Barre3: Three Steps to A Leaner Bod

I woke up 24 hours after taking my first barre class, and my legs were sorer then they’ve ever been... and I played college soccer. Why try barre you may ask?  I had the privilege of trying out a Barre3 class before it opened to the public for BeautySweetSpot (no, Jeannine didn't make me) at their new Manhattan flagship studio in the West Village, taught by the Founder, Sadie Lincoln.  Wouldn't you?  

As I walked in to the pristine second floor village studio, I was pretty intimidated, but my anxious feelings were quickly put at ease thanks to the incredibly friendly (and fit!) staff.  Unlike other barre classes I've heard about, Barre3 consists of a three-step formula. Step one is based on position holds that work your muscles and adjust your alignment. Step two involves controlled, one-inch movements which helps increase core strength and warm up the body and step three is a cardio blast with large dynamic movements. You repeat this method throughout the hour-long workout.

We started in the middle of the floor with some simple standing positions, than moved to the bar for standing planks and squats, and eventually moved onto the floor for extra core and glute workouts.  And a great workout it was.  Each circuit easily allowed for multiple different modifications based on your body’s ability. You know how there are those times in a workout class you don’t modify to prove that you’re in just as great of shape as everyone else? It wasn’t like that here. You felt comfortable enough to achieve the best workout according to what you're able to do.  And Sadie continuously stressed that, making you more relaxed and focused on what you should be strengthening.

For instance, I have a bad ankle, so for some of the toe rises, I stayed flat-footed and focused on how to strengthen my thighs in my modified position. And I can promise you my thighs did not miss out. Another thing I loved about it was that during certain circuits, it didn’t even feel like you were working out. It seemed like you were just holding a pose, maybe even stretching. However, my body today says otherwise.

Barre3 is a great way to get in shape with an encouraging atmosphere that seemingly delivers results quickly. Your body may hate you the week after, but you will love your body in just a few more.

Barre3 opened just this week and is located at 63 W. 8th St. NYC.  Don't live in NYC?  No worries.  They have online workouts that are just as good if you're determined.

Exclusive Interview with Ballerina, Misty Copeland

“Thank you for your application to our ballet company. Unfortunately, you will not be accepted.  You lack the right feet, achilles tendons, turn out, torso length, and bust.  You have the wrong body for ballet. And at 13, you are too old to be considered.”

Misty Copeland, the woman in the new Under Armour 'I Will What I Want' ad, told me was a list of reasons why she would never succeed as a ballerina.  Today, well look at her.  I was fortunate enough to sit down one-on-one with the first African-American soloist in two decades for the American Theater Ballet Company.  Here's what she had to say...

What is it that drew you to ballet?

I was literally pushed into it. I didn’t know anything about [ballet]. So there was no drive or real focal point really. I took my first ballet class at a boys and girls club on a basketball court and I was pushed into taking it. I took it at the late age of 13 and then to achieve being a member of one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world in only four years of training I think just says something about the determination that was so innate that just speaks to the I Will What I Want campaign.

What is it that you love most about ballet?

It’s athletic, artistic, I think it’s an art and a sport. I think we need to come up with a new word for that. We’re more than just an athlete and more than just an artist. And what it takes to be the whole package and be all these things and these very elite small percentage of people that makes it to these top companies it takes a ton of perseverance and determination and dedication.

If you weren’t doing ballet, what is it you think you would doing with your life/career?

I would be athletic. I’d be Fashion. I don’t know. I would be doing something that got me moving. I think that’s what I was meant to do. From the time I was like seven, I had like massive calf muscles and thighs even though I did nothing physical. So I think I was meant to do something physical.

Did you ever play other sports?

I played basketball for fun with my brothers when I was growing up. There was three boys in my family. But I never played in leagues or anything that was structured. I’m really drawn to basketball. I can’t wait to meet Steph Curry who’s now also Under Armour athlete, who plays for the Golden State Warriors. Hopefully I get a one-on-one with him.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Oooh shoes. When it comes to food though? Cupcakes.

What’s your favorite pair of shoes?

Right now I have a pair of Saint Laurent's that are like hot pink platform. But that’s not my typical. Like I have so many Christian Louboutins. The very classic ones simple nude, black, pointy toe.

Misty Copeland was phenomenal in person and such an inspiration.  Check out her video and I promise you'll be inspired, too.

How to Create A Blake Lively-esque Bubble Ponytail

Never mind diamonds. Ponytails are really a girl’s best friend. Long, short, messy, clean, high, low – the list goes on – but how about creating a bubble effect in your pony? The "it" bubble ponytail was be seen on Blake Lively at the Met Gala as well as on the runway during this year’s Valentino show.  With a little help from Redken Celebrity Hairstylist, Jenny Balding, we got the scoop on how to get the look.  From runway to red carpet and now, to real way... because who doesn't want to look like Blake Lively?

1. Smooth hair into a ponytail and secure tightly with a hairband
2. Brush the ponytail to make sure there is a sleek smooth surface
3. Start at the base, brush backwards underneath the pony, and tease it out to create a puffy texture
4. Use a small hairband and starting at the bottom of the tail, tie all the way up to create desired amount of “bubbles”

Depending on what you're wearing or how you do your makeup, this bubble ponytails can be edgy or sophisticated.  If you're blonde like me, try using black hair ties for an edgy look and clear for a more polished style.  A brunette like Jeannine, or any other hair color, using clear elastics or ones that match your hair color are best.

Another Reason to Love Philosophy

Over coffee and a fruit parfait I inspected the little polished stones that bared the words “hope” and “grace," which decorated the table at the Philosophy event last week. Actress Glenn Close stood in front of me chatting with media inspiration, Arianna Huffington, both dressed crisply in white awaiting their presentation – a presentation that made an impact on all of the media in attendance.

Typically at these events, we learn about new product launches from a brand and rush back home to put them to the test, but at this one, I learned something different and disturbing.  One in four adults in the U.S. experience mental illness in any given year.

Philosophy teamed up with mental health organization Bring Change 2 Mind to put an end to the stigma that surrounds mental illness through their hope & grace initiative. Philosophy will donate 1% of all products sales from their website to community-based mental health organizations through their hope & grace fund. And starting in 2015, this will be integrated into all retail, online and television product sales. The hope & grace fund will award grants to multiple independent nonprofit community-based mental health organizations.  Like we even needed more of a reason to buy Philosophy products.

During breakfast, Close, Co-Founder of Bring Change 2 Mind, delivered an inspirational speech on how mental illness has affected her life as her sister, Jessie, suffers from bipolar disorder. It’s time to put an end to the stigma that surrounds disorders such as bipolar, depression, post-traumatic stress, and so many more.

It’s no secret that we here at BeautySweetSpot love Philosophy. And during this breakfast, we fell even more in love.  Check out more information on the Philosophy Hope & Grace initiative here.

3 Elements to A Good Facial

When Jeannine sent me for my first facial with celebrity facialist Cecilia Wong, my skin was so soft I had to restrain myself from continuously petting it. Yes, petting it.  I controlled myself of course, but my fresh skin was proof she would be the perfect expert to guide us through the key elements that every facial should contain. 

3 Key Elements of a Facial

When going for a facial, the first thing your facialist should do is look closely at your skin and create a facial customized to your skin type. Wong explains that your facialist should ask you certain questions to customize products accordingly. “Having a facial tailored to you and your skin needs will help you achieve the very best results,” explains Wong.

Another key step to every facial – extractions— the removing and softening of clogged pores and blackheads. “This benefits all skin types, especially those with oily or acne prone skin,” Wong explains. “Extractions will help to refine pores and prevent enlarging, while also allowing the products you use to be absorbed quicker and more effectively into the skin.”

Exfoliation is another crucial step. Why is this key for all skin type? “Those with dry skin will see a decrease in dead skin cells and flakiness,” explains Wong, “And those with oily or acne prone skin will benefit from the balance in oil production and prevention of future breakouts.”

Cecilia Wong can be found at Cecilia Wong Skincare in NYC and offers many different types of facials.

Hidden Beauty Benefits in Your Food

Did you know that some of the food you eat can help fight free radicals, moisturize your skin and even keep you trim?  Ah! Now you're paying attention.  Yes, there are hidden beauty benefits in your food.  Through a survey conducted by Simple Skincare, 50%of women claim they strive for a healthy diet. However, they are missing key foods that can do wonders for their beauty health. We talked with Nicole Avena, PhD, author of Why Diets Fail to get the scoop on how these foods can benefit us and some tips on how to incorporate them into your daily routine.

Brussels sprouts are one of the most beneficial foods when it comes to your long-term health. “They can lower cholesterol and help with DNA protection,” Dr. Avena explains. “And they are among the highest content when it comes to glucosinolate, which is a cancer-protective element.”  Avena suggests steaming brussels sprouts for your lunch or dinner veggie.

If you’re looking for a food to increase your mood (and who isn't), walnuts are the food for you. And believe it or not, improving your mood goes hand in hand with improving your skin. Avena explains that they are packed with B-vitamins, which is good for stress and mood management. “B-vitamins, together with Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, help fight the free radicals induced due to stress. This further delays the ageing process.” And who doesn’t want that, right?

Another food that benefits your skin is wild salmon. It’s a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps keep your skin supple and moisturized. Salmon is also great during summer because it contains selenium, a mineral that protects the skin from UV-exposure.

Looking to maintain a healthy figure?  Avocados will help keep you lean and trim. "They're a great source of both insoluble and soluble fiber," Avena explains. Insoluable fiber keeps you regular, while soluable fiber helps control appetite by making you feel fuller.  This is a favorite of Avena’s. “I’m really liking avocados right now. They are easy to turn into a dip by mashing 1-2 up and adding some spices. Also, they are delicious on their own for a quick healthy snack. I cut them in half and eat then out of the skin with a spoon.”

What's your favorite beauty food?  According the the survey, 68% of women are missing out on Brussels sprouts, 62% on walnuts, 57% on salmon and 56% miss avocados.  Ladies, let's get munching on the right stuff!

Kat Von D Talks Her New Fall Sephora Collection

“I wanted to create something that was as if Tim Burton designed candy,” Kat Von D tells us about the new look for her fall Sephora collection.

Since launching the collection back in 2008, Kat Von D has become a refreshing inspiration in the beauty industry. Rocking her signature cat eye, angular eyebrows and bold lip, we got to talk to her about the inspiration behind her fall collection, her first lipstick, and her stance on no makeup selfies.

The Fall Collection

"To be honest I was quite happy with the original formula, but I think just because something isn’t broken doesn’t mean it can’t get better," she began telling us about her lipsticks.

Working with what were already high pigment shades, they were now long wear (ten hours!) and this collection is full of fragrance.  "You can’t wear my sh*t if you don’t like crème brulee."

Her First (and Favorite) Lipstick

Home Girl in my ever lasting liquid lip line was inspired by the first lipstick I ever got. I was really really really poor. Like really poor. I had saved up 99 cents to go to Rite Aid or whatever. 508 was the lipstick. I was Goth girl my sister was like a Chola, so that was the only makeup we could share. It was so waxy my sister used to take a lighter to it to melt it and get more pigment out of it. So when I finally got this lipstick line I was like how do I make 508 but really actually good. So that’s how Home Girl came to be. And that’s one of my favorite lipsticks now to this day. I have to not wear it everyday because of the way I dress I think. It’s like oh your being a typical Goth girl. And I’m like no it’s not that, I’m not wearing my feelings right now, it just matches what I’m wearing.

No-Makeup Selfies

When people ask me what my favorite look is, my answer is always the same, which is I like myself without makeup. I think putting on makeup is just fun to me and that’s why I do it. I think that’s what feminism is all about, to be able to do what ever you want whenever you want.

I also think people are hungry to connect and relate again. So I think when a celebrity posts a picture without makeup, it’s like oh cool how refreshing. It doesn’t always have to be this photoshopped unrealistic version of what I’ll never be. I don’t think people want to be that. I don’t want to be that. I hate it when they over photoshop me. I know how crooked my face is, but I like it that way.

Tattoo Artist to Makeup Artist

I’m not supposed to talk about it, but right now I’m working on this contouring pallet. I love Caravaggio, he’s my favorite painter from back in the day. Caravaggio is the one who brought the usage of light and shadow approach to painting. [Contouring] is just the usage of highlights and shades. That’s what I know how to do, I can draw that sh*t. I guess I just approach my makeup in that form. I can use the optical illusion of makeup to my benefit. I wouldn’t lie to you and tell you I’m a pro. I’m sure there are better ways for me to approach my blush that I haven’t learned yet.

The Kat Von D fall Sephora collection will include lightning liner ($20), a click-pen liquid liner. And updated Studded Kiss Lipsticks ($21) with 10-hour long wear and crème brulee scent will be available at Sephora in late July 2014.

Chic Neutral Nail Ideas

While we love a pop of color for summer, neutrals never go out of style. And neutral polishes make your tips look clean and sophisticated. Here are chic neutral nail ideas to spice up your mani, while still maintaining elegance.

Angled Lines

The clean lines in this sharp design add an intriguing dimension to the natural curve of the nails. It’s a totally chic way to incorporate two different tones of the same shade.

Black Tips

A thin, black line across a pale shade like Essie in Ballet Slippers offers a new way to wear a classic French mani. We love nothing more than black polish. #classy

Colored Edges

Similar to the black tips, these skinny multi-colored tips are unique and fun look for summer. The variety of colors painted thinly on the outer edge allows them to compliment instead of compete against one another.

Foil Nails

Adding shine to a neutral color is a simple but effective way to rock a chic neutral mani. The metallic adds a nice texture without overwhelming. We like the Barry M Foil Effects Polish ($4.76).

Ombre Shades

We just love this idea of an ombre neutral mani. Choosing a shade like brown gives this particular mani a fresh look.

How to Wear Your Hair in A Hat

Whether you’re about to throw on floppy sun hat, fedora or graduation cap, styling your hair underneath can be a challenge. One that we were excited to take on!  While your hat may be your main accessory, don't let your hair just sit underneath.  Here are five ways to wear your hair in a hat, fun styles to try this summer, BeautySweetSpot approved. Giant Side Fishtail:  A side ‘do is a great way to wear your hair in a hat, because it allows you to show off your hairstyle from the front, instead of hiding it under the hat and in the back. And we’re obsessed with this giant fishtail braid so we highly encourage using this look. To achieve the beachy vibe, take the bottom end of a comb and use it to pull out little sections of the braid to loosen it up. Low Pony:  A low pony is a great way to pull your hair back when a hat sits on top. Think fedora.  I used to always question how I was going to wear my hair in a hat, but this is the simplest way! Amp up your average low pony by giving it volume. Just because it’s a low on your head doesn’t mean it can’t have volume. Tease out your hair where it meets the hairband and spray some texturizing spray like Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray.Wavy Side Chignon: Who said you couldn’t wear your hair up if it’s in a hat? This wavy side chignon is flat enough to wear a hat over, low enough to show underneath, and on the side enough to be visible from the front. Bye, bye hat hair!  When creating this look, there is no need to use hair ties, especially when trying to keep it this flat. Create two sections of your curled hair low on the side of your head and tie the two pieces together. Just continue to wrap, twist tuck and bobby pin until you’ve achieved you’re idea side chignon. Messy Pigtail Braids: These messy pigtail braids are great for a day on the beach with a baseball cap on to keep your scalp from burning. To achieve the perfect amount of messiness, while still looking chic, don’t use a brush when separating your hair. Keep your hair at its natural texture, parting it however it best falls. Pull out desired pieces of hair when finished. Sleek Side Pony: If you are looking for a more slick pulled together look, this side pony is great. Parting your hair in a clean deep side part is where you’ll need to start. To then get it this clean, use a little bit of hair oil such as Kerastase Elixir Ultime The Imperial Treatment Oil. Rub the oil in your hands, cup your pony and run your hands along the top of the pony smoothing down all runaways.

Festival Inspired Beauty Looks to Rock All Summer Long

Just because Coachella has come and gone doesn’t mean we have to say goodbye to all of it’s awesome beauty looks. No matter how far out there some may seem, there are more realistic ways to wear them.  Here are some of our favorite beauty looks from this year’s festivals with some tips and tricks on how to get them— Some crazy, some simple, but of course, all gorgeous.  Hey, you can rock these festival inspired beauty looks all summer long.

Colored Hair

Channel your inner Lauren Conrad and rock a subtle hint of pink lowlights... or purple, or green, or red or whatever color you want. To achieve a subtle look, pull out small sections of hair from underneath, and use hair chalk instead of dye to get as bright of the color a you desired.

Mismatched Nails

Can’t chose what color to paint your nails? No need to! Combine multiple bright colors within the same vibrancy to give of a youthful, carefree vibe. The more mismatched the colors, the better. That way its obvious it was done on purpose.

The Flower Crown

Flower crowns are an essential festival accessory and can also be great for summer party. However, size does matter when it comes to bringing them home. Just make sure it stays as an accessory and doesn't overpower your head.  Remember, you're not wearing a costume.  You just want it to be nice accent to your look.

Flower Braid

This is cute, different and above all, simple. Woven in and out of a small crown braid, it adds just a hint of an accent to an otherwise simple day-to-day look. You can take two pieces and braid them into your hair, than you can use them to tie the sides together and let them fall in the back with the pony.

Face Jewelry

We love this look.  Love, but you should definitely keep the press on rhinestones to side for music festival outings.  If you want to sport this same sparkly crown look for an average summer day, try wearing a thin, delicate head wrap for the same effect.

So, we basically stalked Coachella, and definitely plan on embracing some of these looks as the weather warms up.  Which festival inspired beauty look is your favorite?

The Best Lip Balms for Your Personality

Its that time of year where you find yourself buying and carrying dozens of different lip care products to beat these dry chapped seasons. No need for any more of that nonsense. Here are our favorite lip care products to use this winter that will leave you with just the right look. Already use them and have a favorite flavor picked out? Well, lets just see what that might say about your personality.    

 Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm 

This has been my favorite lip product since it came out. I never thought a lip balm could provide me with such great color, smell delicious and keep my lips healthy and soft.

Healthy Blush (my personal favorite shade) is for the young lady who always likes to be in control (not that that’s me or anything). It allows for a hint of color and shimmer without being overwhelming. For those more adventurous and extravagant, Sunny Berry is a great pinkish plum shimmer for the winter.

Nivea Soothing Lip Care 

This soothing balm is much less about the look and more about how your lips feel. So the many flavors don’t necessarily provide different looks, but different scents and tastes.

A Kiss of Shimmer is a great flavor for the confident girl who doesn’t need color to add to her look. She loves what she has and just wants to enhance it. Mint and Minerals is for the free spirit girl that lives a relaxed stress-free life to the fullest.

ChapStick 

This is the old faithful of lip care. It’s been around for so long for a reason. It gets the job done with so many fun flavors to choose from.

Of course there are the classics like Cherry for those nostalgic of their childhood; maintaining her playful attitude in any way possible including using a chap-stick that smells like the envious Hi-C juice boxes that defined your childhood. Or Spearmint for the more sophisticated older woman whose busy and organized lifestyle made her successfully fulfilled.

Maybelline Baby Lips

This Maybelline moisturizing lip balm completely seals in moisture without constantly having to reapply. It leaves your lips looking silky smooth week after week.

Pink Punch for the bubbly personable socialite who lives by the motto the more the merrier. Peach Kiss’s tope tone is perfect for the quiet and kind girl whose loyalty makes her a great companion.

Gadgets & Apps for the Beauty Obsessed

Technology exists to make our lives easier. And we love it for that,  but prepare to fall in love even more when you hear about the latest tech that beauty has to offer.  At home blowouts on the cheap!  Need I say anymore?  Keep reading to find out about the latest app and bracelet that has us excited.

I’m here to give a warm welcome to the best, most convenient app since Uber: Glamsquad. What is it you ask? It’s an app that not only allows you to book a blowout from your phone, but it books an at-home blowout. That’s right, I said at-home. A stylist will come to you and create a style of your choosing. Prices range from $50 to $125, depending on what type of style you want and with transportation costs are included. I don’t think you need much more to be convinced its your new favorite app.  It's free and available for the iPhone.

The other is June, a bracelet that measures the sun’s intensity in real time.  It’s synced to an app on your smartphone that then alerts you when you’re approaching your day’s limit or exposure. It’s tailored to your skin type and habits and offers tips on sun exposure. Super smart.

And you thought you depended on technology before.

Winning Sundance Beauty Looks

We may use this frigid weather as an excuse to rock the careless no-makeup/messy-hair look. However, we should really look towards the celebs at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival for  snow bunny chic inspiration. No matter he weather, they put their best faces forward. Here's how one woman kept Chloe Grace Moretz and Ashley Greene looking haute.

Chloe Grace Moretz did not disappoint at her Laggies film premiere with a textured, fashion inspired topknot. Hairstylist, Kerrie Urban started by spraying Moretz’s damp hair with Leonor Greyl’s Voluforme in sections and then blow-dried it with a large round brush.

After loosely combing all of her hair back, she pulled it into a high pony and teased it before wrapping it into a bun and slightly pulling it apart.  She even pulled out wispy pieces, to finish off the loosely textured look.

As a woman of many talents, Kerrie Urban also worked as  Ashley Greene's makeup artist to create a fresh look for the Wish I was Here premiere. It all began by creating an skin even tone with the help of  Chanel Aqua Lumiere and Antonym Baked Foundation in Light.

To brighten Greene’s eyes, Urban worked with Antonym’s Certified Organic Quattro Eye Shadow Palette in Noisette.  First, she swept a layer of pale gold across Greene’s lids from lash line to the crease then added a brown shimmer shade in the outer corners of her eyes and crease line. For liner, Urban used a waterproof black eye pencil on the top lash line and smudged a light line of a matte brown shade from the Quattro Eye Shadow Palette on the bottom. Urban finished it off with a few coats of mascara and a few individual lashes.  The pop of bright raspberry on Greene’s lips help to accentuate the artistry on her lips.

the best eyeshadow palettes for your eye color

We’ve read it a million times before, "The best shadow colors to make your eye color pop!"  Green eyes brighten by purple and brown look best when wearing gold tones. Well, instead of just telling you the colors to look for, I’ve found the best eye shadow pallets to match your color scheme.  Happy shopping!

Brown Eyes:

The best colors for your brown-eyed girls out there are gold, copper and navy to add the extra pop. Bobbi Brown carries a great limited edition Navy & Nude Eye Palette ($60, Sephora.com) to match the color needs of brown eyes. It includes plain colors as well as a few shimmery options for a fun night out.

Blue Eyes:

Colors that work best for blue eyes are pale oranges and pinks or silver if you really want them to pop. Chanel’s Les 4 Ombres 79 Species ($59, Chanel.com) color palette has the pale pinks and oranges. Although there is no silver in the palette, the shimmer to each of the colors adds the same effect.

Hazel Eyes:

Warm neutral colors add to the richness of the hazel color. A good palette to match the criteria is Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No. 3 Plush Shadow in The Glam 108 ($42, Sephora.com). These metallic gold and brown shades will make your eyes really stand out.

Green Eyes:

The rarest color on the list follows very specific color picks of purple and greys.  Dior’s 5-Colour Designer All-In-One Artistry Palette ($60, Sephora.com) has gorgeous purple/blue colors that enhance one another beautifully.

A bold lip for every occasion

Who doesn’t love the perfect bold lip? While it’s a great look to sport, there is always a time and a place. Here's a comprehensive list of the right ways to go bold for every occasion.  And yes, you can rock one at work.  Don't believe me?  Keep reading.

The Work Place: As a woman in the work place, its important to promote yourself as a strong, independent, intelligent woman. Nothing screams that better then the perfect bold lip (except for maybe a killer designer bag). Coral is a great color to show off your work place presence. Laura Mercier Sheer Lip Color has a gorgeous pink-coral color called Kissed-Lips.

Date Night: Flirty, fun and not too intimidating are what you should keep in mind when picking your bold lip on a date. Your guy will definitely notice your full lips, but won’t think of them as kissable. Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick collection has many good flushed color options that are sexy but simple, such as their color Fly High.

Party: This is the perfect place for you to do you. A party is all about being social and having a good time. Wear whatever color expresses your personality best. I personally love Smashbox MegaTint Long Wear Lip Color in Mulberry—a soft plum color that really makes a statement.

Happy Hour: Sipping on drinks all night is dangerous when wearing a bold lip. Smearing and smudging are a serious risk. That’s why it’s best to go with stain like Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar- Lip Stain. It goes on dry but gives a glossy finish. It also applies gradually so you can wear it as intense of light as preferred.

Jason Wu Teams Up with Lancome & Talks Details

While Beyonce might have been taking over most of the headlines with her ever changing hairstyles, there is another person making quite the beauty buzz lately – Jason Wu.  Last week, I attended the launch party to celebrate his new collection for Lancome and had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with the designer.  His friendly nature and charismatic energy made it all the easier to get the scoop for you guys.

January Jones and even the First Lady, Michelle Obama have all donned Mr. Wu's apparel.  Although we may not all be able to afford his previous collections, we can afford this new collection!

What was it like working with Lancome?

It's been a wonderful experience. I've been a huge fan for their product for so long. It's a beautiful beautiful product and no one can deny that. To be able to collaborate with them was a dream come true because I love beauty. In every sense of that word. I love makeup. I love beautiful things. I love beautiful women. So this felt really natural and a really appropriate collaboration for me.

What was your favorite part of the collaboration?

Picking the colors of course! I'm like a kid in a candy store. Who doesn't want to pick the colors and dig into the archives. The collection is not only wearable but also glamorous. That's a great thing about the collection, it not only worked really well for my runway show but in different ways it could work in everyones everyday lives.

What was the overall inspiration of the collection?

The first collection was really about doing my favorite things. Violet is one of my favorite colors so I've gravitated towards it throughout my entire life and career. So that was one of key colors of the collection. I love a red lip, so we offer three different kinds of red lip in the collection. As well as three different kinds of red nail polish. It would be such a gorgeous essential to any woman's beauty arsenal or beauty regime. I really designed into what women really want and would embrace.

What is your favorite product?

The navy mascara. I think it is so cool.  I can imagine all the girls I know wanting to wear that. Along with the rest of the pallet. This is something you want like all the time. It's so subtle and works on everyone and so chic. I mean who wouldn't want that?

What can we expect from you for this years NYFW? 

Well you can definitely see my makeup collection on each of the models. I think you'll see me take a real step forward again. Every season is a step forward and this season is no different.

The collection will be on sale for a limited time in Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman during New York Fashion Week.

Get Jennifer Aniston's Look from the NYC We're The Millers Premiere

Jennifer Aniston rocked a "summer in the city" inspired look for the We're the Miller's premiere courtesy of celebrity makeup artist Angela Levin.  As soon as I saw the inspiration I wanted to know more.  The only real difference I noticed from Jennifer's previous red carpet looks was her eye makeup.  Always stunning, we've never covered her breakdown.  So for all of her fans, here you go:

As a foundation, Levin applied FACE Picture Perfect Foundation in "O" and "J" ($48, facestockholm.com) and blended with a Chanel Foundation Brush ($45, shop.nordstrom.com) motioning in circular motions.

To give her a sun kissed look, Levin used Chanel Le Blush Creme in Revelation ($38, shop.nordstrom.com) and Chanel Le Beiges Health Glow Sheer Colour PF 15 No. 40 ($57.50, chanel.com) on the forehead, cheeks and chin.

For natural looking eyes, Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow Spicea pallet ($59, chanel.com). To make the eyes pop she applied the lightest color underneath the brow and the gold color on the lid under the lower lashes. The dark shade was used in the crease of the lid to open they eyes. She finished with Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in Ebloui ($36, chanel.com) to frame the eye.

To finish it off, Levin applied Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in InSouciance ($32, chanel.com).

3 summer beauty trends not to miss

If you’re a glass half empty person, I'm sorry that you’re summer is half way over. If you a glass half full person, enjoy the rest of July and August! Either way, the summer 2013 beauty trends have made their presence known. So let's celebrate the top three summer beauty trends you still have time rock.

Healthy Glow

Sub your bronzer for blush.  Honestly who needs to add more red to your complexion when dealing with heat and sunburn? I know I sure don’t. However, blush always extenuates my weak bone structure therefore, I can’t just forgo that important part of my makeup routine. Thanks to one of this summer’s top trends you don’t have to. Instead of blush, try using bronzer to do the job. It works just as well to show off your cheekbones but instead of giving you an even more flushed look, you just get a bronze glow.

Sleek Strands

We’re used to seeing women embrace their wildly wavy summer hair, giving it a messy chic look. But this summer it’s all about fighting the frizz. Sleek is chic. Although not always easy, it's possible. To get the look, start by using Oribe’s Shampoo and Conditioner for Moisture and Control ($38, oribe.com). After washing, use hair oils. My personal favorite is Moroccanoil Treatment Light ($43, Moroccanoil.com).  The light weight formula tames my frizzies without weighing down my hair or making it look greasy.

Bright Pink Puckers

It’s playful, fun and light— all the qualities you look for in a summer look. With the gross summer heat, go for a matte lip instead of sticky, runny gloss.  My favorite pink lipstick of the moment is Hourglass Liquid Lipstick ($28, Sephora.com) in Ballet. It goes on liquid, but dries matte. Genius.

5 Instagram Accounts You Should Be Following

So everyone who’s anyone has a killer Instagram account these days. Which makes it hard to find the ones you should be following without blowing up your feed. Luckily, I’m just as obsessed. I mean honestly, who doesn’t love seeing artsy, behind the scenes footage from events, parties and shoots?  Here are five awesome insta glam squads to follow.

Best Beauty Brand: Birchbox @birchbox

This is far from the only official Birchbox account. There are actually six of them from different departments. All accounts give you a behind the scenes look at some of the best products and brands in the business. These products are of course not just laid out straight on a table, they are laid out in a creative artsy style that make you think they may have a prop stylist in the office at all times purely for Instagram purposes. They also add in some fun office shots now and again to hold interest.

Best Fitness: Ballet Beautiful @balletbeautiful

Ballet Beautiful is a company that encourages the beautiful form of dance to receive a healthy workout. While it may not be the most informative account on workout routines for us mere mortals, but it does provide beautiful shots of ballerina poses as well as some healthy diet options to help along the way. Who really want’s to see sweaty ripped people that aren’t Channing Tatum all over their Instagram anyway?

Best Hair Stylist: Christian Marc @christianmarc

If you’re like me, then you really appreciate the accounts that are not only informative and news worthy, but also artistic and creative. Christian Marc’s account is exactly that. He gives his followers behind the scenes shots of photo shoots for shows and photo spreads he styles without making it seem like he's reporting from behind stage.

Best Makeup Artist: Lottie @lotstar

I do not like following those makeup artists that just seem like their bragging they get to hang out with cool celebrities all the time and that their final red carpet product is flawless. Of course it’s flawless, you’re a professional celebrity makeup artist! Lottie gives us behind the scenes shots, her beautiful final product along with her cool fun life that isn't always filled with celebrities. It's relaxed yet professional at the same time.

Best Nail Art: Fleury Rose @fleuryrosenails

If you’re like me, you could look at nail art all day. But it wasn’t until I came across Fleury Rose’s Instagram account that I realized exactly how many different ways you can actually decorate your nails. I mean seriously, who knew?!

Your Summer Nail Polish Trend Guide for A Conversation Provoking Mani

The standout nail trend that took over last summer doesn’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon.  I've become a master at (and slightly obsessed with) accentuating my nails with the proper shades, textures and even forms of art for every polish shade.  Here are some different tips, styles and colors to help you choose the perfect color combination all summer long.

 

Same Color, Different Shade: Altering your chosen color a few shades is one easy way to pick your accent shade. Let's say you decided to paint your nails baby blue, you could go for a lighter shade by choosing a turquois for your ring finger or if you want to take the darker route, cobalt blue makes for a good compliment.

Opposites Attract: Sometimes colors that are completely different work well together. For example light pink nails with orange, mint, or yellow on your ring finger are all great girly option for the summer months. When choosing completely opposite colors make sure they’re at least within the same shading meaning that if it’s a pale pink, it should be a pale orange. Or if it’s bright neon pink, a yellow should be just as bright.

Stick to the Basics: Classic colors like black, white or brown pair with literally anything. Nude nails especially make for a great color to pair with standout nails. Or if you want to go all white nails, add a pop with some subtle red nail art to it like this one.

Glitter: You can never go wrong by simply applying a layer of glitter over whichever color it is you chose. It adds a nice accent without distracting from the color you clearly favored.