How to Wear A High Ponytail

What do A-listers like Iggy Azelia, Katy Perry, J. Lo and Rihanna have in common?  They've all been spotted rocking a fashion forward high ponytail this summer like it's no one's business.  The edgy look is a perfect way to keep long hair off of your neck in the summertime. NYC Stylist, Jan-Marie Arteca, gave me tips on how to pull it off.

"This look is perfect for anyone who has long hair and likes wearing it off of their face," explained Arteca.  Of course, personally, I could never get away with wearing my hair up that high, but kudos to you if you can.  I do love it!  "This ponytail is all about smoothness and placement."

Starting with damp hair, use a mousse like Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse for added volume and blow dry with a round brush.  This type of ponytail can be worn pin straight or curled, but prep is essential in order for it to look done.

If you'd like to keep it straight, lock in shine with a flat iron before pulling it up. Otherwise, use a 1 1/2" curling iron and curl your hair.  Finally, pull it up and secure it over the oxibidal bone.  In order to hide your elastic, take a piece of hair from underneath and wrap it around securing it with a bobby pin.  As a finishing touch, add a light-weight shine serum to the top keep frizz at bay.

Wearing a high pony tail is a fashion statement.  Wear it well.

5 things worth checking out this week

Adulthood can be ridiculously hard, let Miranda Kerr help make yours a little easier with these 7 tips [Into the Gloss]

This video of Barack Obama rapping Iggy’s “Fancy” is all you need to kick-start your Friday [The Luxury Spot]

Everyone can use a little more sleep in the AM. Skip the blow-dry and try these time saving shortcuts instead [Byrdie]

Wondering why everyone is suddenly dousing themselves in ice water? Check out the latest in social movements here [Mashable]

Serena may be long gone, but Blake Lively is still the world's hottest "It Girl" even without the help of Gossip Girl [Vogue]

Charlotte Tilbury Launches Makeup Collection

NY Fashion Week doesn't feel complete unless I interview Charlotte Tilbury. Each season, I always look forward to seeing her and sharing in her enthusiasm for whatever look she's creating at the time.  For the past few months, I've been covering her new makeup collection that's only been available in London, but starting in September, it'll be available in the states and I couldn't be more excited (and you should be, too)!  BeautySweetSpot's Emily Rekstis attended the launch event and got the scoop!

Tilbury tuned into the NYC editor launch event via Skype from her home in London to talk about her latest venture.  Explaining that she created a "wardrobe of makeup looks" based on her past and modern day icons like Mia Farrow, Kate Moss and Penelope Cruz, you can shop each look making it easy to purchase products online.  As you can see from this post, I was overjoyed when she actually created her Penelope look on Penelope Cruz.

Here are some of Tilbury's absolute favorites from her new line:

Magic Cream: Tilbury cannot do a shoot without this special formula.  She's been using it for years and finally bottled it for everyone to use.

Wonderglow: “I like to call it my Giselle in a jar.” Now you can have that beautiful, Brazilian skin. This, is an instant pick-me-up.

Supermodel Body: This will make you look slimmer by creating the illusion of a Victoria's Secret angel's body through contouring and sculpting.  It's confidence in a tube.

Feline Flick: The easiest way to apply Tilbury's signature eye. “My sister can do it using this. I knew if she could, I succeeded.”

Luxury Palette: The order of application is all in the palette making it easy to apply.  Top left to right: prime then enhance. Bottom left to right: enhance then smoke.

Charlotte Tilbury's products will be available in September at CharlotteTilbury.com, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom.

L'Oreal Balm Pop: Chic Lips for Under $10

As you might have seen on my Instagram a few weeks ago, L'Oreal sent over their latest launches, which have kept me beyond busy.  After swiping, blending and dusting on repeat, I can't wait to tell you about my favorites from the new line: L'Oreal Balm Pop and Glossy Balm.  Each under $10, will change your daily lip game justas they've changed mine.

See?  I wasn't kidding when I told you I had a ton to test!  As someone who normally likes to wear makeup just to accentuate my  features, I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to 'putting on my face.' As long as my lips have some sort of balm on them to keep them moisturized make them appear healthy I'm normally good to go.  Naturally tinted lip balms are a fave.

As a fan of the L'Oreal Color Riche Balm for their moisturizing properties and hints of sheer color I was wowed when I tried out the new Balm Pop.  With the same smooth texture and hydration properties of shea and jojoba butter, Balm Pop turns it up with intense pigment.  It feels like a balm, but looks like a lipstick.  I've been wearing them during the daytime to complete my look. Even the Fiery Red (my favorite) is supper flattering and less intimidating to wear than red lipstick.

The new Glossy Balm offers the same intense pigment (in different shades) as Balm Pop, but is shaped like a crayon and offers more shine than anything else. My favorite?  Pink Me Up.

L'Oreal Balm Pop is available in four colors and L'Oreal Glossy Balm is available in eight colors, both for $7.99.

DNA Facial: Cow's Placenta Tightens

Facial enthusiasts, pay attention, you're going to want to get on board.  Last week I paid a visit to the White Tea Med Spa in NYC, well known for contouring the bodies of Victoria Secret models, to test out their latest facial, the DNA Facial. Greeted by the brains behind the facial, Lead Esthetician, Maria Rianna, she was eager to smear cow's placenta all over my face. Anything for the sake of beauty, right?

"These cows are located in the French alps.  They're pesticide and horomone free and listen to Mozart to calm them,"  Rianna explains.  "Just like a pregnant woman, stress would negatively affect the placenta and these stem cells are the best."

Within five days of a cows becoming pregnant, scientists extract stem cells from their placenta with a needle and prepare them for the DNA Facial.  They're then frozen, and delivered to spas on dry ice.

Rianna customized my facial before gently tapping the stem cells, (yes, from a cow's placenta) onto my skin.  "You can't rub them on, because they're so sensitive and delicate, you'll destroy them."  While thinking about what she was doing I felt a bit skeeved, but I began to feel an immediate tightening, which proved their worth.

I was told the tightening effect could last up to a week, but day six will be my prime.  She was right, and just in time for a shoot.  I had smaller pores and my skin looked a bit lifted. Combined with miro-current to work the facial muscles and the total works of the facial, the DNA Facial is the creme de la creme of facials.

So how do they work?  Turns out, the stem cells work cosmetically to help rebuild weaker cells.  This can include anything from skin with hyperpigmentation (me), fine lines and wrinkles (me), acne and the list goes on.  It's a one-size-fits all fix.  In Europe and South America, stem cells from cows placentas are used as medical injectables for healing purposes.

The DNY CyroStem Cell Facial costs $225 at White Tea Med Spa, which is located at 104 W. 14th St., NYC.

5 things worth checking out this week

  Is your summer skin feeling a little stressed? Check out this celeb makeup artist trick for an instantly glowing complexion [Byrdie]

Photobombing is an art, and these celebrities have nailed it [Vogue]

Nude nails never go out of style, here are the top picks from every brand [Into the Gloss]

Have you ever wanted to be a mermaid? There's a school for that! [The Luxury Spot]

In honor of National Lipstick Day, 5 facts mind-blowing facts about lipstick [Lipstick.com]

Josie Natori Talks Her New Perfume, Josie

As I walked into the Josie Natori store in downtown NYC, I was immediately immersed into the incredible design world of Josie. Extremely well known for her luxurious lingerie as well as tasteful decor pieces, I was fortunate to be able to chat with Mrs. Natori about her new Josie lifestyle collection and scent.

The store itself was impeccably chic, all centered around a beautiful tablescape that showcased the fragrance and the black, white, and red theme of the line.  A quick sniff confirmed that indeed, Mrs. Natori's second scent will be a total hit as it smells divine.  A crowd gathered in the front of the store stared in awe at the sidewalk, which has been artfully airbrushed with a 3D rendering of the luxe Josie perfume bottle.

Tell me about the new Josie fragrance.

The DNA of Natori is east meets west with a little more of a fun twist. We wanted something that has the feeling of Natori but a little sexier, you know? When you think of Natori you think serious, Josie is upbeat and more for a younger generation.

How does your culture influence your design choices?

This fragrance is inspired by flowers, in particular one I grew up with in the Philippines called the Sampaguita, in the Jasmine family. Then we added a few notes of citrus and patchouli to create a more sensual scent. My lingerie is sexy yet still approachable and I wanted that to come through in the Josie fragrance.

Does your design aesthetic come through when creating a perfume?

Oh of course, you can even tell from the shape of the bottle that we wanted something different, something luxe. It reminds me a little of a bento box! The world of Josie is from the inside out, from underwear to outerwear to home.  It's been fun to complete.

The Josie Natori Josie Perfume retails for $75 for 50 ml, $95 for 100 ml and $22 for the rollerball and can be found online at natori.com.

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.

Style Solutions for Rebellious Hair

Doesn't it always seem like no matter what you want your hair to do it does the opposite?  Happy Monday.  The latest crop of stylers that landed on my desk are far from ordinary. These style solutions are for rebellious hair.  I mean it.  Check out the latest... you can thank me later.

Problem: Fly-Aways

Solution: Shu Uemura Art of Hair Detail Master

This directional fixing spray is used to target hairs that may be out of place.  It's a fierce hold hair spray that leaves nothing but shine.  Yes, just shine.  Despite it's strength, it doesn't leave a sticky or crunchy residue.  Tip: Spritz some on a toothbrush and comb over fly-aways for a softer look and sleek finish.

Problem: Dry, Brittle Strands

Solution: Leonor Greyl  L'Huile De Leonor Greyl

This pre-shampoo treatment consists of a blend of copra oil and mongongo oil, which protect and regenerate your hair from the summer's elements.  Think chlorine and sun. It's also great for color treated hair.  Instead of working with dry, unruly tresses, say hello to hydration!

Problem: Frizz

Solution: Kerastase Maskeratine

If frizz is your problem, this mask is your solution.  After shampooing, let it sit on your strands for about five minutes.

5 things worth checking out this week

Guys we all know Queen Bey is consistently killing it in life. Here are 7 times her reactions have been spot on [The Luxury Spot] Drop everything, how you store your flat iron actually matters! Have you been doing it wrong too? [Rouge 18]

Everyone wants to be young, and living in these cities will help you stay forever flawless [Total Beauty]

The way you dress is nobody's business but your own. Here's why [Refinery 29]

Struggling to go from beach babe to nighttime chic? This is the only guide you need to looking effortlessly put-together [The Glitter Guide]

Score Megan Fox's Makeup

#TBT to last Thursday where Megan Fox's makeup took center stage at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Awards.  Her makeup artist, Monika Blunder, gave me the 411 on the exact products she used to enhance those perfect arches, sex up her eyes and give her the peachy bronzed glow we all crave.

"This is a great summer look and I was really adamant about using just the right shade of coral on the lips," commented Blunder.  The coral on the lips complimented the hint of peach on the cheeks, which is what made this look scream summertime.

While most makeup artists paint lip products on carefully with a brush or layer textures, Blunder applied Fox's lipstick – Chanel Rouge Allure in Rimpante #90 – straight from the bullet, proving it's not that hard to recreate.

Her summer glow was created by strategically dusting on three products by makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury:

1. Charlotte Tilbury Bronzer in Film Star Bronze and Glow to define her cheekbones
2. Charlotte Tilbury Blusher in Ecstasy on the apples of her cheeks
3. Charlotte Tilbury Highlighter in Film Star Bronze and Glow on the upper cheekbone, bridge of the nose and under the eyebrow

Then, to create a "soft, natural eye look," Blunder used Anastasia Brow Wiz to add more color to the outside of her arches.  Then, Chanel Illusion d’Ombre in Impulsion all over the eyelid and Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Amethyst on the upper and lower lash line, followed by Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Kalahari in the crease to add some definition.  A few coats of Lancome Definicils in black completed Fox's sultry, yet soft stare.

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.

Maybelline The Nudes: Your New Shadow Staple

Recently, a shadow palette landed on my desk and quickly ended up as a staple in my makeup bag.  And you know 'staple' is a strong word.  Have you seen Maybelline The Nudes Eye Shadow Palette yet?  It might just be one of the most impressive drugstore makeup launches of the year.

Boasting 12 shades of nude eye shadow in a variety of textures – satin, matte and frost – Maybelline The Nudes is comparable to Urban Decay's Naked Palette ($54) and even the Smashbox Full Exposure Palette, ($49) both of which I use frequently. (Why choose one when you can have them all?  Perks of being a beauty blogger.) This is the largest shadow palette available at a drugstore and the best part? It's under $10.  The texture of the shadows are smooth, with the satin and frosted shades being the most pigmented.  It's an absolute must-have.  I've been bringing it with me on my travels this summer, because it's super light and has everything I need to go from daytime to nighttime.

In case you're wondering, other neutral shadows I'm loving right now include the Lancome Color Design 5 Pan Eye Shadow in Showered in Lace and L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Eye Shadow in Perpetual Nude, Rose Nude and Treasured Bronze.

Kate Bosworth's Braided Updo How To

How stunning is Kate Bosworth's braided updo? I love the way she looks with her hair pulled off of her face. Good news is, her chic, braided style is super simple to achieve as it only takes three braids and a few bobby pins. Her stylist, Bridget Brager, gave me the step-by-step to creating her "intricate and romantic" updo.

Spray a volumizing spray like Phytovolume Actif Volumizing Spray from roots to ends, then blow dry your hair using your hands concentrating on lifting it away from the scalp to create texture.

Create a "disheveled deep part" and starting at the crown, along the part, braid forward so the braid falls toward your forehead concealing your hair line.

Start your second and third braids at your temples, braiding back on each side.

Use Kevin Murphy Easy Ride or a light weight pomade to tame fly aways and add a bit of shine, then loosen the braids with your fingers to make them appear more romantic.

Weave the braids together in the back and pin them low to give a halo effect and there you have yourself Kate Bosworth's braided updo.

5 things worth checking out this week

What's on your summer beauty checklist? We're loving this one in particular [The Luxury Spot]

It's a matcha made in heaven! Here's the scoop on the latest tea craze that has been popping up everywhere [Into the Gloss]

This list of 5 road trips you need to take this summer is perfect for quenching the wanderlust in us all [The Glitter Guide]

ICYMI: Chrissy Teigen was fired from a Forever 21 shoot for being "too fat"...here are plenty of reasons why Forever 21 was so totally wrong [Buzzfeed]

The friendship between this teacup pig and a pit bull is all you need to get you through your day [Refinery 29]

Neon Eye Shadow: Tips from A Makeup Artist

I'm not sure if you noticed, but neon eye shadow is having a moment.  I first noticed backstage during Spring 2014 fashion shows.  Don't shy away, because everyone can pull it off, it's all about how you wear it.  To avoid looking like a clown, I spoke with Celebrity Makeup Artist, Jamie Greenberg, to find out the do's and don'ts of wearing neon on your lids.

According to Greenberg, the most cautious way to embrace the trend is to use the neon shadows as an accent.  "Try applying them as a liner, creating a pop of color around the eye."  This is one look even I can get behind.  Of course while there are no rules, there are guidelines.  Choose your look and stick with it.  Whether it be a tight line or slightly blurred out, keep it clean.

When it comes to choosing a neon shadow shade that suits you, Greenberg says that neon blue is the most universally flattering.  It goes with all skin tones, hair and eye colors. My favorite is the mark Neon Gaze Eye Shadow in Neon Gaze.  I don't believe on spending a lot on trendy items, but this solo shadow is only $10.

However, if you just can't wait to embrace your inner 80's self and feel bold enough to experiment with multiple shades, try Urban Decay's Electric Pressed Pigment Palette, $49 for the whole thing and embrace the intensity of the pink, orange and yellow.

Philips PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System: Video

When I first received the Philips PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System, I was curious to see what about this cleansing system was different than others I’ve tried. After putting it to the test and doing some investigation, I'm impressed!  Check out my video review on the new system and see for yourself. It's like nothing else on the market.

So like I mentioned, the Philips PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System uses Sonic Technology with Advanced Dual Motion to cleanse while wiping away dirt, makeup and oil at the same time.  The rotation of the brush cleans out your pores, while improving micro-circulation giving you radiant, glowing skin. The exfoliating benefits also allow your skincare products to better absorb and in the end, work more effectively.

The brushes are so gentle you can use them twice a day and it claims to cleanse your face 10x better than using just your hands alone.  From the demo I did in the video, I think we can all vouch for something like that.

Another feature I didn’t mention in the video is that I keep my brush in the charger it came with on my bathroom sink. The charger allows the brush to dry standing upright in between uses while charging it, so I never have to worry about it dying.

You can find it for $149 at Bed Bath & Beyond and Philips.com.

*This is a sponsored post by Philips, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

How to Fill in Your Brows Like A Pro

You might have noticed on my Instagram that last week I was in LA working on a top secret project (I can't wait to tell you about it), and as you can imagine, I spent quite a bit of time in the makeup chair.  One of my makeup artists, Gabbi Pascua, did something groundbreaking when she was filling in my brows.  Do you normally fill in your brows? Well, here's a little trick.  Trust me, after you try it, you'll be in awe.

Typically I fill my brows in with either shadow or liner.  Pascua used two different formulas on my sparse brows to, "make them look natural, refined and shaped," a liquid and a pencil.  Here's the how to:

Use a liquid formula (which is a consistency I've never used on my brows before), like Stila's Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Color to fill in the front only where it needs to be filled by "feathering" with short brush strokes.

Then, take a pencil like NARS Brow Perfector in a darker shade and fill in from your mid brow to the ends for a "fuller, defined brow that's not too harsh."

Next time you fill in your brows, remember, don't force a shape, just fill in what's missing and  blend the two formulas with your brow brush for the most natural looking brows.

Kendall Jenner: Get Her Ponytail

Unless my hair is professionally blown out, chances are that by the end of the day, it's in a ponytail.  Ladies, if you're anything like me, we need to step our pony game up.  Check out Kendall Jenner's sleek ponytail (pictured above).  She was heading to the Vogue Foundation Gala in Paris last week and made a statement with her sharp center part and the sophisticated slickness to the style.  Here are tips from her stylist, Christian Wood, (check out his Tweet) on how to rock the look – no more gym styles necessary.  It's that simple.

"As soon as I saw the dress I thought a super slick and shiny ponytail would give a tough modern edge to the gorgeous Balmain dress,"  Wood commented.  He was right.

Here are the exact steps Wood took to complete Kendall's style.  Yes, they're easy enough to do at home.  Promise.

• When hair is damp, use a pin tail comb to part it down the center.  The end of the comb will help make sure you have a dramatic, precise part.  Then, blow dry straight.

• Rub a small dollop of Moroccan Oil onto the top and sides of your hair and use a brush like a Mason Pearson to slick the hair into a low, tight ponytail.  Secure with a bungee elastic.

• Wrap a small piece of hair around the elastic and secure with a pin to cover.

• Spray Frederic Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray all over and quickly comb the hair into the ponytail to create a super slick, tight and fly-away free look.

• Spritz a glossing mist or shine spray on the part, almost the same way one would use makeup highlighter to really pick up the shine under lights.

• Finish by using a straightening iron (Wood used the T3 Straightening Iron) over the ends of the pony for a poker straight glossy finish.

With a little bit of effort, a ponytail like Kendall's can look super chic.  And I told you it's really simple.  Using a flat iron at the end is surely the icing on the cake.  I'll definitely be trying it for a night out.

5 things worth checking out this week

Summer is meant for road trips and these tips will guarantee your best getaway ever [The Luxury Spot] Having trouble getting in your daily dose of fruits and veggies? Give these delicious green juices a try! [Total Beauty]

Ear cuffs are so in this summer, check out these trendy favorites and grab yours now! [Glitter Guide]

Wow. Have you heard this leaked cut of the new Britney Spears single sans autotune? Brutal! [Buzzfeed]

J. Crew recently launched expanded sizes to include '000' or 'xxxs'. Are they filling a market gap or further pushing the notion that your worth is directly correlated to the size on your pants? [Refinery 29]