Sandals fr Target
• Chevron wristlet c/o Olivia + Joy (similar)
• White summer watch from Target (similar)

B E A U T Y :

• Maybelline BB Cream
• Sephora Collection Natural Palette Eye (see my Makeup for Glasses here)
• Revlon Lip Butter in Sweet Tart
• Prestige My Blackest Lashes
• Pistachio polish from Five Below
• Blush via the hot temps outside
• Hair...ugh...let's not discuss...I'm blaming it on my cold!

This cute wristlet from Olivia + Joy features a straw Chevron design. 

They sell the hottest handbags & accessories. Check 'em out.

Charlie Brown, aka the World's Cutest Dog, as decided by me

Isn't he cute? COME ON.