Thursday, December 31, 2009
10 Influential Beauties of the Augties: Lily Allen
10 Influential Beauties of the Augties: Fantasia Barrino
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
10 Influential Beauties of the Augties: Lykke Li
10 Influential Beauties of the Augties: Santigold
photo: elle.com
Santi is currently a Nixon campaign model, been in Converse ads and on the cover of Missbehave.
Chanel Particuliere 505 Nail Color pics and swatches
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
10 Influential Beauties of the Augties: M.I.A
10 Influential Beauties of the Augties: Róisín Murphy
image:google images
Róisín Murphy is pre-Gaga as far as her eccentricity and music. I was reeled into her music from my Colette Compliation CD I bought at the store in Paris in '06 ( song: Ramalama Bang Bang). She ( along with Bjork and Goldfrapp) ushered in the electronica music and Avant-Garde marriage.
Monday, December 28, 2009
10 Influential Beauties of the Augties: Janelle Monáe
Her style- Simple, effortless and timeless just like her beauty. Attending her live shows are worth having someone breathe down the back of your neck ( Music Hall of Williamsburgh was completely sold out and was back-to-back bodies) extra added bonus, she paints onstage!
10 Influential Beauties of the Augties: Cat Power's Chan Marshall
Sunday, December 27, 2009
10 Influential Beauties of the Augties: Hikaru Utada
Upon receiving the invite from Sephora to see Utada perform at Sephora for her upcoming album, fans spent the night in hopes of seeing the Best Selling Japanese Artist.
Seriously, I could write about Utada for at least 2 days but will only capture a glimpse of her greatness.
Chanel Spring 2010 Les Impressions Mini Review
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Giveaway! Laura Geller Makeup
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Loreal Friends and Family Sale ends Dec 20, 2009
Metropolitan Pavillion
125 West 18th Street, 5th Floor ( btwn 6th and 7th aves)
Wednesday, Dec 16th- Sunday, Dec 20th , 10am-8pm.
The Loreal Friends and Family sale officially started yesterday but there are plenty of goodies left at the Metropolitan Pavillion.
Here is what they had and the prices:
Kiehls: $5 lipglosses, $15 Argan Dry Oil, $5 essential oils,$10 Bodywashes & Hand cleansers $5 totebag
Lancome: $5 Juicy tubes, $8 Liglosses and Lipsticks , $10 Foundation,$25 Eye shadow palettes $20 Bronzers
Shu Uemura: $ 15 lipsticks, $10 lashes, $25 brush sets, $20 concealer, $20 bronzer
Giorgio Armani : $20 foundation
Vichy: $10 Skincare
YSL: $10 Gommage , $20 Eyeshadow palette, $10 lipgloss, $10 french manicure kit
Source: Madison Avenue Spy
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Beauty Dept Lays-off at Saks Flagship in 2010
Will this company appointed make-up artists bring a less “salesy” approach to high-end department stores ? After all, the brand reputation is associated with the quality of their products, strategy in advertising and how well it moves off the shelf.
I have all of 2 examples of how this strategy may work for high-end department stores. Over the summer, I needed new skincare, after reading a magazine and doing my research with fellow bloggers, I journeyed over to Saks and visited a high-end luxury brand counter. With what was initially a stop for x ended up with product recommendations, a regimen, and the purchase of x and y. Upon payment entered the sales associate who informed me of a special promotion for Saks but when I had specific product questions- she forwarded me to the company brand rep. I found it frustrating, why couldn’t they answer my question about x but want my credit card? I understand the deal, they are in sales, but had I gone to another counter who didn’t have a brand rep- I would have high-tailed it to the door.
On another note, without the brand reps with their specialized product knowledge, I am pushed to buy products that clearly do not work for me. For example, the foundation or lipstick shade will not look drastically different once I walk outside. The ashiness will not go away or blend with my skin as the day wears on- no excuses, it just doesn’t work. Additionally, on another visit, same Saks on 5th Ave, different counter- at an event, where there were company reps , the product recommendations where spot-on and if they ran out of the product used on my face? I was given a chart or card with the recommended products and asked to call back or stop in to follow-up and inquire, plus that same rep rang me up and completed the process. Personally, that keeps me coming back for more.
I’ve never known the full extent to “counter culture”. My only idea was brand reps (National Artists) who came to events like the Nordstrom’s Trend Show and then the reps who worked at counters and then the sales associates. For me the structure began to blur with the counters and who I asked- etc. A counter vs. a flagship or boutique is clearly obvious. But moseying in to see a product that a friend or colleague recommended- I didn’t know who I was dealing with unless I knew them. My knowledge of sales associates were from the phone calls I received about the collections and launch dates.
Can this Saks renovation turn it around and increase the quality of being specialty niched focus? Will this lead to individualized attention which could turn into overall customer satisfaction and? I guess we have a whole new year to look at this in scope…
photo: googleimages
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Beauty Inspiration: Princess Tiana
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Body Scrubs: The Gingerbread Man vs. Hot Chocolate
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
DIY: Concealer
Monday, December 7, 2009
It's Glaze-y Shade of Winter!
A few weeks ago a friend had asked me how she could "jazz up" her locks without the maintainance of color treatments and spending a bunch of dollars. Especially because the count-down for all Holiday related gatherings are just around the corner despite it being the 6th day of December.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Sonia Rykiel for H&M!
This morning was the launch of Sonia Rykiel's lingerie collection for H&M and I got up bright and early for it.
Finally! YSL Rouge Volupte Gloss in #4
Thursday, December 3, 2009
WeSC Sample Sale starts today!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Tocca Sample Sale Starts Tomorrow!
Monday, November 30, 2009
5ave 5 '09: Joann S of Sugar Bear Enterprises
Friday, November 27, 2009
5ave 5 of '09: Liz Wright of the Love Grenades
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
5ave 5 of '09: Graizzy Bear Anna!
Anna G. is a blogger and project manager living in NYC. She yet to cease in obsessing over Lykke Li and Grizzly Bear for the past two years, and her favorite film is a tie between Pee Wee's Big Adventure and The Shining.
Hair : When all else fails (which is, well, everything), I use Frederick Fekkai Glossing Cream. It's probably the only product besides Davine's Oil Non-Oil (which I can't find ANYWHERE for some reason) that actually makes my thick, frizzy, unruly hair slightly less horrific-looking.
Nails : Whatever red color I get at the nail place. I prefer to leave my nails to the professionals, otherwise I end up looking like a deranged 5-year old painted my nails (i.e. me).
Skin : Neutrogena anti-wrinkle, anti-blemish scrub. It makes me feel like I'm not still a teen and yet not a weird older lady trying to fight wrinkles, yet it incidentally fights wrinkles, if that's even possible. It's not. But, whatever, I guess at least I don't use the exact products hawked by some Disney channel asshole.
Fragrance : Michael Kors. Though I was hesitant at first to buy something so closely associated with the nouveau riche aesthetic from the mindspace of a man who is, apparently, orange, this shit smells pretty good. It became an instant classic for me. However, I may soon try out YSL's Parisienne. It smells like a wilted rose in the best way possible-- a more sophisticated balance of floral and warmer, deeper notes. Almost smells like Prada cologne, but more subtly sweet and much more rich.
Cosmetics : Aside from my new favorite Givenvchy lipstick I got on my birthday, I love my Nars duo blush/bronzer in Sin/Casino. If used with a large brush, you can easily adjust the levels on each, making it a go-to item year-round.
Photo by: Driven By Boredom
Saturday, November 21, 2009
5ave 5 of '09: Lacroix!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
5ave 5 of '09: Danielle of Danielleish!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
5ave 5 of '09- The Fabulous Faye W.
Faye hails from London and has lived in Soho, NYC for the past 3 years. She has "fallen completely in love - with the city, my friends, the fashion, the music, the lifestyle, my daily spin classes, the experimental nature of expression and the ability to try anything to see whether it works, or fits, or simply feels right for that day only."
Faye also has the most amazing eyelashes! I asked for tips on how she gets her lashes to be so full that all your attention is drawn to her eyes- she uses YSL's Le Faux Cils!
" I love being able to create a style and be particular about preferences when it comes to products, and being able to be a girly girl as well as not feel guilty about the me time. I'm also pretty particular when it comes to my fitness and beauty routine and Manhattan allows me to do that without feeling too OCD! But maybe its all relative....."
Here is Faye's 5ave 5 of '09:
Hair - I have used George Michael Medora Long Hair products for about 6 years now - you can buy them at the Madora Long Hair Haven on Madison and 49th, the Long Hair Clinic in London, or order over the internet (which is good for me and my 3 block rule at the weekend!). Its a 3 step product with combinations of shampoo, 60 second conditioner and a creme rinse. The system completely eliminates static and is really good for your hair, preventing build up on your scalp, and smells good too - it can be used for long hair like mine, coloured, straightened, or shorter styles. I also love the 12 minute conditioner which I apply to my dry hair either a few minutes before the shower, or for a special treat, before bed so it has 6-8 hours to soak in before a wash.
Nails - I'm a fan of Essie - Licorice, Chinchilly, Midnight Cami, and occaisinally a little Wicked. Anything dark without sparkle to be honest!
Skin - Being a Brit, I have used [Boots] Number 7 products since I was 11 or 12, and the latest serum, Protect and Perfect, is a wonder. Outselling most competitors in the UK when it was launched it was limited to 1 tube per customer at Boots, the largest national drugstore chain. Now available at Target, I use it every morning underneath daily moisteriser and love it. As do a few of my male friends who have been tempted to try it - and its super affordable, leaving a few dollars spare to spend on the Creme de la Mer nightcream!
Fragrance - I'm currently wearing Ambree by Prada, love it, although have committment issues when it comes to my scent... Jo Malone's orange blossom is also great and reminds me of Christmas holidays with my family in the snowy mountains of Switzerland.... bliss
Cosmetics - I'm a MAC girl, love my satin lipstick - Faux. But I am never without my mascara - I love Le Faux Cils by YSL in number 3 (bright blue) as well as black, but Maybelline's Colossal Volume Express in black is pretty good, too. I literally layer it on - 3-4 coats on each eye every day...
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
5ave 5 of '09: Terry from Superqueen!
Hair: I can't live without Garnier Fructis Long & Strong shampoo + hair conditioner. I have long wavy hair that becomes a messy nest without some conditioning.
Nails: Chanel Black Satin nail polish and OPI Alpine Snow nail polish. These are the ying yang of my nail polish collection and I love both of them. I use the first all the time, but I use the second when I want to sport an old-school colour, which reminds me of the 80s - it actually looks like white out).
Fragrance: I cannot choose one, because I have three favourite fragrances, all by the Parisian Diptyque. They are L'Ombre Dans l'Eau (blackcurrant leaf and Bulgarian rose), Olene (jasmin, wisteria and narcissus) and Philosykos (white cedar and fig tree leaves). Once you've tried Diptyque perfumes, you cannot go back to synthetic perfumes!
Monday, November 9, 2009
5ave 5 of '09: Jamie of Rural Glamour
Friday, November 6, 2009
5ave 5 of 09: Adina Z of Krasey Beauty
Hair: The Phytospecific line.
"The only shampoo I have tried thus far that truly moisturized my hair and left it frizz free. The all-natural formula does my hair right."
Nails: Zoya Nail Polish
"With tons of colors and finishes to choose from, and a formula as strong as Fort Knox, it's no wonder this amazing little polish company has captured my heart."
Skin: Jan Marini's Bioglycolic line
"With a formula as advanced as it is effective, the bioglycolic line keeps my skin in tip top shape. Though I have tried many other brands, I have been returning to Jan Marini."
Fragrance: La Prairie's Life Threads in Silver.
"Life Threads Silver is a sweet floral that is both warm and flirtatious. To me Silver is your twenties. The scent represents that stage in your life where you are simply enjoying life and all of the pleasures it has to offer. You aren't sure where you are headed, but you are definitely enjoying the ride. The citrus notes provide a burst of energy, while the strong floral notes lend a hint of flirtation."
Cosmetics: Make Up For Ever eyeshadows
"Amazing finish, amazing colors. Bar none, the highest quality shadow I have. I own 48 different shades."
notes:
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
5ave 5 of 09: Shani Bella!
I’m a smart, sexy, chick with an afro! I’m currently living in San Diego but always in a NY state of mind. No matter where I go I don’t think that will ever change. There is something about being a native New Yorker, just a chick from The Bronx, which I take great pride in. Like anyone in any town anywhere it aided in shaping me into who I am. And who am I…
Well, I am without a doubt a people person. I love to talk, watch, and analyze people. I find it incredibly hard not to talk. I will talk to almost anyone. I even talk in my sleep sometimes! I can talk day and night about people, culture, and politics. I have a dark and dirty sense of humor with a bit of sarcasm at times. Overall, I’m an outgoing chick that likes good conversation with good people and love to laugh. I enjoy being out and about with friends and love ones. My favorite pastime things to do are watching movies, dancing, hiking, cooking, going to concerts and plays, watching live music and art performances, trying foreign cuisines, playing trivia games, discovering new restaurants and hang out spots, bargain shopping, taking long walks with no destination in mind, and most of all traveling abroad.
Here’s my beauty picks…
Cosmetics:
Numero uno for me in 2009 is NARS Cream Blush, Cactus Flower. It’s been a while since I found a make-up product that I use almost every single day. It is so pretty and natural. When I want a little oomph, a va-va voom look I just add a second to third layer.
Fragrance:
Still loving and using daily since 2003 my signature fragrance Sicily by D&G. However, a new Italian (by name not origin) contender stepped on the scene (well my scene) in 2009,Tocca’s Eau de Purfum. All of the fragrances are marvelous. My favorites are Brigitte, Cleopatra, and Florence.
Hair:
I love the new richer and thicker formula of Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla and Tui Herbal Shampoo I found this year at Sephora! A quarter size squirt is enough to get a nice thick lather. Okay a half-dollar dollop for me, I have thick hair and I’m a little OCD when it comes to cleaning-up. My hair was nice and soft, not crunchy and dry like other shampoos tend to do. I would somewhat describe it as having a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner affect on my hair. Plus it smells delicious! I wear my hair natural and it’s hard to find high-quality, all natural, non smelly products. For some reason, I guess manufacturers assume us natural chicks want to smell like sandalwood and eucalyptus – ah negative. Walking around smelling like a spicy market or a hippie smoke shop is a not cute. At any rate, CD products have always been good but in my opinion even better now. Keep up the good work Price. I plan on revisiting the other CD products too.
Skin:
Canus Goat's Milk Soap, it took me forever to find this soap this year but it’s worth it. Of all places I found it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond here in San Diego, whatever. It’s great for sensitive, dry, and troubled skin. Goat milk soap and products are very moisturizing withnatural emollients and vitamins. So if you’re like me, dry skin with the occasional eczema flare ups or just need to gear-up your skin for the winter months, this is the soap!
Nails:
I’m a Mani & Pedi chick all the way, come hell or high water. HOWEVER, I don’t allow manicurist to cut my finger nail cuticles. I use a cuticle softener/remover at home. Recently in support of a co-worker I ordered some Avon which is usually a no-no for me. Nothing against Avon or Avon fans but I was totally over their products by 15. Anyway, I got the Avon Nail Experts Instant Gel Cuticle Remover and Nail Polish Remover Wipes and they are wonderful. The cuticle remover works very well without drying out my cuticles but not instantly as the name proclaims. The nail polish remover wipes are a fabulous must have in my cosmetic and travel bag. Great inexpensive buy!