Friends with Benefits

It seems there's a Facebook Fan Page and group for just about anything and everything.  I recently saw on my feed that some of my friends are fans of napping.  I don't really see any rhyme or reason to that, however there are some Fan Pages that can benefit you.  

Clarins recently established a Facebook Fan Page where they're giving out free samples of their Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream to the first 5,000 fans who sign up.   Besides information on new products, you can also find out what events the brand is participating in and get the scoop on recent press they've gotten.  You can also follow them on Twitter too.  

I'm a huge advocate of Facebook Fan Pages that actually provide useful information and offer discounts or free samples to their fans.  Looks like I have some work to do on the BeautySweetSpot Fan Page!  Giveaways to come!   

My Not-So-Daily Makeover

This has been a risky week for me for many reasons, but one of the biggest is because I underwent... a make over! Yes, I voluntarily surrendered my long, black hair and clean-canvas of a complexion (I normally only wear mascara) over to the master minds behind DailyMakeover.  

As soon as I found out they were leaving me in the hands of Bumble and Bumble and MAC, a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders and I was extremely excited.  I had to take the dreaded "before" picture first. The photographer kept telling me not to smile and I couldn't help but laugh every time the camera clicked.  

Before they even began to dye my hair (and I'm not telling you which color, you'll have to wait to see the article on DailyMakeover!) they began cutting it.  My stylist, Denise, cut one big chunk straight across and as I turned around to see it all on the floor my mouth dropped wide open in astonishment. She reassured me that all of the hair that went on the ground was meant to be on the ground.  I took a deep breath, and trusted her.

Then as my colorist, Elizabeth Hiserodt, was speaking to me about the process, she used the words "snap, crackle and pop" to describe how my hair would feel once she was done with it.  Let's just say it was going to take alot to get rid of the black!  No one wants their hair to feel like rice krispies!  But after doing a painting process and lots of glazes it all worked out just fine.  Thank God!

When I went back to my stylists chair to shape up my cut and looked at myself in the mirror, I was surprised to see how much was cut off already.  Then she proceeded to take out her scissors and continue to chop away! At one point, I asked her how much more she had to go and was actually wincing as if I was in pain.  It took forever for me to grow my hair.  And it was... gone.  After some layers, finishing touches and a good blow dry, I was shocked.

Next, Luc Bouchard from the MAC Pro Team taught me tons of tips and tricks on how to glam up my look for a fab fall night out.  He was anxious to play with my eyes and I loved the fact that he used color because if I ever wear eye shadow, it's always neutral.  His inspiration behind my look was from the 80's and his goal was to play with the almond shape using lots of color creating a non-traditional cat eye.  Wait until you see this!  One word: hot!

Once I was finished, I looked and felt red carpet ready and it was time for my "after" shot, which I was encouraged to smile for.  Thank God!  I was one happy girl!  I can't wait to show you my new look, but you're going to have to wait!  Check out DailyMakeover in September to see behind the scenes photos from the make over including my before and after!  

What's the riskiest beauty move you've every made?

Fall Makeup Trend: Matte Red Lips

As seen on the runways of Giorgio Armani and Yves Saint Laurent matte red lips are it for fall. Starlettes such as Scarlett Johansson and the ever-so-sexy Megan Fox have also recently been spotted sporting the look. Now, it's your turn.  MAC Senior Artist, Gina Bettelli, gave me the scoop on how to wear the perfect matte red lip so you can rock it with confidence.

"The lips need to be prepared to accept a matte formula and look like velvet," explains Bettelli.  First, exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub using a clean mascara wand and immediately moisturize with your favorite lip balm.  I like the Sara Happ Lip Scrub and Rosebud Salve Lip Balm.  Next, wipe away any excess moisturizer and press loose powder onto your lips with a sponge.  Make sure to press it into edges.

Now that your pout is prepped, it's application time, but think twice before you swipe it on.  Bettelli suggests using a flat, crisp brush to get a perfectly clean edge.  Stamp the color slightly inside the lip line and "shimmy" the brush to the edge for a runway-ready result.  To keep the color from bleeding outside of your lip liner try applying a lip primer like MAC Prep + Prime Lip prior to the color.  

Remember, when doing a bold lip, you always want to keep the rest of your look simple and classic.  Opt for a simple eye and some blush to add a balance of color in your cheeks.  Choosing the right red depends on your skin tone.  If you have olive skin, choose a red with blue undertones, warmer skin tone, choose one that's yellow based.  

Instant Manicure

I don't know about you, but I have a hard time keeping polish on my nails.  It may be because I'm constantly typing, but as soon as I have one chip, I pick away at the rest of it.  Therefore, I end up getting manicures weekly and polish changes in between, which adds up to about $25 on my real nails per week!  

Recently, I came across the Runway Collection by Revlon, which (believe it or not) are natural looking press-ons that are already painted with subtle designs. I know you're probably thinking... press-ons?  Believe me when I tell you they're not like the old school ones you used to try on when you were young.

I really like them because they're short, not rounded or square, but somewhere in between and the nail beds are naturally curved so they look real when they're on.  The first time I wore them was two weeks ago to my friends wedding.  I wasn't planning on it, but not surprisingly, my manicure chipped and they were my rescue. They're only $8 per pack and last up to ten days. Check them out.

Hollywood's Secret to Flawless Skin

After experiencing LA for the first time last week, I have to say I've never seen so many beautiful people, both men and women, in one area at the same time before.   Maybe that's because I was gallivanting on Rodeo Drive to take in "the scene," but as soon as I got home, I had to do some investigative work on how they keep up their stunning looks.  One of the answers: Face to Face Los Angeles in Studio City.

Hef's leading ladies from "The Girls Next Door" have gotten facials at the salon before and Kendra regularly visits the salon for the Iderm facial, which rejuvenate the skin from the inside out.  With her new hubby and reality show, she has to keep her skin in prime condition!  She even hosted her pre-bachelorette party there.

Fortunately for those of us who don't live in Cali, Face to Face Los Angeles has a product line available online so we can all have glowing skin like the rare breed of people I spotted on Rodeo Drive!  

LA: How Beautiful It Is!

I've been spending the past two days in LA and of course while I'm here, being the fashionista that I am, I had to check out Rodeo Drive and the boutiques on Robertson Boulevard.  I have two words, as Rachel Zoe would say, "I die!"  

Being that I call NYC my first true love, I would say LA may be my second.  I'd have to spend more time here to really say I fell in love, but for now, let's call it infatuation.  For those of you who haven't visited, but may be familiar with NYC, picture Soho with palm trees, yellow Bentleys and "The Hills."  Yes, it's all here, and it's real. 

I had to stop in the Beverly Hills skin and cosmetic stores along with the Santa Monica MAC, Fresh and L'Occitane.  But what really caught my attention were the beauty brands in Kitson.  As I scanned the overwhelming store full of House of Harlem accessories by Nicole Richie, Michael Kors stilettos, Missoni scarves, and branded LA souvenirs, I couldn't help but walk over to the beauty shelves and spend most of my time there.  

In LA, I found NYC.  Bond No. 9 was proudly displayed on the shelves, but when I thought about returning home tonight I was a bit disappointed.  As much as I love NYC, never before this trip had I imagined living somewhere else. I think I have a place in my heart for LA.  Conclusion: I have to find a way to be bi-costal!

What's your favorite city?

Start Loving Your Thighs

You may be thinking, what does sumo wrestling have to do with beauty? Well, the genius behind PurpleLabNYC, Karen Robinovitz, found a way to make it work. I just got back from one of her monthly Tweet Ups at Church Street Boxing where a bunch of beauty bloggers toned up by sumo wrestling to support PurpleLabNYC's Huge Lips Skinny Hips color "Love Your Thighs."

Caffeine infused water, Crumbs cupcakes and plenty of blackberries, cameras and flip cams made the event a complete success.  Besides the laughter created amongst all of the bloggers from watching each other run around in fat suits, a hot male model (originally wearing a robe) disrobed and ran around in a thong in between rounds!

For those of you who don't know, Huge Lips Skinny Hips in Love Your Thighs is a translucent coral lip gloss that is universally flattering and the best thing about the gloss is that it's loaded with the appetite suppressant, hoodia.  Perhaps this gloss is the first step in loving your thighs? 

I met some amazing people who I recognized by their blog and website names, but didn't know by their actual name. It's amazing how Tweeting brings everyone together. 

If you're in the mood to laugh, check out this YouTube video from the event... Classic!  

BeautySweetSpot on YouTube

I'm really excited to announce that BeautySweetSpot now has its own YouTube channel!  

Check it out and find videos of from the BeautySweetSpot launch party and my appearances as a beauty and lifestyle expert on NBC and FOX.  

Soon on You Tube you'll find behind the scenes footage of life in the beauty industry, interviews with celebrity hair stylists and makeup artists and much more.

Share it with your friends!  www.youtube.com/BeautySweetSpot

What's your favorite YouTube video?  

We'll Always Have Paris

It seems Madonna and I have something in common (besides being Yankee fans): the love of hair products from France.  As her European "Sticky and Sweet Tour" takes her from country to country, her hair stylist, Andy Lecompte, always makes sure Paris is just a spritz away by perfecting Madge's coif with Leonor Greyl products before she hits the stage.  

Because I have very fine hair, I've been testing out their Mousse Au Lotus Volumatrice and the first thing I liked about it was the smell.  It's very light and after blow dried, I have added volume and my hair smells salon fresh.  It has an edge up from other mousses that I've tried because it doesn't leave my hair feeling sticky or like I even have product in it.  

Check out Leonor Greyl products here and let me know... what do you have in common with Madonna?

Conditioning Hair Mask Recipe

If you're anything like me you've probably put your hair through some torture this summer. Between the chlorine, highlighting and coloring, and ah yes, don't forget about the sun your strands may need a little bit of damage control.  Well look no further than your fridge!  Check out this deep conditioning hair mask recipe that I personally tried and really like the results.  

What you need:

•  a mashed up medium sized avocado
• 1/2 cup of mayo (the fattening kind)
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil

Mix all of the above ingredients together and massage the mask onto damp, unwashed hair.  Cover your head with a shower cap to hold in the moisture and allow it to sit for 30 minutes.  Rinse with cool water and shampoo as normal.  

Note: This recipe is for someone with medium length hair, but feel free to be creative and adjust as necessary for your hair type and length.  Mine's long and thin so I didn't need all of the mix.

Cover Girl's New Leading Lady

Heroe's fans, this one's for you.  The stunning, Dania Ramirez, (Maya Herrera on the show) will be the new face of Cover Girl beginning in January of 2010.  

"Being a Cover Girl is about recognizing internal and external beauty, regardless of age or background. As a role model, I hope to inspire women to be confident enough to achieve everything they want to achieve,” Ramirez commented in an interview.

She will be joining Ellen DeGeneres, Drew Barrymore and Rihanna.  Which of these stars do you think best represents the brand?

Keeping Up with the Kardashian's

Breaking News! (Well, for anyone like me who's obsessed with the E! reality show or loves to follow celeb styles)  Kim Kardashian showed up at the Teen Choice Awards tonight with blonde highlights.  

Kim's tried to fool us before by sporting a blonde wig, but this time it's confirmed.  She just posted pictures on her website with her new 'do as well.  

She's one of those girls who can do anything and look fab, but I'm a fan of her dark hair. What about you?  Do you like Kim better as a blonde or a brunette?

Los Cabos Anyone?

Origins is holding a sweepstakes that you definitely want to take a minute out of your day to enter.  That one minute can turn into a three night, pampering stay in paradise.

The grand prize (drum roll please) includes round trip airfare for two to Los Cabos, Mexico, a three nights stay at the Marquis Los Cabos Resort, two rejuvenating spa treatments and the entire collection of Origins Gloomaway products.  Talk about a sweet escape.

Also, if you have an extra minute, check out the Gloomaway collection. It smells like grapefruit and all of the products are very uplifting.  Being that I'm not a morning person, I love using citrus scented bath productsin the morning because they give me a nice pick-me-up before I start my day.

Enter to win the getaway here.  Good luck ladies!

Ulgy Betty's Beauty Secret

Yesterday I had a sneak peek inside the hair and makeup trailer for the cast of Ugly Betty.  They were filming right outside of my office and were nice enough to invite me inside.  I met the heads of hair, Matthew and Joel and one of the makeup artists who works on the stars, Roxanne Rizzo. 

The trailer wasn't as loaded with product as I expected.  Most of the hair tools were FHI and they also had Kerastase, TIGI Bed Head and Big Sexy Hair all over the counter. The most exciting part about chatting with the artists was finding out the big secret behind America Ferrera's on screen glow.

Makeup artist, Roxanne Rizzo, developed a self tanner called Bronze Glow that delivers instant natural results.  She mists the cast before doing their makeup.  Lucky for me, the cast was on location shooting so as she began telling me about Bronze Glow, she began misting me! 

"The secret behind this formula is that you can layer it until you achieve the results you're looking for," Rizzo stated. She sprayed my face and arms and after a few times (with 30 second breaks in between for drying) I was bronze.  I woke up today and still have the not-so-Ugly Betty golden glow.  It lasts about three days. 

I never tried a self tanner that I was able to layer to get instant results before so I liked the concept.  It was like being in a Mystic Tan booth.  I also liked that after Rizzo sprayed it on, she didn't have to rub it in. So there's no need to worry about staining your hands.  My fave part is that it smells like cherry!  Sooo BeautySweetSpot!  Check out Rizzo's website for more info on Bronze Glow.  The secrets out!

 

Get Scarlett's Sexy Curls

On July 25th, Scarlett Johansson attended Comic-Con 2009, held at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA.  The stunning young actress sported strawberry blonde curls to die for.  I got the inside scoop from her stylist, David Babaii, on how to recreate the look.

First on damp hair, apply mousse from roots to ends for added volume.  I recommend using Tresemme 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse. Then rough dry your hair using your hands. Once completely dry, separate it into three different sections: top, sides and leave the back down.  "This will give you constant control over the hair at all times," comments Babaii.

Starting with the free back section, use a 1 1/2 inch curling iron (Babaii used an FHI Heat Ceramic Curling Iron but any will do) and wrap the hair around the inside of the barrel.  Allow the hair to fall out naturally so the curls aren't too tight.  Repeat throughout each section of your hair.

Once all curled, pick various sections and run your fingers through them to loosen them up and create added fullness.  For extra fullness at the scalp, spray a root lifter like Nexxus Root Exxtend Root Lifting Spray onto your finger tips and roughly massage the area.  It will also aid in adding texture so you're hair isn't big on the bottom and flat up top.  Finish by using a light hairspray that will allow the curls to bounce.  Babaii used Mise en Plis Light Styling Spray on Scarlett but I love Bumble and Bumble's Spray de Mode.

New Fat Burner

I've always been one to watch what I eat and work out, however laser treatments and plastic surgery seem to be the way to go for some.  This month's Harper's Bazaar reports of a new laser called Zerona that's has proven to take off inches in a non-invasive and pain free way.  

Zerona stimulates the release of fat from the cells which is absorbed into the lymphatic system and then naturally excreted.  Each treatment takes about 40 minutes and a recent clinical study shows an average of 3.6 inches lost around the hips, butt and thighs after two weeks of treatments. 

The FDA is expected to clear Zerona sometime this summer, but how long results will last are still unknown.  Each treatment is going for about $500 a session.

Spotlight On: KohGenDo

You may not be familiar with KohGenDo yet, but that's because it's brand new to America. Well, allow me to introduce you... the brand comes from Japan and lots of famous actresses have been wearing it for quite some time already. I spoke about it Friday on FOX 8 in North Carolina as the secret behind Carrie Underwood, Abigail Breslin and Emma Stone's looks.  

Best known for their Moisture Foundations, KohGenDo offers two complete skin care lines too: Oriental Plants and Macro Vintage. The moisture foundations feel like a tinted moisturizer, but add more coverage.  From their skin care lines I have two favorites the Cleansing Spa Water and Macro Vintage Essence Mask.  

The Cleansing Spa Water is like a miracle in a bottle.  It removes makeup and leaves your face feeling refreshed so you don't have to rinse it off.  I keep a bottle near my bed for those lazy nights that I just can't seem to wash up in the bathroom.  The Macro Vintage Essence Mask adds extra moisture into my face and gives me a very refreshed look.  I normally just leave it on my face for 20 minutes after a flight or night of drinking to replenish and hydrate my skin.

Recently, celebrity makeup artist, Tania McComas, used the KohGenDo foundations on the set of upcoming film, Five Killers and commented, "KohGenDo foundation enhanced Katherine Heigl's flawless look. Even after hours in the heat and humidity it never failed us."

KohGenDo can be found online.  

Good Morning North Carolina

Yesterday I spent the whole morning on air on FOX 8 in North Carolina.  My media coach and I flew in on Thursday night and I had to be up and camera ready by 4:30 am.   Once again, they didn't supply hair or makeup touch ups so what you see is what you get!  I definitely packed on the bronzer (in the right areas of course) this time.  

In between each morning news segment, Shannon, the host came over to me and we did another live beauty or lifestyle segment.  It was a surreal experience for me because they kept announcing that I was there all morning long to provide them with the latest in beauty.  Music to my ears.  

First, we spoke about "Ultimate Summer Essentials," which included beauty must-haves, fashion forward clothing and shoes and even household items that all give back or are environmental friendly.  Then, my favorite was "Celebrities Favorite Products," and I filled NC in on what the celebs are using and the secrets behind their looks.  "Great Interview Tips" was loaded with good information for everyone seeking employment right now and "How to Get Fabulous Looks for Less" was also very timely being that most of us have been penny pinching these days!  The last segment was on the "Top Magazine's Favorite Products" and I spoke about the latest editors picks in Lucky, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire and Seventeen. 

It was an honor to be a guest on FOX 8.  I'll post the clips soon under the "Media" tab so you can check them out, but in the mean time check out this article on the FOX 8 morning news website.  

For more information on any of the product covered, please email me at [email protected].

MAC Continues to Support Fashion Week

It seemed for a second that Maybelline was about to steal MAC's well-known spotlight by becoming the official cosmetic sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for the next two years, but I should have known better. MAC has announced that they will be partnering with Milk Studios at least for the upcoming Spring 2010 season.  

Located in the Meatpacking District, Milk Studios and MAC will be hosting designers for free in comparison to Bryant Park's minimum fee of $25,000.  Twenty-five to thirty shows are expected to take place including top designers Preen and ThreeAsFour.

The New York Times reports that John Demsey, the Estee Lauder group president who oversees MAC describes the collaboration as a way to "create a space for emerging and international designers at a time when they need more corporate support."

Since MAC has been such a huge partner for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for the past five years, the question now is how much will MAC at Milk compete?  

Congratulations to both MAC and Maybelline!  Let the shows begin!

Above photo: John Demsey, Group President, The Estée Lauder Companies; Mazdack Rassi, Founder and Creative Director, Milk Studios; Gordon Espinet, Vice President, Global Makeup Artistry

Live from NY it's BeautySweetSpot!

This morning I was on NBC New York doing a segment on "Back to School Beauty Buys."  As excited as I was my nerves were taking a toll on me because it was the first time I was going to be live in NYC where all of my friends and family were able to watch.  Thanks to my media coach who prepared me so well for past segments in other markets I felt confident.

I arrived early with my hair and make up ready, but was surprised to find out they wouldn't even be touching up my face before I was going on air!  There was no time to worry.  After all, the hundreds of thousands of people who were about to watch me make my first NY debut weren't really going to be looking at me.  It was the products that were going to steal the show.

First, the host and I discussed essential hair buys that will help to fix any summer damage caused by chlorine and the sun such as Paul Mitchell's Super Strong Shampoo and Conditioner and Ouidad's Climate Control Gel to protect your strands from humidity.  She seemed to really like Sedu's Ultrasilent Hairdryer and agreed that it was worth an investment since it was a professional tool that will last a long time.  One tip I gave was that you can get professional hair tools at affordable prices at Folica.com.  Remmington's Wet to Straight Flat Iron is another great buy because for those who tend to snooze a few too many times in the morning before class, it allows you to skip the blow drying all together!

We finished with skin care essentials that are great for both men and women.  DERMAdoctor Med e Tate wipes and the Clearasil Ultra Pimple Blocker Pen are two products everyone should keep in their backpack in case of emergencies.  Med e Tate are sweat control wipes that can be used anywhere on your face and body and if you apply the Pimple Blocker Pen as soon as you feel a pimple coming on, it will never actually form.  We also touched upon VEET Spray On Hair Removal Cream as a great option for quick hair removal if you don't have time to shower and Schick Intuition Plus razors, which have built in soap bars.  Finally, Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer SPF 50 is a great buy because your skin tends to need a little extra hydration as the season changes to fall and year round SPF is a must!

The segment flew by and it was an honor to be a part of it.  I'll post the link so you can check it out soon!