Fall runways are all about equestrian and Karlie Kloss owns the trend [Vogue]
Looking for fitness inspiration? Here's why you should look no further then this surprising app [Refinery 29]
Have you ever wondered what your most-used emojis say about you? [The Luxury Spot]
Male supermodels are apparently extremely opinionated about the opposite sex, and this one isn't afraid to spill the beans! [Lipstick.com]
Want to turn your insta-photos into nail art? Now there's an app for that [Allure]
And here it is, the second commercial I shot this summer in LA for Dove that's currently airing on E!. This time red carpet stylist, Micaela Erlanger (who's responsible for everything Lupita Nyong'o wears), joined Alicia Quarles and I. As you can see, it was a really fun shoot day and great pleasure to work with these talented women. Make sure you tune into the E! red carpet on Emmys night to see what Dove and I have in store!
Even though it's still technically summer, it's not too early to begin embracing fall beauty trends. As I reported from backstage NY Fashion Week, there are many to be excited about, but let's start by talking about the eyes. Lorac Pro Makeup Artist, Tiffany Kilgore, gave me the scoop on how to play up your peepers. With a few minor adjustments, all of these trends focusing on the eyes can be universally flattering.
Cat Eye
Whether it’s the mini-cat eye, featured at Dolce and Gabbana, or the flirtier, winged look at Rag and Bone, the liquid-lined eye is on point. Achieve this classic look with a smooth-gliding liquid liner like LORAC’s Front of the Line Pro in Black or Charcoal. For the perfect “wing”, apply liner at the outer corner of the eye first, pretending as if the lower lid were to extend upwards. Then use short strokes and connect the liner across the lid, literally on the base of the lashes. Build a thicker line from this basic one for more drama!
Metallic Smoky Eye
Create a beautifully bronzed lid, like the look featured at Rodarte, or a more silver-smoked effect, like that shown at Donna Karan. Use a soft, fuller eye brush to sweep sheer color over the lids and into the crease. To build, use a flat rounded shadow brush, or even fingertips, to make the look more smudged. A palette with different color options will offer multiple looks, like LORAC’s Pro Palette 2, which features both silver and bronze metallic shades and an eye primer to keep the look from fading.
Defined Brows
Shows like Moschino and 3.1 Phillip Lim featured models with bold, defined brows to complete their look. Try using a pencil to outline and fill in the shape of the brow, applying color outside the natural line where necessary to fill in gaps. Then set the pencil with a powder, whether it’s a made-for-brows product or an eye shadow that complements the hair color.
These are the hottest fall beauty trends involving your eyes, but don't worry, I'll be posting many more! Take these tips and make them your own.
The VMA's and Emmys are coming up, which means we'll have tons to talk about in the world of celebrity beauty very shortly. I can hardly believe that in just one week, I'll be on the Emmys red carpet with E! on behalf of Dove and you better believe I've been prepping. I got word that celebs like Lizzy Capalan from "Masters of Sex" have been visiting Kinara Spa's coveted facialist, Olga Lorencin, for her Red Carpet Facial. Me? They hooked me up with their latest, the Red Carpet Facial Kit and to put it simply, it works.
Since I've been traveling and working so much lately with no down time, I didn't have time to get into the spa itself for what my skin really needed to get that red carpet glow, but I promise you, this three-step peel is result driven. I've been using a few times a week for about two weeks now and it's safe to say I'm somewhat addicted. Thankfully, it's safe to use daily.
The Red Carpet Facial Kit comes with three solutions, each being a step, along with a small bowl and brush. From the website:
On my skin, the first step, the peel, doesn't even tingle, but when I brush on the neutralizer, it begins to just a bit. Depending on your skin type and how dry it is, the first two steps may be a bit irritating, but only until you rinse it off. It's worth every second. The mask is nothing but soothing. My pores appear tighter and smaller immediately and skin is left plump and glowing.
The Kinara Spa Red Carpet Facial Kit can be found at shop.kinaraspa.com for $145.
Have you been watching E! lately? Well, whether you've been Keeping Up with the Kardashians or not, I scored a copy of the commercial that's been airing all week starring Alicia Quarles and yours truly. We have something huge planned for Emmys night with Dove, so make sure you tune into E!'s red carpet coverage. PS: A new commercial airs this week so tune in! For more...
If you work entirely too hard at your job, consider Energy Healing as a way to unwind (yes, seriously) [Into the Gloss]
Obsessed with all things Scandal? Check out this awesome inside scoop on Katie Lowes boudoir [Allure]
Check out this post before reaching for your next makeup wipe. Trust me, all wipes are not the same! [Beauty High]
Wanderlust is good for the soul and these photos of Morocco are absolutely breathtaking [Marie Claire]
If you're looking for a chic way to display your accessories, look no further. Total Beauty has you covered [Total Beauty]
You can consider all of us here at BeautySweetSpot fitness fanatics. From running, to yoga and barre, we've got it all covered, which is why we rounded up the best fitness apps that’ll inspire you to get up and get moving – all while having fun, of course.
This easy-to-use fitness app is great for experienced runners and newbies alike. It features a GPS map that’ll track your every move and a very nice lady-robot (probably related to Siri) who will tell you helpful things like your pace and how long you’ve been running. Once you complete your workout session, Runkeeper gives you the option of bragging about your time and distance on social media, which is awesome for motivational purposes. Never forget that it doesn’t matter how far you go or how fast, you’re still lapping everyone who’s on the couch.
Yoga memberships are expensive. A single class can cost upwards of twenty bucks. Enter the Yoga Studio app. For less than five bucks you get a plethora of awesome routines that are designed to strengthen your muscles through guided workouts and audio cues. More experienced and actually able to touch your toes already? There are plenty of more advanced workouts available, making this the ideal app for yogis of all levels.
Sometimes the hardest part of working out is just showing up. Pact makes that decision significantly easier by offering rewards and penalties for people who break their workout dates, meaning that every time you skip a workout…you lose real money deducted from your credit card. On the other hand if you meet your goals at the end of the week, then you can actually earn money too! Clever, right? The best part is that Pact can be synced with other fitness apps like your FitBit or even Runkeeper to help hold you accountable without having to do too much extra work like logging in your exercise manually.
If Runkeeper is too boring for you to consider running as a real form of exercise, why don't you give Zombies, Run! a try? Suddenly, running to the corner ahead of you means the difference between you surviving the Zombie apocalypse and you getting totally eaten by a crowd of the walking dead. The app has super creative story lines built in that make you think you're running for your life and running certain distances will unlock gear that'll help you survive another day. Definitely better then your average workout class, right?
While you're out running from Zombies or challenging your friends to work out twice a week in order to earn five dollars, consider also logging your challenges with Charity Miles. For every mile of exercise that you do, a corporate sponsor will donate to a charity on your behalf. That way, not only are you helping yourself live a healthier lifestyle, but you will be helping the lives of others at the same time.
What do A-listers like Iggy Azelia, Katy Perry, J. Lo and Rihanna have in common? They've all been spotted rocking a fashion forward high ponytail this summer like it's no one's business. The edgy look is a perfect way to keep long hair off of your neck in the summertime. NYC Stylist, Jan-Marie Arteca, gave me tips on how to pull it off.
"This look is perfect for anyone who has long hair and likes wearing it off of their face," explained Arteca. Of course, personally, I could never get away with wearing my hair up that high, but kudos to you if you can. I do love it! "This ponytail is all about smoothness and placement."
Starting with damp hair, use a mousse like Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse for added volume and blow dry with a round brush. This type of ponytail can be worn pin straight or curled, but prep is essential in order for it to look done.
If you'd like to keep it straight, lock in shine with a flat iron before pulling it up. Otherwise, use a 1 1/2" curling iron and curl your hair. Finally, pull it up and secure it over the oxibidal bone. In order to hide your elastic, take a piece of hair from underneath and wrap it around securing it with a bobby pin. As a finishing touch, add a light-weight shine serum to the top keep frizz at bay.
Wearing a high pony tail is a fashion statement. Wear it well.
Happy Monday! I couldn't wait to share this news with you! You might have seen me tweet, "It's all happening," or noticed I've been working in LA pretty much since my honeymoon. Now, I can finally share what I've been working on. Yes, it's a dream come true – I've partnered with Dove and have been working with the E! channel on a surprise project.
If you tune into E! starting today you'll start to see a very familiar face in commercials leading up to the Emmys... and that's not all. I've been blessed with the opportunity to partner with Dove, who is sponsoring the Emmys and E! red carpet! Working with E!'s Alicia Quarles, two commercials will air pre-Emmys showing you what I'll be doing on Emmy day. Then...
... on Emmy day, make sure to tune into E! Live from the Red Carpet, because Dove and I have a surprise in store. I'll also be covering the carpet, attending the Emmys and Govenors Ball. Make sure to follow my Twitter (I'll be tweeting along with the E! hosts) & Instagram for live updates.
The Emmys are on Monday, August 25th, so tune in and watch the red carpet live stream on E! online. If I were your boss, I wouldn't care.
Here's a behind the scenes video from one of my shoots featuring the new Dove Body Wash:
And you know me, there's nothing in the world I'd rather do than work with a brand I've been using since I was a child (from beauty bars to body wash) and with an entertainment network providing insider access – straight from the red carpet! It truly is the most perfect partnership and I couldn't be more grateful.
Adulthood can be ridiculously hard, let Miranda Kerr help make yours a little easier with these 7 tips [Into the Gloss]
This video of Barack Obama rapping Iggy’s “Fancy” is all you need to kick-start your Friday [The Luxury Spot]
Everyone can use a little more sleep in the AM. Skip the blow-dry and try these time saving shortcuts instead [Byrdie]
Wondering why everyone is suddenly dousing themselves in ice water? Check out the latest in social movements here [Mashable]
Serena may be long gone, but Blake Lively is still the world's hottest "It Girl" even without the help of Gossip Girl [Vogue]
NY Fashion Week doesn't feel complete unless I interview Charlotte Tilbury. Each season, I always look forward to seeing her and sharing in her enthusiasm for whatever look she's creating at the time. For the past few months, I've been covering her new makeup collection that's only been available in London, but starting in September, it'll be available in the states and I couldn't be more excited (and you should be, too)! BeautySweetSpot's Emily Rekstis attended the launch event and got the scoop!
Tilbury tuned into the NYC editor launch event via Skype from her home in London to talk about her latest venture. Explaining that she created a "wardrobe of makeup looks" based on her past and modern day icons like Mia Farrow, Kate Moss and Penelope Cruz, you can shop each look making it easy to purchase products online. As you can see from this post, I was overjoyed when she actually created her Penelope look on Penelope Cruz.
Here are some of Tilbury's absolute favorites from her new line:
Magic Cream: Tilbury cannot do a shoot without this special formula. She's been using it for years and finally bottled it for everyone to use.
Wonderglow: “I like to call it my Giselle in a jar.” Now you can have that beautiful, Brazilian skin. This, is an instant pick-me-up.
Supermodel Body: This will make you look slimmer by creating the illusion of a Victoria's Secret angel's body through contouring and sculpting. It's confidence in a tube.
Feline Flick: The easiest way to apply Tilbury's signature eye. “My sister can do it using this. I knew if she could, I succeeded.”
Luxury Palette: The order of application is all in the palette making it easy to apply. Top left to right: prime then enhance. Bottom left to right: enhance then smoke.
Charlotte Tilbury's products will be available in September at CharlotteTilbury.com, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom.
“Thank you for your application to our ballet company. Unfortunately, you will not be accepted. You lack the right feet, achilles tendons, turn out, torso length, and bust. You have the wrong body for ballet. And at 13, you are too old to be considered.”
Misty Copeland, the woman in the new Under Armour 'I Will What I Want' ad, told me was a list of reasons why she would never succeed as a ballerina. Today, well look at her. I was fortunate enough to sit down one-on-one with the first African-American soloist in two decades for the American Theater Ballet Company. Here's what she had to say...
What is it that drew you to ballet?
I was literally pushed into it. I didn’t know anything about [ballet]. So there was no drive or real focal point really. I took my first ballet class at a boys and girls club on a basketball court and I was pushed into taking it. I took it at the late age of 13 and then to achieve being a member of one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world in only four years of training I think just says something about the determination that was so innate that just speaks to the I Will What I Want campaign.
What is it that you love most about ballet?
It’s athletic, artistic, I think it’s an art and a sport. I think we need to come up with a new word for that. We’re more than just an athlete and more than just an artist. And what it takes to be the whole package and be all these things and these very elite small percentage of people that makes it to these top companies it takes a ton of perseverance and determination and dedication.
If you weren’t doing ballet, what is it you think you would doing with your life/career?
I would be athletic. I’d be Fashion. I don’t know. I would be doing something that got me moving. I think that’s what I was meant to do. From the time I was like seven, I had like massive calf muscles and thighs even though I did nothing physical. So I think I was meant to do something physical.
Did you ever play other sports?
I played basketball for fun with my brothers when I was growing up. There was three boys in my family. But I never played in leagues or anything that was structured. I’m really drawn to basketball. I can’t wait to meet Steph Curry who’s now also Under Armour athlete, who plays for the Golden State Warriors. Hopefully I get a one-on-one with him.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Oooh shoes. When it comes to food though? Cupcakes.
What’s your favorite pair of shoes?
Right now I have a pair of Saint Laurent's that are like hot pink platform. But that’s not my typical. Like I have so many Christian Louboutins. The very classic ones simple nude, black, pointy toe.
Misty Copeland was phenomenal in person and such an inspiration. Check out her video and I promise you'll be inspired, too.
As you might have seen on my Instagram a few weeks ago, L'Oreal sent over their latest launches, which have kept me beyond busy. After swiping, blending and dusting on repeat, I can't wait to tell you about my favorites from the new line: L'Oreal Balm Pop and Glossy Balm. Each under $10, will change your daily lip game justas they've changed mine.
See? I wasn't kidding when I told you I had a ton to test! As someone who normally likes to wear makeup just to accentuate my features, I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to 'putting on my face.' As long as my lips have some sort of balm on them to keep them moisturized make them appear healthy I'm normally good to go. Naturally tinted lip balms are a fave.
As a fan of the L'Oreal Color Riche Balm for their moisturizing properties and hints of sheer color I was wowed when I tried out the new Balm Pop. With the same smooth texture and hydration properties of shea and jojoba butter, Balm Pop turns it up with intense pigment. It feels like a balm, but looks like a lipstick. I've been wearing them during the daytime to complete my look. Even the Fiery Red (my favorite) is supper flattering and less intimidating to wear than red lipstick.
The new Glossy Balm offers the same intense pigment (in different shades) as Balm Pop, but is shaped like a crayon and offers more shine than anything else. My favorite? Pink Me Up.
L'Oreal Balm Pop is available in four colors and L'Oreal Glossy Balm is available in eight colors, both for $7.99.
Facial enthusiasts, pay attention, you're going to want to get on board. Last week I paid a visit to the White Tea Med Spa in NYC, well known for contouring the bodies of Victoria Secret models, to test out their latest facial, the DNA Facial. Greeted by the brains behind the facial, Lead Esthetician, Maria Rianna, she was eager to smear cow's placenta all over my face. Anything for the sake of beauty, right?
"These cows are located in the French alps. They're pesticide and horomone free and listen to Mozart to calm them," Rianna explains. "Just like a pregnant woman, stress would negatively affect the placenta and these stem cells are the best."
Within five days of a cows becoming pregnant, scientists extract stem cells from their placenta with a needle and prepare them for the DNA Facial. They're then frozen, and delivered to spas on dry ice.
Rianna customized my facial before gently tapping the stem cells, (yes, from a cow's placenta) onto my skin. "You can't rub them on, because they're so sensitive and delicate, you'll destroy them." While thinking about what she was doing I felt a bit skeeved, but I began to feel an immediate tightening, which proved their worth.
I was told the tightening effect could last up to a week, but day six will be my prime. She was right, and just in time for a shoot. I had smaller pores and my skin looked a bit lifted. Combined with miro-current to work the facial muscles and the total works of the facial, the DNA Facial is the creme de la creme of facials.
So how do they work? Turns out, the stem cells work cosmetically to help rebuild weaker cells. This can include anything from skin with hyperpigmentation (me), fine lines and wrinkles (me), acne and the list goes on. It's a one-size-fits all fix. In Europe and South America, stem cells from cows placentas are used as medical injectables for healing purposes.
The DNY CyroStem Cell Facial costs $225 at White Tea Med Spa, which is located at 104 W. 14th St., NYC.
Is your summer skin feeling a little stressed? Check out this celeb makeup artist trick for an instantly glowing complexion [Byrdie]
Photobombing is an art, and these celebrities have nailed it [Vogue]
Nude nails never go out of style, here are the top picks from every brand [Into the Gloss]
Have you ever wanted to be a mermaid? There's a school for that! [The Luxury Spot]
In honor of National Lipstick Day, 5 facts mind-blowing facts about lipstick [Lipstick.com]
As I walked into the Josie Natori store in downtown NYC, I was immediately immersed into the incredible design world of Josie. Extremely well known for her luxurious lingerie as well as tasteful decor pieces, I was fortunate to be able to chat with Mrs. Natori about her new Josie lifestyle collection and scent.
The store itself was impeccably chic, all centered around a beautiful tablescape that showcased the fragrance and the black, white, and red theme of the line. A quick sniff confirmed that indeed, Mrs. Natori's second scent will be a total hit as it smells divine. A crowd gathered in the front of the store stared in awe at the sidewalk, which has been artfully airbrushed with a 3D rendering of the luxe Josie perfume bottle.
Tell me about the new Josie fragrance.
The DNA of Natori is east meets west with a little more of a fun twist. We wanted something that has the feeling of Natori but a little sexier, you know? When you think of Natori you think serious, Josie is upbeat and more for a younger generation.
How does your culture influence your design choices?
This fragrance is inspired by flowers, in particular one I grew up with in the Philippines called the Sampaguita, in the Jasmine family. Then we added a few notes of citrus and patchouli to create a more sensual scent. My lingerie is sexy yet still approachable and I wanted that to come through in the Josie fragrance.
Does your design aesthetic come through when creating a perfume?
Oh of course, you can even tell from the shape of the bottle that we wanted something different, something luxe. It reminds me a little of a bento box! The world of Josie is from the inside out, from underwear to outerwear to home. It's been fun to complete.
The Josie Natori Josie Perfume retails for $75 for 50 ml, $95 for 100 ml and $22 for the rollerball and can be found online at natori.com.
"This is hard as sh*t," my best friend Adrienne grunted to me as we attempted to pull our knees to our chest in the most twisted plank position while on a reformer. Moving it in and out with our hands up on handle bars, the resistance wasn't all that I loved to hate. Her seventh class, my first. She did it. But I on the other hand, realized that while I may appear toned, I'm beyond weak. Having never been on a reformer machine before, leave it to my BFF to encourage me not only to try it, but to test it out during an SLT class.
SLT = strengthen, lengthen, tone (until you die) is a megaformer workout studio. Being that I take barre classes about five times a week, the workout seemed right up my alley and I was excited to challenge myself again with something different. Our instructor, Kaitlin, showed me the ropes of the reformer and through cardio, a bit of weight training and body sculpting through Pilates, every single muscle of my body was worked. I was sweating. Actually sweating and you know I only like to 'glisten.'
There were only six people in our class, but the studio can hold ten. It's small, but spacious with mirror lined walls and windows looking over the city streets. The class lasts 50 minutes and costs $40 if you pay individually. However, they of course have packages that are more cost effective. Despite the fact that I wasn't able to do everything, there were women in there who could, including my BFF. This is a fitness class that I now need in my lifestyle.
To view a schedule, visit sltnyc.com.
SLT Midtown is located at 41 W. 57th St., NYC and SLT Soho is at 132 Crosby St., NYC
Never mind diamonds. Ponytails are really a girl’s best friend. Long, short, messy, clean, high, low – the list goes on – but how about creating a bubble effect in your pony? The "it" bubble ponytail was be seen on Blake Lively at the Met Gala as well as on the runway during this year’s Valentino show. With a little help from Redken Celebrity Hairstylist, Jenny Balding, we got the scoop on how to get the look. From runway to red carpet and now, to real way... because who doesn't want to look like Blake Lively?
Depending on what you're wearing or how you do your makeup, this bubble ponytails can be edgy or sophisticated. If you're blonde like me, try using black hair ties for an edgy look and clear for a more polished style. A brunette like Jeannine, or any other hair color, using clear elastics or ones that match your hair color are best.
Doesn't it always seem like no matter what you want your hair to do it does the opposite? Happy Monday. The latest crop of stylers that landed on my desk are far from ordinary. These style solutions are for rebellious hair. I mean it. Check out the latest... you can thank me later.
Problem: Fly-Aways
Solution: Shu Uemura Art of Hair Detail Master
This directional fixing spray is used to target hairs that may be out of place. It's a fierce hold hair spray that leaves nothing but shine. Yes, just shine. Despite it's strength, it doesn't leave a sticky or crunchy residue. Tip: Spritz some on a toothbrush and comb over fly-aways for a softer look and sleek finish.
Problem: Dry, Brittle Strands
Solution: Leonor Greyl L'Huile De Leonor Greyl
This pre-shampoo treatment consists of a blend of copra oil and mongongo oil, which protect and regenerate your hair from the summer's elements. Think chlorine and sun. It's also great for color treated hair. Instead of working with dry, unruly tresses, say hello to hydration!
Problem: Frizz
Solution: Kerastase Maskeratine
If frizz is your problem, this mask is your solution. After shampooing, let it sit on your strands for about five minutes.
Guys we all know Queen Bey is consistently killing it in life. Here are 7 times her reactions have been spot on [The Luxury Spot]
Drop everything, how you store your flat iron actually matters! Have you been doing it wrong too? [Rouge 18]
Everyone wants to be young, and living in these cities will help you stay forever flawless [Total Beauty]
The way you dress is nobody's business but your own. Here's why [Refinery 29]
Struggling to go from beach babe to nighttime chic? This is the only guide you need to looking effortlessly put-together [The Glitter Guide]
