If you're like me, the thought of introducing new products into your skincare regimen can be a little daunting ... because, with sensitive skin, you never really know what the result will be! Not so with StriVectin-SD for Sensitive Skin. This brand-new product is an antiaging powerhouse developed exclusively for sensitive skin, with none of the oils or fragrances that can cause irritation and leave sensitive skin vulnerable to accelerated aging. It contains a high concentration of powerful antiaging ingredients -- nicotinic acid (niacin), peptides, Swiss apple stem cells, resveratrol and garden sprout extract -- to fight fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture.
And this week, one very lucky person will win a tube of StriVectin-SD for Sensitive Skin! This giveaway is valued at $79. Here's how to enter!
1) Leave a comment below, telling me why you'd love to win this giveaway.
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 StriVectin-SD for Sensitive Skin!
3) Get an extra entry for following both me and StriVectin on Twitter and tweeting: Hey @BeautyChick101 and @StriVectin, I want to win StriVectin-SD for Sensitive Skin!
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, February 5 at midnight. One winner will be chosen AT RANDOM on Sunday, February 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.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Beauty Giveaway: StriVectin-SD for Sensitive Skin
Saturday, January 29, 2011
What Do You Think of the Zoya Intimate and Essie French Affair Spring 2011 Nail Polish Collections?
While I may have what I term Skittles Nails going on here, there's a good reason for it! My gal Susan and I decided to test out the new colors from Zoya Intimate and Essie French Affair, the brands' respective Spring 2011 nail polish collections, and I simply couldn't help but snap a pic! Zoya is on the left, Essie is on the right. Here's what you're looking at:
Left hand, from left to right: Dove, Gemma, Caitlin, Jules, Danii. Not pictured: Marley
Right, from left to right: French Affair, Coat Azure, Nice is Nice, Sand Tropez, Topless & Barefoot
What do you think of the collections? See any polishes you have to have? Let me know in the comments!
My Birthday Party Mani: Zoya Caitlin
I had a little time to kill yesterday, so of course I decided to visit my gal Susan Nam at Polished Beauty Bar for a little nails date. I did actually have a reason for the visit, other than the fact that I just wanted to see Susan -- today is my birthday party and I wanted my nails to look fantastic! After playing with all of the new colors from Essie and Zoya (post on that experience coming shortly), we landed on Zoya Caitlin, from the Intimate Spring 2011 collection.
I love this color! It's such a gorgeous mix of blue and grey with a beautiful smoky finish. It's creamy beyond belief -- even just one coat was so opaque and looked amazing on the nail, though it's seen here with two.
Now that I have the perfect manicure, I simply can't wait for my birthday party to begin!
Friday, January 28, 2011
First Look Fridays: Motions Celebrity Hairstylist Ursula Stephen
Brooklyn-born Ursula Stephen is the mastermind behind some of the hottest hairstyles in Hollywood. Does the name Rihanna ring a bell? How about Jordin Sparks or Kerry Washington? Read on to discover Ursula's favorite product by Motions (the haircare brand she works with), her top hair tip and so much more.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
What's Love Got to Do with It: Davines Love Lovely Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Shea Your Way to Soft, Smooth Skin: L'Occitane Pure Shea Butter Vineyard Rose
I'm going to let you in on a little secret. I hate winter. I know, totally novel concept, right? But really, let me tell you why -- and it's not just because it's freezing and walking through the slushy, snowy streets of New York is at times completely impossible. No, it's because with the onset of freezing temperatures comes the fact that my skin cracks, peels, chaps and otherwise looks pretty unbelievably horrible. That is, until I introduced L'Occitane Pure Shea Butter Vineyard Rose into the mix.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Beauty Question: What Do You Do When a Pimple Just Doesn't Go Away?
About two months ago, I noticed a small pimple in between my mouth and my chin. "No big deal," I thought to myself. I'd had these before -- I just dabbed on my Mario Badescu Drying Lotion for a couple nights and figured the problem would be solved.
Well, fast forward to today, and let me tell you ... it's not. This pimple will not go away, no matter what I try! I've gotten two facials, have tried masks and exfoliation, have religiously used my MB Drying Lotion ... nothing works. It will start to go away, will be on the verge of disappearing, then rears its ugly head with a VENGEANCE. We're talking red, inflamed, ANGRY.
I've made an appointment with a dermatologist for next week, since I'm getting pretty concerned. But my beauty question of the day is this. What do you do when a pimple just doesn't go away? Let me know your remedies and thoughts in the comments!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Mani of the Week: M.A.C Style Clan
I decided to go pretty dark this week for my mani. After rummaging in my bag of not-tested-yet polishes (there are well over 100 in there!), I pulled out M.A.C Style Clan. This was one of the polishes from M.A.C's Holiday Collection for 2010, A Tartan Tale. The dark chocolate-taupe hybrid is flecked with copperish red glitter, making it a true standout in my collection -- I definitely don't have another polish that even comes close to this one! The finish was a bit more matte than I normally like, so I (of course) added a coat of Seche Vite on top.
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
Unfortunately this polish was limited edition and is long gone, but you can find other M.A.C nail polishes at maccosmetics.com.
When the Weather Outside is Frightful ... Reach for Caress Tahitian Renewal Silkening Body Wash!
This delightful body wash contains exfoliating pomegranate seeds and Tahitian palm milk to ensure that your body is nourished, protected and comforted from head to toe. The exfoliating beads are incredibly tiny, so the experience is soothing rather than jarring as it could be with larger granules.
And the scent? It's sweet, exotic, tantalizing ... exactly how you'd hope your paradise getaway to be.
Caress Tahitian Renewal Silkening Body Wash retails for $6.49 at drugstore.com.
My Experience with Laser Hair Removal at Completely Bare, Volume 1
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 first laser hair removal session. I must admit, I was pretty nervous! I wasn't sure what to expect -- some people say it hurts a lot, others say you barely feel anything. I do have a pretty high pain threshold, and I'm no stranger to waxing uber-sensitive areas ... but I really just had no idea what to expect!
Thankfully, my fears were assuaged almost immediately when I first met my technician, Ildi. She assured me that the process would be quick and relatively painless, and I did feel immediately relief! Before beginning the process, Ildi made sure I was aware of the following:
1) Waxing is not allowed between laser hair removal sessions.
2) While waxing is out of the question, you can shave immediately after treatment. Completely Bare even has razors for people who don't want to walk out of the treatment room hairy!
3) You must keep the lasered area out of the sun for at least two weeks following each session. (Since we're in the middle of a freezing winter, I don't think that will be a problem!)
4) Each time the laser was used, it would shoot out a bright light. (Ildi gave me sunglasses to wear during the process.) She said it would just be a quick zap, not painful at all.
5) For the first two weeks, change in the hair would not be noticeable. But after two weeks, it should start thinning -- and, by the fourth session, should be almost invisible.
6) The entire process would take 6-8 sessions.
Then we were ready to begin! Imagine my surprise when the entire process took FIVE MINUTES. Seriously, five minutes and Ildi was done! She did about 5-6 zaps on each underarm, which were a bit uncomfortable but definitely not painful -- and, as soon as each zap was over, the pain was completely gone.
As it's only been two days since my first session, I obviously am not seeing changes yet. But I'm confident that by my next session in March, I'll already start to see some improvement! Stay tuned for Volume 2 of my experience with laser hair removal, coming March 6!
Each laser hair removal session for underarms is $245. You can also purchase a package of 6 sessions for $1350. For more information on Completely Bare, visit completelybare.com.
Disclosure: This session was provided free of charge by Completely Bare for potential review.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Giveaway: Two Tickets to Chicago on Broadway!
My giveaway this week is a bit out of the ordinary, seeing as it's not for beauty products. But I have a feeling you'll still be pretty excited, since I'm giving one lucky person the chance to win two tickets to the Broadway musical Chicago! As a total theater buff (I started performing at only 4 years old), I've seen pretty much every show on the Great White Way -- and Chicago is definitely one of my favorites. I love every song, I love the choreography, I love the story ... and, yes, I love the hair and makeup, too!
The winner will be able to choose 3 performances they would like to attend and one will be confirmed with the box office. Tickets range from $89-$116, depending on the seats, so this giveaway has a chance of being worth up to $232!
Here's how to enter:
1) Leave a comment below, telling me why you'd love to win this giveaway. 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 Chicago tickets!
3) Get an extra entry for following both me and Chicago on Twitter and tweeting: Hey @BeautyChick101 and @ChicagoMusical, I want to win two tickets!
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 Friday, January 28 at midnight. One winner will be chosen AT RANDOM on Saturday, January 29. 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.
Visit chicagothemusical.com for more info about the show!
Happy 4th Blogiversary to Me!
This month marks the fourth year since I started The Beauty of Life. Back in January of 2007, I was already doing some beauty and fashion freelancing for some online magazines, but really wanted the opportunity to write in my own voice. I remember looking around my room one night, searching for inspiration, when all of a sudden my eyes landed on a candle by Illume. "Hey, I should write about that!" I thought to myself. And thus, The Beauty of Life was born!
It's been quite a ride these past four years. Interviewing makeup artists, hairstylists and manicurists for First Look Fridays ... checking out the latest looks at Fashion Week ... feeding my already unhealthy massage habit ... adding to my collection of over 200 nail polishes! But what I'm most grateful for is you, my dear readers. Without you, this blog would be nowhere close to as amazing a time as its been since January 12, 2007.
So thank you for reading, and I hope you'll continue to go on this beauty-filled journey with me in the years to come!
First Look Fridays: Celebrity Makeup Artist Yolonda Frederick
Ciara. Usher. Ludacris. Amber Tamblyn. Blake Lively. Harrison Ford. What do all of these celebrities have in common? They've all experienced the magic of celebrity makeup artist Yolonda Frederick! Read on to find out which foundation is her favorite, the music video she absolutely loved working on, and so much more.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Luscious Lips: Yu-Be Lip Therapy
The other day, I reached into my purse at work to discover that -- gasp! -- I had forgotten to bring lip balm. Now, this came as quite a shock to me, as I normally have about 5 or 6 various balms rattling around in any purse I'm carrying. So I rushed out to the Ricky's down the street in search of a lip balm that would keep my pout feeling moisturized and nourished in a pinch.
Exclusive! Celebrity Manicurist Kimmie Kyees Talks Spring 2011 Nail Trends
I have a real treat for you today, fellow beauty chicks! Celebrity manicurist Kimmie Kyees (she's manicured RIHANNA!) gave me an exclusive interview on the nail trends we can expect for Spring 2011. Check out the colors she's loving, her standout collections and so much more after the jump.
What are the colors every girl should have in her nail polish arsenal?
A lovely sheer pink or nude
A great top coat
A true beautiful blue red
One dark (Essie Wicked or OPI Lincoln Park After Dark)
For fun, she should add one bottle of neon -- even if she'll only wear it on her toes!
What brands do you see as being on the forefront of creating amazing, trend-right colors this season?
Essie has a beautiful spring collection
Zoya's spring line is beautiful too -- lot of lavender!!!
What have you been seeing in terms of celebrity trends?
Nudes. Rihanna is still wearing nude. I like to custom layer shades for her -- right now we are loving Deborah Lippmann Fashion with Sally Hansen Cafe Au Lait -- it's Gorgeous!
I have been doing the reverse French manicure a lot lately too. Ri wore it and Kim Kardashian as well!
Is there a finish on the nails that you see as being a big trend for spring?
Matte is amazing in photographs -- unfortunately for the everyday manicured woman it doesn't last long! Try a gel manicure and polish a Matte top coat over it -- when you're over the matte look, remove the topcoat and the glossy gel look will reappear with no damage. It's a 2-in-1 manicure! The super shiny glossed nail is such a beautiful look and will live forever!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Salon and Spa Directory: Bliss Facialist Olivia
Now, I know what you're thinking. A review of Bliss, Jamie? What's new about that? You talk about how amazing that spa is all the time! But hold on, because you're in for a real treat today.
Yes, I talk about Bliss all the time. And there's a reason for that -- the spa is AMAZING. Every treatment I've had there is out of this world, no matter which location I go to or which therapist I see. (And we're talking all three New York locations plus the outposts in Chicago and Los Angeles. Soon hoping to try Hollywood and Boston, too.)
And now there's a new therapist I simply must tell you all about ... though it pains me, as I'm certain she will become so booked up it will be difficult for me to get an appointment with her! But Olivia is, hands down, the best facialist I've seen in quite some time. I went in this week for my signature facial, the Triple Oxygen Treatment. But after one look at my overly dehydrated skin, Olivia recommended the brand-new Fabulous Facial with both the Fruit Acid Wash and a collagen mask as add-ons.
And you know what? She was so, so right. Even as the facial was going on, I could feel a difference in my skin. Olivia really knows her stuff -- she knows every skincare product on the market, and she knows precisely what to do in order to bring out the very best in your skin. I've been radiating and glowing for days now!
The Fabulous Facial at Bliss Spa retails for $120. For locations and to book an appointment, visit blissworld.com.
Mani of the Week: Zoya Deidra
Well, my gal Susan Nam from Polished Beauty Bar has done it again! My mom and I stopped in over the weekend for mother/daughter manis, and, as always, Susan's work knows no bounds. I chose Zoya Deidra this time -- a gorgeous shimmery mauveish purple. I love that the gold shimmer makes it look brownish green in some lights and almost pink in some others! Definitely a fun way to change up my nails for the week.
What's on your nails? Let me know in the comments!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Feeling Chubby: Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Beauty Giveaway: Elizabeth Grant Lubricating Body Treatment
It's time for another giveaway here at The Beauty of Life! This week I'm thrilled to partner with Elizabeth Grant to offer three lucky people the chance to win a full-sized bottle of Lubricating Body Treatment! This rich lotion is loaded with intense hydrators that leave your skin feeling soft and protected -- like shea butter, Vitamin E and aloe extract. Each bottle has a retail value of $20!
Here's how to enter the giveaway:
1) Leave a comment below, telling me why you need a new moisturizer. 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 Elizabeth Grant Lubricating Body Treatment!
3) Get an extra entry for following both me and Elizabeth Grant on Twitter and tweeting: Hey @BeautyChick101 and @EGSkincare, I want to win the Lubricating Body Treatment!
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 Thursday, January 20 at midnight. Three winners will be chosen AT RANDOM on Friday, January 21. 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, January 14, 2011
Frizz Be Gone! Avon ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Frizz Control Lotus Shield Anti-Frizz Treatment
I'm normally afraid of leave-in, frizz-fighting hair treatments. More often than not, they make my hair greasy and even less manageable than before I ran them through my locks. Not so with Avon ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Frizz Control Lotus Shield Anti-Frizz Treatment. The name is pretty long, so for the purposes of this post, let's just call it Lotus Shield from now on, shall we?
Well. Lotus Shield has changed my life. I first tested this product on a high-humidity day, thinking there was no way on EARTH it would protect my strands from puffing up to mushroom cloud size around my head (the norm on a day when the air is drenched with moisture). Well, imagine my shock and delight when not only did my tresses stay flat and shiny throughout the entire day, but the product itself left no greasy residue or sticky feeling on even one strand!
This was too good to be true, I thought, and decided to try again. This time I tested Lotus Shield before walking out in a snowstorm. Again, I expected my tresses to look terrible post-storm ... and, again, I was pleasantly surprised.
Chalk it up to the lotus-inspired technology that creates a water-resistant layer on the hair ... or chalk it up to me FINALLY being lucky enough to find a frizz-fighting product that WORKS. Whatever the case, I'm so incredibly happy to finally have frizz-free tresses!
Avon ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Frizz Control Lotus Shield Anti-Frizz Treatment retails for $12 at avon.com.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Be Just Like Barbie! The Barbie Doll'd Up Nails Digital Nail Printer
Thanks to our friends at StyleList, we now have a new obsession -- the Barbie Doll'd Up Nails Digital Nails Printer. I am, admittedly, obsessed with Barbie -- and have been since I was about 4 years old. So it comes as no surprise that, given the chance to have NAILS that look exactly like Barbie's, I'd jump at the chance!
All you do is select from over 1000 nail designs, choose the color, size the image to fit your nail and print. And then your nails will be JUST. LIKE. BARBIE'S. Signed, sealed, delivered, DONE.
Note: This product is no longer available.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Beauty Launch: Zoya Intimate Spring 2011 Nail Polish Collection
It's a nails-heavy week here at The Beauty of Life! Every brand seems to be announcing its newest collections this week, and I have another beautiful one for you today -- Zoya Intimate. The Spring 2011 collection is inspired by the feeling of intimacy -- temptations, whispers, dreams, secrets, illusions, liaisons, trysts ... even kisses and lingerie.
The collection of six nail polishes is designed to recreate the custom looks developed for the Spring 2011 runway shows. Each is a gorgeous metallic. The collection includes:
Marley (lavender pink with a whisper of metallic)
Dove (delicate, pale gray cream)
Caitlin (misty, moody grey violet cream)
Dannii (sparkling, enchanted orchid metallic)
Jules (soft, glimmering gold kiss metallic)
Gemma (mysterious green/purple duotone metallic)
Each nail polish will retail for $7. The collection will be available on January 15 at zoya.com.
Eye Spy: Lancôme Génifique Youth Activating Eye Concentrate
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Beauty Launch: Sephora by OPI's Glee Nail Polish Collection!
Glee fans, take note -- Sephora by OPI is launching a nail polish collection just for you! Coming this February, the collection will include 7 shades inspired by the hit TV show.
The colors included in this collection are:
Slushied (opaque blue)
Hell to the No (bold purple)
Gleek Out (glittery lime green)
Diva-in-Training (poppy pink)
Who Let the Dorks Out (peacock green)
Miss Bossy Pants (rich raspberry)
Mash-Up (pearlescent greenish grey)
Each nail polish will retail for $9.50. You can also pick up a mini set of 6 polishes for $22 that includes Miss Bossy Pants, Gleek Out and Slushied in addition to Celibacy Club (diamond top coat), Express Yourself to Yourself (shimmery coral) and Sue Vs Shue (navy blue).
There will even be Chic Prints for Nails Design Appliqués (pre-cut strips of dry nail polish) in three different Glee-inspired designs, including Showstopper (gold stars), Berry Special (polka dots) and One Hit Wonder (music notes). Each Chic Prints will retail for $15.
Mani of the Week: Essie Hot Coco
My new favorite nail polish? Essie Hot Coco. This rich, tawny sepia -- part of Essie's Winter Collection is one of the coolest colors I've yet to come across. I'm totally loving the continuance of the chocolate brown, neutral hues for nails -- it's just so chic and sophisticated. And Hot Coco just glides effortlessly across the nail, leaving behind a creamy finish. (Seen here with two coats.)
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
STELLANUDE: When Being Nude is Totally Acceptable
In all my years of wearing fragrance, only two have really garnered compliments each and every time I’ve worn them: Ralph Lauren Romance and Stella McCartney Stella. Each one makes people stop in their tracks when they get close enough (because I would NEVER douse myself in perfume, what bad form!) ... guys, girls, gay, straight, young, old, every single person I come in contact with feels compelled to tell me how good I smell. And, truth be told, Stella has totally edged out Ralph Lauren in recent years.
Well, color me happy, because the latest incarnation of Stella -- STELLANUDE -- is just as fabulous as the original. With notes of Moroccan Rose, Grapefruit, White Peony, Pink Pepper, Precious Vanilla, Grey Amber and Musk, STELLANUDE is a lighter, fresher version of the original. I’ve taken to spritzing my wrists, neck and hair with this delightful fragrance every time I leave the house (when I’m not wearing my tried and true Stella, of course). And, true to form, STELLANUDE brings forth the compliments just as much as its predecessor.
And, let’s be honest -- who doesn’t want a cute guy telling her how good she smells?
Stella McCartney STELLANUDE retails for $45-$85 at sephora.com.
Monday, January 10, 2011
In Tone: Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner
1) You have really good skin!
2) No, really, you do!
3) But you know what would make it better? If you used a toner.
Friday, January 7, 2011
First Look Fridays: Manicurist Lisa Jachno
If you're as obsessed with nails as I am, then today's First Look Fridays column will definitely have you excited. I'm thrilled to bring you an insider's look at manicurist Lisa Jachno, who's manicured practically everyone in the business (read: MADONNA). Keep reading to discover how she got her start, her favorite nail polish (we share a love for the same high-end brand!) and so much more.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Ultimate Comfort: M.A.C Complete Comfort Cream
If a miracle moisturizer exists, I'm fairly certain it's M.A.C Complete Comfort Cream. This unassuming little black and white tub is filled with one of the richest, lushest moisturizers I've had the pleasure of trying to date.
The ultra-creamy formula is packed with hydrating, soothing benefits, thanks to calming plant and marine botanicals. It works to eliminate redness and irritation from the skin -- and, wow, does it ever! My skin has been in minor freakout mode for months now, and finally, FINALLY, I'm seeing the light thanks to this rich cream. In just a few days, my skin was back to its baby soft texture and actually looked like it was glowing from within.
This moisturizer is part of M.A.C's new Cham Pale collection -- a cuvée colour collection that’s cause for celebration! A champagne smash, shimmering with all the bubbly optimism and golden glow of the best that’s yet to be.
M.A.C Complete Comfort Cream retails for $32 at maccosmetics.com.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Strip Tease: Deborah Lippmann The Stripper Lavender Nail Lacquer Remover
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Yummy On My Tummy: The Belli Skincare Pregnancy Line
Earlier this fall I had a chance to sample some of the products from the Belli Skincare Pregnancy line. Why, you may ask? Because later in the fall, I had my own product!
That there (above) is Walter John Reed, my son, who was born on October 21st. Though he’s the light of my life now, when he was in utero, I was slightly less enthusiastic. Bloated, sore, itchy -- I like to explain pregnancy to people like having almost every single malady you’ve ever had -- just all at once. Enter Belli’s Pregnancy collection. All of these treatments are teratology tested and include no ingredients that have ever been connected to birth defects or other problems in pregnancy. That’s some real peace of mind for women who already have a lot to worry about!
My favorite thing about the Belli collection is the scents. I’m not much for stinky products in general, but during pregnancy, most women are extra-sensitive to smells. Special thanks to Belli for using pure and simple fragrances that inspire calm and relaxation. Check out a few of my faves below!
Happy New Year! My Beauty Resolutions for 2011
Happy new year, all! I know this post is a few days late. Blame it on the fact that I'm traveling for work and didn't have time until now to get these resolutions out into the universe. But I wanted to share my beauty resolutions for 2011 with all of you, and I hope you'll share yours with me in the comments! Check out what I resolve to do in the beauty realm after the jump.
I resolve to...
WEAR MORE EYESHADOW!
I probably have about 150 eyeshadows. And that might be an understatement. Seriously, I could probably open up my own beauty store if I didn't want to hold onto all the pretty colors for myself! In 2011, I resolve to actually WEAR it all, instead of just displaying it and looking at the pretty packaging.
I resolve to...
GROW OUT MY HAIR!
Longtime readers of the blog will know that this is a point of contention now spanning YEARS. In 2011, I want my hair to grow long, long, LONG! I'm not cutting it until it's well past my shoulders and I can really just go in for a trim, already.
I resolve to...
PLAY WITH MY HAIRCOLOR!
2010 saw me heading back into the world of hair dye for the first time since 2002. I've gone all over the red spectrum now (though still not quite as light as Christina Hendricks), and in 2011 I want to play even more. I might go back to being a raven-haired beauty, I might even try somewhere close to black, and I definitely want to play more with red. Just no blonde on this beauty chick!
I resolve to...
WEAR RED LIPSTICK ONCE IN AWHILE!
This color scares the bejeesus out of me. Seriously, I never seem to find the right shade or find the one that doesn't smear all over my face. But in 2011, I vow to bring the power color to my lips! (This should make my Twestie, the fab Gregory Arlt, pretty darn proud!)
So what are your beauty resolutions for 2011? Let me know in the comments!
Do a Body Good: Korres Milk Proteins Cleansing & Makeup Removal Wipes
Cleansing wipes that not only leave my skin looking and feeling fresh, but remove every single stitch of makeup -- even tough-to-remove, waterproof mascara? Impossible, right? WRONG. Introducing Korres Milk Proteins Cleansing & Makeup Removing Wipes.
Softening milk proteins work to eliminate eye makeup and cleanse the skin, leaving behind nothing but the most unbelievable fresh feeling you could possibly imagine. I personally love that these wipes are enriched with redness-reducing aloe ... and, of course, I love the convenience of a makeup removal wipe when I'm feeling totally and utterly lazy. (Not to mention that they are perfect for travel!)
Unfortunately, this product is no longer available. Find a similar product here.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Get Primed: YSL Top Secrets Flash Radiance Skincare Brush
Salon and Spa Directory: Julien Farel Setai
There's a new salon in town, and it guarantees to make your next hair experience the best one yet. I'm talking, of course, about Julien Farel Setai. The recently opened salon in the Setai Fifth Avenue, a Capella Managed Hotel (it just opened in late 2010) is one of the most luxurious I've yet to come across.
As I stepped off the elevator and into the space shared by the Julien Farel salon and Auriga Spa (definitely a spa I'll be frequenting in the coming months), I was blown away by the beautiful decor and the relaxing upscale ambiance. The women's and men's salons are divided, so the entire experience feels very catered toward your specific needs and desires in a salon experience.
The women's side has a large circular mirror, around which the hair stations are centered. To one side are the two sinks, each with one of the most comfortable armchairs I could ever hope to sit in while having my hair done! My stylist, Steven Po, adeptly blew out my hair with an oversized round bristle brush, which he said helps to distribute the oils throughout the hair and adds tons of shine. (He was right!)
Although I had asked for a smooth, sleek blowout, Steven actually gave me a fun, bouncy look that I received compliments on for two days! When all was said and done, he said he wanted to give me a look I couldn't accomplish at home on my own. I'm glad he went with his gut -- it looked fantastic!
A blowout at Julien Farel starts at $75. In addition to the new location at the Setai, there is another Julien Farel salon on Madison Avenue. The Madison Avenue location even offers beauty services for bridal parties hosting weddings at The Pierre Hotel. Visit julienfarel.com for more information and to book an appointment.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Beauty Launch: M.A.C Cham Pale
A collection inspired by champagne? Sign this beauty chick up! The newest launch from M.A.C, Cham Pale, is inspired by the bubbly drink that I, for one, don't think should just be reserved for New Year's Eve. Get all the info and see photos of the collection after the jump!
Only the finest will do for a M∙A∙C toast to the New Year! Cham Pale is a cuvée color collection that’s cause for celebration -- a Champagne smash, shimmering with all the bubbly optimism and golden glow of the best that’s yet to be. All, for every skin tone. To us!
Special Reserve Highlighter Powder ($28)
Chez Chez Lame (soft gold with silver shimmer)
Rose Ole (soft pink with gold shimmer)
Eye Kohl ($14.50)
I Get No Kick (metallic nude)
Kohl Power ($14.50)
Feline (rich black)
Chromagraphic Pencil ($14.50)
NC15/NW20 NC15
NW25/NC30 NC25
Paint Pot ($16.50)
Chilled on Ice (frosted white gold)
Let Me Pop (frosted light copper)
Vintage Selection (frosted dirty peach)
Dangerous Cuvee (frosted cool grey)
Nail Lacquer ($13)
Soiree Sparkly (light bronze gold)
Very Important Platinum (dirty platinum)
Lipstick ($14.50)
Tanarama (pale beige with golden shimmer)
Quiet, Please (frosted pink champagne)
Flustered (frosted pale bronze)
Gel (sheer metallic beige)
Lipgelee ($14.50)
Bubble Lounge (sparkly pink peach)
Sin-tillation (sparkly pale icy pink)
Straight to the Head (sparkly bronze brown)
Luxure (off-white with pink pearl)
Caviar Dreams Eyeshadow Quad ($36)
Brule (soft creamy beige)
Et tu, Bouquet? (frosted pale pink)
Caviar Dreams (dirty frosted pewter)
Retrospeck (beached blonde)
Studio Fix Lash ($14)
Black Fix
Complete Comfort Creme ($32)
Fix+ Lavender ($18)
Lip Conditioner SPF 15 + Lavender ($14.50)
Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15 + Lavender ($14.50)
Calm Mode (light neutral beige)
M.A.C Cham Pale is available now at M.A.C counters nationwide and at maccosmetics.com.