Anchors Away!!!

Are you ready for Spring yet?  I sure am.  Though the Winter hasn't been particularly awful here in the Seattle area, I am more than ready to have longer days, warmer weather, and maybe, just maybe, to see the sun on a somewhat regular basis.

Since it's Monday and it's still Winter, I thought it would be a good time to look at a colorful, lovely Springtime collection of nail color from China Glaze.  Because hitting stores in time for better weather is their fun Anchors Away collection.

Let's see what they've got for us...

Sail away this spring in 12 nautically-inspired colors from China Glaze. These bold and confident brights are reminiscent of a carefree natural getaway, with soft ethereal hues that inspire leisurely thoughts of sand and sea. Colors in this collection include:

Life Preserver: Highly pigmented and luxurious poppy crème.
Hey Sailor: Vibrant crème red.
Ahoy!: Delightfully intense pink that flashes with reflective glass speck.
First Mate: Sophisticated and rich navy crème.
Starboard: Hip and playful green crème.
Lighthouse: Multi-dimensional, bright yellow glass speck.
White Cap: Whimsical and sparkling multi-dimensional white.
Pelican Gray: High shine, cool toned grey crème.
Sea Spray: Calming pale blue crème.
Below Deck: A flirty mix of taupe and violet.
Sunset Sail: Delightful peachy pink high shine crème.
Knotty: Micro-particle beige shimmer.

I received samples of the new line and I must say: the colors are great!  My favorite?  Hands down: Below Deck.  It's such an interesting, pretty, and wearable color.  I also really like  Pelican Gray and Life Preserver (though that shade doesn't look great on my skin tone...pout!).

What do you think of this collection?  I say it beats the pants off of OPI's Texas collection!

OPI has GTT

Ugh.  I just don't know how I feel about this.

For its newest line of nail colors, OPI has gone to Texas (g.t.t.) with their new Texas line.

Really?  Texas?  OPI usually draws inspiration from far off lands with a rich heritage. But for Spring/Summer 2011, I guess they're playing the recession card and are staying state-side.  But of all states to pick from, why on earth would they select Texas?  Don't get me wrong, there are many wonderful things in Texas.  My husband is from there, and I genuinely like San Antonio.  Texas is such a....red state.  It's not my cup of tea. 

But ok...I'll go with it--if the colors are good.  So....let's check them out.

• Don’t Mess With OPI - A lean, mean, kick-grass forest green.
• Austin-Tatious Turquoise – Cowgirls love this bodacious blue-green.
• It’s Totally Fort-Worth It – A shimmery lavender grey that’s so worthy of you.
• Do You Think I’m Tex-y? A “berry” sexy bloom of Dallas Dahlia.
• I Vant To Be A-Lone Star – You won’t want to share this starry Texas-sky blue.
• Houston We Have A Purple – A galactic red-violet that’s ready to “rocket-roll”!
• Suzi Loves Cowboys – But she loves this campfire chocolate shade s’more!
• San Tan-tonio – A “honey” of a ten-gallon tan!
• Too Hot Pink To Hold ‘Em – A red-hot pink-red that deals a winning hand.
• Guy Meets Gal-veston – An “engaging” coastal coral.
• Y’all Come Back Ya Hear? – This Texas tangerine will be waitin’ for ya!
• Big Hair Big Nails - A rosy pageant peach.

Hmmm....I'm not impressed.  It might be that my aversion for all things Texas is impairing my judgement.  Maybe I'm just not ready for Spring/Summer nails.  Maybe I hate orange fingernails as a rule.  I don't see a whole lot to get excited about.  I think the only shades I'm looking forward to are Do You Think I'm Tex-y? and Houston We Have a Purple.

What do you think?  Does the Texas collection ring your chimes?

Hippety Hoppity...

Apparently Easter is this weekend. I say apparently because I never seem to remember when Easter pops up on the calendar. I only know that I keep seeing plastic eggs and crazy bunnies in all the stores I've been going to lately.

If you're like me, you'd rather skip the Easter egg hunt and opt instead to fill up your own brand of basket--a Sephora basket--with some Spring-inspired goodies. Bunny-hop to Sephora and treat yourself to these wonders:

• Sephora by OPI in Iris I Was Thinner ($9) – This pale, iris purple is the perfect way to wear an Easter pastel without spending a fortune. I really hate the name of this shade, but it's pretty, so I'll give it a temporary pass.
  
• Leslie Blodgett Santa Barbara Eau de Parfum Rollerball ($16) –This luminous scent lingers on the skin for hours and the travel-friendly packaging makes it great for a quick pick-me-up on the go!
  
• Sephora Colorful Mono Eyeshadows ($12) – Let your peepers make a festive statement with these high-pigment shadows. Now available in 79 shades.
• Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss ($19) – Coat your lips with this sweet shade of lightweight vitamin-enriched gloss. Available in 12 shades.
  
• Sephora “Tricks of the Trade” Perfecting Lash Primer ($14) – Your mascara will outlast your biggest expectations with this primer that helps volumize and lengthen your lashes.
  
• Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush ($25) – This cream blush naturally sculpts and highlights cheeks for a healthy, spring glow. Available in 14 shades.
  

Budget Friendly and Ready for Spring

I don't care what the weather is doing or what the thermometer says: Spring is officially here. I, for one, am glad that winter is now just a memory. Now that we're in a new season, it's time to start thinking about new looks--new colors, new products...new everything!

If you're looking to update your makeup for the new season without breaking the bank, consider products from both mark (by Avon) and e.l.f. Here are a few of my faves from these budget-friendly brands:
Try these products from mark (available in mid-April online or through a mark rep):

• Totally Balmed Tinted SPF 15 Lip Balm ($8): Available in four shades (a tawny cocoa, a plum, a light pink, and a pink/coral) these handy-dandy balms have a minty flavor and provide a hint of flattering color while moisturizing. A big bonus is that this also has SPF protection and includes antioxidant vitamins like A, C, and E. I am a huge fan of tinted balms, but the added SPF makes this lip balm stand out!
• Glowdacious Illuminating Powder ($12): This pressed powder promises to brighten your skin, giving an instant glow no matter what time of the year. The compact is made up of three shades pressed into one easy to apply powder. Comes in light, medium, or dark to match any skin tone.
• Rio Rhythms Fragrance Mist ($18): It's a good idea to lighten up your fragrance for the new season, and I like the fragrance profile of this one. It contains jasmine, coconut water, peony, gardenia and lilac, but also has undernotes of vanilla, wood and amber. It's pleasant and interesting. mark also has another scent called Rio Bikini that is a bit more fruity, but also nice.

And to really pinch your pennies (without sacrificing beauty!) try these from e.l.f. (available both online and at Target):

• Mineral Lipstick ($5): Available in 16 shades, this lipstick hydrates your lips and provides a lasting color. The shades are subtle but pretty--perfect for the spring/summer. They contain vitamins like A and E to sooth and moisturize, and the product doesn't feel heavy like some lipsticks can.
• Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder ($3): This duo will help you get a healthy glow without stepping out in the sun (or spending time in harmful tanning beds). The pink gives you a flush of color while the bronze side adds contouring and can be applied any place where the sun normally hits your face. And the price will keep you smiling!
• Studio HD Powder ($6): I love loose powder, though I rarely use it. This is a lovely little formula that helps hide fine lines while leaving your face feeling soft and looking great. Unlike pressed powder, loose powders like this make your skin feel dusted, not coated. It will help cut down shine without gunking up your skin.
  

Spring Up Your Beauty Routine

I know the winter has been a hard one for many of you--especially my readers on the east coast. Have no fear, Spring IS on the way...I promise. To get you ready for the new season, here are some Ins and Outs to keep in mind, courtesy of some of the top beauty professionals out there:

Adding Color the Right Way
Sue Devitt, Global Makeup Artist
IN: Jewel tones worn in a playful way on eyes (rich blues and purples like Sue Devitt Hydrating Marine Minerals Destination Eye Palettes in Blue Waters and Kilimanjaro)
OUT: Neutral mattes. It’s about the dimension that rich, vibrant color and properly applied shimmer creates; as opposed to a flat look with no contour.

Sam Brocato, Hair Expert
IN: Your true colors. Ask your colorist for a color that compliments your skin tone and lifestyle. If you are desperately seeking highlights, get several complimentary tones that blend together to enhance your features.
OUT: One dimensional color. Instead of going much lighter than your natural hair color, ask your colorist to embrace natural tones giving it a softer look.

Shari Gottesman, Nail Expert
IN: Vibrant and poppy, Gerbera Daisy inspired pinks, reds and oranges are replacing last year’s neon hues. Another fun trend is mood polish – colors that change from cooler to warmer tones for a whimsical effect. It’s best to wear nails short and “squoval” (square/oval) with these adventurous looks.
OUT: Mechanical, metallic blacks, navy’s and charcoals are a thing of the past, and may remain there – though its far off - the new crop of fall/winter colors are a softer, more appealing combination of beige and grey colors – or “greige.”
Spring Clean your Routine
Laura Geller, Makeup Artist
IN: Let Powder blush work double duty as shadow. Using the same color on both areas instantly pulls together your look. Choose bronzy shades in fair skin and pinks on medium and dark complexions. (Laura Geller Tropics Deluxe Collection)
OUT: A bulging makeup bag filled with a rainbow of different colors! Streamline for spring, and pull together your look with the tips above.

Ricky Croft, Self-Tanning Expert
IN: SPF, SPF, SPF! Opt for a daytime lotion (multi-task with one that offers a bit of color) like Mystic Tan Glow Daily Moisturizer SPF 15.
OUT: Baking in the sun – no one likes a leathery sunburn or early wrinkles. An added plus-- using multi-taskers will help to “spring clean” your beauty shelf.

Gavin Harwin, Infusium 23 Celebrity Hair Stylist
IN: Healthy hair! Undo the damage created by over-processing and braving the winter weather with a good leave-in treatment like Infusium 23 Repair & Renew Leave-In Treatment.
OUT: Hair that has been styled and processed to the point of no return. Getting rid of straw-like strands will instantly refresh any look.

Diane Wood, Master Barber for King of Shaves
IN: Smooth, sexy legs. A moisturizing, low-foam shave gel like Queen Of… Ta Da! Shave Gel uses tantalizing tea tree oil for a close shave and instantly refreshed skin.
OUT: Hiding beneath layers of bulky winter garb. Enjoy the warmer weather and show off some skin!

(Note: photo above is part of my Lydia 365 photo-a-day project)

OPI For Spring/Summer

Every season, OPI looks for exotic locations as their inspiration for their newest line. This Spring and Summer, OPI's going with Hong Kong, the fragrant harbor.

Here are their new shades:

• Bling Dynasty: A shimmery gold
• Red My Fortune Cookie: Rich red
• Hot & Spicy: A sizzling coral
• Dim Sum Plum: A purple-berry hue
• Jade is the New Black: Vibrant green
• Suzi Says Feng Shui: A serene cobalt blue
• A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find: A zesty red-orange
• Lucky Lucky Lavender: Light purple
• Meet Me on the Star Ferry: A moonlit violet
• Panda-monium Pink: Light pink
• Pearl of Wisdom: A lustrous pearl shade
• Chop-sticking to My Story: Warm caramel shade

Hmm. I am not entirely sure that I like this line. Maybe I'm getting OPI fatigue, but the names seem stupid and borderline stereotyped. And the colors are a bit too Easter egg-ish for my taste. If I had to pick a favorite, I'd probably go with Jade is the New Black, but I'm just "meh" about the whole thing. Maybe in my old age I just prefer the classics. Who knows.

What do you think of OPI's Hong Kong line?

Release Your Outdoorphins with Mother Nature!

Spring is coming, and as I mentioned awhile back, Degree is going to be launching some new products to help you get a little closer to nature. Well, now I have more deets: Degree's new products have been inspired by the scents of nature and include three vibrant fragrances: Honeysuckle and Tea Tree Oil, Olive Leaf and Pink Pepper, and Orange Flower and Cranberry. These new fragrances will be arriving soon, in the form of refreshing body mists and matching deodorants that are easy on the budget (they'll only set you back about $3.99). Learn more at their website.

To get yourself ready for spring--and for Degree's new scents--start now to infuse nature into your daily routine. Here are some ideas:

• Get out! We are all cramped inside more hours than we'd like. We spend our days in offices, cubicles, and classrooms, and only get to daydream about being outside. Well, why not schedule in some outdoor time? Take a quick walk or take a mental health day to enjoy the sunshine and budding plants.
• Bring the outdoors in. Plants and flowers in your work/living space may help to reduce your stress and could make you a tiny bit happier. Plus they're pretty to look at and smell nice, so that's a bonus!
• Inhale. If you kill plants and can't spare time to get outside, light a scented candle that makes you think of the outside. Nothing beats the real deal, but a fresh, outdoors-y scent may help transport you to your happy place.

I'm looking forward to taking a nice walk around my neighborhood after work today--it will help me make the adjustment from work-life to weekend-life. How do you get your dose of nature?

Spring Trends for Your Nails

Spring is in the air! I mentioned yesterday that the Spring 2010 collection from NARS is due out in a few days. Then I got an email the other day from the good folks over at Ms. Manicure with the Spring 2010 forecast for nail trends.

Here's what they had to say. And let me just add that I've tried Ms. Manicure products and they're decent...and affordable, which is always a plus. Let me also add that I really like the green nail trend for some reason. What do you think of it?

Mint Green

Give polish color the green light this year – literally. Spring 2010 is all about pastel colors, especially mint green. Promising to be popular, the color provides an exotic pop to the hands without being too bright and distracting. With Essie and Chanel already offering greens, it is sure to be a trend that sticks. Make the polish last longer by providing proper cuticle care prior to the polish with the help of the Ms. Manicure Handy Dandy Mani kit ($9.99). With the help of a cuticle clipper and wooden cuticle boards, you can moisture and take care of manicures so the polish won’t pop off!

Lace Nails

Boudoir is back – and not just in your lingerie drawer. Translate the trend to your manicure by sporting a lace pattern on your nails. A different approach to the everyday nail art, the glitz and glamorous look takes the patterns your kid sister used to press on her fingertips to a whole new adult extreme. And, if you’re feeling wild, you can even get the look at home with real lace!

Nude Nails

This year, it’s all about going au-natural. From organic products to sustainable living, take the trend all the way to your fingertips by forgetting the bright beach-inspired colors and black. Grab a light peach, champagne or pink tinted polish and bare it all. Before applying the polish, don’t forget to buff out imperfections with Ms. Manicure‘s Call Your Buff ($2.99), a four-sided emery board. Buffing your nails will provide a solid base for the polish, and will ensure they look great underneath a thin sheen!

Polish-Free Manicures

With smudges and imperfections a thing of the past, new nail product alternatives, like Minx Manicure, promise to keep the caps on your polish in 2010. A favorite of Rihanna and Blake Lively, the no-polish mani offers a 2- to 4-millimeter-thick film that's cut to fit the nail and affixed with a heat-activated adhesive. Costing $35 - $45 a manicure, each manicure lasts over two weeks. If you are looking to do your own no-chip manicure, make a point to polish the tips of your nails (as well as the tops) to avoid chipping. And, if you accidentally get a bit of polish on your skin in the process, roll a piece of a cotton ball around a wooden cuticle stick (available in Ms. Manicure’s Handy Dandy Mani kit), dip in nail polish remover and gently rub off excess polish!

NARS for Spring 2010

Most of the country has been plagued with some brutal weather this winter. Wicked cold, unyielding snow...all forms of icy torture have spread out over the US. (Thankfully this year, Washington state has been relatively mild--thank you, El Nino!). I bet that many of us are ready for warmer weather and sunshine. Well, I am happy to report that the first few signs of spring are beginning to show. NARS has just unveiled their lovely new line for Spring 2010.

Inspired by Catherine Deneuve’s role as Lucille in La Chamade, the NARS Spring 2010 Collection features soft, sexy shades that are as elegant as they are versatile.

“I love Catherine’s makeup look in this movie,” says François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics who chose supermodel Amber Valletta for the campaign. “It’s very sophisticated and bourgeois in a Parisian ‘16th Arrondissement’ way. She is the perfect reference for this collection, and apropos for spring, a time to embrace color and get noticed.”

NARS Cruising Lipstick- $24 This subtle, sexy pink lipstick hue provides a sheer natural long-lasting color

NARS Lip Gloss- $24 Easy Lover-Serious luster meets sexy color in this ultra-sheer hot pink lip gloss Ophelia- This high-shine strawberry nectar lip gloss is deliciously sweet and seductive

NARS Purple Rain Nail Polish - $16 This intensely gothic purple is a bright and audacious shade destined to become a modern classic

NARS D. Gorgeous Single Eyeshadow-$23 This dusty lilac powder eyeshadow yields just a hint of flirtation, but never misses its mark

NARS Camargue Duo Cream Eyeshadow-$32 Named for the deep, dancing, sun-cast hues found in the French river delta, this pairing of golden moss and sienna, with multi-colored reflections comes in a soft-blending, glistening cream eyeshadow formula

NARS Kuala Lumpur Duo Eyeshadow-$32 Like its Malaysian city namesake, this perfectly harmonized gold infused rose and boysenberry pairing is influenced by contrasts—rich and subtle, traditional yet modern

NARS Glitter Pencil-$24 This bright sky blue, silver glitter-infused hue delivers powerful, vibrant color that slides on smooth and remains creamy for blending

The new line will be available online January 15th.

Your Momma!

Wow! Mother's Day is this weekend. Time is flying by this year. If you're looking for something to treat your mother this year, here are a few ideas:

SOPHISTICATED MAMA: Packed in a chic gold clutch that’s a perfect accessory for the season, the Laura Geller Bring on the Bronze Kit ($45.00 at Sephora) is complete with golden glow essentials for skin, eyes and lips and includes the below. All products leave skin naturally sun-kissed with a just-back-from-vacation glow, perfect for busy moms who don’t have time for a coffee break, never mind a vacation!

NEW MOMMY: Treat the new or soon-to-be mom in your life with the safest skin care products for her newborn. VMV Hypoallergenics has just launched a travel sized set of their safest, most precious line to date - Grandma Minnie’s Mom & Baby Care ($75 at VMVHypoallerenics.com.) Adored by celeb mothers Jennie Garth, Rebecca Romijn and Kimberly Williams Paisley, this collection raises the bar for VMV’s already impressive hypoallergenic products as they are rated VH-65, meaning they are made without any of the 65 known allergens published by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group.

RECESSIONISTA MAMACITA: Just because we’re in a recession doesn’t mean Mom shouldn’t be pampered. Look no further than the ELF BATH SET ($15 at eyeslipsface.com.) It comes with Hand Cream, Body Butter, Shower Gel, Body Cream, Hand Soap and a loofah. Give the gift of tranquility and relaxation that's sure to leave Mom feeling pampered and pretty.

GIVE THE GIFT OF GLOWING SKIN: Give mom the gift of youth this Mother’s Day with the StriVectin Limited Edition Mother’s Day Gift Set. This elegant kit included best-sellers that mom will love, including StriVectin-HS Hydro-Thermal Deep Wrinkle Serum, the first and only topical formula to address the Dermal-Epidermal Junction, the place where deep wrinkles really begin. It also includes the number one prestige skin care cream in the entire world, StriVectin-SD. Once wrinkles and creases are gone, mom will really be thankful! This gift of youth is available at Sephora, Bloomingdales and Saks for $99.

FOR THE MOM WHO ADORES FACIALS: Does Mom often indulge at the spa for a facial? Bring the Spa to her with the ANSR: Acne Care System. Developed by leading skincare specialists, the system comes with the highly efficacious BEAM, an untethered LED device packed with BOTH red and blue lights to combat fines lines and wrinkles and help with the occasional blemish. In addition, you’re receiving FREE topicals including DAY (the moisturizer,) PREP (the exfoliating cleanser,) and NIGHT (serum.) Available for $185 at ansr.com.

Spring Deals from Vincent Longo

Hi All! I'm taking a quick break from my Spring Break to let you know about a great deal from Vincent Longo. Head to their website, pop in the promo code below, and viola! 25% off your order. Nice!!

Moroccan Spring at Sephora!

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am more than ready for Spring to hurry up and get here. As I get older, I find that I like Winter, cold, and snow less and less!

Our friends over at Sephora have Spring on their mind and are about to introduce their new Moroccan Sunrise Collection for the new season. Infused with striking hues and elegant designs, this colorful collection will get you gorgeous just in time for spring!

Enter a pink paradise without breaking the bank. Check out these adorable and affordable Moroccan must-haves:

Moroccan Sunrise Lip Gloss ($15) - Highly pigmented and super shiny gloss that can be worn alone or layered with lipstick and liner for an intense glow.

Moroccan Sunrise Bronzer ($22) – A shimmering loose powder bronzer that delivers the perfect exotic tint.

Moroccan Sunrise Palette ($32) – This palette of five shadows can be blended together or worn separately, and will take you from day to night.
Moroccan Sunrise 5 Piece Brush Set ($42) – A lavish gold pouch for a pretty price, this five-piece brush set has everything you need to create beauty-full eyes.

Moroccan Sunrise Round Compact Mirror ($18) – For fashionistas on the go, this round compact includes a regular mirror and a magnifying mirror.

Moroccan Sunrise Pocket Brush Set ($18) – Travel with style with this set of five essential pocket-sized brushes – all a jet-setter needs to apply gorgeous makeup en route!

Moroccan Sunrise Atomizer ($10) – A Moroccan-inspired, travel-size, refillable perfume atomizer that lets you carry your favorite fragrance with you wherever you go.

Moroccan Sunrise Nail File Pack ($6) - A beautiful but practical three-piece fashion nail file kit that boasts artwork on the exterior inspired by the gates of Morocco.

Moroccan Sunrise Pencil Case ($18) – Decked out with gold embroidery and trim, this unique pencil case accommodates anything from brushes to lipsticks.

Moroccan Sunrise Cosmetic Bag ($22) – This wide bag brings glamour to your everyday beauty routine in four dazzling hues: fuschia, tangerine, white and gold.

Moroccan Sunrise 3 in 1 Bag ($42) – The perfect travel companion for the beauty on a budget, this short-handled tote unzips to reveal three smaller, removable compartments.

Moroccan Sunrise Hanging Travel Bag ($50) – A hanging bag that stores, organizes and protects your cosmetics and toiletries with ease and panache.

These products are so pretty!! I can't wait to head over to Sephora to check them out!

Beauty Flash: Mark your beauty calendar, it’s time to get gorgeous – naturally! Sephora is pleased to announce a special Beauty Insider event on Saturday, March 21st at all Sephora store locations. Get the inside scoop on natural and organic beauty and pick up your free set of fabulous product samples!

Nailed!

There are so many nail colors on the market that it's impossible to find a shade that doesn't suit your mood, match your eyes, or reflect whatever color your aura is at the moment. And the good folks at OPI are determined to keep our lacquer choices plentiful. Here are some new collections to check out:

South Beach Collection
Available on February 4th, OPI is launching their Spring 2009 line, their South Beach Collection. Here are the shades:

• Done Out In Deco: lilac (crème)
  
• Clubbing Til Sunrise: tangerine (shimmer)
• Suzi & The Lifeguard: pink (shimmer)
  
• Conga-Line Coral: orange-rose (shimmer)
  
• Overexposed In South Beach: purple (shimmer)
  
• Bronzed To Perfection: brown (shimmer)
  
• Party In My Cabana: pink (crème)
  
• Sand In My Suit: nude (frost)
• Paint My Moji-Toes Red: red (crème)
• Miami Beet: violet (crème)
  
• OPI On Collins Ave. : red orange (crème)
  
• Feelin’ Hot-Hot-Hot!: flamingo pink (crème)

I'm personally not inspired by this collection. Maybe it's just me, but nothing "South Beach" really sends me. Frosty nail colors? Pastels? Meh. If this is the trend that Spring/Summer fashion is headed towards I'm not going to be a happy consumer. If I had to pick a shade, I'd opt for Paint My Moji-Toes...I guess.

90210 Collection
I mentioned this awhile ago and completely forgot about it. Similarly, I watched a few episodes of the "new" 90210 and then quickly lost interest in the next class of West Beverly High. Maybe I'm just too old...whatever. If you're still watching 90210 and want to have nails inspired by the cool kids, check out these shades:

Queen of West Web-erly: A purple shimmery color inspired by Kelly's little sister, the blogger.

Sweet as Annie-Thing: A "lollipop" red inspired by fresh from the mid-west (or wherever) female protagonist. Is it just me or does Annie look a little long in the tooth to be a high school girl?

Pretty and Privileged: A ruby red for the entitled. I think they should have called it Petty and Privileged, but that's just me!

My pick out of this collection? Probably Queen of West Web-erly. I'm in a purple phase at the moment.

Blunt Bangs for Spring 09

I never know what to do with my hair! When I go to a salon, it usually goes like this:

STYLIST: What would you like to have done today?
ME: Oh, I don't know. I guess just make it blonder and trim it.
STYLIST: Do you want to add layers or change your part?
ME: Sure...whatever...I don't know. As long as my new style is easy to maintain...

See? That's pathetic and hopeless. And I know I am not alone when it comes to hair confusion/fear in the stylist's chair.

Well, I'm finally here to help you and myself. Nicholas Penna, Jr. of SalonCapri outside of Boston is predicting that blunt bangs are going to be hot this spring...and he was good enough to share some tips on how to get this look the next time you go to the salon.

Nicholas Penna, Jr. of SalonCapri:

1. What is the hot style for Spring?
Blunt bangs are the hot style for spring because they add edge to hair. For a long time, soft hair was the trend and now there’s a change with some attitude. Celebrities such as Kate Hudson in the new movie Bride Wars and Erin Lucas from MTV’s newest reality endeavor, The City, are both sporting blunt bangs which makes it even hotter.

2. What hair type does this style work best on?
Blunt bangs typically look best with straight hair that is cut all at one length. However, we've recently seen stars like Kim Kardashian wearing her blunt bangs with wavy hair creating a contrast between the hip, edgy bang with romantic, tousled hair. Another variation to the blunt bang is to incorporate angles that frame your face, such as Anne Hathaway’s haircut.

3. What face shape do these bangs look best on?
Blunt bangs work well for everyone, if done right. Many times, younger people can pull off the style the best, but virtually anyone can sport this look. The best face shape for blunt bangs is a longer, oval-shaped face.

4. What are some other great bang choices for girls who do not have the appropriate hair texture/face shape?
Longer bangs that can be pushed to the side of the face add movement to the hairstyle, such as the side swept bang. This type of bang is the most universally worn and can look great on many different face shapes/hair textures.

5. Additional tips...
Blunt bangs add to style to your look, even when your hair is pulled back into a ponytail. You can just blow out your bangs and throw your hair back. It adds an egde to your look and gives you a change that's not as drastic as a shorter haircut.

I think that this style is definitely going to last well into this season. It is a faddy look, but I think it’s one that will stand the test of time. As it evolves, I imagine people will start to wear the bang in different ways, more tailored to their personality.

There you have it! One great idea for a new Spring 'do!

Get Ready for Spring With NARS

I don't know about you, but I hate winter. The long nights, the cold weather, and the gray days are disheartening. I'm dreaming of sunshine and blue skies.

Apparently NARS read my mind and is tempting me with thoughts of Spring by sending me information on their new Spring 2009 line. Their new collection is inspired by the 1970s and boasts pastel hues and berry shades. The collection is described as both strong and sophisticated, and everything they offer will be top-notch quality since it bares the NARS name.

Here are some highlights. Some of their new shades sound very intriguing!

NARS Blush Duo - $37 François Nars has always considered blush a critical beauty building block. The double compact opens to reveal one highlighting and one sculpting shade, allowing you to literally shape your desired look. Shade: Hungry Heart - Iridescent gold ivory and pink sand with golden sheen.
NARS Duo Concealer - $30 Since the skin on your face is not created equal, one shade of concealer usually won’t suffice. This new palette features two complementary shades that can be blended together or used individually. Creamy and completely crease-resistant, the Duo Concealer is lightweight but still able to provide smooth, opaque coverage to eradicate skin redness, imperfections, and under-eye shadows. Shades: Vanilla/Honey - Fair complexions, Custard/Ginger - Light to medium, and Praline/Toffee - Medium to dark complexions.

NARS Duo Eyeshadow - $32 To celebrate spring’s delicate femininity, François Nars introduces two new shimmery and frosty hued Duo Eyeshadows to the collection. New Shades: Egea - Frosted sage and smoky lilac, Hula Hula - Strawberry with gold particles and hazelnut with gold glitter particles

NARS Single Eyeshadow - $22 Whether your mood is classic or playful, these three new Single Eyeshadows provide all the color combinations necessary to complete your makeup look. Go for a subtle, natural look with shades of pink and gold or a touch of sophistication with a sweep of the matte dusty red hue. New Shades: Baby Girl - Cotton candy with golden undertones and gold particles, Grenadines - Matte garnet, Night Sun - Bright marigold with gold particles

NARS Multiple Duo - $45 This two-in-one convenience pairs the complementary colors of Orgasm and South Beach of the versatile, multi-purpose cult favorite for eyes, lips and cheeks. New Shade: Orgasm/South Beach - Peachy pink and apricot with shimmer

NARS Multiple Bronzer - $37 NARS extends its Multiple Bronzer shade range with this new hue. Rich in anti-oxidants, this bronzing stick is formulated to strengthen, support and repair the skin while creating an all-over warmth and contour for the entire face. New Shade: Cap Vert - Medium to dark complexions with red undertones

NARS Lip Gloss - $24 Drench lips with this new sheer and shiny shade to echo the delicate and fresh feel of the season. New Shade: Sweet Revenge - Sheer pink grapefruit

NARS Lipstick - $24 This new sheer jewel tone adds a pop of color, for juicy berry-stained lips. The creamy formula glides on smoothly and leaves a hint of sexy shine. New Shade: Shrinagar - Metallic raspberry

The Spring 2009 line from NARS is available here.

Product Preview: 24.7 Skincare

Being a west coast transplant, there are things I really miss about the east coast. One of those things is CVS Pharmacy. CVS has been launching some great cosmetic and skincare products lately, and now they're selling 24.7 Skincare products.
24.7 Skincare is effective, anti-aging skincare with fast-acting, visible results. 24.7 Skincare is formulated with a proprietary and unique technology that incorporates Rapid Anti-Aging Technology, featuring GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid). When used in conjunction with other key ingredients, GABA works to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the facial area quickly, safely and effectively, with absolutely no side effects – just results. As clinical studies have shown, the Targeted Wrinkle Treatment has a 55 – 88% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles within 10 minutes of use.

I recently got my hands on several 24.7 products and am trying them out. I'm also having a few family members give the products a test drive so we can see how they work on different skin types. Here's what I'm testing:

Targeted Wrinkle Treatment, $39.99

Clinically proven to deliver a 55-88% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles within minutes of application, as well as proven to reduce pore size up to 72%, rosacea up to 60% and stretch marks up to 40%

Firming Anti-Aging Eye Serum, $29.99

Instantly cools, tones and clinically proven to reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffy eyes, fine lines and wrinkles

Smoothing Anti-Aging Moisturizer, $29.99

Delivers an extra boost of moisture for a fantastically supple, smooth, and splendidly vibrant complexion

Daily Purifying Facial Scrub, $15.99

Sheds away dead skin cells to reveal luminous, radiant, and naked skin with this gentle two-in-one purification treatment to detoxify and refresh the skin

Instant Plump Volumizing Lip Shine, $19.99

Instantly plumps, glosses, and moisturizes, all while enhancing natural lip color

I'll let you know my thoughts on these products in a few weeks--I like to give products time to do their thing before giving you my verdict.

Lip Gloss Quest

I'm on a lip gloss quest. I'm currently obsessed with finding the perfect shade of gloss for the Spring. I want something shiny, not sticky...colorful but not too aggressive. I want a kiss of pink under a shimmer of gloss. I want it to be pretty, flirty, fun, and Spring-y.

I went to my local Ulta and hit up some of the more affordable drugstore brands. Over the next few days/weeks, I'll systematically try out each gloss and hopefully will come up with a winner. If not? I'm back to the drawing board. This is why I'm going for the less expensive brands and am staying far, far away from Sephora for the time being!

Here are my contenders for this first (and hopefully only) round of my gloss quest:

• Lorac Lotsa Lip Plumping Gloss in Cutie (okay, so this is a more expensive brand--it was already in my makeup bag and I've neglected for a while now...time to bring it out into the rotation!)
• Ulta Brilliant Color Lip Gloss in Cayenne, a spicy coral-y color
• Ulta Brilliant Color Lip Gloss in Flirt, a shimmery pink with a hint of pearl (it was two for one week at Ulta!)
• Cover Girl Outlast Double Lip Shine in Power Pink, also a shimmery pink--this is a two step gloss (first color, topped by shine)
• Maybelline Volume XL Seduction in Born With It, my lightest pink shade--this one is supposed to plump up my lips and add amazing shine.

So...those are the glosses I'm going to try. I'll let you know how this goes. Should be interesting!

Beauty As Art, Part 2

Yesterday I told you how Sephora is getting ready for Spring by rolling out some new ideas about beauty, with their Beauty as Art campaign. If you don't want to update your entire look, Sephora wants you to at least consider tweaking your lashes, your eyes, or your lips with one of these looks:

Surrealist Lashes: "Push the limits of reality with spring's newest mascaras. Guerlain Le 2 uses two different brushes—a big one for length and volume; a tiny one that's tilted seven degrees for super precision—to achieve unbelievable lashes. Smashbox Bionic Mascara is ionically charged, binding to and volumizing lashes with magnetic force (really!). LORAC introduces an innovative four-sided brush for a multitasking mascara that literally does it all, and CARGO's blu_ray™ Mascara was created to look perfect on High Definition TV—making you ready for your close-up, in HD, that is."

My take: Even though I used to swear by Great Lash (and still buy this beauty cult classic when I need to be nicer to my finances), I find myself smitten by the more expensive mascaras on the market. I've been trying the pricier brands lately and I love the extreme length and thickness you can get with them. I can't wait to try the Smashbox Bionic Mascara...that sounds fun! And how funny that CARGO designed a mascara to look great on HDTV. I love that technological advancements are changing the way we think about makeup!

Impressionist Eyes: "From eggplant to violet to burgundy, purple lids are spring's most avant-garde trend. On the runways, purples were given an Impressionist flare; different tones and textures were layered for a shimmering, Water Lilly-like effect. This approach may seem dramatic, but it's actually quite wearable. The light, shiny highlighters will soften the darker purples—start out bold, and take the color down with highlighter till you reach your perfect degree of purple haze."

My take: Be careful here...a little goes a long way. While violet, eggplant, and other purples can add a great deal of drama to your look, you have to be sure you apply it right and that your makeup is appropriate for the rest of your look. You can be subtle with purples by pairing them up with neutrals and by either smudging them or using a light hand. If you want to try this out for yourself, I suggest you practice, practice, practice!

The Kiss: "Lips stains that give a fresh, slightly rouged, just-been-kissed look are hot for spring. We love this new crop of stains because they're moisturizing (stains and chapped lips decidedly don't mix), infused with good-for-you antioxidants, and many (Stila, Too Faced and Smashbox) can actually personalize their color to a shade that looks best on you. Now that's a kiss we want."

My take: I love trying out new lipsticks! Lipsticks that contain antioxidants? Score! Customizable lipshades? Definite score! I think changing your normal lipcolor provides the most bang for the buck. If you don't want to invest a lot of money but want to shake up your look, always go for a new lipcolor. So easy, so fun, so just do it!

For all these looks or other ideas to inspire you, visit sephora.com.

Beauty As Art

After a Winter of torrential rain, flooding, below average temperatures, and ice, we're finally experiencing some lovely weather in the Pacific Northwest. Even though it's February, it's sunny and slightly warm out, and it has me longing for Spring. I'm not alone in my desire for a new season: the good folks at Sephora have launched their Spring campaign--Beauty As Art--and are featuring several new looks to inspire us.

And of course I have my own opinions on the matter!

Here are Sephora's looks for the Spring. I'll first give you what they have to say about each look and then I'll throw in my thoughts for good measure!

Renaissance Glow: "Spring's freshest runway looks conjured up Botticelli's famous Birth of Venus painting—fresh skin, nude lips, and glowing cheeks epitomize today's modern Madonna. Score the look with some of spring's most exciting new products—Hourglass' gorgeously addictive foundation (our creative director is hooked), Stila's brilliantly strategic contouring kits (hello, cheekbones), Benefit's super-fresh Thrrrob powder, and NARS' new nude gloss which—thanks to a touch of apricot—is wearable on every skintone."

My take: I love this look. This "less is more" approach makes your skin the focus, and the nude tones are flattering for everyone. Plus it's easy to do and is appropriate for almost any occasion.

Neoclassic Beauty: "Look neo-classy in spring's boisterous spin on glamour. When it comes to shadow, gold is the new beige. It's the light, sparkly, warm-weather neutral that works day to night. We love smudging it on a little imperfectly; the refined texture of this season's luxe cream and powder shadows made even a purposely-sloppy application look gorgeous. Add a succulent coral pucker—matte or shiny, whichever you prefer—and you've got the most classic look of the season."

My take: I love this one too! This is a more done up version of the Renaissance look. It allows for mistakes, and the sooner we learn that perfection and beauty are two entirely different things, the better off we'll be.

Pop Art Makeup: "At the fashion shows, makeup artists experimented with live-wire colors in shocking combos like orange and purple, Kelly green and red, and spots of bright blue just about everywhere (even on the lips!). The trick to wearing lots of vibrant colors at once is to make sure the undertones match. And, try using the color in an unexpected place—a flash on your lashes (ahem, Longo's brilliant new mascaras), or, Make Up For Ever's Flash Color in Pale Blue 20 as eye liner."

My take: No. No. No. Unless you're posing for a Warhol painting, are an actress portraying a crazy character, or are a drag queen, this is not a good look. It's too much...too colorful, to theatrical, too out there for an everyday look. Some people may be able to pull off this look, but unless you're very skilled at makeup application and have the confidence to really rock this look, you'll just end up looking foolish. Sorry!

Sephora also wants you to update your lashes, eyes, and lips this season and make them works of art as well. I'll give you the skinny on that tomorrow! But until then, what look do you like best from Sephora's Spring campaign? Leave a comment and let me know!