Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola of “Jersey Shore” is known for being part of a very tanned and very make-up clad posse of party-goers. However, when XOJANE got their hands on Giancola for a make-under. The results; the fab Jersey girl looked more like an easy-breezy shore-side beauty.
This isn’t the first time Giancola changed her ultra-tan look for a publication. The ladies of the Jersey Shore were given glamorous makeovers as they entered “Charm School” on the pages of Harper’s Bazaar.
Today was odd day in the sense that I didn’t have to venture off to work, write papers, do an assignment, or anything for that matter. But I did find myself with thick cut maple bacon and decided that was what I wanted to devour in all its glory. I made bacon then fried some sweet potato fries in the bacon fat and made some sweet iced tea to boot. I felt very Paula Deen on this lazy Tuesday listening to Etta James “A Sunday Kind of Love” on a weekday.
I know bacon isn’t necessarily the healthiest food choice, but it still something that I like to every so often “treat” myself with. I just wanted to share a few random facts about Bacon that I recently learned.
The Chinese began salting pork bellies since 1500 B.C.
Bacon contains Vitamin B, B12, Zinc and Selenium.
Bacon Day is held the Saturday before Labor Day.
Bacon Bits which are found at supermarkets are actually Vegetarian.
70% of all Bacon in the U.S. are consumed at Breakfast.
What do a reality television star, a Sport’s Illustrated cover model, and a pop music icon have in common? Besides access to the latest and most luxurious skin creams known to woman. Well, it seems to be that all three have a stash of drugstore brand moisturizers to aid in their skincare regimen. Supermodel, Bar Refaeli was recently spotted sans-makeup and leaving the Duane Reade (a drugstore chain in New York). Refaeli had in tote a Glamour Magazine and that classic blue-capped tube of Cetaphil.
Kourtney Kardashian and Beyonce rely on a thicker cream as they both separately admitted to Shape Magazine and ELLE their love for Aquaphor.
With the hustle and bustle of Holiday shopping, you may have forgotten about the upcoming festivities coming up. Finding the perfect holiday party dresses is enough stress but, your holiday makeup can be stress-free with the help of Rain Cosmetics.
Will you be ‘Naughty or Nice‘ this season? Hopefully, a bit of both when you get caught under the mistletoe. Getting the Holiday Look is simple with Rain Cosmetic’s step-by-step guide featuring easy to follow steps along with the perfect colors and products to add sparkle to your eyes, pretty to your pout, and blush to your cheeks with one of the most luxurious cosmetics brands on the market.
And don’t forget to say goodbye those dark undereye circles from all the holiday stress with Miss USA 2011, Alyssa Campanella’s secret weapon; Undercover Concealer- “It makes me look wide awake.”
Marion Cotillard has been featured in the Lady Dior ad campaigns for a bit of time now, which I love because she is refined, beautiful, smart, and her French accent is just the ribbon that holds the gift box together. But in the latest Lady Dior film, Cotillard loses it in front of the camera and shows off a different side of Lady Dior that we have never seen. Watch Cotillard hilariously take on Hollywood in the film below.
While we’re preparing for chilly days in the US, those in Australia can enjoy their Summer season with Jessica Alba on the cover of InStyle. The mother of two looks as beautiful as ever and shares her motherhood experiences as well as her splurges; ”My kids and my house. I’m always doing things to my house. I go that bit extra: I designed my furniture and had it made in an eco-friendly way.” The January 2012 edition of InStyle Australia is on newsstands now.
Over the weekend I came home to find a little package waiting for me to unwrap. Inside the package was one of the cutest bikinis I’ve ever seen let alone had the chance to slip into. I was a bit intimidated by the tiny number from Kooey Swimwear with the bold fun purple and pink print bursting liveliness and cooing to me “Try Me! Try Me On! Ooooh!” and well…
I slipped it on and fell in love. For reference, I’m a US size 4-6 (which is equivalent to a AUS size 8, I believe) and although I’m not considered plus sized, I also don’t have Shannon Click’s body when she sported her Kooey bikini for Sports Illustrated. Ultimately, I do love my body but I do have issues in finding swimwear that doesn’t cut into the curve of my hip but also gives my bust support and coverage. However, I did find a suit from Kooey Swimwear that is not only stylish but flattering. I wanted to share a few reasons why I love this bikini from Kooey Swimwear.
First and foremost, for any gal who loves a bikini but has anything remotely close to a curve on their hip, bikini bottoms that tie on the sides are your best friend. Side-Ties instantly makes your bottoms customized for you and your shape. These bikini bottoms are amazing because not only does the side-ties offer adjustability but they are long enough to double up the loop to make sure the bottoms stay put.
I love the color scheme and how one of my pals said the colors “made your skin pop”. I live in Hawai’i and it’s getting rather chilly but when I saw this piece I couldn’t help but try it on and take a leap in the pool in my backyard because this suit is just so bright and bold I felt like I was saying ‘Hello, Summer!’. Hopefully this week I’ll be able to try it out on the beach.
Kooey Swimwear has amazing prints and designs that combines Indigenous Australian designs with fashion-forward trends. The brand has been in publications like Vogue, Marie Claire, Bazaar and InStyle just to name a few. This is an incredible feat when you note that Kooey Swimwear was only founded in 2008 with Nikki Silverthorne and Charlene Harmer at the helm of the design team.
Amazing support ladies! Just like a bra most of you want a suit that offers your breasts a bit of support, while offering you the flexibility to move freely. The molded cups in the bikini top was extremely comfortable; not too thin so no one could tell how cold it is by looking at me, and not too thick to wear I feel like I’m wearing athletic padding. This bikini top was absolutely perfect!
Kooey’s line includes one-pieces, bikinis, and cover-ups and their designs have been seen on a number of on-trend women of all shapes including Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella, Jesinta Campbell, Miss Teen USA 2011 Danielle Doty, Miss Universe Australia 2011 Scherri-Lee Biggs, singer & actress Adrienne Bailon, and all 51 contestants at the Miss Teen USA 2011 pageant.
Bottom line: As someone who lives in a place wear swimwear is just as much as a staple as t-shirts. Kooey Swimwear combines unique designs and quality to produce swimwear that is perfect for any surfer, fashionista, beach-bunny, or anyone else in between. I first heard of Kooey Swimwear in 2010, learning part of their story and how they merge the culture and diversity of Australia into their designs. And while I’m not an Aussie I can appreciate their approach to paying tribute to who they are, where they are from, and also where they are going.
When I think about all the swimsuits I have; many are colorful, some are fashionable but, this Kooey bikini is truly art. Cheers!
The changing of weather, for most of us means more than just changing wardrobe. As the weather gets cooler our skin (even oily/combination) seems to get drier making our skin look a bit flakey and our makeup look a bit off. While some of you have your swear-by products, I just wanted to share a couple of tips that helps my skin and makeup look and feel supple during the seasonal transition.
Exfoliate less, yes even those of us with oily skin. We can take cues from our pals with dry skin who have to be careful not to irritate they skin with strong exfoliates. During the winter, oily skin has a tendency to dry out, so your exfoliation routine during Summer months may be a bit too harsh on your delicate Winter skin. I prefer a gentle yet moisturizing exfoliator like Sugar Face Polish by Fresh. Additionally, instead of exfoliation 2-3 times a week I’ll do it 1-2 times as needed at night.
In the morning I wake up a bit earlier during the Winter months so I can wash my face and put on a moisturizer. After moisturizing, I do my morning routine or lounge in bed for a bit to allow my moisturizer to do its magic and absorb. Moisture is key to having supple skin and allowing for a smoother makeup application. Also by allowing you moisturizer to absorb you can see if your moisturizer is meeting the demands of your skin during the winter. During the Fall I can get-away with my Bliss Best of Skin Intentions moisturizer but during the Winter my skin craves a combination of Josie Maran Organics Argan Oil to moisturize followed by a thick yummy cream to protect. You may want to invest in argan oil because it’s thin like a serum so you can wear it during any season and you can layer it under a heavy cream during the coldest weather. I find this works best because argan oil tends to absorb and really moisturize your skin and heavier creams tend to sit on top of your skin but act as a barrier to lock in moisture.
Gabrielle Union looked amazing in pink at Hollywood Foreign Press Association and InStyle‘s celebration of “A Night of Firsts” and the New Miss Golden Globe 2012 on December 8th in Los Angeles, CA.. Union paired her smokey eyes and glowing skin with a Shoshanna coral stretch double crepe dress with boxed seams on bodice and a sold out Dannijo Triple Bar necklace.
Whether Union is sporting a ponytail and pink sweater raising money for the Ronald McDonald House, looking glam in fuchsia on a night out, or standing on the pink carpet; she always looks beautiful and amazing.
Angelina Jolie is on the cover for Marie Claire’s January 2012 edition. The mother of six looks beautiful, rested, and oddly enough like she could be sisters with former Miss Universe Ireland, Rozanna Purcell. In the interview with the magazine, Jolie speaks about her transition from acting to directing; “…I woke up one day realizing, God, I’m an actor. I don;t think I intended to be an actor. I think my mother wanted it for me. I loved telling stories, and I enjoyed the profession, but is it too late to be something else?”
“She would consider each day a miracle – which indeed it is, when you consider the number of unexpected things that could happen in each second of our fragile existences.” -Paolo Coelho
My deepest thoughts and prayers goes out to Lauren Scruggs today. Scruggs, a model and blogger behind LOLO Magazine, suffered from an unfortunate accident. It truly is a miracle that she is alive and I wish her the best in recovery and from being a fan of her and her work, I know she will continue to be inspiring, beautiful woman.
Whitney Thompson won the 10th Cycle of America’s Next Top Model, but is now hoping to win over hearts to help ‘The Big and The Beautiful’ find love. The plus-sized model turned internet match-making entrepreneur says she identifies with the frustrations if internet dating sites which is why she created ‘The Big and The Beautiful’; “I created this site for real women with real curves … looking for real pleasure. Unlike other dating sites where members feel pressured to fit a certain mold, posting older “flattering” pictures or even lying on their profiles, everyone here has the freedom to be their true selves.” So if you’re looking for love and have $40 a month to spare for membership, check out ‘The Big and The Beautiful‘ because “So what if you have a big butt? Men love extra padding! Whether you’re voluptuous, curvy, athletic, or tall, embrace your shape because the men on this site are just waiting to meet you.”
Every now in then when I check my inbox, I stumble upon an article, blog, or some form of media that introduces me to a product or person that in one way or another influences my day for the better. Today, it was an article from the DailyMail UK entitled “Foundation transformation: How teen model with severe acne masks her scars with incredible make-up application.” In the article and accompanying video, Cassandra Bankson, a 19-year-old model from California gives a makeup lesson that touches on more than just cosmetics. Bankson, who deals with acne, exposes her insecurity to help those who also suffer from skin conditions.
I have never really had a problem with acne, but, I’ve had friends who have dealt or still dealing with it, I even remember mixing creams for my brother to help with his. And while I know the phrase ‘You can’t understand, until you’ve been through it’ has a bit of truth to it, I think Bankson represents an example of a person breaks through barriers, even if they are only ‘skin deep’. The term ‘Skin deep’ is really a complex catchall, because it tends to minimize an issue and make it seem as if it’s not important but in reality it carries so much weight in terms of self-esteem and our thoughts of beauty. Recently, the reigning Miss Universe 2011, Leila Lopes, traveled to Indonesia to share her thoughts and inspiration on a particular ‘skin deep’ problem.
Bankson, who is studying to become a nurse, and Lopes are really ambassadors of and for beauty. Spreading inspiration, knowledge, and a beautiful message. Check out and subscribe to Cassandra’s Youtube Channel for great tips, tricks, and more.
Besides having a Victoria’s Secret Angel body and a beautiful face that has graced the coveted cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, it’s not hard to see why the motorcycle riding bombshell, known as Marisa Miller, is a fan of both the boys and girls. The statuesque blonde who was born in the sunny beach town of Santa Cruz, California, Marisa Miller has a love for surfing. In May 2004, she finished second in the celebrity division of the Kelly Slater Invitational in Fiji. Flash forward to 2011, Miller graces the cover of Ocean Drive magazine for a third time and is being interviewed by fellow surfer and friend, Kelly Slater. The Tomboy admits she didn’t know what ‘pretty’ was because she was focused on other things; “I have two younger sisters, and I’m really close to my dad, so I would kind of be the pseudo-son and throw the football around with him and watch sports. We had horses, and we didn’t have cable TV, so our life was completely outside. I took wood shop. I didn’t know what being pretty was.” Miller shares more with Slater in this interview detailing fashion, modeling, and Miller’s new film R.I.P.D. and get your copy of the December 2011 edition of Ocean Drive with Marisa Miller on newstands now.
Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola of “Jersey Shore” is known for being part of a very tanned and very make-up clad posse of party-goers. However, when XOJANE got their hands on Giancola for a make-under. The results; the fab Jersey girl looked more like an easy-breezy shore-side beauty.
