BeautySweetSpot — Jeannine Morris

BeautySweetSpot

CHANEL 2014 Cruise Dubai Show: Backstage Makeup

CHANEL 2014 Cruise Dubai ShowGold leaf was applied to the inner corners of each of the model's eyes for the Chanel 2014 Cruise Dubai Show.  Fancy huh?  Of course it is.  It's Chanel.  To show off the 2014/2015 resort collection, Karl Lagerfeld took 1,000 guests from Dubai to The Island, which was facing Dubai.  Fitting.  Just in from their PR team, the complete list of products used backstage to complete the look including new launches and pics.  Here's the scoop:

CHANEL 2014 Cruise Dubai Show DSC_1049

Complexion

PERFECTION LUMIERE VELVET Smooth Effect Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 

ECLAT LUMIERE Highlighting Face Pen 

CORRECTEUR PERFECTION Long Lasting Concealer 

POUDRE UNIVERSELLE LIBRE  Natural Finish Loose Powder 

LES BEIGES Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Broad Spectrum SPF 15

CAMELIA DE PLUMES Highlighting Powder in Platine (launching in November) 

Eyes     

LES 4 OMBRES in Rêve d'Orient (launching in July) 

ILLUSION D'OMBRE Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in Mirifique & Convoitise

LE CRAYON KHOL Intense Eye Pencil in Noir

ECRITURE DE CHANEL Automatic Liquid Liner in Noir (launching in July) 

LE VOLUME DE CHANEL Mascara in Noir

CRAYON SOURCILS Scuplting Eyebrow Pencil

 Lips  

ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Indécise 

LEVRES SCINTILLANTES Glossimer in Rose Rêvé (launching in July) 

chanel-cruise-2014-15-backstage-03

chanel-cruise-2014-15-backstage-01

Of course, I linked out to the products I'd buy if I were to get just one in each category: complexion, eyes and lips.  I really can't wait to get the new LES 4 OMBRES that's launching in July (shown in the first picture).  How gorgeous is that?  That's all for now from the Chanel 2014 Cruise Dubai Show.  Proving, everyone can own a small piece of Chanel, even if we weren't taken to Dubai by Karl or don't have that classic Chanel bag... yet.

Summer Body Beauty Buys: Instagram Filters IRL

Summer Body Beauty.jpgMemorial Day Weekend is basically here, which in my mind means it's time to get naked. Yea, it may sound aggressive, but let's face it, bikinis leave little to the imagination.  Are you ready? While we may never feel 100% about stripping down (barre classes can only do so much!), we can do everything in our power to make sure we feel confident and look our best by the pool this summer.  Enter what I'm calling the triple threat – summer body beauty buys that helps to tighten, tone and protect, basically your favorite Instagram filters in a bottle.  Warning: The confidence caused by these products can become addicting.

summer-body-beauty-lootDermaDoctor Brazilian Bombshell, $48

Dr. Audrey Kunin, the founder of the brand, is constantly out doing herself. Just when you think she's thought of it all, another launch hits shelves with a bang.  This body lotion is like your favorite Instagram filter in a bottle.  Using botanicals from the rainforest and a sapphire complex, it masks imperfections and enhances your skin while providing you with the protection of SPF 30, making it great for daily use.

Urban Decay NAKED Skin Body BalmUrban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm Body

There have been BB Creams for body, but this beauty balm actually helps to instantly tighten you skin and blur flaws.  It would be a sin if I didn't mention it in a summer body beauty buys post as I'm sure it will become a cult favorite.  It comes out of the bottle with a bronze tint, but is super lightweight and goes on sheer, giving off a subtle glow.  The glow helps to blur out minor flaws, and gives an overall appearance of healthy skin.  This is also perfect for daily use, even if you just use it on your arms and legs when wearing a dress. (Launching soon, this month!)

summer-body-beauty-loot2Victoria's Secret Instant Bronzing Tinted Shimmer Lotion, $15

I consider myself self tanner obsessed and like different ones for different reasons, but was recently really impressed by this lotion.  Since it's tinted, it's easy to apply because I see spots I've missed and it leaves me with the most natural, bronze (not brown) color and it's instant.  Don't let the word "shimmer" scare you.  It's just a sexy little hint that'll only distract people from cellulite if you're in a bikini.  Plus, the tropical scent is to die.

Beauty Tips for Brides & MOBs on BetterTV

Beauty-Tips-for-BridesHave I told you before that my mom and I are best friends?  You can def tell from this segment as we went on the BetterTV show together to talk Beauty Tips for Brides and Mothers of the Bride.  How fun right?  Check out the segment.  My mom knows her stuff! Also, I've include product recommendations below.  

Skin

  • Bride: To ensure you're glowing on the big day, you can do a series of peels at the spa, or incorporate an at-home version into your skincare regimen.

Try: Lierac High Peel Renewing Concentrate Intensive Peel

  • MOB: You too can incorporate a peel into your regimen, but you may be facing aging in different ways. Try using products mixed with technology for an added lift and tighten.

Try: NuFace Trinity Facial Toning Device

Teeth

  • Bride & MOB: Whitening your teeth to the max only takes an hour and you can even do it as you’re prepping for the rehearsal dinner.

Try: Crest 3D White Whitestrips Luxe Supreme FlexFit

Hair

  • Bride & MOB: A wedding is always a good excuse to grow out your hair. Whether your leaving your hair down or Pinning updo’s, start taking supplements sooner than later. You’ll start seeing results in about three months.

Try: Hair Essentials

  • Bride & MOB: A wedding is your red carpet event, so go ahead and add some enhancement with clip in extensions. Hey, all the celebrities do. Make sure to bring them to your trial to get the full effect of how it will look on that day. While the bride always seek longer, thicker hair, the MOB can cut the extensions and just opt for a bit of fullness.

Try: Hair2Wear Christie Brinkley 16” Hair Extension

Body

  • Bride & MOB: A self tan is a must to go with your glowing complexion, but make sure you use a mit to get the most even application.

Try: St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

Nails: 

  • Bride: Bridal Fashion week just passed and showcased fun varieties in nails including a bit of texture and think blue. I’m even thinking about doing a blue pedicure as my something blue!

 

  • MOB: Stay classic. While the fashion forward tips are fun, sophisticated looks are your best bet. Stick with nudes and light pinks. French manicures are out.

Try: Butter London Sweet Somethings Set

So what do you think?  I hope you found these beauty tips for brides and MOBs fun and easy!  Remember, they're good for any big event, not just weddings.

How to Wear Your Hair in A Hat

hat-hair-4Whether you’re about to throw on floppy sun hat, fedora or graduation cap, styling your hair underneath can be a challenge. One that we were excited to take on!  While your hat may be your main accessory, don't let your hair just sit underneath.  Here are five ways to wear your hair in a hat, fun styles to try this summer, BeautySweetSpot approved. hat-hair-2Giant Side Fishtail:  A side ‘do is a great way to wear your hair in a hat, because it allows you to show off your hairstyle from the front, instead of hiding it under the hat and in the back. And we’re obsessed with this giant fishtail braid so we highly encourage using this look. To achieve the beachy vibe, take the bottom end of a comb and use it to pull out little sections of the braid to loosen it up. hat-hair-4Low Pony:  A low pony is a great way to pull your hair back when a hat sits on top. Think fedora.  I used to always question how I was going to wear my hair in a hat, but this is the simplest way! Amp up your average low pony by giving it volume. Just because it’s a low on your head doesn’t mean it can’t have volume. Tease out your hair where it meets the hairband and spray some texturizing spray like Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray.hat-hair-1Wavy Side Chignon: Who said you couldn’t wear your hair up if it’s in a hat? This wavy side chignon is flat enough to wear a hat over, low enough to show underneath, and on the side enough to be visible from the front. Bye, bye hat hair!  When creating this look, there is no need to use hair ties, especially when trying to keep it this flat. Create two sections of your curled hair low on the side of your head and tie the two pieces together. Just continue to wrap, twist tuck and bobby pin until you’ve achieved you’re idea side chignon. hat-hairMessy Pigtail Braids: These messy pigtail braids are great for a day on the beach with a baseball cap on to keep your scalp from burning. To achieve the perfect amount of messiness, while still looking chic, don’t use a brush when separating your hair. Keep your hair at its natural texture, parting it however it best falls. Pull out desired pieces of hair when finished. hat-hair-3Sleek Side Pony: If you are looking for a more slick pulled together look, this side pony is great. Parting your hair in a clean deep side part is where you’ll need to start. To then get it this clean, use a little bit of hair oil such as Kerastase Elixir Ultime The Imperial Treatment Oil. Rub the oil in your hands, cup your pony and run your hands along the top of the pony smoothing down all runaways.

Skin Cancer Awareness, Because Smart is Sexy

skin-cancer-awarenessOne in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.  Think about that for a second.  Out of you and your four girlfriends, one of you will end up with skin cancer. Do I have your attention?  Today is Melanoma Monday, which is a day dedicated to skin cancer awareness, so as a beauty writer, it would be a sin if I didn't preach and if you've been following BeautySweetSpot for a while, you know I also practice what I preach.  

According to a Poshly survey, only 27% of women say they wear sunscreen every day, 30% say they try to apply daily, but forget.  You guys, SPF is your holy grail – year round!  You wouldn't forget to brush your teeth right?  When choosing a SPF you need to look for three things:

  • Make sure it's a 15 or 30 - Anything higher than a SPF 30 is just marketing and anything lower isn't giving you the proper protection you need.
  • Look for the words "Water Resistant" - And remember, "water resistant" is great, but it doesn't mean waterproof.  As a rule of thumb, reapply your SPF every two hour when in the sun and every 40 minutes when in the water.
  • UVA & UVB protection are essential - Most SPF's are fully equipped with both types of protection.

 

Of course with all of the skin cancer awareness materials out there, you have the knowledge to be able to practice safe sun. You can also support the Melanoma Research Alliance through L'Oreal's "That Worth It Thunderclap" campaign. Check it out.  On May 20th, they want the whole world sending the message of safe sun and it's really easy to do.  For every message sent, L'Oréal Paris will make a donation to MRA of $1 and $1 for each L’Oréal Paris Advanced Suncare product sold in the U.S.  I already signed up!

5 things worth checking out this week

regina_georgeThis is officially the cat video to end all cat videos guaranteed to make your Friday even better [Facebook]

In celebration of Mean Girls ten year anniversary, here are the 9 lessons we've learned from Regina George [Elite Daily]

The last ten things you do before admitting that you really are a #brokecollegestudent [College Candy]

Having a bad hair day? Here are 5 tips to saving your strands (and your day!) [Bella Sugar]

Mother's Day is around the corner and here's the only gift guide you need to treat the most important woman in your life to something special [Allure]

 

Festival Inspired Beauty Looks to Rock All Summer Long

Just because Coachella has come and gone doesn’t mean we have to say goodbye to all of it’s awesome beauty looks. No matter how far out there some may seem, there are more realistic ways to wear them.  Here are some of our favorite beauty looks from this year’s festivals with some tips and tricks on how to get them— Some crazy, some simple, but of course, all gorgeous.  Hey, you can rock these festival inspired beauty looks all summer long.

Colored Hair

Channel your inner Lauren Conrad and rock a subtle hint of pink lowlights... or purple, or green, or red or whatever color you want. To achieve a subtle look, pull out small sections of hair from underneath, and use hair chalk instead of dye to get as bright of the color a you desired.

Mismatched Nails

Can’t chose what color to paint your nails? No need to! Combine multiple bright colors within the same vibrancy to give of a youthful, carefree vibe. The more mismatched the colors, the better. That way its obvious it was done on purpose.

The Flower Crown

Flower crowns are an essential festival accessory and can also be great for summer party. However, size does matter when it comes to bringing them home. Just make sure it stays as an accessory and doesn't overpower your head.  Remember, you're not wearing a costume.  You just want it to be nice accent to your look.

Flower Braid

This is cute, different and above all, simple. Woven in and out of a small crown braid, it adds just a hint of an accent to an otherwise simple day-to-day look. You can take two pieces and braid them into your hair, than you can use them to tie the sides together and let them fall in the back with the pony.

Face Jewelry

We love this look.  Love, but you should definitely keep the press on rhinestones to side for music festival outings.  If you want to sport this same sparkly crown look for an average summer day, try wearing a thin, delicate head wrap for the same effect.

So, we basically stalked Coachella, and definitely plan on embracing some of these looks as the weather warms up.  Which festival inspired beauty look is your favorite?

Supermodel Beauty Secret: Charlotte Tilbury

Tuesday night Kate Moss took center stage as she launched her latest, 70's inspired collection for Top Shop at the London flagship.  Accompanied by her mother, along with Sienna Miller, Cara Delevingne and Suki Waterhouse, their makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, and her team painted the five Brit babe's faces prior to the event using her own collection.  The proof is in the pictures, she's a true supermodel beauty secret

Kate Moss and her mother, Linda, rocked Charlotte Tilbury's look known as the Dolce Vita with different lip shades.  Tilbury actually blended a color called Nude Kate that Moss wore and is now for sale and her mother wore the lipstick in Stone Rose.

Sienna Miller's skin was glowing as Tilbury treated her to the Golden Goddess look. Her skin looks effortlessly sculpted and eyes are piercingly enticing.  And no, she didn't go tanning.  It's no wonder a makeup artist can be a supermodel's beauty secret.  This is one of my favorites.

Cara Delevingne and Suki Waterhouse both opted for her Rock Chick look, which was actually inspired by Kate Moss's party all night attitude.  Slept in smoky eyes are the key element.

Like I said, the proof is in the pictures.  For some of the top supermodels, their best kept secret is makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury.  I'm really excited because in September, her products will be available in the states.  I have super high expectations.  Hey, if they're good enough for Kate Moss... never mindPenelope Cruz (see post)...

Bridal Beauty Count Down: One Month

My May calendar is full of appointments, which is nothing unusual, except for the fact that they're all wedding related.  So here we are – bridal beauty countdown – one month! It's time to put the icing on the cake ladies.  

Skin

If you've gotten Botox or fillers earlier in this bridal beauty countdown series, now's the time to visit your dermatologist touch ups.  "Now’s also a good time to try a peel to help you achieve that wedding day glow," commented NYC dermatologist Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz.  But don't forget about your body.  Schedule a trial spray tan, too, once your face is done peeling. You want to book your spray tan for two to three days before you wedding day.

Hair

Make an appointment with your colorist for a touch up or gloss.  If you dye your hair yourself, now's the time for a color refresh.  Even just a clear gloss over your hair will add smoothness and shine that will reflect beautifully in your photos.

Smile

Whiten your pearly whites!  Whether you choose to do this professionally or at home, the results of a more beautiful smile are well worth it.

Make sure to check out the rest of the Bridal Beauty Countdown series.

Brow Grooming: Help Your Man 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.

Bloomingdale's Makeup Event, Join Me!

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 RSVPSoho@bloomingdales.com 

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.

Gabby Bernstein's 'Miracles Now' Will Change Your Life

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.

DIY Brown Sugar Scrub on Bethenny

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

Ingredients

1/2 fresh lemon 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tbsp of coconut oil

Benefits

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

Directions

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.

Spring Skincare Adjustments to Make Now

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.

Makeup Forever Celebrates 30 Years of Color

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.

New Beauty Innovations: 5 Favorites

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.

Wedding Day Nails

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?

5 things worth checking out this week

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]

 

New Selfie App Sheds Pounds, An Irate Essay

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.

NYers, You're Invited! Hang with Me at Origins

Where are my NYC based readers?  I have an exciting opportunity for you guys and hope you can make it.  This Thursday night, I'll be hosting an event with Glamour magazine at the Origins store in the Flatiron District and you're invited.  The Origins team will be doing mini facials, and of course there will be cocktails! Check out the details and RSVP! Allow me to introduce you to the Origins GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturizer and Smarty Plants Skin Complexion Corrector products!

Date: Thursday, August 8th

Time: 6-8pm

Location: Origins Store 175 Fifth Ave.

RSVP: originsevent@glamour.com

Make sure to like BeautySweetSpotOrigins and Glamour on Facebook and Tweet @BeautySweetSpot@Origins and @Glamourscoop using #originsevents.  I'll be tweeting live from the event and taking pics with everyone!