The Best People to Follow On Instagram: The Cool Moms {Part 2}

A few weeks back, I did a post on the best people to follow on Instagram, featuring five very cool moms. (So, if you haven't read part one, be sure to check it out.) Today, here is part two! Meet the mommies:

1) @balletbeautiful

Mary Helen Bowers is a professional ballerina who teaches some insanely difficult ballet-inspired fitness classes at her NYC studio. Students include supermodels and celebs like Natalie Portman (she's the one who whipped Natalie into ballerina shape for Black Swan). Her Instagram is unlike any other--you get to see her striking, impossibly beautiful ballet poses, often with her adorable little daughter in tow, and often with incredible backdrops like Paris. (The Instas she took when pregnant are especially gorgeous.) 

2) @taylorsterling

I followed Taylor (founder of Glitter Guide) long before she had her gorgeous daughter, so I've long been a fan of her style. And now I get to be insanely jealous (in a good way!) of one-year-old Elodie's style. Elodie has better outfits than you and I, to be sure, but she's so cute that you can't help but be enthralled. I love seeing what both mom and daughter are going to wear each day--and then inevitably try to copy it in my own wardrobe. (P.S.: Here are her beauty secrets!)

3) @jennfalik

The only person on this list who I really know personally, Jenn is an ex-beauty publicist (that's how we met--many years ago) turned TV style expert. (You've likely seen one of her frequent appearances on the Today Show--she also has a blog!) Jenn has a daughter slightly younger than mine and is pregnant with #2. Her Instagram reminds me slightly of mine in that it's a glimpse at the two sides of her life: both the glamorous career and the slightly-less-glamorous (but, of course, even more important) mom side.

4) @mommasgonecity

If you're like 487,000 other people, you're likely following Jessica already, so I considered leaving her off the list, but it's such a great account that I just couldn't. She posts the most gorgeous pictures  of her four children (seriously--she is an excellent photographer), including almost-daily shots of her youngest son Beau napping all snuggled up with their dog Theo. (The napping pair went viral last year.) Adorable x a million.

5) @andreavhowe

One of the weirdest things about Instagram is that often you feel like you know the people you follow. (Does this ever happen to you?) This is one of those cases. I do not know Andrea. I do not have any friends that know Andrea. Andrea lives in California. I do not. Yet, she is so open and (from what I can tell!) real, that through her Instagrams (and awesome blog), I totally feel like I know her. I love that. She posts cute pics of her kids, the occasional outfit, and lots of healthy living/eating pics. She also runs the healthy-living/less-family-focused account, @gwynethmademedoit, which I also love.

6) @houseofharper

Caroline was a fashion blogger in NYC (and, after a recent move, is a fashion blogger in Texas), but I really started loving her Instagrams after she had her son Knox. Her account is a great mix of outfit photos (she has awesome style), cute pics of Knox, and shots of her out and about pushing the baby in his stroller (he's adorable and she always looks perfect. Caroline, seriously, WTF? Teach me your secrets!).  

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Now, please tell me: Who are some of your favorite follows? I'm always looking for great new people to ogle over. Leave your favorites in the comments below! (They can be moms or not--I'll be featuring my faves from many different categories in the coming weeks.)  Also, please leave your Instagram name below--I'd love to check out your account!

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