March 13, 2011

Bling Strands, Bling Jewels & Fancy Feathers

The gals at Bling Strands always have fun at the beauty shows! Today I got to spend some time with them at ABS Chicago. The booth was swamped. The pace was fast. The customers were great. We had a fabulous time!

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March 13, 2011

Avalon, The Science of Hair Care

Avalon is a hit at ABS Chicago!

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March 13, 2011

CND Shellac

CND Shellac at the ABS Chicago show.

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March 13, 2011

Fake Bake at ABS Chicago

I just stopped by the Fake Bake booth at the Chicago ABS show and checked out some demos…wow! Fake Bake has a fabulous line of self tan and skin care products that everyone at It’s a Glam Thing loves! www.fakebake.com .

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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 28, 2011

In Person ~ Sean Kanan and Christian LeBlanc from Young and the Restless


See Young and the Restless Soap Stars Sean Kanan and Christian LeBlanc :

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Brokerage Entertainment Club
2797 Merrick Road
Bellmore, NY
(516) 785-8655
Showtime: 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: $73.00 includes tax

AND

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club
520 Arnold Avenue
Point Pleasant, NJ
(732) 899-3900
Showtime: 12:00 p.m.
Tickets: $65 includes coffee and asst. baked goods

CALL for tickets now !!

PHOTOS COURTESY : Anthony Turk / Turk Entertainment PR

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