March 11, 2011

Wearing of the Green with Hard Candy

It’s good to be green…….whether we are taking about being eco friendly, or the color which was certainly a hot color for the spring fashions!  In time for St. Patrick’s Day, and readying us for spring, Hard Candy has all of us make-up lovers covered! Hard Candy is letting us wear the green, from pale green to emerald, and all colors in between. 1,000 Lashes Fiberized Mascara in Mermaid Teal, Powder Keg Hi-Explosive Loose Pigment Eye Shadow in Kryptonite, Walk the Line Liquid Eye liner in Lucky, Kal-Eye Descope Baked Eyeshadow Duo in Break Up, Meteore,Eyes Baked Shadow in Space Cadet, Eye Candy Cream Glitter Shadow in Ammo, Take Me Out Chopsticks Liner in Money and Camo, and Eye Def Glittery Eye Shadow in Algae help us get ready for spring! Make-up we can play with and at prices that won’t cost us lots of green!

And green eye shadow isn’t just for the St Patrick’s Day. The color is actually quite versatile and allows a full range of looks. It can be used to create a soft, ethereal look, or a bold and playful one. It depends on which shades you use and how you apply them. The key to successfully pulling off green eye make-up? Keep the rest of your make-up fairly neutral in color. This will put the focus and spotlight on your eyes.

For those of us new (or scared!) to green, I’ve found blending it with my everyday colors creates great depth. I am a big fan of blending in general, and am constantly layering on the colors and playing.  An easy way to try out green eye make-up without overdoing it is to line your bottom eyelid with a green liner. Blending it in with your every day make-up creates a subtle, yet pop of color flash.  Hard Candy’s Take Me out Chopsticks Liner in Money, with its little shimmer to catch the light looks amazing when splashed below your lashes.  I will also pop a layer of Mermaid Teal Fiberized Lash Weave Mascara over a coat of black and really concentrate it at the tips of the lashes. Hard Candy gives us the chance to get a head start with the hot spring beauty color, experiment, and wear it with confidence.

Hard Candy is available exclusively at Walmart and Walmart.com. Visit them at hardcandy.com, on facebook @Hard Candy, and twitter@hereshardcandy.

Make your friends green with envy and may the luck of the Irish be with you this year!

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March 9, 2011

International Beauty Show

The cuts, the styles, the colors, the make-up…………..

a dazzling display of all things beauty was evident at the 2011 IBS (International Beauty Show) at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. The IBS in conjunction with the International Esthetics, Cosmetics and Spa Conference made midtown Mahattan West come alive!

The IBS New York is one of  the biggest, longest-running professional only events in the beauty field. In 2010, the  International Beauty Show New York more than 53,000 beauty, salon and spa professionals participated from across the world. The IBS New York had more than 450 exhibitors and showcased the latest in hair care, nails, cosmetics, tools, furniture, apparel and business technology manufacturers.

I look forward to bringing you all the insight I picked up at the show in future blogs……….

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March 4, 2011

Re-creating Oscar Worthy Looks with Juliana Landis

Okay, if you have ever seen a picture of someone in a magazine, or a red carpet event and wondered how to get that look, I have a treat for you. LA based make-up connoisseur Juliana Landis (www.julianalandis.com) is here to explain how we at home can get some of these looks. Here Juliana will dissect the look of Natalie Portman and Jennifer Lawrence, two beauties that glowed on the red carpet at the Oscars. With our tips from Juliana, these looks are easy to achieve and are perfect for Spring! 

 Make-up artist and eyelash expert Juliana Landis has known from a young age that she has a love affair with fashion, glamour and beauty. Growing up in Liverpool, England with a Malaysian father in the Navy and a Scottish mother in the theatre, she was exposed to many different cultures as well as backstage life. She learned make-up application in school and England. A move to Malaysia began her commercial modeling career. Modeling in the East, with stints in Singapore, Tokyo and Hong Kong, she was able to learn from the amazing make-up artists who surrounded her. She finished her education at the prestigious London Eshetique College of Beauty Therapy and Make-up and worked in the spa industry.

Following her dreams, she moved to Los Angeles and received her esthetician license and Make-up Designory (MUD). Since her arrival in the U.S., she has successfully gained a reputation and strong following for being the leader in both make-up, brow shaping and lash extensions. Formerly at renowned Beverly Hills Salon, UMBERTO, she is now available at her studio or on location for brow shaping and eyelash extensions.

Many thanks to Juliana for helping us understand step-by step as how to achieve Natalie Portman and Jennifer Lawrence stunning looks and re-create them at home.

 

 On Oscar night, we saw Natalie Portman looking stunning in a deep purple Rodarte dress, which from the looks we saw on the carpet it will definitely be a standout color for the Spring season.  Natalie’s complexion was naturally glowing as a mommy to be and her make-up was soft and pretty to highlight that. To re-create this look start with a primer and a light tinted moisturizer, lightly conceal around the eyes nose and mouth and use a setting powder such as Mac’s Mineralize, to help set the makeup for the evening. Use a neutral shade all over from the lid to brow with a slight purple hue such as Mac’s Yogurt would be a great color, follow with a softer lilac color all over the lid such as Glomineral’s lilac and Mac’s Parfait Armour in the crease and to line the eyes for a slight smoke-y look, use a big fluffy brush to blend and finish with a waterproof mascara just in case you weep. Nars Orgasm on the apples of the cheeks to accentuate the glowing skin and a beautiful peachy gloss.

 

Red carpet newcomer, 20 year old Oscar Nominee Jennifer Lawrence rocked the red carpet in a bright red Calvin Klein Collection dress, which was very on point with this season’s red/citrus toned colors. To re-create Jennifer’s red carpet beauty style, start with a good primer followed by a great foundation such as Face Atelier’s Ultra foundation for a soft dewy finish, conceal as needed and lightly brush Mac’s Mineralize finishing powder all over.  Warm up the skin with bronzer on the forehead under the cheekbones and jawline and define the brows with a soft brow pencil and brush them out with a great brow powder. Use Mac’s Brule all over the lid to brow as a base and cover the lid with Glominerals Harvest which is a great gold taupe, use a bronze in the crease and line under the eyes with the same bronze. Jennifer’s eyes were heavily lined on the top lid with a liquid liner and finished with lots of lashes. Get her beautiful cheekbones with a rose blush and highlight just above the cheeks with an illuminizer and keep the lips nude.

 I am looking forward to seeing more step-by-step instructions from Juliana in the future!

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March 3, 2011

Soffer Ari and Noor Fares-Up and Coming Jewelry Designers

Cartier, Harry Winston, Fred Leighton, Tiffany…..there were some gorgeous baubles on display at the Oscar Ceremony earlier this week. Host Anne Hathaway got to borrow a stunning $10 million, 94 carat Tiffany Lucida Star diamond necklace. Other honorable mentions include Nicole Kidman’s 150-carat 19th century Riviere diamond necklace by Fred Leighton; Gwyneth Paltrow’s refreshingly playful, multi-toned Louis Vuitton earrings; Reese Witherspoon’s classic 35-carat emerald drop earrings, courtesy of Neil Lane; and Amy Adams was adorned in a spectacular display of bling from Cartier, reportedly worth $1.35 million. Here’s some Oscars jewelry trivia for you; the most expensive single piece of jewelry ever worn to the Oscars was a Harry Winston 15-carat blue diamond necklace worth $20 million. Gloria Stuart, nominee for best supporting actress for Titanic, wore it in 1998.

Jewelers dressing stars for an event isn’t anything new. It is said that Harry Winston began the practice of loaning jewelry to the stars in the 1943 Academy Awards. The lucky wearer was actress Jennifer Jones. She went on that evening to win the Best Actress Award, and a tradition was born.

Great bling isn’t just reserved for Red Carpet Events. Stylists, whether they work for a celebrity, or are a self fashonistas, are always looking at jewelry designers trying to find the right look. I had the pleasure of seeing several of up and coming talented designer’s lines during Fashion Week, and I would like to introduce you them in upcoming blogs. Here are two of my favorites.

Soffer Ari

The Soffer Ari (www.sofferari.com) collection encompasses not only jewelry but clothing and accessories.  The entire line is made entirely by hand in Los Angeles. Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and other precious stones are hand chosen. Even the buttons and hardware used for clothes and accessories are solid .925 sterling silver or solid gold. Their leathers come from Europe and the US and are always the finest available.

There are black diamonds, bracelets, earrings, cufflinks, leather bags and bracelets, belts and buckles, furniture and lifestyle, custom pieces galore….it is easy to see why the line is a favorite of rockers and celebs, and treasured by clients around the world! I certainly found many pieces that I loved and indulged any inner rock star goddess personas that I have! All items in the Soffer Ari line are available in select stores around the world and directly from their flagship store in Los Angeles.

Noor  Fares Jewelry

Lebanese jewelry designer Noor Fares has had an extraordinary international upbringing having lived in traveled in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. She has been able to take her range of inspirations, both in the artistic and architectural worlds and incorporate them into her jewelry.  Noor’s creations can be identified by the mark of a small secret protective eye, the eastern symbol of good luck. She has taken the concept of wearable art to a new level and every piece is created with meaning and beauty.

Currently Noor’s pieces are available only in the UK and in Lebanon, but I expect after seeing the interest in pieces during Fashion Week, we can expect to see her line in the states. For more on Noor’s line see http://www.noorfares.com.

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February 28, 2011

Oscar Swag Bags

Ever wonder what goodies the Oscar presenters and nominees get as a thank you? To get a sneak peak into this year’s bag, be sure to check out my interview on Your Carolina’s at http://www.yourcarolina.tv/ycvideo/entry/oscar_swag_bag/.

The bags themselves are works of art! They are created by Hollywood Baskets (www.hollywoodbaskets.com). Hollywood Baskets creates many of the bags used for the Hollywood Red Carpet, Events and Private Parties. Be sure to check them out!

Included in this year’s gift bag was:

Nick Chavez Beverly Hills hair product www.nickchavezbeverlyhills.com

Della Cura Body and Massage oil www.dellacura.com

Sinful Colors Silver bag filled with nail polish and polish corrector www.sinfulcolors.com

Flying Wish Paper www.flyingwishpaper.com

Book All I Want is Everything, A guide to Love Peace and Happiness by Kim Upstone www.anewdayanewvision.com

Norman Love Confections www.normanloveconfections.com

2 hour video game party by Game Truck Los Angeles, www.gametruckparty.com

Luxury Custom leather belt by Carolina Beverly Hills, www.carolina-beverlyhills.com

A pair of sunny sleevez http://sunnysleevez.com

Systeme 41 skin care essentials kit www.systeme41.com

Sasha Varon Soulgasm Parfum www.sashavaron.com

Bottle of Iceland Springs Water www.icelandspring.com

Coupon for Belinda Bentley Celebrity Psychic Medium www.belindabentley.com

Information on the charity Pajama Program www.pajamaprogram.org

Nuovo verde pin www.etsy.com/shop/nuovoverde

Lemon Essential Oil from DoTerra www.mydoterra.com/serenus

Box of Vive Aguanile Luxury Healing Candles www.viveaguanile.com

Pair of custom Lakhshara earrings www.lakhshara.com

An envelope with an invite to check the trailer for movie Azienda www.aziendathemovie.com

Ipad cover by navjack www.navjack.com

Couple sample packs of Zestra Rush Essential Oils www.zestra.com

Cd of The Vignati’s, Birth of the Gypsybilly   www.thevignatis.com

 

Book What’s on the other Side of the Rainbow (the secret of the Golden mirror) written by Carla Jo Masterson  http://www.harmonysoup.com 

 

Custom Gift Bag by Endless-Purseabilities www.endlesspurseabilities.com
Noritake The wave crystal champagne glasses (set of 2)
www.noritake.com
Red Carpet baby set from
www.onceagainkidscloset.com

Handmade necklaces from UGANDA www.humanityhealing.org

Handmade marshmallow confections from www.sweetentertainers.com

Couture art dresses by Elvis Laskin  www.elvislaskin.com

Gorgeous bikinis by www.blueglue.com

Mandy Ingber Yoga DVD Yogalosophy www.mandyingber.com

Jamal Buster Eyelashes (eyelash guru to the stars) www.jamaalbuster.com

Life Factory Glass water bottles www.lifefactory.com

Alex and Ani Bracelets www.alexandani.com eco friendly fashion

Alan Scott Jeweler leather bracelet cuffs (3) http://www.myspace.com/alanscottcelebritydesigns

Bananagrams 2 games www.bananagrams.com

Larabar raw food bars www.larabar.com

Ascended Health probiotic drops www.ascendedhealth.com

Skinny Jeans Gift Card www.skinnyjeans.com

Moroccanoil www.moroccanoil.com

Pinkberry Gift Card www.pinkberry.com

Pour it Forward T-shirt www.pouritforward.org

Sylene Washington panties www.sylenedc.com

Mike Schmid CD www.mikeschmid.com

Gift Bag presented by www.hollywoodbaskets.com

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February 22, 2011

Goldfaden=Good

And we here at It’s A Glam Thing have know that for awhile! Coming straight on the heels of their Hands On Cream being featured in New Beauty magazine with the best ever anti-aging ingredients niacin and retinol coupled with the potent antioxidant Red Tea, their new product the Alpine Rose Stem Cell Cream,  is being cited in the March issue of Marie Claire.

Marie Claire’s article “The Science of Skincare”, talks about new cutting-edge technologies that will keep you looking young forever. Stem cell therapy, one of these new cutting-edge technologies,  is taking the spotlight in medicine and also in skincare. As I had stated in my blog, January 26, 2011, the wonderful line of Goldfaden products is expanding with some exciting new products, which will surely make the beauty mavens take notice. And they have!

Goldfaden’s  Alpine Rose Stem Cell Cream, is a powerful anti-aging protective cream developed to protect skin and combat prolonged aging effects and daily stresses. The key active ingredient is Alpine Rose Leaf Extract, a Swiss flower that grows at extreme high altitudes, adapting to extreme conditions such as cold, UV and dryness.The leaves of these roses, were sourced to create an active barrier that protects skin stem cells against environmental stress factors, improves their function, and preserves the activity of the epidermal stem cells. Coupled with repairing peptides and the potent red tea antioxidant, this cream is the perfect solution for protection and repairs to the skin. Skin becomes more supple and has a radiant glow with the use of the Alpine Rose Stem Cell Cream.

Be sure to check out some more of Goldfaden’s skin care line and their new products; their Sleep renewal Night Cream, Blueberry and Pomegranate Hydrating Serum, and Vitamin D Body Lotion. Another new product is Sun Block SPF30, which provides a high level of sun protection in combination with their unique antioxidant Red Tea extract. This incredible new sun block not only protects your skin from the sun, but also repairs the skin with its antioxidant properties. Like all of the Goldfaden Preventative and Restorative Skincare line, these new products are perfect for sensitive skin.

For more information or to order the Goldfaden Skin Care Line go to  www.goldfaden.com and if in New York City, you can buy the line at The Plaza Beauty .

Shout Out to Mary Schook!

Congratulations as well to Mary Schook, another one of It’s A Glam Thing’s favorite beauty guru’s for being cited in the same article. She has customed treatments using stem cells for her devoted clientele. For more on Mary, and her MSA Apothecary see my blog January 20, 2011 and see http://msapothecary.com

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February 21, 2011

Charlie Williams

He undoubtedly gets compared to Justin Bieber. After all, they are both singers.  They are also the same age, both cute with great hair…..However, if you were to put on Charlie William’s sophomore CD Dreams Come True, I think you’d be thinking more of Josh Groban as a teenager. There is that maturity of voice that takes over and captivates you……..

Charlie Williams has been singing since he was 6. An Aunt asked him to sing the National Anthem at a parade. He did. A capella. And he and the world discovered, he could sing! He was asked to join the world-renowned VOENA (Voices of Eve’n Angel’s) Children’s Choir and was the former soloist.  VOENA, performing for such dignitaries as former Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush, as well Pope John Paul II, has enabled Charlie to study music in 20 languages and travel the world. “Through the years he has developed an amazing voice,” states VOENA Choir Director Annabelle Marie (a protégé of the esteemed vocal coach Judy Davis), “Just when I think he can’t top himself, he does.”

His 2009 debut album I Only Dream Of You (released under the name Charlie Baggett) rose to #8 on Billboard’s Classical Crossover chart and remained on the chart for 22 weeks. “Dreams Come True” is a carefully selected mix of both timeless classics (“The Rose’” “Something,” Fields Of Gold,” “Smile”) and well-known classical pieces performed with original lyrics for the first time, “Dreams Come True” showcases both the vocal mastery of this young wunderkind and ageless elegance of these songs.  My favorite is a tie between the title song and Charlie’s favorite, his cover of the old Bread song “If”.

At 16, Charlie has also shared the stage with Jon Anderson of YES, Jonathan Cain of Journey and Carlos Santana’s percussionist Karl Perazzo. He has performed as a Special Guest Artist of The California Symphony and as a featured artist for the National Association Of Women Judges. He regularly performs at local community events (including a Memorial Day ceremony honoring his late grandfathers, one of which was a WWII pilot).  And as a side note to those who schedule the Super Bowl artists, listen to his National Anthem and book this man. Not only does he know the words, he can sing it a capella!

He also generously volunteers both performance and personal time to Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. He and his family have adopted two Chihuahuas through the foundation.  All of this while being a junior in high school. He is doing independent study and his favorite subjects are physics, history and English. In some ways he is your typical 16-year-old-guy, into gaming, baseball, building websites and cars. He just got his driver’s license. Next year he gets his pilot’s license. All of his spare time is spent at the hangar or in the skies manning a Cessna 172. Aviation is in his genes, in addition to his pilot grandfather; Charlie’s great aunt was a stunt pilot during the 1930’s. I am hoping for a ride and flying tips in the future.

“Dreams Come True” is currently available on all digital download sites (iTunes, Rhapsody, etc) and is available physically through Amazon.com <http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Come-True-Charlie-Williams/dp/B004MN3HOC/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1297372657&sr=1-1. “Dreams Come True” is produced by the multi-platinum record producer Joel Diamond and multi-Grammy Winner Rudy Perez. “We are about to experience one of the most exciting new international recording artists and concert attractions in years,” says Diamond of this star-on-the-rise.  Diamond isn’t kidding!

For more on Charlie see……….http://www.CharlieWilliamsMusic.comhttp://www.Facebook.com/CharlieWilliamsMusichttp://www.Twitter.com/CharlieWMusic
 

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February 17, 2011

Light up the night to help pets in need

 

The Second Annual Brooklyn Bridge Pup Crawl

 First of all congratulations to Hickory, the Scottish Deerhound who won Best In Show in the 135th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show February 15, 2011. She is an absolutely gorgeous dog!

I’ve always found it fitting the Westminster Show was held around Valentine’s Day. Our pets show us unconditional love! One of the best things I have ever done was adopt Carmella. She has added immense happiness to my life. If you have a dog, chances are you know what I am talking about. I was interviewing Polly Blitzer, President of Beauty Blitz Media awhile back, when I learned she had just gotten Trixie, an absolutely adorable puppy. Then she, our hair and make-up stylist, and I promptly got out our phones to pass around the pictures of our canine beauties. I am told those watching us found it amusing!

 In 2009, The Brooklyn Bridge Pup Crawl was launched. It is an exciting nighttime walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge that raised funds for six non-profit partner shelter and rescue programs in New York, California and Florida. The second Brooklyn Bridge Pup Crawl will take place on Saturday, April 16, 2011 beginning at 5:30 PM in City Hall Park. Hundreds of pups and owners will convene in City Hall Park to mingle and share some puppy love before we enjoy a beautiful nighttime walk across the historic Brooklyn Bridge to take in the  Manhattan skyline and help to feed pets in need. Carmella and I will be there! Seeing all the lighted leashes on the bridge is a site to behold.

The mission of The Pup Crawl is to help shelters and rescue groups care for the millions of pets who lose their homes every year. You can register for the walk at http://www.thepupcrawl.com. The recommended donation to register for the Brooklyn Bridge Pup Crawl is $25 per human participant, which includes a free Pup Crawl Lights-Up Leash. All proceeds go to their six non-profit partners.  If you don’t live in a “Pup Crawl” location, you can still help the cause by buying leashes and encouraging your friends to get some, too.  $3 from every leash sale goes directly to a local animal shelter to help pets in need.

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February 17, 2011

Congrats to Amy Nix and Nix and Stones

Boy, do I SO love seeing people we profile on It’s a Glam Thing get some of the National Exposure that they truly deserve!! Hats off to Amy Nix, who is an IAGT fav, not only for exquisite and unique jewelry, but also for her philanthropic work.  Here she is in the March issue of People Style Watch!
There’s a good chance that Amy may be NYC bound a couple of times this year. Please “Like” nixandstones on Facebook and keep up to date with all of her wonderful work! You can see her line at The Plaza Beauty!

 

 
 
 
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February 17, 2011

Fashion Week Recap-Nicole Miller

Black, grey, gunmetal metallic silver, with splashes of persimmon and cerulean blue were the colors of Nicole Miller’s Fall 2011 ready-to-wear women’s collection. Geometric shapes and angles that played on these blending of hues were evident as Nicole Miller drew on Sol LeWitt’s sculptures and drawings as her inspiration. Miller describes the collection as “Angles over curves”.

 LeWitt believed that if you looked at any line with your eyes and mind open, the transformations of the line were endless. It could be straight, curved, broken, soft, angled, thin, or thick. One should enjoy differences. He reduced his art to a few of the most basic shapes; triangles and  quadrilaterals. Miller pays homage to LeWitt with her geometrics and the collection’s diagonal darting and seaming giving the thirty-four look collection a hip-but-oh-so-cool vibe.

 The models sported sharp lines and shapes to their faces with a slightly geometric smoky eye, peach blush and beige-y lips and grey nails to help capture the look.

To see the entire collection, as captured by our favorite photog of the fashion tents, please see Shawn’s gallery at http://shawnpunch.photoshelter.com/gallery/Nicole-Miller-Fall-2011/G0000mmzRuApbMRE/

 

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