Gift Guide: The Definitive Best Beauty Gifts to Give


Because these gifts are sure to impress just about anyone... (more…)
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Gift Guide: The Definitive Best Beauty Gifts to Give

My essentials for Gemma’s 15th birthday (and her cancer treatment)


(more…)
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My essentials for Gemma’s 15th birthday (and her cancer treatment)

4 (super easy!) things you can do to help the planet


Because we all need to help save our planet, and these are four easy (and also fun) ways to do
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4 (super easy!) things you can do to help the planet

Two Lip Products That You Need in Your Life


You guys know I’m picky about lip gloss, but I recently tried two new (to me) products and had to
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Two Lip Products That You Need in Your Life

06.05.2012
Summer Obsessions

Frederick’s of Hollywood Bridget Stretch Cotton Thong: I am totally obsessed with these new stretch lace thongs from FOH…they’re like, seriously the most comfortable thongs ever and come in fun, summerish colors.

Maya Brenner Bi-Coastal necklace: A melding of my two favorite US states (New York and California), this necklace makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Fake Bake spray tans: Today, for the first time in about five years, I got a for real, butt naked in front of a stranger, spray tan…and guys, I’m back to being obsessed.  I used to go to Mystic Tan every week during my sophomore year of college but eventually just stopped going because it became annoying.  Sure, I love my DIY self tanner but nothing beats the results that you get after getting a customized spray…again, while you’re butt naked in front of a total stranger.  Not for the shy, obviously.

Kate Spade Changing Spots Hinged Bangle: We all know I love my leopard print but the white/gold colors make this bangle a little more subtle, plus I like the “changing spots” mantra engraved on the inside.

LATHER Sea Kelp & Ginseng All-Over Mask: I’m all about the MOISTURE this summer.  Moisture everywhere.  This is basically an amazing all-in-one mask that can be used on your body, face and even your hair to draw out toxins while restoring, yes, lost moisture.  The mask contains sea algae oil, which is great for antiaging as well as aloe vera and St. John’s Wort, which act as anti-inflammatory ingredients to ease red, irritated skin. The perfect summer product, if you ask me.

06.04.2012
The Monday Rundown: Beginning of Summer Edition

 

Summer is finally here!  For me, summer often brings a new sense of self and I get really, really inspired to do all the things that I’ve been putting off for months (e.g. those pesky new years resolutions, etc.).  This week I’ll be obsessing about the above:

AE Relaxed Boyfit Denim Shortie: I’m so not a shorts girl so this is kind of major for me.  Even though my legs are pretty toned, they’re on the thicker side (thank you dance) and I’ve always been super self-conscious about wearing shorts and, up until recently, even wearing shorter dresses.  I like these, in particular, because even though “boyfriend jeans” usually look atrocious on me, when it comes to shorts, the boy cut makes sense.  They hang lower on the hips and don’t ride up in the thigh area, which is usually all too familiar for me (though I still recommend going one size up).

Anthropologie Vertices Drink Dispenser: There’s something so spa-like about drinking your water from a fancy glass dispenser.  I’ll be cutting up fresh cucumber and soaking them in this container for an extra fancy bonus.

AVEDA Nourish-Mint Smoothing Lip Color: I love, lovvvve this gorgeous red lip color.  I saw it on a friend a few weeks ago and honestly, it’s a show-stopper.

Truffle Kale Macaroni and Cheese: The food genius, otherwise known as Felicia Sullivan, re-created this recipe on her blog and I nearly died.  This recipe combines three of my favorite things: kale, truffle (anything) and macaroni and cheese.  Now if only I could cook…

06.01.2012
The Top 5 Hair Products Every Woman Should Own, According to Edward Tricomi

I’m all about simplifying my hair routine, escpecially during the summer months.  Here, Edward Tricomi, hair master and co-owner of Warren Tricomi salons, gives his five must-have products that every woman should own…and I totally, 100% agree.

Must-Have #1: QUALITY SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

“Think of your shampoo and conditioner as the prep work before you style. Spending a little extra for quality is well worth the splurge.”

 

Must-Have #2: HAIRSPRAY

“My number one must-have. You want your style to have hold but still move and be touchable. Shu Uemura makes a great one, you can layer it depending on the amount of hold you need.”

 

Must-Have #3: BLOW DRY LOTION

“You need to use frizz-fighting product while the hair is still wet. A blow dry lotion provides humidity resistance, frizz-control and protects hair from heat styling, which is so important.”

 

Must-Have #4: DRY SHAMPOO

“Great for when you want to breathe life back into your style. Sexy, wavy styles will stay voluminous and blowouts will last longer. No need to worry about them falling flat.”

 

Must-Have #5: HAIR GLAZE

“Takes out the dullness. Gives beautiful shine and depth. Depending on your hair texture you can use it daily or as a weekly treatment.  If hair is super fine, don’t use it more than once a week.”

05.25.2012
Destination: Palm Springs

A friend and I are heading out to the desert tomorrow morning at, gasp, 9AM.  There are very few things that could actually get me to wake up before 11 on a Saturday but hey, Memorial Day in Palm Springs is calling me.  

J. Crew bikini top and bottom: I love a red bikini or, really, a red anything.  This one is simple and the strings make this particular style look good on almost every body type.

Dorothy Perkins Black Aztec Crossover Dress: First off, I love the pattern.  Second, this dress is the perfect minimalist vacay dress (and can also serve as a cover up!) that can take you right from daytime to night.

Forever21 Classic Straw Fedora: A hat is a MUST when I’m outside in the sun for a long period of time.  Not only does it keep me cool but it also prevents sun damage on my face and scalp.

House of Harlow 1960 Robyn Sunglasses: I love pretty much everything HOH1960 but these frames are just really f-u-n and chic.

Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals: I have these in neon too.  They’re super comfy, simple and look good with almost everything.

Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 36 PA+++: Lips are often neglected but if you’ve ever had sunburn on your lip, you know to always apply lip balm with SPF.  I can speak from experience, guys.

Redken Color Extend Sun Solar Screen SPF 12: Blonde hair can fade and oxidize fast when in the sun for too long so it’s VIP that I apply a spray with SPF protection and, as a bonus, the SPF also protects your scalp.

Kate Somerville SPF 55 Serum Tinted Sunscreen: It’s very inaprop to wear a full face of foundation at the pool or beach but yeah, with my rosacea and hyperpigmentation, I never go full on bare faced.  This face serum is the perfect solution to my problem since it not only has SPF 55 but it’s a serum (e.g. lightweight) and it’s tinted so it actually hides most of my imperfections.

 

 

05.22.2012
In My Desk:

 

Crest 3D White: This is my new jam…you never know when you’ll need a quick brush up and, as of late, I’ve been brushing THREE times a day.  My dentist is so proud.

Tide to Go Stick: I spill EVERYTHING on myself so these little sticks are strategically stored all over my apartment and office.

MAC Clear Lipglass: I’ve been using this lipgloss since college.  It’s clear but it’s just so sexy and chic.

Girl Scouts for Lip Smackers in Thin Mint: My favorite cookie was turned into a chapstick…naturally, I was elated.  This is the perfect pick-me-up when my lips get dry as a result of the gross office air.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil: I’m eyeliner-obsessed so I like to reapply right before happy hour or a big meeting.

MAC Duo Image Compact Mirror: No explanation necessary here.  Sometimes you need a quick teeth check or eyeliner smudge alert.

Cle de Peau Concealer: Concealer is never a bad thing to keep around, right?  My hot spots- last minute breakouts and redness around my nostrils.

Deborah Lippmann Clear Nail Polish: Perfect for a run in my tights OR a polished, two minute mani.

Purrell Hand Sanitizer: Again, no explanation necessary.  Sometimes I can literally feel the gross on my hands after touching door knobs and other office germ spreaders.

Clarins Age-Control Hand Lotion SPF 15: Your hands are the first body part that actually tell how old you are so it’s very important to use SPF protection on them.  I love this lightweight lotion and it smells amazing.

Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Quick Self-Tanning Gel: Putting self tanner on your legs while sitting in your cube?  Not office appropriate.  Do I do it anyway?  Absolutely.

Crest 3D White: This is my new jam…you never know when you’ll need a quick brush up and, as of late, I’ve been brushing THREE times a day.  My dentist is so proud.

Tide to Go Stick: I spill EVERYTHING on myself so these little sticks are strategically stored all over my apartment and office.

MAC Clear Lipglass: I’ve been using this lipgloss since college.  It’s clear but it’s just so sexy and chic.

Girl Scouts for Lip Smackers in Thin Mint: My favorite cookie was turned into a chapstick…naturally, I was elated.  This is the perfect pick-me-up when my lips get dry as a result of the gross office air.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil: I’m eyeliner-obsessed so I like to reapply right before happy hour or a big meeting.

MAC Duo Image Compact Mirror: No explanation necessary here.  Sometimes you need a quick teeth check or eyeliner smudge alert.

Cle de Peau Concealer: Concealer is never a bad thing to keep around, right?  My hot spots- last minute breakouts and redness around my nostrils.

Deborah Lippmann Clear Nail Polish: Perfect for a run in my tights OR a polished, two minute mani.

Purrell Hand Sanitizer: Again, no explanation necessary.  Sometimes I can literally feel the gross on my hands after touching door knobs and other office germ spreaders.

Clarins Age-Control Hand Lotion SPF 15: Your hands are the first body part that actually tell how old you are so it’s very important to use SPF protection on them.  I love this lightweight lotion and it smells amazing.

Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Quick Self-Tanning Gel: Putting self tanner on your legs while sitting in your cube?  Not office appropriate.  Do I do it anyway?  Absolutely.

 

05.10.2012
Heidi Klum Announced As the Spokesperson for CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY

A few weeks ago I got a really fun package in the mail.  I opened it up and it played music and told me that I was going to have the best night ever.  That’s a bold statement for me these days.  Bold statement aside, I’m always up for a good hair challenge!  As all of my loyal readers know, I’m very into hair and scalp health which is what, naturally, peaked my interest in the brand spanking new hair care line, CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY.

After trying out the product, which I loved, I found out that superfreak (this is what I call women who look 20 years younger than they actually are) Heidi Klum is their first spokesperson!  I LOVE, love, love Heidi Klum.  Not only is she amazingly gorgeous but she’s also an amazing business woman.  Heidi agrees with me as she mentions that she appreciates the fact that this product “feeds” the scalp, not just the ends, and gives women stronger, more beautiful hair in just seven days.  Seven days is a BOLD claim, guys…and believe me, I’m still putting it to the honest test.  If you think about it, it makes total sense – the same way that the best way to get the perfect makeup look is by having GOOD SKIN.  The base of anything is what’s most important and, according to the brand studies, 99% of hair’s natural strength and beauty comes from the scalp, the foundation for strong, beautiful hair.  LOVE THAT.