You may remember the behind the scenes pictures I was posting on my social channels last summer as a tease to a project I was working on with DKNY fragrances. Well, I'm really excited to show you what we filmed! I hosted Scents & Sense, DKNY's YouTube series dedicated to fragrance tips and tricks that's now live on their channel. Check it out!
As my fiancé, Joe and I get closer and closer to our wedding, I find myself booking more and more appointments: colorist, facialist, waxer, threader, manicurist... and it goes on! Joe on the other hand? He just has to show up! Well, almost. I will be plucking his brows. This isn't abnormal as I occasionally straddle him as he watches TV and go to town between his eyes. Here's a piece I wrote for AskMen, "A Man's Guide to Brow Grooming," that you should read and help your man out. The goal – to ensure a clean look that retains its natural, masculine appeal.
For those days at work where you just can't handle life, here's a list of 50 beauty vloggers to help you through it [Beauty High]
Prom is right around the corner, don't be caught in a pinch without your clutch essentials! [Bella Sugar]
Full House was easily the best show of the '90's... here's a brilliant collection of life lessons from the one and only Michelle Tanner [The Luxury Spot]
Check out this comical spin on the Dove "True Beauty" campaign videos #priceless [Elite Daily]
Mother's Day is around the corner, this guide will help make sure to give yours the attention she deserves for being awesome! [The College Prepster]
I'm sure you can use a little help refreshing your makeup bag this season so join me on Sunday, May 4th as I'll be hosting the Bloomingdale's makeup event, The Makeup Date, in Soho. We'll be taking you through a fashion show full of the latest makeup trends and hottest new products and of course, one-on-one sessions with makeup artists are available. Check out the full details below. I hope to see you there!
When: Sunday, May 4, Doors open at 9:30, Show begins at 10:30
Where: Bloomingdales Soho
RSVP: 212-729-5921 or [email protected]
Use #themakeupdate so I can tweet with you and like your Instagrams throughout the day.
*This post is sponsored by Bloomingdales, but my thoughts and actions are true.
It's ironic that April is Stress Awareness Month, because as a freelancer with a calendar full of deadlines and a wedding in about seven weeks, I've been living almost stress free. Enter Gabby Bernstein, who I like to call my new life coach. A the author of "Miracles Now" and self proclaimed "Spirit Junkie,"who I'm telling you, after hearing her speak at a breakfast with Philosophy, changed my life. I can't stop talking about her, reading her books and practicing what she preaches. Here's why.
As soon as she began talking about the energy field we each have around us I knew she was my girl. As a strong believer of "The Secret" and the law of attraction, Gabby enhanced everything I learned from that book and taught actual techniques from the practice of Kundalini, (the yoga of awareness), on how to control your stress and anxiety and add flow to your life. "When you practice these techniques, fear will melt away, inspiration will spring up and a sense of peace will set in," she says. Believe.
As a NY Times Best Selling Author, Gabby's new book, "Miracles Now," is the first one I read. (out of four). By practicing paying attention to my breath and meditating by taking what she calls a "mental shower" I'm a much calmer person. And let me tell you, my anxiety often tries to get the best of me. I even start my mornings by listening to her "Super Soul Sunday" playlist on Spotify.
Pick up Gabby's book, "Miracles Now" at Barnes and Noble and you'll see what I mean.
Filming with Bethenny was a blast. I was part of her big beauty segment, "How to Spring Clean Your Face," that aired today along with a dermatologist and esthetician from White Tea Med Spa and showed off how to make a simple, yet effective brown sugar scrub. Check out the coverage on Bethenny and the recipe below.
Brown Sugar Scrub
1/2 fresh lemon 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tbsp of coconut oil
Lemon: a natural source of Vitamin C, commonly used to lighten the skin and even out its tone, also a natural astringent Coconut Oil: condition and moisturize skin Brown Sugar: a natural exfoliator that is softer than other sugars
1. You can heat the coconut oil until it's melted in a microwave, then stir in the sugar, mashing it up with your spoon. 2. Finally, squeeze the lemon on top and mix.
The PR girls at mark are on point! They captured this behind the scenes shot of Lucy Hale painting her nails on set for mark's Saint Barts Instant Vacation collection ad exclusively for BeautySweetSpot. I died when I saw it. Here are the details on the new collection.
Lucy's makeup artist, Fiona Stiles used the new Island Eyes Eye Color Palette: $16 to create that gorgeous, ocean blue smoky eye. Out of the whole collection, that palette and the Island Beauty Face Compact: $16 are my favorite products. The face compact is a lightweight powder that gives off a believable, "I just got back from an island glow."
Other products from the mark Saint Barts Instant Vacation Beauty Collection include:
Saint Barts Soleil Eau de Toilette Spray: $24
Saint Barts Soleil Shimmering Body Lotion: $14
That’s Beachy Texturizing Surf Spray: $14
Nail This Look Nail Color and Flip-Flop Set: $28
And because she's so cute, here's a behind the scenes video of Lucy Hale in Mark's St. Barts Campaign:
Spring has finally sprung and it seems one trend that's here to stay is the multitude of pastel picks from all of our favorite brands. Ranging from makeup bags to nail polish, this season’s pastel hues are popping up everywhere, and lucky for you, I’ve rounded up the prettiest spring beauty picks that are right on trend to help to help make your hopping a breeze.
This Sonia Kashuk makeup bag is perfect for organizing your daily essentials without sacrificing space in your purse. The slim bag features individual compartments to help keep your products in place while on the go, and the eggshell blue is one of my faves.
Spring beauty trend: Pastel nails. They scream spring, and the new Limited Edition Deborah Lippmann polishes will perfectly compliment your new spring wardrobe. Personal fav? I can’t get enough of Build Me Up Buttercup, the cheerful yellow is guaranteed to put you in the springtime state of mind.
While the entire Nars Final Cut collection is totally drool-worthy, the new Satin Lip Pencil in Torres Del Paine is a standout. The creamy orange is the perfect compliment to a multitude of skin colors while the vitamin-enriched formula provides long-lasting wear.
For a wearable pastel eye, turn to the Dior 5 Couleurs Trianon Edition palette in 234 Pastel Fontanges. A pretty, sugary pink is the perfect base while golden yellow and baby blue create a beautiful blend of complimentary springtime hues. The palette boasts all day wear and features a gunmetal gray for those who opt for a more smoky approach to the pastel trend.
5. Blue eye makeup is so in right now, embrace two tends at once with the Stila All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Periwinkle to wake up your daily makeup routine with a subtle pop of color.
I hope you like my picks. What's your favorite way to embrace the hottest spring beauty trend?
Can't make it to Coachella this year? Here's a guide of the best in fashion so far from festival season to keep you in the loop [The Luxury Spot]
A beauty editor shares why she skips the makeup and why you should too [Bella Sugar]
Sandal season is finally here! Check out this list of 7 tips for beating blisters while on the go this Spring [Beauty High]
Jean shopping is a traumatizing experience, as told by the 28 thoughts that we all have while at the mall [Elite Daily]
Nothing sucks more then a co-worker who abuses the "reply all" button on an email. Here's a foolproof guide to avoid social blunders via email in the workplace [Lauren Conrad]
It's finally starting to feel like spring in NYC! How's everyone doing out there? Let me guess, you've been singing Pharrell's Happy in your head on repeat. Just like the weather effects your mood it also effects your skin for better or worse, so to help steer you in the right direction I spoke with Dr. Marmur, a NYC based dermatologist, to give you guidance skincare adjustments you need to make for spring. Yes, added moisturization is one of them.
What skincare adjustments should we be making for spring as the weather begins to warm up?
Skin goes through a little shock with every season change, so be ready to listen to it. The winter to spring transition brings out extra sensitive skin due to allergies and colds. Definitely amp up the moisturization with calming products with humectants.
Moisturizing is easy, but is it important to start in the shower?
The shower is critical to happy skin. I can tell immediately when someone's rash is simply from too much harsh soap and too many long hot showers. I recommend using Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash with NutriumMoisture, because it offers both mild cleansing and skin natural moisturizers to nourish skin’s protective layer and my patients can really feel the difference.
When Makeup Forever Founder, Dany Sanz, was asked to paint an actor's body, she was taken off guard as she was a sculptor, not a makeup artist. The rest is history. Last week I attended a celebration for Makeup Forever's 30th Anniversary at a studio in NYC and while we were all inspired by Sanz's story and had the chance to create our own eyeshadow palette, I found myself intrigued by the body painted mannequins that lined the room. Glad I questioned them, because their stories are worth telling.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary, Sanz envisioned bringing her work to life through art and showcasing it around NYC leading up to this big event. She enlisted Lijha Stewart, the Makeup Forever Director of Artistry and Education for North America to lead a team of artists to paint 12 mannequins. Categorizing them into four categories resembling the Artist line, Acqua line, HD line and Icons line, each painted body showcased the story and history behind the inspiration of the collections.
My favorite was done by Stewart herself, which resembled the Flash Palette, (known to us as the Flash Color Case), which was one of the first products Sanz created in her own kitchen from 1984-1990.
Since there are so many new beauty launches in month, it's very rare that I want to write about all of them. Typically a few stand out amongst the rest as true beauty innovations. Lately, it seems every press event I attend and package I open showcases new beauty technology that excites me enough to write a post. That's why this '5 Favorites' post is dedicated to the newest beauty innovations that are changing everything. From reusable at-home hair dye to fragrance that promises to last all day, check them out.
L'Oreal Preference Mousse Absolue
If you color your hair at home (and who hasn't) you're used to mixing the chemicals and then tossing them after your dye job. Well, L'Oreal Preference Mousse Absolue is a real innovation in hair color as there's no mixing involved and whatever color is left over, you can reuse. Because the product is held in two separate chambers, it mixes together when pumped out and doesn't go bad. Depending on your hair length, you may be able to get a full two uses out of one bottle, but I'd keep the extra to occasionally tint my brows. Available in 16 multi-tonal shades, you can snatch this beauty innovation at drugstores for $14.99.
LACOSTE Noir L.12.12
Now, this is for your man, but I'm hoping the technology makes it's way into our fragrances as well. Typically, fragrance fades over time. This fragrance by Lacoste, Noir L.12.12, has time release technology to prevent that from happening. Yes, imagine your scent lasting all day long. How? The fragrance notes are encapsulated in a complex called, cyclodextrin, which reactivates them when it comes into contact with moisture on skin. It's a very light, woody scent available at Sephora for $69.
Dove DermaSeries
As a huge fan of Dove, I was excited to receive a mailing of the new Dove DermaSeries Collection. Consider it Dove breaking into a prestige drugstore category. Woo hoo! Developed with dermatologists, the five piece collection targets dry skin and gentle enough for those with eczema. They're actually drugstore products that are comparable to prescription creams. The complex combines 12-Hydroxysteric Acid (12-HSA), a fatty acid that works twice as well as stearic acid and glycerin (potent humectant) and natural emulsifiers to activate PPARs, proteins found in the skin to boost skin’s natural cell renewal creating a better quality hydration barrier than even prescription creams. Available at drugstores this month.
Nars Dual Intensity Shadow
When doing your eye makeup, eyeshadow is a key player and if you're a makeup junkie, you know you can use any eyeshadow and apply it wet or dry to get two different effects from the same powder. However, not all eyeshadows are created equal. NARS Dual Intensity Shadows were formulated to be worn wet or dry. It didn't come as a second thought that... oh yea, you can wear them wet... too. The formula is a first of it's kind and delivers unlike anything else. I've tried them. NOTE: These will be available later this year, but trust me, they're worth the wait!
Skindinavia Makeup Spray Primer
Known for their makeup setting sprays, Skindinavia just launched the first on the market, makeup spray primer. I've always been a fan of the makeup setting sprays, especially when I know I'll be in heat or sweating thanks to dancing my butt off, but this new spray primer is intriguing. Meant to be worn under makeup or alone, I like it because it's free of silicones (unlike most primers), but still creates a smooth canvas for makeup application. The real benefit, it makes makeup last longer. NOTE: This will launch on Skindinavia.com on May 1st.
Two months until my wedding! While I've booked my glam squad and already went for my hair and makeup trial, I'm not sold on what I'm doing on my nails yet. Wedding day nails are important, especially since there are a lot of picture of the bands. I was thinking maybe my pedi will be my something blue. We'll see. This week in NYC is bridal fashion week and when I stumbled upon the photos from backstage at Monique Lhuillier I started brainstorming.
Butter London launched a bridal set inspired by an ethereal daydream at the Monique Lhuillier fashion show called Sweet Somethings. I'm into it. What do you think? Have any suggestions for my wedding day nails?
For those of you having a rough morning, here's pictures of Grumpy Cat hanging out at the Vogue Office doing awesomely grumpy things. You're welcome! [The Luxury Spot]
This necessary read proves that nothing makes a woman more beautiful then owning herself [The Man Repeller]
Addicted to your social media? Here are some awesome tips to keeping your accounts workplace-friendly from the queen of social media herself [Lauren Conrad]
Dove's inspiring new campaign is a great reminder that beauty is a state of mind, nothing more [Beauty High]
Festival season is here! This list is #perf to have on hand while packing so you don't forget the beauty essentials [HonestlyJamie]
Nine weeks until our wedding and I'm glowing in love. Last Saturday was my surprise bridal shower, and the Wednesday before I visited my derm's office to get a DermaCeutic Peel. Sure enough, three days into my peel, my skin was flaking off of my face much like a shedding lizard. "Look at you, you're glowing," my aunt said. Yes, my fresh skin was glowing indeed. Maybe it was love? Maybe it was my peel? Just like my derm promised, I have glow for a bride-to-be. My skin was never whipped into shape so quickly before and I've tried it all.
About the peel: The brand is DermaCeutic. There are different types of professional peels depending on the types of results you're seeking. I did a DermaCeutic Spot Peel Treatment (to help reduce my hyperpigmentation) and then a Milk Peel Treatment (to further help even out my skin tone).
About the products: Afterwards, I began using the aftercare products recommended by my derm from DermaCeutic, which include a glycolic face wash, moisturizer, recovery cream and spot treatment. I'll be on the strict regimen for about a month and then I'll almost be ready to walk down the aisle.
So is it love or is it my DermaCeutic peel? I think it's a combination of both. :)
After trying intense pulse laser (IPL) to get rid of certain brown spots, Fraxel (see post), regular glycolic peels when I get facials and now this, I can honestly say that after a week of peeling, my skin has never looked better. Yes, I'm a little obsessive and harsh on my skin (too harsh) but we're all a little OCD about something, right?
My derm, Dr. Lefkowicz is located at 875 Fifth Ave. in NYC.
All right people, I’m going to level with you here. As Jeannine’s beauty-obsessed intern it is definitely no secret that I like to play with makeup and take lots of photos of myself while doing it (whatever, at least I’m honest about how I waste my time). I was swiping through the app store the other day to get my hands on yet another photo-editor in hopes of finding the perfect filter when I found an app that made me pause longer then I ever had before to think about what I was doing. It was a new selfie app that literally makes you look thinner.
SkinneePix is a new app made for #selfie lovers (like myself) where you can take fifteen pounds off of your face with just the swipe of your finger, essentially PhotoShop for dummies. In other words, the creators of this app are basically saying, “Hey! Listen, sometimes a filter just isn’t good enough at hiding your flaws so why don’t you make yourself skinnier too?” How rude is that? So naturally, I hopped right onto my Google machine to look up exactly where this app came from and what I found totally shocked me.
Let’s start with some facts. Did you know that only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful? Or, did you know that a shocking 72% of girls feel tremendous pressure to be beautiful? Yeah, neither did I. Obviously I had noticed that my #selfie game had definitely improved over the past few years thanks to the influx of filters, editing software, and lighting techniques I had learned or accumulated but not once did I stop to consider what I was really doing… I was so unhappy with how I looked naturally (because I didn’t look like how society said I should look) that I was changing the best parts about myself before releasing a photo to my nonexistent Instagram following. I know that SkinneePix is just meant to be a fun little app for users to use recreationally, but knowing just two facts about how women feel in regards to their looks, an app like this can really do damage. It promotes the idea that we aren’t beautiful the way we are and that we need to be as airbrushed as a model in a magazine to fit in on social media. Yes, social media… right next to the pictures of our cats and food. Anybody else find that ridiculous?
The women (yes, women) who created this app are claiming that they’re “leveling the playing field” as “the camera adds fifteen pounds” and that people felt better about seeing themselves skinner but sorry, I’m not really buying that. It’s no secret that the beauty industry is a broken machine. Even celebrities are refusing to retouch their images because, in the words of Lorde (my spirit animal), “Flaws are ok.” Ad campaigns are launching from beauty giants like Dove and Aerie by American Eagle specifically to tear down the walls that society has built up around what beauty is and how it is portrayed.
This app is exactly what is wrong with the industry and what needs to change. Creating an app like this a selfie app that sheds pounds should never be okay or acceptable, and I feel like women should know better!
Needless to say, I’ve since deleted every photo-editing app I’ve ever downloaded, and every selfie I put out into the blogosphere will be proudly captioned #nofilter. I don’t need a stupid filter to validate my awesomeness and neither does anyone else. Go spend your .99 on something worthwhile, like Beyonce’s “Drunk in Love” and thank me later.
Did you guys watch the American Country Music Awards last night? I didn't but after flipping through the film, I noticed presenter, Olivia Munn took a big risk. Fresh faced for spring with a vibrant, and I mean vibrant lip to compliment her coral dress. What do you guys think of her beauty look? Into it? Here's what her makeup artist, Shane Paish used (yes, including the lip shade).
He prepped Olivia’s skin with Proactiv+ Complexion Perfecting Hydrator and Proactiv+ Eye Brightening Serum. Then, went over it with Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Nude (which is also one of my favorite products). Next, he brushed Nars Cosmetics Blush in Orgasm for a vibrant glow.
Now for that risky lip move, he used Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Sultry, which I swear is almost neon. Do you think it would have read better if she were wearing a black dress? Discuss.
Ladies, it's safe to say that pedi season is in full effect. Even though the weather is throwing has been throwing a curve ball at our spring wardrobe (tights or no tights lately) we're all better off safe than sorry. I spoke with The Spa at Fontainebleau’s Director of Spa Operations, Josie Feria, who shared a DIY foot scrub designed to renew your skin and make sure your feet are ready. After all, there's nothing worse than starring at decrepit feet on the subway.
Ingredients:
Directions:
While enjoying your feet treatment try on these complementary experiences:
That's it! Barely any DIY effort and an essential foot scrub.
"I am truly honored to join the Maison Lancôme, a brand with such a prestigious history that I have always loved. I am particularly proud to represent its unique vision for women and the idea that beauty should not be dictated, but should instead be an expression of a woman's freedom to be herself,” confided Lupita Nyong’o.
Earlier this week I received an email from Lancome's PR representatives about "big news" coming on Friday. In order to receive, but not spread the news early, I had to sign a non-disclousure agreement. At about 2pm yesterday, I read the press release and wrote this post.
Joining Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, Penélope Cruz and Lily Collins, Lupita Nyong’o will be seen this summer in campaigns shot by star photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.
“Lupita’s authentic inner and outer beauty, her exquisite grace, and true confidence represent today’s modern woman. Having Lupita as a Lancôme ambassadress will help support our mission in the U.S. market which is to speak to all women. Her rising star status is like a blooming rose; she is elegant and has an undeniable brilliance," said Xavier Vey, President of Lancôme USA.
After watching Lupita in awe throughout awards season this year, it was only a matter of time before a mega beauty brand picked her up. I can only imagine what the battle was like for this breath of fresh air. Well done, Lancome.
Spring is finally here! Check out these tips to revamp your skincare routine to embrace the warmer weather [Beauty High]
Sore post-workout in attempts of achieving that bikini body in time for summer? These three recovery tricks will have you feeling revamped in no time [Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis]
5 places you have got to visit this summer to truly experience "Old New York" at it's finest [The Luxury Spot]
In honor of Festival Season, the coolest DIY nail art look ever (and a tutorial on how to do it!) [Bella Sugar]
Struggling to decide which Spring trend is for you? Take this quiz to find out! [College Candy]
