Latina.com Blog

You know how when you’re feeling sad, you’re just desperate to find something that will make you feel better? I’m talking about the post-wallowing, I just want to cry so please leave me alone phase; that’s when you emerge (eyes adorably puffy, face red and streaky) and sniffle to yourself, ‘I want ice cream and something pretty to wear!’ Well, I’ve got something you can try: mark Mist Opportunity Multi-Tasking Refresher ($8, avon.com). It’s a kiwi and grapefruit infused mist that you spray on your face. The citrus is supposed to be all good and tonifying for your skin, but I just like it because…well, I’m not sure why. Whenever I spray it on my face, I always jerk back in shock—even though I know the mist is coming, it gets me every time—and then I let out a soul-soothing ‘ahhhhhh.’ Because it just feels nice. What more do you want?

–Angelique

Today’s post is actually about my girl Lisa. She is caught in a sticky situation and I’m not really sure what to tell her. She’s totally in love with her colleague, Juan and doesn’t know what to do about it!!

Juan asked her out for drinks a while back and Lisa politely declined his offer since they work together. But he asked her out again! This time to the “Iron Man” film premiere and promised her that he wanted to go as amigos. What chica is going to diss an invite to a cool film premiere?

Lisa took Juan up on the offer and after the movie ended the action was far from over. Lisa and Juan wound up sharing a seriously steamy makeout session! Now they’re talking on the phone every night and going on proper dates. Juan stays over her place all the time and vice versa. He also asked Lisa to be his girlfriend. She couldn’t be happier! It’s actually really cute.

The thing is, a lot of people seem to believe that “office booty is bad booty” and it’s getting serious between these two. Lisa and Juan work for the same company but in different sections of the same department so they don’t work too closely together. They’ve only told one or two colleagues about their “womance” (work romance). Do you think they have to tell their supervisors?

When should they reveal their amor with other coworkers? Maybe in 6 months if they’re still together? Or should they just stay silencioso forever? Have any of you had success or mishaps dating someone in la oficina? Spill the habichuelas, mujeres!

Hola chicas! It’s the last day of our All About Nails week (and the last time I can use puns like, ‘You nailed it!’ Haha). I want to end with a note for those of you ladies who have deep ridges in your nails. You know, those annoying bumps and hills that run across your nail bed. If you’ve ever smashed your fingers in a drawer (honestly, I don’t have enough fingers to count the times I’ve done it), then you’ve probably got them. If so, try lightly buffing the nail before applying a ridge-filling topcoat. I like Seche Base ($6.99, drugstore.com). And…well, I’d say try not to be so clumsy, but who am I kidding?

–Angelique

Hi ladies! I have a couple of tips to share with you today. Let me begin by saying this: Yes, I know it’s best not to cut your cuticles and to just have them pushed back. But I have this gnawing little habit of cutting mine with cuticle nippers (you can find all sorts at drugstore.com). What can I say? It helps my thinking process. I used to do it with a nail clipper, so this is a vast improvement. If you have to do it, I say go for it. And as for emery boards: Instead of metal ones, I like soft, pliable files because they’re gentler on your uñas. For those who get manicures on the regular, know that manicurists arent’ supposed to use the same emery board on more than one customer. Bring your own to be safe, or think twice about holding out your hands if you see a worn-out file pointed at your fingertips.

–Angelique

I come from the school of ‘Ugly inside, Ugly outside.’ If you’re nasty, then chances are I’m gonna think you’re ugly, too…period. Calling people names? Ugly. Calling people names behind their backs? Fuglier. Kids do it, adults do it, but the truth is the same: Name-calling always hurts. That’s why I much appreciate the totally opposite, more cutesy style of name-calling; the kind Essie does so well. Every time you read the name of one of their nail polishes, you smile, and each one appropriately reflects the color it’s assigned: Tie the Knot (bridal blush), Fishnet Stockings (harlot red), Soulmate (uh…that one’s just purple, don’t know why). My current fave is the oh so aptly-named Spaghetti Straps ($7, available at drugstores). The pale beige-pink shade is perfectly suited to nights when you’d pull out such a strappy dress and head out to that fabulous party…name-callers not invited!

–Angelique

This past weekend, I celebrated Memorial Day by heading to the Jersey Shore with my girls. As I was shaking my culo at a local beach bar, I noticed three boys hanging around nearby. One of them caught my eye, mostly because he looked just like McLovin, the nerdy character in the film, “Superbad.”

(Yes, I really, really love Judd Apatow movies!)

My friend Kate introduced me to the nerd herd.

“You don’t need to know my real name, just know that I’m McLovin!” said the look-alike with a lopsided grin. Geeky but cute!

I got to McLovin on the dance floor and though it was awkward at best I still found him interesting. When the bar closed, we headed outside towards his bike.

And then it happened. As McLovin unlocked his bicycle, he muttered, “You always need to lock your bikes or the Mexicans will steal them.”

I stopped dead in my tracks and asked, “What makes you think Mexican people steal bikes? Did you ever even think I might be Latina and would be offended by your comment?”

“Uh, yeah, I didn’t realize that you might be Latin,” he stuttered.

An hour later, I was playing cards at the beach house when McLovin and co. showed up at our doorstop.

As we all looked up in surprise a sunburnt boy quickly explained, “One of your friends told us where the house was so we got on our bikes and headed here.”

“Did any Mexicans try to steal your bike on the way here?” I sarcastically asked McLovin.

He shook his head no and softly said, “Yeah, sorry about that.”

“Apology accepted,” I said.

I headed upstairs and ended up hanging with two of our girls for the rest of the evening. I never went back downstairs to chill with McLovin. His comment was a total deal breaker.

Do you think I was being too harsh? Has a guy ever said something so ridiculous that you just had to walk away? Is this kind of reaction only possible right after you have just met someone, or can it still happen way into a relationship? Chicas, let me know the deal – I want to know that I’m not alone on this one!

Un Abrazo Fuerte,

Lex

Hi chicas! Como estan? I can’t wait to begin another themed week here at Color Me Glam. This time, I thought we’d dish all about cool tools and treats for your hands and nails. And I wanted to start, por supuesto, with my favorite cuticle cream. It was a discovery I made a few months ago and my love affair with the item continues: Dior Crème Abricot Fortifying Cream for Nails ($23, saksfifthavenue.com). I went on and on about it in the March issue of Latina magazine, but in case you missed it…just rub the bright orange cream into your cuticles and watch them magically disappear. No more rough, jagged, just-bitten edges. Your fingers are left looking perfectly manicured–a detail I so appreciate, since I hate getting manicures. Whether you do or don’t, this cream is a must-have!

–Angelique

I’m boy crazy. One day, I’ll have a crush on a Yale-educated architect. The next day, I’ll be feeling an adorable Jewish lawyer.

My situation with Sam is different. I don’t have a fleeting crush on him or view him as just another hookup. I’m catching strong feelings for the boy and it’s kind of starting to freak me out.

My ex-boyfriend, Mr. Vanilla, and I fell madly in love super fast. Within a month of meeting, we were in a committed relationship and had dropped the L-bomb. As the months progressed we met each other’s parents and even discussed marriage and children. He became my other half.

Then after almost a year, Mr. Vanilla abruptly broke up with me. He disappeared from my life without even bothering to return my belongings from his apartment. A few weeks after our break-up I discovered that he was dating a girl with a lazy eye. But that’s neither here nor there, because regardless of his downgrade, I definitely had un corazon roto.

One year later, I rested my head on Sam’s chest as he whispered, “This feels really good. You’re a perfect fit for me.” I just nodded. Though I felt the same way, I got the chills. Mr. Vanilla once said the very same words.

“You’re the best,” said Sam as he kissed me on the forehead.

“No, you are!” I responded with a coy smile, again remembering how I used to share this playful banter with Mr. Vanilla.

Sam is also very accommodating like Mr. Vanilla. He pays for everything, is totally willing to help me around my tiny apartment and always wants to hang with me.

Things with Sam are obviously amazing. I can’t compare him to Mr. Vanilla in every way – Sam is assertive, opinionated, hilarious and loads of fun. He has traits that are different than any other man I have dated.

So why is it so weird to me when he says the same things as Mr. Vanilla? Am I freaking out for no reason? Is there any way to move on to a new relationship without comparing it your last? Chicas, I need your consejos!

Un Abrazo Fuerte,

Lex

I’m not big into “beauty books”. You know, the kind that tell you how to look years younger, dress pounds slimmer, hide away your wrinkles, etc. But when I flipped through the brand-new Sephora: The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin, And Hair From the Beauty Authority ($27.95, amazon.com) the other day, I was giddy. While I have a big problem with the idea that there’s only one beauty authority in this world (sooo not true), I did love this hard-cover compilation of tips, tricks and expertise. The best parts: A glossary of ingredients and Sephora’s list of their 100 must-have beauty products. Pure drool-worthy fun.

–Angelique

…which is why I can’t partake in any teeth-whitening activities. See, when I was six, I went to my friend’s house for a sleepover, and we thought it would be awesome to spin around as fast as we could while playing our favorite Whitney Houston tape. As “How Will I Know” blasted out of her boom box, I spun faster and faster, abruptly stopping myself and giggling  as the walls rotated around me. (Anyone else nauseous right now?) By the third or fourth spin, we’d migrated into her hallway. In the middle of the fifth spin-cycle, it happened: I slammed face-first into the wall. Holy sh*t, did it hurt. I cried. Her mom called my mom. I ended up with a Zip-Lock baggie over my chipped front tooth, which stayed chipped until I had it bonded in my teen years.

Several lessons to take away from this story: Whitney Houston rocks; don’t spin in enclosed areas; and try Rembrandt Whitening toothpaste ($6.99, drugstore.com). Most teeth-whiteners whiten my real teeth and neglect to whiten my fake one. Howevah, this one brightens them all without making the faux-tooth stand out too much. It’s not the best germ-fighter, so brush with your regular stuff first and then follow with Rembrandt. That is, if you, like moi, have a fakey.

-Angelique