I love Tom Pecheux because he’s the most honest makeup artist you can ever hope to meet (plus he’s super adorable and has an awesome accent). I’ll never forget him telling me not to feel bad about myself when I look at Victoria’s Secret models because “they have eight hours worth of makeup on their butt alone”!

Now the make aficionado is at it again, teaming up with Estee Lauder for an amazing new product called Sumptuous Two Tone Eye-Opening Mascara. The new product is based on Pecheux’s backstage technique for a beautiful, wide-eyed look and brings a dual approach to lashes by combining two contrasting shades and two distinct brushes. So what’s Pecheux’s secret? He suggests dressing your upper lashes in a rich black and defining your lower fringe with a more subtle hue for an intense eye-brightening effect.

“My favorite woman is a woman who looks like herself at her best,” said Tom Pecheux. “I love eyes that are made up without looking too made up. This is a trick I’ve been using backstage and on ad shoots for years. The simple trick of using two different shades — darker on top, lighter on the bottom — works to really open up the eyes.”

The dual ended wand has the brand’s BrushComber brush, which defines, lifts and thickens lashes on one end and, on the other, it has a tiny micro-brush specifically designed to accentuate and define hard-to-reach lashes.

The wand comes in three shade combinations: Bold Black/Rich Brown, Limited Edition Bold Black/Rich Blue, and Limited Edition Bold Black/Rich Plum. Learn more about this newbie here!

Images: Estee Lauder

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I like to pin things.

I am not as Pinterest-addicted as some folks I know, but I will admit, the site is pretty ah-ma-zing. I mean, it’s such a girl thing. We all have our own routines. Sit in bed at night with your iPad and pin until you fall asleep. Catch up pinning on your iPhone as you take the subway. Pin at work while you’re bored. (Er, I mean… oh, who are you kidding? I know you all do it!)

Me? I like to pin when I’m craving. Craving a shopping spree. Craving sugar. Craving inspiration. All of the above. (When you can’t eat sugar, pin? When you can’t shop, pin? Sounds about right!) I basically like to pin ideals. Ideal wedding favors. Ideal desserts for cold, winter evenings. Stuff like that. And when it comes to style, I like to pin ideal outfits.

I recently took a look at my Style/Fashion board, and realized I have a) a lot of summer looks, and b) that they all seem to have common themes. Let’s discuss this trend I’ve noticed–that you can definitely wear this summer season. I’m calling it “summer simplicity.” Here’s what it looks like:

1. Pops of bright colors. One statement piece per outfit is usually enough, and what’s more wearable than a color you look great in? I’m lovin’ smiley-face yellow, aqua, red, magenta and hot orange. Then, simply fill out the rest of your outfit with a basic white tee, shorts, and heels or sandals.

2. Girlish details. Apparently, I’m obsessing over all things feminine, like bows, Peter-Pan collars, full skirts and teensy buttons. Choosing pieces with these elements pull outfits together and immediately make it so you don’t have to scrounge for many extras. There’s enough visual interest without them.

3. Minimal accessories. Like I said, no need for many extras with this style. Just choose one really focal accessory to lend a bit of sass. A polka-dot scarf, colored watch, bib necklace, oversize structured bag or brimmed hat will do the trick.

4. Bold beauty touches. Now, just because this look is all about simplicity, it doesn’t mean you skimp on the beauty touches! I’d keep hair simple — ditch the irons and dryers, and opt for waves or a sleek bun — but go all out on make-up. A fantastic red lip or neon nails are cool ways to finish off your outfit in a really sweet way.

Which summer trends are inspiring you for summer?

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Have you written out a Bucket List? I had a mental one going for a while. I’d just note things in my brain that I really want to do in my lifetime, but haven’t had the chance yet. And it was becoming a major job trying to remember it all. Well…

My dear friend Michaela (check out her adorable design blog!) wrote a post about her Bucket List, and shared a few of her favorites with us. And I was completely inspired to finally get a pen out and create a Bucket List of my own — a real one! I am still adding to it, but I’ve gotten pretty far already.

I think it’s great to have goals, dreams, aspirations — no matter how crazy some might seem. That old saying is true: If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll get there. A Bucket List can help you remember to aim places, and push to accomplish as many (fun! amazing!) things as you possibly can in this short life.

Want a peek at what I’ve come up with? Great! I will share a few of my (stylish) items. Then, spill your own Bucket List in the comments.

2. Go to Paris.
(Is there a more beautiful location on the earth? I need to see the City of Lights. P.S. Watch Midnight in Paris for proof this place is incredible. Warning: Major Wanderlust Alert!)

10. Eat dinner alone.
(There’s something that freaks me out a bit about this. But I want to conquer the fear. I want to go to a fancy restaurant, order something decadent, and enjoy — all by myself. Call me Miss Independent.)

12. Buy Ray-Bans.
(I’ve always wanted these, because I am a wayfarer kind of girl. Haven’t been able to justify the big price tag for such a breakable item — yet.)

17. Buy black Louboutins.
(They are the chicest items on the planet, and forever wearable. I must own a pair someday. Sigh…)

19. Read every Austen novel.
(Oh, Jane. So talented and ahead of her time. Sometimes I feel I was born in the wrong period. What a romanticized era! I need to get beyond my favorite Austen novel, P&P, and read s’more!)

21. Be on a major street-style blog.
(Um. If I could make it onto The Sartorialist or be snapped by Tommy Ton? Would. Freak. Out.)

22. Meet some co-workers.
(I love meeting other stylish souls… but I work remotely, so I don’t get to see them face-to-face every day. However, I would love to meet some of my awesome co-workers for coffee and a gab session in the future. It’s on my Bucket List, y’all. It’s important. It’d be great!)

37. Do something that terrifies me.
(To be a trendsetter, you must be bold. You must take risks. Mini, daily risks are important, but so are leaps of faith where you really have to believe in yourself. I want to be strong and confident enough to do the terrifying. “A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not why ships were built.”)

Tell me: What’s on your Bucket List?

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