Valentine’s Day Gift Idea: The Perfect V Collection

LAUNCH ALERT: I don't know why this is still a tough topic for me to discuss. It is super important and should not be a stigmatic topic at all. So, let's talk about the "V" and the fact that it may need more attention than we give it. Just like any other part of our body, it requires indulgent pampering.

With that being said, the brainchild of entrepreneur and beauty brand specialist Avonda Urben has launched the first of it's kind luxury skincare line for the V.

If you are looking for the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, consider buying The Perfect V self-care essentials kit.

Chock full of what you need to feel healthy, fresh, feminine, and self-confident, this kit offers the essentials including:

Gentle Wash
Gentle Exfoliator
VV Cream
VV Beauty Sheet
VV Serum
V Luminizer

View The Perfect V's website to learn more: CLICK HERE

MSRP is $58.00

NEW: Revlon Root Erase Permanent Root Touch-Up

Introducing Revlon Root Erase Permanent Root Touch-Up, the brand is bringing real innovation to the home hair color category with this new formula and innovative package that gives instant, permanent root touch-up in just 5 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for the busy mom who is short on time.

The formula matches your shade seamlessly (even salon color!) and the dual valve canister allows for both the colorant and developer to be dispensed simultaneously, resulting in an easier stress-free application experience. Plus, it’s reusable with up to 3 root touch ups per canister.

Simple and easy to use with no prep required and no mess to clean up – just pump, mix & apply. Professional quality reusable brush included for easy application. Covers roots in as few as 5 minutes. Up to 3 root touch ups per canister. 100% gray coverage. Less Mess. Faster. Reusable. Available in 13 shades 

NEW Revlon Root Erase Permanent Root Touch-Up ($11.99 now at drug/mass retailers nationwide and Revlon.com) 

Pop Up Alert: Alo + Biossance

POP UP ALERT!!!!

Clean Beauty Pop Up

Alo Yoga SoHo: 96 Spring Street

Alo + Biossance

Tuesday, January 29th – Friday, March 1st

Open Monday through Sunday from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm

CLARINS: Products That Incorporate Pantone Color of the Year- Living Coral

I love wearing coral tones and was beyond thrilled to hear that Living Coral was named The Pantone Color of the Year. Coral colors often soften my look and I like playing with the color on my eyes, cheeks, lips and nails.

Clarins has just what you need to add the trendiest hue to your cheeks and lips. Below are two tried and true beauty must-haves that will give you the perfect amount of color for any occasion.

Clarins Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Colour in Sunset Coral ($32.00, ClarinsUSA.com)

· This lightweight powder blush combines mineral and plant extracts to smoothly add glow to cheeks with every silky swipe.

Clarins Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector in Coral ($26.00, ClarinsUSA.com)

· Formulated with plant ingredients, moisturize and plump lips with this subtle coral glow that leaves lips full, plump and beautifully contoured.

NEW LAUNCH ALERT: Emilie Heathe Nail Collection

When I first received the beautifully designed sample of "The Perfect Red" nail color by Emilie Heathe, I felt as if I was holding a piece of art in my hand. Considering I am an art collector, I saw the bottle in a totally creative light. That is how Emilie Heathe sees the brand, too. Their focus is on creative design, unique formulas and luxurious recyclable packaging.

Nail color is first up for the brand and other beauty related products are coming soon. This particular capsule consists of 9 " Nail Artist" hues that are formulated with top grade, Asian inspired ingredients which are both clean and nontoxic. All polishes are available on EmilieHeathe.com at $34.00 each.

Background artwork detail by Erik Jones.

ELEMIS: Curated Starter Kits

Everyone knows how much I love ELEMIS and these curated starter kits make it easy for all skincare lovers to choose the right kit for your skin needs. To celebrate the new year & save your post-holiday skin, ELEMIS has created four expertly curated skincare systems, packed full of potent ingredients from above and below the earth’s surface. Each unique set features signature ELEMIS products and is designed to tackle specific skincare concerns for a radiant, healthy glow.

ELEMIS Starter Kits include the following 4 choices:

Restore, Refresh, Renew ($75, Elemis.com) – Synchronize your skin with the power of Peptide4 for a well-rested look, day or night.
Includes: Gentle Foaming Facial Wash (Full Size), Peptide4 Eye Recovery Cream, Peptide4 Night Recovery Cream & Peptide4Thousand Flower Mask


A Smooth Start ($105, Elemis.com) – Take a shortcut to radiance with revolutionary Tri-Enzyme technology to exfoliate & even skin tone.
Includes: Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash (Full Size), Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads (Full Size), Dynamic Resurfacing Serum & Dynamic Resurfacing Gel Mask

Face a Firm Future ($135, Elemis.com) – Step into the new year with intensely hydrated & plumped skin.
Includes: Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser (Full Size), Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir, Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks

Healthy Kickstart ($45, Elemis.com) –A juice-cleanse for your skin! Nutrient-dense superfood ingredients leave skin with a lasting, plant-powered glow.
Includes: Superfood Facial Wash (Full Size), Superfood Facial Oil, Superfood Day Cream & Papaya Enzyme Peel

Get The Look: Rachel Brosnahan at the Critics Choice Awards

I always find the "Get The Look" steps so fascinating and often find myself trying out the look at home. I also appreciate that these are REVLON products so they are not as tough on my wallet. Seeing drugstore brands being used on celebrities more and more makes me very excited as there are great finds available in your local drugstores/mass retailers. I have been known to watch quite a few YouTube videos on just this fact alone. Maybe you'll feel inclined to "Get The Look" below in your spare time or even better- integrate it within your daily regimen!

WHO: Rachel Brosnahan, Critics Choice Awards Best Actress Nominee

MAKEUP BY: Lisa Aharon for Revlon

TIPS/TECHINIQUE:

SKIN:  After prepping Rachel's skin, I buffed and blended Revlon PhotoReady Candid Natural Finish Anti-Pollution Foundation in Porcelain from the center of the face outward.  Revlon PhotoReady Candid Antioxidant Concealer in Banana worked seamlessly under the eyes and in the spots that needed a little more coverage.  Both are lightweight with a natural finish that I love.  To finish the complexion, I lightly dusted Revlon PhotoReady Candid Setting Powder keeping it mostly in the center of the face and forehead. A cool rose tone is my favorite for Rachel's porcelain skin, so I used Revlon Powder Blush in the shade Rosy Rendezvous. I started on the apples of the cheeks and blended slightly under the cheek bone towards the hairline.  I then patted Revlon PhotoReady Insta- Fix Highlighting Stick in Pink Light to make the highpoint of the cheekbones radiate slightly.

EYES: ColorStay Brow Creator in Soft Brown helped me define, shape and slightly fill in Rachel’s brows.  Filling in and sharpening the brows helps to frame the eye and guide where the shadow is placed next. Since the suit was clean and white, we decided to have fun with color on the eyes. I used Revlon ColorStay Crème Eyeshadow in Merlot as the base layer for a bold effect. We kept the shape a bit 60’s to complement the high ponytail.  To add dimension and brightness, I added the light purple shade of the Revlon Colorstay Looks Book Palette in Insider.  I used a blend of the light purple and pink shade from the same palette for the inner corner of the eye as well.   Revlon ColorStay Crème Gel Eyeliner in Black helped to intensify the lash line.  A few coats of Revlon Volumazing Mascara added both length and thickness to Rachel’s already beautiful lashes.  It’s long lasting so I can rely on it not to flake or smudge on a red carpet.   

LIP: It’s been very dry in LA so I’ve been reaching for extra moisture where ever I can. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick has a rich amount of pigment but also delivers the hydration I needed for Rachel’s lips. After trying a few lighter shades, we landed on Bare Affair to complete her mod make up look.

RETAIL: Drug/mass retailers nationwide and Revlon.com

New from KISS: Gold Edition Products

With Valentine’s Day next month, it’s time to start planning those perfect beachy waves, curls, or whatever style you are looking to celebrate the romantic night! Cue: the KISS Gold Edition products. (SIDE NOTE: They are rose gold...could they be any more perfect for Valentine's Day?!) All products can be purchased on KISSUSA.com and Amazon.

KISS Jet Stream Ceramic Dryer – $24.99 

With an AC Motor – just like the pro’s use – and an Aerodynamic Engineered Vortex Fan, the KISS Jet Stream literally cuts drying time in half. A unique motor design makes it lighter weight than most AC dryers – without sacrificing power – to give your arms a break!

KISS 5-in-1 Curling Iron – $39.99

Calling all multitaskers! You no longer need separate curling irons for curly & wavy looks…the KISS 5-in-1 Curling Iron includes 3 interchangeable clips and 2 wands, allowing for multiple styling options with one appliance. Ceramic tourmaline barrels ensure silky smooth hair, and a rose gold finish is an on-trend touch.

KISS InstaWave 101 Automatic Curler – $29.99

Get beautiful salon quality curls with just a push of a button! The KISS Instawave 101 is one of the most affordable automatic curling irons on the market. With both our 1” and 1 ¼” barrel sizes you can create both tight and loose curls or beach waves in minutes! Simply place hair between the tongs and barrel, press the button left or right, and watch the patented curl dial turn and do all the work – it’s that easy!

Get The Look: Ashley Graham (Revlon Brand Ambassador) on American Beauty Star

I am such a huge fan of Ashley Graham. There aren't enough words to describe why so many millions of people, just like me, admire her. Below is a "Get The Look" breakdown from last night's American Beauty Star episode. Please note that I am going to try to recreate the look in a follow up article!

WHO: Ashley Graham, International Superstar Model and Revlon Brand Ambassador, hosting season 2, episode 2 of American Beauty Star on January 9, 2019.

MAKEUP BY: Katie Jane Hughes, Celebrity Makeup Artist

SKIN: Katie Jane Hughes perfected Ashley’s skin with Revlon PhotoReady Candid™ Natural Finish Anti-Pollution Foundation in Medium Beige #270.

CHEEKS: Revlon Powder Blush in Mauvelous was applied to the apples of Ashley’s cheeks with the Revlon Blush & Contour Brush for a soft, healthy flush of color.

EYES: To bring out Ashley’s brown eyes, Hughes applied Revlon ColorStay™ Crème Eye Shadow in Merlot all over the lid and finished the lashes with several coats of Revlon Volumazing™ Mascara in Black.

LIPS: Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolors in HD Romance and HD Love were blended together to create a custom, balanced red hue that made Ashley’s lips pop.

Availability: Drug/mass retailers nationwide and Revlon.com. 

Badgley Mischka’s Namesake Fragrance: A Valentine's Day Gift Option

I cannot believe I am about to mention February, but I must! Badgley Mischka’s namesake fragrance would absolutely make a lovely gift option for Valentine’s Day. There I said it.

Mark Badgley and James Mischka refer to the scent as a “floral champagne” – perfect for celebrating. The lush and dewy floral opens with a soft blend of magnolias complimented by notes of amber and musk with a sparkling top embodying the effortlessly feminine glamour the brand is best known for.

“Everything we do has a thread of glamour to it. A fragrance can create a mood, inspire confidence and, in an instant, transform the way a woman looks and feels. We want her to feel like she’s the only woman in the room.” – Mark Badgley and James Mischka.

Badgley Mischka Eau de Parfum is available at BadgleyMischka.com and Dillard’s.

Get The Look: Leslie Bibb at the 76th Golden Globe Awards

Image courtesy of the Golden Globes IG Feed

Firstly, I can tell you that I have been a huge fan of celebrity makeup artist Brigitte Reiss-Anderson for years. Secondly, I can tell you that I use Lashify products and absolutely love their look, durability and variety of lash options. Thirdly- can we talk about how gorgeous Leslie Bibb looked last night?!

Celebrity makeup artist Brigitte Reiss-Andersen created the skin and lash look for Leslie Bibb on the red carpet tonight at the 76th Golden Globe Awards using Mother Dirt and Lashify products.

“Leslie had chosen such a princessy, dreamy dress by Schiaparelli,” says makeup artist Brigitte Reiss-Andersen. “It’s busy—in a good way! —and I didn’t want the makeup to distract from it. So we did a classic makeup look where you don’t think about the makeup, you just think about the woman,” she says. The style: glowing skin, a doe eye with loads of lashes, and a neutral lip.

When Leslie arrived at the makeup table, she said that her skin was very dry. “I can fix that!” said Reiss-Andersen, who turned to probiotic-powered skincare line Mother Dirt. First she cleansed Leslie’s face with Mother Dirt Cleanser for Face and Body, then followed up with a few refreshing spritzes of the Mother Dirt AO+ Mist for Face and Body. Then Reiss-Andersen “slathered” Leslie’s skin in the Mother Dirt Moisturizer for Face and Body. “All women love a rich cream but worry that they’ll look like a grease ball,” says Reiss Anderson. “This one feels rich but soaks in beautifully. And Leslie could really tell that they there was a dramatic difference in how hydrated her skin felt.”

Next came a bit of concealer, liquid foundation applied with a wet blending sponge, and a cream, peach-colored blush for a “natural flush to the cheeks,” says Reiss-Andersen. But it’s the eyes that were the focus: Reiss-Andersen applied a cream, taupey-gold shadow on the lids, a bit of terracotta on the browbone for warmth, and a pencil liner on the outer corners to make the eyes look a little longer. “And then I went to town with the lashes!” she says.

Reiss-Andersen used the Lashify at-home lash extension system to create the doe-eyed look. “Lashify is like a wardrobe for your lashes,” she says. “It has everything you need.” She used the most natural, 10mm “A” Gossamers (clusters) for the inner corners of Leslie’s eyes, then moved on to the 10mm “B” Gossamers—“more curled and dramatic,” says Reiss-Andersen—for the rest of the lash line. Then she went back into with three, 14mm “B” Gossamers right at the center of each lash line to create the rounded, doe-eye effect. “Leslie was fascinated with whole process!” says Reiss-Andersen.

As jazz music played in the background, Reiss-Andersen finished the makeup with a peachy taupe lipstick with just a bit of gloss and a light dusting of translucent powder. “The room had a real bridal-party-getting-ready vibe to it,” says Reiss-Andersen. Except that the “groom”—Bibb’s longtime boyfriend, Golden Globe nominated actor Sam Rockwell—was there, too. “He was very cute and complimentary of Leslie,” says Reiss-Andersen. “And Leslie loved how she looked,” says Reiss-Andersen. “Because it’s so classic, it’s chic and a gives a woman a straighter spine.” Perfect for a long walk down the red carpet.

Lashify products are available at lashify.com
Mother Dirt products are available at motherdirt.com