First Look Fridays: Beauty Blogger Scrangie

I've been obsessed with nails for as long as I can remember. But my obsession doesn't even come close to that of Scrangie! Her swatches are amazing, her breadth of nail and polish knowledge is out of this world. Read on to discover how she first became interested in nails, how she felt about the polish she got to design with Rescue Beauty Lounge, and so much more!

Read more »

Colorist Jan-Marie Arteca Works Her Magic On Me Again!

So, this past weekend I had my colorist Jan-Marie Arteca perform La Brasiliana on me. (More on that in a later post.) While I was there, she decided to do an impromptu coloring session ... and WOW. MY HAIR LOOKS AMAZING!!

Jan-Marie decided to add in some red highlights underneath the top layer of hair. While we discussed the Jersey Shore finale ad nauseam, she strategically foiled a bunch of pieces. After I sat with the foils for about 15-20 minutes, she washed them out and then added a reddish-brown gloss over my entire head.

The end result? The overall hue is a gorgeous reddish brown, almost auburn, with tons of vibrant red streaks running throughout. I've been getting compliments nonstop! My coworkers, friends and roommate just can't get over it.

People, you must book an appointment with the fab Jan-Marie ASAP. Call 212-633-6333 or visit tedgibsonsalon.com for more information.

My New Lipcolor One-Two Punch: M.A.C Lustre Lipstick in Way to Love and Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Rosy

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of layering my lipcolors. I can never be satisfied with just one lipstick or lipgloss -- I like to create my own shades and consistencies by mixing and matching various shades in my lipcolor wardrobe. And my recent find -- the combination of M.A.C Lustre Lipstick in Way to Love and Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Rosy -- is a real winner.

Read more »

Beauty Question: Who Does Your Nails?

I used to be a victim of the every week mani. I'd shell out the big bucks every Sunday for someone to shape and buff my nails, push back my cuticles and swipe on a coat of polish. But then I realized something. Even though my complete manicuring skills weren't necessarily up to par, I could paint my nails with the best of them. Little by little, I started weeding out the weekly manis until, finally, I did them myself. And now? I get compliments on my polish choice and application every week -- and most of the time, they last longer than the professional ones I used to pay for every week.

Now, this is not to say I don't enjoy a good manicure. Gals like TracyLee Percival are welcome to work their manicure magic on me anytime! But on a weekly basis, I've moved to painting them myself. So this is my Beauty Question of the day: Who does your nails? Let me know in the comments!

Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring: It Doesn't Matter with the Diptyque Baies Candle

Have you ever searched for a candle that was truly seasonless, only to come up empty-handed? Well, I most certainly have. Luckily, my quest for the perfect year-round candle has finally come to an end ... because the fabulous, fantastic Diptyque Baies Candle has come into my life.

This candle is one of the most famous in the entire Diptyque line, thanks to its delectably sweet combination of black currant leaves and Bulgarian rose essences. When I first started burning this candle at home, my roommate poked his head out of his room and said, "That smells AMAZING."

Now, you'd think it would be heady and cloying, wouldn't you? You would be incorrect. It's somehow strong but soft at the same time, and fills the room without ever feeling overpowering. In a word, the candle is delightful.

The Diptyque Baies Candle retails for $60 at spacenk.com.

Obsession of the Moment (And Perfect Birthday Present): Helen Ficalora Alphabet Charm Necklace

So in just 9 days, I will be celebrating a milestone birthday. And while a lady never tells her age, I'll let you in on a little secret -- it's the big 3-0. That's right, I'm entering my Dirty Thirties! Or as Jennifer Garner says in 13 Going on 30, I'll be "flirty, thirty and thriving."

At any rate, I've decided I need to give myself a little gift, a little pick-me-up, a little extra love as I enter this new chapter of my life. And after much deliberation -- should it be a Rebecca Minkoff bag? A pair of Jimmy Choos? Or just a relaxing spa day? -- I've landed on the Helen Ficalora Alphabet Charm Necklace. I've actually been obsessing over this simple, elegant pendant for quite some time -- my gal Jessie bought one about a year ago, and although I'd been wanting one since before she started sporting hers, it definitely sparked my interest even further.

The charms and chains come in yellow, white or pink gold. I'm actually loving the yellow gold most of all, which means the "J" charm will run me $115 and the 16" fine chain an extra $70. I think that's a perfectly reasonable price to pay for my 30th birthday present to myself, don't you?

So here's to living up what's left of my 20s -- I've vowed not to sit home any night until they're over -- and to welcoming the next stage of life with open arms!

Obsession of the Moment: Hanky Panky "Candy" Original Rise Thong

Chances are, if you've tried Hanky Panky Original Rise Thongs, you've become hooked. Friends of mine who aren't even thong wearers have taken a liking to these bad boys. Out of every thong I've ever tried -- and there have been many in my past -- this one takes the cake.

Or should I say the candy? My latest Obsession of the Moment is definitely the Hanky Panky "Candy" Original Rise Thong. It comes wrapped up as a tootsie roll -- so utterly fun and adorable, I had a hard time unwrapping and actually wearing it!

The Hanky Panky "Candy" Original Rise Thong retails for $18.

The Perfect Pale Pink Nail Polish: Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Mica Rose

Admittedly, I am not much of a pale pink nail polish wearer. Given the choice, I'd rather sport anything else -- give me a sparkly purple or creamy green any day. But once I laid eyes on Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Mica Rose, I knew it was all over.

Originally part of the Celestial Lights collection from Summer 2009, Mica Rose is a gorgeous pale pink with just a hint of shimmer. It's fairly sheer, so depending on how opaque you want your nails, you might need three coats. I went with two recently and was left with a nudish-peachish-pinkish shade that was elegant, sophisticated and supremely pretty. Not to mention it lasts for days without chipping -- a good thing, since Chanel polish is definitely not cheap.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Mica Rose retails for $23.

Obsession of the Moment: Splendid Python V-Neck Tee

As some of you may know, I'm just as crazy about fashion as I am about beauty. To that end, I will be covering more fashion topics in the future! And up first is my latest Obsession of the Moment: the Splendid Python V-Neck Tee.

I've completely embraced the T-shirt and leggings trend of the season -- it's practically become my daytime staple -- and this tee is one of my newfound favorites. The blousy silhouette is flattering no matter what your body type, and the python print is totally on trend -- but subtle enough that you won't feel overtly flashy. And over black leggings? Perfection.

The Splendid Python V-Neck Tee is no longer available, but you can find many other styles at splendid.com.

Beauty Question: How Do You Feel About Lip-Toned Lipstick?

I have to admit, I've never been a fan of lip-toned lipstick. Why bother wearing a color that doesn't really even show up but just blends into your actual lip color? That is, until I discovered M.A.C Lustre Lipstick in Way to Love. This (unfortunately) discontinued shade of nudish pinky peach somehow blends in and stands out at the same time. It flatters like no other shade I've ever tried!

So that brings me to my Beauty Question of the day. How do you feel about lip-toned lipstick? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Lash Envy: Dior DiorShow Extase Mascara

I've been on the hunt for a new amazing mascara for awhile. Not that I don't have some that get the job done -- but none that have really made me say WOW in quite some time. But then Dior Diorshow Extase Mascara came into my life, and all became right with the world.

I love the brush -- the thin spherical silhouette is packed to the gills with black pearl pigments to create a 3D volume effect. It adheres to lashes so easily, it almost feels like the brush is leading the hand as you apply! Inspired by the tiered couture dresses created by the house of Dior, it features both black elastomer fibers and gold nylon fibers to define lashes and give them tons of volume.

There are also metamorphosis powders in the formula, which expand in size by up to 50 percent as you apply -- and SR38 patented ceramid reconstructs damaged lashes and promotes fuller fringe.

The end result? In just one coat, my lashes are so long they HIT MY GLASSES. They're curled, they're long, they're full and thick -- if people didn't know any better, they'd assume I was wearing fakes!

Dior DiorShow Extase Mascara retails for $28.50 at sephora.com.

First Look Fridays: Hairstylist Daniel Koye

Do I ever have a treat for you today! The fabulous, amazing, unbelievably talented hairstylist Daniel Koye sat down with me for First Look Fridays. Daniel is currently working on the smash Broadway show Hair. (Which I've seen and am here to tell you is INCREDIBLE. See it immediately if not sooner. But I digress.) He's also worked on Gypsy starring Patti Lupone, Spring Awakening, Chicago and Jersey Boys, just to name a few. Not to mention he is super sweet and funny! Find out how he gets the actors in and out of their wigs, the product he can't live without and so much more after the jump.

Read more »

Wild at Heart: M.A.C Eyeshadow in Banshee

I have to admit, when I first looked at the name of this eyeshadow and the corresponding color, I thought something was a bit off. The word banshee calls to mind a screaming, shrieking lunatic -- and M.A.C Eyeshadow in Banshee, a gorgeously light and shimmery taupeish rose, is anything but crazy. It’s quite airy and calm, as a matter of fact.

So I decided to just set my original thoughts aside and try it out. Lo and behold, I fell in love instantly. This eyeshadow, which is part of the All Ages, All Races, All Sexes Collection, is one of the most flattering shades I’ve tried in quite some time. The combination of pink, nude and taupe hues that are swirled into the concoction really work to create a color that looks good on everyone -- including pale faces like me! And I love the subtle hint of shimmer -- it’s not so overpowering that it won’t work for daytime on its own, but it would also look fantastic swept over another color for added drama at night.

All in all, this is a color that’s become a new staple in my makeup bag. All praises be to M.A.C!

M.A.C Eyeshadow in Banshee retails for $14.50.

An Apple A Day: DKNY Delicious Candy Apples Fragrance Collection

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away." How many times have you heard that in your life? Enough to realize it's not true, I'm sure. But in the case of the new DKNY Delicious Candy Apples Fragrance Collection, I have a feeling it could actually happen!

I was in love with the three fragrances in this collection the second I took them out of their vibrantly patterned boxes. Each is crafted in DKNY's signature apple shape -- but this time, they include a signature stick much in the vein of a real candy apple. The inspiration lies in the pairing of a ripe, juicy apple with the sweetness of candy. Each one is designed to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Sweet Caramel contains notes of candy apple, pear, marshmallow, jasmine, muguet, violet, whipped vanilla, creamy caramel and greens. It's sweet without feeling overpowering or cloying -- the combination of notes really makes it feel sensual and sophisticated instead of young and teenybopperish.

Ripe Raspberry contains notes of raspberry, apple, lime, peony, lily and cola. I have to admit, this is the one that worried me the most -- because, unlike most people growing up, I hated the raspberry scent from Bath and Body Works. I thought it was the most annoyingly, sickeningly sweet scent on the face of the planet. Luckily, this scent is nothing like that! The scent of raspberry is offput by so many other floral and fruity notes that it becomes a beautifully rich aroma that just envelops you.

Juicy Berry contains notes of black currant, blackberry, pear, lychee, nectar, rose petals, apple blossom, sandalwood and blonde woods. This is the freshest, youngest scent of the three -- but it still exudes a sophistication and sexiness not often found in fruity scents. The addition of musky notes really helps to set it apart.

The only bad part about these three delicious candy apples? You can't actually eat them.

DKNY Delicious Candy Apple Fragrances retail for $55 each.

To Sing the Praises of the T3 Medium Duality Flat Iron

While in Israel, I did something shocking: I didn't bring a hairdryer or flat iron. (I'll wait for the screams and the intakes of breath to finish.) I had been told by many people that, even with the correct adapters and converters, they were bound to blow up -- and no way was I letting anything happen to my precious T3 Medium Duality Flat Iron.

This baby has seen me through some pretty tough hair times. No matter what the situation, it bails me out in merely minutes -- transforming my unruly mane from a kinky, curly-wavy mess to a sheet of pure shine. So let me tell you, being without it for 10 whole days was frightening. Luckily, some gals on the trip with me had brought flat irons and hairdryers, so of course I made friends with them -- but they didn't hold a candle to my precious T3.

The Tourmaline plates of the T3 work to straighten my hair without burning or singing it off, and there's never that rough feeling that comes from pulling other straightening irons through your hair. I've tried tons of other ceramic flat irons, and I'm here to tell you this one is the best. Hands down, the best. Try it for just five minutes and I guarantee you'll be hooked.

And I know I'm never leaving the country without it again.

The T3 Medium Duality Flat Iron retails for $160.

Blow: The Best Blowout in New York

If you're looking for a fab place to get your hair did, Blow is where it's at. I go there every time I want my hair to look amazing -- whether it's for an event or before a long flight, the gals there take care of me like no other!

Read more »

Refresh Those Tired Eyes: Talika Eye Decompress

Jetlag seriously took its toll on my skin. My unsightly pallor was altogether frightening when I got back from Israel -- though the worst part was the dark circles and bags that seemed to have permanently taken up residence underneath my eyes. Luckily, I had Talika Eye Decompress sitting in my beauty stash -- so the first thing I did was whip one out and see if it would do the trick.

Read more »

Beauty Question: Do You Wear Red Lipstick?

Now that 2010 is here, I've decided to take a few more chances with my hair and makeup. At the top of the list? Wearing red lipstick. I'm on the hunt for the most fabulous colors -- from M.A.C Lady Danger to Lipstick Queen Red Sinner -- and of course, I want you to weigh in. Do you wear red lipstick? Let me know in the comments!

My Fragrance Lifesaver: Stella McCartney Stella Eau de Parfum Roll-On

What to pack for a 10-day trip to Israel that involves limited showering, no hairdryers or flat irons (gasp!) and a staggeringly small amount of beauty products? In this gal's case, it was the Stella McCartney Stella Eau de Parfum Roll-On. I've covered this fragrance in its entirety in the past (check it out here) -- but it's worth mentioning in rollerball form for a few reasons:

1) It's perfect for tucking into the plastic bag you're allowed to carry on the plane.

2) The fragrance is at once sensual and sexy yet completely sweet and feminine, due to a blend of notes like rose and amber.

3) The miniature rollerball is so elegant, it garners compliments every time it's pulled out of your purse.

4) Carrying anything Stella McCartney instantly ups your glamour factor.

5) At $17, you'd be crazy not to stock up before your next trip.

Treat Your Colored Locks Right: Neil George Intense Illuminating Shampoo and Conditioner

I recently started coloring my hair after over seven years of leaving it alone. And while I absolutely love playing with the color, I've been on the hunt for shampoo and conditioner to keep it shiny, healthy and lustrous for weeks and months on end. Luckily, I came across Neil George Intense Illuminating Shampoo and Conditioner -- and my life hasn't been the same since.

Read more »

Beauty Question: How Do You Cure Dry Skin?

So I'm back from Israel! What an amazing 10 days. Words really cannot describe what an incredible experience I had ... it was unbelievably enriching and fulfilling.

The only bad thing about the trip? Now that I'm back, my skin is totally freaking out. I have dry patches on my cheeks and forehead, and the skin underneath my eyes is red and raw. So my beauty question of the day is this: How do you cure dry skin? Let me know your solutions in the comments!

TracyLee Percival Gets Me To Try Out the Half-Moon Manicure

I'd been wanting to try the half-moon manicure for quite awhile, but I was a little intimidated by the coolness. Luckily, my gal TracyLee Percival was on hand to create an unbelievably cool look that has garnered so many compliments, I'm thinking about making it my signature! See tons of photos and get the details after the jump.



After shaping, smoothing and buffing my nails to absolute perfection -- seriously, my cuticles looked horrible before she got her hands on them -- TracyLee applied one coat of Orly Rubberized Bonder Base Coat to really set the polish. She then applied one coat of Rescue Beauty Lounge Scrangie, a gorgeous deep purple with shimmery blue sparkle.


TracyLee then applied one coat of OPI Holiday Glow, which is a really pretty sparkly chocolate.

TracyLee starting the coat of OPI Holiday Glow

She finished with a coat of Seche Vite to set the color and give it a glossy finish.

The result? A unique maroonish-brown with tons of sparkle and glimmer. My nails have never looked cooler!


TracyLee Percival did my nails for $45.

Go Out with a Bang: Lipstick Queen Big Bang Illusion Gloss in Black Hole

Once in awhile, I find something in my makeup stash that I never thought would be amazing ... but I try it, and it turns out to be incredible. Such was the case with Lipstick Queen Big Bang Illusion Gloss in Black Hole. It sat in my makeup pouch for months, but I never thought I'd be able to pull off the color.

Read more »