Alfred Angelo for Disney Wedding Gowns

When I was younger I loved to watch Disney movies; seeing Mufasa die in The Lion King still makes me cry. It was fun to dream of when I'd find my own Prince Charming, but then of course I'm not a singing mermaid or nose-in-a-book merchant's daughter. You could only imagine my surprise when I saw that designer Alfred Angelo has created Disney-inspired wedding gowns for purchase by the general public. They're all so amazing and appropriate for the princess they represent (Ariel's dress is mermaid cut, of course). I don't know about you, but I love the bodice detail on Cinderella's dress. Check out the gallery: which wedding dress is your favorite?

Cinderella

Sleeping Beauty

Ariel

Images courtesy of Alfred Angelo

Use Celebs for Beauty Inspiration

There are so many quizzes and applications on the internet now that it's easy to spend (waste...) a whole lot of time taking them all. But if there's one application I would suggest, it's the MyHeritage.com Celebrity Face Recognition software. Besides being super fun to use, this site can be used to your advantage. See which celebrities resemble you most, and steal their makeup secrets. That's right, use them as inspiration! Here I am with some of my friends and our beauty suggestions.

Mary

Mary's best match is Shiri Appleby, an actress most known for her small-screen roles on ER and Life Unexpected. Shiri looks great in this photo via moejackson.com from the 2007 Tony Awards. Shiri has a more toned-down look with light pink lips, coral/pink blush, and a slight brush of a brown-ish eyeshadow. Her eyes are played up with mascara and what look like bronze eyeshadow accents. This is a great way for Mary look great while staying close to natural. Here are some products that may help Mary achieve this look:

Featured:

Naked Lipstick by Urban Decay
Smooth on Blush in Soft Spoken Pink by Revlon
Single Eyeshadow in Nude, Champagne by Smashbox

Sarah

Jessica's hair looks amazing, but we'll stick to the makeup for now. In this image via Jessica Simpson Pictures, Jessica stuns with pink lips and dark outlined eyes. Her skin is glowing and even, with perhaps a bit of blush accenting her cheekbones. To achieve this look, Sarah should make sure to outline her eyes in a dark brown or black mascara and enhance her eyelashes with a bold mascara. Here are some products that may help Sarah achieve this look:

Featured:CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipstick in Sweetheart
Cashmere Wear Ultra-Smoothing Bronzer in Light Bronzer by Physician's Formula
Define-A-Lash Eyeliner in Brownish Black by Maybelline

Mina

Mina's #1 look-alike is Alizee, a French singer. In this image via fanpix.net, Alizee uses muted colors for an almost floral look. The most notable makeup products are a lilac eyeshadow, pink lip gloss, and a peach blush. This fresh combination is great for Mina for the spring or summer. Here are some products that may help Mina achieve this look:

Featured:

Smooth On Blush in Blushed by Revlon
NYX Single Eye Shadow in Frosted Lilac
Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Buxom Big and Healthy Lip Polish in Tonya

Me

I've often been told I look like Jessica Lowndes from 90210 (in fact I'm sure one of my friends would yell at me if I didn't mention it!) but the according to the software I'm a close match to Camilla Belle. I do absolutely love this photo of Camilla via funalso.com, so I'll use it! Camilla has filled in her eyebrows to create a more intense look. Mascara and a slight cat eye enhance her eyes, and a deep red lipstick pulls together the look. Fortunately Camilla played her balance right with dramatic lips and more natural eyes. Here are some products that can help me achieve this look:

Featured:

Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner in Midnight Black
Eyebrow Pencil in Brunette by Anastasia
Lipstick in Russian Red by MAC via maccosmetics.com

Now it's your turn! Try out the My Heritage program and see which celebrity resembles you the most. Then, search for images of that celebrity and recreate makeup styles you like.  Want your own personalized celebrity beauty look? Sent me a tweet @slevinstyle and you can be featured in an upcoming blog!

All makeup images courtesy of Ulta.com.

I do not directly endorse any featured products unless specifically stated.

New! Be featured on slevinstyle

image courtesy dreamstime.com

If you take a look at the left panel, you'll see a new tab labeled "Be Featured". Here you can find information to get yourself on my blog! I would love to feature more friends and "real people" on the site. Take a look at the page for more information!

Stain them Red

Image courtesy of sxc.hu

I've recently become a huge fan of lip stain. It's so easy to use and lasts for a while, no need for reapplication Also the color doesn't bleed or leave marks on cups, etc. I've been using the Maybelline Color Sensation Lip Stain ($6.99). It's oddly similar to a marker, like most lip stains are now. The marker is much easier to use than the older squeeze-type packages! My favorite is #25 Feelin' Rosy.

Image courtesy of drugstore.com

My boyfriend could even tell it was a new product! He liked how it looked natural, unlike the pastiness of lipstick. I'll need to find a good red for when we go out, maybe CoverGirl's Outlast Lipstain in Scarlet Pucker ($8.29).

Image courtesy of drugstore.com

Lip stains are a great way to get that fresh summer look for a low price. But, stains can sometimes dry out your lips (I've had no big problem with the Maybelline one) so apply a lip balm over it for added protection. Stains come in a spectrum of roses, peaches, and plums, so have fun with your look!

All price estimates are taken from Ulta.com.

Smart Sun Safety

Photo courtesy of sxc.hu

With the warm summer sun beating down on us, we often feel the need to go outside and get that tan glow. But, it is important to remember to stay safe while pursuing that perfect tan. Although we know what a tan looks like, what exactly is it?

A tan is your skin’s reaction to ultraviolet (UV) rays. When skin cells are exposed to UV rays, they produce a brown pigment called melanin, which darkens the color of the skin cells. This is your skin’s defense against further UV damage. UV rays actually damage the DNA of your skin cells! Even though your cells quickly react to UV damage, their defense is not perfect and your DNA is not always successfully repaired. This DNA damage is what can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, spots, and skin cancer.

Sunscreen

Every day use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. I go with at least SPF 30 unless I’m using a special product for my face, which usually comes in SPF 15. I always use a moisturizer with SPF; my favorite is CoverGirl’s Aqua Smoother Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15.

CoverGirl's CG Smoothers SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer ($6.99)

Apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 to 3 hours. You may have to reapply your sunscreen more often if you’ve been swimming or sweating a lot. Make sure your sunscreen covers all areas of the body including your nose, earns, neck, and lips. That’s right, lips! Rather than goop body sunscreen onto your lips, you can get a lip balm with SPF built right in. The EOS lip balms are fun with great flavors and a unique shape; they’ve just come out with a lemon flavor with SPF 15 that can protect your lips from the sun’s rays.

EOS Lemon Drop Lip Balm

Tanning Beds

Many young women prefer the ease of the tanning bed to waiting outside for hours, but are tanning beds safer than tanning outside? Tanning salon owners comment on how their beds use UVA rays rather than UVB rays, which are more dangerous. But, UVA rays can also cause cancer! Sunbed tanning can still increase the risk of skin cancer.

So what’s a girl to do to safely get that tanned summer look? I’m a big fan of tanning sprays and lotions. It takes some practice to use them without streaks or unevenness, but once you get the hang of it you can get you tan in a quick and safe way. You can also use them to even out any existing tan lines. Here are some of my favorite sunless tanning products.

Neutrogena Micromist Sunless Tanning Spray ($11.49)

Jergens Natural Glow Tanning Moisturizer ($8.99)

With these sun tips you can have a fun and fearless summer. Remember, have fun and stay safe!

Sources

http://www.skincancer.org/the-dangers-of-tanning.html

http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/tc/protecting-your-skin-from-the-sun-topic-overview

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/cancer/risk/159.html

All price estimates are taken from Ulta.com.

Betsey's an Animal!

Betsey's an Animal! by peace[♥]kappa

I first came across this collection by Betsey Johnson while walking through a Macy*s to enter the main part of the mall. I couldn't take my eyes off of these adorable little animal pieces; I absolutely love the bulldogs! Each animal comes in a necklace, ring, and earring design. You can also find ocean-inspired pieces including starfish, mermaids, and fish. Check out Betsey Johnson's whimsical jewelry here.

P.S. I found these strikingly Betsey-inspired earrings at Forever21. I bought a silver pair with a black and white zebra print in the middle. They're only $2.80 a pair! Take a look at Forever21.

Listen to Your Lips

We've all heard about reading palms to learn about yourself or to foresee the future, but what about your lip prints? According to lip print interpretation expert Jilly Eddy (and founder of lipsology.com), the shape your lips make when you kiss a surface says much about your personality. Read more here.

Rompers!

Fun and Bright Rompers by peace[♥]kappa

Dress Up Rompers by peace[♥]kappa

I don't know about all of you, but I absolutely LOVE rompers! This is a fashion staple I need to get more of. I'm really liking the bright retro print style (number 4 in the first set) from Forever21, it's just $21! I'm also thinking of getting at least one of the dressier styles to wear out. Rompers are just so easy to put on and accessorize, why not take advantage of it? Here are some pictures of fabulous celebrities rocking the romper trend.

photos courtesy of OK! Magazine; Positively Celebrity; New York Magazine; haveuheard.net

Cutout Heel

Jeffrey Campbell Skate Cutout Wedge

I came across these incredible shoes online at Urban Outfitters. The first thing that came to mind, of course, was Lady Gaga. They reminded me of her style and some of her past looks (examples below). Price tag of $199 ignored, these would be pretty fun to wear.

Photos courtesy of thesun.co.uk; thehollywoodgossip.com; weheartit.com

Seeing Mint

My Mint Obsession by peace[♥]kappa

I've been in love with everything mint, this collage shows some great mint items I've come across. The nail polish is fantastic (I'm wearing it now!), the color is spot-on and it's great quality. I also have the heels, they don't fit perfectly but I'm hoping to make it work! Hopefully this week I can hit up H&M to grab the cardigan and one of the other pieces. I haven't decided which one yet!