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#ManiMonday: Essie Spring 2014 Collection

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I have many perks to the job, one of which are amazing surprises! Last week, while it was all raining and grey ousite, the colorful spring collection for Essie made it’s way to my door (and with

PC Beauty Tips Featured in the November Issue of Health Magazine

There’s always something so exciting about opening a magazine and seeing your name in print. In the November issue of Health Magazine (featuring Julianne Moore on the cover), the publication features beauty bloggers top tricks spanning across nails, makeup, hair and skin. Actually, to quote the header, it reads: ” Beauty Bloggers’ Best Tricks, Top online gurus share their go-to strategies for great hair, glowing skin, and magnificent makeup.”

I’m featured twice, once for my hair tip and another for a DIY skincare recommendation (as seen below photographed side by side with Michelle Phan’s tip in between!)

Lara Eurdolian, Pretty Connected beauty tips in Health Magazine

I have a little note to add to my hair tip, since the copy had to be condensed. The tip as it read is:  “I sleep with my hair divided into two loose buns, seared with a scrunch. To keep mu strands smooth. For adding volume in the mourning, I rely on Osis Dust It – the powder soaks up excess oils and adds lift to roots.”

The part that I should preface is about dividing my hair into the buns with a loose scrunchie — that’s only if you’re trying to preserve a blow-out. By putting your hair into loose divided buns rotating hair in sequence of the curl it helps you avoid friction and movement between the strands. The reason you use a scrunchie instead of a hair elastic is you don’t want anything too tight that would leave any lines. Then the next morning you can revive the roots with some dry shampoo.

My other tip was “Yogurt, the pain natural kind makes a great hydrating mask. I use it when my skin needs a little pick-me-up.”

Some of the other tips I loved from the article include:

“I love sparkly polish but it sticks to your nails like crazy. To remove it, I use felt instead of a cotton ball — it works like a gentle Brillo pad.” – Allison Kratzer, Makeup by Alli

“Instead of layering on powder before happy hour, press a few drops of face oil over your cheeks to refresh your foundation and create a super natural glow.” – Elizabeth Dehn, Beauty Bets

“If your eye and lip pencils are really soft, leave them in the fridge for about an hour before you sharpen them-the less creamy they are the less waste there is.” – Christine Miekle, Temptalia

“After I douse a cotton pad with my regular makeup remover, I add a bit of coconut oil and apply it to my closed eye. It helps break up the makeup, so it slides off with more ease.” – Julie Gutierrez, YouTube vlogger

“Rather than using a towel, dry hair with a soft, old, worn-in T-shirt and pat dry. Don’t rub! Rubbing hair with a towel leads to breakage.” – Michelle Phan

“When I have a breakout, I hold a vinegar-soaked cotton ball over it for a few seconds at night. It’s smaller by mourning.” – Aleigh Acerni, Indigo + Canary

Okay, that’a enough of a sneak peek, for more great tips check out the November issue of Health Magazine on stands now.

Backstage at NYFW: Red Door Spa for Brandon Sun Spring 2014 Collection

-Guest post by Ali Butterfass

I was lucky enough to see a couple of shows at New York Fashion Week, and it was an amazing experience. However, while I loved seeing the polished presentation of the runway, it wasn’t until I got to witness the carefully controlled chaos backstage that I truly appreciated the work, artistry, and incredible teamwork that goes into making the show look so effortless. I went backstage with Red Door Spa to watch them create hair, makeup, and nails for Brandon Sun’s Spring 2014 collection.

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Sun’s collection is casual and sophisticated, with an irreverent energy. To play off this upscale downtown vibe, makeup artist Cesar Olivas designed a beautifully polished look that was classy, but with an edge.

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Keeping the face natural and fresh, the models’ matte complexions were the perfect base for a contoured, smoked-out eye using Elizabeth Arden’s Beautiful Color Smokey Eyes Pencil and Color Intrigued Eyeliner. Lashes were left free of mascara to keep the overall impression soft.

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Picking up the hints of orange in the collection, lips were stained a soft red that brought a playfulness to the look.

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National creative director and master hair stylist Zahir Ziani kept hair simply styled and natural, “like she did it herself.” Sweeping hair off the face and into a low side bun, with a few stray strands falling naturally, this tousled style counterbalanced the chic, put-together collection.

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Inspired by the grunge-rock elements of Sun’s designs, national training director of nails Adeline Sarino created a cool ombre manicure using shades of light and dove gray. Nail technicians painted stripes of lacquer onto cotton balls, then swiped them over models’ nails to produce a one-of-a-kind look that I’m dying to practice on myself.

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Watching the models be transformed from women in street clothes and bare faces to elegant head to toe glam-punks was completely mind blowing. What do you think of the finished look?

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{Giveaway} Win $350 worth of Beauty Products from SpaceNK!

Space NK US Autumn Beauty Edit GWP.Sept.12.2013Happy Friday everyone! For this weeks giveaway I’m so excited to be giving away $350 worth of beauty products from one of my favorite retailers, Space NK! The giveaway includes a selection of must-have products from 28 of their featured brands including Lipstick Queen, Bumble and Bumble, By Terry, Caudalie, Clark’s Botanical, Hourglass, Oribe and more! (Full list featured at the bottom of the post).

Whether you’re looking to transition your skincare regimen or update your beauty look for fall, be sure to visit Space NK on September 12th for their “Autumn Beauty Edit” event that’s being hosted at all 24 of their US locations. During this special, one-day-only shopping event, guests can meet with experts from the brands they carry for personalized classes, makeovers, advice and tips. And for shoppers who spend $250, they will receive the gift bag we’re giving away (valued at $350)!

WIN IT! There are 2 ways to enter (each option counts as a separate entry):

1. Leave a comment on why you want to win.

2. Follow us on twitter and tweet about the giveaway or event using the hashtag #PCgiveaway OR TWEET: RT & follow @prettyconnected for ur chance to #win $350 in beauty products from @Space_NK. #beautyedit #PCgiveaway http://bit.ly/19oRP3F

**Extra credit if you “Like” Pretty Connected on Facebook at Facebook.com/PrettyConnected

WHAT’S IN THE BAG:

Claire Bowen & Sam Palladio Rock the Summer with Self Magazine

Claire Bowen & Sam Palladio

Last night, Self Magazine hosted their Rocks the Summer event in honor of their July music issue at NYC’s PH-D at the Dream Hotel Downtown. And what kind of music celebration would it be without some steller music, which was flown in straight from Nashville (literally and figuratively). Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio of the ABC hit series, Nashville, flew in from Nashville to perform 3 songs in front of the live audience; including their first duet together on the show, If I Didn’t Know Better. Lucy Danziger, editor-in-chief of Self Magazine, made a joke about all of us wanting to be Clare and wanting to date Sam, which judging by all the sighs in the room was pretty spot on. Whether or not you’ve seen the show, it was next to impossible to watch the performance and not consider yourself a fan. They are so talented (and handsome, and they have accents, she’s Australian, he’s British — just saying).

Claire Bowen & Sam Palladio

Claire Bowen & Sam Palladio

Lucy Danziger, editor-in-chief of Self MagazineOther highlights include getting my hands on the new summer collection from Essie nail polish, which was one of the event sponsors. All the signature cocktails being served we’re inspired by different shades from the collection. And also seeing Snooki (there’s something I thought I’d never say), who is now the size of my pinky (no seriously, she’s like a size 0). It was impossible not to stare…

Snooki

Snooki

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Essie Summer 2013

Essie Summer 2013

Initial me…

The monogram craze is nothing new, although my deep love and affection for anything with my initials and/or blog name has only seemed to grow with time! Call it vanity — although I prefer to think of it as more personalized or special but everything looks better with my initials on it!Monogram, c.wonder, baublebar, lands' end, pretty please

1. stella & dot Signature Initial Charms ($26 each) – Sterling silver initial charms. Simple and to the point, they are great on their own or mix and matched with other charms.

2. C. Wonder Reversible Pebbled Leather Belt Strap ($48) – C. Wonder has a whole section of their store and website dedicated to monogramming. The versatility of a reversible belt, plus initial combo is genius.

3. BaubleBar Medium Monogram necklace ($110) – This is a staple in my jewelry box and a great layering piece. It’s also available in silver and in a variety of sizes.

4. fleur du mal Say My Name Custom Monogram Panty ($98) – It doesn’t get any sexier then this pair of undies. (No seriously, find me a hotter pair). You can also have your name (or his…) written out, and is available in two shades of pink and your choice of thread color. Bridal shower gift anyone?

5. C. Wonder Wide Enamel Initial Bangle ($58) – as of the next time I go

Women’s Health Beauty Awards: Who made the cut?

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Last week, I had the pleasure of joining Women’s Health Magazine in celebration of their 2013 Beauty Awards. Breaking their usual format of presenting the products, the publication instead hosted a social media panel highlighting the role social networks play on both the launch and success of beauty products in the marketplace.

Behind the Scenes of my Ricky’s + Knock Out Nail Polish Newsletter…

Aaron McCann, Lara Eurdolian, Miss Pop, Ricky's, Knock Out Nail Polish
Pretty Connected + Miss Pop Nails visit Ricky’s!

I can’t think of too many ways to top a morning then by getting to visit Ricky’s Headquarters for a custom mani by the insanely talented (and top nail artist), Miss Pop Nails, (aka Simcha Whitehill) using my favorite matte nail polish line, Knock Out Cosmetics! Teaming up with Ricky’s + Knock Out + Miss Pop is a dream! Screen Shot 2013-06-18 at 8.10.41 AM

Nail art is such a huge trend right now, and while “half moon” mani’s have been all the rage for some time, we’ve recently been seeing the new “window” manicures (which is a fancy way of saying part of your natural nail is exposed), get some attention. Simcha took all of it to the next level by creating a Leopard Moon Window Mani! If you get Ricky’s news letter you should be getting our newsletter today. Yes, that’s my hand…

Knock Out Nail Polish, Ricky's Miss Pop, Lara Eurdolian, Aaron Mccan

Check out Ricky’s NYC Tumblr page for the how-to-tutorial and visit Rickys.com to shop the look. More behind the scenes images from my day at Ricky’s…

Clinique Introduces Nail Enamel for Sensitive Skin

Clinique A Different Kind of Nail Enamel

It’s been a big season for Clinique, last month they dazzled us with launch of their CC cream that is still brightening even the dullest days, but now it’s time to give them a hand, literally so they can polish it with their new line of nail enamel. Of course this isn’t just any line of finger paint, Clinique is all about products that provide a beautiful solution. So what’s the problem you ask?

First Look: NARS x Pierre Hardy Collaboration

Pierre Hardy for NARS
From Warhol to Rodarte, NARS Cosmetics has always run the gamut of art and fashion influence infused in their collections. This morning the brand announced their latest collaboration with designer, Pierre Hardy!

Inspired by his Summer 2013 shoe collection, NARS is launching two high voltage blush shades ($41), ROTONDE (tiger lily) and BOYS DON’T CRY (pink grapefruit), featuring Hardy’s signature cubic print design. Additionally the Pierre Hardy for NARS Cosmetics collection will feature