Archives for September 2015

September 10, 2015

No Mess. No Fuss. No Glue. Lash Extensions Mascara.

Fiber-Lash-Extension-web1-362x540

By Lisa Gal

Goddess by Nature fiber lash extension mascara kit is your answer to heart fluttering lashes, minus the lash loss. Typical eyelash extensions can damage or even make you lose existing lashes when removed. This 2 part mascara application kit thickens, extends and enhances your natural lashes by up to 300% and the bonus, you can keep your lashes! The lightweight brush on black fibers contain high grade beeswax to help the fibers adhere to your lashes. Beeswax also helps promote lash growth, helps cells regenerate faster and keeps bacteria at bay. To remove the fibers, simply use warm water or make-up remover. Hollywood Swag Bag is going to make Emmy nominees lash ready by gifting them with Goddess by Nature lash extension mascara kits along with their Luxury Face + Body Gourmet Coffee Scrub Mask in their rooms at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.

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September 10, 2015

Cheat Clean with Quest Bars

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By Lisa Gal

With more protein than your typical bar, the Double Chocolate Chunk Bar by Quest will make you feel like you are indulging instead of trying to eat healthy. Not only do these bars have no added sugar, they are junk free and gluten free and they taste great too! “Quest is the first truly low carb bar with no simple carbs. A perfect meal in your pocket!” Their best selling bar is like eating a spoonful of Chocolate Cookie Dough (aptly named) that you were forbidden to have when you were a kid. Food should taste as good as it is good for you. Hollywood Swag Bag is going to be helping some of the Emmy nominees be comfortably full while they walk the red carpet on the 20th, by including Quest Bars in their hotel room swag bags at the Four Seasons Hotel.

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September 9, 2015

SKINDINAVIA 10-Year anniversary

The Makeup Artist’s Choice For Flawless 16-Hour Makeup

skindinavia award

Award-winning cosmetics brand SKINDINAVIA celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The original authority on makeup finishing sprays, SKINDINAVIA is the professional choice for that all-day just-applied look. Applied as a lightweight, breathable mist, SKINDINAVIA makeup finishing sprays are the only product clinically-proven to set liquid and powder makeup and hold cosmetics vibrantly in place for up to 16 hours.

SKINDINAVIA recently expanded its lineup with the first and only lightweight, silicone-free primer spray that delivers a smooth canvas for impeccable, long-wear makeup application that offers long-term skin benefits. The lightweight, good-for-you oil-control primer spray delivers a balanced canvas for all-day makeup wear that slows oil production, prevents redness, uneven skin tone and large pores.

Skindinavia was created in one of the more unlikely places. It was there, at a Miami nightclub, that eventual SKINDINAVIA founder Allen Goldman found inspiration – in the face of glitter, lipstick and oppressive heat.

Cosmetics industry veteran, Goldman found himself surrounded by melted makeup. Beautiful women mingled with shiny foundation and streaked bronzer, fanning their faces to no avail. Drawing upon his cosmetic industry experience, he theorized that if he was able to keep makeup from becoming overheated, he could solve the problem of makeup meltdown that had yet to have a solution. That day SKINDINAVIA was born.

Goldman earned access to top national chemists and an interesting ingredient piqued his interest. He observed a new temperature-control technology could provide a time-released cooling property on the surface of the skin when needed.  He then came up with the simple idea of using this to keep the makeup surface cool to prevent makeup meltdown and excess shine.

The product launched to the acclaim of high-style film and television studio artists in New York and Los Angeles as it greatly reduced the need for touch-ups on set during long days under hot studio lighting. Tested under extreme conditions for makeup such as NYC subways, Vegas showgirls performing in 110 degree heat and Lady Gaga’s international tours, SKINDINAVIA has become the number one choice of global makeup artists community and by women everywhere who want to be sure their makeup always looks freshly applied.

“I gave it a good test run by sleeping in my makeup after the GLAMOUR Women of the Year Awards and

I’m happy to say that I woke up looking just as fresh as I went to bed the night before.”

– Andrea Pomerantz Lustig

SKINDINAVIA, founded in 2005 by cosmetics industry veteran Allen Goldman, creates products that set and enhance the work of makeup artists during long days under hot studio lighting. Our revolutionary Makeup Finishing Spray was launched in 2007, after two years of development, to the acclaim of high-style film and television studio artists in New York and Los Angeles as it greatly reduced the need for touch-ups on set. It remains the only makeup setting product clinically tested to hold for 16 hours.

SKINDINAVIA was the first brand to use patented Temperature Control Technology to keep makeup from melting and becoming too shiny and is clinically-proven to keep those colors vibrant for up to 16 hours. Today, SKINDINAVIA is the number one choice of global makeup artists community and by women everywhere who want to be sure their makeup always looks freshly applied.

Read more about SKINDINAVIA Makeup Finishing Spray …

The only makeup spray to be clinically-proven to extend makeup wear for 16+ hours. Used by Lady Gaga, Fergie on tour!

  • 90% of users agree: their makeup looked as good at the end of the day as the moment it was applied.
  • Proven to help keep makeup from settling into pores, fine lines and wrinkles.
  • The patented Temperature Control Technology® keeps the makeup surface cool to avoid melting or sliding.

Read more about SKINDINAVIA Makeup Primer Spray

The first silicone-free makeup spray primer on the market. Silicone is so slippery it can actually make your makeup “pool” into pores. This primer has been clinically shown to reduce pore size, redness and users also noticed fewer breakouts and balanced sebum production over 4 weeks, it’s like you’re misting the equivalent of green juice, let’s say, on your skin every single day that helps your it rebound and counteract the effects of talcs, foundation, etc.

skindinavia makeup primer spray results

In a third-party clinical trial:

  • 93% of users said it made their pores look less noticeable.
  • 97% said their skin appears less oily throughout the day.
  • 90% said their makeup has never looked better!

Personal note: I tried The MakeUp Primer Spray and am anxious to see the complete results with the Makeup Finishing Spray. I must remember to “shake it well” as directed on the bottle – So be sure to do that first. I have a habit of forgetting but I am working on that. I do see a great improvement in my make up settling into my (YIKES, must I say it…) fine lines and wrinkles. It doesn’t settle there! I follow the package directions and spray 3 to 4 times in an X and T formation.  It feels so refreshing going on, I can’t help but spray some on my neck and decollete too.  I want to give it a week or so more of use to find even better improvement in the results. I hope to report back soon on the Finishing Spray! Lisa 🙂

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September 9, 2015

2015’s Best and Worst States to Have a Baby

WalletHub baby

 

With September being one of the most popular months for newborn arrival in the U.S. and Americans paying the most expensive birthing costs in the world, the leading personal finance website WalletHub conducted an in-depth analysis of 2015’s Best and Worst States to Have a Baby.

To help expectant parents gauge their baby-planning costs, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 21 key metrics. Our data set includes such metrics as delivery costs, average annual infant-care costs, the per-capita number of midwives and OB-GYNs, and the per-capita number of child care centers.

Best States to Have a Baby Worst States to Have a Baby
1 Vermont 42 Arkansas
2 North Dakota 43 Alabama
3 Oregon 44 Georgia
4 Hawaii 45 Louisiana
5 Minnesota 46 New York
6 Kentucky 47 Nevada
7 Maine 48 South Carolina
8 Wyoming 49 West Virginia
9 Iowa 50 Pennsylvania
10 Alaska 51 Mississippi

Key Stats

  • The average annual infant-care costs in the District of Columbia are four times more expensive than in Mississippi.
  • The infant-death rate in Mississippi is twice as high as in Iowa.
  • Vermont has nine times more child care centers per capita than West Virginia.
  • The rate of low birth-weight in Mississippi is twice as high as in Alaska.
  • The District of Columbia has 13 times more OB-GYNs per capita than Alabama.
  • California has the best parental leave policies, whereas 17 states — such as Arizona, Michigan or South Carolina — tied for the worst.
  • Vermont has 12 times more pediatricians per capita than New Mexico.


For the full report and to see where your state ranks, please visit:
http://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-states-to-have-a-baby/6513/

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September 9, 2015

Luggage, Red Carpet Style

OlympiaLuggageBy Lisa Gal

Olympia Luggage has wowed us again with their Luxe carry-on on wheels weighing in at a mere 7.9 lbs. Their four-wheel spinner system helps you go wherever you need to go with ease. Equipped with a revolutionary wet pack pocket inside, you are able to protect your clothes from leaks and spills. Dual buckle tie-belts, multiple zipper pockets, retractable handle and corner guards are just a few more of the important features of the 21″ carry-on. Available in red, deep purple, plum and black this Luxe bag is made with Ballistic polyester making it easy to spot clean. Olympia’s versatile carry-on will be the perfect fit for all of the swag being gifted to the guests and Emmy nominees staying at the Four Seasons Hotel later this month.

 

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September 9, 2015

Beverly Hills eyebrows are now yours with Anastasia

I was recently introduced to one of the hippest, newest products on the market today that focuses mostly on the eyebrows. Anastasia of Beverly Hills has everything (and I do mean everything) you need to build, shape and color your perfect brow. Originally gone to school to become an architect. Anastasia developed away to take that training & transform it into your own. Her technique simply takes each person’s individual bone structure and with the right stencil you go from there. While watching Alexa do my eyebrows I looked at the stencil and I swear it looked like a blueprint lol.

Anastasia of Beverly Hills

Anastasia of Beverly Hills

Although mostly known for brows, Anastasia now offers contour kits, foundation, powder and much more. So next time you are in your local ULTA, Macy’s or just browsing online check out Anastasia Beverly Hills and get the red carpet brows you have always wanted! Even online will help you find a salon near you so you can make an apt.

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September 8, 2015

Better Not Bitter

By Lisa Gal

Hot coffee on a warm morning is not as enjoyable as Austin, Texas based cold-brew High Brew Coffee. All under 60 calories these 8 ounce gems of cold-brew coffee are available in 5 irresistible flavors. Stay alert while you indulge in flavors like Salted Caramel and Mexican Vanilla. Cold brewing adds more antioxidants, caffeine and less acid than traditionally brewed coffee. Cold brewing refers to the process of steeping coffee grounds in water for an extended period. Using 100% Fair Trade Arabica beans from the Oaxaca region of Mexico this process gives a smoother, bolder and less bitter end result. High Brew Coffee will be included in the Hollywood Swag Bags being gifted at the Four Seasons Hotel during the 2015 Emmy award weekend.

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September 8, 2015

Miracle Revival Mud will have your skin Muddy to Glowing in Minutes

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I can’t pass up trying a new facial mask, especially if it’s from Sarah McNamara’s Miracle Skin Transformer line. I have used many of her products and Miracle Rival Mud lives up to the name. With a little bit of time, only 15 minutes, and a little bit of mud, you will have glowing skin. Miracle Revival Mud doesn’t peel off and doesn’t tighten your skin, you simply apply the mud to your face and wait for it to dry. As the mud dries imagine all the vitamins and antioxidants it contains, soaking into your skin. Some of the key ingredients are Manuka Honey, Green Tea and Mushroom extracts. Miracle Revival Mud also helps with your skins elasticity while helping to reduce blemishes.

Miracle Revival Mud is formulated with a special absorbing action helping to “unclog pores, deliver natural nourishment, eliminate dead skin cells and detoxify impurities. Skin feels comfortably refreshed, invigorated, and youthful“.

One of the things I love about this mask is as you rinse it off, an exfoliation process occurs while rubbing the mud in circular motions. The exfoliation is so gentle you won’t even notice it. The result? Your skin is left feeling soft, smooth and cleansed. Miracle Revival Mud also helps with your skins elasticity while helping to reduce blemishes.

According to their website, “Extensive studies have shown that this bioactive silt shows superior activity in comparison to Dead Sea Mud, Fango Mud and Moor Mud in increasing skin moisture, reduces sebum flow, increases cell turnover by 92% and leaving the skin feeling smooth and soft.”  I like to say, with Miracle Revival Mud, the muddier, the better.

Sarah McNamara’s Miracle Skin Transformer is available for $38 at Kohl’s  beauty counters and at miracleskintransformer.com.

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September 7, 2015

Hemp for Your Whole Family

By Lisa Gal

Manitoba Harvest offers hemp based nutrition for the whole family. Hemp Hearts contain 10 grams of plant-based protein and 10 grams of Omegas, which means they have more protein and omegas and less carbs than the same serving of chia or flax. Sprinkle it on your salad, cereal or yogurt for a slightly nutty flavor with an added crunch (and yes, you will still be able to walk afterwards). Hemp contains 0.001% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and will NOT cause a psychoactive effect. Manitoba Harvest brand products can be purchased at Whole Foods, Sprouts and the Vitamin Shoppe to name a few. Hollywood Swag Bag is including these Canadian based products in their bags being gifted to the guests and Emmy nominees staying at the Four Seasons Hotel this award season.

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September 7, 2015

One Sip Leaves you Wanting More

Rum Chata

By Lisa Gal

Caribbean Rum and the finest dairy cream from Wisconsin make for the best cream liquor money can buy. RumChata is a smooth, contemporary drink that leaves no regrets. Perfect chilled or at room temperature you really can’t go wrong with this Horchata flavored cocktail with a kick. Mix it with coffee over ice for a perfect late night treat or add it to your favorite recipe for a little something special. (You can check out more recipe ideas here.) Hand bottled in beautiful white glass this modern take on the current cream liquor options is here to stay. What a perfect gift to partake of the night before the 2015 Emmy Awards being gifted by Hollywood Swag Bag to the nominees staying at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills. Real ingredients, unreal taste.

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