With the cat eye coming in so many shapes, colours and designs, this look is very versatile. So, whether you’re a twenty-something or a lady who lunches, there is a cat eye to suit you — just remember not to overwhelm your face with too large a style. I’m personally coveting these Elizabeth & James, dare I say they’re even a little sassy (I refuse to say sexy, sorry folks)?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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What did you do this long weekend?

Ever since middle school, I can remember struggling with eczema. Of course, while most people get this skin ailment on their hands and body, I had the pleasure of having eczema under my eyes.

Initially, my doctor prescribed a low concentrate hydrocortisone ointment. This acted as my morning eye cream. Only while in university I discovered that while hydrocortisone worked wonders on eczema, it also thinned skin, thus bringing premature wrinkles under my eyes. Because I’ve been struggling with this for so long, I’ve researched every product and sampled all creams that those also affected by eczema recommended. After finally visiting a dermatologist — 5 years too late evidently — he suggested using Cliniderm, an irritant-free face wash. Along with this, he also advised to use hypo-allergenic lotions and makeup (unfortunately I could not give up my fave makeup products). I now use Cliniderm morning and night, moisturizing my face with Cetaphil and under my eyes with Vaseline or, lately, coconut oil (more on that next week).

I am absolutely amazed how well this product works. No longer do I have dry, red, irritated skin under my eyes, except for on occasion during the cold dry months. It’s available at Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada, and the brand also offers many other products.

((this year’s goal is to read more, so this reading nook looks amazing))

((one day a dressing room/office space will be mine – having my clothes on display is oddly very appealing))

((if I were in my “when I grow up” home now, I would have a wall like this))

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We’ve all done it; seen that great nail colour you just can’t live without, followed quickly by seeing the double-digit price. So, you settle. You buy the slightly different shade in the cheaper brand thinking it will be just as good. It never is. But don’t worry, this manicure is a great way to use your lesser quality polishes. In this funky, translucent design, layer different colours on top of each other to get a cool Caboodle-inspired look!

First, choose your base colour and apply it to all your nails. I used Shocking Seas by Maybelline. The next step involves taping your nails, so the first coat must be completely dry otherwise you’ll ruin your base coat.

Next, cut 20 thin strips of masking tape. You can use any kind of tape that you happen to have; I use masking tape because it doesn’t leave gluey residue, plus painters use it so why shouldn’t I? For my second colour, I used Peppermint by Rimmel London Pro. Form the tape into triangles on your nails using either the cuticle base or the tip of the nail to be the third side of the triangle (I alternated, one pointing up, one pointing down, one up, one down, etc.) and paint inside the tape. I like to peel the tape off right after applying the paint; if you wait too long the tape can pull the dry paint off and ruin your lines.

Again, let this coat dry completely. If you want to apply a top coat at this point you can. Sometimes I find it helps to fuse the two layers together but if you find that adding too many coats of paint leaves your polish susceptible to peeling then skip this stage. You’ll need a lot more tape for this last step, 30 thin strips to be exact! We’re still making triangles here, but we’re doing them without the use of the side of your nail. In other words, they are completely free standing triangles. Overlap these triangles over both existing colours to optimize the transparency look. I chose a contrasting colour to my blue/green hues, a rich pink by OPI. Once you’ve taped out your triangles, add a single coat of the highlight colour. It can be hard to resist going over it a few times, but remember you want to see the other colours through this coat.

And voila, there you have a totally righteous nail look fit for a 1980s revival party! Now you can add your favourite top coat to protect your hard work for as long as you can. To ensure your design stays in the best shape possible, limit your manual labour to pulling up your leg warmers, curling your hair, and playing Dream Phone.

Even if you won’t be with your mom this Sunday, sometimes a lengthy phone call is the best alternative. For those of you who are speding the day with mom, here are some last minute gift ideas.

((a few years ago I visited Ottawa and made my mom brunch – try this eggs benny recipe – don’t forget mimosas!))

((summer is upon us and these are great for backyard parties, lemonade, iced tea & sangria, oh my – West Elm))

((treat mom to an at-home mani-pedi – think amateur massage & bright spring polishes – photo via))

((while fresh cut flowers are nice, this potted hydrandea last so much longer – Terrain))

Right now, something about a low back seems very appealing to me. Maybe it’s the weather warming up and a seven day forecast that lives only in the 20s, either way I’m drawn to this style as of late. Although I’m fairly thin, a plunging back never really seemed to be something I thought I could pull off; it may be my fear of going sans bra, or it may be a certain insecurity to bare it all, something that I feel would only bring more attention to my small frame. Regardless, I really think this is something I’m going to try this summer! Have you taken the plunge yet?

all photos via

]]> http://goldfacedbetty.com/2012/05/10/low-in-the-back/feed/ 6 goldfacedbetty low_back_sun low_back_stripe low_back_dot low_back_white Maddy http://goldfacedbetty.com/2012/05/08/photoadaymay/ http://goldfacedbetty.com/2012/05/08/photoadaymay/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 15:43:00 +0000 goldfacedbetty http://goldfacedbetty.com/?p=5320 ]]> This month I have decided to participate in the #photoadaymay Instagram challenge created by @famumslim. Since I use Instagram everyday it seemed only natural to take part in this, and I think it’s sort of fun to have to plan out and put some meaning to a photo. Each week I will share photos with you.

To ensure you have even distribution of the colours, choose polishes with a thicker consistency (one that would typically only need one coat). Because I did not listen to my future self’s advice (see one sentence above), I used China Glaze in Secret Peri-wink-le as a base since the lacquers were inconsistent. Before applying the lacquer to the makeup sponge, soak the sponge in water, and squeeze out about 80% of the water from sponge. Next, apply the colours from darkest to lightest, or vice versa, to the sponge, applying two coats of each colour and then blotting the excess off on a piece of paper. Apply to nail with the end of the sponge meeting the tip of your nail. Unless you put tape around your nail to protect your skin, use a Q-Tip soaked in polish remove to clean up your fingers.
  

Colours I used (starting at the tips): Essie in Midnight Cami, Crush in Indigo, China Glaze in Secret Peri-wink-le, Saint Germain in Seafoam.