July 3, 2014

Seven Steps to a Flawless “No-Makeup” Selfie

 

Love them or loathe them, selfies are sticking around this summer. Plus, the “no makeup” selfie trend continues to show up on our newsfeeds – including in posts from celebs like Selena Gomez, a client of our Simple Advisory Board makeup artist, Gita Bass. While our favorite famous faces might have good genes and a team of professionals to help them look flawless under any filter, we wanted to share a few tips on how to achieve a glowing “no-makeup” selfie on behalf of Simple Skincare and celebrity makeup artist Gita Bass.

Simple Skincare

Simple Skincare

GITA BASS ON TAKING A MAKEUP-FREE SELFIE:

1.       Good lighting is key! Go near a window or a soft diffuse light and stay away from overhead lighting, especially if it’s fluorescent!

2.       Always stick your jaw out a little like a turtle (trust me) – It will give you a defined jaw and prevents the dreaded double chin.

3.       If you need a flash, make sure to blot the t-zone to avoid looking greasy.

4.       When looking a little dark under the eyes, angle your face up and shoot from above – this will fill in the circles and give you great cheekbones.

IF YOU MUST WEAR MAKEUP, GITA RECOMMENDS:

5.       Keep it sneaky: a well applied tinted moisturizer or light foundation should be applied with a light hand, and blended with a damp beauty blender. Cellphone pics tend to bring out redness and imperfections, so a great concealer works wonders.

6.       For a rosy glow that looks natural, apply a bronzing powder where the sun naturally hits: cheekbones, forehead, nose and chin, and then layer a cream blush onto the apples of the cheeks. Blend well with your fingers by pressing the blush into your skin so there are no lines and it looks like your own flush.

7.       To make eyes pop, curl lashes and apply a very light coat of mascara. Make sure to brush through to eliminate any telltale clumps.

AND A FINAL WORD OF WISDOM:

A recent survey by Simple Skincare found that over a quarter (27%) of women in the top cities nationwide report that the longest they’ve gone without washing their face is at least two days! Glowing, healthy-looking skin should always be the first step in any selfie – whether wearing makeup or not. Start with a clean slate by using Simple Radiance Cleansing Wipes, which have no harsh chemicals, no artificial perfumes or dyes that can upset skin, and contain skin-loving ingredients and added vitamins.

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July 2, 2014

Lauren b. Creates Spectacular Nail Colors Inspired by the City of Los Angeles

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As you can see, the nail polishes from the new Lauren b. Beauty Nail Couture Collection are stunning. My favorite color, which is the perfect color for any ocasion is “City of Angels” (shown above). The polishes are easy to apply and lasts about 2 weeks on your nails, which is perfect because I usually change my polish every 2 weeks. Lauren b. Polishes is formulated to be fast drying,  chip resistant, long lasting and has a stunning glossy finish. When Lauren b. polishes are used with their Base Coat or Nail Protector along with Lauren b.’s amazing Gel Like Top Coat.

Another amazing fact about Lauren b. polishes is that they are all eco- and vegan-friendly (containing no formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene or camphor), and proudly made in the USA.

Each trendy color from “Hollywood Blvd” to “City of Angels” is inspired by the city of Los Angeles. View more of Lauren b. Nail colors and nail treatments at  http://www.laurenbbeauty.com.

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Jenna Raheb, Guest blogger

 

 

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June 24, 2014

For Clear and Soft Skin…Turn to AMBI Skincare

Ambi

Ambi

For the past two weeks I have been using Ambi Spot Treatment, and I can honestly say it has been working like a charm. Ambi’s even & clear Acne Spot Treatment with Advanced 5% Micro-Benzoyl Peroxide has helped me out with those stubborn pimples that seem to pop out of nowhere. Throughout my teenage years I have tried my fair share of acne products. I have always been flopping around from different brands because not one had seemed to work really well.  But I have a feeling I won’t be using this product for two weeks, I think I finally found a keeper! When applied to my face it is a white lotion, and when applied to my troubled spots it feels soft, gentle, and dries clear to my face. I gave this product the “two week test” and I can truthfully say my face is much more even-toned then it was before; and of course the most important part, my pimples are completely gone. My face feels healthy and beautiful and all it took was Ambi Acne Spot Treatment… who would have known!

Ambi

I have also been using Ambi even & clear Makeup Removing Cleansing Cloths. As we grow older and have more responsibilities are days and nights become longer and at the end of the day we all just want to go to bed. Before bed my nightly routine of washing up usually takes a good 15-20 minutes. Sometimes I cannot wait that long and I am falling asleep while brushing my teeth. These Cleansing Cloths are the perfect trick for nights like these. It is an easy and fast way to take off all my makeup and takes less than 30 seconds to do so. I don’t even have to wash my face afterwards because after taking off the makeup, the cloths are cleansing the skin of its impurities. The one thing I LOVE about this product is the texture of the cloths which is a soft silky consistency and feels amazing as it’s rubbed up against my face. I am the type of person who has sensitive skin, and this product did not irritate my skin, in fact it made my skin wanting more!

All Ambi Skincare products can be purchased at drug and beauty supply stores nationwide.

0-7Christina Carlino

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June 20, 2014

Sally Hansen Hits the Red Carpet

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Anne Hathaway looks simply georgous on the red carpet during the 2014 Met Ball. Her dress is beautiful and she is wearing my favorite nail polish, Sally Hansen Hard as Nails. I love the color she is wearing and thought to myself, can my nails look as great as Anne Hathaway’s. As you can see from the photo below, I applied 2 coats of “Unbreakable Heart” and and was extremely pleased with the results. Sally Hansen Nail Polishes are easy to apply and quick to dry. When you add a coat of Triple Shine Top Coat, your nails will have a super shine and also helps your polish become chip resistant.

Sally Hansen

Sally Hansen

Check out all that Sally Hansen has to offer at sallyhansen.com. Sally Hansen products can also be found in drugstores nationwide.

Jenna Raheb, Guest Blogger

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June 17, 2014

A Fabulous Recipe from Chef Daniel Green

Chef Daniel Green

Chef Daniel Green

The gals at It’s a Glam Thing love great food and handsome chefs! We are thrilled to have Chef Daniel Green share a recipe with us here and we look forward to having him back with more!

DANIEL GREEN, the Model Cook(™) is an internationally known Chef and author of 10 best selling cookbooks. Currently seen daily in the United States on television’s ShopHQ, this UK native is sharing the following recipe from his cookbook, HEALTHY EATING FOR LOWER CHOLESTEROL!

Chef Daniel Green

SPANISH OMELET

This is an easy dish to make.  If you have any left over, keep in the fridge and save for later- it is good cold as well as hot.  Add a variety of whatever vegetables are in season, to suit your own taste.  Serves 6.
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable (canola) oil, plus extra for greasing
3 large potatoes very thinly sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
6 eggs
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Freshly ground black pepper
Dash of Tabasco sauce
*Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.  Use the oil to grease an 8×12 inch baking tray.
*Heat the oil in a large skillet and cook the potatoes until nearly soft, then add the onion and cook until it is transparent.  Turn into a large bowl and set aside to cool.
*Lightly beat the eggs and pour over the potatoes and onions.  Add the paprika, pepper and Tabasco sauce and mix well.
*Tip the mixture into the baking tray and cook in the oven for about 35 minutes until the center is cooked (it should wobble when shaken).  Alternatively, if your skillet has an ovenproof handle, pour the mixture back into the skillet, cook for a few minutes over a low heat, then place in the oven for 30 minutes.
*Cut into pizza-style wedges and serve.
Per serving: 202 calories, 10.1g fat, 2.1g saturated fat, 0.08g sodium

 

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June 16, 2014

When to Start Shaping Eyebrows

Boom Boom Brow Bar

June, 2014 (New York, NY) – How young is too young when a unibrow is involved?  Teenage girls have enough on their plates, they shouldn’t stress about unwanted facial hair. “Encourage your kids to come to you if something is bothering them, like their eyebrows.  Find a good professional that can shape brows, but not too much because they are so young and if too much is removed, it may not grow back,” explains Boom Boom, owner of Boom Boom Brow Bar.

 

It’s all about being open and having good communication – if young girls sneak tweezing, the damage is done to the hair follicle early and could lead to a lifetime of no growth or bad brows.  Seriously!!  “Yes, hair that does not grow back is GREAT in certain circumstances, but not because you butchered your brows at 9,” says Boom Boom.  “I mean, we’ve all made mistakes (wink, wink).”

The average younger age that Boom Boom shapes is about 12.  She even believes that starting at 10 is fine if a professional is involved…and if a unibrow is in play, then even earlier.  “It’s all about boosting confidence – there’s no reason a young girl should have to walk around feeling less than fabulous about herself.  We can save this world, one brow at a time!” she adds

Now teenagers will be teenagers, so if they have that rebel streak and make more mistakes than others, they can always use a powder to fill in holes or sparse areas.  Boom Boom Brow Boostiers brow powder (comes in four colors) http://youtu.be/gjpyyaPu1dg fills in holes, extends the length and makes brows look fuller. Simply brush brows up and out and apply powder – it’s much more natural looking than pencil. These mineral powders are hypoallergenic and free of fragrance, oil, talc, dyes and fillers, are virtually weightless and deliver rich color pigment. Comes in four colors (Aretha, Tina, Bette and Dolly).  When choosing a color, try to match natural hair undertones – go lighter for a more natural look or darker for a dramatic bolder look.

Aretha: Black brunette brown – think Queen Latifa, Lucy Lou and Salma Hayek http://amzn.com/B00HVK0YQC

Tina: True chocolate brown – think J Lo, Sophia Vergara and Sandra Bullock http://amzn.com/B00HVIL5G2

Bette (most universal color): Cool light brown undertones – think Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Anniston, Jessica Alba and Christina Aguilera http://www.amzn.com/B00HVIDPHO

Dolly: Blonde with warm reddish hint – think Amy Adams, Emma Stone and Nicole Kidman http://amzn.com/B00HVIIHIG

Malynda Vigliotti (aka Boom Boom) is the flashiest waxer in NYC.  She’s obsessed with brows – 100,000+ served at Boom Boom Brow Bar in NYC – and sees no reason why everyone shouldn’t have thick, gorgeous eyebrows.  She makes waxing fun and affordable for everyone, just walk-in to 35 Seventh Avenue or one of three Ricky’s NYC locations (Murry Hill/369 Third Avenue, Soho/590 Broadway and 39th Street/1412 Broadway #BoomBoomAtRickys).  Check out what’s cooking on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/boomboombrowbar; Twitter: http://twitter.com/boomboombrowbar; Instagram: http://www.instagram/boomboombrowbar.com.

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June 13, 2014

Get Fabulous Lashes with Lash Mania – Reloaded by Essence

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Ever walk through your favorite cosmetic store and get so bombarded by the hundreds of brands of makeup to choose from? Usually I do not know where to turn to first. When choosing a mascara it can be pretty difficult. Mostly every mascara on the market advertises its ability to make your lash’s have extra volume, to have the power to make them appear extra long, or if they are really good it will say once your apply it will make you look like you have on false lashes. The question is which one is really what it says it is? For the first time ever I tried Essence Lash Mania- reloaded and this one does say it has a false lash effect. Well, I took this one to test to see if it really was what it says it is. Once I applied an even amount on my lash’s, I have to say it is probably one of the best mascara’s I have ever used. As you can see, the length and volume is incredible. It really makes it look like I have fake eye lash’s on!! One of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to mascara is when I apply it; it leaves them clumpy, and stuck together. I am proud to say this mascara did not do any of that! Each lash was evenly spread out and clump free! I would recommend this mascara to anyone. I guarantee, you will have people asking what kind of mascara you are using… or even if you’re wearing false lashes! – Great product, you will not be disappointed. essence.eu/us/

Christina Carlino

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May 31, 2014

Whip Your Feet into Summer Ready Shape!

Skyy Hadley

Skyy Hadley

With the weather warming up, it’s time to whip our feet into summer-ready shape! Skyy Hadley has the perfect at-home recipe to give your feet a relaxing experience while soothing and exfoliating the skin for super soft results!

Skyy Hadley

Skyy Hadley

Skyy Hadley’s Recipe for a Light Cucumber Shell Mask

o   Start with 2 whole cucumbers (one per foot), 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of olive oil; mix in a blender until pureed.

o   Pour the mixture into a bowl and heat it up to warm temperature.

o   Place half of the mixture in a large Ziploc baggie and half in a second baggie.

o   Slide feet right into each baggie, rubbing cucumber mask until each foot is fully soaked.

o   Leave on for 5-10 minutes then rinse with warm water.

o   The cucumber is extra refreshing and reviving for tired toes, the lemon helps exfoliate and the olive oil deeply moisturizes for super softness.

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May 7, 2014

Thinking about Mothers Day Gifts? Think about Korres

Korres

Korres

Still searching for the perfect (last minute) Mother’s Day gift? Korres has the solution! Treat your mother with the Korres Luxury Body Butter Trio!  This trio is a blend of skin-quenching and aromatic Body Butters and is ideal for the upcoming Summer months.

Korres Luxury Body Butter Trio: These beautifully scented, creamy Body Butters are enriched with natural shea butter and quince extract to soften, moisturize, and rejuvenate the skin. Sunflower, almond, and avocado oils deeply nourish, help improve skin elasticity and smoothness, and provide head-to-toe hydration. Each Body Butter contains a blend of over thirteen unique natural butters, emollients, extracts, and oils known to soften and revitalize dry, tired skin. The three aromatic scents include: Vanilla Guava, a blend of tropical fruits with a warm aroma of vanilla; Jasmine, which bursts with a captivating aroma of newly opened jasmine buds; and Apple Blossom, which features a crisp blend of freshly blossomed apples. 

Price: $39

Where to Purchase:  Sephora.com

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May 7, 2014

Start Spreading The News! Boom Boom Brow Bars Arrive at Ricky’s NYC! Opens May 2014 (wink, wink)

BoomBoom Brow Bar

Boom Boom Brow Bar

May, 2014 (New York, NY) – It’s the hook up of the century, Boom Boom, owner of Boom Boom Brow Bar – the eyebrow queen of NYC, is now in Ricky’s NYC at four locations for super FUN waxing-a-go-go. Real brows for REAL people, 7 days a week 11-7, walk-in!

“As the original NYC one-stop-shop for all things beautiful, Ricky’s is so excited to partner with another hometown hero! Ricky’s and Boom Boom share the same goal – to make each and every New Yorker more badass, bold, and most of all, BEAUTIFUL! – Roger Quesada, Ricky’s NYC

It’s a beautiful relationship, Boom Boom and her waxing mavens will put staff through Boom Boom Boot Camp to ensure their signature BIG BOLD BROWS are done in 10 minutes, with no arch left behind. It really is the most fun anyone can have removing hair – services include brow tints and brow/lip waxes. Shop at Ricky’s NYC and get an affordable, fun beauty pick-me-up in 10 minutes…what’s not to LOVE?!! Want more? Check out Happy Hour every Monday-Friday 4-5, and get a FREE lip wax with brow wax!

“You asked, so we’re doing it – no more lines on the weekends, just head to Ricky’s in your hood,” says Boom Boom who will blanket NYC with Brow Goodness at Ricky’s 39th Street, Ricky’s Soho, and Ricky’s Gramercy at 27th Street – BOOMing brows for ALL. “We offer walk-in services because it’s so much more convenient and we have the client sit up to better access their brow shape. We’re known for our big bold brows, which are very hot right now,” she adds.

Leave it to Ricky’s to provide NYC with the best in brow services by partnering with Boom Boom Brow Bar. Just one more example of why the stores are as unique and ever-changing as the customers who shop them! New Yorkers are definitely not going to find a service like this at the corner drug store or small niche beauty shop.

Malynda Vigliotti (aka Boom Boom) is the flashiest waxer in NYC. She’s obsessed with brows – 100,000+ served at Boom Boom Brow Bar in NYC – and sees no reason why everyone shouldn’t have thick, gorgeous eyebrows. After all, they are the most important feature on the face and THE best accessory EVA! Boom Boom knows there’s no such thing as natural beauty, but she does believe a perfectly done brow is an instant eyelift – no Botox necessary! She makes waxing fun and affordable for everyone, just walk-in! Website: www.boomboombrowbar.com; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boomboombrowbar; Twitter: http://twitter.com/boomboombrowbar; Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/Boomboombrowbar

Ricky’s NYC has been a part of New York’s urban-chic culture for twenty five years. Playing host to a diverse, cult-like following of clientele, Ricky’s is synonymous with beauty and funky sophistication. From style- conscious teenagers and their suburbanite moms to Hollywood celebrities and their professional stylists, Ricky’s relevance in the world of beauty and fashion influences with limitless reach. www.Rickysnyc.com, www.facebook.com/Rickysnyc, www.twitter.com/rickys_nyc, www.instagram.com/rickys_nyc, Contact: d2 publicity, ereka@d2publicity.com, shay@d2publicity.com, 212.421.6485.

Boom Boom Brow Bar at Ricky’s NYC Locations: 590 Broadway, 369 3rd Avenue, and 1412 Broadway

 

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