My Emmys Beauty Look

Of course by now you've read all about your favorite celebrity beauty looks from the Emmys red carpet, but I've been getting a lot of questions about my dress (since it had pockets) and beauty look that I have to share it with you.  Getting ready for this big moment was a collaborative effort between the Dove team, my hairstylist and makeup artist and of course, myself.  I knew exactly what direction I wanted my hair and makeup to go in for my Emmys beauty look, which was influenced by my glamourous Monique Lhuillier gown.

I woke up at 7am feeling like a child on Christmas morning (and I'm not a morning person), hopped in the shower and took the one shower challenge with new Dove Body Wash.  I'm sure you saw the video I shot in my previous post on the new formula, which was upgraded and now has a richer lather, but is still a mild cleanser.  I can't get enough.  The promise is 'softer, smoother skin after just one shower,' just what I seek.

At 8am my makeup artist was at my door and then with me on the carpet for the day.  The look: Audrey Hepurn inspired.  Yep, you got it – old Hollywood glamour. "To balance out such a glamorous gown, I made sure to keep the hair and makeup fresh and youthful," she remarked. Think Taylor Swift.  Not that I wanted to look like her, but she's a celeb who can pull off old school Hollywood without looking like the mother of the bride.  "For the makeup, I didn't over line the eyes or lips and kept all of it soft and smudged.  With the hair, it's all about texture and making sure the updo doesn't look too perfect."

So what do you think of my Emmys beauty look?  You can wear it for any formal event.  It was a fantastic experience and I'm so thankful!

Fall in Love with Armani Si

One of the funnest parts of New York Fashion Week is attending parties, dinners and lounges hosted by brands and media outlets to network and celebrate the week. Yesterday I joined Glamour at their Street Glam Pop Up Shop in the Chelsea Market, which is open to the public.  Sponsored by brands like Garnier, Maybelline, Gilt and Philosophy, there were hair and makeup touch ups, opportunities to shop, a hair psychic (yes, for real) and more. My favorite experience though, was at the Armani booth with Armani Si.

To promote their latest fragrance, Armani Si, the brand had a booth set up romantically with rose petals and ribbons to spritz the scent on for sampling.  With notes of vanilla, patchouli and may rose, the fragrance is light, but seductive.  Since fragrance is personal, they had DIY monogrammed love notes readily available for visitors to write out and mail.  Of course, I sent one to Joe with our "L" monogram on it.  I also spritzed it with Si as a finishing touch.

If you're in NYC this weekend, check it out.  I also stopped by Garnier to get my hair styled, shopped the Gilt x Glamour shoe collection and had my hair fortune ready by Glamour's Editor-at-Large, Theodore Leaf, who's fantastic.  By hair fortune, I mean this guy is a stylist (look him up) and was on point with the ladies and gave specific consultations on what they should do with their hair.  I heard a bunch and kept agreeing with him.  Everyone appreciated his advice.

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

Insta-Glam: Models to Follow During NYFW

New York Fashion Week is literally the most important time of the year.  I don't care what anyone says, there is nothing more incredible then watching the Internet practically break, because of all of the footage surfacing from the most elite runway shows around the world. We've rounded up the 8 hottest models who's instagram handles you should follow for insider access that will have you feeling like you're in the big tent sitting next to Anna Wintour herself throughout all of NYFW.

Karlie Kloss, Instagram: @karliekloss

A definite fan fav, Karlie is known for her awesome personality and wacky photos. Follow her as she undoubtedly kills it on the runways for some of the biggest designers in the world.

Cocoa Rocha, Instagram: @CocoRocha

Coco's lustworthy Insta is riddled with photos designed to incite the most serious case of Wanderlust by showing the beauty in her surroundings (even if her surroundings are next to a camel or something equally as ridiculous). Her insider photos of NYFW are guaranteed to be visually stunning, like peeking behind the scenes of a Vogue cover shoot.

Cara Delevigne, Instagram: @caradelevigne

A mix between high fashion shots and personal insider photos, Cara will definitely be reporting on NYFW with a high-brow twist...and of course, a side of bacon.

Joan Smalls, Instagram: @joansmalls

Joan Smalls is sure to slay this year at NYFW. Her incredible cheekbones make her Instagram totally gorg, follow her for high fashion shots with a pinch of her offbeat humor sprinkled in.

Miranda Kerr, Instagram @mirandakerr

This VS Angel is looking to break the mold by joining the ranks of the NYFW runways. Keep an eye out for her infectious smile and unmistakable behind-the-scenes selfie guaranteed to have you feeling like you're part of the action.

Jourdan Dunn, Instagram @officialJDunn

Known for being best pals with fellow runway queen Cara Delevigne, these two often cameo on each other's Insta's while party-hopping. Keep an eye out for her taking the runway by storm with the occasional shot of her adorable son mixed in!

Gigi Hadid, Instagram @GigiHadid

The daughter of Real Housewife of Beverly Hills star Yolanda, this up-and-comer is sure to appear a few times at NYFW. Having walked last season, Gigi is sure to stun with her striking features and high-fashion Insta shots.

 Georgia May Jagger, Instagram @GeorgiaMayJagger

No stranger to the catwalk, Georgia walked the London Olympics runway without breaking a sweat. She's sure to make an appearance this season but only her Insta will give us the insider shots we really want...along with the occasional adorable animal cameo of course!

MUA Approved: L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara

What's your favorite mascara?  I have my go-to from Urban Decay, Lancome and Dior  but I also test new ones out all of the time. Lately, I've been on a few shoots for different campaigns and found it incredible that three different makeup artists I worked with all used the same mascara, L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara.  That has to mean something, right?  Here's why it's a makeup artist favorite and now, my drugstore go-to as well.

"L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black is a thick and goopy mascara that never flakes and is as black as black will ever come," commented makeup artist, Allison Pynn, who always uses the waterproof formula for shoots.

The product isn't too wet, she explains, "so it stays put on the lashes and doesn't get all over the lids after you apply it."  Describing the formula as a "creamy lipstick for the lashes," it's not shiny or matte, but a really solid mascara.  She uses disposable wands on her clients, but on herself, she uses the applicator that comes with the mascara and likes that it's controllable.

Next time you're searching the drugstore for a new mascara, know that L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara is makeup artist approved.

5 Favorite Beauty Buys

This summer has been all about easy and effortless beauty, and I've been loving products that simplify my routine without sacrifice. From the launch of the first BB/CC cream brush (yes, you read that right) for creating a flawless face to a new Chloe scent to accompany late summer nights, these five favorite beauty buys will transition easily from season to season.

LUSH Charity Pot, $22.95 at Lush

It’s no secret that Lush cares about both the environment and their customers. 100% of the proceeds from the sales of Charity Pot, an incredibly luxurious hand and body lotion goes to support grassroots organizations that matter in the world (like environmental conservation, animal welfare, and human rights). The lotion itself is made with Fair Trade organic cocoa butter that leaves hands feeling incredible. I kid you not, no lotion moisturizes or absorbs into the skin so quickly without leaving behind a greasy residue. Insider tip: Collect and return five Lush products pots at a store for a free goody!

MUA BB or CC Cream Brush, $18 at CVS

Have you ever used a brush for your BB or CC cream? If not, you need to ASAP. This brush soaks up any extra product so you don’t cake on a little too much during the hot summer months. The brush head is domed perfectly so it blends cream flawlessly into the skin for super light coverage without leaving brush hairs behind.

See by Chloe, $78 for 1.7 oz at Nordstrom

This perfume completely embodies the New York woman in a single whiff. Notes of vanilla and musk combined with floral jasmine create an urban-chic scent that captures the strong personality that rules the concrete jungle. The luxe bottle is made of faceted glass, perfect for every Chloe woman.

Pantene Dry Shampoo, $4.99 at Target

Nothing saves a blowout during the heat and humidity of summer quite like dry shampoo. If you’re like me (and can’t blow out your own hair to save your life) then getting that salon perfect look to last for days is a must. This dry shampoo from Pantene works wonders on strands, soaking up oils without leaving your hair feeling crunchy or dirty or like you really should just bite the bullet and wash your hair already. Bonus, it also smells fantastic and doesn’t leave any white residue behind.

L’OReal TXT It Tousle Waves Spray, $4.99 at Ulta

Another day, another great sea-salt spray. This one definitely comes in at one of the lowest price points and is readily available at your local Ulta. Spray on damp hair for a perfectly tousled look without a crunchy residue left behind, and it also works double-time as a great detangler for curly locks.

Interview: Alicia Quarles' Makeup Artist

Alicia Quarles' makeup artist is a force to be reckoned with!  Keesh Winkler-Smith, makeup artist and groomer for E! News, has the confidence, creativity and talent to create looks suitable for the fierce personalities behind the network.  I had the pleasure of watching her create the radiant yet edgy masterpieces on Alicia's lids throughout filming the Dove commercials and working the Emmys red carpet.  Here, she fills me in on her inspirations, craft, and makeup bag must-haves.

I was so impressed by the looks you created for Alicia for the Dove commercials and Emmy red carpet. What inspired you? 

I am inspired by everything in life around me. Magazines, blogs, other artists…. When I see my clients I like to feel out their personality and I also take in account their choice in wardrobe and accessories for the event. I always get a instant idea of what I am going to do for the occasion. For both Dove commercials I kept Alicia very Fresh & Radiant to capture her natural glow & beauty. I used a purple eyeshadow shade as a bottom eyeliner with a angle brush for application to pick up the natural hues in her beautiful purple dress making what I call  "Pop Of Color"  to intensify the complete look.

For Red Carpet Emmy's Alicia's wore a beautiful deep royal blue gown with beautiful Green & Blue accessories for the. I decided to apply a Golden yellow shimmer eyeshadow, a soft brown shade in the crease and a neutral tone on her brow bone. I kept her lips a very soft nectar shade and I used bronzer instead of blush.

Regardless, if I am doing television, Red Carpet affair, Photo Shoots, Bridal or Editorial work I always stick to my "makeup mission" of course depending on my clients needs. I believe in always keeping a clean and simple face with "A Splash of Color".

Do you and Alicia collaborate on her looks or do you just work your magic?

I actually just work from my natural instincts that I was lucky enough to be Blessed with. It's also great because Alicia trusts my vision and gives me full control to be creative. This helps a lot because I am able to just do my thing without over thinking.

You seem to always play up her eyes, how come?

I believe the eyes are the window to your soul... Eyes have always been my favorite and most exciting part of application to the face! I get to be creative using color while applying my own signature style and concept depending on the look.

Your use of color is abundant, yet strategic.  Can you give us a tip on how to incorporate color into a look without over doing it? 

I like to use a technique I call "POP OF COLOR" using either a color liner on bottom or using a bright shade on the lid with a very natural crease and highlighter. Knowledge of the color wheel and what colors are complimentary is essential when I decide to apply color.  My mantra is "COLOR IS YOUR FRIEND", with that in mind and paired with a few pairs of lashes yes, I said a few pairs!  Have fun with it because it all washes down the drain at the end of the day.

What are some of the staples in your kit and why?

I absolutely love these products and I have also listed reasons why I keep them in my kit:

• Ardell eyelashes : they add fullness with a slight glam look. I love to cut them up and create my own personal touch.
• Mac Mineralize Skin Finish Natural Powder : provides a very flawless finish without looking too heavy on skin.
• Makeup Forever Eyeshadows : They have a great pay off - the pigmentation is rich and very easy to blend. Also they come in FUN COLORS!
• Murad skin care: because makeup looks even better with healthy skin underneath. I encourage all my clients to stick to a regiment. (Clarifying Cleanser, Renewing Eye Cream, Oil Control Mattifier w/SPF 15 | PA++)

Murad also has a wonderful skin specific treatments and anti-aging products. Pretty much I am in love with the entire line as their products are so good. You can use alone or under makeup.

Everything You Need to Know About Hair Extensions

As you saw at the Emmys (did you even recognize Breaking Bad's Anna Gunn let's just say she went a little over board), hair extensions can do wonders.  For me, they add fullness to my hair, which is essential for on camera work.  When I wrote about Kelly Ripa's extensions, you all went nuts, because those were done right! Well, now, NYC's master extension artist (my girl), JanMarie Arteca, gave me the scoop on everything you need to know about bonded hair extensions.  You know, in case you're interested in making a commitment.

The Bond...

Great Lengths uses a Keratin bond that is molded to the hair strand. Keratin is a protein that your hair naturally has so that is doesn't cause damage or irritation when applied. The machines used to apply the extensions can be adjusted so there is no heat damage done to the hair either. There should be just enough heat applied to make the keratin bond pliable to the hair.

The Damage or Lack There Of...

When attached properly there will be no damage to your hair. I find that any damaged caused by extensions usually happens in the application stage (not being done properly) or in the maintenance and removal stage.

Bonded extensions can be damaging if they are not maintained properly. The recommended time on these extensions is usually 3-4months. Some clients will keep them in longer than that. The risk in doing so is matting of the hair (think dreadlocks), which can cause problems in the removal of the extension sometime involving hair loss or breakage. Brushing the extensions with a boar and nylon bristle brush will help prevent that. Sleeping with your hair in a loose bun or braid will also help prevent matting.

The Extension Artist...

If you are interested in extensions do some research. Find a salon that is certified in the extensions that you want to have. Go for a consultation, feel the hair, see the machine and get to know your extension artist. Most stylist also have a portfolio of their work, ask to see it! Make sure you like what you see. Lastly, ask for referrals. It's the best way to find someone to do your hair.

The Protection Factor...

Some clients have fine, brittle hair (think hair that just snaps at the touch) or work in fields where their hair is constantly being worked on with heat tools (models/actresses/fashion) applying extensions can help protect your hair from over exposure to heat tools that can cause damage to the hair. When applied they can actually protect your natural hair from being over processed since all the styling work is being done on extension hair leading to less damaged hair.

The Use...

Think outside of the box with extensions. They don't have to be used for just achieving Kim Kardashianesqe volumes of hair. A few bonds can help to enhance a bob or can be used to fill-in a fine hairline. Pastel color is also a major hair trend right now, if you aren't sure you want to commit to the color change ask your stylist about applying a few lilac strands to your look. Having fun with color without the risk of damaging or staining your hair with certain products. Men are also getting into extensions (Steven Tyler) adding a few strand to thinning hair can make all the difference guys!

Jan-Marie Arteca works at the Jeff Chastain Parlor in NYC.  Email her at janmarteca@gmail.com to schedule an extension consultation.

Emmys Day Excitement

Grateful.  Grateful.  Grateful!  I felt like I was living a dream yesterday on the E! red carpet with Dove at the Emmys!  Did you watch?  Here are some pics.  I seriously couldn't stop smiling.  Alicia Quarles and I gave two women a huge surprise and it felt awesome to be able to do that for someone.  In case you missed it, check out the video!

Barre3: Three Steps to A Leaner Bod

I woke up 24 hours after taking my first barre class, and my legs were sorer then they’ve ever been... and I played college soccer. Why try barre you may ask?  I had the privilege of trying out a Barre3 class before it opened to the public for BeautySweetSpot (no, Jeannine didn't make me) at their new Manhattan flagship studio in the West Village, taught by the Founder, Sadie Lincoln.  Wouldn't you?  

As I walked in to the pristine second floor village studio, I was pretty intimidated, but my anxious feelings were quickly put at ease thanks to the incredibly friendly (and fit!) staff.  Unlike other barre classes I've heard about, Barre3 consists of a three-step formula. Step one is based on position holds that work your muscles and adjust your alignment. Step two involves controlled, one-inch movements which helps increase core strength and warm up the body and step three is a cardio blast with large dynamic movements. You repeat this method throughout the hour-long workout.

We started in the middle of the floor with some simple standing positions, than moved to the bar for standing planks and squats, and eventually moved onto the floor for extra core and glute workouts.  And a great workout it was.  Each circuit easily allowed for multiple different modifications based on your body’s ability. You know how there are those times in a workout class you don’t modify to prove that you’re in just as great of shape as everyone else? It wasn’t like that here. You felt comfortable enough to achieve the best workout according to what you're able to do.  And Sadie continuously stressed that, making you more relaxed and focused on what you should be strengthening.

For instance, I have a bad ankle, so for some of the toe rises, I stayed flat-footed and focused on how to strengthen my thighs in my modified position. And I can promise you my thighs did not miss out. Another thing I loved about it was that during certain circuits, it didn’t even feel like you were working out. It seemed like you were just holding a pose, maybe even stretching. However, my body today says otherwise.

Barre3 is a great way to get in shape with an encouraging atmosphere that seemingly delivers results quickly. Your body may hate you the week after, but you will love your body in just a few more.

Barre3 opened just this week and is located at 63 W. 8th St. NYC.  Don't live in NYC?  No worries.  They have online workouts that are just as good if you're determined.

Celebrating 5 Years Freelance: Tips from My Mentors

I'm writing this post with gratitude as I look out the window onto the Emmys red carpet from a suite at the Ritz Carlton in LA and reflect on the past five years.  It's been five years to the week that I decided to quit my job and go full time freelance.  Not knowing exactly where that would take me, I created a vision board filled with dreams and ambitious goals.  That year, I did my first national TV segment live from the Emmys red carpet for E!. Today, I came full circle and am back on the Emmys red carpet with E!, but this time as a spokesperson for Dove coined E!'s beauty insider. What happened in between I credit to drive, networking, mentors, strategic partnerships, tunnel vision and gratitude.  

People ask, Did you always love beauty?  The answer... of course, but I never imagined writing beauty.  My goal was to write for a magazine, much like Kate Hudson in "How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days." When a beauty editorial internship opened up at Cosmopolitan, I went for it and the rest was history.  After working at Cosmo as their beauty assistant, I learned the ins and outs of beauty editorial, and beauty PR was calling my name, which is where I began writing BeautySweetSpot.com.  It was only a hobby.  For deets on the rest, check out this article on Forbes.

Since being on my own for five years, my goals have shifted from writing to TV hosting and spokesperson work, but of course, I still have a passion for writing.  I had no idea my freelance career could and would take me this way, but as a journalist, it's an incredible feeling to be able to story tell and report on camera, too.

I've found that one of the most important elements to building a successful career is to have mentors.  Here are some of my most important mentors in the past five years and some of their advice.

I've been lucky enough to have mentors all of my life.  Career wise though, I met my first mentor at Cosmopolitan.  Today, she's the Beauty and Style Director of People, but then, Andrea Lavinthal, was my everything.  She not only believed in me enough to give me a chance, but also took the time to show me the ropes. I still look up to her.  Tip: Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

I met another mentor, Karen Robinovitz, when I first stared my blog while working in PR.  Currently the CEO of my management company, she pushed me off the edge, encouraging me to quit my job and now, hand in hand with my manager (another mentor), Reesa Lake, guide me to make sure my brand is continuously growing.  Tip: If you're not completely impressed by it, don't post it.

My father has always been a mentor in my life, but I owe him all of the credit for making me a business woman.  Tip: When it comes to business, at the end of the day, most people don't care about you – so make sure you do.  This, we tend to learn the hard way.

Gabby Bernstein is the most recent person to come into my life who I consider a mentor.  A world renowned life coach, I met her over breakfast and the rest was history.  Tip: In order to live life in a state of joy, you must forgive and be grateful. I couldn't agree more and living this way has as she would say, 'made miracles happen.'

You'll learn that mentors come in and out of your life for different reasons.  They teach you, encourage you, enable you, believe in you and have your back. Without my mentors, I'm not sure what these past five years would have looked like.  Don't be afraid to reach out to someone you look up to for advice.  They could end up being your next mentor.  And pay it forward.

So, five years from now?  Well, it's time to make another vision board.

My 2nd E! Commercial for Dove

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!

At-Home Peel: Kinara Spa Red Carpet Facial Kit

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:

1. Peel: Turn over skin cells to reveal refined, brighter and hydrated skin with Lactic and Malic Acids.
2. Neutralize: Revitalize dull, tired skin with a deep cleansing effervescent sensation via Argeninge and Sodium Bicarbonate.
3. Mask: Hydrate, sooth, plump and oxygenate with Lysate extract, Pikea Robusta and Mineral Complex.

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.

My 1st E! Commercial for Dove

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...

The Best Fitness Apps

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.

Runkeeper

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 Studio

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.

Pact

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.

Zombies, Run!

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?

Charity Miles

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.

How to Wear A High Ponytail

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.

Big News! My Dove & E! Emmy Partnership

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.

Charlotte Tilbury Launches Makeup Collection

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.

L'Oreal Balm Pop: Chic Lips for Under $10

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.

DNA Facial: Cow's Placenta Tightens

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.

SLT, The Best 50 Minutes of Exercise, Ever

"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