Remember when I told you how to enter guys' hearts through fragrance? (Click here for a little refresher course.) Well, color me impressed -- because now there's an even chicer way to do it. I'm talking, of course, about the Stella McCartney Stella Solid Perfume Necklace.
Never before have I been so obsessed with a piece of jewelry. Not only does my fave fragrance reside within -- but the oversized silver medallion on a long, substantial chain seriously makes every outfit look more pulled together. It jazzes up basic jeans and tees and adds panache to an LBD. What could be better?
The Stella McCartney Stella Solid Perfume Necklace retails for $49.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Another Way to Enjoy Stella McCartney Stella: The Solid Perfume Necklace
Friday, February 26, 2010
The Most Ingenious Invention Ever: Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencil in Chase
The perfect tomato red lip? Immediately achievable with Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencil in Chase.
Not only is this color unbelievably flattering -- even on a paler-than-pale gal like yours truly -- but the consistency of this pencil is like no other. It glides effortlessly onto lips, leaving in its wake a silky, smooth, almost balm-like texture -- but with a matte finish that's ever so 40's. And the lacquered black tube with white writing? Undeniably chic and sexy.
Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencil in Chase retails for $22 at spacenk.com.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Beauty Giveaway: Space NK Charcoal Rose Candle
It's been quite awhile since there was a giveaway here at The Beauty of Life, and I figured it was high time my readers had the chance to win something fabulous! Loyal readers will already know about two of my greatest obsessions:
1) Space NK
2) Candles
So it comes as no surprise that I am in love with the Space NK Candle Collection. Each candle in this collection smells absolutely fantastic and burns for hours and hours without ever seeming to quit. And now one reader has the chance to win the Space NK Charcoal Rose Candle, valued at $45 -- perfect for winter with its noes of black roses, blush pink peppercorns and the essence of pine smoke.
Simply enter your name and email address in the box below. The winner will be selected on Friday, March 5 and notified by email. It's that simple!
This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Thursday, March 4 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.
The Beauty of Life Exclusive! Makeup Artist Gregory Arlt's Tips for Creating AnnaLynne McCord's Shape March 2010 Cover Look
Very exciting news today, fellow beauty chicks! My Twestie and partner-in-crime, the fabulous Director of Makeup Artistry for M.A.C Cosmetics, the one and only Gregory Arlt, gave me all the details of how to create 90210 starlet AnnaLynne McCord's look for the Shape March 2010 cover. "Whenever I've worked with Shape, we always go for a clean, healthy look to the makeup," Gregory told me. "In my opinion, Annalynne is our new California girl, and I look at her as sort of a modern-day Farrah Fawcett."
Get all the details of how he created the look after the jump.
"I kept it simple, luminous, healthy and golden," Gregory said of AnnaLynne's cover look. Gregory began by applying Kesalan Patheran #400 foundation to AnnaLynne's skin, then followed with M.A.C Medium Dark Mineralize Skinfinish. On AnnaLynne's cheeks, he dusted two M.A.C blushes -- Margin and Springsheen -- with a #116 Brush.
Many different products were used on AnnaLynne's eyes, though the end result was definitely very natural. Gregory brushed M.A.C Eyeshadows in Coquette and Omega across the brows with a #266 Brush and then used Girl/Boy Brow Set to keep them in place. As a base, he applied M.A.C Rice Paper Eyeshadow with a #252 Brush. In AnnaLynne's crease, he dusted M.A.C Kid Eyeshadow with a #224 Brush before sweeping M.A.C All That Glitters Eyeshadow across the lids with a #242 Brush.
Instead of using an eyeliner, Gregory lined AnnaLynne's eyes with two different M.A.C eyeshadows. Using a #266 Brush, he lined the top lids with Embark. He then used the #140 Brush to line the bottom lashline with Cork Eyeshadow (one of his all-time favorite products!).
Gregory finished AnnaLynne's eyes with a coat of Prescriptives Motor-Eyes Instant Action Mascara.
Lips were also kept fairly simple. Gregory lined AnnaLynne's lips with M.A.C Oak Pencil before filling them in with M.A.C Love Nectar Lustreglass.
Gregory's final thought? "With her glowing tan skin, perfect smile and that mane of beautiful blonde hair, I'm sure she could make and sell a poster that would go on a whole new generation of boys' walls!"
Face First: SK-II Skin Signature 3D Refining Mask
I have to admit that at first I wasn’t sure I’d like the two-part mask. Why not just give me a one-piece mask to fit over my entire face all at once? But after adhering both parts to my skin, I realized it really wasn’t such a big deal. After letting the mask sit for about 10 minutes, I removed both pieces to reveal skin that was softer, smoother and unbelievably glowier. My wrinkles even seemed to disintegrate right before my eyes!
At $145 for 6 masks, this is definitely the true meaning of the word indulgence. But since one facial is about the same cost in New York, I think it’s one worth making.
The T3 SinglePass Straightener: Say Hello to Sleek, Shiny Tresses!
Before this miracle-worker came into my life, I thought it was only possible to achieve salon-worthy locks by, well, going to the salon. And while I’m not discounting the technical skill of my fabulous stylists, I’m happy to know I can achieve similar results at home on a daily basis. After a quick blowdry and only 8 minutes with this straightening iron, my locks were smooth, silky and touchably soft. Observe the miracle happenings upon first use:
1) I walked to and from work in a major snowstorm and my hair didn’t frizz AT ALL.
2) Coworkers complimented me all day long on how straight and shiny my hair looked.
3) My highlights seemed to shimmer and peek out better than they had just one day before.
A true miracle, right? Not to mention the 1” ceramic plates and fully adjustable digital heating for a variety of hair types work to ensure you’ll have straight, silky locks no matter what your texture.
The T3 SinglePass Straightener retails for $160.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Obsession of the Moment: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
Foam Your Way to Clean Skin: Bliss Fabulous Foaming Body Wash
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Fastest Way to Smooth Tresses: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Conditioner
It takes a lot for me to really like a conditioner. Most leave my locks feeling coarse, straw-like and unmanageable. But the first time I tried Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Conditioner, I was hooked.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Mani of the Week: Deborah Lippmann Believe
Friday, February 19, 2010
How to Apply False Eyelashes, Courtesy of Makeup Artist James Kaliardos
If you're like me, applying false eyelashes is a total nightmare. The glue gets all over my eyelid, the lash droops down onto my cheek, and after about 15 seconds I scream at my reflection in the mirror and give up. Luckily, makeup artist James Kaliardos gave me very handy step-by-step instructions backstage at Luca Luca during Fall 2010 Fashion Week. (Stay tuned for my in-depth review of his bangin' makeup look for the show.) Here's what James recommends.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Direct from the Runway: Victor Glemaud Fall 2010 Fashion Week
Looking for a dose of eye candy? Look no further than Victor Glemaud. Not only was his Fall 2010 collection totally infused with preppy ski lodge chic, but the models were to die. See the pictures after the jump.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Direct from the Runway: Elise Overland Fall 2010 Fashion Week
At the last minute, I was invited backstage to speak with Napoleon Perdis at the Elise Overland show during Fall 2010 Fashion Week. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity! "It's a little bit industrial, but there's a softness to [the look] because of the lilacs and the fresh skin," Napoleon told me. Read on for the details.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Direct from the Runway: M.A.C Senior Makeup Artist Victor Cembellin's Look for Academy of Art University Fall 2010 Fashion Week
"There’s six different designers showing. How do you do a look that takes you through the entire show?" So said M.A.C Senior Makeup Artist Victor Cembellin backstage at the Academy of Art University show during Fall 2010 Fashion Week. Since these were my thoughts exactly, I was happy when he went on to say, "My take on the beauty was a modernized take on antiqued 1930's glamour. But everything has an urban edge to it, so it doesn’t get too pretty pretty or too referential to the 30's." Find out more after the jump.
Victor accomplished almost the entire look using just pencils. "Start with pencils because they're creamy enough, but not so dewy that you're gonna get in trouble!" he told me. Victor used two pencils on the eyes. He began with Powersurge Eye Kohl, lining over the entire eyelid for a "burnished gold, antique sort of flavor." He recommended looking down in a compact mirror and carving in the crescent, then lining under the eye and connecting in a triangular shape. He amplified the look with Coffee Eye Pencil, lining the waterline to stretch the eye out.
And Victor's favorite part about the eyes? Studio Fix Mascara. "DUDE!" he almost screamed backstage. "As a guy, normally I just put mascara on and I'm like, 'Oh, they're black!' This one, I'm all 'Oh my God, something magic is happening with this brush and this formula!' It's the first one where I'm like, 'Holy cow!' I so notice the difference!"
Victor Cembellin explaining the look backstage
Victor sculpted the temples and back of the cheekbones to give them a more angular look. He also used just a drop of Comfort Oil, massaging it into the skin to prep for makeup.
To complete the look, Victor finished with a vampy dark lip. "The lip is the best part!" he said. He scrubbed Night Love Lip Pencil on his hand, then applied with a 239 Brush "like you're doing eyeshadow," he recommended for those trying this at home. "You'll be better at it." He buffed the color into the center, then applied two more layers to give it the appearance of a dark stain.
Direct from the Runway: Nicole Miller Fall 2010 Fashion Week
When you have the powerhouse duo of hairstylist Kevin Ryan and makeup artist James Kaliardos for M.A.C, you go backstage to get the details. Such was the case at Nicole Miller's Fall 2010 show. "We're doing a very beautiful face today," James told me. "I just haven't done makeup like that for so long!" Get all the details after the jump.
Direct from the Runway: Doo.Ri Fall 2010 Fashion Week
"I love that she follows her rules," makeup artist Tom Pecheux said of Doo-Ri Chung backstage at Doo.Ri during Fall 2010 Fashion Week. "She’s not a designer who looks at what’s next, what people are going to do." I loved hearing Tom talk about his love of collaboration with the designer, because this is one backstage I never, never miss. Tom's ability to continue to push the envelope when it comes to amazing lipcolors simply astounds me -- and this season was no different.
"We’ve been doing lips the last few seasons, very bold colors always, "Tom told me. "Since she loves it, I love it, I think it works very well with the collection, we decided to carry on." And carry on he did -- with an amazing take on the classic red lip. Find out more after the jump.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Direct from the Runway: M.A.C Senior Makeup Artist Gregory Arlt's Makeup Look for Georges Chakra Fall 2010
As my loyal followers know, M.A.C Senior Makeup Artist Gregory Arlt is my all-time favorite and Twestie (his coined term for "Twitter Bestie"). So anytime I get the chance to check out his goings-on backstage during Fashion Week, I jump at the chance. This time, I went backstage at Georges Chakra's Fall 2010 show to see what he created. And, as always, I was blown away!
"I was inspired by Russian aristocracy," Gregory told me. "It's a little vampiric -- they're wealthy, glamorous vampires. They're glampires!" Find out tons more after the jump.
Direct from the Runway: Peter Som Fall 2010
The focus of Tom Pecheux's look was really on the lips. He lined them with Currant Lip Pencil "for perfect definition," he said, then filled them in with Kittenish Lipstick using the 242 Brush. The piece de resistance was My Dark Magic Mineralized Eyeshadow applied over the top for a very shimmery, metallic finish.
The eyes were created using a pigment that's yet to be named (from an upcoming collection) over Studio Sculpt Concealer and finished with Invisible Set Powder, applied from the lashline to the browbone and under the eyes. Tom lined the inner eyes and under the brow bone with Silver Dusk and applied Studiofix Lash Mascara to the top and bottom before applying #53 Lashes on the top.
Laurent Philippon took things in a much simpler direction, telling me he wanted a minimalist but very sexy look. "The collection is very cool and sophisticated, a lot of things going on," he said. "We wanted to bring a simple element with the hair and makeup to balance it all." The only Bumble and bumble product he used was Prep, a liquid conditioner that gave a healthy-looking finish. Laurent began with a very straight center part and then flat ironed. Some of the models also received extensions either for added fullness or length, but Laurent said, "it's a case by case situation."
Friday, February 12, 2010
Direct from the Runway: L.A.M.B. Fall 2010
So imagine my surprise and delight when I walked into the backstage area of the L.A.M.B. Fall 2010 Fashion Show and immediately spotted Gwen Stefani herself. There was a kind of quiet hush surrounding her ... all you could hear from anyone in the vicinity was, "That's Gwen Stefani!!" It was pretty unbelievable. But once I tore my eyes away from her -- and wow, did she look fantastic with her white-blond Marilyn Monroe-esque hairdo and signature red lips -- I was blown away by the hair, makeup and nails.
Charlotte Tilbury for M.A.C, Danilo for Moroccanoil and Roxanne Valinotti for Creative Nail Design really hit the ground running and came up with a fantastically beautiful look that was, as Charlotte so eloquently put it, "Young, naughty, wild, slightly 1930's prostitutes." Intrigued? Read more after the jump.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Direct from the Runway: Mackage Fall 2010
What a great start to Fall 2010 Fashion Week! I headed backstage at Mackage early this morning to chat with Anthony Barrow for Avon and Nobuko Yamada for Shiseido. Both told me that the inspiration came from a very successful, strong and powerful woman -- but Anthony said it’s “the perfectly imperfect look.” Keep reading for all the details.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Breaking News! M.A.C Cosmetics and the M.A.C AIDS Fund Announce Their Newest Spokeswomen!
VERY exciting news, fellow beauty chicks! Back in November, I was invited to a press event featuring the two new spokespeople for M.A.C Viva Glam. I wanted to tell you about it then, but my lips were sealed until TODAY! And now, I am thrilled to announce that the two new spokeswomen for M.A.C Cosmetics and the M.A.C Aids Fund are none other than ...
Obsession of the Moment: Guerlain Sublime Radiant Powder
I've always wished that I could have a vanity of pure beauty, elegance and grace. And while I love my products, not every one has beautiful packaging. Not so with Guerlain Sublime Radiant Powder. The lace-lacquered gold bottle is accompanied by a sweeping, swirling black tassel atomizer -- perfect for bringing a vintage-inspired feel to my vanity.
And what's inside, you may wonder? Sprinkles and sparkles of diamond-like gold powder that brings subtle shimmer and radiance to the face and decollete. Perfect for a night out on the town.
Unfortunately, Guerlain Sublime Radiant Powder was a limited-edition product from the holiday collection and is no longer available.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Treat Your Tresses Right: Shu Uemura Moisture Velvet Treatment at Butterfly Studio
Recently, I had the pleasure of checking out New York's Butterfly Studio. I'd been curious about the space for quite awhile -- I kept seeing it pop up in various magazines and blogs, and it always sounded amazing. Luckily, I had the absolute best experience! The fabulous Eli Santos gave me the Shu Uemura Moisture Velvet Treatment, and WOW. My tresses have never been softer!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Obsession of the Moment: Anything and Everything Rebecca Minkoff
I am dying over every single piece Rebecca Minkoff has put out lately. From the Double Zip Bracelet to the Linear Studded Flame, her signature Morning After Mini Bag to the covetable Studded Devote Tote, I just can’t get enough. Every piece has such flair, such charm, such whimsicality ... and the studded detailing on most bags just makes me want to become a tough glam-rock chick. Observe...
Pretty as a Princess: Vera Wang Glam Princess Eau de Toilette
My new fave fragrance? Vera Wang Glam Princess Eau de Toilette. Everything from the chic heart-shaped bottle to the flirtatiously brilliant scent has drawn me in from the very beginning.
To begin with, the star-bedecked bottle is so adorable yet feels completely adult. I love the miniature jeweled crown stopper atop the bottle as well -- because, let's face it, who doesn't want to feel like royalty from time to time?
And the scent? So delish. Notes of guava, pear, honey, vanilla orchid, marshmallow orchid and cedarwood create a fragrance that's at once beautifully sweet and surprisingly sensual. And at the end of the day, that's exactly what I've been looking for!
Vera Wang Glam Princess Eau de Toilette retails for $45-$72.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Beauty Launch: The M.A.C & Milk Collection
Want to know which products the makeup artists swear by at Fashion Week? Well, lucky for you, M.A.C has now introduced the M.A.C & Milk Collection -- a selection of backstage essentials found in every makeup artist’s kit! These are the staples used in shows around the globe, constantly relied upon by the M.A.C PRO team to create the key beauty trends each season.
“Radiant skin, smoky eyes and beige lips seem to be a part of the beauty trends every season,” said Gordon Espinet, the Vice President of Global Makeup Artistry for M.A.C Cosmetics. “The M.A.C & Milk Collection are the iconic products that create these trends. No makeup artist can live without [them] during Fashion Week.”
The collection coincides with M.A.C’s partnership with Milk Studios, started last season to offer an innovative New York Fashion Week experience. Check out the pieces in the collection after the jump.
Strobe Cream ($29.50): The ultimate quick fix for skin, this cream brightens and clarifies with iridescent particles and antioxidants.
Fast Response Eye Cream ($30): This caffeinated cream depuffs, firms, soothes and softens skin around the eyes.
Fix + ($18): One spritz of this vitamin and mineral blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber and a scent of Sugi leaves the skin radiant and fresh.
Kohl Pencil in Smolder ($14.50): This intense black eye pencil lines, defines, and shades with rich color and a silky smooth finish.
Brow Set in Clear ($14.50): This brush-on clear gel grooms and slicks brows into shape without flaking or stiffening the brow.
Zoom Lash Mascara in Zoomblack ($13): This smudge-proof and long-wearing mascara provides instant volume and length to the lashes.
Mineralize Skinfinish Natural ($25): This luxurious face powder contains baked-in minerals that provide a dimensional yet natural-matte finish. Perfect to set and fix foundation.
Face and Body Foundation ($32): This water-based, water-resistant, long-lasting foundation provides sheer, natural-looking coverage.
Lipglass in Clear ($14): Contains Jojoba Oil to help soften and condition the lips and creates a high gloss, glass-like finish that lasts.
Brush #187 Duo Fiber Brush ($42): This large full circular brush made from a soft blend of goat and synthetic fibers can be used to blend face powders or pigments to create soft layers or add textures.
The M.A.C & Milk Collection also includes Eye Shadow in Copperplate and Brown Down ($14.50 each) and Lipstick in Fleckletone and Fleshpot (PRO) ($14 each). All products will be available until February 22.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Obsession of the Moment: Hayden-Harnett Passport Multi-Function Case in Violet Crinkle Patent
As many of my friends have pointed out to me, I am a traveling maniac. In the past six months, I've visited the following places:
Hawaii (Oahu and Kauai)
London
Israel
Chicago
Cleveland
Boston
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Obsession of the Moment: BCBGeneration Dania Purple Suede Pumps
Who doesn't love a purple pump? I sure as heck can't get enough of them ... at last count, I had at least five pairs in my shoe stash. But recently, only one has been giving off its siren call ... and its name is the BCBGeneration Dania Purple Suede Pump.
These pumps jazz up simple black dresses, look unbelievable with skinny leggings, and turn my short (by comparison to normal-sized people) legs into things of absolute wonder. Not to mention they garner compliment after compliment every time I slip them on!
Note: This product is no longer available.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Feel Like a Princess: The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
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