I was rummaging in my nail polish stash this week and came across Zoya Edyta. I'm totally loving this polish -- the mix of gold, olive, smoky grey and blue-green hues is so interesting and unique. And, true to form, I'm loving the metallic finish! I can't believe it took me this long to use this color -- it's definitely now one of my favorites.
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Mani of the Week: Zoya Edyta
Man Up: The 7 Best Menswear-Inspired Smoking Flats
It's rare that I actually draw inspiration from Hugh Hefner, but in the case of the smoking flat, I'll make an exception. These mannish loafers somehow still ooze femininity. Below, the seven best of the season.
1) Loeffler Randall Blaise Flat Moccasin
Black suede liberally covered with silver studs makes for a shoe that can't help but be the center of attention.
$325 at loefflerrandall.com
2) Topshop Vault Glitter Slipper Loafers
In the book of The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy's slippers were actually silver. These would have done nicely, don't you think?
$40 at topshop.com
3) Sam Edelman Adena Flat
Spikes, sequins and gleamy gold satin create a look that's at once elegant and edgy.
$149.95 at nordstrom.com
4) House of Harlow 1960 Kye Haircalf Flats
Hear the roar of the jungle in this leopard-print pair.
$188 at shopbop.com
5) Rebecca Minkoff Belgian Loafer in Toffee Suede
A sumptuous take on the trend in buttery suede with black piping.
$185 at rebeccaminkoff.com
6) Dolce Vita Nariko Slipper Flat
In these, you will quite literally paint the town red.
$143 at dolcevita.com
7) Charles Philip Suede Tassel Flats
One part menswear, one part bold, all parts chic.
$150 at shopbop.com
Friday, October 28, 2011
Mani of the Weekend: CND Plum Truffle Collection
I'm going to my very first gay wedding this weekend! My roommate from college is marrying his longtime sweetheart and I am so excited to share in their special day. And, since I'm going to be surrounded by some of the most fabulous gay people in the whole entire world, I felt the need to put a little sparkle on my tips. Luckily, I just received the CND Plum Truffle Collection -- a duo with a creamy rich plum lacquer and a sparkly plum effect.
You'll notice that, even though I really tried to clean it up, the color seeped onto the cuticles a bit more than I could control! But I'm really loving the richness and glamorousness of this duo -- the end result is just so perfect for a fall wedding. I also love that the colors work just as well on their own as they do in tandem.
What's on your nails this weekend? Let me know in the comments!
First Look Fridays: Celebrity Manicurist Melissa Bozant
When did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to become a manicurist?
I was born in Baton Rouge and moved to Los Angeles at the age of 10. My family owned and operated their own salon where my aunt was a cosmetologist and my aunt and cousin were manicurists. I was an art major -- loving the fascination with paint and color, it was very easy for me to choose nails as my first passion. I would create false nails out of Elmer's glue.
What are your favorite nail trends of the moment?
The nail trends I look forward to are the exaggerated half moons and the fun glitter polish and stones. I so love anything that has glitter.
What are your top 5 favorite nail products?
2) China Glaze Ruby Pumps: It gives that added touch to any color toes or hands.
What are your top 3 nail tips?
1) Always use rich oil for the cuticles.
2) When drying the nails, let polish set for 3-5 minutes. Then take nail tips, lightly dip in a cold dish of water to seal polish.
3) Always keep a pumice in the shower -- Checi Pro is what I use. Any one will do but nickel-plated would be the best kind, they don't rust.
Being a manicurist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I have started back to my private flying lessons again. I love to fly, I love to travel. I participate in charity events for breast cancer awareness and the Step Up Women's Network, motivating and inspiring young teens to stay focused and stay in school.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Trick Or Treat! The 6 Most Fun Halloween Jewels
Although I enjoy Halloween less as a grownup than I did as a kid, I still love the fact that this holiday is just so much fun. Seriously, who wouldn't love the chance to dress up and wear jewelry made out of skulls and spiderwebs for a day? These six pieces are definitely my favorites of the year.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Salon and Spa Directory: The Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf-Astoria New York's Pink Ribbon Pedicure
One word comes to mind when thinking about the Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf-Astoria New York and the Pink Ribbon Pedicure. DIVINE.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Manicure Spotting: I'm Coveting My Coworker's Grey Nails.
I've taken to looking at my coworkers' nails pretty frequently, because they all tend to try pretty cool colors and designs. And my gal Erin is no different! I noticed her nails from across the room today and simply had to know what she was wearing -- and it's Happy Apothecary Storm Cloud Tapping Tips Nail Polish!
Johnson's Baby Products Challenge: Johnson's Shea & Cocoa Butter Baby Oil Gel
I've long been a fan of Johnson's. One might say it was my first foray into beauty products, since my mom shampooed my hair with the baby shampoo when I was a baby! Recently, Johnson's asked me to take on a four-week challenge using their baby products on myself and report the findings. Check out how it's been going!
I decided to enter the challenge with baby steps (pardon the pun) and start with just one product. I picked Johnson's Shea & Cocoa Butter Baby Oil Gel. For starters, I love the bottle design! Since the cap is actually on the bottom of the bottle, you never have to worry about shaking the product out or getting to the last drop, because it will always fall down to the opening. Genius.
But what I really love? This gel has transformed my skin from dry, chapped and rough to flawless and silky smooth in just one week! My elbows tend to get really scaly even in the most perfect of temperatures, and with the flip-flopping of the weather recently, they had definitely taken a major hit. A few days rubbing a few drops of this gel onto them right after I got out of the shower and they were smoother than I've ever felt in my LIFE. I even made my best friend feel my elbows and she couldn't believe the difference!
I also rubbed some of this gel on my legs post-shave and they were silky smooth for days -- and remained hairless for longer! This gel also works wonders on dry cuticles.
Have you tried Johnson's Shea & Cocoa Butter Baby Oil Gel on yourself? What did you think?
Johnson's Shea & Cocoa Butter Baby Oil Gel retails for $5 at drugstore.com.
Stay tuned for my updates over the next few weeks as I continue to try more Johnson's Baby products on myself!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Mani of the Week: Nails Inc. Trafalgar Square Magnetic Polish
Have you heard? Magnetic nail polish is the new craze sweeping both sides of the pond, thanks to Nails Inc. I've been dying to try this trend for weeks, and finally curiosity got the best of me as I walked into Sephora last week and walked out five minutes later with my very own bottle of Nails Inc. Trafalgar Square Magnetic Polish.
I. Am. In. Love. With. This. Nail. Polish. Seriously, it's both super easy to apply and SUPER COOL. The top of the cap has a handy dandy magnet on it that creates this fun swirly design. Simply paint on the first coat as you do any other polish. Immediately after painting the second coat (you'll have to do every nail one at a time instead of giving them all a second coat at the same time), hook the cuticle tab over your cuticle and let the magnet do its work for about three seconds. Be careful not to touch your nail with the magnet or you'll mess up your polish job.
And afterward? You get this super awesome nail art! I did my nails in under 10 minutes!
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
My Fall Fashion Wish List
I've finally compiled my Fall Fashion Wish List. As always, there are some pieces I think I can introduce into my wardrobe ... and some that are just daydreams until I'm raking in the big bucks. But these are the pieces that have gotten me super excited for the season!
Friday, October 21, 2011
My New Favorite Beauty Launch: Miss Piggy for M.A.C
Icon. Actress. Supermodel. Chanteuse. Muse. Frog-o-phile. Cinema and television superstar nonpareil.
Who better to create a limited-edition collection with M.A.C than the one and only Miss Piggy? I'm totally loving this new collection, which launches on November 14 at maccosmetics.com. Check out all the products the superstar swine created after the jump!
Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapidblack ($17.50)
Miss Piggy Pink Eye Shadow ($15)
Lash 36 ($15)
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Divine Design: Anjolee Bangle Bracelets
Now, here’s the thing. I usually don’t wear bracelets -- they tend to overpower my slender wrists, and throughout the day I just wish I hadn’t worn them at all. But that’s so not the case with the beautiful bracelets by Anjolee.
So, with that being said? With the opportunity to customize your design, choosing from gold or platinum, carat sizes, different diamond qualities and jewelry lengths, Anjolee’s many designs have now ensured that I’m completely into the bangle bracelet. Really, was there any other way?
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
My Shower Has Gone Totally Luxe, Thanks to TokyoMilk Destiny No. 79 Perfumed Shower Gel
This shower gel is part of TokyoMilk's new Dark Fate & Fortune Collection, which includes expertly combined fragrances sure to tempt and intrigue with floral and botanical notes mixed with premiere aromatic essences from the land, sea and sky. I'm loving Destiny, with its mix of fresh cut ginger, honeysuckle, davana and midnight jasmine notes. It's heady, floral, sensual, sexy ... just what I need to get my day started!
As if that weren't enough, a combination of apricot, honeysuckle, bee pollen, shea butter and jojoba nourish and moisturize my skin and make it feel so super soft and lush. And all that happens with only a dime-sized amount upon a pouf!
TokyoMilk Destiny No. 79 Perfumed Shower Gel retails for $20 at tokyo-milk.com.
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Top 5 Reasons L'Occitane Shower Oil Is Better Than Shaving Cream
People had been telling me about this product for years. YEARS. Yet I refused to listen, believing that actual shaving cream would do the trick so much better than a shower oil. Well, was I ever wrong once I finally decided to try L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil. Below, my top 5 reasons why it's so much better than shaving cream.
1) It smells divine. The rich, heady scent replaces your need for perfume.
2) A dime-sized amount is enough for the entire leg, from ankle to upper thigh.
3) Your skin will be super soft after you rinse off the remainder and towel dry.
4) Your shave will be super close, and will last for at least two days.
5) It's unisex -- so your BF can enjoy it, too.
L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil retails for $24 at loccitane.com.
My Failsafe Pimple Remedy!
There is nothing worse than looking in the mirror and seeing a huge, red pimple staring back at you. But I've got good news for you -- I've come up with a failsafe pimple remedy that will get rid of them overnight. GUARANTEED.
Start with a few drops of The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil ($9 at sephora.com). Shake the drops onto your fingers and then smooth onto the inflamed area.
Then, sprinkle a touch of Visine Original Eye Drops ($7.99 at drugstore.com) directly onto the affected area and gently pat into the skin.
The combination of the tea tree oil and Visine both removes any trace of redness and shrinks the pimple almost instantaneously! I recommend putting the mixture on before bed and letting it work its magic overnight -- you'll wake up without a blemish in sight!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Mani of the Week: Essie Cocktail Bling from the Winter 2011 Collection
Fall is here, which means it's time for my nails to undergo a bit of a makeover! I'm putting the pinks and neons back into the drawer until springtime (or until the winter blues kick in and I need a little bit of a pick-me-up). In any case, I'm totally loving the Essie Winter 2011 Collection -- all six hues are rich, gorgeous and perfect for cooler temperatures. My favorite of the six in the collection is most definitely Cocktail Bling, a beautifully cool dove grey. Two coats went on slick, smooth and creamy.
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
Friday, October 14, 2011
First Look Fridays: Orly Creative Director & Ambassador and Manicurist Fiona Hay
Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I live in Sydney, Australia, where I have lived my whole life! I went to Strathfield Girls High, Sydney.
How did you first become interested in nails, and what led you to become a manicurist?
I actually started my career as a makeup artist, assisting on editorial shoots and doing weddings. I saw the importance of completing the look with perfectly manicured fingers and toes.
What are some of your favorite nail looks?
I love short, chic nails. With a shorter nail, any color works. I am passionate about natural nail care, so perfectly manicured nails and healthy cuticles are a must.
How did you become involved with Orly, and what do you love about working with the line?
I was approached by Orly nearly two years ago to be their Australian Ambassador & Creative Director. It was just before fashion week, where the brand was relaunching to the Australian market.
I love that Orly's products are "3-Free." It gives me, and importantly my clients, peace of mind that they are not using harmful ingredients. The colors are all gorgeous too!
What are your top 5 favorite Orly products?
What are your top 3 nail tips?
1) Give your cuticles lots of TLC. Apply cuticle oil daily.
2) Never peel your nail polish off when it starts to chip, this removes layers of your nail and leads to future peeling problems. Always use a nail polish remover.
3) Always wear gloves when washing dishes or doing household cleaning. Cleaning products are so harsh on your skin and nails. Apply a layer of hand cream before you put on rubber gloves to do the dishes, the warmth will help the cream penetrate.
Being a manicurist must be fun -- but what do you do in your spare time?
I love spending time with my family and friends. I have an 11-year-old daughter, Tayla. I also love getting out in our 1960 Cadillac and racing our 1960 Pontiac! I'm a bit like Penelope Pitstop!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Boo! Bath & Body Works Green Apple Candy Gentle Foaming Hand Soap
Now, usually, I like to keep my bathroom on the chic and sophisticated side. And I especially don't like to use hand soap without first putting it in my Bed Bath and Beyond Dressed to Thrill Lotion Dispenser. But when I discovered Bath & Body Works Green Apple Candy Gentle Foaming Hand Soap, all bets were off.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
My Morning Makeup Routine
I'm a morning person. Actually, I'm an anytime of day person. But at the same time, I absolutely despise getting ready in the morning and try to keep my morning makeup routine super simple. Check out what my routine entails after the jump!
I always start off by prepping my skin with this serum. It's super hydrating and it makes my skin glow!
$95 at dgskincare.com
The original cream is way too heavy for my skin, but this moisturizer sinks right into skin and leaves it looking super refreshed -- even if I've only gotten 3 hours of sleep.
$250 at lamer.com
La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum
If I've only slept for 2 hours, this is definitely the eye cream I reach for. Dark circles just disappear!
$250 at laprairie.com
I keep my makeup pretty simple when I'm heading to work, but this mascara is a MUST for making my lashes stand out.
$19 at maccosmetics.com
I've talked about how amazing this lipgloss is more than once ... because I just can't seem to stop singing its praises! I love that within seconds of slicking on the clear gloss, I have a totally customized pink pout.
$22 at sephora.com
What's your morning makeup routine? Let me know in the comments!
Monday, October 10, 2011
The Luxe List: La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum
There are days that my under-eye circles are so dark, I'm fairly certain they can be seen from space. I'm never without them, unfortunately, but when I'm suffering from lack of sleep? They're unbelievable. Well, until La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum came along, that is.
One stopper-full of this serum and my circles all but disappear. I've tested this serum on only three hours of sleep, when I looked like I had two black eyes, and within minutes the circles had lightened until they were barely visible. And as if that's not enough, the serum is formulated with golden caviar extracts that lift and firm the skin -- so luxe and divine.
La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum retails for $250 at laprairie.com.
Salon and Spa Directory: Brows by Lura at Stark Waxing Studio
Are your brows totally and completely out of control? Are you desperate for a reshaping and cleaning up? Well, Lura at Stark Waxing Studio is your new lifesaver.
Fact: your brows will look better than ever before. Seriously, I've had my brows waxed for years and have never had them look as good as when Lura does them. And not only that -- Lura is so good at what she does, she doesn't even need to ask you about the shape or what you want. She just has you lie down on the table and gets to work -- and the finished product is AMAZING. Exactly what you would have asked her to do, but even better.
For more information about Stark Waxing Studio, visit starkwaxingstudio.com. You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Mani of the Week: Crazy-Cool French Manicure with OPI Black Onyx and Sephora Only Gold For Me Top Coat
So I am definitely not a fan of the French manicure. I don't find it chic or sweet -- just way past its prime. But what I do love is interesting takes on the French mani with super-cool and crazy colors ... which is why I decided to have my girl Erica Marton from The Face Place do one with a black base and sparkly gold tips! She painted the whole nail with two coats of OPI Black Onyx and then did the very tip with one coat of Sephora by OPI Only Gold For Me Top Coat. I am so in love with the finished product!
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
Friday, October 7, 2011
First Look Fridays: Celebrity Manicurist Carla Kay
Can a recovering nail biter become one of the world's top manicurists? In celebrity manicurist Carla Kay's case, the answer is a resounding yes. Some of the biggest names in Hollywood have had their tips polished by Carla, including Gwen Stefani and Annette Bening. Read on to find out who inspired her to get into the nail business, the nail product she can't live without and so much more.
How did you first become interested in nails, and what led you to become a manicurist?
I grew up in Shady Hills, Florida. I was always a nail biter throughout my school days. I went to get acrylics done at my local salon -- a woman by the name of Debbie did my nails. I was so intrigued by her. I loved rock and roll music and she had her own band and owned the nail salon. I knew at that moment I wanted to do nails. I thought how great it would be to work and have fun at the same time!
After I graduated, I enrolled in cosmetology school. This woman also told me that if I went to school, she would give me a job after I received my license. So I completed my hours and the rest is history. I landed a job with her, she taught me many things and I had lots of fun. I found my fun by doing what I loved.
You have quite an impressive celebrity clientele! Are there any looks you've done that stand out as your favorites?
One of my favorite looks that stands out for me the most is a shoot I did with Pamela Anderson and the photographer David LaChapelle. David wanted me to create lizard nails for her, so I sat on set gluing nail tips together then applying acrylic over the top of the tips to form a ribbed effect so they would look like lizard nails. That was a creative job for me. 
Are there any nail trends for fall and winter that you're really excited about?
Beige nails with bold moons. For example, beige with black moons are super chic in my opinion. I am loving the earth tones too. Essie has a great mud-like color called Glamour Purse, I am also a fan of Essie Bordeaux.
What are your product essentials?
My essentials always include cuticle oil. CND Solar Oil is one of my favorites.
I also try to have a file on hand just in case the nail snags.
What are your top 3 nail tips?
1) You should always try to keep your nails polished. This keeps elasticity in your nails. When the nails are bare they tend to break more. If you want to have natural nails, always apply a base coat. This will help them from breaking.
2) Apply cuticle oil at least once a day to help with hydration, and apply a top coat every other day to help seal the polish and to bring back the shine. This will help prolong your manicure.
3) It's best to carry a soft finger nail file in case you get a snag in your nail so you can smooth it out and the nail doesn't break.
Being a manicurist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I am taking care of our 3-year-old and I am traveling as much as possible. Our son has been on 32 flights so far! We have traveled to St. Thomas several times and to Honduras. My husband is an architect, so we enjoy going to museums with our little one. We just toured the Frank Lloyd Wright Museum and my son had a great time. So as far as spare time, I enjoy being with my husband and son.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Trend-Spotting: Heart Earrings
Have a heart. The heart of the matter. Bless your heart. Heart of glass. Cross my heart. Heart of gold. No matter how you look at it, heart earrings are definitely one of the trends sweeping the jewelry world right now -- like the Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Open Heart Drop Earrings seen above ($295 at tiffany.com). See some of my favorite takes on the trend after the jump.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Trend-Spotting: The Kisslock
I've always been inspired by the 1920's. I love flapper fashion -- the fringe dresses, the sequined headbands, the stockings ... and, most importantly, the handbags. Purses from that time frequently featured the kisslock -- a closure consisting of two miniature buttons that press together, almost like they're kissing. And recently, the kisslock has been showing up more and more on change purses and handbags like this one from Topshop ($15 at topshop.com). See some of my favorite takes on the trend after the jump.
House of Harlow 1960 Velvet Shoulder Bag
The green velvet and scrollwork detail are so gorgeous and vintage-inspired.
$148 at lordandtaylor.com
The epitome of chic? This quilted frame bag with an oversized kisslock.
$1295 at barneys.com
An angled silhouette and lush charcoal grey felt move this clutch to the top of my wishlist.
$1495 at net-a-porter.com
Not one but two changepurses in this bag designed by supermodel Karen Elson? Yes please.
$69 at ninewest.com
Ted Baker Enamel Small Heart Bobble Purse
Ted Baker reinvents the kisslock by turning the knobs into adorable little hearts. Can you even with the cuteness?
$103.01 at asos.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)