In my line of work, it's pretty easy to forget that sometimes the frivolous stuff is, well, frivolous. Yes, I love buying lipgloss and going to the spa as much as the next girl. But sometimes it's nice to take a moment, step back, and remember that there are bigger things out there. I leave you with the lyrics to John Lennon's Imagine, and the video of the song being performed on Glee last season (love or hate the show, this was a very powerful moment).
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
Monday, February 28, 2011
A Step Away from Beauty for a Moment ... John Lennon's Imagine
The 83rd Annual Academy Awards: My Favorite Looks
Another awards season has come and gone, culminating last night in the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. And while the show itself left a little to be desired (Anne Hathaway is apparently a "Woo Girl," James Franco was seemingly high, the show itself was pretty darn boring), there were, of course, some truly amazing looks on the red carpet. Check out my favorites after the jump.
Make a Mint: Korres Mint Tea Shower Gel
There's much to love about this shower gel. It foams and lathers with the best of them ... it smells divine ... the packaging looks so pretty and vibrant sitting on the shower ledge.
And then there are all the good-for-the-skin ingredients inside! Wheat proteins help diminish trans-dermal water loss and improve hydration, while aloe juice nourishes the skin with vitamins C and E, zinc and antioxidants. You'll notice smoother, softer, more conditioned skin in just a few back-to-back uses!
Unfortunately, this product is no longer available. Find similar products here.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Beauty Giveaway: Lierac Crème Mesolift Anti-Aging and Radiance Cream
I have discovered heaven, and its name is Lierac Crème Mesolift Anti-Aging and Radiance Cream. This moisturizer is thick, rich, lush and liberally packed with vitamins (A, C, E, B5 and B6), minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc and manganese) and Hyaluronic acid. What this means for your skin? You can expect it to feel as soft and smooth as butter. It's honestly the only moisturizer I've found that really works for my skin no matter what the season. No matter how dry, a few dabs of this and my skin is good as new!
And now I'm giving two lucky people the chance to win a Crème Mesolift of their very own! This giveaway has a retail value of $50. Here's how to enter!
Here's how to enter!
1) Leave a comment below.
Be sure your entry includes your email address or it will be disqualified.
2) Get an extra entry for liking The Beauty of Life on Facebook and leaving a comment on the wall that says: I want to win Lierac Crème Mesolift Anti-Aging and Radiance Cream!
3) Get an extra entry for following both me and Lierac on Twitter and tweeting: Hey @BeautyChick101 and @Lieracskincare, I want to win Lierac Creme Mesolift!
Be sure you are following both of us or your entry will be disqualified.
Note: You don't need to leave multiple comments telling me you've entered on Facebook and Twitter as well. Rest assured all votes are being checked and counted! One comment here will suffice. Thanks!
THE RULES:
This giveaway ends on Saturday, March 5 at midnight. Two winners will be chosen AT RANDOM on Sunday, March 6. Maximum of THREE ENTRIES (one for each way listed above). For your entry on this blog, you must include your email address! Multiple entries will be disqualified. Giveaway is open to US residents only.
Friday, February 25, 2011
First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Collier Strong
I love everything about Project Runway. So it comes as no surprise that I'm super excited to bring you my interview today with the makeup artist seen on the show season after season, Collier Strong! Collier has also beautified the faces of some of the biggest celebrities in Hollywood, including Kate Beckinsale and Beyonce, and he's also the Consulting Makeup Artist for L’Oreal Paris USA. Read on to discover what he loves most about working on Project Runway, his favorite L'Oreal products and so much more.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Obsession of the Moment: Joe's Jeans Monroe Draped Flat Thong Sandals
Admittedly, it may be a bit early to begin thinking about buying sandals, since the high in New York today is 40 degrees. But the second I spotted the Joe's Jeans Monroe Draped Flat Thong Sandals on Shopbop ($165), I was hooked. The intricate crisscrossing straps, the lush wrinkled leather, the chic flat silhouette, the cool zipper detail up the back ... all add up to one pretty hot shoe.
Matching Your Nails to Your Lips? Gucci's All About it for Fall 2011.
How do you feel about matching your nails to your lips? If you're planning on being a Gucci girl come fall, you better be on board. At the Fall 2011 fashion show in Milan yesterday, models sported deep berry lips that matched nails exactly. (Check out the proof on model Anabela Belikova, above.)
What do you think of this look? Would you do it? Let me know in the comments!
Photo courtesy of Style.com.
Amazing Lip Concoction from YSL: Golden Gloss in Golden Champagne Layered Over Gloss Volupte in Iced Lychee
Do you ever go shopping in your beauty stash? You know, you've bought a product, loved it, left it in a purse or makeup bag, and promptly forgotten about it ... and then, months later, it reappears? Such was the case this morning when I switched purses and, voila! Rediscovered the amazingness that lies within the duo of YSL's Gloss Volupte in Iced Lychee and Golden Gloss in Golden Champagne.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Little Luxuries: Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Candle
"I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany." -- Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Okay, all jokes aside, the Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Candle is one of my favorite acquisitions as of late. I love the utter luxuriousness of this candle -- it really does look as though it belongs in an old library filled with leather armchairs and, yes, leather-bound books.
Direct from the Runway: Betsey Johnson Fall 2011
Every season, I just know I'll be blown away by the look at Betsey Johnson. And, true to form, Fall 2011 did not disappoint! I always love seeing what amazing creations manicurist Nonie Creme of butter LONDON and hairstylist Peter Gray (working this time with Redken) come up with, and this season was no exception.
All a Twirl: Twirl by kate spade new york
I love when I discover a fragrance that's joyful, sensuous and flirty all at once. And that's exactly what Twirl by kate spade new york brings to the table.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Coolest Product Ever: H20+ Aquafirm Weekly Active Foam Mask
Once in awhile, I come across a product so cool, it would just be a tragedy not to use it. Such is the case with the brand-new H20+ Aquafirm Weekly Active Foam Mask.
Ouch! I Burned Myself with My Flat Iron.
I'm assuming most of us have been there. We're going along, minding our own business, running our flat iron down our tresses ... and then BAM. All of a sudden we burn ourselves. Maybe it's a quick hit against our forehead, maybe it's a quick clip of the ear. But all of a sudden, pain ensues and a red welt appears. (And, in my case a couple years ago, a millisecond-long clamp of my flat iron over my hand resulted in a 2nd-degree burn and an unsightly long scar.)
Why am I telling you this? Oh, no reason ... just because I (ouch!) burned my ear this morning with the flat iron. I was in a rush, not paying attention, and clip! I'm hoping it won't be too terrible, but any healing remedies would be much appreciated! Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Friday, February 18, 2011
First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Lauren Gott
What do Anna Kendrick, Heidi Klum and Rooney Mara have in common? They've all been made up by makeup artist Lauren Gott. The former model gets up close and personal here -- discover her tip to beautiful dewy skin, how she first got into the makeup business and so much more after the jump.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Smooth as Silk: Frederic Fekkai Silky Straight Ironless Shampoo and Conditioner
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Witchy, Moody Makeup by Daniel Martin for Lancome at Chris Benz Fall 2011
Backstage in the craziness that was the Chris Benz Fall 2011 Presentation, makeup artist Daniel Martin told me that Chris had been inspired by "weird voodoo witchcraft mysticism down in the South." Intrigued?
Direct from the Runway: Daniel Vosovic Fall 2011 Collection
I'm in love with Daniel Vosovic. I have been ever since he was first on Project Runway. So having the chance to sit front row at his Fall 2011 show last night was a true treat! Check out tons of photos from the show in the slideshow below.
The Lap of Luxury: Mitchell and Peach Luxury Hand Cream
When the winter months really get into full force, there's only one way to combat the chapping and redness the deep chill leaves behind. Hand cream. But not just any hand cream ... Mitchell and Peach Luxury Hand Cream.
Direct from the Runway: Behnaz Sarafpour Fall 2011
"We want her to be a little bit coquette, a little bit playful," M.A.C Vice President of Makeup Artistry Gordon Espinet told me backstage at Behnaz Sarafpour Fall 2011. Behnaz gave Espinet a Kate Moss photograph as reference, and then he interpreted it as Brigitte Bardot in the film When God Created Woman. Along with Laurent Philippon of Bumble and bumble and Wanda Ruiz of CND, the look was beautiful, radiant and youthful.
Fresh, Energetic Ballerinas by M.A.C Senior Makeup Artist Romero Jennings for Carmen Marc Valvo Fall 2011
"Effortless impact!" M.A.C Senior Makeup Artist Romero Jennings told me backstage of his look for Carmen Marc Valvo Fall 2011. "Carmen wanted these girls to look like fresh, young, energetic ballerinas." But at the same time, the look was very wearable and approachable. "Every woman will feel like they can actually wear these clothes, you can wear this hairstyle and you can actually do the makeup yourself!"
Monday, February 14, 2011
Mani of the Week: CND Shellac (Finally!)
I've been dying to try CND Shellac for quite some time now. I've tried other gel manicures, like Dashing Diva Gelife and Sakura Calgel, but as I'm a huge fan of everything CND, this was definitely at the top of my list!
So last night, while enjoying some cocktails and chitchat with my fellow bloggers at Cocktails and Couture, I decided to try it out. My fab CND nail technician, Heather Reynosa Davis, took my nails in a totally fab direction with a unique layered look. We did one coat of Rock Royalty and one coat of Iced Coral ... and then Heather did something totally awesome by giving me one nail inspired by the Fall 2011 Ruffian Tuxedo Nail!
I am totally in love with this manicure, and I can't wait to see how perfect and glossy it still looks in two weeks when it's finally time to remove it. I. AM. IN. LOVE!
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks to the fab Keri Blair for taking the photos!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Direct from the Runway: Rachel Antonoff Fall 2011 with M.A.C Senior Makeup Artist Keri Blair
Not many things make me want to go back to high school ... but M.A.C Senior Makeup Artist Keri Blair's look for the Rachel Antonoff Fall 2011 collection just might! The concept centered around the dance from The Virgin Suicides (coincidentally one of my favorite books and movies), with what Keri described as "pretty young-looking makeup."
Friday, February 11, 2011
First Look Fridays: Celebrity Makeup Artist Kayleen McAdams
Chances are you've heard of Rachel McAdams.Well, did you know that her sister, Kayleen McAdams, is an absolutely amazing celebrity makeup artist? Kayleen has made up some of the most famous faces in Hollywood, including her sister Rachel, Olivia Wilde and Kirsten Dunst. Read on to discover her favorite makeup look to create, what she first used to organize her makeup and so much more.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Lip Service: Lip Balms from Decléor and Votre Vu
It's not often that I find a lip balm worthy of taking me away from my beloved Bonne Bell LipSmackers. (Yes, I am a teenager at heart.) But recently, I've upgraded my lip routine to include two seriously luxurious lip balms -- and now there's no looking back.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Salon and Spa Directory: Yelo Spa
A massage that actually includes built-in nap time? Sounds too good to be true, I know ... but at YeloSpa, that's exactly what you'll get.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Mani of the Week: Zoya Jules
I'm always one for a little bling, so Zoya Jules -- from the brand's new Intimate collection -- is definitely up my alley. I love the multidimensional flecked gold shimmer -- it's somehow exactly right for day or night.
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Rock Your Body: Clarisonic PLUS Sonic Care Skin Cleansing System
Boscia Limited Edition Green Tea Blotting Linens: A Stylish Necessity
There's nothing I love more than a good blotting linen. And at the top of my list? Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens. I love the lightweight texture, the subtle scent of green tea that permeates the paper, and the linens' ability to soak up each and every spot of unsightly grease from my visage in an instant.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Salon and Spa Directory: Auriga Spa at Setai Fifth Avenue
Relaxation. Rejuvenation. Treatments based upon the varying energies of the lunar cycle. If you're curious about that last part, then you simply must head to Auriga Spa at Setai Fifth Avenue for one of the most luxurious spa experiences in New York.
I came into the spa during the waning moon phase, which meant I was treated to a 180-minute treatment that focuses on deep cleansing the system. Yes, 180 minutes -- that's three full hours! This treatment included dry brushing, a seaweed wrap, a full-body lymphatic drainage massage and a mini purifying facial.
Now, if I told you I felt like a puddle of jello after this treatment, would you believe me? Three hours of complete and total relaxation, in addition to the fact that the treatment room was huge and serene, and my therapist had magic hands that lulled me to sleep, were all I needed to completely detoxify my system and get me ready for the year ahead. (Because, yes, I received this treatment on my birthday!)
The amazing treatments aren't all you'll be able to experience at Auriga Spa. The spa includes a massive coed lounge area complete with whirlpools, a Hammam steam room, and two of the most incredible showers I've ever seen -- replete with music, a light show and rain shower heads coming at you from all directions. I want one in my house!
If you're looking for the ultimate in pampering and relaxation, the Auriga Spa is most definitely worth checking out. The spa also offers a la carte massages, wraps, body treatments and facials. The only problem is, you won't want to leave!
Disclosure: Auriga Spa kindly provided this treatment free of charge for potential editorial consideration.
Guilty Pleasure: Gucci Guilty
It takes a lot for me to really love a perfume. I'll wear some that aren't my favorites, sure -- but if I'm going to tell other people about one, it's because it's really become one of my tried and true favorites. Such is the case with Gucci Guilty.
As if the gleaming golden bottle with Gucci's signature interlocking "G's" weren't enough, the fragrance within is stunning. It's the perfect blend of masculine and feminine, with floral and oriental notes and just a dash of citrus. Notes of mandarin, pink pepper, peach, lilac, geranium, amber and patchouli create a sexy, sensual and provocative fragrance ... which, at the same time, is totally wearable.
So, my new guilty pleasure? It most definitely includes Gucci Guilty.
Gucci Guilty is $95 for 2.5 oz. at sephora.com.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Mani of the Week: Essie Going Incognito
I'm seriously in love with my nail polish choice this week! I went with Essie Going Incognito, a creamy hunter green from the new Winter Collection. I love the deep pigment of this color -- shown here with two coats, but even after one it completely covers the nail. The green hue is just so chic and sophisticated.
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
Salon and Spa Directory: Warren-Tricomi Madison Avenue Salon
A decadent, delightfully posh atmosphere awaits at the new Warren-Tricomi Madison Avenue Salon. The 5th location from Joel Warren and Edward Tricomi boasts a 2000-square-foot space filled with a mixture of chic black and white styling -- a true haven tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Madison Avenue.