Something Blue-ish

Something old: my grandma's prayer book that was incorporated into my bouquet. Something new: my dress.  Something borrowed: Joe's mom's bracelet. Something blue: my pedicure plus and wedding day scent.  I chose a new scent for my wedding day that Joe approved of before hand so that each time I wear it, I think back to the memories of those romantic moments – getting ready with the girls, arriving at the church, dancing in Washington Square Park with him, being introduced into the ceremony as Mr. & Mrs., our first dance... So, how can a scent be something blue? Better yet, you'll love how I wore it.

I spritzed Oscar de la Renta Something Blue into my veil so when the wind caught it or when it moved as I danced, a sensuous uplifting scent filled the air.  It was romantic and he noticed.

Lucy Hale: Get the Look with Mark Cosmetics

I've been seeing Lucy Hale everywhere lately and every time the first thing I think is – she's a mark. girl!  Therefore, when news landed in my inbox about her cover makeup look, I was compelled to cover it.  Plus, it's perfect for the holiday season.  Here, her makeup artist Jamie Greenberg, spills how you can replicate the look with mark cosmetics.

Eyes:

Sweep mark. Eye Dream Of Glam Eye Shadow Palette in light pink shade (left column, second shade from bottom) across the eye lids. Next, apply the blue shade (top right column) starting at the center of the lid and extending outwards into a defined V shape. Line the upper and lower lash lines with mark. What A Line Max Waterproof Eyeliner in Electric Cobalt and finish with two coats of mascara.

Face:

Sweep mark. Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes onto the apples of the cheeks, blending upwards along the cheekbones.

Lips:

Complete the look by applying mark. On The Dot Lip Gloss Compact’s light pink gloss (top right shade) across the lips.

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

Behind the Scenes in A Cosmetic Lab

Last week, I had the honor of touring Nu World Beauty’s factory, a cosmetic lab in New Jersey.  I felt like I was Charlie and I had won the golden ticket to the chocolate factory, except instead of chocolate, it was makeup; so way better. It was such a unique, eye opening experience and I just couldn’t wait to share my insider access with you BeautySweetSpot readers.

We were invited to the factory through the cosmetic company Hard Candy to celebrate their new fall launch. But we not only got to see the creation of Hard Candy products, but also other Nu World Beauty brands such as MAC, Victoria Secret, Benefit, and many more they manufacturer.

We were guided through different rooms on the floor, each room with a different task focus. The first place we explored was a small room where they were pressing powders into blush pallets. Through a window, we watched the machine go up and down as the pallets moved through on the conveyor belt.

Next, we went into the largest room we saw on the tour. It was filled with multiple assembly lines, conveyor belts and persons manning the machines. From lipsticks to primers to eyeliners, handfuls of different products and brands were being shifted along the lines. It was perfectly organized mayhem and beauty junkie would fawn over.

At one station in the cosmetic lab, workers were filling up moldings for lipsticks and then shaving off the tops before being placed in to their tubes. Once they were in the tubes, women were hand placing the bullet tops onto the lipsticks before capping them off and sending them to the end for packaging.The next room we went to held a very potent smell due to the flavored lipgloss being stirred in a giant container you needed a ladder to even to the top of it. Next to the giant chamber was a machine that was pressing the wax for lipstick. This was the part of the process where the wax was pressed to create the perfect color pigment before being heated and mixed.

We then moved through the storage area where ingredients were packaged in giant plastic bags with the perfect measurements for products ready to follow a recipe to its creation. It was a very Walter White moment for many of us. Then, we moved through the flammable section of storage into the nail polish creation area. With skinny long belts along the room, one special nail polish brand specifically had a curtain between their line and the rest of them for more privacy.

Our last stop on the tour was the chemistry lab where the colors and fragrances are researched to find the perfect combinations for the perfect products. Men and women in lab coats were measuring out glitters, and powders in all types of beakers and test tubes. You forget how scientific makeup and beauty products really are until you take a deeper look in to its creation.

A whole new level of respect is earned for the beauty industry when you step behind the scenes into a cosmetic lab and see the products that make up the industry created from scratch.

3 Tips to Tame Flyaways

Flyaways may just be little baby hairs, but they can be a big pain in the you know what. They can completely ruin the sleek look you’ve been working for hours to achieve. Frustrating, we know. Luckily, using just three of simple but effective techniques, we can make sure those baby hairs will never pop out of your desired sleek hairstyle. Try these tips and we promise that frustration you feel for your little baby hairs will go away just as quickly as the flyaways.

1. Hairspray on a toothbrush

Take a brand new toothbrush, spray a little bit of hairspray on the bristles and lightly brush over any areas with flyaways. The toothbrush doesn't disrupt the hairstyle, but it is tough enough to force the baby hairs down. This is also a great way to use the hold of hairspray without applying too much and getting that crusty look we all try to avoid.

 2. Dryer sheets

Tested and approved. This little hack is such a unique trick for taming those pesky baby hairs. Just take a single dryer sheet and gentle rub it over your hair. This will eliminate the static that causes those hairs to come up. You can also rub them on the brushes and combs to eliminate static pre-use.

 3. Lotion on your hands

You obviously do not want to apply straight lotion to your hair because, gross. But it you lotion your hands like you would normally do then run them through your hair. It will provide the hair with some moisture without over doing it. This works best for down hairstyles.

Solution: TruAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel

One of the best pieces of advice I could give you about aging is that it's better to prevent it than to correct it so always be smart about your lifestyle decisions as they all affect your skin.  There are so many ways in which our skin ages and with every beauty event I go to, I learn more and more about it.  Did you hear about glycation (sugar!) yet?  Well, let me fill you in.

Glycation (or advanced glycation end-products, AGEs) occurs when excess sugars in the body bind with proteins in the skin, causing stiffness and inelasticity, which causes the skin to age.  The solution?  Products that reverse the aging affect when sugars enter the body.

One product I found that tackles this issue is the new TruAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel. It helps reverse the external effects of damage caused by these advanced glycation end-products.  Containing natural ingredients like noni, Cornelian cherry, olive leaf, blueberry and cranberry extracts, and is super light and moisturizing. With daily use, with or without moisturizers, it will improve your skin's appearance.

TruAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel is available for $42 at Morinda.com.

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

Animal Inspired Halloween Makeup Ideas

Do you know what you're being for Halloween yet?  As I was searching through ideas on Pinterest, I came across this adorable deer makeup look, which inspired this whole animal inspired halloween makeup ideas post.  Because, who doesn't want to be an animal for halloween?  From different types of cats to a mouse, fox and even a giraffe, here are the cutest and of course, some of the sexiest.

Body Bronzing Obsessions

Would you rather watch a product review or read about it?  Well, guess who's turning to YouTube?  Thanks to you guys, I'm now using the video channel to do some product reviews.  I've noticed some of the videos I've posted on my channel throughout my career have gotten a ton of hits (almost two million views in total!), so here's a quick video review of my favorite self tanners of the moment. Because it's fall and we're pale.  Hope you enjoy it!

Get the Look: Jessica Alba's Cat Eye

This weekend Jessica Alba was spotted at the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park looking fierce with a flair – a Lauren Conrad-esque cat eye.  Her makeup artist, Quinn Murphy, gave me the breakdown on the exact makeup she used to get the look.

“To complement Jessica's black dress, I focused her look around black eyeliner while keeping the rest of the makeup bronze and warm.  It was 80 degrees in Central Park so a sun-kissed coral look was unseasonably appropriate," commented Murphy.

To the center of her eyelids, Murphy applied NARS Multiple in Vientaine and blended it up and outward before lining Jessica's top lash line with Estee Lauder Black Gel Eyeliner.  She made the line thicker on the outer edges and gave it a flick for a cat eye effect.  To finish, she applied Armani Eyes to Kill Black Mascara on the top and bottom lashes.

Two Face Masks You Need Now

Whether you do face masks to pamper every so often or to take serious skincare matters into your own hands and play esthetician (hehe) by giving yourself facials every other day, I have a theory that you can never have too many.  My medicine cabinet is full of them. When I get sent a new mask, it's a product I'll always put to the test.  Two have came across my desk and ended up in my weekly must-do stash that are worth a slot in your Sunday night skincare regimen.

Exfoliation: The Bliss Multi-'Face'-eted All-In-One Anti-Aging Clay Masque is a flexible clay mask that doesn't fully dry and tighten as it sits on your skin.  It contains alpha hydroxy acid along with smoothing quartz, which feel like the tiniest grains of sand, to help exfoliate.  My skin looked brighter and felt softer after one use.  I just left it on for five minutes (directions say five to seven), then took it off with a warm wash cloth.  Using a wash cloth to remove it is essential as it aids in the exfoliation process.

Hydration: The SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque, $54, has a potent does of hyaluronic acid and B5 that instantly plumps your skin.  As a fan of the brand's B5 gel, which is a moisture boost that I sometimes use under my nighttime moisturizer, I knew I'd be into this mask before I began using it.  It's great not only for people who need extra moisturization, but also for those who have fine lines and need a boost.  After washing my face at night, I leave it on for 10 minutes and allow it to soak in.  Then, instead of washing it off, I pat what's left on my face into my skin and wear it to bed.

I don't know about you, but in my world, doing both of these face masks in a row is a perfect Sunday night.

Julien Farel's One Stop Beauty Shop

Have you ever been to a salon that made your jaw drop?  I'm not talking about a gorgeous spa.  I mean a real, dare I say, beauty parlor.  Recently, I paid a visit to Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa at the Loews Regency Hotel in midtown NYC to check out what all of the hype about his new Park Ave. location is about.  Let's just say it's a NYers dream as Julien Farel's well thought out menu of services is for the busy, woman who doesn't know how not to multitask.

Located on the second floor of the Loews Regency Hotel, services begin with cut and color, include manicures and pedicures and also delve into spa.  It is a one-stop-shop that understands the sophisticated Manhattan woman and her needs.  One 10,000 sq. ft. room holds 32 unique pod-like hair stations, so you're given as much individual attention as possible in what is normally a busy salon.

Rooms are dedicated to nails, facials and massages, but the beauty of the menu is that all services can be done at the same time.  With "Power Hour," you choose three services of your choice.  Example: Facial, manicure, pedicure ($230).  Yes, there's even a facial bed that accommodates your feet for a simultaneous pedicure.  And of course, there's a mens section.

One of my favorite things besides the well curated menu was the David LaChappelle artwork hanging in the hallways.  In NYC?  Check out the Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa located at 540 Park Ave.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Dermatological Acne System

If you typically get pimples or suffer from adult acne, this one's for you.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States, affecting 40 to 50 million people.  Recently, I was sent the La Roche Posay Efaclar Dermatological Acne System and am incredibly impressed.  Check out my video review below.  If you suffer from adult acne, this is something that's affordable, readily available and efficient.  Plus, I'm giving away 10 kits worth $42 each.

The three step system includes the Effaclar Gel Cleanser, Effaclar Clarifying Solution and Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment, which used together help to reduce acne within three days. Check out my video below to learn about my giveaway!  You can win 1 of 10 kits.  Winners will be chosen on October 29th at random.  Good luck!

The La Roche Posay Effaclar Dermatological System costs $29.99 (a $42 value) for a two-month supply and is available on GetEffaclar.com

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

Get Kirsten Dunst's Makeup Look

Kirsten Dunst stepped onto the red carpet last week for “The Two Faces of January” premier in refreshingly elegant makeup – luminous skin, beautiful pink makeup hues and wide, feathered lashes.  We got scoop on how to create this look straight from her makeup artist, Pati Dubroff.  The inspiration behind Dunst’s look came straight from her Chanel Couture dress, with the color palette coming from the beadwork.

Skin

Dubroff started by creating fresh even-toned skin. She prepped with Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist and L’Oreal Miracle Blur applied to the t-zone.  After a light finish of foundation, she evened out the skin with Cle de Peau Concealer.

Eyes

It’s the eyes along with the cheeks that really showcase the beadwork-inspired coloring that stands out against the dewy skin. “I used a Dior matte cream color shadow on the lid and then a Dior matte putty color shadow within the crease to even the lid and give definition.  I then applied a matte bone color on the lid and a matte taupe in the crease that are part of the Pati Dubroff Perfect Palette,” she explained.

Next, using Chanel Long Lasting Eyeliner in silver metallic, she drew a line from the center lash line beyond the outer corner, finishing with a little flick off the end. To accomplish these wide eyes, Dubroff focused on applying the mascara on the outer lashes, to keep the inner eye light and bright.

Cheeks

To mimic the beadwork, Dubroff used Flower Cream Blush in Petunia. She swirled them onto the apples of Dunst’s cheeks for the perfect pop.

Lips

The look is completed with a pale opal pink lip created by Chanel Rouge Allure in 217 Radieuse.

Avon's New Lipstick Has Serious Bite for Under $10

I can’t resist a bold lip. It’s one of my favorite beauty looks to rock for any and all occasions— to the office, on dates and girl’s night. The only issue I have with choosing a bold lip is the maintenance. Constantly having to check in a mirror and reapplying is annoying. While it is worth it, thanks to Avon’s new Ultra Color Bold Lipstick I’m not awkwardly looking into the camera on my phone to check my lipstick anymore.

Avon came out with eight new shades for their Ultra Color Bold Lipstick and they’re amazing. From Magenta Peach, to Ruby Shock and my favorite, Fearless Fuchsia, there’s a color for everyone. Whatever color you choose, the lipstick’s pigment is intense. But if you don’t want such an intense color, a little blot of a paper towel removes the shock factor of the bright color and evenly blends the lipstick into a more subtle color.

Not only does it look amazing, but the way it feels on is not what you think when you think lipstick. It almost feels like a chapstick when you apply it because of how smooth and creamy it is. The moisturizing texture dries to a satin-like finish. This smooth texture also keeps the lines in your lips from showing unlike some other matte-finish products.

With such moisture you would assume that the colors spreads and wears really easily. But it doesn’t. I wore a different color almost every day to shows during NYFW and I every night I came home and had to take a makeup wipe and wash it off. The staying power is really a pleasant surprise.

And the cherry on top... it only costs $8.

NYFW Nail Trend: Negative Space

Backstage at the Spring 2015 shows last week, there wasn't a finger unpainted since you know by now, that the nail look has become much more than the icing on the cake for designers. While there were definitely some elaborate looks like this one at Libertine, my go-to manicurist, Jin Soon Choi claims, “This season is all about simple nail art and negative space.”  All in all, the shows proved that minimalist, negative space will be a huge spring nail trend and the best part, it's one you can begin wearing now. Take a look and fall in love.

Prabal Gurung, Jin Soon Choi used the Prabal Gurung for Sally Hansen Collection, which will be available next Spring, to create this stripy look.  She even left some nails untouched!

Creatures of Comfort, Alicia Torello used different shades of Zoya polish and left an unpainted stripe inbetween.

Nonoo, Tracylee Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Let it Snow to create this minimalistic look.

What do you think of the negative space nail trend?  Hit or miss?

First Look: Pamella Roland's Hair & Makeup Test

Pamella Roland held her Spring 2015 fashion show today, but instead of attending backstage to get the beauty scoop, I had the opportunity to get a sneak peak at the creative process at the hair and makeup test held at her showroom last Wednesday. Picture being at a beauty brainstorm with Ms. Roland herself and two of the industry's best – lead makeup artist, Matin Maulawizada and lead hair stylist, Ted Gibson – only the brainstorm was creatively happening on a model surrounded by Japanese inspired pieces that were about to float down the runway.

After looking at the collection and speaking with Pamella Roland about her vision for the show, Ted and Matin started creating the visual – the look all of the models would wear as they walked down the aisle.

As they began, I asked them what first came to mind when thinking of Pamella Roland's collections...

"Chic.  Sophisticated.  Wearable and attainable," - Ted Gibson

"Practical. Fashion concious. Classic. Not too crazy or too safe. Walks a line.  Chic. Desirable.  Beautiful," - Matin Maulawizada

With those thoughts in mind, Matin focused on the eyes and cheeks by creating a monochromatic look by applying Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Cocoa at the lash line and blending it up, then using  Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in Hot Chocolate, a brown baked eyeshadow with hints of red in it on top of the lids and in the outer corner. On the cheeks, Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Stick Face Colour in Bronze Glow helped to created the exaggerated color with a dusting of Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Rosebud on top.  It was blended together so it would stand out in the lights of the runway.  The brows were softly defined, yet underdone and completed with a rosy lip.

Knowing he was going to be working with a corded headband that matched the clothes, Ted began working the hair into an updo and then decided to take it down.  Playing with texture and shape, he ended up adding interest in the 'do by waving the bottom and keeping the top slick and wet looking.  He spritzed L'Oreal Professionnel Fresh Dust Dry Shampoo in the waves and used the Infinity Pro by Conair 3Q blow drier to help distribute to make the texture even softer. "She wants it undone, but still pulled together," he explained about the direction of the look.  In the end, he ended up cutting the headbands and placing the blush color on a barrette to secure the hair back.

Fall Skincare: Pond's Dry Skin Cream

Ready for fall?  I'm more excited about wearing fall clothes than I am about saying goodbye to the summer weather.  Here's where the NY vs. LA debate comes in, again. You're probably just starting to notice that your skin may be a bit dry post summer, and with the change in seasons, it's time to start thinking about switching your skincare regimen to formulas with thicker consistencies.  Unless of course, you live in LA. Everyone else, check this out.

In the summer we all tend to use lighter consistencies when it comes to our moisturizers thanks to the heat and humidity.  Now, keep up with the changes your skin is experiencing or is about to experience and try a heavier cream like POND’S Dry Skin Cream, which moisturizes deeply and even primes your skin for your makeup.

I recommend keeping your skincare regimen simple with a few products that are effective. The POND'S Dry Skin Cream is rich, but absorbs quickly and is good for all skin types – dry to normal and even sensitive skin.  I like to wear it at nighttime.  As the weather gets colder, I become a moisture addict!  You can find it  at drugstores or drugstore.com for under $10.

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

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.

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.