February 20, 2014

You’ll Have Something to WINK About With Butter London

If I had to choose my favorite thing in the beauty industry, it would have to be experimenting with makeup.  I have always loved makeup because I love to experiment with colors (even hair color).  With Butter London’s WINK Earl Grey Eye Liner and WINK English Rose Cream Eye Shadow you can really bring out the artist from within.

Butter London’s WINK collection is made up of 8 eye liners, 10 cream eye shadows and 6 mascaras in many colors to experiment with.  The two I got to try were the Earl Grey Eye Liner and English Rose Cream Shadow, both very true to color and long lasting.  English Rose is a soft romantic pink cream eye shadow that goes on smoothly and lasts until you take it off.  Not only is it true to it’s color it also has a few specks of shimmer to it to give you a nice added shine.  When I used this English Rose for the first time I used it as more of a highlighter for my overall eye shadow look by placing it on the inner corner of my eye and just underneath my eye brow giving my look a little POP!

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Now the Earl Grey Eye Liner, I have to admit, I was a little nervous to use because my eyes are so deep set that darker colors make them look even smaller.  I was wrong about the Earl Grey.  Earl Grey Eye Liner is more of a charcoal grey that goes on smoothly and does not look black when its on. I have tried many “grey” eye liners and all came out way to dark.  This grey was well grey when I put it on.  Just like the English Rose Eye Shadow, the eye liner goes on smoothly and lasts all day without smearing.  With my deep set eyes I have a little trick for using this eye liner.  I don’t go all the way from end to end on my eye.  I start at the outer corner and stop halfway on my eye lid.  This makes my eye appear larger.  Now as a little added bonus I use grey eye shadow over top the eye liner to give it more of a base.

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When I first used these products  was afraid of my extremely sensitive eyes having a reaction.  I was safe.  WINK by Butter London is a very gentle line and will not cause irritation but if you are anything like me use it little by little. I always use a little at a time to see how my eyes will react and then if I notice what they do I will either proceed or stop altogether.  I had no problems what so ever.  So bring out your inner artist and try all the colors from WINK by Butter London and create your own personalized look.

Visit http://www.butterlondon.com/Cosmetics/Eye/ for all the colors you an think of. 

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February 19, 2014

Redken’s NYFW FW 2014 Marc Jacobs Recap

redken logo

 

MARC JACOBS

FALL – WINTER 2014

marc jacobs

Hair by Guido, Redken Creative Consultant

 

This season, Redken Creative Consultant Guido created a very modern shaped bob, which seems new in a way for Marc Jacobs. In the past, Guido has done choppy, punk inspired styles for this show. The cut is quite blunt, but the style and finish stems from a high-end conception of hair that requires an immaculate finish. The use of wigs only added another level of perfection to this chic hairstyle.

“The idea of tonality played heavily into the whole design aesthetic for Marc Jacobs. When Marc and I met to discuss the hairstyle, he presented a very clear conception of the color swatches and makeup shades that he had in mind. As a result, the tonality of the haircolor, the makeup and the clothing were all paired together to give a monochromatic hue from head to toe.”

 

-Guido, Redken Creative Consultant

Redken Products Used:

hardwear 16 super-strong sculpting gel

satinwear 02 prepping blow-dry lotion

iron shape 11 finishing thermal spray

control addict 28 extra high-hold hairspray

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Create the Look:

  1. Apply hardwear 16 super-strong sculpting gel to dry hair from root to ends and comb through until hair is completely saturated
  2. Divide hair into two sections (top and bottom) in the back
  3. Clip the bottom section down and out of the way
  4. Using a finishing brush, start to brush the top section flat against the head, following the round of the head in one direction. Repeat with each section, making sure it’s very clean and neat-looking when finished
  5. Blow dry hair until completely dry
  6. Apply control addict 28 extra high-hold hairspray to smooth any flyaways
  7. Place wig on head
  8. Apply satinwear 02 prepping blow-dry lotion to damp hair
  9. Blowdry hair with natural bristle brush for a smooth finish
  10. Spray iron shape 11 finishing thermal spray on hair
  11. Use a flat iron to straighten hair from root to ends
  12. Comb hair back and place headband on head
  13. Spray control addict 28 extra high-hold hairspray for a perfected finish

model of jacobs

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February 18, 2014

Be Beautiful with PONDS

The newest makeup trend, I have seen, is BB creams.  As a licensed hairstylist, I also do makeup and I have to be honest and say I didn’t really understand what the big deal with these “BB” creams was.  That was until I used PONDS Luminous Finish BB+ Cream that I saw what all the “hype” was about. Now I will not put any other makeup on until I put this on.

ponds
My skin is very blotchy, and is acne prone so anytime I put just regular foundation on you can still see my little “bumps” underneath.  That makes me feel very insecure because makeup is supposed to cover your flaws but it made me feel like people could see them even more. The first time I used PONDS BB+ I saw a difference right away.  No more redness, and my bumps were camouflaged.
I have found that putting the BB cream under my foundation gives it a nice base and makes my skin have a more even tone.  And a BIG plus is it does not make my skin look pink! With just regular foundation my skin had a tendency to change colors and make me look either pink or orange. PONDS BB+ cream has tone correcting properties to erase any uneven skin tone and dark spots. Who doesn’t love that!!!
PONDS will help camouflage and correct your skin so you can put your makeup on and forget it.  No one will be looking at your makeup, they will be looking at you 🙂 Visit www.ponds.com for a location near you!

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February 13, 2014

Hello Lucky Darling!

Just like any girl, I love perfume! I may like it too much but once I find a fragrance that I love, I have to get it.  But unlike many, I do not really have a “signature” scent.  Although I have to say that the ones that “attract” my senses are more floral.  One of the fragrances that I have found and love is called “Lucky Darling” By Lucky Brand.

Lucky Darling is a soft, romantic scent draped with notes such as ginger and pretty floral.  With Valentine’s Day here, this is a great “last minute” gift to give.  The biggest thing I think of when I think of a fragrance is love.  And lets face it girls if he likes your “scent” he will fall head over heels 😉

Another amazing feature from this fragrance is not just the scent but the bottle.  Every time I look at the bottle I feel like I am looking at rare, unique diamond.  Sometimes it’s not even the scent that attracts us, its the packaging 🙂

lucky brand

lucky brand“Lucky Darling” by Lucky Brand can be found at your local department stores such as Macy’s, macys.com or you can buy it at

http://www.luckybrand.com/#q=fragrance

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February 13, 2014

Idea: Taylor Swift Hosts Haircut Party

New Beauty Trend? Taylor Swift Has a Haircut Party – Chicago Salon Already Receiving Requests

TS Haircut

Is Taylor Swift starting a new beauty trend? This week in London, Taylor hosted a “haircut party” gathering friends like Cara Delevingne and Ellie Goulding backstage to watch as she cut her hair into a new shoulder-length bob. All the fun was captured on Instagram.
George the salon in Chicago is already seeing the ‘Swift effect’, receiving calls from women asking if the salon can host a “haircut party” just for them.
“Sometimes big changes are difficult for us and the support of your friends and family makes it easier to go through a drastic cut,” says George Gonzalez owner of George the salon. “Especially if you are nervous about a big length change, a haircut party is a great way to transition into your new style and have fun while doing it.”
Tips for Hosting a Haircut Party
  1. Give back: Connect your haircut party with a local charity and donate your hair.
  2. Location, location location: Create a night out at the salon or ask your stylist if they travel off site for special occasions.
  3. The more friends the better: Their support can be that extra push you need to go through with a big hair change.
  4. Snap it: Share photos of your favorite cuts for feedback and style suggestions as you gear up for the chop.
  5. Have fun with it: Bring some bubbly or wine to the salon for a new take on girl’s night.
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February 10, 2014

Marissa Webb’s Runway Hairstyles Created by TRESemmé

Marissa Webb’s Autumn/Winter 2014 Collection was influenced by the lifestyle of a fast-paced “industry girl.”  The collection is refined and tailored with an urban edge including pieces that are a bit oversized, yet feminine, for an effortlessly cool look that is never too perfect.  To bring the designer’s vision to life, TRESemmé Stylist Jeanie Syfu created two hairstyles that were polished yet undone, with natural matte texture and a whimsical, airy finish.
FOLLOW JEANIE’S TIPS TO RE-CREATE THE STYLES
Dual texture:
  1. Apply TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse on damp hair, and rough-dry by flipping hair over and gently pulling at the roots for lift
  2. Once dry, use a flat brush to lightly comb the hair
  3. Starting at the nape, take large horizontal sections and mist with TRESemmé Thermal Creations Curl Activator Spray.  Wrap hair loosely around the barrel of 1¼-inch and 1-inch curling irons, leaving ends out.  Alternate between irons to create an irregular wave and work your way to the top of the head
  4. Create a messy center part, and flat iron from the part to eye level
  5. Mattify hair with TRESemmé Fresh Start Renewal Dry Shampoo, then brush out to get a natural airy texture
  6. Spray the top with NEW TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Illuminating Shine Spray for a dual texture, that is both matte and shiny

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Messy Top-Knot:
  1. Apply a liberal amount of TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse to hair and rough dry with fingers, lifting at the roots
  2. Once dry, lightly brush hair and spray with NEW TRESemmé Fresh Start Renewing Dry Shampoo to mattify
  3. Backbrush the hairline for an airy perimeter of wisps.  Then, use your hands to loosely pull hair up into a high ponytail and fasten with an elastic
  4. Backbrush ponytail and twist loosely into a bun, leaving ends out. Fasten with large hair pins
  5. Finish with TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray
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Products Used:
  • NEW TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Illuminating Shine Spray
  • NEW TRESemmé Fresh Start Renewing Dry Shampoo
  • TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse
  • TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray
  • TRESemmé Thermal Creations Curl Activator Spray
Tools Used: Blow-dryer, Mason Pearson brush, clips, 1¼-inch and 1-inch curling irons, flat iron, hair pins, elastic, spray bottle
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February 10, 2014

INVITATION – A Secret Valentine’​s Shopping Event at Margo Manhattan/ Champagne & Chocolates​/ Monday, February 10, 2014/5pm to 8pm {B-B}

invitation melinda

Margo Manhattan

 you are cordially invited TO

a secret valentine’s

shopping event

Monday February 10 2014

5pm-8pm

Champagne & Chocolates

@

Margo Manhattan

1202 Madison Ave @ 88th St

New York City

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February 7, 2014

Indulge in Chocolate Every Day of the Week!

Karen Herzog

I found an interesting article in the Huffington Post which discussed the 5 Guilt-Free Beauty Benefits of Dark Chocolate.** I know chocolate has some benefits (for me, it’s not eating it) but I  was surprised to read that dark chocolate repairs dry skin, protects from harmful UV rays, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, promotes hair growth and adds shine. Well then, instead of chocolate on my hips there will be chocolate on my skin with Karen Herzog’s Swiss Line of Chocolate Skincare. Imagine, having a little chocolate every day and feeling beautiful at the same time…I love this idea.

Karen Herzog has many items in her Swiss Chocolate line but my favorites are Finest Chocolate Cleansing Gel and Chocolate Face Cream which smells like…you guessed it…CHOCOLATE!

Start your days and end your evenings with Finest Chocolate Cleansing Gel. This is a fabulous cleanser that removes make-up and other impurities on your skin leaving it soft and clean. As stated by Karen Herzog, Finest Chocolate Cleansing Gel is  “Formulated with pure essential oils including gardenia, rose and geranium, sesame oil this innovative formulation helps unclog pores, dissolves impurities and restores the skin’s pH balance resulting in a hydrated and clean complexion.” The cleansing gel is even safe for eye make-up removal and is suitable for all skin types. It’s easy to apply, simply rub a dime size of the cleansing gel together and apply to face and neck in a circular motion and rinse off with warm water and a wash cloth for ultimate results.

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I first tried Karen Herzog’s  Chocolate Face Cream on the top of my hand and after an hour or so, I could still smell the delicate scent of chocolate and feel the softness of my skin. Great for all skin types, Chocolate Face Cream is formulated with 1% oxygen which aids hydration, helps to eliminate toxins, boosts skin renewal and allows for “deeper penetration of essential ingredients.”  Did you know Chocolate contains trace elements and nutrients such as iron, calcium potassium and vitamins . As I keep in mind all the benefits of chocolate, the more I enjoy using it. What’s not to like, it revives brilliance, adds moisture to your skin and smells so chocolatey.

Karen Herzog suggests to following application: ‘Apply a light layer morning and/or evening with a brush and leave to absorb without massaging in. Use daily, in the morning and evening. Massage in remaining traces of cream, after 2 minutes. Don’t forget the lips!”

If you prefer the health benefits of chocolate on your skin instead of your hips, try Karen Herzog’s line of Swiss Chocolate Skincare. us.karinherzog

***huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/06/dark-chocolate-beauty-benefits

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February 5, 2014

KLARA Beauty Lab Valentine’s Day Bash in NYC

If you live in New York and need a professional, luxurious spa to rejuvenate your skin and work away your winter blues treat yourself to a signature facial from KLARA Beauty Lab.

Melinda Valentine's day3

Plunge into a sea of harmony for your body, mind and soul, while addressing your skin’s concerns. These European facials are fully designed to your skin type and skin condition at the time of the treatment. The facial may last for 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your skin’s needs.

KLARA Beauty Lab is a result-oriented medical spa that caters to the needs of Spa Guests and Patients, helping them preserve their youthfulness and rejuvenate their mind and body. KLARA Beauty Lab offers only the best quality products, cosmetics and services backed by years of scientific research.

Melinda Valentine's day2

KLARA Beauty Lab offers clients a new kind of experience; one that is truly tailor-made and designed to rejuvenate, energize, and ultimately provide the knowledge, tools and support that is required to create a better quality of life.

Valentine’s Day is soon approaching and KLARA Beauty Lab is celebrating love, skin, spa, beautiful people, leather, food, cocktails, music, candlelight and much more!

Melinda Valentine's day

The festivities will take place on Thursday Feb 6th, at 6pm, and will go until midnight! Klara Beauty lab will host an expo of beautiful and sexy leather accessories, which will be available for purchase.

Sexy gourmet miniature food will be catered by the Creative Table Company and will be accompanied by Aphrodisiac cocktails.

Also, for one lucky guest there will be a chance to win a one of kind piece of hand made NYC leather art handcrafted by Klara.

 Please click on the link below to view the invite details.

http://us7.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d495557c8f88130e522648614&id=31f9a12171

For more information about KLARA Beauty Lab go to:

www.klarabeautylab.com

 

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February 3, 2014

Attitude Couture Launches “Need A New Attitude” Sweeps

Attitude Couture Launches “Need A New Attitude” Sweepstakes

The exclusive label presents an opportunity to win a gorgeous gown just in time for prom
 
Contests, Sweepstakes, Prom, Prom Dresses, Win, Prom Fashions, Attitude Couture, Enter to win, Free Dress, Free, Prom Gowns, Free Prom Dress

pink dress Blue dress short black dress

Turning dreams into reality, Attitude Couture recently launched its “Need a New Attitude” sweepstakes giving one lucky winner a chance to win their dream dress for prom.

Contestants are asked to visit the Attitude Couture website (www.attitudecouture.com) and submit the sweepstakes entry form. They will be asked to vote for their favorite dress among the brand’s elegant prom, evening and special occasion gowns which they will win if selected. The contest will run through Saturday, March 15, 2014 and is open to all US residents. The winner will be selected in a random drawing on or after the end date and announced by Tuesday, April 1, 2014.
 
“Prom is one of the most important events in a teenage girl’s life,” explains Robin Spindt, Owner and Designer, Attitude Couture. “Many dream of wearing the most amazing dress they can find. That is why I am thrilled to offer one lucky lady the opportunity to win her favorite gown from my collection, for that very special day.”
 
The collections at Attitude Couture are made from the finest sequins, lace, chiffon, satin, beads and appliqués, with a focus on extraordinary construction and stand-out designs. For a chance to win one of the brand’s spectacular gowns, please visit http://www.attitudecouture.com/need-a-new-attitude/.
 
 
 
About Attitude Couture
Attitude Couture by Robin Spindt offers elegant prom, evening and special occasion dresses and jackets – featuring exclusively designed plus size options. Spindt, who has more than 40 years’ experience as a clothier and jewelry designer, created Attitude Couture to introduce a new concept in formal dress focusing on offering first-class customer service and unique dresses. The label’s design team spends most of the year developing new ideas in dress designs and ensuring that absolutely every detail is perfect. For more information and to view the entire collection, please visit www.attitudecouture.com
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