Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Aveda: Be Curly™ Collection

I love seeing natural, healthy curls and Aveda knows that curly and coily-haired girls have customized beauty concerns all of their own. In order to treat their unique tresses, the Be Curly™ collection is expanding to ensure we come full circle around each and every curl. Aveda has the solution for women with curly to coily hair who want alternative cleansing and treatment options that offer intense hydration and frizz control that lasts. For soft, defined curls, Aveda’s new Be Curly™ Co-Wash and Intensive Detangling Masque helps to wash in moisture and wash out frizz.



Co-What? 
Co-Wash is a sulfate-free, low lather conditioning wash that moisturizes hair and reduces frizz, leaving curls soft and defined. It won’t strip hair and cleanses without drying curls.

Wash curls on delicate with this 97% naturally derivedi sulfate-free, low lather formula that conditions and removes build-up from hair while cleansing the scalp. Formulated with certified organic babassu oil this delicate wash will moisturize hair for up to 3 days and fight frizz, improving the look of curls with every use. Be Curly™ Co-Wash also features cassava which helps fight frizz and certified organic baobab oil to help condition hair.

“For thick, coarse, long hair—or finer, shorter curls that you haven’t washed in over a week—I always recommend two applications of Be Curly™ Co-Wash,” says Tippi Shorter, Global Artistic Director, Textured Hair.

Signs You Need a Co-Wash:
• Your hair is dry and brittle
• You’d like moisturized, manageable curls
• You want to wash your curls as often as you please
• You’d love soft, defined curls

Be Curly™ Co-Wash Curly Cues
Step 1: Massage a generous amount into the mid lengths and ends of your hair, working your way up to the scalp.
Step 2: Massage the product into the scalp and ensure even distribution throughout the lengths all the way to the ends.
Step 3: Rinse - and repeat if needed.
Step 4: Follow with Be Curly™ Conditioner or Intensive Detangling Masque.





This 98% naturally derivedii formula easily separates the most tangled curls and coils while moisturizing with certified
organic babassu oil, shea butter and certified organic baobab oil. Fight frizz and improve the look of curls with every use.
Be Curly™ Intensive Detangling Masque Curly Cues
Step 1: Smooth evenly through your damp hair from roots to ends after cleansing with Be Curly™ Shampoo or Co-Wash.
Step 2: Leave in 2-5 minutes.
Step 3: Rinse thoroughly.
Step 4: Follow with Be Curly™ styling products.

Monday, June 29, 2015

More Zendaya: Get The Look

SEPHORA COLLECTION RED CARPET REPORT
BET AWARDS 2015


WHO: ZENDAYA COLEMAN, ACTRESS, SINGER, DANCER AND PRESENTER

MAKEUP BY: ALLAN AVENDAÑO for SEPHORA COLLECTION


INSPIRATION: “Zendaya was inspired by the crystal embellished, iridescent shirt dress and pixie hairstyle she chose for the red carpet. The complete her look, we focused on soft pastel shades that complemented the jewel tones of her dress, contoured cheeks and defined brows, and a muted sandy pink tone on her amazing full lips for a modern fairy princess look.”

TIPS/TECHNIQUE: For the eyes, Allan started with an eye primer to prevent any creasing, then applied the Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow in Sweet Candy, a pink shimmer, in the center of eyelids and Purple Stilettos, a matte deep violet, on the outer corners of her eyelids to enhance Zendaya’s beautiful brown eyes.

To diffuse the deep purple shade, he buffed the Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow in Sweet Dreams, a blue shimmer, and added Fairy Princess, a rich plum, into the crease to give the eyes depth.

Allan then smudged a white shimmer shadow with a beige shimmer on the bottom lash line for a subtle shimmery look that opened up her eyes. To give her eyes additional definition, he used three coats of the Sephora Collection Full Action Extreme Effects Mascara, and after each application we brushed out the lashes so they looked full and feathery.

To finish off the eyes, the Sephora Collection Individual Lashes were applied for additional volume. For her flawless complexion, the Sephora Collection Teint Infusion Ethereal Natural Finish Foundation was used in two shades to add depth and dimension for the red carpet and complement her fierce pixie hairstyle.

For her sculpted cheeks, Allan used the Sephora Collection Highlight Lowlight Face Contour Duo and Contouring 101 Face Palette on the hollows of the cheeks, jawline, and nose to define the overall look. The key to achieving her airbrushed look was to blend using the Sephora Collection Classic Multitasker Contour #55 Brush.

For her glowing skin, a baby pink blush was dusted on and a luminizer and eyeshadow were used for an extra highlight on her cheeks and bridge of her nose.

Her lips were kept neutral with a muted sandy pink shade to offset her shimmering eyes.

Zendaya always does her own eyebrows for both the red carpet and every day and used the Sephora Collection Eyebrow Editor Complete Kit to define and fill in her brows.


PRODUCTS: Sephora Collection Glitterguard 24 HR Eyeshadow Primer ($14), Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow in No. 41 Sweet Candy, No. 28 Purple Stilettos, No. 17 Sweet Dreams, No. 63 Under the Covers, No. 68 Satin Corset ($12 ea), Sephora Collection Full Action Extreme Effect Mascara ($12), Sephora Collection Lift Off Lash Comb ($10), Sephora Collection Individual False Lashes ($10), Sephora Collection Teint Infusion Ethereal Natural Finish Foundation in 30 Sand and 23 Natural Beige ($24), Sephora Collection Highlight Lowlight Face Contour Duo in 03 Tan ($20), Sephora Collection Classic Multitasker Contour #55 Brush ($24), Sephora Collection MicroSmooth Baked Foundation Face Powder in 25 Beige ($22), Sephora Collection Contouring 101 Face Palette ($28), Sephora Collection Colorful Blush in 18 True Kiss ($15), Sephora Collection Pro Fan Brush #65 ($27), Sephora Collection MicroSmooth Baked Luminizer in 02 Light Beam ($14), Sephora Collection Pro Blending Brush #27 ($20), Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner in 01 Nude ($13), Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipstick in Mmmm…17 ($12.50), Sephora Collection Eyebrow Editor Complete Kit in 03 Midnight Brown ($19)

DRESS: NICOLAS JEBRAN

RETAILER: SEPHORA, SEPHORA.COM

Zendaya: Get The Look

My family and I had the pleasure of meeting this beauty last summer and we revel in how she is ever changing yet always remains both beautiful and talented. Her career is soaring and we have watched her for many years on TV....

Vita Liberata and NKD SKN continues to be this year’s red carpet ‘Must Have’ beauty products to get a flawless skin finish. See below for how Actress, Singer and Dancer Zendaya, of K.C. Undercover, Shake It Up and Dancing with the Stars, got her red carpet look by Makeup Artist Allan Avendano using the Vita Liberata Passionflower and Argan Dry Oil SPF 50 and NKD SKN 1 Day Bronzing Tinted Lotion in Medium.


Photo courtesy of Getty Images

MAKE- UP ARTIST: Allan Avendano
WHO: Zendaya
WHERE: 2015 BET Awards in Los Angeles, CA
INSPIRATION: “Golden Jewel”

GET THE LOOK:
My recipe for a flawless skin finishing, I used Vita Liberata and NKD SKN on the body. Using a Tanning Mitt, I applied NKD SKN ‘1 Day Bronzing Tinted Lotion in Medium to clean skin to create even and sun-kissed skin. I followed with the Vita Liberata ‘Passionflower and Argan Dry Oil in SPF 50’ to give skin protection and a stunning, dewy radiance.”--  Allan Avendano, Make-Up Artist

PRODUCTS:
NKD SKN 1 Day Bronzing Tinted Lotion in Medium ($14.95)
Vita Liberata: Passionflower & Argan Oil SPF 50 ($45)
NKD SKN is available at Ulta Beauty and Target.com
Vita Liberata is available at Sephora

Friday, June 26, 2015

Gerard Cosmetics: Lipsticks and Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Glosses

Even if you can’t justify splurging on that jewel encrusted necklace you’ve been lusting after, you can still rock jewel tones in a way that feels just as luxurious. 

The Lipsticks ($19) and Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Glosses ($24) by Gerard Cosmetics offer gemstone colored shades that add that extra punch of elegance to your look. 

Whether you’re looking to make your lips the focal point or accent piece to your look, there’s a shade for every occasion. Ranging from poppy reds and oranges to burgundy and violet hues, you’ll look timeless as summer transitions to fall. 

Formulated with high-quality ingredients, such as collagen peptides to increase lip volume and reduce lip wrinkles, the lipsticks and lipglosses work overtime to plump your pout and moisturize without smudging. 



Me rocking the color Fire Engine from gerardcosmetics.com! Go to their site to check out all of their beauty categories!

Amber Heard: Get the Look

Celebrity hairstylist Peter Butler used Leonor Greyl products to create the look for Amber Heard for tonight’s red carpet premiere of ‘Magic Mike XXL’.





Tonight, Amber is wearing a low-cut sleeveless dress by Monique Lhuillier. It’s a really beautiful deep purple, amethyst color that’s very Hollywood, so we decided to leave her hair down and do something like a cross between Jerry Hall and Veronica Lake, super sexy for the ‘Magic Mike XXL’ premiere.
I started with her hair damp and applied Leonor Greyl Serum de Soie Sublimateuron the ends. Her ends are highlighted and more delicate so when blown out blonde hair like that can look dry when it’s really not, the serum really helps to keep the hair looking healthy and shiny. Then I applied Mousse au Lotus Volumatrice from the roots to the end and did a full blow dry. To add more volume at the top, I sprayed Voluforme into her roots.
Amber has finer hair, so I used a medium barrel curling iron and created really classic, loose waves set with a side part. I created the curls by first wrapping her hair around the curling iron away from the face in smaller sections for a more spiral curl. Then, after the curls have cooled, I brushed them out with a wide tooth comb to break apart the curls a bit. The look is super classic and glam and that’s who she is.
To lock in the look but keep it so that her hair was still touchable and movable, I finished by misting her whole head with Leonor Greyl Laque Souple. She looks amazing!”







Leonor Greyl products are available at saksfifthavenue.com.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

New from Clarisonic: "Cocktail of Colors"

Clarisonic just launched their limited-edition summer collection, “Cocktail of Colors” - a trio of adorable, vibrantly-colored Mia 1 devices.

Available in Mai Tai, Lime Margarita (exclusive to Sephora) and Blue Hawaiian (exclusive to Macy’s), these lively shades perfectly capture the carefree spirit of summer.

The perfect introduction to sonic cleansing, Mia 1 is one-speed, one-minute, one-use to see smoother, and more radiant skin.

Clarisonic Mia 1 “Cocktail of Colors” 

The perfect introduction to sonic cleansing, the small, one-speed Mia allows for a gentle and effective cleanse suitable for all skin types. Powered by patented sonic technology, it’s clinically proven to cleanse skin six times better than hands alone. Unlike spinning devices, Mia oscillates back and forth at a sonic frequency that produces over 300 movements per second, which gently works with skin’s natural elasticity to extract impurities from skin and pores. Clinical results have shown reduced appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improved skin tone.

Set Includes: Clarisonic Mia 1, 1 oz. Refreshing Gel Cleanser, Sensitive Brush Head and charger
Price: $99, Available at Clarisonic.com (Mai Tai), Sephora (Lime Margarita), and Macy’s (Blue Hawaiian).







Elemis: Soothing Apricot Toner

You know I am a fan of Elemis as their products are result driven. This toner is absolutely fabulous! After cleaning my face, I spray this Soothing Apricot Toner ($36) on and my skin feels hydrated and calm.



There is no alcohol and in its place is Sweet Betty Flower, blended with the soothing extract of Apricot.

Available at time timetospa.com, this gentle toner is perfect for rebalancing pH levels without the use of alcohol! 

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Oscar de la Renta: Something Blue

This fragrance was designed to make a woman feel her most beautiful. Something Blue is a woman's good luck charm for when she wants to feel feminine, alluring and full of life.

Something Blue opens with a burst of mandarin and linden blossom followed by a romantic heart of stephanotis, lily of the valley and a kiss of lychee. Stephanotis is the signature note of Something Blue and is often called " bridal veil" because of its traditional use in wedding bouquets.

In partnership with Ann Gottlieb and perfumers Ilias Ermenidis and Frank Volkl of Firmenich, a proprietary technology was used to extract the Essenes of Stephanotis in its natural form. 






"Every woman dreams of that day. You have to go the extra mile and fulfill that dream to make something that a woman will fall in love with." - Oscar de la Renta

Price: Eau de Parfum Spray 3.4 oz./100ml $115, Eau de Parfum Spray 1.7 oz/50ml $85, Scented Candle $65 and Body Lotion 5.0 oz $50.

Available at Oscar de la Renta boutiques and oscardelarenta.com, Bloomingdale's and bloomingdales.com, Saks Fifth Avenue and SaksFifthAvenue.com.

Birchbox Picnic and Lifestyle Faves

As I practically consider the Birchbox founders family, I wanted to share some fun lifestyle items available on Birchbox.com to pack the perfect picnic...

Check out some of their faves below -

  • Handwoven by Moroccan artisans, this ultrasoft blanket is a stylish, summery take on an old-world accessory.

  • If you’ve been meaning to master seven-card stud, here’s your chance. You might as well learn in style with this deck, adorned with a zigzagging, retro-chic motif.  

  • Life may not always be a beach, but it certainly feels like one when you’ve got this value set on hand. It has everything we need to enjoy a picnic in the sun while keeping your face, lips, and body safely protected from both UVA and UVB rays.

Nude Audio Move M Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $69.99

  • With some serious bass and an 8-hour battery, this speaker will keep you entertained whether you're playing frisbee, playing cards or need some background tunes while relaxing.

  • Spend the afternoon in the sun without the fear of your phone dying! This charger works with iPhone 5, 5C, 5S, 6, and 6 Plus models, and can take a phone from fading-to-black all the way to 80 percent charged.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

BAUBLEBAR x JULEP: Online Game

BaubleBar is launching an online game with beauty brand JULEP! 

BaubleBar is launching an online game called "Pretty Up Plinko" with Julep on BaubleBar.com where each player will receive one code for BaubleBar and one code for Julep, each good for one of the below prizes. 
  • BaubleBar prizes redeemable at BaubleBar.com
    • $100 off
    • 30% off
    • 25% off

  • Julep prizes redeemable at Julep.com
    • $100 off
    • $20 off a purchase of $40 or more
    • $30% off

Click here to be redirected to the GAME!  In addition, BaubleBar is also running a Gift With Purchase with Julep on their site at the same time. Good Luck and have fun! 



Monday, June 22, 2015

Summer Must Haves from JĀSÖN®

Yes, it is hot out there and we must not forget to protect our skin whether the sun is shining or not! Below are some beauty must haves from JĀSÖN® ....

JĀSÖN® Sheer Spray Lotions 
Free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Petrolatum, Artificial Colors and Phthalates
These botanically rich, feather-light lotions deliver sheer moisture in a convenient, continuous spray for quick, all-over coverage. 

Made from 95% natural contents, the lotions are also packaged in ethically conscious spray bottles that use only compressed air, free of chemical propellants. 

Available in two natural varieties designed for different skin types; Soothing Aloe Vera combines with Chamomile and Ginseng Extracts to comfort for sensitive skin, and Softening Cocoa Butter nourishes dry skin with Shea Butter and Vitamin E.

Availability:  $10.99 each (6 oz), available at Target, Walmart, natural food stores, and www.jason-personalcare.com/





JĀSÖN® Smoothing Coconut 100% Organic Oil 
Free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Petrolatum, Artificial Colors and Phthalates
The perfect, all-purpose moisturizer.  Rich in nourishing Vitamin E and antioxidants, this melts-at-first-touch oil delivers unprecedented care to your skin and hair. Benefits include: 

  • Nourishes extremely dry, chapped skin
  • Tames frizz and fly-aways 
  • Helps minimize hair breakage and split ends
  • Smooths chapped lips
  • Softens nail cuticles
  • Soothes the drying effects from sun and wind

Availability:  $10.99 (15oz), Available at natural food stores, Whole Foods Market and on the web at jason-personalcare.com/




JĀSÖN® Smoothing Coconut Body Wash 
Free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Petrolatum, Artificial Colors and Phthalates
This ultra-moisturizing wash gently cleans with botanical cleansers and deeply nourishes with Coconut Oil and Shea Butter.  

Unrefined, virgin Coconut Oil is rich in nourishing Vitamin E and antioxidants, which soak the skin with intense, skin-healthy nutrients. 

Availability:  $15.75 (30oz), Available at natural food stores, Whole Foods Market and on the web at jason-personalcare.com/



JĀSÖN® Smoothing Coconut Hand & Body Lotion 
Free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Petrolatum, Artificial Colors and Phthalates
This ultra-moisturizing daily lotion delivers deep, long-lasting hydration. 

An intensive blend of unrefined, virgin Coconut Oil and Shea Butter instantly relieves the discomfort of extremely dry skin and softens and smooths rough patches.  

Availability:  $9.99 (8oz), Available at natural food stores, Whole Foods Market and on the web at jason-personalcare.com/



JĀSÖN® Restorative Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner
Free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Petrolatum, Artificial Colors and Phthalates
Our Restorative Shampoo gently cleanses as it restores strength to weak, damaged hair. 

The thickening properties Biotin and Vitamin B5 revitalize hair elasticity. Ginseng and Lavender extracts repair split ends and minimize future breakage. Restorative Conditioner supplements with Jojoba Seed Oil for deep nourishment. 

Price: $10.50 each, available at natural food stores, Whole Foods Market, ULTA, and  www.jason-personalcare.com/






JĀSÖN® Volumizing Lavender Shampoo and Conditioner
Free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Petrolatum, Artificial Colors and Phthalates
For flat, oily hair, Lavender and Sweet Almond Extract weightlessly fortify hair, and Wheat Protein amino acids add lasting volume. Renewed with body, bounce and shine, hair is noticeably uplifted.
Price: $10.50 each, available at natural food stores, Whole Foods Market, ULTA, and www.jason-personalcare.com/


Friday, June 19, 2015

Last Minute Father' s Day Gift Ideas

Searching for that last minute gift for the man in your life to truly complete his Father’s Day? Treat him with the gift of a new scent this year. No matter his preference, B.I.O.A. has the perfect last minute solutions to ensure you are top of his list! 

Say thank you to the man who’s been on your team from the start with Stetson Original! Since 1982, Stetson cologne has exemplified a proud heritage of strength and masculinity.  A chypre woody fragrance, the scent opens with a blend of zest lemon and bergamot, enveloped in a dewy citrus. At the heart of the fragrance is a blend of sophisticated wild rose, cyclamen, Lily of the Valley and intoxicating florals. The scent closes with musk, moss, and balsam, complemented with warm woods and golden amber ($17; Walmart stores nationwide).





Enrique Iglesias Adrenaline brings out the excitement in any man! Driven by what makes his heart beat stronger, this fragrance represents Enrique’s search for more excitement, pleasure and freedom. Adrenaline opens with a luminous mix of sparkling mandarin and zesty cedrat touched with a green hint of violet leaves. Next, a spicy, earthy blend of black pepper and saffron is lifted by the floral-fruity aroma of pomarose. At the base, warm and notes of cedarwood, roasted tonka and suede add a suave refinement. ($24, drugstores).




For an exciting twist, GUESS Night features notes of hot pepper, grapefruit and cedar wood to create a masculine, woody scent full of adrenaline and adventure. Wear it for an instant boost of confidence that owns the night ($65; Mass retailers).




Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Dessange Paris: California Blonde Collection

So six years ago, going Blonde was on my bucket list so I took the plunge! I did it gradually with highlights at first and then eventually became a full fledged platinum blonde. 

I think it is one of the toughest colors to keep from looking brassy and the upkeep for me is a salon treatment on a monthly basis. I need single process for the gray and then highlights to give my hair some depth. 

Shampoos and conditioners can strip away the color so I use brands and collections made specifically for color treated hair. Also, I appreciate if the collection is specifically designed for blondes as well. 

Dessange Paris' California Blonde Collection has been working wonderfully for me. I now switch this brand off with Pureology, Joico and L'Oreal Paris Ever Pure to help keep my hair color to last longer and to look more healthy. 





Available exclusively at Target Stores and Target.com nationwide.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Brows, Brows, Brows! Gaga Style

Because brows are NEVER out of style, I wanted to show you some playful looks from one of the most creative souls I know, Mother Monster herself, Lady Gaga. It’s THE summer of brows and who else to set the trends than an artist like Gaga? This month, she’s been rocking some daring and powerful statement brows that I can’t help but envy! Problem is: how can this be recreated at home? I definitely can’t rock Swarovski brows, that’s for sure! That being said, owner of the NYC’s Wink Brow Bar, Umbreen Sheikh, has some tips on how to work these looks – fearlessly!

GLAM BROWS





GAGA WAY: Bold, shiny and attention grabbing – Gaga’s brows scream chic and high fashion style.

REAL WAY: For a less obvious everyday shine, Umbreen says to “try a highlighter, like the one found in my Brows on Fleek quad to accentuate the brow bones and sweep on a light layer of shimmer without the glittery look! Just have a light hand and dab on lightly at the highest point of your brow arch for a sophisticated look!”


BOLD, VINTAGE BROWS



GAGA WAY: Gaga OWNS the full, lush look of these brows – they’re an ever popular style that is accentuated by a defined and clean-cut arch, elongated at the ends!

REAL WAY: Umbreen aims for a less is more approach: here, she says to use brow powders, as they are “best to not make your brows look overdone or fake when you have sparse or thinned brows. I prefer this over any other type of product, as it ensures the natural, yet bold look that is so popular now! My least preferred are pencils, as this can make your brows look too harsh and is not very foolproof. Start by standing a little further back from the mirror and apply with an angled brush and use very little product, starting where your brow is lined up with the corner of your inner eye, closest to the nose. Brush outward in light strokes and you’re done! “

60's MOD BROWS




GAGA WAY: Here, Gaga nods to the 60's Mod look of girls like Edie Sedgwick and Twiggy with her fanned out, dark and contrasting brows!

REAL WAY: Want to take your brow a darker shade but don’t know how? Try tinting! Umbreen says, “Tinting brows is a great option for women looking to add fullness and definition to their brows. The process takes about 10 minutes where specific product is applied directly to the brows lasting from 3-4 weeks. Tinting can be done both at home and at a professional brow bar but I would always recommend you go to a professional or risk irritating or burning your skin. Wink’s technicians are highly trained in this as well!”