2012 Golden Globe Awards

Happy Monday!!!

I can't believe it's been a year since last year's Golden Globes!

(Check out what the stars wore last year.)

There were so many different looks from the 2012 Golden Globe Awards that it took me a long time to pick the ones I'm gonna feature on my recap. ;)

I have a long list of red carpet looks to talk about (and there's still a lot I didn't include!), so I'll try to keep this post as short as possible. Let's get started!

Charlize Theron - 

She looked absolutely gorgeous in this pale pink Christian Dior gown!

I have said many times before that I am not a fan of short front-long back dresses, but with Charlize Theron, it doesn't matter. ;)

Her sexy white stilettos, loose side bun, and embellished Cartier headband make her look picture perfect!

Emma Stone -

Emma turned up in a beautiful deep plum and fuchsia Lanvin gown with an eagle-embellished belt.

She has this amazing ability of always dressing appropriately for the event. 

The Golden Globes is more formal than the People's Choice Awards but is more laidback than the Oscars...
Emma's look is right in between, just perfect!

Lea Michele - 

I am not her biggest fan, but I acknowledge spectacular when I see it, haha! ;)

Lea Michele looked amazing in her silver Marchesa gown. 

She's covered up but still sexy with the daring sheer peek-a-boo bodice detail of her dress. 

Her hair, makeup, and accessories -- her whole look = gorgeous!

Sofia Vergara - 

Seriously, when does she ever not look amazing?!

This mermaid-style Vera Wang gown hugs her body in all the right places.
Since her dress has a lot of texture and detail, I like how she kept things simple with her sleek, straight hair.
Oh, and I think we also need to mention that she's wearing Harry Winston jewels worth over $5 million!

Reese Witherspoon -

To me, she is the picture of complete and utter happiness... look at that smile!

Reese rocked her red Zac Posen gown. 

And she made her dress and curves the stars of the show by sporting simple but sexy tousled hair.

Jessica Alba - 

She gave birth, like literally just a few months ago!

The mom of two looks fantastic in this beaded lavender Gucci gown.

I think motherhood made Jessica a happier and more beautiful person. :)

Shailene Woodley - 

The Descendants and Secret Life of the American Teenager star looks young and pretty in her embroidered illusion column dress by Marchesa. She's also wearing Tabitha Simmons shoes.

It would be amazing if she gets an Oscar nomination for her breakthrough role. :)

Jessica Biel - 

The reportedly newly engaged Jessica Biel seems to be trying out a bridal look in this beautiful lacy white Elie Saab dress. 

She looks great, but perhaps an updo would've been better?

Octavia Spencer - 

The Best Supporting Actress winner looked like an absolute winner in her pale lilac Tadashi Shoji gown paired with Christian Louboutin shoes, Irene Neuwirth jewelry, and a silver clutch.

Viola Davis - 

Look at that high slit, wow!

She looked amazing in this wine-colored, one-shoulder Emilio Pucci dress.

Helen Mirren - 

I want to be as beautiful and as graceful as Dame Helen one day. :)

Julianne Moore - 

Her black strapless gown is classic. 

I love her hair and her emerald statement earrings!

Meryl Streep -

It's not a fashion-forward look, but she's Meryl Streep -- she can do no wrong in my eyes
(and I'm sure in everyone else's eyes too!). ;)

I am so so so happy that she won the Best Actress award!

Mila Kunis -

The new Dior muse wore a black Dior gown, a Bvlgari ring, Cartier earrings, and Jimmy Choo shoes.

She looks great, but where's the fun and spunk of last year's red carpet looks?

Julie Bowen - 

Reem Acra is one of my favorite designers, and this dress is so so so pretty.

But I just feel that it kinda gets lost in Julie Bowen, or maybe it's the other way around... bottom line is neither the dress nor Julie stood out on the red carpet.

Natalie Portman - 

Natalie is as gorgeous as always!

I'm just not a fan of this Lanvin gown... but really, does it even matter what she wears? 

She's always beautiful anyway. ;)

Michelle Williams - 

Michelle's blue velvet Jason Wu dress and jeweled headband look is not my favorite, but I give her the best acceptance speech award (she won the Best Actress for a Musical/Comedy award)! 

"I consider myself a mother first and an actress second, and so the person I most want to thank is my daughter, my little girl, whose bravery and exuberance is the example that I take with me in my work and in my life. I want to say thank you for sending me off to this job every day with a hug and a kiss. I couldn't have done it any other way. It made me so excited to come home at night. And for suffering for six months of bedtime stories, where all the princesses were read aloud in a Marilyn Monroe-sounding voice."

It made me cry, seriously!

Rooney Mara -

While I admire her astonishing transformation into Lisbeth Salander, someone needs to tell Rooney that she doesn't need to dress like this all the time!

Her Nina Ricci gown is pretty, the detail and the neckline are daring, but I need some color from Rooney... and a smile while we're at it!

Freida Pinto - 

This teal bustier strapless silk Prada gown looks way too big for Freida.

It seems like the duchesse satin belt is the only thing holding this dress up. :/

The only thing working for me here is her Chopard necklace. ;)

Zooey Deschanel - 

 

Oh man, Zooey!

I love Zooey, but I don't like this look at all!

This green silk Prada dress is just not flattering. 

And what's up with the hair?! Where did her gorgeous Jess hair go???

Dianna Agron - 

Pretty girl with a not so pretty dress...

Her hair, makeup, and jewelry are all perfect. We just have to change this red Giles dress!

The laser cut swan detail is amazing, but why on a dress?

Piper Perabo - 

It seems like Piper wanted to feel like a princess... but the thing is, I'm not sure princesses these days would want to wear this pearlescent Olivier Theyskens for Theory gown.

Moving on, there were a lot of couples on the red carpet too...

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan - 

Awwww!
Did you guys see Octavia Spencer say "He's cute!" when Channing presented an award on stage?

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban -

Yay for Nicole Kidman wearing this gray Versace halter gown with bold studded detailing!

It's not my favorite, but she looks better than she has in a while.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt - 

Although their relationship didn't start in the most virtuous way, I find myself rooting for them to last because they really do look like they care for each other a lot (it's so cute the way they light up when the other one is up on stage).

Anyway, the dress... Angie's Atelier Versace gown is not the best, but no one can deny that this woman is elegant and gorgeous!

Francois-Henri Pinault and Salma Hayek - 

I'm not a fan of Salma's black and gold Gucci gown, but somehow she makes it work.

And I love her ombre curls!

Giuliana Rancic - 

A special mention goes to Giuliana for bravely facing breast cancer, undergoing a double mastectomy, and still showing up at work looking polished as always!

I also just wanted to share some photos of celebs wearing my favorite color on the red carpet. ;)

I couldn't find a photo of Emily Blunt wearing a gorgeous yellow Elie Saab (if I'm not mistaken) dress. :/

***images from Yahoo! and details from www.usmagazine.com***

But anyway, yay, that is the end of my 2012 Golden Globe Awards red carpet recap!

Whose look did you like the best? Whose look did you not like at all?
I'd love to hear what you have to say! :D

Have a fantastic week, everyone!

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)

Happy Weekend! :)

My Mom got a deli sandwich platter today -- the sandwiches were delicious!
My favorite is roast beef. :)

My brother and my Dad basically owned the TV today --
1) 49ers vs. Saints, 2) Broncos vs. Patriots, and 3) Lakers vs. Clippers

But later tonight, the TV and the couch will be mine because Daniel Radcliffe is hosting SNL! ;)
Watch the promo below:

And tomorrow... Golden Globes!!! :D

Let's Talk Skin!
2012 People's Choice Awards
Review: Corioliss Clipless Curling Wand

I hope you are all having a fantastic weekend!

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)

Let's Talk Skin!

Happy Friday!

I was reading a magazine the other day, and there was a survey that I found really interesting.
The question was:

What do you spend the most time on?
a. Hair b. Makeup c. Skin Care d. Outfit

I was torn between skin care and outfit, but when I really thought about it, I realized that I spend the most time on skin care. What about you?

I am the most paranoid about my skin -- I hate breakouts and I hate dry skin. :/

I am very fortunate to have been given the chance to try out an amazing line of skin care products from Stages of Beauty. They have different sets of products according to age, and I think that is one of the best things about it. :)

I use their Radiance in your 20s line.

I will be reviewing their products soon, but in the meantime you can check out my thoughts on their Radiance Treatment Cream here.

I also have some magazine scans about skin care from last year. 

They're quite old, but I figured the information is still useful. ;)

NEVER SKIP HYDRATION: 

Kate Somerville says the biggest mistake women make treating acne is over drying the skin. Oily skin still needs hydrating with oil-free moisturizers.

If you have oily skin...

- VMV HYPOALLERGENICS Spring Fresh Oil-Free Nourisher SPF 15, $27
- SKINCEUTICALS Blemish + Age Defense Salycylic Acid Acne Treatment, $78
- CLARISEA De-Blemish Black Mud Mask, $32

BE GENTLE WITH YOUR SKIN:

Amy Wechsler advises people with dry or sensitive skin not to exfoliate every day. Instead use a mild cleanser and avoid products with acids that sting the skin.

I use my Radiance cleanser everyday, and I use my face scrub 2-3 times a week.

If you have dry or sensitive skin...

- PHILOSOPHY Keep the Peace Super Soothing Moisturizer for Redness and Sensitivity, $38
- EVE LOM Intense Hydration Serum, $95

TAKE THE DERMATOLOGIST'S OFFICE HOME:

Go beyond everyday skin care with specialized masks, peels, or serums that penetrate the skin and treat specific conditions. Since they can also make your skin more sun-sensitive, use an SPF of 30 or higher.

I also have a serum that I absolutely love! 
I need to get myself a moisturizer with good SPF, though.
Any suggestions?

If you need at-home deep treatments...
- PETER THOMAS ROTH Laser-Free Resurfacer, $75
- SK-II Cellumination Mask-In Lotion, $75
- KATE SOMERVILLE Clinic-To-Go Resurfacing Peel Pads, $48 (for 16)

DON'T OVERLOOK THE EYE CREAM!: 

Eyelid skin is the thinnest skin in the body, so it can dry really easily. Most eye creams are very emollient, so they put moisture back into the eyelid.

If you need an eye cream...
- OLAY Total Effects Line and Dark Circle Minimizing Brush, $18.99
- EAU THERMALE AVENE Eluage Eye Contour Care, $38.50
- Dr. Brandt Dark Circles Away, $55

Do you have other eye cream suggestions?
Which skin care products do you currently use? Are there any specific products you would suggest we try?

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!!! :D

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites

2012 People's Choice Awards

Yay for awards season!!! ;)

Let's start our red carpet watch with tonight's People's Choice Awards!

The People's Choice Awards are more casual and laidback than other awards, and that's why there weren't many long gowns or huge jewels... but the stars still gave us something to talk about. ;)

Some hit the mark, while others completely missed it. :/

Let's start with my favorites of the night:

Alyson Hannigan -

The glowing soon-to-be mom of two looks gorgeous in her red "Brit" beaded Alice + Olivia dress. 

She kept things simple with Vram for Gray Gallery jewels and silver pumps.

Emma Stone - 

She is seriously becoming one of my favorite style icons!

I think Emma found a perfect balance between laidback and formal with her tailored black trousers, bright green blazer over a crisp white blouse, and black peep-toe heels.

Ginnifer Goodwin - 

Ginnifer totally makes this hot pink Roksanda Ilincic dress look fabulous.

She finished off her look with Jimmy Choo booties, a black envelope clutch by KZENIYA, and Van Cleef & Arpels earrings.

Jennifer Morrison - 

Is it obvious that I love Once Upon A Time? Haha. ;)

Jennifer looks gorgeous in her tasseled Oscar de la Renta dress, high bun, suede pumps, gold clutch, and drop earrings.

Ashley Benson - 

I think this black and white ensemble is so pretty and age-appropriate!

Ashley did a great job choosing this Alice + Olivia dress for tonight.

Let's move on to the other looks of the night:

Miley Cyrus - 

This ivory David Korma dress isn't my favorite, but I still think Miley looks pretty.
I like the sheer detail of the dress and there's an interesting color thing going on down by the hem.
Miley paired her dress with purple Jimmy Choo heels and a Marchesa clutch.

Julianne Hough -

I love Julianne's hair and makeup, but I feel like this backless long-sleeved dress look has been done countless times before.

Jennifer Lawrence -



This blue ocean-inspired Viktor & Rolf creation is definitely unique, but I'm not sure I like it.
Jennifer paired her dress with black Sergio Rossi heels and jewelry from Jack Vartanian.

Demi Lovato - 

I think Demi went a bit too formal with her pink silk chiffon draped strapless Marchesa gown.
Don't get me wrong, I think the embroidered bodice detail of her dress and her turquoise and pearl embroidered clutch are beautiful -- but perhaps for something like the Golden Globes?

And also, I wish she had the dress altered to give some more room in the chest area.

Lea Michele -

The back of this white hand-draped bugle bead Marchesa dress is gorgeous, but I'm not a fan of the front.
And I wish she did something else with her hair. I like her silver Jimmy Choo "Señora" heels, though.

Nina Dobrev - 

This green Elie Saab cocktail dress with lace sleeves just didn't work, in my opinion.

Her shoes and clutch didn't do anything for the ensemble either.

Vanessa Hudgens - 

I'm kinda torn about this black sheer double halter Jenny Packham gown -- sometimes I like the gold webbed beading and sometimes I don't. Hmmm...

Vanessa completed her look with Arunashi jewelry, black satin pumps from Casadei, and a Judith Leiber clutch.

Lucy Hale - 

 

The Pretty Little Liars star chose a dramatic black beaded one-shoulder Cengiz Abazoglu dress, black pumps, Baccarat ring, and Sutra earrings.

Okay, I love Lucy Hale but I don't love this look.

Maybe it would look better if we do away with the extra cloth and if we find the missing piece of her dress.

Ashley Greene -

I am not a fan of Ashley's but you can usually expect gorgeous red carpet looks from her. 

Ummm, what happened? Did she have a fight with her stylist or something?

This black, skin-tight, custom-made lace and leather DKNY dress is just all wrong.

She can keep her black Brian Atwood pumps and Jacob & Co. accessories, but she should've worn something else. :/

Okay, there we have it, my take on tonight's red carpet. ;)

***images and details from Yahoo! and www.usmagazine.com***

It's time to hear what you think...

Whose look did you like the best? Whose look did you not like at all?

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)

Review: Corioliss Clipless Curling Wand

Happy Monday!!!

We are well into the new year -- I hope 2012 is starting out splendidly for you guys! :)

One of the most memorable things about 2011 for me was getting my own curling wand, courtesy of John from www.misikko.com -- and it's not just any regular curling iron... I got a ceramic clipless curling wand, one of their top sellers!

Check out their website -- they have excellent Blow Dryers (read my review here) and Flat Irons.
You can also check out their HANA products. :)

Okay, now let's talk about the Corioliss Clipless Curling Wand!



I was very excited to receive my package because not only was I gonna get what I'm sure is an amazing product, I also knew that our friends over at Misikko put in a lot of awesome goodies on the side... and I was right! ;)

So, under all those cute stuff was my curling wand:

The 18mm wand lets you curl, wave, or flip your hair into amazing styles. The simple effective design guides the hair for perfect curl formation, giving beautiful results every time.

- Tourmaline infused ceramic barrel emits far infrared heat technology to lock in moisture.
- Heat proof glove is included in package.
- Fast heat up time and high temperature performance.
- Negative ion technology eliminates static -- resulting in hair that is soft, silky, and shiny.
- Professional 360 degree swivel cord
- Clipless design -- not like other traditional curling irons
- 1 Year Warranty

The description and information from the website (provided above) are all accurate.

The swivel cord makes it easy to maneuver.
The switch button is very simple -- just press it to turn off or on.

Because it's very simple, there aren't any temperature controls.
There is only one temperature, and it is very hot.
As it said above, the curling wand heats up very fast -- be very careful, you don't want to burn yourself!

Because it's clipless, it's a bit of a struggle to keep hair wrapped around the wand.
But you'll get used to it eventually, plus there is a heat proof glove included.

This is for the hand you'll use to keep hair in place.

At first I was a bit scared that I'd still get burned, but this glove really is heat proof. ;)

I used a soft cloth to clean the wand after it cooled down -- I think it's better to clean it after every use to make sure no residue sticks to the ceramic wand. 

(They also sell an iron cleaner for $9.99, if you'd prefer to get that.)

I took before and after photos for you guys! :)

Here is my hair before it was curled:

I half air-dried, half blow-dried my hair.

And I applied HANA Shine Shield Thermal Protectant Hair Serum (review to come soon!).

Here is my hair after curling:

I loved it!
The curls are soft, smooth, and shiny.
They are defined, but not stiff -- just exactly how I like it.
(After curling, I run my fingers through the curls to loosen them a bit.)

My hair normally goes back to being straight very quickly (unless I put tons of hairspray on), but not with this one... even though I only put a little bit of hairspray on, the curls lasted throughout the day (and remained nice until the next day!).

Final Verdict: The quality of the curling iron is amazing, really really excellent!
They are originally sold for $130, but they are currently on sale for only $99.99!
If you've been thinking of buying a clipless curling wand, this is a really good one to get (and it's on sale!).
For $99.99, you will get an amazing curling wand and tons of extra goodies on the side.

I absolutely love my clipless curling wand, it's something that I am definitely gonna use until it stops working. ;)

Have you tried the Corioliss Clipless Curling Wand? Is it something you might want to try?
What brand and model is your current curling iron?

I hope you are all having a fantastic week!

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)