Valentine's Day Sweetness 101

Make this Valentine's Day a little sexier with these 2 NEW beauty essentials for kissable lips and a dangerously sweet scent! 

Limited Edition Sweet Like Candy by Ariana Grande ( 1.7 oz/50 ml: $49, ULTA.com)

The irresistible fragrance takes dangerously sweet to a new level bursting with a mix of succulent fruits that trail into a flirtatious blend of bright floral notes. With a red hot finish of sensual musks, seductive liquid amber and lightly sweetened marshmallow, this fragrance is sure to turn heads

Fragrance Notes:

· Top (Dangerously Sweet) - Juicy red berries, Italian bergamot, pear
· Heart (Irresistibly Flirtatious) - Red frangipani, jasmine sambac, dewy honeysuckle
· Drydown (Seductively Tempting) - Sensual musks, liquid amber, crème de cassis, marshmallow, cashmere woods

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss Cupuaçu Lip Butter ($18; Sephora.com)

Sensuous Brazilian lips have a secret, a lip butter infused with nourishing Cupuaçu Butter, Açaí and Coconut Oil, leaving them soft and delicious, with a dewy sheen that intensifies your natural lip color and feels like no other. For lips meant to kiss. The Brazilian Beijo, our kiss, is a full-on, full-body experience that begins with the lips and takes over like a Rio wave. Try at your own risk.

· Deeply nourishing: Cupuaçu Butter is the Amazonian super fruit fave and packed with soluble super nutrients to deeply nourish lips
· Sooth and protect: Also infused with Açai, the powerful and protective anti-oxidant, and Coconut Oil to sooth and condition
· Deliciously kissable: Doce de Leite fragrance

Get The Look: Gretchen Mol with Honest Beauty

Great movie and Gretchen Mol, actress in the nominated film Manchester by the Sea, was shining in all the right places at last night's SAG’s red carpet thanks to Honest Beauty. 

To achieve this glow from within look, Honest Beauty Creative Color Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist Daniel Martin prepped skin with the new *Honest Beauty Everything Organic Facial Oil ($55) to add a dose of moisture prior to applying foundation. * I am addicted and use it daily!

To ensure Gretchen was camera ready, Daniel Martin lightly dusted the Honest Beauty Invisible Blurring Powder ($28) across her t-zone allowing radiance to come through but also helping skin to not appear overly shiny or greasy in photos.

Honest Beauty products are available at HonestBeauty.com.

New from HUM Nutrition: Hair Sweet Hair

Something sweet is happening at HUM Nutrition ...their latest launch, Hair Sweet Hair, is hitting shelves nationwide on January 27th. Show your hair just how sweet you can be with the vegan vitamin gummy formulated with a proprietary blend of plant extracts, minerals, and vitamins including Zinc, Vegan Biotin, Folic Acid and more. This clinically researched formula gives hair a natural color boost while leaving hair stronger and healthier.

Hair Sweet Hair will be available for $20 at HumNutrition.com, Sephora Stores nationwide + Sephora.com beginning January 27th.

Cover Your Gray: Hair Care 101

Re-Introducing Cover Your Gray: A Beauty Cult Classic for a Quick Fix Efficient, Low Cost, No Fuss Gray Hair Solution. For me, I need to go every 4 weeks as my gray comes in so quickly. This is a great alternative to making your color last if even for another 1 to 2 weeks.

Re-introducing Cover Your Gray, the multi-use beauty collection for gray and/or thinning hair. An easy fix for those hard to reach stubborn, pop up, un-wanted grays, CYG is designed to cover, camouflage and boost confidence “on the go”. Perfect for extending time between salon visits, this temporary hair color disguises unsightly roots and provides superb coverage and affordable ease.

Created for all ages and all ethnicities, this multi-piece product line keeps hair healthy, youthful and strong while also boosting up pesky flat hair in times of need. CYG offers a wide array of easy to use and targeted product applications that include fill- in powders and brush-in wands. Waterproof items include the Root Touch-Up, Brush-In and pencil. Additionally, the brand offers a Total Brow-Eyebrow Sealer & Color for a more defined effect. 

Cover Your Gray first launched over twenty years ago and now is introducing its new revamped look and hero product offerings. 

Key picks include:

● Color Cover - Color Cover is a Gray Hair Color Touch-Up Spray, which conceals gray hair and/or roots in only a matter of seconds. Color Cover boosts hair volume and doesn’t flake or rub off even after brushing.

● Waterproof Root Color Touch up -Precision Waterproof Root Color Touch Up is for areas requiring heavier yet targeted coverage closer to the scalp. Doe foot applicator provides heavier coverage for areas of gray hair or re-growth in the temples, part or around the forehead. (Also available in wash-out formula)

● Touch-Up Stick – The touch-up stick is used for the perfect cover up for areas around the hairline, broad areas of gray hair, side burns and roots.

● Brush In-Wand - Instant touch up to cover your gray hair with a practical brush that helps you target specific areas in your hair. Perfect cover-up for sideburns and scattered gray hairs throughout the head

● Fill-In Powder (pictured above) - This matte powder instantly fills-in thinning and balding areas to produce the appearance of thick, full hair. Blends in seamlessly and matches your hair color perfectly. No one can tell you have it on!

Cover Your Gray retails from $6 - $16 is available at Bed Bath and Beyond, Ulta, Walgreens and http://www.coveryourgray.com/ . The product is offered in variety of colors including, black, dark brown, medium brown and light brown/blonde.

Skindinavia: Post-Makeup Recovery Spray

You must read this if you wear product on a daily basis like I do. The Post-Makeup Recovery Spray by SKINDINAVIA seems to be a necessity in our daily routine. If you wear makeup every day, you know when your skin has had enough!

Their first launch in over three years has already become a favorite of top makeup artists to keep skin clear and radiant in between, and after, makeup applications.

I love makeup, but did you know that it can clog pores and deplete skin of key minerals? Cleansing it all away further strips hydration and vital nutrients that support clear, glowing skin.

Their NEW Post-Makeup Recovery Spray delivers a quick boost of key nutrients, including powerhouse mineral Zinc that is clinically-proven to help prevent breakouts and clear clogged pores. Sprayed on within 5 minutes of removing makeup, their cutting edge delivery system quickly delivers a winning formula of zinc, magnesium and willow bark to keep skin clear, healthy and radiant the moment your skin needs it the most!

- Zinc is clinically proven to reduce breakouts by up to 50%.

The result is clear, luminous, skin ready for your next picture-perfect makeup application.

RETAIL PRICE: 4oz | $26 // 8oz | $36

THE FLAWLESS FACTS:

Ultra-fast penetrating formula is applied when pores are most receptive to nutrients, within five minutes of removing your makeup.
Our hero ingredient: Zinc. Research shows supplementing skin with can reduce breakouts by 50%.
Zinc also protects skin’s lipids and fibroblasts (the cells that make collagen) and reduces oil production, preventing clogged pores.
Developed in conjunction with top makeup artists looking to keep skin clear and luminous between applications. Used as a quick fix between long shoots.
All SKINDINAVIA products are paraben-free and hypoallergenic. Cruelty-free.

New from Elemis: Cellular Skin Bliss Capsules

You all know how much I love the results driven brand ELEMIS. Are you looking for a New Year challenge with visible skin results? 

Start your year off right & begin your 30 day skin detox with the ELEMIS Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules ($105, Elemis.com). I am super excited about this product.

These handy capsules contain the highest concentration of Anti-Oxidant power to help repair the visible signs of aging and counteract the damaging effects of everyday pollution.

These products act as an anti-pollution detox, activate cellular delivery, boost cellular restructuring and have scientifically blended Moringa Oil with medical grade Rose Absolute and Lavandula Angustifolia to help stimulate endorphins (the Bliss hormone)!

After cleansing your face, apply one pink (rose) capsule in the morning and one green (lavender) before you go to bed - detoxing has never been easier!

Skin Care 101: Borghese and Arbonne

Hyaluronic acids powerful and scientifically proven, anti-aging properties not only work to comfort the skin, but also provide an even base for makeup application! They act as a base from where all daily routines begin.

With so many options out there, I have rounded up three hyaluronic acid containing skincare products including an exfoliating cleanser and two serums which cater to daytime and nighttime skincare needs.

Borghese Esfoliante Delicato Gentle Cleanser and Exfoliant ($27 at Borghese.com) The Ultra-mild cleanser accelerates surface cell turnover with a natural Jojoba exfoliant that does away with dull skin to reveal a soft, smooth and re- texturized appearance. Hyaluronic acid provides an antioxidant defense against environmental assaults resulting in a luminous and altogether fresh appearance.

Arbonne RE9 Advanced® Intensive Renewal Serum ($62 at Arbonne.com) This vegan-certified, collagen-supporting day time formula is infused with concentrated antioxidants, botanicals and peptides that work synergistically to protect the skin’s surface from future signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid provides hydration that improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Borghese Acqua Ristorativo Hydrating Concentrate ($92 at Borghese.com): This night time formula is infused with a botanically-derived Cell Leaf Culture and two marine-derivatives which work in tandem with the Hyaluronic Acid to attract and bind moisture leaving skin softened and supple.

New from Honest Beauty: Everything Organic Facial Oil

Had to tell you all about Honest Beauty Everything Organic Facial Oil, the new USDA certified organic oil that’s nothing but farm-to-face goodness! I love using Honest Beauty products as I know how the brand is made without questionable or potentially harmful ingredients.

Formulated to replenish moisture-depleted skin & neutralize free radicals, this wonder oil is packed with essential vitamins and nutrients (including Organic Avocado Oil, Chia Seed Oil & Apricot Kernel Oil) for a more radiant & youthful complexion.

The Honest Beauty Everything Organic Facial Oil ($55) is now available on Ulta.com and Honestbeauty.com.

New from Flirt Cosmetics: Dot Dot Dot

Make your mark with Flirt Cosmetics' newest launch of its first-ever dual-ended liquid eyeliner tool, Dot Dot Dot...

The unique double ended pen invites you to go classically chic by flawlessly swiping your way to a smoldering cat eye with its ultra-thin, ultra-precise eyeliner pen. Or, if you're feeling creative, Dot Dot Dot...has you covered too – using the tool's ultimate rounded doting tool side, create trendy freckles or dotted festival inspired designs – the possibilities are endless.

Dot Dot Dot… which comes in two shades, Beauty Mark (Black) and Coco (Brown) are out exclusively on FlirtCosmetics.com

KORRES: GREEK YOGHURT SMOOTHIE PRIMING MOISTURIZER

I have been using Korres products for years as they are a results driven brand. Now you can prep skin for your marathon days with NEW Greek Yoghurt Smoothie Priming Moisturizer, the lightweight answer for heavyweight hydration. 

This protein-packed booster preps, hydrates and strengthens skin with 26% Greek Yoghurt proteins in every serving. An ingredient used for centuries in Greece for its smoothing and strengthening properties, Greek Yoghurt contains two and a half times the protein of regular yoghurt. By boosting your skincare routine with protein-rich Greek Yoghurt, you deliver the same benefits to your skin that protein delivers to your body – helping to nourish, strengthen, and repair.

Greek Yoghurt Smoothie is a weightless, multi-action priming moisturizer packed with probiotics, proteins, and minerals to deeply nourish and smooth skin, while also prepping it for flawless makeup application and all-day wear. Formulated with three types of hydrating hyaluronic acid and powerful skin-saving antioxidants and extracts, the smoothie gives skin inner strength for healthy-looking skin on the surface.

KORRES GREEK YOGHURT SMOOTHIE PRIMING MOISTURIZER

· Greek Yoghurt Concentrate boosted with a complex of probiotics smooths, soothes and strengthens, while providing skin with superior nourishment.

· Formulated with three types of hyaluronic acid of varying molecular weights to provide continuous hydration, promote skin elasticity & firmness, and smooth surface imperfections. This combination primes skin for makeup application by leaving the complexion soft, smooth and evenly textured.

· Packed with an antioxidant rich superfood blend of blue-green microalgae extract, citrus, broccoli and aloe and wrinkle fighting Kakadu plum extract.

How to Use: Apply to the face and neck as the final step in your skincare routine before makeup application.

Available January 2017 at Sephora and KORRESUSA.com for $42.

Get The Look: Golden Globe Winner Claire Foy

WHO: Claire Foy

WHERE: 74th Golden Globe Awards

HAIR BY: Jillian Halouska for SHOW Beauty

INSPIRATION: Effortless elegance, a simple yet modern style to complement Claire’s formal gown.

TIPS/TECHNIQUE:

To recreate Claire’s wispy, undone look, wash tresses with SHOW Beauty Pure Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner and rough dry hair (no brush needed!) to keep elasticity and create movement.

Next, spritz the SHOW Beauty Sheer Thermal Protect from root to tip and wrap small 1” sections of hair around a ¾ inch curling iron.

After each section, immediately pull the hair downwards to elongate and loosen the curl. Repeat until every hair is curled, this will help achieve a wispy do. 

Then spray the SHOW Beauty Premiere Dry Shampoo onto the roots to create a grip for the bobby pins to grab onto. Starting at the nape of the neck, take a small section of hair and pin to the opposite side. Moving upwards, continue pinning hair in a criss cross pattern, leaving out a few front and side pieces. Gently sweep remaining hair back and spray into place with the SHOW Beauty Premiere Finishing Spray.

PRODUCTS:

Pure Moisture Shampoo($38)

Pure Moisture Conditioner($38)

Premiere Dry Shampoo($35)

Sheer Thermal Protect($35)

Premiere Finishing Spray($35)

DRESS: Erdem

RETAILER: Sephora.com

Get The Look: Emmanuelle Criqui

WHO: Emmanuelle Chriqui
WHERE: Art of Elysium HEAVEN Gala 

MAKEUP BY: Daniel Martin, Honest Beauty Creative Color Consultant 

TIPS/TECHNIQUE: To achieve Emmanuelle’s subtle, healthy glow its all about perfecting the base. Using the new Honestly Luminizing Foundation in Golden & Camel, start in the center of the face around the nose and buff outwards toward your ears, forehead, and chin. By buffing on the foundation, it allows you to get a balanced glow and more buildable coverage. Next, apply the Concealer Duo in Disappearing Dune to camouflage any imperfections. Apply the creamy highlighter from the Contour + Highlight Kit (shade 3) on cheek and brow bones followed by a light dusting of Luminizing Powder in Dusk Reflection. For the final touch, swipe the Invisible Blurring Powder across your t-zone to set the makeup while allowing radiance to shine through on the highest parts of the face to give you that lit from within look.

HONEST BEAUTY PRODUCTS:

Honestly Luminizing Foundation in Golden & Camel ($36 each, launching 1/15) Concealer Duo in Disappearing Dune ($20)
Invisible Blurring Powder ($28)
Contour + Highlight Kit ($34)

Luminizing Powder in Dusk Reflection ($25) RETAILERS: HonestBeauty.com, Ulta & Ulta.com 

DRESS: Thai Nguyen Atelier

Get The Look: Zoë Saldana

Celebrity makeup artist Vera Steimberg used Votre Vu products to create presenter Zoë Saldana’s red carpet look for the 2017 Golden Globe Awards.

INSPIRATION

“Zoë is wearing a Gucci gown in two shades of pink so we wanted makeup that was glowy but clean, to complement the soft colors of the dress.”

COMPLEXION 

I used Laura Mercier Primer in Radiance to give her skin a glowy undertone, then applied a mix of two foundations, one from Laura Mercier and the other from Makeup Forever. Together they match her complexion perfectly. I finished by sweeping Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer all over her face to enhance her skin’s radiance but keep it looking clean.

EYES

 

On her lids, I used a mix of the neutral brown and pinky shades in the Votre Vu Palette Play Quad in Nude, then I traced her upper and lower lash-lines with Votre Vu Le Joli Crayon in Chocolat. On her top lashes, I smudged the eyeliner slightly to create a smoky effect. 

I finger-tapped Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize in Bette, a coppery cream, on just the center of her lids, added a few individual lashes her eyes’ outer corners, and swept on two coats of Votre Vu Eiffel Power Mascara in Black.

LIPS

I traced her lips with Votre Vu Drawmatic Lip Liner in Naked, then colored them in with Votre Vu Champs-éLIPsée Lip Crayon in Spark. I finished by tapping Votre Vu Lip Lustre in Demure to just the center of her bottom lip.

Votre Vu products are available at votrevu.com

Pantone's Color of the Year: Greenery

Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, 
one another and a larger purpose.”

– Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute

FLOWER Eyes On the Prize Eyeshadow Chubby in Olive My Love

A creamy, blendable, and luxurious crème eyeshadow with a powder finish. Easy and convenient, this self-sharpening chubby provides smooth & lightweight coverage, with a luminous finish that lasts all day without creasing or fading. Paraben and talc-free.
Price: $7.98, Available at Walmart and Walmart.com

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow Paints in Mint Detox

High impact color meets all day wear with the NEW! L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Collection. This season, greens for eyes are red-hot. Be bold and wear this eyeshadow to add a pop of color for all occasions.
Price: $8.99, Available in January at lorealparisusa.com and drugstores nationwide

OPI New Orleans Collection in I’m Sooo Swamped! 

This verdant, creamy green is drenched in style and inspired by New Orleans. This collection takes nails and toes from beignets at Café du Monde all the way to nightcaps on Bourbon Street in style. Sweet, spicy, soulful and vibrant, this lush lacquer is perfect for a town where parades pop up everywhere, and dancing in the streets is de rigueur.
Price: $10, Available at Ulta.com

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Freak

The 24/7 Glide-On Eye pencil in Freak willdelight you with 2017’s newest neutral. Velvety soft, this never-before-seen formula stays soft and creamy for blending, then dries down to a long-lasting finish that WILL NOT budge. 24/7Eye Pencils offer long-lasting color and a dreamy, creamy feel when applied.
Price: $20, Available at Sephora/Sephora.com, Ulta/Ulta.com, Macy’s/Macys.com, and UrbanDecay.com

Urban Decay Razor Sharp Liquid Eyeliner in Kush

The Razor Sharp Liquid Eyeliner in Kush is the ultimate leaf green liner to be on trend with the color of the year. Whether you want them super-thin or big and bold, the precise, fine-tipped brush applicator can do it all – you can even spot-reapply with ease. The epic formula boasts a ton of color payoff, dries down quickly to prevent smudging, and is water-resistant to last all day.
Price: $22, Available at Sephora/Sephora.com, Ulta/Ulta.com, Macy’s/Macys.com, and UrbanDecay.com

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Junkie

Introducing Vice Lipstick in Junkie – this badass, bold hue comes in Urban Decay’s unique pearlized finish creating subtle sparkly finish. The modern formula, now in a bullet shape, includes the proprietary Pigment Infusion System for super-creamy texture, long wear and rich color dispersion.
Price: $17, Available at Sephora/Sephora.com, Ulta/Ulta.com, Macy’s/Macys.com, and UrbanDecay.com

Trolls by Dreamworks Palette by PÜR: Launches January 8, 2017

My kids loved the movie and I love the brand, so I am excited for this new collaboration...

This 16 piece eye shadow collection inspired by Trolls by DreamWorks offers never-before-seen shades that are as colorful and unique as you are. Enjoy this vivid and inspiring collection full of attitude for endless eye looks!

The collection doesn’t launch until January 8th, but here is a sneak peek of the collection below!

For a subtle wash of color, apply each shadow with a brush.

For a more dramatic look, dampen the brush for intense color or tap the shadows onto the lid with your finger.

Available for $29 on January 8th on purcosmetics.com.

Available on January 19th exclusively in Kohl’s stores nationwide!

Sally Hansen: HOLIDAY CANDY CANE INSPIRED NAIL LOOK

In case you are still in the holiday spirit, I wanted to share these playful nails with you! When it comes to playful holiday prints nothing feels more fun than a classic candy cane stripe. This simple recreation of the look manages to feel modern but not overly saccharine; festive without feeling kitsch.

The snow-white base makes a modern and minimal foundation for a sweet holiday look. The combination of bold and fine burgundy stripes is a subtle and elegant way to celebrate the season.

This look features Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Get Mod and Dig Fig.

Nail Prep: Paint a coat of the NEW! Sally Hansen Nail Rehab--The care you give your nails before applying nail polish is the real key to a healthy long lasting manicure. Using Nail Rehab a day before creating the look will ensure that ridges and imperfections are concealed while strengthening weak nails. It creates a defensive shield to protect against bending, breaking, and tearing making the nail look last throughout the busy holiday season. clean bare nails a day before creating the nail look

Step 1: Remove Sally Hansen Nail Rehab before beginning the nail look. Paint two coats of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Get Mod

Step 2: Using a striping brush, apply diagonal lines using Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Dig Fig leaving an ample amount of space between stripes. You can place stripes in opposite direction on different fingers to add some variety to the design.

Step 3. Then paint skinny stripes in between these wider diagonal stripes and have them follow along the same angle.

Step 4: Apply a coat of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel top coat

GLH Nail Lacquer : Vegan Nail Lacquer Line to Love

Brooklyn Fashion and Beauty Entrepreneur Creates Vegan Nail Lacquer Line and I Love It!

Gina Hicks (personal friend of mine for years) of GLH Nail Lacquer, has taken a simple beauty staple like nail polish and made it body friendly and environmentally friendly – at the same time.

GLH Nail Lacquer, available in trendy, regal, and classic colors, is a vegan nail polish line that supports and maintains the health, strength, and growth of the natural nail without depending on the chemicals of acrylic tips or gel manicures. 

As a vegan lacquer, the product line appeals to the conscientious beauty consumer who is concerned with living a healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle – whilesporting a longer-lasting mani. Miss Hicks, GLH’s CBO (Chief Beauty Officer), was inspired to create the lacquer after working asa freelance nail technician at Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week and during in-store beauty events at Macy’s and Bloomingdales where she interacted with both models and the everywoman, respectively. Hicks says, “I would find myself promoting other brands of polish to women who wanted to have healthy beautiful nails. One day I realized I could help women by creating my own polish line that not only came in pretty colors, but also with long-lasting results and healthy ingredients.”

A healthy and eco-friendly alternative to the popular brands, GLH Nail Lacquers are five-free: free of nail polish toxins formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and the allergens, camphor and formaldehyde resin. GLH Nail Lacquers are cruelty-free: not tested on animals or containing animal products.

The vegan and five free lacquer was created for the woman who cares about the world around her. The CBO maintains, “I believe everything we put in and on our bodies should be free of harmful ingredients. If we don’t see products that suit our needs, we can all play a part in creating the products that do.” Her decision to approach the line from a healthy standpoint says you can be beautiful without sacrificing your health or your beliefs.

Hicks, who cherishes family, dedicated the line to her late parents by naming two of her luxurious polishes after them. King Isaac, a shimmering royal blue exudes authority; and Queen Liz, a regal gold chrome, adds instant glam and sparkle. She has also included trendy colors like the popular Skies of Grey; Sandcastle, a warm and neutral shade that suits any season; a pretty pastel Pop of Pink for the girly girl. And then there is the classic Kiss of Red for the woman who is confident in any situation.

Miss Hicks entered the fashion world in 2011 as a freelance nail technician at the prestigious Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week. Her resume ticks off impressive names, like Calvin Klein, Tadashi Shoji, Jenny Packham Bridal, and Laquan McDonald to name a few. Her work has been seen in Obvious Magazine and on the album cover of Grammy Award recording artist Chrisette Michelle. The entrepreneur is currently in talks to create custom colors for celebrity clients. 

Just a sample of the beautiful color options...

Follow her on Facebook and Instagram: GLH Nail Lacquer