Beauty Tuesday: Glittery Makeup

BFFs,

When it comes to sparkly makeup, it’s best to focus on only one area—either eyes or lips. Your BFF will agree that a hint of sparkle goes a long way to illuminate your look without making you appear as if you have some sort of glitter disease. Here are our favorite ways to showcase your commitment to gleam.

Eyes

A thin line of golden bejeweled liner manages to look fresh while adding a sense of occasion. Try Urban Decay’s Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in Baked.

Lips

A smoky eye paired with a high-gloss glittery lip will take you from cool to Kardashian in minutes. Our favorite gloss these days is MAC Cosmetics Dazzleglass in Baby Sparks.

What are your favorite glittery makeup items? Share them with us in the comments or on Twitter (follow us at @bfftv).

Music Monday: La Roux!

You've been hearing their catchy tune called "Bullet Proof" all over the airwaves but do you know who La Roux really is? The group is composed of 22-year-old Elly Jackson and co-producer/co-songwriter Ben Langmaid. The duo began in London's underground scene and has since landed nominations for the MTV Europe Awards, an MTVu Woodie, and numerous dance music awards.

For more information on La Roux, visit their official website at: LaRouxOnline.

Do you have some ear-worthy choices of your own? Tell us by dropping a line below!

;)

Friendship Friday!: Forgive!

Hi Friends!

Do you know what today is? ... ... ... it's Global Forgiveness Day! That's right, today's the day where you stop holding that grudge towards your brother (although he may be annoying), your mother (she really is just looking out for the best), and (of course) your Best Friend. We know how hard it may be to get over something, but we also know how hard it is to struggle with the idea of NOT being able to talk to someone you care about. So put that pride aside, talk it out, and forgive! We promise, you'll feel a whole lot better =)

BFF's Summer Reading List: One Day

There is just enough time to squeeze in one last summer read before you're back to burying your nose in class notes and hefty textbooks.  We recommend "One Day", by David Nicholls.  The tale follows two romantically connected BFF's - Emma and Dexter - whose differences are as obvious as their chemistry.  Dexter is an arrogant and boisterous character that is easy to image, as we have all known a guy that is just like that.  Emma, on the other hand, is awkward, unsure, and has encountered her fair share of misfortunes.  They live very separate lives, but their paths cross once every year, beginning with their college graduation in 1988. 

Our favorite part of the book? It takes place in England. You may find yourself slipping into a British accent and interjecting unique jargon into your daily conversations as you make your way through this book. Don't say we didn't warn you! ;)


P.S. This book is currently being made into a movie starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess! Trust us, it's always better to read the book before seeing the movie.

A Must Have for Fall!

With Fall fast approaching there's gotta be one thing on your mind - no, not school - your jacket! As females, many of us know that we simply cannot have ONE jacket. That cute red bomber will not be appropriate for a wedding or an interview, therefore, here's our list of the top 5 Must Have jackets each fashionista should own. And trust us, these pieces will never go out of style!

Black Blazer (the boyfriend cut looks AMAZE!)

Raincoat (for those dark, gloomy days)

 

Lightweight Jacket (which will work for transitioning from Summer to Fall)

 

Blue Denim Jacket (denim never dies)

 

Black Leather Jacket (SO THE RAGE RIGHT NOW!)

Not sure where to go to get these fab jackets? Try some of these places: Urban Outfitters, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Forever 21, or H&M!

;)

Beauty Tuesday!

Hey Biffles!

One of the most exciting things about fall (along with back-to-school clothes shopping!) is cleaning out your summer makeup bag and replacing your minimalistic summer sheers with bold and bright fall shades. Here are some products our Twitter followers can’t wait to wear this Autumn, along with our product suggestions.

@MarieDugo I’m excited for dark lip & nail color!

Our commentary: We are, too! MAC’s new lipstick in Kittenish is a deep berry red you’ll want to try. For nails, try CHANEL Le Vernis in Paradoxical, a hematite-like deep purple.

@morgantouly I think Pure Matte Lipstick (such as NARS) will be the fall must-have.

Our commentary: You’re correct! Matte lips are back in action once again this fall. When rocking a bold, matte lip, it’s important to make sure your lips are thoroughly coated with a slick of balm so that the dry formula doesn’t look cakey on your pout. The NARS Pure Matte Lipsticks are fabulous.

@jmarteca Dark blue eyeliner!

Our commentary: This is one of our faves, as well. It makes the whites of your eyes look vibrant, especially when paired with the deep indigo of Kevyn Aucoin’s The Precision Eye Definer in Dazzle.

What are your favorite makeup items to try for fall?

On our Radar: Stylish School Supplies!

You spend hours assembling back-to-school outfits that are just perfect - they're cool, trendy, fit your personality, and most importantly, fit the school's annoying dress code.  But what about your accessories? No, not your shoes or handbag...your school supplies! Don't waste your money on drab notebooks and boring blue and black pens.  After all, would you wear a sweater that everyone else in the school was wearing? Absolutely not! We love these fun, quirky school supplies from Urban Outfitters:

Use this as inspiration! Now don't let us catch you with a boring black and white marble notebook....



;)

Friendship Friday: Does your BFF go shopping in your closet?

Sharing is caring, right? That's what we were repeatedly told in preschool, kindergarten, elementary school...you get the picture.  So does that mean that not sharing is not caring? Absolutely not!

Q: My bff loves to raid my closet, especially after I go shopping. She often takes my clothes without asking ("This is awesome! I'm going to borrow this!") and then forgets to return them! I have to nag her day after day for my clothes, and often she returns them in a poor condition. She stretched out my favorite t-shirt and left a small ink stain on my new white dress. As much as I love her, I just really don't want to share anymore! How do I tell her without hurting her feelings?

A: Obviously, it is difficult to tell your friend that her closet privileges are being revoked.  The best way to address the issue is in a casual manner as it is happening.  The next time she grabs an item from your closet and announces that it will look great with her new jacket, tell her that you were planning on wearing it that week.  You can also make a joke out of it: "No way! I love that shirt. I'm going to call the police if you kidnap it from me!".  Most importantly, do not stress over the issue! You are not a horrible friend or a terrible person for not wanting to share!



Tell us - have you ever found yourself in a similar scenario? How did you handle it?

What To Do With Your Last Weeks of Summer

The end of Summer is closing in on us and rather than dread the idea of upcoming assignments and cold weather, why not try to make the most out of these *precious* last few weeks? We know you're on a budget and we know you can't fly to anywhere cool on short notice and that's why we (your #1 BFFs) have come up with some fab ideas on how you and your BFF can enjoy your few weeks of total bliss ;)

An Outdoor Concert - many parks and beaches use the Summer as a time to hold outdoor concerts or shows and the great thing about this is that for the most part they're FREE - or ridicuously cheap! If you are in the NYC area, a great resource is NYCGO, which tells you all about upcoming events within the area. For those of you who don't live in NYC, try googling your city with keywords such as "events" or "outdoor concerts". The results you'll get will make your eyes pop out!

Pretty Pedicure - You can only rock those bright, neon, pink toes for so long before they get covered up with boots. So head over to your favorite Nail Salon or invite your BFF over and give yourselves a fab pedicure! If you're stuck on ideas, YouTube is an excellent resource that includes tutorials as well!

Camping - Feeling adventurous? Why not gather a few of your BFFS and go camping! Tents, Smores, Scary Stories, and your favorite people sounds like an unforgettable weekend with memories you won't forget!

Beachin' It - OK. So maybe you have gone to the beach each week but when Winter comes, you'll be dying to dive in again, therefore, take advantage of it! Make it more enjoyable by bringing some snacks, magazines, a radio and relax!

Got some more cool ideas to share? Post them below! ;)

BFF & Just Saying Girls Team Up!

Hey there, BFFs! So you are already in the know about our bracelet initiative (if not - then shame on you!) and now, we're teaming up with the girls from JustSaying TV to bring to you a fabulous offer! Want to find out the deets? Well, watch the video below to find out how you can receive a special gift when you purchase your Best Armed Forces Friend bracelet!

;)

Beauty Tuesday!

It's August and September is approaching us in less than 2 weeks and we all know first impressions are BIG! But don't worry, we've got your covered (because that's what BFFs are for!) Here's a makeup trend that is sure to have all eyes on you: Purple Haze. There's no denying it, arresting shades of bright orchid, mauve, plum and eggplant are delivering purple power to fall 2010 makeup trends, presenting obsession-worthy color to eyes, lips, and nails.

Here's a MUST-HAVE list on how you can achieve this Purple Haze look:

Try any one of these tools for casting a purple gaze:

• L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Metallic Shadow Duo in Electrified, $8,
• Tarte EmphasEYES Aqua-Gel eyeliner in Plum, $18.

Lips:

• M.A.C. Palace Pedigree lipstick in Cunning, $14
• Dior Serum de Rouge in Plum Serum, $32,

Nails:

• Orly Plastix Nail Polish in Purple Pleather, $7.50
• M.A.C. nail polish in Concubine, $12

Got some more suggestions? Don't forget to drop a line below!

;)

JustSaying Girls & BFF Team Up!

Hey there, BFFs! So you are already in the know about our bracelet initiative (if not - then shame on you!) and now, we're teaming up with the girls from JustSaying TV to bring to you a fabulous offer! Want to find out the deets? Well, watch the video below to find out how you can receive a special gift when you purchase your Best Armed Forces Friend bracelet!

;)

Friendship Friday!

Hey BFF'ers! Check out this question from a frustrated BFF fan!

I have a dilemna.  My best friend recently started dating the guy of her dreams.  She has had a crush on him for as long as I can remember, and they are finally an official couple! I'm so happy that it all worked out for her, but at the same time, I'm getting annoyed with her new behavior.  She spends all of her free time with him, and I never see her anymore! Whenever I ask her to hang out with me, she refuses to commit because she "might" have plans with her boyfriend. Is this normal? How do I handle this?

Unfortunately, this situation can be quite common, especially in new relationships.  We hate to say that it is "normal", but trust us, you're not alone in dealing with this! New relationships are super exciting, especially in the beginning. Be patient with your BFF. If this behavior continues for more than a month, then it is your right to say something to her. Let her know that you are hurt that she is prioritizing her boyfriend over you and miss spending time with her.  Suggest setting up one or two nights per week that are strictly "girls nights". For example, have "Movie Mondays" or "Restaurant Thursdays".

Good luck!


;)

Guest Blogger: Marissa from GO TRY IT ON!

Thanks again to our friends at BFF for showcasing GO TRY IT ON! GO was created to give you a quick second opinion on your look before you go out! Basically, it’s a best friend in the room with you!  As Fall 2010 approaches, we at GO TRY IT ON are checking out Trends on the Site and keeping an eye on what we are seeing as popular trends across the world based on what our community is uploading!

Fall makes me think of back-to-school, and what better staple piece than a leather jacket! We are staring to see these fall beauties appearing across the site from near and far… Listen T.

Also, I can’t help but think, as summer transitions into chillier weather, what’s the right look for parties this season? Something we’ve been seeing and loving is the gray/purple hues and fancy backless dresses! We think this look is something that transitions very well from summer to fall... Sarah S

We also can’t help but notice the one-shoulder trend! What a great way to show off a striking collarbone while also wearing something chic and trendy! Rachel B & Alice A 

When it comes to back to school, and “back to work” sophisticated, simple and chic are words to live by…I’m going to try and take cues from Lisa in Berlin when thinking about basics for my fall wardrobe. 

In staying up to date with the latest trends, it can’t hurt to add a few fun new pieces into my collection….I love what Isabel does with vintage pieces…These pants are to die for!

In addition, I’ve been seeing tons of lace everywhere…It’s such a romantic addition to an everyday look… Lace is feminine yet sophisticated when paired with more structured pieces! Kristen H. 

 Hope to stay connected and if you are ever unsure about your look this fall, please, don’t hesitate to GO, TRY IT ON!

Thanks!

Marissa Evans

Founder, CEO, GO TRY IT ON

BFF's We Love: Michael Phelps & Ryan Lochte

Watching a race between Olympic superstars Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte will, without a doubt, leave you sitting on the edge of your seat.  The duo are known for their intense rivalry in the pool- at the U.S. Nationals this past week, Lochte beat out Phelps for the gold medal in the 200 individual medley.  However, it became clear in the post-race interviews that the rivalry ends in the pool. Since meeting at the Olympic Trials in 2004, the two have grown to be very close friends.  Michael and Ryan send daily text messages to each other, have silly inside jokes (they greet each other by saying "jeah"), and share a love for rap music.

Another similarity that we noticed between the two: they are both very nice to look at.

Tell us: would you and your BFF be interested in a double date with Michael & Ryan?

;)

Beauty Tuesday: Nails!

BFFs, skip blowing your allowance on the it bag du jour and opt for an inexpensive fix! Switching up your nail color is one of the cheapest ways you can update an outfit in an instant. What’s more? You can swap out the colors that you’re over with your BFF and presto! Twice the polish wardrobe at your fingertips — literally. Here, our Twitter followers sound-off with their best talon tips. Check it:

@BarbGray @bfftv Just discovered Chanel Paradoxical. Haven’t tried it yet though.

Our commentary: We LOVE Chanel Paradoxical. It’s a hematite-esque purple that’s gorge for fall.

@stephintoronto @bfftv My fave signature color, have been wearing it for 10+ years, one coat OPI Bubble Bath topped by one coat OPI Sweetheart.

Our commentary: That sounds like a fabulous combo! We’ll have to try it out.

@stephanie_estes @bfftv (app) down the middle & work outward. Dark colors give an edgy look at night and sophisticated pale pinks for day.

Our commentary: We agree. We recommend cleaning your nails with polish remover twice when removing dark polish to thoroughly get rid of any traces of color.

@alllacqueredup I use an eyeliner brush dipped in polish remover to clean up any nail polish application mistakes.

Our commentary: We love this tip! That will make for much easier dark polish at-home applications. 

Got some more cool nail tips you wanna share? Then drop a line below

Xx
Your BFF
--
Amber Katz

On our Radar: Instant Criticism.

SCENARIO: You've finally scored a date with the guy you've been dreaming about for weeks. He will be at your doorstep in approximately one hour to pick you up. Suddenly, you find yourself in crisis mode....what am I going to wear?!

Every girl knows that it's much easier to put together an outfit when you've got a second pair of eyes to give you honest criticism.  But what if your mom/sister/BFF isn't available to examine your outfit and give you a thumbs up? The clock is ticking- you've got 56 minutes until your date arrives, and no one to tell you if your leggings and tunic combo is flattering! Well girls, do not fret- thanks to Go Try it On, you can receive instant (and honest!) opinions from fashionistas just like you! Simply upload a photo of you wearing the outfit of choice, and then your friends can comment on the look. Crisis averted!

Most importantly, do not forget your most important accessory before heading out the door: confidence!

;)

Friendship Friday: Long Distance Friendship

Welcome back to Friendship Friday!

The "Back to School" signs are flooding the stores, which is the official mark that summer is nearing an end.  Are you freaking out?! Take a deep breath, because BFF has got you covered. Check out this question we received from a BFF Fan:

Hi BFF! My friends and I are all going to be college freshmen this year, and we're super excited! Sadly, we're all going to schools in different states. We've been inseperable for years, and now we're going to be miles apart. We're worried that we're going to be too busy with schoolwork, jobs, and our new social lives to maintain such a strong bond.  Do you have any tips for staying in touch with old friends?


Of course we have tips on how to maintain your friendship! Have we ever let you down? Now, let's begin...

• Emails are the easiest way to stay in touch during your busy college schedule.  Take five minutes out of your day to type out all of your gossip and send to your friends!
• Facebook is a great social network because it allows you to establish "groups".  Invite all your BFF's into a catchy-titled group (think back to the middle school days when you called yourselves the Fab 4) and you can all chat together! Don't forget to make the group private though - you don't want creepers spying on your conversations!
• Stop texting, and start dialing. Yes, we understand that you are busy. That is why it is important that you and your BFF coordinate schedules and choose a specific time each week when you are both available to chat on the phone or via an online phone service, such as Skype. Skype is great because you can use your webcam and actually see your BFF while you chat with her! (Perfect for showing off new clothes!)
• Remember birthdays. Set an alarm on your phone to ensure that you do not forget your BFF's birthday.  Send her a cute care package, or even a simple card, to show that you are thinking of her on her special day, even though you can't be with her.
• Plan reunions.  It will give you something to look forward to during finals week!

Please share your own tips on how to stay close to your BFF's during the hectic college years!

;)

Who We Love: The JustSaying Girls

This is Ava, Kate and Ali, AKA (get it?) - the JustSayingTV girls. Look familiar? Some time ago, these fabulous gals created a video for us, BFF! They are quickly building popularity and these ladies are people you definitely want to know about!  Their videos consist of original creations as well as vlogs about their concert experiences and Pop Culture in general. Either or, we really <3 their work!...just saying :) 

Check out the original video they filmed for us about, what else? BFFS!

Check out some more vids from the JustSaying Girls on their YouTube page and send them some love on Twitter!

;)

Back to School...

Everyone wants to start the year off right- I mean, it’s the perfect time to make an impression: your skin has never looked better, you’ve finally mastered Ms. Hudgens’ messy-yet-sultry-hair look (who knew mom’s mousse was more then just a counter fixture?!), and thanks to the oxford trend, you finally found the most attractive, dress-code friendly, school shoes you’ve ever owned. It really doesn’t get much better then this. All that’s left now is the three hour Target trip for school supplies…

We know there’s little you can do about some items on the list, but before you commit to dull notebooks and nondescript, clear-front binders, let the BFF team give you suggestions for fancier alternatives or clever re-dos that add that perfect pop of personality :)

Here's what we’re thinking:

First, make your backpack brand new with the addition of appliqués in your favorite images or your initial letters for a cheap yet chic monogram! If time is an issue, tie a silk scarf to one of the straps for quick flare. Second, don’t be afraid of a little DIY. The only thing that will make your calculus book look less like a Steven King novel will be your new Banksy-inspired cover. Use an old paper bag for the general covering and add your favorite print to the front by simply taping it in the center with colored scotch tape. Presto! Instant cool :) Lastly, do some good and go green! Several companies are now using 100% recycled materials for their school supplies. Check out Etsy.com for loads of recycled paper goods or Office Depot’s 'New Leaf' line of notebooks.

So, what’s on your list for back to school? And more importantly how will you make it you?  

Beauty Tuesday!

Silky smooth skin is pretty much THE prevalent summer look. When you’re showing a lot more you (thanks to a hot-weather wardrobe of bathing suits, shorts, minis and halters) you’ve gotta make sure it’s all in tip-top condition. We polled our Twitter followers (follow us at @bfftv) on their satin skin secrets. Here, two of our gals share their best tips on getting rid of flaky, dead skin so that you can showcase your commitment to Team Gleam.

@ladyfacejones @bfftv I love a good exfoliant! My favorite home remedy is a honey oatmeal mask added to a long soak in bath salts and a sugar scrub.
 
Our thoughts: At-home beauty items are great! Another to try: Mix brown sugar with a bit of olive oil for a do-it-yourself scrub.

@beauty_addict Erno Laszlo Body Exfoliator on loofah gloves + Olay in-shower body lotion.

Our thoughts: We’re major fans of loofah globes. A great pair will set you back just a few dollars at your local drugstore. Snag a pair for yourself and for your BFF! They come in fun colors like hot pink.

How do you keep your skin silk smooth? Drop us a line with your tip below!

;)

Get the Look: Susan and Andrelie

Meet Susan Y and Andrelie S! We spotted these two BFF's wandering around the NYU campus and could not pass up the opportunity to talk to them about their unique style. Andrelie shared a secret with us - her gorgeous maxi dress was only $6 from Target!  We love the way that she paired the bold print with a simple sweater and casual flat sandals.  Very boho-chic. 

Moral of the story: don't be afraid to be bold! Copy Susan's style by pairing a graphic T-shirt with a solid, feminine skirt and simple sandals. Don't forget the sunglasses to block out those harsh summer rays!  Obsessing over Andrelie's look? Check out your local Target or Walmart for cute, affordable maxi dresses. Loud prints are super fun for the summer months, and you can tone them down with a classic sweater to keep you warm when you transition from the sunny streets to an air conditioned store.