Beauty Secrets: Taylor Sterling

Taylor Sterling, at home

Today I'm thrilled to feature the behind-the-scenes beauty life of one of my very favorite bloggers, Taylor Sterling. Taylor is the creator of two of my daily go-to sites: her personal blog Sterling Style and the epicenter of all that is sparkly, Glitter Guide. (BTW, did you see my recent feature there?) Anyone who has visited either of those destinations knows that Taylor has an amazing knack for putting together fun, feminine outfits, but it turns out she's a true beauty junkie, too. So, what's the story behind that shiny blond hair and glossy pink lipstick? Read on for the sparkly beauty secrets of the original Glitter Girl. 

Favorite shampoo and conditioner? "Kerastase Nutritive Bain Nutri Thermique Intensive Nutrition Shampoo and Masquintense Thick Hair Mask. I love how soft and smooth they make my hair."


Other favorite hair products? "Kerastase Elixir Ultime. It smells great and makes my hair feel silky."

Blush? "Nars Orgasm. I love the shimmery orange hue."

Eye shadow? "I don’t wear a lot of eye shadow these days. However, I love the soft, creamy whites and pinks in the Estée Lauder Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette in Posh Petals."

Lip color? "My everyday lip color is Maybelline Fucshia Fever with Estée Lauder Citron Kiss gloss over it. It’s creates a beautiful shiny pink color with a hint of sparkle."

Concealer? "Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage is amazing for dark circles."


Foundation? "Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation SPF 25--it’s very creamy, but still feels light on my skin--and Estée Lauder Day Wear Anti-Oxidant BB Crème. I love the SPF protection and the subtle color it gives me. Some days it’s all I wear."

Skin-care products? "Clinique Moisture Surge and Dramatically Different Lotion--both products remind me of my mom. I remember seeing Clinique products all over her bathroom counters when I was young. I love that they are simple and effective. And I've been testing Mario Badescu products and so far I really like them. I spritz the Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater throughout the day when I want to feel refreshed. And I use the Glycolic Eye Cream at night and it makes the skin around my eyes feel nourished."

Nail polish shade? "I love nail polish--I don’t have a favorite.  I like to experiment with trendy colors and lately, I am super into blue polishes. However, I wear Essie's Pink Parka a lot. It’s a really fun neon pink."

Fragrance? "It depends on my mood. I’m drawn to woody scents with vanilla and oak--right now I’m obsessed with Chanel Les Eclusifs Bois Des Iles. I also love Tom Ford Neroli Portofino (it's clean and masculine at first, but after it sits on skin for awhile, it turns sweet and soft. It also makes me feel like I'm on vacation); Honore des Pres Vamp a New York Eau de Parfum (It comes in a cool package that looks like a coffee cup, and it's got such a unique scent. I love that when I have it on, I feel like no one will recognize it); and L'Eau de Chloe (this citrus scent truly smells like spring--it gets a lot of compliments)." 

Body product? "I love self-tanner. L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Any Angle Self-Tanning Spray is easy to use and gives me a beautiful sun-kissed glow."

Anything else? "Benefit Bathina Take a Picture It Lasts Longer is my go-to for events when I wear dresses. It’s got such a lovely scent and gives my legs a beautiful shimmer."

Describe your overall beauty look. "I like to look fresh without looking overdone. I’m not afraid to wear makeup or curl my hair for a casual day out. But I never want it to look like I’m trying too hard."

Glitter Girl Taylor Sterling

What's your beauty look for a typical day? And what about for a night out? "For a typical day, I wear tinted moisturizer, concealer (must hide those dark circles!), mascara, lip gloss, and a little blush. To transition for a night out I would add some bronzer, more blush, cream eyeliner for a cat eye, and a bright shade of lipstick."

Best time-saving beauty tip? "Tinted moisturizer is great for days when you want to have a flawless complexion and a little color, but don’t have time for anything else."

What are your hair secrets? "To be honest, lately I’ve been leaving my hair wet and tying it into a bun. When I do my hair it takes me about 30 minutes. I use heat protectors for all the drying, curling, or flat ironing. I also deep condition once a week."

Obviously, you love glitter! What's your feeling on having it in your makeup? "I love a hint of sparkle, whether it’s on the nails, lips, or eyes--I just don’t like it on everything. Keep it subtle."

Take a guess: How many beauty products do you have at home? "Oh my! I have no idea. A lot! Maybe 500? That’s embarrassing."

All photos in this post courtesy of Taylor Sterling