Latest Obsession: Flash Tattoos

All of a sudden, there were Flash Tattoos....jewelry inspired tattoos that are bright, bold, on trend and easy to obsess over. After drooling over their social media feeds (they were featured as an accessory during last week's MBFW for L*Space Swimwear by Monica Wise) and seeing them written about in articles in Lucky Magazine, Vogue.com, Huffington Post Style and Rue La La, I finally caved in and ordered a set for myself today! As I am waiting for the arrival of the Sheebani collection, I wanted to share them with all of you. Just take a look at their site Flash Tattoos and instagram feed @flashtattoos to see what I am talking about. I bet you'll want to try them on, too! Read below to find out more information about Flash Tattoos....  Transform your entire look... in a Flash! Flash Tattoos - innovative jewelry inspired temporary tattoos for serious (and not so serious) fashionistas. Flash Tattoos are perfect for the beach, the pool, parties, festivals, concerts... anywhere you and your skin might be seen having fun. Just apply, glimmer and go!  How long do they last? Your Flash Tattoo will last about 4-6 days depending on where they are placed and how well you take care of them. To care for your Flash avoid any soap, sunscreen, lotions or oils near or on your tattoo. These types of oil based substances will begin to degrade the adhesive. How many tattoos come in a set? Each Flash Tattoo collection is unique, includes 3-4 sheets of various metallic designs, and plenty of Flash to share with friends. Have fun creating your own necklaces and designs. Get Flashy! Are Flash Tattoos safe for the skin? Absolutely! Flash Tattoos are non-toxic and safe for anyone to wear. All Flash Tattoos pass safety standards for the cosmetic and toy product industries and meet all U.S. and international regulatory requirements. Do not apply to sensitive skin, near eyes, or if you are allergic to adhesives.

How do I apply my Flash Tattoo? You will be amazed by how quick and easy it is to apply your Flash Tattoo with the help of a little water. For best application, ask a friend to help position your Flash Tattoo so your skin does not twist or stretch. You want to make sure your skin is clean, dry and free of any oils or the tattoo will not adhere. Cut out the tattoo as close to the edge as possible (this is important later when you need to line it up) and remove the clear sheet. Place the tattoo face down on your skin and hold a wet cloth against it for about 30 seconds. Peel the paper aside then pat gently with the wet cloth. Tada! Be sure not to twist or stretch skin until the tattoo has had time to set (at least 10 minutes). Flash Tattoos look best after they have had an hour or two to set into the skin. Will my Flash Tattoo cause tan lines? Yes! But we think that they look pretty cool - Flash Tans! My Flash Tattoo has lost its sparkle, how do I remove it? To remove your Flash Tattoo simply soak your skin in baby oil, olive oil or coconut oil for one minute then gently scrub off. Repeat as necessary. Apply lotion to moisturize and soothe the skin area. When will my Flash Tattoos arrive? Flash Tattoos are shipped within 1 business day and may take up to a week to arrive for domestic orders. For international orders, It can take up to 15 business days or more to arrive. For more information about shipping costs and what countries we ship to, please see our shipping guidelines.   Have you already tried Flash Tattoos?  Will you be sporting them this Summer?

Fresh Breath Day: August 6th!

I wanted to try these breathspray's as my usual go to, Altoids, sometimes burn my mouth or leave me with a strange lingering aftertaste. When the breathspray arrived, I immediately loved the packaging and also the size of the product and how it perfectly fit in my hand. Uber practical and really cute. I was sold!

With 65% of Americans suffering from persistent halitosis, take advantage and spread the joy of “ahh” with hello Breathspray on Fresh Breath Day on August 6! Be a friend to those who may have less-than-friendly breath with this fun, pocket-perfect companion that offers a minty, clean feel in just one spray. So go ahead, indulge in that meal with extra garlic, knowing hello has got you (and your breath) covered!

Created without the use of alcohol, artificial sweeteners, dyes or chemicals, hello products promise clean breath to smile about.  And while you’re at it, for fresh breathe all day, every day, check out the Mouthwash and Toothpaste. 

The delightfully friendly and affordable hello products are available at Walgreens, Duane Reade, select Target locations and Amazon.com, for $3.79-$5.79.

Isn't having fresh breath priceless?!

Parents Magazine: Mom Knows Best Beauty Awards

I was in American Baby magazine when I was pregnant with my second child and photographed over my last trimester by the incredibly talented Sarah Merians. I was one of the 3 women featured in an article " Your Growing Pregnant Belly" and it was a blast to look back over the years ( as my son will be turning 10) and still see it online. I always primped before the shoots, had on a full face of makeup and also had my hair blown as I wanted to look my best. I will always cherish that time in my life and feel so blessed that is was documented.

For the fourth year running, Parents magazine is proud to reveal the winners of our annual Mom Knows Best Beauty Awards. After analyzing feedback from 300 readers who tested nearly 700 products in the makeup, hair and skin care categories – we narrowed down the pool of new beauty launches to 25 products that scored high in convenience, value and delivered optimum results.

Below and online at Parents.com, please find a full list of the 2014 Mom Knows Best Beauty Award winners. Did your favorites make the cut?! I see that a lot of mine did...

UNBEATABLE FOR BODY

Best Body Wash – Dr. Teal’s Ultra Moisturizing Body Wash

Best Sunscreen – L’Oreal Paris Advanced Suncare Quick Dry Sheer Finish Spray 50+

Best Body Moisturizer – Organic Doctor Organic Virgin Olive Oil Skin Lotion

Best Deodorant – Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid

HAIR HEROES

Best Home Haircolor – Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Crème Magnetic Collection

Best Dry Shampoo – Alterna Bamboo Style Cleanse Extend Translucent Dry Shampoo

Best Curl Definer – Redken Curvaceous Full Swirl Cream-Serum

Best Frizz Fighter – Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight

Best Shampoo – Matrix Total Results Heat Resist Shampoo

Best Conditioner – L’Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Volume Filler Thickening Conditioner

FABULOUS FOR FACE

Best Skin Perfector – Aveeno Positively Radiant Targeted Tone Corrector

Best Night Cream – Philosophy Miracle Worker Overnight Age-Resetting, Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer

Best Face Cleanser – St. Ives Even & Bright Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Scrub

Best Daytime Moisturizer – Clinique Superdefense SPF 20 Daily Defense Moisturizer

Best Eye Cream – Olay Total Effects Eye Brightening CC Cream

MAKEUP MARVELS

Best Concealer – Marc Jacobs Beauty Re(Marc)able Full Cover Concealer

Best Eyeshadow – Japonesque Velvet Touch Eye Shadow Palette

Best Mascara – Merle Norman Wicked Lash Mascara

Best Eyeliner – Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil

Best Foundation – Almay Smart Shade Anti-Aging Skintone Matching Makeup and CoverGirl TruBlend Liquid Makeup

Best Lipstick – Tory Burch Lip Color

Best Tined Moisturizer – Sonia Kashuk Radiant+ Tined Moisturizer

Best Lip Gloss – Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss

Best Blush – Revlon Highlighting Palette

National Relaxation Day: Find Your Zen Here!

Summertime is supposed to be relaxing, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the influx of weekend trips, weddings, and barbeques that tend to pop up all over our calendars in the warmer months.

In the spirit of National Relaxation Day, which is rapidly approaching on August 15^th, I have included a roundup of beauty products designed to calm, soothe, comfort, and provide some much-needed Zen.

AHAVA Lavender Mineral Bath Salts

Calm your nerves with the power of lavender. The scent of AHAVA’s Lavender Mineral Bath Salts works to soothe the senses and promote well-being. 100% natural and packed with healthy minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium, the skin-energizing Dead Sea salt crystals help relax muscles and joints and keep skin soft, smooth and refreshingly hydrated.

Price: $22, Available at AHAVAUS.com

Avalon Organics® Lavender Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner

NSF/ANSI 305 Certified: made with at least 70% organic ingredients. Free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Petrolatum, Artificial Colors and Phthalates

What is more comforting than knowing that your hair is being deeply hydrated with natural ingredients free of harsh chemicals? This nourishing shampoo & conditioner set is packed with calming Lavender Essential Oil, Wheat Protein, and Aloe, to moisturize normal to dry hair for soft, smooth, and shiny results. A rich Lavender scent will transport you to a place of total calm.

Price: $10.50 each, Available at natural food stores, Whole Foods Market and AvalonOrganics.com

   

blisslabs nutricosmetics total bliss zen at work

This tasty tea concentrate promotes relaxation and concentration with a blend of mind-unwinding, focus-enhancing nutrients. Just a few soothing sips will leave you ‘zen’-tastic and ready to face the day.

• Vitamin B6 helps support cognitive function
• Magnolia bark relaxes the mind
• Chamomile soothes the stomach

Price: $49, Available on blissworld.com and at bliss spas

Clarisonic Luxe Brush Heads

Create the ultimate relaxing, spa-like experience with the Clarisonic Luxe High Performance Brush Head Collection. A symphony of performance and comfort, the collection is designed to amplify the daily cleansing ritual into an exceptionally sensorial experience that will leave skin feeling pampered and invigorated. They feature innovative tapered, ultra-long filaments to deliver uncompromising cleansing efficacy with enhanced hydration results. Perfect for mature, sensitive skin, the dynamic dual-layer design gently massages skin while generating fluid forces that cleanse 6X better than hands alone and simultaneously increase natural hydration levels.

Price: $30 each, Available at Sephora, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Clarisonic.com and select physicians and spas nationwide.

Elemis Spa At Home Quiet Mind Relaxing Bath Elixir

Rich in aromatic scents, this relaxing bath elixir contains Patchouli, Ho wood and Eucalyptus oils to help promote tranquility and relaxation. With a natural Cocoa Butter-derived cleansing agent, this luxurious formula is gentle on the skin, while inducing a sense of peace and serenity.

Price: $35, Available at TimeToSpa.com

Emily & Tony Aromatherapy Massage Oil Candles

Treat yourself with aromatherapy massage for the ultimate calming treat.  These unique Aromatherapy Massage Oil Candles will fill your home with evocative aromas and create the ultimate relaxing, sensory experience to set the mood and tone for the night.  When hot, the candle wax doubles as an extremely luxurious moisturizer with a nourishing soy and oil formula that cools quickly for instant comfort and pleasure. Each candle burns for up to 50 hours and is ideal for both men and women. Available in the following scents:

·         Créme de Vanille: A sweet and sophisticated vanilla scent that evokes comfort and warmth yet is just sweet enough to tickle the senses.

·         Coco: The fragrance opens with top notes of coconut, unexpected cedar middle notes and sweet vanilla base notes.

·         Fougere: This sophisticated and somewhat musky fragrance opens with top notes of licorice and cardamom, followed by sexy middle notes of cedar, vetiver, patchouli, amber, and nutmeg. Finally, these notes are laced with base notes of vanilla bourbon and licorice.

Price: $38, Available online at EmilyandTony.com

H2O Plus Spa Sea Lavender Body Wash

This calming body wash rinses away impurities while relaxing the senses. The paraben-free formula includes a Sea Lavender Extract derived from a flowering marine plant found in saline soil along the Mediterranean seaside. Infused with a mineral-rich blend of Red Algae, Vitamin E and Aloe Extract this body wash will revitalize and nourish the skin.

Price: $18, Available at H2O Plus store locations and H2OPlus.com

 

Ralph Lauren Fragrances Polo Blue

This invigorating scent blends a refreshing mix of melon and warm basil. Polo Blue provides a fresh awakening of cool energy for an instant rush of relaxation and pleasure. 

Price: $77 (4.2oz), Available at RalphLauren.com

 

Erno Laszlo Transphuse Night Serum

Repair daily skin damage while you sleep with this relaxing night serum containing the soothing scent of lavender. Transphuse helps skin recover its natural balance overnight, reducing lines and boosting defense mechanisms against the next day’s environmental stress while plant extract Gatuline Expression relaxes facial muscles for a smoother appearance.

Price: $195.00, Available at Nordstrom and ErnoLaszlo.com

What are your favorite products that help you calm down? 

Crafting Beauty to Launch it's First Scented Candle inspired by Kelly Killoren Bensimon

That's exciting- to have a candle collection created and inspired by you?! That is what happened to the very beautiful Kelly Killoren Bensimon. Crafting Beauty, the private label fragrance manufacturer behind the French made candles of Harrods, the Ritz Paris and the Fontainebleau Hotel to name a few, is launching a candle collection inspired by Kelly Killoren Bensimon.

Francois Damide, founder of Crafting Beauty, takes his turn and creates his own scented candle brand. The first in the collection is Baiser ROSE, inspired by his muse Kelly Killoren Bensimon, who represents the iconic glamorous New York woman and a fashionable hardworking single parent. Francois Damide has known Kelly since her Editor days at Hachette Publications under ELLE ACCESSORIES and always has been impressed by her keen sensibility and feminine style. Kelly represents the charm and sophistication of New York City, coupled with the effortless understated elegance of the Hamptons.

Baiser ROSE is made in the pure tradition of French craftsmanship; the scent was created by Grasse’s top Perfumers, using the best ingredients, mixed with a superior vegetal blend wax, with a lead-free pure cotton wick. Those combined elements bring a sophisticated scent and clean burn. The soft-frosted pink glass is “kissed” by an elegant gold decor. The fragrance embodies the purity and refinement of a bouquet combining rose, jasmine, carnation, and lily. Baiser ROSE evokes the feminine beauty of Kelly, capturing the timeless scent of summers in the Hamptons. This Made in France product, comes in a unique size of 7 oz. and will retail at $65 for a burning time of 55 hours.

“A ‘Baiser‘ means a ‘kiss’ in French. There is nothing more alluring than to receive an incredibly fragrant kiss that one will remember forever.” - Kelly Killoren Bensimon

Scoop NYC will be the first retailer and online store to carry the candle, with a launch party set in their East Hampton location.

“We are very excited to have the exclusive launch for Baiser ROSE inspired by Kelly Killoren Bensimon, and look forward to celebrating with a party in our East Hampton boutique.” - Susan Davidson, CEO & President, Scoop NYC. 

Oscar de la Renta: Launches Exclusive Collection of Six Fragrances

You may not remember this, but as I was looking for the Oscar de la Renta Limited Edition nail polishes in his namesake boutique a couple of years ago, I caught a glimpse of one of the most elegant men I had ever seen. Turns out it was the designer himself and my knees started to buckle. His line is luxurious and elegant and these new Fragrances are, too. 

" To wear perfume is a luxury; it's about spoiling yourself with fantasy."

The Essential Luxuries collection was inspired by the designer's mastery of fashion and his enriched, joy-filled life. The six fragrances were created to attract anyone drawn into his personal world- a gracious, outgoing, bin vivant with impeccable taste and the polish of a true gentleman. Each fragrance echoes the close connections to Oscar's vibrant life and loves...

The collection includes Santo Domingo which is where Mr. de la Renta is from and has a smooth, smoky tabac fragrance that was inspired by the tropical setting of his birthplace. From the fresh, citrusy top notes to the rich warmth of tobacco and spices, this fragrance is meant to be shared.

Granada is a romantic citrus floral accord with a feminine air. It was inspired by the memories of Spain. Early in his life, Oscar de la Renta became captivated with Spain in such a way that it would influence his work forever. 

Oriental Lace is a dark, daring oriental laced with gourmand nuances that are quite opulent. This fragrance unfolds to reveal a warm, inviting blend of the unique hoya carnosa flower with hints of honey and bitter almond. Patchouli and dark cacao impart a mysterious treat to this oriental fragrance.

Mi Corazon is an unmistakable white floral bouquet that was created for his beloved daughter Eliza. They had a mutual adoration for the distinctive scent of ylang- ylang and both the flower and Eliza are known for their undeniable charm, style and strength. Tuberose, hand picked ylang- ylang mingle with peach for a tropical twist.

Sargasso ( pictured/sampled)  is a crisp, green invigorating scent that has fresh citrus notes that are combined with patchouli to give the fragrance a lasting, extraordinary finish. It smells a bit like the sea to me and I felt romantic wearing it.

Coralina is a timeless, classic floral bouquet that is ultra feminine and completely soft, serene and unforgettable. Mr. de la Renta was inspired by the opalescent ginger colored stone known as the Coralina stone and it has been a unifying theme throughout his collection, accessories and now a fragrance to echo it's splendor.

Available for $ 150 each, you can find this new collection at Saks Fifth Avenue New York, saksfifthavenue.com, select Neiman Marcus stores, NeimanMarcus.com, Oscar de la Renta boutiques and on oscardelarenta.com.

Which fragrance speaks to you? 

Birchbox and The Everygirl Collaborate on a Welcome Box for New Subscribers

Being a subscriber since 2010, I still feel like every month is a holiday as soon as I receive their wonderful box! I have witnessed them collaborate with many brands I use, have seen designers curate their boxes and recently attended the launch of their first store located in Soho. I have an affinity for them and they know it.

Birchbox and lifestyle website, The Everygirl, are excited to announce their partnership to launch a special welcome box for new subscribers. 

Called the "Affordable Luxuries" box, new subscribers that sign up through www.birchbox.com/theeverygirl (until supplies last or until August 31) will receive a box curated by The Everygirl co-founders! Each box contains deluxe samples of:

• Number 4 -- Super Comb Prep & Protect
• Benefit -- They're Real! Push-Up Liner
• Not Soap, Radio -- Happiness Inducing Body Wash
• Harvey Prince -- Hello
• Acure -- Brightening Facial Scrub

All subsequent boxes after the Everygirl welcome box will be curated by Birchbox.

 

Moroccanoil Body: Indulge in YOU

Yes, summer is certainly here and our calendars are starting to go into full-swing. For me, soon I will go into overdrive as we head into Fashion Week in September and the thought of busy weekends and after work happy hours can be dizzying.  If you’re in need of a little “me time” block a night off, get the Netflix ( my preference is without a doubt Orange Is The New Black, Season 2) queue ready and indulge in relaxing and luxurious at-home spa treatments with Moroccanoil Body…

Get in the tub

Run warm water and get ready for some much needed TLC.  Light the Moroccanoil Candle ($52) to create a calming, spa-like ambiance and add a few droplets of Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Treatment ($36) for a rich, hydrating soak and then sit back, relax and take in the warm, soothing experience.

Post-bath

Now that your mind and body are relaxed, envelope your skin in rich, delicious hydration and luxurious nourishment with the Moroccanoil Body Soufflé ($52). 

I know I do not give myself enough "me time" but these products give me something to look forward to....  

Sneak Peek: Paul & Joe Autumn Collection

So many colors to love from Paul & Joe! Full coverage, sheer, shiny long wearing lippy's plus cases to die for, too! These will not be available until February, yet I wanted you all to be in-the-know! 

Let your lips do the talking with new releases from Paul & Joe Beauté’s Autumn 2014 Collection. Perfect your pout with lustrous, fashion-forward lipsticks, lip liners and lip concealers for a flawless finish this fall.  

Lipstick Refill Extensions to Permanent Line ($20)

Sheer: A succulent, sexy texture that leaves a dewy, fresh finish. Ultra shiny and glossy, lips are left smooth and supple.

Guava (106) Just a touch of juicy fresh coral 

Rose Sorbet (107) Subtly sweet baby rose red 

Pink Balloon (108) A vivid pop of sheer pink

  

Natural: This pure texture creates plump, radiant lips with beautiful color and just the right amount of intensity and shine. 

Mimi (209) Cute and naturally nude 

Pamplemousse (210) Lively coral pink, reminiscent of fresh grapefruit 

Cupcake (211) A sweet and innocent pastel pink

Rose Sachet (212) A gentle, antique rose with a touch of shimmer

Flower Vase (213) The perfect pinky red for lively expressions 

Pinch of Spice (214) A deep beige for a hint of spice

Chai (215) Calming brown with a touch of red

      

Full Coverage:    This total coverage texture adds daring and dramatic color for deeply saturated, head-turning hues. 

French Toffee (308) Creamy beige suggestive of sweet chocolate treats

Picnic (309) A happy, punchy pink to liven any day

Persimmon (310) A deep, opulent orange for a refined, sultry look

  

Lipstick CS Shades ($20)

Film Festival (087) Flamboyant red reminiscent of red carpet 

Standing Ovation (088) Happy pink basking in applause 

Late, Late Show (089) Sexy beige that blends into the night

    

   
Lipstick CS Cases ($7) 

New Limited Edition Prints:

(015) – Sweet yellow flowers grace this cool blue case 

(016) – Flirty red foxes pop against a midnight background 

(017) – Delicate pink birds illuminate a snowy background

 (018) – Brown bears prowl across this china-like case

(019) – Precious puppies and frilly flowers make this case oh-so-cute 

Reproductions of Our Vintage Favorites:

(020) – Beautiful birds basking on vivid orange leaves 

(021) – Wild flowers float effortlessly across this pale case

(022) – Friendly felines on a mellow yellow background   

(023) – Doe-eyed deer graze gracefully on this neutral case  

(024) – Pastel pink with perfect red pouts

Swatched above are Rose Sorbet and Film Festival.

Wearing Film Festival

 Lip Concealer Duo ($20)

Erase imperfections and achieve the ideal contour to create a perfectly sophisticated pout. Combinations of yellow, which appears natural on the skin, and pink, which brightens the skin, suit any lip or skin complexion.  

Fair (01) – A beige and yellow duo with pink undertones to suit any skin tone

All Paul & Joe products will be available August 2014 at B-Glowing.com