I’m a bit of a fragrance whore. Sure, I have my signature scents -- but given the opportunity, I play around quite a bit. So it’s no surprise that I have some new favorites to share with you! Discover the scents that have my pulse racing after the jump.
Balenciaga Paris Eau de Parfum ($95-$130): If you’re looking for a delightfully heady floral, this is the one for you. It’s rich without feeling cloying, while violet notes give it a vintage feel. It’s definitely a scent that will catch the attention of those around you. And the cut glass bottle with cracked enamel stopper? So chic atop the vanity.
Donna Karan Iris Eau de Parfum ($95): Before trying this, I wasn’t sure whether I would like it. I had the feeling it would feel a bit too grandmothery for my taste. But a few short spritzes later and I was hooked. The iris scent is empowering without becoming overpowering ... and I love the simple cylindrical silhouette of the bottle.
D&G #6 L’Amoureux Eau de Toilette ($65): From bergamot and juniper berry to cardamom and musks, this is a fragrance you won’t soon forget. It’s become my evening staple. And it’s even unisex, so you can share with your man!
Prada L’Eau Ambree Eau de Parfum ($76-$104, $117 with atomizer): I’m usually not a fan of amber scents, but with the balancing notes of rose de mal and cedrat, this becomes an intriguingly beautiful fragrance that I just can’t seem to get enough of. And who doesn’t want a gorgeous atomizer atop her vanity?
Backstage at the Davidelfin show during Fall 2010 Fashion Week, I caught up with my Twestie -- the one and only Gregory Arlt. As the Director of Makeup Artistry for M.A.C Cosmetics, he knows a LOT about makeup and what to look for. I decided to ask him the burning question -- how do you find the foundation that's right for you? Here's what he told me:
"Go to an expert," he said. "The only way to really see if a foundation works is to try it on. Some people test it on the back of their hand, and they’re like, this looks good! Are you going to wear it there? No! Foundation goes on your face! Our oils oxidize the product a little bit, so you might have the perfect shade and in an hour it might go orange or darker."
But that's not all! Gregory went on to tell me that foundation should be treated like skincare. Pick a foundation that coincides with your skin type -- a moisturizing foundation for dry skin, a matte foundation for oily skin, and if your skin is normal, "you can pretty much wear anything!" he said. Gregory recommends taking 3 different colors and testing at the jawline. "You’ll start to see the edges blur, and if they look dark you’ll know it’s the wrong color," he said. "If it disappears, you’ve found the right one."
At the end of the day, remember this: "You don’t want to look or feel like you’re wearing foundation," Gregory said. "It should feel like skincare."
Such sad news ... Shu Uemura will be exiting the United States this year. L'Oreal announced this week that Shu Uemura will be closing all US operations. This will give L'Oreal the opportunity to focus domestically on more luxury brands including Kiehl's and Lancome.
However, the website will remain up and running -- so you can still stock up on those ever-important eyelash curlers!
I'm totally loving the bright, glossy fuchsia of my mani this week! Deborah Lippmann's Between the Sheets is that perfect in-between-the-seasons color that just jazzes up any palette. And you know what? I just did this manicure while I was waiting for my (very delayed) flight back to NYC from Indianapolis. Hey, I needed something fun and beautiful to pass the time!
Foley + Corinna lovers, listen up! There's a cocktail party on Thursday, April 1 where you'll get the chance to shop the spring collection with stylists on hand. If you purchase merchandise -- or bring in a receipt from March in -- you can have a professional photo taken by the ProjectJaz.com team! Those who spend over $500 will also get a makeover with the on-site makeup artist -- a perfect way to begin your Thursday night out! See the photo for all the details!
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Want your eyes to really pop? Then you simply must try M.A.C Blush Ombre in Azalea Blossom. Yes, this is actually a blush. No, that doesn't mean I've been using it on my cheeks.
The pink and purple swirled ombre hues in this blush lend themselves perfectly to a shade of fuchsia-lavender that makes my eyes look like no other shadow I've tried. It garners compliments from coworkers, fellow event-goers, even people on recent flights! I simply can't recommend it highly enough.
M.A.C Blush Ombre in Azalea Blossom retails for $25.
Want to know how to get rid of a pimple fast? I'm talking lightning speed. Well, then you need to get involved with Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. This little bottle of wonder will never cease to amaze you. A blend of calamine and salicylic acid, in conjunction with ingredients like glycerin, colloidal sulfur, camphor and isopropyl alcohol, work to dry up pimples literally overnight.
I've had some truly terrible pimples in the last few months -- we're talking colossal, olympic-sized -- and this solution worked EVERY SINGLE TIME.
A quick word of caution: Be sure not to shake the bottle. Let the pink sediment remain settled at the bottom, dip a Q-tip in all the way, then lightly dab the affected area with the solution. Leave it on overnight, rinse well in the morning and voila! Clear skin. (Deep pimples may take two days to disappear.)
It's that time again, folks ... the CEW 2010 Beauty Awards are upon us. And after a strenuous voting process by members of CEW, the finalists have been announced! Winners will be announced at the annual luncheon on May 21 at the Waldorf-Astoria. Check out all the finalists after the jump.
BATH AND BODY: Body Treatment Mass AVEENO® - Positively Ageless™ Firming Body Lotion Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company - Baby Oil Gel with Shea & Cocoa Butter LUBRIDERM® - Intense Skin Repair Ointment Olay - Body Quench Advanced Healing Body Lotion Vaseline® - Sheer Infusion™ with Stratys-3™
BATH AND BODY: Bath/Shower Product Mass Burt’s Bees® - Fabulously Fresh Rosemary & Peppermint Body Wash Dove - Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash with NutriumMoisture™ mark - Self Sanctuary Berry Cranberry Shower Wash Olay - Body Wash Plus Tone Enriching Ribbons Soap & Glory - Scrub, Actually
BATH AND BODY: Bath/Shower Product Prestige Ahava North America - Mineral Botanic Velvet Cream Wash - Hibiscus & Fig Body Conscience - 3-Minute Shower Body Polish Bar Fresh - Sugar Açaà Body Scrub Kate Somerville Skin Care - ExfoliKate Body philosophy - Bubble Gum Blow Out High Foaming Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath
FACIAL SKINCARE: Acne Treatment Avon Products, Inc. - Clearskin Professional Invisible Blemish Treatment CLEAN & CLEAR® - Advantage® Mark Treatment DDF Skincare - Acne Control Treatment La Roche Posay - Effaclar AI Intensive Acne Spot Treatment Proactiv® - Clear Purifying Mask
FACIAL SKINCARE: Anti-Aging Mass Avon Products, Inc. - Anew Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum Garnier - Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Pro Deep Wrinkle Roller GoodSkin Labs - Sculptinex™ Instant ReSculpting Face Treatment with Tensine™ and Resveratrol Olay - Professional Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment RoC® - Multi Correxion™ Skin Perfecting System
FACIAL SKINCARE: Moisturizer Mass AVEENO® - Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 Avon Products, Inc. - Anew Reversalist Night Renewal Cream Garnier - Nutritioniste Skin Renew Awakening Face Massager Grassroots Research Labs - Vitamin C Power Brightening Cream SPF 25 with Vitamins E and B5 Olay - Professional Pro-X Age Repair Lotion SPF 30
FACIAL SKINCARE: Moisturizer Prestige Clinique - Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20 Kiehl's Since 1851 - Açaà Damage-Correcting Moisturizer Lancôme - Absolue Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Reconstructing Cream SPF 15 MAC Cosmetics - Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 Shiseido - Future Solution Total Regenerating Cream
HAIR: Hair Care Product Prestige Aveda - Sun Care Protective Hair Veil Bumble and Bumble - Thickening Serum Frederic Fekkai - Salon Technician Color Care Anti-Fade Top Coat Living Proof, Inc. - No Frizz Shampoo Ojon - Restorative Leave-in Treatments
HAIR: Hair Coloring Product Prestige Beau Colour - Root Essentials Clairol Professional - Premium Crème Demi Permanente ColorMetrics - TouchBack by ColorMark Kelly Van Gogh - Root Rehab Oscar Blandi Haircare - Pronto Colore Root Touch-Up and Highlighting Pen
MAKEUP: Face Product Mass Avon Products, Inc. - Anew Wrinkle Zone Line Smoothing Duo CoverGirl - Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush Maybelline New York - Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation Neutrogena - Mineral Sheers Concealer Kit SPF 20 Sonia Kashuk for Target® - Super Sheer Liquid Tint
MAKEUP: Face Product Prestige Bare Escentuals - BareMinerals Matte SPF 15 Infused with RareMinerals ActiveSoil™ Complex Clinique - Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder Giorgio Armani Beauty - Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF 20 MAC Cosmetics - Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation Origins - Multi-Grain™ Makeup SPF 14
MAKEUP: Lip Product Mass CoverGirl - Outlast Lipstain mark - Kissink Lip Tintmarker Maybelline New York - Color Sensational Lipcolor Neutrogena - MoistureShine Lipstick SPF 20 YOYO Lip Gloss, Inc - Minis
MEN'S GROOMING: Men's Grooming American Crew - Trichology Hair Recovery Patch Avon Products, Inc. - Patrick Dempsey 2 Dual Action Face Wash Gillette - Hydra-Scrub + Body Wash Lab Series Skincare For Men - Active Hand Cream NIVEA for Men - Active 3
SCENT: Men's Scent Aramis and Designer Fragrances - DKNY Men Eau de Toilette Spray Bond No. 9 New York - Brooklyn Eau de Parfum Coach Beauty - Coach for Men Fragrance Spray John Varvatos - Artisan Tom Ford Beauty - Grey Vetiver
SCENT: Women's Scent Mass Avon Products, Inc. - In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Coty Beauty - Halle by Halle Berry eau de parfum FLIRT! - Flowerific Perfume Spray mark - Sophistique Eau de Toilette Spray P&G Prestige - Avril Lavigne Black Star
SUN: Sun Product Prestige Bare Escentuals - BareMinerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen Chanel Inc. - UV Essentiel Protective UV Care - Anti-Pollution SPF 30+ Kate Somerville Skin Care - Somer360° Tanning Towelettes St. Tropez - Everyday Perfect Legs VMV Hypoallergenics - Armada Post Procedure Barrier Cream 50+
Usually, I try to get waxed either after work on the weekends -- times when I can hide my reddened face in a cab and my apartment. Because, while I love my clear, pale skin, it gets LOBSTER RED every time I wax my brows.
Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I had to schedule my (long overdue) wax appointment for the middle of the day today. And while I am in love with the fabulous job Vera at Bliss did (seriously, best brows ever), I was red for about 2 hours afterward! And yes, people at work looked at me strangely.
So my Beauty Question is this. How do you minimize redness after waxing? Let me know your remedies and tricks in the comments!
I'm convinced that spring is just around the corner. I refuse to believe that temperatures are going to dip again and that it might even (gasp!) SNOW. With that in mind, I've already broken out the Havaianas this year. Last week, when temperatures climbed into the upper 60s, I unearthed them from my collection of summer wares and wore them proudly around the city.
I own multitudes of Havaianas, but my favorite pair is definitely the Brazil in Dark Brown ($22). My friend Jessie actually brought them back from Brazil for me last summer, so they have a special place in my heart.
Do you own Havaianas? Do you love them? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
I've tried a lot of products in my day. Some good, some bad, some very ugly. But there have been a few along the way that left me feeling amazing. Find out my top 5 after the jump.
1) Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme ($175-$250): No matter what other moisturizers I try, none of them hold a candle to this baby. I've covered it in detail here -- but seriously, if you have the dough, this is the moisturizer that does it all. It makes me look and feel 10 years younger!
2) Tocca Cleopatra Candle ($36): I have what some may call a candle obsession. At last count, I had at least 40 scattered around my apartment. But it's this one that I buy again and again. The sweet scent of grapefruit and the subtly tangy scent of cucumber combine to create an aroma so mystifyingly beautiful, I simply can't get enough. I find myself drinking in the scent for hours on end!
3) Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour ($23): If you look at my nail polish collection, you'll notice one thing. I have a lot of Chanel. The current count is 25, but rest assured it will continue to grow and flourish in the years to come. My collection ranges from classics like Blue Satin and Shanghai Red to the limited-edition Gold Fiction. I love the staying power, I love the color selection, and I love the little interlocking C's on the cap.
4) Ralph Lauren Romance Eau de Parfum ($62-$78): If you're looking for a scent that gets everyone around you to say, "Wow, you smell amazing!" -- this is it. Without fail, Romance is the perfume that gets people talking. It surrounds you without feeling overpowering, and the combination of musky and floral notes is like no other.
5) T3 Medium Duality Flat Iron ($160): If ever there were a product that made me say, "You complete me," this is it. It gives me the hair I think I was born to have -- straight, sleek, shiny, not a strand out of place. It keeps frizz at bay even in the biggest of rainstorms or the most humid of summer days. Most of all, my tresses never look or feel fried, even heat styling a few times a week. My true soul mate.
Check out the upcoming sample sales from Gilt Groupe!
Tuesday, March 23: ADAM Alex & Ani Arunashi Felix Rey 1891 by Sferra Maclaren Mia Bossi Diaper Bags Juicy Couture Cate and Levi James Perse (Gilt Man) Forsythe and Thompson London Cufflinks, Money Clips and Tie Clips (Gilt Man) Skender Dragovoja (Gilt Man) March Madness Basketball (Gilt Man) Everyday Essentials (Gilt Man) Swiss Legend Watches (Gilt Man)
Wednesday, March 24: Portolano Three Dots Marc by Marc Jacobs Donna Karan Cesare Paciotti Costume National Henry Dunay Jewelry Fatboy Pet & Kids Accessories Bijules Double Happiness Ali Ro Ralph Lauren Black Label and Footwear (Gilt Man) J Brand (Gilt Man) Camelbak and 66North (Gilt Man)
Thursday, March 25: Boodalee Celebrity Vault Easter Chocolates: Knipschildt Chocolatier & Vosges Haut Chocolat Women's Final Sale White Rabbit England Rockabye Siki Im (Gilt Man) Assembly (Gilt Man) Android Watches (Gilt Man) Easter Chocolates: Knipschildt Chocolatier & Vosges Haut Chocolat (Gilt Man) John Varvatos Collection (Gilt Man)
Friday, March 26: Final Jewelry Sale (Gilt Fuse) Groupe Seize sur Vingt (Gilt Man) Faconnable (Gilt Man)
Saturday, March 27: Boutique 9 (Gilt Fuse) C&C California (Gilt Fuse) House Beautiful: My Blue Haven (Gilt Man)
Anyone who knows me is well aware that I'm obsessed with eye creams. I try tons of them, hoping to diminish my fine lines and banish my pesky dark circles. Many don't make the cut, but a select few excite me so much that I simply have to share my findings with the world. Such is the case with my two new obsessions. Find out what they are after the jump.
Chanel Ultra Correction Lift Total Eye Lift ($100): I'm beginning to think that Chanel can do no wrong. I have already amassed a large quantity of nail polish (over 20 bottles in just a year), but when I tried this eye cream I was seriously hooked. The lacquered black tub is uber-chic, the slightly floral scent is divine, and the rich creamy texture is utterly luscious. Not to mention the cooling effect it has on the under-eye area and the immediate reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. (Seriously, try it just on the back of your hand -- you'll be amazed at the difference.) Every time I slick this on, I'm amazed at the radiance left behind.
APOT.CARE Irido-Radiant Eye Contour Care ($125): Again, the packaging is what initially sold me on this product -- but it's what lies within that really kept me coming back for more. Untwist the gleaming silver cap to discover a bright orange cream that has a lush whipped texture. It leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated instantly -- and only the tiniest amount is needed (smaller than the pad of your index finger). Even my smile lines seem to have reduced!
Want the perfect pink lipstick? Look no further than M.A.C Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick. This limited-edition tube -- complete with Gaga's signature around the inner rim -- will leave your lips looking fabulously pink and perky. I'm normally a huge fan of layering lip colors, but this one is so fantastic I can wear it on its own!
M.A.C Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick retails for $14. All proceeds go to the M.A.C AIDS Fund to support the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Curious about the photo seen above? Well, guess what -- it's a snapshot of everything I've been carrying around! One of my fave bloggers, the uber-fabulous Dina Fierro of eye4style, has been featuring various other bloggers in her new feature, What's in HER Bag?. And today, she featured yours truly! A few snippets on what's inside my purple Tano bag:
Time to show you my Mani of the Week! This week, I decided to welcome in spring with open arms -- and what better way to do that than with Essie Mint Candy Apple? I've actually had this polish in my stash for quite awhile, but it felt a little too bright and warm weatherish for the cold winter months. But now that spring has officially sprung, I'm totally loving the way this creamy pastel green is making me feel!
What nail polish are you wearing this week? Let me know in the comments!
Have you ever found a designer that just speaks to you? I mean, each and every single piece just makes your mouth water, your breath catch, your eyes sparkle? Such is the case for me with Tom Binns. Years ago, my mother and I were walking by Henri Bendel and stopped dead in our tracks to view the amazing display of his jewelry in the window -- and I've been hooked ever since. This visionary jewelry designer continues to think outside the box, creating collections like his recent Alice in Wonderland that thrill and delight me over and over. After the jump, some of the pieces that are currently making my heart race.
Tom Binns for Disney Couture Alice in Wonderland Charm Necklace ($175): Don't be late for this very important date! Hanging from multitudes of interwoven gold chains are charms depicting Alice's fall down the rabbit hole.
Pearls in Peril Earrings ($265): Delicate chain fringe, chandelier-shaped crystals and oversized pearl drops add up to one hot earring.
Classic Gold Safety Pin Earrings ($220): When I first got my ears pierced, I always wondered what it would be like to hang safety pins through the holes. (Hey, it was the 80's.) Now I know -- always and eternally rocker cool.
18-Karat-Gold Swarovski Hoop Earrings ($390): Slender swooping hoops adorned with gleaming Swarovski crystals ... swoon. These would totally be my go-to everyday earrings.
Tough Chic Swarovski Skull Bracelet ($140): If anyone could manage to make a skull not seem completely macabre, it would be Tom Binns. Somehow this bracelet comes across as elegant and sophisticated rather than dark and depressing.
Classic 18-Karat Gold-Plated Ring ($190): I've been looking for a statement-making ring, and I believe this is it. I love the gilded, curved exterior and the weighty yet unoppressive shape.
Chances are, if you're a big fan of beauty blogs, you read The Glamazons. I've had the pleasure of meeting fab gal about town Andrea Arterbery on more than one occasion and all I can say is this -- she is GLAMULOUS. (Yes, that's glamorous and fabulous mushed together.) Read on to discover how she came up with the name of her blog, the makeup remover she can't live without and so much more!
Can you tell me a bit about yourself? I'm originally from a small town in Texas. (Marshall, Texas; and no, not of the movie We Are Marshall -- more like Friday Night Lights hahaha). I went to college and graduated with a BA in Journalism (minor in Public Relations) from the University of North Texas. While there, I worked at the college newspaper, completed several internships and just fell in love with magazines and newspapers (oh and seeing my byline as well haha). After college, I knew that I was destined for greatness and New York was where I would find it. So, I packed up and moved here to NY. (I've been here for 5 years now and LOVE every single second of it!)
How did you first become interested in beauty? I've actually been a beauty girl my whole life. While I was still a tomboy (i.e. I loved to play in the dirt), I was still enamored with hair and makeup. My mother sold Avon, so I would play in her beauty products and I was always styling the hair of my friends (as well as my own).
Why did you decide to start your blog? I started The Glamazons blog with my partner Coutura ,whom I met while working at a magazine. (She worked in fashion, I in beauty). We always had so much to say and share with everyone and would never get to say so in the magazine. So, we started the blog as an outlet to share all the great fashion and beauty news that we'd come across with the masses!
I love the name of your blog! How did you come up with it? We both came up with the name for the blog one day while eating lunch at Chipotle after experiencing a particularly hellish work day. We wanted the blog to purvey all things glam and fab (because that's what we are!) and figured The Glamazons is the perfect way to describe us.
What have been some of the highlights of having your blog? Every day is a highlight as far as I'm concerned! I love blogging and I love being able to share my thoughts and words with the masses.
What are your top 5 beauty essentials? 1) Aveda Air Control Hair Spray 2) Kerastase Oleo Relax Anti-Frizz Hair Serum 3) Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream 4) Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes and Lips 5) Dolce & Gabbana The One
What brands can you simply not live without? Brands I simply can not live without include (but are not limited to): M.A.C CoverGirl Urban Decay Clarins Clinique Aveda Kerastase Nivea Palmer's La Mer OPI CHI Olay
Are there any other beauty blogs you read regularly? What are some that you like and why? I like Beauty Blogging Junkie (that Glambr is amazing!) for sure. Um, mine, The Glamazons (DUH lol), Makeup Bag, Daily Makeover. I'm obsessed with WWD, New York Times, New York Magazine (and The Cut blog). I read so much on a daily basis that it's hard to pinpoint just one (LOL) and OF COURSE I read yours! =)
There's always that one thing that we continue to splurge on, again and again. Whether it's a product or a service ... and no matter how many times people may say we're crazy! ... we just can't help ourselves. For this beauty chick, it's massages. I've been known to get them two or three times in one week -- granted, it was to try and help my massive migraines, but still -- I just can't get enough. I like to try out various spas around the city, and my go-to treatment is always a massage. And yes, I've spent upwards of $200 or more for 90 minutes of sheer and utter bliss. It's definitely my biggest indulgence.
So my beauty question today is this: What's your biggest indulgence? Whether it's a Chanel lipgloss, a La Mer moisturizer or a weekly pedicure, there are no judgments here. Let me know your indulgences in the comments!
Before I started acupuncture, I totally thought it was a crock. I never imagined how much it could help me. Before you judge, here's my story.
I suffer from chronic migraines. I get one every single day -- oftentimes manageable, but sometimes so painful and terrible and filled with nausea that all I can do is lie underneath the covers in a dark room and pray for it to go away. In the past, I could control my migraines based on how much I slept, what I ate, what time of the month it was -- all the normal factors. But in the past few years, it's become such a problem that there's just nothing I can do. An MRI a couple years ago came back normal, no amount of sleep or protein helps, not even migraine medication does the trick. Once in awhile, Bayer Aspirin alleviates the pain slightly -- but only sometimes, and only if it's not completely severe.
Thus was the burden I bore when I decided to try acupuncture for the first time. About a year and a half ago, I just didn't know where else to turn -- and so I turned to Aimee Raupp, coming highly credentialed and even recommended by a fellow blogger. I won't lie, I was totally nervous before my first session -- but Aimee put me at ease by showing me just how flimsy the needles are and even sticking herself with one to point out what it would look like in me. After one session, I was completely hooked -- I could literally feel the pain whooshing out of my body as the needles in my head, arms and legs worked their magic. I went back for one or two sessions a week, always with fairly intense pain, and left each one with nothing. Not only that -- the pain would be alleviated for days on end. I could actually live a normal life!
But then reality took its toll, and I found the sessions were too expensive to continue. ($90 per session was a bit more than I could safely indulge.) Unfortunately I stopped going, and of course the pain returned worse than ever. After much research, I recently discovered that ACUPUNCTURE IS COVERED BY MY INSURANCE. Color me HAPPY! I immediately booked an appointment with a new acupuncturist.
My first session with Iris Netzer was yesterday. Found within InForm Fitness, her setup feels almost spa-like. After a 20-minute consultation, I laid on a bed in a darkened room with bright purple sheets and let the magic happen. I loved Iris's approach to acupuncture -- rather than placing needles into my head, she placed them in my neck, arms, legs and even my stomach. A quick 20-minute nap later (believe me, it's fairly impossible not to fall asleep on the acupuncture table), I flipped over and Iris placed about 6 needles at the nape of my neck for another 15 minutes.
When I left Iris's office, my pain wasn't completely gone -- but it was alleviated so much that I felt like a normal person again. Today, my migraine is definitely not gone, but I'd classify it as a 4 on a scale of 1-10 -- SO much better than I normally could ask for. I'm now totally hooked again, and the fact that it's taken by my insurance? Makes it totally worth it.
At an event for the FEED Foundation back in February, Katharine McPhee showed up sporting a pretty vibrant lip. Not quite pink, not quite red, and with a bit of a tomato-ey finish, it definitely stood out. But I'm really not sure I'm feeling it, especially with a wash of grey mascara and her coloring.
What do you think? Is this look a yay or a nay? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Curling. Lengthening. Thickening. Volumizing. We all have the attributes most important to us when picking out a mascara. I, for example, already have fairly long lashes -- so I want one that will make them hit my glasses. I'd rather have a mascara that's buildable, since I like to apply at least two coats -- maybe three for a fancy night out!
What do you look for in a mascara? Let me know your tips and tricks in the comments!
We all hear day in and day out that drinking water helps our skin. If we drink 6-8 glasses each and every day, our skin will look and feel better from the inside out. Haven't your dermatologists and aestheticians said these exact words to you? I know mine have.
But the real question is, do you listen to them? Recently, I've been making a concerted effort to drink 1.5-2 liters of water every day. It's tougher than you might think -- I'm constantly filling up my glass or water bottle, and I feel like I'm never quite making it! But I have noticed a subtle difference in my skin. It seems more luminous, and even though the temperatures have been anything but constant, it's less dehydrated.
So my beauty question to you is this. How much water do you drink every day? Let me know your answer in the comments!
As a multitasker, I love multi-purpose products. Anything that can hit two or more beauty uses for me immediately gets my vote. The new Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Magic Lip & Cheek Balm is not only a huge time-saver, but it adds that little je ne sais quoi to your look instantly.
At first glance, the little blue tub with gleaming silver cap seems quite innocent. But once you unscrew the cap, you find a beautiful pink balm just waiting to bring you happiness and joy. A simple swipe across the cheeks leaves a beautiful pink flush, while lips enjoy a rosy glow.
But it's what's inside this pretty pink balm that really makes the difference. Luffa Oil contains lipids rich in fatty acids to moisten and soften the skin, while water-soaked spheres of Hyaluronic acid moisturize and provide a gentle plumping action.
Well, folks, it looks like we're in for quite the rainy weekend in NYC. (Hopefully other parts of the country are faring better.) This can only mean one thing -- time to break out the Hunter Rain Boots! I own two pairs of these fantastic Wellies, and let me tell you -- my life drastically improved the second I invested. I've never kept my feet drier or more stylish!
And if you're concerned about keeping your feet warm? Invest in a pair of Hunter's "Welly" Sock Solids. They're only $30, and believe me -- you'll never complain of cold feet, even in 6-degree weather!
A few months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely and talented Amy Chandra of Midtown Girl. What is Midtown Girl, you ask? After ending a long-term relationship over 3 years ago, Amy decided to share her stories, feelings and insight as she re-entered the dating world. And it's all based around the perspective of a fabulous gal who lives in midtown Manhattan! Amy's blog is chock-full of great places to eat, shop and otherwise enjoy the city. Read on to discover the designer who started her love for fashion, the nail polish she can't live without and so much more.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself? I am a born and bred New Yorker. I went to undergrad at NYU and have lived in midtown Manhattan ever since!
How did you first become interested in fashion and beauty? Growing up, I would put together outfits from vintage pieces, hand-me-downs and with items I "borrowed" from my mom's closet. I remember, way back in junior high, my friends would come over and ask, "Amy, why are you always dressed up, even in your house?" And I would respond, "I don't know, I just feel comfortable this way." LOL! Which means, rarely will you see me wearing sweats and sneaks (unless I am on my way to the gym, of course)!
Also, when I was very young, my mom would often wear this gorgeous forest green Gucci purse. Since my mom never let me "borrow" this Gucci purse, I vowed one day to have my very own! Thus, my love affair with Gucci and designer houses began and still flourishes to this day. Can you blame me?!
Why did you decide to start your blog? I started Midtown Girl in July of 2008. I had ended a long-term relationship a few months prior and just began to date. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. In addition, I had no clue as to what or what not to wear on a first date (this is a HUGE deal, BTW). So, instead of repeating the same dating story to all my gf's, I started writing down my dates as posts, with the intention of getting helpful advice from my friends.
I love the name of your blog! How did you come up with it? I have lived in midtown Manhattan for over 10 years (in the same apartment, in the same building). This is my absolute favorite part of the city. It is the fashion center of NYC and the heart of Manhattan. I love being a Midtown Girl!
What have been some of the highlights of having your blog? Meeting other fabulush bloggy friends -- like you, my darling -- in real life!! (Editor's Note: AWWWWW!) I have met so many great people from blogging, some of whom are now my BFFs!
What are your top 5 beauty essentials? 1) Blackest black liquid eyeliner (brush, not felt tip).
2) Long-lasting nude lip gloss.
3) Essie Nail Polish in Fed Up -- an easy color to wear and apply, so that you will always be manicured.
4) A deep conditioning hair treatment.
5) Currently OCD with my PerriconeMD Cold Plasma Serum.
What are your top 5 fashion/style essentials? 1) Diamond studs/pearl necklace
2) Camel-colored cashmere extra-long cardigan
3) Denim pencil skirt
4) LnA super soft white tee
5) Super low-cut booties
What brands can you simply not live without? 1) J Brand -- especially their Love Story jeans, I have 3 pairs!! These are the only jeans that fit my bootay the right way.
2) Diane von Furstenberg -- a major part of my date night outfit ensembles as her designs fit my body perfectly and make me feel uber-fabulous.
3) Tory Burch -- her designs reflect much of my personal style, Midtown Chic!
4) Zara -- excellent price point for pieces that reflect just enough European flavor without looking like you tried too hard to achieve it.
5) Christian Louboutin -- do I really need to explain?
Balenciaga Paris Eau de Parfum ($95-$130): If you’re looking for a delightfully heady floral, this is the one for you. It’s rich without feeling cloying, while violet notes give it a vintage feel. It’s definitely a scent that will catch the attention of those around you. And the cut glass bottle with cracked enamel stopper? So chic atop the vanity.
Donna Karan Iris Eau de Parfum ($95): Before trying this, I wasn’t sure whether I would like it. I had the feeling it would feel a bit too grandmothery for my taste. But a few short spritzes later and I was hooked. The iris scent is empowering without becoming overpowering ... and I love the simple cylindrical silhouette of the bottle.
Prada L’Eau Ambree Eau de Parfum ($76-$104, $117 with atomizer): I’m usually not a fan of amber scents, but with the balancing notes of rose de mal and cedrat, this becomes an intriguingly beautiful fragrance that I just can’t seem to get enough of. And who doesn’t want a gorgeous atomizer atop her vanity?
