Friday, August 29, 2014

Tattoo Junkee: Real or Faux? They have you covered!

Ever since the flash tattoo phenomenon, I have wanted tats all over so when Tattoo Junkee Body Art Cosmetics sent over a few kits- the fun began to get real...or faux?! 

The Matte Finish Kits ($10) offer foolproof application and the look of a real tat. The Matte Finish Ink ($6) are offered in a few different colors and you can get the traditional henna brown or go for a true Red if you are looking for a pop of color. It's temporary so there is no excuse for not trying something new!

Patented Precision Stencils ($4) offer 6 different stencil sheets with a lot of options. 

All can be purchased at Tattoo JUNKEE and there you can see other types of tattoos that are shown below. 









Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Effortless Extensions: No Glue, Clips or Threads Needed

This may be exactly what you have been waiting/looking for...Effortless Extensions, which has been featured on TODAY and The Rachel Ray Show, is easy to style and offers a lot of variety in both color and length. These are the ONLY hair extensions that don't require clips, glue or threads. It's an innovative hair extension adhered to one clear, monofilament that sits comfortably at the crown. 

Effortless Extensions have redefined the typical hair extension with seven styles (four ethnic and three Caucasian), creating a more comfortable style for ANY and EVERY hair type - as their new contour design shapes perfectly to any head size and shape. 


  



** No harmful glues and no too-tight braiding for weaves that cause stress on the hair follicle.
** Allows you to wash, dry and curl hair – as you would with your natural hair

   



Most importantly, Effortless Extensions will help you achieve many fashionable and trendy looks for Fall.

For more information, please visit Effortless Extensions


EMMY's 2014 Hair Look: Amy Poehler

ALEX POLILLO STYLED NOMINEE AMY POEHLER FOR THE 2014 PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS USING UBERLISS PRODUCTS

Inspiration: "For tonights look, we decided to keep hair fun, playful and a little edgy, letting the dress stand out. Since it is a big event, I knew her hair needed to shine but at the same time, stay understated. Leaving the and straight, and alternating between two different types of wave helped me keep the balance." 

1. Start with freshly washed and towel dried hair, select a part and brush out.  Polillo suggests trying überliss shampoo and conditioner ($23.00 - $26.00 @ überliss.comwhen you wash the hair. 

2. Apply überliss Rituoil ($19.90 @ überliss.com)  serum to the damp hair and blow dry smooth with a medium sized round brush to add slight volume at the root. For a added volume at the crown, add 2-3 Velcro rollers.

3. Taking 1" sections, alternate between the t3 wand and the t3 1" flat iron to create a slight wave or a 's' shaped wave with the flat iron (available at Sephora $130).

4. Using a liberal amount of Serge Normant Meta-Revive Dry Shampoo (available at Birchbox $25) at the root for a messy volume. 


5. Pieced out the ends with Kevin Murphy Undressed ($33.00 available on Amazon) and finish with Leonor Greyl Voluforme Hairspray ($35.00 available on Amazon)




Tuesday, August 26, 2014

LashDip: E! News Correspondent Catt Sadler's LashDip 24K Lashes

Last night E! News Correspondent Catt Sadler at the Primetime Emmy Awards wore custom LashDip 24K GoldDip Highlighted Sable and Fox lashes. 








Makeup by Maria Vargas!




ABOUT LashDip
The LashDip Total Lash system is comprised of a professional line of lash enhancement products, applied by trained and Certified LashDip Artists, as well as an award-winning collection of retail cosmetics. The professional treatment begins with the gentle application of baby-fine silk inserts to add length and volume to the natural lash line, offering restorative benefits for sparse, brittle lashes. Next, LashDip’s original semi-permanent mascara coats and seals accentuated lashes creating flawless definition that lasts about a month. LashDip is available at the Jose Eber Salon in Beverly Hills 360 N. Camden Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (310) 858-4000) and by appointment only in New York City. President and Director of Innovation, Gina Mondragon and her team work to deliver original product innovations, adding versatility and variety to LashDip’s professional line of eyelash embellishments. The 2014 collection includes and exciting array of avant-garde professional lash accessories such as colored inserts, utilized to create patterned looks inspired by peacock feathers, foxtails, and an inferno. LashDust, which creates an iridescent shimmer at the tips of lashes, and GoldDip --a 24 karat gold coating --join LashDip’s star-studded line up of customizable accessories. LashDip is revered by top industry authorities for its sophisticated technique and lasting results. LashDip’s trademark, semi-permanent mascara spurred a beauty revolution upon its debut in 2010 winning Best Beauty Innovation by ‘The Today Show.’ Recently, LashDip made national headlines for adorning Tessanne Chin, winner of season 5 of ‘The Voice,’ in a coat of 24 karat GoldDip lashes for the Grammy Awards. With no end in sight for the mavericks behind the brand, LashDip continues to revolutionize the lash enhancement industry with state-of-the art lash designs. For more information please visit, www.lashdip.com.


EMMY Looks: Robin Wright

Celebrity makeup artist Tricia Sawyer created the look for Robin Wright for last nights Emmys Awards using Orlane products.

“Robin is wearing a custom-made Ralph Lauren gown tonight that has a 40s feel with a 70s flair, so we kept her look along that vein.  She doesn’t like to wear a lot of makeup, so the focus was really on the skin.  Prepping her skin and giving it a healthy glow was hugely important.

I began by applying Orlane Super-Moisturizing Light Cream to her skin with a sponge and pressing it into her skin, concentrating a lot under the eyes.  Then I went back with the Absolute Skin Recovery Care Eye Contour and applied that under her eyes as well.  Your skin gets so stressed out going through these events that keeping it really moisturized is key to having the makeup last all night.  With that said, it can’t be too oily or greasy; these two products have a very wearable, lovely consistency that work well with having makeup applied over them.

For her foundation, we went very light with Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua and concealer.  Then I powdered her face with Orlane Transparent Loose Powder using a brush and concentrating on the T-Zone.  I really like this powder in particular because it’s so finely milled so it doesn’t give a powdery effect, it just takes the shine away which is perfect for the red carpet.

I used Orlane Bronzer to contour her face with a small angled blush brush, running it along her jawline and the hollows of her cheeks.  Then I dusted Chanel blush in Rose Bronze and In Love on her cheekbones. 


To really make her eyes pop, I used Mac eyeliner in Power Surge and then Orlane Volume Care Mascara.  I applied one coat of mascara, and then individual lashes, and then went back with another coat of mascara.  This mascara is great because it doesn’t flake at all which is super important.”

 Orlane (@Orlane_Paris) products are available at www.orlane.com.



Monday, August 25, 2014

2014 EMMY's Look: Claire Danes, Hair by Peter Butler using Leonor Greyl Products

Still watching the show, but wanted to share a look that I loved....

“Claire is wearing a red, Givenchy dress tonight that it a bit low in the front with crystal dragonfly jewels around the neckline. It is such a focal point that we wanted the hair up, and since there is something romantic about the dress , I wanted to do a braid. We did a soft, low side-part, with her hair away from the face and left pieces framing her face and covering her ears.

I started with her hair damp and ran the Leonor Greyl Mousse au Lotus Volumatrice all through her hair and then blow dried it up and away from her face using a large, round brush. To give more volume and direction to the roots, I went back in with the Voluforme and sprayed it around the face and hairline while blowing it out.

Next, I pulled her hair into a low ponytail using a bungee elastic with hooks on the end to secure it in place. Then, I created a fishtail braid and pulled it out to make it a bit wider and sprayed it with a generous amount of Leonor Greyl Laque Souple to give it texture while still keeping it structured.

I pinned the fishtail braid into a low chignon which I redid three times, but the third time was the charm! I fit it until it was situated just right to exhibit the texture of the braid as strongly as possible. I made sure she was standing while I pinned the braid into place to get a better idea of what it would look like throughout the night.“



Leonor Greyl (@LeonorGreylUSA) products are available at www.leonorgreyl-usa.com.


Thursday, August 21, 2014

Wolf Home x Art Markit Pop-Up Shop 8/21-9/20

ANYONE that truly knows me, is well aware that I worked with Keith Haring as a young teen, attended LaGuardia High School, hold a BFA and am also a Graffiti Hunter. When a darling friend heard of this Pop-Up Shop- she contacted me immediately.....

Celebrate the unique collaboration of art and design this Summer with the launch of Wolf Home x Art Markit Pop-Up Shop from August 21 – September 20, 2014 at Wolf Home’s flagship store located in the heart of the Flat Iron district on 936 Broadway and 22nd Street. The Wolf Home x Art Markit Pop-Up shop will create an atmosphere that highlights works of established and emerging artists that merge art and home décor.

Catering to contemporary art enthusiasts while promoting arts awareness to the masses, the pop-up store provides access to affordable objects created by renowned and emerging artists, all in one convenient location. There will be an array of designs displayed, and all items on site will be available for purchase. Featured items include products by Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Kenny Scharf, Baron Von Fancy, Shantell Martin, and more.

Wolf Home’s vision of becoming a one-stop design center is further supported by its partnership with Art Markit. With Art
Markit’s collaborative experience with home goods and artists, Warren Kay, founder of Wolf Home, sees this event as an ideal initiative to expand their consumer reach to the arts market.

“We are focused on increasing our brand’s exposure with more collaborative efforts so that we can reach untapped markets. We’re excited about partnering with Art Markit because this is their specialty. I know they can take us to the next level,” states Kay.

Art Markit has unique, every day usable things designed by the world's best artists in one convenient on-line retail destination. Find coveted items to use, gift, and collect to create a work of art in all you do. Art Markit’s editorial content lets you catch up on top art headlines and browse quick bios as you connect with top artists you love.

WOLF HOME
Founder and designer, Warren Kay, has established himself as one of the world’s most sought after textile designers and a leader of couture home design. Individualization is at the heart of the Wolf Home mission and Warren approaches each customer as a new opportunity to create a personalized home environment. Wolf Home strives to provide superior textiles and drapery, furniture, lighting fixtures, pillows, coffee tables, and more while offering a unique experience to clients.

ART MARKIT
Launched in 2014 by Doreen Remen who also co-founded the non-profit Art Production Fund, Art Markit makes art
accessible and an essential part of daily life. With a mission to promote the global creative economy, Art Markit sells and
produces affordable products by global artists. Proceeds from sales are shared with the artists, curators and cultural charities around the world.

August 21 – September 20, 2014
Wolf Home, 936 Broadway, New York, NY 10010
Monday-Saturday: 10:00am – 7:00pm // Sunday: 11:00am – 6:00pm

For more information, kindly visit both Wolf Home and Art Markit 

Milani Cosmetics: Color Statement Lipstick that allow Your Lips To Do The Talking

Milani Cosmetics always is a delight to review as I love their color varieties. They seem to have enough colors to match any skin tone and I am often in love with many of their hues....

With that being said and 36 colors available now, I opted for three to swatch and saw that I could easily wear them all. There are so many choices and at $ 4.99/$ 5.99 at CVS stores nationwide I find them to be both affordable and easily accessible. 

One step simple application is needed as they are color drenched with pigment, as you can see in my swatches!


Swatched above are Plumrose, High Voltage and Sweet Nectar yet there are 33 others to choose from! Note that all Milani products are cruelty-free and hold certifications from PETA.

Get the look at Milani Cosmetics

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

DKNY launches MYNY with Rita Ora, Crissy Teigen and Hannah Bronfman and I was there, too!

What a fun #MYNY moment I had yesterday as not only did DKNY feature one of my photographs on their site for #wearenyc but I also walked around one of my favorite NYC parks and ran into this wonderful event! 

DKNY along with Rita Ora, Chrissy Teigen and Hannah Bronfman celebrated the launch of the DKNY MYNY fragrance, which is inspired by the modern urban spirit of New York City. Thousands of New Yorkers lined up in Madison Square Park to experience the one-of-a-kind, heart-shaped pretzel, inspired by the DKNY MYNY-shaped bottle and created exclusively by Dominique Ansel, the James Beard Foundation award-winning chef and Cronut creator, and served from a custom NYC-style pretzel cart. Ora, Teigen and Bronfman, in addition to musician Kilo Kush, and style bloggers Brooklyn Blonde, Natalie Suarez, The New Potato and I Spy DIY, created their own MYNY Heart², a digital mosaic heart composed of their own NYC centric photos, from the digital platform: myny.dkny.com


DKNY MYNY is now available for $48.00 (1 oz), $68.00 (1.7 oz), and $88.00 (3.4 oz) in Macy's and online at dkny.com










Sunday, August 17, 2014

Feeling Beautiful: Do you MULTI-MASK?

Yes, you read that correctly- Multi-Masking is the practice of using 2 or 3 masks all at one time to decipher which products work best for you! I have been using masks/sachets for years yet was intrigued by the notion of layering and also trying a few Feeling Beautiful's most popular masks....and then being gratefully gifted with the full sized product.

Feeling Beautiful Avocado & Oatmeal Facial Clay Mask ($ 1.99 per sachet/$ 3.99 for 6 fl. oz) was created to nourish and purify the face with one mask. It is rich in Vitamin E, Avocado and Oatmeal and leaves your skin soft, clean and supple feeling. It's perfect for normal to combination skin.



Feeling Beautiful Dead Sea Minerals Facial Anti-Stress Mask ($ 1.99 per sachet/$ 3.99 for 6 fl. oz) offers to replenish your face and balance moisture while cleansing clogged pores. It is perfect for all skin types and the Lavender and Bergamot help achieve an aroma-therapeutic bliss to rinse away stress for smooth and radiant skin.



Feeling Beautiful Cucumber Facial Peel-Off Mask ($ 1.99 per sachet/$ 3.99 for 6 fl. oz) creates a super cooling and skin quenching gentle peel away experience. It's formula contains Cucumber Extract and Aloe to sooth while moisturizing and is perfect for normal to combination skin. 


Freeman Feeling Beautiful full size products are available at Albertsons, CVS, Duane Reade, Harmon, Kroger, Ralphs, Publix, Rite Aid, Safeway, Kmart, Ulta, Walgreens and select retailers worldwide. Freeman Feeling Beautiful Sachets are available at Albertsons, Harmon, Kroger, Rite Aid, Walmart and select retailers nationwide.

I cannot seem to pick a favorite yet as I like all three! 

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Miracle Skin debuts New Beauty Sets on HSN this week!

I remember sampling this product and LOVING the weightlessness and ease of application on my skin. Miracle Skin Transformer will be debuting new beauty sets on HSN on the Beauty Report with Amy Morrison on:

Thursday, August 14th – 8:00pm
Friday, August 15th – 6:00 am & 6:00 pm


Miracle Skin Transformer Duo

· Miracle Skin Transformer Face Broad Spectrum SPF 20 and Treat & Conceal

· $49 


  


Miracle Skin Transformation – 30 Day Kit

· Miracle Skin Transformer Face SPF 20, Treat & Conceal, Triple Active Night Treatment and Miracle Revival Mud

· $39 

  


Cheek & Lip Duo

· Miracle Skin Transformer Tinted Sculpting Balm and Lip Rewind Advanced Peptide Lip Treatment

· $29 


 


Miracle Skin Transformer Vanish Instant Imperfection Corrector

· $42 



Miracle Skin Transformer Miracle Revival Mud

· $28 




Transform, Cleanse and Go

· Miracle Skin Transformer Hydroactive Cleanser and Hydroactive Microderm

· $30 

   

Check your local listings to find your HSN channel....and have fun shopping these new beauty sets!

RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner

Devoted readers know both my lips and brows have been fully inked. In the 90's, my brows were overplucked and never grew back. After years of filling them in, I went for the ink! With that being said, very little hair grows on my brows and I was excited at the thought of having some more growth after using RevitaBrow ($110). It's a sister product of the number one selling RevitaLash for eyelash growth and nourishment and I knew I had to try it....

It is a breakthrough, category leading eyebrow conditioner that features a high impact, proprietary technology used for creating iconic looking eyebrows.

RevitaBrow Advanced is said to condition the eyebrows to help them from breakage, helps to improve manageability, helps defined eyebrows from daily aggressors, enhances the beauty of the natural brow that may appear sparse or damaged and contains a high impact proprietary formula along with peptides and botanicals to keep your brows soft, luxurious and healthy looking.

I am using it to help the hair grow and my intention is to use it for a full four months (one tube lasts approximately that time period) to see if there are actual results to share. It was an Allure Best of Beauty Winner in 2013 and I consider that mag (as I was there when it launched) to be my beauty bible.

Only time will tell if this is a results driven product, yet I have heard and read great things about it already.

 Available at RevitaLash or by calling 1-877-909-5274. 


Sunday, August 10, 2014

Get the Look: Chloe Grace Moretz

How to get the look: Celebrity makeup artist Mai Quynh created the look for Chloe Grace Moretz for tonight’s Teen Choice Awards using Votre Vu cosmetics.

“Chloe is wearing Valentino tonight; it’s a red and black blazer and shorts. It’s kind of a baroque design. Her hair is down and natural so we went with a semi-smokey eye and light lips to play off of the dark colors that she’s wearing.

After prepping her face with La Mer Moisturizing Cream, I started with her eyes. I first smudged Votre Vu’s Le Joli Crayon in Charbon into her lash line. Then I rubbed a bunch of the pencil on the back of my hand, took a stiff, synthetic eye shadow brush and applied it like a cream eye shadow all over her lower lid fading up to the crease. It will give the powder eye shadows something to stick to and will show through a little without being too intense. I took the Palette Play in Nude and mixed the two shimmery brown eye shadows and blended it into her crease. I smudged the same two colors underneath her bottom lash line and then lined her bottom waterline with Le Joli Crayon in Chablis. This eye pencil is really smooth and soft and goes on so easily. Since we wanted to make it a softer version of a smokey eye and keep it young and fresh, the Le Joli Crayon in Chablis gave it a bit of smudgey-ness but wasn’t too harsh like a black or dark brown would’ve been. To finish of her eyes, I applied two coats of Votre Vu’s Eiffel Power mascara just on her top lashes.

I applied a foundation for the base and then went back with the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard under her eyes and anywhere else that needed extra coverage.

For her cheeks, using a flat, stiff brush I applied the Votre Vu Vu-On Rouge in Bouquet Rose to her cheeks for a fresh glow. This type of brush is usually meant for concealer, but I really like using it to apply cream blushes because it picks up more color and I find it goes on a little bit smoother.

To set her makeup, I applied the Zone Out T-Zone Shine Eliminator in Lumiere concentrating on the center of her face.

Next, I filled in her brows with Arch de Triumphe in Fair. Chloe has great brows already, so I just used an eyeliner brush to fill in any sparse areas and then brushed them out right after for a more natural look. I really love Arch de Triumphe, it’s a really great product that gives color without being too severe.

Lastly for her lips I applied French Kiss in LouLou from the tube by dabbing it on. Even though the formula is sheer, I only wanted a little bit of color so the main focus was her eyes.

Votre Vu products are available at VotreVu.com.


Welcome to IMMUNOCOLOGIE

Immunocologie's formulas are all based on the science of the skin's immune system. I found that to be both interesting and rare as their products are formulated with raw ingredients opposed to some others that radiate their minerals, add ingredients that take away from certain potency's of other particular ingredient and this line seems to be different. Launching just a few nights ago was Super & Elixir Face ($300) which is a breakthrough anti-aging formula that harnesses the potent regenerative powers of mucin, the secretion of snails. 

Yes, you read that correctly. Snails never seem to have skin infections despite crawling over rough and dirty surfaces all day. In fact, a snail can glide across the blade of a knife without getting a single cut!


" As leaders in developing clinically proven formulas that support the skin's optimal immune functions to create healthier, smoother, firmer and more radiant skin, we're constantly looking all over the world for the strongest anti-aging bio-available ingredients. Once we saw the incredible effects of snail treatments in Asian spas, where estheticians place live snails on a client's face, we wanted to be the first to harness active snail secretion into a modern, effective, scientifically-backed skincare regimen," says Karen Ballou of Lucas Brand Equity, the new owners of Immunocologie.

To ensure maximum results, the Super 7 Elixir Face contains mucin from the Helix Aspersa snail which is native to the French shores of Brittany and produces the most powerful and nutrient-rich secretions because it thrives in the positively charged seaside environment. 

Super & Elixir Face Key Ingredients:

Snail Mucin (mentioned above).
Allantoin: a natural chemical compound with soothing, anti-irritant and healing properties.
Collagen and Elastin: structural proteins that support skin elasticity and firmness and repair fine lines and wrinkles.
Glycolic Acid: a natural alpha hydroxl acid that helps regulate cell turnover and removes dead skin cells.
Vitamins A and C: antioxidants that repair and prevent oxidative damage, promotes hydration and also brightens the skin.
Antibiotic Peptides: destroys microorganisms before they penetrate microscopic cuts and pores, preventing inflammation and infection.
Positive Ions: counter-balance skin damaging effects of negative ions and bring balance to your skin.

I do recall that the formulas were used at their highest potency to restore balance to the skin and for that reason alone, I would let live snails crawl over me! I have already seen a difference in my skin's overall even tone. Two compliments later....and I am hooked...





Available at fine select retailers and IMMUNOCOLOGIE

Friday, August 8, 2014

Anna Sui: La Nuit de Bohème Eau de Toilette

Elegant. Sophisticated. Romantic. The new fragrance from Anna Sui.....and look at this gorgeous bottle, too?!

BACKGROUND

Fall 2013 saw the awakening of a new spirit at Anna Sui. The dawn of a new fragrance era, under a new partnership with Interparfums. Beginning with the introduction of La Vie de Bohème in 2013, a radiant sunlit fragrance that captured the world of the Romantic Bohemian; a young boho girl filled with light, love and happiness. She is a girl-child woman who lives life on the edge, expressing her freedom and individuality. But at night . . . at night she turns into another girl, entirely. This is La Nuit de Bohème Eau de Toilette, a flanker fragrance that captures all the mystery and sensuality of her heart.


THE CONCEPT


Sunset. Last lingering light of the day. Her world turns from a sun kissed realm, to a world of wonder, sensuality, and delight. The golden glow of evening takes on a new meaning for her. The full night descends to deeper innuendos. It’s there in the awakening nightlife, it’s there in the glistening scene, it’s there in the drama of the night. Glamour and femininity come out to play. Sophistication and romance know no end.

La Nuit de Bohème Eau de Toilette - A wonderful, magical miracle of the night.

THE WOMAN


Always surprising, the sweet Bohemian changes in a heartbeat, shedding her flowy skirt and floppy hat for something more daring, more exciting, more alluring. When the sun sets, she turns into a mysterious boho-chic.

Romantic, a vision of elegance, sensuality and femininity. She is magnetic and uncompromising. And the evening has just begun! Now she is a true creature of the night, sophisticated and captivating. There is still the strong bohemian vibe, but it now goes to glamour. Glamour in the jewels she selects. Glamour in the beaded dress. Glamour in the sensuality she feels. A modern day Scheherazade, a free-spirited Bohemian princess, she sets out to discover all the excitement the night has to offer.


THE AD VISUAL

Model Gracie van Gastel lounges on golden pillows, and there is an air of golden luminosity all about her. Her gaze meets the camera head-on, an air of confidence, poise, and a heady Romanticism. You can almost sense the warm breeze, the soft air scented with fragrance. Light falls through an archway, it is diffuse and sensual. Is it the rooftop terrace of a Moroccan villa? Is she somewhere in another realm, another century? Is she Scheherazade, spinning 1,001 tales? “The New Bohemian Luxury” sums up the tale . . . provocative, powerful, and alluring.


THE DESIGN

Inspired by the swirling, graceful flow of the Art Nouveau movement, of Aubrey Beardsley, Alfonse Mucha, Gustav Klimt, and Toulouse-Lautrec, the carton is both decorative and extravagant. Embossed with black and gold filigree against a gold shield, the Anna Sui signature butterfly holds a position of importance. This is repeated on the flacon cap, where the butterfly alights in shimmering gold, shinier than the brightest sunlight. The flacon is like a beautiful bouquet of roses, decorative, enchanting, and fun.


THE FRAGRANCE

La Vie de Bohème Eau de Toilette conveys a power that nothing else has. One of elegance and sophistication. Luxury and femininity. There is an air of mystery about it, a seductive allure that captures the heart and stirs the senses. Welcoming the night with open arms, she dances into it, aware of her flirty, girly charm. And the notes are as  delicious as they are mysterious, a Floral-Woody-Fruity scent that is redolent of glamour, lavishness, and extravagance. It is all a prelude to the night.

Opening with the fizz of Champagne Citrus and Midnight Blackberry, the fragrance deepens to Gilded Lotus Flower, Rose Petale™ and the lengthening play of evening with Sunset Oud Wood. As a final finish, it plays out with Cedarwood Heart, Haitian Vanilla Orchid, Indonesian Patchouli, and Golden Amber Resin. A gilded, glistening fragrance of pure gold.

Launch date: Summer 2014

Availability: Beautylish, Anna Sui Stores and Nordstrom.com

Price: 30ml. - $46.00

50ml. - $65.00

75ml. - $78.00

Giorgio Armani Beauty: Black Ecstasy Mascara








Pictures quite often say it all and I do believe you can see how long and how much thicker my lashes look thanks to the newest mascara from Giorgio Armani Beauty,  "Black Ecstasy Mascara." It's $32 and will be available next month at select fine retailers and Giorgio Armani Beauty and I can tell you, I have been wearing it ever since I got it!

The lacquered red wand and lacquered black casing look so elegant and sophisticated, much like the woman who epitomizes Giorgio Armani Beauty. The Giorgio Armani laboratories developed an innovative technology for this mascara. The "black boosting polymer" is an agent that intensifies and heightens color and allows for a more uniform application. It's intense! I love the depth and there are also three new colors that are just as deep and mysterious: Armani Navy, Wood and Tadzio. I am wearing Obsidian Black in the photos above. All it took was a single stroke, too!

"Black Ecstasy is intense, giving a deep and mysterious effect, very Armani. Besides the 'Obsidian Black' three other undefinable shades from taupe with shade 'Tadzio' to bronze with shade 'Wood' to a dark blue shade 'Armani Navy' "- says Linda Cantello, Giorgio Armani International Makeup Artist. 

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Nails inc: NAILKALE Collection

As you are well aware, I have been sporting the Nails inc Alexa Chung Collection as of late and am in love with the textures as well as the super stylish new bottles (just revamped as of August as the new bottle features a unique 'try before you buy' design within it's base thanks to owner Thea Green's collaboration with Fabien Baron to mark it's 15th birthday)! I started to see a lot of pictures on Social Media of Alexa on a bed of what appeared to be Kale with a rather large bottle of polish....hence making me ask my PR friends for more information to share with all of my fellow beauty is our addiction readers....and this shall explain it all!

Nails inc NAILKALE Polishes:

Nails inc is the first polish brand to introduce kale, the super-hero of clean eating, into a collection of everyday polishes.  The range, supercharged with kale extract, is packed with high levels of vitamins A, C and K to stimulate advanced keratin production, hydrate and nourish nails. The collection also features Nails inc’s patented Regenerating Complex (a two-fold Aldehyde, Zinc and Calcium blend), making it the ultimate treatment for stronger, healthier looking nails. 

·         Montpelier Walk – nude
·         Mayfair Lane – light peachy pink
·         Victoria – deep cherry
·         Bruton Mews – forest green
·         Victoria & Albert – red
·         Holland Walk – burgundy
·         Regents Park – hot pink
·         Gloucester Walk – bright purple
·         Westbourne Park Road –dusty pink


Price: $14, Available at Nails Inc.

Nails inc NAILKALE Superfood Basecoat:

This basecoat is powered by a unique formula that blends a combination of kale and superfood extracts to promise five distinct nail benefits:  
·         Keratin hardening
·         Keratin activation to stimulate growth
·         Hydration, anti-breakage and anti-splitting protection
·         Deep nourishment
·         Healthy looking, brighter nails with a high gloss finish 

    Kale, which is supercharged with high levels of Vitamin A, C, and K stimulate advanced keratin production to nourish nails and promote growth. The Superfood Basecoat also includes extracts of aloe vera, lemon, ginseng, pomegranate and grape to revitalize and brighten nails. Pomegranate and pistacia precious resin oils heal and strengthen the nail.

To use: Apply two coats to a clean, bare nail twice a week to use as a treatment, or apply as a basecoat under your favorite polish color.
Price: $15, Available at Nails Inc.

Nails inc Bright Street, The NAILKALE Illuminator: 

The ultimate solution for yellowing or stained nails, the NAILKALE Illuminator is enriched with antioxidant-rich kale, vitamin E and seaweed extract for deep hydration. Nails inc’s patented Regenerating Complex, a two-fold Aldehyde, Zinc and Calcium blend, boosts the production of keratin for harder, stronger, and healthier nails. Iridescent pearls brighten the pink nail bed and give the appearance of whiter tips and healthier nails. An added advanced oxygen technology allows the polish to be breathable, encouraging the natural physiology of the nail.

To use: Apply one or two coats to clean bare nails.
Price: $14, Available at Nails Inc.


PS- The new bottles contain 40% more polish than before!




Giorgio Armani: Si for The Quintessentially Feminine Woman

"Si is my tribute to modern femininity, an irrestible combination of grace, strength and independent spirit."- Giorgio Armani







The scent was designed to capture a quintessentially feminine, luminous, charismatic and sophisticated woman. In her wake, the perfume is delicate and mysterious and when she is gone, it was created to make you still think of her.

Nothing about the Si woman is plain and her desire for strength, frivolity, softness, elegant sensuality and her thirst to live in freedom are well warranted. The Si woman is free and knows how to create her own vision of the world. Cate Blanchett was a perfect match for the fragrance's ad campaign and film seen here:  Giorgio Armani Si Film featuring Cate Blanchett

The fragrance itself is chic, sultry and soft all at the same time. It combines three accords: cassis nrectar, modern chypre and light musky wood. The product of a special extraction, the cassis, like a forbidden fruit, maintains all of the full-bodies aspect of a dark fruit. The intoxicating nectar brings in the femininity and the cassis is also enriched with two types of sensual vanilla: one absolutely natural in it's animal side, and the other, a Jungle essence for an addictive sensation. Rose de Mai, enhanced by notes of freesia blends with elegance to bring forth a subtle touch of patchouli. A note of amber wood, intense orcanox, reveals a sensually warm scent and marks the fragrance with exceptional subtlety.

Available at fine department stores and Giorgio Armani Beauty you too can experience Si. 30ml ($70), 50ml ($90) and 100ml ($115).

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Giorgio Armani Beauty: "Fade to Grey" Fall 2014 Collection

"Fade to Grey" is the name of the collection and it's a harmony of delicate shades for a soft autumn makeup look. 

The shades come in soft mineral tones with a very slight shimmer for a sheer, weightless effect. 

Linda Cantello, Giorgio Armani International Makeup Artist says " I believe the best and the most flattering makeup is makeup that you cannot see. It's more striking when it has a slight ' lived-in' look. Eyes with muted color, an Armani look with stronger eyebrows, grey eyes and a soft mouth. It is all easy to apply and anyone can wear it."

Fade to Grey Eyeshadow Palette ($88) is a gorgeous color duo featuring a shimmery black paired with a delicate golden nude. The gliding cream texture is easy to apply and can be adjusted to customize the look. The result can be either discreet and muted or more intense, it's up to you.

Eyes to Kill Liners ($34) for this collection become deep and magnetic. Their raw shimmery shades offer buildable intensity.  The grey mauve, pink gold, bronze and grey green can be worn in varying degrees of intensity. The colors can even be blended if you choose to do so to create your own color.

Cheek Fabric ($46) offers a hint of apricot to gently brighten your complexion. The very fine powder has a velvety texture that can be applied easily to give you a healthy glow.

Rouge d'Armani Sheers ($34) enhance your lips with precious shades. Both sheer and luminous, they feature a bitten look that is natural and also sophisticated. Their formula contains the Color Shine a Moisture Polymet which is an ingredient that can hold twice it's volume in water to offer your lips 8 hours of moisture. Available in three shades: Chestnut, Dusty Pink and Berry Red.

Nail Lacquer ($20) is being offered in four shades as to adorn your nails with rare, subtle iridescent shades that change with the light. Brown, plum, grey and bronze go on as a liquid gel in a single step and one layer becomes solid and dries quickly.

Overall the " Fade to Grey" collection is soft yet rich. Everything I swatched felt luxurious and lightweight. I loved this collection as it offers subtle and elusive beauty.


















Please note this is a Limited Edition collection that just launched in August. You can find "Fade to Grey" at select fine retailers and www.giorgioarmanibeauty.com.