Wednesday, February 29, 2012

My Friend's Mani of the Week: Black and White Polka Dots!

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I hung out with my fabulous friend Felicia last night, and what did I notice first and foremost? Her amazing nails! I'm absolutely in love with her stark and glossy black manicure, especially since two nails were sweetened up with tiny white polka dots. I simply had to share the adorableness with you!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Mani of the Week: Le Metier de Beaute Uma Paro and Avant Garden

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Le Metier de Beaute, Le Metier de Beaute Uma Paro, Le Metier de Beaute Avant Garden, nails, nail polish, nail lacquer, nail varnish, manicure, mani of the week, nail artOver the weekend, I was treated to a stellar manicure at The John Barrett Salon at Bergdorf Goodman. Excitingly, the salon just started carrying the unbelievably gorgeous line of nail polishes by Le Métier de Beauté -- and I simply had to check them out for myself! And here's the best part -- they were all developed solely for John Barrett clients. I was blown away by the collection of 50 bright, gorgeous shades, and admittedly had a difficult time choosing just one. Hence, my manicure of two sinfully sweet colors, Uma Paro and Avant Garde.

An Insider's Look: Makeup Artist James Kaliardos

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There's only one makeup artist who can make me get out of bed at 6:30 in the morning during Fashion Week -- and his name is James Kaliardos. James's resume reads like the best list ever of who's who. He's made up some of the most famous faces in the world (Madonna, Angelina Jolie, Drew Barrymore, Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga, Linda Evangelista, Nicole Kidman and Cameron Diaz are among his clients), worked with the world's top photographers (Peter Lindbergh, Annie Leibovitz, Steven Klein, Mario Testino, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn and Helmut Newton), and created runway looks for every designer you can imagine (Ruffian, Jean Paul Gaultier, Balenciaga, Chanel, Rodarte, Diane von Furstenberg and many more). In addition, James started Visionaire in 1981 with friends Cecilia Dean and Stephen Gan. Last week, I had the immense pleasure of attending a master class James was giving for makeup artists at M.A.C. Read on for more.

Humble Beginnings
I’ve always been obsessed by beauty and transformation and what makeup can bring to the table for a woman in terms of confidence. It’s always about a choice for a woman to show herself a certain way. I used to help my mother a lot, or my girlfriends. It evolved from doing my mom for the PTA meetings in the 80's, when I would do this New Wave stuff on her. And then girlfriends in high school and prom nights. It’s always been this motive of creative experimentation for me.

What Makeup Can Do For You
There is this thing about transformation. When I was a child I really loved watching Lon Chaney, the silent screen actor. He was known as the man with a thousand faces, and you never knew who the real Lon Chaney was -- he kept that a secret and I thought that was so cool.

I’ve worked with Madonna and Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman ... as they get older, there’s this real pressure to look a certain way. Sometimes it’s not about their work, it’s about the way they look. I’ll do press junkets with them or red carpet things with them and we’re trying to launch a work they’ve actually done, and so many times the journalists end up talking about what they look like. I think it’s so crazy. If it was Clint Eastwood, no one would be doing that to them. Real women face it every day, whether it’s from your husband or your boyfriend or your girlfriend or your job. Makeup can help you get a raise, look confident or look like a bimbo or look like a slut, or look minimal and intelligent. It’s really just stuff that you put on your face!

I’ve always acted, since I was a kid, so I’m into my interior and my emotions. It’s hard sometimes working within fashion, which can be seen as very superficial, and makeup, which is a topical thing, to make it mean something and have a duality to it. It’s not just, “Oh that’s a good red lip.” It’s about “Why are we wearing that red?” How do you take something superficial and make it mean more and make it empower a woman? I’ve always thought of that, maybe because I started doing makeup on my mom, but it’s always been this really personal thing to me. I’ve always cared about the face I’m doing, I don’t just stick a look on someone. I really work with each model and each actress to come up with something where they feel good with the look.

Fashion Week
I work a lot with M.A.C doing fashion shows. It’s a very difficult thing to do, to work with a designer, especially during showtime, because they’re really uptight and scared and freaked out about their collection, and somehow it all gets funneled into the mascara or the lip color or the hair. You have to play it really creatively and cool to find the right look that makes sense for the show, do something which is progressive and interesting, because I feel like the shows are a laboratory of creativity. It’s very spontaneous and you wouldn’t believe the quick decisions that have been made in my career that have become major trends! It’s like, wow, that was just some last-minute word that Karl Lagerfeld said at 4 in the morning that suddenly became something big.

You have to be on the ball and open creatively. It’s not always that there’s a structure to it and decisions that have all been formulated by marketing editors. Sometimes it’s very, very fast, especially with someone like Karl. These fast things happen. It’s always 4 in the morning, and you just sort of whip out these things and make it work.

Creating a Look
I always think of building a character. Who is this woman? If it’s Madonna, or if it’s a model, who is this woman we’re sending down the runway? It’s a bohemian hippie, or it’s a Janis Joplin. There are these references that come out, like Diana Vreeland, or Marisa Berenson. You have reference points of Sophia Loren or Meryl Streep, whoever gives you a clue into what type of woman this is, and then you find what elements make these women what they are.

We work with the designer. You meet with them and look at all their clothes, and even if you don’t like what they’re doing, you have to come up with a look that transforms these clothes. The hair and the makeup really build the character and who this girl is. I always think of them walking down the street, like a character in a movie, instead of these abstract robotic girls that don’t have personalities walking down a runway.

James on Skin
So many people have dry lips, I don’t know if we’re lacking in vitamins or what! I’m a health nut and I really believe in juicing and eating well and eating fruits and vegetables, and it can really make you have great skin. No makeup can make you have great skin. It can make you look way better, but you really have to take care of your skin.

Taking Cues from Photographers' Lighting Techniques
This is what I’ve learned doing photographs with the world’s greatest photographers. Their lighting techniques are so great. What good lighting does, like the famous Richard Avedon lighting, is lifts up the planes of the face and helps you sculpt the bones of the face so you look more sculptural and less flat.

Skincare and Makeup Tips from James
1) The skin is very important to me and it really makes a difference in how the makeup goes on. I start by taking a toner and really exfoliating with a cotton pad. It really helps when you’re putting makeup on to not put it on a dry, ashy face.

2) I take a lot of moisturizer with a foundation brush and work it into the skin. I used to use my fingers a lot when I first started, but as the years have gone on I feel like it’s not as hygienic. I think a tool gives you consistency.

3) If someone’s a little older, I’ll use eye cream. I love the cheekbone -- it’s a very neglected part of the face, which is really sexy to me. I often use eye cream there to make a glistening effect.

4) Even when we do a minimal look backstage and designers don’t want any makeup, you still have to make everyone look good in a minimal way. I add a little pink tone in the foundation.

5) M.A.C has great reds like Lady Danger and Ruby Woo and Russian Red. It really does something so fast. Coral, red, cranberry ... you don’t have to wear it with a lot of other makeup.

James's Top Two Tips for Aspiring Makeup Artists
1) You have to learn about fashion and actresses and get your references down. A lot of people speak in a reference terminology, so they’ll talk about Diana Vreeland, Faye Dunaway, Veruschka, Twiggy. Having a knowledge of photography and photographers -- Richard Avedon and Irving Penn and Helmut Newton -- that’s very important.

2) As artists you have to be flexible. If it’s really not working or it’s not what the photographer wants or the designer wants, [you] just can’t do that. You have to be able to switch it up and not get stuck in a creative, ego-driven rut. You have to know that there’s more tricks up your sleeve.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Salon and Spa Directory: The John Barrett Braid Bar

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I've always wished I was good at braiding hair. When I was younger, I tried valiantly to braid my Barbies' tresses, but I always failed -- I just couldn't get the hang of French braiding. I tried on myself, too, but always with disastrous effects. Enter the John Barrett Braid Bar, located on the 9th floor of the uber-posh Bergdorf Goodman.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

The Beauty Holy Grail: Sephora Head To Toe Hydrator

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I've found the holy grail. Really and truly, I have. I bet you didn't realize it came in the form of a moisturizer, did you? But Sephora Head To Toe Hydrator has become my savior.

I don't think I've ever come across a moisturizer that works as well on my hands and legs as it does on my face. Truth be told, I wouldn't want to use the same moisturizer on all of those areas -- the skin is so different, and my face is much more sensitive than my knees. But then this unassuming little tube came into my life, and all of a sudden, everything I thought I knew went right out the window.

How does the formula do it, you may ask? It's thanks to HydroSenn+, a natural ingredient that forms a protective barrier on the skin to harness and retain moisture.

Now, I see some of you shaking your heads. How can this lotion really hydrate you from head to toe? Case in point: My face has been extremely dry this winter, with scaly patches on my cheeks and forehead. One night with this moisturizer and the scaliness was GONE. Another case in point: My legs have been ashier than ever, and no amount of moisturizing with rich creams was helping. Enter this cream, and they were silken in just hours.

This moisturizer is a true miracle worker. I implore you to try it for yourselves.

Unfortunately, this product is no longer available.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Trend-Spotting: Black and Gold Glitter Heels

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I'm a fan of ostentatious footwear. The more attention-grabbing it is, the better! So all of these shoes, covered in gold glitter with black accents, are definitely at the top of my most-wanted list. I was inspired to find multiple black and gold glitter heels after finding the Miu Miu Glitter Peep-Toes ($675 at miumiu.com). I love the hint of black suede piping running the perimeter of gleaming, glittering gold. Read on for even more black and gold glitter heels.

ALDO Mcintyde Glitter Bow Heeled Shoes
A delicate black ankle strap and applique bow anchor the bright gold glitter.
$100.27 at asos.com

French Connection Bailey Glitter Sandal
Multiple black straps and a glittery gold back add up to glamorous fun.
$99.99 at frenchconnection.com

ASOS Pepper Platform Peep Toe Mary Janes
I've always loved Mary Janes, and this high-heeled pair is just so schoolgirl all grown up.
$62.67 at asos.com

Topshop Jamaica Curve Heel Glitz Shoes
These are actually a knockoff of an amazing pair of Miu Mius, but the price point is so totally right.
$110 at topshop.com

Marc Jacobs Platform Sandals
From the woven straps to the super chunky gold platform heel, these exude Studio 54 cool.
$215 at yoox.com

Ivanka Trump Kyra3 Heel
Sumptuous black suede is accented by the most divine strip of gold glitter and finished with a gold ankle strap. Delicious.
$88.99 at zappos.com


Monday, February 20, 2012

Mani of the Week: Sally Hansen Commander in Chic Complete Salon Manicure with Nails Inc. Special Effects Electric Lane Holographic Glitter Top Coat

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Sally Hansen, Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure, Sally Hansen Commander in Chic Complete Salon Manicure, Sally Hansen nail polish, Sally Hansen nail lacquer, Nails Inc., Nails Inc. nail polish, Nails Inc. nail lacquer, Nails Inc. top coat, Nails Inc. topcoat, Nails Inc. Special Effects, Nails Inc. Special Effects Electric Lane Holographic Glitter Top Coat, nail, nails, nail polish, polish, lacquer, nail lacquer, top coat, topcoat, mani, manicure, mani of the week, manicure of the week, Sally Hansen manicure, Nails Inc. manicureWell, my manicure this week sure is a mouthful! I'm wearing two polishes again, but they both have pretty long names! I'd been staring at Sally Hansen Commander in Chic Complete Salon Manicure for awhile -- it had been in my stash for at least three months -- but I just hadn't gotten around to trying it. So, I went for it! I decided to spice it up with Nails Inc. Special Effects Electric Lane Holographic Glitter Top Coat on two nails.

The Sally Hansen color is a gorgeous plum-taupe-chocolate brown combo that's creamy and super glossy. I did have some application problems and a lot of streakiness, which I smoothed out with three coats -- two, then a top coat, then a third! I also am not a huge fan of the brush, which is big, flat and pretty hard to use on smaller nails. With all that being said, I do like the color, though you can see the application problems especially on one of my ring fingers. I also applied CND Stickey Base Coat and Seche Vite top coat, even though Complete Salon Manicure technically has a base coat and top coat baked into the formula -- I just don't trust a manicure without my standbys.

I'm in love with the Nails Inc. top coat, though I would say it's more like a polish than a top coat -- it completely covers the polish beneath it in just one coat! But I love the multiple colors of glitter and the evenness with which it applies.

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

Exclusive! Audrina Patridge On Her Partnership With Curve, Her Favorite Beauty Products and More!

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Audrina Patridge, Curve Fragrance, Curve Perfume, Curve Cologne, Audrina Patridge CurveI have an exciting treat for you today! I spoke with Audrina Patridge this weekend about her new partnership with Curve -- and even got the scoop on some of her favorite beauty products and best beauty tips! Read on to find out more.

How did you get involved with Curve, and what do you love about working with the fragrance?
I’ve always loved fragrance, whether it be on a guy or a girl. I think it’s a huge part of getting ready every day and going out every night. You should have a daytime smell and a nighttime smell, it really enhances your mood and leaves a lasting first impression.

I knew about Curve in high school, my guy friends and my brother used to wear it. When I was approached, I was really excited to partner up with Curve, because I want to help encourage all the men out there to smell great for their ladies!

What's your typical beauty and skincare routine?
I wash my face religiously every morning and every night, no mater how tired I am. If I can’t wash my face, I use Neutrogena Night Calming Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes if I’m really that lazy or traveling on a plane. I bring those with me to take my makeup off.

My face is very dry from traveling so I love Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream.

I use Bremenn Miracle Cream on my hands, neck, chest, face, anywhere, it tightens your skin up and gets rid of all the dark spots.

Do you do anything different when you’re on set and have even more makeup on than usual?
Usually after a photo shoot, as soon as I get home I wash my face, because I hate that feeling of too much makeup. I feel like I have a mask on! Usually at a photo shoot my makeup artist will massage my face and they put tons of hydrating moisturizer on before they start lathering on all the foundation and different colors and contouring powders and all that stuff. I try not to wear a lot of makeup when I don’t have to.

I wear tinted moisturizer on a daily basis with SPF and I always wear bronzer of course! My face is definitely lighter than my body so I definitely have to brown it up! I’ve been using LORAC TANtalizer and I’m obsessed with it -- I use it on my shoulders, my collarbone, my face, everything!

Are there any makeup tips you’ve picked up from makeup artists at photo shoots that you’ve incorporated into your own routine?
I’ve learned that you can change your own face by how you apply your makeup. You can change your eye shape and everything! You really have to mess around with makeup and have a play day and see what looks good on you. As far as color for eyeshadows, you want to go with a color that enhances your eye color. I have hazel eyes and I like to bring out the gold and the green a lot, so I use lots of plums and purples and golds. It’s really just about enhancing what you have in your cheekbones and your jawline and your lips and everything.

I have learned that with contouring, on the sides of my nose, they put really dark makeup to make my nose look even smaller. It’s kind of crazy because I already have a pretty small nose! Dark on the sides and right down the middle, it makes your nose look very chiseled and small.

Do you have any tricks for removing really stubborn makeup?
Eye makeup is really stubborn and hard to get off. I wash my face, I use the Neutrogena wipes, and then I’ll also wash with cleanser and a hot washcloth. I’ll soak the hot washcloth in water and put it on my face full of water and let my face soak it off, not scrubbing my face but definitely wiping it. That seems to help, your skin turns a little pink but it’s getting all the makeup off. You never want to rub or tug on your skin or your eyes.

I absolutely love your hair. Can you tell me how you get it to look so amazing all the time?
I’m really obsessed with Moroccanoil, I use it on my skin as well. It smells so good! I just put it on the ends. I use a lot of dry shampoo. I try not to wash my hair, I wash it maybe twice a week. I just use dry shampoo and I brush it. I do a hair mask once every three weeks. I just switched to Moroccanoil, I’ve heard great things about it!

What are your top beauty products?
Bremenn Miracle Cream.

Lancer Skin Care cleanser: I use all of [this dermatologist’s] cleansers to get my makeup off. My skin is kind of sensitive sometimes and it’s really light.

My lips get really dry so I use La Mer The Lip Balm.

I’m really loving M.A.C Shale, a purplish grey eyeshadow.

I love LORAC TANtalizer and I use Make Up For Ever contouring powders.

I try to keep it minimal but I do have my favorites! I do also like to switch it up every now and then, I don’t stick to the same thing for too long, you just get too used to it.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

My Friend's Mani of the Week: OPI Mermaid's Tears

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OPI, OPI Pirates of the Caribbean Collection Spring 2011, OPI nail polish, OPI mani, OPI manicure, mani, manicure, mani of the week, manicure of the week, nail, nails, nail polish, polish, lacquer, nail lacquerEven though I detest the Pirates of the Caribbean movies -- truth be told, I fell asleep in the theater during the second one since I was bored out of my gourd -- I absolutely loved the OPI Pirates of the Caribbean Collection from Spring 2011. I committed all of the colors in the collection to memory, so it's no wonder that I spotted OPI Mermaid's Tears on my friend Christy this week! I love the creamy texture and the turquoise-teal-seafoam color. And doesn't it just look fabulous on Miss Christy?

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Mani of the Week: China Glaze Colours from the Capitol's Foie Gras & Luxe and Lush

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China Glaze, China Glaze Colours From the Capitol, China Glaze The Hunger Games Colours from the Capitol Collection, The Hunger Games, China Glaze nail polish, China Glaze nail lacquer, China Glaze manicure, China Glaze mani, nail, nails, nail polish, polish, lacquer, nail lacquer, mani, manicure, mani of the week, manicure of the weekOh, The Hunger Games. Why can't it be March 23 already so the movie would be out? In the meantime, I'm contenting myself with rereading the series over and over (and yes, I know that's redundant) and painting my nails with the 12 gorgeous colors from the China Glaze Colours from the Capitol Collection.

This week, I went for Foie Gras with Luxe and Lush layered on top. Foie Gras is a creamy dark chocolate brown with just a touch of plum undertone -- it slicked on easily and looked amazing after just one coat, although I put on two. Luxe and Lush is made up of shattered copper sequin particles that fall haphazardly onto the nail. I love the cut glass look and the fact that no two nails will look the same.

While I'm not totally sold on this week's mani, since I just don't know if the colors look fantastic on me, I do love the whole collection and these two hues in particular.

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Be the Best: Bonne Bell Lip Smacker Strawberry Original & Best Trio Collection

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I may be in my 30s, but I love Bonne Bell Lip Smackers. No matter how many lip balms I try, I always find myself coming back to the ones I enjoyed as a kid. And the Bonne Bell Lip Smacker Strawberry Original & Best Trio Collection may just be the best invention ever.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Embrace Valentine's Day with These Script Love Pendants

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I have to admit, I'm really not a fan of Valentine's Day. Never have been, whether I was in a relationship or not. But I do love the idea of love, so the trend of script love pendants (like the Fabulous Wire Love Word Necklace, above) has really tugged at my heartstrings. Below, my favorites.

Tina Tang Love Necklace
I don't have enough silver jewelry. I love the haphazard way the word "love" is written here.
$115 at shopgoldyn.com

Frolick Love Script Necklace
An angular silhouette wraps around the chain and makes such a sculptural statement.
$73 at maxandchloe.com

Sydney Evan Diamond Love Necklace in Yellow Gold
Well, if I had a boyfriend, this is the necklace I'd want him to buy me.
$840 at ylang23.com

Modcloth A Thing For Bling Necklace
I always want to add a little flash to my outfits, and this oversized script version would be just the thing.
$24.99 at modcloth.com

BaubleBar Silver Love Pendant
I love the gleamy silver and the little curlicues at either end.
$52 at baublebar.com

Janis by Janis Savitt Big Love Pendant Necklace
The script capital letters have such a severe yet sweet feeling.
$212 at maxandchloe.com

Jennifer Zeuner Cursive LOVE Necklace
The tiniest script necklace I came across makes some of the biggest impact, proving great things come in small packages.
$132 at shopbop.com

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

What's Black and White and Chic All Over? Zebra Print!

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I have to admit, I'm usually not a fan of animal prints. But something about the zebra print recently has really been calling my name. Michael Kors was feeling the zebra this season, too -- he sent models down the runway in various iterations on the classic animal motif (like the one above). These are my favorite takes on the trend.


1) Diane von Furstenberg Botswana Multicolored Flats
From the juicy hue to the hint of zebra at the heel, this flat is a showstopper.
$198 at shopbop.com

2) Pierre Balmain Sequined Zebra Stripe Tunic
Oh, to have thousands of dollars to spare. I'd definitely spring for this blue and black draped tunic.
$1070 at nordstrom.com

3) Hanky Panky Signature Lace Zebra Printed Boyshorts
There's just something so sexy about coming to bed in a bold animal print.
$36 at barenecessities.com

4) Jeffrey Campbell Essie Loafer
The smoking flat trend lives on, now in a fun grey and black zebra motif.
$128 at freepeople.com

5) Eugenia Kim Daniella Headband
I never got into the turban trend, but this sequined silk chiffon headband will do the trick just fine.
$99 at shopbop.com

6) Prism Rio Sunglasses
There's no shielding your eyes from the paparazzi in a fun pair of sunglasses like these.
$405 at shopbop.com

7) Giuseppe Zanotti Canvas and Leather Slingbacks
As if the zebra print weren't bold enough, these sky-high pumps feature a bright lemon yellow stiletto heel. Perfection.
$750 at net-a-porter.com

8) Erica Anenberg Zebra Twosome Ring
Knuckle up -- this ring isn't for the faint of heart.
$114 at pinkmascara.com

Monday, February 6, 2012

Drybar Gives Me a Perfect Blowout AGAIN.

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The photo you see above is evidence that the blowouts at Drybar are just perfection personified. This was taken on my birthday last week (happy birthday to me!), after I decided to do something different than my typical Manhattan blowout at the salon.

After looking through Drybar's menu of blowouts, my stylist and I decided on the Mai Tai. Now that my hair is finally past its weird layers growing out stage, I feel I can do more than just wear it straight all the time -- and the Mai Tai was perfect, as it's wavy and bouncy but not too done.

After a thorough blowout with a round brush, my stylist took a curling iron to small sections all over my head. And while it looked pretty Shirley Temple-esque at first, the curls fell just right within 10 minutes and left me with the most perfect beachy waves.

I felt like a million bucks on my birthday and it was all thanks to Drybar! I can't wait to get the Mai Tai again.

To book an appointment at Drybar's multiple locations, visit thedrybar.com.

Hot On Everyone's Lips: Ricky & Nicki For M.A.C Viva Glam

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Her lips are devil red
And her skin's the color of mocha
She will wear you out
Livin' la vida loca
Livin' la vida loca
She's livin' la vida loca
--Ricky Martin, Livin' La Vida Loca


More apropos song lyrics for M.A.C's new Ricky & Nicky for Viva Glam collection would be hard to find, right? The fearless duo have teamed up for Viva Glam's latest lipstick and lip conditioner, with every cent of the selling price supporting the M.A.C Aids Fund.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

The Anti-Super Bowl Guide

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I hate football. And to be honest, I just found out which teams were playing in the Super Bowl. (Suffice to say, I won't be watching later.) If you're with me, here are some very fun anti-Super Bowl activities you can participate in instead.

Do an at-home spa day (or night).
Been meaning to give yourself a pedicure? You've got nothing but time. Want to rock a face mask and get back your gorgeous glow? There's no one around to see you. I'm a fan of both quick mask fixes like the Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask ($52) or any of the sheet masks by myfaceworks.

Have a girly movie marathon.
What better way to embrace the fact that you're not watching the Super Bowl than by watching one girly movie after another? There are so many to choose from ... but on my list for the day are The Devil Wears Prada, Center Stage, Dirty Dancing and Pretty Woman. And maybe something with Justin Timberlake or Ryan Gosling thrown in for good measure.

Have some delicious treats on hand.
While you're spa-ing and watching one movie after another, you'll definitely need something tasty to snack on! I'm loving Popcorn, Indiana Original Kettlecorn ($24.95-$34.95 for six bags of various sizes), not only because I went to school in Indiana, but because it's absolutely delectable! Plus, the bags are tiny enough that you won't feel too guilty.

However you decide to spend Super Bowl Sunday, remember this -- it's all about having fun! So open a bottle of wine, kick back and relax ... with absolutely no football anywhere in sight.

Friday, February 3, 2012

First Look Fridays: Actress Christine Lakin

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If you grew up in the 90's, chances are you lived for TGIF. Family Matters, Boy Meets World, and this beauty chick's personal favorite, Step by Step. So I'm completely thrilled to bring you today's First Look Fridays, with none other than Step by Step's cutest tomboy ever, the gorgeous Christine Lakin! Christine has acted in dozens of TV shows and movies since (Whatever It Takes, Valentine's Day and even a voice on Family Guy, just to name a few). Read on to discover the cleanser Christine can't live without, the makeup tip she picked up to really make her eyes pop, the fave blowout spot we have in common, and so much more.

How did you get started as an actress?
I moved to Atlanta when I was 6 and my mom had me enrolled in some dance classes at a studio. They also had acting classes and I begged her to let me take one. I was obsessed with Carol Burnett at the time (still am), and the thought of a class where I could play characters thrilled me. The teacher, Lynn Stallings, saw something in me and asked my mom if she could send me out on a few commercial auditions. Thinking nothing would actually come of it, my mom obliged my overwhelming enthusiasm and so we went. After booking several commercials and loving the experience, my parents cautiously went about getting me an agent in Atlanta and the rest is sort of history. I was also performing in Lynn's live shows with The Atlanta Workshop Players and one summer when I was about 11, I was spotted by an agent from Los Angeles who ultimately brought me out for the Step By Step audition. So long story short, I sort of fell into the biz but certainly by my own desire.

What's your typical beauty and skincare routine? And does it change when you're on set or in a show?
I'll be honest. I'm really diligent about taking care of my skin. Even if I've fallen asleep on the couch at 3am and wake up, I'll wash my face before I pass out in bed. I've used Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser and Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser for the last few years along with my Clarisonic, which I totally love. It's like a toothbrush for your face.

I also love Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant for a gentle exfoliation. And La Mer is absolutely the creme de la creme ... if you can get it!

I get facials every few months from Robin McDonald. She's the BEST and her skin is a testament to that.

What are the best makeup tips you've picked up on set?
Line the water line of your eyes -- both lower and upper to really make your eyes pop. I like to use a deep purple rather than black as it makes the green in my eyes stand out.

I also like to take strip lashes and cut them in the middle to just use on the outer edges of my lids, especially if I'm going to an event.

And dry shampoo might be the best invention ever created. Adds volume or saves a 2-day-old blowout. I know it's not a makeup trick per se but had to add it. I keep a travel bottle in my car because I get busy and a girl's gotta be able to refresh!

Any tricks for removing really stubborn makeup?
Baby oil on Q-tips works really well for eye makeup and I also love Mary Kay eye makeup remover. The Clarisonic is truly the best way to really get off hours of foundation. A nice hot towel is pretty good too. And after a long day, it's a cheap way to decompress.

What are your top 5 beauty products?
1) Kiehl's lip balm

2) Dove body wash

3) Jemma Kidd Tinted Moisturizer: The perfect glow without being sparkly, [and it's] at Target!

4) Bed Head Tigi smudge eye pencils: Soft enough for the water lines, perfect smoky eyes.

5) M.A.C Cremesheen Glass in Boy Bait: My go-to for everyday.

Are there any red carpet beauty tips you've incorporated into your normal routine?
In the winter months I mix a little oil in with my lotion. Keeps my skin really hydrated during the day and helps avoid cracked knuckles and ashy knees -- not cute!

I also recently just tried Drybar, which I loved! For $35 you can get your hair washed and blown out and it lasts several days. I did it for my birthday but it's an easy way to treat yourself or your friend. Plus they give you snacks and have girly movies on ... it's total beauty shop fun.

For fans of Step by Step (including me!), I just have to know -- what was it like playing tomboy Al?
It was a wonderful experience. I had never done a TV series before and certainly never lived in Los Angeles before. So it was definitely a whirlwind start for a little girl from Atlanta. I'm an only child and suddenly having 5 brothers and sisters to play with every day on set and in our schoolroom was a dream come true for me. Lots of laughter, pranks, inside jokes ... it was just a lot of pure fun.

I loved playing the part of Al. I was a bit of a tomboy myself and always have been I guess. I thought she was super cool and kind of a badass. I loved that she kind of became a little boy crazy too ... but didn't take any crap from them. Sort of pseudo feminist for a teenager if you ask me!

Being an actress must be fun -- but what do you do in your spare time?
It is fun! Especially when you have a great job you love, and I'm always thankful to do what I love. It's hard work too ... I'm producing a lot more now and a lot of my "other" life includes creating my show, Worst Audition Ever, which is a live show where actors, directors and performers share some of their most vulnerable moments in artistic humiliation. These are the stories behind the scenes from people you know, about people you know! We've done 4 sold-out shows in L.A. and have another weekend coming up (February 17 and 18) at a little underground space called Casita Del Campo in Silverlake. It's my baby of sorts and I so love the art of storytelling. When you combine a bunch of actors and comedians, this crazy business we live in and a few margaritas ... you'd be wowed by the crazy -- and TRUE -- stories people share. It's a blast.

In addition I perform with The Troubadour Theater Company, an amazing and wacky band of merry players that are like my family. So, yeah ... I don't have a lot of spare time. But I wouldn't have it any other way!

Look forward to seeing Christine in a recurring role on VH1's Stevie TV, starting March 4! And you can follow her on Twitter here!