A friend recently told me about a layering dilemma involving her blush, foundation and powder. She applied a liquid foundation and topped it off with some powder to set the makeup. She then excitedly applied a gorgeous blush cream stick only to find that the consistency of the stick made her existing makeup look streaky and blotchy. This example brings up a good point. The consistency of your makeup must either be the same or must be applied in the correct order. If you use a liquid foundation as a base, you can add a powder on top of that but then you can really only add a powder blush. A cream or stick of any kind will streak your makeup. If you're intent on using a cream blush and powder one option is putting the cream blush on first then adding the liquid foundation and powder over it. It'll give a beautiful lit-from-within kinda look. Another option is starting with your foundation and then mixing a cream or liquid blush/highlighter with your foundation and adding that to your cheeks. You can finish the look off by adding a dusting of powder to set your makeup. So avoid streaky makeup by getting your consistencies right! Enjoy friends and happy new year!Dec 30, 2010
Layering Tip For The Ladies
A friend recently told me about a layering dilemma involving her blush, foundation and powder. She applied a liquid foundation and topped it off with some powder to set the makeup. She then excitedly applied a gorgeous blush cream stick only to find that the consistency of the stick made her existing makeup look streaky and blotchy. This example brings up a good point. The consistency of your makeup must either be the same or must be applied in the correct order. If you use a liquid foundation as a base, you can add a powder on top of that but then you can really only add a powder blush. A cream or stick of any kind will streak your makeup. If you're intent on using a cream blush and powder one option is putting the cream blush on first then adding the liquid foundation and powder over it. It'll give a beautiful lit-from-within kinda look. Another option is starting with your foundation and then mixing a cream or liquid blush/highlighter with your foundation and adding that to your cheeks. You can finish the look off by adding a dusting of powder to set your makeup. So avoid streaky makeup by getting your consistencies right! Enjoy friends and happy new year!Dec 29, 2010
Aishwarya Rai's Cover Puts Indian Elle in the Hot Seat
Photo retouching within the magazine industry is an interesting albeit controversial topic. For as long as the technology has been available, the industry has utilized it to make their models look "perfect"-no wrinkles, excess bulge, a perfect complexion, etc. For us normal people that means looking at unattainable standards of beauty. Beauty as projected and determined by the media industry. Unfortunately for those not in tune with these practices, these images are being fed to make them believe that these anatomically impossible figures and flawless faces really are the level of perfection necessary to attain ultimate beauty. At the same time, basic touch-ups are a standard practice and can be a straightforward method of enhancing what makeup already does: covering up blemishes, dark circles, evening out skin tone. I don't see anything wrong with that because let's be honest magazines want to sell and project an image of someone on their absolute best day. Stepping in front of a camera without cover up and good lightening is just criminal. No one is going to buy a magazine with the actual reality of a tired model with blood shot eyes and baggy circles from the back to back red eye flights and lack of sleep. I'm all for making someone look like they've had a good night's sleep. Unfortunately, the reality is that basic touch-ups are the least of it. Whittling down major appendages are more the standard practice these days. There have been some pretty absurd Photoshop disasters which have really just shown how crazy and far the industry will go to have their subjects (celebrity and models alike) look a certain weight and way. Combat Seasonal Sweat

Secret's Soothing Effects collection is great for sensitive skin. It hydrates to soothe your underarm area and helps improve the tone. Their new formula is infused with soy and acai berry. I noticed immediately how smooth the formula felt and how long it lasted. Soothing Effects utilizes the same technology as Febreze's "Smart Technology" which helps eliminate odors by "sensing" an imbalance in the body to know when and how much odor protection to provide. This stuff is good and comes in Invigorating Rain and Calming Garden-which both smell great. Available at drugstore.comSecret's Sheer Mineral collection provides (you guessed it) sheer coverage! The deodorant also uses the same odor-fighting technology that Febreze's "Smart Technology" utilizes but don't worry you won't end up smelling like the couch your dog peed on. It will, however, sense your body's chemistry, your level of exertion, stress, and external and internal temperatures and work according to those elements. Who knew deodorant manufactures were such genius mad scientists!? The products also have fresh, clean and fragrant scents-Powder Romance, Citrus Bliss (my personal favorite), Green Euphoria, and Delicate Bloom. I'm so not into perfumey antiperspirants and these are very light and refreshing against the body but in no way overly-scented. Trust. Available at drugstores.
Speed Stick Stain Guard for Men is awesome. Unfortunately, I've been schooled on the pleasantries of men's undershirts and the sweat/stain combination that seems to enforce a limited window of opportunity for usage. In other words, guys can only wear undershirts for a short amount of time before they get those weird yellow sweat stains and then it's off to the t-shirt graveyard. Speed Stick Stainguard does a great job of keeping the stains and residue at bay. Guys can actually wear out their white t-shirts in some other gross boy-way! Imagine that! This stuff is good and my guy grooming expert has given it the official Beauty Buff seal of approval with a very confident two thumbs up. The formula keeps you fresh and provides odor and wetness protection for you and thankfully those around you. Nothing worse than a stinky guy with yellow, wet pit stains. Use this to sooo not be that guy! Available at drugstores.Dec 22, 2010
A Frizzy Hair Secret Weapon
Dec 20, 2010
Genius Lipstick Tips!
InStyle always seems to have the answers to everything-beauty related. These people know their stuff. I recently came across some beauty tips that I had to share. Under 7 Genius Lipstick Tricks, their genius editors dished on ways to find the perfect shade of pink lipstick and more.
-In order to find your perfect shade of pink, InStyle advises us to just smile and find out! Your perfect shade is about the same color as your gums-no lighter. Ummm GENIUS! How often have you tried to find an everyday color that you can where everywhere and at anytime!? My gums seem to be a dusty rose pink. Go figure.
-To keep your lipstick lasting longer on, InStyle recommends filling your entire lip with a neutral-hued lip pencil first and then applying lipstick. To help the liner from spreading more consistently, they advise rolling the tip in the palm of your hand to warm it up and prevent hard lines.
-To instantly warm any color, InStyle says to swipe on some sheer golden gloss on after applying lipstick.
-For a well-defined pout without using liner they recommend putting a dab of concealer in between the groove at the top of your upper lip and blend well.
-To neutralize lipstick and create the perfect nude shade, editors recommend starting with a pale pink lipstick shade and then dusting translucent powder over for a matte effect.
-To really play up a lip shade and get it to look like it does in the tube, InStyle advises using foundation on our lips to prime and then swiping the color over. The foundation acts as a bare canvas and the lipstick shade will look as brilliant and deep as it does in its packaging.
-To prevent fading, blott your lips, reapply and then blott again. This gets rid of excess oils that prevent durability. They recommend lint-free blotting paper rather than a tissue for a more long-lasting, rich yet natural look.
Thanks INSTYLE! Check out these tips and more at instyle.com
Holiday Gift Giving Ideas-Philosophy's Yummy Treats
I personally have a few favorites that I recommend:-The Gingerbread House-a refreshing gingery-smelling wash in a perfectly adorable "gingerbread house". These dual 8 oz washes make a great holiday host and hostess gift or are great as a joint couple gift.
-Hot Buttered Rum-This sweet buttery shower gel, shampoo and bubble bath literally smells like a mixture of waffles and a sugary rum dessert drink. It also feels creamy and smooth on the skin and makes you feel refreshed and clean despite smelling like you just downed some pretty bad for you calories.
-Silent Night-a soothing lavender shower gel that makes you feel relaxed and peaceful and soothes the skin. I love the calming scent of lavender after a long day and you will too!
-Peppermint Bark-The minty gift set comes with a mint chocolate shower gel, shampoo, bubble bath and matching lip gloss in a universally flattering tint. The decadent candy scent literally makes my mouth water! This set which comes in a giftable tin is a fantastic stocking stuffer or gift for under the tree.Philosophy has a TON more yummy gift-worthy bath and body products. Peruse their site immediately to and start ticking off your holiday shopping list!
Dec 17, 2010
Holiday Gift Giving Idea: New Rome Clothing-Shirts With Style & Substance

The label is the first brand for the upstart clothing design company 1919 Designs, founded by three lifelong friends from Brooklyn. Great story, right!? Hmm… they should make a television show about that: lifelong friends dream of making it in America by starting their own t-shirt business..oh wait. That is a show. Well anyway, these guys are the real deal and actually producing amazing pieces that cater to a large variety of styles and interests. Dec 9, 2010
Holiday Gift Giving Ideas-M.A.C.'s Tartan Tale Collection
Giving the gift of MAC this holiday season!? Good call! M.A.C. Cosmetics always have fab. gift palettes during the holidays and this year is not exception. MAC's Tartan Tale Holiday Colour Collection comes in beautiful packaging and has new rich, holiday colors to spice up your makeup this season. The collection features the perfect and budget-friendly eyeshadow, lip, face palettes as well as brushes, nail lacquers and makeup bags. The Tartan Tale collection is a little posh, a little punk, royal and raunchy and a fabulous mixture of patterns and colors. It's edgy Scottish-who knew that was a thing!? It's if Charlotte York in her York-McDoogal days went a little edgy punk with her custom made "Fling" outfit. 
For a limited time MAC wants your gift-giving to look as posh, punk and poetic as their collection looks. They're offering bonny bags adorned by a golden M.A.C. crest tag and tied with a patent leather bow. Enter promo code MACWRAP between now and January 4, 2011! Enjoy free shipping if you buy on their website between now and December 12th. No promo code needed! Holiday Gift Giving Ideas-Oprah's Hope In a Jar
For many people Oprah Winfrey is a religion and way of life. What Oprah recommends to read, buy, and wear, they do. I might not be that fanatical but I definitely trust her taste and value her opinion. As I watched her "Ultimate Favorite Things" episode I couldn't help being a tad/ton jealous. Wow those people walked away with a lot of loot! A CAR for Pete's sake! I was also intrigued by all her favorite things. My beauty radar went into overdrive when Ms. Winfrey started talking about the "hands down the best moisturizer I've ever used". Oprah can use any moisturizer in the WORLD! She could grind up diamonds every day and smooth them over her face if she wanted to! Sounds painful but somehow still plausible. She doesn't do that because she's not a crazy person but she does indulge in philosophy's Hope in a Jar moisturizer and considers it her all time favorite moisturizer.
This holiday season wrap up a cutie-sized box of this cult-classic moisturizer and pop it under the tree or in your loved one's stocking. The special jars are available on philosophy.com, sephora.com and in Sephora stores in three sizes: 2 oz ($38), 4 oz ($60) and 8 oz ($105)
Lucky for you, if you order from philosophy.com today thru December 13th you'll get 30% off your entire order by using promo code: holidaysparkle. Uh yeah that's a good deal!
Dec 7, 2010
Cynthia Steffe on Gilt Group and Behind the Scenes
Check out her gorgeous collection on Gilt Group! I love actually being able to buy designer clothes thanks to this site!
Stay tuned for more Holiday Gift Giving Ideas!
Nov 17, 2010
Spring 2011 Fashion Week-Jonathan Simkhai
I had a blast behind the scenes at the Jonathan Simkhai presentation at the The Griffin Hotel in the Meatpacking District. The retro 50's clothing, with librarian glasses and vintage housewife meets menswear inspiration was impeccable. The vintage-looking clothes somehow looked so modern and wearable. The space was unbelievable. Blue velvet fainting couches, an enormous crystal chandelier, beautiful vintage props, a dusty old suitcase, an aged globe and small little toys from a past era. The models used all the props around them to create a total ambiance and space unlike anything I had ever seen. Everything there was modern with a twist, retro with a spin and sexy with an edge of masculine.
The hair was also a big standout for me. Cesar Ramirez for Catwalk by TIGI created the classically feminine with a modern twist style. He says, "to play off of the androgyny of Simkhai's menswear-inspired collection I chose to take the uber-feminine look from the 1950's housewife and merge her with Simkhai's contemporary vision of the modern NYC girl." Messy buns and dish rags adorned model's heads to reflect the disparity of the collection. Ramirez used CATWALK by TIGI Your Highness Root Boost Spray Mousse and CATWALK by TIGI Your Highness Shine Spray.
The Liberty Hotel & Fashionably Late's Fab Fashion Event Hosted by Styleboston!
Nov 12, 2010
Styleboston's Fashion Forward Host Contest-VOTE For Your Fave. Finalist!!
http://styleboston.tv/1145/web-exclusive-win-tickets-to-stylebostons-vip-event/
Your support would be fantastic!! Thanks lovies!
Nov 11, 2010
Support The Troops This Veteran's Day By Leaving Them A Big Smooch!
Happy Veterans Day People! Thank you to all the men and women who serve our country and risk their lives every day for America. It's so important to recognize and honor the hard work and commitment of our troops.
We can all pay tribute in our own way but if you're a New Yorker you can show your support as only a beauty buff would. Maybelline New York is teaming up with Cosmopolitan Magazine and the United Service Organization (USO) to collect 'Kisses for the Troops'. Such a great idea and so fun!
Today Cosmo Mag has a Kiss Station set up and is inviting the public to give a kiss on a postcard for our troops. The postcards will be delivered to those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan just in time for New Year's Eve. Awww… (heart melting). Cosmo and Maybelline New York will donate one dollar for each kiss collected to the USO, which I think is a fantastic reason to kiss it out for them.
Visit the kissing station in TIMES SQUARE TODAY and meet actress Malin Ackerman, who'll be helping collect kisses for the servicemen and women. Maybelline New York will provide various shades of Color Sensational lipstick in the Kiss station to leave your beautiful marks.
Even if you can't make it to the event you can still participate by "kissing" a postcard virtually via a digital application on Cosmo's website or by going to Cosmo's Facebook page and uploading a photo and note of thanks. Both will count towards the USO donation and be sent to the troops. You can also text "KISS" to 85944 to donate $10 to the USO for the amazing work they do for the troops and their families.
I really think this a great cause. Especially if you've always wanted to show how much you support and thank the troops. So "kiss" away and know you'll be really leaving a mark.
Check out photos from last year's event hosted by AnnaLynne McCord.
Nov 9, 2010
Check Out This Contest From Barney's & Urban Daddy!
Enter the Urban Daddy/Barneys Shopping Spree Giveaway now! A fab trip to Barneys New York could be in store for you!
Spring 2011 Fashion Week-Lela Rose
Lela Rose's Spring 2011 collection may have been an homage to the vibrant culture and clothing and colorful handicrafts of Lima, Peru but in my mind, the collection was designed personally for me. I am in love. Every dress, sweater, top, gown, accessory had my name written all over it. The vibrancy of the colors used was perfect: rich tangerines, hot marbled pinks, shocking yellows and foamy jades dominated the collection. Each outfit is perfectly accessorized with beaded strands, Aztec belts, and oversize bib necklaces. I'm also in love with the gorgeous strappy sandals. Some accessories were even from her latest Payless collection. Beware: I will knock someone over to get my hands on these treasures when they come out. The ultra-feminine outfits had such interesting hem and necklines, patterns and fabrics. Overall the collection was a delight and a real inspiration for my spring wardrobe.
GET THE LOOK:
MAKEUP: Celebrity makeup artist, Sarah Lucero for Stila on Beauty.com created the beautifully polished looks. Lucero said, "to enhance a collection of Peruvian and Brazilian fashion influences, hot coral lips shone amidst flawless skin and subtle eyes".
To create the look you'll need:
-Stila Long Wear Lip Color in Outrageous and Lover
-Stila Prime Pot in Taffy and Caramel (available spring 2011)
HAIR: Star-favorite Ted Gibson for Beauty.com created the gorge side braids. Since the collection was inspired by a trip to Peru, Gibson created a look to match. "The teased, undone side braid is very beachy and inspired by the modern Peruvian prints represented in the clothing."
To create the look you'll need:
-Ted Gibson Beautiful Hold Hairspray
SKINCARE: Skincare line ARCONA for Beauty.com prepped the skin and made sure the models looked flawless. The skin was hydrated and prepped for the fresh makeup look with ARCONA moisturizers and mists (all which have delicious scents to them) to give the models a dewy, fresh look. I've just discovered the ARCONA and am loving their fragrant and effective skin treatments. The treatments used helped enhance the skin and bring out the glow, quality and elasticity of the skin.
To create the look you'll need:
-ARCONA Peptide Hydrating Complex
-ARCONA Pumpkin Lotion 10% Regenerate
NAILS: Deborah Lippmann for Beauty.com finished off the look by creating an all-natural beachy-peachy nail look. Lippmann said "the sheer peach nails were minimal and clean and reflected the beachy, natural look that complimented the bright peach lip".
To create the look you'll need:
-Deborah Lippmann's "P.Y.T." (Pretty Young Thing)
unway photos from Style.com
OUIDAD at Fashion Week
Celebrities love Ouidad too. The brand participated in the Daily Beauty Bar during this Fashion Week this fall and stars (some we love and some we love to hate) dropped by to get their hair did. Singer Kat De Luna and reality stars Adrienne Bailon, Kelly Bensimon and the Jersey Shore's Angelina took a break from the shows (who knew Angelina went to fashion week!?) to visit Ouidad curl experts at the Townhouse Spa! Check out the photos below from the event.Spring 2011 Fashion Week-Betsey Johnson
GET THE LOOK:
The makeup was as wild as the clothes. Sarah Lucero for Stila on Beauty.com created the look. Lucero said "the bright pops of color were used to create a hip NYC punk girl with a flirty hot pink lip and electric green eyes".
Green smoky eyes seems to be a trend for the spring, as Whitney Eve's collection also featured bright green almost neon eye makeup.
To create the look you'll need:
-Stila One Step Makeup
- Stila Fiji Palette No. 5 (Available in December)
-Stila Eyeshadow in Palm (Available in December)
-Stila Custom Color Blush
-Stila Long Wear Liquid Lip Color in Caprice
Photos and some information provided by Style.com








































