Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2013
Sephora Favorites Bottled Dreams: Fragrance Impressions Sampler for Her – $50
This collection features six deluxe samples of Sephora’s most popular women’s scents, plus a full-size Sephora by OPI Nail Colour in What Aura Gonna Wear?. Your mom can choose her favorite scent, then take the enclosed certificate to any Sephora store in the U.S. to redeem it for a free full-size bottle of the fragrance of her choice (the voucher cannot be redeemed online).
The set includes:
- 0.25 oz BALENCIAGA Florabotanica
- 0.22 oz Coach Love
- 0.16 oz Gucci Guilty
- 0.17 oz Juicy Couture Couture La La
- 0.14 oz Lancôme La vie est belle
- 0.25 oz MARCHESA PARFUM D’EXTASE
- Bonus 0.5 oz Sephora By OPI Nail Colour in What Aura Gonna Wear?
Sanctuary Spa Covent Garden Facial In-a-Box – $39.99
Give mom the ultimate pampering with a relaxing, anti-aging facial she can do in the comfort of home. Designed by the UK’s #1 day spa, Sanctuary Spa, the professional-grade skin treatment takes just 30 minutes, perfect for the busy mom who doesn’t make time for herself.
Mother’s Day Mirrored Compact, $5.00
Your mom will love one of these stylish mirrored compacts, featuring mom-themed inscriptions.
Mommy to be pendants; $32.15
Give a special gift to an expecting mom. How could this cute pendant not make you smile?
Mad For The Manbag?
The manbag: once a most unfairly maligned accessory that was reserved for the more, let’s say, sartorially serious gent. ‘Real men’, of the kind of butch masculinity heralded by Yorkie chocolate bars and McCoy crisps, would never be seen with anything so fey and useful , instead preferring to stock their pockets or maybe condescend to use a natty skate backpack, at a push.
Burberry AW13 collection for men
But that would be me showing my age, for in recent years, the manbag has undergone a reputation overhaul and now is the accepted accessory of nary a man, regardless of personal style or degrees of butch, with everything from satchels to duffle bags thrown over shoulders.
Personally, I’m all for a good man bag: why should men be so heartlessly deprived of life’s greatest pastime (namely, bag shopping) while simultaneously forced to ruin the line of their trousers with overstuffed pockets? Tsk, this is an age of equality we live in and it is only right and proper that men should be able to enjoy the finer aspects of life just as we women do. But just as the most unyielding have come round to this way of thinking and begrudgingly accept that it’s possible for something other than the briefcase to be carried, Burberry have challenged us anew with the latest update to the manbag: the man clutch. I see those questioning looks on your faces; this isn’t a return of the murse, but rather streamlined bags to be carried much in the way you might your iPad, which can no doubt be handily stored inside. Burberry’s offerings included those in brightly coloured metallics (which could work with this season’s skater boy trend, in theory) but the early adopters of the trend on the street often tend to favour oversized, slouchy leather versions in simple black or brown leather, which are more ideal for those wishing to ease themselves in. There are even some to be found that come with a slim chain, so, when you tire of carrying it, you may causally adorn your shoulder. But I see I’m losing you again.
Now, this isn’t going to be for everyone, I grant you, and it may take a few more seasons for the majority to come round, but if you can pull this one off with aplomb, why you’ll look the height of sartorial elegance.
And if anyone questions your choice of accessory, simply throw them a withering look of pity, deprived as they are of the wonder of the manbag. Or failing that, pretend like it’s your girlfriend’s…
Amy Lavelle is a journalist from UK fashion comparison site Style in View. She’s contributed to a number of publications including Spindle magazine.
Get Eco Friendly Eyewear from ICU for Earth Day
Today, April 22nd, marks Earth Day. Last week, I told you how you can get great skin while supporting a green initiative, and today, I’m featuring a way you can complement your great skin and eco-friendly lifestyle with ICU Eyewear. Specs from ICU are a fashionable way you can protect your eyes, while protecting the environment. Since the launch of its first “Eco Reader” in 2006, ICU has used the most sustainable materials including bamboo, recycled metals, and other plant based materials, to manufacture many of its reading glasses, sun readers and sunglass styles.
Product Recycling Program
ICU encourages consumers to recycle their readers so materials can be repurposed. Through the company’s product return and recycling program, customers can return used eyewear to the company’s warehouse to be recycled. Glasses that are in good condition are donated to organizations that distribute eyewear to those in need. To date, ICU has donated over a 100,000 pairs of glasses through various programs worldwide. Learn more here»
StriVectin EV- Get Even Dark Circle Corrector Review
FTC Disclosure: This product was provided for review.
Over the years, I have become borderline obsessed with trying to find the best concealer to hide the genetic dark circles that have tormented my face since childhood. I always thought it would be great if a product would emerge on the market that would help fade the dark casts under my eyes, and reduce the tell-tale signs of aging. Alas, such a product has emerged promising to “get even” with dark under eye circles, whether it’s caused by hereditary factors, aging or thinning skin.
What is it? StriVectin-EV Get Even Dark Circle Corrector - A breakthrough, targeted eye treatment, clinically proven to be effective on all types of dark circles. 90% of women said they saw visibly lighter dark circle in only two weeks after using the product.
What it does: StriVectin-EV’s proprietary NIA-114™ molecule enhances the effectiveness of Vitamin C Actives to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of discoloration under the eyes.
How to apply: Lightly dab (do not rub) around the eye area.
Cost: $59.00
What I like: The luxurious cream provides instant hydration, and blends into the delicate skin around the eyes smoothly. It doesn’t leave behind any residue or tacky feeling, and also acts as a nice primer, making it easier for concealer to blend into the skin without a cakey effect. For an extra special touch, the cream’s light diffusing micas illuminates the eye area with a subtle hint of shimmer, which makes it a great choice for special occasions or for days you choose to go without makeup.
Final Result: My dark circles didn’t completely vanish, but they are noticeably lighter. It also acts as a good de-puffer; as soon as I apply the cream in the morning, my eyes look instantly brighter and refreshed. I do not have any fine lines yet, but I am a huge believer in the concept of prevention, and will continue to use the StriVectin EV- Get Even Dark Circle Corrector daily.
StriVectin-EV™ Get Even Dark Circle Corrector brightens the skin around the eyes and corrects visible signs of aging.
Just in time for Spring: Floral-inspired Jewelry by Chaya Studio
March 20th officially marked the first day of spring. It will take some time before spring flowers emerge and sprout to full bloom, so in the meantime I’m lusting over the beautiful floral-inspired jewelry of Chaya Caron. Based in South Portland, Maine, Caron draws inspiration for her designs from her love of nature, conscious awareness and Japanese art. She only uses 100 percent recycled precious metals and actively supports Fair Trade gemstone companies.
Prices in Caron’s collections range from $44 – $285. Get a jump-start on Mother Day by purchasing one of the elegant pieces for your mom, grandmother, aunt, sister, and anyone else in your life who deserves a special gift.
Check out some of the beautiful jewelery from Chaya Studio below.
In addition to the jewelry featured on her website and in retail stores, Chaya also makes custom-made jewelry, including custom bride and groom rings. Learn more here.
Get Glowing Skin this Spring with Per-fekt Beauty
This weekend in NYC I was in disbelief as I peered out the window and saw snowflakes softly falling from the sky. The good news is, the weather was too warm for it to stick. Do you know what that means? Spring is coming! And soon after, summer, summer, summertime (cue Will Smith from his Fresh Prince days). Anyway, what better way to prepare for the advent of skin-bearing clothing than to make sure your body is glowing from head to toe with a hot new beauty kit from per-fekt beauty.
Rihanna’s makeup artist, Mylah Morales, has used some of per-fekt beauty’s products to create the singer’s sexy glow, and now you too will have everything you need to look like a superstar with the newly launched Ready, Set, Glow Kit. The products, according to Morales, “are unique in that they act as a modern multi-use alternative to traditional foundations and powder bronzers and blushes, creating a healthy and youthful look to boost your natural skin color.”
The kit (a $100 value) includes per-fekt’s body perfection gel in matte tan ($45), cheek perfection gel in bronzed ($28) and lip perfection gel in sunset ($24). Get it now for $45 by using the code “GLOWKIT” at checkout (P.S. If you sign up for their newsletter you can save 25%).
Transitioning into Spring
Bold Strips
One trend seen on the runway for spring 2013 was bold stripes. Whether you are looking for a striped dress, top or skirt – it can be certain that every store will be carrying spring’s newest trend. Worried that stripes won’t work for your body type? Throw those fears out the window. Stripes work for most body types. Dare to be bold!
Nautical Striped Turtleneck Sweater, $78
Striped Off The Shoulder Sweater Dress, $158
Leather
In an interesting twist, leather debuted on the runways for spring 2013. Spice up your traditionally light and springy wardrobe with a faux leather jacket or black pants with a leather trim. It’s the perfect way to take a daytime outfit to the night. Not sure if the leather look is for you? Try adding leather to your outfit with a clutch or over-the-shoulder bag.
Asymmetrical Leather Jacket, $328
Contour and Faux Leather Legging, $49
Oversized Ruffles
Out of all the predicted trends for spring 2013 fashion, oversized ruffles add the perfect feminine touch. Adding a ruffle top to your wardrobe is the perfect way to take a daytime outfit from casual to chic. Wanting to dress up a little more? A bold-colored peplum dress adds a subtle ruffle while accentuating your feminine figure.
Multi-stripe Ruffle Top
Contour Belted Peplum Dress, $168
These style tips are from Caché. Caché is a specialty retailer of fashionable women’s clothing for the style-conscious woman. Visit http://www.cache.com/ for these looks and more today.
Wet n’ Wild’s Beauty Blogger Event 2013
Click on pictures to enlarge.
Wet n’ Wild introduced its Spring 2013 collection and Fergie Center Stage Collection to bloggers in NYC on Thursday, February 28th, 2013.
Last week I attended Wet n’ Wild’s beauty blogger event in New York City, held at a penthouse in the luxurious Smyth hotel in Lower Manhattan. Wet n’ Wild has always held a special place in my makeup-obsessed heart, since it was the first brand of beauty products I was ever able to purchase. I’ve always been amazed at how they have been able to offer products at low costs (everything is under $5), without sacrificing quality.
At the blogger event, Wet n’ Wild showcased its new 2013 line, Fergie Center Stage Collection, and even had some products from 2012 on display. The room was a beauty-lovers dream; every inch of the space filled with tons of colorful lip glosses, nail polishes, eye shadows and more, all for grabs.
The Fergie collection is the embodiment of the “Glamorous” singer’s style. Almost all of the products feature shimmer and ultra-pigmented, long-lasting colors. Fergie’s line is definitely meant for the type of girl who loves to make a statement and be a little flashy.
FERGIE NAIL COLOR
PHOTO OP EYESHADOW: A030 Dutchess Lounge
Just like Center Stage, Wet n Wild’s new 2013 collection is amazing. I’ve been wearing the new COVERALL® Cream Foundation with matching Pressed Powder since the event, and love it! It has a very natural-looking finish and lasts all day. I’ve also become a huge fan of the MEGA LAST® liquid lip colors, which glides on smoothly and lasts up to 8-hours.
TO REFLECT SHIMMER PALETTES, COVERALL® CREAM FOUNDATIONS & FERGIE’S PERFECT POUT LIP COLOR
Wet n Wild’s 2013 COLLECTION
Wet n Wild’s 2012 Collection
Kensie Summer/Fall 2013 Jewelry Colelction
Royal Rebel: Stone Cluster Pendants ($38)
Last week I attended the Summer/Fall 2013 jewelry preview event of Kensie, held at the company’s beautiful showroom in New York City. I believe a woman’s outfit is never complete with at least one accessory, so I was excited to see the new pieces, which will be available at Macy’s later this year. Whether your style is boho chic, low-key or elegant, there is something for everyone in this collection. The Summer/Fall line is an eclectic mix of colorful statement pieces and metallic jewelry, some of which feature fun geometric shapes.
I am in love with the bangle sets in the “Shine Like Stars” collection, which are engraved with inspirational words (seen below) and will make great gifts for upcoming graduations, birthdays, and other special occasions.
Click on photos to enlarge.
Shine Like Stars: Inspire Me, Live for the Moment, Tell Me Something and Shine Like Stars Bangle Sets ($28 each)
Sparkle and Shine: Dream, Love, and Inspire Pendants ($18)
Strong Start: Triangle Collar ($28, on the left and right); Baguette Pendant (center)
Necklaces from the Highline collection
From top to bottom: Baguette stud, Multi Stick Drop, Long Stick Drop and Linear Triple Drop – all $18
My favorite accessories in the whole room were from the Rooftop Party Gasoline collection. The see-through, lace-like architectural design of the necklaces, earrings and braceltes creates a unique effect and is absoutely stunning.
Rooftop Party Gasoline collection
More from the Rooftop Party Gasoline collection
Which pieces from the Summer/Fall 2013 collection are you coveting?
Event Alert: Celebrate the Color of the Year with SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE
(Photo source: sephora.com)
When: Thursday, February 28th – Sunday, March 3rd
What Time: 12pm – 6pm
Where: At select Sephora locations. Check Sephora.com to see if the event is at a Sephora near you.
What: Celebrate the Color of the Year Embrace the beauty of EMERALD – the 2013 Color of the Year – with the new SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE Color of the Year Collection! Get a Color of the Year makeover with Sephora makeup artists and learn how to sparkle like this gemstone-inspired shade with a variety of looks to choose from. Be the first to try the new collection, enjoy a complimentary makeup application, and walk away with a free makeup bag with purchase of any color cosmetic.* *While supplies last. **Walk-ins welcome, appointments preferred, no purchase necessary.
Illamasqua Limited Edition Speckled Nail Varnish
A few weeks ago, I was introduced to Illamasqua’s limited edition Speckled Nail Varnish. The varnish was inspired by irregular markings on fragile bird eggs, and allows you to create professional multi-dimensional nail art with just a few swipes.
Price: $16
Where to buy: Sephora.com, Sephora stores and Sephora at JCPenny stores. The Freckle shade is available exclusively at JCPenny.
What I like: The creamy consistency of the polish glides on smoothly and is virtually mistake-proof. It only took one coat for me to achieve a high-fashion nail look. The color lasted about 3 days before one nail started to chip; but after a quick touch-up, my nails were back to looking fabulous.
The effect: Pastel and Neutral base colors are contrasted with black speckles of different sizes. Depending on how many coats you apply, some of the speckles appear more defined, as other seem muted behind the color, creating a multi-dimensional pattern.
I tested Speckled Nail Varnish in Scarce, a pastel pink with black speckles.
The limited editon colors are available in Freckle (brown), Scarce (pink), Mottle (green), Speckle (purple) and Fragile (blue).
Discourse: I received this product for free at a press event
Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara Review
What is it?: Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara
Price: $26.00
What it does: The mascara claims to give lashes a doll-like, wide-eyed voluminous effect. An exclusive FiberShineTM formula sculpts, curls and adds shine to lashes, as it lifts and thickens.
The Formula: The mascara formula is very thick and goopy. It took over 20 swipes to remove the excess product, and even after all that effort, there was still too much on the brush. I wish they designed the bottle better to remove most of the excess as you pull the wand out. It also clumps very easily, which is a pain when you are in a rush.
The Brush: I like the way the wand is designed; its cone-shaped brush makes it easy to get to the hard-to-reach corners and bottom lashes. It’s honestly one of the best mascara brushes I’ve ever used.
The Effect: My eyelashes were definitely lifted, spread-out, and slightly lengthened. But, I didn’t feel like they achieved doll-like proportions, nor did it give my lashes any volume.
My lashes before applying the mascara
My eyelashes after a few coats – you can see how much it clumps.
Bottom Line: I’m torn, because it’s a good mascara that does a nice job at thickening and lengthening. However, the effect wasn’t impressive enough for me to want to pay the high cost for the product (I got mine as a free sample from Sephora). For a daytime look, I would use it, but that’s only because I already have it. For dramatic nighttime lashes, I’ll stick to my other brands
Maya Brenner Zodiac Collection Sale
In the past I’ve written about Maya Brenner Designs, a high-end jewelry collection favorited by some of the most hottest celebrities. This week the jewelry company is kicking off 2013 by having a celestial sale – 40% off all zodiac necklaces and birthstone rings through Jan. 14. Since the year has just begun, you can buy a special zodiac accessory for someone you know and hold onto it until their birthday. Or, just grab one for yourself – at 40% off why not?
Rocks and Stones may break my bones, but they will always look fashionable on me
1. Druzy Necklaces, $40.00
2. Jay King Blue Lace Drusy Sterling Silver Drop Earrings, $89.90
3. Peter Ciesla Necklace, $690.00
4. Liz Larios Black Garnet Nugget Ring, $170.00
5. Raw peridot stud earrings, $14.00
6. Crystal Cave Rock Ring, $20.00
Sebamed Skin Care Review
FTC Disclosure: These products were provided by a pr firm for review.
For as long as I could remember, I’ve always suffered from hand eczema. This winter, my skin has been doing very well, but, I know that when summertime comes around I will be reaching for a tube of hydrocortisone, and wearing gloves just to wash my face. Whenever I’m approached by a skin care company to review a product, I’m never too excited because of the fear that the items I test may lead to an eczema breakout. But, when I was approached by a representative of Sebamed, a soap-free product line with same pH as healthy skin (pH 5), I was excited to test out the products, which are said to be suitable for people with problematic and sensitive skin.
Most products designed for eczema usually colorless, odorless, and don’t lather very well. This isn’t the case with the Sebamed Liquid Face and Body Wash. As I poured a small amount onto my washcloth, I was surprised to see a pretty turquoise ribbon of gel emerge from the bottle. The aroma of the wash is clean and fresh, reminiscent of as a lighter version of Irish Spring. Formulated with natural moisturizers allantoin and pentavitin, it lathered nicely and didn’t dry out my skin.
I followed the Liquid Face and Body Wash with the Moisturizing Body Lotion, which is enriched with chamomile extract and allantoin to soothe and moisturize. It was non-greasy, lightweight and moisturized very well. I absolutely adore the smell of the lotion. It has a soft, powdery fragrance that lasts for hours.
The following day, my skin wasn’t irritated, which is a good sign to me. I will defiantly be using this line of products during the summertime, when my skin is at its worst.
Sebamed can be purchased in stores such as CVS and Rite Aid. Click here to view a full list of retailers. And, visit their website to learn how you can receive $3 off your purchase of 2 Sebamed Sensitive Skin & Hair Care Products.
Just in time for New Years: Champagne Inspired Beauty Products
Other than the giant crystal ball that rings in the New Year in the middle of Times Square, one thing that is always synonymous with the holiday is a glass of champagne. So, what better way to ring in the New Year than with products infused with the bubbly drink? Best of all, these products keep the celebration going all year-long.
FusionBeauty LipFusion Champagne and Caviar Set, $32.00
Caviar Glitterati Sparkling Champagne Spray, $20.00
Victoria’s Secret Strawberries & Champagne Daily Body Wash, $10.00
Bliss Raspberry Champagne Body Butter, $29.00
Sparkling Pink Champagne Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap, $5.50
PULP FRICTION™ Foamy fruity body scrub
During the winter months, it’s important to exfoliate to get rid of dry, flakey skin. Every year, I make it a point to try a new all-over body exfoliator in search of the perfect one. This year, I decided to purchase Soap Glory’s Pulp-Friction™ Foamy Fruity Body Scrub, $20. I chose this one after testing a variety of different scrubs on the back of my hand at a beauty store, and this one felt the best. It has a very grainy texture thanks to the fine granules of pumice contained in the scrub. Other ingredients include fig powder, peppermint oil, lemonade tree liquid, orange waterjuice™ and vitaminballs™ (A,C,E).
My skin feels squeaky clean after using the scrub and is always baby soft. The only problem is that I find this scrub to be a little painful. The back of the tube does say it’s a little “rough around the edges.” The little pieces of pumice do not dissipate; they stay put and do their job of sloughing off dead skin. However, if you have sensitive skin, this is not the product for you. I find that the best way to have a comfortable experience is to use a small amount per section, as opposed to a handful as the directions suggest.
The smell isn’t incredibly fruity. The product description says it’s scented with Soap & Glory’s exotic citrus Fruitigo™ fragrance, which features notes of frozen yuzu, orange oil, and jungle pomelo. I find the Fruitigo™ fragrance to be light. It doesn’t linger and is unnoticeable, which isn’t a bad thing because men can feel comfortable using this without the worry of smelling “fruity.”
Reversible Socks by Bizcaz
The great thing about being a fashion blogger is having the opportunity to learn about new projects before they become available to the masses. I was recently introduced to a socks line called Bizcaz. The developer of the line decided to create the socks after being frustrated with the lack of variety of colors and designs currently on the market. The socks not only have trendy designs and color combinations, but are also reversible, so you get two socks for the price of one. I guess my only problem with this concept is that the socks would be dirty on the side that was exposed, so it may be best to not wear two days in a row, simply because you want to take advantage of the reversible feature.
The socks are also made with silver infused in the fabric. Silver eliminates odor causing bacteria, making the socks virtually smell-proof, and great work anyone with an active lifestyle.
The launch of the project is heavily dependent on funding, so the company currently has a campaign on Kickstarter, a website that enables entrepreneurs the ability to ask for money from supporters interested in funding their project. Each person who pledges will receive a free pair of socks. To learn more about the socks and the campaign, please visit this link.
Buy a Gift that makes a Difference: Kiehl’s Limited Edition Creme de Corps Holiday Collection
4th Annual Limited Edition Creme de Corps Holiday Collection
During the holidays, when you are looking for gifts for your loved ones, it’s also important to remember the people who may not be receiving anything for the holidays. This is why I always look for gifts that give back. For the fourth year in a row, Kiehl’s Since 1851 has launched its Limited Edition Creme de Corps Holiday Collection. This year, the company invited New York Pop artist Kenny Scharf to design the four-piece collection, which consists of a body lotion, body butter and limited edition collectible Kenny Scharf “Squirt.”
This collection marks the debut of the first-ever fully-wrapped Kiehl’s product—the 16.8 oz Creme de Corps bottle is fully wrapped in Globo Mundo (8.4 oz. $29.50; 16.9 oz. with Pump $48.00; 1 liter $75.00).
Up to $200,000 of net profits from the sale of all the items will support over 40 children’s charities worldwide. In the United States, 100% of the proceeds will benefit RxArt, a national nonprofit thatplaces original fine art in patient, procedure and examination rooms of healthcare facilities.
Kiehl’s Holiday 2012 collection is now available in-stores and on Kiehls.com. Stop by a Kiehl’s store near you to check out the amazing display of Kenny Scharf products, or snag one of the many assortments of Kiehl’s gift sets for someone special.
ArganBody Radiance Grain Review, Plus Get $15 off
All year-long, it’s important to exfoliate skin at least once a week in order to maintain a healthy, glowing complexion. Many people find they need to exfoliate a lot more in the winter than in the summer, since harsh, cold temperatures can dry out the epidermis. But, just because the weather is harsh, doesn’t mean your face scrub should be, too. Over the last week, I tested out ArganBody Radiance Grain Face Scrub, a gentle exfoliator made out of 100% natural active elements.
FTC Disclosure: These products were provided by a pr firm for review.
Radiance Grain Face Scrub ($35, arganbody.com)
Within the confines of a beautifully designed shiny red box, lays a tube of the scrub, which consists of small particles of cranberry seeds and argan nuts mixed together with argan oil, shea butter and beeswax. The gentle formula removes dead cells, moisturizes and fights against premature aging.
The nut and seed particles are very visible when you dispense the product. However, as you are rubbing your face with the scrub, 
you barely feel it. The grains are not irritating or abrasive; they gently remove impurities, as the rest of the ingredients work to revitalize the skin. My face felt pampered as I delicately massaged in the product, which felt more like a rich cream than a grainy exfoliator. In addition to feeling good, Radiance Grain smells good. My senses were awakened with aromas of the extracts and essential oils infused in the scrub, which include organic oranges, green tea extract, rose-water, bergamot, lemongrass and peppermint.
After I rinsed my skin, I noticed it felt very soft and looked radiant. I’m excited to continue using the product, and encourage you to give it a try.
Radiance Grain is available online for $35. To learn more about products in the ArganBody line, click here. For a limited time, you can use coupon code delia15 for $15 off any order, no minimum purchase required.
Beauty Tip: Always apply moisturizer after exfoliating the skin to prevent dryness.
Illuminating Light Up Lip Gloss by Beauty for Real
FTC Disclosure: These products were provided by a pr firm for review.
Illuminating Light Up Lip Gloss
Ladies, we’ve all been there before. We’re out late at night and try to do one thing: reapply our lip gloss. In theory, this should be an easy feat, but when you can’t see to make sure you are carefully filling in the contours of your pout perfectly, the result can be disastrous. The last thing you want is to have someone say, “You look like you put your makeup on in the dark!”
So, when I was sent a sample of Illuminating Light Up Lip Gloss by Beauty for Real, the clouds parted, harps started playing, and I decided that it would be absolutely sinful if I didn’t share it with you. The Illuminating Light Up Lip Gloss is a fantastic high-tech product in terms of exterior design and formula. The lip gloss is loaded with plant derived antioxidants, essential vitamins, and marine collagen for super plump lips. The bottle has a small mirror attached to its exterior, and the wand has a LED light in the lid to illuminate lips when applying. The lid can also be used a s a small flashlight to see inside your purse, making it the ultimate must-have staple for your handbag.
I tested out the Just Lust shade ($22), which is a perfect rose gold hue, and looks amazing against my olive skin tone. The color is rich, yet felt lightweight, and lasted about 4 hours before I needed a retouch.
Swatch of Just Lust
Before applying the lip gloss, I lined my lips with The Perfect Pencil in Nude ($14) by Beauty for Real. The company only makes the lip pencil in one universally flattering shade to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect color.
Here are my results after applying one coat:
Below, I’ve included a short video on how easy it is to use the Illuminating Light Up Lip Gloss in the dark. Check it out:
Cat Footwear Autumn/Winter 2012 collection
A picture of me checking out my new pair of CAT Footwear Corrine boots.
On Thursday, October 11th, I attended launch of Cat Footwear’s Autumn/Winter 2012 collection at their showroom in New York City. The collection features footwear that is just as fashionable as they are comfortable. Bloggers in attendance were given the amazing opportunity to take home a complimentary pair of shoes or boots. Featured styles for women included: the Corinne ($230), the Marin ($210), and the Rita ($170), and featured styles for men included: the Isaac ($150), the Dougald ($140), and the Haverhill ($140).
I chose the Corrine boot, made from full grain leather and canvas material. It reaches a few inches below the knee and will look great over skinny jeans or with a short casual dress. It easily slipped on over my work pants, and was unbelievable comfortable. The boots run a little big; I had to select a pair that were about 1/2 smaller than what I would normally wear, so keep this in mind when ordering. But, once you find your perfect size, you are well on your way to a fashionable rugged style that will amplify any winter outfit.
The Womens Corrine Boot is available in 2 colors: sienna and black
Cat Footwear capsule collection of boots made in collaboration with singer-songwriter Shontelle.
NYFW Spring/Summer 2013 By Misha Fashion Presentation
On Friday, September 7th, I attended the Spring/Summer 2013 fashion presentation of By Misha. I love the whimsical themes of By Misha’s collections. The Autumn/Winter 2012 line, Crown Jewels, was fairytale-inspired (read my review of that collection here). The theme of this year’s collection is Wishing Well, and features charmeuse and chiffon fabrics in shades of honeysuckle, mint, forest, marmalade and crème brulee. Beautiful organza pearl flowers stood out as a strong characteristic of this collection, as they adorned romantic dresses, skirts and tops. Modest sequin detailing is also prominent in some of the clothing in Wishing Well. Hey, a girl’s got to have a little sparkle.
White-Rose: cream full-length fitted strapless gown
(L-R) Meadowsweet: mint chiffon cocktail dress and Lemon-Mint: grey pleated, wide-legged chiffon trousers with half-sleeve mustard brocade jacket, with pearl flowers
Foxglove: fuchsia cocktail dress with transparent top adorned with organza pearl flowers
Tiarella: shoulder cream blouse with organza pearl flowers paired with a high-waisted, puffed brocade skirt.
(L-R) Daffodil, Dandelion and Elderberry
NightCare Heel Treatment Kit
Summer is coming to an end, and other than your tan, you will remember the sunny days when you look down at your dry, cracked heels. Footwear such as flip-flops and sandals are great to show off your pedicure, but the constant exposure to sun and dust, as well as lack of support on the heels can lead to moisture loss. Show your feet some love, by repairing the damage with NightCare’s Heel Treatment Kit ($25). The kit includes a Moisturizing Gel Heel Sock lined with Visco-GEL® to provide continuous hydration to your heels as you rest. It also comes with a 2oz tube of Intensive Healing Foot Cream to eliminate dry skin with vitamins A, D & E and urea.
The Intensive Healing Foot Cream is my favorite product in the kit. It goes on smoothly and after just a few days, I instantly felt an improvement in the softness of my feet, so I started using it to moisture my dry, eczema prone hands (I recently shook someone’s hand at an event, and they commented on how velvety soft my hands felt). The treatment kit is also great to use in the winter when the skin often suffers from moisture loss. Try it today. Your feet (and maybe even your hands) will thank you.
