5 favorites

5 Favorites

Probably one of the best parts of my job as Jeannine’s intern is that I get to play with makeup pretty much every single day. If there’s a new launch of lipsticks, blushes, or cheek tints, I’m the lucky lady who gets to try them out to see what’s awesome (like finding the perfect shade of orange lipstick to wear this spring). This 5 Favorites features the best of what I’ve gotten to try over the past few months, like a cream blush from Make Up For Ever, that you all need to run out and buy immediately.

Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue Soothing Moisturising Cream, $46 at jurlique.com

As a skincare-obsessed intern, I’m always on the lookout for the next best thing in creams and lotions in hopes that I might finally find the one product that will banish dry or flaky skin in a single use… and finally, I’ve found it.  The Jurlique Redness Rescue Moisturising cream doesn’t just hydrate your skin but it actually forms a barrier to protect you from irritating environmental changes that cause discomfort (like redness, itchiness, and general misery).  If my word isn’t enough, it turns out that Jeannine is just as obsessed with the stuff as I am when she heard me raving about the “best cream ever."

mark. Gloss Gorgeous Stay On Lip Stain, $11 at meetmark.com

I’m definitely conservative when it comes to trying new trends, particularly when it involves a bold new lip color. Jeannine recently shot a segment for NBC’s New York Live on the latest spring lipstick trend, orange lips, and somehow this sleek brush-tipped lip gloss made it’s way shyly into my purse. Fast-forward a month later and I cannot stop reaching for this totally awesome and super flattering gloss! It’s moisturizing without being too sticky and leaves behind a completely wearable wash of color…perfect for people like me who balk at the sight of any lip product that isn’t pink or nude.

Make Up For Ever HD Blush, $26 at Make Up For Ever

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with blush. I love how they all look in their packaging and stuff but let’s be real, I don’t actually know how to apply the right amount without going overboard. Thankfully MUFE recently launched a line of cream blushes that are foolproof to apply and last literally all day long without requiring touchups. My go-to color is number 410, a punchy coral that looks terrifying in the pan but sheers out to be flattering on pretty much every skin tone out there (even a ghost like myself!).

Sonia Kashuk “Make a Face” Brush Set, $25 at Target

While it is no secret that Sonia Kashuk is a brush expert, this latest limited edition collection has a brush that is literally life-changing. If you’re like me and spend 95% of your time online shopping for beauty stuff you could never afford but pretend you can by adding it to your “cart," then you would have discovered the NARS 'Ita' brush a long time ago. That brush is supposed to be the key to creating the perfect contour as it’s angular shape is perfect for getting into the hollows of your cheeks. I have never been able to find an affordable alternative…until now! The Flat Top Sculpting Brush alone makes purchasing this brush set completely worthwhile, not only because the brush quality is phenomenal, but because that brush will totally change how you contour your cheeks. I’m in love.

Pixi Beauty Cheek Sheen, $16 at Target

Much like blush, highlighting is another beauty concept that I’m still learning how to master. The new Pixi Beauty Cheek Sheen in Gold Glow is literally idiot-proof in creating the perfect cheek highlight without going overboard. It blends out easily if you add a bit too much and accentuates the high points of your face with just a swipe of the stick. This could be the product that completely revamps your beauty routine for spring, giving you the perfect golden glow.

John Frieda Broadens Frizz Ease Serum Collection

 

A good hair day sets the tone for the day, which is precisely why I have blowouts booked every Saturday and Sunday morning throughout April in case one of those days is my surprise bridal shower.  Obvi, I don't want to risk it as I'm not very savvy with a round brush.  Remember when John Frieda first came out with Frizz Ease and it saved your life? Well, now they have new forms of the genius frizz tamer that'll help you have a good hair day, everyday.

With the proper use of the right products, good hair days aren't hard to come by as long as you know how to blow out your hair.  The two new additions are – Expert Finish for dry hair and Extra Strength that has added proteins in it for weak or damaged hair.  When using, remember a little bit goes a long way and apply a dollop onto damp hair.

They also began a campaign called "Never Pull Back."  Think beyond the ponytail... a bad hair days as we know, can set you back in life!  Also, check out this clever video.  I didn't get it at first, but the end made me say "Ahhh!"

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

Get Their Exact Hair Color

It's time for a color refresh!  When seasons change, one of the easiest pick-me-ups and changes we can make ourselves is to our hair.  Lately I've been bringing in pictures of Jessica Alba's color to my colorist as a hair color goal.  In case Jessica Biel or Naomi Watts is your hair color inspiration, here are their exact formulas from their colorist, Tracy Cunningham.  Try bringing this to your next appointment.

Jessica Biel

NATURAL LEVEL: 4, Medium Brown 

BASE FORMULA:

2 oz. 5WB Golden Hazel Shades EQ Cream

2 oz. 10 vol. Pro-oxide Cream Developer 

HIGHLIGHT FORMULA:

1 scoop Flash Lift Maximum Lightening Powder Lightener

1 oz. 20 vol. Pro-oxide Cream Developer 

GLAZE FORMULA:

1/2 oz. Crystal Clear Shades EQ Gloss

1 1/2 oz. 09NB Irish Cream Shades EQ Gloss

2 oz. Shades EQ Processing Solution

Naomi Watts

NATURAL LEVEL: 6, Dark Blonde

HIGHLIGHT FORMULA:

1 scoop of Flash Lift Maximum Lightening Powder Lightener

1 oz. 20 volume Pro-oxide Cream Developer 

GLAZE FORMULA:

1 oz. Crystal Clear Shades EQ Gloss

1 oz. 09V Platinum Ice Shades EQ Gloss

2 oz. Shades EQ Processing Solution

 

Top Beauty Innovations

Of course if you're reading BeautySweetSpot, you want the insider scoop. Thanks to Cosmetic Executive Women, I have the 411 on the top beauty innovations of the year. From your beloved CC Creams to pigmented pouts and a demand for more sophisticated skincare, check out what's hot.

  • Get Masked!:  Masks and peels saw a 66% sales jump in prestige outlets in 2013 and helped meet consumers’ need for immediate results.
  • Size Matters: The mass market was inundated with volume-driven mascaras in 2013, showing that thicker lashes are this years’ must-have.
  • Anti-Aging Hair Care: Fighting the signs of aging moved from skin into hair care with creams, serums and even a color made with anti-aging formulas.
  • Buzz Words: Gentle, Oil-Based, etc. This year exfoliation is taking a back seat to facial cleansers that treat skin gently. Oils, gentle gels and hydrating cleansers were the stars in 2013.
  • Art Inspired Eyes: Beauty companies took an artistic cue by using tints, washes and pigments in their eye formulas in 2013. 
  • All About CC: CC Creams upped the ante in the alphabet soup of skin care with new tints, sticks and sprays.
  • Color Returns to Lipcolor: Glosses and shines were overpowered by deep lip hues with rich, buildable staying power.
  • Professional Lines: Products from industry experts are on an upswing, fueled by consumers seeking credibility from their beauty formulas. “Professionals” range from brands by doctors to items by beauty veterans. 

 

5 things worth checking out this week

Having a rough time painting your nails? Check out these hysterical Pinterest nail fails that'll make you feel better about your mani in no time [College Candy] 6 reasons why Nene Leakes should be your spirit animal [The Luxury Spot]

FINALLY! The perfect how-to guide for dummies on the art of applying self-tanner [Bella Sugar]

Get your daily dose of giggle with this article discussing things we women really need to forgive ourselves for doing once in awhile [Elite Daily]

Did you remember your vitamins? Check out LC's list and see what you're missing! [LaurenConrad.com]

10 Daily Hair Struggles Demonstrated by GIFs

Let’s be real ladies, as if waking up isn’t bad enough, the amount of time we spend on our hair every morning to make it look even somewhat presentable is utterly ridiculous. And no, there’s totally no such thing as, “Oh I just woke up with it like this!” No matter how hard you try to sell that line... we know better.  Just know, you’re not suffering alone.

1. Honestly, the worst part of the whole charade is waking up on a day you know you have to wash your hair.

5 things worth checking out this week

Beat bikini season with these simple food swaps guaranteed to have you looking (and feeling) like a million bucks! [The Luxury Spot] Nothing sucks more than panda eyes due to shmeary eyeliner...finally, a list of the best eyeliners for oily lids [Beauty High]

16 photos proving that cats are literally the chillest pets on the planet [College Candy]

With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, check out this eye makeup tutorial that will leave you good as gold for the green festivities [Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis]

The 80's: As told by Kevin Bacon to millennials  [Pop Sugar]

73 Questions with Sarah Jessica Parker

In case you haven't seen this yet, Vogue posted a no-BS video interview with Sarah Jessica Parker where she answers 73 questions in rapid fire style.  Turns out, we share a love for the NYC restaurant Gradisca, kittens, strong coffee and blowouts.  Do you have anything in common with Miss Carrie Bradshaw?

Bridal Beauty Countdown: 3 Months

Three months from today I'll be exchanging "I Do's" so I thought it was only appropriate to post about three months in the Bridal Beauty Countdown series.  When I first got engaged, I spoke to some of my favorite artists to figure out a wedding plan. Are you there, too?  Maybe you know someone who is.  At this point, you've picked out your dress and now, it's time for hair and makeup trials.  Celeb Stylist, Ted Gibson and Makeup Artist, Mai Quynh weigh in.

If possible, book hair and makeup trials with two to three artists.  This is your day and you need to feel confident with the way you look.  Remember, they're going to be around you and your bridesmaids all day so personality matters almost as much as talent.

Hair

“Always bring a picture of yourself in your gown,” says celebrity stylist Ted Gibson.  “It will help you and your stylist have a clear picture of how you want your complete look to flow on the big day.”  I'm bringing inspirational images from the red carpet to my hair trials along with clip in extensions.  Even if you don't wear extensions regularly, nows the time to add some hair as it always photographs thinner.

Makeup

Pictures say a thousand words.  Make sure you have inspirational images of how you’d like your wedding day makeup to look.  “You should look like you, but slightly enhanced,” explains celebrity makeup artist Mai Quynh.  Now's not the time to try a new look.  I have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to my wedding and there are lots of hair and makeup pictures on there in case you want to use them.

Rouge New York's Makeup Must-Haves

If frequenting blow out bars is your thing, you'll love this.  Last week I paid a visit to Rouge New York, which has the same concept as a blow out bar, affordable and quick services, but for your face.  Yes, makeup services.  These types of makeup salons are beginning to pop up in NYC, which means it's only a matter of time until they expand.  I chatted with Salon Owner, Rebecca Perkins, (who's a film and TV makeup artist), on her must-have products from set to the salon.

Roxanne Rizzo Bronze Glow - I discovered this instant tanner in 2009 when I met makeup artist, Roxanne Rizzo on the set of Ugly Betty (see post).  I was so impressed by it, that I featured it in my E! Emmy Red Carpet segment that year.  I haven't seen it since, but Rouge NY uses it!  It's an instant bronzer that you can layer.  My makeup artist set my makeup with it.

Amazing Cosmetics Concealers - Since they offer 20 shades, these are Rebecca's go-to on set and naturally, they work well in the salon.  Makeup artists mix them to find the perfect shade for their clients.

L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara - Rebecca always uses waterproof mascara because as she explained, "the consistency is wetter."  Out of all waterproof mascaras, she feels her makeup artists can really build with this one.

The salon has six chairs, with a staff of twelve full time makeup artists.  Prices vary, but a 'Total Polish,' (which is a full face) is $75 and house calls (yes, they'll come to you!) are $125.  I was impressed by the way my makeup came out and love the concept, so I ended up booking my bridesmaids  there for my wedding.

Rouge New York is located at 130 Thompson St., NYC 10012.