If you're into eyeshadow and you're into palettes, you simply must -- and I mean must -- check out my latest video post! My latest obsession of the moment is the Stila Jewel Eye Shadow Palette. Check out my thoughts in the video below!
This palette includes the following four shades:
Golden Topax (shimmery taupe)
Amethyst (dark glittery purple)
Black Diamond (glistening black)
Rose Quartz (sparkly pale pink)
The Stila Jewel Eye Shadow Palette retails for $32.
Disclosure: This product was furnished by a PR representative for Stila.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Obsession of the Moment: Stila Jewel Eye Shadow Palette
Mani of the Week: Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Particuliere
This past weekend, I went for a luxurious mani/pedi at Paul Labrecque. I really enjoyed the entire experience, but my favorite part? The nail polish, of course! I brought my own, since I had just bought Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Particuliere on Thursday. (For more info on my favorite haul yet, including Particuliere, click here.)
In any case, I am in love with this nail polish! I seldom polish my tips with the same color more than once, but I think I'm going to have to make an exception for this gorgeous color. I love the meld of brown, taupe, grey and pewter tones that come forth -- it's such an intriguing, interesting and different color than any other I've come across. The creamy finish is exactly what I was looking for!
What color are you wearing on your tips this week? Let me know in the comments!
Friday, May 28, 2010
First Look Fridays: butter LONDON's Founding Creative Director Nonie Creme
When it comes to nail polish, butter LONDON is among my absolute favorite. And the Founding Creative Director, Nonie Creme? One of the absolute best people to talk to every Fashion Week! She's full of spunk, extremely knowledgeable about all things nails and is the sweetest person you'll ever meet. Read on to discover how she got her start as a manicurist, her favorite butter LONDON polish and so much more.
Haul of the Day: Diane von Furstenberg and Chanel!
Check out my very first video for The Beauty of Life! I was so excited about all my purchases today that I wanted you to see them up close and in person. Here are the items I'm talking about in the video:
Diane von Furstenberg "Teela" Top in Hot Red ($225)
Diane von Furstenberg "Copper" Cropped Parachute Pants in Dark Khaki ($245)
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Particuliere ($23)
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Black Velvet ($25)
Thursday, May 27, 2010
What's Your Beauty Indulgence? Beauty Blogger Risi-Leanne Baranja Fills Us In.
The What's Your Beauty Indulgence? series gives you an inside look into the products that my fellow industry insiders hold in highest regard. Be it a moisturizer or a lipgloss, a styling tool or a candle, these products aren't to be missed.
Whenever I run into beauty blogger Risi-Leanne Branaja of Palacinka, I know I'm in for a treat. She's the sweetest person ever and is truly one of the most knowledgeable people about beauty products I've come across! So of course I had to find out what she considers her biggest beauty indulgence. Here it is, in her own words.
Yes, the legendary Creme de la Mer is my beauty indulgence because it truly does transform my "good" skin into something "great" -- continuously hydrated, glowing day and night, more even toned and silky smooth no matter what the elements bring. Because it's also one of their most concentrated versions, a little really does go a long way, and I practice the warming up in the hands/pressing/patting ritual religiously, so I feel that the cost is justified because I get several months use out of it. I haven't yet sprung for the 16.5 oz. version ... but a girl can dream!
Check out Risi-Leanne's blog here. To follow her on Twitter, click here.
Check back soon for another edition of What's Your Beauty Indulgence?.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Weekend of Beauty Treatments: The Spirit of the Beehive Pedicure at Jin Soon Hand and Foot Spa
My feet have been looking a little worse for wear recently, so when my gal Keri asked if I wanted to get pedicures at Jin Soon Hand and Foot Spa, I took her up on it immediately. I absolutely love Jin Soon for the following reasons:
1) Every nail technician is incredibly skilled and makes your hands and feet look amazing.
2) The space is so adorable -- the back holds four pedicure stations with lots of pillows and tons of reading material.
3) Each service comes with a hot, steaming mug of tea.
4) The POLISH! Jin's walls are literally and liberally lined with every nail polish you could imagine. She stocks Essie, OPI, NARS, Creative Nail Design, Chanel, Zoya ... the choices are endless!
When you book a service at Jin Soon, you have the opportunity to choose which one you want when you arrive. I went for the Spirit of the Beehive Pedicure, which includes all the normal pedi steps -- filing, cutting, buffing, scrubbing and pumicing -- and then takes it one step further with a three-layer paraffin treatment. After being dipped three times, my feet were ensconced in the most adorable little booties for about 10 minutes. And when they were removed? PERFECTION. My feet have never felt so soft!
A shot of my nail tech polishing my tootsies
The crowning glory? The polish application, of course! I chose OPI Jade is the New Black, which at first I was a bit worried about -- I wasn't sure whether green would actually look good on my toes -- but I'm so glad I went for it. I absolutely love the color and I think it's such a fun way to show off my fab, flawless pedi!
The finished product -- OPI Jade is the New Black
I was also delightfully surprised to discover that Jin Soon Choi herself was there that day. We've met at Fashion Week a few times, but it was great to see her in her element! She was polishing people's nails, helping girls get their flip-flops back on at the end of their services, running back and forth making sure everyone was happy. She's fantastic!
The Spirit of the Beehive Pedicure is $60. For more information about Jin Soon, click here.
Disclosure: I intended on paying for this pedicure, but Jin comped me.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Miracle Worker: Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover
Enter Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover. This is a miracle worker if I've ever seen one. It gets out smoothies, ketchup, salad dressing, you name it. I've even seen it remove water from silk crepe de chine -- no easy feat! I keep it in my desk at work, since my clumsiness knows no bounds. I highly recommend you pick one up for yourself.
Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover is around $8.99 for a pack of 3.
Mani of the Week: Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Mistral
I'm willing the sun to come out this week with my nail polish choice! I'm totally loving Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Mistral, a bright bubble gum pink confection with just a touch of shimmer. I picked this bottle up when I was at the Chanel store in Las Vegas last month -- it's part of the Spring 2010 collection and had just launched that week -- and finally got around to using it today!
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| Without flash |
What nail polish are you wearing this week? Let me know in the comments!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Weekend of Beauty Treatments: The Butter Stone Massage at Spa Merge
By the end of this weekend, I will have experienced four different salon and spa treatments. (And yes, I will be covering them all for you right here!) Welcome to my Weekend of Beauty Treatments.
Last night, I went to heaven. Or as it's called here on earth, Spa Merge. This new concept in spa-going had me hooked from the very first second I walked in the door. The basic concept here is that each person receives his or her very own treatment room, complete with bathroom, locker room and all the amenities one could want during a spa service. (The bathroom even has both a stall shower and a separate jacuzzi tub!) Everything is completely individualized, so you can enjoy your treatment and spa visit in peace, quiet and tranquility. The room even has a comfy robe waiting in the closet, cozy slippers next to the bed and an eye pillow in case you want to rest!
Friday, May 21, 2010
The Best Sheet Mask Series: SK-II Skin Signature 3D Redefining Mask
Want a really unique sheet mask experience? Then the SK-II Skin Signature 3D Redefining Mask is the one for you. Each mask is actually two sheets in one -- one sheet for the upper half of your face, one for the lower half. They work in tandem to deliver a noticeably lifted and contoured look to the skin.
First Look Fridays: Celebrity Manicurist Kimmie Kyees
If you're into nails, chances are you've heard of Kimmie Kyees. She's manicured the hands of the biggest names in the business, from Rihanna and Gisele Bundchen to Miley Cyrus and Ciara. And you know what? She got her start at the salon my dad used to go to in Columbus! Small world. In any case, she's full of knowledge about all things nails. Read on to discover her favorite top coat, her number one tip for getting a flawless manicure and so much more.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Quote of the Day: Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City
In honor of the Sex and the City 2 movie coming out next week...
"Sometimes it's hard to walk in a single woman's shoes. That's why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun." -- Sex and the City, Season 6, Episode 9 ("A Woman's Right to Shoes")
Feed Your Obsession for The Exclusive FEED Guatemala Bags at Lord & Taylor
A few weeks ago, I attended the launch of FEED Bags at Lord & Taylor. If you're not familiar with FEED, here's a little backstory: Model Lauren Bush is the CEO of FEED Projects, which partnered with UNICEF to help provide nutritional support to the children of Guatemala.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Heaven in a Massage: The Signature Massage at Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa
Have you heard about the wonder that is Groupon? (If not, click here for more info and to sign up.) In any case, awhile back they had a deal for a 60-minute Signature Massage at Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa. Considering this treatment is normally $130 and was going for only $59 that day, I immediately snapped it up. And wow, am I ever glad I did!
After a very traumatic day yesterday (hours at the office spent with a computer that didn't work, capped off by dropping my Blackberry in a puddle and -- yes -- losing everything), I was in desperate need of a relaxing massage. My masseuse, Ela, was right there to make sure I enjoyed every last second of the massage. Her strokes were long, deep and firm, and she really made sure to get out all the tension-filled knots in my shoulders and lower back.
I walked out feeling renewed and rejuvenated -- even without the ability to call people and tell them how great the service was.
For more information on Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa and to book an appointment, click here.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Review and Giveaway: The Sex and the City Tour from On Location Tours!
A couple weeks ago, I had the good fortune to attend the Sex and the City Tour, fearlessly planned and led by On Location Tours. This tour is a whopping three and a half hours long -- and it covers many of the sites seen during both the series and the first movie. (Thankfully, it's done while riding around in a tour bus -- very minimal walking!) While I did think it was quite touristy -- my friend Gerold and I were among the only true New Yorkers on the bus (let alone some of the only English speakers) -- it was a lot of fun. Some of the highlights:
1) Each tour gets an order of Magnolia cupcakes! You'll remember that Carrie and Miranda are sitting outside the Magnolia in the West Village eating these delicious confections when Carrie first confesses to her crush on Aidan.
2) A stop at Buddakan gives you a peek at the crystal chandelier-laden room where Carrie and Big had their rehearsal dinner.
3) Throughout the tour, the (very knowledgeable) tour guide gives tons of background on the spots seen in the show and then plays clips. It's a good chance to relive your favorite moments!
4) Remember The Rabbit? (Hint: Charlotte became addicted in Season 1.) Well, you get to stop by The Pleasure Chest -- scene of the buying crime -- and, yes, you get 15 percent off! (No one on my tour bought anything.)
5) Want to have a cosmopolitan at Steve's bar, Scout? Well, unfortunately, Scout isn't a real bar -- but it was filmed at one! Stop at O'Nieal's Speakeasy for awhile and get a cosmopolitan of your very own.
When all is said and done, if you were a fan of the show, it's a pretty fun way to spend almost 4 hours. And now I'm giving one lucky person the chance to win a tour of his or her very own! Enter below for your chance to win a gift certificate for two tickets to the tour, valued at $84! (Each ticket is $42.) The gift certificate never expires, so even if you don't live in NYC you can enter -- just use it the next time you're in the city!
This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Tuesday, May 25 at midnight. Winner will be selected and emailed on May 25. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.
For more information on the Sex and the City tour, click here.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Outfit of the Day: The Chic but Casual Traveler
I was traveling on the Acela back from Boston today and decided I needed to be chic yet casual. This called for a mixture of items that, on their own, are pretty easygoing -- but I think added up to a nice array that kept me looking respectable on the train! (Not to mention I hate wearing jeans when I travel -- I think they're way too tight -- so I always go for leggings.)
Here's the breakdown:
Vince colorblocked tee
Hue Zipper Leggings in Black
H&M silver hoop earrings
Banana Republic "Heather" Sunglasses (more on them here!)
Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini Bag in Purple (more info on that purchase here!)
Henri Bendel three-row crystal cuff
Vans (customized, thanks to Robert Verdi)
Friday, May 14, 2010
First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Heather Wilson
One of the reasons I absolutely love Twitter? I get to discover fabulous new makeup artists, like the gorgeous Heather Wilson. We've been following each other for awhile now, and I thought it was about time I found out all of her beauty secrets! Read on to discover the serum she never leaves home without, her top tip for applying bronzer and so much more!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Salt of the Earth: HALO/AIR Salt Rooms
Last night, I was invited to the launch of a new spa concept in NYC: HALO/AIR Salt Rooms. Now, this is not a traditional spa in any sense of the word. There are no actual treatments here -- you simply sit in a lounge chair inside a fairly sparse room, and you're given the option to watch TV, work on your laptop and otherwise relax.
My New Must-Have: M.A.C Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner
Do I ever have a fabulous product to share with you today! I've had M.A.C Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner sitting in my stash for quite awhile. I kept thinking about breaking it out, but then I wouldn't line my eyes for the day (gasp!) or I would worry that it would be too heavy. Well, color me impressed -- because this is definitely my new favorite eyeliner.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Feel the Vibrations: The Clarisonic Mia Skincare Brush
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Haul of the Day: Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale Goodies
What an auspicious day today was! I went to the Rebecca Minkoff sample sale with my gal Deenie after work. Lo and behold, EVERY SINGLE BAG I've ever dreamed of owning was there and at a fraction of the price! There were Morning After Bags, Nikkis and Devote Totes every which way I looked. (Not to mention it was the second most-crowded sample sale I've ever attended. Diane von Furstenberg takes the cake.)
At any rate, I scored BIG time today. I bought two bags and a cuff -- all of which I've been coveting for months! Check out more pictures and get all the details.
The Best Sheet Mask Series: Wei Tibetan Chrysanthemum Correcting Eye Treatment Pads
Have you heard about the skincare line Wei? You simply must head to a Space NK near you and check it out. Each and every product in the line is absolutely divine -- but none so more than the Wei Tibetan Chrysanthemum Correcting Treatment Eye Pads.
A Rose is a Rose: Dior Creme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm
Some people have issues with pot balms. Not me -- I really love them. I think they're so chic and really add a luxurious element to my makeup bag or purse. Dior Creme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm has a delightful rosy scent that just makes me feel ultra-feminine every time I slick it on ... not to mention I get tons of compliments on the gorgeous packaging!
The Lap of Luxury: David Yurman Luxurious Body Cream
I have to admit, I wasn't sure I would like David Yurman Luxurious Body Cream before I tried it. I wasn't a huge fan of the original perfume, and thought it would feel even heavier in a lotion. But was I ever wrong! It's utterly divine. Notes of exotic woods and patchouli intertwine with rose and water lily, creating a scent that's very exotic and floral all at once.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Mani of the Week: Chanel Illusion D'Or
When it comes to my nails, I like a little glitz and glamour from time to time. So it comes as no surprise that the new Chanel Illusion D'Or, from the new Noir et Or Paris-Shanghai collection, spoke to me in the highest regard. This week, I decided to glam it up big time with the lustrous gold sparkles found in this polish. (Side note: it was gifted to me by the fabulous Nancy at Beauty411! What a sweetheart.)
What I love most about this polish is the multiple sizes of sparkle found within the lacquer. Look closely and you'll find glitter of all different shapes and sizes present. My favorite? The round purple sparkles! They add an almost holographic element to the polish, making it different from every other polish in my collection.
Check out more pictures after the jump.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Beauty Giveaway: Zoya Flash Sampler Nail Polish Collection
Spring has begun, and you know what that means -- time to break out the fun, bright colors for your tips and toes! So I find it only fitting that one lucky winner has the chance to win the Zoya Flash Sampler, a collection of 6 uber-bright nail polishes. The collection has a retail value of $36 and includes the following gorgeous shades:
Robyn (turquoise)
Perrie (soft lavender)
Dana (rose)
Jolene (pink)
Maura (electric crimson)
Jancyn (soft tangerine)
All 6 shades are super-pigmented cremes. To participate in this giveaway, eyour name and email address in the box below. The winner will be selected on Sunday, May 16 and notified by email.
This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Saturday, May 15 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.
My New Favorite Workout: Core Fusion at Exhale Spa
Unlike some people, I genuinely like to work out. I love the feeling I get at the gym, whether I'm on the elliptical or doing an intense strength training session. The endorphin high is like no other -- not to mention I'm doing something amazing for my body that will actually garner results. And my new favorite workout? It has to be Core Fusion at Exhale Spa.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Indulgence of the Highest Order: BURN Candles
I'm quite the generous giver when it comes to beauty products. I've been known to gift friends and colleagues with Dior, NARS, M.A.C, even Chanel. But one thing people will have to pry out of my cold, dead hands is my collection of BURN Candles.
Friday, May 7, 2010
What's Your Beauty Indulgence? Director of Makeup Artistry for M.A.C Cosmetics Gregory Arlt Fills Us In.
The What's Your Beauty Indulgence? series gives you an inside look into the products that my fellow industry insiders hold in highest regard. Be it a moisturizer or a lipgloss, a styling tool or a candle, these products aren't to be missed.
If you haven't heard me talk about my Twestie (translation: Twitter bestie) before, you've probably been living under a makeup-free rock. I have a very special bond with Gregory Arlt, who -- when he's not referring to himself as my Twestie -- moonlights as the Director of Makeup Artistry for M.A.C Cosmetics. Gregory is super knowledgeable when it comes to all things beauty, so I was delighted to have the chance to pick his brain on his number one beauty indulgence. And true to form, he did not disappoint! In his own words, here's Gregory's beauty indulgence.
I LOVE Kneipp Herbal Baths and first got introduced to them in the late 80's when I worked at Fred Segal in Santa Monica. As you know, I travel the world doing makeup which can take a lot out of a guy, so there's nothing better than a relaxing bath in one of these amazing herbal elixirs after a long day. My favorites are the Orange Blossom (Neroli is my favorite smell in the world), the Melissa and definitely the Valerian and Hops when it's time for bed. I love that they color my bath water, too!
For more things Gregory, you can follow him on Twitter here.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Sore to the Core: My Experience with Exhale's Core Fusion Retreat at Kripalu
Over the weekend, I attended Exhale's Core Fusion Retreat at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. Kripalu is, for lack of a better term, a yoga compound in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. I went with my friend Keri for a weekend of relaxation, restoration and intense workout sessions -- because Core Fusion is no joke! Over the course of 2.5 days, we did a whopping NINE HOURS of Core Fusion with its founders, the fabulous and amazing Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Feel Great, Exfoliate: Kate Somerville Exfolikate Gentle Exfoliating Treatment
Beauty Giveaway: Votivo Candle
I'm in love with all things Votivo. But the new Dalian Collection really speaks to me. The faceted black glass jars, topped with a gleaming silver lid and arrow-shot signature V, are so beautiful it wouldn't even matter whether there was a delicious smelling candle inside. Luckily, there is -- like Red Currant, a delectable blend of red currant, golden fruit glaze, vanilla bean and raspberry. Yummy, right?
And now I'm offering you the chance to win a Votivo candle of your very own! I've partnered with the fabulous folks over at Candle Luxury to offer three winners the chance to win any Votivo candle from their collection. This prize has a value of $25-$40, depending on the candle selected! All you have to do is enter your name and email address in the box below. The winners will be selected on Sunday, May 9 and notified by email. It's that simple!
Check out the Votivo collection at Candle Luxury to see all the amazing choices!
This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Saturday, May 8 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.
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