Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Hot Child in The City



Coco Chanel



Vintage Lipsticks

Courtesy Parade Magazine
July 29th, has been dubbed " National Lipstick Day." It got me thinking. Mademoiselle Chanel was the first to create lipstick. So story goes, she sold her lipstick at Grocery Store checkout counters, during wartime. Women could barely afford the basic necessities, bread, milk, etc., but they would splurge 25 cents on a lipstick. A small sacrifice, to feel and look their best. Pretty was incentive enough. Wartime women had impeccable glamour, took pride in their appearance, and waited, stoically for the men to return home safe again. Coco was onto to something and way ahead of the times. She would build a billion dollar empire, Cosmetics included. Women of all ages wear lipstick. I have owned, worn and loved thousands of various brands and shades over the years.
In the words of the Mademoiselle herself , “The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!” -Coco Chanel















I don't have much in common with Gwyneth. She's blond, famous, Upper East Side Royalty. I'm not.
But, kick-ass red lipstick? Hell ya, I can relate. Anytime, anywhere.

"Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.” Gwyneth Paltrow

I celebrate 'National Lipstick Day' everyday. The power of self-confidence, tucked inside a tube of color. It won't save the world, wipe out poverty, make you richer, skinnier, kinder or smarter. But, it can make you feel beautiful, bold and unique.
Fearless enough to get out there, roll up your sleeves and get things done. Even on the ugly, hardest of days, pull out a lipstick, paint your lips and hold your head high. 
Confidence is contagious, & makeup your armor.


If you can't spend a fortune on expensive lips, go back to the beginning. The Supermarket Isle.

L'Oreal, Maybelline, Cover Girl all make killer lipsticks in rainbow shades of color.
You'll look like a million bucks without breaking the bank. Take your cue from Coco, be a trailblazer, glamorously, one step ahead of the times.






Parade.com/lips.
http://www.famous-women-and-beauty.com/coco-chanel-biography.html





Thursday, July 26, 2012

Surfer Babes & Full Circle

Elle MacPherson Sports Illustrated
First, there was Elle, 'the body.' When Sports Illustrated came out in '86 with Elle Macpherson on the cover, I almost died in admiration. I was a teenager and wanted to be 'just like her.' After graduation, off to Paris I went, boldly following in her footsteps. She married famed, French fashion photographer and former International Creative Director of Elle magazine, Gilles Bensimon. While I was a fledgling model, Elle's star was rising at meteoric speed. I enjoyed a lucrative, successful career. I wanted out before I became another used up model, forgotten face. Reinvention in fashion & beauty is key to survival. Makeup artistry? Why not, I had all the 'right' connections. I tried acting, but my EGO wasn't quite big enough. I worked with Elle magazine as a MU artist, countless Celebrities and even Kelly Bensimon (Gilles' 3rd wife). Talk about Serendipity. When I received Elle makeup for review, I chuckled. Paris seemed so long ago. I had finally arrived right where I belonged, a writing career. Full circle. A few degrees separate the major players in Beauty & Fashion. I once hobnobbed with the creme de la crop, Karl Lagerfield, Armani, Moschino, Romeo Gigli, Vogue and yes, even Elle. Today, I write stories instead, from a healthy distance. And blog about beauty and fashion, because it's frivolous, fun.


Go Bold. Elle Only at Kohl's. I don't normally shop at Kohl's. I'm more of a Target kind of girl, but when I received Elle Cosmetics, curiosity killed the cat. I had to go check it out. You know what? Kohl's is cool, I even picked up a few things. They have some great stuff. Elle Cosmetics was on display. The simple packaging is modern, functional, and trendy. The product is Elle worthy and  budget friendly. What more could a girl want?
The Shadows' are pretty, with a touch of shimmery pigment. The eyeshadows blend well, with mix and match shades, and are easy to apply. I love # 15, an Eggplant with a slight sheen. Eggplant and purple hues look hot on the Red Carpet. A sexy, all year round favorite. Eggplant is perfect for creating a sultry, smokey eye. Pair it with Elle's Black Kohl liner pencil and your eyes will sizzle. Add a dab of # 21, a beautiful, white shimmer, to the upper and lower corner lids, for a light, modern, airy look. 


Elle's Nail Lacquer come in funky shades, as well as the classics. With glossy, matte and shimmer finish, there is a shade for every occasion. I fell in love with Surfer Babe and Fuchsia Fusion. If you can't be by the ocean, bring the sea to you. Surfer Babe, a turquoise blue with a sea green undertone on the toes, looks cheeky, beach ready in your flip flops. Bold & bright Fuchsia Fusion, a hot pink, is right on time for the summer heat. It's a pretty, pick me up, that puts the pep back in your step. Three days & counting, no chipping yet. Then there's the blush, gloss and lipstick. The lipstick & blush have some delish basic hues that go on smooth. The sparkly glosses are fun and frivolous. Full circle, once again! Head on over to Kohl's & check Elle Cosmetics out. You'll find something just right for you.




Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Heels & Armani Makeup with Tim Quinn = Knockout Combination





shoedazzle's Live Beauty Chat with Celebrity Face Designer, Tim Quinn was a shoe in and huge success. Thousands liked and posted comments, Q & A's for Mr. Quinn.

We got some fantastic, makeup tips from a Celebrity artiste, trendsetter & leader in the Cosmetic industry. The five fave questions, will win Swag @Armani beauty products!
So cool & super delish.
Sorry we're late to the party, my bad. Don't fret, there will be an encore date.

Fortunately, for all of us, shoedazzle will be holding a repeat performance in August. Don't worry, next time I will post in advance.

The shoes, my oh my. Who wouldn't die for a pair of killer heels, paired with a classic, sexy Armani red lip? Lovely, the height of super sophistication.




"Thank you @TimQuinnBeauty for your time and expertise! Another Encore beauty presentation via YouTube later this August. Stay tuned! http://bit.ly/N35CzZ"


https://www.facebook.com/#!/ShoeDazzle
http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com
https://twitter.com/TimQuinnBeauty
http://www.shoedazzle.com/


Friday, July 20, 2012

Trunks Up Equals Good Luck


Trunks Up Design by Samantha Gorin

"Welcome to Trunks Up Designs. Every bracelet is handcrafted with beads from around the world. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me. Be sure to LIKE Trunks Up on Facebook to receive exclusive news and offers".  - Samantha Gorin 
          

Anyone who knows me, know I am always bejeweled, stacked and over stacked. I love to mix it up, Christ, Buddha and Skulls do in fact get along. Adorned on the body, in jewel art. I lost a favorite, new piece recently. Black bead bracelet, with a red elephant. It was a gift, and I NEVER lose jewelry. 
It's bad karma. After a week of dismembering furniture, tearing apart my room, going nuts, I let it go. I scoured the Internet for days, instead. Searching for that one piece. I kept coming up blank.
Until I came across Trunks Up Designs, on Etsy. SCORE. She had a similar bracelet, but it was sold out. BUMMER.
I quickly fell in LUST with her Buddha bracelets. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? They are beyond. It was love at first sight. I ordered one immediately.

Black Beaded Bracelet with White Buddha and Pink Ombre Crystal Bead
Trunks Up Design By Samantha Gorin


I left an email for Samantha Gorin, creater and founder of Trunks Up Design regarding my lost red elephant, black bead bracelet. She had the elephant and offered to make me one. Talk about good karma, excellent customer service, kismet and fate!


Trunks Up Design By Samantha Gorin



Trunks Up Designs was founded in August 2011 as a hobby. Samantha is a Senior Marketing Manager at Emerson, who fell in love with Buddha Jewelery, while working in retail. The only downside, the pieces ranged from $100 -$300. bucks. Way too pricey for most of us. The savvy, Marketing Manager, is an artist first. She thought, 'hey, I can do that." Boy, did she ever. She did it  better than her competitors. Her friends quickly started asking, where they could buy her jewelry. She started her Etsy shop, and they began scooping up her pieces. Voila, success. 


Trunks Up Design by Samantha Gorin
Samantha's pieces are unique, spiritual, cool and quirky. There's meaning and thought behind her art, besides staying on top of the trends. Her latest styles, the three wise monkeys, and guitar picks are awesome, conversation pieces. I love them all, but remain a loyal fan of the Buddhas, her best sellers. I own a vast collection of Buddhas from various world travels, and they remain close to my heart. Now, I can wear one my wrist. Thanks, Trunks Up!  It makes feel pretty, special and lucky. The post might not be makeup related, but Samantha's jewelery is a definite must in the beauty & self -confidence booster biz.
My next purchase?  A Buddha in NEON. Right on time for summer, how cool is that? My BFF saw my Trunks Up Buddha bracelet. She's already stated, "HOW WICKED IS THAT. I WANT ONE!!!"

Trunks Up Design By Samantha Gorin


Trunks Up Design by Samantha Gorin




Trunks Up Design by Samantha Gorin
















https://www.facebook.com/TrunksUpDesigns
http://www.etsy.com/people/SammyGorin
http://www.etsy.com/?ref=so_home

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Hair, Hair Long Beautiful Hair nuNAAT GiveAway

nuNAAT. "Gimme long beautiful hair, shining, gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen." With nuNAAT's pure, all natural ingredients, you too can have beautiful tresses. Head over to www.facebook.com/nunaat to win your own Karite Special Collection. Stayed tuned for a feature nuNAAT post. You only have one head of beautiful locks, best to take care of it.


nuNAAT's Beginning's:
"In a nutshell. It’s where we found some of the finest ingredients for our products. We searched the world over to unearth nature’s bounty–all kinds of nuts, berries, fruits and plants. We even picked up a few ancient secrets along the way. Inspired by the natural resources found in Brazil’s rainforest regions, nuNAAT® was founded."
Enter to win!
We are giving away [3] COMPLETE SETS of our fan-favorite Karité Special collection. You will LOVE that our special blend of Shea Butter will leave your hair soft and hydrated!


Wining is very simple:

1. Visit our FACEBOOK page (LIKE us if you are not already a fan)
www.facebook.com/nunaat  2. Read our KARITE SPECAL GIVEAWAY highlighted post (pinned to the top of the page) and add your personal comment to the post.


That's it! On August 1st our staff will pick their favorite top [3] comments as the winners! karite
NuNAAT Karite












Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Everyone Gets the Blues

Blue shadows can be tricky.You don't want to look like an 80's throwback, or a resident of some sleezy, desert motel, in the middle of nowhere (although that's always been a fantasy of mine). In the age of Social Network, it's best to get with times. Blue hues are not a favorite, go to shade. It's good to step out of your MU comfort zone & play around with color. For the daring, a cobalt blue eyeliner pencil applied on the lashline and inside the upper & lower lid creates a cool, smokey eye. The modern take on the basic black, rock n' roll eye.(Armani Beauty's maestro, Celebrity Face Designer, Tim Quinn showed me the cobalt blue, pencil tip. Delish!) Teal blue shadow, swept lightly all over the lid creates a shimmery, pretty, youthful look.

YSL is launching a limited edition eye pallette, in the same hue as Facebook's signature blue. What do you think? Would you wear it? LIKE it? COMMENT ON IT? I would. It's genius marketing, and great packaging. Most of us log into FB at least once a day. The palette with FB' s royal blue, white, violet and black shades, has endless mix it up possibilites. Go ahead, get those creative juices flowing. Visit YSL Beauty on Facebook. HIT Like, Comment and Share when you do.


YSL Blue Chromatics Featured on Teen Vogue.com



"According to the UK beauty blog www.kissandmakeup.tv there are only 1,650 available and (the desperate grab for the youth market) publicity campaign launches on July 19 at YSL Beauty on Facebook."









http://www.yslbeautyus.com/
http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/Tim-Quinn/
http://www.teenvogue.com

Monday, July 16, 2012

The Perfect Canvas

By Terry
I admit it. There are brands I adore.
I love them for different reasons. Some for the quality, others out of loyalty, and some for the quirky, fun products. Beauty is a billion dollar industry, you can't try it all. It's like trying to hit every NYC restaurant, and eat at them all. It'll never happen, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun trying. Beautiful skin has always been my number one concern; as a woman, model, and makeup artist. A flawless finish is easy to pull off when the canvas is 18 and a supermodel. It becomes more of a challenge when you hit middle age. Did I just say those words, out loud??!!! I did, and am proud to wear this face that has aged gracefully. There are tricks to a stunning face at every age, it's called H2O, exercise and a fabulous MU product. Luxe Makeup & Skincare work wonders  rejuvenating the skin, covering laugh lines, sun damage, blemishes, and under-eye circles.
Go crazy with lips, shadows, mascara, but never skimp on face products or foundation.
Armani LSF remains my numero uno go-to foundation. Shu's Nobara Concealer sticks are high on my list and in my MU kit.
I have coveted By Terry from afar. When Alison Brod sent Light-Expert, Perfect Foundation Brush, Touch Expert Advanced, and Touche Veloutee, I did a dance. The get up & shake your booty, raise your arms high in the air, kind. Whoot, whoot! I immediately opened them and took them for a test drive. Simply heaven.

Light Expert, Perfecting Foundation Brush with Hydra-Smoothing Filling Spheres creates an Immediate Youthful Radiance.
I like to use Light-Expert all over the face, for a light, youthful radiant appearance. It's pen pump & brush keep the foundation hygienic and non-fussy. MU artist tip: Apply Perfecting Brush to the t-zone on set after  application. It goes on smooth and creates a flawless face, that's airy and modern.
"An anti-blemish, anti-dullness, anti-shadow foundation, this ingenious brush, christened the foundation for makeup dummies, guarantees flawless skin with every stroke!
With a click, its brush applies its featherlight texture for virtually imperceptible yet totally perfecting artfully deceptive coverage. A new intelligent, practical and easy-to-apply beauty step for an instantly luminous result!"
Vanessa Paradis in Touch -Expert Advanced By Terry




Touch Expert Advanced, the Multi-Corrective Concealer Brush with activated Pro-Smoothing Radiance in Nude is my new BFF. It's the Ferrari of under-eye Concealer. The coverage is velvety smooth, effortless and flawless to the naked eye. This baby's 'sticking' with me.
"All-in-one" radiance-correcting and freshness-creating brush is an ultra-precise, anti-blemish tool that banishes dark circles, wrinkles and shadow and erases all signs of tiredness in the blink of an eye.
Its multi-performance formula instantly conceals imperfections without heaviness and provides an impeccable, luminous and long-lasting smoothing effect. Its ultra-fine, impalpable texture with a micro-powder finish guarantees optimal skin comfort."




Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush with Skin Perfecting Phyto- Ingredients
An Anti- Blemish, Anti- Fatigue Ultra- Smoothing Full- Coverage Concealer. Have I not died and gone to makeup, paradise. Touche Veloutee is perfect for highlighting, contouring and brightening the skin. It covers of the occasional breakout, without looking flat or heavy. By Terry is a superior,  luxe brand, worth every penny. You only have one face, induldge and take care good of it.You're worth it.
"An ultra-smoothing anti-dullness solution:
-6 ultra high-performance phyto-active ingredients combined with Soft-Focus Powders conceal dark shadows, disguise puffiness and fade away the marks of tiredness while protecting the delicate eye contour area."

Kim in Touche Veloutee By Terry

















Friday, July 6, 2012

Hold My Hand


When approached by the awesome Buzzsmith Mediaexperts in Online Media, to write a review for Bellacures Spa, I was super excited. The posh Bellacures Spa on Robertson in Hollywood is relaxed, California luxe at its finest. Robertson is my favorite street in LA. Pop into Kitson Accesories for the latest LA, fun fashion finds. Lunch at the Newsroom, a Vegetarian, Vegan favorite. The artichoke is to die for! Top it off with a visit to Bellacures Spa. Sounds like the perfect day, a personal slice of pampering paradise.

Since I'm in NY, I sent guest blogger, designer extraordinaire, and Angelino, Felice Pappas. Felice does it all, designs her own clothing line, whips up gowns with a thousand sequins and feathers for fun, works in the film biz, and creates just about anything. She is a master of aesthetic and color. The perfect guest to indulge in a Bellacures Spa day. I knew I was in good hands. If you can't make it to Hollywood, Bellacures has Salons all over Cali. Check out their web to indulge at a Bellacures near you. Thank you, Buzzsmith Media and Bellacures! I look forward to a visit.

I Wanna Hold Your Hand by Felice Pappas



I arrived at Bellacures, and was greeted by the friendly receptionist, (so refreshing in Hollywood). She smiled and told me to pick out a polish. The 'wall of fame' lined one side of the room and 'wall of color' the other. I knew I was in for a treat. Choosing a shade was a multi-task, color overload.
Bellacures has a HUGE polish selection. OPI and Essie are awesome. Top notch, durable brands. I couldn't decide if I should go bold, dark blue with a black tip, or opt for a clean look. I went for pretty, fresh, summery nail. Bellacures Hold My Hand Mani, with a French twist, Essie's Kisses and Bises, an iridescent pick, and Marshmallow for the tips. It looks more natural than the typical, white out- white. The Spa was pristine with funky, club style, lounge chairs and pillows, comfy- cozy. I could have dozed off in a heartbeat, and gone straight to nail heaven.
















My own Emery board and buffer, (Love that!)  waited for me on the armchair. Carol, my manicurist came with her basket of tricks and got down to business. Cuticles and nails trimmed, filing done, then came the good stuff.

Basket of Goodies
Carol scrubbed my forearms and hands with Open-Minded Organic Sugar Scrub with lavender essential oils. Yummy! Next came the Witch Hazel Spray (like a degreaser). I felt rejuvenated and clean.
She saved the best for last, Bija Body. Wow, it smelled amazing!!! Even my hubby noticed.
I would've bought Bija Body on the spot. Unfortunately, they don't sell Bija Body at Bellacures. They should! (hint, hint.) 
" Jackie, do I see a Bija Body product review on the horizon?"



Polish by Essie
Carol pulls out my color choices, she's never used the colors together. "Interesting choice." Even my manicurist compliments my nails, and gives me the thumbs up. Alright! My white tips are perfectly done, with just the right amount of thickness. Bellacures doesn't use dryer machines, Carol sprays a mysterious oil on my nails.
I wait the ten minutes. I hate that part, who doesn't?! I make it through and thank the staff, tip Carol (who remembers my name, kudos for that). I'm out the door.
Two days later, no chips, no flakes. Still going strong.
I'll be back, and plan to tell all my friends.
Thanks Bellacures for the Hollywood Star Treatment!


HOLD MY HAND MANI


BELLACURES SPA











http://www.bellacures.com/

Thank you, Buzzsmith Media, for the fantastic Social Media connections.
"Buzzsmith is an award winning interactive marketing company dedicated to providing companies of all sizes with expertly managed online marketing campaigns leveraging our innovation, leadership and strong understanding of online advertising and social media marketing."

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/81622/los_angeles_ca/newsroom_cafe.html
http://www.bijabody.com/
http://www.opi.com/
http://www.essie.com/
http://www.shopkitson.com/

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Help I'm Melting & My Skin is Breaking Out

More than half the country is sweltering. With temperatures in the  90's and soaring into the 100's, the heat is unbearable. There's bound to be some major, sweaty days and sleepless nights. Sweating can cause breakouts. Remember drink, drink, drink. Tons of water to hydrate and bust out some Super Hero products to save face. A few of my favorites help combat the, " help, I'm melting. Save my skin from the unsightly, rash blues." 

Some fantastic products that will make your skin feel silky, smooth.Watch how quickly they work their magic. Clear skin is a day away. Have fun in the sun, lather on the SPF, and remember, clean your face and pores twice a day. You'll look and feel like a million bucks.


Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Daily Face Wash delivers results.
Visibly clearer skin in just one day. Ultra Rapid Action works fast, opening blocked pores so your skin can breath again. With Salicylic Acid 2% Acne Medication, you get maximum strength results. 
Your skin feels tingly clean, with no blemishes in sight.









Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel has been an American tradition since 1866. NO wonder, this little jewel of a product is a sure bet for centuries. Now available in towelettes, they've hit the jackpot. Who doesn't love quality skincare on the go?! "Witch Hazel is a naturally effective herbal extract with exceptional cleansing properties. It conditions, tones, and refreshes your skin while protecting essential moisture balance."


I love it for it's cooling, refreshing property and awesome portability. Individually wrapped towelettes live in my purse. Perfect for the busy woman, and man on the go. Great for the office, travel, beach, sports, gym and even as a refreshing, cool down on a hot day! "With botanical extracts, touched with aloe," even the most sensitive skin will be hooked. Happy Fourth, be safe, enjoy your friends & families. 
In the spirit of "Buy American", pick up some Dickinson's Towelettes.
You won't be disappointed.

http://www.dickinsonsusa.com/products/towelettes
http://www.clearasil.us/skincare-products/clearasil-ultra