Archive for April, 2011

The Iconic Style of Mom

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

People have always thought my Mom was glamorous. As a child, it wasn’t uncommon for neighbors to tell me that my Mom was gorgeous.  As a teenager, this infuriated me; as an adult, it inspired me.

Looking back, so many of the hallmarks of Mom’s style were true classics: an immaculately applied red lip, perfectly manicured nails, Mom’s effortless dark curls, her wedges (long before the word was being flung around) and simple, knit dresses that flattered her frame and allowed her to jet from soccer practice to ballet — kids in tow — without a crease in site. Oh, and my Mom could also rock a bikini, even after four kids.

The true testament to Mom’s great style and beauty is that so many of her secrets are actually staples that even today, prove timeless.

Mom's Modern Look Book

Great Hair and Hands

My mom has never met a Vitamin E capsule that she couldn’t put to work. Back in the day, Mom would break open a capsule and use it to hydrate her cuticles before running still slick hands through her curly hair. Yup, Mom was onto the oil trend before MoroccanOil and argan oil products were even a glimmer in someone’s eyes.

Fast forward to 2011 and Mom’s classic moisturizer has been modernized. Lierac’s Sensorielle Multi-Use Oil for Face, Body & Hair serves up 24-hour hydration that nourishes with botanical oils including argan, hazelnut, sweet almond and grape seed. Get it for $34 at lierac-usa.com.

Red Lips & Tips

Mom intuitively knew that nothing pulls together a look like a splash of red.   That’s why perfectly lacquered nails and vivid red lips were part of her go-to look.  (She may also have known that nothing counteracts the sleep-deprivation caused by caring for a family of six like a pop of crimson.)

Of course, in true mama-style, Mom stayed loyal to her favorite red polish and lipstick for years, and years, and years.  Until they, whomever they were, stopped making it. Literally.  And while the teenager me would have said that Mom was in a rut, as an adult I understand that certain things, like a shade of lipstick that flatters perfectly, don’t get old. And being trendy isn’t always stylish.

Mom’s modern trick for sticking to what flatters even when trends change? ThreeCustom.com, a company that specializes in producing discontinued shades on demand, in individual batches, for lips, cheeks and eyes.

Haute Mama

Much like the modern woman, Mom had to do quite a juggling act to keep life in balance and still look beautiful. She managed to look flawless thanks to timeless dress shapes, usually knits, and the classic wedge shoe; ideal for lending elegant height without hindering Mom’s ability to run from the PTA to the playground.

Mom would no doubt argue that quality fabric, fluid draping and fabulous accessories are always on trend. I see Mom’s classic choices even today in an of-the-moment Mark & James by Badgley Mischka Wedge, $255 at Zappos.com, and ASOS knitted dress featuring a scoop neckline and short sleeves with a fitted ribbed waist and full skirt, $89.65 at asos.com. 

And while Mom’s timeless looks are still being emulated, her style legacy is one of a kind.
 
What beauty & style tricks did you learn from your Mom?

Posted in Glam Beauty Advice, Glam Ramblings, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Love it or Leave it: Suki

Monday, April 25th, 2011

 

Suki's Face and Spa Collection

Since I spend so much time reviewing products, it’s rare that I use the same product for more than a few days at a time. It’s an occupational hazard of sorts; even when my skin responds well to new skin care, I’m forced to move onto the next item to review.  (That’s not really a complaint.)

So, it’s basically a beauty editor sin that I tried, and tried, and tried again, Suki’s Transformative Cleansing Clay, Concentrated Balancing Toner and Bio-Active Purifying Face Serum.  I know what you’re thinking… I had to make sure it really worked.  Not so, it’s one of those products for which I knew,  after one use, that I was hooked. The first night, after using just the Cleansing Clay, my skin felt so smooth and clean, I couldn’t stop myself from touching it.

Suki’s vegan Transformative Cleansing Clay is a 3-in-1 cleanser, mask and spot treatment that is ideal for all skin types but heaven-sent for those with problem skin; $43.95 at www.sukiskincare.com.

Suki’s vegan Concentrated Balancing Toner is an inflammation soothing, blemish blasting, vitamin C  rich serum that is, again, ideal for problem skin but well suited to oily and combination skin as well; $29.95 at www.sukiskincare.com.

Suki’s  Bio-active Purifying Face Serum is the holy grail of skincare; a highly concentrated, oil-free serum that controls oil and bacteria production; $75 at www.sukiskincare.com.

And, in the interest of full disclosure (and shameless self promotion), I should tell you that Suki is participating in the goodie bags for our Green and Gorgeous event series in Atlanta, L.A., and NYC by gifting each and every PrettyCity reader  who attends with a full-sized Suki Eye Lift Cellular Renewal Cream (normally $55).

Keep livin’ the pretty life by subscribing to my blog via email or RSS. Plus, be amongst the first to know about weekly features + deals on Mani Monday and giveaways on Freebie Friday.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Daily Love it or Leave it | No Comments »

Mani Monday: Chic and Cheeky

Monday, April 25th, 2011

Lacquers from Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics

Are you a “Social Climber,” “Brazen Hussy” or a “Man Eater?” Me too! So imagine my delight when I discovered Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics, a polish collection that is non-toxic and 3 Free (does not contain Toluene, Formaldehyde, or Dibutyl Phthalate), but best of all, the colors are gorgeous, long-lasting and irreverently named.

The site, cheekymonkeycosmetics.com, puts it best, “Cheeky Monkey is not conventional. Neither are the women who wear it.”

And it’s so good to be unconventional thanks to hip hues like Lucky U, a flattering mint green; Fishnet Stockings, a deep, dark plum; and Man Eater, a notice-me pinkish-red. Plus, each lacquer color is accompanied on the site by a story about what inspired the hue. I dare you not to get lost in the charm and cheekiness of this up and coming brand.

P.S. NYC pretties can catch the Cheeky Monkey brand at our June Green & Gorgeous event in Manhattan., in partnership with SHAPE Magazine. Details here.

Tags: ,
Posted in Mani Monday | 2 Comments »

Freebie Friday: Sweet Earth

Friday, April 22nd, 2011

While working on a story this week, I discovered these natural Artisan Soaps from Terra Dolce.

 
 

Terra Dolce Artisan Soap in "Jolt"

 

 

Hand-crafted in Florida of exquisite, natural ingredients and wrapped in eco-friendly packaging, Terra Dolce’s handmade products became a quick favorite (and a shoe in for my upcoming story).

Jolt, one of my fast favorites, calls upon natural peppermint and eucalyptus to decongest, freshen, cool and soothe.

 
 

Terra Dolce Soaps for you!

 


Stay tuned for more info about this craveable collection (available online at terradolcesoap.com) and, while you’re waiting, I would love to hear which Dolce soap you are coveting.  Check out the line here and then comment below, comment on Facebook, or tweet  @prettycity @terradolce with your fave scent and several of you will get exactly what you want this oh-so-happy Earth Day.

Keep livin’ the pretty life by subscribing to my blog via email or RSS. Plus, be amongst the first to know about weekly features + deals on Mani Monday and giveaways on Freebie Friday.

Tags: ,
Posted in Freebie Friday | 8 Comments »

5 Minute Beauty Fixes

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

If you’ve got five minutes, you have all the time you need to look great. This week, I’ve rounded up the top ways to save time and still splurge on looking gorgeous.

Lash Out

Lash Out (just a bit)

No need to fully lash out to get the gorgeous benefits of enhanced lashes. Adding just a few lashes at the corners of the eyes can open up eyes, taking years off the face, all while serving up a side of sexiness without overdoing the va-va-voom. Head to your favorite local lash expert and ask for cat eyes, a quick application of semi-permanent lashes to just the outer corner of eyes that can cost from $30 to $75. Or, DIY at home with Ardell Accent Lashes, available at drugstores for $3.49 a pair.

Smooth Skin

Smooth Skin

Some experts swear that elbows give away the age of many a well-maintained woman. What to do when you hit a dry patch, be it on elbows or knees? Head to the kitchen and grab a slice of fresh lemon. Add a dash of brown sugar to the top of the lemon and give dry elbows (or knees) a quick scrub.  The fruit acids in the lemon will exfoliate skin and over time, even lighten dark patches if needed.

Get Up and Glow

Get up and Glow

When time is not on your side, you can get up and glow with a solid yet simple makeup routine. Minute one: Clean, smooth skin is a must so start with a 30-second facial with the help of Kate Somerville’s ExfoliKate. Minute two: Brush on a multi-tasking foundation, powder. I like Jane Iredale’s PurePressed Base SPF 20. Minute three: brighten your face (and take the attention off tired eyes) with a quick and illuminating pink blush applied to the apples of your cheeks. Try Maybelline’s Fit ME Blush in light pink, medium pink or deep mauve.  Minute four: Slick on a nude lip pencil followed by a bright hue of lipstick in a vivid red or crisp hot pink. Minute five: Light up eyes with several coats of your favorite mascara.

A Pimple Pops Up

A Pimple Pops Up

Oh, the horror of a shiny, new zit on an important day.  Celebrities may head to the Derm to get a quick cortisone shot, thereby banishing unwelcome big-day blemishes, but most of us don’t have skin doctors that make house calls. Not to worry, all you need to blast blemishes on the fly is Zeno’s FDA-approved Hot Spot ($39.99 at myzeno.com). Just hold the heat-therapy Zeno up against the zit you want to zap and after a single 2 1/2 minute treatment, most pimples disappear within the day

Michelle William's Undone UpDo

Instant UpDo

Blame it on a late night out or simply falling victim to a bad hair day, there are some days that fabulous hair just isn’t in the cards (or on the schedule).  Help is on the way; and all a girl needs to banish bad hair days is dry shampoo to refresh tired and dirty locks and Goody’s magical Spin Pins to create a quick, easy and elegant updo. Head to your local drugstore for the supplies you need to save the day—and your ‘do.

Here’s your heroic hair list: 1) A set of Goody Spin Pins ($6.49), 2) Psssssst Instant Dry Shampoo ($6.99) and, if needed, a toothbrush and hair spray to tame fly aways. Refresh hair with a quick spray or two of Psssssst and then twist hair into a low bun. Secure the bun with a pair of Goody spin pins by simply twisting the pins at the base and top of bun. Then, apply a dash of hairspray to the toothbrush and use it to brush down any stray hairs. Chic and quick!

Posted in Glamorous in No Time | No Comments »

Freebie Friday: The Falsies

Friday, April 15th, 2011

As you know, I’m a fan of falsies, of the semi-permanent eye lash extension type. But while working on a best and worst mascara story, I had to bid adieu — even if temporarily– to my eye lash extension addiction.

Now, I’m in the process of testing and trying about two dozen types of mascara, so when the Maybelline sent me a box full of their own falsies, “The Falsies Volume Express Mascara” I was ready to bat a lash at their buzz-worthy claims. (False lashes in a tube? Eye do!)

But I’ve only got one set of peepers and Maybelline sent me a box full of mascara. So, won’t you please help me review this new product? Just tweet, facebook or comment “eye do!” and you could be one of this week’s Freebie Friday winners.

Keep livin’ the pretty life by subscribing to my blog via email or RSS. Plus, be amongst the first to know about weekly features + deals on Mani Monday and giveaways on Freebie Friday.

Posted in Freebie Friday | 25 Comments »

Beauty School

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

No need to go back to school to learn the latest beauty tricks and tips; this week I’ve rounded up all you need to know to get pretty peepers, luscious lips and well-groomed brows.

Eye Catching Tricks

Why is it that eye makeup stumps even the most stylish women? It all comes to down to blending, lovies, and it’s a step that too may of us overlook.  A smooth base is the first course in smoldering eyes for night and naturally pretty peepers by day. Prep eyes by cleaning completely with a gentle eye makeup remover. (I like Jafra’s Eye MakeUp remover; $12 for 4.2 oz. at jafrausa.com.)  After that,  apply an eye makeup base to create the smooth palette that will help keep eye shadow looking smooth, not sloppy. One to try is Sorme.com’s Under Shadow Eye Shadow Base, a cream formula that covers darkness and redness on eye lids while improving the staying power and blendability of shadows.  

Now, pick a shadow that complements, rather than matches, your eye color. While professionals can work magic with loose eye shadows, I encourage women like us to avoid them. There’s nothing like a pot of highly pigmented shadow to create a messy shadow look thanks to the propensity to use too much product.  

All you really need to create a classically pretty eye makeup look are two shades, one darker and one lighter. Apply the darker shade to the outer corner of your eye including the lash line and outer crease. Next, using the lighter shadow you have selected, fill in the inner eye corner and upper eye lid. Use the same light shade to highlight the brow bone. Finally, using a high quality shadow brush, blend the lighter shade over the darker shadow to create a smooth, eye-catching look.

Pretty Puckers

Smooth lips, neutral liner and a flattering lipstick or gloss is all a girl needs to successfully navigate from office to home and beyond with sparkle.   Using a tablespoon of brown sugar and ½ tablespoon of olive oil, mix up a quick at home lip scrub that will assure that lipstick or gloss glides on smoothly.

After prepping lips, apply either a lip base of a quick coat of your favorite foundation or concealer to create a neutral palette for lip color.  Next, pick a nude-hued lip liner and fill in lips (not around them) before slicking on gloss or applying lipstick within the lip line (not outside of it). Finally, apply a dab of light, neutral eye shadow to the center of the bottom lip to create a pretty pout.

Brow Wow

Great brows provide the ideal framework to an oh-so-pretty face and yet so many women overlook their brows. Not sure if your brows need help?  Take a picture of yourself; you just may get an entirely different impression than you do glancing in the mirror. Brows that are too thin or crooked can be quickly fixed with a good brow pencil and some self control (as in, stop plucking).

The key to filling in brows like an expert is to use short, feathery strokes calling upon a brow pencil that is one shade lighter than your brow hair. Also, for most women, shading brows just above the brow line can lend a youthful, bright-eye look while shading brows below the brow line can close eyes, lending a sleepy look that’s less than flattering.

Class dismissed!

Tags: , ,
Posted in Everyday Glamour, Glam Beauty Advice | 1 Comment »

Freebie Friday: Introducing Jafra

Friday, April 8th, 2011

In March, we hosted an “eye candy” themed beauty bash for the pretty ladies at Jafra Cosmetics in NYC.

And while I wasn’t able to attend, my dear friends, and PC staffers, Johanna Grange and Carla Bolin, made sure I got a box of Jafra products to try upon their return.

Lipsticks atop a Cake Plate at our "Eye Candy" Jafra launch in NYC

I’ve been testing and trying pieces from the Jafra collection since the party and some standouts have definitely emerged.

One fave, the automatic lip liner ($10), is one of the best lip pencils I’ve reviewed to date. And you all know I don’t mess around when it comes to lip liner, a must for pulling off the bold colored lips I consider to be one of my style staples.

A few of my favorite (Jafra) things...

“Fire Red” is one of the best shades of red lip liner I’ve come across; plus, it goes on smoothly and truly lasts. Another Jafra winner is the Two-in-One Powder Makeup SPF 15 ($19), silky and smooth, it offers up ideal coverage and reflects light for a flawless appearance.

Since I’m newly smitten with the line, I asked the ladies at Jafra if they would send some products that I could share with you, and they happily obliged.   

So my pretties, this Freebie Friday, I would love to hear which Jafra products you are coveting.  Check out the line at http://www.jafrausa.com/regional/productcatalog and then comment below, comment on Facebook, or tweet both @prettycity @jafrausa with your fave products (include shades too) and several of you will get exactly what the beauty doctor ordered.

Happy Freebie Friday!

Keep livin’ the pretty life by subscribing to my blog via email or RSS. Plus, be amongst the first to know about weekly features + deals on Mani Monday and giveaways on Freebie Friday.

Tags: ,
Posted in Freebie Friday | 18 Comments »

Turn Your Kitchen into a Spa

Wednesday, April 6th, 2011

When you head to your favorite spa, there’s undoubtedly certain things, some of which you may not even notice, that tell your brain that relaxation is at hand. For example, the scent of my favorite spa is distinctive; a mix of lemongrass and sweet basil lingers in the air.

Then there are the sounds; if you’ve ever set foot in a spa you know what I mean… the oh-so-soothing stylings of topnotch spas encourage stress-relief from the moment you step inside.

All-Natural Bamboo Soy Wax Candle from bsabcandles.com

Open your kitchen — or living room or bedroom — spa with these two elements before adding the ultimate brain to body signal that stress relief is at hand; don a soft, plush spa robe. Next, pour a piping hot cup of green tea and your home is now a zen zone.

And while I’m not suggesting that you bypass a real spa in favor of your bathroom, I am suggesting that you turn your own space, whether 500 square feet or 5,000, into a daily slice of stress-busting paradise. It’s as simple as lighting candles, picking your favorite spa-like play list on your iPod and getting out of the clothes that you connect you to the day’s drama. These simple steps can send signals to your brain, and your body that help lower stress and unhealthy cortisone levels.

On days when you have even more time to spa at home, turn to one of my tried and true kitchen pantry remedies for all that ails you.

Brown Sugar Appletini Scrub

Mix two tablespoons of brown sugar, two tablespoons of granulated sugar, one tablespoon of applesauce and one quarter teaspoon of cinnamon. Combine all ingredients, mixing well, and then apply as a body scrub in the shower. Tip: Don’t apply this to your face as the granulated sugar is too harsh for the more delicate skin there.

Make your own Brown Sugar Appletini Scrub

Citrus Hand Treatment

Gather 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Combine with the zest of 1/2 orange. Mix ingredients for one minute by hand. Massage into hands and leave on for five minutes before rinsing and drying hands.

Complexion Perfection Mask

Combine one tablespoon of olive oil, one egg yolk and one tablespoon of honey. Mix well. Apply the mask to your face and leave it on for up to 10 minutes. Remove the mask by rinsing with warm water and a wash cloth. Tip: The Vitamin A in egg yolks helps soothe red skin and may even benefit those with acne. 

I admit, this isn’t the kind of at-home spa treatment I indulge in every day, but for special occasions or those days when you have really earned a break, this regal rose bath treat is to-die-for. Simply add one cup of rose petals and ½ cup of coconut milk to a warm bath.  Sit, soak and de-stress.

Posted in Everyday Glamour, Glam Beauty Advice, Pretty Parties | No Comments »