September 8th, 2010
There are so many fun things happening in NYC (and around the country) on Friday night for Fashion’s Night Out. Here are some of the activities I plan on stopping by- and recommend you check them out as well:
First stop- before the evening’s events get under way- Oscar Blandi Salon at 545 Madison Ave at 55th Street for a $25 blow out. Because shopping is that much more fun with good hair.
Then, head over to Judith Ripka- she is having a huge party at her Madison Ave. Flagship Boutique (777 Madison Ave) complete with a photo booth on the sidewalk where shoppers can pop in and capture the moment. Stylists from Frederic Fekkai will help you primp for your close up. Oh- and every day through September 10th the brand is giving away a signature Judith Ripka ring valued at $700- enter here.
Over at Saks Fifth Avenue, Jade Jagger will be signing bottles of Guerlain’s classic Shalimar fragrance which she designed to celebrate the scent’s 85th anniversary. I am kind of obsessed with Jade Jagger’s “bohemian meets rock n’ roll” style, so sort of have to stop by to pick one of these up. I am a sucker for limited edition.
Stop by Henri Bendel to build a customized makeup palette with help from Jouer’s makeup stylists- including my favorite makeup maven, Jouer Founder & Creative Director Christina Zilber. And accessorize with DANNIJO- another personal favorite- at their “Friends Forever” pop up- Danielle & Jodie are previewing new styles and doling out style advice.
At Barney’s you can get your flip flop fix by snatching up a pair of limited edition Havaianas designed by Simon Doonan. And while you are making the purchase, you can ask Simon a question of your choosing. So get creative. Before you head out, get glowing with a complimentary facial from ReVive.
Tags: Dannijo, Fashion's Night Out, FOX 5, Guerlain, Havaianas, Jouer, Judith Ripka, Oscar Blandi, ReVive
Posted in: As Seen on TV, Beauty, Fashion
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September 8th, 2010
When it comes to fragrance- I try to stay faithful. Really, I do. But it is so hard. See, the scent I have long tried to make my “signature” is this one- but there have been a few hiccups. Mainly, I can’t find a travel size anywhere so unless I am getting ready in my own bathroom at home, I am scent-less. And the second challenge has been the influx of niche fragrance brands that constantly tempt me with their unique perfumes.
The latest one causing me to stray is from DayNa Decker. I have long been a fan of DayNa Decker candles, but was recently introduced to her “Le Petit Parfum” offerings- specifically, one called Pink Couture. Initially, my superficial self was turned off by the name- conjuring up tutus and cotton candy, I imagined the fragrance would be sweet and somewhat silly. But, knowing DayNa Decker’s knack for developing complex, sexy scents, I should have known better.
It couldn’t be more different than my beloved Dior Hypnotic Poison- there isn’t a hint of spice. Rather, it is a blend of Litchi, Freesia, Raspberry, Magnolia, Tonka and Teak Essence. Sweet without being sugary- I find myself sneaking whiffs of my wrist all day when I have this on. And the sleek gold atomizer is compact enough to come with me everywhere. And right now, let me tell you, I am not leaving home without it.
Tags: DayNa Decker, Dior, Fragrance
Posted in: Beauty, Love It
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September 6th, 2010
I do not take for granted how lucky I am to work in the beauty industry and have constant access to new product information and samples. That is kind of what propelled me to transition into the on-air expert gig- a desire to share all these cool things I get the scoop on with every other cosmetically-curious person out there. And while I love passing around beauty goods I receive to friends & family to sample, I simply don’t have enough product- or time to send it- to everyone who I know would go nuts for it.
And this, my friends, is where Birchbox comes in. Mollie Chen, who I absolutely adore and who’s opinion I respect completely, had been telling me about this concept that her friends were launching for awhile- and when she left her job as a magazine editor to go join them, I knew it had to be the real deal. And let me tell you- it is.
Sign up for this service for $10 a month, and you will receive a beautiful box with deluxe minis from some of the best brands in the biz (Nars, Cargo, Lipstick Queen, Benefit- all of my favorites.) It is the best way ever to try out new lines- and stock your toiletries for traveling in style.
Hayley Barna, one of the Co-founders, said it best: “Women are overwhelmed by a crowded beauty landscape. Birchbox aims to give them the tools to become savvier beauty consumers and buy with ease and confidence.”
In addition to getting this very fun delivery at your door, as a Birchbox member you will have access to their amazing website which is packed with more info on their samples, makeup techniques, trend information and overall beauty insider info that everyone can use.
So, even though technically I am not sending you these samples from my personal stash- you can still thank me 
Tags: Benefit, Birchbox, Cargo, Lipstick Queen, Nars
Posted in: Beauty, Deals
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September 3rd, 2010
In July, I was out in the Hamptons for Super Saturday doing an appearance on QVC for L’Oreal. It was my first time ever going on QVC (I had so much fun, it is quite an experience) and an added bonus to it all was getting to spend time with some of the amazing founders of brands that are sold there. Maureen Kelly, the creator of Tarte (how much do we all LOVE Tarte, right?) introduced me to Doris Dalton, who subsequently sent me an assortment from her Dalton Cosmetics line to try. Given my penchant for multi-purpose products and all things dewy, the first item I tore open was a compact called H2Glo Natural Glow Highlight Cream. Unlike many highlighting creams, this one is so lightweight, it blends effortlessly into the skin so you are literally left with this lit-from-within sheen that is so subtle it can’t help but look completely natural.
I have been dabbing it on the outer edges of my cheek bones, just above the cupids bow of my lip and on my eyelids whenever I am opting for a “yeah, I was born this glowy” look. Best paired with a sheer pink gloss, pop of light matte bronzer and about 5 coats of mascara, I am a fan for life.
Tags: Dalton Cosmetics, Maureen Kelly, QVC, Tarte
Posted in: Beauty
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September 2nd, 2010
I love all the questions that come in from viewers of my MSN series, Beauty BFF. I am going to do my best to answer as many as possible on my blog- here is this week’s installment:
Q: Noticed the gorgeous, gorgeous fuchsia/hot pink lipstick you wear in the beginning and end of the Beauty BFF videos. I am a lipstick addict and carry 6 or 7 at all times. I’d love to know the color you wear. It’s beautiful!
A: The lip color I am wearing in the opening and closing shots of Beauty BFF is Stila Lip Enamel in Giggle. While at first glance in the tube in may look like a gloss, it has intense color payoff (basically the “industry term” meaning it deposits a significant amount of pigment for a dramatic result) and wears well for hours. Which was important since getting all these shots took many hours and I didn’t have time to touch up often between takes. It has a very lacquered finish- so there is a shine there but it isn’t so much glittery as it is almost mirror-like. In order to soften it a bit (and keep my lips conditioned, it was a chilly NY early Spring Day) we dabbed Smith’s Rosebud Salve (my makeup artist Emily is obsessed with this stuff) on top. This iconic multi-purpose balm now comes in a tube (used to only be available in a pan) and is a definite must to add to your lip product arsenal.
Tags: Beauty BFF, Smith's Rosebud Salve, Stila
Posted in: Beauty, Q & A
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September 1st, 2010
I love a good drugstore beauty buy. Especially one that does double beauty duty AND happens to smell like the most delicious version of my favorite dessert. So, when I tried Caress Whipped Souffle Body Wash, ’twas love at first sight. The texture is super light but still rich, the fragrance is whipped right in, and it leaves my skin so freaking soft, post-shower lotion is optional. It is also great to shave with- one less product to stash in my already overpacked shower. The perfect way to spend $5 and upgrade your morning shower regimen for a new season.
Posted in: Beauty
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August 30th, 2010
I was abnormally excited to watch the Emmy Awards on Sunday night. By the time we get to the Oscars I tend to get a little bored by the whole red carpet ritual- but since the Emmys always fall right when I am feeling a little starved for fresh glamour (love that it is before Fashion Week this year, actually- gets me warmed up) I watched with full focus, paying attention to every detail.
Below- my two cents. Sorry I didn’t insert images but mind you I am still kind of new at this blogging thing and wasn’t quite sure how to get them in neatly. Also- if you read my blog, I am guessing you watched the awards and have been scoping out photos ever since- because that is just the kind of people we are, right? Oh- and curious to hear your thoughts- so please comment below. I get lonely
HITS:
- Lea Michele: Her body looks amazing, her hair stunning, and really adoring her matte finish foundation and lip with a heavily lined, but not quite smokey, eye.
- Stephanie Pratt: I feel ridiculous even typing her name under a header called Emmys, but she did look gorge. I am really into the simple, flawless, slightly bronzed complexion with a matte nude lip. Sarah Lucero, Stila Celebrity Makeup Artist who created the look, told me she used Stila Lip Enamel in Nirvana with Convertible Color in Gerbera on top.
- Kyra Sedgwick: The wavy, simple hair is so pretty, and you can never go even close to wrong with anything by Monique Lhuillier.
- Julie Benz: The white dress is statuesque and fit so perfectly. And I always love a sleek ponytail (albeit with what I suspect is a massive clip in hair extension) paired with a gown.
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus: She always brings it on the red carpet. And every year for some reason I am surprised- I really shouldn’t be. Her hair looks so healthy, I don’t mind that it is kinda slicked down. But what really did it for me- the jewelry. The green jade earrings are pretty damn amazing. If I had those, I would wear them literally every single day. (I hope my husband is reading this.)
- Jennifer Carpenter: The silhouette of her dress was simple and conservative, but the fact that it was covered in sequins made it elegant and interesting. Also really into her beautiful curls, cascading over a shoulder thanks to a perfectly placed side part.
NOT SO MUCH:
- January Jones: I always feel like she tries a little too hard to make an edgy fashion statement. One thing I can never stand- people trying too hard. At anything.
- Christina Hendricks: The dress was really milk-maid like. And she really needs her teeth whitened. Sorry, I hate being mean but hey, when it comes to celebs who literally do live the most charmed lives ever, I don’t feel too terrible so may as well be honest.
- Kelly Obsourne: She needed blush, big time. Her body, on the other hand- wow. Inspiring transformation.
- Rose Byrne: I am certainly not of the school that not a hair should be out of place on the red carpet- but her insane amount of matted frizz was a bit too much for me. Some nice texture along the hairline, I’ll take it. But this? Birds may have taken up residence in there.
Posted in: As Seen on TV, My Two Cents
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August 26th, 2010
I love all the questions that come in from viewers of my MSN series, Beauty BFF. I am going to do my best to answer as many as possible on my blog- here is this week’s installment:
Q: I’m looking for some help for my skin. I don’t really need concealer because my skin behaves rather well, but I am looking for foundation so that my skin has a stable color appearance…After much work, time, and money, my skin doesn’t look smooth, but caked on. What can I do?
A: Never underestimate the power of a great primer. Many people think of primers as an unnecessary extra step- but I completely disagree. A primer will fill in fine lines, wrinkles and any surface inconsistencies that may result from acne scars, sun damage, etc. There is a new one from Stila called One Step Correct that I think is especially perfect for you. Weaved into the primer are color correcting ribbons of peach, lilac and green, which counteract any and all discolorations, in, you guessed it- one step! It also brightens the skin- nice added bonus.
With this on the skin first, you can get away with using less foundation to get your desired finish, therefore eliminating the need to pile on product which can result in that “caked on” look that we are trying to avoid here.
Following the primer, I suggest a medium coverage liquid foundation that you can really work into the skin. Two of my favorites right now- both have matte finishes which is very on-trend for Fall- include Ahava Mineral Makeup Light Foundation, which is enriched with Dead Sea minerals to protect and improve your skin, and Lancome Tient Idole Fresh Wear matte foundation, again, very lightweight but substantial coverage. Oh, and it lasts for 18 hours straight which, if your skin EATS makeup like mine does, is a huge plus.
Tags: Ahava, Beauty BFF, Lancome, Stila
Posted in: Beauty, Q & A, Uncategorized
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August 24th, 2010
This week is a crazy one for me- traveling to 4 cities in 4 days to do local television appearances. I actually really have come to love traveling solo- over the past 4 years of doing this, I have come to know my cities well and made many local media friends that I get to catch up with every time I come to town. Another fun outcome of all this travel has been the innate ability to pack a tightly edited makeup bag with products that do the trick on-air (most stations I go to ask me to arrive makeup ready) and also can be used with a lighter touch for travel and off-hours.
So- what made the cut this trip? Read on to find out…
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Benefit, Cle de Peau, Jouer, Nars, Sephora, Stila, Tarte, Urban Decay
Posted in: Beauty, MVP, Travel
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August 23rd, 2010
I had a great time stopping by KTLA to share some of my favorite Fall Beauty Breakthroughs this morning. Want more info on the products I featured? Here you go! And if you want to win of few of my picks- leave a comment sharing your favorite new beauty purchase for Fall. I will randomly pick 2 commenters to win.
Tags: CLEAN, FitFlop, KTLA, PurpleLab, Stila, Urban Decay
Posted in: As Seen on TV, Beauty
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