I am having a love affair with a makeup brand. As an equal opportunist and lover of almost all things beauty, it’s a bold statement I make to proclaim one brand the “it” brand for my summer 2012.

Who’s rocking it (and my face) this summer? Pixi Cosmetics! With the launch of their spring/summer collection, I have never been more excited to experiment.

First up, their Tinted Brilliance Balms. Normally, I never-stray from my usual reds and bright pinks but when I got my hands on these balms, I couldn’t choose just one to glide across my lips! Available in 7 flattering shades, ranging from rose, to berry, to coral, these balms supply lips with tons of moisture and lip-loving ingredients. Acting like a stain and leaving long-lasting, super-pigmented color, the tint starts off glossy and wears off to a personalized hue depending on your lip’s pH levels - who knew beauty was so scientific!

The other product I can’t seem to shake is Pixi’s Lid Last Shadow Pen. Almost too easy to use, these chubby crayons glide on in a cream-to-powder formula and leave a shimmery, light-reflecting pigment all day long! Available in 7 shades as well, they can be used as shadows when applied over the entire lid, smudged into the lashline for an edgy liner look, or smoothed onto the inner corners of the eyes and brow bone for an illuminating highlight. These multipurpose sticks make for the only eye product you’ll need all summer long!

This weekend is Memorial Day which marks the beginning of summer…helllo summer Fridays! With that said, I am excited to hit the beach and plan out of town getaways.

Which brings me to my bag pick of the week.  This tote is not only stylish enough to carry all summer but it also serves as the perfect beach bag, big enough for all your beach essentials.  Towel, flip-flops, tanning lotion…yup, it all fits! After all, what more could a girl ask for out of her beach bag?

Billabong Going Places Bag, $48

http://www.swell.com/!4nhLvFsFN0Uwtd57BAZCCA!/BILLABONG-GOING-PLACES-BAG?utm_source=shoppingcom&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=shopengine

The sun is out so make sure to protect your eyes with some funky shades.  This summer, ditch those dull, monotone sunglasses and opt for a pair of fun, yet chic ones.  Bright colors, unique silhouettes, and prints are ruling the the streets. So make heads turn this season with these eye-catching sunnies.

1. American Apparel Skipper Sunglasses, $35

http://store.americanapparel.net/skippersg.html

2. Alexander McQueen Cateye Oversized Sunglasses, $325

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/alexander-mcqueen-cat-eye-oversized-sunglasses?ID=548135&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc=LINKSHARE-_-n-_-n-_-n&LinkshareID=J84DHJLQkR4-jwDraW5M2TSL5UU0ssugZg

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Layered Plastic Modified Cateye Sunglasses, $120

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306418154&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446481113&site_refer=AFF001&mid=13816&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-vzBFUjSyH_ErOstRBKgamQ&LScreativeid=1&LSlinkid=15&LSoid=203720&LSsid=J84DHJLQkR4

4. Dior Round Croisette Striped Sunglasses (blue Crystal), $325

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/product.jsp?itemId=prod145390012&ecid=NMALRJ84DHJLQkR4&CS_003=5630585

5. Pop Color Tortoise Shell Shades, $5.50

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12652301&cm_mmc=PJ-_-20648-_-401911002-_-ADZCHIC

6. Cutler & Gross Round Sunglasses, $495

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/accessories/eyewear/PRDOVR~52953/52953.jsp?srcCode=AFFI00001&siteId=J84DHJLQkR4-ZPZh%2FVw56C87em7ZyrT2Tg

7. Fire-Starter Framed Sunglasses, $14

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=24785552&cm_mmc=Performics-_-Affiliates-_-ShopStyle.com-_-Primary&clickid=0004c09e9527d3e30ae04e024b854baf

Revlon’s Global Brand Ambassadors Emma Stone, Halle Berry and Olivia Wilde couldn’t look more gorgeous in their newest, not-yet-released ad campaigns. 

Because we love our readers, we’re giving you a sneak peek of their latest sizzling looks before they even run in July beauty rags.

Check them out below and let us know, hit or miss?

I love food. I live for food. So why someone like me would ever agree to an all juice diet for up to five days makes no sense, right? It was all in the name of editorial. And hey, editorial? Yea, you owe me. Big time.

When it comes to juice cleanses, the above was my normal sung tune until I met with Kelly Boyer, the founder of Paleta. Devoted to promoting only the most eco-conscious meals, cleanses, and detox plans through the freshest ingredients, Paleta’s purpose is to change the way you eat, the way you feel, and the way you live.

While Paleta’s mission sounded great, the thought of engaging in another juice diet - well that didn’t sound great. But unlike other brands, Paleta offers the Mind & Body Cleanse ($55-$65/day), a 5-day plan that combines targeted meals and nutritional shakes to eliminate processed foods that help you lose weight, boost your metabolism, and improve your hair and skin. I signed myself up quicker than I quit my last cleanse!

My meals were delivered along with a giant tub of powder for my four times daily shakes. Before me were prepared dishes for the next five days, clearly labelled for the easiest of consumption.

Overall, this was the best cleanse I’ve ever participated in. I looked forward to each chewable meal and even enjoyed the multiple-times-daily vanilla shakes (thanks to the cocoa powder). I felt lighter, more energized and less bloated than I ever had. Afterall, that was the end goal, right?

My one complaint? While the meals really were delicious (blackberry pear quinoa crumble?!), I was left wanting more after lunch and having loads leftover from dinner. Because I tend to follow (most) rules, I didn’t think about swapping around meals until days later.

For more info on my cleanse and the other options offered by Paleta, check them out here.

GET THE LOOK | MINKA’S MATCH

Super hot actress Minka Kelly gets in a bright mood with purple jeans and a bright pink scarf on a coffee run. Mimick Minka’s style in a few easy steps. Vibrant skinny’s puts a pep into anyone’s step while aviator sunnies and a fringed scarf keeps you looking cool. Top it off with simple jewelry, fun flats, and you’re done!

1. Level 99 “Janice” Jeans – $98 (www.MFredric.com)

2. Paul Frank “Back on the Motorway” Sunglasses – $150 (www.EyeSocietyOnline.com)

3. Nepali by TDM Design “Lauren” Scarf – $105 (www.TdmDesignInc.com)

4. Guy & Eva “Love” Cuff – $20 (www.GuyandEva.com)

5. Skinny by Jessica Elliot Ring – $22 (www.SkinnyStyle.com)

6. AMI Clubwear Silver Glitter Flats – $18 (www.AmiClubwear.com)

Today I went to about 8 fall previews and what did I see? Colored denim. Yes. Editors, bloggers, everyone and their mother was sporting colored denim.  My thoughts?  It’s time to post a story on one of my favorite things- color!  And since east coasters don’t tend to like it as much as west coasters, I thought I’d take advantage of the trend and share some of my favorite items that are sure to add that “oh so trendy” pop of color to any of your outfits.

Mellina+Co Neon Flow Circle Bracelets, $160

http://www.mellinaandco.com/product_p/b1020.htm

BE&D Big City Sneaker, $128

http://beandd.com/products/big-city-sneaker

May 28th 8:20AM Watch, $39

http://www.may28th.me/shop/1702

Level 99 Aqua Colored skinny Jeans, $81

http://www.bonton.com/shop/women/jeans/skinny/level-99-aqua-colored-skinny-jeans_461858.html?query=level+99

Bauble Bar Acrylic Monogram Necklace, $56 (medium) $72 (extra large)

http://baublebar.com/index.php/fashion-jewelry/personalized-pieces/acrylic-monogram-medium.html?options=cart

http://baublebar.com/index.php/fashion-jewelry/personalized-pieces/acrylic-monogram-extra-large.html

BE&D Nixie Bag, $398

http://beandd.com/products/nixie

Who are we kidding…we love music but we love fashion as well! With music festival season rapidly approaching us (ahem, Coachella), it was important for us to come up with some useful style tips as well as fashionable items to rock out in.

1. If you’re going to be outdoors all day, protect your eyes.

Westward Leaning Sunglasses, $165-$295

http://westwardleaning.com/index.php/the-sunglasses.html

*PLUS for each pair sold $10 is donated to the charity associated with the specific style.

2. Don’t know what top to wear? Easy. You can’t go wrong at a music festival wearing a band tee.

The Who Tee, $17.80

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?category=top&ProductID=2008586025&utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=product_feed

3. Revamp an old pair of shorts or jeans with some scissors, fabric dye, and studs for a unique look.

RUNAWAYDREAMZ Handmade Vintage Half Studded Shorts, $168

http://www.singer22.com/455.html?source=shopstyle&src=gan

4. Want to be the topic of everyone’s conversation? Rock an eye-catching accessory.

BIKO Mirim Necklace, $118

http://www.ilovebiko.com/collections/all/products/mirim-necklace-dusk

5. Add some pop to your look by sporting some colorful sneakers.

Vans Neon Authentic Shoes, $45

http://shop.vans.com/catalog/Vans/en_US/style/njvneo.html?categoryId=91111&colorCode=NJV5KV

6. Spoil your wrists with some arm candy.

Sisco+Berluti Happy Stacks Bracelets, $125

http://siscoberluti.com/shop/stacks.html

7. Keep your hands free all day and night by opting for a small cross body bag.

Khirma Eliazov Mignonne Pouch, $725

http://www.khirmaeliazov.com/shop/mignonne-pouch/

8. Fingers feeling a bit naked? Bring attention to that manicure with some sparkle and shine.

Lyra Lovestar Zoie Stackable Rings, $120

http://www.lyralovestar.com/#!vstc5=shop/vstc0=rings