You know those nail polishes that are different in every light? Well, Orly Space Cadet -- one of the polishes from Fall 2010's Cosmic FX Collection -- is exactly like that. Sometimes it's purple, sometimes it's blue, sometimes it's green ... and it always, ALWAYS packs a bunch of shimmer and sparkle.
I decided to sport this mani for my trip to Indiana this weekend -- I'm heading back to Bloomington for a little trip down memory lane with a few of my nearest and dearest friends. I'm absolutely in love with this color -- I love the shimmer, I love the smoothness with which it applies, I love the ever-changing hues! Totally a win.
Another pic of Space Cadet, this time without flash
What's on your nails for the weekend ahead? Let me know in the comments!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Mani for My Indiana Weekend: Orly Cosmic FX Space Cadet
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sugary Sweet: Fresh Brown Sugar Bath & Shower Gel
The shower gel is formulated with real brown sugar, which prevents moisture loss and nourishes the skin. It also contains shea butter and four precious oils -- evening primrose, sweet almond, apricot kernel and jojoba -- to soften and condition the skin. And the zesty citrus scent that accompanies it? So divine.
Fresh Brown Sugar Bath & Shower Gel retails for $18.50 at sephora.com.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Mani of the Week: Zoya Shawn
Do you ever look at a nail polish in the bottle and just think, "I LOVE that color"? Well, that's exactly how I felt when I first laid eyes on Zoya Shawn. The creamy, gorgeous, mossy olive hue -- which was originally part of Zoya's Wonderful collection -- just immediately spoke to me. I felt like it was calling out to me to be worn! So, naturally, I decided to wear it this week -- and I'm loving it!
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Beauty Giveaway: Infiniti Pro by Conair™ 1875-Watt Salon-Performance AC Motor Styling Tool
I'd like you to meet your new favorite hairdryer. The Infiniti Pro by Conair™ 1875-Watt Salon-Performance AC Motor Styling Tool may have the longest name in history for a hairdryer, but I'll let that slide -- because it's absolutely amazing.
Not only does it cut drying time in half -- even for hair as thick and coarse as this beauty chick's -- but it's super cute and just a bit flashy in bright lime green. It also features neutralizing ions to seal the cuticle, reduce frizz and enhance shine, and two heat switches so you can control how hot the dryer gets.
And now I'm offering one lucky person the chance to win an Infiniti Pro by Conair™ 1875-Watt Salon-Performance AC Motor Styling Tool of his or her very own! This giveaway has a retail value of $34.99. 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 the Infiniti Pro by Conair™ 1875-Watt Salon-Performance AC Motor Styling Tool!
3) Get an extra entry for following both me and Conair on Twitter and tweeting: Hey @BeautyChick101 and @conair_hair, I want to win the Infiniti Pro by Conair!
Be sure you are following both of us or your entry will be disqualified.
Note: PLEASE ONLY LEAVE ONE COMMENT! 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 Sunday, April 3 at midnight. One winner will be chosen AT RANDOM on Monday, April 4. 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.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Salon and Spa Directory: Drybar
If you're in Los Angeles, I implore you to check out Drybar. The salon specializes in one thing -- blowouts -- and believe me when I say they are masters of their craft. I truly love the salon's philosophy: "No cuts. No color. Just blowouts."
A Double Mani of the Week! Sephora by OPI Read My Palm and Deborah Lippmann Naked
Well, this week I decided to do not one, but TWO manicures in the same night! I was testing out polishes and thought it would be fun. (I also thought it would help me get through my bag of polishes to try -- which is currently at well over 100 -- a lot quicker!)
I started out with something a little daring -- Sephora by OPI Read my Palm, a gorgeous turquoise-teal.
I followed it up with Deborah Lippmann Naked, a pretty pinkish nude.
I will say that while I love both colors in the bottle, I'm more thrilled with Naked on my tips than Read My Palm. I had to apply Read My Palm twice to get the still-not-perfect mani -- and even with the thinnest coats, it was pretty gloppy. Naked, however, glided right onto the nail and left a super-creamy finish.
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
My New Favorite Earrings: Alexis Bittar Gold Large Interlaced Earrings
Have you ever been to Abbot Kinney in Venice? Well, I went for the first time while I was in LA over the weekend, and WOW. What an amazing collection of stores! At the top of my list was, of course, Alexis Bittar -- and, true to form, I simply had to make a purchase. After combing through each and every case three times and picking out a bunch of possible pieces, I settled on the Gold Large Interlaced Earrings.
Salon and Spa Directory: The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles Signature Massage
Anyone who knows me knows that when I go on vacation, I check out at least one beauty treatment. I simply can't go to another city without seeing what they have to offer in the ways of massages, facials, nails, hair and all the rest. So, of course, I simply had to indulge in the Ritz-Carlton Signature Massage at the Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles during my trip this past week.
Walk into the spa and immediately be whisked away to an oasis in the middle of downtown Los Angeles. The locker room is so decadent, replete with bed-like lounge chairs in both the lounge area and the huge steam room! And the coed lounge area outside the locker room has a make-your-own granola bar, berry water, more bed-like lounge chairs and even cashmere blankets.
But once in my treatment room with the very soothing and capable Jennifer, the real treat began. In only 50 minutes, my muscles were kneaded, rubbed, massaged, and worked so well, I fell asleep on the table and felt like jelly when I finally woke up. Jennifer was absolutely amazing! (My sincere apologies to her for the unbelievable knot in my left shoulder.)
The Ritz-Carlton Signature Massage at the Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles is $135 for 50 minutes and $195 for 80 minutes. For more information on this service and the rest of the luxurious services offered at the spa, visit ritzcarlton.com.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Outfit of the Day: Laughing in Los Angeles
I've been living it up in Los Angeles for the past few days, enjoying some much-needed vacation and R&R. On Saturday, my friend Jenny and I went to Abbot Kinney in Venice for a little shopping (where I bought THE MOST AMAZING Alexis Bittar earrings, more to come on that later). Jenny snapped this pic of me outside the fabulous Tumbleweed & Dandelion -- a home store where I could literally outfit my entire apartment -- and I think it's fairly quintessential of my style while on the West Coast. Here's what I was wearing!
Norma Kamali Batwing Cardigan in Light Grey Heather ($12.99 at walmart.com)
Old Navy striped tank (no longer available)
Hue Denim Leggings in Navy ($28 at hue.com)
Havaianas customized flip-flops
Fallon Desert Drop Earrings (no longer available)
Rebecca Minkoff M.A.B. Mini with Strap (color no longer available)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Luxe List: La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Lift Eye Cream
It's not often that I recommend a product that's super expensive. But when I do, you'd better believe I absolutely love it and have to share my love with the world. To that end, I'm starting a new column called The Luxe List, where I'll bring you the most luxurious products on the market that are actually worth their salt.
First up? La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Lift Eye Cream. As an avid fan of eye cream -- it's my very favorite part of the skincare regimen -- I was definitely excited to check this one out. La Prairie's eye cream targets the prevalent signs of aging and provides round-the-clock hydration. In a nutshell? It smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, eliminates puffiness and under-eye circles, fights dryness and improves elasticity.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare: My Must-Haves
Do you ever have an "Aha!" moment in your skincare routine? You go along in the world, trying different products with varied results, and then all of a sudden ... AHA! You find the products that are so amazing, and work so well for your skin, you wonder how you could have ever tried anything else. Well, such is the case with Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare. I've come across a few products from the line recently that are so amazing, it's all I can do not to shout from the rooftops! Check out my favorites.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Getting Handy: Tocca Cleopatra Crema de Mano
I have an obsession with two things -- Tocca's Cleopatra scent and rich hand creams. So Tocca Cleopatra Crema de Mano (AKA Rich Hand Cream) is directly up my alley.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Mani of the Week: Zoya Gloria
While some people's crazy colors are green, blue or purple, those are more my normal speed. So this week, I decided to go a little crazy (by my standards) with Zoya Gloria -- a metallic rosy red liberally packed with gold glitter. Seen here with three thin coats -- two weren't quite dark enough for my taste!
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
My Experience with Laser Hair Removal at Completely Bare, Volume 2
While I'm a fan of the dark hair on my head, when it comes to my underarms, all bets are off. I despise having to shave every day, and I finally decided to do something about it ... I'm taking the plunge and trying laser hair removal at Completely Bare! Follow my journey over the next several months as I chronicle the progress!
This past Saturday was my second laser hair removal session with the fabulous Ildi. I actually went a week ago, but had to come back -- because, unbeknownst to me, I had shaved too close to the session and Ildi couldn't see the roots well enough! Lesson learned -- go a few days between shaves when the laser appointment is coming up.
In any case, Ildi took one look at the progress since the first session and said I'm actually further along than almost any other client she's worked with! She was really impressed at how much the hair has lessened in just one session.
I have to say that I'm really pleased with the results thus far as well. About two weeks after my first session, I already noticed a decrease in both the amount of hair growing back and the time it took to come in. Where I was shaving once or even twice a day before, now I can go up to three days in between shaves with nary a hair to be seen!
The second session was a lot easier than the first, now that I knew what to expect. I slipped on the protective sunglasses (to shield my eyes from the light) and let Ildi get to work. She zapped each underarm about 10 times -- again, like the first time, it wasn't painful, just quick pricks that were done in about one second!
I'm really excited to see how much better my underarms continue to look. Check back in late April for Volume 3 of my laser hair removal experience!
Disclosure: This session was provided free of charge by Completely Bare for potential review.
Friday, March 11, 2011
First Look Fridays: Hairstylist Peter Gray
If you've followed this blog at all over the past few years, you'll know that I think the world of hairstylist Peter Gray. Season after season, his creations at shows like Betsey Johnson and Badgley Mischka have inspired and amazed me to no end. So I am thrilled to bring you my interview with him this week! Read on to find out how he first became interested in hairstyling, the brush he simply can't live without, and so much more.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
Grew up in Zimbabwe, went to boarding school in South Africa, ended up cutting school friends' hair to get around strict school regulations re hair length etc. Caught the attention of a top salon owner whose kids went to the same school, he offered me a Saturday job which became a life.
How did you first become interested in hair, and what led you to become a hairstylist?
It was the 80's and hair was a vital accessory. School rules and the local barber didn't lend themselves to this and I ended up cutting friends' and school staff members' hair, even the headmaster. I just enjoyed how hair looked and made people feel. I was really into music and the hair that went with it at that time.
Being a Saturday boy opened my eyes to the potential creatively, educationally and for travel, that university was not going to offer. After 2 1/2 years and qualifying in South Africa I headed for London and adventure!
When did you make the move from salon work to editorial, and what propelled you to make the change?
From the very beginning I knew salon life wasn't for me. I worked a few years at Cazaly and Co in London where there was a heavy editorial bias and shows were commonplace before moving to Sassoon and getting into education, where shows and pictures featured heavily. At Sassoon I became their first Editorial Director, doing shoots and ads for the salons/schools and the product company internationally. After 13 years it was time to move on.
Greg Cazaly, David Adams and Ray Allington were my first mentors followed by years helping Eugene Souleiman.
At Sassoon, Avram Finkelstein and Vidal himself mentored and showed me that the shows and the editorial side was where my future lay.
You've worked with some of the world's biggest designers over the years at Fashion Week. What do you love about the experience, and are there any looks that have stood out as your favorites?
The challenge, the inspiration and finally the adrenaline! I try [to] approach each designer as a unique situation, and to put in and get the most out of each and every show! Martin Margiela for Hermes and his own shows are my all-time favorite collaboration!
Look-wise I've had the privilege to work with so many talented people, the most rewarding look is always the one that marries with the collection best! 
What are your top 5 hair essentials?
1) Good quality combs -- Japanese
2) Mason Pearson Brush
3) a powerful hairdryer (Parlux)
4) Dressmaking elastic
5) Thickening product
What are your top 3 hair tips?
1) Spend the money on quality shampoo and conditioner.
2) Don't try to achieve catwalk looks without the appropriate base products in your hair.
3) Don't follow trends, always follow what you feel.
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
Every single job has its own rewards -- working with a fantastic team, whether photo or hair, and sharing ideas with them is the most rewarding part!
Being a hairstylist must be fun -- but what do you do in your spare time?
Direct music videos and short films.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Well, That's Rich: Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Balm
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Perfect Nude Lipstick: M.A.C Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Bare Again
I've found the perfect nude lipstick, and its name is M.A.C Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Bare Again. Seriously, I've never come across a lipstick that's not only the ideal shade of nude, but is also so creamy and moisturizing, it feels like a balm. Until now.
Interview with Sucker Punch Makeup Artist Rosalina Da Silva
If you're like me, you see a lot of movies based on the makeup looks alone. And Sucker Punch, out in theaters March 25, is no exception. Luckily, my gal Rosalina Da Silva was the makeup artist on this movie, and she granted me with an exclusive look at how she created all of the various looks!
Each of the main characters has such a unique, different look. How did you come up with the concepts for each of the girls?
Every girl had a very different and individual personality in the story. Through weeks of prep we defined and created their character, that best suited the illusion created by Zack Snyder. Wardrobe was a big part of it as well -- then we changed hair color and lengths, the makeup just developed to bring the look together.
I love the look you created for Babydoll. What products did you use to get the look?
Babydoll was a lot of fun, inspired by Brigitte Bardot with a splash of Anime characters. A sweet, innocent look but at the same time very fearless. [I used] a 60's eyeliner, long full lashes, nude lips.
There's so much black eye makeup in this movie! What were your go-to products for characters like Amber and Blondie?
My old favorite eyeliner, M.A.C Fluidline in Blacktrack -- tried and true. We airbrushed the foundations on -- we used various brands, Armani, Kevin Aucoin, Kett, Kryolan.
On long-running shows I often change the foundations, as the skin changes due to the long days on set. Sometimes lack of sleep, dehydration, you need to adjust to achieve the best and smoothest results.
What was the experience like on this movie, with all the special effects?
Most of the special effects were in post production, so there was a lot of green screen and staring into empty space. In general the experience of working on this movie was exhilarating ... and exhausting!
How was it working with a bunch of girls for this movie? Were they all really into makeup?
The girls loved makeup! Who doesn't? They were totally into experimenting, pushing the envelope to find their character through their makeup look. We really went to extremes on this movie due to Zack Snyder's incredible vision and the fantasy world that he created. There were no limits, never too much in the world of glamour, color, lashes, glitter and crystals.
A Peek Inside My Travel Beauty Regimen
I'm traveling for work this week -- I'm in the glamorous city of Pittsburgh, PA -- and, as usual, half my carryon bag was filled with beauty products! Curious about what I decided to bring with me? Check out my video to find out!
Seen in this video:
Help Remedies I Can't Sleep and I've Cut Myself ($4 each at helpineedhelp.com)
Dr. Dennis Gross Intense Hydra Mask ($62 at mdskincare.com)
Maybelline Volum'Express One By One Mascara
Korres Lip Butter Glaze ($14 at sephora.com)
Pangea Organics Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom Lip Balm ($12 at pangeaorganics.com)
YSL Gloss Volupte in Iced Lychee ($30 at yslbeautyus.com)
M.A.C Wonder Woman Eyeshadow x4: Defiance ($40 at maccosmetics.com)
Tweezerman Petite Tweezer Set ($25 at sephora.com)
Tweezerman Folding I-Lash Comb
Burberry Lip Mist in Feather Pink
Lierac Creme Mesolift ($54 at drugstore.com)
L'Occitane Ultra Rich Lip Balm
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Eye Makeup Remover Pads
Yes to Cucumbers Natural Glow Facial Towelettes ($5.99 at drugstore.com)
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel ($80 at mdskincare.com)
Dr. Dennis Gross Hydra-Pure Firming Serum ($95 at mdskincare.com)
Avon Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield Anti-Frizz Treatment ($9.99 at avon.com)
La Mer The Eye Concentrate ($165 at cremedelamer.com)
GO SMiLE AM “Energy” and PM “Tranquility” Luxury Toothpaste Duo ($30 at gosmile.com)
Monday, March 7, 2011
Mani of the Week: Dior Nirvana
My favorite color launching this spring? Dior Nirvana. This creamy turquoise-green has got my pulse racing -- it's unlike any other in my collection! One coat is fairly opaque, but two turn it into absolute perfection.
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
Dior Nirvana retails for $24 at sephora.com.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Makeup Artist Gregory Arlt's Tips for Creating Michelle Trachtenberg's "Take Me Home Tonight" Premiere Look
If you thought Michelle Trachtenberg looked gorgeous at the premiere of Take Me Home Tonight last week, you're not alone. And the master behind her gorgeousness? None other than Gregory Arlt (for M.A.C. Cosmetics/Exclusive Artists Management)! Read on to find out how he created the look -- and how you can do it at home!
Friday, March 4, 2011
First Look Fridays: Celebrity Manicurist Naja Rickette
Want to meet the woman behind Lady Gaga's nails for Poker Face, behind Fergie's amazing Minx, and the one responsible for all of Mary J. Blige's amazing nail looks? Well, look no further than celebrity manicurist Naja Rickette. As you can see, she's glitzed up the nails of some of the biggest names in the business! Read on to discover how she got her start in the manicure industry, her favorite top coat and so much more.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Salon and Spa Directory: Bliss Spa's No "Zit" Sherlock Facial
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Flower Power: Crabtree & Evelyn Lily Bath & Shower Gel
Mani of the Week: Dior Gris Montaigne with Deborah Lippmann Across the Universe
I went for something a little different with my manicure this week! After over two weeks, I finally removed my Shellac -- and immediately tried something crazy. I painted nine of my nails with two coats of Dior Gris Montaigne, a gorgeously creamy charcoal ... and then jazzed things up with my index finger painted in three coats of Deborah Lippmann Across The Universe.
Across the Universe is a teal-turquoise hybrid liberally packed with various sizes of glitter and shimmer that fall willy nilly across the nail. It's a color I'd been dying to get my hands on (pun intended) for a YEAR -- ever since I saw it backstage at Lela Rose last February -- so I'm super happy to finally be using it!
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!