One of my fave products? Definitely Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan Zhi Sleep Mist. Every time I use it, I'm out for the count within 15 minutes. And now one lucky reader has the chance to win a full-sized bottle of this miraculous mist, valued at $38!
Entering is easy. Simply enter your name and email address in the box below. The winner will be selected on Friday, November 6 and notified by email. It's that simple!
This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Thursday, November 5 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.
I've stated before how in love I am with Blow. It's one of my favorite salons in the city -- they give the absolute best, most meticulousblowouts that last for days and days. So what better way to keep the blowout going than with my very own The Perfect Shower Cap?
This terry-lined, snugly-fitting shower cap keeps every single strand perfectly and completely dry no matter how long the shower. I can keep a good blowout going for up to four days with this baby! It seals out moisture and even comes with its own little plastic travel case. And with the hot pink Blow logo motif set against sheered-out white, it's just totally and completely adorable. Plus, it totally adds to the decor of my cutesy pink bathroom!
I'd been curious about NARS Lip Lacquer in Baby Doll for quite some time before I tried it. The shimmery pale pink hue, the chic pot, the gooily delicious texture. So I was truly hoping my hopes would not be dashed when I finally got my hands on a tub.
And you know what? They so weren't. While the cotton candy pink shade is a bit too pale for me to wear on its own, it looks AH-MA-ZING layered over other lipsticks and glosses. It adds that right touch of punchy flirtiness to every single look!
It's my party and I'll cry if I want to Cry if I want to, cry if I want to You would cry too if it happened to you --It's My Party, Lesley Gore
Trust me, there has been no crying over my recent acquisition of Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara. Ever since I started using this gleamy little tube, it seems like my lashes have perked up about a thousand times more than normal!
To begin with, the tapered brush coats each and every single lash -- even the baby ones! I have many fine, tiny lashes at both the inner and outer corners, and this mascara somehow grabs every single one with ease. None of that poking the brush into strange spaces, trying so hard to get to those unreachable lashes -- it's almost like this brush does the work for me!
And my lashes, once they've been coated with this wondrous formula? They're thick, lush, so-long-they-hit-my-glasses fabulous. I've gotten compliments on my lashes everywhere from gals at my office to airports and the checkout line at the grocery store. Life is most definitely a party.
Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara retails for $22.
I feel like my whole life, I've been searching for that one perfect pink gloss. The one that's not too light but not too dark. The one that's not too shimmery but not too creamy. The one that looks amazing both on its own and layered over every other lipstick and lipgloss in my collection. Well, I've finally found it -- and its name is Dior Addict Lip Polish in Fresh Expert.
This is one of those glosses that just continues to look more and more amazing with every wearing. It gets me noticed in the best, most incredible way. For example: I layered it over my M.A.C Cremesheen Glass in Looks Like Sin over the weekend -- and my friend Susan's husband said, "Your lips look so good, Jamie! You're totally rocking the wet look -- in the best way." If a straight guy notices the perfection of a gloss, you know you've done something right!
Is it me, or does Hilary Swank look like a linebacker here? At the premiere party for her new movie Amelia on October 20, she showed up with silvery eyeshadow drawn underneath her lower lashlines. I'm calling this look a nay -- but let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Time to dish, ladies! What's your lipcolor choice today? I went with Lipstick Queen 15 Minutes of Fame Pop Art Gloss in 8 Minutes ($16.50) -- a gorgeous, juicy mix of strawberry and hot pink. I needed a little pick-me-up on such a dreary day! Let me know your lipcolor choice in the comments!
Scarlett Johansson's heavy eye makeup was, well, heavy at the Moet & Chandon "Tribute to Cinema" in Tokyo on October 21. The dark shadow and winged eyeliner really overpowered her face, while the messy updo left little to be desired. I'm calling this look a nay -- but I leave it up to you. Is it a yay or a nay? Let me know in the comments!
On the search for some Halloween inspiration -- or maybe just a different first date look? Look no further than Amber Valletta, whose chic braided updo at the 20th Annual Friendly House Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel was simply stunning. Teamed with simple makeup and glowy skin, she's the epitome of gorgeous Grecian glamour.
What do you think of Amber Valletta's look? Let me know in the comments!
Manscaped metrosexuals: a good thing or a bad thing? While I don't necessarily like my guy to look like a Yeti, a bit of grooming is necessary. Whether that means plucking that unibrow or keeping the hair on top of his head neat, a guy should take some pride in his appearance.
So my Beauty Question of the day is this. How groomed do you like your guy? Let me know in the comments!
I'd been curious about Eve Lom Kiss Mix for quite some time. Truth be told, the name alone made me want to try it ... because it's just so cute! And yes, I was wondering whether it would make my pout soft and supple enough for some kissing.
Well, I'm here to tell you that it most certainly DOES! A few swipes and my pout puckered gorgeously. A blend of zinc oxide (a natural sunscreen with healing properties) and menthol (for a fresh, tingly feeling) makes this balm supremely moisturizing, hydrating and luscious. Lips are left looking glossy and feeling so soft, I'm finding it tough not to just run out into the middle of the street and start kissing all the guys I come across!
Halloween is just around the corner, fellow beauty chicks! I'm repurposing my costume from last year and going as a totally rockin' 80's chick -- complete with blue eyeshadow up to my eyebrows, hot pink lipstick and a huge side ponytail. Check out a pic from last year after the jump:
So tell me: What will your Halloween beauty look be? Tell me your Halloween makeup plans in the comments!
While visiting a friend in South Bend, Indiana this weekend, I experienced a lovely treat. The guest bathroom was fully stocked with Space NK Seduction. I fell in love with the body wash, from which a sultry and sexy deep fragrance emanated ... only to discover that the scent has been discontinued! How can this be? I am now so sad. Hopefully it will come back into rotation at some point in the future -- at which time I will stock up before it can disappear again!
It's the ungodly awful hour of 5am, and I'm sitting at the airport waiting to board a flight to Indiana. I woke up so early this morning that I had time to do little more than brush my teeth, swipe on a little lip balm and run a brush through my hair. And we can't forget a couple quick dabs of my Benefit Depuffing Action Eye Gel! Not ideal, but I refused to get up earlier than 4:30! Which begs the Beauty Question: Do you primp before early morning flights? Do you wake up early to get fully ready, or just figure no one on the flight will ever see you again so who cares how you look? Let me know in the comments!
When it comes to my skin, I look for moisture wherever I can get it. So when I came across Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer, I figured it was worth a shot. And you know what? Ever since I started using it, my face has never looked better!
A simple dime-sized amount each morning and my skin is fresh, dewy and glowing. No matter how much I cake on top of it, somehow this baby really makes my skin look and feel radiant all day long. I love the consistency of the formula, created with tons of antioxidants including Vitamins A, C and E to protect against harmful environmental factors. Only a dime-to-quarter-sized amount is necessary to cover the entire face, so you'll be able to hold onto it for quite some time.
Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer retails for $30.
Very exciting news, fellow beauty chicks! It's time for another giveaway here at The Beauty of Life. And this time I'm giving away a deliciously scented candle -- the Fragrance Memories by Christine Dimmick Dreams of Marrakech Home Fragrance Candle, to be exact! Inspired by the mystical city of Marrakech with notes of amber, Moroccan spices and vanilla, this candle has three wicks and a burn time of 40-50 hours -- and it's valued at $42!
Entering is easy. Simply enter your name and email address in the box below. The winner will be selected on Friday, October 30 and notified by email. It's that simple!
This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Thursday, October 29 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.
This past Sunday, I headed to Exhale Spa (the Central Park South location) for a facial. My skin was looking the worse for wear, so I decided to do a little something about it! I visited Stella for a 60-minute True Facial, and wow does my skin look amazing now!
Most of the facial was standard issue, but the real kicker here was the extractions. Stella made them so painless, I wondered whether she was actually removing all the gunk and dirt from my pores. Imagine my surprise and delight when I looked at my skin afterward and every single pore was clean and tight! Kudos to Stella for an amazing job on the extractions -- I've never had a more attentive facialist who caused less pain.
Unfortunately the spa wasn't on my list of favorites overall, though. While I love the Boston location, this one seemed a bit rundown. Rooms were small and, while clean, not as inviting as I'm used to in Boston. The receptionists were also quite short and snippy with me both on arrival and departure, which didn't make me feel too relaxed.
For more information on the different Exhale locations or to book an appointment, visit exhalespa.com.
Oh, to find a good moisturizer. I can't tell you how many I've gone through that were too greasy, too cloying, too wet, too smelly ... just too "too." Not so with Philip B Lovin' Hand & Body Creme. No, this baby has been keeping my hands feeling soft and smooth even with the horrific temperatures the weather has been throwing my way.
An intriguing mix of ingredients helps to make this moisturizer so utterly fantastic. A therapeutic blend of fruit and plant extracts, including coconut oil, shea butter and Vitamins E and B5, work to hydrate, replenish and rejuvenate the skin while maintaining optimal moisture balance. What's left behind? Silky, velvety skin without a hint of grease or residue.
And let's not forget about the packaging. It's simple, sleek and oh so chic -- a slender white tube accented with black colorblocking at the top and bottom. Perfect for displaying on the vanity.
Philip B Lovin' Hand & Body Creme is $8 for 2 fl. oz., $27 for 6 fl. oz. and $90 for 32 fl. oz.
Once in awhile, I come across a fragrance that just makes me feel sophisticated, chic and ladylike. Recently, that fragrance has been Michael Kors Eau de Parfum. Every time I spritz on even the tiniest bit, I instantly feel like the best version of myself.
An exotic array of notes make up this luxurious fragrance. Notes of creamy florals blend with exotic spices before being tamed by Moroccan incense, creating a sexy, sensual experience. One spray and you're whisked away by a combination of dewy freesia, tamarind, Chinese osmanthus, incense, fresh tuberose, white wings peony, blue orris, arum lilies, cashmere woods, musk and vetiver Haiti.
And the best part? It's not overpowering. A simple spritz on each wrist and you'll be pleasantly enveloped throughout the day without that cloying, headachey feel.
Heroes star Ali Larter has totally changed up her hair color. Check out the before and after and let me know your favorite after the jump!
Ali Larter's old blonde locks Ali Larter's new auburn locks
I'm really digging the auburn on her. I think the blonde washed her out -- the auburn really complements her skin tone and just gives her a totally fresh look and feel. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
My roommate can't believe this, but Creme de la Mer doesn't work for my skin. It's too heavy and leaves behind a cakey feel. Luckily, La Mer The Moisturizing Gel Cream is just right.
What I love about this moisturizer is that it's unbelievably fresh and cooling. It sinks into skin automatically with no greasy residue. I'd compare the consistency to Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief. This makes it perfect year-round -- not too heavy in the summer, not too light in the winter. La Mer's patented Miracle Broth is, of course, part of the formula. Other ingredients include lime tea (an antioxidant that protects against external environmental factors) and sea kelp (a natural humectant).
The end result? Hydrated, moisturized, conditioned skin that feels superlight and airy. It's definitely on the pricey side, as La Mer products tend to be -- but if you want to treat yourself, it's the perfect splurge. What more could you ask for?
La Mer The Moisturizing Gel Cream is $130 for 1oz. and $230 for 2oz.
Glee has quickly become one of my favorite TV shows of the season, and it's in no small part due to rising starlet Lea Michele. This super-talented actress and songstress has got what it takes to stay in the business for years to come! But while her on-screen persona of Rachel Berry is lacking a bit in the glamour department, Lea definitely likes to change it up on the red carpet. I'm totally digging her look at the FOX Fall Eco Casino Party on October 16 -- the matte red lips and black nail polish (see below for a closeup) stole the show.
What do you think of Lea Michele's look? Is it a yay or a nay? Let me know in the comments!
As soon as temperatures drop below 50, my hands start to chap. They turn red, crack and start to peel within minutes. Seriously! Luckily, Bliss Naked Body Butter saves the day immediately.
While I love a beautifully fragranced cream for my legs, I tend to like non-scented lotions and moisturizers for my hands. Bliss Naked Body Butter is fragrance-free, so there's no cloying aroma that lingers annoyingly. Plus it sinks into skin immediately, leaving it hydrated for hours on end. Ingredients like Vitamins A and E (to combat free radicals), sodium hylauronate, arnica montana extract (for healing), and coconut oil (for moisturizing purposes), along with plenty of antioxidants, truly make this cream a must-have.
Quick post from my phone, fellow beauty chicks -- because I simply couldn't wait to tell you about the amazing Pumpkin Pedicure at Just Calm Down Spa! Part of the Sweet Shoppe series -- which I love due to the old-timey spelling -- it's absolutely delectable and mouth-watering. After soaking my feet in a tub of marshmallow-filled pumpkin goodness, my gams were scrubbed and buffed to perfection before two coats of SpaRitual's The Giving Tree (a gorgeous mulberry) were painstakingly applied. And the new space, with its overstuffed wicker armchairs and garden terrace feel, is totally adorable to boot!
The Pumpkin Pedicure at Just Calm Down is $50 during Spa Week. It normally costs $85. Visit justcalmdownspa.com for more information.
I'm what some people may call a makeup collector. I love it, I use it, I play with it ... but on a day-to-day basis, sometimes I just can't be bothered. It may mean I run out the door with some visible imperfections, but hey -- that's me.
So my Beauty Question of the day is this. Do you wear makeup every day? Why or why not? Let me know in the comments!
I've been trying to find a mascara with wow factor for quite some time. I've searched high and low, trying every mascara from the drugstore shelves to the beauty counters. And I've finally found the right one -- Chanel Inimitable Noir Obscur Mascara Multi-Dimensionnel.
Aside from the way-too-long name, this mascara has it all. I look for a mascara that curls, lengthens, thickens and darkens my lashes in just one coat. This is harder to find than you might imagine -- my lashes are pretty long to begin with, so to find one that actually makes them look longer is quite a feat. But this one does all that in spades.
I love the rubbery brush -- it's thin but not miniscule, and somehow captures every single lash with ease. Even the baby ones at the corners! In just seconds, my lashes went from ho-hum to fabulous. And with a second coat? They started hitting my glasses. I honestly couldn't ask for anything more.
Chanel Inimitable Noir Obscur Mascara Multi-Dimensionnel retails for $30.
Anyone who knows me knows I love a good face mask. (Just click here for proof.) Well, La Mer has most definitely upped the ante with the brand-new The Hydrating Facial.
Similar to my previous fave from SK-II, the nourishing treatment comes packed into an actual mask that you slip over your face. But in an interesting twist, each package has two masks -- one for your upper face and one for your lower. I actually love this, because it proves quite hard to try and maneuver a mask covered in product onto the entire face. Having it split into two sections made it much easier to cover each and every part of my parched, dried-out, calling for immediate moisture relief visage.
And the best part? In only eight minutes, my skin was totally and completely refreshed. Thanks to ingredients like The Sea Moist Ferment (a blend of dark green algae from all over the world to infuse the skin with intense hydration), a combination of cellular lipids, plant extracts andmarine plant algae (to fade dark spots and discoloration and create a smoother surface), and a duo of tourmaline and Mariponic Ferments (to boost hydration and set molecules in motion), my skin looked absolutely amazing. And it stayed that way for days!
La Mer The Hydrating Facial is $250 for 6 applications.
Disclosure: This product was furnished by a PR representative for La Mer.
It seems Fergie is getting in on the Halloween spirit a little early, n'est-ce pas? At a party for her group, The Black Eyed Peas, in Australia on October 3, she was sporting orange nails so bright they could definitely have stopped traffic. And you know what? I love the look! Can't say the same for her pompadour or too-shiny skin, but those nails are to die for.
What do you think? Are they a yay or a nay? Let me know in the comments!
After seven years of not coloring my hair, I recently took the plunge. (Thanks, Naomi Knights of the fabulous ION Studio!) And now that my locks are a deeper auburn, I need to take proper care of them. No more sulfates or products not formulated for color-treated hair are coming near these tresses! Luckily, I had just picked up a tube of Klorane No Rinse Care with Pomegranate.
Let's start with the fact that this stuff smells incredible. It's fresh, juicy and sweet -- but not so cloying or overpowering that you'll be inhaling the aroma of citrus fruits all day. It somehow sinks into each and every strand, leaving behind a delightfully lush scent that just helps to perk you up throughout the day. And I love the light pinkish-red tinge to the cream, which is so much more fun than the normal white or clear you get with hair products.
I've been using it on my hair after I get out of the shower, and I've been amazed at the difference. Not only is my color richer and brighter without seeming brassy, the hair itself is softer and sleeker than the days I don't end up using it. It actually works as a leave-in conditioner for my hair, rendering all other straighteners and smoothers unnecessary! Ingredients like the aforementioned pomegranate, along with plenty of antioxidants, help to keep hair looking rich and vibrant for weeks at a time.
Klorane No Rinse Care with Pomegranate retails for $14.
Disclosure: This product was furnished by a PR representative for Klorane.
Seriously, how gorgeous is this Prescriptives palette? I'm crushing hard on the six various shades of pink shadow and blush inside the limited-edition pink compact ... not to mention I'm happy about the emblazoned BCA ribbon that signifies Prescriptives' dedication to the fight against breast cancer. And as if that's not good enough, Prescriptives will donate $20,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation throughout the month of October.
The Prescriptives Pink Ribbon Palette retails for $48.
One Tree Hill starlet Sophia Bush was out and about on three different occasions last week. Check out the pics after the jump and let me know your favorite of the three looks!
Arriving at LAX in ripped jeans, a slouchy turtleneck and hair with a deep side part Loose, bouncy locks and subtle sophisticated makeup at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Inaugural Gala on October 8 A simple updo complemented her smoky eyes and glossy coral lips at the 6th Annual Hollywood Style Awards on October 12
Plus, did you notice her unbelievably chic dark nails? She sported this deeply hued mani on all three occasions!
Let me know your favorite Sophia Bush look in the comments!
I actually like Taylor Momsen's eye makeup choices, normally. I know she's young and probably shouldn't be wearing anywhere near as much makeup as she does, but I like that she's an individual and really goes for it with dramatic looks.
But at the premiere of The Stepfather on October 12, I fear she may have gone a bit too far. The eye makeup is so dark, so pronounced, and comes down so far below her lower lashes, it gives the illusion of two black eyes. I wish she would have lightened up just a touch on the kohl, because I really do think the overall look is stunning.
What do you think of Taylor's look here? Is it a yay or a nay? Let me know in the comments!
So it seems many of you are camera shy when it comes to submitting a picture of yourself for the Redken Hair Files Giveaway. Never fear ... I'm changing the rules so as many of you can enter as possible! I'm making it more like my normal giveaways with the entry box format -- but with a twist, of course. You must answer the question in the box correctly to be entered into the contest.
How to answer the question, you may ask? In the "Hair Files" video shown below, you'll learn how to transform your hair from unruly to smooth and sleek (and get the answer you're looking for!):
Now that you've watched the video -- and hopefully learned some tips and tricks for straightening and sleekening your hair! -- this is where the fun part comes in. One person will win a ton of amazing products! You'll receive some of the products featured in the video, in addition to Sam Villa's brand-new "Sleekr" flat iron -- valued at $250! So that means you're getting all of the following:
Redken Power Tame 16 Redken Glass 01 Redken Iron Silk 07 Redken Mineral Elixir Sam Villa Sleekr Flat Iron
The total prize package is worth $300! Entering is easy. Simply enter your name and email address in the box below. The winner will be selected on Saturday, October 17 and notified by email. It's that simple!
This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Friday, October 16 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.
Very pressing Beauty Question today, fellow beauty chicks. How often do you work out? I'm trying to get back into the habit of going four times a week, but wow is it hard. Tell me your stories -- and how you motivate yourself to get there! Cute workout clothes? Good TV? A new CD you're just dying to listen to? Can't wait to hear your stories!
A moisturizer has to be many things for me to give it a seal of approval. It must smell nice. It must not be greasy. It must sink into the skin immediately. But above all, it has to turn my dry, ashy, flaky, scaly skin into a thing of beauty. Kiehl's Imperial Body Balm does all this and more -- making it one of my all-time favorite moisturizers.
To start with, I adore the packaging. The black tub is so chic, I've been displaying it on my vanity for days. It has an almost old-world apothecary feel -- not surprising as it was inspired by old-world Russian remedies. I also love the vibrant yellow hue of the balm. It looks like whipped butter! And rather than feeling like a traditional balm -- waxy and greasy -- it's thick, rich and super lush.
But the true test of my adoration? Whether it would rid my legs of the ashy dryness they'd been exhibiting. Imagine my shock and delight when after only one use, they were gleaming. GLEAMING. I haven't seen them this radiant in weeks. This is due to ingredients like sea buckthorn berry oil (which has Vitamins A & E, carotenoids and palmitoleic acid to protect skin from free radicals), cocoa butter (to lubricate the skin), and honey (to rehydrate, moisturize and soften skin).
All in all? My skin has never looked healthier, shinier or smoother. I feel like a queen.
Kiehl's Imperial Body Balm retails for $42.
Disclosure: This product was furnished by a PR representative for Kiehl's.
Seriously, how adorable is Isla Fisher here? I'm totally loving the off-center part and bouncy blowout -- not to mention the flaming red tresses. And her eyes, rimmed with kohl and accented with black mascara, perfectly offset her glossy nude lips and gorgeous glow. Totally a win for me.
What do you think of this look? Is it a yay or a nay? Let me know in the comments!
I've found a new favorite lipgloss, and it hails from the land of Lipstick Queen. Because, let's be honest, who doesn't want to swipe on a gloss named Fifteen Minutes of Fame Pop Art Gloss? These fabulous glosses, created by the equally if not more fabulous Poppy King, were inspired by Pop Art prince Andy Warhol. His prediction in 1968 that "In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes," inspired Poppy to create a collection of -- you guessed it! -- 15 glosses named according to the minute. They deepen in intensity with every passing minute, ranging from the palest pink to the deepest red.
I love the clickable pen style of this gloss. The miniature attached brush sweeps on just the right amount of color, leaving lips with a high-gloss shine that isn't at all sticky or tacky -- and, surprisingly enough, lasts for hours. The 15 available shades are:
The combination of Tom Pecheux for M.A.C and Peter Gray for Redken is always a winning one. And for the Badgley Mischka Spring 2010 fashion show, it was no different. "I felt this season the clothes were very international," Tom told me backstage -- "Very inspired by many different cultures and also by different periods of time." The hair and makeup, therefore, referenced many different time periods as well. Get all the details after the jump.
Tom Pecheux for M.A.C was inspired by both Audrey Hepburn and synchronized swimmer Romy Schneider. He drew upon Hepburn's winged eyeliner and strong eyebrows, while Schneider's glowy and sunkissed look inspired the models' skin. "It's a very 70's glowy skin with that chicness of the eyeliner and the perfect eyebrow," he said. A liquid eyeliner and mascara on the top lashes gave dimension to the look. He finished with M.A.C Lip Pencil in World -- "I did like the name of the color because it goes well with the collection!" he told me. He wanted the lips to look matte, so he colored them in with the pencil.
And from past references to futuristic ones! Peter Gray for Redken was inspired by everything from the 1950s to futurama and The Jetsons. "We wanted an odd, futuristic head shape," he told me as he worked on shaping a model's ponytail. While trying to work in Badgley Mischka's "Hollywood red carpet aesthetic," he created a base with Redken Mousse 07. He then pulled the hair into a high ponytail that was close to the head "to get that almost alien head shape," he said, before taking a needle and thread and sewing it into three distinct sections! The idea behind it was to both give the models an instant face lift and to "take you somewhere modern, somewhere interesting, take you away from the retro," he said.
Gray finished by backcombing the top, brushing it through to create a bulge -- "A little bit of a Mohawk kind of look," he told me, "a funky kind of space-y feeling." He then cleated the ponytail, finished it with hairspray and shaped the end into an angled point. "Hairdressing is a lot art," he said. He most certainly rediscovered it with this entertaining look!
Suffice it to say, I've been dying to try Minx for the longest time. Seriously, what gal doesn't want her nails totally blinged out? Never one to shy away from crazy nail endeavors (remember my experience at Sakura?), Minx seemed the next obvious choice for a fun, totally out there mani. Luckily, the fabulous Tracylee Percival was there to create one of the most amazing designs ever.
Now, for those of you who aren't familiar with Minx, the basic idea is this. Minx are sticker-like coverings that are made out of a flexible film. Read very closely -- they are not liquid! There's no drying time, no smudging and chipping, and they're definitely not for the faint of heart. Just look to celebrities like Beyonce and Eve, who have been known to wear Minx on multiple occasions. Get the full scoop on my Minx experience after the jump.
Tracylee actually provides Minx applications at two different salons -- Suite 303 and Damone Roberts. I visited her at the former location -- located on the 3rd floor of New York's Chelsea Hotel -- and the space is so fun! Guitars and music memorabilia decorate the walls, loud music fills the room and every stylist is totally rocker-chic. As soon as I settled into my chair, Tracylee set out about 50 different designs for me to choose from. Each set of Minx comes on a sheet of 10-12, with different nail sizes on each. Just as I thought I had decided on a herringbone pattern, she said, "You know you can mix and match these, right?" I did not know that, which of course made me take about 10 more minutes to make my final decision! Luckily, Tracylee was very patient throughout the process.
I finally decided on a combination of Black with Gold Swoosh and Ball and Golden Lightning with Black Fishnet. I told Tracylee to make the assortment as random as she wanted -- I left the creativity up to her! This is where things got interesting.
Tracylee decided to make each hand different -- "I like a little asymmetry!" she told me as she held the coverings up to my nails. After prepping my nails with an Essie Crystal File, she placed my hands under a heat lamp -- it gets up to 120 degrees! -- and went to work. She selected each Minx nail covering according to my nail size and shape before curing it under the lamp for about 10 seconds. She then painstakingly and meticulously placed the coverings onto my nails one by one, ran over them with a pusher, folded the ends over the pads of my fingers and allowed them to sit under the lamp for a few minutes. This was followed by careful, precise filing to ensure that each covering was exactly fitted to my nail. The process was finished with a short hand massage.
The end result? Gorgeous, blingy nails that will make me the life of any party! And the best part? They should last for at least eight days with the proper care. Tracylee told me that to extend the life of Minx, they should be blasted with a hair dryer or held over a boiling pot of water and then pushed down with the cuticle pusher. This should be done every couple of days. To remove Minx, simply blast them with the hot air and then push from the cuticles forward.
More pictures of my Minx nails:
For more information on Minx or to find a Minx artist in your area, visit minxnails.com. And to follow Tracylee Percival on Twitter, click here!
Okay, I know what you're thinking. Black lipgloss? This girl has finally gone off her rocker. Well, I'm here to tell you one thing -- This. Lipgloss. Is. Amazing.
I'll admit it. When I first pulled M.A.C Glimmerglass in Bling Black out of the box, I had my doubts. Could a sparkly black lipgloss really be all that? Suffice it to say, I have been completely blown away by the unbelievable shimmer, sparkle and shine it offers -- not to mention the black tint it leaves upon every other lipstick and lipgloss in my collection.
What I think makes this gloss so perfect is its ability to completely transform every other color. The greyish-black sparkle turns boring pink into glimmery mauve, ho-hum red into blinged-out fuchsia. And take it from me, it brings about a fair share of compliments.
M.A.C Glimmerglass in Bling Black is part of the limited-edition Style Black collection. It's available now for $18.
Disclosure: This product was furnished by a PR representative for M.A.C.
I'm a big fan of alliteration. What can I say, I'm a grammar nerd. So I loved Peter Thomas Roth Botanical Buffing Beads before I ever even tried it! Luckily, the name did not disappoint.
This delightful blue gel is chock-full of miniature jojoba beads that do exactly what the name implies. They buff, shine, exfoliate, scrub and otherwise slough your skin until it's super-duper smooth. Jojoba oil and aloe vera also work to soften skin. I've been using this on my body only for the last week and have noticed a huge difference, especially on rough patches like my elbows and knees. They sure aren't rough anymore!
And if you are interested in using it on your face? It works to unclog pores, so you can say adios to those unsightly whiteheads and blackheads. Not to mention the scent is fantastic. It's light and airy but with a hint of mint -- so refreshing early in the morning.
Peter Thomas Roth Botanical Buffing Beads retails for $36.
Disclosure: This product was furnished by a PR representative for Peter Thomas Roth.
Lindsay Lohan is really scaring me here. At the 90 Years of Vogue Covers event during Paris Fashion Week, she was looking eerily skinny. Her blonde locks were tossed up into a messy updo, her skin was lackluster, but what really caught my eye is how unhealthy and rail-thin she looks. I just want to feed her a sandwich.
Do you think Lindsay's look here is a yay or a nay? Let me know in the comments!
Truly exciting news, fellow beauty chicks! The Beauty of Life is teaming up with Redken in an exclusive beauty contest for their Hair Files video "Straight Talk." What is Hair Files, you may ask? In the specific video shown below, you'll learn how to transform your hair from unruly to smooth and sleek:
First off, how amazing is Rodney Cutler? Don't you just wish he could do your hair?
Now that you've watched the video -- and hopefully learned some tips and tricks for straightening and sleekening your hair! -- this is where the fun part comes in. One person will win a ton of amazing products! You'll receive some of the products featured in the video, in addition to Sam Villa's brand-new "Sleekr" flat iron -- valued at $250! So that means you're getting all of the following:
Redken Power Tame 16 Redken Glass 01 Redken Iron Silk 07 Redken Mineral Elixir Sam Villa Sleekr Flat Iron
The total prize package is worth $300! Entering is easy. Simply enter your name and email address in the box below. The winner will be selected on Saturday, October 17 and notified by email. It's that simple!
This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Friday, October 16 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.
At the VH1 Divas Concert last month, Jennifer Hudson matched her metallic frock with silvery shadow that swept into the inner corners. A pale pink lip completed the look.
I have to say, I am loving this! It's so glitzy and diva-esque -- perfect for the VH1 Divas Concert, wouldn't you say? But what do you think? Is this look a yay or a nay? Let me know in the comments!
One of my fave products? Definitely Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan Zhi Sleep Mist. Every time I use it, I'm out for the count within 15 minutes. And now one lucky reader has the chance to win a full-sized bottle of this miraculous mist, valued at $38!
