Tested and True Tuesday

It's not often that I do an at-home mani, but this weekend I was rushing around packing for one of my sorority sister's weddings all the way out in PA and I didn't have time to get one thanks to the train schedule.  Lucky for me, my nails were neat, but in desperate need of a polish change.  As I was running out the door I threw a nude polish into my bag and a new product I received from Cutex, the Manicure Correction Nail Polish Remover Pen, $4, at drugstores.

Sitting in my hotel room before the wedding I was able to paint my nails as carefully as possibly (I'm not much of an artist). And yes, I did end up with polish on the skin around my nails, as I knew I would, but the marker-like point allowed me to remove it neatly.  Now I can say sienora to the days when I used to try to clean up my hands with a cotton swab full of nail polish remover and end up wiping of my newly finished paint job.  

Dramatize Your Eyes

The spring/summer 2009 runways were filled with fresh looks and creative, new trends by makeup artist, Pat McGrath, a hero in the beauty industry.  Spotted on the catwalks of Miu Miu and Lavin this constructed lid look was one I couldn't ignore.  Celebrity makeup artist, Molly R. Stern, gave me the scoop on how to recreate the look that instantly sexifies your eyes. 

"The key to achieving this strong eye is applying a thick wing of liquid liner to the top lash line that angles out," comments Stern.  Next, apply the liner to the inner corners and bottom of your eye.  If you want to tone it down a bit, try drawing a thin line as close to the lash line as possible.  She recommends using a liquid liner with a felt tip pen like CoverGirl LineExact in Black.  The felt tip helps in creating the perfect line.

To finish the bold eye, give your brows some contrast by filling them in with a brow pencil that's a few shades darker than one you'd normally use.

Not too crazy about using liquid liner?  Neither was I until Stern gave me some helpful hints.  Before applying, test the liner on your wrist to make sure it's clump free.  Then, starting with the inside corner of your eye, draw a line outward in one clean swoop following your lash line.  Just pretend you're tracing.

"It's fun to create a bold statement with a bright lip and subtle cheek when doing a strong eye like Pat did with the red lip at Miu Miu," Stern added.   

Top Summer Eco Friendly Finds

This morning I was on NBC's The 10! Show in Philly speaking about summer's beauty and fashion essentials with a twist, they're all good for you and the environment. 

First, I spoke about Kiss My Face Organic Sunscreen (not only is it organic, but it's 100% paraben free too!) and then Glowelle, which is an all natural beauty drink that supplements your daily skin care regimen.  I drink it every morning because it's clinically proven to fight free radicals and prevent aging.  The glass bottles are recyclable, but they're also very cute so I use some as vases in my kitchen. 

Then, I was so excited because I got the chance to speak about shoes (one of my guilty pleasures)!  A variety of La Canadienne wedges were displayed in all different colors.  The shoes are hand made in Italy with non-toxic dyes and the cork on the wedge is sustainable and actually made from trees in Portugal and Spain.  Who would have thought such a fashionable/eco friendly shoe even exists?  And since it was pouring in Philly, I was also able to show off La Canadienne's Pulley rain boots.

As the segment went on, I mentioned Paul Mitchell's new hair care line made with organic tea tree oil, and surprised the audience when I said I discovered organic beach accessories at Whole Foods (yes, I'm serious).  Finally, I was proud to speak about Patagonia, a clothing line made with organic cotton that donates 1% of their sales to preserving and restoring the environment.  And to top it all off, I showcased a few pairs of all-natural sunglasses made by iwood Eco Designs that created out of recycled exotic woods.  The segment host loved them and tried them on.

All in all, the 5 1/2 minute segment felt like 30 seconds and I'm a true believer of the green movement.  Afterall, green is the new black! 

 Check out the segment here.

The Official Launch Party

Last night was BeautySweetSpot's official launch party at the Townhouse Spa in NYC.  It was a complete success thanks to everyone who contributed and who came out to support.  Lit with tea light candles and elegant candles from Vie Luxe, the spa was decorated with champagne flutes and wine glasses filled with spa rocks and BeautySweetSpot's signature, cherries. 

Filled with guests and I have to admit, some gorgeous men, the Townhouse Spa offered mini-manicures, back massages, foot rubs, and their latest, spermine facials.  The DEX New York makeup artists and stylists provided glowing two-minute touch ups, sizzling summer hair styles and hair extensions.  Celebrity stylist, Sarah Shirley, was also there to share her fashion advice and raffled off a four hour closet clean out session valued at $600. 

Oh, and I can't forget to mention, some of my guilty pleasures that were showcased through out the spa besides beauty treatments... a huge chocolate fountain was flowing in the front window with fruit and cookies to dip into it, chocolate covered cherries were passed, and a BeautySweetSpot special cocktail,  with V2 vodka, was served by gorgeous models all wearing BeautySweetSpot tight, white t-shirts.  Hot.

Thank you to the Townhouse Spa, DEX New York, Sarah Shirley and V2 Vodka for bringing BeautySweetSpot to life and of course, everyone who contributed and came to support me and my sponsors!  xoxo

Photos will be up soon!

Sperm... Good for Your Skin

Yes, you read it right.  Sperm is good for your skin, well spermine that is.  I was sitting at the Townhouse Spa with President, Jamie Ahn and almost spit out my tea when she told me about this new facial the spa was offering cleverly called the "Babyface Facial."  

I came to find that spermine is a natural antioxidant that protects against free radicals and is found in places like the liver, and of course, in seminal fluid. Back in 2001, a bio-tech company called Bioforskning in Norway obtained the patent on spermine after it's benefits on the skin were discovered by Norwegian scientists at the University of Tromso. (I wonder how this discovery came about... hmmm...)

Like anyone, I wasn't so sure having spermine on my face would be very pleasurable, but Jamie convinced me otherwise.  It turns out spermine is 30 times stronger than Vitamin E, delays aging of the cells by 25%, protects the skin against UV damage, renders free radicals and stimulates the production of collagen.  I'm in!

Exclusive in the US to the Townhouse Spa and Acqua Beauty Bar in NYC, "The Babyface Facial" lasts 75 minutes and costs $250.  

Get A Whiter Smile

A perfect smile goes a long way when it comes to first impressions.  The very reason why many celebs have turned to porcelain veneers, they're perfectly straight, even and very white. I reached out to NYC cosmetic dentist, Dr. Debra Glassman who has many celeb clients including Jennifer Hudson to get the 411 on how to keep your teeth white and bright.

In office whitening normally takes about 45 minutes and costs about $500, but you don't have to break the bank to get a stunning smile.  At home whitening kits are best done when using a gel technique.  "Use trays over strips.  I find the strips work well on tiny teeth, but sometimes they don't cover the entire enamel and cause the teeth to whiten unevenly," comments Dr. Glassman.  She recommends using Mentedent Home Whitening Kit, $39.99.  

Once you complete a whitening kit, follow these tips to ensure your smile stays white and bright:

• Change your toothbrush every month because as the bristles wear, they won't remove the plaque and stain as well.  
• Brush your tongue!  Plaque and bacteria build up on your tongue also create stains on your teeth.  
• Use a whitening toothpaste like StarBrite twice a day.  
• Chew gum.  Believe it or not, chewing sugarless gum has been approved by the ADA to remove food particles and stain from your teeth.  Try Orbit White.
• Have an apple.  They're another great tool to keep your teeth stainless when on the go.
• Drink water after drinking coffee or wine.  Swish it around in your mouth, it helps.
• Brighten your smile with lipstick.  Stay away from orangey shades because it will bring out any yellow undertones in your teeth.  Try a blue red or berry tone.

Check out Dr. Glassman at GlassmanDentalCare.com.

SPF: Reaching New Heights

Do you find yourself staring blankly at the wall of sunscreen in your local drugstore?  With so many options, how do you know you're choosing the right one for ultimate protection? This year, Neutrogena came out with Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock 100+.  Yes, an SPF of 100, but don't be fooled, the higher the number doesn't necessarily mean it offers better protection.

Make sure you choose an SPF of 15 or higher with UVA fighting ingredients such as avobenzone or Mexoryl SX. It's the UVA and UVB rays that cause skin cancer.  According to a recent article in the New York Times, "The difference in UVB protection between SPF 100 and SPF 50 is marginal."

Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50, $13.99, is a great daily facial moisture. It's non-greasy formula hydrates the skin, protects it from harmful rays and is loaded with Vitamin E to protect it from free radicals.  

Toss La Roche-Posay Anthelios 15 Sunscreen Cream, $30, into your beach tote. This water-resistant sunscreen contains Mexoryl SX and has just the right level of SPF.

Don't forget your hair!  Protect your color with Aveda Sun Care Protective hair Veil, $26. It's a water-resistant spray that protects your strands from UVA/UVB rays.  A mixture of cinnamon bark oils, wintergreen, Vitamin E, green tea, shea butter, coconut and palm oils will keep your dye job from fading.

Besides protecting yourself from the sun by using sunscreen, wearing a hat and sunglasses to shade yourself from the sun is always in style.  Check out this article on DERMAdoctor.com that gives the best tips and advice on choosing the best physical sun blockers.  

Exotic Bush Trimming

Whether your a fan of shaving or waxing, I'm sure most of you would agree that maintaining a level of neatness down there is a necessity, but are guys thinking the same way?

In the beginning of the year Schick released a commercial called "Mow the Lawn" to promote their new Quattro for Women TrimStyle razor that found it's way to You Tube.  A little risqué, yes, but clever in concept.

Recently, Gillette decided to spread the same messaging to men about grooming their groins. The You Tube video already has 1,006,804 views to date and teaches men how to shave their sensitive areas by using,"short, light strokes" with a fresh blade to avoid irritation. The little man featured is actually a naked cartoon who gives the thumbs up and wiggles when he's done (hysterical). My favorite line, "Trimming the bush to make the tree look taller."

Have you ever ran into an unexpected out-of-control bush? 

Max Factor Leaves the U.S.

When I opened up today's WWD I was shocked and saddened to find the headline that was staring back at me,   "P&G to Phase Out Max Factor in the U.S."  

Just last night I was having drinks on the roof top of High Bar with one of my best girl friends (who's a beauty guru herself) and we actually compared our personalities to cosmetic brands.  Mine, was Max Factor.  (Her's was Cover Girl. Talk about opposites!)  

I felt a connection to the brand especially during my time as Cosmopolitan's Beauty Assistant.  I've interviewed their makeup artist, Pat McGrath, countless times backstage during New York fashion weeks, tested out all of their vivid new shades before they launched, and attended a launch party with their Spokes Model, Carmen Electra. That being said, I'll miss walking in to drugstores to purchase their highly pigmented MAXeye Shadows. The energy the brand gives off is very me.

Now, the company will continue to succeed over seas, specifically pushing the markets of U.K. and Russia. Don't fret U.S. MAX Factor lovers, once the drugstores are cleared out, we can still buy our faves online. To find out more information on Max Factor's departure, pick up today's Wall Street Journal.

Mad About Neon

Not only has neon been spotted in fashion on the Spring/Summer 2009 runways of DKNY and Jill Sanders, but it also hit the beauty industry as hard as Topshop hit New York.  Here's a list of some hot new neons on the market and some advice on how to pull them off...

Coat your nails with one of the new neon shades from Essie, my absolute fave is Perky Purple, $8.  Available at Essie.com.  Tip: If these shades are a little bold for you, go for the pedi and warm up to statement making mani.

Brighten up your eyes with Pop Beauty's new Lid Neon, $22. It contains six intense shades including: Pretty Pink, Ripe Orange, Juicy Yellow, Bright Blue, Pastel Turquoise, and Apple Green.  Available at Sephora. Tip: Don't apply too much, wear lots of mascara to compliment the vivid color and make sure the colors of your clothes don't contrast with your lids.

Make your pucker stand out with MAC Lipstick in Vegas Volt, $14.  Available at MAC counters.  Tip: Keep your eyes neutral and face almost bare to pull off this lip look.

Win A Makeover in Paris!

L'Oreal Paris is celebrating their 100th anniversary today! In honor, they're doing sweepstakes on their website where you have a chance to win prizes for the next 100 days.

Gift bags filled with skincare, hair products and cosmetics will be given to 100 contestants and the grand prize (drum roll please...) is a five day, four night trip for two to Paris with a shopping spree and makeover! Click here to enter now.

L'Oreal is also discounting some of  their greatest at your local drugstore for a limited time. Check out this video highlighting L'Oreal Spokes Models, Beyonce Knowles, Elizabeth Banks, Kerry Washington and Eva Longoria.  click here 

I couldn't have said it better myself, "L'Oreal looks good for 100," Kerry Washington.

Summer Beauty Must-Haves

Have any of you seen an episode of "I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here?" For those of you who haven't its a new show on NBC that features eleven "celebs" (I've only ever heard of three including Janice Dickinson and Speidi) who are dropped off in a jungle, surviving for donations towards their charities on wildlife and minimal belongings. Heidi Pratt actually made perhaps one of the wisest decisions she's ever made throughout her reality TV career: she brought dry shampoo.

You may not be planning a trip to the jungle anytime soon, but I'm sure you'll be spending some time on the beach.  These beauty buys will take you from all day fun in the sun straight to happy hour at the tiki bar.

Blast Greasy Roots

Batiste Dry Shampoo, $7.29, Sally Beauty Supply

Soak Up Oil

Boscia Fresh Blotting Linens, $10, Sephora

Freshen Up Your Bod

Herban Essential Towelettes, $6 for 6, Herban Essentials

Rid B.O.

Secret Clinical Strength Waterproof Antiperspirant/Deodorant, $8, Drugstores

Spritz on A Sexy Scent

Victoria's Secret Limited Edition Pool Party Body Chiller Mist, $12, Victoria's Secret

  

Happy "Burt Day" Burt's Bees

Every thing seems to be "eco-friendly" these days, but Burt's Bees is celebrating an outstanding 25 years of Earth friendly products with natural ingredients and recyclable packaging with "Burt Day" and you can join in on the fun!

Check out the Burt's Bees website for one of the biggest green giveaways of the year: 25,000 of their infamous lip balms and 1,000 lip balm coupons.  The promotion will be going on through June 20th so don't waste any time.  

Browsing on Facebook?  Who isn't?  Stop by the Burt's Bees fan page and check out the Glamour "What Kind of Busy Bee Are You?" quiz and Allure widget to win ultimate sweepstakes.

The company's latest eco-friendly move was removing the shrink wrap from all of their balms and shimmers, which eliminated waste and saved 42% in energy per tube.  Very Cool!

Halle Berry Chops It Off

Halle Berry embraced the boy cut this week. Thanks to her gorge facial features she can pull it off.  What do you think love it or leave it?

For the Fellas

Ladies, encourage your man to take part in the first annual Kiehl's Shave Swap!  To show appreciation for their male customers and in hopes of gaining some new ones, the company is inviting men to their free-standing stores to trade in one of their shaving creams (it has to be at least 4 oz.) for a 5 oz. tube of their best-selling Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream in White Eagle, Blue Eagle or Green Eagle.

Personal consultations are also being offered with Kiehl's customer representatives so men can leave with samples that are appropriate for their skin and hair type. 

Having trouble getting your guy to partake in the festivities?  No problem, you can snatch his usual shaving cream out of his medicine cabinet and go to Kiehl's for him.  Next time he goes to shave, he'll be pleasantly surprised.

Visit here to find a Kiehl's free-standing store near you.  The Shave Swap lasts through June 7th.

Product Swap: Smart or Shady?

During these times of recession we're all finding ourselves tightening our budgets and tweaking our beauty routines a bit here and there. Using at-home hair color kits, skipping regular pedicures and switching from Dior Show mascara ($24) to an oldie but goodie, Maybelline Great Lash ($5) are enough sacrifices for some, but people across the US have been taking it one step further... product swapping.  

Beauty website MakeupAlley now has a tool called Swap.  Here, members are able to place beauty products they've used and don't want any more onto a discussion board in hopes another member will contact them and offer another product in exchange.  A recent AM New York article interviewed MakeupAlley member, Sarah Richards, 19, who said she saves about $30 per month by trading ProActive skin care products for a bunch of nail polish. 

Before a member swaps they're able to check reviews on the person they're about to exchange with to see if their trades in the past have been positive. People have been trading everything from used lipsticks, half full skin care products, fragrances, foundation and makeup brushes.  Personally, I'm not even a fan of using testers at makeup counters in department stores so this money saving trick isn't for me.  

What are your thoughts?  Would you swap twenty used nail polishes to get a half full jar of Creme de la Mer? Tempting...

Triple Threat Beauty

Have you ever gone out with two of your best girlfriends and been called a triple threat?  Watch out boys, that's when the night starts to get interesting.  Well ladies, it's your turn, because these 3-in-1 beauty products will sweep you off your feet!

Nars the Multiple, $37, is a makeup stick with a creamy consistency that's perfect for eyes, cheeks and lips. Available in 12 shades, my favorite being Orgasm.

Pout & Polish, $22, is by far a date night must-have.  This clutch sized item is a lip gloss, breath freshener and tooth brightener.   

Olay Definity Color Recapture, $30, is an anti-aging UV moisturizer helps to even out skin tone, provides sheer illuminating coverage in three shade ranges and contains SPF 15 to protect the skin from sun damage.  

DERMAdoctor Med e Tate, $48, a package of wipes that act like Botox injections to prevent sweating. When used on the face, they stop sweat from forming, temporarily fill in fine lines and wrinkles and keep makeup in place. Perfect for summer!

Bliss Get Out of Hair, $25, a lotion that not only moisturizes, but also soothes and calms any irritations from hair removal and has willow bark extract to inhibit hair growth.   

These products will not only help you save time by skipping extra steps, but they'll also give you the most bang for you buck.  What's your favorite multi-tasking tip?

And the Winner Is...

It's awards season!  Today was the 37th annual Fifi Awards, a ceremony held by the Fragrance Foundation in NYC that celebrates the fragrance industry and all of their accomplishments.  This year the Downtown Armory was filled with celebs such as Queen Latifah, Paris Hilton, P. Diddy and Mary J. Blige along with fashion designers and top industry executives.

Marc Jacobs was inducted into the Fragrance Foundation Hall of Fame and announced that his perfume Daisy was named after his dog. Who knew?  

Here are some of the other top awards:

Fragrance of the Year, Women’s Luxe: Harajuku Lovers Fragrances — Love, Lil’Angel, Music, Baby, “G”

Fragrance of the Year, Men’s Luxe: I Am King — Sean John 

Female Celebrity Fragrance of the Year: Paris Hilton

To check out a complete listing of this years Fragrance Foundation winners check out this article in WWD.

Rock Out with Avon

Listen up beauty gurus, Avon is running a special promotion through June 18th that will help you save your money and your skin.  With any two purchases from their ANEW skin care line, you can get a Gold Apple iPod Shuffle for only $29. Sounds like a deal to me.  Even if you don't need a new iPod, you can always re-gift it!

The brand just launched the ANEW Clinical Crow's Feet Corrector, $29, which is a 2-in-1 treatment for crows feet.  One end resurfaces the skin around the eye and the other is a crease filler.  This dual ended stick delivers instant results. 

Click here to check out other ANEW products and find an Avon representative in your area.  And don't forget the iPod Shuffle promotion details.

20% Off Smashbox Cosmetics

Attention Smashbox lovers: Smashbox.com is giving their customers 20% off all purchases until May 29th. I'm a huge fan of their Lustrous Lip Gloss in Hype, one of the more natural shades in the range and recommend it to any lip gloss junkie. (You can never have enough glosses).

Check out this video that debuts their Spring 2009 Muse Collection on the LA runway of Whitley Kros to find out how to achieve a natural, beachy glow.

Get 20% off, use code FFSB9 when checking out.  Standard shipping is free.