Guerlain Spa: Effectively Pampering

Last week, instead of facing the usual mid-week 4pm crash, I had the luxury of slipping into a heated bed at the Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf Astoria to test out their Abeille Royale Youth Facial instead.  Not a bad way to rejuvenate.  While my afternoon of work seemed fancy, I left finding the spa impressive, the facial extremely satisfying (you know, not the kind where they just rub creams all over your face), and with lots to write about.  

The Guerlain Spa's Abeille Royale Youth Facial started with a foot massage.  Dead serious.  I'm always skeptical when I go to new places for facials, because while being pampered is nice, I like results.  Not that I don't believe that they can't go hand in hand, but I know facials.  Microdermabrasion, peels, extractions... bring it on.

This was a deep cleansing facial, which is exactly what I needed (extractions and such), but while masks sat on my face to dry, my hands were massaged and they placed in paraffin gloves.  A nice touch in deed.  Now that I told you about some of the pampering touches, here's what I really found most impressive about it.

As a 'youth facial' the whole Guerlain Abeille Royal skincare line was used, which is known for firming and toning the skin.  The main ingredient: honey.  Besides being moisturizing, honey is also anti-inflammatory, brightening and soothing.  My esthetician, Alina Cimpoeru, said it also repairs collagen overtime, which I didn't know.

The spa was gorgeous, as it should have been being that it was at the Waldorf.  While waiting you're offered champagne or tea (I chose the latter) and you nestle into a private pod until your therapist calls.  Each treatment room had it's own bathroom with a shower, locker and phone charger.  I will definitely definitely be going back.

The Guerlain Spa is located at the Waldorf Astoria Towers at 100 East 50th St. New York, NY 10022.  You can book an appointment by calling 212.872.7200.

Oribe Fragrance is Now A Thing

If you've ever had your hair styled in a salon with Oribe products, or are completely obsessed with the Dry Texturizing Spray like I am, you're going to love this news.  The signature scent we've all fallen in love with is now available as an eau de parfum. That's right, the beloved haircare brand has bottled up their signature scent and is now doing fragrance.

When developing the celeb hairstylist's haircare line, a perfumer was involved to create a signature scent that was placed in all of the products so they'd be easy to layer.  A fine fragrance, Cote d'Azur, was created and then developed to work with the products.

That fragrance, Oribe Cote d'Azur Eau de Parfum, a citrusy floral, is now available for purchase at salons and on oribe.com for $85.  It's unisex and includes top notes of Fresh lemon, plum, black currant, Calabrian bergamot, Sicilian Orange; middle notes of Tuberose, blue cyclamen, white butterfly jasmine and bottom notes of Sandalwood, vetiver, crisp amber.

That Moment, Just Married

After exchanging "I Do's" Joe and I took pictures in Washington Square Park, where a saxophonist began playing Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" as we walked past.  It couldn't have felt more right.  We began dancing and as the busy hustle and bustle of NYC was happening all around us, we stood still in the energy... for that moment.  Just married.

Final Look Before the I Do's

The rain stopped and the sun came out.  My friends and family claim I was the chillest bride they've ever met, but I still don't see what there would've been to stress over  with such a talented glam squad and the truest friends and family around (don't get me started on my dress).  Guess who was ready to get married?  

Wedding Day Makeup

I guess you can say I'm lucky, because my brows never looked better.  It took a year, but thanks to my wedding day makeup artist, Maribeth Madron, they went through an extreme makeover just in time.  Seeking a hybrid of a natural yet glamourous look, we kept the focus on my eyes and skin very clean with minimal makeup.  With a little help from friends like Tom Ford and Laura Mercier, Maribeth made me look like the best version of myself.  She's truly an artist.

Maribeth is an extraordinary makeup artist, especially for wedding makeup, who really pays attention to detail – no short cuts here.  I've been seeing her at the Sally Hershberger Uptown Salon for about a year and a half now as she's the only one I ever let touch my brows.  Remember, pics of my final look will be shown at the end of the week!  What about my bridesmaids you ask? They started their morning at Rouge, a makeup salon, similar to a blowout bar, in Soho.  And yes, you'll see their final looks a the end of the week, too.

Something Blue-ish

Something old: my grandma's prayer book that was incorporated into my bouquet. Something new: my dress.  Something borrowed: Joe's mom's bracelet. Something blue: my pedicure plus and wedding day scent.  I chose a new scent for my wedding day that Joe approved of before hand so that each time I wear it, I think back to the memories of those romantic moments – getting ready with the girls, arriving at the church, dancing in Washington Square Park with him, being introduced into the ceremony as Mr. & Mrs., our first dance... So, how can a scent be something blue? Better yet, you'll love how I wore it.

I spritzed Oscar de la Renta Something Blue into my veil so when the wind caught it or when it moved as I danced, a sensuous uplifting scent filled the air.  It was romantic and he noticed.

My Wedding Day Hair Inspiration

It's wedding week on BeautySweetSpot!  I told you about my wedding day glam squad before I got married (today marks four months!), but now, I'm excited to show you the behind the scenes of the beauty prep and inspiration.

Up and off the neck was the direction I gave my bridesmaids for their hairstyle on my wedding day.  Inspired by a ballet, they chose their own style Amsale chiffon and lace dresses.  Since their necklines were all different, it only made sense to show them off as they walked down the aisle and stood by my side.  My hairstylist, Liam Carey, assisted by Jan Marie Arteca, crafted all of their updos as well as doing my hair for the biggest day of my life.  With the help of extensions, I ended up with the Angelina Jolie inspired look I envisioned.  Enjoy the photos. Oh yea, my final look will be shown at the end of the week!

Liam Carey and Jan Marie Arteca can be found at the Jeff Chastain Parlor in NYC. How did I choose my stylist you ask?  Great question.  I go to both Liam and Jan regularly for my cut and color and did my first and only hair trial with Liam.  Because I was comfortable with them and knew their level of talent, it was only fitting for wedding hair.  My trial was perfect and having friends there on my big day was a lot of fun for all of us.  Their positive energy added to the environment and all of my bridesmaids were happy with their hair.

Lucy Hale: Get the Look with Mark Cosmetics

I've been seeing Lucy Hale everywhere lately and every time the first thing I think is – she's a mark. girl!  Therefore, when news landed in my inbox about her cover makeup look, I was compelled to cover it.  Plus, it's perfect for the holiday season.  Here, her makeup artist Jamie Greenberg, spills how you can replicate the look with mark cosmetics.

Eyes:

Sweep mark. Eye Dream Of Glam Eye Shadow Palette in light pink shade (left column, second shade from bottom) across the eye lids. Next, apply the blue shade (top right column) starting at the center of the lid and extending outwards into a defined V shape. Line the upper and lower lash lines with mark. What A Line Max Waterproof Eyeliner in Electric Cobalt and finish with two coats of mascara.

Face:

Sweep mark. Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes onto the apples of the cheeks, blending upwards along the cheekbones.

Lips:

Complete the look by applying mark. On The Dot Lip Gloss Compact’s light pink gloss (top right shade) across the lips.

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

Behind the Scenes in A Cosmetic Lab

Last week, I had the honor of touring Nu World Beauty’s factory, a cosmetic lab in New Jersey.  I felt like I was Charlie and I had won the golden ticket to the chocolate factory, except instead of chocolate, it was makeup; so way better. It was such a unique, eye opening experience and I just couldn’t wait to share my insider access with you BeautySweetSpot readers.

We were invited to the factory through the cosmetic company Hard Candy to celebrate their new fall launch. But we not only got to see the creation of Hard Candy products, but also other Nu World Beauty brands such as MAC, Victoria Secret, Benefit, and many more they manufacturer.

We were guided through different rooms on the floor, each room with a different task focus. The first place we explored was a small room where they were pressing powders into blush pallets. Through a window, we watched the machine go up and down as the pallets moved through on the conveyor belt.

Next, we went into the largest room we saw on the tour. It was filled with multiple assembly lines, conveyor belts and persons manning the machines. From lipsticks to primers to eyeliners, handfuls of different products and brands were being shifted along the lines. It was perfectly organized mayhem and beauty junkie would fawn over.

At one station in the cosmetic lab, workers were filling up moldings for lipsticks and then shaving off the tops before being placed in to their tubes. Once they were in the tubes, women were hand placing the bullet tops onto the lipsticks before capping them off and sending them to the end for packaging.The next room we went to held a very potent smell due to the flavored lipgloss being stirred in a giant container you needed a ladder to even to the top of it. Next to the giant chamber was a machine that was pressing the wax for lipstick. This was the part of the process where the wax was pressed to create the perfect color pigment before being heated and mixed.

We then moved through the storage area where ingredients were packaged in giant plastic bags with the perfect measurements for products ready to follow a recipe to its creation. It was a very Walter White moment for many of us. Then, we moved through the flammable section of storage into the nail polish creation area. With skinny long belts along the room, one special nail polish brand specifically had a curtain between their line and the rest of them for more privacy.

Our last stop on the tour was the chemistry lab where the colors and fragrances are researched to find the perfect combinations for the perfect products. Men and women in lab coats were measuring out glitters, and powders in all types of beakers and test tubes. You forget how scientific makeup and beauty products really are until you take a deeper look in to its creation.

A whole new level of respect is earned for the beauty industry when you step behind the scenes into a cosmetic lab and see the products that make up the industry created from scratch.

3 Tips to Tame Flyaways

Flyaways may just be little baby hairs, but they can be a big pain in the you know what. They can completely ruin the sleek look you’ve been working for hours to achieve. Frustrating, we know. Luckily, using just three of simple but effective techniques, we can make sure those baby hairs will never pop out of your desired sleek hairstyle. Try these tips and we promise that frustration you feel for your little baby hairs will go away just as quickly as the flyaways.

1. Hairspray on a toothbrush

Take a brand new toothbrush, spray a little bit of hairspray on the bristles and lightly brush over any areas with flyaways. The toothbrush doesn't disrupt the hairstyle, but it is tough enough to force the baby hairs down. This is also a great way to use the hold of hairspray without applying too much and getting that crusty look we all try to avoid.

 2. Dryer sheets

Tested and approved. This little hack is such a unique trick for taming those pesky baby hairs. Just take a single dryer sheet and gentle rub it over your hair. This will eliminate the static that causes those hairs to come up. You can also rub them on the brushes and combs to eliminate static pre-use.

 3. Lotion on your hands

You obviously do not want to apply straight lotion to your hair because, gross. But it you lotion your hands like you would normally do then run them through your hair. It will provide the hair with some moisture without over doing it. This works best for down hairstyles.

Solution: TruAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel

One of the best pieces of advice I could give you about aging is that it's better to prevent it than to correct it so always be smart about your lifestyle decisions as they all affect your skin.  There are so many ways in which our skin ages and with every beauty event I go to, I learn more and more about it.  Did you hear about glycation (sugar!) yet?  Well, let me fill you in.

Glycation (or advanced glycation end-products, AGEs) occurs when excess sugars in the body bind with proteins in the skin, causing stiffness and inelasticity, which causes the skin to age.  The solution?  Products that reverse the aging affect when sugars enter the body.

One product I found that tackles this issue is the new TruAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel. It helps reverse the external effects of damage caused by these advanced glycation end-products.  Containing natural ingredients like noni, Cornelian cherry, olive leaf, blueberry and cranberry extracts, and is super light and moisturizing. With daily use, with or without moisturizers, it will improve your skin's appearance.

TruAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel is available for $42 at Morinda.com.

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

Animal Inspired Halloween Makeup Ideas

Do you know what you're being for Halloween yet?  As I was searching through ideas on Pinterest, I came across this adorable deer makeup look, which inspired this whole animal inspired halloween makeup ideas post.  Because, who doesn't want to be an animal for halloween?  From different types of cats to a mouse, fox and even a giraffe, here are the cutest and of course, some of the sexiest.

Body Bronzing Obsessions

Would you rather watch a product review or read about it?  Well, guess who's turning to YouTube?  Thanks to you guys, I'm now using the video channel to do some product reviews.  I've noticed some of the videos I've posted on my channel throughout my career have gotten a ton of hits (almost two million views in total!), so here's a quick video review of my favorite self tanners of the moment. Because it's fall and we're pale.  Hope you enjoy it!

Get the Look: Jessica Alba's Cat Eye

This weekend Jessica Alba was spotted at the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park looking fierce with a flair – a Lauren Conrad-esque cat eye.  Her makeup artist, Quinn Murphy, gave me the breakdown on the exact makeup she used to get the look.

“To complement Jessica's black dress, I focused her look around black eyeliner while keeping the rest of the makeup bronze and warm.  It was 80 degrees in Central Park so a sun-kissed coral look was unseasonably appropriate," commented Murphy.

To the center of her eyelids, Murphy applied NARS Multiple in Vientaine and blended it up and outward before lining Jessica's top lash line with Estee Lauder Black Gel Eyeliner.  She made the line thicker on the outer edges and gave it a flick for a cat eye effect.  To finish, she applied Armani Eyes to Kill Black Mascara on the top and bottom lashes.

Two Face Masks You Need Now

Whether you do face masks to pamper every so often or to take serious skincare matters into your own hands and play esthetician (hehe) by giving yourself facials every other day, I have a theory that you can never have too many.  My medicine cabinet is full of them. When I get sent a new mask, it's a product I'll always put to the test.  Two have came across my desk and ended up in my weekly must-do stash that are worth a slot in your Sunday night skincare regimen.

Exfoliation: The Bliss Multi-'Face'-eted All-In-One Anti-Aging Clay Masque is a flexible clay mask that doesn't fully dry and tighten as it sits on your skin.  It contains alpha hydroxy acid along with smoothing quartz, which feel like the tiniest grains of sand, to help exfoliate.  My skin looked brighter and felt softer after one use.  I just left it on for five minutes (directions say five to seven), then took it off with a warm wash cloth.  Using a wash cloth to remove it is essential as it aids in the exfoliation process.

Hydration: The SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque, $54, has a potent does of hyaluronic acid and B5 that instantly plumps your skin.  As a fan of the brand's B5 gel, which is a moisture boost that I sometimes use under my nighttime moisturizer, I knew I'd be into this mask before I began using it.  It's great not only for people who need extra moisturization, but also for those who have fine lines and need a boost.  After washing my face at night, I leave it on for 10 minutes and allow it to soak in.  Then, instead of washing it off, I pat what's left on my face into my skin and wear it to bed.

I don't know about you, but in my world, doing both of these face masks in a row is a perfect Sunday night.

Julien Farel's One Stop Beauty Shop

Have you ever been to a salon that made your jaw drop?  I'm not talking about a gorgeous spa.  I mean a real, dare I say, beauty parlor.  Recently, I paid a visit to Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa at the Loews Regency Hotel in midtown NYC to check out what all of the hype about his new Park Ave. location is about.  Let's just say it's a NYers dream as Julien Farel's well thought out menu of services is for the busy, woman who doesn't know how not to multitask.

Located on the second floor of the Loews Regency Hotel, services begin with cut and color, include manicures and pedicures and also delve into spa.  It is a one-stop-shop that understands the sophisticated Manhattan woman and her needs.  One 10,000 sq. ft. room holds 32 unique pod-like hair stations, so you're given as much individual attention as possible in what is normally a busy salon.

Rooms are dedicated to nails, facials and massages, but the beauty of the menu is that all services can be done at the same time.  With "Power Hour," you choose three services of your choice.  Example: Facial, manicure, pedicure ($230).  Yes, there's even a facial bed that accommodates your feet for a simultaneous pedicure.  And of course, there's a mens section.

One of my favorite things besides the well curated menu was the David LaChappelle artwork hanging in the hallways.  In NYC?  Check out the Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa located at 540 Park Ave.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Dermatological Acne System

If you typically get pimples or suffer from adult acne, this one's for you.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States, affecting 40 to 50 million people.  Recently, I was sent the La Roche Posay Efaclar Dermatological Acne System and am incredibly impressed.  Check out my video review below.  If you suffer from adult acne, this is something that's affordable, readily available and efficient.  Plus, I'm giving away 10 kits worth $42 each.

The three step system includes the Effaclar Gel Cleanser, Effaclar Clarifying Solution and Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment, which used together help to reduce acne within three days. Check out my video below to learn about my giveaway!  You can win 1 of 10 kits.  Winners will be chosen on October 29th at random.  Good luck!

The La Roche Posay Effaclar Dermatological System costs $29.99 (a $42 value) for a two-month supply and is available on GetEffaclar.com

*This post is sponsored by La Roche Posay, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Get Kirsten Dunst's Makeup Look

Kirsten Dunst stepped onto the red carpet last week for “The Two Faces of January” premier in refreshingly elegant makeup – luminous skin, beautiful pink makeup hues and wide, feathered lashes.  We got scoop on how to create this look straight from her makeup artist, Pati Dubroff.  The inspiration behind Dunst’s look came straight from her Chanel Couture dress, with the color palette coming from the beadwork.

Skin

Dubroff started by creating fresh even-toned skin. She prepped with Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist and L’Oreal Miracle Blur applied to the t-zone.  After a light finish of foundation, she evened out the skin with Cle de Peau Concealer.

Eyes

It’s the eyes along with the cheeks that really showcase the beadwork-inspired coloring that stands out against the dewy skin. “I used a Dior matte cream color shadow on the lid and then a Dior matte putty color shadow within the crease to even the lid and give definition.  I then applied a matte bone color on the lid and a matte taupe in the crease that are part of the Pati Dubroff Perfect Palette,” she explained.

Next, using Chanel Long Lasting Eyeliner in silver metallic, she drew a line from the center lash line beyond the outer corner, finishing with a little flick off the end. To accomplish these wide eyes, Dubroff focused on applying the mascara on the outer lashes, to keep the inner eye light and bright.

Cheeks

To mimic the beadwork, Dubroff used Flower Cream Blush in Petunia. She swirled them onto the apples of Dunst’s cheeks for the perfect pop.

Lips

The look is completed with a pale opal pink lip created by Chanel Rouge Allure in 217 Radieuse.

Avon's New Lipstick Has Serious Bite for Under $10

I can’t resist a bold lip. It’s one of my favorite beauty looks to rock for any and all occasions— to the office, on dates and girl’s night. The only issue I have with choosing a bold lip is the maintenance. Constantly having to check in a mirror and reapplying is annoying. While it is worth it, thanks to Avon’s new Ultra Color Bold Lipstick I’m not awkwardly looking into the camera on my phone to check my lipstick anymore.

Avon came out with eight new shades for their Ultra Color Bold Lipstick and they’re amazing. From Magenta Peach, to Ruby Shock and my favorite, Fearless Fuchsia, there’s a color for everyone. Whatever color you choose, the lipstick’s pigment is intense. But if you don’t want such an intense color, a little blot of a paper towel removes the shock factor of the bright color and evenly blends the lipstick into a more subtle color.

Not only does it look amazing, but the way it feels on is not what you think when you think lipstick. It almost feels like a chapstick when you apply it because of how smooth and creamy it is. The moisturizing texture dries to a satin-like finish. This smooth texture also keeps the lines in your lips from showing unlike some other matte-finish products.

With such moisture you would assume that the colors spreads and wears really easily. But it doesn’t. I wore a different color almost every day to shows during NYFW and I every night I came home and had to take a makeup wipe and wash it off. The staying power is really a pleasant surprise.

And the cherry on top... it only costs $8.

NYFW Nail Trend: Negative Space

Backstage at the Spring 2015 shows last week, there wasn't a finger unpainted since you know by now, that the nail look has become much more than the icing on the cake for designers. While there were definitely some elaborate looks like this one at Libertine, my go-to manicurist, Jin Soon Choi claims, “This season is all about simple nail art and negative space.”  All in all, the shows proved that minimalist, negative space will be a huge spring nail trend and the best part, it's one you can begin wearing now. Take a look and fall in love.

Prabal Gurung, Jin Soon Choi used the Prabal Gurung for Sally Hansen Collection, which will be available next Spring, to create this stripy look.  She even left some nails untouched!

Creatures of Comfort, Alicia Torello used different shades of Zoya polish and left an unpainted stripe inbetween.

Nonoo, Tracylee Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Let it Snow to create this minimalistic look.

What do you think of the negative space nail trend?  Hit or miss?