5 things worth checking out this week

What's better then a good cat video? An even better kitten video, duh! How adorable is this kitten playing with his reflection [Refinery 29] Feeling stressed out? These 7 apps for your phone will be your ultimate lifesaver on days where you just can't deal [College Candy]

This is the only guide you need to catch up on all things beauty at the Cannes Film Festival [Beauty High]

This checklist will ensure that you've got all your beauty needs for looking your best this Memorial Day Weekend [Bella Sugar]

Document your summer like a pro with these Instagram tips and tricks from the queen of Insta herself [Lauren Conrad]

Blake Lively in Cannes: Makeup Looks

Despite the fact that Blake Lively doesn't have a film in the Cannes Film Festival this year, she's been absolutely killing it on the red carpet.  Whether on Ryan Reynolds's arm or not (who's actually there promoting his film, The Captive), she has been making an effort and breaking necks thanks to the glam squad with L'Oreal Paris doing her makeup looks and her couture gowns.  Here are her beauty breakdowns – her lips, a constant rose story. Guccie Première

L'Oreal Paris products used:

• Volume Million Lashes Mascara in Black
• Colour Riche Eye Shadow
• Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Lilac Ever After

Chanel Couture

L'Oreal Paris Products Used: 

• Colour Riche Eyeliner by Pencil Perfect in Black Brown
• Infallible Eye Shadow in Bronzed Taupe
• Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Rose On And On
• True Match Super-Blendable Blush in Soft Sun

Gucci Première

L'Oreal Paris products used:

• Volume Million Lashes Mascara in Black
• Colour Riche Eye Shadow in Black Pump
• Colour Riche Lip Colour in Fresh as a Rose

As far as I'm concerned, she can do no wrong.  Her beauty looks have been just as impressive as her gowns.  Which is your favorite?

CEW Beauty Award Winners 2014

The CEW Beauty Awards are like the Oscars of the beauty industry and this year I was honored to be a presenter.  With over 750 new product entries for hair care, skin care, makeup, grooming and fragrance, there were 193 finalists, but very few brands actually received the stamp of approval from CEW as the best beauty products of the year.  Aisha Tyler of The Talk hosted this year and was hilarious!  Now, allow me to present the winners...

The 2014 CEW Beauty Awards winners are:

BATH AND BODY

Bath and Body Mass

Vaseline® - Spray & Go Moisturizer Total Moisture

Bath and Body Prestige

Shiseido Cosmetics America - Future Solution LX Total Regenerating Body Cream

SKINCARE

Acne Treatment

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare™ - One Step Acne Eliminating Pads

Anti-Aging Mass

L'Oréal Paris - Revitalift Miracle Blur

Anti-Aging Prestige

Clé de Peau Beauté - Le Sérum

Cleanser & Scrub

Yes to Grapefruit - Brightening Facial Towelettes

Eye Treatment Mass

Vichy - Liftactiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes

Eye Treatment Prestige

GLAMGLOW Inc. - Brightmud Eye Treatment

Lip Treatment

Fresh - Sugar Cherry Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15

Moisturizer Mass

L'Oréal Paris - Age Perfect Glow Renewal Facial Oil

Moisturizer Prestige

Josie Maran Cosmetics - 100% Pure Argan Oil Light

HAIR

Hair Care Product

Kérastase - Initialiste Advanced Scalp and Hair Concentrate

Hair Coloring Product

Color Wow - Root Cover Up

Hair Styling Product

Living Proof - Perfect Hair Day (PHD) 5-in-1 Styling Treatment

MAKEUP

Eye Product Mass

L'Oréal Paris - Voluminous Butterfly Mascara

Eye Product Prestige

Dior - Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

Face Product Mass

Sonia Kashuk for Target® - Chic Luminosity Bronzer/Blush Duo

Face Product Prestige

bareMinerals - Ready To Go Complexion Perfection Palette

Lip Product Mass

Sonia Kashuk for Target® - Shine Luxe Sheer Lip Colour

Lip Product Prestige

Clé de Peau Beauté - Extra Rich Lipstick

MEN’S GROOMING

Lab Series Skincare for Men - Pro LS All-in-one Face Treatment

NAIL PRODUCT

Dior - Nail Glow

SCENT

Men's Scent

Ralph Lauren Fragrances - Polo Red

Women's Scent Mass

Sonia Kashuk for Target® - Eau De Toilette in Pink Innocencia

Women's Scent Prestige

Coty Prestige - Honey Marc Jacobs

INDIE BEAUTY AWARD

GLAMGLOW Inc.

ECO BEAUTY AWARD

Aveda

BEST SELLER MASS

Maybelline New York – Volum’ Express The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara

BEST SELLER PRESTIGE

Clinique - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +

ICONIC BEAUTY AWARD MASS

Maybelline New York - Great Lash Mascara

ICONIC BEAUTY AWARD PRESTIGE

YSL Beaute - Touche Éclat

MOST BUZZED ABOUT MASS

L'Oréal Paris - Voluminous Butterfly Mascara

MOST BUZZED ABOUT PRESTIGE

Estée Lauder - Modern Muse Eau de Parfum

QVC BEAUTY QUEST AWARD

Dr. Macrene Skin Results 37 Actives

SKINCARE TOOLS

TRIA Beauty, Inc. - Age-defying Laser

SUN PRODUCT

La Roche-Posay - Anthelios 60 Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid

 See any of your favorite products or brands?  I was freaking out each time a new winner was about to be announced, because I obviously have my favorites!  I was completely honored to be back as a presenter and involved with the CEW Beauty Awards in such a big way.  I love the beauty industry and all of the people who work so hard to make great ideas come to life.

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Giveaway: For Him

My fiancé's been in an exclusive relationship with his razor since he started shaving at 16. Well not the actual razor, but the brand – Gillette.  It's because of his influence that I pay so much attention to men's grooming and I'd be lying if I said I never stole his razor to test it against the latest for women.  In honor of Father's Day, and Gillette's latest campaign, FacetheWorldIRL, how does a Gillette Fusion ProGlide giveaway sound?  Great! Because I'm giving away a year's supply of the razor and everything your man, or dad, needs to put his best face forward.

The innovative razor can be used manually or with battery power to make it vibrate, claiming to give you a closer shave.  Joe likes to use it without the vibration saying he, "believes he gets just as good of a shave since the razor has five blades."  Plus, it has strips of lubrication on top of the razor to provide a smooth glide.

The one year supply of a Gillette Fusion ProGlide giveaway includes:

·         14 Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razors (each one can last up to 5 weeks)

·         7 Gillette Fusion Pro Glide Sensitive Shave Gel

·         10 Gillette Fusion Pro Series Irritation Defense Soothing Moisturizer

For professional grooming tips, send your man or dad to FacetheWorldIRL.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

POND's Skin Care: Plus Up Your to Basics

One of my earliest beauty memories was from my grandma.  I've told this story before in a video I did with POND'S last year, but it's priceless because her lesson stayed with me and through generations has been tried and true.  When my sister and I had sleepovers at my grandparents house, my grandma always made us wash our face with cold cream before we went to bed.  It wasn't any cold cream, it was hers, part of her beauty regimen for years, and it was POND’S.  I was about four years old.  There's something about POND'S skin care and taking it all back to basics that sits well with me and my skin.

The POND’S Cold Cream Cleanser is the perfect cleanser, because it's made up of 50% moisturizer making it so gentle on your skin, that washing your face becomes pampering. It also removes makeup, (yes even waterproof mascara), plus moisturized my skin leaving it feeling really soft and looking radiant. I'll never forget my first experience.  My grandma still to this day uses POND's skin care and her skin has always looked fantastic.

I'm a huge fan of the POND’S Fresh Wet Cleansing Towelettes (and so is Joe).  As towelette hoarders, Joe sometimes uses these instead of going through the actual process of washing his face at night and must admit I've done it a few times myself.  They’re really a 2-in-1, because they gently remove all of my makeup, plus act as a leave on moisturizer. I normally use towelettes after a barre class or just throughout the day as I run around NYC event hopping for a nice refresh.

For me, no matter what my beauty look ends up being night or day, it starts with skin care. Clean, well moisturized, radiant skin is constantly what I'm trying to keep up and if you're in the same boat, then sometimes you may want to take it back to basics and try POND'S skin care. Remember what they say, less is more.  Keep an eye out for a coupon for POND's skin care in newspapers nationwide!

*This is a sponsored post by POND'S, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

5 things worth checking out this week

Because makeup can be ridiculously expensive, here are the best cheap drugstore products perfect for summer! [Beauty High]

Did you know that Avocado is great for your skin? This is the perfect guide to Avocado-enhanced beauty, all you need is a side of guac [Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis]

This model's inspiring story proves that beauty is way more then skin deep [The Luxury Spot]

FINALLY! Someone invented a Body Blow Dryer to make the freezing cold after getting out of the shower that much more bearable [Elite Daily]

The new Makeup Genius app is a makeup newbie's best friend, letting you test out products without having apply them to your real face! [Total Beauty]

CHANEL 2014 Cruise Dubai Show: Backstage Makeup

Gold 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:

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) 

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.

Homemade Spa Pedicure Recipes: Tried & True

Summer means two things to every girl, one is that it’s time to break out the razor and shave your legs regularly again and two, that it’s time to hit the salon for a pedi. Now, I’m not going to lie, I love getting a good pedicure as much as the next girl, but when I recently walked into my salon and noticed they jacked the prices of the spa pedicures to basically a years worth of my college tuition, I was personally offended! So, I turned to the one place I knew had the best homemade spa pedicure recipes –Pinterest, and tested out my favorites. You with me?  These are easy and fun to do on a relaxing Sunday night.

For the sake of research, I tried and tested a few different homemade spa pedicure recipes, (much to my boyfriend’s amusement, apparently I was a sight to see with one leg gooped up with coconut oil and the other green from avocado), to see which ones worked the best. After much debate, I’ve finally found recipes that guarantee to have your toes summer ready that can be done in the comfort of your own home, with your Netflix account, and that endless buffet of food known as your fridge within reach.

Recipe 1: DIY Salt Scrub

Ingredients:

Coarse Sea Salt

Honey (Natural is best, but I’m poor so I used the golden bear and it worked just fine)

Olive oil

Steps:

1. Combine ½ cup of the sea salt with 1 tsp. of honey and 3 T. of olive oil
2. Mix thoroughly
3. Scrub mixture onto the heels or other calloused parts of your feet to slough away any dead skin that might be hanging out there and to increase circulation
4. Rinse the scrub and massage your feet and legs with the moisturizer of your choice
5. Clean up your nails and polish

Recipe 2: Avocado Spa Pedicure

Things You’ll Need:

Your homemade sea salt scrub (that you just made above)

½ avocado skin, eat the inside for your lunch

Epsom salt

Pumice stone

Essential oil of choice (Peppermint is awesome, lavender will put you to sleep)

A bathtub or giant bowl if you’re really struggling

Steps:

1. Run warm water and fill your bathtub until you’re ankle-deep (read: warm, not boiling hot)
2. Plop in a few drops of your favorite essential oil and dissolve 1/2 cup of the Epsom salts into the water
3. Put your feet in and relaaaax. I personally dozed off for a bit, but reading is another great low-key option
4. After soaking for a minimum of ten minutes, grab the pumice stone and go to work scrubbing the calluses on the bottom and heels of your feet
5. Take the avocado skin and massage it against the spots you just scrubbed with the stone, the idea here is to transfer the skin-enhancing properties of the avocado into your skin
6. Take the scrub that you made and rub it over the bits of avocado left on your skin (trust me, this feels amazing). Rinse off.
7. Pat off your feet and you're all set to trim and polish your nails!

Summer Body Beauty Buys: Instagram Filters IRL

Memorial 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.

DermaDoctor 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 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!)

Victoria'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

Have 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.

Engagement Rings & Getting Engaged: Let's Chat

I've been really excited about sharing my wedding bliss and prep with you guys since the day I got engaged and now, with my wedding less than a month away, I'm excited to dish about it all with Glamour!  Join us on on Wednesday, May 14th at 2pm for a Google+ hangout with Zales and OnceWed.  You see where this is going right? We're talking about engagement rings!  From trends to how to ensure you get exactly what you want, we'll cover it all so make sure you RSVP.  BTW did I ever tell you how I got engaged?

Let's just say it was super romantic.  Now, are you ready to talk engagement rings and engagement stories?  I hope I inspired you. Whenever I do Glamour Google+ hangouts they're fun and energetic. Plus, when talking weddings, rings (I can't wait for our wedding rings to come in!) and love with OnceWed, I'm sure there will be a ton of surprises.  Tune in!

5 things worth checking out this week

Looking for ways to spice up your summer? Consider checking out these awesome NYC neighborhoods! [The Luxury Spot] Finally! A guide to looking as flawless as celeb Olivia Palermo [Bella Sugar]

This guide is all you need to fabulous liner this summer, even the most eye-challenged can figure a few of these out! [Beauty High]

This fascinating article points out exactly why you're not making it in the big city... it could all be in your mind [Elite Daily]

In celebration of Mother's Day, what golden rule did your mom tell you? [Levo League]

How to Wear Your Hair in A Hat

Whether 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. Giant 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. Low 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.Wavy 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. Messy 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. Sleek 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.

Summer Beauty Secrets on CBS 'The Couch'

Last week on "The Couch" I chatted with Carolina Bermudez about Summer Beauty Secrets.  From sunscreen truths to clearing up the myth about what really happens when you use the sun to "clear acne," we talk about it all.  These summer beauty secrets are ones you've been wondering about.  Do you think your hair grows longer in the summer?  Ha.  Check out the segment below to find out! There is no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen.

The FDA doesn’t support the word “waterproof” at all so labeling can be misleading. Now, all labels should read “water resistant,” but even that reads as “waterproof” to people. The overall rule of thumb is to reapply your SPF every two hours throughout sun exposure, but if you’re in the water, reduce that time frame to every 40 minutes.

Try L'Oreal Advanced Suncare Silky Sheer Lotion SPF 30.

Wearing bright nail colors can make your nails turn yellow.

Most people think that only dark nail polish shades will make your nails turn yellow, however even bright, summer colors can do it. It can simply a reaction from wearing a strong pigment for too long or to the formaldehyde in the polish. To prevent it from happening, try giving your nails a polish break, or opting for a formaldehyde free polish. To rid the yellow, soak your yellow tips in lemon juice, which natural bleaching agent, for several minutes. Use a soft toothbrush dipped in lemon juice to gently scrub the yellow discoloration away. Follow up with cuticle oil.

I like Peter Thomas Roth Oilless Oil.

Your hair grows faster in the summer.

Show deep conditioners Honestly, this is still up for debate because the difference in hair growth is soooo small! It’s credited to more light exposure, naturally increased estrogen levels, and a better diet may help the overall health of your hair and scalp. So it’s a stretch, but does grow a bit more. To make sure your hair stays healthy throughout the summer, make sure to use a deep conditioner. It’ll help get you the most out of that extra millimeter!

Some good options are Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Smooth, Biolage HYDRASOURCE Mask, and Dove Pure Care Dry Oil.

Tanning does not clear acne.

It’s all an illusion. What you’re seeing is the tan darkening the skin around pimples, which makes them stand out less. UV rays damage the skin, weakening the natural barrier and causing it to lose moisture. While at first this means your oily zones dry up, your skin tries to fix this by producing more and more of its own oils. So instead of preventing or lessening breakouts, sun exposure worsens the root of the problem. If you want to create that illusion, without damaging your skin, try a self tanner.

Try Caudalie Soleil Divin.

Shaving does not make your hair grow back thicker.

Shaving has absolutely no effect on hair growth or thickness. What you are more likely to be experiencing when you feel that familiar prickle as the hair begins to grow back, is the thicker part of the hair shaft. This is because the razor cuts the hair straight across the shaft, which is why stubble feels stiffer.

I like Venus Embrace Sensitive.

Mother's Day Gift Wishes from Real Moms

Have you guys gotten your moms Mother's Day gifts yet?  I'm sure you've taken a peek at some of the gift guides featuring "The Hottest Mother's Day Gifts," but all in all honesty, I don't find them very truthful.  I know my mom, for example wouldn't want a "Best Mom Ever" mug or plant to pot, never mind lavender scented soap.  To find out what moms really want, I spoke with some of my favorite moms in the beauty industry see what they hope to get.  Here's an honest, Mother's Day Gift Guide. 

I can easily tell you what I DON'T want for Mother's Day--I would die if I got anything from Vera Bradley, which every Mother's Day gift guide seems to include.  So that said--I have hinted about a piece of name or initial jewelry. The Jennifer Meyer piece would be the ultimate, but there are tons of lower-priced options. You can even find them on Etsy. - Anne Fritz Linval, founder of TheJetSetGirls

Ok so honestly for Mother's Day I'm asking for Beats by Dr. Dre earbuds lol. I just rejoined LA Fitness last month so I really want a good pair that stays in and plays nice and loud while I'm working out. And obviously I want them in the purple color. - Laura Claps, Founder of LBC Publicity and mom of the adorable Salvatore

I always want a massage. I would love to spend some quiet time in a gorgeous spa (I love Caudalie at The Plaza) on my own with a massage, facial, steam and maybe a blowout, then go out to a nice dinner with my family. The thing I love most are the homemade gifts from the girls. I've been getting a lot of Rainbow Loom accessories, but recently Amelia has been doing a lot of duct tape wallets and purses. But from Stuart, I expect a little more bling.  I would love customized or monogrammed jewelry that had the initials or names of my children. I interviewed two moms recently for Pretty Impressed who had some great pieces: Genevieve Jacobs’ Dallas and Carlos Alpha Necklace and Jacqui Stafford’s Love2Design Signature Cuff - Rachel Hayes Gayle, Founder of PrettyImpressed

I'm all about preserving memories especially now with my new growing family.  I love this square print set of 25 images from Artifact Uprising so that I can create a mosaic of our first year with bébé.  John has already given my husband and I so many amazing moments and to be able to see it on our wall will just give us an instant smile on the daily.   Although they are both a gift for me but if they want to be extra generous a day of beauty (head to toe) and nap would be a clutch Mother's Day gift. - Michelle Kelarakos, Founder of AmuseBoucheBlog

The truth is I go back and forth between wanting a little time to myself and just wanting to be cuddled up to my little ones. This year I'm actually making a Mother's Day BBQ in my backyard. I know it's usually a Father's Day kinda thing, but, I love grilled veggies and this way I get to be with my kids enjoying some sunshine but they won't literally be on top of me-- sort of the best of both world's, you know? In terms of gifts, I've been eyeing an opal pendant necklace for a month or so, but foot reflexology would do the trick, too. - Bryce Gruber, Editor, TheLuxurySpot.com

Skin Cancer Awareness, Because Smart is Sexy

One 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

This 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.