The perfect shimmery pink? I just found it -- and it's Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss in Star Pink.
The pale pink gloss imparts the most gorgeous sparkle -- and it's one of the first pastels I've found that actually looks good on its own. Usually I find I have to layer pale pink glosses over deeper colors to really get the shade I'm after -- but with this one, I can just slick it on my pout and head out the door!
While Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss in Star Pink is no longer available, you can find other colors for $24 each at sephora.com.
Friday, July 30, 2010
All Things Shimmer and Sparkle: Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss in Star Pink
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Space NK Semi-Annual Private Sale Happening This Week!
Attention, NYCers! If you love Space NK, this is definitely your lucky week. I just got word that the brand is having their semi-annual private sale at the Greene Street location this Thursday-Saturday! All the info is in the picture above, just click to enlarge.
Happy shopping!
Today's Beauty Ritual, Brought to You by the Color Green! Plus a Video!
Apparently I like everything to be color-coordinated. If you'll remember, the last time I gave you a peek inside my morning ritual, everything was pink -- and today, everything is green! Check out my video below of all the products I used today.
Seen in the video:
Pureology Antifade Complex Essential Repair Shampoo and Pureology Antifade Complex Essential Repair Condition
BVLGARI Eau Parfumee Au The Vert Bath & Shower Gel
Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Intensely Smooth Leave-In Conditioning Cream
Pantene Medium-Thick Straighten & Smooth Creme
Marc Jacobs Cucumber Splash
Monday, July 26, 2010
Fashion Question: What's the One Trend You Wish You Hadn't Missed Out On?
When I think back to the 80's and 90's, there's not much I didn't try. The 80's saw me in pin-covered stonewashed denim jackets, pegged jeans, oversized tees with stirrup leggings, ice cream coned socks (multiple pairs of socks layered on top of one another), and of course my many pairs of LA Gears high-tops. The 90's saw the insurgence of grunge, complete with my grandpa's way-too-big flannel shirts, ripped jeans and Birkenstocks over thick woolen socks. But two trends in particular were missing...
If ever there were a trend I wish I had taken part in, it's the bedazzler. I never had one -- and to this day, I regret it. I'm so sad not to have any sparkly stunners from the 80's.
These tough-girl boots were HIGHLY coveted at my junior high ... but unfortunately, they were just always a touch out of my price range.
What are the trends you wish you hadn't missed out on? Let me know in the comments!
Citizen of Womanity: Thierry Mugler Womanity
Let's begin with how gorgeous the bottle is, shall we? I'm always looking for products worthy of display, and this definitely fits the bill. The angular, rectangular-shaped pink bottle is capped by a structural silver topper ... and, if that's not enough, the hanging chain detail gives it such a downtown rocker feel.
Notes of fig and caviar create a sensually intriguing scent that at once feels spicy, girly, feminine, sexy, sweet ... it's perfect whether you're going out to a movie with your girlfriends or you have a hot date with your current Mr. Right.
On a side note, I've been most attracted to the shower gel -- it's a wonderfully fiery, zesty start to the day.
Thierry Mugler Womanity retails for $58-$78 at sephora.com.
Mani of the Week: Deborah Lippmann Fashion
The perfect nude polish? It most certainly exists -- and it's called Deborah Lippmann Fashion. I usually go for much crazier polish choices (see the evidence here) -- so, this week, I thought it would be crazy to go for a fairly "safe" color! But to be honest, I don't find anything safe about this polish. The interesting mix of taupe, tan and beige creates a hue that at once fades into the background and completely stands out. And the creamy texture, with no hint of shimmer or sparkle, is undeniably elegant and sophisticated.
While I'm not in the habit of wearing polish more than once -- I have way too many to ever repeat! -- I'm definitely going to need to keep this in my arsenal. It's just too gorgeous to keep on the back burner!
Deborah Lippmann Fashion retails for $19 at bigelowchemists.com.
Friday, July 23, 2010
First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Susan Giordano
Luminous, beautiful, ethereal ... Makeup artist Susan Giordano's work is all of that and more. Her makeup artistry has appeared in Vogue, Glamour, Cosmopolitan -- and on famous faces including Katie Holmes and Isabella Rossellini. Read on to discover the makeup artist who first inspired her, her secret to getting the curliest eyelashes ever and so much more.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Fashion Question: Should You Match Your Workout Shoes to Your Outfit?
As I walked down the street today, I noticed a girl wearing a blue racerback top, black running pants and Pumas to match. It made me think she was more serious about looking good at the gym than actually getting a decent workout ... especially since Pumas aren't the most reliable running shoes! I'm of the mind that you should wear running shoes with support and traction rather than making sure they go with your top. But what do you think? Let me know your opinions in the comments!
Haul of the Day: See by Chloe and Calvin Klein from The Outnet! Plus a Video!
Have you heard about the fabulousness that is The Outnet? The cheaper sister of Net-a-Porter is one of those sites I check repeatedly throughout the week, not only because they have designers like Christian Louboutin and Alexander McQueen, but because everything on the site is on sale. We're talking up to 80 percent off the original prices! And every weekend, the site has a "Weekend Shop-In," whereby certain items (for example, dresses this past weekend) were an extra 40 percent off.
Of course, I snapped up two dresses I was absolutely crazy about! Check out the video below for more information on my latest haul.
Featured in the video:
See by Chloe Colorblocked Cotton Dress (originally $320, whittled down to a mere $78 on The Outnet)
Calvin Klein Satin Jersey Tunic (originally $95, mine for only $57)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
My Current Hero Skincare Products: Plus a Video!
At a facial this weekend, I was asked to provide detailed information about my entire skincare routine. I actually really had to think! Check out the products currently making appearances in my skincare lineup in the video below.
The products featured include:
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
Clinique All About Eyes
Monday, July 19, 2010
My Latest Purchase: See by Chloe Block-Color Cotton Sundress from The Outnet
After one of the most hellatious weeks known to man -- including a bout with a stolen debit card number, in which someone charged over $1200 to something asinine called College Sports -- I needed a little pick-me-up. (Aside: Do I look like someone who would even spend $40 at a place called College Sports? Seriously, Capital One -- how about being more vigilant with large purchases on my debit card, especially when the biggest purchase I've ever made with it was maybe $150? Luckily, the purchase was declined before it went through and bankrupted me.)
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Mani of the Week: French Manicure with M.A.C Alice + Olivia Morning.After and Military Nail Lacquers
I am beyond excited about my manicure this week. I went to Haven today for the Citrus Manicure and Pedicure (more on that in an upcoming post), and I decided to bring along my new M.A.C Alice + Olivia Nail Lacquers. While I am totally not a fan of the normal French manicure, I really wanted to try one with Morning.After and Military. And you know what? I am thrilled with the result. (Seen above: Morning.After on the nail, Military on the tip.) Check out more pictures after the jump!
Morning.After is the perfect blend of teal and turquoise -- and it's so, so gorgeously rich and creamy.
Military is actually a matte silvery black, but with a coat of Seche Vite it's undeniably glossy.
My manicurist, Fahmida, checking her handiwork.
Doesn't the manicure just make my Alexis Bittar Large Gold Calder Coral Ring just sing?
Each of the M.A.C Alice + Olivia Nail Lacquers retails for $12.
Disclosure: The nail polishes were furnished by a PR representative for M.A.C. The manicure was provided free of charge for editorial consideration.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Designer Spotlight: Rebecca Minkoff
If you like bags, you like Rebecca Minkoff. Simple as that. Her Morning Afters, Nikkis and Devotes are truly covetable. I got her to open up about where she gets her inspiration, the very first handbag she ever designed and even what we can look forward to in the coming season!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Best Sheet Mask Series: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask
I have to admit, this sheet mask scared me a little before I tried it. The instructions for use say to press the fluid chamber, wait until the masks are saturated and then peel away the foil. It seemed like a chemistry experiment just waiting to go wrong!
My New Favorite Launch: Disney Couture's The Little Mermaid Collection
Look at this stuff -- isn't it neat?
Wouldn't you think my collection's complete?
Wouldn't you think I'm the girl ... the girl who has everything?
--Part of Your World, The Little Mermaid
If it's possible for me to have a very favorite movie, The Little Mermaid would be at the top of the list. I was enamored of the story even when all I knew was the Hans Christian Andersen version -- and when the movie came out in 1989, I was instantly hooked. No matter how many times I watch it, or how many times I listen to "Part of Your World," the story gets me.
So it's only natural that I am totally in love with the new collection from Disney Couture -- The Little Mermaid Collection, of course! Check out some of my favorite pieces after the jump.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
"Rain" It In: Chic Options for Rainy Days
I don't know about you, but on ugly grey days when the skies open up, all I want to do is crawl under the covers and go back to sleep! But I've found that the best way to combat feeling grey is to outfit myself in stylish, colorful looks pieces that transcend the ugliness outside. Read on for some chic options to get you through the next rainy day!
Felix Rey "Rain Rain Go Away" Clear Bubble Umbrella ($65): Can you think of anything cuter? Not only will this bubble umbrella keep you completely warm and dry from head to toe ... but you'll turn heads simply because it's one of the most adorable umbrellas you could possibly carry!
Unconventional Uses for Your Favorite Beauty Products
Over the years, I've come to appreciate that many beauty products can play double duty. There's no telling what they can do for you in a pinch!
A Trip Down Memory Lane
While at home in Cleveland a couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to go through a bunch of old pictures that had been in my grandparents' house. While these photos have nothing to do with beauty, they have everything to do with my upbringing and my often joyous outlook on life. I wanted to take this opportunity to post a few here. See snapshots of my childhood and early adult life after the jump.
Spending time with my brother -- I believe it was near the end of my senior year in high school
Hard to believe I was ever small enough to fit in the crook of my grandpa's elbow!
As you can tell, we are not a theatrical family in the slightest.
In the hallway of my high school after playing Kim MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie. Don't you love my red-and-black checkered pants? (I actually did like these.)
With my mom and brother, gathered around the table at my grandparents' house (Friday night tradition)
I am so happy I stumbled across this photo of my mom and me. One of my very favorites.
I think my personality was apparent from a fairly young age.
Bottle time with my grandma
I absolutely love this photo of my mom!
This is my grandpa's classic laugh.
With my prom date -- who, at 18, I was convinced would be my husband.
My family rejoicing after a Show Choir performance my junior year, with my very best friend Katie thrown in for good measure.
Monday, July 12, 2010
The Perfect Kick: Illume Happiology Body Wash in Yuzu Mint
Looking for the perfect minty fresh start to your day? Illume Happiology Body Wash in Yuzu Mint is the body wash for you. A blend of grapefruit, yuzu, eucalyptus, spearmint, peppermint and vanilla bring an invigorating feel to your morning shower -- great for those days when you'd rather just stay in bed!
The body wash itself is super-creamy. It's formulated with Vitamins A and E to nourish the skin, while glycerin hydrates and certified organic fruit and flower extracts enliven the senses. I've found that a dime-sized amount upon a pouf is all that's needed for a rich lather.
So why not awaken each day with a zesty start?
Note: This product is no longer available.
Glitzy, Glimmery and Otherwise Glittery: Chanel Glossimer in Imaginaire
I've always been enamored of sparkly lipglosses. But my love affair with Chanel Glossimer in Imaginaire truly knows no bounds.
Mani of the Week: Illamasqua Nail Varnish in DWS
I've been on the lookout for the perfect cement grey polish for quite some time ... and this week's mani, Illamasqua Nail Varnish in DWS, delivers and then some. The polish is uber-creamy and glides onto the nail like butter. The deep grey hue is unbelievably pigmented, and the lack of sparkle or shimmer makes it look so chic and sophisticated. This is honestly one of the best colors I've come across!
What are you wearing on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
Friday, July 9, 2010
High-Wattage Sparkle at its Finest: Givenchy Pop Gloss Crystal
First Look Fridays: Manicurist Lulu Cooper
About two years ago, I had the delight of meeting manicurist Lulu Cooper at an event. As she did my nails, we gabbed about all things beauty, fashion, celebrity and otherwise! Lulu is charming, witty, hilarious and whipsmart. It's my extreme pleasure to feature her this week on First Look Fridays. Read on to discover her favorite nail polish, the pedicure bowl she takes everywhere, the top coat she can't live without and so much more.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Indulging My Penchant for Cuteness: Harajuku Lovers Sunshine Cuties Gift Set
If there's a gift set cuter than the Harajuku Lovers Sunshine Cuties Gift Set, I have yet to discover it. Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Girls -- and, of course, Gwen herself -- make appearances in adorable, summer-appropriate bikinis. They're presented in a turquoise cooler that just screams summer picnics on the beach. And if that's not enough, each fragrance has a specifically different scent that's just perfect for the heat wave we're currently experiencing! Check out the notes in each fragrance:
Lil' Angel:
Meyer Lemon, Mandarin, Touch of Blackberry, Pink Rose, Vanilla Orchid, Tropical Sampaquita Blossom, Sugared Patchouli, Vanilla Bean, Skin Musk, Golden Amber
Love:
Nectarine, Passion Fruit, Lemon Blossom, Plumeria, Osmanthus, Rose Petals, Vanilla Orchid, Coconut Water, Sensual Musk, Sandalwood
Baby:
Crisp Mandarin, Wet Neroli, Bright Sunflower, White Poppy, Living Valencia, Orange Flower, Jasmine Absolute, Soft Musk, Rich Vetiver, Creamy Birch Woods
Music:
Juicy Pear, Granny Smith Apple, Dewy Freesia, Tiger Orchid, Jasmine Petals, Honeysuckle, Cashmere Woods, Creamy Musk, Precious Woods
"G":
Coconut Water, Mandarin, Bergamot, White Peach, Heliotrope, Exotic Tiare Flower, Orange Flower, Vanilla Bean, Tonka, Skin Musk, Creamy Sandalwood
Do those sound divine or what?
The Harajuku Lovers Sunshine Cuties Gift Set retails for $100. Each fragrance is .33oz.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Back in Time: My Prized Possessions from the 80's and 90's, Rediscovered
I spent the week visiting my mom in Cleveland. As I was packing up my suitcase this morning, I came across my old pins and nail polishes -- left behind from the 80's and 90's! We're talking pins from The Body Shop and No Excuses, and nail polishes from CoverGirl, Wet 'n' Wild and even Old Navy. Take a trip down memory lane with me and check out what I found!
Back in the early 90's, The Body Shop provided pins with purchases. Not that I needed much prompting to buy shower gels, glycerin soaps and customized fragrances, but I loved getting all these pins encouraging people to stop animal testing. And my No Excuses jeans? They were made so much cooler with the addition of my NO! pins, wouldn't you say?
I've always been obsessed with nail polish. And while my tastes may have gotten considerably more expensive over the years (can you say Chanel, Rescue Beauty Lounge and Deborah Lippmann?), my penchant for crazy colors was brought out at a very early age. I kept all my original nail polishes in a little jewelry box, with no real rhyme or reason to them -- but I was pretty excited to come across them again today! Here's what I discovered:
CoverGirl NailSlicks in Rambling Rose
Limited Cocoa Craze Chocolate Scented Nail Polish
Old Navy Color Duo Chrome in Moonstone
Afterthoughts Nail Polish in After Party
CoverGirl NailSlicks in Snowflake Frost
CoverGirl NailSlicks in Cherry Brandy
Old Navy Nail Polish in Atmosphere
Old Navy Nail Polish in Blue Star
Old Navy Nail Polish in Wildflower
Old Navy Nail Polish in Daytripper
Afterthoughts Nail Polish (no name!)
Wet 'n' Wild Nail Color in 410
Bath and Body Works Beautiful by Nature Nail Polish in Cinnamon Stick
Afterthoughts Nail Polish in Blast Off
PHD Paul Harris Design Nail Polish in Twilight
Xcessorize Dries-in-a-Minute in Paradise
PHD Paul Harris Design Nail Polish in Sparkle Rama
Bath and Body Works Color Drops in Baby Blues Shimmer
Afterthoughts Nail Polish in Black Magic
Bath and Body Works Color Drops in Honey Dew
Wet 'n' Wild Nail Polish in 440B
Monday, July 5, 2010
Mani of the Week: Essie Demure Vixen
I'm thoroughly intrigued by pinkish purple nail polishes. I must have at least 20 in my stash! But Essie Demure Vixen, my choice for Mani of the Week, stands out amongst the rest. I love the iridescent shimmer, the mauve with touches of pastel pink and lilac, the absolute gorgeousness with which it rests upon my nails.
The color actually looks a bit more pigmented and less shimmery on the nail, though in the right light the shimmer still peeks through. I decided to use two coats after breaking out my new bottle of Creative Nail Design Stickey Base Coat, and finished with my all-time favorite top coat, Seche Vite.
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
An Ode to Single Girls Everywhere
The older I get, the more people seem convinced that the one thing I'm missing in my life is a man. Forget the success I've seen in my career, forget the amazing places I've traveled, forget my truly amazing friends and family ... even forget the Manolo Blahniks and Christian Louboutins piled in my closet. No, without a man, some people seem to think my life is incomplete.
I'm sure you've been there. You're at a social function when, inevitably, talk turns to men. "So, are you seeing anyone?" someone asks. "No," you reply quite unequivocally. "OH," person replies. "That's okay."
Yes, it IS okay. Why am I deemed less of a person without a man by my side? I am quite content to be by myself, rather than tied down to any of the jerks I've dated in the past. Am I saying I want to be alone forever? Not really. But if it's a choice between being happy by myself or unhappy with some random guy, I will always, ALWAYS choose the former.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Outfit of the Day: Toughening Up in Leather
I'm spending the week in Cleveland -- my hometown -- and, yes, it rocks! I'm enjoying seeing some family and friends, taking in multiple showings of Eclipse, and otherwise relaxing over the July 4th holiday weekend. I recently acquired this Marc by Marc Jacobs leather jacket (originally $698 but I snapped it up for only $120!), and just had to put an outfit together based around its fabulosity.
The Best Update to the Best Friend Necklace: Rebecca Minkoff Best Friends Leather Pouches
When I was little, I had Best Friends necklaces with a couple girlfriends. You know, where one said "Be Fri" and the other said "St Ends." I always thought they were so cool! So it only stands to reason that the Rebecca Minkoff Best Friend Leather Pouches have been calling my name for months. I've been dying to buy them for my bestie and partner-in-crime, the fabulous Katie Reed.
And now seems like the perfect opportunity, since they're on sale for only $68.60 at Bloomingdales.com! Now the only worry will be whether I get "Best" or "Friends."
First Look Fridays: Herbal Essences Celebrity Hairstylist Charles Baker Strahan
When I get the opportunity to speak with a top hairstylist, I take it. And when Charles Baker Strahan -- the Celebrity Stylist for Herbal Essences and personal stylist to Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester -- said he was interested in participating in First Look Fridays, I was super excited. Read on to discover his all-time favorite Herbal Essences products, his number one tip for getting great hair and so much more.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Quote of the Day
"The bigger the hair, the thicker the air." - my brother about the humidity in Florida summers
What's Your Beauty Indulgence? Beauty Editor Kristen Oldham Giordani 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.
One of the people whose reviews I always trust? Kristen Oldham Giordani, the Senior Editor at Total Beauty. I've known Kristen for a few years now, and I always know I can trust her review of a product implicitly. In her own words, here's Kristen's beauty indulgence.
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