Here a taste of what I've been reading this week. The last one is hysterical! I always find myself in that situation. Just wait...
Feel free to comment below and share some of the articles you've been reading as well!
Enjoy!
Beauty Worth Swallowing - (theluxuryspot.com)
8 Under $20: Papaya - (collegecandy.com)
Simple 60 Second Summer Hairstyles (makeup.com)
Classic Accessories for Him - (mensfitness.com)
How to Navigate A Bathroom While Wearing A Romper - (refinery29.com)
Welcome to this weeks edition of link love. Here's a bit of what I've been checking out on the web. You're welcome for the last one.
New Feature: Refinery Reserve – Organic Beauty Fix (refinery29)
20 Easy and Exotic Summer Smoothies (theluxuryspot)
Sneak Peek: Ali Ro Photo Shoot (glamour.com)
10 Alternatives to Water (menshealth)
5 Cool Ways to Wear Gold Eyeshadow (bellasugar)
How To Wear Bright Lipstick (makeup.com)
Ryan Gosling: This is How You Wear A Brown Suit (esquire)
Here's a roundup of articles I've loved this week from across the web. If you're loving BeautySweetSpot.com, you're gauranteed to love them! Enjoy!
Ten Places You'll Find Formaldehyde (and Why You Won't Want to Eliminate It) (TheLuxurySpot.com)
How To: Hang Out In Bars All Night and Have Great Smelling Hair in the Morning (xoJane.com)
Shaken, Not Stirred: James Bond Style Scents (BellaSugar.com)
An Outfit Idea for Mixing Neutrals this Summer (Glamour.com)
Iced Coffee (betcheslovethissite.com)
Babe Asks: How Do I Get A Guy I Used To Hook Up with Not to Ignore Me (brobible.com)
10 Inappropriate Father's Day Gifts You Should Totally Avoid (TheFrisky.com)
Kate is Bringing Her Hairdresser on Her Trip to the US (NYmag.com)
A few months ago I filmed a campaign with BetterTV and Elizabeth Arden called True Beauty Secrets with Rachel Hayes Gayle of DailyMakeover.com and Daneen Baird of SpoiledPretty.com and it just went live.
The video centers around Elizabeth Arden's Gold Ultra Restorative Ceramide Capsules, $68, which I used for a month prior to shooting. They're tiny little individually packaged capsules with enough serum for your face, neck and decollete. I like them for two reasons – 1. besides their anti-aging benefits, they also act as a great makeup primer filling in fine lines and 2. they're travel friendly.
Check out the video!
So you all know about my involvement with Glamour.com's Young & Posh Network by now as I'm so excited to be a part of it I don't stop talking about it, but have you met the rest of the ladies yet?
If you haven't gotten to read their personal blogs or read their content on Glamour.com yet, you may have seen us in the latest issues of Glamour, Teen Vogue or W in the Y&P ad or on the top of NYC taxi cabs, and all over NYC! It's a full Young & Posh take over!
I really appreciate your support reading my articles and commenting on my posts. Now I want to know...What do YOU think I should write about for Glamour.com? All suggestions welcome!
Hey BeautySweetSpot readers! Happy Monday!
As you know, I'm contributing to Glamour.com as a member of their Young & Posh network. (I know, I can't believe it)! Twice a week I post new articles and would love your feedback on them.
The comments are pouring and I'd love for you to join in the conversation too!
Here's a link to all of my posts to date: Jeannine's Glamour Young & Posh posts. Please check them out and comment where you have opinions and keep reading!
Thanks a billion!
It's officially New York Fashion Week and you're invited backstage with me! I rounded up my troops – BeautySweetSpot intern, Ashley and former intern, Carly and we're ready to roll.
This is my 12th season covering New York Fashion Week and I have to say I'm very proud of the selection of shows my team and I will be backstage for this year. Here's a few:
On the site expect to find coverage on the hottest fall '11 beauty trends, pictures and exclusive video interviews. I'll also be working with the Style Coalition to host web TV interviews. Enjoy!
Hey BeautySweetSpot readers! Allow me to introduce you to Krista Bennett DeMaio. She went to Fordham University and majored in Communications and Media and has been at Redbook magazine for the past seven years. A true insider into the world of beauty editorial. I love her advice on how to get into the industry. Check it out...
How did you land your first job edit?
During my last semester of school, I was interning in the beauty department at the now defunct YM magazine. The beauty director had just come back from an event where she ran into a colleague working at at start-up magazine, Grace Woman. This woman mentioned that she was hiring a beauty and fashion assistant. She suggested I send my resume immediately and shortly after, I was employed.
What's a typical day like for you?
On any given day, I'm attending several events, holding deskside meetings, and writing, editing, or revising multiple stories. Often times, I'm also attending brainstorming and/or visual meetings or on-set for a photo shoot. My days can get crazy, but I love that I'm not tied to my desk for eight hours straight.
What's your favorite part of your job?
I'd be remiss if I didn't say that I love playing with new beauty products. There's nothing more exciting than opening one of the many bags delivered every day and squealing with delight when I come across something truly special. But I also love that my day is hardly ever the same. Yes, there's always writing to be done and meetings to attend, but because the content of the magazine changes monthly, it's always a different topic or a new conversation. I also love learning new things. I get giddy when an expert gives me a tip I actually haven't heard in my nine years of beauty editing.
What's your least favorite?
I'd have to say my commute. I choose to live outside of NYC, so I commute close to three hours a day. It's a huge time suck, but at least I can get work done on the train.
What's the best advice you would give someone trying to get into the industry today?
Don't be afraid to start small. When the job offer came for a start-up magazine within a start-up media company, I was hesitant at first. Didn't I want to hold out for one of the big publications? I am so glad I took that job. I often refer to it as editorial boot camp. It was hard work--a small staff on a shoe-string budget--but I got to do so much more than I would have ever done as an editorial assistant at a larger, more established magazine. I was also promoted twice within a two year period and left as an associate editor, which helped me land the job at Redbook.
Confess! What's your biggest beauty sin?
My all time sin would have to be the mullet I sported in the 2nd grade, but then again, I am a product of the 80s. My biggest sin these days is that I'm sometimes too lazy to take off my makeup at night. Ick! I try to keep towelettes handy so I have no excuses, but even my contingency plan sometimes fails.
What's your guiltiest pleasure?
Anything Jo Malone. I'm a sucker for almost all their sophisticated scents. I have a few different colognes on my dresser (my favorite is Orange Blossom), several candles scattered around my home, and I'm addicted to their Vitamin E Body Balm (it smells like almonds). I'll literally scrape the bottom of the tub to get out every last bit.
Hey BeautySweetSpot readers! Today's a big day... I'm so excited to announce a big partnership that I've been waiting to tell you about for a few months. I've officially partnered with Glamour.com and joined their Young & Posh network!
So what does this mean? If you go on Glamour.com today you'll see a huge launch on their homepage that features BeautySweetSpot along with 14 other top beauty and style bloggers from all over the world. I'll be writing for Glamour.com two to three times a week and you'll be seeing the BeautySweetSpot logo along with clips and photos from me on the site and in the magazine.
I'm honored to be a part of the network and to partner with such a fab magazine that provides positive, informative content and highlights women and their readers in such empowering ways. I'll keep you updated on my appearances at Glamour events and other exciting news as the months go on.
Ladies, let me introduce you to Dan, a 26 year-old accountant from Long Branch, NJ who describes his relationship status as "in it for the long haul." What a guy! And I know his girlfriend, lucky lady! He loves sports, fantasy football, exercise, outdoor activities, going to the beach and hanging out with buddies. Here's a sneak peek inside his medicine cabinet and mind:
What’s in your medicine cabinet?
I don’t have a medicine cabinet, but if I did this is what would be put in it: Old Spice High Endurance Deodorant, Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion, Gillette Shaving Gel, Colgate Toothpaste, Burberry Cologne and after shave
What product can’t you live without and why?
Old Spice High Endurance Deodorant – for a guy that’s constantly moving, I need a deodorant that will last and Old Spice is the best there is.
How would you describe your grooming habits?
I’m very simple when it comes to grooming. I’m definitely only a soap, deodorant and cologne kind of guy. But I always like to keep it neat and clean shaven.
Now be honest, how would a woman describe your grooming habits?
Well, I’m always told by my girlfriend that I smell good, so I would say I’m doing okay in the grooming/hygiene department.
When prepping to go out on a date what are the three things you make sure you do?
Shower, shave and brush my teeth!
If you could have one night with any celebrity who would it be and why? More importantly, what would you do?
Model, Marissa Miller, because she is smoking hot and the Spokesperson for Captain Morgan. That’s a winning combination in my book! Not to sound cliché, but I would take her out to dinner overlooking the beach and then maybe just stroll along the water with hopefully some good conversation.
What’s the first thing you notice about a woman?
Facial features, especially hair and eyes.
When it comes to a woman’s beauty what’s your sweet spot?
Personality, good skin and…her butt!
Now for your preferences:
On her…
Heels or flats: heels, im 6’3”
Au naturel or all done up: Au naturel
Lingerie or in the nude: hmmmm, lingerie then nude
Boobs or butt: butt
Angelina Jolie or Jennifer Aniston: Jennifer Aniston
For you…
City guy or country type: Beach guy
Beer or wine: Depends on the scenery and occasion, but typically beer
New York or Boston: New York (Giants and Yankees all the way!)
Beer belly or six pack: Six pack (ish)
Boxers or briefs: boxer briefs?
Today I'm featuring one of my closest friends in the beauty industry, Michelle who's a beauty publicist. Michelle interned for me when I used to work in PR and then she helped me start up BeautySweetSpot.com and my whole freelance career. So it's my pleasure to introduce her to you!
What college did you go to and what did you major in?
I went to Baruch College and majored in International Marketing & Trade.
How did you land your first job in PR?
I was actually working at the front desk at The Gym (yes that’s the actual name) while I was going to school. One day I was casually chatting with a guest about my major and how I wanted to explore different aspects of marketing. It turned out that I was actually talking to the President of a PR firm, who suggested I should check out public relations. She then invited me in for an interview the next day and I got the job! Since then I’ve been hooked.
What’s a typical day like for you?
Start off the day with a green tea latte from Starbucks; start up my Twitter, Facebook, newsfeed and dive right into work. There’s no such thing as a typical day but some of the things I do include coming up with creative pitches, meetings with clients, media, and industry leaders, research, admin work, coming up strategies, event planning, social media, create press releases and so much more. Jack of all trades.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Since I was 12 years old and reading my sister’s old magazines from the 80’s (left behind in Greece when I was living there in the mid 90’s) I just knew I wanted to be a part of the beauty industry. I’m even a licensed cosmetologist and used to cut hair! My favorite part of the job is that I get to meet some really creative and motivated people in both beauty and fashion who inspire me and teach me something new everyday.
What’s your least favorite?
Nothing to do with my job per se but when asked what I do for a living and I say I’m in Public Relations, more than likely the response is “oh advertising? How interesting!” Now I don’t even bother explaining and just go along and have fun with it.
What’s the best advice you would give someone trying to get into the industry today?
The one thing I’ve always said and live by is to treat any job like it’s your own business/company. When you have that mentality it will not only show in your work by achieving your goals but will also give you the drive to succeed. When you have a strong work ethic you can do it all.
Confess! What’s your biggest beauty sin?
Eek! I tend to forget to wash my make up brushes. I used to clean them everyday and now it’s more like once a week or even up to two weeks. Shame on me, one of these days my skin will break out!
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Watching old movies! Whether it’s a Alfred Hitchcock classic or any movie starring Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and even some Greek ones with Aliki Vougiouklaki I’m all for it. I love the storylines and the fashion! Especially the Givenchy pieces designed for Audrey Hepburn. On the other end of the spectrum I also enjoy bad reality shows since they’re such a vacation for my brain.
I'm so excited to kick off the "Man of the Moment" feature by introducing you to my boyfriend. You may recall the feature "Man of the Week" that I retired, but due to popular demand, I'm bringing it back with "Man of the Moment," giving you a peek into the medicine cabinets and minds of real men a few times a month.
Of course, what a better way to begin than to start with my boyfriend, Joe. I thought it's about time you heard about him, especially since I tweet about him regularly and he so generously agrees to test out some of the men's products I feature. (Yes, that's what you get for dating a beauty editor)! Many of the men's posts I write are thanks to Joe. He inspires them. Have you ever heard of collar stays? You will soon!
Joe's 30, from my hometown in Jersey, and ladies let me tell you, much, much more than a "Man of the Moment" (wink) so I'm going to give you a little more detail. He's in real estate and loves to work out, watch sports (Giants...ew, Yankees...score), looks amazingly handsome in a crisp suit, always has to match his socks, has a talent for cooking (especially Italian dishes) and is very family oriented. His guiltiest pleasures... red wine, Neapolitan pizza, running, me (ha!), martinis, nice dinners and romantic comedies (for real)!
Meet my boyfriend:
What’s in your medicine cabinet?
Axe, Gillette, Cetaphil, Dove for men soap, GNC men's multivitamins
How would you describe your grooming habits?
Wash my hair, shave, rinse, wash my face... in that order. I have a fogless mirror in my shower so I don't have to shave when I get out. It's my favorite thing. I like to be fresh.
Now be honest, how would a woman describe your grooming habits?
Jeannine thinks I'm neat and loves the smell of AXE so she prefers... that to cologne. She also hates that it takes me a total of ten minutes to get ready so I have to wait for her to finish.
When prepping to go out on a date what are the three things you make sure you do?
shower, make sure my clothes are nicely pressed and take a shot of tequila
What’s the first thing you notice about a woman?
The way she walks says a lot. There's nothing sexier than a confident walk.
When it comes to a woman’s beauty what’s your sweet spot?
Well kept feet. If a girl takes care of her feet she takes care of everything else.
Happy New Year! Just yesterday I began kicking off the year back in my NYC apartment after spending two weeks relaxing at home in Jersey. It feels good to be back! Time to grind! Of course, I'm going to hit on some of my New Year's resolutions in this post, but trust me, they affect you too!
How you ask? Because I write about my interests and passions and one of them is working out... this is my year for toning the booty (and the whole lower half for that matter)! So of course you should expect to find some tips and tricks on how to get in the best shape for your body time from some top personal trainers on BeautySweetSpot.
Two very popular features from the past that will be reappearing in 2011 are "Man of the Week" and "VIP Pass to the Industry." For those of you who aren't familiar, I used to feature a different man each week and give you a peek into their medicine cabinets and fantasies. This year, I'm going to be featuring a "Man of the Moment" and featuring them one or two times per month instead. Know a man who may be good for the site? Write in and nominate one! These are regular guys off the street. There are two qualifications: they have to be sexy and successful.
"VIP Pass to the Industry" gives you a sneak peek behind the scenes of what it's really like to be a blogger, editor at a magazine or publicist in beauty or fashion. I feel like there are so many movies made and books written on the industry that don't really give a fair glimpse. Here, you can hear from the girls who are doing the jobs every day on what their days are like, perks and advice on how to get in.
Also on the site I'll be doing a lot more YouTube product reviews and such. Of course, everything else you love will stay the same or just keep getting better with the opportunities I'm given. I wish you all a happy, healthy and successful year. Cheers!
It seems like people are jumping the gun with the holiday season this year, in NYC anyway. But hey, I'm not complaining! People are already in the holiday spirit, which I feel doesn't really kick in until after Thanksgiving. It's surely my favorite time of year and to celebrate the cheer and your dedication to BeautySweetSpot, I'm gifting you! (Starting with this fine gentleman to the left!)
Instead of doing a normal gift guide, I'm going to be posting a series of themed gift guides starting next week and the best part – everything I feature is being given away!
Make sure you tune in to BeautySweetSpot daily starting Monday, November, 22nd for a month of fabulous gift ideas for everyone on your list including that special man and tons giveaways!
What's on your wish list this year? Sorry ladies, I can't giveaway the sexy Santa on the site!
Everyday I receive products in the mail from different companies that want me to try them for possible review on BeautySweetSpot. But in October I received a mailing from Pantene that really caught my attention. It wasn't the shampoos and conditioners from their Beautiful Lengths collection that made me stop and think, it was an 8" ruler included in the bag.
That was my first introduction to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, Pantene's partnership with the American Cancer Society in which they make free wigs for adult women with cancer. I knew right away I wanted to partner with them. One of my best friends Melanie has been growing out her hair to donate it. After a bit of back and forth she agreed she was ready to break up with her long locks and go under the scissors for Pantene.
This weekend we visited the Mark Garrison Salon in NYC and where Mark Garrison himself was ready to chop away. Previously a Locks of Love cutter, he partnered with Pantene years ago to offer free cuts for his customers who donate their hair on Wednesdays at his salon and half off any other day because he believes in their work.
"I like working with Pantene over Locks of Love because their messaging is clear," Garrison said. "You know exactly who your hair is being donated to and the partnership with The American Cancer Society solidifies that."
Garrison didn't just pull Melanie's hair back into a ponytail, make one big chop and send her on her way. Instead, he took time with her to talk to her about styling her hair after the cut to ensure her that she was going to look fabulous walking out of the salon.
He started by sectioning her hair into several ponytails all around her head and cutting them one at a time. This way he got the most length at all points and roughly shaped her new style. Twelve inches later he shaped up her cut and she looked like a new person.
"I was ready to part ways with my hair," Melanie stated. "It was so long it would just hang and I couldn't even style it anymore."
Things did get emotional at times, but more exciting that anything. Check out the video footage of the first snip and Melanie's reaction below.
The requirements to donate hair for Pantene Beautiful Lengths were that you had to have at least 8" to cut and your hair had to be virgin. I haven't had virgin hair since I was about 13! Melanie was the perfect candidate. If you know someone who's thinking about donating their hair check out the website.
Mel's Reaction While Cutting: The After Effect:
In a few weeks everybody will all be glued to the TV watching the Victoria’s Secret’s Fashion Show. The next day, everybody will be hitting the gym. What girl doesn’t crave to have a body of an Angel? Well, BeautySwetSpot has a secret for you!
You can get a bombshell body in as little as 12 minutes a day. Adriana Lima is already a huge fan of this workout which keeps her fit. What is it? It’s jumping rope! The model mom recently posted a video of herself jumping rope at killer speed on her Facebook page. Follow this workout routine and you will notice your legs and arms a little toner each time!
One minute – jump rope at a fast pace (about 150 or more jumps per minute)
3o seconds rest
Two minutes – jump rope at fast pace
60 seconds rest
Three minutes – jump rope at fast pace…
60 seconds rest
Two minutes – jump rope at fast pace
30 seconds rest
One minute – jump rope at fast pace
Soon you too can have a bombshell body!
The Holiday Season is starting and you know what that means! Adriana, Candace, Alessandra, Erin, Chanel, all become household names as they strut down the runway for the most anticipated show of the year – the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
Each week unitl the show on November 30th, BeautySweetSpot.com will be giving you the beauty and fitness secrets of the angels so you too can be a bombshell!
Let the countdown begin! 29 days!
Check out footage from last years show after the jump:
As WWD reported today, "the circus is in town," only this one includes models, celebrities and fashionistas! And don't forget the journalists. That's right, I'll be backstage reporting on the hottest hair, makeup and nail trends for over 20 of this September's Spring/Summer 2011 shows.
But I won't be doing it alone, my BeautySweetSpot.com intern, Carly Nelson will be joining as well as my intern from last spring, Jasmine Dilmanian. They're both fab writers and ready to stiletto stomp into the new tents of Lincoln Center and beyond.
So what can you expect from this killer team? Interviews with the greatest editorial and celebrity hair stylists, makeup artists, manicurists and designers. Shows we'll be attending include – Vena Cava, Doo Ri, Max Azria, Walter, Betsey Johnson, Halston, Rachel Roy, Rosa Cha, Nanette Lepore, Tory Burch and J. Mendel.
Stay tuned! You can follow my live from backstage tweets @beautysweetspot!
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