Product Review: Caviar Manicure
Ciaté Caviar Manicure™
I simply adore the hot new caviar nails trend. Adding little beads reminiscent of caviar adds a 3-dimiessional look to your nails, and is able to be chic without making you look like you work for a circus. This week my sister purchased Ciaté Caviar Manicure™. There are three different head-turning color combos to choose from, and she selected the nail polish in Strawberry Milkshake (opaque pale pink) that comes with Caviar Pearls in Rainbow ($25 at sephora.com).
The nail kit comes with easy to follow instructions. Here are the steps:
1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint over the base coat with the Strawberry Milkshake nail color.
3. While the nail polish is still wet, sprinkle the pearlescent beads on top of the nails (you need to work very quickly, before the polish dries). We found the best way to do this is to pour the beads directly onto the nails from the bottle, with a small tray underneath to catch the excess.
4. Apply a top coat over the manicure for a long-lasting finish.
What we liked:
- The charming little bow on the nail polish makes the bottle very attractive and stand out on our beauty table – I think it would make a cute gift.
Nail Polish in Strawberry Milkshake
- The kit comes with a small funnel, which allowed us to easily pour unused beads back into the bottle.
- The nails did look professionally done, and my sister received tons of compliments when she went to work the next day.
- There are a variety of different ways you can war the look. You can cover the entire nail with the beads, just apply to the tips, or come up with your own design.
What we didn’t like:
- The Strawberry Milkshake polish was as runny as an actual milkshake. It didn’t go on smoothly and has a very loose consistency.
- As soon as we applied the top-coat, the colors of the beads began to smear.
- Hours after the manicure, the beads began to fall off. By the end of day 2, it looked like a greedy little kid had picked all the sprinkles off of a cupcake and left behind the evidence of little colored stains.
Overall impression: The base polish seems very cheap and is too watery. I would recommend trying the look with a different polish. I think it’s a great option to use a few hours before going out, when you want to wow everyone with glamorous nails. Just be careful when you wave hello to your friends, a bead might dislodge and land in their eye.
Ode to the Pistachio
This month I have developed a slight addition to pistachios. I love opening up the hard, beige shell to revel the smooth, bright green nut that lies within its confines. Pistachios contain powerful antioxidants and minerals that are good for hair and skin – not to mention they just taste great and are filling. I invite you to join me in trying some of these pistachio inspired beauty products. (Note: nothing listed below is edible)
1. Yum Gourmet Skincare Pistachio Mint Energizing, $36.38
2. Love Your Lips – Pistachio Coconut .5 oz, $12.09
3. Desert Essence Foot Repair Cream, Pistachio, $9.99
4. Almond, Pistachio & Olive Body Scrub, $9.99
5. Laura Mercier Crème de Pistache Hand Crème, $15.00
Must-Have Product: The Style & Go™ Hair Care Valet
I don’t know about you, but we women (and some men) often use tons of electrical appliances to keep our hair looking its best.
The Style and Go Hair Care Valet with the cabinte closed.
Whether it’s a blow dryer or hair iron, we own tons of gadgets with long, tangled cords that can only be used when plugged into an outlet. On top of that, in order to use these tools we require the outlet to be near a mirror. Then, once our styling is over, the tools are returned to the clutter of other products creating a potential fire hazard.
Momtrepreneur and Inventor Marcy McKenna, has invented a product that solves all of the above issues. It’s called the The Style & Go™ Hair Care Valet, and is a mounted cabinet that neatly stores hair care appliances and products. McKenna beat out thousands of contestants in Kelly Ripa’s TLC series, Homemade Millionaire, which follows aspiring female entrepreneurs in their quest to land a lucrative deal with mega-giant retailer, HSN.
The Style & Go™ is a unique product, and there is nothing else like it in the market. In addition to offering a clutter-free way to store appliances, the sleek design comes with a built-in power cord, electrical outlets, and features mirrors on both the exterior and interior cabinet door for multi-side viewing while styling.
The Style and Go Hair Care Valet with cord doors open
I am a huge fan of products that can my aid in making my beauty routine hassle-free, so I think this is an awesome product. After I straighten my hair in the morning, I put my warm iron away and hope that when I return home, my house hasn’t burned down. With the Style & Go™, there is no need to wait for your appliances to cool down. You can set your hair appliances in the cabinet right after you use it, shut the door, and leave.
The Style and Go Hair Care Valet with cord doors closed
Style & Go™ is set to make its HSN debut on July 25th, so be sure to tune in on the following days:
For more information go to marcymckenna.com.
Get reFRESHed this week at Fresh’s Beauty Cleanse Pop-Up Truck
This week in NYC, take a break from summer’s soaring temperatures, and stop by the Fresh Beauty Cleanse Pop-Up Truck. As an introduction to the Fresh Beauty Cleanse campaign, the truck will be stationed in two different locations (see map below) on July 25th and 26th, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of the company’s new Soy Face Cleanser, while enjoying BluePrint’s signature Spicy Lemonade.
An ultra-chic Fresh tote will also be distributed on the streets near the truck. The tote will be filled with the Soy Face Cleanser, BluePrint Cleanse Spicy Lemonade, and a card for a free mini Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy.
Can’t make it to any of the locations? Then, head on over to Fresh’s Facebook page, where you will have the opportunity to take part in the Fresh Beauty Cleanse by entering a contest for a chance to win $1,000.
Follow Fresh on Twitter for giveaways and prizes @Freshfounder #UltimateCleanse.
Nectarines are July’s Fruit of the Month
Nectarines are July’s fruit of the month. I’m not sure why, but I’ve seen this statement on a lot of websites this month, so we’ll jump on the bandwagon. Not to be confused with peaches, nectarines have a smooth skin and are lot sweeter in flavor. They contain plenty of good-for-you antioxidants such as bioflavonoids, to help fight off diseases. They are also rich in vitamin C and are a great source of fiber. The sweet aroma is sure to awaken your senses, so try using this nectarine inspired products before starting your day.
1. Organic Indulgence Creamy Body Wash White Nectarine & Orange Blossom, $7.95
2. Anti-Bacterial HandiBac™ Moisturizing Hand Lotion Nectarine Mint®, $4.00
3. Clairol Herbal Essences Body Envy 2 In 1 Volumizing Shampoo + Conditioner, 23.7 oz, $4.97
4. Mediterranean Grape Olive & Nectarine Moisturising Lip Butter, $4.19
5. Dove Ultimate Go Fresh Burst – Nectarine & White Ginger, $5.00
Trend Alert: Floral Pants
Flowers can be found everywhere in the summer, and I’m not just referring to the garden variety. Floral pants are just as in as Greek yogurt this year, and offer a chic, but casual summertime look. I will admit that this may be the one trend I will probably shy away from, because I can see this trend disappearing as soon as fall’s crunchy brown leaves send summer’s cheery vibe into obscurity . In all honesty, it is the perfect choice if you are trying to attract a lot of attention, but I’m having a very hard time pinning down when this fashion statement is acceptable to wear outside one’s home. But, if you must, below are some options that caught my eye.
Cropped Conversational Print Pants, $24.80 at Forever 21
Floral Sateen Slims, $118 at Anthropologie
J Brand Floral-Print Jeans, $141.40
AG Adriano Goldschmied The Legging Ankle Graphic Floral Twill, $178.00
Aquatic Essences
On a hot summer day, the mind can’t help but to drift off to fantasies of cool blue waters splashing against warm skin, and tranquil breezes lightly rustling through trees. Just because you can’t be engulfed by ocean waves, doesn’t mean you can’t splash yourself with fragrances to ignite your aqua dreams, and trick your nasal senses with the illusion that you are just a few steps away from the beach.
1. Thierry Mugler Angel Aqua Chic, $85.00
2. Escada Island Kiss, $55.00
3. Demeter’s Salt Air, starting at $6.00
5. Bath & Body Works® Sea Island Cotton®, $29.50
6. Davidoff Cool Water for Women Eau de Toilette , $52.00
Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural Review + Get Ombré Lips
I have never been a huge fan of lipstick. I like the glossy, moisturized pout that only lip gloss can provide. But, I do love the staying power of lipstick, which is why I tend to wear it underneath gloss for long-lasting color. This week I tested 3 lipsticks from Make Up For Ever’s Rouge Artist Natural line: N47 (Red Brick), N50 (Aubergine), and N34 (Candy Pink). The lipsticks in this line are supposed to be a cross between a lip balm and a lipstick, so I had to give them a try.
Rouge Artist Natural lipsticks keep lips hydrated for up to 8 hours.
Swatches from left to right: N34 (Candy Pink ), N47 (Red Brick), N50 (Aubergine )
What I like:
•The lipsticks are extremely hydrating - in all the pictures you will see below I did not apply lip balm before putting on the colors, and look how moisturized my lips look. This is great because I didn’t have to use my trick of applying lip gloss over the stain for a moistened, shiny finish.
•They glided on smoothly and the conditioned my dry lips – this allowed me to skip the process of exfoliating before applying, so it’s perfect to use when you are on a time crunch.
•The stains are nicely pigmented and lasted from morning until mid-afternoon.
The Candy Pink is comparable to bubblegum, but a little darker. Normally, I wouldn’t wear pink at night, but the deep shade of this color would transition very nicely from day to evening.
#N34 Candy Pink
Usually, I stay away from reds. If you don’t pick the right shade you can looked washed out or downright scary, but Red Brick was perfect for my olive complexion, and wasn’t overpowering.
#N47 Red Brick
Aubergine looked a little intimidating in the tube, and I was expecting to look gothic chic; however, once I applied it, the rich purple is sheer and had red undertones, which made for a very classy lip look.
#N50 Aubergine
You can combine Aubergine and Red Brick for sexy ombré lips. First, fill in your entire pout with the Red Brick color, and then smudge the Aubergine in the center to re-create the look seen on the runway during Nina Ricci’s Fall/Winter 2012 show (pictured below).
Red lips from Nina Ricci – Fall/Winter 2012 (Photo credit: http://glam.co.uk/2012/10/dark-dishevelled-glamour-at-nina-ricci/)
Or, reverse the colors by applying Red Brick all over the mouth, and then going over all but the center of your lip with Aubergine for the look seen at Gucci’s 2012 Fall/Winter show (pictured below).
Red lips from Gucci – Fall/Winter 2012 (Photo source http://beautyeditor.ca/2012/09/27/how-to-the-dark-red-lips-at-gucci-fw-12/)
With all the colors, I recommend applying concealer over your lips to prevent bleeding, and to draw out the natural hue.
See more color options from the Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural lipstick line at sephora.com.
Get Custom-Made Shoes this Summer
Post submitted by Jolevette
Love to show off you personality through shoes? Always dreamed of having something custom-made just for you? Well now you can. For a limited time, you can stop by Henri Bendel, located on the infamous Fifth Avenue in New York City, and have a sandal made-to-order just for you.
Custom made sandals
My shoe size is between an 8 1/2 and 9, and sometimes it’s hard to find a shoe that fits, especially a sandal. Sometimes I find that sandals are made to narrow so toes go over, or the slipper can be too big; but, not anymore! Until July 16th, the cobblers of Tuccia Di Capri, a shoe company that molds sandals for any type of feet, will be available at Henri Bendel’s to hand-make sandals to order. There are a variety of gorgeous styles to choose from. I felt like I was in shoe paradise!
First, the shoemaker measured my feet with a sole and measuring tape to ensure my foot fit perfectly on the sandal. This also helps them make sure the straps would not be too loose or tight. Next, I got to pick a shoe from an amazing selection of designs. After that, I just sat back and relaxed. If they do not have anything you like, they can make additions.
I decided to pick the Tuvo sandal style with a gorgeous white leaf belt, that had crystals sounding at the top of the foot. This design is special and screams…BLING BLING! What makes this style so unique is that the only other person with a similar pair is The Real Housewives of Atlanta star, Nene Leakes. Who doesn’t want to share something with a celebrity?
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes also owns a pair of these!
The art of cobbling is an old, time-honored craft that comes straight from the shores of Italy and now, to your foot! The cobblers take their time to handcraft your shoe, and if you are willing to wait, they will make it right in front of you! The end result is a perfectly fitted, designed-for-you sandal. Now, you are ready to rock any sandy shore or party this summer with style.
Tuccia Di Capri is based in Miami, FL. Learn more about them here»
You’ve found your groom, but what about your “something blue?”
Sneaky was to incorporate blue into your wedding.
Photo credit: Holly Chapple Flowers
When it comes to wedding’s we’ve all heard the famous good-luck bridal rhyme: something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. I am nowhere near walking down the aisle, but I already know what I will be selecting for three out of the four areas on the list. Yet, when it comes to the last item, something blue, I’ve really had to sit down and think long and hard about it.
I’ve got nothing against the color blue, but why would I want to disrupt the purity of my fashionable white assemble with such a clashing pigment? Well, it turns out that for centuries, blue has been associated with weddings as a symbol of love and purity. For that reason, the Old English rhyme includes “something blue” as one of the four good luck charms a bride should have on her wedding day. Now, I won’t go as far as wearing a blue gown on my wedding day as women did in the middle ages until white became the wedding hue of choice; but, I do have some ideas on how to sneakily incorporate the color on the big day.
If you’re sugary sweet
Nothing is sweeter than the fragrant smell of fresh flowers, so incorporate some blue flowers, such as hydrangeas into your wedding bouquet. You can also have a blue ribbon tied around the bouquet.
If you’re naughty
Wear blue lingerie for a sexy little secret no one has to know about. Or, put on a blue garter for the traditional groomsmen toss.
“I DO” Wedding Shoe Stickers, $4.99 at bedbathandbeyond.com
If you’re flashy
I love, love, love the idea of adding blue rhinestone monogram stickers underneath your shoes. It’s devious, and oh so clever. You can have the monograms say anything you want from “I Do,” to the wedding date, to your brand new initials.
If you prefer to show off your blue bling, then accessorize with dazzling earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and even hair pieces.
For the more adventurous bride that loves bling, you can try vajazzling with blue crystals (I won’t judge!).
Thakoon for NARS in Kutki-powder blue; $18 at sephora.com
If you’re a beauty queen
Blue nail polish is a great way to integrate the color into your wedding in a subtle way. You can also wear a light blue eye shadow on your lids.
Many brides nowadays choose to incorporate blue in other parts of their wedding, instead of on themselves. Bridesmaids or flower girls can wear blue dresses, sashes, or hair accessories. Centerpieces and place cards are also a great place to add in the color. You can even have your cake sit on a blue plate. At the end of the day, it’s just an old tradition. Just as long as you are not the “something blue” on your wedding day, then that’s all that matters.
Bronzed Ambition: Fake a Healthy Glow the Right Way
Warm, golden skin never goes out of style. Learn how to get the ultimate summer glow all year round without looking like an Oscar statue.
I am obsessed with bronzer. Something about its healthy-looking flush of color and ability to illuminate skin makes bronzer utterly addicting and a staple in my makeup pouch, regardless of the season. When I was first introduced to the product I fell madly in love with the sun-kissed luminosity it created, and doused loads of it all over my entire face. This is, until I saw a picture of myself looking more like a oompa loompa than the golden goddess I was envisioning in my head. After years of trial and error, I’ve now mastered the way to correct my past beauty mistake, and can apply bronzer in a way that makes it appear as if it’s radiating naturally from the contours my skin.
Putting on a fake glow properly is key to staying out of Loompa Land, but the task is easier said than done, especially when there are so many different types of bronzers to choose from. Here’s how to avoid common mistakes, and look naturally tanned without the risk of sun damage.
Mistake # 1 Wearing the Wrong Shade
Solution: You should select a shade that is at least one or two tones darker than your natural skin tone. Women with light complexions can illuminate their skin with bronzers in the honey and peach family. Rose and earth toned bronzers accentuate medium complexions beautifully. And, dark skin looks absolutely radiant with true golden bronze colors like cinnamon.
Mistake # 2 Too much Shimmer
Smashbox Bronze Lights Skin Perfecting Bronzer in Sunkissed Matte
Solution: As a general rule, use matte bronzer in the day time, and upgrade to shimmer at night. Matte bronzers work best for contouring, as it mimics natural shadows. Smashbox Bronze Lights Skin Perfecting Bronzer ($29) is a matte powder lauded by Kim Kardashian who uses bronzer to slim down her nose and sculpt her strong facial features. Shimmery bronzers, frequently seen on Jennifer Lopez, work best for highlighting, and can be used to enhance features such as the décolleté area.
Mistake # 3 Using the Wrong Tools
Solution: If you are using a powder, invest in a wide, fluffy brush to help pick up the perfect amount of color and buffer into the skin. Lightly swirl the brush into the product and tap off the excess before applying. Gel, cream and liquid bronzers can be applied with makeup sponges or blended with fingertips.
Mistake # 4 Bronzer Overload
Solution: Only highlight parts of the face where the sunlight would naturally hit: the temples, outer rim of the face, nose and hollows of cheeks. If you’re more of an expert, an all-over coating can also be used to fake an overall tan, but be sure to blend it down to your shoulders and collar-bone, so it doesn’t look artificial.
Bronzer can give any skin tone a youthful, healthy look. It can be a tricky product to use, but don’t let that deter you. Avoid the above mistakes and you will be able to enhance, define and glow as if your own personal sun beam is following you around all day.
4th of July Fashion
So, the 4th of July is coming up and what better way to show off your patriotism than with fashionable pieces of red, white and blue. Whether you plan on laying poolside or attending a nighttime outing this holiday, here are some chic ways to show off your American pride.
If you will be frolicking on the beach or at a pool party, make heads turn with this bikini that pays tribute to Uncle Sam.
4th of july (JLY) twist bandeau & tie side moderate, $15 each
This Red White Blue Tiered Dress with banded elastic waist and scooped neckline is perfect for looking trendy without being overstated.
Red White Blue Tiered Dress, $23.99
Adorn your feet with these nautical inspired Two Lips Anti Wedge Sandal looks, which mimic the red and white stripes of the American flag.
Two Lips Anti Wedge Sandal, $49.94
Wearing full-on Americana regalia may not be your thing, but you can still sneak in a little patriotism by wearing fashionable jewels such as this necklace.
Falling Stars Necklace, $2.80
ICU Eyewear offers sleek frames in bright colors and fun styles, perfect for the beach or outdoor barbecue.
Classic Bifocal Sun Reader in Red, $25.95
Also, check out the 4th of July nail art we did last year for another great idea on how to celebrate the holiday in a chic way.
